I always grab a rotisserie chicken for dinner on shopping days.When I buy the Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken, I use the leftovers to make tostadas. Olivia Brochu I'm typically exhausted after after grocery shopping, but a delicious rotisserie chicken makes dinner that night easy.We almost always have enough leftovers for chicken tostadas the next night, and I frequently use the carcass (plus some onions, celery, carrots, and herbs) to make broth in the slow cooker.Frozen edamame makes a great side dish.My kids love the Imperial Garden frozen edamame. Olivia Brochu I love making the Imperial Garden frozen edamame as a side dish with dinner. An added bonus is that it's one of the few plants my kids will actually eat.This big bag is full of smaller portions that go from frozen to ready to eat in just three minutes in the microwave.It pairs well with the rotisserie chicken, and sometimes, I even eat it as a salty bedtime snack.Costco's berry selection is colorful and affordable.My kids go through a lot of berries. Olivia Brochu My kids love berries, and although I'm happy they reach for a healthy option, the price tag for these fruits can be high.However, I've found Costco's strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are affordable and delicious.The whole family enjoys the Kirkland Signature organic Greek yogurt.The Kirkland Signature organic Greek yogurt pairs well with berries. Olivia Brochu Everyone in our house, from my 7-month-old baby to my 34-year-old husband, loves the creamy and delicious Kirkland Signature organic Greek yogurt. It's high in protein, nonfat, and pairs perfectly with the aforementioned berries.My 6-year-old can't get enough Goldfish.A box of Goldfish typically lasts a month in my house. Olivia Brochu Costco's large box of Goldfish, which includes three bags of the snack, is the only size that makes sense for my family.I fill a bin in the snack cabinet with the cheddar crackers and store the extra in our pantry. The bin sees a lot of refills, but this giant box usually lasts us around a month.The Kirkland Signature protein bars make the perfect grown-up snack.My husband and I love the Kirkland Signature protein bars. Olivia Brochu My husband and I rely on Kirkland Signature protein bars for a macro-friendly snack or breakfast. They're so delicious that I almost feel like I'm eating a candy bar. Almost.Kirkland Signature steak strips are another great high-protein option.The Kirkland Signature steak strips make a great snack. Olivia Brochu I always snag a few bags of the Kirkland Signature dried-beef steak strips.My husband usually eats these jerky snacks with his lunch, and I often grab a handful on my way out the door for school dismissal. They're quick, easy, delicious, and gluten-free.Costco has a great selection of nut butter.Everyone in my house likes a different nut butter. Olivia Brochu Costco has a great selection of nut butter, and I usually find myself buying more than one kind. In an opinionated household of six, everyone has a favorite spread, and they don't often overlap.I grab almond butter for my husband, natural peanut butter for me, Nutella for my 8-year-old, creamy Jif for my 6-year-old, and crunchy Jif for my 3-year-old.Costco's New York steaks make for a special date night at home.My husband and I love Costco's beef loin New York steaks. Olivia Brochu It may not come as a surprise, but babysitters aren't exactly lining up at my door to watch my four kids. Instead, my husband and I like to get creative with date nights at home using Costco's beef loin New York steaks.I can typically find a pack of five for about $50. We usually grill or reverse sear steaks on Friday nights after the kids are in bed.

It's starting to become clear how Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene plans to use the DOGE subcommittee.She's asking the CEOs of PBS and NPR to testify in a hearing in March.Greene says she wants the organizations to justify why they receive public funds.The House DOGE subcommittee has found its first targets: NPR and PBS.In letters sent to both media organizations on Monday, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene the chairwoman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency requested that their CEOs testify before a hearing on March 3 or 24.In the letters, the Georgia congresswoman accused both NPR and PBS of producing "systemically biased" content, pointing to NPR's handling of the Hunter Biden laptop story and PBS's reporting on a hand gesture that Elon Musk made at an inauguration day event."As an organization that receives federal funds through its member stations, PBS should provide reporting that serves the entire public, not just a narrow slice of like-minded individuals and ideological interest groups," Greene wrote in the letter to PBS.In a statement on Monday, NPR said that the organization would "welcome the opportunity to discuss the critical role of public media in delivering impartial, fact-based news and reporting to the American public." PBS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.According to NPR, the organization receives less than 1% of its annual budget from the federal government on average. PBS, meanwhile, gets 15% of its revenue from the government.Separately, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr launched an investigation into NPR and PBS over sponsorships.The DOGE subcommittee, while intended to pursue similar goals to Musk's DOGE team in the executive branch, is a separate entity and it's likely to be a forum for televised clashes between Democrats and Republicans over the federal government.

Are the Chiefs in their villain era? Its a label thats been applied ad nauseam heading into the Super Bowl, by both fans and anti-fans of the long-dominant football team. The Kansas City juggernauts will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in what will be the Chiefs fifth trip to the championship in six years. If they win, theyll be the first NFL team in history to win three back-to-back Super Bowls.Sounds exciting, right? In fact, just five years ago, Kansas City were overwhelmingly considered darlings of the NFL. So why has public sentiment turned against them so, er, swiftly? (Sorry.)The answer really isnt all just Taylor and Travis. In fact, just as it was when the Patriots were pop cultures favorite antiheroes, the reasons for audiences growing animosity against the Chiefs are a lot more complicated than you might expect. Unlike the Patriots backlash, however, current pique against the Kansas City footballers intersects with a couple of larger unexpected social issues. Lets break it down.Factor No. 1: They really are that goodIts no secret that fans easily turn to hating the dominant team in their respective sport. That holds true across sports and franchises, from the notoriety of the Patriots, to the Warriors in their divisive Kevin Durant era, to everyones perennial faves the Yankees arguably the platonic ideal of a franchise that is hated largely for its longstanding success. Like many of those other teams, the Chiefs incredible dominance didnt come out of nowhere. In 2013, under their new hires, general manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid, the franchise underwent what Pete Sweeney, the editor-in-chief of SB Nations Chiefs fan site Arrowhead Pride, called one of the most unprecedented roster reversals and record reversals in NFL history. This was a shift that further paid off when current Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, then a team scout, convinced Dorsey to draft Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Veach had followed nay, obsessed over Mahomes since the quarterbacks high school career, and his instincts immediately proved correct. Combine Mahomess offensive talent with the strategies of Reid and widely praised defensive coordinator Steven Spagnuolo, and you have a team thats been dominating the league since 2020. In this seasons lineup alone, we have a cadre of attention-grabbers, starting with the QB:Patrick Mahomes, quarterback: At 29, Mahomes is the first quarterback under age 30 in NFL history to start in four Super Bowls. As a kid, Mahomes grew up in pro locker rooms with his father, a professional baseball player, and learned how to be serious about his game early on. His claim to legend status lies in his dramatic style of play think crazy throws, big dashes, effortless conversions and his ability to engineer wild, literally game-changing, comeback wins. His versatility shows in the sheer number of records hes racked up in a short time frame, including things that dont even seem real, like being the fastest player to reach 25,000 career passing yards while somehow also breaking rushing touchdown records as well. Travis Kelce, tight end: The tight end is a role that doubles as both wide receiver and offensive lineman, and Kelce is really, really good at it so good he had 1,000 receiving yards a season for seven seasons in a row. Kelce currently sits in third place for most receiving yards by any NFL tight end. Hes also a little famous outside of football for his pop star girlfriend, and for the wildly successful weekly sports podcast he hosts with his brother Jason, New Heights.DeAndre Hopkins, wide receiver: The Chiefs made a risky midseason swap last year for Hopkins, who described it as being traded for pennies after becoming dissatisfied with his old team. Yet Hopkins, whos been bounced around the league for years despite being one of its best and most reliable wide receivers, quickly became a fan favorite. Now hes going to the Super Bowl for the first time in his 12-season career what he called a childhood dream. Kareem Hunt, running back: Despite his talent, Hunt made headlines for the wrong reasons in 2018, when the Chiefs fired him over leaked footage showing him physically assaulting a woman in a domestic violence incident outside of her hotel. In what could be a sign of the cultural shifts since the peak of the #MeToo era, Reid recently rehired Hunt as a free agent, citing his growth and maturity since then. Harrison Butker, kicker: Another player known for dramatics on and off the field, Butker made a name for himself with his high percentage of completed field goals. Hes having a bit of an off year, but hes especially good in playoff season. Thats a lot of headline energy on one playing field. But chances are that the headlines youve seen about the Chiefs this year have nothing to do with their games. Factor No. 2: But theyre overexposedEver since the summer of 2023, when Kelce successfully pitched himself as boyfriend material to reigning pop queen Taylor Swift, her presence alongside legions of Swifties who flock to Chiefs games in order to see her has come perilously close to overshadowing the Chiefs themselves. Thats held true, despite the abilities of the players on the field. Sure, it might be the first Super Bowl three-peat in NFL history, but have you seen what fun Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid are having on the sidelines?I think through the whole process, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have remained pretty likable, Sweeney told me. Theyre not a team that really talks too much trash at the podium. Its true that Mahomes, Kelce, and Reid have become well known for commercial endorsements, particularly those like State Farm and Subway that air constantly during NFL games, which arguably adds to their overexposure to regular football viewers. Still, Sweeney argued, The dislike has really come from, in my opinion, things that are out of their control.RelatedWhy everyone hates the PatriotsIn fact, its rare that so much happens around a football team culturally in a given season. Sure, you might have individual controversial players on a sports team, but the Chiefs and their families have been working overtime off the field to keep all eyes on them. First and most obviously, theres Kelces relationship with Swift, which remains in the spotlight even though the couple and the NFLs marketing team has toned down the hoopla over her frequent visits to the stadium to watch him play. Still, its unbelievable how many people, if youre in that section, have their back to the game for large parts of the game, Sweeney said, just looking back to see her.The Swift romance has also had ripple effects, both good and bad. In a positive direction, Swifts relationship with Kelce arguably elevated the whole familys profile so much that when Jason Kelces wife Kylie debuted her own podcast, Not Gonna Lie, it immediately and famously overtook Joe Rogans long-unassailable position as the No. 1 podcast in the country. Its been a top hit ever since, though to be fair, Kylie Kelce has mainly focused on her own interests and not her brother-in-laws historically successful football team.The heightened attention Swift brought to the team has led to thorny political moments, as well, however. Most notably, last fall, Swift fans came for her new friendship with Mahomess wife Brittany, after the latter indicated via social media that she was a Trump supporter. Swift promptly endorsed Kamala Harris and cooled, but didnt end, the friendship with Mahomes. Kelce, for his part, was already on thin ice with some conservative thinkers for his Covid-19 vaccine commercials and the pair have long been a sometimes confusing target of now-President Donald Trump.The political controversies dont end there, however; Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has come under fire repeatedly for controversial statements, most notably last year when he gave a homophobic, transphobic, and misogynistic commencement speech for a Catholic school in Nashville, indicating among other opinions that women belong in the home and that Pride month is a deadly sin. Instead of walking it back, Butker refused to apologize, which led to him winning Outsports Asshole of the Year award for 2024.Thats a lot of media attention to foist on one already divisive team. However much the team might want to stay focused on moving the ball from one end of the field to the other, the things the public projects upon them tend to reflect broader public discourse. One facet of that projection arguably has to do with Kansas City itself, Sweeney says. The city has undergone a significant shift over the last decade or so, diversifying and becoming a regional cultural hub where it was previously seen as flyover country, as Sweeney put it. The Chiefs reign has undoubtedly played a major role in the citys rapid ascension, but while the city has grown, the state of Missouri, like many other red states, has become even more politically locked down. So Kansas City, like many smaller-but-booming cities around the country, exists in a state of inherent tension with itself. Arguably, its entering its rocky keep Austin weird period, where the need for urban development wars with the locals desire to slow change and keep outsiders outside. And all of that is happening alongside what many sports fans perceive to be the Chiefs entering their own period of turbulence.Is that accurate? Are the Chiefs really having a terrible year? That depends on who you ask and the answer, too, reflects something about the larger cultural moment were in.Factor No. 3: Theres a perception that the Chiefs have it too easyAt least one myth around the Chiefs that their audience is getting bored seems pretty easy to dispel. Their AFC championship game in mid-January drew the largest viewing audience in the leagues history. Sure, you can argue that all those viewers were just tuning in hoping to see the Chiefs lose, but that doesnt seem to bear out given that the Chiefs have drawn high ratings all season. This is also a pattern that seems to hold true for many polarizing sports dynasties animosity yields ratings.Other myths are more frustrating, in part because theyre so familiar. As with the Patriots, Chiefs haters often accuse their game, which has evolved over time from relying on Mahomess flashier plays to more conservative strategies, of being boring. Theres nothing dramatic, after all, about winning games incrementally, via small yardage and single-point gains, as the Chiefs are well known for doing. Yet the Chiefs are also infamous for winning entire games based on a single score, and frequently rush for dramatic distances, which seems like the opposite of boring and incremental. So which is it? Probably both. They really put themselves in a position to win each game, Sweeney explained. The Chiefs historically have been this team that really doesnt blow other teams out. It comes down to one score. Theyve won their past 17 games in a row by one score, which is an NFL record. And when you do that and you win in these close games, Sweeny continued, You start to get these moments where maybe a referees call could determine the game.That leads to another myth that Chiefs haters have started to run with: that the team gets favorable treatment. (This, again, echoes the frequent complaint lodged against the Patriots that the team cheated though that gripe arguably had more foundation than this one.) Throughout this season, fans and even sports writers have pointed toward moments where referee calls went in favor of the Chiefs, spurring on culture-wide talk of a giant NFL insider conspiracy to deliver the three-peat for the Chiefs no matter what. This has led to the spread of misinformation including the Snopes-debunked lie that the AFC championship referees took bribes to call for the team. Sweeney lambasted irresponsible sports media for promoting this type of thinking among fans rather than demystifying it. These conspiracy theories can snowball, he said, calling high-profile commentators who traffic in them a little bit ridiculous and unprofessional. He points out that the Chiefs excel in a stat called expected points added, which refers to points gained from plays where a penalty is called in other words, all those small moments where a refs call can really make a difference in a game.Part of what makes this such a heated debate among fans, however, is that Mahomes has admitted to deliberately drawing penalties down upon opposite players who stand on the sidelines by sliding or flopping into them, which is an allowable NFL move. The problem for the opposing team is that by the rules, those sidelined players have to avoid touching the sliding quarterback, which makes it very easy for Mahomes to score and for other players to hand the Chiefs points incurred through penalties. That can become extremely frustrating for viewers, even seasoned football fans, to see happen again and again. That said, theres no evidence of a broader conspiracy by refs to deliberately rule in Mahomess favor; this is just, to some degree, how the game is played. The rampant conspiracy theories may also boil down to another thing we frequently see with other teams: envy. As Arrowhead Prides Matt Stagner put it, this is all about dismissing the hard work the team has put in to get here. It couldnt possibly be that theyve built a proven winner around a Hall of Fame coach, coordinator, quarterback, defensive lineman and tight end, he wrote. It couldnt be that they prepare and practice, they fight through injuries, they reload the roster when they have to, they draft well, they have the right leaders in the locker room. To go to three straight Super Bowls and five in six years, something has to be rigged.So if the games arent rigged, theres no conspiracy, the boring parts arent actually boring, and accusations of turbulent playing are just projections of our broader sociocultural upheaval, what are we left with?Arguably, we have a franchise that, when you peel everything else away, is really very, very good at the jobbing aspects of football. The Chiefs know when to stay focused under pressure; they know how not to violate rules and therefore incur penalties; they know how to work as a team.And if all goes well, after Sunday, they may even know what its like to make NFL history.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

One way were handling the depths of winter is to think about solutions not just for personal concerns like how to deal with seasonal doldrums (though weve got you covered there) or how to deal with your anger (ditto), but also about large-scale issues. This month, we take a look at a promising new idea for solving the housing crisis. What if an empty nest didnt have to be so empty? We also travel to Florida to see how scientists are trying to save shrinking coral reefs in labs.This issue has all sorts of other good stuff too, like pieces on the population projection wars, Joe Rogan vs. Kylie Kelce, and Gen Zs bad bar behavior. Plus, we answer: Why do American politics affect not just the US, but the entire world? And why are we so desperate for external validation? As always, we have book recommendations for Vox Members and an exclusive Highlight podcast as well this time on the many new gems in the public domain.Why Americans are moving in with strangers twice their ageSpare bedrooms are Americas next housing market.By Rachel CohenI dont want to be an angry person like my mom. Is it inevitable?I feel intense guilt after getting angry. And if I shrug off that guilt, I worry Ill become a bad person.By Sigal SamuelFloridas iconic corals arent having babies anymore. Scientists are alarmed.A baby bust threatens the future of an already struggling reef.By Benji JonesComing February 4Ask a Book Critic: How do I get back into reading after a break?Books to help you understand the world.By Constance GradyComing February 4Experts were wrong about overpopulation before. Could they be wrong about underpopulation now?By Dylan ScottComing February 5Validate me, please!Why other peoples approval is so intoxicating.By Allie VolpeComing February 5The Trump revolution will be podcastedThe future of American politics is being hashed out on podcasts.By Christian PazComing February 6Winter lovers share their tips for making the most of the season.By Lilly MilmanComing February 6Gen Z doesnt know how to act in barsWhy hasnt anyone told Americas youngest adults about drinking etiquette?By Alex Abad-SantosComing February 7Why do US politics affect the rest of the world?America is still the most influential country in the world, for better or worse.By Zack BeauchampComing February 7Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More: The Highlight

Many years ago, when Civilization II was on its way, Id just started as a writer on the video game magazine Edge. As a fan of the original Civilization, a complex turn-based strategy sim about building vast kingdoms through thousands of years of human history, I was keen to review the sequel and my editor let me. Reader, I became completely addicted. I played the game for two weeks non-stop, leaving many pages of the magazine unwritten. This earned me a very severe written warning. In short, Sid Meiers series almost ended my career in games writing which is perhaps why I didnt review the following four instalments. Now it is back, and I can no longer avoid it. I must face my seductive nemesis.In many ways, this is the game that I, and many thousands of other fans, have always known and obsessively loved: a complex, far-reaching and fascinating simulation tracking the rise of empires from ancient tribal groups to modern-day superpowers. As a player, you found towns and cities, gather resources and research new technologies, from literacy to nuclear fission, while sending out settlers, merchants and armies to expand your reach and either placate or destroy other nations. Victory can come from military might, cultural cachet or economic domination, depending on how you play and what youre interested in. No two campaigns are ever the same.Extra nuance Civilization VII. Photograph: 2K GamesFor this new instalment, coming almost a decade after its predecessor, Firaxis has made some radical alterations. The biggest by far is that you no longer guide a single civilisation throughout the entire campaign. Instead, you select a leader with attributes you admire the sneaky Machiavelli, perhaps, or how about the wise Confucius then guide that figure through a series of three distinct historical ages picking a different nation for each section. Each nation has its own unique units and buildings, adding extra nuance to your game. In my first playthrough I started the Antiquity Age with Greece because I really fancied building the Acropolis. Then I flipped to the flighty Normans for the Exploration Age, then finished as the US for the Modern Age. You dont lose everything in this switching process all your discoveries and progress points from the previous age remain, and you can opt to keep all your towns. Youre also able to select specific legacies of your past to bring forward.This gives the game a very definite structure, combatting the malaise that can often occur hours into a Civ campaign when you realise you dont stand a chance against some brutally powerful neighbour whos somehow developed an army five times the size of yours. If youre struggling during one age, you just need to hold out until the next one arrives, giving you the chance to reset your objectives and relationships with nearby nations. It also ensures a technological makeover for all your units, so you cant enter the modern era with a civilisation that can build nuclear power stations but still fights with spears and gets about the place on horseback. In a sense, its like your leader is on a journey through successive domains which makes it feel more like an adventure than a straightforward sim.More approachable Civilization VII. Photograph: 2K GamesThere are other changes to make the game more approachable for modern players. Leaders attain attribute points based on achievements in six categories such as culture, science and combat, which can be spent on related skill trees just like a role-playing game. There are also legacy targets that act as quests, such as building a certain number of Wonders of the World or making key scientific discoveries, moving you towards an outright victory.Beneath all this, lots of systems have been tweaked and re-thought. Maintaining diplomatic relations with other nations is a multifaceted dance involving the use of a new currency influence to organise shared cultural events and economic pacts, or when things go badly, many different types of subterfuge and sabotage. Throughout the years, narrative events crop up like Chance cards in a game of Monopoly, providing moments of humorous challenge. How do you react when a famous poet writes a highly critical epic about you? What do you do when a mysterious stranger demands that you copy and pass on a dusty old scroll to at least three other civilisations or face a terrible curse?Does it still resemble a sort of digitised board game? No. The landscapes may be divided into hexagonal tiles in the traditions of table-top wargaming, but they are now crammed with colour and authentic detail, from craggy mountains to swirling seas, to lively cities crowded with ornate buildings reflecting both the time period and the civilisation they belong to. Battles play out as animated tussles between intricate miniaturised troops and thundering armoured vehicles. Occasional natural disasters send floods, tornadoes and fires across the map with devastating drama.skip past newsletter promotionSign up to Pushing ButtonsFree weekly newsletterKeza MacDonald's weekly look at the world of gamingPrivacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.after newsletter promotionOne of the key concerns in the run-up to release was the quality of the opponent AI, but to me, it seems like business as usual. You get the nations that hide in a corner and quietly invent space travel before youve got a reliable train service, and then there are the warmongers and Im looking at you Gilbert du Motier who start little fights to probe your defences then turn vicious and unrelenting, surrounding your cities and crushing isolated units. Alternatively, theres always the cross-platform multiplayer mode if you want to pit yourself against human competitors; I wasnt able to test this on public servers before release, but it has performed well in previews.So here we are, more than 30 years after the original game, still hungry to rule the world and devouring every morsel of maniacal power. Some veterans may balk at the structural changes: Civilization VII is very much the Civilization for now deep and complex, but with an emphasis on human drama and achievement rather than the sweep of faceless units across a mathematical matrix. There are still few moments in video games as pleasing as building the Hanging Gardens, or discovering a bountiful new location for a town, or marching a phalanx of troops into a battered enemy capital. This game, which once almost cost me my job, will gracefully sneak away with hours, days and possibly months of your life. But then, nobody ever conquered the world in an afternoon.

Call of Duty has been running unopposed for some time, but Battlefield is back as EA revealed its plans to develop the new title in the long-running shooter series

The PlayStation Plus games for February 2025 are almost here, but that means you've got just hours left to grab an absolute classic here's all you need to know

What Xbox exclusives are confirmed for PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2?Adam StarkeyPublished February 3, 2025 6:00pm Indys next adventure is heading to PlayStation(Bethesda)As Microsoft continues to release Xbox games on other platforms, we look ahead to all the confirmed and rumoured titles for 2025.Xboxs multiplatform pivot may have large ramifications for the companys future, but it is great news for anyone with a PlayStation 5 or Switch. In recent years, weve already seen former Xbox exclusives like Ori And The Blind Forest, Ori And The Will Of The Wisps, Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, Pentiment, and Sea Of Thieves make their way to other consoles, but that only looks set to escalate in 2025.Its all seemingly part of a larger goal to make Microsoft the biggest gaming publisher in the world, with the companys acquisitions of Activision Blizzard and Bethesda only reinforcing its wider multiplatform shift.As this transition continues, heres a list of all the Xbox games which are confirmed and rumoured for other platforms in 2025 and beyond.Xbox exclusives confirmed for PS5 in 2025 Forza Horizon 5 is coming to PS5 (Xbox Game Studios)Indiana Jones And The Great Circle spring 2025Following its launch on Xbox Series X/S and PC in December last year, MachineGames take on Indiana Jones is set to arrive on PlayStation 5 in early 2025. At the time of writing, a release date has yet to be announced.Forza Horizon 5 spring 2025Microsofts racing series is also heading to PlayStation 5 in spring 2025, four years after it debuted on Xbox and PC. A specific release date has yet to be announced but a Switch 2 port is also rumoured.Doom: The Dark Ages May 15, 2025Now owned by Microsoft, following its acquisition of Bethesda, the prequel to 2016s Doom will launch across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5 in May. Insider eXtas1s has claimed a Switch 2 port is also in the works thats not confirmed but both of the previous games were on the original Switch.The Outer Worlds 2 2025Developer Obsidian Entertainment, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2018, is set to launch the sequel to The Outer Worlds on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC this year.Are Halo and Gears Of War coming to PS5 and Switch 2? Its only a matter of time till Halo is on Switch 2, apparently (Microsoft)HaloReliable insider NateTheHate, who was key in outing Xboxs renewed multiplatform plans last year, has claimed Halo: The Master Chief Collection is in the works for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. The collection includes the first four mainline Halo games, along with Halo 3: ODSTs campaign and prequel Halo: Reach.A PlayStation 5 version of Halo Infinite is also apparently in the works, according to sources at forum IconEra and there have been persistent rumours of a new remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved.Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024The same insider, NateTheHate, has claimed Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will also head to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 this year. It was originally released on Xbox Series X/S and PC in November 2024.Perfect DarkMicrosofts upcoming reboot of Perfect Dark is rumoured to be in the works for other consoles, based on a job listing at developer The Initiative. The listing refers to the support of multiple platforms as part of the job description.Gears Of WarThere are several rumours tied to the Gears Of War franchise. A port of Gears Of War: Ultimate Edition is potentially coming to PlayStation 5 this year, according to Windows Central. This is a remastered version of the 2006 original.However, insider eXtas1s has claimed a long-rumoured Gears Of War trilogy collection will be announced as a multiplatform release on day one, across Xbox Series X/S, PC and PlayStation 5. Its unclear though when this announcement will be made, or if there will be a Switch 2 version.Prequel E-Day doesnt have a release date year, but may be out in 2025 or 2026. The later it arrives the more likely it is to be a multiformat title. An Xbox classic might be hitting other consoles (Microsoft)Senuas Saga: Hellblade 2According to Windows Central, the divisive sequel to Hellblade is rumoured to be coming to PlayStation 5, following its release in May last year.Age Of MythologyAlong with Gears Of War and Hellblade 2, the same source claims Age Of Mythology: Retold, a remastered version of the 2002 strategy game, is also heading to PlayStation 5 soon.StarfieldConsidering Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer didnt rule it out when asked directly in an interview, Bethesdas sci-fi role-playing game appears to be in the pipeline for a PlayStation 5 port as well. This has also been rumoured via Spanish games outlet Vandal.FableAccording to sources at Vandal, a PlayStation 5 version of the upcoming Fable reboot from Playground Games is in development although its unclear when it will be released. A Switch 2 version is also considered a possibility.Killer InstinctA port of fighting game Killer Instinct is also said to be in the works, according to sources at Vandal. Its unclear though if this relates to the 2013 reboot, one of the older games in the series, or a brand new entry.What other Xbox games could come to PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2? Is Avowed destined for PS5 eventually? (Xbox Game Studios)Considering Microsoft has said there are no red lines when it comes to bringing Xbox games to other platforms, its very likely well see other Xbox exclusives ported to PlayStation 5 and Nintendos next console beyond those listed above in the future. As for new games, theres the likes of South Of Midnight, Avowed, State Of Decay 3, and Towerborne, which could be released on other platforms down the line. Probably the only reason they havent been announced so far is that theyre from smaller studios that would find it harder to work on multiple versions simultaneously.The opportunity for a bigger audience might also lead to the return of some forgotten gems as well, like Halo Wars, Sunset Overdrive, and Gears Tactics.More TrendingIf Microsoft digs particularly deep, classic franchises like Viva Piata, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, and Fuzion Frenzy could also be resurrected although that is perhaps wishful thinking. South Of Midnight will likely come to PS5 too (Microsoft)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

First Battlefield 6 gameplay video reveals amazing destructible mapsAdam StarkeyPublished February 3, 2025 5:57pmUpdated February 3, 2025 5:57pm Concept art from the next Battlefield (EA)EA has shown off footage from the next Battlefield, as it strives to make improvements through a revamped test server.Since Battlefield 5 and Battlefield 2042 failed to meet sales expectations, theres a lot riding on Battlefield 6 to course correct the entire franchise.EA seems aware of this too, with the next entry in the first person shooter series being developed by four studios in total DICE, Motive, Criterion Games, and Ripple Effect in a bid to make it a success.In a new video, the four studios have outlined their roles on the next instalment, and revealed a first look at early gameplay footage.As detailed in the video, Battlefield 6 is being developed under the new Battlefield Studios umbrella consisting of these four teams. DICE, the main developer of previous Battlefield games, is working on the multiplayer portion. Motive is creating multiplayer maps and single-player mission content, while Criterion is mainly focused on single-player.Ripple Effect, meanwhile, is working on an experience that is really going to open Battlefield up to a whole group of new players which tracks with rumours of a battle royale spin-off to rival Call Of Duty Warzone.The end of the video shows a brief snippet of gameplay from Battlefield 6, which emphasises the destructible environments.Crucially though, the video is designed to announce Battlefield Labs, a revamped community testing program where registered players can test weapons, gadgets and other mechanics on a separate server before they launch in Battlefield 6. In other words, its a new version of the Community Test Environment last used in 2016s Battlefield 1.Testing for Battlefield Labs will go live in the coming weeks but you can sign up on the official website now. The first tests will only be accessible to an invited group of players in Europe and North America, but EA plans to expand invites to other locations in the future.While this sounds like a positive step to avoid repeating the disastrous launch of Battlefield 2042, its still unclear if Battlefield 6 will launch this year. Its described as being in the pre-alpha stage, which would normally suggest a final launch is a long way off.Vince Zampella, head of Respawn and general manager of EA Studios (and co-creator of Call Of Duty), said: Ive been playing Battlefield long before I joined the team. This game has so much potential.To find that potential, with us being pre-alpha, now is the time to test the experiences our teams have been building for our upcoming launch. Battlefield Labs empowers our teams to do that.More TrendingPrevious rumours have suggested Battlefield 6 is set to launch in 2025, but with this new test server, that might depend on the feedback from players. Destruction is on the menu (EA)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Even judging by the name, an automatic tattoo machine is one of those devices that leaves anybody who has gone through a rough tattoo session wincing in unison. One 3D printing aficionado created the one device even the most tech-obsessed robot designer would question, designing a DIY automated tattoo machine to ink actual human flesh. There have been previous attempts at to make the automated tattoo machine mainstream. The Austin, Texas-based company Blackdot still promotes its automated tattoo machine. Then again, why should anybody think of spending hundreds or even thousands to get a tattoo from a machine that uses many of the same mechanics as a relatively cheap 3D printer? YouTuber Emily Yarid, AKA EmilytheEngineer (via Hackaday), retrofitted a printer to replace the plastic filament with ink, swap out the extruder and nozzle with a tattoo gun, andinstead of a build plateuse human skin. You can file this concept under the do not do this at home category. You shouldnt trust a non-professional tattoo artist for your health and safety for numerous reasons. Still, Yarid also made sure viewers know that her creation isnt for the faint of heart and isnt the type of thing you should try and replicate on your own. Yarid used an old Ender-7 printer from Creatily. That specific model includes a printer arm that can maneuver on a rail in both the X and Y axis, which would be necessary for drawing any 2D images. Is that just a normal CNC machine? Yes, but any automated tattoo device would need some ability to raise and lower unless you wanted to draw a canyon through a recipients thigh.The devices design involved modifying the printers hardware and software. The 3D printing software can generate an image that is a single layer thick instead of printing in multiple layers. That doesnt mean the engineer could ignore the Z axis completely. The remedy for this was a spring attached to the tattoo gun arm to deal with variations in skin height. The other hurdle was modifying the firmware to ignore values like temperature when printing. Of course, all of this still sounds like the worst possible way to get inked, so Yarid included an emergency lever to raise the gun arm in case the session started getting a little too painful. Finally, the 3D printer guru created a large bracket for the patients leg with a small window up top to expose the skin and make the printing surface as flat as possible.The end tattoo Yarid and her patient, fellow YouTuber and costume maker Dan from BuildDanielBuild, decided upon was a simple one-word tattoo in blue ink reading LEG. The device could potentially draw more elaborate designs, but without fine-tuning the hardware and software to add more variable depth and speed for the sake of finer lines and shading, theres not much point. Plus, the more elaborate and time-consuming the tattoo, the more likely something could go wrong. Emily the Engineer is mostly known for her 3D printing projects, such as one where she 3D printed a boat (though it did require non-3D printed tubes for stabilization and a non-3D printed motor and propeller). She has also made numerous cosplay pieces, including multiple recreations of the Marvel Iron Man suit and Buckys arm from Captain America and the Winter Soldier. Her latest design is probably the most brazen yet, though we hope the idea doesnt catch on any more than it already has.