A player gets away with a rather public assassination and more funny game fails.

Hi, I'm Marcel. I've been developing a game in my spare time for quite a while now (I'd rather not count the years, yikes!). The Steam page went live in 2018, and this was the first banner image. The character's name is Quinn (though she might not have had a name back then).

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Fat Bear Week, the National Park Services official celebration of the fattest bears around, is getting its own unofficial board game. Tabletop publisher Osprey Games announced the upcoming release Katmai: The Bears of Brooks River, a two-player board game that takes direct inspiration from the cultural phenomenon. You play as sandy- or cinnamon-colored brown bears staking your claim to chunks of an Alaskan river in the hopes that youll catch enough salmon to get you through your winter hibernation.A bit of a departure from the high-action, hardcore war games Osprey Games is known for, Katmai has players view the world from a four-legged perspective. However, that doesnt mean Osprey has left its strategic, competitive gameplay behind. While these bears may seem friend-shaped theyre each represented by one of 24 cards with furry illustrations, unique bear abilities, and names like Flo, Marge, Milkshake and Headbob theyre fighting for dominance. As fishing spots along the Brooks River get occupied, bears compete in challenges to feed themselves and their cubs.The game isnt subtle about its real-life source material. Fat Bear Week takes place each October in Katmai National Park, an Alaskan preserve that is home to not only bears and salmon, but caribou, lynxes, wolves, and more. All the bears in the game are named after real-life brown bears from Katmai National Park. While most of the rulebook covers the games mechanics, the final six pages are dedicated to educating players about Katmai, its animal inhabitants, and the work of the Katmai Conservancy, which has worked to fund research on the region and preserve its unique ecosystem since the parks founding in 1980.Katmai: The Bears of Brooks River, designed by Peter Ridgeway with illustration by Tom Lopez, is slated for release on Feb. 27. You can pre-order the game now for $35 on the Osprey Games website.

Transformers: Reactivate has been canceled, developer Splash Damage announced with a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Jan. 8.Today, we have some very difficult news to share, the statement reads. The decision has been made to end development of Transformers: Reactivate. This means 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.Transformers: Reactivate was first revealed at The Game Awards in 2022 with a trailer depicting an apocalyptic attack on a major city by robotic invaders known as the Legion, and a group of humans reviving Bumblebee. The official website describes the game as a 1-4 player online action game for consoles and PC, but further details have been scarce in the years between its debut and cancellation, in spite of persistent anticipation.Heres the full statement from Splash Damage:Today, we have some very difficult news to share. The decision has been made to end development of Transformers: Reactivate.This means 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.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.While not being able to see the game through to release is painful, having to say goodbye to friends and colleagues hurts even more. Were 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.Thank you for your compassion and understanding.

Elden Ring Nightreign, a cooperative roguelike Elden Ring spinoff, will be playable via a network test in February. Sign-ups for the test itself open later this week.Youll experience a portion of what Nightreign has to offer, including a glimpse of its gameplay, classes, and progression as long as you get selected to be a tester. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to play in the network test, but if youre an Elden Ring fan, its worth signing up for the chance to play Nightreign.Heres how to sign up for the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, plus details about when registration opens and what to expect from the test should you be lucky enough to get in.How to sign up for Elden Ring Nightreign Network TestPrior to signing up for the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, you should know that the test is limited to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X users only. Unfortunately, for those on PlayStation 4, Windows PC, or Xbox One, you will not be able to participate. (That said, Elden Ring Nightreign is currently planned to launch on those platforms upon full release.)Registration for the Elden Ring Nightreign network test is not available at the time of this writing (Jan. 8), but it will open up on Friday, Jan. 10. The sign-ups will likely look a little something like this:Head over to the Elden Ring Nightreign network test site and create an account.Register for the network test and indicate which platform you prefer to play on.Wait for an email about the network test in February.Not every registrant will be selected to participate, but dont be too disappointed if you dont get selected, as there may be more tests in the future!What to expect in the Elden Ring Nightreign Network TestThe Elden Ring Nightreign network test will function similarly to Elden Rings network test in that its main purpose is to discover any problems and errors that may occur while playing. Additionally, the previous Elden Ring network test had five three-hour long test sessions, so youll have multiple opportunities to play.Your main goal as a tester is to take note of any issues that you run into, and since it is a test, youll most likely find a few bugs here and there. The test is somewhat reflective of what the final product may look like, but it is in no way complete!As Elden Ring Nightreign is a co-op game, a big focus of the test will most likely be the games multiplayer features and the server load, so there may be a few connectivity hiccups.With Nightreign being a roguelike, youll experience its gameplay loop of success and defeat, its progression system. However, progression may be tied to the hero youre playing. It hasnt been confirmed how many of the eight heroes will be available during the test, but previous tests done by PC Gamer and IGN have had four heroes available to play.For more how the game plays, see our writeup on how Elden Ring Nightreign works.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.Oatmeal lovers, I have good news for you: If you got excited when overnight oats were added to your groat repertoire, you might not be able to contain yourself when you find out there is yet another way to prepare them. It turns out that oatmeal can be easily prepared in most rice cookers. (Provided you have some time on your hands.)Why cook oatmeal in a rice cooker?This cooking method is a great solution for multitaskers and folks on a tight morning schedule. Its particularly wonderful if youre looking to feed a group of three to six or if youre meal prepping a large batch. Be aware, this works best with a more advanced rice cooker that has several settings (well talk more about that later).Cooking oats in the rice cooker is helpful since its a hands-off method, making it perfectly safe to walk away from while its working. Its easy to set up and enables you to fully immerse yourself in other tasks while you wait for breakfast. If, for some reason, your stove is broken or you don't have one, then this electric appliance can certainly help. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann How do you make oatmeal in a rice cooker?Oats act similarly to rice in that they continually absorb water until they burst and break apart. This being the case, plan enough room for the oats to swell as usual, and be just as accurate in measuring your ratio of liquid to oats. I used Bobs Red Mill steel cut oats (Golden Spurtle fans amirite?) and followed the cooking ratio listed on the back of the package. One cup of oats to two and a half cups of water worked well for me, although you can cut down on the liquid by up to a half cup if you prefer a stiffer porridge. Cooking oatmeal in a rice cooker works, with one downsideThe resulting oatmeal was as perfect as it getstender and piping hot, with a thick consistency. Just how I like it. However, I hit a couple snags along the way. As I mentioned earlier, I have a small rice cooker. Its old. Also its very basic. My rice cooker offers a choice between on and warm and, until I threw oatmeal into it, those were all the settings I needed. Naturally, I set it to on and walked away. I happened to be browsing my spice cabinet 20 minutes later when I heard a distinct sizzling and gurgling sound. Turns out my rice cooker was spewing out starchy oat juice. If youve ever boiled potatoes, pasta, or other high starch foods and accidentally covered it with a lid for too long, then you know what it looked like: The bubbles from the boiling water become starch bubbles, which build upon each other and eventually push themselves out of the pot. You must boil uncovered, or at least semi-covered, to avoid this, but thats not really an option for a rice cooker, since it relies on contained steam to ensure even cooking. This makes the rice cooker method work best for newer machines with medium to low temperature optionsmore settings than just on and warm. (Some now offer specific oatmeal settings, which is nice.) Single setting rice cookers can take longerIf you have an old rice cooker like I do, you have two options. You can cook it on high (which is on for me) for 10 to 20 minutes (while keeping a close eye on it) and then reduce the heat to warm (to avoid the oat volcano) for an additional 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The other option is to set it to warm from the start, and wait for a sizable portion of your life to creep by before you get to enjoy your oatmeal. Newer rice cookers might be less messyI made another batch, this time with rolled oats, in a more modern rice cooker. Rolled oats cook down to a softer texture so keep this in mind if you switch types. I used a simple 1:2 ratio of oats to water and added to the rice cooker container. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Some rice cookers will include an oatmeal preset, which is pretty handy. Of course, mine does not. Instead, there are mixed grain, porridge, or quick cook settings. The first two take over an hour, but I think that's overkill for some rolled oats. I clicked "quick cook" and kept an eye out for spewing oat juice. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Luckily, the ventilation system on my Toshiba seems more advanced than my other cooker. There was no mess and when the timer went off my oatmeal was finished. I didn't eat it right away, but the machine automatically clicked to "warm." When I finally got around to it, I hadn't done any of the actual cooking and it turned out to be a perfectly cozy start to my day. This method of cooking oatmeal isnt as fast as making it in a pot on the stovetop. Ultimately, I think it makes the most sense for leisurely preparing a bulk breakfast, or if you seriously can't be bothered with standing over a stove.

If you were hoping for a one-size-fits all answer for the best time to rebalance a portfolio, I'm sorry to disappoint: Portfolio rebalancing is one of the most crucial yet debated aspects of investment management. While the concept is straightforwardreturning your investment mix to your target allocationthe timing and frequency of rebalancing can spark heated discussions among financial experts. Let's take a look at the different approaches out there, and which one might make sense for you.Understanding portfolio driftOver time, your investment portfolio naturally drifts from its original allocation as different assets perform differently. For instance, during a bull market, your stock portion might grow significantly larger than your bond allocation, potentially exposing you to more risk than you initially intended. Conversely, during market downturns, your stock portion might shrink, possibly making your portfolio too conservative for your goals.Different approaches to rebalancingThe main purpose of rebalancing your portfolio is less about improving returns and more about risk reduction. With that in mind, here are some of the ways you can concentrate your rebalancing efforts.The calendar approachMany financial experts advocate for a simple, calendar-based rebalancing strategy, typically annually or semi-annually. This approach has several advantages:It removes emotion from the decision-making processIt requires minimal time and attentionIt helps maintain discipline in your investment strategyIt reduces the likelihood of making impulsive changes during market volatilityThe threshold approachOthers prefer threshold-based rebalancing, triggering adjustments when asset allocations drift beyond a certain percentage (often 5% or more) from their targets. This method:Responds more dynamically to market movementsMay capture more rebalancing opportunitiesCould potentially improve returns in volatile marketsRequires more frequent monitoring and potential tradingWhen you might not need to worrySuccessful rebalancing starts with a well-thought-out asset allocation strategy in the first place. Your allocation should reflect your risk tolerance, investment timeline, financial goals, and income needs. Certain investment vehicles and situations minimize the need for active rebalancing:Target-date funds: These automatically rebalance and adjust their asset allocation as you approach retirement.Robo-advisors: These digital platforms typically handle rebalancing automatically based on predetermined parameters.Professionally managed accounts: If you work with a financial advisor, they usually manage rebalancing as part of their services.So, rather than adhering strictly to either time-based or threshold-based rebalancing, simply review your portfolio at least annuallybut avoid obsessing over minor fluctuations. Consider rebalancing when your allocation drifts significantly (5% or more) from your targets, particularly if you're nearing retirement or have a lower risk tolerance.Some more tips to keep in mind: Use new contributions to rebalance when possible, as this can minimize transaction costs and tax implications. And don't forget about tax consequencesrebalancing in tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs can help avoid capital gains taxes.The bottom lineThe best rebalancing strategy is one you'll actually follow. While the debate between time-based and threshold-based rebalancing continues, the most important factors are understanding your investment goals and risk tolerance. Maintain a consistent approach and avoid emotional decisions during market volatility.Whether you choose annual rebalancing or a threshold-based approach, the key is to stick to your long-term investment plan while ensuring your portfolio doesn't drift too far from your intended asset allocation. Remember, the goal of rebalancing isn't to maximize returns but to maintain the risk-return profile that aligns with your investment objectives.

Cleaning is a task that is best done in short bursts, but even if you're sticking to a schedule and only working for short amounts of time, you still need some structure to determine what to focus on. Enter the 5x5 method, which has recently been picking up steam on social media. It offers a way to structure your cleaning sessions while keeping them quick, reducing the likelihood you end up overwhelmed or burned out. What is the 5x5 cleaning method?Think of it a little like the Pomodoro productivity technique: You'll need a timer, which you'll set in five-minute increments, and a list of five zones in your home that need some attention. You'll work on each zone for five minutes before moving to the next one. As with the Pomodoro technique, you shouldn't keep going on a particular zone once the timer goes off. This approach is gaining popularity online, where CleanTokkers are celebrating it for keeping their cleaning routines simple and helping them make small impacts that add up to bigger ones over time. What to keep in mind with the 5x5 cleaning methodI'm a well-documented fan of cleaning in 15-minute bursts to cut down on strain and feelings of being overwhelmed, so the 5x5 approach, with its 25 dedicated minutes of cleaning, is a little outside what I tend to recommend. Because the chunks of time devoted to each zone are so small, however, it doesn't end up feeling that overwhelming at all. You have two options when you set out to do this: You can choose five standard zones to address every day, or devote each day to whichever five unique zones are in the most serious need of some attention. The goal here is to pick small, workable spaces, not entire rooms, which differentiates the technique from other zone-based cleaning approaches like the FlyLady method. Instead of attempting to devote five minutes to "the bathroom," for instance,break the bathroom down into five smaller zones: the medicine cabinet, bathtub, toilet, etc. Play around with the approach for a few weeks to determine what works for you. For me, personally, this kind of routine usually involves zones that are pretty disparate. Spending 25 straight minutes in the bathroom would sap my motivation, but giving five minutes to the kitchen sink, then the shower, then the dining room table keeps me engaged and in the zone. It's also important not to go over the allotted time, to the best of your ability. No, you shouldn't drop your vacuum in the middle of the room if you haven't finished the whole floor when the timer rings, but ideally, after doing this for a while, you'll get the hang of figuring out what can and can't be done in five minutes, so you don't end up in that position. Sticking within the five-minute window will make you focus, work harder, and be more decisive, knowing your alarm is about to go off. There are, of course, bigger tasks that can't be done during five-minute bursts, so 5x5 may not work as an everyday approach for you. When mapping out your cleaning schedule for a given week, consider making three or four days a 5x5 day and setting aside a certain day or two for the bigger projects. Overall, what you want here is to build the habit of always maintaining your space, not letting messes pile up until they're overwhelming. Five minutes might not seem like a lot of time (because it isn't!) but a daily commitment to it will result, eventually, in a much cleaner home.

PUBG: Battlegrounds will add non-player characters powered by NVIDIA ACE generative AI. These PUBG Allies are being dubbed Co-Playable Characters, and they can have real-time conversations with a player about what's happening in a match. They can also adapt their strategies and gameplay to work with the player's style. Krafton, the battle royale's publisher, demoed this technology at CES 2025."We will continue to innovate user experiences by integrating CPC into our games and aim to establish it as a benchmark for the gaming industry," said Kangwook Lee, head of Krafton's deep learning division. Krafton will also publish upcoming life simulator inZOI, and had a CES demo of a CPC in that game as well.NVIDIA introduced its generative AI tech, the Avatar Cloud Engine, during a keynote at Computex 2023. The ACE generative AI is also present in the multiplayer title Mecha BREAK, which appeared at Gamescom last year. The Krafton games are using on-device small language models built with NVIDIA ACE. The publisher did not specify in its press release when it will start rolling out CPCs.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pubg-will-get-ai-powered-npcs-220218057.html?src=rss