Splash Damage jobs at risk following Transformers: Reactivate cancellationUK studio says the decision "did not come lightly"Image credit: Splash Damage / Hasbro News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Jan. 8, 2025 Splash Damage has cancelled its 1-4 player online action game, Transformers: Reactivate, putting an unknown number of jobs at risk.In a statement, the studio acknowledged it was a "very difficult" decision, but as a result of the cancellation, "despite every effort, a number of roles across the studio are now potentially at risk of redundancy."The formal statement stopped short, however, explain why the game was cancelled."This decision did not come lightly, and it is a difficult time for the studio and our people. We want to take a moment to thank the team who worked on Transformers for their dedication and passion," the statement explained."Hasbro was an incredible and supportive partner throughout, and we hope to work with them again. To the many fans, your excitement and support helped keep us going."Splash Damage added that "while not being able to see the game through to release was "painful, having to say goodbye to friends and colleagues hurts even more.""We're now focused on doing everything we can to support them through this rough period, just as we are committed to caring for those who will stay with us as we build a stronger Splash Damage for the future," the statement concluded. "Thank you for your compassion and understanding."The news follows yesterday's blow that Rocksteady also quietly initiated a second round of layoffs in three months just before the holidays.

Justin Carter, Contributing EditorJanuary 8, 20251 Min ReadImage via LinkedIn.At a GlanceThe Warsaw studio is concurrently developing its first game and an animated series based on it, both made in Unreal Engine 5.Polish developer Wonder Legends Studio raised $1 million in a recent pre-seed funding round. Per GamesIndustry, the studio is putting that money toward a game prototype and pre-development on an animated series both set in a world combining elements of steampunk and Greek mythology.In addition to previously receiving an Epic Games Megagrant, Wonder Legends' two ventures are being co-funded by individual institutions. The game is backed by the country's Creative Industries Development Center, and the series by the Polish Film Institute.According to the outlet, the funding round was led by the SMOK Ventures Fund. Both the intended game and series are both being made in Unreal Engine 5, and are expected to launch in late 2027 or early 2028.Wonder Legends was spun up in 2021 by game director Artur Malczyk and lead narrative producer Wojciech Karubin. Malczyk previously worked as a cinematic director and supervisor at Flying Wild Hog (Evil West), and Karubin founded the Polish film studio Movie Mates.In a statement to GamesIndustry, Malczyk and Karubin expressed confidence their studio "has the potential to become the next major IP from our country, enhancing the reputation of Poland's creative industry. We are thrilled to have completed the pre-seed round with SMOK Ventures as the lead investor, especially in such a challenging market as it is today."Read more about:FundingTransmediaAbout the AuthorJustin CarterContributing Editor, GameDeveloper.comA Kansas City, MO native, Justin Carter has written for numerous sites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his writing can be found at io9 over on Gizmodo. Don't ask him about how much gum he's had, because the answer will be more than he's willing to admit.See more from Justin CarterDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like

At the Game Awards, it was easy to blink and miss the award for best accessibility feature in a game for 2024, with the winner going to Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. You may be hard-pressed to know what it did, as the award show did not mention any of the accessibility features being nominated. But having played through the entire game, I know what they were talking about, and at the same time, I have some issues with saying it was the best example of accessibility for 2024.Picture-in-platformingThis isnt going to be a review of the entire game, but I want to talk specifically about the use and implementation of its most advertised and original accessibility featurethe ability to create in-game screenshot notes. The intent was to provide players with the means of recording a room to either mark notes for a puzzle or to provide a reminder about requiring a specific power or item that they need to come back to. For PC fans, they could just use the digital platform of choice to take screenshots, but this was the first time that such an option was available to everyone; console players included.Part of the problem when it comes to metroidvania, and open world design, is that it can be very easy to forget where the player needed to use an ability or missed something. Going through La-Mulana at the same time, and a feature like this would have been very useful.With that said, whats my problem with it? Its not that the feature is bad or doesnt provide utility, but that it became a part of playing the game regardless of whether you want to use it or not.Accessibility tokensGood accessibility features in games are those that are layered on top of a balanced experience and provide the means for more people to experience a game who may not have been able to do it without it. When you look at titles that make use of assist modes as an optional feature, the game in question is not balanced or the experience is not predicated on these features.The problem when accessibility is not handled correctly in my opinion is when the game seems to be balanced, or balance is ignored, in favor of using an accessibility feature as a band aid fix. That a problem isnt a problem if the player can just disable it or ignore it with an options tweak. This is different from having a sandbox or free play mode in survival/crafting games, as those games do draw an audience of people who just want to use the tools to create. One of my most controversial points that has earned me ire from people is that accessibility features do not fix a games problems. Time after time, Ive seen games that have been propped up due to accessibility features get destroyed in terms of player interest and churn, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is no exception to this rulewith more than half the player base on steam quitting before even reaching an hour into the game.The memory shard feature is a good one, but it feels like the game was designed and pace around its use rather than as an optional feature. Image via author/Ubisoft.Going through the game, I was surprised to see that an accessibility feature is a resource that can be consumed while playing.The player only has a limited number of pictures they can take before they must delete some. This left a bad taste in my mouth as it reminded me of when NetherRealm implemented the option for easy fatalities that allow someone to push just one button and perform the characters fatality. On paper, this sounds great and a way of providing accessibility for someone who cant remember those combinations or struggles to put them in right? Instead, it became a consumable resource that players could spend money on to acquire more tokens if they run out.Returning to Lost Crown, as a reward for completing some of the harder and optional platforming challenges, it was possible to find more memory shards/screenshot charges. In theory, this sounds acceptable, but this means the games challenges and reward system are tied to an accessibility option. If someone doesnt use the feature, tying a challenges reward to it feels like a slap in the face for someone who just did all that and is not getting rewarded for their effort.Accessibility should not be something that is consumable or a resource, as it should always be something available if someone needs to use it. To that point, if someone doesnt want to use it or doesnt need it, the game shouldnt be balanced or built with it in mind. For an expert metroidvania fan of Prince of Persia, or an expert fighting game fan for Mortal Kombat, these options mean nothing to them; theyre not going to need them to play. However, for someone who genuinely would need or want them to enjoy the game, tying them to a resource isnt right. Imagine for a second if a game requires the player to spend experience to turn on colorblind mode or must play far enough to unlock subtitles and the outcry it would get from accessibility advocates.When accessibility worksIf your games design is being balanced under the assumption that people can just use an accessibility feature to fix any problems, youre going to find people quitting your game out of frustration. They may not know that the option exists, or feel that the game is not providing them with a carefully crafted experience. The cases when I had to use an assist feature or accessibility option to finish a game did not make me appreciate their inclusion but made me wonder just how many ended up quitting the game before they even knew about those options.With Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, while the game may have been accessible with this feature, it was certainly not accessible in terms of its pacing and level designa topic way too long to get into for this piece. While I havent played it yet, the accessibility features that were created for The Last of Us 2 allowing someone to fully tailor the entire gameplay experience in terms of difficulty, not just blanket easy, medium, or hard modes was a great option and part of the other features in The Lost Crown.Sadly, no matter how good the memory shard system is, when more than half the playerbase on a platform dont give your game more than hour of their time, its not fixing the other issues with the game. Image via author/Ubisoft.Remember, if someone finds your game bad, annoying, or poorly designed, no amount of accessibility or approachability options is going to save it, nor is there a perfect itemized checklist of all options that fit every game. Accessibility and approachability work best when they are built on top of a balanced game as a way to open it up for more people to enjoy. This requires the designer to understand who the market is for their game, and at the same time, what pain points or frustrations exist for newcomers.Its not about dumbing down your game but allowing someone who is the grandmaster of games to enjoy your title their way, and someone who struggles with it to enjoy it how they want to play. However, treating accessibility and approachability options as duct tape for your games design will lead to more problems and will often make you miss the inherent issues or frustrations with your game that create churn. Remember, its up to you to provide a well-designed title for someone to play; not give them the choice to try and fix it on their own.If you would like to support what I do and let me do more daily streaming, be sure to check out my Patreon. My Discord is now open to everyone for chatting about games and game design.

Chris Kerr, News EditorJanuary 8, 20251 Min ReadImage via Splash DamageUK studio Splash Damage is downsizing after scrapping in-development online action title Transformers: Reactivate.In a post on X, the studio confirmed the decision has left some employees "at risk of redundancy."Transformers: Reactivate was being developed in partnership with Hasbro. It was unveiled in December 2022 at The Game Awards and pitched as a 1-4 player online action game for PC and consoles that would mark "a new era for Splash Damage."It's unclear why the project was canceled, but Splash Damage said the decision wasn't made lightly."We will be scaling down to refocus our efforts on other projects. Unfortunately, despite every effort, a number of roles across the studio are now potentially at risk of redundancy," said the studio."The decision did not come lightly and it is a difficult time for the studio and our people. We want to take a moment to thank the team who worked on Transformers for their dedication and passion."Splash Damage said Hasbro was a "supportive partner" throughout production and expressed hope it will work with the company again. The studio described the cancelation as "painful" but said it will support employees impacted by layoffs."We're now focused on doing everything we can to support them through this tough period, just as we are committed to caring for those who will stay with us as we build a stronger Splash Damage for the future," it added.The news comes around six months after Splash Damage said a "small number" of employees were at risk of being laid off following a business review.Read more about:LayoffsAbout the AuthorChris KerrNews Editor, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, andPocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like

The long-in-development Shadow of the Colossus movie may still have a shot at life, according to recent comments made by director Andy Muschietti.Muschietti revived hopes for a film adaptation of the classic Fumito Ueda video game during a chat with Radio TU (via Reconectados). Its not much, but after about a decade without any solid updates, it at least sounds like a feature-length version of Wander and Agros story could still come to be.Director Andy Muschietti says there's still hope for his Shadow of the Colossus movie.I'm not a big gamer, but Shadow of the Colossus seems to me a masterpiece and I played it several times, Muschietti explained (translated via DeepL). The movie has been in development for 10 years and now the possibility of making it opens up.He continued, doubling down on his desire to bring a Shadow of the Colossus movie to the big screen by saying that it is not an abandoned project. Its unclear why exactly its taken more than a decade to get the film out the door, but Muschietti did at least talk a bit about why its taking so long to come to fruition. For example, creating a good, movie version of this story involves working with Sony to determine its budget. He said: There are different versions of the film and obviously I want them to give me 200 million, but this is another factor to take into account.I love that movie, there's a script that I really like, but there are factors that have to do not with your hobby and desire to make it, but with how popular an intellectual property like this is, Muschietti said elsewhere during the interview.A film based on the classic giant-slaying PlayStation 2 title first reared its head in 2009, when The Hollywood Reporter reported that Sony Pictures Kevin Misher and now-Shogun writer Justin Marks had been tapped to work on the project. While Chronicles Josh Trank had originally been picked to direct, Sony would eventually land on It and The Flash director Muschietti to lead the film. That was in 2014, and updates have been few and far between since.Still, 10 years later, todays news suggests there may still be a chance for the movie to emerge. Just dont expect to see it any time soon while the team at Sony works out all of the details. Perhaps more likely at this stage are movies based on Helldivers 2 and Horizon Zero Dawn, both of which were announced at CES 2025.Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

A datamine of mobile game Pokmon Go has confirmed The Pokmon Company will host a Pokmon Presents event in February 2025.Established dataminer @mattyoukhana_ revealed on X/Twitter that the Pokmon Go code now references an event connected with what's being called Pokmon Presents 2025. Further text reveals it will take place on Pokmon Day, as expected, meaning February 27.While this isn't really a surprise, as such an event has been held on Pokmon Day for the last few years, the seemingly imminent reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, from The Pokmon Company co-owner Nintendo, is a big enough occasion to shake up the regular schedule.It's currently unclear when the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal will happen but it appears to be very soon given accessory maker Genki is currently showing off a mockup at the Consumer Electronics Show 2025. It's confirmed to be revealed before the end of March 2025 too.An announcement ahead of Pokmon Day would certainly make sense, however, as it would allow The Pokmon Company to discuss its next big game during the Pokmon Presents. The February 27 event is the biggest on Pokmon fans' calendar and in the last few years has seen the likes of Pokmon Scarlet and Violet and Pokmon Legends Z-A announced.PlayIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250This latter game, the next big release coming sometime in 2025, is therefore practically a shoe in for the upcoming event, and is increasingly likely to appear on Nintendo Switch 2 given how little The Pokmon Company has said about it so far.Pokmon Presents events typically last around 30 minutes and feature big announcements like these alongside myriad on the rest of the Pokmon world. This includes games such as Pokmon TCG Pocket and, as is already known, Pokmon Go, but reveals for the anime, actual card game, and other products are common too.Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

For train enthusiasts, theres nothing quite like designing tracks, solving logistics challenges, or simply watching trains run smoothly. Whether its the detailed realism of train simulators or the tactile joy of arranging model railways, the appeal of trains transcends generations. But what if you could enjoy that charm in a more accessible, relaxing way?Enter Railway Islands 2, now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Created by Alysson Moraes of Rising Moon Games, a one-man indie studio, and brought to Xbox by the small but passionate team at Mens Sana Interactive, Railway Islands 2 is a minimalist puzzle game that combines strategic thinking with a cozy, stress-free experience.A New Way to Enjoy TrainsRailway Islands 2 distills the essence of railway management into bite-sized challenges perfect for quick gaming sessions. Players design safe train routes for passengers and packages across 40 vibrant islands, each inspired by the four seasons. Youll coordinate up to two trains on shared tracks, carefully managing routes and railway switches to prevent collisions.Unlike complex train simulators or sprawling strategy games, Railway Islands 2 embraces simplicity. Its calming atmosphere, intuitive controls, and thoughtful puzzles make it ideal for relaxing between more intense gaming sessions. And while train enthusiasts will find much to love, the games cozy aesthetic and approachable design make it a perfect fit for players of all ages who enjoy casual or relaxing games.A Modest Tribute to the Joy of TrainsAt its heart, Railway Islands 2 is a humble celebration of the creativity and joy that trains inspire. Whether youre a fan of model railways, a lover of train simulators, or simply looking for a cozy game to relax with, this title invites you to enjoy the journey.Hop aboard and start your railway adventure! Railway Islands 2 is available right now on Xbox Series X|S,Xbox One, and Windows Store.

Aime MazzengaWall paneling may often conjure images of dark, outdated basements, but the architectural feature has come a long way in past decades. In fact, incorporating it into your homes design can result in an elevated and sophisticated space. Dont believe us? Were here to prove your wall paneling beliefs wrong.From wood to wainscotting and even acoustic panels, wall paneling ideas can add unique charm, honor your homes past life, and help protect your precious drywall from damage. The best wall paneling ideas are all about enhancing and flattering a space. Paneling isn't limited to floor-to-ceiling slats that cover an entire wall. You can add a chair rail or wainscoting panels for a historical touch, or use vinyl planks to get a midcentury-inspired look for half the price. If youre comfortable with power tools, wall paneling can also be the perfect weekend DIY project.Whether youre looking for ideas to spruce up your plain drywall or youre adding some much-needed character to a new build, read on to discover 35 of our favorite wall paneling ideas to kickstart your next project.More ways to spruce up your bare walls:1Use Thin WaincottingNicole FranzenWall paneling ideas don't have to be intense and moody. For a light lift, install ceiling-height rectangles of wainscoting to add subtle architectural interest. The picture-frame molding elevates the ivory walls in this primary bedroom, designed by Amy Knerr.Tour the Entire Home2Honor the Home's HistoryNicole FranzenOriginally built in 1936, this Indiana home had gone through its fair share of renovations. But to help bring it back to its roots, designer Amy Kerr incorporated subtle paneling and rich ceiling beams. In this primary bathroom, the wall paneling is painted with a semi-gloss paint to help the light reflect.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Think Inside the BoxRead McKendreeRather than long, vertical, or horizontal planks, try something new with your wall paneling ideas. Dozens of small, raised panel wainscoting squares line this traditional living room and make it feel more elevated and sophisticated than blank drywall. 4Use Sheets, Not BoardsAime MazzengaIn this Chicago home, designer Wendy Labrum chose white oak paneling in the dining room. But thanks to her use of wider sheets and subtle molding details, the paneling is a far cry from the traditional '90s look. Here, it's a warm and welcoming addition to the gathering space. Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Soften Busy PatternsLindsay SalazarFor a bathroom, where the wallpaper or tile often covers the room from ceiling to floor, wall paneling ideas can be a great way to break up that wash of pattern. A wider plank half-height wainscoting calms the all-over pinstripe in this Emma Ainscoughdesigned space. 6Embrace Farmhouse CharacterALI HARPERThis Nashville new build had the potential to lean fully modern, but architecture firm Pfeffer Torode brought the interiors back down to earth with aged finishes and moments of character, like the paneling used on the walls of this kitchen.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Accentuate Tall CeilingsDavid TsayUse vertical wood paneling to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of never-ending ceiling height, even if your space is already towering, like this kitchen by Fran Keenan. A light color will also complement the wall paneling ideas and help to bounce around natural light.Tour the Entire Home8Wrap an IslandChris EdwardsWood paneling shouldn't be reserved solely for your walls. Curve a slatted sheet around the outside of your kitchen island to add texture and architectural interest without breaking the bank.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Warm Up a Cool PaletteStephen KarlischThe key to a balanced interior is all about pairing hues from both sides of the color wheel. In this sage green kitchen, a wood panelwrapped range hood creates a cozy atmosphere among the stone floors and black countertops.Tour the Entire Home10Create an Air of FormalityKatie CharlotteDining rooms may be disappearing across American homes, but a formal space is crucial for those who like to entertain. Incorporating wood paneling is a great way to make the room feel special and stately.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Bring the Outdoors InKatie CharlotteThe foyer establishes what Bishop calls the home's relaxed formality. This Charleston home is located on a marsh, and the wood paneling helps bridge the gap between the interior and the nature surrounding the house. Tour the Entire Home12Spice Up a White WallJenn VerrierAn all-white space often feels stark, but adding wood paneling can create some visual interest in an otherwise bare space. In this attic, the horizontal slats help to focus the eye on the interesting angles in the walls and ceiling.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Envelop a RoomThere's nothing better than feeling cozy and bundled up at home, and wall paneling ideas can provide a cocooning effect. Design firm McLaren-Excell preserved this original midcentury paneling to embrace the natural warmth and texture. 14Make It Coastal ChicBeachy white wood paneling is the quickest way to give your home a coastal feel. Designer Jeffrey Alan Marks extended this paneling onto the ceilings of his California home to make the small space feel larger and airier. Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Show Off the GrainMiranda EstesThis cabin designed by White Space Design Group has wall paneling throughout. But nowhere is it more beautiful than in the dining room, where each and every plank's unique grain is on display. The warm-toned wood mirrors the views of the forest and Puget Sound beyond. Tour the Entire Home16Use Salvaged WoodJeffrey TotaroDaniela Holt Voith, founding partner and director of Design at Voith and Mactavish Architects, helped design this home, which was converted from a historic barn. In addition to these bookshelves, salvaged wood paneling was reused throughout the house.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Brighten a NurseryWhite walls have become increasingly popular in gender-neutral nurseries, but the stark color can feel cold and bare. To combat that, add texture with decorative wall paneling. The subtle detail creates warmth and visual interest, as seen in this space designed by Karlee and Weston Marsh.Tour the Entire Home18Paint It PurpleMolly CulverIf you're a big fan of color and wood paneling, look no further than this Shannon Eddings Interiorsdesigned bunk room. Painting wood paneling in a single vibrant color can be all the decoration a simple space needs.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Go ThickerBrittany AmbridgeThis dining room designed by Jamie Drake proves that wood paneling works well beyond the farmhouse aesthetic. The extra-wide, seamless wood panels extending from the walls to the ceiling are painted crisp white for a fresh take on the shiplap look. 20Lacquer ItJust because you have wood wall paneling doesn't mean you can't experiment with a fun colorin fact, it's an excellent reason to try one out. Paint the whole space in a rich, high-gloss hue for maximum impact.

From Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings to the literary worlds of Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses, fantasy worlds and kingdoms have long dominated pop culture. It's no wonder that these faraway realms have begun to influence our interiors as well. Pinterest has recently predicted that "castlecore" will be one of the top trending styles in both fashion and home. Of course, plumbing and electricity are modern comforts we simply cannot live without, so instead of suggesting that you move to the English countryside and take up residence in a Tudor-era manor, we're here to help incorporate this medieval-inspired trend while enjoying all the comforts of the modern age. Remember: The Tudor monarchs lived vastly different lives to the Regency-era royalty, so this means that you can pick the era that works best for you. For basic styling notes, think plush, velvet upholstery, antique case pieces, and wall tapestries. Whether you're looking to subtly nod toward this period of history or go full Joan of Arc la Chappell Roan's 2024 VMAs look, we have you covered. Read on for four ways to bring the castlecore trend into your home in 2025.2025 Trends Are HereHang a TapestryHeather TalbertPortraits and landscape paintings were the primary forms of wall art in castles, but many grand estates also hung luxe, woven tapestries often portraying battle wins, historical moments, or scenes of everyday life. These tapestries are on the rise again, trending in all styles of homes. Take inspiration from Nate Berkus and hang one above your bed for a dramatic design moment. Pottery Barn Greenwood Tapestry Wall Art$349 at Pottery BarnFine Art Tapestries Harmony Tapestry$219 at Wayfair1st Dibs Early 20th Century Verdure Tapestry$2,230 at 1stDibsIncorporate Moody ColorsJulie SoeferCastles were dark all the timeand it had nothing to do with ambiance. Sturdy stone walls, minimal windows (to stay protected from enemy attack), and no electricity meant that the primary palette was quite moody. Browns, blues, and greensall hues from naturally derived sourceswere the go-to choices if you had the wealth to paint or apply dyed plaster.Forgo Overhead LightingNate SheetsContinuing the theme of pre-technology living, overhead lighting (other than candelabra-style chandeliers) was nonexistent. Instead, handheld candles, sconces, and lanterns were used to cast light when far away from a fireplace. Even today, candle sconces add a cozy air to any room, just be sure to keep a careful watch on the unpredictable flames.Arhaus Artemis Wall Taper Candle HolderNow 17% Off$119 $99 at ArhausFredericks & Mae Double Armed Iron Candle Holders$50 at fredericksandmae.comCB2 Vela Blackened Brass Wall Sconce Taper Candle Holder$50 at CB2Make Space to Hold CourtNicole FranzenCan you really have a castle without a court? Hosting large gatherings and political adversaries may not be your cup of tea, but you can still live the castlecore life with a dining area ready for guests. Whether you opt for an elongated dining table where you can preside over the meal at the head, or a round one like King Arthur, you don't have to give up flatware to eat like a king.Choose Luxurious TextilesRustic White PhotographyWhile performance and synthetic fabrics are now cornerstone upholstery choices of modern family living, if you're embracing castlecore, you'll want to take it back to the basics. Consider all-natural materials like linen and cotton, or perhaps get fancy with silks or velvets. Lavishly soft textiles are key to making your home more regal.Arhaus Granby ChairNow 30% Off$3,799 $2,659 at ArhausWilliams Sonoma Soho Roll Arm Bench (63")$1,395 at Williams SonomaClickDecor Finch Louis Accent ChairNow 9% Off$332 $302 at WalmartPrioritize Raw MaterialsTrevor TondroIron, wood, and stone were the primary building materials throughout history. To level up your castlecore aesthetic, include these materials wherever you can. And it doesn't require a gut renovation. Choose a stone cutting board, iron sconces, chandeliers, and unpainted wood for your floors and cabinetry.Make Use of Case PiecesKelly MarshallClosets, built-ins, and storage of any kind were nonexistent in castles. Instead, case pieces were everywhere. China cabinets, credenzas, armoires, and trunks were widely used instead of our modern millwork. Take inspiration from the above bathroom and abandon your linen closet in favor of a cabinet with historical character.1stDibs Original Painted Swedish Two Door Armoire$5,850 at 1stDibsFrontgate Etienne SideboardNow 15% Off$3,599 $3,059 at FrontgateArticle Mysen 35.5" Cabinet$1,499 at ArticleFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

German startup Vay plans to expand its teledriving fleet in Las Vegas to 100 electric vehicles and you could get a job steering the cars. Vay first launched the service last year, with just two Kia eNiros. Its fleet has since grown to 30 EVs, which have completed 6000 rides so far.When you open the Vay app and request a ride, a remote operator drives an electric vehicle to collect you. You then get behind the empty drivers seat and set off toward your destination.Once youre done using the EV, you apply the handbrake, get out, and leave it there in the street, no parking necessary. The teledriver regains control and drives on to the next client.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Teledrivers control the vehicles remotely from a purpose-built station equipped with a drivers seat, steering wheel, pedals, and three monitors providing visibility in front of the car and to its side.The perfect job for gamers?Road traffic sounds, such as emergency vehicles and other warning signals, are transmitted via microphones to the teledrivers headphones. This operator could technically be sitting on the other side of the world. Most will be nearby at one of Vays teledriving centres.As it expands, Vay is looking for more teledrivers to whisk empty cars around Sin City. According to a recent job listing on the company website, heres how you could land the gig:You like to drive (and consider yourself a safe and responsible driver). Safety first, second, and third!You are happy working late shifts (afternoons and evenings) as this is what we need for this role.You have a US driving license, clean driving record, and at least two years of driving experience with Uber, Lyft, taxi or similar.You can pass a drug test (including THC).Youre into gaming (or at least super familiar with technology).You are organised and well-structured.You are resilient and have a troubleshooting mindset.You have Google Workplace knowledge (e.g., G-Docs, Sheets, and/or Slides).You are interested in autonomous driving and mobility.If you get the job, youll have to pass through Vays Remote Driving Academy. The boot camp prepares remote drivers for professional teledriving on public streets and trains them in defensive driving techniques.Vay bills teledriving as a midway point between conventional cars and autonomous vehicles, which are proving much more difficult to implement than first thought. The company is also making its first foray into remote-controlled trucking.For drivers, sitting in an office behind a screen is perhaps more comfortable and definitely safer than sitting behind the wheel of an actual car or truck.For customers, it could be a cheaper and more convenient alternative to traditional car-sharing. Vay says the service costs half as much as an Uber. Customers in Vegas pay $0.30 per minute when driving and $0.03 per minute for stopovers. Theres no minimum length or distance and rentals are available for up to 12 hours. For operators of short-term car rental or sharing services, Var claims it can double the amount of time vehicles are in use, boosting revenues.Vay is the only company ever to have tested a driverless vehicle on public roads in both Europe and the US. Las Vegas was the first city to green-light commercial operations, and Vay hopes to use it as a springboard into the wider US market.Vay also has big plans for Europe starting with its home country. The company is currently in discussions with German authorities about a domestic rollout. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with