Doom: The Dark Ages gets release date confirmed, will make you feel like an "iron tank" rather than the "fighter jet" acrobatics of Doom EternalBeefier melee and revamped Glory Kills, too.Image credit: Bethesda News by Katharine Castle Managing Editor Published on Jan. 23, 2025 Bethesda and id Software revealed an extensive new gameplay deep dive for Doom: The Dark Ages as part of the Xbox Developer Direct tonight, confirming the game's leaked release date of May 15th 2025 in the process.Set in a sci-fi fantasy medieval war against the demons of hell and acting as a prequel to Doom (2016), the Doom Slayer now has a hefty Shield Saw at his disposal alongside a multitude of new guns and weapons to play with, and tonight we got a glimpse of just how dramatically that shield will affect the game's overall combat flow.DOOM: The Dark Ages | Developer_Direct 2025 (4K) | Coming May 15, 2025. Watch on YouTube"In Doom Eternal you felt like a fighter jet," game director Hugo Martin said. "In Doom: The Dark Ages, you'll be an iron tank. Heavy, strong, but still fast." The more grounded combat system will strike a finer balance between enemy projectiles and player movement than previous games, Martin continued, and classic Doom fans will be pleased to hear that all adds up to make "strafing to aim viable again".In a Q&A for press ahead of tonight's showcase, Martin told Eurogamer "the shield is your multi-tool, you know, it's your Swiss army knife," and its lock-on mechanic is a big part of this. In addition to strafing, it will also let you rocket you across the arena to shield bash enemies - or traverse large chasms as we saw in the showcase trailer."You just feel like a pinball, like you're this wrecking machine" he added, and at one point even likened it to web-slinging from Spider-Man. That's where the speed element comes from, it seems, but as we saw in the trailer, the shield can also block and deflect incoming fire, be thrown like Kratos' axe, and even be used to parry demon melee attacks - all from a single, contextual button press.Don't worry if the word 'parry' makes you break out in a sweat, though, as the showcase revealed there will be extensive difficulty modifiers that players can adjust on the fly to tweak settings such as parry windows, game speed, daze duration and more. Image credit: id SoftwareThe Doom Slayer will have new melee options of his own to follow up those defensive manoeuvres, including an iron flail, an electrified gauntlet, and a spiked mace. Again, these will all be available on one input, and have their own combos and upgrade paths.In the press Q&A, Martin revealed this streamlining of the controls was an important goal for Doom: The Dark Ages. This was partly to make it feel intuitive, as "you shouldn't be fighting the controls, you should be fighting the bad guys", he said, but also so players can "master the control scheme faster, then we can ask more of you sooner."Martin also told Eurogamer that many of The Dark Ages' new weapons were designed to be "more brutalistic" to fit the medieval setting, and that he wanted players to think of them "like torture devices". There's no flamethrower this time, either, so the path to clawing back ammo will be done entirely through the new melee weapons."It's a loop that's made up of three core abilities that the player has, which is guns, shield and melee, and you're basically going to be using one or all of those three non-stop throughout the game. And each of those will give you the resources you need to stay in the fight". Image credit: id SoftwareGlory Kills have also been revamped for The Dark Ages. They're now un-synced and can be executed from any angle without locking you into a short, close-up death sequence. "For 10 years now, we've been trying to solve the problem of what happens when there are multiple demons staggered at the same time," Martin said during the Q&A."By the time you've played one synced glory kill, you turn to the other one and he's already out of his stagger state. The answer [was] it never worked to just leave them in the stagger state longer, that just feels weird." Martin also cited that moving between multiple staggered enemies felt "jarring", which didn't gel with their overarching goal of making The Dark Ages feel "fluid and constantly in control".As a result, the studio lent more on the "physics part" of the engine, so players "could move through [enemies] like Leonidas in the Hot Gates in that scene in 300," which Martin says was "a big source of inspiration" for the new Glory Kill system. Making them un-synced also solved "the problem of repetition" and recycled animation sequences, as seen in Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, he said. Now, "you basically perform combos," Martin explained, "and you feel like you're in total control".On top of the new crop of weapons, The Dark Ages will also let players pilot a "30 storey" Atlan mech to punch giant titans, and fly around on a cybernetic dragon, which breathes fire and has its own mounted gatling gun. Image credit: id Software"They're these pace breakers that happen throughout the game and are woven into the story," executive producer Marty Stratton told Eurogamer. They have their own missions, suite of abilities and mini-bosses to fight. With the dragon, in particular, you'll also using it to explore certain levels, as well as getting on and off it at specific points, with Stratton giving an example of using it to land on a hell galleon, say, then fighting your way through it from the inside before needing to escape again.Levels won't all be linear romps to the finish line, either. In one mission, for example, Martin likens it to a "Doom sandbox", calling it the "largest play space ever in a Doom game" as you bomb around a medieval battlefield pursuing objectives at your own pace. Whether that's representative of a more general open world-style approach remains to be seen, of course. Martin did reveal in the Q&A that "exploration is a huge part of the game", but it's more of "an expanded linear experience" than true open world.Still, together with the mech and dragon sequences, it looks like id Software is pulling out all the stops here when it comes to scale and spectacle, and we'll no doubt find out more when Doom: The Dark Ages releases on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Game Pass on 15th May.

Endless Legend 2 is a fantasy 4X where players are at the mercy of shifting seasons and monstrous tidesComing to PC early access soon.Image credit: Amplitude Studios/Eurogamer News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Jan. 23, 2025 Amplitude Studios, the developer behind historical 4X Humankind and the Endless series of games, has announced it's revisiting its other 4X title - the fantasy themed Endless Legend - for a fully fledged sequel launching into PC early access soon.Endless Legend 2 aims to take the critically acclaimed turn-based, hex-based strategy action of the 2014 original and push it to "new heights". Core to these ambitions is a new seasons and tidefalls system promising to "dramatically transform" Endless Legend 2's doomed ocean world of Saiadha as a game of exploration, expansion, and domination unfolds."As the water goes down, the environment itself becomes both an obstacle and a chance for discovery," the developer explains. "Players will have to adapt to these constant shifts, confront ancient threats, and uncover the secrets buried deep within Saiadha. Each cataclysm brings new dangers, but also unique opportunities."Endless Legend 2 reveal trailer.Watch on YouTubeEndless Legend 2 will initially feature four unique factions as part of its early access release, each promising their own "distinct philosophies, strengths, and play styles" and offering asymmetric styles of play. Amplitude says two additional factions are set to join upon its full release.There's no launch date for Endless Legend 2 just yet, but Amplitude is currently targeting "early 2025". Fans of the studio eager to join in its test phase prior to its early access arrival can sign up to Amplitude's Insider programme via its website.Endless Legend 2 marks Amplitude's first release since splitting from former owner Sega last year. "This decision allows us to be more agile in our approach while continuing to shape the vision that we've had from the beginning," studio director Romain de Waubert de Genlis said at the time, "empowering us to push boundaries and be closer than ever to our community."

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.CDMX may be better known for its ancient ruins and unrivaled cuisine, but also hosts some of the design industrys biggest rising stars. The best Mexico City Airbnbs get you up close and personal with all of its earthly delights and exquisite interiors, plus help you skip the sprawling resorts and big-name hotels for homegrown charm.From a two-bedroom apartment inspired by traditional artists residences to an artfully renovated biblioteca, to a 1950s bungalow with a 40-foot-long pool, these Airbnb rentals are havens of Mexican culture and artistry. After all, few countries do transitional indoor-outdoor living spaces quite like Mexico does, which is why design enthusiasts, digital nomads, and jet-setters head below the border in droves whenever the need for sun and visual inspiration strikes. That, and carne asada tacos and spicy margaritas taste so much better on a terrace overlooking Bosque de Chapultepec than they do when Seamless-ed to your apartment. Here, some of the dreamiest Mexico City Airbnbs to book rapido before someone else gets the same idea.Courtesy of AirbnbQuiet and Cozy Nook Near Lardo CondesaDesigned by Atelier Zuniga Lpez and architecture firm Jsa, this one-bedroom in one of the citys most popular neighborhoods is a deep, healing breath manifested. Inside, the kitchen is stocked for simple mealsbest for visitors looking to explore the citys deep culinary scene. Take coffee on the plant-covered balcony, and retreat to the cove of a bedroom at the end of the day, where the rich color palette and soft textiles exude relaxing vibes. Another hidden perk? A free parking space for guests. Other amenities include an in-unit washer and dryer, a Bluetooth system, dedicated workspace, a coffeemaker, and building staff that can help you access the space 24/7. From $141 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbUnique Loft in PolancoFor an upscale, no-holds-barred vacation, head to Mexico Citys Polanco neighborhood, where designer stores jostle for real estate space with world-class restaurants and attractions such as Pujol and the Museo Jumex. At this swanky two-bedroom in the heart of it all, light floods in from big windows surrounding the open living area, and the views get even better from the open terrace that overlooks the surrounding treetops. Technically a penthouse, there are three different floors to this loft with a bedroom on the first two. The top floor is packed with a family room, a half-kitchen, a laundry room, a full bathroom, and access to the terrace. Its a great pick if youre traveling with a small crew and want some privacyor more than a few nooks to tuck yourself away when you need some solo time. From $582 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbMinimalistic Loft at DIB in La Roma NorteThe two-bedroommanaged by a Superhostlives in a historic home that was built in 1910 but the vibe is 100% minimalist. Blonde wood informs the loft's muted interiors that are graced with Teka appliances and giant windows. Another perk that city dwellers will appreciate is the closet space. Other amenities include a a 24-hour doorman to let you in no matter what time of night or day you return, daily room cleaning so you never have to lift a finger on you stay, plus air conditioning to insulate yourself from the heat. Located in the Roma Norte neighborhood, theres plenty of street art to be seen, historic architecture to tour (Casa Museo Guillermo Tovar de Teresa is a good place to start), and parks to stroll (Parque Espaa). From $196 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbElegant and Artistic Loft on Historic Madero StreetLocated in a former hotel, this one-bedroom apartment is a jewel-toned retreat from the noise of the city streets. And if proximity to historic sights and cultural institutions is high on your checklist, youll be delighted to hear that its just a stones throw away from the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Zcalo (Plaza de la Constitucion), and Museo Nacional De Arte (MUNAL). There are two bedsone is situated adjacent to the living space so this rental is best for a tight-knit group of buddies, a duo, solo travelers, or family. From $53 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa AlferezIf youre renting a car and hope to juggle some city landmarks plus sights off the beaten path, book into this cabin an hours drive away from the city in Caada De Alferes. The Brutalist vibes are strong here, from the concrete interiors to the sky-high ceilings. But there are plenty of soft moments to break it all up: a forest-green conversation pit forms the centerpiece of the living area, competing only with the wall-length window opening the view to the tree-lined backyard. Wood tones warm up the dining space, while an outdoor fire pit helps you transition the party into the late hours of the night as you recount the days adventures. From $213 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa Wynwood in Roma NorteIf you want to feel like youre taking over a hotel with your closest friends, Casa Wynwood has your name written on it. Its easy to get (blissfully) lost here: The common spaces feel never-ending and youll have a great time winding your way through the maze. Between the four bedrooms at your disposal, theres plenty of space for a small group to rest up. Avid readers will also waste no time settling into the leather couch in the bookshelf-lined library to flip through novels. Antiques are tucked into corners and the art feels thoughtfully curatedmuch like walking into your most creative friends home. Furry felines and pooches are also allowed, if you want to save money on that pet hotel. Guests can even drop off their luggage before the official check-in time, and theres a private patio for kicking your feet up when the weather is nice (and it usually is). From $1,567 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa TeoThe minimalist, two-bedroom Casa Teo revolves around an open concept floor plan that mimics artist residences. The host encourages his guests to participate in the active artistic and cultural programs so that they can contribute to Mexicos unique cultural exchange. Plus, its soothing palette of pale woods, creamy whites, and heather grays certainly doesnt get in the way of creativity. Best of all, the home is owned by uber-chef Enrique Olivera and formerly housed his iconic restaurant Pujol before it moved to a newer location, also in Polanco. Accordingly, expect to be well-fed on your stay, as the casa comes well-stocked with homemade breads, local fruits, spreads, and juices. From $395 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa MetlThough Casa Metl accomodates three bedrooms across three floors, its most impressive space is the shaded patio that sits just beyond a giant sliding glass door. Though the home is right smack dab in the middle of the charismatic Roma Sur neighborhood, the more low-key and easygoing counterpart to Roma Norte is a few minutes north. The patio is a tranquil haven that feels miles away from the traditional street food stalls, noisy cafes, and always-busy Mercado de Medelln just below it. That kind of quiet serenity is what the homeowners were going for when they designed their space, which is why they handpicked art by Mexican painters and decorated with a warm, gentle palette. Plus, they were heavily inspired by mezcaleria culture, which explains the abundance of organic materials throughout the home. From $317 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa Jos Clemente Orozco CoyoacnCoyoacn is the place to be for any free-spirited creatives who want to explore Mexico Citys most bohemian quarter. Its cobblestone avenues and Colonial architecture lead the way to the municipalitys eccentric art galleries, artisan markets, and charming sidewalk cafes. This three-bedroom dwelling is right in the middle of it all. Plus, its only a few blocks away from La Casa Azul, Frida Kahlos museum. The famed self-portraitist isnt the villas only connection to Mexican art: Its named after painter and muralist Jos Clemente Orozco, who designed and built what would become his studio between 1921 and 1923. From $171 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa CondesaThough a clean and neutral palette is on-trend these days, Casa Condesa makes a case for bringing bright color back into the mix. Constructed in the mid-1920s, the six-bedroom mansion celebrates traditional Mexican interiors with clever use of color, texture, and, of course, intricate tile patterns. The pice de rsistance, however, is the private garden, accessible through a set of double glass-paned doors. The courtyard-like space of this Mexico City Airbnb is complete with a vintage wooden table and two matching chairs whose colorful cushions practically beg guests to take a seat. From $414 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbLa Roma HouseThis 19th-century three-bedroom cottage is a shining example of Colonial architecture that prioritizes indoor-outdoor design with two outdoor terraces, a sweeping backyard, and an outdoor living area equipped with a firepit. Enclosed within one tall concrete wall donning dark leafy ivy and micro-lights and four wooden ones, the garden is as much an oasis as any placeespecially for indulging in a nightcap and scintillating conversation after sunset. From $225 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbArt Deco Apartment in Santa Mara La RiberaStep back in time with this 1940s Art Deco luxury apartment in the perfect location: the Santa Maria La Ribera neighborhood of Mexico City, just above the bustling historic center of town, Centro Histrico. Beautiful exposed brick lines the ceilings and the walls in the living room, while one of its walls is full of floor-to-ceiling windows that illuminate the dining and lounge areas. The elevated private terrace opens up into a courtyard with a fountain so you can sip on tea or coffee before starting your day in the city. The unit comes with one private bedroom with a queen-size bed as well as a full bright kitchen for taking meals during the day. From $78 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbClassical Roma TownhouseSometimes all you need is a bit of color to feel right at home in a space. If youre headed to Mexico City, consider staying in this two-bedroom Airbnb rental, which makes great use of accent walls and prints. Take the emerald green couch and blue and purple throw pillows as evidence, or the thoughtful bursts of pastels found in the kitchen backsplash, bedroom wallpapering, wall mirror, and outdoor space. The neighborhood itself is a great location for anyone seeking great dining and nightlife, shopping, and art gallery options. And when you return after a long day of trekking, dont forget to soak your muscles in the units bathtub that has room for two. From $94 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Airbnb1940s Biblioteca ApartmentThis one goes out to the bibliophiles. Nestled inside a 1940s mansion within the Roma Norte neighborhood is this private library thats been thoughtfully renovated into a one-bedroom apartment. What it lacks in books now, it more than makes up for in trailing vines, restored wood floors, a plush king-size bed, stained glass details, and an abundance of windows. The biblioteca boasts a fully equipped kitchen and dining area for the days you want to make your own cuisine, plus an office space for anyone working from home. The midcentury-inspired furniture and decor are all sourced from Mexican designers, carpenters, and artisans. From $94 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbPenthouse CondesaHere's a breathtaking contemporary Art Deco penthouse, designed by famed CDMX architectural firm Atelier Ziga Lpez. You won't find much in the way of decor, which is intentional, as the design elements speak for themselves. Case in point: The vaulted ceilings littered with skylights, striking window frames and room dividers, a walnut walk-in closet, and the inviting outdoor dining room. Of course, there are also plenty of modern indulgences, like a smart TV for catching up on your Netflix shows, a washer and dryer, speedy Wi-Fi, and a bluetooth sound system. From $142 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbModern City Loft with Private RooftopSleep (almost) among the trees in this slab concrete beauty, situated in quiet Roma Sur. Take a walk around the neighborhood to enjoy the Art Deco mansions, quirky galleries, street art, and hidden-away cafs before returning to this artfully designed loft. Each design element was sourced around Mexico by the host, from the woven textiles to the plant pots. The one-bedroom space has a full bathroom, roof garden, and comes equipped with a kitchenette thats ideal for anyone who plans on eating their way through la ciuidad. From $139 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbThe Terrace of Orchids Eclectic CondoStep inside the Terrace of Orchids, an eclectic open-layout condo, and you might consider canceling that return ticket. The comfortable apartment is littered with so many paneled frosted windows that they quickly become the focal point of the space. On the bottom floor are the living, dining, and kitchen areas, plus a private outdoor terrace. Each piece of furniture feels intentionally chosen for the space; it's not crowded with decor or pieces you'll find everywhere. The upstairs loft space is where you'll find the bedroom area and walk-in closets. This apartment is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Chapultepec Park, placed right in between the Condesa and Roma Norte neighborhoods. From $166 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbQuetzalcoatls NestQuetzalcoatls Nest, an earthship-style home, is more than just one of Mexico Citys top-rated vacation rentalsits a design and sustainability masterpiece. Architect Javier Senosiain designed the small apartment complex so that the natural world is amplified through the living spaces. So no, this isnt your typical Mexico City Airbnb, but its perfect for anyone whos seeking a quiet oasis to reset. The apartment itself has all of the characteristics of a classic, futuristic earthship: rounded windows, organic shapes, and curved walls. Each fixture and floor is made with natural, upcycled materials, and blessedly, these homes are naturally cool even in the summer. The Nest is situated on acres of gardens filled with lush flora, ponds, and trees. As a guest, you'll also have the opportunity to receive a guided tour of the architect's neighborhood project, Parque Quetzalcoatl. From $452 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbExclusive Suite in Casa de 1905Designed using the principles of Porfirian architecture (a French-Mexican fusion), Casa de 1905 houses a number of beautiful, moody apartments right in the middle of Juarez, which is known for its numerous, exciting restaurants and coffee shops. The apartment itself has a large romantic balcony, spa-like bathroom (with a tub), a green terrace accessed via said bathroom, and an eat-in kitchenette that overlooks the street. Its decorated with midcentury-modern furniture, all sourced from antique dealers across the city. From $82 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbCasa Boho in CentroBy stripping the paint from the 19-foot walls in this Porfirian masterpiece, the host uncovered a beautiful Impressionist texture, which he sealed with a glazeand that's just the backdrop. The rest of this castle-like, two-bedroom apartment is a marvel too. Think: a spacious roof deck for greeting the day and soaking in the sunset, rich hardwood floors, intricately carved Mexican furniture, and huge French doors that lead out to Juliet balconies. Even better, your vacation rental is also close to the Bellas Artes and the Alameda so you can partake in some theater and people watching. From $84 per night.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbColourful Designer Apartment in La CondesaHeres a real charmer of a vacation rental right in La Condesa that combines the design styles of CDMX, New York City, and Amsterdam into one vibrant, Barragn-esque space for anyone in need of a visual reset. Sunshine combines with Barbie pink and lemon meringue walls to brighten up the space, while tasteful midcentury-modern furniture keeps it from leaning too hard into the Instagram aesthetic. The reading nook is ideal for a siesta after a long day of walking through the city, while the spacious dining room has everything you need for a festive dinner or a remote work day. From $225 per night.BOOK NOW

AdvertisementGo ad freeDonald TrumpTrumps Administration Is Taking Down Sites About Gender Identity All Over the Internet Jan 23, 2025 at 11:39 AM After Trump signed an unscientific, transphobic executive order deeming there to be "two sexes," several informational websites about gender identity went offline.The Trump White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons On day one of his presidency, one of Donald Trumps first acts in office was to sign an executive order declaring that there are only two sexes: male and female.The order is a transphobic, scientifically incorrect screed titled Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government that mischaracterizes sex and gender and demands that every agency and all Federal employees acting in an official capacity on behalf of their agency shall use the term sex and not gender in all applicable Federal policies and documents.The Social Security Administration and other government departments are complying with the order by scrubbing information about changing ones sex from its website.Are you a federal employee or contractor with knowledge of the changes described in this piece, or how employees are reacting to these changes? I would love to hear from you. Using a non-work device, you can message me securely on Signal at sam.404. Otherwise, send me an email at sam@404media.co.Ari Drennen spotted the change to the change sex identification site and posted a screenshot on X:The site now says you are not authorized to access this page, blocking it from public view. It used to show basic information about how to change your sex on record with the Social Security Administration by requesting a new Social Security card, and a link to a questionnaire that helped determine how to go about it. You don't need to provide medical or legal evidence of your sex designation, the site said when it was online. Currently, you can change your sex identification to either male or female, but we are examining ways to provide an unspecified sex identification option in the future.The "change sex identification" page, on January 21 compared to today.Information about gender identity and access to guides on changing ones sex have also been scrubbed from the administrations main LGBTQIA+ site. Heres what looks like today, compared to how it looked last week.How the page looks today / How the SSA LGBTQI+ page looked on December 22, via the Internet ArchiveThe Gender Identity link thats now missing from that site and inaccessible to the publicshowing a 404 error and not a CMS login message, unlike the change sex identification siteused to provide links to forms one would need to fill out to start the process.Form SS-5: Application for A Social Security Card is still available for download on the Internet Archive. A page about how to get a social security card is still online, as is a page for locating a Social Security office.Several other government websites about gender identity and discrimination are also offline, including a Department of Labor site about discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and a State Department site about how to select your gender marker on your passport, are also gone or scrubbed of mentions of gender identity.Aside from being unscientific nonsense and anti-abortion rhetoric, the Defending Women from Gender Ideology executive order has triggered all of this essential information to go offline across the internet, adding to the confusion and panic that many queer and trans peopleand anyone who actually cares about reproductive rights or freedom of speechalready face going into Trumps presidency. And its not the first time Trumps administration took down a bunch of government websites to try to suppress scientific information: thousands of pages with climate change information were removed or buried during his first term.Sam Cole is writing from the far reaches of the internet, about sexuality, the adult industry, online culture, and AI. She's the author of How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex.More from Samantha ColeMore like thisWhy the Work Still Matters When Donald Trump won in 2016, we weren't sure if good journalism mattered anymore. Now, we're more sure than ever it does. Nov 8, 2024 GitHub Is Showing the Trump Administration Scrubbing Government Web Pages in Real Time Watch the Trump administration play DEI whac-a-mole on this government agency's GitHub page. Jan 23, 2025 Developer Creates Infinite Maze That Traps AI Training Bots "Nepenthes generates random links that always point back to itself - the crawler downloads those new links. Nepenthes happily just returns more and more lists of links pointing back to itself." Jan 23, 2025 Viral 'Challah Horse' Image Zuckerberg Loved Was Originally Created as a Warning About Facebook's AI Slop "Challah Horse" was a Polish meme warning about Facebook AI spam 'targeted at susceptible people' that was stolen by a spam page targeted at susceptible people. Jan 22, 2025

Upcoming J'aime?Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 brings a bit of French Final Fantasy-ish flavour to Xbox Developer Direct, and gets a proper release dateJust some oui folks going on an adventure with turn-based battles that features a wonky Eiffel Tower.Image credit: VG247 News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Jan. 23, 2025 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has just rocked up at today's Xbox Developer Direct, offering us another look at its very Final Fantasy vibes-filled adventure about stopping an artist in Belle poque France from doing some painting. It's also now locked in a concrete release date of April 24, 2025.If you've not been keeping up with Expedition 33, it's an RPG with "reactive" turn based combat and is designed to be a bit of an evolution on some JRPGs you'll probably be able to identify the moment you look at footage of it in action, if you're big into your finals, your fantasies, and the rest of 'em.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Anyway, after being pre-announced to appear when Xbox revealed that today's Xbox Developer Direct was coming, Expedition 33 has just shown up with some chat from developer Sandfall Interactive featuring a proper release date that narrows down the 2025 window previously given it's launching April 24, 2025. So, stick that in your calendar.Along with that date, there were some details about the devlopment of the game; the dev wants to focus on making a beautiful, interactive world that has the combat depth you'd find in traditional turn-based RPGs (especially those from Japan). The developers have been working on the game's story for four years, so you know the narrative isn't going to come in half-baked.The heart of the story is about overcoming an existential threat, whilst overcoming loss and grief. "In a world like this, how does one stay true to themselves?" asks one of the developers, and that seems to underpin a large portion of the game. It's about internal, and inter-personal conflict as much as it's about combat with big monsters. So that's... nice.You can also team up with a playful, but also slightly religious troll. And recruit a big, inflatable mount. So it balances the silly with the serious. The game carries a gorgeous, dark, and mature tone. | Image credit: Sandfall InteractiveOur Alex Donaldson was pretty impressed with Expedition 33 when he saw it at a preview last year, writing that it reminded him a bit of 2004s The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, a pretty good game that played a lot like Final Fantasy 10, and Persona 5."I think what its offering is thrilling - said with the caveat that Ive only seen hands-off footage so far - and a game like this really has to be played, and for an extended period of time, to be truly understood," he wrote, "What I can say for sure is that my interest is now locked in. I hope the full game can live up to the lofty status of its inspirations."So, here's hoping Expedition 33 can do just that, now we know for sure when it'll be arriving April 24, 2025.

This is not a drill. ANinja Gaiden 2 remake has just been announced at the Xbox 2025 direct, and it's available to play on PC and Xbox consoles right now! Read more

JetBrains, the company behind coding tools like the IntelliJ IDE for Java and Kotlin (and, indeed, the Kotlin language itself), on Thursday launched Junie, a new AI coding agent. This agent, the company says, will be able to handle routine development tasks for when you want to create new applications and understand the context of existing projects you may want to extend with new features.Using the well-regarded SWEBench Verified benchmark of 500 common developer tasks, Junie is able to solve 53.6% of them on a single run. Not too long ago, that would have been the top score, but its worth noting that at this point, the top-performing models score more than 60%, with Weights & Biases Programmer O1 crosscheck5 currently leading the pack with a score of 64.6%. JetBrains itself calls Junies score promising.But even with a lower score, JetBrains service may have an advantage because of its tight integration with the rest of the JetBrains IDE. The company notes that even as Junie helps developers get their work done, the human is always in control, even when delegating tasks to the agent. AI-generated code can be just as flawed as developer-written code, the company writes in the announcement. Ultimately, Junie will not just speed up development it is poised to raise the bar for code quality, too. By combining the power ofJetBrainsIDEs with LLMs, Junie can generate code, run inspections, write tests, and verify they have passed.It may be a bit before you can try that out yourself, though. The service is only available through an early access program behind a waitlist. For now, it also only works on Linux and Mac, and in the IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate and PyCharm Professional IDEs, with WebStorm coming soon.

President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the formation of a working group to propose federal regulations for digital assets including cryptocurrencies, digital tokens, and stablecoins and evaluate a national crypto stockpile. Ex-PayPal COO and founder of VC firm Craft Ventures David Sacks, Trumps pick for crypto an AI czar, will lead the working group. The group will also include the Treasury Secretary, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, and other top officials.Trumps latest executive order titled Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology comes two days after the Securities and Exchange Commission, currently led by crypto-friendly Republican Mark Uyeda, launched a crypto task force to draw clear regulatory lines for the market. Uyeda will also be a part of the presidential working group. Former SEC Chair Gary Gensler had a reputation in the crypto community for pursuing stricter regulation of cryptocurrencies. Trumps order also protects individuals rights to access, use, develop, and transact on public blockchain. This would formally protect blockchain activities as lawful.The EO signed Thursday repeals Biden-era rules around cryptocurrencies and digital assets. Specifically, it repeals an executive order from former President Joe Biden signed in 2022 to address the risks and harness the potential benefits of digital assets and their underlying blockchain technology, while emphasizing the need to protect consumers and investors. Trumps order also repeals a framework published by the Treasury Department in 2022 for international engagement in crypto and blockchain development.While Biden-era policies focused on risk mitigation and international collaboration, Trumps order prioritizes economic liberty and U.S. sovereignty.Another big difference is that Bidens executive order directed various federal agencies to explore the development of a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Trumps order prohibits CBDCs, meaning the government cant create a digital version of the dollar directly controlled by the central bank. At the same time, the order promotes privately issued U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins, with the goal of bolstering the dollars dominance in global trade and digital finance. In other words, Trump is signaling his commitment to keeping cryptocurrencies under a decentralized financial system.Its worth noting that Trump launched a memecoin $TRUMP days before his inauguration. The memecoin stood at an $6.84 billion valuation as of Thursday afternoon. Critics have warned that Trumps token erodes boundaries between the presidents political and business interests, and some have argued it has the makings of a classic pump-and-dump scheme.Previous administrations have approached the crypto world with caution due to concerns that it can easily be used in association with illicit and illegal activities, like ransomware payments and money laundering. One of the most prescient examples of the dangers of crypto is the downfall of crypto trading platform FTX, which exposed massive fraud, misappropriation of customer funds, and a lack of regulatory oversight. Many in the crypto industry argue that FTXs crash is exactly why clearer regulation designed for the industry is needed. And there are some companies, like Chainalysis, that have made strides in creating trust in crypto by providing compliance and investigation software and track virtual currencies. Topics

Adobe has announced new innovations designed to empower filmmakers at all levels, as well as an additional $5M investment in the Adobe Film & TV Fund to support underrepresented creators and filmmakers in finding career opportunities. Additionally, The Adobe Foundation is supporting the Los Angeles creative communities impacted by the recent wildfires with a $1 million charitable grant.Were passionate about empowering filmmakers to tell their stories and realize their creative vision, said Ashley Still, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Adobe Creative Cloud. These innovations will bring time savings and career support so they can focus on inspiring and captivating audiences worldwide.Adobe and the Adobe Foundation announced its expansion of the Adobe Film & TV Fund, committing an additional $5M in 2025 to support new opportunities in careeradvancement. Group Effort Initiative (GEI) will join the Adobe Film & TV Fund, offering mentorship, training and career programs for the next generation of editors, marketers and creatives. Premiere Pros latest updates help filmmakers easily identify content within shots, find footage faster, and go global in seconds. The latest features include:Media Intelligence & Search Panel: A new AI-powered Media Intelligence and Search Panel in Premiere Pro (beta) automatically recognize clip content, including objects, locations, camera angles or metadata like shoot date or camera type. Editors can type in the clip type needed into the new Search Panel and let Media Intelligence do the rest.Caption Translation: Premiere Pro (beta) offers native caption translation in 17 languages.New After Effects innovations provide motion professionals with highly requested performanceimprovements, including:Improved Caching: All computers that meet the minimum specifications will be able to play back their entire composition the moment its cached.Improved HDR Support: Accurately import, monitor and export high dynamic range content, resulting in brighter and more vivid motion design work.Frame.io also expanded support for Camera to Cloud (C2C) support for Canon. Customers can now automatically upload and access high-quality footage directly from Canon EOS C80 and EOS C400 cameras in Frame.io. C2C automatically uploads media as its captured, eliminating the need for manual file transfers. This seamless integration provides instant access to media and enabling real-time collaboration through Frame.ios powerful creative management tools.Source: Adobe Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Actor-writer-comedians Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang announced the 97th Oscars nominations today (January 23) at the Academys Samuel Goldwyn Theatre. Active members of the Academy are eligible to vote for the winners in all 23 categories beginning Tuesday, February 11, through Tuesday, February 18. The 97th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.Emilia Perz leads with 13 nominations overall, Wicked and The Brutalist follow with 10 each.VISUAL EFFECTS NOMINEESALIEN: ROMULUSEric Barba, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser, Daniel Macarin and Shane MahanNelson Sepulveda-Fauser, ILM: Working on Alien: Romulus with Fede lvarez, a director with such a bold and compelling vision, was an absolute pleasure. I am incredibly proud of the beautiful imagery the ILM Sydney and San Francisco teams brought to the screen. Bringing this project to life has been nothing short of extraordinary.We are incredibly proud to have our teams work on the third act of Alien: Romulus recognized by the Academy., commented Daniel Macarin, Wt FXs VFX Supervisor onAlien: Romulus. We worked closely with director Fede lvarez to build on the franchises history and bring audiences closer to the rings of a planet than ever before. We hope this nomination inspires the next generation of VFX artists and sci-fi space film fans.BETTER MANLuke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft and Peter StubbsLuke Millar, VFX Supervisor forBetter Mansays, We are extremely honoured thatBetter Man is nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 2025 Academy Awards. The film represents an insane amount of work and talent from the artists, production and support staff here at Wt FX and we are humbled that these efforts have been recognised by our peers. It was truly such a fantastic project to be a part of, and the work is something that I will always be incredibly proud of.fxpodcast: Better Man with Wt FXDUNE: PART TWOPaul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe and Gerd NefzerDune: Part Two fxpodcast Visual Effects Supervisor Paul LambertKINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APESErik Winquist, Stephen Unterfranz, Paul Story and Rodney BurkeWe were thrilled to wake up to the good news this morning. It is an honour getting to represent the more than a thousand artists, developers, production, and support crew who worked their magic for over a year on Kingdom, remarked Erik Winquist, VFX Supervisor onKingdom of the Planet of the Apes . Collaborating with Wes Ball & 20th Century on this was a delight, and its so satisfying to see our work recognised by the Academy. Were looking forward to celebrating this past year of cinema on March 3rd.fxpodcast #369: Kingdom Of the Planet of Apes with Director Wes Ball and VFX Supervisor Erik WinquistWICKEDPablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, David Shirk and Paul CorbouldWhat an incredible experience to be a part of Wicked, and an honor to be nominated! It was a real team effort, and now the celebration starts! exclaims VFX Sup. Pablo Helman. Im so excited for our nomination and honored to be part of such an amazing team! adds ILMs David Shirk. I was frequently awed by the artistry and passion of the crew. Its an incredible thrill to see our contribution recognized for a film that is so emotional, optimistic and has connected so strongly with audiences.Fiona Walkinshaw, Framestores CEO, Film & Episodic, commented: Having our filmmaking peers and partners recognise the craft, creativity and innovation of our team like this is an amazing way to start the year. Jonathan and his team really pulled out all the stops when it came to conjuring the magic of Shiz University, so a huge congratulations to every single artist, producer and technologist who helped breathe life into Wicked and craft the films gravity-defying VFX.Pablo Helman breaks down WickedANIMATED FEATURE FILM NOMINEESFLOWINSIDE OUT 2MEMOIR OF A SNAILWALLACE & GROMIT: VENGEANCE MOST FOWLTHE WILD ROBOTANIMATED SHORT FILM NOMINEESBEAUTIFUL MENNicolas Keppens and Brecht Van ElslandeIN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESSShirin Sohani and Hossein MolayemiMAGIC CANDIESDaisuke Nishio and Takashi WashioWANDER TO WONDERNina Gantz and Stienette BosklopperYUCK!Loc Espuche and Juliette MarquetCinematography NomineesThe BrutalistLol CrawleyDune: Part TwoGreig FraserEmilia PrezPaul GuilhaumeMariaEd LachmanNosferatuJarin BlaschkeProduction Design NomineesThe BrutalistJudy Becker; Set Decoration: Patricia CucciaConclaveSuzie Davies; Set Decoration: Cynthia SleiterDune: Part TwoPatrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Shane VieauNosferatuCraig Lathrop; Set Decoration: Beatrice BrentnerovWickedNathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales