Yukinobu Tatsu's Dandadan imagines a bizarre universe where yokai and aliens coexist. Like its outlandish and creative worldbuilding, the series also introduces a cast of unique and quirky characters. Each of them is gifted with an exceptional combat style that allows them to thrive in a dangerous supernatural world teeming with threats; however, what makes them memorable is how they utilize their powers to make a mark.

If players want it to be, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle can quickly become far more about slow-burn exploration and collectible-hunting between Fieldwork, Discoveries, and Mysteries than a flurry of haymakers in a cinematic thrill ride. Theres a sumptuousness to Indiana Jones and the Great Circles side content that is easy to sink teeth into, and having such beautifully rendered and real-world settings to explore simultaneously roots it to Indiana Jones indelible historical richness. That said, anyone seeking out every last collectible for a completion percentage should be made aware of what lies in store for them.

Microsofts Game Pass subscription service is having another great year in 2024, with over 450 games now available for console players and over 400 for PC players.The service has recently been bolstered with the fruits of Microsofts acquisition of Activision Blizzard including Diablo 4 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Blockbuster titles are well represented with the likes of Assassins Creed, cult favorites like the Yakuza series have popped up, and Game Pass has continued its strong tradition of curating the best of the indie world with games like Cocoon and The Case of the Golden Idol. Thats a lot of free video gaming to be done!With the sheer size and the bounty of choice it offers, Game Pass can be a bit overwhelming to digest. But were here to help. Here are the 25 PC and Xbox Game Pass games that you should be checking out if you subscribe to Microsofts flagship service.[Ed. note: This list was last updated on Dec. 25, 2024, adding Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. It will be updated as new games come to the service.]Assassins Creed OriginsAssassins Creed Originshas always been good but it was only in hindsight, three years after its release, that I began to consider itgreat.Its a phenomenal concoction of historical tourism, sci-fi storytelling, and open-ended combat. It also displays a confidence that the more recentAssassins Creed OdysseyandAssassins Creed Valhallacan only partially match. Whereas the two most recent entries embrace the insecure ethos of content that has so defined the last decade of open-world games,Originsis content to leave vast swaths of its world empty and to let things burn slowly, in ways both narrative and explorative. Its map unfurls over deserts, mountains, oases, and sun-swept cities slowly being buried in sand, all while its two central figures (Bayek and Aya) navigate one of video games most compelling romances.Its not completely averse to daily challenges and cosmetic DLC packs. But its the rare open-world game that trusts my attention span. It understands that pastoral beauty and tragic storytelling, successfully interwoven, are worth more than any number of distractions its successors can throw at me. Mike MahardyAssassins Creed Origins is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.The Case of the Golden IdolAre we ready to call Color Gray Games The Case of the Golden Idol one of the greatest detective games of all time yet? Often compared to Return of the Obra Dinn, and not just for its historical setting, this fabulously intricate point-and-click mystery unravels a sinister conspiracy across 40 years as 12 apparent murders in the 18th century, centering on the titular golden idol, an object of power, intrigue, and maybe magic.The grimly hilarious and grotesque illustrations lay out crime scenes of great complexity in the games exploring phase, where you collect information and clues. In the thinking phase, you fill out details of the crime and the participants in a virtual notebook, but youll probably need to use a real notebook of your own to stay on top of the intricate logic puzzles within the cases, and the sophisticated echoes between them. A richly rewarding and atmospheric puzzle classic. OWThe Case of the Golden Idol is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Cities: Skylines Theres a reasonCities: Skylinesis often held up by literal city planners as the pinnacle of the genre: It doesnt fall into the trap most city-builders do of treating all its resources and systems as mere data points on a list, gaming by way of a spreadsheet.Cities: Skylinesis the real deal, letting you get into the weeds of urban micromanagement and understanding how and why metropolises morph in response to the needs of their citizens. (Its also proof that planned cities are a crime against humanity.)Cities: Skylinesforces you to grapple with the beautiful, messy truth of what your citizens are: people. In other words, Eric Adams, please playCities: Skylines! Ari NotisCities: Skylines is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Citizen SleeperCitizen Sleeper is a hyper-stylized tabletop-like RPG set in space. In a capitalist society, you find yourself stuck on a space station. Youll need to manage your time, energy, and relationships to survive the collapse of the corporatocracy and the anarchy that follows. Youll roll dice and make decisions to get paid and help those around you.Aside from its interesting setting, Citizen Sleeper features a vibrant cast of impactful characters, making each interaction memorable. It follows an excellent trend of table-top inspired games to encourage you to find your own objectives, and to revel in the story when things fall apart. Its packed with tense decisions, great writing, and striking visuals. RGCitizen Sleeper is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.CocoonA mysteriously beautiful, exquisitely paced puzzle adventure from some of the minds behind Limbo and Inside, Cocoon shares those games wordless delivery and stark aesthetic. But its more abstract and contemplative, and perhaps even more involving. Its a game of pocket universes, one inside another, inhabited by buglike techno-organic life-forms including the player character, a scurrying little beetle-thing. The conceit is that you can step up out of one reality and move it around another on your back, in a gently glowing sphere that also interacts with the world around it, before diving back in or swapping it for another entirely.Like so many puzzle adventures, its essentially a game of locks and keys, plus the occasional ingenious boss fight. But like the very best of them Fez, for example, or Portal Cocoon plays games with perception and reality that rewire your brain in pleasantly tortuous ways. OWCocoon is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.ControlBefore Alan Wake 2, the Remedy Entertainment renaissance began in 2019 with this astonishingly confident and technically adept action-adventure set in a strange, modernist nightmare. Part spy thriller, part cubist horror, Control is a game about what happens when architecture turns against you. As Jesse Faden, an agent of the Federal Bureau of Control, you explore the confounding, bigger-on-the-inside Oldest House, the paranormal headquarters of the FBC, which is under attack from a malevolent force intent on corrupting reality itself.This is all pretty heady stuff, and Remedy delivers it with its usual cinematic eye, technical polish, and storytelling prowess. (The game is loaded with references that connect its universe to that of the Alan Wake games, if you want to join some dots.) In combat, Control is a pretty enjoyable third-person shooter, but the real fun is in the nonlinear exploration of the Oldest Houses impossible spaces. OWControl is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Crusader Kings 3 Imagine ifSuccessionunfolded between the years 867 and 1453, in the throne rooms, banquet halls, and torchlit back corridors of European castles. Monarchs rise and fall, small-time fiefdoms become bona fide kingdoms, and nonmarital children exact revenge after decades of being shunned.Crusader Kings 3is the story of the Roy family if we could pick any character, see them through to their death, and assume control of their orphaned heir at which point, we can completely alter the course of the dynasty through petty gossip and underhanded murder attempts.In Paradox Interactives vast suite of grand strategy games with complex systems that give way to thrilling emergent storytelling, none have made me cackle with glee quite as much asCrusader Kings 3. In one playthrough, I wed my firstborn son to the daughter of a powerful neighboring king, only for said daughter to declare a holy war on me one decade later. In another, I strong-armed one of my vassals into remaining loyal, shortly before knighting his cousin and sworn rival; I didnt want to be a jerk, but mycharacterswere jerks. I was just following the script down the path of least resistance.Much likeSuccession,Crusader Kings 3is at its best when tensions finally boil over between the emotionally stunted members of a dysfunctional family. UnlikeSuccession, though,Crusader Kings 3never has to end. MMCrusader Kings 3 is available via Game Pass on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.Deaths DoorDeaths Door is a cute little Soulslike game. You play as a raven who works as a kind of grim reaper for the bureaucratic arm of the afterlife. Its your job to adventure in the world and claim the lives of a handful of bosses. The world of Deaths Door is charming, as are its characters, with excellent dungeons to explore and puzzles to solve. There are also giant enemies who will test both your skills and patience.Still, Deaths Door has a friendly air around it. It wants you to succeed, and does a nice job easing you along with easy-to-read enemy and boss patterns. Its a great, challenging Game Pass game to cut your teeth on before venturing into even more difficult titles. RGDeaths Door is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Diablo 4A Diablo title getting saved by a game-changing patch is almost part of the expected narrative for Blizzards series of dark, frantic action RPGs now. Diablo 4 was neither as broken nor as interesting as Diablo 3 at launch, so the rescue job performed by the brilliant recent fourth season, Loot Reborn, is in its way all the more impressive. If you tried the game at launch and felt underwhelmed, its now well worth a second look which couldnt be easier, since it was the first major Activision Blizzard title to be added to Game Pass after the company was acquired by Microsoft.Loot Reborn essentially made the game much more forgiving and rewarding to play, with better, more usable loot dropping more often, and boosting your character in ways that are easy to feel and understand. The gameplay loop has been tightened, the crafting and customization have been clarified and deepened, and the revamped Helltides are hugely compelling and fun world events that bring players together. Beyond the new stuff, theres just a colossal amount of game here to get stuck into, not to mention regular updates and a major expansion coming soon. Its time to get involved. OWDiablo 4 is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Doom (2016)2016s Doom builds off of one of the oldest franchises in gaming history with speed, acrobatics, and an absolutely killer soundtrack. Doomguy moves extremely quickly, swapping between a variety of guns, grenades, melee attacks, and a giant chainsaw to blow up demons off of Mars.The game is bloody, metal as hell, and surprisingly funny. Doom makes you feel like a god, capable of clearing any hurdle the game could throw at you, and it doesnt offer a single dull level in its lengthy campaign. RGDoom (2016) is available via Game Pass on Xbox One and Xbox Series X.Fallout: New VegasIf youre new to the Fallout universe, perhaps introduced to it by Prime Videos hit TV show, and want to try the games, then Game Pass has you covered: The entire series is playable on Microsofts subscription service. But a tricky choice lies ahead: Where to start?Theres not much in the way of continuity to worry about, with most games starting from scratch to offer a new perspective on the setting. Fallout Tactics and 76 are genre-bending offshoots. Fallout 4 is the most up to date of the single-player RPGs, but few would argue its the best. The first two PC games, developed by Interplay and Black Isle, offer a dark, bleakly comic vision that never quite translated to their Bethesda-made sequels, but theyre also pretty old and clunky to play by modern standards.The answer has to be Fallout: New Vegas, a Fallout 3 spinoff made not by Bethesda but Obsidian Entertainment a studio that can trace its lineage back to the Black Isle days, so its no surprise that it gets closer to that mischievous, outlaw tone. Its a rough game, but an immensely charming one with personality to spare and superb writing. If you can look past its lack of polish, youll find one of the most engrossing role-playing games ever. OWFallout: New Vegas is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Forza Horizon 5Forza Horizon 5 is the latest racing game to land on Xbox and Game Pass. Its a visual feast filled with some of the most realistic-looking cars youve ever seen. But anyone who loves any of these Forza games will tell you that the Horizon series is so much more than its graphics.Horizon 5 takes place in a fictionalized Mexico, and gives you the freedom to drive around a massive map in whatever car you want. You can drive a nice sports car while off-roading, or drive a hummer off a massive ramp.Forza Horizon 5 gives you the freedom and choice to drive how and where you want inside a legion of incredible cars. RGForza Horizon 5 is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Halo: The Master Chief CollectionThe Xbox brand might never have taken off without the Halo series, the first-person shooters that helped to popularize local competitive multiplayer on consoles before taking the party online after the launch of Xbox Live. The Master Chief Collection package includes multiple Halo games, all of which have been updated to keep them enjoyable for modern audiences.But whats so striking about the collection is how many ways there are to play. You can go through the campaigns by yourself. If you want to play with a friend but dont want to compete, there is co-op, allowing you to share the games stories with a partner, either online or through split-screen play. If you do want to compete, you can do it locally against up to three other players on the same TV, or take things online to challenge the wider community.These are some of the best first-person shooters ever released, and theyre worth revisiting and enjoying, no matter how you decide to play them. Sharing these games with my children through local co-op has been an amazing journey, and this package includes so many games, each of which is filled with different modes and options. Its hard to imagine ever getting bored or uninstalling the collection once its on your hard drive.This is a part of gaming history that continues to feel relevant, and very much alive. Ben KucheraHalo: The Master Chief Collection is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Hi-Fi RushRhythm games, for players who prefer to shoot, dodge, punch, and jump on their own time, can be a tough sell. But such is not the case with Hi-Fi Rush, the action game from Ghostwire: Tokyo developer Tango Gameworks. It provides an array of visual cues to help rhythmically challenged players, but crucially, it doesnt require that protagonist Chai attacks according to the games metronome. Instead, its rhythm elements are an optional layer to interact with, offering score chasers something to aspire to. For everyone else, the games vibrant world, rock n roll storytelling, and entrancing traversal stand well enough on their own. Its a cathartic triumph of a game. MMHi-Fi Rush is available via Game Pass on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.Indiana Jones and the Great CircleLots about this triumphant adventure starring everyones favorite action-archeologist is surprising but not everything. Not surprising: that MachineGames, the Swedish studio known for the Wolfenstein series and formed by key Starbreeze personnel who worked on The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and The Darkness, should excel at Nazi-punching action and robustly entertaining licensed fare. In a sense, this is exactly what MachineGames has been training for.Still, it is surprising how well an Indy game works in first person, and its surprising how uncompromised the games vision seems to be (considering the general fate of licensed games). Most importantly, the game itself is a constant surprise; its not quite the linear action-fest you expect it to be, instead being filled with excellent puzzles, stealth, immersive-sim influences, and quiet, contemplative walking-simulator moments. Arguably a better Indiana Jones experience than the last movie or two. OWIndiana Jones and the Great Circle is available via Game Pass on Windows PC and Xbox Series X.InscryptionPolygons favorite game of 2021, Inscryption is a wonderfully creepy and sly creation that continuously plays with your expectations. It starts out as a roguelite card game, played within a shack you cant escape: this horror-inflected, escape-room setting then gives way to other genres, graphical styles, and modes of play you definitely wont be expecting. Theres even a whole layer of Inscryption that takes place outside the game, in an ARG-style puzzle and all the conversation around it that delves deep into the games mysterious lore. Developer Daniel Mullins just keeps peeling back the layers, and each reveal is an unsettling delight.If youve managed to avoid Inscryption spoilers over the past three years, we recommend you leave it there and dont read any deeper on the game. Just go straight to your Game Pass library and download it. Its an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience. OWInscryption is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.JusantJusant is a wonderfully chill rock-climbing adventure from Dont Nod, the French studio that created Life is Strange. Unlike that dramatic, dialogue-heavy series, Jusant is a near-wordless game of exploration, but that doesnt mean it has no story. A nameless young protagonist scales a huge tower of rock in the middle of a parched desert. People used to live there when a sea raged below, but theyve now dispersed. Accompanied by a cute little water blob creature, our climber uncovers the secrets of this civilization and gradually brings life back to the tower as they ascend.To go with its gorgeously desolate art and relaxing vibes, Jusant is absorbing as a pure traversal game, with a simple but satisfyingly tactile climbing system. The pad triggers represent hand grips, so you squeeze out a soothing, see-saw rhythm as you plot your course up, up, always up. A game to clear the head. OWJusant is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the GoddessA true original from a big publisher of a kind thats vanishingly rare these days, Kunitsu-Gami sees Capcom taking a break from Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, and Resident Evil to let is hair down and party like its the mid-2000s the height of the PlayStation 2s golden era when Japanese publishers felt they could make a video game out of literally anything. In this case, its a combination of ritual Shinto dance, tower defence tactics, gruesome traditional folklore, and straightforward hack-and-slash action.And what a bewitching combination it is. The game sees you guide a swordsman as he protects a priestess who is dancing to cleanse a cursed hillside; you rescue and recruit villagers, turning them into military units, then battle waves of extraordinarily drawn monsters. Kunitsu-Gami sacrifices scale for focus; its a game that makes a virtue out of tight constraints, creating tension and satisfying gameplay loops out of its claustrophobically small stages, spooky day-night cycle, and simple strategic options. One of the great unsung gems of 2024. OWKunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Octopath Traveler 2Square Enixs HD-2D engine gorgeously and evocatively updates the classic pixelated look and cute character designs of 16-bit role-playing games, and its been used for new retro titles like Triangle Strategy and for remakes like Live A Live and the forthcoming Dragon Quest 3. The best of the lot, though, is Octopath Traveler 2, 2023s retro RPG sequel.Both Octopath Traveler games are on Game Pass, but the second game is marginally better, and wed recommend starting there. While it shares its structure with the 2018 original eight disparate protagonists come together and explore individual storylines that are only loosely linked Octopath Traveler 2 is a completely free-standing narrative, so you dont need to know anything going in. Its a more compelling and tightly organized suite of stories in a richer world than the first games, hiding some surprisingly dark themes and moments within its classical medieval fantasy setting.What both games have in common is an absolute peach of a turn-based battle system based around breaking enemies by targeting their elemental weaknesses, then using boost points to supercharge attacks and maximize damage against broken enemies. Its got a hugely satisfying rhythm to it, and ramifications that tie neatly into party composition, equipment choice, and more. Its a streamlined, beautifully balanced RPG design that can take its place alongside the 90s greats. OWOctopath Traveler 2 is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Pentiment Pentiment is the most immediately striking and recognizable game on this list. Inspired by the art of classic manuscripts, Pentiment sucks you into its beautifully designed version of 16th-century Europe, when books were still being written by hand in monasteries.You play as Andreas, a young artist looking to make his fortune in an ever-changing world. And as you explore a small village and the grounds surrounding it, and go to work drawing magnificent pictures in custom manuscripts, youll meet new people and further flesh out Andreas personality and background.The story will take you through murder, scandal, and a variety of other dramatic events in Andreas life. But the plot is secondary to the games incredible style and dialogue. RGPentiment is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Slay the SpireIn Slay the Spire, I play as one of three unique characters, in order to fight my way through a randomly generated map filled with battles, treasure chests, and RPG-like encounters. Combat is similar to that of a turn-based RPG, but instead of selecting attacks and spells from a menu, I draw cards from each characters specific pool of cards. These cards allow me to attack, defend, cast spells, or use special abilities. Each character has their own set of cards, making their play styles radically different.I also learned to buck my expectations for the kinds of decks I should build. The key to deck-building games is constructing a thematic deck where each card complements the others. In card games like Magic: The Gathering, this is easy enough to do, since you do all your planning before a match not in the moment, like in Slay the Spire. Since Im given a random set of cards to build a deck from at the end of each encounter, I cant go into any run with a certain deck-building goal in mind. I have to quickly decide on long-term deck designs based on what cards are available to me after a battle. The trick with Slay the Spire is to think more creatively and proactively than the typical card game requires. Jeff RamosSlay the Spire is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Stardew ValleyStardew Valley is quaint, but in the best way possible.You start the game by inheriting a farm from your grandfather, and you then move to a sleepy town to take over the diminishing acres. For the next 10, 20, 50, 100-plus hours, you work to turn that farm into a modern utopia.This is easily the most relaxing game on Game Pass. All you do is plant seeds, care for animals, mine some rocks, and befriend the villagers. Theres plenty of drama to be had with the Wal-Mart-like JojaMart and an army of slimes trying to stop you from mining but at the end of the day, youre still going to pass out in your farmhouse and get ready to plant more strawberries the next morning. RGStardew Valley is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders RevengeTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders Revenge is already a classic Turtles brawler. If you couldve overheard a bunch of kids talking about their dream TMNT game while playing the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade cabinet at a local pizza bar in 1989, or Turtles in Time in 1991, this is the Turtles game theyd be imagining.But over 30 years later, Shredders Revenge implements some features that distinguish it from the days of the coin operated arcade. Theres a world map, side-quests, new heroes, experience points, and online matchmaking that help modernize the throwback trappings. Shredders Revenge manages to balance itself nicely between the world of retro and revamp.With only 16 episodes, its the perfect Game Pass game to jump into with some pals at a sleepover as long as theres pizza, of course. RGTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders Revenge is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Vampire SurvivorsVampire Survivors wants you to become the bullet hell.The only control you have over the game is what character you select, what items you choose during your run, and where your character moves. Depending on your weapons of choice, knives, whips, flames, magic bolts, bibles, or holy water fly out of your character in every direction, decimating hordes or pixelated movie monsters, earning you cash for your next adventure.Though extremely simple on its face, Vampire Survivors is one of the best games of 2022. It perfectly walks the line between peaceful and stressful, requiring the perfect amount of attention for success. It also facilitates growth through skill and through roguelite progression, ensuring that each run is a bit different from your last. RGVampire Survivors is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.Yakuza: Like a DragonWith Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth arriving on Jan. 26, heres a perfect opportunity to catch up on the exploits of protagonist Ichiban Kasuga in his previous adventure. Although its the seventh mainline title in the Yakuza series, Like a Dragon is also an effective reboot, and a great jumping-on point. Its got a new, charmingly earnest star in Ichi, and makes a counterintuitive but very successful shift in gameplay style from real-time brawling to turn-based RPG. (With its subtitle, this game also marked the start of a branding shift for the series in the West from the Yakuza title to Like a Dragon, a translation of its Japanese title, Ryu ga Gotoku.)Like its predecessors, Like a Dragon is a curiously compelling mix of playable crime soap opera, palatably sleazy lifestyle sim, absurdist minigame compilation, and impeccably detailed virtual tourism. But thanks to Ichi and the gameplay changes, it has a refreshing feel that better harmonizes all those wildly disparate tones, and better encompasses the games sprawling scope. Before you set off for Hawaii and the apparently even more over-the-top excesses of Infinite Wealth, its well worth making this stop in Yokohama. OWYakuza: Like a Dragon is available via Game Pass on Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

Apple partnership with Globalstar challenges traditional telecom dominance with direct satellite communication.

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Following their precipitous meeting at the famed Bauhaus school in 1922, artists Josef and Anni Albers, arguably the most enduring couple to emerge from the Bauhaus movement, would chart the rest of their lives as a kind of two-person artistic powerhouse. Despite spending more than half a century together and enjoying flourishing individual careers, though, there were only three occasions on which the Albers collaborated artistically: Easter, New Years, and Christmas.The Albers had the utmost respect for one anothers work, says Nicholas Fox Weber, executive director of the non-profit Josef & Anni Albers Foundation, who was a close personal friend of the couples, and wrote the 2020 visual biography Anni & Josef Albers: Equal and Unequal. But the couple, who married in 1925, were content to remain solidly in their own spheres. She was the weaver and he was the painter, and neither was going to get into the others realm, Weber explains.Josef and Anni Albers, life begins at 40 / therefore best wishes from both albers, 1940. [Photo: 2024 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York]They would, however, stray from that rule for those three select holidays, during which they worked together to make commemorative art. True to their innovative perspectives, the Albers holiday cards arent merely simple greetings, but rather uniquely design-centric takes on the holiday tradition. They also provide a rare glimpse into how two of the most influential recent designers enjoyed Christmas as a couple.Josef and Anni Albers, with Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year, 1950. [Photo: 2024 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York]A BAUHAUS APPROACH TO GREETING CARDSThe Foundations collection of the Albers holiday cards begins in 1934, at the start of a new chapter in the couples lives. The year prior, the Bauhaus was forced to close by political pressure from the Nazi partypressure that also spurred the Albers to relocate to the U.S. Both Josef and Anni took up teaching positions in North Carolina at Black Mountain College, a location that inspired several of the Christmas cards to come.At first glance, the cards dont exactly look like traditional Christmas notes (aside from the usual refrain, Happy Christmas and Happy New Year, Josef and Anni Albers). Rather, each one is its own exploration in graphic design, featuring details like textile-inspired dot patterns, abstracted letterforms, and hand-altered postcards.Josef and Anni Albers, A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, ca. 1934. [Photo: 2024 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York]The pairs 1934 Christmas card was one of the first that Josef printed at Black Mountain College. Its simple, all-caps red font reflects a distinctly Bauhaus emphasis on simplicity and legibility over ornamentation, while the composition as a whole embraces the design ideal of balanced asymmetry. Weber once told Dezeen of Josef and Annis shared design philosophy, They were both very interested in form following function. Everything was about process and understanding the materials and technology of putting them together.Josef and Anni Albers, Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year, 1951. [Photo: 2024 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York]In later years, particularly between 1950 and 1960, the cards demonstrate a growing fascination with shape and line, using a minimalist black and white palette as a starting point. In 1951, a partially erased grid suggests the outline of a Christmas tree. The following year, a pattern created solely from white dots evokes a kind of festive textile, reminiscent of some of Annis groundbreaking work in the weaving space.Josef and Anni Albers, Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year, 1952. [Photo: 2024 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York]A christmas tradition A closer inspection of the cards, Weber says, reveals some clues as to how the Albers spent their Christmases.There were a lot of things they didnt do, but in their own simple way, they celebrated Christmas, he says. I say their own simple way, because they spent it at home togethernot socializingand listening to Bachs Goldberg Variations. When you look at the holiday cards, you can really practically imagine the clarity of the Goldberg Variations: a lightness, a certain rhythm.Josef and Anni Albers, a good 39, 1939. [Photo: 2024 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York]Beyond the main art displayed on each card, the Albers also paid close attention to each missives actual construction. The letters were so well-made, Weber says, that many of the Albers friends framed them every year.The holiday cards relate very closely to the Albers very beautiful stationery. Were talking about the days when a lot was done by letter. Anni and Josef had particularly handsome letterheadsyou knew that every detail of the spacing was given great consideration. The cards are in the tradition of the letterheads. The holiday itself was important to both of them; they both had a sense of Christmas tradition, Weber says.Josef and Anni Albers, Merry Christmas + Happy New Year, 1941. [Photo: 2024 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York]Anni, for one, came from a wealthy background, once sharing with Weber her distinct memories of traveling by carriage to her uncles homes, where, alongside her brothers and sisters, she would eat delicacies including beluga caviar, rock lobster, and an ice cream cake. Josef, who grew up in a middle-class household, enjoyed these tales of excess. In 1975, Weber personally purchased the ingredients for Anni and Josef to enjoy a Christmas dinner reminiscent of those luxurious early years. That holiday season was ultimately the last that the two shared, as Josef died the following March.To this day, at Christmastime, I crave the pure tastes of the Alberses last Christmas together and must have one such atavistic meal, Weber wrote in an essay on the topic for Air Mail last year. And I listen to Glenn Gould playing that phenomenal music of Bach, aware that in Leipzig, Josef had made wonderful stained-glass windows very near to the church where Bach had long been organ master, and that the sublime intelligence of Bach suited the Alberses perfectly.

People leaders have had their hands full this year. The return-to-work debate and concerns over artificial intelligence and employee retention have dominated many workplaces in 2024. As companies have imposed strict in-office policiesalong with ongoing layoffs and other cost-cutting measures, in some casesworkers have been increasingly vocal about their frustrations. Some of them have resorted to quitting, while others feel a growing sense of detachment from their jobs.In 2025, companies will continue to face their fair share of challenges when it comes to hiring and boosting morale among their employee base. Fast Company asked 15 chief people officers and HR leaders to share their predictions for how workplaces might evolve next year and which trends are likely to shape the way we work. As they look ahead to the new year, heres what they expect employers willand shouldprioritize. Their responses have been edited for clarity and length.Return to office and hybrid workHybrid is the dominant workplace model, but its far from static. Over the next year, organizations will refine their approaches, experimenting with models that best fit their cultures and workforce needs. Flexibility will remain a key driverin a recent survey we conducted, 75% of leaders are planning to change their working styles in the next two years. As preferences shift across regions and workforce demographics, organizations ability to continuously adapt hybrid strategies will help them succeed in the long term. Matthew Saxon, chief people officer, ZoomFamily-first companies will de-prioritize return-to-work initiatives, and instead concentrate on reengaging their workforce. We predict an emphasis on family-friendly programs (especially mental health initiatives), an expansion of private employer-paid parental leave policies, and a resurgent push for fully remote workplaces, especially for working mothers who are often disproportionately affected by RTO mandates.Dirk Doebler, founder and CEO, ParentoCompanies with RTO mandates will need to show their employees the positive impact of bringing people back together, and they must bring receipts. Companies that dont show enough of a measurable benefit to both the business and individual employees run the risk of pushing their performers out the door and into the arms of companies with strong remote cultures. Amy Rossi, chief people officer, ExpelAfter years of constant changes, employers will finally pick their lane and stay in it when it comes to their work arrangements. Although we at Confluent have always been remote-first with in-person options, weve seen a lot of employers changing the deal on their employeesallowing employees to be remote and then calling them back to the office. At this point, it seems everyone has settled into their preferred operating structure. Fully remote work opportunities will continue to be harder to find, making those roles exceptionally competitive. Colleen McCreary, chief people officer, ConfluentThere will be continued movement to get people back into the office. Companies are learning what does and doesnt work for remote environments and are building playbooks for a highly productive and motivated workforce. In that, I expect that the great debate between which is better will fade. In 2025, companies will find that theres room for multiple options, giving employees more choice over the type of the working environment that best suits them. Ashley Alexander, chief people officer, ChronosphereAI in the workplaceWhile more companies are integrating AI into employee workflows, and employees themselves are taking initiative to develop AI skill sets and experiment with AI applications, for the majority of employees AI is not radically redefining their workyet. I predict that 2025 is a year when we will increasingly test out these tools, learn, and make decisions around where we can best employ AI to have the greatest impact. Erica Fox, chief people and impact officer, RecursionAI is set to disrupt every step of the employee journey, with HR operations at the top of the list. Companies in 2025 may be slow to adopt AI-powered tools because of tight budgets, security concerns, and natural skepticism, but that wont stop their existing tools from evolving. Where companies really need to prepare for change is in the rapid adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, DALL-E, and Sora. Were now in an era where most employees can benefit from GenAI to enhance how they work. They will use AI assistants for research, drafting documents, coding, business analysis, creative ideation, and morewhether their employers condone it for professional use or not. Amy Rossi, chief people officer, ExpelWhen teams ask for new headcount, one of the first questions will likely be: What AI tools could we leverage to solve this problem instead? Employers will want to see proof of their teams strategically leveraging AI before theyre willing to explore releasing more budget for headcount. Melanie Naranjo, chief people officer, EthenaForty percent of HR leaders say they dont have, or are unsure if they have, an AI Acceptable Use Policy, putting organizations and their employees at risk. The growing adoption of AI in the workplace calls for well-defined policies to address ethical concerns, data privacy, algorithmic bias, etc. Organizations will revamp their approach to implementing AI, particularly in HR functions, by prioritizing greater investment in developing comprehensive policies around the technology and training employees to adhere to them. Casey Heck, SVP of HR, TraliantNontechnical skills will be crucial in building resilient, AI-enhanced teams. In 2025, as AI handles more routine and data-focused tasks, companies will put an even bigger focus on developing human nontechnical skills like creativity and values-aligned thinkingqualities that machines simply cant replicate. Focus on human and nontechnical skills will be reflected in everything from recruitment to training programs, with organizations striving to develop well-rounded teams that are not only proficient in using this new technology (and continually learning more about it), but can communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and lead with empathy. Jennie Rogerson, global head of people, CanvaGenerative AI is transforming how we work, but its also reshaping the meaning of trust. In 2025, businesses will face a growing wave of security and trust challenges stemming from AI-powered scams and fraud, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect. Deepfake technology and AI-generated communications will infiltrate workplaces, leading to new forms of phishing attacks, impersonation, and other threats that target employees and businesses alike. This escalating risk will force leaders to rethink how trust and security fit into their workplace culture. The solution wont come solely from investing in better tools or technologies; it will require a renewed emphasis on trust between employers and employees. Renee Hunter, general counsel, corporate secretary, and head of people operations, ProofEmployee engagementA big challenge I see for HR as we move into 2025 is a familiar one, but also one that is taking on new dimensions: driving employee engagement. We all know that when your people thrive, your business thrivesbut HR teams are facing some real obstacles to implementing and executing impactful programs. Our 2025 State of People Strategy report outlined that only 39% of HR teams are executing action plans for engagement, leaving 61% of teams without resources or support to make meaningful progress. In 2025, HR teams must be prepared to take a firmer stance to get leadership buy-in, and that means they will need to bring more tangible metrics to the table that demonstrate why putting resources behind engagement is not a nice-to-have, but a must-have for the business. Sarah Franklin, CEO, LatticeWhether we see a continuation of The Big Stay or a shift towards another Great Reshuffle in 2025, companies will need to continue to examine their learning and development, career pathing, and lateral movement opportunities to encourage employee growth and engagement, especially for employees that have more tenure. Carmen Amara, chief people officer, YelpThis will likely be another year of low voluntary turnover for salaried roles and in order to raise employee engagement, employers will invest more in learning and development programswhether that be technical skills and training for things like AI or new technologies, soft skill development, or more structured opportunities to try new roles within the company. Colleen McCreary, chief people officer, ConfluentWeve seen recent volatility in the job market impact employee preferences, with the Great Resignation shifting to the Great Stay. In 2025, I think we will see talent gravitate toward employers well-positioned to respond to change, work that makes them feel fulfilled, and workplaces that support development, overall well-being, and community. Aimee George Leary, chief people officer, Booz Allen HamiltonIn 2025, familiar and engaging social mediainspired visual formats will become important tools when it comes to communicating across hybrid teams. People and internal comms teams will need to lean into the use of punchy and bite-size formats such as short videos, GIFs, slideshows, and infographics to cascade information and make it easier to share ideas and updates with distributed teams, as workplaces prioritize engaging communications. Interactive tools will also be important when it comes to how teams collaborate in a hybrid environment, with the adoption of AI-infused polls, quizzes, and interactive charts set to become part of everyday team meetings and town halls. Jennie Rogerson, global head of people, CanvaCompanies will invest more in internal comms to make hybrid and remote work successful. In talking with fellow chief people officersand in my own experiencetheres agreement that making hybrid and remote work effectively relies on great internal communication. From high-quality all-hands, newsletters, and messaging from executive teams and leadership to in-person cross-functional touchpoints, internal comms will be an area targeted for greater investment. Ashley Alexander, chief people officer, ChronosphereWorkplace culture and DEI I think well start to see companies rolling back some of the DEI initiatives they previously championed. Budgeting and headcount behind these initiatives will continue to go down, and buy-in for DEI will get harder. ERG budgets and DEI-specific roles will likely see cuts, [as well as] DEI-centric initiatives that require time and budget to help facilitate diversity of new hires. Melanie Naranjo, chief people officer, EthenaCulture needs frequent and intentional investment. It will be critical for companies to clearly define and communicate goals (so teams know what to focus on when things around them change); hire and develop high-quality managers (so employees are aligned and supported even as team composition evolves); employ consistent people practices (so employees know what to expect); and expand knowledge management approaches (so information enables company growth, rather than the search for it creating friction and drag). Erica Fox, chief people and impact officer, Recursion[We] intentionally talk about equity, inclusion, and diversity in that order because we know that a truly inclusive and diverse workplace cant be achieved without first prioritizing equityand well continue to ensure this is a foundational part of our employee experience. Companies that stay committed to building equitable, inclusive, and diverse workforces are proven to perform better, confirmed by research year after year.Amy Rossi, chief people officer, ExpelThe era of one-size-fits-all benefits is over. Employees need personalized options that reflect diverse family structures, priorities, and healthcare needs. Companies offering inclusive, tailored benefits will attract top talent and lead in the evolving healthcare landscape. For example, companies gain by offering Folx as a benefit, providing affirming, expansive care to their LGBTQIA+ talent. Similarly, startups like Thatch.io are utilizing individual coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements to deliver personalized healthcare solutions. Greg Sottolano, chief people officer, Folx HealthFive distinct generations coexist in todays workplace, and in 2025, HR teams must shift from merely acknowledging generational differences to harnessing the strengths each cohort brings. Cornerstones recent Skill Economy Report found Gen X and boomers lead the pack in the share of individuals showcasing soft skills, such as demonstrating responsibility (34%), communication (20%), and interpersonal collaboration (11%). As baby boomers approach retirement, passing on their wealth of experience to younger generations will be crucial. Organizations that cultivate a culture of mentorship and prioritize continuous learning, including from each other, will transform generational diversity into a strategic advantage. Carina Cortez, chief people officer, CornerstoneOn the heels of states like California and New York passing workplace violence prevention laws, and with the continued rise in workplace violence, well see HR leaders investing more heavily in workplace violence prevention plans, including more robust training. These prevention programs will aim to protect employees physical, mental, and emotional well-being by teaching employees how to recognize early warning signs of violence, how and when to report concerns, how to deescalate potentially dangerous situations, and how to protect themselves in the event of a workplace violence emergency. Casey Heck, SVP of HR, Traliant2020 and 2021 brought a major focus for companies on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts. Companies were investing in this area in a way like never before. This year we have seen an aversion to DEI programs, with companies moving away from additional investment in hopes they can hire the right talent for the job in an equitable way without more focus. In 2025, there will be a pendulum swing back toward the center on this issue. While I dont foresee a return back to COVID levels, companies who really see the value in diverse workforces will ensure that they have both the structure and processes to build a diverse pipeline and support those employees. Not everyone will do this, but I believe data will show that its in the companys best interests to invest in and support a more diverse team. Ashley Alexander, chief people officer, Chronosphere

As someone who spends most of my time in front of my desk, I need to have cute things spread around me instead of just staring at my screen all the time. There is order in my chaos, both at my actual office space and at my home desk as well, as its cluttered with various office accessories that match my personality or sometimes my mood. Designer: Kubra SenThis concept for a table lamp would fit right in on my messy but organized desk. The Air Balloon Lamp concept is actually designed for kids but adults with quirky tastes may also like it. It is both an actual lamp to provide extra light when youre working or studying at your desk but is also a playful pen holder with its hot air balloon design. The lamp is crafted from 5mm MDF board and has pre-developed connector components. This means that the entire thing can be easily assembled, just like those DIY cardboard toys that you can assemble. The surface graphics are actually designed for UV printing so this may be something you can literally do for yourself, if you have the connector components. There also seems to be different alternatives for the light diffuser, depending on your shape preference. There are rectangle, oblong, and diamond shaped options. Its a cute kind of table lamp and pencil holder to add to your desk as decoration as well. The post Air Balloon Lamp concept adds a cute light source and pen holder to your desk first appeared on Yanko Design.

The 3D character artist reveals how he made this playful tribute to the world of Nintendos Super Mario