Submitted by WA ContentsUIA Young Architects competitionFrance Architecture News - Jan 09, 2025 - 14:05 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The International Union of Architects (UIA) has launched an international ideas competition designed to inspire and empower young architects to take a leading role in participatory urban design. This initiative aligns with the theme of the UN-Habitat World Architecture Day 2024: Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design, underscoring the critical role of young architects in shaping sustainable and inclusive environments for future generations.Open to architects worldwide born on or after 1 January 1989, the competition encourages innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, particularly those affecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within an urban context. Multidisciplinary teams are welcome to participate, with the stipulation that team leaders must be qualified architects in their country of residence or origin.An opportunity for young architectsThis initiative is a testament to the UIAs commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among the next generation of architects. Through their participation, young professionals can make meaningful contributions to the qualitative development of UNESCO sites and inspire the creation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and participate in a Round Table discussion held at Palazzo Zorzi the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, in Venice. Their work will also be displayed in an exhibition at the commencement of the Biennale Architettura 2025.PrizesThe competition offers a total prize fund of 15,000, with the following awards:1st Prize: 5,000 and a certificate2nd Prize: 4,000 and a certificate3rd Prize: 3,000 and a certificate4th Prize: 2,000 and a certificate5th Prize: 1,000 and a certificateIn addition, the jury may award up to five honourable mentions to submissions of exceptional merit.JuryAn esteemed international jury has been convened, including:Manuel Herrero Sanchz, Architect, SpainMagdalena Landry, Director UNESCO Office Venice, PolandCristbal Tirado, Architect, Chile,Doan Than H, Architect, VietnamOmar Degan, Architect, SomaliaGiacomo Ardesio, Architect, Italy, will serve as the alternate juror.TimelineThe competition will proceed according to the following schedule:Launch: 7 January 2025Deadline for questions: 16 January 2025Deadline for answers: 31 January 2025Deadline for registration: 7 March 2025Deadline for submission of entries: 7 March 2025 at 17:00 Paris timeJury decision: 4 April 2025Result announcement and Awards Ceremony: 7 May 2025Vernissage (Exhibition Opening): 7 May 2025Roundtable discussion: 8 May 2025Exhibition at the Palazzo Zorzi, Venice: 8 to 15 May 2025How to ParticipateInterested architects and teams can visit the official UIA competition platform to register, ask questions, and submit their entries.Contact InformationFor media inquiries and further details, please contact: competitions@uia-architectes.org.Find out more and download the competition brief on the UIA website.Top image in the article courtesy of UIA.> via UIAarchitecture competition

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Bureau Cube Partners have converted an old Milan Vapa Paper Mill into a cultural venue in Belgrade, Serbia.After an anonymous design competition for the new Nikola Tesla Museum, the team from Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Bureau Cube Partners of Serbia presented their design, which was chosen by the jury.Nikola Tesla was a visionary engineer and inventor who revolutionized electrical engineering and technology, helping to form the contemporary world. Although he is most recognized for creating alternating current electricity, Tesla is also credited with creating the Tesla coil, pioneering wireless communication, and ideas that served as the foundation for radio and radar technology.Even today, advancements in energy, communications, and technology are influenced and motivated by Tesla's work, which spanned the 1880s to the early 1900s.Image NorviskaThe new Nikola Tesla Museum preserves the city's architectural tradition, creates a number of new public areas for both locals and tourists, and transforms Belgrade's old Milan Vapa Paper Mill into a cultural attraction honoring Tesla's legacy.The paper mill, which was constructed by Milan Vapa, an industrialist from Belgrade, and opened as the country's first modern factory in 1924, was decommissioned and utilized as a freight company's storage facility before being abandoned about ten years ago.Because of its cultural significance, the Belgrade Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments has conserved the structure. Belgrade Waterfront is funding its transformation into the Nikola Tesla Museum.The 1920s building's adaptive reuse will maintain its industrial past while enhancing its indoor and outdoor areas to become a premier cultural destination that is easier to get to from the city.North faade render. Image ZHATesla's studies of wireless energy transfer and magnetic fields are included into the museum's design. The design includes dynamic elliptical curves emanating from the site's dominant feature, the ancient industrial chimney, and is informed by ideas of magnetic forces and interconnection.The public entrance to the triple-height central atrium, which is anchored by the historic chimney at the center of the 13,400 square meter museum, will be a new circular opening in the western faade of the factory.In order to provide returning visitors with a fresh experience, the museum's first floor galleries feature historical objects, interactive exhibits, and immersive presentations. Meanwhile, temporary galleries will house a constantly shifting schedule of exhibitions and events.View from top galleries. Image NorviskaThe immersive Tesla Electronic Transformer Gallery, which has a 12-million-volt transformer, will captivate visitors and highlight Tesla's spirit of innovation. A caf, a multipurpose hall, and a rooftop restaurant with expansive views of the Sava River are all available to visitors to the museum.Nikola Tesla Square will be the city's new public area outside the building. The square's flowing walkways, gardens, and plazasall inspired by Tesla's ideas about electromagnetic fieldswill improve accessibility and link to the city's transit system and Belgrade Waterfront.Coil Room. Image XuniverseThe restoration of the paper mill maintains its ancient faades, vaulted ceilings, and stonework while modernizing its structure to become one of the city's most significant cultural sites while minimizing ecological effect through passive design and the use of renewable and geothermal energy.Zaha Hadid Architects revealed its first project Discovery City masterplan for Malaysia. Additionally, the firm began construction on lemiste Passenger Terminal in Tallinn. Moreover, the studio shared update about the construction of West Kowloon Terminus in Hong Kong.Project factsClient:Belgrade WaterfrontZaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)ZHA Project Director: Manuela GattoZHA Project Team: Besan Abudayah, Thomas Bagnoli, Armando Bussey, Alicia Hidalgo, Panos Ioakim, Jung Yeon Kwak, Catherine McCann, Yevgeniya Pozigun, Houzhe Xu, Zixin YeZHA Smart Museum Design:Uli Blum, Danial HaziqZHA Sustainability Team: Bahaa Alnassrallah, Aditya Ambare, Carlos Bausa Martinez, Abhilash Menon, Disha Shetty, Jing XuBureau Cube Partners (BCP)BCP Project Director:Milan RakoviBCP Project Team:Danijela Bakic, Milos Bojinovic, Nadica Davidovic, Ana Maria Gaspar, Milena Ivanovic, Milena Kalinic, Sasa Kostic, Sanja Kostic, Bojana Maksimovic, Zora Pajcin, Aleksanda Stevanovic, Ana Suman, Nikola Umicevic, Sara Vasic, Stefan JovanovicSustainability Engineering:Max FordhamStructural Engineering (New additions): Lanik I. S.AStructural Engineering (Restoration):DB Engineering d.o.oMEP Engineering:Conventus Consultants d.o.oLighting Designer:Lichtvision Design LtdVisualisers: Xuniverse, Norviska, 3D Point d.o.oTop image in the article Norviska.> via Zaha Hadid Architects

Whether you're using the latest and best phoneor something a little older, you're still going to need to charge it eventually. The same goes for laptops, tablets and other devices, which means you need somewhere to plug them all in. A dearth of outlets is a real problem for most of us, which is why having something like this Anker Prime 6-port charger is such a good idea. It turns one AC outlet into multiple charging ports, and right now it can be yours for just $59.See at AmazonThis limited-time Amazon deal is available to everyone, but it likely won't last much longer. While we can't say when it will end, ordering sooner rather than later is the best way to lock in this price.Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.This charging station sports two USB-A ports and four USB-C ports with a maximum combined output of 200 watts. Each USB-C port can handle 100 watts and two can be used simultaneously to charge high-powered hardware like laptops.Your new charger comes with a 5-foot power cord, so you have some flexibility in terms of where you place it. Plus, the whole thing is surprisingly small, too. Despite that, Anker says the charger has multiple systems designed to monitor charging temperatures to ensure all of your devices are charged quickly and safely. Top deals available today, according to CNET's shopping experts Curated discounts worth shopping while they last Apple AirTag, 4-pack: $70 (save $29)Costco 1-year Gold Star membership + $20 gift card: $65 (save $20)Anker 20-watt USB-C charger, 2-pack: $12 (save $7)Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum: $160 (save $40)Peloton Bike: $1,145 (save $300) Why this deal mattersNone of us seem to have enough AC outlets these days, meaning something like this multi-port charger can be worth its weight in gold. Thankfully, this deal means you don't need to pay gold-like prices, making convenient charging a more affordable option for everyone.

There are tons of different ways to entertain yourself at home whether that's streaming movies or playing games, but what if documentaries are more your speed? If that's you, we have a deal you can't afford to miss with a lifetime's access to the Curiosity Stream catalog of top-notch documentaries now yours for just $160. You'll need to be quick though -- this StackSocial deal ends in just a few days.See at StackSocialThere are so many differentstreaming servicesaround these days that it can be difficult to keep track of them all. You're probably already paying for services that offer movies, TV shows and sports. Curiosity Stream offers an ever-growing catalog of factual content.Hey, did you know?CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.From history to deep space to the wilds of nature, this streaming service gives you instant access to award-winning, educational digital content. Launched by Discovery Communications founder John Hendricks, Curiosity Stream delivers documentaries that cover a wide range of topics and it's one of our favorites for educational content. Learn about deep space from Stephen Hawking, experience an excavation at Pompeii and travel the world experiencing new places -- from remote jungles to European cities -- all without leaving home. There are regular content updates, too, so we're betting it would take you more than a lifetime to watch it all.The Curiosity Stream standard plan includes streaming and downloadable content, so you can watch movies offline when needed. It's easy to search, bookmark or resume viewing, and the service is compatible with mobile and desktop devices, as well as smart TVs, though if you plan to use an older device, you'll want to double-check the system requirements before your purchase. For example, requirements include Android and Android TV 5.0 and up, iOS 11 and up, Apple TV third-gen (and earlier via AirPlay) and Xbox One, among others. Just be sure to redeem the offer code within 30 days of purchase. Top deals available today, according to CNET's shopping experts Curated discounts worth shopping while they last Apple AirTag, 4-pack: $70 (save $29)Costco 1-year Gold Star membership + $20 gift card: $65 (save $20)Anker 20-watt USB-C charger, 2-pack: $12 (save $7)Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum: $160 (save $40)Peloton Bike: $1,145 (save $300) Why this deal mattersThe list price for the lifetime Curiosity Stream account is $400 at StackSocial, so you're saving 60% through that lens, but Curiosity Stream doesn't currently offer a lifetime option directly. A better comparison is to the cost of an annual plan, which is $40. So the deal price of $160 is the equivalent of paying the annual price for the service for four years, so you're saving money from that point onward. You're also shielding yourself from any future price increases.Alternatively, if Curiosity Stream isn't for you, be sure to hit up our list of the best streaming service deals for the latest offers on Disney Plus, Peacock, Paramount Plus and more. CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on theCNET Deals page, and sign up for theCNET Deals Textto get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the freeCNET Shopping extensionto your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse ourgift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more. See at CNET

Finding a show to watch on Netflix can be overwhelming given the plethora of titles across all genres. The streamer is known for its sprawling dramas, addictive reality competitions and original comedies. And with so much to choose from, we've narrowed down some of the most entertaining shows on the streaming service right now, including award winner Baby Reindeer, which just picked up two Golden Globes in addition to its six Emmys. There's also Ripley, which also earned four Emmys this year, and evergreen favorites such as Peaky Blinders and Stranger Things. If you're looking for your next comfort show, here's our roundup of some of the best series you can binge on Netflix. And if you'd rather go with a movie instead, here are our picks for the best Netflix original movies.Read more: Best Streaming Services of 2024See at Netflix Ed Miller/Netflix Baby Reindeer (2024) Inspired by real events from writer-actor Richard Gadd's own life, Baby Reindeer follows Donny Dunn, an aspiring comedian whose day job is bartending. The bar is where he extends kindness to a stranger named Martha played by Jessica Gunning, setting off a months-long chain ordeal of stalking. Donny's experience being stalked triggers a wave of unaddressed trauma, making for an interesting story. The seven-episode series won a string of Emmy awards along with the Golden Globes for Best Limited Series and Best Supporting Actress for Gunning. Netflix Ripley (2024) Praised by CNET's Aaron Pruner as a "brilliant new take on the anti-hero story," Netflix's Ripley is the latest book-to-screen adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel character. Andrew Scott plays the cunning Tom Ripley, a stylish con man who uses morally sketchy methods to get what he wants -- even murder. Filmed in stark black and white, the series won four Emmys including those for cinematography and visual effects, as well as directing for Steven Zallian. Netflix No Good Deed (2024) Netflix's new star-studded crime dramedy features an all-star ensemble, including Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow, Luke Wilson, Dennis Leary, Teyonah Parris, Abbi Jacobson and Linda Cardellini. (The show was created by Liz Feldman, who previously created the darkly comedic Dead To Me, which also co-starred Cardellini.) The new series is about a couple, Lydia and Paul (Kudrow and Romano), whose newly listed L.A. home has created a frenzy of competition from house hunters. But there are quite a few secrets -- and maybe bodies -- buried there. Netflix Squid Game (2021 - Present) This thriller was all anyone talked about when it debuted, and for good reason. Hundreds of people in desperate need of cash compete in a series of games that become a fight for survival. If you can handle the grotesque and gory themes throughout this show, it's an enthralling watch. Season 2, which arrived at the end of December, marks the return of Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), also known as Player 456, as he reenters the competition in hopes of ending it for good. A third and final season has also been confirmed. Netflix Black Doves (2024) When the spy thriller Black Doves arrived to Netflix last year, it quickly shot into the Netflix Top 10 and has already been renewed for a second season. The addictive series stars Keira Knightly -- who received a Golden Globe nomination for the role -- as a spy named Helen Webb married to a politician in the British government who has no idea about her true identity. Ben Whishaw plays Helen's friend and associate Sam, an assassin battling his own sense of morality, in this action-packed (and very bloody) series filled with espionage and some very dark humor. Keith Bernstein/Netflix The Crown (2016 - 2023) A compelling, artful retelling of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown touches on many themes beyond the monarchy, including politics, family and the tumult of royal marriages -- namely that of Charles and Diana. Beyond the spectacular casting across all six seasons, the show is supported by strong writing and gripping storylines that stir emotion in viewers, regardless of how they actually feel about the British monarchy. Sam Tayor/Netflix Sex Education (2019 - 2023) Sex Education is a coming-of-age British comedy that gave Gillian Anderson one of her best roles, as a divorced sex therapist raising a teen son Otis (Asa Butterfield). It alsoserved as a breeding ground for incredible young talent, including Emma Mackey, Aimee Lou Wood, Connor Swindells and Ncuti Gatwa, who is the newest Doctor Who. Taking place at a high school filled with sexually curious teens, the show began with Otis doling out sex advice to his classmates after absorbing information from his mother's profession, but it evolved into one of the most heartfelt teen romantic dramedies of the last few years. Frank Ockenfels/AMC Breaking Bad (2008 - 2013) Lauded as one of the best television shows of all time, Breaking Bad has all the merits of a standout series: a suspenseful storyline, dynamic characters and shocking plot twists -- many of which are not for the faint of heart. It follows high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who turns to cooking meth when he's diagnosed with cancer and worries about providing for his family. But his knack for producing the illegal substance leads him down roads he never imagined. Netflix Blue Eye Samurai (2023-) Animated series Blue Eye Samurai unfolds with Mizu, a mixed-race woman warrior who is seeking revenge against four men -- one of whom is her father. Set during the Edo period in Japan, the show features Maya Erskine as Mizu with Stephanie Hsu, Ming-Na Wen, George Takei, Masi Oka, Brenda Song, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa and Mark Dacascos among the cast. Season 1 of the Emmy winner is streaming now. Netflix Arcane (2021-) Pulling from League of Legends lore, Arcane stands out as an animated fantasy series about socioeconomic inequalities in Piltover and Zaun. Corruption, violence and more are explored in the show through the characters' journeys. Season 1 is available now and Season 2 was out in three parts starting Nov. 9. Netflix Peaky Blinders (2013 - 2022) Peaky Blinders tells the story of an English gang run by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his family after World War I. The gang controls the city of Birmingham, but Shelby begins to set his sights beyond the streets as he aims to move up in the world. What sells this show is not only its compelling storyline, but also its stellar casting. For fans of period dramas -- and crime shows -- Peaky Blinders is a must-watch. A word of caution, though: This gritty series is not for the squeamish. Netflix Black Mirror (2011 - Present) Black Mirror is a dark, dystopian imagining of a world overrun by technology and modern "advancements." A series of standalone episodes each depict their own compelling -- and often unsettling -- imagining of the impact of our increasingly digital lives. (The anthology format itself can be a refreshing way to consume television in the age of binge-watching.) It will haunt and entertain you in all the best ways. Season 7 will arrive in 2025, and creator Charlie Brooker said that some new episodes are "deeply unpleasant." Netflix The Great British Baking Show (2010 - Present) The Great British Baking Show (also known as The Great British Bake-Off) has become synonymous with comfort television, and it continues to deliver all the feel-good vibes. New-ish host Alison Hammond, who joined last season, has proven to be a wonderful addition to the existing cast, which also includes co-host Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. The competition show sees 12 bakers engaging in a series of three baking challenges each week, and though the latest season is over, there are also seven other seasons and a new two-episode holiday special that offer the same cozy comfort. USA Network Suits (2011 - 2019) This comedy-drama follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout with no legal experience who manages to land a job at the law firm of one of New York's top attorneys, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). They become a powerful team, but have to keep Mike's lack of legal credentials under wraps. A testament to Suits' brilliance is that it became the most-watched acquired series when it hit Netflix in 2023. (The star power of now-Duchess Meghan Markle, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane in the show, was likely also a factor.) All seasons are now streaming on the platform. Ludovic Robert/Netflix One Day (2024) If you're on TikTok, you've probably seen this one all over your feed. One Day is a heart-wrenching adaptation of David Nicholls' novel, in which we see Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) reunite on the same day across two decades. It's a unique storytelling device that'll make you reflect on time and relationships, and pull at your heartstrings. Netflix Beef (2023) A road rage incident between Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong) turns into a drawn-out feud, setting the stage for an enthralling comedic drama made all the better by stellar casting. Beef stole the show at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, nabbing eight wins, and won all three categories it was nominated for at the 81st Golden Globe Awards. Netflix A Man On The Inside (2024) Ted Danson is a sitcom legend thanks to his roles in Cheers, Becker and The Good Place. And his latest role, in Netflix's A Man On The Inside, keeps that reputation intact and even garnered him a Golden Globe nomination this year. Danson has teamed up again with Good Place showrunner Mike Schur for this new comedy about a widowed retiree named Charles whose desire to find a new hobby lands him a job as a spy for a local private investigator. His assignment? To infiltrate a San Francisco retirement home to find out who's been stealing from the residents. The problem is that Charles, affable and amiable as he is, keeps making friends with all the suspects. The eight-episode show, which was released in November 2024, is an emotional journey filled with pathos, grief and comedy, and is the perfect comfort binge. Getty Images Griselda (2024) Griselda Blanco Restrepo was a ruthless Colombian drug lord who was instrumental in setting up narcotics trade networks to New York and Miami in the 1970s and '80s. Her violent, tragedy-filled life is the basis for this six-part Netflix original series, which debuted in January 2024. Modern Family star Sofia Vergara plays Blanco, who took her "Godmother" nickname so seriously that she actually named one of her children Michael Corleone Blanco. Helmed by Colombian director Andrs Baiz and produced by the team behind Narcos, it's a classic rise-and-fall crime drama. Vergara's performance won plenty of critical praise and earned her an Emmy nomination. Netflix The Diplomat (2023 - Present) Political drama The Diplomat, which stars Keri Russell as an American diplomat named Kate Wyler in London, returned this fall with its second pulse-pounding season. The show's first season, which premiered in 2023, is eight episodes, and Season 2 is even shorter, coming in at six episodes, making it the perfect weekend binge if you're looking for a show that combines action-packed international intrigue and political thrills with soapy marital drama. Netflix Stranger Things (2016 - Present) Stranger Things is an enthralling medley of horror, drama and nostalgia. Set in the 1980s in fictional small-town Indiana, residents begin experiencing a series of odd events, including the disappearance of a young boy, and begin to search for answers. Though Netflix has only hinted at when the fifth and final season will arrive (they recently wrote that release info would be coming "soon"), it's rumored to be dropping by mid-2025. Netflix Money Heist (2017 - 2021) In this riveting Spanish crime drama, a mastermind called "The Professor" assembles a group of eight people to carry out an ambitious robbery of the Royal Mint of Spain. The show uses compelling flashbacks and time jumps to keep you on your toes. Netflix Bridgerton (2020 - Present) One of the most aesthetically pleasing shows on this list. Bridgerton is set in Regency-era England as the Bridgerton siblings search for love while navigating high society -- and being the subject of anonymously penned gossip pamphlets. There's plenty of drama, beautiful costumes and lavish tea parties to keep you coming back for more. The first installment of Season 3 arrives on May 16, so catch up now. Netflix The Night Agent (2023 - Present) Gabriel Basso stars in The Night Agent, based on the novel of the same name written by Matthew Quirk. In the show's first season, FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Basso) works at the White House in the top secret Night Agent program, where he gets pulled into a dangerous conspiracy when he learns a mole might be lurking within the government. The show's second season will arrive on Jan. 23, 2025.

Microsoft announces Xbox Developer DirectDoom! South of Midnight! Clair Obscur!Image credit: Microsoft News by Tom Phillips Editor-in-Chief Published on Jan. 9, 2025 Microsoft will once again hold a Xbox Developer Direct to kick off the new year, with deep dives into a small selection of upcoming Xbox Game Studios titles.Xbox's next livestream will begin at 6pm UK time (that's 1pm Eastern or 10am Pacific) on Thursday, 23rd January - that's a fortnight from today.On the schedule will be a detailed look at Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and a mystery fourth game from an unknown studio. Mysterious! Doom: The Dark Ages has been dubbed as an origin story for the series' iconic Doom Slayer from veteran developer id Software, and is set to launch for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S at some point in 2025. Will we get a date? It seems likely.South of Midnight, meanwhile, is the stylish-looking action-adventure from We Happy Few developer Compulsion Games, set in a gothic fantasy American Deep South. It looks a treat, though also currently lacks a release date beyond "2025". Here's hoping we find out when exactly it'll arrive for PC and Xbox Series X/S very soon.Next up, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This is the dark fantasy RPG from French outfit Sandfall Interactive that we reckon has shades of Persona and Final Fantasy, plus the vocal talents of Andy Serkis and Charlie Cox. Clair Obscur isn't an Xbox Game Studios title and is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S at some point this year.And then there's that fourth game. Microsoft still has plenty on its 2025 release schedule that this could be - Fable, The Outer Wilds, even Avowed - which will be just a month away. But the secretive nature here suggests something that hasn't yet publicly been confirmed. It'll be interesting to see if internet rumours of an Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion remake bear any fruit.Join us in a couple of weeks for Xbox Developer Direct, right here on Eurogamer, when we'll be reporting live.

Botany Manor sprouts new January PS5 release date, after missing earlier launchRoot cause.Image credit: Microsoft News by Tom Phillips Editor-in-Chief Published on Jan. 9, 2025 Back in November, relaxed garden puzzle game Botany Manor was announced as getting a belated launch for PlayStation 4 and PS5.An impressive indie 3D puzzling effort, Botany Manor had already shone on PC, Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X - including Xbox Game Pass - earlier in 2024. But in December, publisher Whitethorn Games issued an update to say Botany Manor had hit a snag, and would now launch in the new year. Well, here we are - and today brings a fresh (and hopefully final) PlayStation launch date for the game: 28th January.Botany Manor's release date trailer for its original launch on non-PlayStation platforms last year.Watch on YouTubeI can wholeheartedly recommend Botany Manor, as one of the few games I actually got around to fully completing last year. You're given the keys to a National Trust-style estate that slowly opens up over time as you uncover mysteries and grow long-lost blooms through increasingly brain-teasing ways.But things never get too taxing, the game is relentlessly chilled out, and the game's gentle story offers just enough of a glimpse at life within its Victorian-era surroundings to keep you intrigued."Perhaps an afternoon in Botany Manor's company will inflame your own curiosity for nature," Matt wrote in Eurogamer's Botany Manor review last year. "Or perhaps you'll simply be content to explore its sun-dabbled corners, solve its few clever puzzles, and enjoy the timeless pleasures of an enchanting summer's day stroll."

Negotiations over AI are still holding up video game development - Mass Effect's Jennifer Hale explains why"A great negotiation ends up with everybody being a little unhappy."Image credit: BioWare / Diana Ragland Feature by Ed Nightingale Deputy News Editor Published on Jan. 9, 2025 On 26th July 2024, performers from the US actors union SAG-AFTRA began a strike after failing to reach a deal with major video game companies over the use of AI. Negotiations had been ongoing for more than a year and a half; now, six months later, the strike continues, delaying game production and leaving actors out of work.While actors from the union have negotiated on various critical issues, including wages in-line with inflation and job safety, the exploitative use of AI and the use of actors' voices without consent remains the major sticking point. And while an interim Interactive Media Agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the games industry is currently in place to allow some production to continue (and provide acting work), a full resolution is yet to be found.So why are negotiations taking so long? Celebrated voice actor Jennifer Hale (Mass Effect, Bayonetta 3) tells Eurogamer she's not surprised: "AI is an existential issue for all of us".Mass Effect Legendary Edition Official Launch Trailer (4K)Watch on YouTube"It's a huge issue for all of us and the repercussions are vast," she says. "So to me, it makes sense that everyone needs to take their time. As performers - and we saw this in the writers strike and the theatrical contract strike - we're just the canary in the coal mine."I've been speaking to people on both sides over the last few months especially and there's a lot to learn on both sides," she continues. "Some of the decision makers in that room who hold significant power are at the same time quite disconnected from how production happens. There are also many in that room who are deeply connected to the process. So there is such a wide variety of agendas at play."The producers who actually do the work with us, they want to get back to work and they are open to having really productive conversations. I think the people in the room who are representing a more large-scale corporate interest, their priority is profit protection in the future, which means leaving all the options open. But what I'm not sure they understand is that leaving those options open leaves performers in great jeopardy."Hale was on the SAG-AFTRA committee in 2016 when it negotiated the Interactive Media Agreement renewal previously. But, she explains, there's an important difference this time around."In 2016 we could actually have sidebars and talk directly with each other, the two sides," she says. "My understanding is that in this particular negotiation up until very, very recently, they haven't been allowed to talk to each other. They can each talk to their attorney, and then the attorneys talk to each other. And until you have the people with the vested interest having the conversations, all that's happening is billable hours are going up.""Until you have the people with the vested interest having the conversations, all that's happening is billable hours are going up."Still, 2016 was nine years ago and, as Hale points out, times have changed since then. In particular, AI is far more prominent in our everyday lives - let alone game development - meaning the conversation around its use is more complex, and urgent."I think it's absolutely critical to pay attention to the context that we're now negotiating in. It's so vastly different from the last negotiation," she says. "The world is so much more polarised. We all live in these crazy echo chambers where we are righteous and certain of ourselves, and righteousness and certainty are the road to destruction. A great negotiation ends up with everybody being a little unhappy. I think it's really important that we all remember, that is the definition of compromise. We're not in there to get our way. We're in there to protect our future." Hale also played Rivet in the latest Ratchet and Clank game | Image credit: Insomniac/SonySo what is it that actors want out of this negotiation? Hale puts it succinctly: "ownership over our own voices".Last March, ahead of the strike, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated the union's aim was to "make sure the implementation [of AI] is human-centred and focused on augmentation [of production], not replacement of people" and that "consent and compensation" were critical.Hale echoes those feelings now. "We need to be able to control when our voice is used," she says. "I don't want my voice used on a project that I would never support or that I didn't say yes to. We need to be compensated for when our voice is used, because we are paid for our exposure as much as for our time.""We all deserve the right to say, yeah, you can use my voice," she says. "And if you take my voice without my permission, that's theft."Hale highlights the "incredible unity" from actors around the globe supporting the strike, including the "great support" in the UK. While the UK actors union Equity has not authorised a strike due to UK law, it has said it "stands in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA". In 2023, Equity launched a "ground-breaking AI toolkit" to protect performers."If you take my voice without my permission, that's theft."For SAG-AFTRA members, the interim Interactive Media Agreement is in place with over 130 games signed to it, Hale explains. "I'm seeing a lot of game companies come around, look over the interim agreement - which is essentially the things that we're asking for - and say, 'This is really reasonable, sign me up'," she says.Why, then, has that interim agreement not transferred to a proper agreement? It's because of the fine print, says Hale. "There are a couple of entities who want to protect their potential profits in the future and leave lots of doors open, and those doors could potentially hurt us a lot," she says. "You don't write rules of the road for most sensible, considerate people. You write them for the ones who are going to drink-drive and take somebody out."For Hale, and many of her peers, the use of AI is "not a union issue" but an existential one not easily tied up in an agreement. And she believes humans need to take responsibility."AI is a tool, like a hammer," she says. "I can take my hammer and I can build you a house, or I can take my hammer and I can break your kneecaps. But in either instance, I, the human, am the one wielding the hammer, and everybody out there is responsible for this. We cannot blame the tool."She surmises: "Everything has a price, shortcuts included."And if you think Hale is over-exaggerating the risks of AI, it's worth remembering that it's not just legitimate developers who now have access to actor's voices. Tools to mimic and use video game characters have already been used by modders creating non-consensual deepfake content. There was also the case of a Twitch streamer using a Baldur's Gate 3 actor's voice to read sexually violent pornography."For me, it comes down to two phrases," Hale says. "'Don't be a jerk'." And also "Does your mother know what you're doing? Does your grandmother? Could you do it in front of them? Then don't freaking do it."Still, Hale is positive about the future of her profession. That's in part due to services like Ethovox - set up by actor Cissy Jones - to safeguard performers. "It is so conscientiously run," says Hale, praising Jones for not only educating performers but listening to their needs. Hale became particularly celebrated for her performance as Shepard in Mass Effect | Image credit: BiowareIndeed, Hale believes AI and acting can absolutely coexist. "I think AI has incredible potential for actors of all flavours I think there's a wonderful partnership to be worked out," she says. "As long as everyone's sharing the benefits. We only get into trouble when people do it without asking, when they feel they have a right to who you are, and when they keep everything for themselves."More broadly, though, video games are works of art created by humans and Hale still deeply believes that should be celebrated. "Some people are going to save a few bucks and do the AI thing," Hale admits, "but I think it's going to very quickly become a mark of prestige and of quality to say, 'I have humans in my game'."What gets you in a game is that feeling you get. And that feeling was caused by a spark in a human soul, a human wrote that, and then a human performed it and felt it and experienced it, so that you, the human player, can do the same. There is a spark of divinity in the human soul that cannot be denied and cannot be duplicated. I'm not worried."

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide One of the best recent additions to Dead By Daylight has been 2v8 mode. So far weve had two events of the LTM, and BeHaviour has promised that there will be more in the future. While nothing has been confirmed, it appears the LTM is coming back very soon, and massive DBD leaks have revealed a new 2v8 mode map, survivor class, and crossover. It is poised to be another incredible year for Dead By Daylight. The January 2025 roadmap includes the return of Chas Shuffle very soon, and in March we are set to get the final licensed killer of Year 9. Soon after we are then due for Five Nights At Freddys, and then we will get the anniversary chapter, which leaks believe could be Jurassic World. There are an assortment of tantalising leaks for DBD over the next 12-months, and a really exciting new leak suggests Resident Evil is meeting 2v8 mode. Dead By Daylight leak reveals Resident Evil 2v8 modeDead By Daylight leaker, Dvveet, has revealed on X that a Resident Evil-themed 2v8 mode is coming. This leak comes courtesy of Aricarna and Wazzup on the DBDLeaks Discord. The leaks show datamines that have come with the recent PTB featuring a host of changes for Freddy Kreuger. According to the datamines, the new 2v8 mode map will be the Raccoon City Police Station.In addition, Dvveet has revealed that the Resident Evil-theme will see the introduction of green and yellow herbs for both killers and survivors to use. These could be scattered around the map, and their use in the world of DBD is currently unknown. There will be even more Resident Evil in February with the release of survivor and killer outfit bundles. Its important to note that it is not confirmed if there will be any new skins added to Dead By Daylight. Image credit: @Dvveet on XRuthlessLeaks previously teased new Resident Evil content coming soon, and its possible they were alluding to this 2v8 mode. Fans speculated the addition of Lady Dimitrescu, and it would be amazing if BeHaviour and Capcom released a Legendary outfit. New DBD 2v8 mode survivor class Lastly, alongside Resident Evil, Dead By Daylight leaks have revealed a new survivor class joining 2v8 mode. The survivor class is reportedly named Meatshield, and they are capable of performing a Dash to stun killers. There is no release date for the third iteration of 2v8 mode, but Dvveet speculates it should come out in February. Leaks previously unearthed files adding Oni and Legions maps to 2v8, and its assumed that these are still planned for the future. For more Dead By Daylight content, check out ourranking of the top 10 DLC expansions to buyalong with a ranking of thebest killer perksandbest survivor perks.Dead by DaylightPlatform(s):Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Survival Horror7VideoGamerRelated TopicsDead by Daylight Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereSince its release in Season 0, Marvel Rivals has presented players with a diverse pool of characters, each customized to a different playstyle, making every character a potential favorite for someone. The games design allows for a wide range of rolesVanguard, Duelist, and Strategistso whether you favor strategic support, front-line tanking, or high-damage output, theres a hero for you.Characters like Hela and Hawkeye have been popular among Marvel Rivals players who value precision and high-impact damage, as they provide a playstyle that rewards skill with one-shot capability. Mantis, on the other hand, has become a go-to for those who enjoy the healer position, with her skills providing both offensive and defensive choices that can turn a fight around.Season 0s freedom, with no role queuing system, allowed players to explore freely, learning roles like Doctor Strange for environmental control or Spider-Man for fluid movement. However, a new review of win rates from Season 0 has made headlines where surprisingly, the most beloved character Jeff the Land Shark is the worst of them all.Marvel Rivals Season 0 hero hot list reveals Jeff The Land Sharks low win ratesThe official Marvel Rivals website shared a full report of the win and pick rates of each hero during Season 0, where players could determine which heroes were picked the most and have been successful among players in both Quick Play and Competitive lobbies.Jeffs win rate is the lowest among all healers in Rivals. Image by NetEase Games.According to the website, Jeff The Land Shark had a 44.38% win rate, while unfavorable Strategists like Adam Warlock are high up there with a 53.59% win rate.Despite his enormous popularity for his cute personality and unusual play mechanics, Jeff has emerged as the character with the lowest win rate among all Strategists in the game. This revelation has spurred discussions regarding the balance of fun and efficacy, underlining that in Marvel Rivals, even the most beloved character might be the biggest loser in terms of competitive success.Even in the official Marvel Rivals subreddit, players are debating the issue that Cloak & Dagger and Jeff are among the healers with the lowest win rates, hence prompting some to pick Mantis and Luna Snow, which according to players is almost a guaranteed win. Almost.With the upcoming Season 1, Jeffs ultimate ability will be nerfed, allowing enemies to reply more quickly before it is released. Check out our coverage on the full nerfs and buffs coming to Marvel Rivals Season 1: Eternal Night Falls.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterRelated TopicsMarvel Rivals Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share