Full Stack Developer (Shopify Expert)Company Overview Pearl WestPearl West is a leading eCommerce investment and operating group specializing in acquiring, optimizing, and scaling premium Shopify brands. Our mission is to create high-performance online shopping experiences that drive revenue, enhance user engagement, and maximize efficiency.At Pearl West, we dont just install appswe build custom Shopify solutions, optimize performance, and create seamless integrations to scale our brands. We are looking for a Full Stack Developer (Shopify Expert) who can develop advanced Shopify applications, improve store performance, and implement custom features that drive business success.Role OverviewWe are seeking a Full Stack Developer (Shopify Expert) who can develop and optimize Shopify stores beyond basic theme modifications. This role involves custom app development, API integrations, checkout enhancements, and performance optimization.This is a full-time, remote/hybrid/in-office position, offering the opportunity to work with a team of eCommerce professionals to develop scalable, high-performing Shopify stores.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop Custom Shopify Apps & FeaturesLiquid, JavaScript, Node.js, and Shopify APIs (REST/GraphQL).Enhance Checkout & Cart Functionality Optimize Shopifys checkout process, cart functionality, and upsell/cross-sell experiences.Implement & Maintain API Integrations Connect Shopify with third-party tools, CRM systems, payment gateways, and analytics platforms.Performance Optimization Improve Core Web Vitals, site speed, and mobile responsiveness to enhance UX and conversions.Custom Theme Development & Enhancements Work with Liquid, JavaScript, and modern front-end frameworks (React, Vue.js, Alpine.js) to create fully custom Shopify storefronts.Troubleshoot & Debug Issues Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, store errors, and app integration challenges.Work Cross-Functionally Collaborate with design, marketing, and operations teams to align development with business goals.Provide Portfolio-Backed Insights Share past Shopify development projects, clearly detailing custom work vs. pre-built solutions.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Custom App Deployment Successfully develop and launch X Shopify apps or features per quarter.Checkout Optimization Improve checkout conversion rates by 5-15% within Y months.Page Speed & Performance Maintain a Google PageSpeed score of 90+ for desktop and mobile.Bug Resolution Time Ensure critical bugs and performance issues are resolved within X hours/days.API Integration Efficiency Seamlessly connect Shopify with X third-party services or automation tools per quarter.Success Benchmarks (30-60-90 Days)First 30 Days Complete onboarding and review Pearl Wests Shopify tech stack, workflows, and current store performance. Audit existing Shopify apps, themes, and API integrations to identify improvement opportunities. Begin working on a small-scale custom Shopify app or store enhancement to demonstrate technical skill.First 60 Days Deploy a fully custom Shopify feature or app integration that enhances store functionality. Work with marketing and design teams to optimize user experience and conversion flows. Implement performance improvements to improve page speed and mobile optimization.First 90 Days Successfully launch an A/B-tested checkout or performance improvement that boosts conversions by 5-15%. Implement a major Shopify app, integration, or automation that enhances business operations. Establish development documentation and best practices for scalable Shopify solutions.Required Skills & QualificationsMust-Have Skills:Advanced Shopify Development Expert in Liquid, JavaScript, and Shopifys API (REST & GraphQL).Custom Shopify App Development Proficient in Node.js, Python, or Ruby on Rails for building Shopify apps.API Integration & Automation Experience working with third-party APIs, webhooks, and Shopify Flow automation.Performance Optimization Expertise in Core Web Vitals, site speed improvements, and SEO best practices.Front-End Development Strong proficiency in React, Vue.js, or Alpine.js for interactive Shopify experiences.Checkout & Cart Customization Experience with Shopify Scripts, Checkout Extensibility, and custom payment flows.Nice-to-Have Skills:Experience with Shopify Plus and headless Shopify architectures.Knowledge of CI/CD workflows, DevOps, and automated deployment.Familiarity with serverless computing and cloud-based functions (AWS Lambda, Firebase Functions).Portfolio Requirement Candidates must provide a portfolio showcasing Shopify development projects with:Project goals (e.g., custom app development, performance optimization, checkout enhancements).Their exact contributions (custom coding, integrations, automation).Before-and-after results (conversion rate increases, speed improvements, efficiency gains). If available, provide GitHub repositories or code samples demonstrating technical expertise.Who Should Apply? Apply if you:Have deep Shopify full-stack development expertise, including custom Shopify app development and API integrations.Can explain exactly what you built in past Shopify projects (not just modified existing solutions).Have experience optimizing Shopify checkout, cart experiences, and business workflows. Do not apply if:You only have experience with theme modifications or installing third-party apps.You cannot showcase your Shopify development work with specific details.Why Join Pearl West?High-Impact Work Develop custom solutions for high-revenue Shopify brands.Career Growth Work with industry leaders in eCommerce development.Competitive Compensation Salary TBD based on experience + performance-based bonuses.Compensation & BenefitsSalary:TBD (Based on experience)Bonus/Commission Structure: Performance-based bonuses availableWork Arrangement: Remote/Hybrid/In-OfficeHealth & Wellness Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, mental health supportAdditional Perks: Flexible PTO, company retreats, learning stipendsApplication ProcessSubmit your application Send your resume, portfolio, and professional profile (LinkedIn, personal website, GitHub).Short Survey Complete a brief technical survey about your Shopify full-stack development experience.Technical Assessment Complete a Shopify full-stack coding challenge.Initial Screening Call A conversation with our HR team to discuss your experience.Final Interview Meet with the hiring manager and development team.

For many years, researchers have been working to build devices that can mimic photosynthesisthe process by which plants use sunlight and carbon dioxide to make their fuel. These artificial leaves use sunlight to separate water into oxygen and hydrogen, which could then be used to fuel cars or generate electricity. Now a research team has taken aim at creating more energy-dense fuels. Companies have been manufacturing synthetic fuels for nearly a century by combining carbon monoxide (which can be sourced from carbon dioxide) and hydrogen under high temperatures. But the hope is that artificial leaves can eventually do a similar kind of synthesis in a more sustainable and efficient way, by tapping into the power of the sun. The groups device produces ethylene and ethane, proving that artificial leaves can create hydrocarbons. The development could offer a cheaper, cleaner way to make fuels, chemicals, and plastics. For research lead Virgil Andrei at the University of Cambridge, the ultimate goal is to use this technology to create fuels that dont leave a harmful carbon footprint after theyre burned. If the process uses carbon dioxide captured from the air or power plants, the resulting fuels could be carbon neutraland ease the need to keep digging up fossil fuels. Eventually we want to be able to source carbon dioxide to produce the fuels and chemicals that we need for industry and for everyday lives, says Andrei, who coauthored a study published in Nature Catalysis in February. You end up mimicking natures own carbon cycle, so you dont need additional fossil resources. Copper nanoflowers Like other artificial leaves, the teams device harnesses energy from the sun to create chemical products. But producing hydrocarbons is more complicated than making hydrogen because the process requires more energy. To accomplish this feat, the researchers introduced a few innovations. The first was to use a specialized catalyst made up of tiny flower-like copper structures, produced in the lab of coauthor Peidong Yang at the University of California, Berkeley. On one side of the device, electrons accumulated on the surfaces of these nanoflowers. These electrons were then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into a range of molecules including ethylene and ethane, hydrocarbons that each contain two carbon atoms. Microscope images of the devices copper nanoflowers.ANDREI, V., ROH, I., LIN, JA. ET AL. / NAT CATAL (2025) These nanoflower structures are tunable and could be adjusted to produce a wide range of molecules, says Andrei: Depending on the nanostructure of the copper catalyst you can get wildly different products. On the other side of the device, the team also developed a more energy-efficient way to source electrons by using light-absorbing silicon nanowires to process glycerol rather than water, which is more commonly used. An added benefit is that the glycerol-based process can produce useful compounds like glycerate, lactate, and acetate, which could be harvested for use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Scaling up Even though the trial system worked, the advance is only a stepping stone toward creating a commercially viable source of fuel. This research shows this concept can work, says Yanwei Lum, a chemical and biomolecular engineering assistant professor at the National University of Singapore. But, he adds, the performance is still not sufficient for practical applications. Its still not there yet. Andrei says the device needs to be significantly more durable and efficient in order to be adopted for fuel production. But the work is moving in the right direction. We have been making this progress because we looked at more unconventional concepts and state-of-the-art techniques that were not really available, he says. Im quite optimistic that this technology could take off in the next five to 10 years.

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Grounded, curated by Ceren Erdem and Bilge Kalfa, will be on display at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale through the Trkiye Pavilion, which is organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV).The 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale will take place fromMay 10 to November23 November 2025 at the Giardini, the Arsenale and various venues in Venice, Italy.Grounded emphasizes soil as a dynamic, underappreciated resource that is essential to comprehending ecosystems, civilizations, and sustainable existence. Through artistic interpretations, scientific research, and sensory experiences, the exhibition showcases the unique properties of Turkish soil.Gulle Games, 2019, Sinem Disli, archival pigment print, courtesy of IKSVGrounded positions soil at the center of the pavilion, portraying it as a living thing with intelligence and agency, in contrast to architecture's propensity to repress earthiness in the goal of controlled environments. By interacting with its texture, scent, and sound, visitors experience it as a living repository of human and natural history as well as an ecological system.As it examines Turkey's rich history, archaeological sites, and environmentally friendly building techniques, Grounded also considers the effects of human endeavors like construction. The exhibition explores architectural approaches that honor environment and culture by fusing traditional methods with modern advances, encouraging more harmonious ways of living.Poster of Grounded. Image courtesy of IKSV"With Grounded, we invite visitors to view soil not as something separate, but as an integral part of the same fabric of life that surrounds us," said Ceren Erdem and Bilge Kalfa, the curators of the exhibition."It is not merely a surface beneath us or a resource to be extracted; rather, it is a dense, intelligent world in its own right one we are already part of.""Through material experiments, artistic documentation, and scientific observation, the exhibition encourages us to rethink our role in this dynamic exchange. It prompts us to recognise the structures we erode and the possibilities we often overlook.""In doing so, it suggests ways of living and building that do not impose but instead listen to and engage with the environment," Erdem and Kalfa added.Cosmic Core, 2024, Mono Earth, Solidified, rammed earth. Image Zeynep AksinThe projects individual participants areHseyin Aksoy, Michael Akstaller, E. Fsun Aliolu & Senem Akay, Ali Mahmut Demirel, Sinem Dili, Yelda Gin, Ali Miharbi, zgl ztrk, Serkan Taycan and Orkan Telhan.Bire-Pan, Common Action Walls, Herkes in Mimarlk & Poolana Works, Mono Earth, Ozruh, Rec II, ReYard House, Solidified and Yaln Architects are the participant teams. The architectural research intern team includes Enes Ylmaz, Leonie Todd, Karim Gohary, Neha Goel and Simonida Galovic, while Dicle Beta serves as the curatorial assistant. Balkta cave (January 2025) & Karadere Mining Field (October 2023), from multimedia installation Gods of Latmos (ongoing), 2024, Multimedia Installation, Ali M Demirel, archival pigment print, courtesy of IKSVThe architectural project is designed by Bilge Kalfa Architecture. Exhibitions visual identity and book are designed by Paleworks, and the editor is Melis Cankara.Thanks to IKSV's initiative and the assistance of twenty-one sponsors, Arsenale's Sale d'Armi was acquired for a twenty-year term between 2014 and 2034, allowing the Trkiye Pavilion to be a member of the International Architecture Exhibition since 2014.Alongside the exhibition, a book edited by Melis Cankara and designed by Paleworks (Ozan Akkoyun, Yamur Rzgar) is also being prepared. Featuring texts by the curators and artwork descriptions by the participants, the publication will also include contributions from Aytek Soner Alpan, Sevince Bayrak, mr Harmanah, Enise Burcu Karaizmeli, Burcu Serdar Kknar, Asl Odman, Blent Tanju, and Evren Uzer. The book aims to explore the themes addressed in the artworks from diverse perspectives.Reflecting the layered and dynamic nature of the theme of soil, the book will be published in two volumes, in both Turkish and English. English volume will be available at the Biennale bookstores.Photography from press conference. Ceren Erdem, Bilge Kalfa. Image Fatih YlmazIn addition to this announcement, Qatar announced that it will build a national pavilion in the historic venue of Giardini della Biennale, which first opened to the public in 1895. Moreover, the Pavilion of the United Arab Emirates announced its theme, Pressure Cooker, and details for the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale.Also, the Finland Pavilion will explore The Pavilion Architecture of Stewardship, highlighting the various types of labor that go into building and maintaining architecture. The Austrian Pavilion will explore the theme of Agency for Better Living, focusing on affordable housing and tackling the cities of Vienna and Rome.The top image in the article: Common Action Walls (CAW), 2017. Project coordinators Fulya Ozsel Akipek, Tugrul Yazar, Istanbul bilgi University Department of Architecture, PotPlus DRG.> viaIKSV

Challoner House is a renovation project, converting and extending a locally listed building into high-quality office space for an owner-occupier using natural and recycled materials.Originally comprising two townhouses and an iron printing press, the building is situated in the heart of the Clerkenwell Green Conservation area, renowned for its architectural and historic interest. HUT was briefed to sympathetically transform, extend and thermally upgrade the existing building while preserving the buildings character and history.The project commenced by undertaking studies to understand alterations to the building from the original plan form through to its current layout. The original plan form is mapped out in brick tiles within the new offices. Brick arches and historical patina are left exposed and expressed within the renovation works. A section of flooring at ground floor has been removed to create a spacious town hall, which connects to the basement. Door and window openings from the original townhouse remain suspended along the elevation at high level to preserve the buildings heritage and contribute to its story.Alicia Sardi, senior architect, HUT ArchitectureAdvertisementProject dataStart on site September 2022Completion Gross internal floor area 2Net internal floor area 1,228m2Construction cost UndisclosedArchitect HUT ArchitectureClient AkeliusStructural engineer Morph StructuresCivil engineer Morph StructuresM&E consultant Harley HaddowQS Johnson AssociatesProject manager Johnson AssociatesPrincipal designer PeligroApproved building inspector QuadrantAcoustic consultant Clement AcousticsBREEAM consultant Build EnergyFire engineer Semper FireMain contractor Copper ProjectsCAD software used RevitAnnual CO2 emissions (predicted) 43.45 kgCO2/m2/yrArchitects choicesLime hemp plaster was used to thermally upgrade and line the existing solid brick external walls. Selected for its breathability, thermal properties and flexibility, it was ideally suited to the undulating original brick walls in order to improve airtightness. Made from a renewable plant fibre, lime hemp plaster locks in CO2 and has a lower embodied carbon than traditional plasters.Selected for its fire-resisting properties and recycled content, Fermacell has been used where possible in place of traditional gypsum board. We actively seek to specify materials that consider their environmental cost and Fermacell has a carbon-negative production process, with 100 per cent recycling from cradle to gate.Alicia Sardi, senior architect, HUT ArchitectureSpecificationThe building was originally constructed from brick and timber. Steel structural members were added at a later date when the individual buildings were amalgamated.AdvertisementThe envelope had little to no insulation and required significant thermal upgrades while preserving the historical fabric. Breathable materials sheeps wool, wood fibre board, hemp and lime render were selected due to their low embodied carbon, thermal benefits and breathability. Internal walls were constructed using Fermacell, selected for its recycled content, moisture control and fire-resisting properties. The existing steel structure has been reused and repurposed to avoid unnecessary waste. The new butterfly roof is constructed using a glulam ring primary structure, with the vaulted, sculptural form being expressed; creating a strong visual connection to the form and heritage of the original building.Internally, original door and window openings have been left in situ. While they no longer serve a functional purpose, they visually describe the buildings previous uses and layout. The external faades have been upgraded and now feature double-glazed, timber-framed sash windows in keeping with the heritage while vastly improving the buildings thermal performance.Alicia Sardi, senior architect, HUT ArchitectureSelected productsLime hemp plaster wall liningT-MawrLime hemp plaster wall liningExternal wallslime.org.ukTimber sash windows with slim glazingOriginal SashThroughoutoriginalsash.co.ukAluminium rooflightsGlazing VisionPitched and flat Roof Lightsglazingvision.co.ukSliding doorsAssa AbbloySlim-Eco 2 Sliding DoorMain entranceassaabloy.com

Apple released iOS 18.3 in January, and the update brought a few bug fixes to all iPhones. But when Apple released iOS 18.1 in October, it gave people with theiPhone 15 Pro and Pro Maxor a device from theiPhone 16 lineupaccess to some Apple Intelligence features, like AI-generated summaries across the device.Read more: Your iOS 18 Cheat SheetWith Apple Intelligence and a compatible iPhone, your device can provide you with a summary of a lengthy email, a webpage, Message notifications and more. It can also show you a summary of what you have written in Notes and other messages.Here's what you need to know about summaries with Apple Intelligence on your iPhone. Note that before you use Apple Intelligence, you have to request it for your iPhone. To do so, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and tap Get Apple Intelligence.Summaries in MailParsing through emails and email chains for information can be tedious, especially if you get a lot of work emails sent to your device. Thankfully, Apple Intelligence can summarize emails for you so you aren't reading a lot of preamble and want to just get right to the heart of the message. It was a great show if you were wondering. Apple/Screenshot by CNETTo view email summaries, open Mail, choose the email you want to read, and then pull your screen down to reveal a new Summarize button. Tap this and you'll see some lines of summary. You can change how many lines of summary you see by going to Settings > Apps > Mail > Preview and choosing anything from no lines of summary to five.It's also important to note that if you're using Mail Categories, you can only see AI summaries for emails in your Primary category. Emails in other categories won't give you summaries. If you're using List View in Mail all your emails will have a summary available.Read more: What You Need to Know About Mail Categories in iOS 18.2Notification summariesWith Apple Intelligence, some of your apps can give you summaries of notifications on your Lock Screen, and this feature is on by default in most cases. This feature can summarize your notifications in a few words, but be careful while reading these. According to the BBC, one of the publication's headlines was summarized inaccurately.If you don't want to risk reading a bad summary, you can turn this feature off. Go to Settings > Notifications > Summarize Notifications and tap the toggles next to the apps you no longer want to receive notification summaries from. You can also tap the toggle next to Summarize Notifications at the top of the menu to turn the feature off for all apps.Read more: Apple's Notification Summaries Can Be Absurdly WrongWebpage summaries in Safari Apple/Screenshot by CNETApple Intelligence can also summarize certain webpages in Safari. To view these summaries, open Safari and go to a webpage, then look on the left side of the address bar. You should see a rectangle with a few dashes beneath it and sparkles. Tap this symbol and it pulls up a menu showing the summary of the webpage.Be aware that this feature isn't available on all webpages. On webpages this feature isn't working yet, the symbol on the left side of the address bar won't have any sparkles.Summarize text with Writing ToolsWriting Tools is an Apple Intelligence menu that lets you proofread, edit or alter something you're writing. It also lets you summarize your message or notes.To view these summaries, highlight what you want to summarize, tap Writing Tools in the pop-up menu -- you might have to scroll through the options in this menu -- and then tap Summary. Writing Tools will show you a summary of what you have highlighted, and it will let you Copy, Replace and Share that summary. These summaries could help you prepare for a presentation, let you quickly read over anything in Notes or trim your own messages down to just the key points.Read more: Proofread, Edit and More With Apple Intelligence Writing ToolsFor more on iOS 18, here's what you need to know aboutiOS 18.3.1andiOS 18.3. You can also check out ouriOS 18 cheat sheet. Watch this: The MacBook Air Detail That Blew Me Away 05:11

Generative AI tools are replacing some of the tasks that have historically been the purview of entry-level employees learning their way around at the start of a career. That doesn't have to mean those jobs go away, a human resources leader for one large tech company told an audience at South by Southwest on Monday."I think we have to think differently about what those entry-level jobs are," said Nickle LaMoreaux, chief human resources officer at IBM.Artificial intelligence is a big topic at SXSW here in Austin, Texas, this week, including conversations around accountability, creativity, trust and the use of synthetic data. A glimpse at the SXSW program shows all the ways this technology might one day seep into our lives, if it hasn't already.One big way: AI is changing our jobs, and it's changing the way we get those jobs. LaMoreaux said companies will have to look for different qualities in employees -- the ones you can't find in a machine.AI as a hiring manager?LaMoreaux said many companies are already using AI to screen resumes or otherwise filter job candidates, but IBM doesn't. The decision depends on how comfortable the company is with using a tool for that purpose and whether it fits that company's culture and goals. The goal is to use these tools to reduce bias, but sometimes, they can reinforce or amplify it, she said.IBM, she said, is a "skills-first" company, meaning they focus on the technical skills of a candidate rather than where those skills came from. LaMoreaux said she worries an algorithm would reject candidates who come from non-traditional backgrounds, but who possess the skills to do the jobs.The big way AI is going to change the hiring process for your next job is how it's going to affect what skills the company will look for. The job itself will change."I actually think you're going to see selection methodologies to try to get at this uniquely human part of talent acquisition," LaMoreaux said.One thing you shouldn't expect: The idea that you'll be applying for jobs alongside your "digital twin" AI agent. Those agents will likely be developed by your employer to handle the work of that employer -- and one company isn't going to let you walk with all of that information to a competitor or another business."If you left a job, it's not going to go with you to the next job," LaMoreaux said. "It will be fit for purpose for that role."Focus on human skillsIf LinkedIn influencers are to be believed, the hot new job to evolve in the past few years is a generative AI prompt engineer, someone with expertise in getting an AI model to produce the best outputs. But LaMoreaux said AI tools are quickly becoming so user-friendly that prompt engineering isn't as crucial as it once seemed to be. "'Prompt engineer' is the same thing as an 'email drafter,'" she said.The future workforce will need more workers who have domain expertise: People who can look at the output of an AI model and identify what works and what doesn't, what's correct and what isn't. That domain expertise will also help with decision-making ability beyond what a machine can capably handle."With AI and generative AI, domain expertise becomes more important, not less important," LaMoreaux said.Judgment and communication -- the ability to make the right decision and to explain that decision effectively -- will become the most important skills employers look for, she said.The new entry-level jobLaMoreaux expects AI tools will handle some of the more rudimentary work, but they can't handle everything. They will make employees more productive by cutting down on lower-level work, but humans will still be needed to handle high-level decision-making work."Think about it like email or mobile phones or the internet," she said. "AI is a tool. AI is a platform. Every job has been transformed by that."If digital tools take over more work that had been handled by workers who were learning their jobs and building their experience, how are those workers supposed to learn the skills needed to perform at a higher level?Employers need to rethink the role of workers who are just starting out, LaMoreaux said. Those jobs need to focus specifically on cultivating the skills to do the things an AI can't, including solving complex problems and making complicated decisions."When I say AI is transforming all jobs, I'm talking about total work redesign," she said. If employers don't take a hard look at how to change their entry-level roles to support employees' growth, that could lead to a scenario where a generation of workers won't pick up the skills they need to do the jobs that are available.

SAG-AFTRA actors' strike set to continue, as union warns of "alarming loopholes" for "AI abuse" in latest proposal"They are hoping our members will turn on each other."Image credit: SAG-AFTRA News by Ed Nightingale Deputy News Editor Published on March 12, 2025 The SAG-AFTRA actors' strike is set to continue, as the union behind the walkout warned of "alarming loopholes" allowing for "AI abuse" in the latest proposal to end the industrial action, suggesting a deal is still far from close.Actors from the US union have been on strike since July last year, as the union negotiates with various video game companies on the Interactive Media Agreement. The biggest sticking point is protecting actors from AI abuse.In a message sent to members last night and shared with Eurogamer, SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and chair of the Interactive Media Negotiating Committee Sarah Elmaleh provided an update on why the strike remains in effect.Xbox currently has more first-party games coming to PlayStation 5 this year than Sony.Watch on YouTube"Though progress has been made and agreements have been reached on certain provisions since we launched our strike last year, the last proposal the bargaining group made is still filled with alarming loopholes that will leave our members vulnerable to AI abuse," the message reads."The union recently submitted a counter to this proposal that diligently addresses all of the loopholes and would result in a contract that offers the minimum protections our members need in order to maintain sustainable careers as video game performers."The bargaining group would have you believe that we are close to reaching a deal. This is not the case. They also are hoping our members will turn on each other."The pair claim video game producers want to use all past performances, and any from outside the contract, without protections. It means actors could be told nothing about their voice being used as AI, offered nothing in payment, and left without a method to dispute it. Further, it's claimed producers want to use an AI replica to continue an actor's work during a future strike. And if consent is given to AI, producers can refuse to tell performers how it's been used.However, SAG-AFTRA has created an interim agreement, which has been signed by the producers of over 160 games. The pair claim earnings from these projects exceed that of non-struck games."Those agreements contain the protections we have been asking the bargaining group for - terms that are clearly feasible and acceptable to a great number of game companies of all sizes, even as the bargaining companies resist," reads the message.What's more, while the strike is ongoing, employers are seeking other performers "they can exploit to fill those roles". The union urges performers to "seriously consider the consequences", not only in undermining the strike but opening performers to AI misuse.Earlier this month, members of the union held a strike picket outside WB Games in LA, as reported by Variety.Striking actors included Spider-Man voice actor Yuri Lowenthal. "It boils down to three things for me," he told Variety."One is consent that you don't use the data that you've recorded from us to manufacture a performance that we had no say over. Two, compensation: if you're going to do something like that, then we deserve a piece of that. Otherwise, actors won't get paid anymore, and it's all over for us. And three: control, being able to track that sort of stuff and know where it's going."SAG-AFTRA's next strike picket will be on 18th March at Disney Character Voices in Burbank.At the start of the year, Mass Effect voice actor Jennifer Hale spoke to Eurogamer about why the strike remains ongoing."It's a huge issue for all of us and the repercussions are vast," she said. "So to me, it makes sense that everyone needs to take their time. As performers - and we saw this in the writers strike and the theatrical contract strike - we're just the canary in the coal mine."

Former Ubisoft execs stand trial in France, accused of harassmentFresh details surface on bosses who left company in 2020.Image credit: Ubisoft News by Tom Phillips Editor-in-Chief Published on March 12, 2025 Three top Ubisoft employees have appeared in a French court, accused of harassing employees before their departure from the company almost five years ago.The trio includes Serge Hascoet, Ubisoft's previous chief creative officer and right-hand man to company boss Yves Guillemot, plus the former VP of editorial and creative services Tommy Francois, and Guillaume Patrux, a game designer and director.All three deny sexually and psychologically harassing and humiliating employees during their tenures at the company, up until they resigned or were dismissed in 2020.Details discussed during the court appearance this week (thanks, France24) include accusations of racist comments and behaviour by Hascoet, who allegedly asked a Muslim employee if she agreed with the Islamic State terrorist group in the wake of the 2015 Paris terrorist attack. It's alleged that the same staff member had their computer desktop wallpaper changed to that of bacon, and had food placed on their desk during the fasting month of Ramadan.A string of allegations concerning Francois includes him having regularly watched porn in the company's open-plan office, kissing colleagues, and remarking on their appearance by calling them "ugly" or a "slut". Francois specifically is accused of sexual assault for allegedly forcing himself on a young employee during a Christmas party. He also allegedly forced a young employee to perform a headstand while wearing a skirt.Patrux, meanwhile, stands accused of psychological harassment.The trial has now been adjourned until 2nd June after lawyers complained they had not been given long enough with the case's documentation.Eurogamer has contacted Ubisoft for comment.

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 hereStalker 2 developer GSC Game World has reaffirmed its promise to bring more accessible mod support to the survival game claiming that the modding community has played a huge role in shaping the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe. Speaking exclusively to VideoGamer, a GSC Game World spokesperson said the studio appreciates the passion from the community and are deeply grateful for their contributions to the game. Modders have played a huge role in shaping the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe, adding their own stories to it, they said. Weve always valued this passion from our community, and were deeply grateful for their contributions.At the time of writing, there are pages and pages of mods for S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 on Nexus Mods. These range from more subtle overhauls to the user interface, to more drastic reshades, gameplay changes and adjustments to the games A-Life system. The good news for the community is that GSC are working hard on their promise to make bringing mods to the game even easier.Weve always valued this passion from our community, and were deeply grateful for their contributions.GSC Game WorldWe really want to see mods keep coming in the future. Thats why Legends of the Zone Trilogy supports mods through mod.io on consoles, they said. We also promised more accessible and intuitive mod support for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and were going to keep that promise too. Stay tuned for updates.When S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2 launched last year, a number of bugs and broken systems distracted from the beautifully-created world, something we noted in our Stalker 2 review. However, the modding community immediately took it upon themselves to bein repairing the game. One more notable fix was regarding the games broken A-Life system, a mechanic that is meant to create organic interactions between NPCs that wasnt working as intended. Since then, hundreds of mods have appeared, many targeting performance and visual improvements for a game that is particularly resource heavy. Interestingly, GSC revealed that when it comes to optimisations, developing for console actually helped with the overall processs. Optimizing for consoles, including the Xbox Series S, has really helped with optimization overall, they said. Working on the console versions involved a lot of specific, targeted processes, tested over and over until they proved effective. We also got a ton of help from the Xbox team and their technical expertstheyre the ones who know the hardware and its optimization nuances so well, sometimes better than anyone else. Were incredibly grateful for their support, patience, and advice.S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of ChornobylPlatform(s):PC, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Adventure, RPG, Shooter, Survival HorrorSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

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 here Its becoming more common that Marvel Rivals are constantly changing things around with its hero meta that makes several adjustments to its stacked roster of 37 characters. Players have already started showing their frustrations since the previous update, which buffed Storm and also made significant changes to dive heroes like Wolverine and Iron Fist.However, in a surprise patch due this week on March 13, 2025, NetEase is again shifting the meta around by buffing certain heroes with a widespread adjustments fix. If youre on the lookout for whether your favorite hero is affected by this patch or not, check out the full list of every nerf and buff coming here.All Marvel Rivals hero nerfs and buffs coming in March 13 updateThree heroes have received buffs with the latest update. Image by VideoGamer.Buffed CharactersHuman TorchThe fiery hero is getting a boost to his primary attack damage output and Ultimate Ability, enhancing his solo takedown potential.Increase Fire Cluster projectile speed from 120m/s to 150m/s and projectile count from 12 to 14.Increase the energy cost of Supernova (ultimate ability) from 3400 to 4000; Increase activation wave damage from 70 to 80 and Flame Tornado damage from 100 per/s to 120 per/s.Iron ManThe Armored Avenger will see slight adjustments to his primary attack in both states, balancing his mid-range offensive capabilities.Decrease Repulsor Blast stage 1 and 2 direct hit damage from 55 to 40; Increase spell field damage from 35 to 50. Decrease stage 3 direct hit damage from 65 to 50; Increase spell field damage from 40 to 60.Decrease Repulsor Blast (Armor Overdrive)direct hit damage decreased from 55 to 50; Increase spell field damage from 55 to 65.Cloak and DaggerThe duality duo will see improvements in their healing abilities, making them more versatile for various team compositions.Increase the healing effect fromLightforce Daggeron hit allies from 10 to 16; Reduce the spell field healing amount generated by the hit from 18 to 16.Nerfs and hero bug fixesWhile there arent any heroes nerfed with this update, NetEase has planned bug fixes and several issues with a stack of Marvel Rivals heroes. Check out each hero fix below:Lokis Deathly Illusions: Resolved an issue where Lokis Ultimate Ability transformation could sometimes cause incorrect camera angles during Past Lives replays. The God of Mischief can now enjoy his dramatic exits without a hitch!The Things Battlefield Blues: Fixed a discrepancy in the speed of the Embattled Leap across different player views under poor network conditions. No more inconsistenciesBen Grimm is back to leaping at normal speed!Venoms Aerial Anomaly: Addressed a bug where Venom could occasionally get stuck in mid-air after using his Ultimate Ability under poor network conditions. Now, hell burrow underground with style instead of hanging around like a confused symbiote!Peni Parkers Perdu Predicament: Fixed an issue where Penis Arachno-Mines would become invisible when brushing over Cyber-Webs but landing outside of them. Now, her traps beyond webs remain visible, ensuring enemies are aware of the sticky situation!Penis Spiders Sneaky Escape: Resolved an issue where the self-destructing Spider-Drones from Peni Parkers Bionic Spider-Nest would penetrate the floor to seek out foes when webs were present above and below. Now, these little guys know their placeno more sneaky escapes!Spit vs Sea: Fixed a rare issue where if Namor unleashed his Ultimate Ability while still in the air after being spat out from Jeff the Land Sharks Ultimate Ability, there was a small chance that it would do no damage.Buckys Reload Rumble: Resolved a bug where the Winter Soldiers Tainted Voltage automatic reload could fail to trigger after firing and immediately using his Troopers Fist ability. Buckys firepower is now as relentless as his mission for justice!Hand Hook Confusion: Fixed an issue where if the Winter Soldier used Bionic Hook during the slow-motion match over moment, it could cause abnormal arm model display in the next round. Now, Buckys got his lookand his lethal armback on point!Wolverines Claw Coordination: Resolved a rare discrepancy between his animation and effects when Wolverine executed the dive of his Ultimate Ability from the highest point. Now, when Logan strikes, its as precise and impactful as his adamantium claws!For more Marvel Rivals, check out the latest Twitch Drops that grant free skin in the game, and howSeason 2 is shaping upto be.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterRelated TopicsMarvel Rivals Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share