GTA 6 PC version teased by Take-Two boss, acknowledges platform's growing importance"I wouldn't be surprised to see that trend continue."Image credit: Rockstar / Steam / Eurogamer News by Ed Nightingale Deputy News Editor Published on Feb. 10, 2025 Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick has discussed the growing importance of the PC market, though stopped short of outright confirming GTA 6 will be heading to PC.GTA 6 is currently slated for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, but there's been no mention of a PC release so far. That's surprising in 2025, when big releases are often released simultaneously across all three platforms, or at least follow up soon with PC.Speaking to IGN, Zelnick teased a PC release of GTA 6 will be on the way, but the company tends not to "go across all platforms simultaneously".Grand Theft Auto 6's first trailer.Watch on YouTube"So with Civ 7 it's available on console and PC and Switch right away," Zelnick said, making comparison with Firaxis' recently launched Civilization 7. "With regard to others in our lineup, we don't always go across all platforms simultaneously. Historically, Rockstar has started with some platforms and then historically moved to other platforms."Interestingly, Zelnick admitted that the PC version of a multiplatform game can generate 40 percent of overall sales. As a result, the PC platform is growing in importance."We have seen PC become a much more important part of what used to be a console business, and I wouldn't be surprised to see that trend continue," he said.Still, the focus for GTA 6 for now are the console releases, which Zelnick expects to boost console sales in response."When you have a big title in the market and we have many of them coming, historically that has sold consoles," Zelnick said."And I think that will happen this year. I don't think tariffs are going to be our friend, but I think there will be a meaningful uptick in console sales in calendar '25 because of the release schedule, not just coming from us, but coming from others. So I'm not concerned about that [console sales falling]. I think the trend that you'd want to focus on is this increasing share of the market that is reflected in PC."So why no PC release for GTA 6 at present? As Zelnick noted, Rockstar has traditionally started with console releases in the past: GTA 5, for instance, released in November 2014 while the PC version (initially aiming for simultaneous release) was delayed until April 2015.Rockstar also has a torrid history with modders, including the infamous Hot Coffee mod.Just last month, the company shut down an ambitious mod that put a playable version of GTA 4's Liberty City inside GTA 5.

Pacific Northwest designers, architects, builders, and landscape specialists are never far from inspirationall they have to do is look out the window. The area is filled with an array of natural beauty that translates into the architecture and interior design of the regions talents. From rustic mountain lodges in Sun Valley to sleek modernist mansions in Seattle, the Pacific Northwest designers and architects on the AD PRO Directory are enhancing their corner of the US with skillful renovations, eye-catching interiors, and newly constructed residences that feel connected to their settings. Whether youre ready to build a secluded lakeside retreat or an urban sanctuary, these AD-approved firms are up to the task.In this articleInterior DesignersJHL DesignIn a guest room of an historic 1930s-era home in Portland, Oregon, JHL Design refined the original, classic details of the space and optimized for functional needs of visiting family and friends. The firm designed custom casework for each side of the bed and drenched all surfaces in Farrow & Balls Blue Gray.Jeremy BittermannWhether it's designing a residence from the ground up or renovating a historic space, Portland-based JHL Design lets the architectural details of a home shine in its elegant interiors. The firm, which is led by principal Holly Freres, boasts a diverse portfolio showcasing a wide range of architectural styles and project types, including residential interiors, custom homes, and hospitality and retail designs. JHL Design works with clients in the Pacific Northwest and across the country, collaborating closely to create homes that reflect their inhabitants.Casework InteriorsPower clashing prints and a vibrant color palette energize the living room of a Portland pied--terre by Casework Interiors.Photo by George Barberis; Styling by Jorie GarciaVivid color, playful patterns, and vintage accents are hallmarks of Casework Interiors joyful, modern spaces, which capture the perfect mix of past and present. The Portland firm was founded in 2015 by Casey Keasler and has brought its personality-filled style to projects across the country. Keasler and her team work to create long-term partnerships not only with clients but also with its trusted roster of contractors and artisans. Whether Casework Interiors is renovating an Italianate Victorian home or designing a candy-hued ice cream shop, the firm isnt afraid to have some fun.Shoshi DesignsFor a busy professional couple with four children, Shoshi Designs created a Bellevue home that balances formal elegance and everyday comfort.Photo by Andrew GiammarcoShoshi Cohen believes that interiors have the power to be transformative, and the Kirkland, Washingtonbased designer brings this philosophy to the inspired and inspiring spaces she creates with her firm, Shoshi Designs. Cohen draws from her world travels and from the personal narratives of her clients, resulting in homes that are distinctive yet functional. Shoshi Designs specializes in sustainably crafted custom cabinetry and furniture, giving clients storage and furnishings that fit perfectly with their lifestyle and the aesthetic of the home.Studio ProbaA dynamic, colorful mural and rug by Studio Proba enliven the bathroom of a private residence.Kaitlin GreeneDesigner and artist Alex Proba turns homes, buildings, boutiques, and pools into works of art. Her Portland and Brooklynbased multidisciplinary design studio, Studio Proba, has become a go-to for companies and clients looking to create immersive, dynamic, and, most of all, playful spaces. Organic shapes and lively color palettes are signatures of Probas projects, which include murals for Louis Vuitton, Sweetgreen, and Dropbox, installations for Design Miami, and commissions for private clients. Proba also showcases her joyful aesthetic in her collections of furnishings, rugs, and decor for Proba Home, as well as pet beds, toys, and accessories for Proba Paws.Maison Inc.Maison Inc. transformed a dark, unused space into a functional family room in a Portland Heights home. The custom mohair sectional is made for lounging and the Nobilis wallpaper on the ceiling adds to the feeling of coziness in the sophisticated yet durable space.David PapazianPortland-based Maison Inc. expertly blends traditional and modern elements to create timeless residential and commercial interiors. Led by principal designer Joelle C. Nesen, the architectural and interior design firm works on projects throughout the United States, and its designs feel deeply connected to their contexts, whether its a Palm Desert retreat, a Portland condo, or an Idaho lake house. Maison specializes in turn-key design, and the teams extensive technical and project management know-how means that clients can trust that their home is in good hands.Jessica Helgerson Interior DesignJessica Helgerson Interior Design returned a 1907 home in Portland to its former glory, using a moody Pacific Northwestinspired color palette. In the dining room, an Apparatus light is suspended above a BDDW table and Artisan chairs.Aaron LeitzJessica Helgerson Interior Design has become a must-hire for clients looking to bring new life to historic homes in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Founder Jessica Helgerson draws inspiration from her upbringing in SoCal and France for her cool yet sophisticated spaces, which honor the past while feeling entirely au courant. With offices in Portland and Paris, France, the firm collaborates with residential and commercial clients across the United States and internationally and specializes in extensive renovations and new builds.Sunday House Interior DesignIn an Oregon City home, Sunday House Interior Design balanced light colors with the moody neutrals prevalent in the Pacific Northwest. The firm used an Ann Sacks Mia slab for the kitchen backsplash and to create a custom brass-supported shelf above the stove.Photographer: Kaitlin Green; Styled by Hoppe ShoppePortlands Sunday House Interior Design is all about creating easygoing spaces for slow and soulful living. Founder Noelle Harvey and her teams light-filled, comfortable interiors are made to be enjoyed, and the firms ethos particularly shines in its kitchens, which are equally suited for cocktail parties and pancake breakfasts. The firms signature style is comfortable and classic, but the designers arent afraid to add in expected elements such as bold wall coverings or striking lighting.Guggenheim Architecture and Design StudioThe dining room at a Parkdale, Oregon, retreat designed by Guggenheim Architecture and Design Studio combines a concert of natural wood finishes, celebrating the palette of the rural setting. Douglas fir end-grain flooring, a custom walnut and steel table by Jamison Sellers, and a glass Apparatus chandelier anchor the central space.Haris KenjarWhether its designing a Scandinavian-inspired retreat in Hawaii or a contemporary hillside home in Oregon, Guggenheim Architecture and Design Studio creates a sense of place in each of its residential and commercial designs. The Portland-based full-service architecture and interior design studio specializes in new construction and extensive renovations that allow them to take a holistic approach to the architecture and interiors of a home. Led by founder Jenny and Jeff Guggenheim, the firm designs nationwide and is currently working on projects from Hawaii to Arizona.Massucco Warner Interior DesignWith the stunning San Francisco skyline in view from the full wall picture window, Massucco Warner brings the palette of the outside right in. Soothing shades of blue, taupe, and ivory paired with clean lined furniture let the view shine all while allowing the interior to hold its own.Karyn MilletIn 2008, Julie Massucco Kleiner and Melissa Warner Rothblum combined their talents to form Massucco Warner Interior Design, a Seattle and Los Angelesbased residential design firm. The duos sunny interiors turn up the volume on traditional design, incorporating bold colors, playful patterns, and plenty of eye-catching wall coverings. Massucco Warner Interior Design designs homes across the country, from New England to the Pacific Northwest, and the experienced team keeps each project on budget and schedule.Weedman Design PartnersThis home remodel by Weedman Design Partners was devised to embrace its natural surroundings, perched on a lake near the Oregon coast. The renovation focused on opening sightlines, reconfiguring the fireplace to enhance indoor-outdoor flow, and integrating natural materials such as stone, wood, and wool to create a grounded yet refined aesthetic.George BarberisFor over 20 years, Weedman Design Partners has been crafting highly personal spaces in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Led by Arielle and Travis Weedman, the Portland-based boutique interiors firm lets collaboration guide the design process and focuses on executing clients vision. From fun and functional family homes and modern weekend retreats to eclectic restaurants and serene wellness centers, Weedman Design Partners portfolio showcases range and creativity, and the firm offers a range of services, including project management, 3D renderings, and art consultation.Interiors by PopovThe floor to ceiling window is the true star in this sophisticated dining room in Kirkland, Washington, designed by Interiors by Popov.Anton Benedikt of AB Photo and VideoEuropean elegance and methodology meet the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest in the work of Interiors by Popov. The Bellevue, Washington, residential and commercial design firm is led by founder Anna Popov, who brings a global perspective to her tailored interiors. Popov and her team work across a range of styles, designing everything from an eclectic craftsman-style bungalow to a modern home perched high above the city and infusing each with functionality, elevated materials, and character-filled details.Susan Marinello InteriorsIn the living room of a Sun Valley, Idaho, home, designer Susan Marinello let the artwork take pride of place. A painting by Tony Scherman hangs above the fireplace, and a sculpture by Donald Sultan sits beside the custom linen sofas. A Holly Hunt cocktail table and Wisteria bench were placed atop a Driscoll Robbins rug.Photo by Douglas FriedmanDesigner Susan Marinello founded her eponymous firm in 1996, and since then, the multidisciplinary studio has become known for crafting interiors that enhance quality of life. The Seattle-based practice blends classical and modern elements into sophisticated spaces that harmonize with their surroundings. Susan Marinello Interiors specializes in high-end residential designs, completing projects in the Pacific Northwest and farther afield. The firm has also applied its signature style to commercial and hospitality projects.Studio LalocIn the formal dining room of a home in Seattles Capitol Hill neighborhood, Studio Laloc paired the traditional arts and crafts style Morris & Co. wallpaper with furnishings that feel more modern in style, including midcentury Italian lacquered dining chairs upholstered in a cut House of Hackney velvet and a lacquered metal china cabinet. The large-scale equestrian-style pendant breaks up the black furnishings.Founded by Lauren Lothrop Caron, Studio Laloc has a knack for enlivening historic properties and making them work for modern living. The full-service interior and architectural design and furnishings firm has offices in Seattle and New York. It oversees projects of all scales, from room redesigns, to historic renovations, to collaborating on new builds. The firms interiors are rich with detail, making even new homes feel storied and soulful.Allison Lind InteriorsIn the Catskills mountain cabin of longtime clients, designer Allison Lind worked to create an inviting, comfortable retreat that also suited their modern design tastes. Lind used pine planks on the walls and ceiling and a neutral color palette to connect the primary suite with the surrounding vista.Regan WoodAllison Lind Interiors doesnt showcase a singular style in its work; instead, designer Allison Lind and her team help clients articulate their own signature styles for homes. The results are highly personalized spaces filled with unique details that reflect the tastes and lifestyles of their occupants. The firm isnt afraid to add a bit of drama, whether through a bold color or material choice, or with the installation of a graphic wall treatment. The collective of designers works coast-to-coast with outposts in Seattle and New York.Hoedemaker PfeifferDrawing inspiration from Californias relaxed design ethos, this living room in a West Seattle home designed by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer features deep, comfortable Lawson-Fenning sofas arranged to foster a casual and conversational atmosphere. The open layout creates a welcoming space for gatherings and everyday living.Haris KenjarHoedemaker Pfeiffers team of architects and interior designers take a holistic approach to their projects, paying careful attention to the architecture, interiors, and landscape, and ensuring that they work together in a meaningful way. Led by Steve Hoedemaker and Tim Pfeiffer, the Seattle-based firm is known for its residential work, particularly its relaxed yet refined family retreats. The beauty of a homes surroundings comes through in the interiors of each design, featuring rustic color palettes, natural materials, and organic textures. Hoedemaker Pfeiffer also operates Housewright, a gallery of vintage and artisan-made homewares in Seattles Georgetown neighborhood.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrowHeidi Caillier DesignIn the living room of a 1920s craftsman home in Berkeley, California, Heidi Caillier brought in a homey yet sophisticated feel with an Atelier Vime pendant, a Pinch London sofa upholstered in a Robert Kime fabric, and a pair of vintage French chairs in a Michael S. Smith fabric. The fireplace was enhanced with new Cl tile.AD100 designer Heidi Cailliers celebrated interiors bring together cozy color palettes, character-filled antiques, and handmade accents, creating a sense of warmth and comfort as soon as you step in the door. Based in Seattle, Heidi Caillier Design tackles high-end residential and hospitality projects in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. The firm is known for spaces enlivened with color and pattern and grounded with furnishings and accents that will stand the test of time. Callier also recently published her first book, Memories of Home.White Label InteriorsFor a kitchen remodel of a home in Woodinville, Washington, Stacy Becker focused on exceptional cabinetry, natural finishes, and bringing in a humble but luxurious aesthetic. The designer selected a soft greige paint for the cabinets, marble countertops with substantial drama, and the occasional blackened bronze details to add an edge.Principal designer Stacy Becker and her team at White Label Interiors take an adventurous approach to their residential and hospitality projects, eschewing trends and cookie-cutter styles. The Seattle firms designs celebrate the regions natural beauty with plenty of organic materials, such as rugged stone and wood, while graphic color palettes and metallic accents add a bit of edge and luxury. The full-service studio works on projects of all sizes, offering everything from design consultations to overseeing remodels and new builds.Lucas InteriorIn the dining area of a Beverly Hills estate, Lucas Interior blended architecture and sculpture with classic and custom furnishing to nod to the firms Northwest roots. A David Wiseman Studio branch sculpture hangs from the brushed hemlock ceiling in the gallery-like space, which was furnished with a custom table by David Lucas and George Nakashima chairs.Photo by Douglas FriedmanFounded in 2012 by sibling trio David, Suzie, and Rachel Lucas, Seattles Lucas Interior blends beauty and comfort in their inspiring sanctuary-like spaces. The firm is known for its ability to create modern, clean-lined interiors that still feel inviting and livable, and it works on residential and commercial projects from Massachusetts to New Zealand. Lucas Interior has also created furniture designs for top brands like Sutherland, RH, and Luma Design Workshop.TKP DesignNestled above Seattles Lake Washington, this playful living space designed by Tessa Kluetz Pernell is filled with pieces that reflect the clients joyful personality. Neon and marble are juxtaposed with vibrant velvet, soft wool, and thoughtfully curated art and decor.Sumaira AmberExpect the unexpected in the interiors of TKP Design. Designer Tessa Kluetz Pernell translates her clients personal stories into unique spaces ranging in style from neon maximalist to minimalist Japandi. Based in Tacoma, Washington, the interior design and home staging firm incorporates personal treasures, bold artwork, and layered textures to add interest to every inch of a home. TKP Design collaborates on projects in the Seattle and Tacoma area and worldwide and offers renovation, new construction, and e-design services.Base Camp DesignThis minimalist ski-in, ski-out kitchen by Base Camp Design blends Scandinavian style with natural elements, and features a handcrafted tile backsplash, a Muuto light fixture, and thermally modified hemlock accents, which bring the exterior in.Photographer: Colton Moore; Architect: SOKNatural beauty takes center stage in the modern mountain homes dreamed up by Base Camp Design. Founded by principal designer Kate Lyster, the Sandpoint, Idaho, interiors firm puts a contemporary twist on rustic style, mixing streamlined furnishings with natural materials, cozy textiles, and earthy color palettes. Lyster and her team let setting shine, designing around soaring windows that frame the surrounding vistas to help clients feel immersed in the great outdoors. Base Camp Designs recent projects include two log cabin renovations and a Tudor-inspired new build.Studio MTNIn the dining room of a home in the Pacific Palisades, Studio MTN commissioned a custom mural that took nearly three weeks to complete and includes nods to the clients family.Shade DeggesStudio MTN draws on the natural beauty and aesthetics of its two homesSun Valley, Idaho, and Los Angelesin its beautifully restrained and serene interiors. Founder Sierra Fox and her team layer contemporary and natural elements for a fresh, sophisticated take on rustic style. Rugged stone, pale woods, and neutral color palettes contribute to the timeless and timeworn feel and the firm does a deep dive into the lives of its clients to develop designs that speak to their personalities and interests.Latham InteriorsWhen overseeing a family getaway in Ketchum, Idaho, local designer Sarah Latham wanted to create a space that was durable enough for three boys but still remained a relaxing retreat for the parents. Adorned with wood, jolts of plaid, and a candle pendant, the dining nook conveys that rustic, calming aesthetic while serving as a natural gathering space for family meals and game nights.Latham Interiors, based in Sun Valley, Idaho, celebrates the beauty of their Pacific Northwest surroundings in their calming, comfortable spaces. Natural materials like stone and warm woods are balanced with clean-lined furnishings and minimalist lighting in the firms interiors. Led by principal Sarah Latham, the team offers full-service interior design for residential and commercial clients, including drafting and 3D rendering, interior finish selection, and curation and styling of furniture, lighting, and art.ArchitectsStudio NocturneStudio Nocturne designed a reflective gateway to a Seattle residence with a mirror-finished stainless steel clad frame and suspended canopy. The sleek entry provides wayfinding and shelter from rain and bounces natural light into the adjacent living room.Mikel AmiasNeal Andrew Barber founded Seattle-based Studio Nocturne in 2021, and the architecture and design firm has quickly made its mark on the Pacific Northwest built environment. The firms site-specific designs transcend any signature style and instead focus on the unique aspects of each project, including the site and the vision of the client. Sustainability and environmental stewardship are key considerations for every Studio Nocturne project, which include residential and commercial designs, new construction, renovations, and adaptive reuse.Drift Interiors + ArchitectureFor this Japandi style interior, Drift Interiors + Architecture did extensive space planning to provide the homeowner with a much more functional kitchen.Emily KeeneyDated or disorganized houses become functional, fresh homes in the hands of Drift Interiors + Architecture. Based in Lake Stevens, Washington, and led by architect Jen Tamblin, the multidisciplinary firm takes a holistic approach, harmonizing indoor and outdoor elements in its additions, renovations, new construction, and interior design projects. Tamblin and her team excel at spatial planning, and the firms digital tools allow clients to feel confident that their vision will become a reality.Studio AM Architecture & InteriorsFor the whole-house renovation of this 1970s Pacific Northwest home, Studio AM Architecture & Interiors updated the interiors and brought in custom furniture and lighting.Andrew GiammarcoFrom modern estates in Palm Springs to Tudor-style mansions in Portland, Studio AM Architecture & Interiors does it all. Principals Aaron Mollick and Michael Troyer lead a team of talented architects and interior designers, and they consider collaboration, creativity, and integrity at the heart of how they approach each project and client. The Seattle-based firm works on projects of all sizes nationwide, and clients benefit from their deep relationships with contractors, artisans, and artists.Janof ArchitectureJanof Architecture balanced industrial style with warm wood cabinetry, marble countertops, and a delicate Ochre chandelier in the kitchen of a Seattle home, designed in collaboration with Helen Hald.After graduating from Yale Architecture School, Amy Driggers-Janof earned her stripes working on the home of Bill and Melinda Gates under architect James Cutler. The architect founded her own practice, Janof Architecture, in 2000, and the firm has become synonymous with elegant homes that incorporate timeless details and materials. Driggers-Janof and her team collaborate closely with clients, continually iterating until the right idea or solution is achieved. The firm works on residential architecture and interior design projects for all types of homes in the Pacific Northwest.Landscape DesignersLand MorphologyThe two-acre Mountsier Garden by Land Morphology features sculptures, terraces, and landforms, blending art and nature seamlessly.Rob CardilloFrom private estates to public botanical gardens, Seattle-based Land Morphology devises memorable outdoor spaces that delight and inspire. Founded by Richard Hartlage in 2013, the landscape studio is known for its sustainable and artful gardens across the country, including Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Herb and Vegetable Garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Its residential projects complement the site and architectural style of the home and make the outdoor living areas as alluring as the spaces inside.BuildersCEID - Court Earp Interior DesignCourt Earp took a cue from his clients fashion sense when choosing the Elitis wall covering in a bedroom of a Boulder home. The designer finished the space with a bed and lighting from RH, as well as a photograph from the clients personal collection.Principal designer and creative director Court Earp established his eponymous firm in 2006, and since then, Court Earp Interior Design (CEID) has become known for its ability to work across a range of styles and project types, from personal residences to commercial spaces. Earp and his talented team of designers and project managers serve clients from their offices in Portland and Boulder, Colorado, offering a full range of services, including custom cabinet and millwork design, space planning, and curation of furniture, materials, and finishes.StruckSured InteriorsWhen designing a house on a fifth-generation orchard in Hood River, Oregon, StruckSured Interiors wanted the home to feel like it had been there since the beginning of the farm. The team used distressed finishes, layered textures, and a patinaed color palette to add history to the space.Designer Samantha Struck finds endless inspiration in the landscapes and seasons of the Pacific Northwest, which she brings to her beautifully modern and organic interiors. Her firm, StruckSured Interiors, based in Hood River, Oregon, tackles projects nationwide, offering interior design for renovations and new construction, as well as selection and styling of home furnishings. StruckSured also offers a concierge service for local customers, helping source and layout furnishings for up to three rooms.DowbuiltDowbuilt collaborated with Mobile Office Architects and OreStudios to revive a 1927 Seattle estate designed by architect Elizabeth Ayer.Haris KenjarTop firms such as Olson Kundig, Atelier AM, and Nicole Hollis trust Dowbuilt to bring their ideas to life to an exacting standard. The Seattle-based general contractor deftly manages even the most complex designs, and the firm is known for its skill with architectural concrete and steel. Dowbuilts extensive portfolio showcases a diverse mix of styles and settings from contemporary Hawaiian retreats to classic shingle-style homes in the Hamptons. The firm has teams in nine regions and takes on high-end projects across the United States.Are you looking for an interior decorator or designer to hire for your next project? Whichever style suits you, visit the AD PRO Directory to browse our list of AD-approved designers and find your match for a design consultation.

Creating a Huge Battle Scene in Blender By Bart on February 10, 2025 Behind the Scenes Inspired by Lord of the Rings (of cours), FXForge set to recreate the epic battle scenes in Blender. What do you think of the result?Key Techniques Covered: Utilizing Blenders powerful animation tools to design large-scale battle scenes. Incorporating motion capture data for realistic character movement. Enhancing visual effects to add depth and intensity to your scene. Best practices for efficient rendering and scene optimization. Tips and tricks for using the Rokoko Indie Creator Bundle for motion capture integration.

Woman's deepfake betrayal by close friend: 'Every moment turned into porn'2 days agoTiffanie TurnbullBBC News, SydneyNikki Short/BBCAustralian woman Hannah Grundy was shocked to discover a website containing deepfake images of herWarning: Contains offensive language and descriptions of sexual violenceIt was a warm February night when an ominous message popped into Hannah Grundy's inbox in Sydney."I will just keep emailing because I think this is worthy of your attention," the anonymous sender wrote.Inside was a link, and a warning in bold: "[This] contains disturbing material."She hesitated for a moment, fearing it was a scam.The reality was so much worse. The link contained pages and pages of fake pornography featuring Hannah, alongside detailed rape fantasies and violent threats."You're tied up in them," she recalls. "You look afraid. You've got tears in your eyes. You're in a cage."Written in kitschy word art on some images was Hannah's full name. Her Instagram handle was posted, as was the suburb she lived in. She would later learn her phone number had also been given out.That email kicked off a saga Hannah likens to a movie. She was left to become her own detective, uncovering a sickening betrayal by someone close to her, and building a case which changed her life - and Australian legal standards.'Pure shock'The web page was called "The Destruction of Hannah", and at the top of it was a poll where hundreds of people had voted on the vicious ways they wanted to abuse her.Below was a thread of more than 600 vile photos, with Hannah's face stitched on to them. Buried in between them were chilling threats."I'm closing in on this slut," the main poster said."I want to hide in her house and wait until she is alone, grab her from behind and... feel her struggle."It's been three years now, but the 35-year-old school teacher has no trouble recalling the "pure shock" that coursed through when she and partner Kris Ventura, 33, opened the page."You immediately feel unsafe," Hannah tells me, eyes wide as she grips a mug of peppermint tea in her living room.Clicking through the website Kris had also found photos of their close friends, along with images depicting at least 60 other women, many also from Sydney.The couple quickly realised the pictures used to create the deepfakes were from the women's private social media accounts. And the penny dropped: this was someone they all knew.Desperate to find out who, Hannah and Kris spent hours at the kitchen table, identifying the women, searching their social media friends lists for a common link, and methodically building a dossier of evidence.Within four hours, they had a list of three potential suspects.On it, but immediately discounted, was their close friend from university Andrew Hayler. The trio had met while working at a campus bar, and the staff there quickly formed deep friendships.And Andy, as they called him - the supervisor - was the glue of the group.SuppliedHannah, Kris and Andy (right) met while working at Sydney University's campus barHe was considerate and affable, Hannah says - the kind of guy who looked out for women in the bar and made sure his female friends got home safely after a night out.They all hung out regularly, went on holidays together, loved and trusted each other."I thought of him as a very close friend," Hannah says."We were just so sure that he was a good person."But soon they'd whittled down the list to just one name: his.Fear and delaysWhen Hannah woke the next morning and went to the police station, mingling with her shock and horror was a "naive" sliver of optimism."We thought they'd go grab him that afternoon," Kris says with a wry smile.Instead, Hannah says she was met with disdain.She recalls one New South Wales Police officer asking what she'd done to Andy. At one stage they suggested Hannah simply ask him to stop. Later, they pointed to a picture of her in a skimpy outfit and said "you look cute in this one", she says.New South Wales Police declined to comment to the BBC on the specifics of Hannah's case.But she says the way her complaint was handled made her feel like she was making "a big deal out of nothing"."And for me, it felt quite life-changing," says Hannah. Any faith she still held that police would help quickly dwindled.Amid delays, she turned to Australia's eSafety Commissioner, but under its powers as a regulatory body it could only offer help in taking the content down.SuppliedAndy had digitally edited and posted hundreds of photos of HannahDesperate, the couple hired a lawyer and commissioned a digital forensics analyst to move things along.In the meantime, to avoid tipping Andy off and to keep themselves safe, they retreated inwards."The world for you just gets smaller. You don't speak to people. You don't really go out," Hannah says.Intense fear and loneliness filled the void instead."We'd already had to suspend complete belief to understand that he'd done these things, so [the idea of] him actually coming to try and rape you or hurt you isn't that much of a bigger stretch."The couple installed cameras all around their house and set up location tracking on Hannah's devices. She began wearing a health watch 24/7, so someone would know if her heartbeat rose - or ceased."I stopped having the windows open because I was scared... maybe someone would come in," Hannah explains."We slept with a knife in both of our bedside tables because we just thought: 'What if?'"Still feeling abandoned by police, Kris had taken on the burden of monitoring the site for the slightest sign of escalation towards Hannah and any of their friends - who, to protect the investigation, still did not know anything.Guilt ate at the pair: "We had a constant battle about whether it was right to not tell them," Hannah says.At one point told the investigation had been suspended, Hannah and Kris forked out even more money for a detailed forensic report, and threatened to make a formal complaint to the police watchdog. All up, they spent over A$20,000 (10,200; $12,400) trying to protect themselves and stop Andy.Finally a new detective was assigned and within two weeks police were raiding Andy's house. He admitted everything.Filled with relief, then dread, Hannah began calling her friends to break the news."My stomach just dropped," Jessica Stuart says, recalling the moment she learned what Andy had done to her photos.Nikki Short/BBCJess says Andy had appeared "thoughtful" and "unthreatening""I felt really violated but I don't think I fully comprehended."For her, again, the sucker punch was that a friend who she loved like "family" was behind the crime. Andy had always appeared "so unassuming" and "really thoughtful" - someone she'd called for help through a difficult time."It's been really hard to reconcile that those two people are actually the same person."A landmark caseThe case was uncharted territory for Australia.For at least a decade, experts have warned advances in technology would lead to a wave of AI crimes. But authorities have been caught on the back foot, leaving deepfake victims - overwhelmingly women - vulnerable.At the time Andy was arrested in 2022, there was no offence for creating or sharing deepfake pornography in NSW, or anywhere else in Australia, and the country had never seen a case of this magnitude before.The 39-year-old was charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence - a low-level catch-all offence for many internet crimes - and Hannah was warned to keep her expectations low."We were prepared to go to court and for him to get a slap on the wrist," she says.But she and the 25 other women who decided to be part of the case were determined Andy be held accountable. One after the other, several gave crushing statements at his sentencing hearing last year."You didn't just betray my friendship, but you shattered the sense of safety I used to take for granted," Jess told the court. "The world feels unfamiliar and dangerous, I am constantly anxious, I have nightmares when I am able to sleep. "Forming new friendships feels impossible, burdened by the constant question: 'Could this person be like you?'"When it came time for Andy to apologise to the women he'd targeted, Jess and Hannah couldn't stomach being in the room. They walked out."There is nothing that he can say to me that makes it better, and I wanted him to know that," Hannah says.Andy told the court that creating the images had felt "empowering" as "an outlet" for a "dark" part of his psyche, but that he didn't think they would cause real harm."I have really done a terrible thing and I am so very sorry," he said.Judge Jane Culver was not convinced of his remorse, saying while there was "some contrition", he didn't seem to understand the clearly "profound and ongoing" suffering that his "prolific" and "disturbing" offending had caused.She sentenced Andy to nine years in jail - in what has been called a landmark decision."The gasp that went through the court... it was such a relief," Jess says."It was the first time I felt like we had actually been listened to."Andy will be eligible for parole in December 2029, but has told the court he intends to challenge his sentence.Ethan Rix/ABC NewsHannah and Jess hug last year, after a jail sentence was handed down to AndyNicole Shackleton, a law expert who researches technology and gender, told the BBC the "unprecedented" case set a surprising, and significant, legal standard for future cases.The judge had recognised "this wasn't merely something that happened online" and that such behaviour was "tied to offline violence against women", said Dr Shackleton, from Melbourne's RMIT University.But Australia and other countries remain poor at regulating the use of AI and proactively investigating its misuse, experts like her argue.Australia has recently criminalised the creation and sharing of deepfake pornography at a national level. But many other countries have legislation accused of containing loopholes, or do not criminalise deepfake pornography at all. In the UK, sharing it is an offence, but creating or soliciting it is not - though this is about to change.And in the face of under-trained and under-resourced police forces, many victims like Hannah or private investigators - like the one who tipped her off - are left to be de facto detectives and regulators.In a statement, NSW Police said investigations into AI crimes are a challenging, "resource and time intensive process", and training has recently been beefed up "with the goal that every officer... can respond to these types of crimes effectively".The force also works with the eSafety Commissioner and tech companies to take down deepfake abuse, the statement added.eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said removal of the distressing material is the top priority for most victim-survivors, and eSafety had "an extremely high success rate in achieving it".But eSafety does not have the punitive powers to pursue criminal investigations and penalties, she added in a statement to the BBC.Nikki Short/BBCHannah and Kris say they want police approaches to change"You can have whatever laws you like, [but] if you have a police force that are incompetent..." Kris says, trailing off."We're obviously angry at Andy. But it is also disgusting that the only way you get justice with something like this is if you're two people in your 30s that can afford to bully the police."They're determined for things to be different for future victims. In the past six months alone, two schoolboys in separate cases in NSW and Victoria have been reported to police for allegedly creating mass deepfake nudes of their classmates.After several years of hell, Hannah is also trying to move on.But Andy's looming appeal threatens the hard work she's done to rebuild her life and mental health.Knees at her chest and feet tucked under her on the couch, she says Andy got the sentence he deserved."Because for me, and for the other girls, it is forever they will always be on the internet," she says.She still pays for a service which scours the web for the pictures, and she worries about future friends, employers, students - her own children - finding them.One of her biggest fears is that her best memories will never be reclaimed."You post things on Facebook and Instagram because they're the happiest moments of your life. You get a dog, you buy a house, you get engaged and you post a photo."He had turned every single one of those moments for us into porn. And so when you see that photo well, now I see myself getting raped."If you've been affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line

Things Happen Y'knowPlayStation royalty Shuhei Yoshida being revealed as a duck mascot alongside Swery right after leaving Sony wasn't some master plan, it was "complete serendipity"Promise Mascot Agency's devs not only didn't initially plan on casting industry legends - they thought their game might not even have any voice acting at all.Image credit: PlayStation/Kaizen Game Works. News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Feb. 10, 2025 Last month, long-time PlayStation exec Shuhei Yoshida departed Sony after about 30 years of service. His short-term future was revealed pretty much immediately - the voice of a green duck mascot who quite fancies opening a game center in upcoming indie Promise Mascot Agency. Though, as the game's devs explained to me, those two things happening so close together wasn't planned out in advance.As part of a recent interview, I asked PMA's devs - Paradise Killer studio Kaizen Game Works - how both Yoshida and Deadly Premonition designer Hidetaka 'Swery' Suehiro came to star in the open-world mascot management game they're releasing later this year.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "We initially never thought we would do voice acting because of the cost and effort involved," game director Oli Clarke Smith told me, "But then the people funding the game - Kowloon Nights - thought that it would be a big quality bump, and they were completely right. They pushed for it and so we said, Okay, fine, let's do it. They said, what would be good is, because you've got all these mascots, it would be fun if we've got some games industry cameos in."So, we reached out to some people. Swery we approached because he liked our previous game Paradise Killer, and I think Deadly Premonition is a masterpiece, and so we wanted him. After Deadly Premonition came out, he did a bunch of things, but one the things he did was become ordained as a priest. One of our NPC mascots in the game that will help you and you do a side quest for is an ex-biker gang member that has turned into a priest, so we thought we should get Swery for him."Then, for Shuhei, we had a connection to him through Kowloon," he continued, "They were chatting to him, and he really liked our game, and he'd seen it before. Then our Japanese localiser, he used to work with Shuhei at PlayStation on Jack and Daxter and Crash Bandicoot. So, when we were working together, we suggested reaching out to [Yoshida] and he's like, Oh, that's my old boss, I'll speak to him."The devs reckon this speaking may have taken place at last year's Tokyo Game Show - as good a place to speak to an exec about becoming a mascot as any. "Again, we had a good candidate mascot for him," Clarke Smith explained, "one of the side quest mascots is MonouGe, who wants to open a game center because he loves old arcade games and we thought that was a good role for Shuhei. He said yes, and it just so happened that we announced our voice actors on the day that he left Sony. That was complete serendipity, and we hadn't planned for it. So, we got a lot of buzz out of that."So, there you go. Sometimes life just does a thing, and a guy leaves a big console maker one day, only to be revealed as a green duck guy living in a cursed town before he's proabably even eaten the last of his leaving party cake.If you're keen to find out more about Promise Mascot Agency, make sure to check out our fresh preview of it. I didn't Yoshida or Swery's characters in the bit I played, but there was plenty of other weirdness to go around the taste of mascot management.

Image: Nintendo LifeHot on the heels of the North American equivalent, Nintendo of Europe has opened the doors on the 'Play On' Switch eShop sale, bringing discounts to thousands of titles until 23rd February.To help you separate the hot from the slop, we have assembled the following list of every game in Nintendo's sale that we scored a 9/10 or higher. This is presented in alphabetical order, with each title accompanied by its discounted price in GBP (you'll find all EUR savings on the respective eShops).And hey, there's some proper heat on display in this one! So, if you wanted to load up on eShop credit before diving in, you'll find the links to our store below.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube796kWatch on YouTube Buy Nintendo eShop CreditUSACANUKEURJPNEnough chit chat, here's the cream of the crop:13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim (Switch)Publisher: Atlus / Developer: VanillawareRelease Date: 12th Apr 2022 (USA) / 12th Apr 2022 (UK/EU)12.49 (-75%)13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a wonderful achievement for dynamic storytelling, as it puts forth a compelling and multifaceted narrative thatll keep you guessing right up until the very end. This excellent story, combined with enjoyable combat portions, a striking art style, and some top-notch voice acting make for an experience that you wont want to miss out on. Its the kind of game thatll have you wishing that you could play it again for the first time, just so all its best elements could be new again.Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.Abzu (Switch eShop)Publisher: 505 Games / Developer: Giant SquidRelease Date: 29th Nov 2018 (USA) / 29th Nov 2018 (UK/EU)3.74 (-75%)Abz is certainly a standout release on the eShop, offering up an experience that breaks from the norm of goal-based gaming in favour of something thats more focused on simply existing in a world and enjoying all its little intricacies. Those of you who appreciate casual adventures like taking a walk in a forest will be sure to enjoy what Abz has to offer, as the dreamlike visuals, entrancing orchestral score, and deliberately sedate pace do a fantastic job of drawing the player into this alien world. Abz isn't a game about winning, but about the journey (no pun intended) you take getting there.Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition (Switch)Publisher: Bandai Namco / Developer: Project AcesRelease Date: 11th Jul 2024 (USA) / 11th Jul 2024 (UK/EU)32.99 (-34%)Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is the absolute pinnacle of the series and despite coming to Switch over five years after other platforms, this 'impossible' Switch conversion does very little to degrade the experience. Long-time franchise players and military aviation enthusiasts will be overwhelmed by the fan service at every turn, from craters on the ground to airplanes, liveries, callsigns, and emblems shouting out to previous entries.We understand the genre is uniquely niche, but if this is your first foray into the franchise, this conversion is a perfect gateway into this rich, revered series. You get tons of content and an epic single-player campaign wrapped up in triple-A presentation that delivers the most comprehensive portable experience ever from Project Aces.Aegis Defenders (Switch eShop)Publisher: Humble Bundle / Developer: GUTS DepartmentRelease Date: 8th Feb 2018 (USA) / 8th Feb 2018 (UK/EU)3.74 (-75%)Aegis Defenders is a fantastic game, brilliantly blending the tower defense and platforming genres in a unique way to produce a memorable and enjoyable experience. Lovable characters, interesting lore, plenty of secrets, engaging gameplay, and gorgeous presentation combine to make this a must-have title for your Switch. We would recommend this to anybody looking for a detailed world to immerse themselves in, or to somebody looking for that next game to play through with a friend. Aegis Defenders is a real gem on the eShop; dont miss out.Archvale (Switch eShop)Publisher: Humble Games / Developer: Idoz & PhopsRelease Date: 2nd Dec 2021 (USA) / 2nd Dec 2021 (UK/EU)5.99 (-50%)Archvale is a triumphant bullet-hell/RPG genre mashup. Although you could argue its similarity to one or two recent releases, it trumps the competition with incredibly slick combat, simple and satisfying progression, and varied environments and enemies. The difficulty ramps up heavily as you progress to the later levels, so the inability to change difficulty on-the-fly may prove a bit of an issue for some players. Push through, however, and youll find Archvale to be one of the most satisfying twin-stick games available right now.Axiom Verge 2 (Switch eShop)Publisher: Thomas Happ Games / Developer: Thomas Happ GamesRelease Date: 11th Aug 2021 (USA) / 11th Aug 2021 (UK/EU)8.09 (-50%)Axiom Verge is a remarkably tough act to follow, but Thomas Happ managed to do it again in producing a pitch-perfect, excellently paced Metroidvania adventure. Axiom Verge 2 perfectly balances familiar elements that made the original great and trying out new ideas that give the sequel its own identity, and while lovers of the first game may take some time to adjust, everything comes together and makes for a potent experience that no fan of the genre will want to miss out on. The mysterious atmosphere, thrilling pace, and fantastic world design all come together to make for a worthy follow-up that stands well on its own.Balatro (Switch eShop)Publisher: PlayStack / Developer: LocalThunkRelease Date: 20th Feb 2024 (USA) / 20th Feb 2024 (UK/EU)11.51 (-10%)Balatro is a roguelike for gamers who don't like roguelikes... and then everybody else on top of that. It utterly nails what it sets out to do, providing an instantly accessible, satisfying, and addictive gameplay loop that anybody can grasp.It's an immensely enjoyable experience from the start, but as you get deeper in, there's really nothing else quite like it. Utterly sublime.BioShock: The Collection (Switch)Publisher: 2K / Developer: 2KRelease Date: 29th May 2020 (USA) / 29th May 2020 (UK/EU)7.99 (-80%)BioShock: The Collection combines three excellent, iconic games and all their DLC into one convincing package. Stable performance, engrossing narratives, fun gameplay, and lots of content make this one an easy recommendation, even if these releases show their age from time to time.If youre looking for a series of strong single-player shooters to pick up for your Switch, its tough to go wrong here.BlazBlue CentralFiction Special Edition (Switch)Publisher: Arc System Works / Developer: Arc System WorksRelease Date: 7th Feb 2019 (USA) / 8th Feb 2019 (UK/EU)8.74 (-75%)BlazBlue CentralFiction Special Edition may have arrived a few years late on Switch, but that delay didn't dull the sharpness of its 2D fighting package. Not only does it give the Ragna saga a proper send-off with a story mode that's so rich in character development it could be a full anime season in its own right, but it offers a staggering number of modes to keep you playing long after the credits roll. It runs silky-smooth docked or in handheld modes and runs like a dream online. The lack of an English dub still rankles, and new adopters are going to have to do a lot of research to understand what's going on, but it's well worth the effort.BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle (Switch)Publisher: Arc System Works / Developer: Arc System WorksRelease Date: 5th Jun 2018 (USA) / 22nd Jun 2018 (UK/EU)4.49 (-75%)BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is an utterly accomplished 2D fighting game. It's bursting with content and featuring the visual spectacle of combat that uses up every single trick in the book. A few strange decisions aside, this title is a must for fighting game fans. Even if you're not a fan of any of the franchises represented in this game, you most certainly will be by the time you're done with this stacked fighting package.Blazing Chrome (Switch eShop)Publisher: The Arcade Crew / Developer: JoyMasherRelease Date: 11th Jul 2019 (USA) / 11th Jul 2019 (UK/EU)4.58 (-70%)For those longing for a time when side-scrolling shooters ruled the roost, Blazing Chrome is exactly what you're looking for. Perfect for short sessions, its slick gameplay and old-school art direction make for an astonishingly fun game full of explosions, epic set pieces and spectacular boss battles. Its brutal difficulty may not be for everyone, but if you're up for the challenge, then get ready for one of the most accomplished 2D action titles in years.Botany Manor (Switch eShop)Publisher: Whitethorn Games / Developer: Balloon StudiosRelease Date: 9th Apr 2024 (USA) / 9th Apr 2024 (UK/EU)17.99 (-20%)It looks like The Witness and it plays a bit like StreetPass Garden, but Botany Manor blooms into something that's not only entirely its own, but also something quite special. Don't let its cosy aesthetics fool you Botany Manor is packed with nicely challenging, well-designed puzzles, and isn't afraid to tackle heavy subjects, too.Card Shark (Switch eShop)Publisher: Devolver Digital / Developer: NerialRelease Date: 2nd Jun 2022 (USA) / 2nd Jun 2022 (UK/EU)6.29 (-65%)Card Shark is the kind of game that at first blush seems like it just wont work. Lots of dialogue bookended by brief, simplistic minigame sequences seems like it would make for an experience that would lose its luster quickly, yet we couldnt put it down. Witty writing, high-stakes gameplay, and a gorgeous art style all come together here to make for a game thats well-executed and unique in its appeal. If youre looking to try something awesome that notably bucks most modern gaming trends, Card Shark is absolutely something wed recommend, well worth your time and money.Chained Echoes (Switch eShop)Publisher: DECK13 Spotlight / Developer: Matthias LindaRelease Date: 8th Dec 2022 (USA) / 8th Dec 2022 (UK/EU)18.39 (-20%)Chained Echoes is a wonderful mash-up of '90s JRPG tropes, masterfully woven together to produce an experience that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. A well-paced story, unconventional progression system, tactical combat system, and expansive world all come together to make for a game that is shockingly one of the very best RPGs that we played in 2022.Really, theres no place where it feels like Chained Echoes drops the ball, which is all the more impressive when you consider that the vast majority of it was put together by one person. It stands as a shining example of everything that makes RPGs great.Chicken Police - Paint it RED! (Switch eShop)Publisher: HandyGames / Developer: The Wild GentlemenRelease Date: 5th Nov 2020 (USA) / 5th Nov 2020 (UK/EU)6.29 (-65%)An extremely impressive first game from The Wild Gentlemen, Chicken Police - Paint it RED! is one of the best visual novel/adventure games we've played in a long, long time and one hell of an absorbing tale. It looks and runs great on the Switch, with only a couple of really minuscule interface issues which are easily ignored.At roughly eight or nine hours, the story is surprisingly lengthy, but we were never bored and wanted to investigate every little thing just to wring out more precious droplets of banter and fascination. Chicken Police is a polished, captivating experience and we're very excited for whatever's coming next from this team.Cuphead (Switch eShop)Publisher: StudioMDHR / Developer: StudioMDHRRelease Date: 18th Apr 2019 (USA) / 18th Apr 2019 (UK/EU)11.89 (-30%)Cuphead was an absolute masterpiece when it originally launched on Xbox One and nothing has been sacrificed in its move to the Switch.A run-and-gun boss battler dressed up like a 1930s Fleischer or Disney animated short, its the same visually jaw-dropping, aurally delightful, knuckle-whiteningly difficult game it was on Microsofts console and the Switchs library is all the better for its presence. Its focus on intense boss battles wont be to everyones tastes, but as long as you know what youre getting yourself into we cant recommend it enough. Just look at it!And the Delicious Last Course (also in this sale for 5.43) is the icing on the cake, too.Cyber Shadow (Switch eShop)Publisher: Yacht Club Games / Developer: Mechanical Head StudiosRelease Date: 26th Jan 2021 (USA) / 26th Jan 2021 (UK/EU)10.79 (-40%)If you consider yourself a fan of retro action platformers, you owe it to yourself to pick up Cyber Shadow. Its clear in virtually every facet of Cyber Shadows design that this project was a labour of love and that its designer is intimately familiar with what makes the stalwarts of this beloved genre so great.Well-built levels, authentic presentation, tight controls, and high difficulty all combine to make this a supreme and focused experience, and one that we can easily say is well worth your time. Mechanical Head Studios set a high bar with its inaugural release.Death's Door (Switch eShop)Publisher: Devolver Digital / Developer: Acid NerveRelease Date: 23rd Nov 2021 (USA) / 23rd Nov 2021 (UK/EU)4.49 (-75%)Death's Door is a modern classic, utilizing old gameplay ideas in a new setting to make for a short and sweet experience you wont want to miss. The snappy combat, rewarding exploration, and relaxing music will stick with you once you've finished, and while it may not have anything 'new' to offer, Deaths Door is so high quality that youll hardly have time to think about its lack of innovation.Wed give this one a very high recommendation, especially to any fans of Zelda or Soulslike games Acid Nerve has crafted an experience thats absolutely worth your time and money.Detention (Switch eShop)Publisher: Coconut Island Games / Developer: Red Candle GamesRelease Date: 1st Mar 2018 (USA) / 1st Mar 2018 (UK/EU)4.74 (-50%)Detention is another horror classic that deserves a place on your Switch. Its story has an important message as it introduces themes through the eyes of a child that only escalate the horror.Through a terrifying atmosphere, chilling ghouls, and a soundtrack that will sink its teeth into you, Detention is a suitably horrifying title that needs to be experienced firsthand.Dicefolk (Switch eShop)Publisher: Good Shepherd Entertainment / Developer: LEAP Game StudiosRelease Date: 20th Jun 2024 (USA) / 20th Jun 2024 (UK/EU)8.76 (-35%)An attractive art style, strong combat system, and meaningful player choices make Dicefolk a brilliant addition to the library, as it manages to feel fresh without getting too far away from the core ideas that make these sorts of games so addictive and popular.Dicefolk is a good entry point to the genre, in fact; approachable without being patronising and its tons of fun once you get a grasp of its various quirks.

In BriefPosted:12:03 PM PST February 10, 2025Image Credits:Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto / Getty ImagesOpenAI spoke to government officials about its DeepSeek probeOpenAI says it has spoken to government officials about its ongoing investigation into DeepSeek.The ChatGPT-maker previously claimed to have evidence that DeepSeek trained its AI models using improperly obtained data from OpenAIs API. During a Bloomberg TV interview on Monday, OpenAIs chief global affairs officer, Chris Lehane, said the company has talked with government officials about the probe.Some have criticized OpenAI for hypocrisy here. Several publishers are suing the startup for training their AI models on copyrighted works. But now, OpenAI is targeting DeepSeek for apparently training on its AI model outputs.Lehane said theres a difference. He likened OpenAIs training methods to reading a library book and learning from it, whereas DeepSeeks methods are more like putting a new cover on a library book, and selling it as your own.The latter is not far off from the New York Times argument in its copyright case against OpenAI.Topics

In BriefPosted:11:38 AM PST February 10, 2025Image Credits:Jakub Porzycki / NurPhoto / Getty ImagesTikTok wants Android users to sideload its appWith TikToks fate in the U.S. uncertain its ban in the country has been paused, but only temporarily, thanks to an executive order from President Donald Trump the ByteDance-owned company is now encouraging Android device owners to sideload its video app onto their phones and tablets.The company announced in a Friday X post that its Android app would be available for direct download on the website TikTok.com/download. This allows it to take advantage of an Android feature that lets users download apps from outside the Google Play Store. A similar option is not yet available on iPhones outside the EU.The Android app download is being made available as an Android Package Kit, more commonly known as an APK file, which contains the apps code, assets, and other resources that TikTok needs to run.By offering a standalone download, TikTok can at least temporarily skirt the current app store ban, which still prevents both Google Play and Apples App Store from hosting the app while the bans enforcement remains paused. Topics

Guilherme (Gui) Rambelli, Lead Artist at Treyarch, and an instructor for The Gnomon Workshop, talks about finding joy in his work, how observation can be a driving force, and offers insights into his experiences working on Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.Our conversation begins with Gui describing how he came to work on the game Call of Duty, and he recalls, Ive been a fan of the franchise since I first started playing PC games back in the 2000s, so Call of Duty has always been among my top favorites. I always wanted to work in games. When I started working in 3D, photogrammetry was the skill that I knew could take me into 3D in games. It was almost like I had the tool but not the job yet. So it showed me that I could work in different places: commercials, working on shots for movies, and doing some projects with NASA & Harvard Medical School (STRATUS) where we were doing digital capture of a set so that when they were going to training for the Artemis mission, theyd have the environment in VR and see how things would happen.Gui then zeroes in on a period in his career in 2019, explaining that, Just before I had resigned from DICE LA for a new job at The New York Times R&D team, a friend had introduced me to Activision, and arranged a dinner so I could meet the Art Leadership from Treyarch and learn more about their interests. Treyarch was very open to starting something new and kind of introducing from the ground-up photogrammetry, lidar, and reality-capturing techniques into the game. When I saw that opportunity, it was about getting to know the team, and getting to work with them to introduce new things, but also not disrupt or break anything thats working. But overall, it was a very good experience: a lot of growth in different areas. It was also the first place where I got to work officially as a leader on a team, to help found a new team in the art department in 2021, focusing on photogrammetry and reality capturing techniques, to contribute to our pursuit to elevate the visual fidelity of our games.As a Lead Artist, my responsibilities are split between making sure our photogrammetry team members are supported and unblocked to provide scanned content and example kits to be used in our maps, and on working with the Art leadership team aligning how our scanned content needs align with our partner studios and schedule Gui Rambelli, Lead Artist at TreyarchThe Work of a Lead Artist at TreyarchGui then focuses the conversation on his reflections about his work and duties as a Lead Artist. He begins by noting that as a Lead Artist, my responsibilities are split between making sure our photogrammetry team members are supported and unblocked to provide scanned content and example kits to be used in our maps, and on working with the Art leadership team aligning how our scanned content needs align with our partner studios and schedule, to ensure that our scanning field trips and best practices in content creation processes are being followed across internal and external teams. That was a great growth opportunity.I always saw myself as a craft leader wholl always be involved in approaches and techniques and working more toward that and less on the management side. But there has been a lot of opportunity to learn how to build an effective team by bringing these two things together. There is always something to learn and everybody brings something to the table. Its been good: I get to learn and find joy in seeing the team evolve and develop and in seeing the things I wanted to do but knew werent possible with only myself. Its very fulfilling. I think that, organically, Ive always ended up finding people that have a similar mentality to me: getting their hands dirty and doing things. From time to time, I have a chance to jump into individual tasks and help create benchmark content to keep pushing the envelope.Photogrammetry quality benchmark asset supervised by PG team member Matthew Rodriguez, and scanned by Joseph Oliver.Gameplay always has specific needs for the game, and in order to address these topics, our team is constantly trying to improve their ability to preserve the photogrammetry aesthetics of our content, while authoring the content to attend to gameplay dimensions and needs Gui Rambelli, Lead Artist at TreyarchThe Photogrammetry ProcessCommenting on his experience of working in the disciplines of photogrammetry and lidar (Light Detection and Ranging), Gui unpacks some of the challenges and processes involved, explaining that, Photogrammetry is a very focused subject-matter and it becomes a flexible tool like any other tool in 3D. Photogrammetry is a method to capture reality and bring it into whatever medium that wants to use 3D as a base or for a photoreal environment. In itself, photogrammetry can be quite flexible to work with, but, at first, its normally perceived as something rigid that can mostly work only when an exact reality replica is the goal. Deconstructing that concept and working with different teams so that they can experience on their own how photogrammetry can be used just like any other content creation technique is a major focus area for me, with the biggest benefit being the ability to skip a lot of guesswork on what believable and real looks like, and focus on more gameplay-related aspects of the maps.With that said, gameplay always has specific needs for the game, and to address these topics, our team is constantly trying to improve their ability to preserve the photogrammetry aesthetics of our content while authoring the content to attend to gameplay dimensions and needs.On location: Reference gathering for look development.Normally, Reality Capture, Maya, ZBrush, Houdini, Substance Designer, and Substance Painter are at the center of my workflow when creating 3D assets, kits, and materials, and Global Mapper & GIS lidar websites to source terrain data for a believable foundation Gui Rambelli, Lead Artist at TreyarchThe Photogrammetry ToolkitGui offers an overview of the software he typically works with: Since photogrammetry and real-world data, in general, is the foundation of most of the work I do, I believe my skills are divided between hardware and software. One tool that is always present [in photogrammetry] would be Reality Capture: it allows photogrammetry to scale our production environment.Today, I feel like Photoshop is OG, and thats where I can get things done quickly. Even if its not the final quality, I can work out the intent. Im not a concept artist, but I can photo-bash a couple of things, or I can work really quickly and match several textures to give the intent from there.For capturing, Gui continues, I often use a cross-polarized mirrorless camera, a lidar ground station, and a variety of drones for aerial captures (lidar and PG), and off-the-shelf or more involved material-measurement devices to assist in replicating material properties in 3D later. And for digital, I tend to jump around quite often and not feel obligated to take one route or the other. Instead, I always try to find the path of least resistance between what I have to do and how to get there.Normally, Reality Capture, Maya, ZBrush, Houdini, Substance Designer, and Substance Painter are at the center of my workflow when creating 3D assets, kits, and materials, and Global Mapper & GIS lidar websites to source terrain data for a believable foundation.Addressing the need to stay current with new iterations of software and apps, Gui observes that Obviously, tools are updating and changing every year, and by working with other people, you experience how different people approach different problems or tasks.Warzone ResurgenceMap Area 99, in-game renders, developed by Treyarch and Co-studios.Achieving BelievabilityOf his process, Gui explains how he typically responds to a given brief or problem-solving project: For most of the time in the projects that Ive worked on, believability is a cornerstone. I tend to always ask first for a real photo that represents and encapsulates what we are trying to achieve. Because a lot of the process is based on reality, photogrammetry is the process of scouting places, getting permission, taking references, sand canning the place. The best way to capture data and information is with good photography: It will have the composition, and if its a landscape, for example, it will show how things are layering and the geology.For me, whenever someone says, Oh, we need to do a certain place in this country, I will say, We have to get photographs. For anything that is heavily grounded in reality, my go-to reference is, We need a photo: a key visual target. The next step is to deconstruct that photo and define its elements. Although its not always possible due to the intent being a mix of part real part fantastical idea, I truly believe that the more you can show as a visual target with the least amount of references possible, it will always translate to a clearer and more unified interpretation across the art team. This way, they can focus on executing on a single vision, rather than slightly different ones based on so many variables.Seeing the world through a camera as a filter of what matters and what doesnt for me, can be even more impactful than just trying to recreate reality one-to-one. There is something I get when seeing things through a camera lens that I consider a crucial contributor to what I perceive as quality. Gui Rambelli, Lead Artist at Treyarch Gui Rambelli on locationArtist InfluencesLike all creatives, Gui has any number of reference points and influences that shape his sensibility. He observes, I tend to look at movies and photography as aesthetic influences for my work since photorealism and believability are often desired when using photogrammetry and other reality-capturing techniques. Lately, I have rewatched movies by directors Sam Mendes (James Bond and 1917) and Christopher Nolan (Interstellar, Tenet, Dunkirk, and The Dark Knight Trilogy). I believe all of them share this feeling of seeing the world through a camera as a filter of what matters and what doesnt, which, for me, can be even more impactful than just trying to recreate reality one-to-one. There is something I get when seeing things through a camera lens that I consider a crucial contributor to what I perceive as quality.Instructing with The Gnomon WorkshopOur conversation then turns its focus to Guis work as an instructor with The Gnomon Workshop, and he observes, I think teaching is very interesting. I get to learn a lot firsthand from other people: From time to time, whenever I have an opportunity to do a school talk or a workshop, I always try to do that. Ive done two workshops with The Gnomon Workshop and a Gnomon School talk about Battlefield V in 2019. I want to do more teaching.Gui highlights the appeal of teaching for The Gnomon Workshop, saying, What I like the most about The Gnomon Workshop is the chance the platform gives instructors to share their learnings and techniques that are used in real production environments and projects and help save several cycles of trial and error for the viewer. And from a student perspective, I appreciate how I can learn from experts in those subject matters, fast-tracking my skills to a more refined technique, which would take longer if I were to learn anything on my own.Location shoot for Warzone referencesI believe that investing countless hours and nights working on multiple personal projects is a great way to learn your own way, and experimenting with different things can help you develop your own likes and dislikes Gui Rambelli, Lead Artist at TreyarchAdvice for Aspiring ArtistsAs our conversation concludes, Gui is keen to share advice for aspiring artists and artists at the start of their careers who are interested in visual development and game production. He observes, I believe that investing countless hours and nights working on multiple personal projects is a great way to learn your own way, and experimenting with different things can help you develop your own likes and dislikes.During my beginning, I remember always being competitive and comparing my work with the very games I wanted to work on one day, like Battlefield, Halo, and Call of Duty, and I took the differences and gaps as an inspiration, and North Star of an area I still need to learn more about. I always tried to reality-check myself and remind myself that, even though I was invested in learning and had big aspirations, it was just the beginning.I believe that learning mentality is fundamental if you intend to have a long-lasting career in our always-evolving industry. I try to cultivate that mentality anytime I can: It can be a good reality check throughout your career. Being humble and ready to learn when you come across other professionals with more experience can be a great source of growth as well.Gui ends our conversation on a very affirmative note, encouraging a spirit of boldness: Its OK to expose your ideas and defend what you believe in. Stay hungry!

The Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced this years winning motion picture, TV, and new media productions at their 36thAnnual Producers Guild Awards held Saturday night, February 8, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City.Jeff Hermann, p.g.a. took home the award for best Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures for his work on the DreamWorks Animation hit, The Wild Robot. The Oscar-nominated animated adventure took home 9 Annie Awards on Saturday evening as well.Special honorees includedChris Meledandri, who was presentedwith the David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures;Taika Waititi, who received the Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television;Dana Walden, who received the Milestone Award; and the lateLynda ObstandPaula Weinstein, recipients of the Trailblazer Award.The complete winners list for the 36th Annual Producers Guild Awards is below:Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion PicturesAnora (winner)The BrutalistA Complete UnknownConclaveDune: Part TwoEmilia PrezA Real PainSeptember 5The SubstanceWickedAward for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion PicturesFlowInside Out 2Moana 2Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlThe Wild Robot(winner)Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television - DramaBad SistersThe DiplomatFalloutShgun(winner)Slow HorsesDanny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television - ComedyAbbott ElementaryThe BearCurb Your EnthusiasmHacks(winner)Only Murders in the BuildingDavid L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series TelevisionBaby Reindeer(winner)FEUD: Capote Vs. The SwansThe PenguinRipleyTrue Detective: Night CountryAward for Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion PicturesCarry OnThe Greatest Night in Pop(winner)The KillerRebel RidgeUnfrostedAward for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television30 for 30Conan O'Brien Must GoThe Jinx Part TwoSTEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces(winner)Welcome to WrexhamAward for Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment, Variety, Sketch, Standup & Talk TelevisionAli Wong: Single LadyThe Daily ShowLast Week Tonight with John OliverThe Late Show with Stephen ColbertSaturday Night Live(winner)Award for Outstanding Producer of Game & Competition TelevisionThe Amazing RaceRuPaul's Drag RaceTop ChefThe Traitors(winner)The VoiceThe following nominees were previously announced.The Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion PicturesGaucho GauchoMedihaMountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa SherpaPorcelain WarSuper/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story(winner)We Will Dance AgainThe Award for Outstanding Children's ProgramAvatar: The Last AirbenderFraggle Rock: Back to the RockPercy Jackson and the OlympiansSesame Street(winner)SpongeBob SquarePantsThe Award for Outstanding Short-Form ProgramThe Crown: Farewell To A Royal EpicHacks: Bit By BitThe Penguin: Inside GothamReal Time with Bill Maher: OvertimeShgun The Making of Shgun(winner)The Award for Outstanding Sports ProgramFormula 1: Drive to SurviveHard Knocks: Offseason with the New York GiantsMessi's World Cup: The Rise of a LegendSimone Biles Rising(winner)Triumph: Jesse Owens and the Berlin OlympicsThe PGA Innovation AwardCritterzEmperorImpulse: Playing with RealityOrbital(winner)The Pirate Queen with Lucy LiuWhat If? An Immersive StorySource: The Producers Guild of America Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.