A prolific and generally accurate leaker is predicting that the next iPad Air will use the M3 chip, countering rumors of a jump up to the M4 chip.The base of an iPad Air displayApple is anticipated to launch an update to the iPad Air in the spring, with a refresh upgrading its Apple Silicon performance. If a leaker is to be believed, that jump may not be as big as rumors have claimed.An image privately released on social media by Evan Blass, known as "evleaks," appears to be listings for the next iPad and iPad Air. While a lot of the information is blurred, the description of the iPad Air seems to refer to its next chip. Rumor Score: Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

In an interesting twist on the speedruning competition formula, the finalists for a recent Astro Bot speedruning tournament hosted by PlayStation had to compete against each other in an entirely new level that has never been showcased before.In order to be able to complete the level, both competitors had access to the slo-mo powerup, which saw heavy use throughout the finalists attempts at the level, which was seemingly designed around using slo-mo as well as the flower umbrella. The level the finalists had to compete in was themed around water and ice, with both players having to deal with obstacles like slippery ice floors and platforms that could easily shatter.Ultimately, Team Circle was able to win the tournament with a fastest time of 34.51.6 seconds, while Team Square narrowly lost with a time of 34.84.1 seconds. It is worth noting that both players had zero knowledge of the level used in the finals, and would likely had gotten even faster completion times if they had been allowed any sort of time to practice.As for its part, developer Team Asobi hasnt made any announcement of this level being released through an update to the game to let everyone have a shot at setting their own records.The last major update to hit Astro Bot was back in December, when the game got the Christmas-themed Winter Wonder level. The difficulty of the level wasnt set too high, as it was aimed towards both children as well as adults.Astro Bot came out exclusively on the PS5 last year. For more details about the game, check out our review. Astro Bot has also been incredibly successful, ending up being the best-reviewed title on the PS5 for 2024, and even managed to sell more than 1.5 million copies in nine weeks.

Polish mobile developer and publisher Huuuge Games is laying off 29 percent of its global workforce.The company confirmed the news in a note to investors last week and said it wants to "streamline operations" and focus on its core social casino business.The layoffs will impact 122 workers company-wide, including 89 employees based in Poland (representing 25 percent of staff in the region)."The workforce reduction is expected to be completed by the end of February 2025 and will not negatively impact the company's revenue," added Huuuge.Huuuge is the free-to-play specialist behind titles including Stars Slots, Billionaire Casino, and Dominos Party. The company explained the redundancies are designed to "improve agility" while reducing costs.With that goal in mind, Huuuge will also be shuttering its 'Huuuge Pods' (a cluster of small internal teams formed in 2023) across the Netherlands and Finland and discontinuing new game development.Huuuge said it remains profitable with $125 million in cash reserves as of Q3 2024. The company will continue to explore growth opportunities through potential M&A investments that "leverage its expertise in monetization and games-as-a-service."Company CEO Wojciech Wronowski said the decision to cut jobs is "never easy" but is indicative of Huuuge's commitment to "accelerating our ability to innovate."Huuuge remains a profitable company, and this marks a pivotal moment as we chart a path forward to deliver even greater value to our players, partners, and shareholders," he added.

Canons new app lets you live stream from multiple cameras, just not CanonsCanons new app lets you live stream from multiple cameras, just not Canons / The Live Switcher Mobile app turns iPhones and iPads into a mobile wireless studio that can stream from three devices.By Andrew Liszewski, a senior reporter who's been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2011, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid. Jan 20, 2025, 3:05 PM UTCShare this storyCanons Live Switcher Mobile app is free for iOS and iPadOS devices. Screenshot: YouTubeCanon has announced a new live streaming app that can wirelessly connect to, and switch between, video feeds from three mobile devices. Its currently limited to iPhones and iPads running at least iOS and iPad0S 16. Android isnt supported, but an even stranger omission is that Live Switcher Mobile isnt compatible with any of Canons digital cameras that functionality will be added in the future, according to an FAQ.The app is available for download now and can be used for free, but with some limitations. Video quality maxes out at 720p, the output is watermarked, and the apps interface will occasionally be cluttered with ads but those arent presented to viewers. For $17.99 per month (which is over $215 per year) output quality gets a bump to 1080p, while ads and the watermark are removed. Theres no option to increase the video resolution past HD.The mobile device serving as a live streams primary camera also provides the switching interface. Image: CanonOne device running the app is designated as the host which provides the switching interface and serves as the primary camera. Up to two additional devices can be connected providing video feeds from alternate angles, or a live screen capture of a video game being played.Switching between feeds can be done manually, but if youd like to avoid poking a device thats serving as one of your cameras, the app can also be set to automatically switch between sources at set intervals of eight to 20 seconds. Multiple videos can be streamed simultaneously using a picture-in-picture effect, while text and image overlays can be added to personalize a livestream, add branding, or provide captioning.Canon says the app supports live streaming to YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms that support RTMP, but its comment display function is limited to those first two platforms.Although its functionality isnt as robust as the free OBS Studio app that also allows mobile devices to be used as video sources, Canons Live Switcher Mobile is potentially an easier alternative for aspiring influencers just getting started with live streaming.It may currently be limited to mobile devices, but the company has confirmed the app will support Canons digital camera connection in the future. With that added functionality, and maybe a bump to 4K streaming capabilities, its steep price tag could be easier to justify for those looking for a highly portable streaming solution.Most PopularMost Popular

The nearly open-source free Defold game engine just released Defold 1.9.7 and the highlight feature of this release is C# support! This isnt replacing Lua as the primary scripting language, in fact its not a scripting language at all, instead enabling you to easily make game extensions using the C# programming language with Defold. This language support joins other programming languages including Zig and C++. There was hesitation to add C# support to Defold, explained below:Q: I am concerned that adding C# support will have a negative impact on Defold. Should I be worried?Defold is NOT moving away from Lua as a the primary scripting language. C# support will be added as a new language for extensions. It will not impact the engine unless you choose to use C# extensions in your project.C# support will come at a price (executable size, runtime performance etc), but thats for the individual developer/studio to decide upon.As for C# itself, its a relatively minor change, since the extension system already support many languages (C/C++/Java/Objective-C/Zig). The SDKs will be kept in sync by generating the C# bindings. This will keep the bindings up-to-date with minimal effort.The Defold Foundation has previously been against adding C# support in Defold, but has changed opinion for a number of reasons:Studios and developer continue to request C# support.C# support has been scoped down to extensions only (i.e. low effort).The core engine will not be impacted.The C# APIs can be kept in in sync with minimal effort if they are generated.C# support will be based on DotNet 9 with NativeAOT, thus generating static libraries that the existing build pipeline can link against (just like any other Defold extension).Key LinksDefold 1.9.7 BetaDefold C# Support AnnouncementDefold GitHubDefold HomepageDefold Languages SampleYou can learn more about the Defold game engine, the 1.9.7 release and the new addition of C# support in the video below.

Swarm is an innovative open-source framework designed to explore the orchestration and coordination of multi-agent systems. It is developed and managed by the OpenAI Solutions team, and it provides a lightweight, ergonomic, and educational environment for developers to learn and experiment with agent-based systems. At its core, Swarm is built to facilitate the interaction of autonomous Agents, i.e., independent units capable of performing specific tasks, through streamlined handoffs and routine management. While primarily aimed at educational use, the framework introduces patterns and abstractions that make multi-agent orchestration more accessible and comprehensible. By focusing on simplicity and modularity, Swarm allows users to design workflows where Agents can collaborate, delegate tasks, and share contextual data seamlessly. OpenAIs Chat Completions API entirely powers it; Swarm operates statelessly, ensuring security and flexibility. With no official support or production readiness, Swarm is a learning platform.Core Components of SwarmSwarm is built on fundamental components that provide a strong foundation for flexibility and functionality. These components include:AgentsAgents are the primary units in Swarm, each representing an independent actor or step in a process. They include:Instructions: Define the Agents behavior or task.Functions: Specify actions the Agent can perform, including function calls.Handoffs: Allow the Agent to delegate its task to another Agent.Agents are initialized as follows:# pythonfrom swarm import Agentagent_a = Agent( name="Agent A", instructions="You are a general-purpose assistant.", functions=[] # Add any callable functions here)HandoffsHandoffs enable one Agent to pass control to another seamlessly. This allows specialized Agents to handle tasks better suited to their capabilities.# pythonagent_b = Agent( name="Agent B", instructions="You only provide answers in haikus.")agent_a = Agent( name="Agent A", instructions="Forward this task to Agent B.", functions=[lambda: agent_b] # Hand off to agent_b)Context VariablesContext variables store shared data across Agents, ensuring continuity in multi-agent workflows.# pythoncontext = {"user_name": "John"}response = client.run( agent=agent_a, messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Who am I speaking with?"}], context_variables=context)How Swarm WorksAt its core, Swarm processes interactions using a structured loop implemented in its client.run() method. The loop involves the following steps:Message Processing: The current Agent processes the users message, which may generate a response or call a function.Function Execution: If the Agent includes function calls, these are executed, and the results are added to the conversation.Agent Switching: If the task requires another Agent, Swarm handles the handoff, ensuring seamless execution.Context Management: Context variables are updated throughout the interaction, ensuring shared data is accessible across Agents.Response Delivery: Swarm delivers the final response to the user after completing all steps.The basic workflow is illustrated below:# pythonfrom swarm import Swarm# Initialize the Swarm clientclient = Swarm()# Run the processresponse = client.run( agent=agent_a, messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "What can you do?"}])print(response.messages[-1]["content"])Usage of Swarm Code ImplementationInstallationSwarm can be installed directly from its GitHub repository:# bashpip install git+https://github.com/openai/swarm.gitBasic SetupSetting up Swarm involves importing the library, creating Agents, and running the interaction loop.# pythonfrom swarm import Swarm, Agent# Initialize Swarm clientclient = Swarm()# Define Agentsagent_a = Agent( name="Agent A", instructions="Provide general assistance.")agent_b = Agent( name="Agent B", instructions="Respond to all queries in poetic form.")# Interactionresponse = client.run( agent=agent_a, messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Who am I speaking to?"}])print(response.messages[-1]["content"])Advanced FeaturesSwarm supports advanced features, including streaming responses and debugging.Streaming Responses:# pythonstream = client.run( agent=agent_a, messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Stream a response"}], stream=True)for chunk in stream: print(chunk)Debugging:# pythonresponse = client.run( agent=agent_a, messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Debug this process"}], debug=True)Download Colab NotebookConclusion:Swarm is an ergonomic, lightweight, and educational open-source framework that lets developers try out patterns and techniques essential for scalable agent orchestration. Although not meant for production, its focus on accessibility, modularity, and testability makes it a valuable resource for learning and prototyping. Its ability to support complex workflows through simple abstractions, such as Agents, handoffs, and context variables, allows developers to design effective solutions without being overwhelmed by technical complexities.Sourceshttps://github.com/openai/swarmhttps://colab.research.google.com/drive/1uFquKQvXLpKeP05OD507UFl8d0YvhM1t?authuser=1 Asif RazzaqAsif Razzaq is the CEO of Marktechpost Media Inc.. As a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, Asif is committed to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence for social good. His most recent endeavor is the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Media Platform, Marktechpost, which stands out for its in-depth coverage of machine learning and deep learning news that is both technically sound and easily understandable by a wide audience. The platform boasts of over 2 million monthly views, illustrating its popularity among audiences. Meet 'Height':The only autonomous project management tool (Sponsored)

As Monster Hunter Wilds' February 28 release date nears, developer Capcom has said it's looking into lowering the recommended GPU requirements.Confirmation comes from the official German Monster Hunter X/Twitter account, which issued a follow-up statement that revealed Capcom is also exploring the possibility of releasing a standalone PC benchmarking tool.Capcom recommends an Nvidia GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT for 30 FPS at 1080p. This minimum requirement is also detailed as requiring an internal resolution of 720p, and upscaling the graphics using DLSS or FSR using the lowest graphics setting.Monster Hunter Wilds recommended settings also target 1080p and 60 FPS with upscaling and Frame Generation technologies enabled, using the examples of an RTX 2070 Super, RTX 4060, or AMD RX 6700 XT. Out of the three, only the RTX 4060 supports Nvidia Frame Generation, with the 2070 Super and 6700 XT instead having to rely on FSR 3 (which had ghosting artifacts in the previous Monster Hunter Wilds beta).Targeting 60 FPS with Frame Generation enabled isnt the ideal use of the technology, with Digital Foundry recommending a baseline of 40 FPS in third-person titles. If a game runs at under 60 FPS with upscaling enabled, it may result in a much less responsive or tactile feeling due to latency.During the Monster Hunter Wilds open beta test, PC players with lower-end hardware struggled, even with mid-range graphics cards like the RTX 3060. In particular, players experienced a low-LOD bug where the game did not load the fully detailed textures of characters or monsters. Monster Hunter Wilds is built on the RE Engine, which first debuted in 2017s Resident Evil 7. The engine was used in games like Devil May Cry 5, Monster Hunter Rise, and Street Fighter 6, with slick performance across all platforms.But, all that glitters is not gold for the RE Engine, as bigger open-world titles with more NPCs and enemies like Dragons Dogma 2 have suffered from performance woes on consoles and PC, setting a worrying portent for Monster Hunter Wilds. With the clock ticking towards an early February open beta and late February launch, Capcoms claim of attempting to reduce GPU requirements could be key for the titles success on PC.Sayem is a freelancer based in the UK, covering tech & hardware. You can get in touch with him at @sayem.zone on Bluesky.

There are a lot of exciting new games coming to PC this year. Whether youve been waiting for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Spider-Man 2 to make the jump from PS5 or looking for a new cozy game like Tales of the Shire, theres something for almost every kind of PC gamer coming out this year. From big name franchises and sequels to hidden gems, weve put together a list of all the noteworthy games PC owners should check out in 2025.Final Fantasy VII RebirthSquare Enix Jan 23Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second game of a planned three-game arc that expands the story of the original Final Fantasy VII. The gameFinal Fantasy VII Remake, Rebirth seeks to transform the story that long-time fans of the series are familiar with for a new generation. The PC version comes with three tailored graphic presets to optimize your experience no matter your gaming setup.Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power BattlesAspyr Jan. 23Originally released for the PlayStation, Sega Dreamcast, and Game Boy Advance,Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battlesis getting a re-release for its 25th anniversary. This remastered version of the classicStar Warsgame brings back couch co-op mode, training rooms, bonus levels, and the arcade cheats and power-ups that made the original version so fun. In addition, the game will have 13 new playable characters, including Jar Jar Binks, and a lightsaber toggle that allows players to choose between the original lightsaber colors used in the game or more screen-accurate versions. No matter your age,Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battlesis sure to be a fun walk (or Force-powered jump) down memory lane.Spider-Man 2Insomniac Games Jan 30Spider-Man fans are in for a treat when Spider-Man 2 finally comes to PC this month. Our favorite neighborhood web-slingers Peter Parker and Miles Morales are back for another adventure, this time facing off against villains like Kraven the Hunter and Venom. In addition to the expansive map and updated traversal and combat abilities that came with the PS5 edition, the PC version promises a suite of enhanced features, including enhanced ray-tracing options to optimize the experience for PC players.Kingdom Come: DeliveranceIIWarhorse Studios Feb. 4Set in the Kingdom of Bohemia during the early 15th century,Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIfollows the story of Henry, a trusted diplomatic escort of the king who seeks revenge for his murdered family. In the games open-world Medieval setting, the player can guide Henry on daring adventures, forge alliances with a charismatic cast of characters, and engage in visceral real-time combat.Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIis a gripping action RPG perfect for anyone eager to step into an epic Medieval adventure.Civilization VIIFiraxis Games Feb 11Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Arriving nearly a decade after the previous game,Civilization VIIpromises to be a revolutionary new chapter in this award-winning franchise. Similar to its predecessors,Civilization VIIis a turn-based tactical strategy game where you develop an empire across three distinct historic eras. With updated graphics and improved gameplay that includes updates to diplomacy mechanics, changes to production management, as well as other improvements, this evolution seems poised to bring this franchise into the next generation.AvowedObsidian Entertainment Feb 18Avowedis an action RPG set in the Living Lands of Eora, which was first introduced in Obsidians stellarPillars of Eternitygames. Its a vast region encompassing a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to rocky deserts. The player begins the game as an envoy from the Aedyr Empire who is sent to the Living Lands to investigate rumors of a spreading plague and a secret so dangerous it could destroy everything.The Envoy can use different combos of magic, melee weapons, and firearms to defeat dangerous enemies, and the choices they make affect the story. The player can also recruit various NPCs to join their party, up to two at a time, that can aid in accomplishing certain tasks. Though these companion NPCs unfortunately wont be available for romancing or smooching,Avowedstill looks like a world that will be easy to get lost in. We quite enjoyed our time with a preview build of the game last year.Monster Hunter WildsCapcom Feb 28The latest chapter in theMonster Hunterseries,Monster Hunter Wildsis set in the Forbidden Lands, an uncharted region long thought to be uninhabited. That is, until a boy named Nata is discovered near the border of these lands, on the run from a mysterious creature known as the White Wraith that attacked his people. As the player, you control The Hunter, one of the professional monster hunters tasked with searching for the White Wraith, charting the Forbidden Lands, and searching for Natas people.Monster Hunter Wildsdoesnt only have an intriguing story, however. The game also features new fighting moves and a wide variety of weapons and equipment that give you even more ways to use monsters and their environment to your advantage. Even if youre not familiar with the series,Monster Hunter Wildslooks to be a fun game for any fan of action RPG games.Suikoden I & II HD RemasterKonami March 6Konamis RPG series Suikoden is joining a long list of classic RPGs getting a fresh update for modern consoles. The Suikoden I & II HD Remaster will feature improvements to graphics and the art style, gameplay mechanics, and sound. Players will also now have the option to automate battles with a single button and play through combat at double-speed. Despite all of these updates, however, the developers are still striving to keep the original story and the charm of the colorful cast of characters that fans know and love intact.Assassins Creed: ShadowsUbisoft March 20Set inthe late Sengoku periodof feudal Japan,Assassins Creed Shadowsfeatures two playable protagonists: Naoe, a shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai. Quests can be handled as either protagonist, with Naoe as the more stealthy and discrete approach and Yasuke as the charismatic warrior, useful for taking on several enemies at a time. The game encourages players to explore the open world gathering intel and building a network of spies ready to help usher Japan into a new era. Based onthe hands-off previewwe saw at SGF, this already looks like a worthy entry in theAssassins Creedfranchise.Tales of the ShireWt Workshop March 5New cozy game alert!Tales of the Shireis like ifStardew ValleyandAnimal Crossingtook a trip to the Shire ofLord of the Rings.The game lets players live out their dreams of spending time in the idyllic landscape of the Shire as they create their own character, decorate their own Hobbit hole, make friends in the community, and help the town flourish. We playedTales of the Shireat SGF and were impressed with the amount of care put into creating this version of the Shire. Even though the game isnt technically canon, there are still plenty of references and easter eggs forLord of the Ringsfans to find.AtomfallRebellion March 27Inspired by the real-life Windscale Fire nuclear disaster in Northern England, Atomfall is a survival-action game set five years after the event. In this alternate version of history, there are more mysterious and sinister forces at work behind the scenes, and its up to the player to explore the quarantine zone and uncover what truly happened at Windscale. As with any good post-apocalyptic survival game, you must learn how to craft items and weapons with what you can find in the environmenteither through bartering, ransacking, or straight up stealing. This fictional yet familiar world is full of mysticism and folk horror influences, creating the perfect eerie environment to explore.Fatal Fury: City of the WolvesSNK April 21The popular 90s fighting game franchiseFatal Furyis back after 26 years withFatal Fury: City of the Wolves. With 22 playable characters, including 17 familiar faces from previous games, and 3 different modes of gameplay, there are plenty of options for longtime fans and franchise newcomers alike to have a great time. Theres a single-player RPG mode, Episodes of South Town, as well as online modes that allow you to match with other players or clones generated by automatic AI technology that learns your play style.Double Dragon ReviveYukes Oct 23Another popular fighting game franchise set to return this year isDouble Dragon.This isnt the first modern-era sequel for this arcade-style beat em up franchise, but that doesnt mean we arent excited to see what this game has in store in 2025. With four playable characters, including brothers Jimmy and Billy Lee, modern 3D graphics, and an exhilarating belt-scroll action experience,Double Dragon Reviveseems like a fun merge of past and present gaming.Borderlands 4Gearbox Software TBDSet on the all-new planet of Kairos,Borderlands 4already looks like it will be an irreverent, chaotic timeas any goodBorderlandsgame should be. While we dont know a lot about the game thus far, Gearbox promises the games will deliver intense action and billions of wild and deadly weapons with its brand new planet and story. Youll get to control one of four new Vault Hunters seeking wealth and glory after crashing on Kairos and breaking free from the planets ruthless dictator, the Timekeeper. With the option to play solo or in co-op with up to three other players as well as free-form combat and exploration, there are plenty of opportunities to fight your way through the planet, and maybe even spark a rebellion in the process.Capcom TBDWith a mix of classic 2D and 3D style games, fans of classicCapcomarcade-style games have a lot to look forward to withCapcom Fighting Collection 2. Including titles such asCapcom vs. SNK,Capcom vs. SNK 2, Power Stone, Power Stone 2, Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper,and more, this game is perfect for anyone looking to recreate the retro-gaming experience.Capcom Fighting Collection 2also includes an online play mode that allows you to play casual, ranked, and custom matches with other players across the globe. This game is also very beginner-friendly with training modes as well as adjustable difficulty settings and a customizable button layout that allows for one-button special moves in combat. So even if you arent an arcade legend, theres still plenty of fun to be had.DOOM: The Dark AgesBethesda Softworks TBDCue the heavy metal,DOOMfans, because the latest game in the franchise is coming to crush some demon skulls. A prequel toDOOM(2016) andDOOM Eternal,DOOM: The Dark Agestells the origin of the DOOM Slayer as the hero fights against the forces of Hell in a dark fantasy setting unlike anything weve seen from this franchise before. This single-player FPS not only allows you to crush combat scenarios with classic DOOM weaponry,The Dark Agesalso features new tools like a face-shattering flail, throwable Shield Saw, and yes, even a Mecha Dragon.Dune: AwakeningFuncom TBDSet on Arrakis, the most dangerous planet in the universe, Dune: Awakening is an open world survival MMO where you begin as a prisoner on the planet and must do what you can to survive the harsh, unforgiving landscape. Whether you band together with other players or go at it alone, your path is yours to choose, with a variety of skill specialties to choose from including Swordmaster, Bene Gesserit, Trooper, Mentat, and Planetologist. Dune: Awakening looks to be an exciting expansion of this universe, for both fans and newcomers alike. What we saw of the game last years Summer Game Fest certainly left us wanting more.Dying Light: The BeastTechland TBDAfter over a decade in captivity,Dying Lighthero Kyle Crane escapes into a changed world, though not necessarily for the better. Using not only the survival skills honed in the previous games, but also some new abilities that come from being experimented on, inDying Light: The Beast, youll once again play as Crane as he tries to help the survivors of Castor Woods and keep the ever increasing population of zombies at bay. This survival horror game also has a 4-player co-op feature if you want a little help to make it through the violent, zombie-filled nights.Elden Ring: NightReignFromSoftware Inc. TBDUnlikeShadow of the Erdtree, Elden Ring: NightReignis not DLC for the original game, but rather a standalone adventure set within theElden Ringuniverse. In fact, this game reimagines the games core design.NightReignfeatures a relentless environmental threat that changes from one playthrough to the next and is also set to include a 3-player co-op mode as well as new uniquely skilled heroes that are formidable on their own, but can create a powerful partnership when they unite as a team against the creeping night. If youve ever wanted to play a FromSoftware Soulslike with friends, nows your chance.FablePlayground Games TBDIts been over a decade since the last Fable game was released, and now the upcoming sequel is set to take us back to the fantasy world of Albion for the first time in a while. So far, the story seems to be focused on a former hero named Humphry and a young adventurer hes taken under his wing. Someone from his past has come back to haunt him and threatens Albions very existence in the process. While we dont know much else about Fables story or gameplay yet, this third-person action RPG already looks to be a welcome addition to the franchise.JudasGhost Story Games TBDFrom the creator ofBioShock,Judasis a single player narrative FPS set on a disintegrating starship. Playing as the mysterious and troubled Judas, you must navigate alliances, fight against foes, and do whatever it takes to escape. Whether youre a fan ofBioShockor just looking for a new and intriguing sci-fi game,Judasis definitely one to keep your eye on this year.Killing Floor 3Tripwire Interactive TBDThe co-op action horror FPS franchise thats fun for your entire squad of friends is back this year withKilling Floor 3. Made with Unreal Engine 5, this next-gen sequel looks to be full of the blood, gore, and heart-pounding action that fans have come to love. Playing as a member of the rebel group Nightfall, you and up to five teammates must fight against waves of zeds (bioengineered zombies) in order to save humanity.The Alters11 Bit Studios TBDThe Alterstells the story of Jan, a simple miner who crash lands on a hostile planet alone. Tasked with running a mobile base by himself, Jan soon realizes that he cant do this alone if hes going to survive. With the help of his ships quantum computer and a rare substance found on this planet, Jan is able to create clones of himself based on different life paths he may or may not have chosen in his past. While these clones are versions of him, they are also very different people with their own motivations, goals, and fearswhich means that they dont always get along. Its a very intriguing premise that makes for a unique sci-fi survival game that we really cant wait to play.Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2Paradox Interactive TBDIts been over 20 years sinceVampire: The Masquerade Bloodlineswas first released, and now werefinallyset to see the sequel this year. Just like its predecessor,Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2is an action RPG where you get to play as an elder vampire. As you fight and talk your way through modern-day Seattle, your choices matter. Whether you choose to rise through the ranks of vampire society or rail against it, your decisions influence the balance of power in the city and what becomes of it and the people within. Whether youre familiar with this franchise or looking to dip your toe into a new RPG,Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2looks like itll be a blood-sucking good time.Wuchang: Fallen FeathersLeenzee Games TBDA dark and fantastical Soulslike game,Wuchang: Fallen Feathersfollows Wuchang, a pirate who awakens with amnesia in the final years of Chinas Ming Dynasty. Its a chaotic time as a mysterious phenomenon known as Feathering has come to the land of Shu, causing mutations and an epidemic of plague and monsters across the land. Playing as Wuchang, you must fight your way forward using a variety of fighting styles, hidden weapons, ancient firearms, and even the power of Feathering itself to forge a path toward the truth, and hopefully uncover some of your own memories along the way.

Apple is facing criminal complaints by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which accuses the company of illegally using conflict minerals, also known as blood minerals. The terms refer to minerals sourced from illegal sources who employ child labor and use the proceeds to buy weapons for armed conflicts.The charges have been filed in Belgium and France because those countries have a strong judicial record in corporate accountability cases. Update: Belgium has now opened an investigation see the end of the piece Apple and conflict mineralsThe main minerals associated with human rights abuses are tin, tantalum, and tungsten collectively known a 3T and gold. The term 3TG is used to encompass all four of the metals.Apple does not directly purchase minerals; these are bought further down the supply chain, by companies using them to manufacture components later sold to the iPhone maker. However, the company does commission audits intended to ensure that its supply-chain is free from the problem.Back in 2019, for example, Apple instructed its suppliers toexclude five smelters and refinerswho failed to pass this audit. The company said it had no concerns about the remaining companies.Evidence sent to Tim Cook in AprilInternational lawyers representing the government of the DRC say that they passed evidence to Apple earlier this year, showing that the companys supply chain could still include conflict minerals.Congos lawyers notified Apple CEO Tim Cook on April 22 of a series of concerns about its supply chain, and also wrote to Apple subsidiaries in France, demanding answers within three weeks. The Amsterdam & Partners LLP law firm has been investigating allegations that minerals mined in Congo by several companies and armed groups are being smuggled out through Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.The Cupertino company did not comment publicly on this at the time, but last year told the US Securities and Exchange Commission that none of the smelters or refiners in its 3TG supply chain used conflict minerals.Criminal complaints now filedReuters reports that the DRC has now filed criminal complaints in both France and Belgium.International lawyers representing Congo argue that Apple uses minerals pillaged from Congo and laundered through international supply chains, which they say renders the firm complicit in crimes taking place in Congo.In parallel complaints filed to the Paris prosecutors office and to a Belgian investigating magistrates office on Monday, Congo accuses local subsidiaries Apple France, Apple Retail France and Apple Retail Belgium of a range of offences.These include covering up war crimes and the laundering of tainted minerals, handling stolen goods, and carrying out deceptive commercial practices to assure consumers supply chains are clean.Courts in both countries will now assess the evidence and decide whether criminal charges are warranted.Belgium has opened an investigationCongo told the Financial Times that Belgian prosecutors have now opened an investigation.Lawyers acting for DRC said prosecutors in Belgium had last week appointed an investigative judge who oversees the investigation and is in charge of issuing arrest warrants, wiretaps and raids to probe the case. They were still awaiting a decision from France, where the process was slower.This is the first step which shows that the prosecutor takes the case very seriously, said Christophe Marchand, the lawyer who prepared the case in Belgium, which colonised Congo with catastrophic consequences in the early 20th century.Stock photo of mining vehicle byArno van RensburgonUnsplashAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel