Destiny 2 developer Bungie is once again battling accusations of plagiarism after yet another artist accused the studio of "lifting" aspects of their artwork, this time for its upcoming sci-fi shooter, Marathon.After numerous artists and a writer came forward claiming Bungie used their work without authorization or credit, yet another artist is claiming their work was used in the environments of Marathon. In screenshots taken from Marathon's alpha playtest accompanying the tweet, artist Antireal alleged they could see distinct icons and graphics they designed, some of which were originally shared on social media years ago in 2017."Bungie is, of course, not obligated to hire me when making a game that draws overwhelmingly from the same design language I have refined for the last decade, but clearly my work was good enough to pillage for ideas and plaster all over their game without pay or attribution," the artist wrote in a statement posted to X/Twitter."I don't have the resources nor the energy to spare to pursue this legally but I have lost count of the number of times a major company has deemed it easier to pay a designer to imitate or steal my work than to write me an email. In 10 years, I have never made a consistent income from this work and I am tired of designers from huge companies moodboarding and parasitising my designs while I struggle to make a living."Bungie responded within hours. Though it did not publicly apologize, it said it had now launched an investigation, attributing the "issue" to a former Bungie artist, and reached out to the artist concerned.Play"We immediately investigated a concern regarding unauthorized use of artist decals in Marathon and confirmed that a former Bungie artist included these in a texture sheet that was ultimately used in-game," the team said in a statement. "This issue was unknown by our existing art team, and we are still reviewing how this oversight occurred."We take matters like this very seriously. We have reached out to [the artist] to discuss this issue and are committed to do right by the artist. As a matter of policy, we do not use the work of artists without their permission."To prevent similar issues in the future, we are conducting a thorough review of our in-game assets, specifically those done by the former Bungie artist, and implementing stricter checks to document all artist contributions. We value the creativity and dedication of all artists who contribute to our games, and we are committed to doing right by them. Thank you for bringing this to our attention."This is not the first time Bungie has been accused of lifting ideas from elsewhere. In October, the studio was slapped with a lawsuit after a writer claimed the studio stole plot elements from his story and used them for content in Destiny 2's 2017 storyline, The Red War. Bungie recently tried to get the lawsuit dismissed but a judge denied the request as Bungie scrambled to provide evidence having since "vaulted" the content so it is no longer publicly playable.Just weeks before that lawsuit was filed, Bungie launched a different investigation to ascertain how a NERF gun based on Destiny 2's iconic Ace of Spades was lifted almost wholesale from fanart designed back in 2015, including every brush stroke, scratch, and smudge on the weapon.Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn More LangChain, one of the leaders in the AI framework and orchestration space, plans to remain committed to the open source ecosystem, particularly as it reinforces its vendor-agnostic stance.  Harrison Chase, Langchain co-founder and CEO, told VentureBeat that the success of its different platforms can be attributed to developers demanding model choice and not staying in a closed provider.  “The power of the LangChain framework is in its integrations and the ecosystem,” Chase said. “The scale of the ecosystem is enormous, and much of that is made possible by the framework being open source.” Chase said LangChain downloads reached 72.3 million last month, compared to competitors like OpenAI’s Agents SDK. He added that the LangChain Python and JS frameworks “have 4,500 contributors, that’s more contributors than Spark.” LangChain, founded in 2022, has grown beyond its initial framework, which helped developers build AI applications. In February last year, it released the testing and evaluation platform LangSmith, a second framework called LangGraph and LangGraph Platform to help deploy autonomous agents.  LangChain remained open source and agnostic to vendors and models throughout its growth. For example, it’s partnered with multiple companies, like Google and Cisco, around agent interoperability. As enterprises began experimenting with AI agents, Chase said LangChain saw an opportunity to offer deployment options that considered developer choices. “Over the past year and a half or so, more and more enterprises and companies are just looking to go into production. So we matured all of our offerings, not just the open source LangChain, but all of our offerings collectively as a company to meet that demand and make it as easy as possible to build agentic applications,” he said.  LangGraph Platform extends open-source offerings One of LangChain’s new open-source platforms is the LangGraph Platform, which became generally available this week. The LangGraph Platform lets developers manage and begin deploying long-lasting or stateful agents. These agents build on what Chase calls “ambient agents,” or agents that work in the background and are triggered by certain events.  “We’ve tried to focus a lot on some of the harder infrastructure problems that surround these agents,” Chase said. “LangGraph is good for long-running stateful agents, so if you’re deploying a simple application, you don’t want to use LangGraph Platform.” He added that the company wants to bet big on ambient or long-running agents, finding this more independent, autonomous agent a more interesting infrastructure challenge.  Through the LangGraph Platform, organizations can deploy agents with one-click deployment, horizontal scaling to handle “bursty, long-running traffic,” a persistence layer to support agentic memory, API endpoints for customization and native access to LangGraph Studio to debug any agents.  Organizations might find themselves bringing more and more agents online. LangGraph Platform includes a management console that lays out all the agents currently deployed and lets users find agents, reuse common agent architectures and create multi-agent architectures.” “One of the big benefits of LangGraph is that it gives the builder of the agent full control over the cognitive architecture. If there’s an [large language model] LLM action that must be done right, a good tool you have to enforce quality is to create an in-the-loop evaluation directly in your LangGraph app,” Chase said.  Chase added that with LangGraph, developers can access “a good orchestration framework” to build agents and bring these reliable agents into LangGraph Platform for deployment.  During the best test, Chase said over 370 teams used LangGraph Platform. LangChain offers three tiers to use LangGraph Platform, with pricing dependent on how developers plan to host the service.  The broader LangChain open-source ecosystem For Chase, one of LangChain’s strengths is its ability to create an entire application and agent development ecosystem.  LangSmith, the company’s testing and observability platform, works with LangGraph and LangGraph Platform to track agent metrics. Since many agents built and run with LangGraph Platform are longer-running, enterprises need to check whether they continue to perform to specifications constantly.  Chase boasted that LangGraph “is the most widely adopted agent framework” and claimed it’s downloaded more than AutoGen from Microsoft and the CrewAI agentic platform, once again citing the open-source value for its success. “LangGraph is most often selected by teams that need to build end-user facing or highly trafficked agents (LinkedIn, Uber, GitLab) – the reason is that you won’t scale off of LangGraph because it’s very low-level and controllable, which is needed for reliable agents. CrewAI and Autogen are often used because they have a less steep learning curve – these frameworks make more decisions for the user, so you’re trading ease of adoption for power,” he said. Daily insights on business use cases with VB Daily If you want to impress your boss, VB Daily has you covered. We give you the inside scoop on what companies are doing with generative AI, from regulatory shifts to practical deployments, so you can share insights for maximum ROI. Read our Privacy Policy Thanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here. An error occured.

G.ao House by 85 Design sits quietly in Hòa Hải, Vietnam, blending seamlessly with the tropical surroundings. This project goes beyond providing just a home or office. It represents a move toward more sustainable architecture in Vietnam, showing how even small buildings can make a difference. The design serves as both a residence and a workspace, making it practical for modern living. Through careful selection of materials and thoughtful energy use, G.ao House addresses the realities of the climate crisis. Its approach highlights how smart, sustainable choices can be integrated into everyday spaces, setting an example for future projects that aim to balance comfort, functionality, and environmental responsibility in a compact urban setting. Designer: 85 Design G.ao House uses a prefabricated steel frame, chosen for its efficient assembly and recyclability. This construction method keeps waste low and allows the building to adapt as needs change over time. By minimizing the building’s footprint, the designers created more space for gardens, improving airflow and letting in natural light. The integration of a rooftop solar array supplies the house with over 11,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year. Smart management systems further optimize how energy is used and stored, making the setup both practical and efficient. This approach ensures the home remains flexible, sustainable, and comfortable, reflecting a thoughtful balance between modern living and environmental care. 85 Design arranged the G.ao House to connect indoor and outdoor spaces across two main floors and an attic. The front garden features water elements and reclaimed stone, referencing the site’s original construction and adding unique texture while minimizing waste. On the ground floor, a relaxed dining bar welcomes the office community, while the upper floors combine private and shared areas with flexible layouts. The design includes a double-height void, a balcony with a cascading waterfall, and a glass fish tank, all of which enhance the sensory experience throughout the home. These thoughtful details help create a dynamic environment that feels open, inviting, and closely tied to its natural surroundings. G.ao House extends its eco-friendly approach with a green wall that runs from the ground to the roof, helping to improve air quality and regulate indoor temperatures year-round. The attic offers wide views and features adjustable roof elements to respond to changing weather. On the roof, solar panels and systems for cooling and water storage are neatly integrated, supporting the home’s efficient, low-impact design. This house is designed to do more than provide shelter. Its energy and water systems cut fossil fuel use by up to 80 percent and prevent over 8.5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Over time, these savings are similar to planting thousands of trees, making the house a meaningful part of a broader environmental effort. The post This Sustainable Home & Office Model Sets A New Standard For Eco-Friendly Urban Living In Vietnam first appeared on Yanko Design.

TikTok is launching in-app guided meditation and other well-being features aimed at young users, amid concerns about the platforms impacts on mental health.

Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones were launched on Thursday. They replace the existing WH-1000XM5 as the Japanese electronics brand's flagship-level headphones and are powered by a new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3. As per Sony, it is up to seven times faster than the previous model and leverages 12 microphones for delivering more precise noise cancellation. The headphones come with LDAC codec support for high-resolution audio streaming along with 360 Spatial Sound technology.Sony WH-1000XM6 Price, AvailabilitySony WH-1000XM6 are priced at $449.99 (roughly Rs. 38,400) in the US and CAD 599.99 (roughly Rs. 51,200) in Canada. They are offered in Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue colourways.The headphones will be available for purchase via Sony.com, Best Buy, Amazon, and other authorised dealers. There is no information about their India availability yet.Sony WH-1000XM6 SpecificationsThe Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless ANC headphones are the successor to the WH-1000XM5, and are said to bring improved ANC and sound quality. They are powered by Sony HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 that is said to offer better performance across the board. Sony claims the WH-1000XM6 was created in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers at three top recording studios in the industry — Sterling Sound, Battery Studios, and Coast Mastering — for delivering a superior auditory experience.As per the company, the new WH-1000XM6 headphones leverage 12 microphones which adapt the noise cancellation more precisely to your wearing situation and environment. They have a carbon fiber composite material dome and uniquely developed voice coil structure which reproduces subtleties in every frequency. Courtesy of the LDAC codec, the Sony headphones support High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless. Additionally, Edge-AI and DSEE Extreme upscale compressed digital music files in real time to restore the sound lost in compression.One of the standout new features on the Sony WH-1000XM6 is scene-based listening. It is said to leverage sensing technology to automatically play music based on the user activity and adjust noise cancellation levels in line with their environment and location. As per Sony, this feature, along with quick access, can connect to music streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music.For connectivity, the Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless ANC headphones use Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth LE (low energy) Audio, along with support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. They also have multipoint connectivity and auto switch for switching between devices. The headphones have an improved design with a soft fit wider headband featuring synthetic leather that is claimed to ensure a pressure-free fit.Similar to the previous models, the headphones employ a combination of button and touch controls, with the latter placed in the ear up. They work in tandem with the Sony Sound Connect app which can be used to adjust settings and fine-tune the listening experience. It enables features such as 360 Reality Audio, hear-through mode, and native hands-free support for Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistant.Sony claims battery life of up to 30 hours per charge (ANC enabled) on the WH-1000XM6, which is similar to the previous model. There's also quick charge functionality that is said to juice up the headphones to deliver three hours of listening time with just three minutes of charge. They also support simultaneous charge and listen. REVIEWKEY SPECSNEWSDesign / ComfortAudio QualityBattery LifeValue For MoneyGoodLooks good, comfortable fit Very good app and features Detailed, well-tuned, flexible sound Impressive active noise cancellation Excellent battery lifeBadA bit expensive Does not fold fully, less portableRead detailed Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones reviewColour BlackHeadphone Type Over-EarMicrophone YesConnectivity WirelessType HeadphonesMore Sony Headphones & Headset For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Further reading: Sony WH-1000XM6, Sony WH-1000XM6 Price, Sony WH-1000XM6 Specifications, Sony WH-1000XM5, Sony, headphones Shaurya Tomer Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More Related Stories

The Canopy Pavilion by the Canal / AESEU Architectural Technology and Art studioSave this picture!© Timeraw StudioCommunity Center•Tai Xing Shi, China Architects: AESEU Architectural Technology and Art studio Area Area of this architecture project Area:  2400 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2024 Photographs Photographs:Timeraw Studio More SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Urban Regeneration by the Canal - Taixing, situated in the south-central region of Jiangsu Province, stands as the convergence of Huai and Wu cultures. Established in the first year of Shengyuan during the Southern Tang Dynasty, it is a millennium-old city with a rich history. Historically, Taixing County was characterized by an intricate network of waterways, thriving alongside and in harmony with the water, and its fortified walls were constructed in the shape of a turtle's shell. Encircling the city were two moats, both inside and outside the walls, with several winding watercourses resembling snakes in between, forming a pattern reminiscent of the Black Tortoise and White Snake, commonly known as the " City laid out in the shape of a turtle and snake." In recent times, with the city's growth, a new urban layout gradually emerged to the north and east of the old city, intersected by the Rutai Canal and Qiangxi River. Notably, the Rutai Canal, linking the Yangtze River in the west and the Yellow Sea in the east, has served as a pivotal regional waterway spanning Rugao and Taixing since ancient times.Save this picture!In 2023, Taixing City embarked on the "Double Water Nourishing City" supporting facilities project, utilizing the Rutai Canal and Qiangxi River as the foundation. The project involves renovating the disorganized factories, wharves, and shacks along the rivers to create a riverside scenic zone for leisure activities. This scenic zone encompasses numerous cultural squares, parks, and small ancillary garden buildings. The question arises: how can these unused buildings be put to good use? On the one hand, they can enhance services for citizens' riverside leisure activities; on the other hand, the operational revenue generated can alleviate the maintenance costs of public green spaces. This represents the trend towards operational management of urban assets against the backdrop of urban renewal. Consequently, Taixing City has decided to revamp and repurpose six idle ancillary buildings scattered along the parks by the two rivers, endowing them with commercial attributes to leverage their footfall-drawing potential and infuse more vitality into the riverside scenic zone.Save this picture!The value of architectural assets and waterside living - In the northwest direction of the north gate of the old county town, there lies a junction formed by the Rutai Canal and other waterways. Following partial rerouting of the canal in modern times, the construction of urban highway bridges in the vicinity and the development of high-rise residential areas have enclosed this area, transforming it into a relatively spacious waterfront spot within the community. The site features a children's playground beloved by residents, making it a must-visit destination for citizens taking strolls and engaging in fitness activities along the Rutai Canal.Save this picture!The site originally housed two independent two-story buildings with concrete frame structures. One building features a V-shaped floor plan, while the other boasts a zigzag floor plan. Together, these two buildings, along with the river channel, enclose an approximately triangular plot of land. To address the elevation differences within the site, stairs and flower beds have been incorporated into the current design.Save this picture!At the onset of designing this project, the owner's requirement was to impart operational capabilities to these idle urban assets. Often, this is mistakenly interpreted in isolation as necessitating a "tailor-made" design based solely on operational demands. The business needs appear to be prioritized in the design brief, with a tendency to conflate building renovation and interior refurbishment, which represents an all-too-common shortcut in urban renewal. Building renewal constitutes a vital component of urban revitalization: it aids in realigning the site's traffic and spatial connections with the city through renovation and reconstruction, and employs functional integration to reintegrate the building into the city's fabric. Additionally, renovation extends the lifecycle of buildings and enhances their adaptability to a broader range of business types. Furthermore, it delves deeper into the site's unique attributes and leverages them to boost the building's appeal.Save this picture!To capture the cultural and geographical essence of a site, one must revert to the perspective of the city. In this water-laden town, water serves not merely as a geographical feature but also as a cultural emblem deeply ingrained in the fabric of daily life. The teahouses lining the canal bustle with activity, offering a pot of tea, a plate of steamed silken tofu, a basket of steamed pork buns, and a bowl of fish noodle soup. Old tea enthusiasts wander over to the riverside teahouses with their enamel mugs, where the aroma of steaming Xuanbao small wontons blends with the sesame fragrance of Huangqiao sesame cakes, wafting towards the river's heart. They sip on "Langli tea" brewed with canal water while watching barges glide by, leaving ripples in their wake. These are taste memories nurtured by the canal.The clanging of washing sticks at the riverbank, the tapping of chess pieces under the eaves of riverside houses; children leaning over railings to count passing sandboats, morning joggers' silhouettes mirrored in the shimmering waves, elderly couples taking a stroll and pausing at the flood embankment, pointing to the newly erected buildings across the river and reminiscing about the ferry pier of yesteryears. These scenes and people collectively paint a unique and vibrant picture of life along the waterfront in Taixing.Hence, the primary objective of renovating this site is to honor and perpetuate this vibrant atmosphere, providing a comfortable and inviting environment for people to linger and gather. By fostering conditions conducive to meeting the diverse needs of citizens, the potential value of the architecture can be fully realized.Save this picture!Revitalization strategy - With these considerations in mind, let's revisit the original site and buildings. Serving as administrative offices, each building boasts a modest area and features just one staircase inside. The elaborate decoration of the building facades actually obstructs the indoor view of the canal. The outdoor area between the two buildings, segmented by varying heights, struggles to serve as an effective venue for events. These are the aspects of the buildings that necessitate renovation and upgrading.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!More crucially, the site requires a powerful spatial configuration to redefine and distinguish this area, establishing it as a significant destination along the riverside scenic corridor. We define this spatial configuration as a prominent, large-scale open area, aimed at strengthening the connectivity between the site and the public spaces of adjacent blocks. By analyzing the types of traditional public spaces along the canal, we discovered that the awning form exhibits strong applicability. Both the boat awning and the market awning on the shore exhibit a form that is both sheltered and open. This convenient and easily maintainable semi-outdoor public space can effectively adapt to the complex surrounding environment, while encouraging the emergence of temporary and diverse public activities. It is a common spatial outcome nurtured by canal culture. Furthermore, utilizing the roofs of existing buildings to create more platforms that offer both accessibility and river views is undoubtedly a morphological projection of the site's characteristics onto the architectural form, and also facilitates the creation of favorable conditions for shaping outdoor commercial spaces.Save this picture!The final design employs a large canopy to complement the originally fragmented site. This canopy extends over the triangular site and portions of the V-shaped building's rooftop, creating a flat and expansive area between the two structures, akin to a waterfront urban stage. The height difference of the site is seamlessly integrated into the surrounding stepped seating areas. The V-shaped building's rooftop achieves a more direct connection to the ground through the addition of stairs and setback terraces. Likewise, the newly added columnar staircase adjacent to the building on the northern side of the site becomes a dynamic element in the space, directing individuals to the rooftop platform of the L-shaped building. Besides providing a vast shaded area for activities, the canopy alleviates the oppressive feeling imparted by the surrounding dense high-rise residential buildings. As people move under the canopy, their gaze is directed towards the canal and the ships navigating through it, restoring the appropriate scale of waterside life. The concave shape in the middle of the canopy collects rainwater from the rooftop and directs it to a reserved oval drain below through a cantilevered stainless steel spout, creating a "dragon spitting water" landscape.Save this picture!Technical measures - After assessing the concrete frame structure of the existing building, structural reinforcement was carried out on the foundation, beams, slabs, and columns. Transparent peripheral protective structures, such as glass curtain walls, were reintroduced. The horizontally extended white aluminum panels suggest a layered, accessible roof that steps back progressively. For the large canopy spanning approximately 1,000 square meters, a combination of curved grid glued bamboo-steel structure and membrane structure was selected through technical comparison. The basic configuration of the roof consists of several full-length square steel beams and V-shaped columns. The grid units composed of engineered bamboo members facilitate the creation of a gradual curved surface.Save this picture!Save this picture!The curved mesh glued bamboo-steel structure imbues this enclosed space with structural expression and illumination, emphasizing the openness and airiness of the structure to foster a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. This stands in contrast to the confined interior of buildings, suggesting the equitable use of public spaces and leveraging technical expression to promote community interaction and sharing.Save this picture!Community space - Benefiting from the maturity of the commercial and residential districts surrounding the project, as well as its strategic location adjacent to water, we defined the building as Taixing Teahouse—a venue that embodies the local morning tea culture of Taixing during the initial project planning stage. This decision was made after a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including project scale, surrounding traffic conditions, and potential impacts on nearby residents. Leveraging the separation of two buildings, we designated separate areas for the morning tea hall and private dining rooms. In the morning tea area, the middle section of the V-shaped layout serves as an open kitchen, showcasing the production of morning tea as an intangible cultural heritage.Upon completion, this revitalized venue has garnered immense popularity among Taixing residents. The riverside morning tea hall is often fully booked, while private dining rooms offering a panoramic view of the canal have become a favorite gathering spot for families and friends. The small plaza underneath the canopy is utilized by residents at various times of the day and has also hosted numerous cultural events in Taixing. Additionally, the semi-outdoor terrace on the second floor and the rooftop terrace on the third floor under the canopy have transformed into outdoor spaces for leisure bars. Evidently, the transformed space has transcended its original singular function, and its aesthetic appeal has been acknowledged through daily use by residents. It has emerged as a neighborhood hub in the contemporary waterfront living environment, seamlessly integrating culture, nature, and even spiritual and emotional sustenance.Save this picture!Conclusion - In the process of renewing urban idle buildings and neglected spaces leftover from the incremental development era, the approach of merely pursuing commercial value by forcibly integrating untimely commercial format often proves unsustainable. The crucial solution lies in reverting to the essence of the site, by examining the relationship between the architecture and the urban fabric, deeply exploring the site's potential, and reestablishing its public character. Only when the space genuinely transforms into a delightful venue for public interaction and fosters an organic connection with the city can commercial vitality naturally emerge. This incremental renewal strategy, which prioritizes public use over commercial gain, not only respects the natural evolution of urban spaces but also achieves a harmonious coexistence between public and commercial values. It stands to become a pivotal approach in urban renewal.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less Project locationAddress:Tai Xing Shi, ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this office MaterialsMaterials and TagsPublished on May 16, 2025Cite: "The Canopy Pavilion by the Canal / AESEU Architectural Technology and Art studio" 16 May 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030080/the-canopy-pavilion-by-the-canal-aeseu-architectural-technology-and-art-studio&gt ISSN 0719-8884

All game delays have their silver linings, and it looks like Grand Theft Auto VI's might just be the fact that it's given a lot of players more time to experience GTA V.Earlier today, Rockstar parent company Take-Two Interactive held its quarterly investor presentation, during which it revealed that the critically-acclaimed action-adventure game has now reached 215 million copies sold. Back in February, that number--while still extremely high--was around 210 million. This means that in the last three months, the 12-year-old game has sold a staggering five million additional copies. To put that into perspective, Monster Hunter Wilds is currently 2025's best-selling game and sits at about 10 million units sold after being released back in February. Though GTA V still has quite a ways to go if it wants to take down the top two best-selling video games of all time, this is still an incredibly impressive feat.This investor presentation marks the first one held by Take-Two Interactive since Grand Theft Auto VI's delay. Despite this setback, the company repeatedly emphasized its upcoming slate of games for 2025--Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country being the most notable--and the gaming industry's projected growth.Continue Reading at GameSpot

He did this to himself.Media Empire Fights BackElon Musk's social media company X-formerly-Twitter sued several major advertising brands last year, accusing them of conspiring to "collectively withhold billions of dollars in advertising."It's an easily debunked claim that flatly ignores the extremely hostile environment the mercurial CEO has created on the platform, with hate speech and disinformation running rampant.Now, advertisers singled out by Musk are ready to hit back and are asking a judge to dismiss Musk's lawsuit. As Business Insider reports, the companies accused the richest man in the world in a joint motion of trying to "win back the business X lost in the free market when it disrupted its own business and alienated many of its customers."Irresponsible MediaAdvertisers started running for the hills after Musk took over the platform in late 2022, bringing with him a groundswell of hate speech, misinformation, and racist rhetoric. The exodus, which has continued for years, left a major hole in the company's financials that were already in freefall following Musk's acquisition.Instead of acknowledging the sheer amount of damage he has done, Musk is accusing advertisers of colluding against him in the lawsuit, which he filed in August of last year.The prolonged legal fight turned ugly when the Global Alliance of Responsible Media (GARM), a World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) initiative, dissolved after Musk filed the complaint.The initiative was set up in 2019 to protect advertisers from exactly the kind of hurtful content that has flourished on X-formerly-Twitter, including child sex-abuse material, and displays of violence.But now, GARM members and non-GARM members alike have joined forces to reject Musk's accusations of a conspiracy, pointing out that they each had individually determined X was far too toxic to advertise on.The group also refuted the findings of a Republican-led investigation by the House Judiciary Committee that claimed its members colluded against the conservative-leaning media.In their latest finding, the WFA pointed out that advertisers' decision to stay clear of Musk's toxic platform fell under their First Amendment rights."Antitrust law protects competition," the filing reads. "It does not protect X from competition."Share This Article

Today, Apple announced that veteran actor Michael J. Fox will appear in a guest role in Season 3 of Apple TV+’s acclaimed comedy series Shrinking. A poignant guest for a poignant show The news marks Fox’s first on-camera performance since his “second retirement” in 2020, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, a condition he was diagnosed with in 1991 while filming Doc Hollywood. While there are no details on Fox’s character as of yet, his casting is particularly fitting, given that the show explores Parkinson’s disease through Harrison Ford’s character, Dr. Paul Rhoades. Fox’s involvement in Shrinking also reunites him with series co-creator Bill Lawrence, with whom he previously collaborated on the hit sitcom Spin City between 1996 and 2001. In fact, Lawrence has cited Fox as an inspiration for portraying the condition in an “inspiring rather than tragic” light. Fox’s return to acting comes after his Emmy-winning 2023 documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which was also released on Apple TV+. The documentary chronicled his career and journey with Parkinson’s disease. Season 3 of Shrinking will also feature other new guest stars , including Jeff Daniels, who will play Jimmy’s father, Sherry Cola, and Isabella Gomez. The series continues to follow therapist Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) as he navigates personal and professional challenges, with a cast that includes Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, Luke Tennie, and Michael Urie. There is no word yet on when fans can expect the series’ return, but Apple has already promised “big feelings” up ahead. Apple TV+ is available for $9.99 per month and features hit TV shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Studio, The Morning Show, and Silo. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel