A French man who admitted to drugging and raping his wife repeatedly over a period of 10 years, and inviting other men to join him in the assaults, was found guilty of aggravated rape and other crimes Thursday in a case that has sparked a furious reckoning over the culture of sexual violence in the European country and around the world.The man, 72-year-old Dominique Pelicot, was given the maximum sentence of 20 years for his crimes, which included filming the sexual assaults, and distributing sexual images of both his wife and daughter without their consent.Fifty other men were also found guilty of crimes in connection with the case.The case has shocked and captivated the French public, in part because of the horrific details and because of the refusal on the part of the primary victim, Pelicots wife, Gisle Pelicot, to keep the awful details of what happened to her in the shadows. The case is sparking a greater debate about marital rape and consent in France. But its also reflective of similar policy issues in the US, where activists have only just recently been able to reform laws that made it difficult to prosecute marital rape. Until recently, most US states had exemptions that made it hard to charge people accused of marital rape with a crime. An American woman with an eerily similar experience to Pelicots helped change all of that.What happened to Gisle Pelicot?In 2020, Dominique Pelicot was arrested after being caught filming up a womans skirt at a grocery store. Police confiscated his phone and laptop and found an extensive collection of videos featuring Pelicot and several other men sexually assaulting his wife while she appeared unconscious. Gisle Pelicot had health problems related to the druggings and assaults, but was unaware of what was happening to her until the police showed her videos of the assaults.Gisle waived the anonymity that is customarily granted to sexual violence victims in France, arguing from the start that she had nothing to be ashamed of. As she told the court during her trial: I wanted all woman victims of rape not just when they have been drugged, rape exists at all levels I want those women to say: Mrs. Pelicot did it, we can do it too. When youre raped there is shame, and its not for us to have shame, its for them.By refusing the closed door, Gisle Pelicot gave a historical dimension to the trial, showing the existence of marital rape, the banality of the rapists, and the extent of chemical submission, Fondation des Femmes, a prominent womens rights organization, said in a statement sent to Vox in French. At the same time, the group also criticized the court for giving shorter sentences to Dominique Pelicots co-defendants. The fight against impunity is far from over.By refusing to stay hidden, Gisle Pelicot held up a mirror to some of the darkest corners of society, and in particular rape culture: Here was an ordinary woman, a grandmother, who suffered unbearable sexual violence at the hands of the person she loved and trusted. Here were a number of seemingly ordinary men a nurse, an IT guy, a journalist, and truck drivers who participated in the crime. What did it say that so many of them had been willing to participate in such a horrific act? RelatedA Me Too moment in FranceBy allowing her story to be told, Gisle has become an icon in Europe. A group of protesters began gathering at the court each day and cheering her as she entered the trial. Shes appeared on the digital cover of Vogue Germany and been depicted as a larger-than-life mural in several cities. Thousands of protesters have also taken to the streets to demand the government take sexual violence more seriously, with some protesters arguing that French law, which forbids rape by violence, constraint, threats or surprise but does not mention consent, needs to be updated to include that rape is also sexual conduct that isnt necessarily violent but is done without permission. (Not all French feminists agree, with some arguing that the term puts the onus on the victim to prove she didnt consent.)In late November, just days after the protests across France, Equality Minister Salima Saa introduced a series of proposals meant to raise awareness and improve support services to victims of both sexual and domestic violence. They include expanding the number of hospitals where women could report incidents of sexual violence. She also announced a new hotline meant to help victims navigate the medical and legal processes when reporting an assault.In an interview, Saa said there would be a before and after the Pelicot case, just as there was a before and after the Me Too movement. French survivors of sexual violence have argued that the Me Too movement never impacted French culture the way it did in the United States. As Voxs Li Zhou wrote in September: The Pelicot case is just the latest to raise awareness of sexual abuses in France this year, after multiple cases of sexual misconduct by prominent actors and directors came to light.Now, France seems to be in the midst of a revolution of its own. French director Christophe Ruggia is currently on trial for allegations that he groomed and sexually assaulted actor Adle Haenel, a star of the 2019 film Portrait of a Lady on Fire, when she was a child. The trial started in December. Another sexual assault trial against Grard Depardieu, one of the countrys most celebrated actors, is set to begin in March after being postponed over the fall. Depardieu has been accused of assault by more than a dozen women.A reckoning on marital rape in the USThough the Pelicot trial is sparking a cultural reckoning over sexual assault years after Me Too, the case in some ways echoes a reform movement thats been quietly happening in the United States in recent years. French feminists have argued that the countrys proudly libertine culture made people less open to the Me Too movement than in the US, whose culture is comparatively more conservative. But in fact, the US has had to reckon with marital rape, too. In the United States, marital rape has been explicitly illegal in every state since 1993, the product of a feminist activist movement that successfully pressed each state legislature to update their laws. But until recently, a number of states had exemptions which made it difficult to prosecute marital rape. In some cases, people could not be charged if the person accusing them of rape was their spouse. In other cases, they were exempt if the person was incapacitated if, for example, theyd been drugged.In a case with haunting similarities to Pelicots, in 2017, a Minnesota woman named Jenny Teeson discovered videos during a divorce from her then-husband that portrayed him raping her while drugged and unconscious. When Teeson brought the evidence to the police, she was shocked to discover that they couldnt arrest him because even though marital rape was illegal, a different state law included a voluntary relationship defense that forbid prosecution of someone for rape if the complainant was their spouse at the time. With the help of state lawmakers, Teeson began advocating for the Minnesota law to be reformed, and in 2019, Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill eliminating the voluntary relationship defense and explicitly making marital rape illegal. At the time, according to the New York Times, the majority of states had similar loopholes that effectively legalized some forms of marital rape. Since Teeson raised awareness about the issue, other states have moved to reform their laws: Ohio closed its marital rape loophole earlier this year. Today, most states have closed loopholes, but a few remain in states like Michigan, where spouses cannot be prosecuted if their partner is mentally incapable or under the age of 16. Lawyers who work with victims of sexual violence say that removing exemptions that allow people to get away with marital rape are critical. A defense should never exist solely based on a relationship, Jennifer Long, the CEO of AEquitas, a nonprofit organization that helps develop strategies for prosecuting crimes of gender-based violence, told Vox in an email. The questions raised by the Pelicot trial arent just relevant to France and the US, either and that may be why the trial has become a major news story around the world. Its time that the macho, patriarchal society that trivializes rape changes, Gisle Pelicot said at the trial. Her words have reverberated far beyond her home country, implicating all a culture of violence that persists around the world. Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

For more than a decade, between the late 80s and the dawn of the 21st century, Sega was one of the coolest video game companies on the planet. Its arcade games, from Golden Axe to Virtua Fighter, were blockbuster successes; the Mega Drive brought a punk rock attitude to the home console scene, challenging Nintendos family friendly approach with eye-pummelling TV commercials and censor-baiting games such as Mortal Kombat and Night Trap.Arguably though, it was later, in the Dreamcast era, that Segas studios were producing their most innovative and extravagant work. The likes of Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi and Space Channel 5 were hypercolourful celebrations of Tokyo pop culture. Now, the man who managed Sega Japans developers at that time, Shuji Utsumi, is the CEO of Sega America and Europe and he has a plan to restore the company to its creative heights.Hypercolourful Crazy Taxi. Photograph: SegaUtsumi has had a long and varied career in games, starting at Sony with the launch of the PlayStation in 1993, before moving to Sega and then Q Entertainment, Warner Music and Disney Interactive. He returned to Sega in 2019, eventually becoming co-chief operating officer during a challenging period for Sega Europe. European studios have really amazing IPs, but at the same time there were difficulties, he says. I had to work on restructuring the group. That process meant the cancellation of Creative Assemblys multimillion dollar online shooter Hyenas, the first of a raft of live service game closures across the industry.Since becoming CEO of Sega America and Europe in April this year, Utsumis approach has been to double down on Segas legacy. Last December, the company announced new Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe and Shinobi titles a treasure trove of classic franchises. At the Game awards in LA last week, Sega also announced the return of Virtua Fighter. We have some great pillars such as Sonic, Persona and Yakuza. But at the same time, we have other properties that really show the style, attitude and context of Sega. I think gamers will love it if we do this right. It will be a challenge there are great expectations but if we can respond to that, we can get back to being Sega.Bringing attention to the Japanese RPG scene Metaphor: ReFantazio. Photograph: APIn a recent interview with Eurogamer, Utsumi said he wanted Sega to once again be the rocknroll to Nintendos pop music. But although little has been revealed about the nature of these returning franchises (will they be reboots of the originals or whole new adventures?), he is adamant that what they wont be is exercises in nostalgia for nostalgias sake. Gamers loved Sega because we showed a new style, attitude and lifestyle to gamers, he says. I want to bring that feeling back. But we are not just a nostalgic company, we need to be innovative. We need to appeal to modern gamers, too. We respect the old IPs but Im also demanding that the developers think about innovation in each of the projects.We want to come back with that rocknroll mindset only now you cant just be rocknroll, you need maybe hip-hop, too!Our studios are really capable, very technically advanced and there is a willingness to do that. Its coming to that time where we must challenge ourselves in the way we used to. We want to come back with that rocknroll mindset only now you cant just be rocknroll, you need maybe hip-hop, too!This sounds closer to the attitude of Sega in the Dreamcast era than the teen brat iconography of the Mega Drive days. Utsumi didnt just shepherd the music obsessed Jet Set Radio and Space Channel 5 into being, he also co-founded Q Entertainment with Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the studio that put dance music at the centre of its design philosophy through titles such as Rez and Lumines. What was it about game development in Tokyo, and especially at Sega, in the late 1990s and early 00s that fostered this sort of creativity?At that time Sega was a challenger, Utsumi says. PlayStation was very successful so when Dreamcast launched, PlayStation 2 was the target it was a very cool machine so we had to push our young developers to be creative. The products that came out were very impressive I believe, but you know, PlayStation 2 beat us so I cant say too much about how successful they were!Huge success Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Photograph: SegaIn the last five years there has been a revival of interest in very Japanese-centric game design concepts, at Sega and elsewhere. The huge global success of role-playing adventures such as Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Final Fantasy VII Remake and recently Metaphor: ReFantazio has brought mainstream attention back to the Japanese RPG scene, after years of domination by western franchises such as Assassins Creed, Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. Why has that happened? Everyone else was doing first-person shooters were not really good at that, I have to confess! he jokes. But we can provide something else that we believe in. Of course well listen to the western audience, but we have a great opportunity to be unique in a Japanese way. I think during Covid a lot of people got into Japanese anime and Korean dramas and music ... I think that audience is still there, were really fortunate for that.skip past newsletter promotionSign up to Pushing ButtonsFree weekly newsletterKeza MacDonald's weekly look at the world of gamingPrivacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.after newsletter promotionAnother change since Covid is the increased presence of video game properties in other media. A third Sonic the Hedgehog movie is in cinemas now, while Like a Dragon: Yakuza, a crime TV series, launched earlier this year on Amazon. Its not just about the commercial possibilities of extending Segas brands; Utsumi thinks there are important creative reasons, too. These days, you may be watching a film on your mobile phone and then a few seconds later playing a game, and then youre on TikTok ... users are accustomed to that sort of behaviour. In response, our creators have to have a new mindset for that audience. Our creative talent has to be mixed so that we can capture these trends. Working with animation and movie talent, we get inspired.Blue movie Jim Carrey as Ivo Robotnik and Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Photograph: Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, IncThe Sega of 2025 and beyond will be reinvesting in its classic titles introducing new audiences to Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter and Jet Set Radio instead of merely exhuming them as museum pieces. When I ask about the possibility of new mini consoles based around the Saturn or Dreamcast, he demurs. Im not going for the Mini direction. Its not me. I want to embrace modern gamers. Sega later clarified that there are no plans for more Minis.Its a theme he comes back to time and time again: Segas legacy is there, but it must be brought forward. We are not a retro company, Utsumi concludes. We really appreciate our legacy, we value it, but at the same time, we want to deliver something new otherwise well become history. Thats not what were aiming for.

If youve got an Xbox and any sense, youll be spending this Christmas playing the new Indiana Jones game. And perhaps feeling smug about the fact its a timed exclusive, leaving PlayStation owners to press their noses against the frosted glass like Victorian orphans.But dry your tears, PS5 fans, for I have found the game that will save Christmas. And it costs 79p. Say hello, and ho ho ho, to Santas Speedy Quest.I discovered this gem while trawling the PlayStation Store for cheap, terrible games to laugh at on my Twitch stream. (This is also how I discovered the seminal classic Stroke the Beaver, but thats another story.) SSQ fits the bill, being incredibly cheap (its actually only 23p if you have a PlayStation Plus subscription) and ostensibly terrible. But its also addictive, hilarious, and much more layered than it first appears.At one point during the stream, I may have described it as the pinnacle of the video game medium. That might be a bit strong, much like the three pints of Baileys Id consumed beforehand. But I stand by the assertion that in its own simplistic, fiendish way, Santas Speedy Quest is a work of twisted genius.As youd expect, SSQ does not have the blockbuster polish and high production values of Indiana Jones and the Great MacGuffin. It looks like it was made in Microsoft Paint. Nor does it contain any original gameplay ideas, unless you count Flappy Bird, but make it Santa as innovative.Nothing innovative or original Santas Speedy Quest. Photograph: ERIK GAMESIts a collection of eight mini-games. All of them are familiar. None of them would be thrilling offerings on their own. Two of the games are variations on the concept of dodge the snowball, the variation being whether the snowballs come towards you vertically or horizontally. There are no collectibles, health potions or power-ups. There is no multiplayer mode, no online play. You cant even pause it press start and the game carries on in the background, with the metaphysically challenging message: YOU CANT STOP THIS GAME.Its like Christmas 2008 all over again. Back then, the success of the Wii meant the market was flooded with mini-game collections that ranged in quality from poor to destitute. I was forced to review many of them just to put food on the table on Christmas Day, and ended up having an existential crisis over Hasbro Family Game Night. Im still not sure it was worth losing my mind for a Viennetta.But heres the twist: Santas Speedy Quest does not let you choose which mini-game you wish to play. You must play all of them. In a random order. Consecutively, with no breaks. For only a few seconds at a time. At an increasingly fast pace, which ramps up at seemingly arbitrary intervals.SPEED IS NOW 1.4X, the game will shout at you. 2.6X. 3.2X. This presents a peculiar challenge for your brain as it is repeatedly forced to switch between familiar gameplay mechanics running at incredible speeds, with zero notice. All the while, an electro piano version of Jingle Bells loops endlessly in the background, also increasing in speed, so the notes become warped and mangled, as if youre in a horror film set in a fairground. You cant stop this game.And heres the kicker, the devilish detail that really elevates Santas Speedy Quest from below average mini-game collection to diabolical sisyphean masterpiece. The game takes a snapshot each time it boots you into a different mini-game, and when you are returned, gameplay continues from that exact point.This introduces strategic choices. Do you try to make sure youre always leaving yourself in a good position to pick up where you left off? Do you attempt to mentally log each state of play every time youre kicked out, and remember which button to press when youre returned? Or do you forget all that, and desperately rely on reflexes that are dulled by the fact youre 47, perimenopausal and have had three pints of Baileys?The leaderboard isnt even real Santas Speedy Quest. Photograph: Erik GamesEach time you fail at a mini-game it is deleted from the roster, until none remain, and the game ends. You are then presented with a score, and a breakdown of your performance in five key areas Speed, Coordination, Timing, Reflex, and Decide. There is a leaderboard, populated by believable-sounding player names like SHADOWBLADE23, but its fake; there is no online functionality.I know this because SSQ has really taken off in my Twitch community, but our high scores dont show up on each others leaderboards. Instead we are forced to resort to sharing screenshots on Discord as proof of our endeavours. But it doesnt matter. Were having a marvellous time.Thats because Santas Speedy Quest is exactly the game we need at this time of year. Easy for non-gamers to pick up, hard for serious players to master, excellent for reigniting ancient feuds and engendering bitterly fought rivalries. Its a vulgar, silly, cynical cash-in reliant on outdated ideas and sentimental nostalgia. But isnt everything at this time of year?

EA FC 25 is getting a Winter Wildcard promo, and there's a big focus on Brazil stars if leaks are to be believed will you be looking to earn R9 Ronaldo, or Vini Jr?Tech09:34, 19 Dec 2024Prepare for a Vini Jr Winter Wildcard(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)It's another Thursday, which means we're close to the next EA FC 25 promo to keep us coming back to Ultimate Team.Following up on Globetrotters will be no easy task, but the leaked cards for Winter Wildcards look unbelievable, with modern day Brazilian superstar Vini. Jr in line for an upgrade, alongside one of the best to ever do it, Ronaldo.The event will run alongside the Mode Mastery event, and could run for longer than a week given the development team is likely to be on break for Christmas.We've got a few leaks to go on so far, and we'll update you once we know who's coming, but if you want something to earn right now, don't forget that the Team of the Week is here.Globetrotters is a weekly promo, meaning it'll kick off on Friday, December 20 at 6pm GMT.We'll find out when it ends soon.Content cannot be displayed without consentAs always, longtime leaker FUT Sherriff has been busy.So far they have:RW: Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)LW: Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid) (could also appear as a ST)CAM: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)We're also expecting new icons, too:CB: Carlos Alberto (could also appear as a CDM)ST: RonaldoAnd even Hero cards:CM: Yaya ToureLM: Eden HazardArticle continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

GTA 6 is the most anticipated game in the world, and one voice actor may have just revealed that he'll be part of the game in 2025 despite rumours it could be delayedTech09:12, 19 Dec 2024GTA 6 could not be seen until 2025 if Rockstar doesn't show anything soon(Image: Rockstar Games/AFP via Getty Ima)GTA 6 is something of a unicorn in the gaming space. A game so big it transcends genres and even the medium itself, but fans are starting to get restless in the wait for news on Rockstar's magnum opus.While parent company Take-Two's CEO talking up the game as 'extraordinary', we're still looking for the smallest crumbs of information and we may now have one, courtesy of actor Johnny Ray Gill.Gill, perhaps best known for his role in Cross, is a frequent collaborator with Rockstar Games, having worked on GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 in the past.Speaking to Check It TV in an interview on YouTube, Gill discussed appearing in an upcoming Rockstar Games project.Yeah man, I think I was earlier in my career and so they put the little helmet on you and theyre filming you and youre doing multiple voices, you know, of different characters and stuff like that, he explained.I will say this, stay on the lookout, he added.I cant say anything, but theres another situation happening in that world that may be coming out in 2025, 2026 that Im really hyped about.While some publishers are trying to avoid releasing their in a similar time frame, Gill mentions the game could still launch in 2025 despite rumours it could slip to 2026.The game could always slip, and there's every chance he's returning to GTA Online or something else, but it's worth noting he winks while talking about "another situation happening" so make of that what you will.A trademark revealed a new logo this week, prompting speculation that Rockstar is preparing to reveal a second trailer.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

Dragon Age: The Veilguard its not actually open world (EA)The Friday letters page has more suggestions for what the Switch 2s mystery button is for, as a reader lists The Witcher 4 improvements he wants to see.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukPLEASE NOTE: We are currently preparing our content for over the Christmas period and will need a number of Readers Features, so if youve been meaning to write one but never quite got round to it we could do with as many as possible before Monday, December 23.Closed worldsIve been trying to work out what game Ill play at Christmas, on my Steam Deck, and I usually like to get stuck into a good, epic open world game. But there havent really been any lately. All I can think of thats recent is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Indiana Jones And The Great Circle.Im not even sure they are actually open world though, as I think Final Fantasy and Indiana Jones have an open world but also linear sections? I just want to get lost in a classic open world map like Skyrim or Red Dead Redemption 2.It seems full-on open world games are getting rarer nowadays. Probably because games are more expensive to make now, but its a shame.KoboldGC: None of those games are entirely open world (and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth isnt on PC until January). They all have open world areas, but none are what you seem to be looking for. How about S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, though?Kraven moreIm fine with Sony controlling FromSoftware, even if they dont technically own it. Seems like it amounts to the same thing if theyre the majority shareholder. Im not anti-Xbox in general but Microsoft owns too much of the games industry now and I am for anything that keeps important developers like From out of their hands. I dont care whether they say (or vaguely hint at) going multiformat or not.It doesnt sound like Sonys new status is going to change anything about how From work so its all good as far as Im concerned. In fact, it doesnt sound like Sony was particularly interested in From at all, beyond wanting to make movies with them.What I do question though is why Kadokawa wanted the deal? Have they not seen a Sony movie before? Did they watch Morbius and Madame Web and think: those are the people we want to make our Elden Ring movie! That goes double for Nintendo and the Zelda movie.SoapyImportant questionsAlthough The Witcher 4 trailer was all well and good, the problem with the way games are unveiled nowadays is that you dont get any of the important questions answered almost until their released, and sometimes not even till after.As long as the writing remains as good as before it doesnt really matter who the main character is. What does matter, is whether theyve improved the combat and if the story is going to be better than the non-event of the last game. Can anyone actually remember what The Witcher 3 was even about? (Funnily, Id say the same for Skyrim, so I guess its a common problem for open world fantasy games.)Id be much more excited if theyd announced theyd hired the guy who did God Of Wars combat, or something similar. Them getting someone unrelated company to make a CGI trailer doesnt really tell us anything.RendellEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukNot a mysterySo, Ive decided to write this before the latest rumoured date for the Switch 2 reveal on Christmas Day. Im so confident that this wont end up being true Im sending this in now with the hopes youll publish it after the holidays.I seem to recall a similar deluge of speculation and scuttlebutt before the original Switch reveal, basically none of which ended up being accurate. I believe there was even a mystery button that ended up being the NFC reader (or maybe that was the 3DS my memory is terrible).My point is, trying to predict Nintendo continues to be a fools errand. These interminable leaks dont make me more excited for the official reveal, it just winds me up that Nintendo still havent ripped the band-aid off. I cant wait till were through this and have the actual specs, games, and release date to discuss instead of this tiresome guesswork.noisecatGC: Its a little more than guesswork at this point; there were never any leaks like this for the original Switch. We have less faith in the random leakers, including the one talking about a Christmas Day reveal, but there seems little doubt the photo leaks from peripheral makers are real.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextDC LegacySaw the teaser trailer for the new Superman movie and was relatively impressed. It was a bit of an odd trailer, but I do like all the things in it. But it made me question whether Warner Bros. is going to do anything to support it with a game?Weve been hearing about cancelled Superman games for decades now and still nothing. James Gunn said new games would be in canon but as far as I know the only one in development is the Wonder Woman game which we havent seen a single thing for and was announced before Gunn took over.We went almost the entire DCEU without a new game, and none of those were tie-ins, so Im not expecting Warner to be particularly quick off the mark this time either.CasperPop culture referenceRE: Well, count me as another lover of Indy. Bought Midnight Suns just after Black Friday, cost me a fiver! Was quietly impressed and quite enjoying it well until Dr Jones dropped that was. This game, as an Indy fan, (at least the original trilogy, watched them with my pa), makes you feel like you are the whip cracking, wise quipping, mumbling, hunky doctor of archaeology.Some of the puzzles are real head scratchers and it will never get old clumping Nazis with sledgehamners or toilet plungers. Also, Gina is his best bird since Elsa and she didnt kiss his dad, as far as I know! Loved the MachineGames Wolfensteins and this Is very reminiscent of those, but with enough Indy flavour to not be too derivative.Speaking of, there is a part on the KMS Kommetz where Strumfhrer Gantz mocks Indy, You have no purpose. What you have, is your stupid American cartoons. Choo-choo, choo-choo. Where he proceeds to dance and mock you like a loon! The point being, I swear I watched the pretty much exact scene where B.J. Blaskowich was being mocked by his Nazi tormentors in one of the Wolfenstein games. Help me, tell me Im not just imagining it?!Anyhow great game, highly recommended to all. Even you PlayStation lotbig boy bentGC: We dont remember that in Wolfenstein (although you may well be right) but Gantz was mimicking Mickey Mouse from Steamboat Willie. Come to think of it, Mickey Mouse was also mentioned in The Last Crusade.Narrowing fieldI agree that Ubisoft going under, or being absorbed into some other megacorp, would be a real shame. Not because theyre great, or havent been messing up, but, as the other reader says, therell be virtually nobody left after that in terms of big Western publishers. Take-Two and EA and thats youre lot neither of which release many games anymore and even less in terms of anything new.I wouldnt mind at all if that gave Japanese publishers a chance to become dominant again but somehow I dont think its going to work out that way. Theres just going to be less options, less companies, and less variety in games.YolodaBig fanWith all the recent rumours around Switch 2 being this button, I thought Id throw my two cents in. Its also kind of telling that with the design of the thing being so iterative the focus of any interest has become what does this new button do? but moving on.A cast function would be a great idea, making the dock some kind of gaming Chromecast or Fire Stick. However, Im not sure how practical that really is? The dock in the original Switch is designed to allow the Switch unit to run at higher clock speeds to boost resolution and sometimes performance for TV play, its design providing more power from the mains than the battery and opening up the design for guaranteed air flow for the fans.Youd think a Switch 2 would also need this for TV play with rumours suggesting a boost to some kind of 4K from the dock. So having the actual console in your hands when playing on the TV with air vents potentially covered up and running from the battery doesnt sound like a good idea, units would be over heating left and right. Allowing a third play option where you cast to the TV but only in portable power mode would be too confusing for users too, I think.Of course, its possible Nintendo think portable mode can be upscaled good enough for 4KTVs using the rumoured custom Nvidia DLSS tech in portable play mode, without worrying about power draw and thermals. Guess well wait and see. If thats the gimmick theyve got for this one theyve really pulled it out of the bag.MarcGC: We very much doubt the Switch 2 will be doing native 4K, itll almost certainly rely on DLSS style upscale tech.Inbox also-ransI saw the new Sonic The Hedgehog film last night and Ive got to say it was actually pretty good. Or at least far better than I ever imagined a Sonic game with Shadow in it to be.JohnsonActually quite excited to play a new Virtua Fighter. GC talks about Daytona USA being their first glimpse of top notch 3D graphics but for me it was the original Virtua Fighter coin-op. Quite rare in the UK but it blew my mind at the time.RudieMore TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

What does it do? (Reddit)The Thursday letters page has more complaints about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, as a reader pits The Game Awards vs. the Oscars.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukPLEASE NOTE: We are currently preparing our content for over the Christmas period and will need a number of Readers Features, so if youve been meaning to write one but never quite got round to it we could do with as many as possible before Monday, December 23.Cast your voteTheres been so many pictures of the Switch 2 looking almost exactly like the current one I dont think any reasonable person can doubt thats what it looks like. Maybe theyre prototypes, and the final version is slightly different, but its pretty clear its not going to look like a starfish or something else weird.In a way thats a disappointment, but really its only the Wii and Switch that were radically different. The Wii U as well, to a degree, although it was an extension of the Wii and the GamePad was never used for anything interesting outside of Nintendo Land.But I do wonder if this mysterious C button does stand for cast and that it will turn the Switch into a GamePad, as well as letting you play games on the TV without using a dock. I think that would be really neat and it would allow Nintendo to have another crack at asymmetric multiplayer games and other weird uses for the screen, as the Wii U was really cut short before they got a chance.The button is very prominent, and kind of ugly, so it must be for something important. I cant believe itd be just chat.OnibeeInstant selloutSo are the next few years just going to be Xbox pretending it isnt giving up on every market except the US and, maybe, the UK? We just got a report saying sales are down 29% in America, when they were already a disaster last year, and yet were supposed to believe theyre apparently flying off the shelves in Poland?I guess if they only had a few in stock then itd be easy for them to sell out, but come on. Microsoft might be embarrassed to admit theyre giving up on the current gen already but by dragging things out and refusing to just admit whats going on all theyre doing is making themselves look bad.For anyone not locked into their ecosystem the Xbox brand looks like damaged goods at this point, why would they ever buy into it? Its not just this particular console thats got bad word of mouth, its the whole concept of Xbox and Microsoft really needs to set out a vision thats something more than streaming on your phone, because thats not going to move the needle on anyone.FocusSo-called rivalsSo in the US, Nintendo has the best and second best-selling consoles of all-time? That is some achievement. I know everyone praises their games, but I really do think Nintendo themselves are underrated sometimes, from the perspective of being the dominant force in the industry. I know sometimes they can have an off generation, but when theyre firing on all cylinders theres nobody that can stop them.Console wars are always PlayStation vs. Xbox but really it just seems that theyre a tier below Nintendo, at least since the Wii came out. A lot of people dont seem to recognise this and it kind of skews the whole way they think of the games industry. I hope the Switch 2 is a hit as well, as frankly Nintendo have earned their success a lot more than their so-called rivals.BunsenEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukBetter than the real thingSo the last week I have been playing Indiana Jones And The Great Circle. It is a fantastic adventure game and captures the feel of Indiana Jones without shoving it in your face, in my opinion. I was hesitant when they revealed it was first person but it works.The voice-acting is amazing and the story (so far) has been an entertaining Indy romp. The vistas are beautiful and lots of variety to tackle a situation. There have been a few times where you see Indys famous shadow and in those moments, you feel like Dr Jones.It is so much better than the last two films. There has been very little love for it on here so if you want a game to play over Christmas, try this! Is on Game Pass too, so whats not to like!Merry Christmas all at GC and keep up the great work.Will Thats a lot of viewers (The Game Awards)Award Ceremony of the Year awardCrazy to think more than 150 million people watched The Game Awards and yet only 19 million watch the Oscars. I think that might only be the American figure, its hard to tell, but I cant imagine its that much more worldwide, considering the time of night its on.Whatever the actual figure is, its obviously much lower than The Game Awards, which is wild to me. I know its kind of like E3 crossed with an awards ceremony but for me the thing only really became watchable this year and even then I was just putting up with it to see the next trailer.Ill be tuning in next year and I wouldnt be surprised to see the figure get to 200 million. Remember when games were only for nerds?Leto900 reasons and the console aint oneIve not long since spent 550 on a 2TB Xbox Series X special edition. It wont be long before I have a collection of 900 games across four generations, thanks to backward compatibility.I have not played the majority of these titles, or at least spent very little time on many of them, so Im heavily invested in them and also want to revisit games I have completed in the past. Ill keep buying Xbox consoles as long as Microsoft keep making them.Regarding Sony, I havent had one of their devices since the PlayStation 3. A strong motivation for getting a PlayStation 3 were the games from Japanese studios that I really enjoyed on PSN.PlayStation 4 or 5 had nothing to offer me. Im genuinely not interested in any open world game or anything that drags on significantly past 10 hours or so. I just dont have the attention span anymore. It might help if my doctor would prescribe me some ADHD medication (no joke).CharliePartys overI was so excited when the Switch was announced and couldnt wait to have rooftop gaming parties on my penthouse roof. With all the leaks suggesting Switch 2 is very similar in design I dont have that same excitement, sadly. I hoped it would be something completely different and reinvent gaming again.I can understand why Nintendo dont want to mess with a winning formula but I cant see Switch 2 being anywhere near as successful. Too many people have only just bought Switch 1 to consider upgrading. I hope theres some great games or hidden features that prove me wrong.Mark MatthewsGC: Well, we still dont know what any of the games are or what that mysterious C button does.Title mismatchI am also confused about the subtitle for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and what we were show in the reveal trailer. From what Ive read the story is about people being indoctrinated into a religion and what goes wrong from there. That matches with the name but absolutely none of that was in the trailer.The story description sounds like the usual grimdark stuff from Naughty Dog and yet the trailer was clearly mean to be a sassy Guardians Of The Galaxy type thing. Now, are they just doing that for the trailer but are they going to try and tell a serious story with that kind of atmosphere.I dont mind one or the other but I dont feel it can be both. So while I agree theres not enough information to judge the game on yet I also feel that it has not made a good impression. Its failed to properly explain its world and story and its not shown enough gameplay to get you excited about playing it.Ive also seen a lot of debate over whether the game is actually running on a PlayStation 5 or not. I have no idea about that but I wouldnt be surprised to find it only looks that good on a PS5 Pro.LemonInbox also-ransAn Alien VR game is not an obvious thing to end the year on but at least it sounds pretty good. Goodbye 2024, you were pretty awful overall but at least you had some good games!GantzSo I see that Secret Level Amazon TV show has got a 53 on Metacritic. I guess that makes Concords failure complete. What a disaster.PepperMore TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

If youve been creeping around Shudder looking for something to add a little fright to your seasonal viewing, you might have noticed The Haunted Seasona brand new anthology series from showrunner Kier-La Janisse, a genre expert whose many works include standout film-theory book House of Psychotic Womenand recent folk-horror documentary Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched. The first entry, To Fire You Come at Last, is written and directed by Sean Hogan; its about a group of men carrying a coffin to be buried whore haunted (literally) by past misdeeds while making the journey. To learn more about The Haunted Season, which will bring one new entry to Shudder over the next several years, we talked with Janisse over video chat. Cheryl Eddy, io9: I have read your book Yuletide Terror: Christmas Horror on Film and Television, which gives a wonderful history of the genre and the traditions behind it. But for people who might not have read it, Ill borrow one of the chapter titles and ask: Why the ghost story at Christmas? Kier-La Janisse: Its interesting because Derek Johnston, who wrote that chapter, years ago wrote a book called Haunted Seasons, which my title is completely ripped from [laughs]. When I was doing the Yuletide Terror book, theres hundreds of films in it, but most of them are very obviously connected to Christmas in some way. Theyre either about Christmas or they take place at Christmas, or theres visible Christmas decorations so that you could justify it as a Christmas movie.But a lot of the BBCs A Ghost Story for Christmas [episodes] of the 1970s had nothing to do with Christmas. And so when I was including them in the book, I thought, North American audiences are not going to understand why these films are here because theyre like, What do they have to do with Christmas? I asked Derek if he would write a chapter talking about where this tradition comes from, of telling ghost stories of Christmas and the idea of Christmas programmingnot necessarily the programming itself, but the fact that its chosen to be programmed at that time. It goes back centuriesit comes from the older tradition of telling winters tales. [When] people gathered around the hearth or around the fire, and they would come up with entertainment to pass the time while they were trying to keep warm. Winters tales were what they were called because theyd be these spooky tales that they would tell [when] the days are so short and [the season is] turning over into a new year. Theres this idea of liminal boundaries between one state of being and another. They would tell these ghost stories and then over time, once we started having written literature, you would start to see references to them in [places like the works of] Shakespeare and Marlowe.Then of course in the Victorian era, you have Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, which was massively important, not only for the idea of the Christmas ghost story, but just for Christmas in general. It was part of Queen Victorias mandate to repopularize Christmas. Charles Dickens writing that story when he did was a big part of not only cementing this idea that Christmas is the time when we tell ghost stories, but that this is the time of year we have Christmasbecause before Queen Victoria, it had kind of fallen out as a popular holiday. A Christmas Carol became important for creating a lot of these ideas and mythologies we have around ChristmasChristmas tree decorations and all these accouterments that we associate with Christmas that came from that period. Shudder The ghost story for Christmas came to be associated very strongly with that periodan also, there were so many ghost story writers in the Victorian era theres just tons and tons of them. And so when radio came in, they started doing radio adaptations of A Christmas Carol and other types of ghost stories around the holiday. Then, that transformed into television.So the BBC was kind of always active and doing ghost stories for Christmas in some form or another. In the 1970s, Lawrence Gordon Clark, who was a director, proposed this idea ofhe didnt foresee it being a series. He proposed one film doing an adaptation of M.R. James story The Stalls of Barchester. He used a previous adaptation of an M.R. James story as proof that this could be popular; Jonathan Miller had made an adaptation called Whistle and Ill Come to You in the late 60s, which is fantastic. And it was not made for Christmas. It was made for a different time of year, a different program. But Lawrence Gordon Clark took that to them and said, Look how good this is, and imagine if we could do something like this for Christmas. So he made The Stalls of Barchester. It was a big hit, so then he got permission every year to keep making another one. And so it became a series; all through the 70s, there would be a different episode.And so that is what my series The Haunted Season is based onthis idea of an annual ghost story film that premieres every year. And I know for North American audiences, using the word series to describe something that only has one episode for a year is weird, but it is based on that tradition. Its basically a Christmas special thats ongoing, where theres a new installment every year. That tradition still exists in the UK. So this series is just part of that bigger tradition. io9: How did you decide on To Fire You Come at Last as the first entry? How did writer-director Sean Hogan get involved?Janisse: Sean Hogan is a filmmaker, a writer of books, a playwrighthe does all kinds of all kinds of things. Hes incredibly talented, really great with period dialogue. And so I proposed to himand he can do a lot with a little, which is important because we have very low budgets for these thingsif he would make a short film originally for Severin Films folk horror box set. We were doing our new box set, All the Haunts Be Ours Volume Two. The first box set had my documentary [Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched] on itit had a new film on it. And we were like, We dont have an equivalent of that for the second box set. So we asked Sean if he would make a film for that. I gave him a couple of prompts for it. The idea of it being set on a corpse road was something that came from one of the prompts that I gave him. Shudder But before he even finished the film, I sort of flashed back to this idea that Sam Zimmerman from Shudder and I had over a decade ago when we used to work together for Fangoria magazine. Back then we were trying to get Fangoria to do a ghost story for Christmas that we could premiere on the website, and the publisher wouldnt go for it. But we had wanted Sean Hogan to make that film.So when Sean was making this film for me, before he was even done, I said to [Severin Films] David Gregory, What if we can pitch this to Shudder about being part of an ongoing series of ghost stories for Christmas? And David was like, Sure, go for it. And so Sam and I had a conversation, and it was amazing because it was this idea that we had that was not approved years and years ago. We were so excited about it, like, Lets do it now! And so that was really how it happened. It was in some ways a very long-gestating project, but then it just was like everything clicked, where it was like, all of this could actually work, you know? Im just super glad that Sean Hogan made the first one because he was the filmmaker we were talking about doing the Fangoria one all those years ago. I love the film. It turned out so well. He made it with a small team in the UK andyou cant tell from watching the film, but it was freezing and raining while they were making it. They were in very adverse conditions, but I think it turned out really well. io9: To Fire You Come at Last is very traditional, very much in the style of the older films. Is that something well be seeing as the series continues?Janisse: I dont know that theyll be in black and white, but they will all be period. They wont necessarily be that same period, but they are supposed to engage with the past in some way. The guidelines that Ive given the filmmakers is that definitely nothing after, like, 1960. You can go back to the Middle Ages if you want, or you can go up to the 50s, you know, but it has to feel [like a period piece]. That was what the tradition always was. Its interesting, when A Ghost Story for Christmas first played in the 70s, the last two episodes, they made modern storiesthey did not adapt like older Victorian ghost stories. They made new stories, modern stories set in modern settings. And the audience at the time revolteda lot of them got bad reviews. Now people love those episodes because now theyre vintage, now theyre period pieces. But at the time when they were new, people were like, Youre ruining the tradition! So I decided that I was going to keep the parameters. Its [a pretty broad time frame], but they will still be period pieces of some sort.io9: Can you tease anything about any of the other entries? Janisse: The only thing I can tease is that Im doing one of them [as my first narrative film]. I have asked other people, theyre writing their scripts nowIll tease [more] when the time gets closer. Shudder io9: I am a big fan of Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched, your folk horror documentary. Are these Christmas ghost stories part of the folk horror tradition? Janisse: It definitely crosses over because of that oral tradition aspect of it. Like a lot of the BBC ghost stories for Christmas, you probably call them more like gothic horror than folklore, but it depends. Something like A Warning to the Curious and Whistle and Ill Come to You you could call folklore because theyre definitely digging up an artifact from the past that is carrying all this baggage with it. Theres definitely folk horror elements to some of them, but some of them are definitely more in the gothic realm. But I think that Christmas ghost stories, just because of the fact that theyre tied to this oral tradition, that makes it a bit more connected to folklore. io9: And youve mentioned a couple of titles, but for people who watch the first episode of The Haunted Season and want to see more in that vein, what do you recommend they seek out? Janisse: Well, Shudder has licensed Jonathan Millers Whistle and Ill Come to You. Absolutely start with that. And theyve licensed Lawrence Gordon Clarks A Ghost Story for Christmas from the 1970s. Those are the ones that my series is referencing, so I would recommend taking in all of thosetheres like nine different choices of what they can watch. I dont know if they have The Stone Tape on Shudder [editors note: they do!] but The Stone Tape was broadcast for Christmas. It doesnt have anything to do with Christmas, but it was broadcast as part of the Christmas programing, as a Christmas ghost story. And thats a great one, too.Watch To Fire You Come at Last, the first episode of The Haunted Season, on Shudder now. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Designing for All: Exploring Empathy, Inclusivity, Accessibility and Spatial Equity in ArchitecturePresented by:Save this picture!Camino de Santiago Trek French Arrival Ramp / CREUSeCARRASCO Arquitectos. Image Luis Daz DazThe concept of inclusive architecture has gained prominence as the built environment evolves to reflect and address the diverse needs of humanity. This approach prioritizes empathy, accessibility, and equity, striving to create spaces that resonate with individuals across a spectrum of demographics, abilities, and cultural contexts. It moves beyond merely meeting accessibility standards or incorporating universal design elements; instead, it embodies a paradigm shift that humanizes architecture and aligns it with fundamental social values. Through this lens, inclusive architecture fosters connections, embraces diversity, and ensures that physical spaces contribute to collective well-being.This article explores four interrelated themes Empathy, Inclusive Architecture, and Spatial Equity and Accessibility through selected articles published in 2024. Together, these themes reveal how architecture can respond to societal challenges and aspirations, illustrating its potential as a catalyst for social change. From designing for emotional connection to addressing spatial inequalities, the lessons of 2024 emphasize the responsibility of architects to create spaces that transcend functionality, champion inclusivity at every scale, and foster environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.Read on to discover these themes through ArchDaily's coverage over the last year. Related Article The Science of Design: How Neuroscience can Help Architects Shape the Built Environment Empathy: Designing for Emotional and Social ConnectionArchitecture that embodies empathy considers the emotional and social dimensions of human experience, forging connections between people and spaces. Articles such as Designing with Empathy: Architecture for Social Equity emphasize how architectural design can address disparities and foster equity by centering on users' emotional needs. Similarly, AI and the Human Vector in Architecture: Embracing Emotional Engagement and Empathy highlights the emerging role of artificial intelligence in amplifying architects' capacity to design spaces that resonate emotionally, bridging the gap between technology and humanity. Marina Tabassum's work, as explored in Light, Empathy, and Silence: The Architecture of Marina Tabassum underscores the power of simplicity and cultural context in creating spaces that evoke quiet introspection and connection. Together, these examples reveal the profound impact of designing with empathy, challenging architects to balance functional requirements with a deeper understanding of human behavior.Designing with Empathy: Architecture for Social EquitySave this picture!AI and the Human Vector in Architecture: Embracing Emotional Engagement and EmpathySave this picture!Light, Empathy, and Silence: The Architecture of Marina TabassumSave this picture!Inclusive Architecture: Creating Spaces for AllInclusive architecture extends beyond accessibility to encompass diversity and participation in every aspect of design. Interfaith Spaces: Architectural Responses to Religious Diversity showcases architectural responses to religious diversity, illustrating how architecture can promote coexistence through spaces that accommodate varying beliefs and practices. Public spaces tailored to children, as discussed in Empowering Children Through Public Spaces in Lebanon: In Conversation with Catalytic Action demonstrate the transformative potential of community-centered design in fostering inclusion. Meanwhile, the 7 Principles of Universal Design provide a framework for creating environments that are inherently accessible to the widest range of users, embodying the ethos of inclusivity. These examples collectively argue for an architecture that actively dismantles barriers, inviting individuals from all walks of life to engage with and benefit from the built environment.Interfaith Spaces: Architectural Responses to Religious DiversitySave this picture!Empowering Children Through Public Spaces in Lebanon: In Conversation with CatalyticActionSave this picture!How Do the 7 Principles of Universal Design Help Us Create Better Architecture?Save this picture!Spatial Equity: Addressing Inequities in the Urban LandscapeSpatial equity extends beyond physical accessibility to address systemic inequities in urban and social infrastructure. Articles like Architecture as a Tool for Social Innovation: Human-Centered Design to Combat Loneliness showcase the role of design in addressing social isolation and transforming urban spaces into hubs of connection. The practical challenges of gender equity in urban planning are addressed in Spatial Equity in Urban Infrastructures: Public Restrooms Addressing Women's Needs which highlights the significance of inclusive infrastructure. Queer Urban Design: Planning for Inclusive Cities further underscores how urban planning can champion inclusivity by recognizing and incorporating the needs of LGBTQ+ communities. By focusing on equity, these architectural approaches aim to rectify systemic disparities, ensuring that urban environments serve as platforms for inclusion and empowerment.Architecture as a Tool for Social Innovation: Human-Centered Design to Combat LonelinessSave this picture!Spatial Equity in Urban Infrastructures: Public Restrooms Addressing Women's NeedsSave this picture!Queer Urban Design: Planning for Inclusive CitiesSave this picture!Accessibility: Designing Spaces for Universal InclusionAccessibility in architecture transcends compliance with standards; it reflects a broader commitment to fostering environments that enable everyone, regardless of physical or sensory abilities, to navigate, interact, and thrive. How Can Buildings Work for Everyone? The Future of Inclusivity and Accessibility in Architecture highlights the evolving strategies that blend functionality with creativity to achieve truly inclusive designs. At Gallaudet University, the DeafSpace principles exemplify how architecture tailored for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community can enrich communication and social interaction, showcasing the transformative power of thoughtful spatial design. Similarly, Overcoming Barriers: 4 Residential Projects with Accessibility Strategies in Latin America demonstrates how local innovation can address unique challenges while ensuring equitable access. Together, these examples illustrate how accessibility serves as a cornerstone of inclusive design, reimagining spaces that embrace diversity and empower all users.How Can Buildings Work for Everyone? The Future of Inclusivity and Accessibility in ArchitectureSave this picture!Architecture Tailored for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community: Gallaudet University's DeafSpace PrinciplesSave this picture!Overcoming Barriers: 4 Residential Projects with Accessibility Strategies in Latin AmericaSave this picture!The Curb Cut Effect: How Accessible Architecture is Benefiting EverybodySave this picture!This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Year in Review, presented by Gira.Minimalism with character and clear shapes reduced to the essentials. The Gira design lines are suitable for a variety of furnishing styles, in different colours and materials. With the introduction of the Gira E2 light grey recycled material, Gira is setting a strong example for sustainability and innovation in switch design.Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorDiogo Borges FerreiraAuthorCite: Diogo Borges Ferreira. "Designing for All: Exploring Empathy, Inclusivity, Accessibility and Spatial Equity in Architecture" 20 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024539/designing-for-all-exploring-empathy-inclusivity-accessibility-and-spatial-equity-in-architecture&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

DOMEHOME House Expansion / EME157Save this picture! Luis AsnHouses, ExtensionMadrid, SpainArchitects: EME157AreaArea of this architecture projectArea:180 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Luis AsnManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Vibia, Amorim, BORA, CORIZO, Cubro, HAY, HIDROBOX Lead Architects: Silvia Mndez-Vigo Chillida + Gerardo Macarrn Jaqueti More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The intervention expands a single-family home in Aravaca to create one more floor to introduce a new home. The renovation consists of making the terrace located on the top floor of the house habitable to house an independent apartment for the familys son.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The process of creating the new space began with the external appearance of the intervention. How to crown the previous house, which was made of brick and covered with a lot of vegetation, was the most important thing when starting the design. To prevent the height of the house from increasing excessively, we chose the domed shape. This way we were able to reach greater heights inside, giving the space more spatial dignity, and reducing the perception of its height from the outside. Furthermore, this domed crowning did not compete with the cubic shapes of the rest of the house.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!We wanted this new floor to be perceived as a different element, and that is why we chose to use cork. It also fits due to its lightness and its insulating properties in contrast to the solidity of the brick of the rest of the home. In addition, for the vault, we decided to use zinc. This whole process went very smoothly with clients willing to do whatever we proposed. As soon as the creation of the vault arose, and based on the need to prioritize the incredible views from this height, the interior space immediately took shape.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The house is 50m2 on the ground floor where the access, one bedroom, and a bathroom are located, and the upper floor with 130m2 divided into two areas: the private area and the public area. The private area has a bedroom and a bathroom. In the public area, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are located in one open room that extends to the outside with large windows to the north. This space also preserves a large circular skylight that previously illuminated the stairwell, which floods the entire room with light.Save this picture!Save this picture!The interior is resolved with few materials. Mortar floors, polished stainless steel for countertops and shower, and plywood and linoleum board for the rest of the furniture: kitchen, cabinets, shelves, even doors and stairs. Playing on the contrast between cold and warm materials. The structure of the original concrete beams and pillars, which was left exposed, also plays an important role and contrasts with the new structure of slender circular metal pillars painted sky blue so that they blend with the privileged views of the house.Save this picture!Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeEME157OfficePublished on December 20, 2024Cite: "DOMEHOME House Expansion / EME157" [DOMEHOME Ampliacin de vivienda unifamiliar en Aravaca / EME157] 20 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1011308/domehome-house-expansion-eme157&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream