Call of Duty Black Ops 6's Squid Game crossover lands in just a few hours here's when you can play, and what's included in the free limited-time modeTech11:33, 02 Jan 2025Call of Duty is getting a Squid Game crossoverIt's a new year, and Call of Duty fans are able to kick it off with a new limited-time crossover that ties in with popular Netflix hit Squid Game.Black Ops 6 is still in the middle of Season 1 Reloaded but, as we tiptoe closer to Season 2, we'll be able to play 'Red Light, Green Light' to celebrate the first weekend of 2025.While fans are less than pleased with the inclusion of a new event pass, they will get to experience a wholly unique crossover event here's when it starts.Content cannot be displayed without consentSquid Game arrives in Black Ops 6 on January 3, and while a release time hasn't been confirmed, there's a good chance it'll kick off after 5pm GMT for UK gamers.That tends to be when updates roll out, but if you're in other territories it'll be around 9 am PST, 12pm EST, 6pm CET.Updates can come a little later, but UK gamers should be able to hop in once they're home from work.Squid Game Season 2 is on Netflix now(Image: NETFLIX)Netflix's smash-hit show is now in its second season, and Call of Duty will take plenty of inspiration from the drama.We've seen the trailer above that puts 'Red Light, Green Light' on the pitch from the Red Card multiplayer map, while the same animatronic could guard certain chests in Warzone.New Operators will be added, likely through paid store cosmetics, while fresh weapon blueprints are a staple of in-game events so far.Article continues belowWith Season 1 expected to end on January 28, there's a good chance you'll be able to enjoy the event for the new few weeks.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

EA FC 25's first promo of the new year, Numero FUT, is arriving in just a few hours here's what to expect, including leaked players and when you'll be able to earn themTech11:27, 02 Jan 2025Pedro Neto has been in great form for Chelsea (Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)It's a new year, and a new chance for some EA FC 25 promo cards to improve your squad even more.Winter Wildcards packed the likes of R9 Ronaldo (I was very pleased with my Kobbie Mainoo pull), but Numero FUT is back to focusing on modern day footballers so don't expect any Icons or Heroes. That's not to say there's plenty to enjoy though, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, James Maddison, Pedro Neto and more tipped for improved cards.The event runs alongside the Mode Mastery event, and we've got a full rundown of who we can expect based on leaks. Here's all we know about EA FC 25 Numero FUT.The first weekly promo of the new year, Numero FUT will kick off on Friday, January 3 at 6pm GMT.We'll find out when it ends soon.James Maddison could feature in this week's promo(Image: Getty Images)Ever resourceful leakers have been busy yet again, with the following lined up:Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)Rafael Leao (Milan)Roberto Lewandowski (Barcelona)James Maddison (Spurs)Pedro Neto (Chelsea)Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)Article continues belowPerhaps most excitingly, James Rodriguez is getting an upgrade, with the Colombian star expected to be part of the lineup following his move to Rayo Vallecano.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

We now know which games are free for PlayStation Plus subscribers in January, and that means we know when they can be downloaded and played by PS5 owners this monthTech11:18, 02 Jan 2025Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is more fun than you may have heard(Image: Rocksteady Studios)The PS Plus Essential games for January 2024 have been revealed, and they'll be available even earlier than we'd anticipated.We previously suggested the games for January would see a delay because of the New Year period, but it appears the lineup, which is certainly eclectic, will be available to download in just a few weeks.Here's everything arriving on the service in January, and when you can start playing them.Deathstroke marks the final DLC character (Image: Rocksteady Studios)We're still waiting for our reveal of the PS Plus Extra and Premium titles, but for the meantime here's what players can get stuck into, courtesy of the PlayStation Blog.Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered is a fantastic racer where you can play as a street racer or a cop, performing slick powerslides and employing gadgets. It has a really unique 'Autolog' leaderboard system, too, so you're always competing against your friends even when playing solo.The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is the latest and greatest version of the 2013 indie that's so beloved over a decade on. It's not prettier, but it adds fresh choices and secrets to an adventure that was already unmissable.Finally, the headline addition is Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League. Much maligned at launch, the game now has an offline mode that means it's a fun third-person shooter set in the DC Comics universe. It undeniably disappointed at launch, but with all of its new characters added before developer Rocksteady moves onto other things, it's well worth checking out if you're a fan of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Still not convinced? Read my opinion piece from last month.Don't miss the chance to grab It Takes Two for freeWe expected the games to slip a week, but the new lineup arrives on January 7. Games tend to be available to download at around 10AM GMT, so we really don't have long to wait at all.Article continues belowThat does, however, mean that December's games are only available for a few more days. The following will be gone (or at least back up to full price) after January 6, so be sure to get stuck in while you can.It Takes TwoAliens: Dark DescentTemtemFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

How much longer till the actual reveal? (Nintendo)Yet more Nintendo Switch 2 details are making their way online in lieu of an official reveal, with possibly more to follow in the next week.So much information about the Nintendo Switch 2 leaked in December, from its Joy-Con controllers and dock to the consoles actual design. At this point, all thats left is for Nintendo itself to show it off and announce some games for it.Nintendo has promised a formal announcement by the end of March and rumours suggest some kind of news could be shared in the coming weeks. So, the most eager of fans will be feverishly checking Nintendos social media accounts every day until it happens.In the meantime, said fans are continuing to look elsewhere for more crumbs of Switch 2 info and they may have found some thanks to a recently discovered patent.Said patent was filed by Nintendo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) back in July 2023 but was only published on December 31, 2024.The long and short of it is that it discusses DLSS-style upscaling technology that can be used to improve the resolution of video games. Essentially, itd allow for higher graphical settings and frame rates on weaker hardware.While theres no explicit mention of Nintendos next console, this lines up with previous Switch 2 rumours. In 2023, reports claimed to have seen Nintendo hardware running an upscaled version of The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and the Unreal Engine 5 The Matrix Awakens demo, both of which made use of DLSS tech. Could we see games made with Unreal Engine 5 on the Switch 2? (Epic Games)Although theres no concrete information on how powerful the Switch 2 will be, it has been rumoured to be either less strong than the PlayStation 4 Pro or about as strong as the Xbox Series S. So, it would make sense for the console to incorporate upscaling technology to help it reach 4K visuals.More TrendingInterestingly, as highlighted by one Laura Kate Dale on Bluesky, the patent also suggests the tech could be used to reduce game sizes to fit them on smaller capacity physical media.For example, a game that natively features 4K textures could be downscaled to a 1080p resolution so it can fit onto a physical cartridge. But then the console could upscale it to its original 4K resolution in real-time.It wouldnt be surprising if more Switch 2 details continue to leak in the coming weeks given how often theyre happening. In fact, alleged pictures of the consoles motherboard have been spotted on Reddit.On top of that, accessory company Genki is promising to discuss new products its making for the Switch 2 on January 7 as part of CES 2025. However, theres no telling if this will result in any brand-new details becoming public or if all these leaks will incentivise Nintendo to reveal the Switch 2 any time soon. The Switch 2s actual release date is still a mystery too (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.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

Dongyou Corn Courier Station / SuiPingYiLi Architecture StudioSave this picture! Qingshan WuCommunity, OfficesNanping, ChinaArchitects: SuiPingYiLi Architecture StudioAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:598 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Qingshan Wu, Deng Zhilu Lead Architects: Deng Zhilv More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Surrounded by expansive cornfields and encased in green mountains and rivers, the site offers a unique pastoral landscape. This is a practice of rebuilding and revitalizing rural agricultural buildings. The project preserves the original rammed-earth structure and integrates it with newly constructed steel, concrete, and wood structural systems into a cohesive architectural form, merging functional spaces with structural logic. The resulting Corn Station serves as a showcase for corn, a logistical hub, and a community space for villagers to relax and interact after their work.Save this picture!The cornfield and the village - As a rural agricultural building and public place, the courier station is located in the cornfield outside the village and is in a delicate relationship with the village. It not only provides temporary stacking for transshipment corn but also provides supporting services such as scientific research and tea breaks for villagers. The site, adjacent to the road, was originally composed of two single-story rammed earth buildings and a temporary structure, which were used as farm toolhouses.Save this picture!Spatial reorganization - According to the needs and site conditions, we retained the rammed earth part and reconstructed the system within it, growing from the inside out: the steel structure of the north side of the building is used for the exhibition hall and the live broadcast room; The south side of the building is a research room, a seminar area and a drinking area, with a large span and a concrete structure to improve the rigidity. The two are connected in series through gray spaces such as atriums and platform viewing areas.Only a new partition wall was built on the first floor of the original building, which separated the three functions of exhibition, scientific research and publicity activities. The second floor is a new addition, with observation decks, winding staircases and corridors forming an outdoor leisure area.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Continues the texture - The rammed earth wall reflects the original natural texture, and the niche is left as much as possible on the newly built lining wall, which can not only be used as a layered platform but also expose the mottled and rough historical texture of the original rammed earth, so that the old rammed earth and the new wall have a dialogue of time and space.Save this picture!Innovation rooted in tradition - The original first-floor rammed earth structure and the new second-story structure space are like a dialogue between the old and the new. The preserved part carries the weight of history, is the old foundation, and is deeply rooted in this land. The second floor is like a young shoot, breaking through the ground, not sticking to the old constraints, boldly extending outward, growing towards the sun and the future, full of vitality.After completion, the courier station is used as a rural building supporting agriculture, which not only satisfies the original function but also stimulates the vitality of the countryside and drives the villagers to change their traditional thoughts. The natural beauty and new lifestyle have attracted many people from other places to come and play, and the special corn tea drink has also taken root in the local area.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The transformation and replacement of the original agricultural model and products, and the establishment of the corn station, gave birth to a new production, processing and sales mode, realizing the upgrading of the entire corn industry chain. This dialogue between the old and the new is not only reflected in the replacement of buildings and sites but also in the inheritance and innovation of culture.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Jianou, Nanping City, Fujian Province, ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeMaterialsWoodConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on January 02, 2025Cite: "Dongyou Corn Courier Station / SuiPingYiLi Architecture Studio" 02 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025186/dongyou-corn-courier-station-suipingyili-architecture-studio&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

Creating Architecture in an Uncivil Time: In Conversation with Ali Karimi of Civil ArchitectureThe Arabian Peninsula represents one of the world's leading exporters and users of fossil fuels, an economic reality that influences the area's visions for the future and, implicitly, architecture and urban planning's role in these scenarios. A number of emerging offices are however countering these narratives, turning to contextual research to reframe the area's production of architecture. Among these, cultural practice Civil Architecture has become recognized for its provocative works that explore alternative narratives for the identity of the Middle East. While in Bahrain, ArchDaily's Christele Harrouk had the chance to sit down with Ali Karimi, who, together with Hamed Bukhamseen, co-founded Civil Architecture. In the video interview, they discuss the practice of architecture in the Gulf region and the narrative and research-focused approach of the office.Save this picture!As a process of creating architecture and research, Civil Architecture tends to identify and explore specific themes, beginning each project with a question as a way of articulating the context. They describe this as a process of spatializing and recontextualizing the Arabian peninsula. This approach was visible through their installation at the 2024 Doha Design Biennial. Here, they recreated the roof and disposition of rooms of the "House between two trees," exploring its connection with the garden and surrounding landscape, as well as positioning the theme of seasonality and integrating within natural cycles.Save this picture! As a practice based in the region, we are very much interested in exploring what it means to produce architecture in a way that runs counter to these narratives. So we are trying to find sources of stories and ways of thinking about the architecture and urbanism of the region outside purely of the narrative of the oil economy. To produce that kind of architecture means producing a context through practice. This means doing research projects and finding ways of understanding the place we are in, thus composing a kind of totalizing vision of our context. - Ali Karimi, co-founder of Civil Architecture Related Article Arab Designers Crafting their Own Narrative: Design Doha 2024 Explores Identity and Innovation In collaboration with landscape office studiolibani, one of ArchDaily's New Practices in 2020, Civil Architecture designed the landscape and temporary installation "Minor Paradises" in Amman, Jordan, during Amman Design Week 2019. The installation was designed to evoke discussions about Amman's landscape and the idealization of landscape perspectives. Evoking the region's history as an important exporter of stone, a temporary public plaza was created to recreate the materiality of this inhabitable landscape. By borrowing sand, aggregates, and stone from contractors and returning them after the week was over, the intervention managed to create an engaging space within a limited budget, This showcased not only the concept of the installation but also the importance of understanding the capabilities of the local context and working with pre-existing conditions.Save this picture!The office engages with both built and unbuilt works, in the form of research and publications, both influencing one another to create a holistic body of work. The publication "Foreign Architecture, Domestic Policy" explores the political and architectural ventures of Kuwait, which built over 5,000 gas stations across Europe. This revealed narratives of spatiality, and the spatial limits of a country, as well as showcasing "architecture as a unit of political capital." Built projects, such as the public park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, demonstrate the potential of productive landscapes, while the efforts to create the Kuwait Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale managed to open up conversations about the shared narratives of different Gulf states, all from the perspective of the contested islands of the Gulf region.Save this picture!Save this picture! For us, it's about bridging between what exists, what has existed, and what could exist, but not putting in in such a time scale that everything that is at stake at the moment is forgotten in the hopes for a more optimistic architectural future, one that is not actually in service of making things sustainable. - Ali Karimi, co-founder of Civil Architecture Save this picture!Closing the interview, Ali Karimi considers the evolution of the architectural practice in the Gulf region, rebutting the aggressive promotion of the future in favor of an alternative narrative more focused on the "extended present." He points out that Civil Architecture has developed an approach more concerned with themes relevant to the present moment, exploring the hidden narratives and engaging actively with the existing context. He also notices with optimism that more and more practices are emerging in the region that negate the tabula rasa narratives, and instead turn to producing research and bodies of work that are rooted in the local culture and histories.Editor's note: This article was originally published on July 18, 2024.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCite: Maria-Cristina Florian. "Creating Architecture in an Uncivil Time: In Conversation with Ali Karimi of Civil Architecture" 02 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1018996/creating-architecture-in-an-uncivil-time-in-conversation-with-ali-karimi-of-civil-architecture&gt ISSN 0719-8884More interviews from ourYouTube ChannelSave? Civil Architecture Ali Karimi 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

Tower of Unity / Christoph Hesse ArchitectsSave this picture! Laurian GhinitoiuInstallations & StructuresMedebach, GermanyArchitects: Christoph Hesse ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:30 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Laurian Ghinitoiu, Christoph Hesse Architects Lead Architect: Christoph Hesse More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The "Tower of Unity" is part of the "Open Mind Places" project in Germany, which aims to inspire visitors' self-efficacy and foster innovative ideas for a regenerative, community-focused future. Initiated by the residents of Referinghausen in the Sauerland, this cultural initiative has expanded its influence across the region, encouraging a meaningful dialogue between people and their environment. By blending art, nature, and community action, it creates a unique space for reflection, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions.Save this picture!Save this picture!The "Open Mind Places" feature twelve installations crafted from natural and locally recycled materials, interconnected by a scenic footpath. These installations serve as "Perspective Changers," guiding participants on a contemplative journey. Along the way, each station invites a deeper engagement with the surrounding nature, emphasizing its significance and inherent value. Ultimately, visitors are inspired to embrace new perspectives, empowering them to drive collaborative ecological and social initiatives.Save this picture!Save this picture!The "Tower of Unity" is one of the most recent additions to the ever-evolving "Open Mind Places" project. Constructed through the dedication and collective effort of local community members, it stands as a powerful symbol of shared identity and inclusivity. The act of building the tower itself became a unifying experience, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of purpose among participants as they worked together toward a common goal.Save this picture!At its core lies a foundation of natural stones, each carefully carried and placed by participants, forming a circular seating area that invites connection and conversation. Wild wine plants growing at the corners emphasize the fundamental role of nature within the community.Save this picture!The upper framework is composed of interconnected steel rods, each representing one of the 220 community members of Referinghausen, uniting their efforts into a shared vision of togetherness. By integrating nature, art, and collaboration, the "Tower of Unity" embodies the essence of the "Open Mind Places" projectfostering a profound sense of belonging, purpose, collective inspiration, and action. Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Medebach, GermanyLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeMaterialsSteelStoneMaterials and TagsPublished on January 02, 2025Cite: "Tower of Unity / Christoph Hesse Architects" 02 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024808/tower-of-unity-christoph-hesse-architects&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

Grab the Interactive Foliage System 1.0.1 on FAB:https://www.fab.com/sellers/CGDealers Interactive Foliage System Plugin version 1.0.1 on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/CGDealers Download for FREE the Foliage Mesh Examples:https://www.patreon.com/posts/unreal-engine-5-113623812 IMPORTANT: Unreal Engine 5.4 & 5.5 SupportWatch Full Video on How To Use it:https://youtu.be/Etg6IyIERt0 Features/Functions: AAA+ Performance Written in C++ for optimal performance and capability Multi-Object Interaction is supported Multiplayer (Replication) is supported Foliage Skeletal Mesh Interaction Static Foliage Shader Based Interaction PCG Support for Foliages with Skeletal Meshes Wind Support for Static and Skeletal Mesh Play Sounds from an Array by random on interaction NO SUPPORT for the shader Foliages - still can't process the data to PCG Quixel Foliages Support Custom Foliages Support Flattering feature for grass and other type of low height foliages Option to have Different Type of Interaction Per Foliage Foliage Stiffness Foliage Damping Factor Foliage Mass Push Force Debugging Tool Range of interaction Full Free Video on how to create the Auto Landscape Material:https://youtu.be/rw8qDmFGsRo MY SOCIAL MEDIA:Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/coldwave Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CGDealers Telegram: https://t.me/YTcgdealersLeartes Entire Store 210+ Assets on 30% Discount: https://gumroad.com/a/39658451 30% Discount Coupon Code: CG30FREE VIDEO - How To Create The Landscape Auto Material:https://youtu.be/rw8qDmFGsRo GET MY UNREAL 5 - BLUEPRINTS MASTERCLASS COURSE:Udemy: https://bit.ly/3WqNQSL GET ONE MONTH FREE SKILLSHARE SUBSCRIPTION:https://skl.sh/3CwwFH2 Happy Game Development!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#unrealengine5 #blueprints #ue5tutorial #openworld #openworldgames #gamedevtutorial #gamedevelopment #unrealengine #unrealenginetutorial #unrealengine #gamedesign #rvt #runtimevirtualtexture #realtimerendering #ai #aianimation #animation #pcg #unrealpcg #unrealenginetutorial #interactivefoliage-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stack CommerceShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more When your phone screen starts flashing the low-storage notifications a little more than usual, your first instinct is probably to grab some cloud storage. Its the easiest option, right? Sure, but do you really want to pay a recurring fee for extra space? We definitely dont, which is why it might be time to switch back to a thumb drive.No, its not the thumb drive you had in middle school. This one is adual USB drive with USB-A and USB-C ends for double compatibility, comes with 1TB of storage, and has super-quick transfer speeds. And unlike your usual cloud storage options, youll never have to pay a recurring fee again once you order your flash drive for only$69.97 (reg. $109).Cloud storage, who? Theres a new thumb drive in townYour life is already overrun with subscriptions for everything from Netflix to your Equinox membership, so why would you want to pay yet another subscription for your cloud storage, too?Imagine starting 2025 with one less subscription and actually owning your storage by investing in this thumb driveyou could save upwards of $10 a month for the same amount of space this one offers! This baby has an impressive 1TB capacity, so check out what you could store:about 250,000 photos, 2,500 hours of video, or 2 million documents, depending on their size.So, 1TB might seem alittle excessive, but consider this: it might just last you forever, or at least for the near future. And since thishigh-speed flash drive has a 30Mbps transfer speed, you wont have to wait hours to move your files and photos. Transferring Word documents, a vacation photo album, and even a 1GB video could take less than 30 seconds.Say goodbye to cloud storage fees in the new year with your new favorite storage solution.Grab thisUSB-A and USB-C 1TB flash drive for just$69.97 while supplies still last or before the price goes back up on Dec. 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT!StackSocial prices subject to change.Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive (1TB)Only $69.97 at Popular Science

Nature, Published online: 01 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-04104-8The lack of methods for preparing miniature lasers directly on silicon wafers is holding back photonic technology in a range of applications, including machine learning. The solution could be to construct lasers in nanoscale trenches.