While tourists might flock to New York City year-round for a glimpse of Times Square, there are tens of thousands of miles to be explored beyond Manhattan. The best Catskills hotels and Hudson Valley retreats offer a quiet respite from the flashing lights of the city and a place to check in with your thoughts after a busy work season.Head north of the five boroughs for a day (or weekend), and youll find yourself immersed in its state parks, acres of countryside, and lush historyevidenced by the wealth of antique shops that dot the surrounding cities. Boutique hotels and chic cabins are just part of the territory among upstate New York hot spots like Kingston, Woodstock, and Hudson, and these 15 below are some of our editors favorite places to stay in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills regions in winter and beyond. Read on for family-friendly getaways, cozy spots that are flush with amenities and views, romantic retreats, along with several spots to get your hygge on in the wilderness.Browse According to Category:Hudson Valley & Catskills Hotels | Private Homes & CabinsHudson Valley & Catskills HotelsCourtesy of Eastwind Hotel and BarEastwind Hotel and Bar in WindhamYoull find plenty to do any season of the year at the Eastwind Hotel and Bar. The 1920s-era lodge, located in the so-called gem of the Catskills, offers guests a smorgasbord of experiences: Stay in one of the Lushna glamping cabins on the property or book a more traditional guest room that comes decked out with high end linens and Scandinavian-style vintage furniture. When Mother Nature blesses the area with heavy snow, tee up for a day of skiing at nearby Windham and Hunter mountains, post up with smores in front of the fire pits on the property, or unwind in its Finnish-style sauna. Weather permitting, the nearby hiking trails have your name written on them, as do the yoga mats that you can use to get your flow on with some brisk outdoor yoga. From $221 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Hutton BrickyardsHutton Brickyards in KingstonLocated just a few stops off the Metro North train from New York City, Kingston is full of industrial charmand the Hutton Brickyards offers up a healthy helping of it for those who want a new change of scenery. Located on 73 acres of prime real estate along Hudson's riverfront, this series of 31 cabins are a welcome sight if you've gotten used to checking into average hotel rooms, which ensures you never have to lift a finger (or leave the room entirely) by delivering breakfast straight to your door each morning. Of course, the surrounding trails are too good to pass up while you're here. Spend your days exploring the great outdoors on nature walks, blissed out at the spa on the property, or sampling entrees and desserts at the on-site restaurantall within plain view of the Hudson river. From $249 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Wildflower FarmsWildflower Farms in GardinerA stay at Wildflower Farms certainly doesn't come cheap, but the investment may be well worth it for a taste of some of the best hospitality upstate New York has to offer. Comprised of 65 freestanding cabins and cottages, the property gets its warm and cozy aesthetic thanks to AD PRO design duo Ward + Gray. A small scale farm on the grounds that includes sheep, donkeys, and chickens give you a sampling of country living, while the onsite dining room and bar serving American fare keep you well-fed and buzzing. If you want a low-key spa day, check into the resort's soothing wellness center, or contemplate the great beyond from the outdoor pool and hot tub. From $999 per night.BOOK NOWThe cedar-clad restaurant building and a suite of Adirondack chairs look out over the expansive grounds.Photo: Adrian GautInness in AccordIn the charming Ulster County town of Accord, Inness is another sprawling compound of cabins that feels like its own village, complete with a shop, restaurant, swimming pool, golf course, and a few tennis courts to keep you occupiedso much so that you might never have to leave the property. Just as impressive as the amenities are the design accolades it's racked up. AD senior design editor Hannah Martin admired Inness interiors on a trip during the hotels inaugural season: Gnarled wood stools, Shaker-esque dining chairs, and rustic ceramics mix with fresh designs, like a lighting collection made in partnership with Brooklyn-based Roll & Hill or seriously covetable kitchens by Plain English. From $629 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of PiaulePiaule in CatskillsArguably one of the buzziest new hotels that has opened in the Catskills within the last few years, celebs and design lovers flock to Japandi-influenced Piaulewith great reason. The breathtaking spa alone, where massages and healing sessions alike are on the menu, allow visitors to submerge themselves in hot pools or enjoy a mineral soak while taking in a panoramic view of the woods below. From $534 per night.BOOK NOWPhoto: Moriah WolfeScribners LodgeThis design-minded mountain lodge and luxury hotel is located within three minutes of a ski lift, so you know exactly what youre booking in for. Still, it ensures that when youre not playing snow bunny, base camp is as cozy as possible. It houses 38 rooms in the black A-frame lodge that makes up its main quarters, with 11 new cabins offside (complete with soaking tubs and an oculus for stargazing) if you want even more privacy. Roaring fireplaces and lush furnishings in the communal areas are a definite perk, but theres even an ice rink where you can attempt some spins or perfect your double axel. For parents: Theres a play zone designated for children, so at least one of you can enjoy the sauna completely unbothered. From $225 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Callicoon HillsCallicoon HillsIf youre pining for an upscale A-frame experience, book into Callicoon Hills, a loose assortment of guest rooms that take shape as the aforementioned cabins or a boarding house and deck house that fall somewhere closer to a traditional hotel experience. Choose your own adventure between the king-size pool or on-site pond located on the propertys 23 acres or breathe in some fresh mountain air along the tangle of trails that are situated just a stones throw away. Its rooms resemble stylish Alpine getaways, where tasteful vintage furniture mingles with modern amenities like built-in heating and AC units. From $182 per night.BOOK NOWPhoto: Francine ZaslowThe Maker in HudsonFormer AD editor Nora Taylor described Hudsons The Maker hotel as the perfect escape for design lovers and delighted in the propertys collection of over 1,000 lights and lamps. Most of the furniture in the revamped historical structuresthere are three totalis reclaimed or restored vintage and stocked with luxe accoutrements such as a high end gym and juice bar. When youre ready to venture out, youll find yourself in the heart of all that downtown Hudson has to offer, including great food and more antique shops than you likely have time to browse. From $546 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Wylder WindhamWylder Windham in WindhamAnother property situated near Windham Mountain, Wylder Windham offers a distinct vibe for travelers looking to enjoy the areas offerings. A set of dwellings that includes a Victorian farmhouse, as well as several lodges, and more traditional inn and motel structures, guests can decide how large they want to live on their vacation. Aside from your lodgings, pickleball courts, saunas, and river access are just a few of the perks that enhance the already picturesque setting, designed by the outdoor-oriented Wylder Hotel group. From $336 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of the Shandaken InnShandaken Inn in ShandakenThe newly renovated Shandaken Inn is the classic Catskills resort reimagined. Nestled between tthe Esopus Creek and the foothills of the Catskill Mountainsif youre lucky, you can see the fog rolling down the hills from the great lawn of the propertythe Shandaken offers 15 guest rooms and three very recently opened cottages located on the edge of the property. Start your day with the free breakfast the inn offers, then get moving in the outdoor pool, onsite gym, or magical walking trail that passes by the local creek. Expect homey touches like wood accents, owl motifs, and mountain kitsch in a modern package. From $329 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Mohonk Mountain HouseMohonk Mountain House in New PaltzNo Catskills guide would be complete without the legendary Mohonk Mountain House resort, which has been welcoming guests to its mountaintop perch since the 1870s. The historic landmark encompasses 259 guest rooms styled after European chalets, and the location itself is prime. Situated alongside Lake Mohonk, guests can enjoy kayaking or fly fishing when nature calls. From $1,057 per night.BOOK NOWPrivate Homes and CabinsCourtesy of AirbnbCabin in Callicoon Creek, HortonvilleEverything about this 1800s cabin, tastefully decorated in cozy Scandi style, is picture perfect, but the cedar barrel hot tub is what makes it really worth the visit. When youre not indulging in a soak under the stars, enjoy the hillside views, curl up by the wood burning fireplace, or catch up on your beauty rest in the detached guest studio. From $300 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbThe Lodge at June Farms in West SandlakeAnimal lovers, dont miss your chance to stay at this heritage breed farmno labor and elbow grease required. The open floor plan overlooks the horse pasture at June Farms, which is also home to the Pony Barn, a popular restaurant that serves wood-fired pizza and often hosts events during the summer season. The 120 acre property plays host to cows, chickens, ducks and morethough you can escape it all in the comfortably appointed cabin if youd prefer. From $386 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbHuska Creek Cabin in DelhiLocated just outside of Delhi, New York (one of the small towns that surrounds Plattekill Mountain), this tiny home has been planted in the middle of the forestexcept with all the modern amenities you might be looking for, including lightning speed WiFi and a living room kitted out with a movie projector. While the interior is quite small (its a tiny home after all) its tastefully decorated and well outfitted for a lovely stay. Outdoors, enjoy the BBQ and firepit nestled next to a running creek. From $285 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbWillow Treehouse in WillowThis ultramodern property just 15 minutes away from Woodstock is one of our favorite treehouse Airbnbs, offering a luxe off-the-grid experience for seasoned (or beginner) glampers. Sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows give you a panoramic view of the forest and overlook a peaceful pond and hot tub with breathtaking mountain views. Indoors, you'll find all the clean lines and pine to keep the with a modern kitchen and wood burning fireplace. From $375 per night.BOOK NOWThe AD Travel EditCraving an escape? From colorful carry-ons to cleverly designed packing cubes (how did we ever travel without them?), shop everything you need to make the journey in styleand as streamlined and stress-free as possible.SHOP THE EDIT

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.In big cities across the US and beyond, minuscule bedrooms abound. Fun small bedroom ideas feel hard to come by, and frustration sets in before anything actually improves in your space. Visions of an armchair, a reading nook, and a makeup vanity float by, meanwhile your space still doesnt have room for a pair of nightstands to accompany your bed. But fear not, there are, indeed, decorating ideas that make it possible to achieve an inspiring living space, squeeze in those storage solutions, and still get a comfortable nights sleep at the end of the day, toono matter how small your square footage is. Read on for small bedroom decorating ideas and advice from experts on how to maximize your space in style.Photo: Simon Brown1/33Add a patterned headboardIf you have a small bedroom, it can be particularly difficult to bringin pattern without overpowering a space.Designer Beata Heuman deftly displayed how to do so in this pictured West London flat. Though not every small room has space for an end-of-bed bench like the upholstered one in this flat, the commanding striped headboard look can be easily replicated in even the smallest of bedrooms. Not only does the patterned headboard draw the eye into the back of the room, but also up, as it reaches toward the ceiling and draws attention to the vertical space.Photo: Yohann Fontaine2/33Display what needs to be storedInthis Paris apartment planned out by the homeowner and Myanmar-based architect Pierre Mounier, the bed is surrounded on both sides by open bookshelves. Rather than making the bed feel closed in or stuck between these two shelves, the space feels airy thanks to the lack of backing on the shelves. Whats more, the clever bedroom design allows the built-in shelves to serve as nightstandsand lets the homeowners personal effects to double as decor, adding visual interest to the space without cluttering it. Talk about multipurpose!If you prefer a look thats a little more uniform, buy baskets or bins for the shelves to hold all that clutter. The baskets will add visual interest, and youll still be able to store plenty without needing a bulkier dresser or wardrobe.Photo: Charlie Schuck3/33Use a curtain to separate your spaceIf your tiny bedroom is in fact a studio, or if its the only space thats entirely your ownno roommates and no family calling the shotsthen you likely want to maximize it, even if it is quite small. Adding curtains is a cost effective and adaptable way to separate your space to serve multiple purposes. In architectCorey Kingstons own Lower East Side apartment, curtains separate her bed from the living area, keeping the sleeping space peaceful and personal. The curtains also add color to the space without the anxiety-inducing commitment of a bold paint job (particularly useful if youre in a rental!).Photo: Genevieve Garruppo // @garruppo4/33Or try a custom room dividerWhen designing the bedroom of her NYC studio, Ward + Gray cofounder and AD PRO Directory designer Christie Ward aimed to preserve the flow of natural light from her living room area to her bedroom alcove. With my apartments open-concept layout, I was concerned that a small enclosed bedroom might feel too claustrophobic, she says. To address this, I had a custom room divider [by BK Handbuild] created, which allows light to filter through from the living area. She notes that this not only defines the bedroom space intimately, but also maintains a sense of openness. To save even more space, Ward chose a small task light from In Common With for reading, coupled with a wall-mounted sconce in lieu of a bedside table and lamp.Photo: Amy Bartlam5/33Work with the bedrooms architectureWere obsessed with this small bedroom idea from Jaime Zehner, owner and lead designer of JZ Interior Designs in Laguna Beach, California. We embraced the pitched ceiling as a standout architectural feature by adding wallpaper to draw the eye upward, making the space feel taller and more dynamic, she says. Zehner recommends identifying the unique architectural highlights of your roomlike a distinctive ceiling, window, or alcoveand enhancing them with wallpaper or paint. Here, the designer chose Lake Augusts Nasturtium pattern and Bigleaf colorway. Embrace natural light and make sure the window treatment you select adds to the room and doesnt take away more space, she adds.Photo: Theresa and Theo Morrison6/33Lean into dark colorsTo embrace the small scale of this bedroom, Jenny Guggenheim of AD PRO Directory firm Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio in Portland drenched it in Benjamin Moores Texas Leather and selected space-saving sconce lighting by Los Angelesbased Ravenhill Studio. The bed has such a beautiful upholstery detail at the head and foot, and the oatmeal boucl contrasts nicely with the dark wall to add visual texture, says Guggenheim, adding that the custom walnut pieces by Phloem Studio are sized to work with the room scale.Photo: Jenna Ohnemus Peffley7/33Opt for a bookcase headboardThe best small bedroom design ideas are ideas that address multiple needs in the space. A bookcase headboard does just that. Need a place to put books? Got it! Need a bedside table? It can store what youd usually put on said table! Need a headboard? Well, thats up to personal preference. If youdo want a headboard, opting for a bookcase headboard could be your best bet. InFanny Singers Los Angeles apartment, the bookcase headboard serves a lot of purposes, including hosting a sort of gallery wall by holding a number of art pieces on its topmost shelf.Photo: Barbara Corsico8/33Add a loft spaceWhether you add it for extra storage room or as an area for the mattress, a loft space will immediately give you more space to rejigger your room design. In this Italian vacation home, which measures just 323 square feet but is intended to host six people, a loft space was added above a mattress to home another mattress built-in bunk bed style. Be sure to leave enough headspace for guests who move around a lot at night (for example, from side sleeping to stomach sleeping). Low loft mattresses no more than 6 or 8 inches tall are affordable beds and should preserve enough room. Pink ladder, wood grain lining, and blue and green paintthe clever colorful design byhomeowners and architects Stefano Carera and Eirini Giannakopoulou shows how distinct even a simple loft space can feel.Photo: Rory Gardiner9/33Skip the nightstand and mount a sconceIf youre concerned about being able to fit a nightstand in your small space, consider whether or not you really need one. If your primary argument for squeezing one in is so that you can have some place for a lamp to sit, consider mounting a sconce instead. Skipping the nightstands will easily free up at least a foot of space on either side of the bedand those sconces will look rather chic. Just a glimpse at the bedroom in this300-square-foot Vincent Appeldesigned apartment should prove our point.Photo: Kyle Knodell; Styling: Jamie Perez Herrera10/33Go for a floating side tableOkaymaybe youre not ready to let go of the side table entirely but you still have limited space. A floating side table could be the fix for your interior design dilemma. In aBrooklyn apartment reimagined for a single mother and young daughter, Brett Masterson was left with limited space when he divided the original bedroom to create separate rooms for each family member. The mothers room has a slim floating bookshelf that offers enough space for a charging phone and a cup of water. An added bonus: Floating bookshelves are much easier to clean under than their four-legged counterparts.Photo: Lauren Edith Andersen/SEN Creative11/33Opt for a dual-function bedroomSmall bedroom decorating ideas are one thing, but you might also need to make tight quarters do double dutysuch as a home office/bedroom hybrid or a part-nursery, part-guest room space. Christina Higham, owner and principal of Sun Soul Style in Kauai, Hawaii, designed this space for a family that needed both a nursery and a guest bedroom for visitors. I really wanted the space to feel cozy, so we decided to drench the room in Benjamin Moores Seastar, says Higham. Oftentimes, people are afraid of bold colors when designing a small space. But it can actually have the opposite effect and make a space feel more expansiveespecially when the color extends to the ceiling. Another smart call for this room? The storage ottoman offers an easy spot to throw toys when the family wants them out of sight.Photo: Steve Freihon12/33Simplify your color paletteOften the easiest way to accomplish a feeling of tranquility in a small space is by simplifying your color palette. Even if the couple colors you opt for arent neutrals, limiting yourself to those particular colors will help to create a relaxed environment. If you do take this approach, as designerRyan Brooke Thomas did in this Brooklyn renovation, its best to keep storage behind closet doors, rather than out in the open.Photo: Prue Ruscoe; Styling: Felicity Ng13/33Center natural lightThough we may not be able to control the amount of natural light our living spaces get, when windows do appear, its best to center that light source as much as possible. In a bedroom atdesigner Yasmine Ghoniems own home, a low headboard was used so that the window could be as unobstructed as possible. Evidenced by the moody hues of the headboard and bedspread, deeper colors can be used in a room that enjoys natural light without making the room feel any less refreshing.Photo: Evan Jorgensen14/33Keep it doorlessIf you have the dumb luck of enjoying a spacious (maybe evenwalk-in) closet but only a small bedroom, there may not be much you can do beyond major renovation to even out the scale. What youcan do is opt to remove the door, or set of doors, that separate the closet from the rest of the bedroom. This way the cramped bedroom can avoid feeling cave-like, and the closet will feel less secondary. Bonus points if you pull off an arched doorway like in this Brooklyn rowhouse that Rustam Mehta and Tal Schori, the founding partners at Brooklyn-based GRT Architects, reimagined.Photo: Ekaterina Izmestieva15/33Select a sculptural headboardFor those who prefer neutral tones and simple fabrics to bright colors and flashy prints, sculptural headboards can be particularly useful. This way you can enjoy what makes an eye-catching headboard greatit can set the tone for the whole room and take the pressure off every other elementwithout sacrificing a rooms color scheme or overall mood. Were particularly into theStudio Ahead Sheep bed employed in aSan Francisco renovation by SAs founders. Also, make sure your pillows dont obstruct the view of the headboard. (For example, side sleeper pillows are loftier than average and stand taller.)Photo: Will Ellis16/33Choose your bedspread wiselyIn a room thats not much larger than the mattress it contains, the bedspread is the single most important factor. Forget upgrading your old bed frame or swapping out your nightstand, investing in a good blanket (and accessorizing with some fun throw pillows, if youre into that kinda thing) can easily help level up a small bedroom. Designer Fanny Abbes used a pom-pom-bedecked bedspread in the petite bedroom of thisUpper East Side apartment.Photo: Meghan Marin17/33Opt for a daybedEspecially for those of us who spend plenty of time in our bedrooms during waking hours, a daybed can be an asset for a small bedroom. In the guest bedroom/home office hybrid of hisNew York City apartment, celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh used a daybed to make the space as flexible as possible. Whether you use your small bedroom as a space to study, host friends, or lounge around watching TV, opting for a daybed can make it much more comfortable for you around the clock.Photo: Kirsten Francis Photography18/33Get a bed with built-in storageStorage space is one of the first things to go when it comes to downsizing your bedroomafter all, its not like you can get rid of the bed! So what to do? Designer Margaret Costello opted for a bed with built-in storage forher Greenwich Village apartment. Though storage bed models vary, CostellosNiels Bendtsen-designed DWR bed maneuvers the mattress up to access that extra space, making it particularly handy if your bedroom doesnt have the space for pulling out under-mattress drawers.Photo: Melanie Landsman19/33Add a mirrorPerhaps the most dependable trick in the book on making a space appear larger, adding a mirror can always be counted on to make a bedroom feel more spacious. Inthis 800-square-foot Brooklyn apartment, the mirror was added above the bed, removing the undesirable experience of waking up and immediately confronting your own reflection. The wall behind the bed faces the windowed wall, doubling up on all of that precious natural light.Photo: Joe Kramm; Styling: Mieke ten Have20/33Add an accent wallWhen floor space is limited, an accent wall is often the most foolproof of small bedroom ideas. In this New York Cityapartment revamped by Project AZ, built-in storage painted in a deep teal lines the bedroom wall. If you live in a rental and cant do built-ins and prefer not to paint, a gallery wall or painted wall shelves should do the trick. Orfor something slightly more adventurous but still low stakestrypeel and stick removable wallpaper.Photo: Marc Mauldin21/33Or add personality with a wood feature wallIn this small bedroom, I created a focal point with a slatted wood feature wall that draws the eye to the high ceilings, says Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and principal designer of Silo Studios in Atlanta. Like many other interior designers, Eisenhart is a proponent of installing sconces instead of using lamps in tiny spaces. While she likes a wood-slatted wall for modern bedrooms, for a more traditional or transitional home, Eisenhart says wainscoting on a feature wall is a fantastic alternative for adding texture and dimension in a classic, timeless way. If wallpaper or real wood paneling arent your thing, consider crafting an accent wall with fabric.Photo: Tim Hirschmann22/33Spice up the ceilingDepending on how adventurous you are with DIY projects, spicing up the ceiling is a wonderful way to make your room look personal without messing with your bedroom layout. This California desert home features wood paneled ceilings that continue the texture of the thicker paneling on the walls and tie into the natural tones of the duvet cover and other linens.Photo: Seth Caplan23/33Make a statement with lightingWith high ceilings, you have space for a dramatic chandelier; with an extra wedge of space on either side of the bed, you have room for an impactful floor lamp; and no matter what, you should be able to stick a sconce on the wall of your bed. No matter what light fixture your space lends itself to, it can act as the statement piece of your room. In this playful loft, the midcentury-style floor lamp packs a punch.Photo: Muk van Lil24/33Bring on the throw pillowsCute throw pillows arent just for jazzing up the living room! When theres little space for any decor, throw pillows can add visual interestandmake the bedroom more comfortable all at once. Well-designed throw pillow covers are like little works of art, and theyre much easier to bring in than an artwork that needs to be hung or another piece of furniture that would take up precious floor space. Just glimpseat designer Madelon Oudshoorn Spaargarens own bedroom and youll get it.Photo: Francisco Nogueira25/33Pick a houseplantWhere would we turn to make our living spaces a little more, well,lively without houseplants? Whether your living space leans minimalist, maximalist, or boho, as thisearth-toned Libson home does, houseplants can add a sense of groundedness in even the most frustratingly small bedrooms. You can stick a tiny succulent on a floating shelf, pop a hook on the ceiling and flaunt a hanging plant, or eke out a sliver of floor space for a monsterahowever you achieve it, the houseplant will definitely prove itself worthy of the footprint it takes up.26/33Bring in pops of colorSophie Lou Jacobsenseclectic apartment is full of fun finds, and her loft bedroom is no exception. Though the bedroom is dominated by its bright white walls and ceilingand the desk and lamp are also whitethe space feels energetic thanks to the random pops of color from the other furniture and the bedspread. It just goes to show that it only takes a couple pieces to truly set a tone in a small space.Photo: Peter Murdock27/33Splurge on a custom rugWith limited floor space in this NoHo bedroom, I created a custom round area rug with Sacco to fit under the bed, says AD PRO Directory designer Paris Forino, founder of her namesake interior design firm in New York City. This unique shape helps to create the illusion of more floor space and showcases the antique furniture, like the vintage Swedish chest and side chair. Another small bedroom decor idea trick? The team used a tall, full-length mirror to create a sense of a larger space.Photo: Michael Clifford28/33Dont be afraid of adding a fun detail or twoWorking with a tight footprint doesnt mean you need to skimp on playfulness. AD PRO Directory designer Susan Marinello of Susan Marinello Interiors in Seattle chose a wall-mounted monkey light from Seletti to add an element of whimsy, while saving valuable surface space in this Medina, Washington, small bedroom project. A compact daybed doubles as seating and sleeping space, while the bright, graphic rug introduces bold color and pattern to energize the room, Marinello says. The desk and bookshelf combination creates a dedicated study area, optimizing storage and organization.

submitted by /u/esporx [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/ControlCAD [link] [comments]

Slayer CakeDoom: The Dark Ages won't have any multiplayer modes because id Software wanted to focus on levelling up the single-player experienceId Softwares most ambitious game yet finally drops the multiplayer, but at least the payoff seems worth it.Image credit: VG247 News by Dom Peppiatt Editor-in-chief Published on Jan. 23, 2025 The cat is out of the bag. Doom: The Dark Ages will launch on May 15, 2025, and itll be the third nu-Doom game from esteemed developer id Software. But this game, which is confusingly a prequel to the instant classic Doom (2016), will eschew a trend established both by the first game in the rebooted series, and 2020s Doom Eternal: it wont have multiplayer.In a roundtable interview chaired by id Softwares Marty Stratton (studio director) and Hugo Martin (creative director), the two Doom veterans confirmed that there will be no multiplayer mode, at all, for Doom: The Dark Ages.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. We wanted to go all in on the campaign, explained Martin, when asked why this game would ship without a multiplayer element, when both Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal got one. Weve been able to level up the single-player element [of Dark Ages] because its been our entire focus.The game wont just have you standing and holding your ground as the nigh-immortal Doom Slayer this time, either. As a direct result of committing more resources to the single-player development, were going to have set-pieces involving a 30-story Atlan mech and a fire-breathing, gatling-gun toting cyber dragon. Yes, really.Thats something weve wanted to do for ages, for the last two games, really, explains Stratton, specifically referring to the inclusion of the Atlan. In case youre not completely up to date on your Doom lore (who can blame you), Atlans were enormous bipedal war machines used by the Night Sentinels in their war against the forces of Hell - youve probably seem inanimate husks of them in your playthroughs of past Doom games. We get to ride this because there's no MP, just to make it clear. | Image credit: id SoftwareBoth Stratton and Martin seemed very excited at the reveal - and inclusion - of the mech in Doom: The Dark Ages, and suggest that finally getting the Slayer to pilot one of these Evangelion-sized beasts is a direct result of allowing more dev time on the single-player elements of the game.Relatedly, the duo also boast that this is the largest play space ever in a Doom game, and showed off a variety of bonus dungeons, caves, and fights that you can engage in if you deviate from the beaten path. You control the pace of the game, grinned Martin. You control Where you go, who you fight, and the objectives your pursue. Once again, the developers cite being able to focus wholly on the single-player facet of the game as the reason id could pump this much content into the story and world. Eat your heart out, Shinji Ikari. | Image credit: iD SoftwareIm not complaining; in a world where were seeing multiplayer games flop at a rate of knots, and live-service slop take up more and more space on the virtual storefront, its something of a breath of fresh air to see single-player game modes in games take so much focus from a prolific developer. Perhaps its something that both Sony and Blizzard can learn from in the coming months and years.Doom: The Dark Ages launches on May 15, and itll launch on Xbox Game Pass for PC and Xbox Series - but itll also come to PlayStation 5.

Its Miller NightDoom: The Dark Ages takes unexpected influence from Frank Millers Batman - and was even dubbed Doom: Year One during developmentThe creative director for Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, Hugo Martin, is the game director of Doom: The Dark Ages - and hes a big Batman fan.Image credit: VG247/DC Article by Dom Peppiatt Editor-in-chief Published on Jan. 23, 2025 Theres a very significant through-line between the three newest Doom games (which we collectively sometimes refer to as nu-Doom). His name is Hugo Martin; a games industry veteran who was also a key player in the art department during the creation of Pacific Rim (2013).He has been the lore-master, so to speak, behind the rebooted games; expanding upon established lore thats been present in the series since its inception in 1993, and introducing new elements with more cinematic flair. Doom 2016 served as a reintroduction to the nigh-immortal Doom Slayer, with a lot of story beats told through more implicit means; buried in codexes and hidden in menus.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Doom Eternal did a little more to bait this lore into the foreground, giving us less obtuse cutscenes, and doing a bit more showing-not-telling so we could follow what was going on with a bit more clarity. Now, Doom: The Dark Ages is seeking to refine that storytelling art a little more, and with two triple-A Doom games behind him, Martin feels more confident than ever in delivering on the fantasy of the Doom Slayer.After 10 years of making modern Doom games together, the hope - the goal - is to give players an experience thats as fun to play as it is to make, smiles Martin in a roundtable interview ahead of the Xbox Showcase.The story of Doom (2016) reached its conclusion in its direct sequel, Doom Eternal. So Dark Ages - which is confusingly the third game in the series - will go back in time, and act as a prequel to the events of 2016's Doom . Martin said frequently during the roundtable that this is the most ambitious Doom game id Software has made to date; and thats in terms of combat depth, world size, and implementation of story.And to tell that story, Martin looked to comics. The comics of one Frank Miller, to be precise. The story was originally called Doom Year One! laughs Martin when he talks about how much Millers tale of Batman turning from man to myth inspired him. Thats an homage to Batman: Year One, of course. Theres this specific line that Frank Miller writes [in the arc] where Batman says this isnt a mud pit, its an operating table and Im the surgeon. I wanted to make a [Doom Slayer] like that, a heavier, more powerful Slayer. He's a surgeon. Bat-surgeon.Batman: Year One is so esteemed because it rewinds back to Batmans origins - which, yes, I know have been told ad naseum - but Miller treads this ground with a deft hand. Its violent, heavy, wearing its noir genre trappings like a cowl. It shows a Batman that hasnt quite learned as much restraint as he would go on to internalise, and isnt scared to show the ugly face of what brute force looks like when its done in the name of good.Martin is clearly cribbing on this for Dark Ages. Here, we have a Doom Slayer that is heavier, slower, designed to take punishment and dish it back tenfold.Eternal and 2016 stand on their own in how they play, explains Martin, but this is a standalone power fantasy thats big, powerful, and feels awesome. [In Eternal], you felt like a fighter jet. In Dark Ages, you feel like an iron tank. Doom 2016 was run and gun, Eternal was jump and shoot, Dark Ages is stand and fight - the shield saw lets you go head-to-head with the biggest, baddest demons. The iron flail, spike mace, and gauntlets let you rip them apart.So its all a balance between enemy projectiles and player movement speed, just like classic games. But innovation comes up against nostalgia, and thats in how the guns work, in how the melee works, and in how the sawshield works. Batman has also piloted mechs, right? | Image credit: iD SoftwareThat last element there is the glue that seems to knit the narrative realisation of this nastier, harder, Doom Slayer with the mechanics Martin is talking about. The sawshield will be key in how you stand and take enemies on; parrying melee chains, deflecting projectiles back at them, and deploying it at the right time in order to carve a hole in the onslaught and take out your foes with brutal prejudice. I can see the Batman analogy there, I really can; it makes you apply tactics to brutality, and know when to endure and when to strike.[Dark Ages] is the best entry point for the series, frankly, adds id Softwares studio director, Marty Stratton. Its a very approachable game; the story, the way the story is told, the way the game feels, the way were handling difficulty weve learned a lot of lessons over the past, and theyre all injected into this.Its all looking pretty good. The developers talk a lot about moving the narrative out of the codex and into the cutscenes. They talk about Dark Ages being a summer blockbuster with everything on the line. They say the balance of power between good and evil is shifting, and how time is running out. Theyre pushing all the right verbal buttons to get me interested. Lets just hope the final product is as iconic and persistent in the public consciousness as Millers Batman Year one when it launches later this year.Doom: The Dark Ages launches on May 15, and itll launch on Xbox Game Pass for PC and Xbox Series - but itll also come to PlayStation 5.

King of Swing (and of the charts).We've got an updated look at the Japanese software charts courtesy of Famitsu and, given the arrival of a new Nintendo joint, there was never any doubt about who was going to be in first place.Yes, much like in the UK, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has swung its way to gold in its debut week after shifting an impressive 107,093 copies. But just look at all the other newbies that DK had to beat to nab the gold! Dynasty Warriors: Origins on PS5 posted a less impressive debut but still managed 63,805 copies to land in second, and Switch took the lion's share of Tales of Graces f Remastered's sales, which arrived in third.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Image: United LabelThe latest Nintendo Download update for North America has arrived, and it's bringing new games galore to the eShop in your region. As always, be sure to drop a vote in our poll and comment down below with your potential picks for the week. Enjoy!Switch eShop - HighlightsSTAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles (Aspyr, 23rd Jan, $19.99) - Take back the Theed Palace in this fast and furious lightsaber action game set in the STAR WARS galaxy! You will have the power of the Force and your trusty lightsaber to help you ward off legions of battle droids, destroyer droids, assassins and other creatures from STAR WARS: Episode I The Phantom Menace. Jump into side-scrolling arcade action with fan favorite characters like Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi and more. Play solo or bring a friend along with you for the entire 10-level campaign in couch co-op mode! - Read our STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles reviewSubscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube794kWatch on YouTube Cuisineer (Marvelous (XSEED), 28th Jan, $29.99) - This roguelite game combines delectable dungeon crawling and fast-paced restaurant management elements into one cute and tasty mix. Dive into dungeons and cook up a storm as Pom, an adventurer-turned-restaurateur! Food-focused action challenges you to build your dinner the hard way: by dungeon-diving for materials and ingredients. Work with local artisans to customize your kitchen and tailor your dining hall to the needs of loyal patrons eager to experience the rare recipes youve cooked up.Switch eShop - New ReleasesAchilles: Legends Untold (Dark Point Games, 23rd Jan, $24.99) - Discover an extraordinary adventure in a dynamic Action RPG with souls-like combat. Explore the mythical world of ancient Greece, where youll assume the role of the fearless warrior, Achilles.Aquarun (Afil Games, 22nd Jan, $4.99) - Dive into the vibrant world of AquaRun, a fast-paced 2D pixel art platformer that tests your reflexes, precision, and determination! Inspired by the best of hardcore platforming games, AquaRun challenges you to guide a fragile yet determined character through 40 meticulously designed levels filled with relentless obstacles, devious traps, and tricky platforms.Arcade Archives ESCAPE KIDS (HAMSTER, 16th Jan, $7.99) - " ESCAPE KIDS " is a sports-action game released by KONAMI in 1987. ESCAPE KIDS has only one rule: run faster than everyone else. Use the RUN and SUPER JUMP buttons to win the future superhero race.Car Heist Simulator Thief Mechanic (VRKIWI Games, 25th Jan, $7.99) - Car Heist Simulator - Thief Mechanic invites you to test your skills in the world of car theft, where careful planning and agility are the keys to success. In this game, youll explore various locations, each with unique features and security levels.Casual Sport Series: Tennis (Revulo Games, 24th Jan, $5.99) - Choose from an array of vibrant characters, each with their own unique flair, and compete on beautifully designed courts. With stunning visuals, smooth animations, and colorful environments, every match is a feast for the eyes, making each rally as engaging to watch as it is to play.Cats Visiting Lunar New Year (AGE Zero, 23rd Jan, $3.99) - Welcome to Cats Visiting Lunar New Year, a festive and charming hidden object game celebrating the Chinese New Year!Codename: Ocean Keeper (RetroStyle Games, 17th Jan, $12.99) - Welcome to Ocean Keeper, a mining roguelike shooter with a top-down view. Play as a Miner whose spaceship has crashed on a planet, filled with underwater monsters. Find resources and artifacts for purchasing valuable upgrades.Courageous Reasoning Nori 9 Reasoning Tournament Sticking Nori (HERO GAME, 16th Jan, $1.50) - Courage and others will participate in the deduction competition. Will they be able to emerge victorious?Cycle Chaser H-5 (Ratalaika Games, 24th Jan, $5.99) - Do you have what it takes to defeat the rampaging alien forces? Burn through waves of impenetrable foes with a sleek arsenal of weapons.Dance of Cards (Pineapple Works, 23rd Jan, $9.99) - Dance of Cards is a tactical gambling RPG where you try to survive seven days of a deadly cruise by playing poker. With no option to escape, they are forced to accept the rules and put their lives at stake for a fleeting hope of salvation.Doll Style: Underground Design and Dress (Cooking & Publishing, 16th Jan, $3.99) - Are you ready to create the coolest and most urban looks? Design unique and comfortable outfits that will make your girls shine in their everyday life. Explore a wide variety of clothes, hairstyles and accessories to mix and match in original ways. Unleash your creativity and become the most trendsetting stylist on the street!Dragon Takers (KEMCO, 23rd Jan, $14.99) - The Dragon Army, commanded by the ruthless Drake Emperor Tiberius, marches ever closer to total conquest of the world. The once-mighty nations stand divided, each struggling in isolation as their lands fall one by one under the growing shadow of the army. Amid the chaos, a young man named Helio, from the humble village of Haven, faces his end in a vicious dragon attack. However, just as hope fades, a mysterious power awakens within him.EGGCONSOLE ZANAC MSX (D4 Enterprise, 23rd Jan, $6.49) - Released in 1986 in Japan, ZANAC is a vertically scrolling shooting game. Players pilot the ZANAC fighter to battle the runaway system. ZANAC utilizes both normal shots and special bullets to fight.Escape from Nightmare: Horror Tales (Megame, 23rd Jan, $4.99) - Explore the gloomy corridors of abandoned premises, full of dangers and secrets. Each step can lead to new tricks or unexpected finds. Unravel the history of this cursed place, collecting notes left by previous inhabitants. The atmosphere of the game is filled with tension and fear. Discover dark secrets and show your courage to survive this terrible test.Escape Game The Resort Facility (Regista, 23rd Jan, $4.99) - This game is an escape-the-room game (mystery-adventure game). Point the screen with a cursor to solve riddles, and story goes on.Folk Hero (Smart Space Solutions, 23rd Jan, $11.99) - Folk Hero is an action-slasher with rogue-lite elements set in the world of Slavic fantasy. Explore the ever-changing island, find treasures, combine weapons and artifacts to defeat mythical enemies. Challenge your skills! One life, one try.Golden Rails: Valuable Package Collectors Edition (Ocean Media, 16th Jan, $6.99) - After being chased by bandits and losing some valuable packages, postman Philip turns to his new friends, Jack and Jill, for help in delivering all the remaining packages to their rightful owners. But it's not just a simple delivery task - the bandits are still on the loose and willing to do whatever it takes to get their hands on the rare and valuable packages.Gravitators (eastasiasoft, 23rd Jan, $9.99) - Old-school challenge and style collide with modern advancements and mission design in Gravitators, a twin-stick shooter that puts you in control of 4 different ships as you defend mankind against invasion!GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Nintendo Switch Edition (ARC SYSTEM WORKS, 23rd Jan, $59.99) - State of the art 2.5D fighting game is coming to Nintendo Switch! Guilty Gear -Strive-, the latest entry of the Guilty Gear series with more than 3 million users worldwide, finally arrives as Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition!How to Start Yoga: A Beginners Guide (Cooking & Publishing, 16th Jan, $2.99) - Immerse yourself in the world of yoga with this comprehensive guide, designed to inspire you to improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Learn how to increase your flexibility and mobility through a selection of postures explained in detail, from chest openings to gentle stretches. Discover simple techniques that will help you reduce stress, improve sleep quality and look after your postural health.Hunter Simulator : Wild Hunting (16BIT, 24th Jan, $9.99) - Step into the heart of the wild with Hunter Simulator: Wild Hunting, where breathtaking landscapes meet the ultimate hunting challenge. Traverse vast open worlds, from dense forests to towering mountains, as you track elusive prey in an unforgiving environment.Infernitos (Afil Games, 23rd Jan, $4.99) - Take on the role of a mischievous imp chef tasked with crafting devilishly delicious dishes for picky demon patrons. In this fiery puzzle adventure, youll navigate a blazing kitchen, skillfully pushing and delivering dishes to satisfy your infernal clients.Master Of Bow (Zakym, 24th Jan, $4.99) - This charming pixel art puzzle game offers 30 increasingly challenging levels across 3 unique biomes. Deliver dishes by skillfully solving puzzles with a wicked twist!Motorbikes Pro 2025 (Baltoro Minis, 17th Jan, $4.99) - Step into the world of archery where precision and skill are your greatest allies. In Master of Bow, take on the role of a master archer and challenge yourself to hit a variety of targetsfrom straw big targets and wooden smaller moving targets to flying balloons and mannequinsNeptunia Riders VS Dogoos (Idea Factory, 28th Jan, $39.99) - This dimension is different from Gamindustri... Choose from 6 playable characters, scour the land on your trusty bike, and collect as many variants of Dogoos as possible to win! As players progress through 15 Dogoo-filled stages, Uzume must find a way to snap her friends out of their weird fascination with Dogoos! The Dogoo Bounty HunterOsman Gazi (UMURO, 23rd Jan, $9.99) - Take charge of the army with Osman Gazi and witness the foundation of the Ottoman Empire. Play the story of an epic heroism inspired by real people and events. Lead your people! All comrades like alps, balas and chicks are fighting under your leadership.PicoMix by NuSan (Potico Games, 16th Jan, $14.99) - PicoMix by NuSan features games made by creator NuSan over a 8 years period of time. Its a compilation of works in multiple genres, like platform, puzzle, crafting, or base building for a total of about 20 fun games and experiments, some will provide hours of interesting challenges while others can be completed in a few minutes.Portal Balls (Zakym, 24th Jan, $4.99) - PicoMix by NuSan features games made by creator NuSan over a 8 years period of time. Its a compilation of works in multiple genres, like platform, puzzle, crafting, or base building for a total of about 20 fun games and experiments, some will provide hours of interesting challenges while others can be completed in a few minutes.PUNYAN (G-MODE, 16th Jan, $6.99) - PUNNYAN is a falling puzzle and merge game to enjoy together with cute cats living on the Nyanten Island! The game is easy to play with simple controls, but with the addition of original rules, a new puzzle experience awaits you, requiring a deep strategy!Ravenswatch (Nacon, 23rd Jan, $29.99) - Ravenswatch is a top-down roguelike action game that combines intense real-time combat with deep gameplay and high replay value. After the success of Curse of the Dead Gods, Passtech returns with a new formula and game experience that can be played solo or with up to four players in co-op.ROBOT ANARCHY (Infinite Zone, 29th Jan, $4.99) - Prepare for heart-pounding action as you blast through waves of deadly machines across a series of diverse and gripping levels. The game offers a unique mix of intense gunfights, puzzles, and secret areas that keep you on your toes. Built using old-schoold 90's technology to deliver an authentic experience.Save The Doge (NOSTRA GAMES, 23rd Jan, $4.99) - Solving the puzzles and saving the little puppies is the best way to spend your time. Draw the lines accurately, so the angry bees can't even touch our beloved dog.Sliding Cubes 2048 Mania (Zakym, 24th Jan, $3.99) - Immerse yourself in this addictive puzzle game where strategy is key! Merge colorful cubes with matching numbers to create higher-value cubes, like combining two 2s to make a 4, and so on. Your goal is to score as high as possible while keeping the board clear. If more than 20 cubes fill the board, its game over.Strania -The Stella Machina- EX (G.rev, 23rd Jan, $14.99) - The all-out robot action-shooting game "Strania -The Stella Machina-", reminiscent of the good old days of arcade games, has evolved into the EX (Extra) version and will become available on the Nintendo Switch!SUMMER GIRLFRIEND (CyberStep, 16th Jan, $19.90) - With a single sentence from his grandfather, Yuuichi Yagami starts to think about romance for the first time in his life. However, for someone like Yuuichiwho's only ever focused on his family and friendsthe idea of romance is completely foreign and feels like an impossible challenge.Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection (Grimorio of Games, 23rd Jan, $24.95) - Return to the world of Sword of the Necromancer like never before! Resurrection is a 3D remake of the original game, completely reimagined with new graphics and gameplay mechanics. Dive into an adventure full of emotions, strategy, and action, with an artistic style inspired by the classics of the 6th generation console era, now brought to the modern age.Symphonia (Headup Games, 23rd Jan, $19.99) - In the realm of Symphonia, music acts as a source of life and energy. But since the founders and their orchestra vanished the inhabitants are divided, and the world slowly falls into silence. What if there was a way to gather a new orchestra? That's the question Philemon, the mysterious musician in Symphonia, will have to answer.Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter (United Label, 28th Jan, $24.99) - As Arlo, young heir to the Warden of the Wastes, journey through the vast, snow-ravaged lands of the North in an epic quest to overcome the Dark Wings once and for all. Hunt down giant beasts. Unite disparate clans. Upgrade your settlement. And discover a terrible secret of blood and crownThe Bakery Tales (Loneminded, 24th Jan, $4.99) - The Bakery Tales is a delightful bakery management game where you take the reins of a cozy shop in a bustling town. Choose your menu from a selection of recipes, carefully manage stock and ingredient levels, and ensure smooth operations by hiring and managing staff.The Exit Project: Backstreets (NOSTRA GAMES, 23rd Jan, $9.99) - Do you realize that you are in a very strange place? Everything around you seems normal and ordinary, but look closely. What do you see? Step by step, you're back in the same place you started. Try it again. Look carefully around you. Back again? Then you missed something.Vermitron (Clickteam, 24th Jan, $7.99) - They're Coming! Get ready to defend your lovely Flower from invading insect! Prepare your Bug Spray, Call your Holo-Pet, Fortify base and don't forget your mission: Find the Watering-Can! Vermitron is an Retro styled Arcade Twin-Stick shooter with Tower Defense elements inspired by the classic titles like Robotron, Smash-Tv, Gauntlet or PSSST from ZX-Spectrum.Witch It (Barrel Roll Games GmbH & Co. KG, 16th Jan, $19.90) - Explore and hide within humble villages, exotic islands, and peculiar forests brimming with secrets and surprises for you to discover. Each map contains a variety of prop arrangements, keeping matches unique and exciting every time you play!Worlds of Aria (Ishtar Games, 23rd Jan, $14.99) - Lead your own DnD like adventuring party on an epic exploit narrated by Laura Bailey. Invite your friends for free to the group with the Friends Pass, or strike out on your own. Collaboration, betrayal, and the luck of the dice what wild escapades will you and your companions embark on!What will you be downloading this week? (110 votes)Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles9%Cuisineer5%Achilles: Legends Untold3%Aquarun 0%Arcade Archives ESCAPE KIDS5%Casual Sport Series: Tennis 0%Codename: Ocean Keeper 0.9%Cycle Chaser H-5 0%Dance of Cards 0%Doll Style: Underground Design and Dress 0.9%Dragon Takers 0%Eggconsole Zanac Msx4%Folk Hero 0%Gravitators 0.9%Guilty Gear -Strive-: Nintendo Switch Edition14%Hunter Simulator : Wild Hunting 0%Infernitos 0%Master Of Bow 0%Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos2%Osman Gazi 0%PicoMix by NuSan 0%Portal Balls 0%Punyan 0%Ravenswatch4%Robot Anarchy 0%Save The Doge 0%Strania -The Stella Machina- EX3%Summer Girlfriend 0.9%Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection4%Symphonia3%Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter13%The Bakery Tales 0.9%The Exit Project: Backstreets 0%Vermitron 0%Witch It 0.9%Worlds of Aria3%Nothing for me this week25%So that's your lot for this week's North American Nintendo Download. Go on, be a sport and drop a vote in the poll above, and comment below with your hot picks!

Autograph, the $3.1 billion valuation NFT company co-founded by Tom Brady, is merging with the digital fitness company Future. As part of the merger, Brady will join the board of directors of Future and serve as co-chair of the company.Brady co-founded Autograph in 2021 to find ways to connect athletes and artists with fans, ultimately launching an NFT marketplace and raising more than $200 million, according to Pitchbook. The company re-launched late last year without the NFT component as a platform that tracks fan engagements and rewards them for it. It counted the likes of Naomi Osaka and Tony Hawk on its board of advisors and was backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Venture Partners.Future, meanwhile, connects people with digital fitness coaches and builds personalized fitness routines for users.Autograph faced some challenges, especially after the crypto market crashed and the NFT market cooled. In 2023, the company had layoffs and at one point was down to 30 people, as reported by Fast Company.Rishi Mandal, co-founder and CEO of Future, made the announcement on LinkedIn. Speaking to TechCrunch, Mandal said he and Brady met through a mutual friend. They discussed partnerships, but ultimately decided they should be one company, he said. While all parties are calling this a merger, not an acquisition, the company will retain the name Future. Mandal said it was too early to announce new products, but said that Future will look to combine Autographs celebrity connections with Futures athletic mission. The goal is to find a way to let people train with top athletes and receive expert coaching.Future has raised more than $100 million and was last publicly valued at $275 million, according to Pitchbook.

A security researcher found a hidden unreleased feature in the Waymo app that allowed her to display whatever characters she wanted on the robotaxis top display.Jane Manchun Wong, a well-known security researcher, posted an image on X on Saturday showing the top display of a Waymo car officially called dome that included her X handle, and other strings of characters.I hacked my Waymo into showing weird texts like empty string, wongmjane, and emojis as the Car ID, pls dont ban me or patch it @waymo lol, she wrote.Wong, who lives in San Francisco, told TechCrunch that she was able to customize the characters on the self-driving Jaguar I-Pace dome by fiddling with the Waymo mobile app on her Android phone as she waited for the robotaxi to show up.The good old magic of messing around with the Waymo mobile app. I guess their servers didnt validate the input for the Car ID from non-employees, said Wong. So no jailbreaking or rooting the car itself. All I did was change the Car ID to something beyond what itd normally accept. A pretty harmless thing I suppose.Despite her pleas, it appears Waymo updated the app to stop riders from customizing the dome like Wong did. On Tuesday, Wong posted an update saying she was not able to change the Car ID anymore.Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp confirmed that Wong found a hidden feature, and the company shut it down for regular users like Wong.Jane identified an unreleased feature given her advanced Android knowledge, Karp told TechCrunch. We have restricted access to the dome display features.In 2020, Waymo announced that it added moving LEDs to its dome so that it can act as a mechanism for riders to identify the vehicle day and night and know which vehicle is theirs when there may be more than one Waymo car waiting.The dome is also used to communicate with pedestrians that the car is yielding to them, or to cyclists that the passenger is about to open the cars door. And the company has also used the display for marketing purposes.