Feb 28, 2025Ravie LakshmananMobile Security / Zero-DayA 23-year-old Serbian youth activist had their Android phone targeted by a zero-day exploit developed by Cellebrite to unlock the device, according to a new report from Amnesty International."The Android phone of one student protester was exploited and unlocked by a sophisticated zero-day exploit chain targeting Android USB drivers, developed by Cellebrite," the international non-governmental organization said, adding the traces of the exploit were discovered in a separate case in mid-2024.The vulnerability in question is CVE-2024-53104 (CVSS score: 7.8), a case of privilege escalation in a kernel component known as the USB Video Class (UVC) driver. A patch for the flaw was addressed in the Linux kernel in December 2024. It was subsequently addressed in Android earlier this month.It's believed that CVE-2024-53104 was combined with two other flaws CVE-2024-53197 and CVE-2024-50302 both of which have been resolved in the Linux kernel. They are yet to be included in an Android Security Bulletin.CVE-2024-53197 (CVSS score: N/A) - An out-of-bounds access vulnerability for Extigy and Mbox devicesCVE-2024-50302 (CVSS score: 5.5) - A use of an uninitialized resource vulnerability that could be used to leak kernel memory"The exploit, which targeted Linux kernel USB drivers, enabled Cellebrite customers with physical access to a locked Android device to bypass an Android phone's lock screen and gain privileged access on the device," Amnesty said."This case highlights how real-world attackers are exploiting Android's USB attack surface, taking advantage of the broad range of legacy USB kernel drivers supported in the Linux kernel."The activist, who has been given the name "Vedran" to protect their privacy, was taken to a police station and his phone confiscated on December 25, 2024, after he attended a student protest in Belgrade.Amnesty's analysis found that the exploit was used to unlock his Samsung Galaxy A32 and that the authorities attempted to install an unknown Android application. While the exact nature of the Android app remains unclear, the modus operandi is consistent with that of prior NoviSpy spyware infections reported in mid-December 2024. Earlier this week, Cellebrite said its tools are not designed to facilitate any type of offensive cyber activity and that it works actively to curtail the misuse of its technology.The Israeli company also said it will no longer allow Serbia to use its software, stating "we found it appropriate to stop the use of our products by the relevant customers at this time."Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

Enterprise Customer Success Manager | WEVOLATAM (Fully Remote)About WEVOWEVO is an AI-powered, venture-backed startup revolutionizing how companies create digital experiences. Instead of relying on slow, expensive in-market testing, WEVO enables businesses to knowbefore launchwhether a product, webpage, or campaign will succeed. Were replacing the old fail fast mindset with a new standard: succeed on day one.The market opportunity? Any company with a website that wants to deliver better experiences to its customers.At the core of WEVO is an AI platform, fine-tuned with over 1 million user studies and protected by 12 patents. Our proprietary AI simulations predict user behavior with unparalleled precisiondown to micro-segmentsempowering businesses to create high-value digital experiences.Leading brands, including Mastercard, LinkedIn, Goldman Sachs, and Ford, trust WEVO to optimize their digital strategies. Having recently achieved profitability and secured new funding, we are entering our next phase of growth. This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a company that is not just reshaping an industry but defining the future of AI-powered digital experiences.About the opportunityThis is an opportunity to join WEVOs growth team and to manage a book of enterprise accounts. You will lead the relationship with key customers, ensure their success and help grow their WEVO usage and revenue. Many of the companies you will work with are leading brands and Fortune 500 firms.ResponsibilitiesThe customer success manager acts as a main point of contact for all account activity with major enterprise-level customers. Responsibilities include:Partner with customers to support their user research initiativesOnboard and train customer teams on how to be successful with WEVOCreate and deliver quarterly business reviews (QBR)Lead success planning for Tier 1 & 2 customersServe as customer escalation point for support or service issueMonitor account health metrics (adoption, active users, etc.) and use data to inform actions or interventionsCollect and monitor use case and value realization intelligence as part of customer value management programProvide customer insight to the product team and help shape product strategyRequirementsAt least 3 years in a customer success or account management role, at a SaaS company. Working with enterprise customers (at least $500M in revenue) is a must.Industry expertise in UX research, website testing/optimization, and/or digital marketing.Strong presentation and communication skills.A self-starter capable of working independently, managing their own deadlines and deliverables.Comfortable in an entrepreneurial environment.Fully fluent in EnglishBenefitsWe believe that great outcomes are achieved by remarkable people working closely together.WEVO offers an environment that emphasizes personal growth and empowerment.Competitive base salary and bonus plan.Equity stake.Unlimited vacation days.Paid parental leave.If you are passionate about working on a team that is changing an entire industry, and growing rapidly, we want to hear from you. Reach out to us today.

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Isola Design is the worlds first digital and physical platform connecting independent designers and studios with industry professionals, brands, curators, journalists, and clients. Its dedicated curatorial team selects projects with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and handcraft.The 9th edition of Isola Design Festival organized by the digital and physical design platform Isola, will welcome visitors during Milan Design Week, from 7 to 13 April 2025.Ahead of the festival, Isola will host a Press Conference on Thursday, 6 March 2025, at 5 p.m. at ZONA K in Via Spalato 11, Milano, unveiling the full program and key highlights of this years event.Isola Design - Dutch Design Week 2024. The Floor is Yours. Image Marianna BertoniOver the years, and more recently with the launch of its Dubai outpost, Isola has evolved into a global platform by staying true to its origins while embracing fresh perspectives in contemporary design. The 2025 edition pays tribute to these roots with the theme Design is Human, a powerful reflection on the role of people in the design process.Design should start at a human scale, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both people and the planet. Design is Human highlights the fusion of traditional mastery and digital innovation, reaffirming that human creativity remains at the core of meaningful design.Isola Design Festival 2025. Design is Human. Basic Village. Image courtesy of BasicVillageAs the district has expanded and evolved in recent years, alongside the heart of the neighborhood, a new venue, BasicVillage (Via dell'Aprica 12, Milan) has been added to the circuit, infusing the area with fresh creative energy. Originally built as a rubber factory, this early 20th-century complex is located in the Eastern industrial heart of Isola, near the former Farini railway depot.Within its various spaces, Isola will cultivate an atmosphere of creativity and exchange. BasicVillage will be the centerpiece of the festival with a series of carefully curated collective exhibitions by Isolas team, including Conscious Objects, Isola Design Gallery, and Openspace, each highlighting innovative approaches to contemporary design. Adding to the richness of the event, returning partners such as DesignWanted - presenting the second edition of ENHANCE - along with IAAD, Accademia Italiana, and SAE Institute, will come together, combining their diverse expertise to further elevate and expand this dynamic design hub.Isola Design Festival 2024_Isola Design Gallery at Lampo. Image Anwyn HowarthShowcasing how design is deeply rooted in human stories, heritage, and hands-on creativity, Isola Design Festival will transform the entire Isola neighborhood during Milan Design Week 2025 into the epicenter of exhibitions, installations, lively events, workshops, live demonstrations, and design talks. The focus shifts back to the humans, including those of the neighborhoodwhose identity and craftsmanship not only shaped the festivals early editions but also keeps the districts creative spirit alive throughout the year. Among the local entities will be: Brussels House, Ernesto Shop, Fondazione TOG, Galleria Angelo Della Pergola, RivaViva.Bringing together international designers, studios, creators, and manufacturers, Isola Design Festival 2025 champions a humanity-driven approach to design, exploring themes like social impact, environmental responsibility, functional design, locally sourced materials, and the fusion of digital and artisanal crafts - shaping a new, people-centered design movement. Among the exhibitors in the Isola neighborhood, Arno will present Deus Ex Machina: an ode to MDF; SEKISUI: Beyond Smart Life & Mobility will be a journey on how life can be made more enjoyable with their ambient, intelligent designs that prioritize well-being; and WORTH will showcase projects developed within its incubator programme. ViaFarini will be the backdrop of Rasa - The Indian Collective, an exhibition exploring Indias rich craftsmanship, conceived by Isola Studio with its team in India.Isola Design - Dutch Design Week 2024_Forms Unfolding. Image Anwyn Howarth"Design is Human calls for a deep reflection on the relationship between people and design, to consider how design choices shape our lives, communities, and the environment. True design has to begin with a focus on the human experience and every decision and innovation should be guided by empathy, understanding, and respect for the diverse needs of all people. Nowadays, designers are asked to do more than simply creating visually appealing or efficient products.They must approach each project with a sense of responsibility, recognizing the broader impact their work has on society and the planet. This means balancing creativity and innovation with a deep commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that every design solution contributes positively to the environment and future generations," said Gabriele Cavallaro, co-founder and CEO of Isola Design Group.Isola Design Festival 2024. In the neighborhood. Image Anwyn HowarthDesigners have until 20 February 2025 to submit their projects and join the conversation. In the weeks leading up to Milan Design Week 2025, Isola will reveal the full programme of events and participants.To participate in the Press Conference (6 March 2025), please RSVP (limited seats) by Monday, 3 March, 2025 to [emailprotected]. For capacity reasons, a confirmation email will be sent to access the event.Event factsDate: 713 april 2025Where: Isola Design DistrictWhen:Monday 7 April: 2 p.m. 7 p.m.Tuesday 8 - Saturday 12 April: 10 a.m. 7 p.m.Sunday 13 April: 10 a.m. 3 p.m.> via Isola Design Festivalarchitecture event

If you're not getting as much sleep as you need, you aren't alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of American adults don't get enough sleep. It happens to all of us, but bad sleep is more serious than you might realize. It's associated with the development of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and stroke.So, what can you do about poor sleep? One of the most impactful things you can do is focus on your sleep hygiene or your habits around sleep.Creating routines around your bedtime can make a big difference. The 10-3-2-1-0 is a pre-sleep routine that helps your mind and body wind down, prepare for sleep and ensure high-quality rest.What is the 10-3-2-1-0 sleep hack? AN Studio/Getty Images Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. Most adults require a good 6 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. The 10-3-2-1-0 is a pre-sleep routine that helps you relax and signals both your body and mind that it's time to wind down. Here is everything you need to know.10 hours before bed: no more caffeineCaffeine is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Caffeine consumption should ideally end 10 hours before bed since it can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle when consumed closer to bedtime. The half-life of a single dose of caffeine is about 3-7 hours, so your body takes a minimum of 10 hours to eliminate caffeine from your bloodstream. This is a good general rule, but 10 hours may be too rigid for some as sensitivity to caffeine varies. Along with coffee, caffeine may also be present in other drinks, such as sports drinks, soda, energy drinks, some teas and chocolate. Certain medications may also contain caffeine. You must read the labels of medications or drinks you are consuming to avoid caffeine consumption around your bedtime.3 hours before bed: no more food or alcoholAlthough consumption of alcohol before bed may seem to be relaxing, it is a common disruptor of sleep. It leads to decreased sleep quality and causes frequent overnight awakenings, which ultimately makes you feel tired throughout the next day.It may also be beneficial to avoid consuming certain foods 3 hours before bed since they can lead to heartburn (acid reflux) and disrupt sleep. A few such foods include fried, spicy and high-fat foods. You may also want to avoid foods high in added sugars such as candies, cookies and desserts since they can also lead to poor sleep quality.2 hours before bed: no more workYou may want to end all work-related activities 2 hours before bed to ensure you get good quality sleep. Relaxing your mind will help you prepare for sleep. You can practice meditation, muscle relaxation and journaling to calm your mind after work. This helps to create a buffer time zone between your work and sleep time, allowing your brain to slow down and promoting a better quality of sleep.1 hour before bed: no more screensIt's suggested to avoid using smartphones, televisions, computers, tablets or other devices at least one hour before bed in your actual bed. Blue light before bed is not generally recommended, it is not as disruptive as we once thought. Sleep experts still urge you to avoid using screens in your bed before trying to go to sleep. If your bed is the one place you scroll on your phone or watch TV the most, the body will associate your bed as a place to be awake; making it harder to fall asleep at night. Don't hit snooze in the morningHitting the snooze button may disrupt your sleep cycle, making you feel more tired. It is often better to get up with one alarm. The sleep between the alarms is often fragmented and low quality, which may decrease your overall alertness and motivation throughout the day. Along with making you tired, snoozing alarms can also make you late for your daily activities. Additionally, getting up with the first alarm, even if it feels difficult initially, can help reinforce a consistent sleep-wake pattern.Other sleep hygiene tips Oscar Wong/Getty ImagesA few common tips that will help to maintain your sleep hygiene and ensure good quality sleep every night include:Keep electronics out of the bedroom: Keeping electronics out of your bedroom will ensure you are not getting exposed to blue light from them, which can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.Create a routine: Creating a sleep routine prepares your body and mind for sleep. It signals to your body that it is time to sleep, ensuring timely and good-quality sleep.Avoid late-night exercise: Although exercise is good for your health, doing it 1 to 2 hours before bed can disrupt your sleep. Rigorous exercise close to your bedtime can increase your heart rate, adrenaline levels and body temperature, thereby making it difficult for you to fall asleep. Try gentle stretching or yoga poses, instead.Keep mid-day naps to 30 or shorter: Keeping your naps to 15 to 20 minutes or shorter can keep you energetic throughout the day. However, longer naps can interfere with your normal sleep time and make you feel lethargic and disoriented.Make your bedroom dark: Making your bedroom dark ensures high-quality sleep. Even low light can increase your risk of nighttime awakenings and disrupt your sleep cycle.Don't watch TV or scroll on your phone in bed:Scrolling your phone or watching TV in bed can associate your bed as a place to be awake. Try to only use your bed for sleep. Wind your mind down before bed: Winding your mind before bed ensures your mind is calm and your body is preparing to fall asleep. This, in turn, ensures you get high-quality sleep and do not experience any awakenings.Try this bedtime routine tonight Yrabota/Getty ImagesBetter sleep means a better quality of life along with better mood, improved productivity and reduced stress. Instead of tossing and turning in your bed, try the 10-3-2-1-0 sleep routine. Although getting used to any routine is difficult, focus on gradual, sustainable changes rather than a perfect routine to reduce stress and anxiety about sleep. Hopefully, this advice will help you unwind and make falling asleep and getting good quality sleep easier.

The March full moon will be an extra special one. A total lunar eclipse, visible from across the US, will turn our lunar neighbor into a glowing reddish lantern. The celestial show takes place late at night and will last for hours. Here's where, when and how to witness this beautiful natural event. What is a total lunar eclipse? Enlarge Image Alignment of the Moon Earth, and Sun during a lunar eclipse (not to scale). NASA's Scientific Visualization StudioWhile eclipses may feel like rarities, they come around throughout the year in different forms. There are solar eclipses and lunar eclipses and partial eclipses and total eclipses.The March event is a total lunar eclipse thanks to the positions of the sun, Earth and moon in relation to each other. Earth will drape its shadow over the moon until the moon is blanketed by the darkest part of the shadow. This doesn't blot out the moon, but it creates a change in its color.When is the total lunar eclipse?Depending on where you're at, the eclipse will kick off late on March 13 or early in the morning on March 14. Check in with Timeanddate.com and look up your location for the exact start time, the time when the eclipse is at maximum and when it ends.If you like staying up late, then you're in luck. Where I'm at in New Mexico on Mountain Time, the eclipse will kick off at close to 10 p.m. on March 13 and come to an end around 4 a.m. on March 14. It reaches maximum at close to 1 a.m., which is past my bedtime, but worth losing a little sleep over."This is a great eclipse to watch because the full moon will be passing through the darkest part of the Earth's shadow (called the umbra), and it is well-timed for night-owl observers in the US," says Emily Rice, associate professor of astrophysics at the Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York.Read more: Total Solar Eclipse 2024: The Best PhotosRice points out the eclipse happens for most of the US on March 14, also known as Pi Day because the date can be written 3/14, the first three digits of Pi, 3.14. She calls it a "nicely nerdy coincidence." This could be the perfect time in indulge in a MoonPie for an eclipse snack.Who can see the lunar eclipse? Enlarge Image Map showing where the March 2025 lunar eclipse is visible. Contours mark the edge of the visibility region at eclipse contact times, labeled in UTC. NASA's Scientific Visualization StudioEarth's western hemisphere is in line for good eclipse viewing, according to NASA. Most of North America and South America will be prime viewing locations. You have a shot at seeing it as long as weather conditions are clear."Lunar eclipses are easier to observe than solar eclipses, because the Earth's shadow is much larger than the full moon, so anyone who can see the full moon will be able to see the eclipse," says Rice. "This is different from a solar eclipse that is usually only visible along a very narrow path on the Earth."Livestream the total lunar eclipseCloudy weather in the forecast? Too cold to stand outside? No problem. You can tune into a total lunar eclipse livestream and watch the action from the comfort of your screen with Timeanddate.com's coverage.What is a blood moon?Lunar eclipses have attracted a slew of sensational nicknames, so you might see terms like "super harvest wolf moon." A total lunar eclipse is sometimes called a blood moon thanks to the red or orange tinge it takes on from sunlight filtering through our planet's atmosphere. "It's as if all the world's sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the moon," NASA said.The color effect can be subtle, so don't expect a moon that's as red as a Corvette."They are usually a bit overdramatic," Rice says of the moon nicknames, "so I worry people will have high expectations and be disappointed, but really anything that gets people paying attention to the night sky like this is wonderful."Lunar eclipse viewing tips Enlarge Image This composite image shows the phases of a 2015 lunar eclipse as seen over NASA's Glenn Research Center. NASA/Rami DaudRice has two key pieces of advice for eclipse viewers: get comfy and be patient. The full duration of the eclipse in New Mexico, for example, is about 6 hours. March evenings can still be chilly for much of the US, so you may want to bundle up or grab a blanket. Even better if you have a comfy chair and a spot with a clear view of the night sky. Try to avoid light pollution if possible.Eye safety is a key issue with solar eclipses, but lunar eclipses don't require eye protection."You don't need any special equipment, but it's still a good opportunity to try out binoculars or a telescope if you have them," says Rice. She recommends scoping out the moon prior to the eclipse start time to get a sense of its location and brightness.If you only catch part of the eclipse, aim for totality, especially if you're setting your alarm and only plan to witness part of the celestial show. Totality is when the moon is entirely covered by our planet's shadow."At first the change will be very gradual as the partial phases begin, but once totality starts the moon will grow dark and look orange or red for about an hour during totality," Rice says. "How striking it is will depend on local weather conditions."March's blood moon may not be at the most convenient time for a lot of people, but consider taking a late night or setting an alarm to witness the eclipse peak. It's a worthwhile moment of awe."We've become so disconnected from the natural world," says Rice. "And a lunar eclipse is a great way to experience it first-hand."

PSA: You can change your Monster Hunter Wilds character once for free before Capcom makes you pay upJust putting it on your Rey Dau.Image credit: Eurogamer/Capcom News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Feb. 28, 2025 Monster Hunter Wilds is doing alright for itself, having smashed the 1m concurrent players barrier on Steam. And if you're one of the many players who've doubtless nipped back into the character editor because you've somehow made a hunter that looks like potato with a moustache, you might appreciate knowing you can actually modify your character once for free before Capcom makes you cough up some cash.The good news for anyone already regretting their character choices is that certain elements - dubious hairstyle, makeup, etc. - can be modified from your camp tent or the save select screen without impediment. However, more fundamental aspects of your hunter - gender, body shape, facial features, and so on - can't usually be changed after confirming their designs early on unless you're willing to pay real money. The same goes for your Palico.Obviously, the fact you need to pay anything at all to tweak your character's base design isn't something Capcom deserves applause for, but it's a stance the publisher's taken since Monster Hunter World festooned the series with DLC - so it clearly isn't planning a reversal anytime soon. However, in Wilds, the publisher does at least let you change your hunter and your Palico once for free, even if the slightly convoluted process means it's not immediatley clear.Eurogamer's Monster Hunter Wilds review.Watch on YouTubeFundamental character changes can, somewhat unintuitively, only be made from Wilds' save select menu after the title screen, and only when you've got a Character Edit Voucher or Palico Edit Voucher tied to your account. These in turn, must be purchased as DLC - with three Character Edit Vouchers or three Palico Editor Vouchers costing 5.79 on Steam.Don't be in a rush to cough up, though; Capcom's also released a 'Character Edit Voucher: Single Voucher (Free Trial Version)', plus a Palico equivalent, that you can download at no additional cost - but only once for each one - then spend to access the character editor on the save select screen. And if you're wondering, yes, I did almost pay change my stupid idiotic Palico after forgetting the free voucher existed - hence why I've now written five paragraphs about something you might already know. Image credit: Eurogamer/CapcomAnyway, that's that. Monster Hunter Wilds' launch has been a big one for Capcom (so I expect there are more than a few players with a mild case of facial regret out there already), but there've been some understandable performance grumbles from players. Digital Foundry called the game "undercooked" on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S (the PS5 Pro version fared better), and it's also issued a stark warning that the PC version is experiencing "substantial technical problems. Hopefully they'll be addressed before Wilds' increases the challenge in April.

Gex Trilogy bundles 3 games and numerous improvements, and it's coming in summer 2025Let's talk about Gex, baby.Image credit: Limited Run Games News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Feb. 28, 2025 Limited Run has dropped a new video teaser showing off its upcoming release of Gex Trilogy.The trilogy - which bundles the original PS1 2D platformer, Gex, and the two 3D sequels: Gex: Enter the Gecko & Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko - aren't "just" re-releases, but include a number of extras and improvements to "bring Gex back into prime time", including native widescreen.Other improvements includes save states, rewind, widescreen support, and behind-the-scenes content including classic adverts, a music player, and an exclusive interview with Dana Gould, the voice of Gex.You can see Gex in action in the teaser below:Gex Trilogy Official Trailer - Get Ready for Tail Time in 2025!Watch on YouTube"Things are about to get weirder than the 4th of July at Rick James' place! Everyone's favorite tail-whipping, channel-surfing gecko is back in a collection that features all of his best-selling adventures!" Limited Run teased.Whilst there's no firm release date as yet, Gex Trilogy is expected to release in summer/Q3 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.ICYMI, previously unseen footage from a demo for an unannounced Gex sequel made the rounds back in 2022. The footage showed a character named Gex Jr. making his way through what appears to be a cinema.Gex Jr. jumps from screen to popcorn machine and on to yet another screen (one of which appears to show Gex from Crystal Dynamics' original games), all while chugging down cans of fizzy soda and making some pretty dated references.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereAs Helldivers 2 continues to expand into its own eventual sequel with years of updates, Arrowhead is hoping to completely rework its armour system to be better for players. Alongside new systems to customise weapons and skins for armour, the developers are hoping to rework armour stats to work alongside progression.Helldivers 2 devs want to rework armourIn an exchange on the Helldivers 2 discord server, Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani told fans that the team wants to do a total rework of armor passives and tie it to a fun progression system to keep players engaged.Jorjani explained that the team could do so much more with the current armour system. However, the Arrowhead CEO just wants anything in the form of a progression system to make the game feel more rewarding over time.I mean, I dont think we need to go bananas with plate systems and stuff, Jorjani said. But we could do so much more. All personal opinion of course I dont go anywhere near design (besides actually sitting next to them).With armour passives currently limited to two passives on armouralthough a lot of armour have lessit can make new Warbond armours feel limited and even repetitive. With a brand-new armour system, Arrowhead could create something much, much better.Arrowhead is still hard at work on the future of Helldivers 2, teasing new vehicles like an Aliens APC and a new storyline focusing on the invasion of Super Earth. While the Galactic War is currently paused due to a major bug affecting liberation rates, Arrowhead is still working towards super epic storylines that allow them to stomp all over players achievements.For more Helldivers 2 coverage, read about the new crossover thats in development, or read about the Titanfall crossover that Respawn Entertainment seems more than up for.Helldivers 2Platform(s):PC, PlayStation 5Genre(s):Action, Shooter, Third Person8VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Movie TycoonThe Executive showed me that making sequels to a low-budget horror flick was a terrible idea and that audiences craved a Bicentennial Man rip-offBut I wanted to create a horror franchise no matter what.Image credit: Aniki Games Article by Fran Ruiz Contributor Published on Feb. 28, 2025 There are lots of tycoon games out there, but very few let players run a movie studio. I instantly think about Lionhead Studios' The Movies whenever someone brings up that concept, but we haven't really gotten anything on that scale ever since, which is why indie studios like Aniki Games are trying to fill that gap.The Executive is an indie management sim game that allows you to be a powerful movie tycoon who can make big mistakes and keep their job, just like IRL. Its visual presentation is quite simple, and the vast majority of your play time is spent inside menus, figuring out budgets, who does what, and whether to sequelize or reboot that one movie project that became a surprise hit a decade ago. I'd say it's a game for the movie industry sickos first and foremost; the people who follow every new development in Hollywood and the biggest releases' box office hauls in order to try and predict what every studio will do next. It's me, I'm the sickos.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Things begin simple: You're a nobody with big dreams getting a few million bucks from your rich parents, investors, or banks. This starting choice will define the overall difficulty of the game moving forward (the money you owe and the conditions to repay it). Getting the first small-budget movies made is also simple. Making an actual profit out of them? Not so much!For the most part, The Executive is a 'numbers go up' kind of game. It's not very dynamic. You do your thing, try to come up with a winning formula, read the market, convince the distributors to get a fair deal, etc. Rinse and repeat. It takes a while to get into the proper movie-making business and work on bigger productions, but it's just a matter of cracking the numbers and learning how to make the most of the current trends and very wobbly market conditions. Image credit: Aniki GamesAlternatively, you can just stick to your guns and bankrupt your entire movie business because you wanted to make a franchise out of Night Freaks, a low-budget horror flop that struggled to find an audience even in international territories. You don't get to direct and watch the actual movies; you're just running a damn business. Still, this game has some powerful role-playing tools, and being forced into making a sequel to the half-baked 'robot drama' idea that you came up early on is pretty funny.The biggest negative is that, as off-beat and systematically compelling the game's core concept is, fighting for financial survival in the movie business as the decades go by and the industry evolves can get repetitive pretty soon. Random unfortunate events aside, there's barely any variance to the loop. You can research new stuff and techniques to put into your movies and expand your operations with new, more specialized workers, maybe even get some sweet new DVD deals for the back catalog. But you don't really experience a tangible change in how the game plays out. Image credit: Aniki GamesDoes this mean The Executive isn't worth your time? Well, it depends on what kind of player you are and how much you care about the movie business. There's some depth to this management sim, but it's rather crude in the way it presents itself and doesn't really evolve in meaningful ways besides the targets you set for yourself. In my case, I care enough about the basic premise to continue to check achievements off the list. Past that point, I'd rather be doing something else.There's also some value in it as a 'generator of funny anecdotes' with names that sound familiar but not quite being snubbed at the Romys (not Oscars) while the biggest award of the night goes to the prequel of a reboot of a fantasy series you kickstarted like 40 years ago only because you landed an amazing screenwriter. There's a tint of absurdist comedy in such moments which you can't find in many games. I just wish this game reacted more significantly to my wins and losses. Otherwise, I'm just fighting against myself and looking for ways to break the system before losing interest.The Executive is now available on PC (GOG and Steam).

3, 2, 1 Let's JamThe creator of Cowboy Bebop's latest anime finally has a release date, and I for one am thankful it's not too far awayA ridiculously strong team on this one.Image credit: Mappa News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Feb. 28, 2025 Lazarus, the latest anime from the creator of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, has a release date, and it's pretty soon.Are you in the mood for an anime with a great concept helmed by an absolute all-star crew? That's exactly what you're going to get in Lazarus, the upcoming anime that comes from Shinichiro Watanabe, with John Wick's director Chad Stahelski designing the action choreography, Jujutsu Kaisen studio Mappa producing it, and the musical talents of Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo. That truly is a wildly strong line-up of talent, and best of all, Adult Swim has finally confirmed a premiere date: midnight on April 5. Yes, that sort of makes it April 6, but you get the point - and you'll be able to check out episodes (of which there will be 13) the day after they premiere on the streaming service Max.Watch on YouTubeFor those that haven't heard of Lazarus, here's how Lazarus describes it: in 2052, there is an "era of unprecedented peace and prosperity" across the planet thanks to a "miracle cure-all drug with no apparent drawbacks called Hapuna" that's used for practically everything. It was made by a Dr. Skinner, but soon after he made it, he disappeared.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "Three years later, the world has moved on. But Dr. Skinner has returned - this time, as a harbinger of doom. Skinner announces that Hapuna has a short half-life. Everyone who has taken it will die approximately three years later. Death is coming for this sinful world - and coming soon. As a response to this threat, a special task force of 5 agents is gathered from across the world to save humanity from Skinner's plan. This group is called 'Lazarus.' Can they find Skinner and develop a vaccine before time runs out?"I'm a big fan of Watanabe's previous works, and all of this sounds great to me. A recently shown off poster looks Cowboy Bebop as all hell too, so I'm sure fans of the classic anime are in for a treat with this one.