Risky Biz"The world probably doesnt need another indie publisher," says freshly-minted indie publisher that'll "seek to actively court risk" in supporting the weirdest of the weirdPantaloon will be aiming to help deliver "peculiar or experimental games that can chart unexplored or choppy genre-waters".Image credit: Pantaloon News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on March 6, 2025 A new indie publisher is bursting onto the scene, to add to the array of places which can help deliver the kind of games you might find sites like ours covering as part of an event like Wishlisted, or just because we noticed they had a character in them that we we thought looked wacky in a way that's just as newsworthy as a big exec saying a thing.Anyway, this new label's called Pantaloon, which is extending into publishing after its humble beginnings as a newsletter championing indie games that're "bold & bizarre".To see this content please enable targeting cookies. The first couple of games it's signed up are Sub-Verge, a "psychological narrative puzzle game" from developer Interactive Tragedy that's out in May and Tributary Games' cosmic horror solitare thing Occlude. Pantaloon's also bringing its own game Puzzletrunk - currently available via Itch.io - to Steam later this year. "The world probably doesnt need another indie publisher," Pantaloon founder Jamin Smith, formerly a brand manager at Square Enix and marketing director at Modern Wolf said. But our vision is built off a different set of principles. With an existing awareness platform and terms that give novel agency and security to development partners, we seek to actively court risk, finding peculiar or experimental games that can chart unexplored or choppy genre-waters."A home for misfits is more than just a tagline; its a call to arms for games that dont fit traditional publishing structures."The part of that which has caught my eye, given the not small list of problems both the indie and triple-A spaces of the games industry are grappling with today, is the desire to welcome the idea of taking on game with concepts that come with some risk - as the likes of mega-success Baldur's Gate 3 did.The big corporate cheeses out there are rightly regularly lambasted for refusing to take risks with their companies' outputs, leading to a lot of iteration on established properties over new IP and blind chasing of trends that often ends up not going that well, especially for devs.The indie space, meanwhile, with more pressure on devs than ever before in terms of discoverability and the need to just make enough bank to keep your studio afloat in the current financial climate, isn't without its own factors that can prevent or dissuade developers from taking a risk to create something unique that could fill a player desire that's currently untapped.We'll have to see if Pantaloon can help the games it signs up to break through and have the chance to do well out of their risk-taking, but it seems a mission worth undertaking.

Image: MAGES.The latest Nintendo Download update for North America has arrived, and it's bringing new games galore to the eShop in your region. As always, be sure to drop a vote in our poll and comment down below with your potential picks for the week. Enjoy!Switch eShop - HighlightsSuikoden I & II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars (Konami, 6th Mar, $49.99) - The legendary RPG series has returned, with newly remastered versions of Suikoden I and Suikoden II! Meet and befriend up to 108 allies, build your home base, expand your sphere of influence and unite your allies to fight for justice. Employ intuitive turn-based fighting mechanics and make use of new support features like one-button automation and sped-up battles in this collection. - Read our Suikoden I & II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification WarsSubscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube798kWatch on YouTube Read the rune, KonamiSwitch eShop - New Releases3D Dont Die Mr. Robot (eastasiasoft, 12th Mar, $9.99) - Take the role of Mr. Robot who has been trapped in a highly dangerous and rather fruity dimension called the Neon Dunjun. The only way to survive is to collect fruits which explode on contact, destroying any enemies in their blast radius, helping Mr. Robot to cheat death for a few more moments.Aery Dream Land (EpiXR Games, 6th Mar, $9.99) - In this interactive game experience, you step into the role of a small bird, soaring through breathtaking landscapes while collecting magical crystals that mark certain locations. The game is not about defeating enemies or overcoming dangerous obstacles, but rather about immersing yourself in a peaceful and tranquil environment.Alter Age (KEMCO, 6th Mar, $19.99) - Explore a vast expanding world depicted in beautiful pixels, from puzzle dungeons to detour dungeons! Collect ingredients while walking around to cook meals, take on special quests limited to the preteen form, and fully enjoy every corner of the world of Alter Age!Arcade Archives DEAD CONNECTION (HAMSTER, 27th Feb, $7.99) - "DEAD CONNECTION" is an action shooting game released by TAITO in 1992. As part of a special team of law enforcement officers tasked with eradicating the evil that has infested big city, you must gather the evidence needed to take down the Nerozzia crime family. Armed with only a badge and a gun, can you lift the veil of darkness that lays across the city?Ball-it Hell (Error300 Games, 4th Mar, $6.99) - Dodge! Strike back! This is a fast-paced barrage arcade game. Move the character to dodge bullets. Pick the right time to strike bullets back and destroy enemies to get gold coins. Unlock more characters and powerful skills. Keep challenging yourself to get higher scores and rankings.Be Brave, Barb (Thomas K Young, 12th Mar, $14.99) - An all-new platforming adventure from the creator of Dadish. Walk all over the walls, ignore gravity, who cares. Lots of positive affirmations to find. 100 levels & 5 bosses. Questionable therapy.Beyond the Ice Palace 2 (PQube, 11th Mar, $19.99) - Arise from the abyss of death to reclaim your rightful throne in a captivating action platformer. Assume the mantle of the 'Cursed King,' wielding the chains that once imprisoned you, now transformed into formidable weapons to vanquish your enemies and navigate the perilous terrain of your shattered kingdom.Cats and Seek : Dino Park (Silesia Games, 6th Mar, $2.99) - A trip to the Dino Park may sound awesomeand it isbut what if that trip was also full of cats to find and pet? If you have a penchant for seeking cats the Dino Park would be thankful for your help with spotting them all!Centum (Serenity Forge, 11th Mar, $14.99) - You're a prisoner in a cell. You have to escape. But is that really the goal? Centum appears to be a point-and-click adventure, but beneath the surface is something altogether different. Unreliable Narrator: Centum challenges traditional gaming conventions by weaving an intricate narrative where reality is as fluid as the mind of its narrator.ChokoNana! (Regista, 6th Mar, $19.99) - An RPG that starts with meeting Chibi, the talking cat! ChokoNana! Everything in this work is made up of little elements. You can enjoy a little map, a little discovery, a little story, etc. in a little time.CubbettyCube (GAME NACIONAL, 1st Mar, $9.99) - Time your jumps perfectly, avoid falling into the abyss, and conquer carefully designed levels that will put your skills to the test.Despera Drops (D3 Publisher, 6th Mar, $49.99) - Mika Amamine, visits Rome to celebrate the end of exams only for her trip to turn upside down when she witnesses a murder and is arrested as a suspect. During transport, the police van overturns in an accident, freeing her and six other criminals, becoming fugitives.EGGCONSOLE The Legend of Heroes Saga PC-8801 (D4 Enterprise, 6th Mar, $6.49) - A command-based adventure game inspired by Norse mythology, released by Micro Cabin in 1984 in Japan. The game gained attention at the time for its beautiful digitized images, pseudo-animation effects achieved by sliding graphics, and its uniquely thought-provoking narration.ELDRADOR CREATURES SHADOWFALL (Wild River, 6th Mar, $39.99) - The adventure-filled worlds of Eldrador are in danger! Lead battle-ready creatures in turn-based strategic combat to defeat a mysterious shadowy menace.Ever 17 The Out of Infinity (MAGES., 6th Mar, $29.99) - A masterpiece written by Kotaro Uchikoshi comes to Nintendo Switch, 22 years after the initial Japanese release! Takeshi Kuranari, an ordinary college student, visits the underwater theme park LeMU. An accident occurs, trapping Takeshi and 6 other individuals inside LeMU, 51 meters below the surface.Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack (Spike Chunsoft US, 6th Mar, $44.99) - Two classic visual novels written by Kotaro Uchikoshi make their way to the West after over 2 decades of initial Japanese release! Enjoy the science fiction, mystery and love stories in Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack!FATE: Reawakened (gamigo US, 12th Mar, $24.99) - Reexperience the iconic FATE series like never before! Revisit the quaint town of Grove and the realms beyond as you prepare to enter the Dungeon Gate once again! The award-winning FATE series has gotten a modern facelift while remaining true to the nostalgic dungeon crawler classic. Will you tempt fate on your journey to fame and fortune?Flight Simulator Pro 2024 (DEMENCI Games, 6th Mar, $5.99) - Flight Simulator Pro 2024 puts you in the pilots seat for the most immersive flying experience yet. Whether you're cruising in a jumbo jet, tackling stormy skies in a private plane, or just enjoying a smooth sunset flight, every moment feels real and exciting. With realistic flight physics, every takeoff and landing is a test of skill.Go Fight Fantastic! (Kinda Brave Ent, 6th Mar, $14.99) - Go Fight Fantastic is a 1-3 player hack n slash starring a crew of interstellar smugglers, led by their space-dog captain Bowie. Team up in co-op (local and online) or switch between the different characters on-the-fly in solo play.Golden Warden (Waku Waku Games, 6th Mar, $9.99) - Golden Warden is a rogue-like battle game set in a dungeon generated like the Japanese board game of sugoroku. Choose Action Cards that combine dice movement with various attacks using swords, magic, bows, bombs, and even blunderbusses. Conquer dungeons full of traps that change each time you enter.Golf Loop (Gametry, 28th Feb, $2.29) - Dive into the relaxing yet challenging world of Golf Loop! With its gorgeous minimalist design and addictive gameplay, this game brings the joy of golf to your fingertips. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking for a fun way to pass the time, Golf Loop offers endless entertainment for everyone. Aim, shoot, and sink the ball into the hole with the fewest strokes possible.Grab it! Crane Game (SAT-BOX, 6th Mar, $5.00) - Gear up for an arcade classic: the crane game! Win as many prizes as you can and become a crane game master! Let's enjoy a crane game on the Nintendo Switch! Share Joy-Con and play with up to 4 players! Show off your skills with a super playGunsos Skateboard Run (MBA INTERNATIONAL, 6th Mar, $9.99) - Join Gunso, the skateboarding turtle, in a high-speed running game! Chase after his beloved Koyuki-chan while jumping and guarding against obstacles! Shake the controller to speed up and activate Fever Mode for an ultra-fast dash! The more points you score, the more adorable photos of Gunso and friends you unlock!Jump Race (NOSTRA GAMES, 6th Mar, $4.99) - There are different types of races and now you can try a completely new and unusual sport. Jump on the trampolines and bounce higher and higher! Choose the exact moment to land and the steepest springboard to jump as high as possible and find out what is hidden behind the clouds.Kamikaze Lassplanes (Crunching Koalas, 7th Mar, $19.99) - Engage in exhilarating missions as you pilot the deadly Lassplanes, mastering their unique abilities and experiencing a story rich with drama, romance, and humor. Your decisions will open up multiple endings, revealing different facets of Alba and Hannah. Behind the silly facade, Kamikaze Lassplanes is a dark story about exploring humanity in a world where every rose has its thorn.Kawaii Girls (17Studio, 6th Mar, $9.99) - Welcome to Kawaii Girls a charming world of classic jigsaw puzzles, where cuteness and coziness meet exciting gameplay! 30 delightful images of charming anime girls are waiting for you, which will give you unforgettable emotionsMainFrames (The Arcade Crew, 6th Mar, $12.99) - MainFrames invites you to meet Floppy and to browse a clever and charming platformer. You wont want to press the escape key on this cozy outing! Boot up for a byte-sized adventure in MainFrames, a clever and charming platformer that plays out entirely within the windows and desktop of a PC monitor.Malignant Survivors (Brain Connected, 6th Mar, $2.99) - Explore millions of possibilities in hero builds with 800+ item definitions and 30+ random modifiers. Discover a profound sense of progression through +50 hours of gameplay by acquiring quality loot.Material Evidence (Ratalaika Games, 7th Mar, $5.99) - Youll need strategy and precision to clear each level full of malicious hoodlums toting bats, knives, guns, and other arms. Pick up the weapons of fallen enemies and use them to your advantage. Investigate a dangerous gang hideout, shut down an insidious drug-selling operation, and get your revenge against the notorious criminals responsible.Mechanic Supermarket Simulator (Great Escape Games Publishing, 8th Mar, $9.99) - Gearheads, buckle up! Mechanic Supermarket Simulator throws you headfirst into the exciting world of automotive retail. Here, youll call the shots, crafting a one-stop shop for car enthusiasts and building a thriving automotive empire.Morkull Ragasts Rage (Selecta Play, 6th Mar, $17.99) - Morkull Ragast's Rage is a 2D video game that combines platforming and action with a touch of exploration. You control Morkull, the villain of the story, who not only knows he's a character in a video game, but is also aware of the player who controls him (i.e., you) and the developers who created him (i.e., us).O.W.L. Projekt 2 (eastasiasoft, 5th Mar, $4.99) - Get ready for another enigmatic and challenging adventure with O.W.L Projekt 2, a 3D isometric puzzle game that will test your mind and logic skills. Once again controlling Elysion, a young being created in a mysterious experiment, you will face the enigmatic Watchers in a journey to escape and uncover secrets.Peachy Derby (Cattingames, 6th Mar, $14.99) - 60FPS racing game where the girl Natsuki is forced to join the "Ninja Racing Tournament" to pay off her debt. 10 girls,100 dances anims, 600 voices, 16 chapters.Pirate Trails (Afil Games, 7th Mar, $4.99) - Arrr, mateys! Ready to set sail on an adventure full of challenges and treasures? In Pirate Trails, you are the master cartographer of the seven seas! But instead of sailing, your mission is to chart the best course for pirate ships to collect treasures and safely anchor at the final port.Puzzle Lights and Mushrooms 1000 (SUCCESS, 6th Mar, $3.99) - Puzzle Lights & Mushrooms 1000 is a simple logic puzzle with straightforward rules. Just follow the rules and make sure every blank square is illuminated by a light. Create an environment where mushrooms can thrive.Sanguis Luna (Domynyo, 6th Mar, $11.99) - Wake up in the darkness of a cold, unfamiliar cellar, with the distant echo of footsteps that shouldn't be there. Sanguis Luna throws you into a living nightmare, where every shadow hides a secret and every sound fills you with growing terror. You are alone, with no memory of how you ended up in that cursed house, but one thing is certain: someone, or something, is watching you.Sherlock Purr Adventures (COMMANDO PANDA, 28th Feb, $37.99) - Join the clever feline detective, Sherlock Purr, in this delightful bundle of hidden object adventures! Experience engaging puzzles as you help Sherlock explore the homes of his friends. Search for lost and hidden items and enjoy immersive gameplay experience.Solid Void Nature Puzzles (Infinite Zone, 6th Mar, $4.99) - Immerse yourself in Solid Void, a unique puzzle experience that merges two classic puzzle styles into one addictive journey. Start by solving intricate nonogram puzzles to complete the grid. Once your grid is complete, take the challenge to the next level by placing pentomino-like blocks to complete beautiful designs.Sorry Were Closed (Akupara Games, 6th Mar, $24.99) - Sorry We're Closed is a fusion of nostalgic survival horror with a new perspective on combat, combining atmospheric environments with fixed-camera angles and the thrill of arcade-style first person shooting. Collect items and manage resources to help Michelle survive. Optional tank controls are available for those who enjoy the classic survival horror experience.The Phantom (Art Of Play, 12th Mar, $22.99) - The Phantom is an arcade-style beat-em-up coming to PC and consoles. Play as The Phantom or his partner, Diana Palmer, in this 14-level adventure. The feared pirates of the Singh Brotherhood are battling for power and threatening The Phantoms legacy, and its up to you to stop them.THE POOLS (XenoXeno, 1st Mar, $4.99) - Step into The Pools, a psychological horror experience set in the hauntingly surreal Poolrooms. Explore an endless maze of waterlogged halls, shimmering lights, and unsettling silence. There are no monstersonly the eerie beauty of liminal spaces, where the familiar becomes alien and the peaceful turns oppressive.Treasure Hunter Simulator (Ultimate Games, 6th Mar, $14.99) - Treasure Hunter Simulator gives you a chance to explore historically important locations worldwide and, by using your metal detectors, to discover that past by finding interesting artefacts and getting to know their historical significance.Uragun (Drageus Games, 7th Mar, $9.99) - Play as a charming Mech unit to discover a world overrun by corrupted AI! Choose your path and rewards allowing you to research new skills, mod your Mech and its weapons and grow stronger. And yes, you can also play with your Mech looks!Note: Not all of the games listed in above are in the below poll.What will you be downloading this week? (28 votes)Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars32%3D Don't Die Mr. Robot 0%Aery - Dream Land 0%Alter Age 0%Arcade Archives DEAD CONNECTION4%Ball-it Hell 0%Be Brave, Barb 0%Beyond the Ice Palace 214%Centum 0%ChokoNana!4%Despera Drops4%EGGCONSOLE The Legend of Heroes Saga PC-8801 0%Eldrador Creatures Shadowfall 0%Ever 17 - The Out of Infinity4%Ever 17/Never 7 Double Pack7%FATE: Reawakened4%Go Fight Fantastic! 0%Golden Warden 0%Gunso's Skateboard Run 0%Jump Race 0%Kamikaze Lassplanes4%Kawaii Girls 0%Mainframes4%Malignant Survivors 0%Material Evidence 0%Mechanic Supermarket Simulator 0%Morkull Ragast's Rage4%O.W.L Projekt 2 0%Peachy Derby 0%Sanguis Luna 0%Sherlock Purr Adventures 0%Solid Void - Nature Puzzles 0%Sorry We're Closed 0%The Phantom 0%Treasure Hunter Simulator4%Uragun4%Something else (comment below) 0%Nothing for me this week11%So that's your lot for this week's North American Nintendo Download. Go on, be a sport and drop a vote in the poll above, and comment below with your hot picks!Related GamesSee AlsoShare:01 Alana has been with Nintendo Life since 2022, and while RPGs are her first love, Nintendo is a close second. She enjoys nothing more than overthinking battle strategies, characters, and stories. She also wishes she was a Sega air pirate. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Confirms Removal Of Switch Online SNES GameSuper Soccer will "no longer be available"Stardew Valley's New Update For Nintendo Switch Is Now LiveUpdate: Creator acknowledges "error" in Switch patchNintendo Discounts Several Games On Switch For MAR10 Day (North America)"I'm a slasher... of prices!"Nintendo Switch Online Announces Removal Of Super Famicom TitleGoodbye, Super SoccerStunning New Physical Edition Of Stardew Valley Is Now Available At FangamerIncludes comic, poster, art cards, and more

The tables turn.When you look at PS5 sales on a worldwide scale, there's no denying that Sony's latest hardware family is doing very well. Over in Japan, however, the console has struggled to dethrone the Nintendo Switch, consistently selling significantly fewer units on a weekly basis.That changes this week with the recent launch of Monster Hunter Wilds. Since Capcom's latest flagship title isn't available on Switch, it seems fans have no other choice but to grab a PS5 (what, you think folks in Japan would buy an Xbox? Pah!), causing the console to shoot up the hardware charts.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Getting ghosted is never fun. Especially if youre a founder seeking capital from investors.Its similar to dating. You might be left wondering Why is this person not getting back to me? Did I do something wrong? Did the investor hate the product? Did they not care for me personally? Its enough to drive anyone crazy.Ghosting is an undeniable signal of a lack of interest. If a VC wanted to invest, they would definitely respond to your cold call, or get back to you after the pitch.There are a variety of reasons why a VC might vanish after a founder thought they would agree to a meeting, or worse, after one, according to several VCs who talked to TechCrunch.TimeTime is peoples scarcest resource, Mercedes Bent, a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners wrote in a LinkedIn post on the topic of VC ghosting that went viral. VCs naturally are going to spend more of it on the founders and startups in which they see potential.Writing a thoughtful rejection takes effort, and when a pass wont convert [to an investment], it often gets deprioritized. Not saying this is good, she wrote in her LinkedIn post.Bent also notes that the investing environment has shifted over the past decade so that VCs are having to make decisions faster and thus, have less time to get back to prospects.VC has ballooned at breakneck speed more firms, more capital, more pitches, she wrote. With more focus on volume and speed, there is little room for the intentionality and personal touch that once defined the industry.Such rapid growth has created a churn-and-burn culture where relationships feel increasingly transactional, she added.Better Tomorrow Ventures co-founder and general partner Sheel Mohnot says things most often slip through the cracks when hes super swamped.This is never about the founder and always about what else I have going on in life like if we are fundraising, or its the week of founder camp, our AGM, Money 2020, etc., he told TechCrunch.Eric Bahn, co-founder and general partner of Hustle Fund, relies on an automated email response to help him manage the influx of inbound deal opportunities he receives in his inbox. He estimates that he receives about 30 inbound pitches per day.I have a permanent out of office email message set up that will reply back to every message with instructions on how the founders can engage with our investment team via our website form, he told TechCrunch. Our team takes every submission seriously, but I just cant respond to every email solicitation any longer, as much as Id like to.Now, if he has already taken a meeting with a founder, Bahn claims he will never ghost them.When I have to pass on a deal, I will explain why I am passing and share some feedback, he said. This is a simple etiquette that I wish more VCs would do more consistently as well.Ironically, one investor who wished to not be named cited frustration with AI-generated founder cold outreach, telling TechCrunch: Its so much that its drowning out all the genuine outreach. I can tell its AI-generated because I get dozens with the same structure, but different words and there are always some weird inaccuracies. Its just going to burn all written outreach as a channel to reach new people.So, while VCs may love to back AI startups these days, many of which write emails, they dont want to be on the receiving end of them.Eventually, we will just filter out any email from an unknown sender because its likely an AI-generated message, she added. So to meet someone new, youll literally need to run into them socially (warm intro or in person). Back to the stone ages!One thing that really annoys Bahn is a lack of self-awareness. Dont try to claim that your startup has no competitors or faces no existential risks, for example.Bahn typically asks founders during a pitch what could kill their businesses. A shocking number of founders will respond: nothing.Anyone with simple self-awareness knows that absolutely is not true, he said. So many things can threaten their business: competitors outperforming; markets facing new compliance or regulation; a new pandemic.As a potential investor, Bahn wants to know that you not only see the risks, but have plans to mitigate them. As the legendary CEO, Andy Grove of Intel, once said: only the paranoid survive, he said.Mohnot says if a founder cant explain how theyll grow their business beyond an initial concept, he takes note. But the reverse is also true: Unrealistic expectations is a red flag, noting hes turned off by founders who claim their startup will immediately disrupt an entire industry or are projecting wildly optimistic financial projections without solid evidence.Other things that he finds to be a turnoff: visible tension or lack of complementary skills among founding team members, suggesting potential collaboration issues; lack of technical depth or an overemphasis on fundraising as opposed to building a sustainable, valuable business.Rex Salisbury, founder and general partner of Cambrian Ventures and former partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), wants to see that a founder is on top of things. He views a pitch deck with a date in the file name that is six months old as a red flag. Misrepresenting numbers, however, will get you cut off from Salisbury altogether.Founder behaviorThere are other behaviors that will end your conversations with VCs. For Bahn, if a founder says something racist or sexist, theyre cut off.A founder actually once called a competing founder the c-word in front of me, he shared. I have no tolerance to spend the next decade working with someone that has such little respect for other people.Founders should also keep in mind that even if an investor rejects them now, they might consider working with them later. So being disrespectful when getting turned down will likely kill any chance of that, and could also cause the VC to never talk to a founder again.Bahn says sometimes his firm provided detailed feedback on a rejection and then that founder would turn around and call you names and/or even threaten you. He notices this happens more to his female colleagues than to himself.Im grateful when those moments happen because it means we made the right choice to not choose to work with that founder, Bahn told TechCrunch.That person is also blacklisted we will not respond to that person ever again, and the interaction will be recorded in our internal database, so that our institution can avoid them forever, Bahn adds.All of the VCs, naturally, said dishonesty is an instant deal killer. Addie Lerner Katz, founder and managing partner of Avid Ventures, pointed out that dishonesty can take place in a variety of forms, including exaggerations and a lack of transparency.Shes also turned off when founders speak negatively of current or past investors or colleagues. Negative reference calls are another cause for pause for Lerner Katz.Across each of these buckets, we take yellow flags very seriously and usually view them as disqualifying, she told TechCrunch.Mohnot recalledan incident where a founder lied about a deal with another startup. The other startup happened to be in Mohnots portfolio so a quick text message sorted that one out.But lying in general about metrics, team capabilities, market size or technology performance, will often also be easily exposed by the VC.It happens more often than you think, Mohnot said.All of the VCs still think theres no true excuse for not sending a simple, no thank you follow-up to a founder if they actually had a pitch meeting with a founder. As Bent put it, ghosting happens anyway.Im not saying any of these are good reasons. Its the reality. Its the game, she wrote.But given the risks of behaving badly to a VC who has stopped talking to you, she also suggests the golden rule applies to both parties. Treat people how you want to be treated.

Private search engine DuckDuckGo is leaning further into the generative AI opportunity. The non-tracking search engine has been dabbling with expanding the role of AI assistance in its product for the past year, including launching a chatbot-style interface last fall available at Duck.ai. In a blog post Thursday, the company said the service is now exiting beta. Its also now simply called Duck.ai, replacing the longer, mouthful name DuckDuckGo AI Chat.Users of Duck.ai can dip into AI models developed by the likes of Anthropic, OpenAI and Meta via a chatbot-style interface that sees their search queries handled in a conversational style. In other words, they get AI-generated answers to search asks powered by cutting-edge AI models that DuckDuckGo is making available, instead of the conventional search engine list of hyperlinks.DuckDuckGo notes that it has expanded the models users of Duck.ai can tap into with recent additions including OpenAIs o3-mini, Metas Llama 3.3, and Mistrals Small 3.While access to Duck.ai is currently free, there is a daily limit on queries and DuckDuckGo says it is exploring a paid plan for access to higher limits and more advanced (and costly) chat models.Simultaneously, the company is dialling up its use of GenAI in its conventional search engine interface at duck.com or duckduckgo.com by expanding the frequency that the search engine shows AI-assisted answers in response to a query. These are generative AI text summaries that can appear in response to search queries, above the usual blue links.We now serve millions of AI-assisted answers daily. If you opt to show them often in our traditional search results, they should appear over 20% of the time, the company writes. Despite deepening its embrace of GenAI, the search firm is being careful to ensure that users retain agency over how much AI babble ends up in their search results. Users are able to choose the frequency that AI-generated answers will appear with sometimes being the default, and other options often, on-demand, and never letting users choose their own level of AI adventure.DuckDuckGo is responding to wider market shifts, as GenAI has continued to upend digital business-as-usual generally and web search specifically. Search kingpin Google has scrambled to fast-follow the viral fallout from OpenAIs AI chatbot, ChatGPT, and now embeds generative responses from its own AI models into search results. More recently, Google has even been experimenting with ditching links entirely in favor of AI summaries with a so-called AI Mode.So what can DDG bring to this competitive frenzy? The company clearly feels its core privacy pledge can transfer into this area. It offers users the chance to tap into major GenAI tools with reduced privacy risks, since they do not need to sign up for an account with an AI giant to get access.Duck.ai allows you to use models from leading model providers without being tracked, its privacy policy suggests. Chats are anonymized via proxying and never used for AI model training, DuckDuckGo also writes in the blog post, which touts the free (and sign-up free) access to what it bills as private, useful, and optional AI.So the pitch here kind of boils down to have your GenAI cake and eat it in secret. Although, if you read the full Duck.ai privacy policy, DuckDuckGo is careful to point out that if your search queries include your own personal data, that could end up sitting on the servers of large language model makers. Albeit, it stipulates, its not tied back to your digital ID since its masking IPs etc.Another feature DuckDuckGo is offering to make it easier to integrate GenAI into users search workflows is the ability to easily switch between its conventional search engine interface to AI chat and vice versa.A chat button displayed below the search box of its search engine (see screengrab below) instantly transports the user to the AI chat interface with the prompt-field there pre-filled with whatever they had just been searching for on DDGs search engine, making it easy to hit the send button and get an AI-generated answer to the same query.Reversing this flow just requires tapping on the same (now highlighted) chat button to flip back to its conventional web search interface. So this is a best of both worlds approach to tapping GenAI in search.Screengrab: natasha lomas/techcrunchWere finding that some people prefer to start in chat mode and then jump into more traditional search results when needed, while others prefer the opposite, DuckDuckGo writes, suggesting some questions just lend themselves more naturally to one mode or the other, too.So, we thought the best thing to do was offer both. We made it easy to move between them, and we included an off switch for those whod like to avoid AI altogether, it adds. (Note: The chat button is also described as optional indicating that users can delve into settings to turn this off too if they dont even want a visual nudge towards GenAI.)While DuckDuckGo started with just Wikipedia as the source for its AI-assisted answers, it has since expanded to include sources from across the web, providing what it dubs as prominent source links with more information on whats underpinning the AI answers.Another update is a Recent Chatsfeaturethat stores users conversations with the AI search interface locally on your device not on DuckDuckGo or other remote servers.Here, too, users can opt to disable the storage if they dont want any record of their chats kept at all, even on their own device. Duck.ai chats are not used for any AI training, either by us or the underlying model providers, DuckDuckGo also writes. To respond with answers and ensure all systems are working, these providers may store chats temporarily, but we remove all the metadata so theres no way for them to tie chats back to you personally.On top of that, we have agreements in place with all providers to ensure that any saved chats are completely deleted within 30 days.Topics

Funtastik Studios Limited, a subsidiary of NY VFXWAALA, has acquired 11,111,111 shares in Goodbye Kansas Group through the conversion of convertible debentures valued at SEK 15 million. Through the conversion, Funtastiks stake totals 33,023,137, or 34 percent of all shares and votes.In March 2024, Goodbye Kansas and NY VFXWAALA entered into a strategic partnership agreement, with plans to establish a joint venture studio in India. As part of the same deal, a financing package was resolved, including a directed issue of the convertible debentures to Funtastik.NY VFXWAALA is a financially strong industrial shareholder with a long-term view who will be highly valuable to Goodbye Kansas, our clients and people, said Per Anders Wrn, chairman of the board of Goodbye Kansas. The partnership provides an even more competitive production capacity for our markets in the US and Europe, and it opens-up new business opportunities in India and across Asia through our recently established joint venture. In addition, the transaction further reduces Goodbye Kansas debts, continuing a transformative two-year decrease from approximately SEK 170 million to SEK 11 million.We have seen a major turnaround in the business performance of Goodbye Kansas over the last two quarters and are firmly convinced with their evolving strategy in the new year, commented Ajay Devgn, the Founder of NY VFXWAALA. Being optimistic of the ongoing business performance, Goodbye Kansass world-class capabilities and strength across the game services, animation and VFX offerings, we see this as a long-term potential in the strategic partnership between the two companies and have hence decided to execute our debentures to participate as shareholders in the Company, commented Mr. Ajay Devgn, the Founder of NY VFXWAALA.NY VFXWAALA is an award-winning production studio focusing on the Indian market, specializing in VFX and Digital Intermediate (DI). Since its inception in 2015, the company has been honored with the 64th National Award for Best Visual Effects, the highest recognition for films in India. It has also won the 10th Asian Film Award, making it the only studio in India to receive the accolade.Source: Goodbye Kansas Group Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Breakdown & ShowreelsBack in Action: VFX Breakdown by Scanline VFXBy Vincent Frei - 06/03/2025 Ever wondered how Back in Action delivers its high-octane chases? Thanks to Scanline VFX, Cameron Diaz races through intense motorcycle and boat sequences with seamless digital wizardry. Dont miss this inside look at the films thrilling effects!WANT TO KNOW MORE?Scanline VFX: Dedicated page about Back in Action on Scanline VFX website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

March 06, 2025Unlock the Power of Friendship and Experience Gameplay Variety like Never Before from the Makers of 2021s Game of the Year, It Takes TwoSplit Fiction Launches Today with the Friends Pass and Full Cross-Play Across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC, a Studio First. Watch the Story Trailer HERE REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The co-op masterminds are back! Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Hazelight Studios invite players to embark on an action-packed buddy adventure in Split Fiction , available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and EA app for $49.99. The title has achieved universal acclaim on Metacritic and earned perfect scores from more than 26 media, including Variety, TechRadar Gaming and GameSpot, who called it a hilarious, compassionate, and delightful new benchmark for multiplayer experiences. Split Fiction is the #1 Best-Reviewed Game of 2025 so far.Split Fiction (Photo: Business Wire)In Split Fiction, players take on the roles of Mio and Zoe as they traverse through vibrant sci-fi and fantasy worlds, working together and uncovering the power of unexpected friendship. Hazelight Studios, the creative minds behind the 2021 Game of the Year winner It Takes Two (23 million units sold worldwide), takes its proven co-op formula to the next level in Split Fiction with more gameplay variety than ever before. Split Fiction is filled with the wildest stuff youll ever see in a co-op game. The gameplay variety is insane and Im incredibly proud of the level of polish that we managed to do, said Josef Fares. Youre going to visit some really incredible sci-fi and fantasy worlds, collaborate, and have a lot of fun - you guys are gonna love it.Mio and Zoe are aspiring writers who are trapped in a machine designed to steal their creative ideas. The two must set aside their differences to break out of the simulation of their own stories. Along the way, they will discover new mechanics and abilities in every level of their adventure. Escape a sun thats going supernova, challenge a monkey to a dance battle, try out some cool hoverboard tricks, fight an evil kitty, and ride everything from gravity bikes to a sandshark. Experience worlds that are entirely different from each other, unexpected new abilities, and a range of gameplay that includes platforming, puzzles, and more.As players journey through different landscapes, they will encounter mysterious portals that lead to Side Stories: brief, optional twists on gameplay that launch Mio and Zoe into unfinished drafts and creative story concepts from their writing, varying up the gameplay even further. Players wont want to miss climbing a giant-infested mountain, surfing across the desert on the backs of sand sharks, or waterskiing behind a flying train. Split Fiction is a bombastic, no-holds-barred celebration of what video games do best entertain! said Jeff Gamon, General Manager of EA Partners. Once again, Josef and the fantastic team at Hazelight have proven themselves champions of cooperative adventure gaming. Im as confident as anyone could be that gamers, their friends, families and loved ones will lose themselves completely in this extraordinary co-op journey.Split Fiction can be played cooperatively with local multiplayer or online using Friends Pass, a staple feature from Hazelight Studios that allows players who own a copy of the game to invite a friend to play the full game with them for free. As with the base game, cross-play options are enabled for Friends Pass on PlayStation, Xbox and PC.Split Fiction is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and EA app for $49.99. The game is rated ESRB TEEN and PEGI 16.For more information on Split Fiction , visit: https://www.ea.com/games/split-fiction/split-fiction.PRESS ASSETS ARE AVAILABLE AT EAPressPortal.comAbout Hazelight StudiosCreators of the Game of the Year 2021, It Takes Two , Hazelight is a multiple award-winning independent game development studio based in Stockholm, Sweden. Founded in 2014 by Josef Fares, film director and creator of the critically acclaimed game Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons . Hazelight is committed to pushing the creative boundaries of what is possible in games. In 2018, Hazelight released A Way Out , the first-ever co-op-only third-person action-adventure, as part of the EA Originals program.About EA OriginalsEA Originals celebrates those who dare to explore.These studios forge new ways to play by bringing together developers with bold visions. Here, these developers use their artistic freedom to reach players who will treasure the new experiences theyve created.About Electronic ArtsElectronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers.In fiscal year 2024, EA posted GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, EA SPORTS Madden NFL, EA SPORTS College Football, Need for Speed, Dragon Age, Titanfall, Plants vs. Zombies and EA SPORTS F1. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Apex Legends, The Sims, Dragon Age, Titanfall, and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, FIFA and F1 are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. Cristian Delgado Sr. PR Manager crdelgado@ea.com Source: Electronic Arts Inc.Multimedia Files:

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) has announced Colleen Murray and Justin Levy as the latest recipients of its two annual 3D printing scholarships.Murray, a lecturer at the University of Maryland (UMD)s Department of Aerospace Engineering, received the Randy Stevens Scholarship for additive manufacturing educators. Levy, currently in his third year of studying mechanical engineering at The Ohio State University (OSU), received the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship for students.AMUG scholarships honor outstanding students and educators who are passionate about additive manufacturing and dedicated to advancing both education and the industry.Both awardees are set to attend the 2025 AMUG Conference, which will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago between March 30 and April 3. They will take to the stage on Tuesday, April 1, to present their work and engage with the 3D printing users community.The fact that selection was difficult for the Scholarship Committee shows that these scholarships are becoming an increasingly sought-after and competitive honor among highly motivated students and instructors in the field of additive manufacturing, commented Brent Griffith, a 2023 scholarship recipient and co-chair of AMUGs Scholarship Committee.Olga Dr. O Ivanova, Ph.D., Scholarship Committee co-chair, added, We had an outstanding pool of applicants this year. The selection process was particularly difficult. She noted, the top two candidates for the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship and the top three for the Randy Stevens Scholarship received nearly identical scores from the committee, making the final decision especially challenging.Hilton Chicago will host AMUG 2025. Photo via Hilton Chicago.Colleen Murray receives AMUGs Randy Stevens ScholarshipAMUGs Randy Stevens Scholarship is backed by Minnesota-based manufacturing service bureau InTech Industries. It honors the memory of AMUG advocate Randy Stevens, renowned for his dedication and contribution to additive manufacturing.The annual award recognizes one high-school teacher or college professor for their contribution to additive manufacturing. Recipients are granted free access to the AMUG conference, and have all expenses covered for their visit.Murray holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UMD and currently teaches a course on the mechanics of composites. Her research focuses on the mechanical characterization of composites and additively manufactured structures. In her doctoral thesis, she specifically explored the energy absorption properties of 3D printed honeycombs for crashworthiness applications.She is also developing a course on advanced manufacturing and automation which will be taught at UMD in the future. Elsewhere, Murray is establishing a new undergraduate mechatronics engineering program for the Universities at Shady Grove.Norman Wereley, Ph.D., a University of Maryland Minta Martin Professor of aerospace engineering, called Murray an excellent communicator and an exceptional person, leader, scholar, mentor and researcher. In his letter of recommendation, Wereley added, I cannot imagine anyone more deserving of the Randy Stevens Scholarship.The UMD lecturer is focused on pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing through research and academic outreach. She hopes her participation at AMUG 2025 will further bolster these efforts. I hope to bring back valuable insights and encourage my colleagues to attend in the future. I am excited to learn more about additive manufacturing and how it will help define our future, Murray said.Dr. Ivanova commented that the Randy Stevens Scholarship recipient is actively developing curricula that would benefit from her engaging with the industry leaders at the AMUG Conference. Dr O added, Her research and work focus on practical applications, ensuring that innovative ideas can be effectively translated into real-world use, which stood out.Colleen Murray. Photo via AMUG.The Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship awarded to Justin LevyFounded in the memory of Guy E. Bourdeau, an ardent supporter and advocate of AMUG, the annual scholarship recognizes a college student for their contribution to 3D printing in education. Funded by New Jersey CAD/CAM reseller Cimquest, the award also covers the cost of AMUG 2025 participation for the winner.Levy developed an interest in 3D printing at 13 and is now pursuing a bachelors degree at OSUs Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME), where he researches laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and process optimization. His work focuses on developing new breakaway support strategies for LPBF 3D printing to reduce production costs and improve scalability. He has also contributed to a joint project between CDME and high-speed 3D printer manufacturer Pantheon3D, which led to the installation of Ohios first concrete 3D printer.Away from OSU, Levy has interned at metal 3D printing firm Castheon, Inc. and was a fellow at the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) X-Force program. Later this year, he will work with REACT labs additive group at Tinker AFB to develop strategies for 3D printing across the US Air Force.In his free time, the OSU undergraduate started a makers club to advocate for 3D printers in classrooms. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Levy produced over 3,000 face shields for healthcare workers. He also led the West Coast logistics of a 3D printed Toys for Tots program, while individually 3D printing toys for distribution.Castheons Founder, chief scientist, & EVP, Youping Gao, wrote a letter of recommendation for the Levy. Justins practical expertise in additive manufacturing processes and his unwavering commitment to innovation make him an outstanding candidate for this scholarship, Gao stated. Justin consistently demonstrated exceptional initiative and versatility. I am confident that his dedication, technical aptitude, and collaborative spirit will continue to serve him and any organization he supports well in future endeavors.Justin Levy. Photo via AMUG.Who received AMUG scholarships previously?AMUG is now in its 11th year of granting 3D printing scholarships. In 2023, Brent Griffith was awarded the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship. At the time, Griffith was studying for a Master of Engineering in Additive Manufacturing and Design through Penn State University. He stated that this scholarship was an incredible and life-changing moment. Griffith added, Before receiving the scholarship, I felt I knew a lot about the additive manufacturing industry. After receiving the scholarship and attending the AMUG Conference, I felt like I was a part of it.Last years AMUG Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship went to Alex Campbell, a fourth-year aerospace engineering student at Ohio State University (OHU). He was first introduced to 3D printing in middle school. What began as a hobby has since become an academic passion, with 3D printing an integral aspect of his professional identity. Looking to the future, Campbell hopes to move into the aerospace sector and advance the manufacture of rocket engines or design next-generation propulsion systems.The 2024 AMUG Randy Stevens Scholarship was awarded to Phil Rufe. An Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Rufe is a Certified Manufacturing Engineer with degrees in mechanical engineering, manufacturing and education.He leads courses in manufacturing processes, industrial operations, CAD mechanics, GD&T, lean manufacturing, intellectual property design for assembly (DFMA), and additive manufacturing. The EMU professor also manages the universitys 3D printing lab.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows 2025 AMUG scholarship recipients Colleen Murray (left) and Justin Levy (right). Photo via AMUG.

From breast pumps to maternity wards, the work of Designing Motherhood concerns not only parents but all humansDesigning Motherhood is the recipient of the Prize for Research in Gender and Architecture 2025, part of the W Awards. Read the full announcementAt the centre of the gallery space in the Designing Motherhood exhibition, on display at ArkDes in Stockholm (27 September 2024 31 August 2025), sits a small machine behind glass. It is the Egnell SMB (Sister Maja Breast) pump, designed by Swedish civil engineer Einar Egnell in 1956 and named after nurse Sister Maja Kindberg, who tested the machine on nursing mothers in Sweden. The machine draws milk from a breast through a pumping mechanism, guiding the milk to bottles for collection via long plastic tubes. The machine is portable with a handle on the top. It looks like a toaster or a small coffee machine.The breast pump is one object of many that have been overlooked in the writing of design histories. The Designing Motherhood project unpacks the inherently political implications of objects and technologies for womens health and reproduction. The breast pump was developed at the same time as new welfare state institutions, homes and technologies were being constructed on display next door as part of ArkDess permanent exhibition, drawing from Swedens national architecture collection. As a piece of technology, the breast pump enabled breastfeeding mothers a new form of flexibility, and was developed as provisions were made in Sweden for women to enter the workforce for example, with organised public childcare and new modern technologies to alleviate domestic labour. As a design object, the breast pump is as emancipatory as it is biopolitical, and deeply interlinked with economy, politics of labour and the private lives of parents and their children to this day.The Designing Motherhood project has materialised in a series of exhibitions and a publication. Designing Motherhood: Things that Make and Break Our Births, edited by Michelle Millar Fisher and Amber Winick, was published in 2021, and five exhibitions have followed: at Mtter Museum, Philadelphia; MassArt Art Museum, Boston; Gates Foundation, Seattle; Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston (on view until 15 March 2025); as well as at ArkDes the sixth instalment of the exhibition will open in New York in autumn 2025. Project curators Millar Fisher, Winick, Juliana Rowen Barton, Gabriella A Nelsonand Zo Greggs have worked collaboratively from the beginning, and the project is a culmination of the work and voices of many different people and institutions. In its conception and form, the project combines the work of design historians and curators with that of policy makers and activists, as well as doulas, midwives and birthing people. Each instalment of the project involves a new collaboration with an institution and a new group of collaborators. We could almost consider it a thinktank at this point, Winick suggests.The breast pump brought into view the issue at the core of Designing Motherhood. While working in the architecture and design department in a large museum, Millar Fisher hoped to acquire the object for the museums collection, and was greeted with a big fat no. We are constantly told that design and architecture is the discipline that is going to save the world, that this is the place where you can have interesting and knotty conversations, Millar Fisher explains. And it seemed, actually, a lie. There is a gap in the history of design and architecture that so far has not included these perspectives or scrutinised these objects and their political and personal implications, despite their relevance and impact not only for people experiencing pregnancy, but society at large. This project aims to address this omission.Designing Motherhood, in both the publication and exhibitions, addresses the arc of reproduction. Conception, contraception and womens agency over their bodies are explored through objects such as speculums, menstrual cups and protest posters, while the changing bodies of people experiencing pregnancy and motherhood are investigated through maternity clothes and pessaries for prolapse. Forceps, Csection drapes and birthing stools are offered as tools in the act of labour and the work of midwives, while breastfeeding demonstration sets, nipple shields and, of course, breast pumps are proposed as design objects shaping the practice of feeding newborns.The project also maps the movement of spaces for birth during the 20th century, from the bedroom to the hospital and back again. In the 1950s, the knowledge of doulas and midwives, passed down from generation to generation, was replaced by ultrasound and electronic foetal monitors, inverting the interior space of the womb. Midcentury American dream hospitals, funded by industrialist Henry J Kaiser and developed by surgeon Sidney R Garfield, included maternity wards with baby drawers which allowed for the transfer of newborns between their mothers and nurses in separate sterile spheres. These dream hospitals included the Panorama City Hospital, built in California in 1962 to designs by Clarence Mayhew and HL Theiderman; a circular maternity ward gave nurses unobstructed views of the mothers and babies in their care. In the 1970s, a renewed attention to the mothers experience during birth and an understanding of the importance of feeling at home brought the domestic sphere back as a birthing place through the homebirth movement.By bringing the steps and missteps in the histories of these spaces into view, the Designing Motherhood project advocates the expansion of access to culturally appropriate care and spaces for reproduction. The Maternity Waiting Village in Malawi by MASS Design Group, completed in 2015, seeks to reduce maternal mortality by fostering knowledgesharing and community in domestic settings, in close proximity to healthcare professionals providing an infrastructure of care within the city. The architecture of birthplaces can, as Designing Motherhood highlights, facilitate as well as hinder the safety, joy and dignity experienced during birth. The Designing Motherhood project originated in the US but includes global perspectives showing how different contexts need different culturally appropriate forms of care. Sweden is, for example, a very different political context to the US when it comes to womens rights over their bodies and the provision of reproductive healthcare, but these discussions still find resonance. Because healthcare provisions in Europe on the surface seem better than in the US, the real discrepancy between what is meant to exist and the actual lived experience of people might be harder to see, Millar Fisher explains. According to Winick, visitors to the Swedish iteration of the exhibition have explained that the trends described in the US are also happening in Sweden: It is different, but some things are the same. The exhibition in the Swedish context narrates a bigger story of the dismantling of the Swedish welfare state in recent years, and how the provision of healthcare has become both privatised and harder to come by. The film Kramp from 2023 by Yennifer Godin, for example, details the maternity care deserts that now exist in rural Sweden following the closure of hospitals. People in Sweden are now offered training so that they know how to deliver babies in cars or en route somewhere because of the long distance between hospitals.The objects included in the Designing Motherhood project are familiar, personal and intimate. As Millar Fisher and Winick write in the introduction to the publication, We dont just remember our first period, but also the technologies that first collected the blood. We dont just remember the way babies arrive but also what they were wrapped in when they finally reached our arms. The objects demand a response: on one visit to the exhibition at ArkDes, a group of young people giggle at posters for condoms; a dad with a baby in a carrier smiles at an advert about legislation allowing paternity leave; three older women debate the issues of closing hospitals in the north of the country; a couple of new mothers discuss their different experiences of giving birth and postpartum; and in front of a documentary film from the 1970s showing a birth in realtime, a retired couple watches, holding hands and maybe recalling a similar experience that they once shared. Designing Motherhood illustrates how the issues and questions relating to reproductive health are universal. As the curators point out in the introduction to the exhibition at ArkDes: These are not just womens issues. They are human issues. We have all been born, and the provision of, and access to, reproductive health affects individuals as well as communities and society at large. The display of these objects within the space of a public gallery allows their political and relational capacities to come into view, and certain (and important) conversations to take place. If the objects arent in the gallery, those conversations simply dont happen, Millar Fisher insists. Histories go completely unremarked. Experiences of reproductive health are personal and contextual, and as this project unpacks, unequal access to objects and spaces for reproductive health shapes and affects the provision of care to this day. The online version of this article has been amended to reflect Gabriella A Nelsons role as co-curator of Designing MotherhoodLead image: Incubators displayed at the 1939 New York Worlds Fair, occupied by real babies. Photo: Bengt Backlund / Upplandsmuseet, Uppsala, Sweden / Medela LLC2025-03-06Anna Livia VrselShare AR March 2025W AwardsBuy Now