To hear him tell it, veteran character actor Neal McDonough shocked his writing partners when he showed them the initial draft for his latest movie, The Last Rodeo. Where did this come from? his friends would ask. You write about Lee Marvin and tough guys. Those are your heroes! As much as it surprised the folks he knew, The Last Rodeo will feel quite familiar to anyone who knows McDonough from his many supporting roles. With his striking blue eyes and wide smile, McDonough’s become one of the most recognizable “that guys” in Hollywood, especially when he’s playing a tough one, whether that be Dum Dum Dugan in Captain America: The First Avenger or the terrifying criminal Quarles in Justified. On the surface, The Last Rodeo protagonist Joe Wainright falls in line with those guys. Written by McDonough, Derek Presley, and director Jon Avnet, The Last Rodeo follows McDonaugh’s former championship bull rider as he returns to the sport to earn money for his grandson’s surgery. In addition to the rust he’s gathered in his years away from the sport, Joe must also overcome the physical injury that drove him out of bull riding and the mental and emotional scars left by the sudden death of his beloved wife (McDonough’s real-life wife and co-producer, Ruvé McDonough), who succumbed to the same disease that now threatens his grandson. For McDonough this story of a man who will do anything for his family makes Joe stand out from his other more famous characters. And the idea came to him during a lonely moment after a shoot when a horrible but provocative thought popped into his head. “One day, I was driving home from work and I got gut-punched with the thought of what would become of me if something ever happened to Ruvé,” McDonough recalls to us. “I’m on the side of the highway in Arizona and the idea just came into my head, Rocky or Bull Durham for a grandpa who has to go back and save his grandson’s life because he’s dying of the same tumor that killed his wife. I just sat on the side of the road voice-dictating what I thought the script would be and I had the whole film, it just flew out of me.” Always open about his Catholic faith, McDonough’s quick to attribute the idea to divine inspiration (“I’m pretty smart, but I don’t think I’m that clever,” he quips). But he also admits that he made Joe a bull rider because he saw the sport as underrepresented in cinema. “I was looking for ideas because I love athletics. But when you get to a certain age, you can’t be the athlete anymore. You have to be the coach, and I was getting tired of being the coach. So I started asking, ‘Who’s the oldest rookie of the year?’ and ‘what’s an old story?'” McDonough remembers. He found his answer in bull riding, but the 59-year-old actor didn’t get to completely meld fiction and reality, at least when it came to Joe’s feats in the arena. “I wanted to be the guy on the bull all the time,” laughs McDonough. “I think everyone knows what a knucklehead I am when it comes to stunts and the physicality of acting in films. I love it. Being an athlete for so long, it’s just something that I always kind of told myself that I can still do, even at my age. But they would never let me get on an actual bull unless it was for a [single] shot. But let me tell you this, they beat the living tar out of me on those mechanical bulls for months and months, and they’re not easy. The amount of times I got smoked off of that thing and got bashed… riding a bull ain’t easy.” McDonough’s commitment to embodying characters isn’t a surprise to anyone familiar with his work. He puts Joe Wainright alongside Buck Compton from Band of Brothers and Wyatt Kane from Tin Man as his favorites to play precisely because of the depth he brings to them, even when they’re silent. While Joe retains a warmth in his taciturn nature, some of McDonough’s other characters felt menacing in their stillness, such as Dave Williams in Desperate Housewives or Damien Darhk in the CW Arrowverse. But that was a skill McDonough had to learn early on. “You almost need a Dramamine just to watch my early stuff,” he admits. “But then I started to pare it down and be as simple as possible in everything. I was watching what John Wayne would do. People don’t think of John Wayne as one of the greatest actors of all time, but he understood stoicism better than anyone. He’d take that breath before he’d say a line and really think about what he was about to say before saying the line, and then really hammering it out there. Kevin Costner’s great at that, Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, all those guys were great at listening to what’s going on. They’d take a second and say a line, not twenty lines.” As much as he admires those pillars of cinematic masculinity, McDonough also confesses that he initially saw himself as more of a comedian when he first came to Hollywood. Join our mailing list Get the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox! “When I did Walking Tall, I thought they were bringing me in for the Johnny Knoxville character. I had read the script and was all prepared, and went in thinking I was going to crush this. But they said ‘No, no, no—we want you to play the villain.” Given his love for Wayne and McQueen, it seems odd that McDonough would go out for a part that eventually went to Johnny Knoxville. But McDonough cites another legend as a major influence, one not known for his silence. “William Shatner as Captain Kirk, my favorite captain!” he declares. Shatner’s a fitting model, given that McDonough made his Hollywood feature debut on a Star Trek movie, albeit in Star Trek: First Contact, the first film without Shatner on set. But McDonough doesn’t look back on the experience with sadness, in part because of the way the Next Generation cast supported him as a young actor. “Patrick Stewart became such a paternal figure to me because he knew it was my first big movie,” McDonough recalls. “Jonathan Frakes, who also directed, took it upon himself to bust my nuggets every single day on set. They said, ‘Look, we only have you for a short amount of time. You’re about to die, you’re the red shirt guy. So we’re going to make fun of you all day long.” He adds with a chuckle, “I was sort of like the toy they got to play around with. And you know, I saw Frakes about a year ago and he was like, ‘Gosh, to see what you’ve become ever since then and what you’ve gone through in your personal life to get here is inspirational for all of us.’ Coming from Jonathan Frakes, who’s an incredible talent, that was a great compliment.” McDonough’s work on First Contact also meant that he got to participate in franchise events, some of which involved his hero, William Shatner. The first time he and Shatner were at an event, McDonough admitted that he turned down the chance to meet the legendary actor, worried that the reality wouldn’t live up to the hero in his mind. “Then Shatner came up right behind me and they rolled him up on a wheelchair because he was 90 years old at the time. And he stands up from the wheelchair and gives me a big hug. He tells me, ‘I know exactly who you are and I’ve been following your career and I think you’re terrific.’ And that was just amazing.” Of course since then McDonough’s got the chance to play some heroes himself, including one in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. McDonough has appeared several times as Dum Dum Dugan, a member of the Howling Commandos and an agent of SHIELD. Despite how well-received McDonough’s performances have been, and despite Dugan’s status as a fan favorite in the comics, he hasn’t been a regular in the MCU. “Every time I see Kevin Feige, I say, ‘What’s wrong with you? You’ve got one of the coolest characters and you don’t use him!'” jokes McDonough. “That’s the kind of character for me to play, a lughead from Boston who likes to have fun, but if there’s a fight to be had or someone messes with his family, watch out. I love that about Dum Dum, he’s tough as nails and all-American. C’mon, Kevin! Figure out how to bring Dum Dum back!” Whether or not Dum Dum Dugan will appear in Avengers: Doomsday remains to be seen, but until then, we know where we can find McDonough, playing the strong and silent type, whether that be aboard the USS Enterprise or holding tight to a bucking bull.

Sailor Moon fans can save on the stunning Naoko Takeuchi Collection Manga Box Set at Amazon. The six-volume collection is up for grabs for $59.72 (was $78) for a limited time. Published by Kodansha Comics last November, this collectible edition of the beloved manga is bundled with exclusive art cards and packaged in a premium display case.While picking up this deal, you'll also want to consider preordering the second set that completes the Naoko Takeuchi Collection ahead of its November 11 release. On the anime side, fans can save 50% or more on all three Sailor Moon Crystal Set Limited Edition releases. Sailor Moon: Naoko Takeuchi Collection - Manga Box Set 1 (6 Volumes) $59.72 (was $78) Sailor Moon: Naoko Takeuchi Collection Box Set 1 includes six oversized paperbacks totaling 2,144 pages. It comes in a holographic box with a fold-out door that's fitted with a magnetic enclosure.Along with Volumes 1-6 of Sailor Moon's Naoko Takeuchi Collection manga, this collectible box set comes with 16 art cards. See at Amazon Sailor Moon: Naoko Takeuchi Collection - Manga Box Set 2 (6 Volumes) $78 | Releases November 11 The Naoko Takeuchi Collection Manga Box Set 2 also comes with six paperback books. It concludes the Naoko Takeuchi Collection edition of Sailor Moon with Volumes 7-10. It also includes the two-volume Codename Sailor V prequel manga.Like the 2024 box set, this Sailor Moon manga collection will be packaged in a holographic display case with a magnetic enclosure. Inside the case, you'll find 16 art cards and exclusive stickers. The addition of the stickers might stem from the fact that this set is shorter than first one at 1,888 pages.The second Naoko Takeuchi Collection manga box set is up for preorder for $78 ahead of its November 11 release. With Amazon's preorder price guarantee, you'll automatically get the best price offered between the time you order and release. Plus, you won't be charged until Amazon actually ships your order.Note: Kodansha Comics hasn't released images of the second box set yet, but we'd expect it to match the first one. The image shown above is of the first set. Preorder at Amazon Continue Reading at GameSpot

While we know Naughty Dog is currently developing its next big single-player adventure Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, studio head Neil Druckmann casually mentioned Tuesday that the studio concurrently has another game in the works. Appearing on the Press X to Continue podcast, Druckmann said, “There’s another game that’s being worked on at Naughty Dog where I’m [in] more of a producer role and I get to mentor, and watch this other team, and give feedback and be like the executive in the room. I enjoy all those roles, and the fact that I jump from one to the next it makes my job very exciting and always feeling fresh. I’m never bored.” While Druckmann is credited as Creative Director on both The Last of Us games and Intergalactic, he seems be embracing a more hands-off role with this new project. Having multiple teams develop separate games alongside each other is nothing new for studios as large as Naughty Dog. It was recently working on a The Last of Us multiplayer game before that was cancelled in 2023. Perhaps Druckmann is overseeing the revival of one of the studio’s dormant franchises — Naughty Dog was known for the Crash Bandicoot and Jax and Dexter series before it pivoted its focus to The Last of Us and Uncharted. Speaking of which… could an Uncharted 5 be on the way? 2016’s Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End closed out Nathan Drake’s journey as a swashbuckling treasure hunter, though it kept the door open for more adventures through the introduction of his and Elena Fisher’s daughter, Cassie. Kaitlyn Dever portrayed Cassie in Uncharted 4’s epilogue and currently stars as Abby in season 2 of The Last of Us. A 2023 PS5 ad ignited speculation the Uncharted series was due to return. It featured live-action clips emulating Sony’s robust first-party lineup, and one Uncharted-like clip showed a young woman holding a torch and exploring a cave in search of some sort of artifact. Job listings at that time sought talent for a separate studio “co-developing an exciting new project with Naughty Dog in a beloved franchise” (via VGC), though it’s not confirmed if that “beloved franchise” is Uncharted or something else. We likely won’t know what Naughty Dog is working on for some time, if it gets formally revealed at all; remember, plenty of games get cancelled before the public even knew they existed.

The Chicago Sun-Times, a daily non-profit newspaper owned by Chicago Public Media, published a "summer reading list" featuring wholly fabricated books — the result of broadcasting unverified AI slop in its pages.An image of a "Summer reading list for 2025" was first shared to Instagram by a book podcaster who goes by Tina Books and was circulated on Bluesky by the novelist Rachael King. The newspaper's title and the date of the page's publication are visible in the page's header.The page was included in a 64-page "Best of Summer" feature, and as the author, Marco Buscaglia, told 404 Media, it was generated using AI."I do use AI for background at times but always check out the material first," Buscaglia told 404 Media. "This time, I did not and I can't believe I missed it because it's so obvious. No excuses.""On me 100 percent and I'm completely embarrassed," he added.At first glance, the list is unassuming."Whether you're lounging by the pool, relaxing on sandy shores or enjoying the longer daylight hours in your favorite reading spot," reads the list's introduction, "these 15 titles — new and old — promise to deliver the perfect summer escape."The book titles themselves are unassuming, too. The newspaper recommends titles like the ethereal-sounding "Tidewater Dreams," which it says was written by the Chilean-American novelist Isabel Allende; "The Last Algorithm," purported to be a new sci-fi thriller by Andy Weir; and "The Collector's Piece," said to be written by the writer Taylor Jenkins Reid about a "reclusive art collector and the journalist determined to uncover the truth behind his most controversial acquisition."But as we independently confirmed, though these authors are real and well-known, these books are entirely fake — as are several others listed on the page. Indeed: the first ten out of all fifteen titles listed in the Sun-Times list either don't exist at all, or the titles are real, but weren't written by the author that the Sun-Times attributes them to.Fabrications like made-up citations are commonplace in AI-generated content, and a known risk of using generative AI tools like ChatGPT.We reached out to the Sun-Times and its owner, Chicago Public Media, which notably also owns the beloved National Public Radio station WBEZ Chicago. In an email, a spokesperson emphasized that the content wasn't created or approved by the Sun-Times newsroom and that the paper was actively investigating."We are looking into how this made it into print as we speak," read the email. "This is licensed content that was not created by, or approved by, the Sun-Times newsroom, but it is unacceptable for any content we provide to our readers to be inaccurate. We value our readers' trust in our reporting and take this very seriously. More info will be provided soon as we investigate."This was echoed by Buscaglia, who told 404 Media that the content was created to be part of a "promotional special section" not specifically targeted to Chicago."It's supposed to be generic and national," Buscaglia told 4o4 Media. "We never get a list of where things ran."This wouldn't be the first time AI has been used to create third-party content and published without AI disclosures by journalistic institutions, as Futurism's investigation last year into AdVon Commerce revealed.Readers are understandably upset and demanding answers."How did the editors at the Sun-Times not catch this? Do they use AI consistently in their work?" reads a Reddit post to r/Chicago about the scandal.  "As a subscriber, I am livid!""What is the point of subscribing to a hard copy paper," the poster continued, "if they are just going to include AI slop too!?""I just feel an overwhelming sense of sadness this morning over this?" University of Minnesota Press editorial director Jason Weidemann wrote in a Bluesky post. "There are thousands of struggling writers out there who could write a brilliant summer reads feature and should be paid to do so.""Pay humans to do things for fuck's sake," he added.Updated with a statement from Chicago Public Media.More on AI and journalism: Scammers Stole the Website for Emerson College's Student Radio Station and Started Running It as a Zombie AI FarmShare This Article

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?Last week I was reading one of my favorite design newsletters, Cathy and Garrett of The Grit And Polish, a pair of old-home renovators in Washington state. Cathy was sharing about shopping for window treatments, specifically the designer-beloved Chik blinds, for a rental renovation project. When the estimated price for the blinds didn’t come in at budget, instead of giving up, Cathy employed what she’s coined, “The 90% Rule.” I’ll let her explain:“Garrett and I have found that getting from 90% to 100%, design-wise, can be very expensive,” says Cathy. “And more often than not, we’re just as satisfied with the lower cost option.”Cathy ended up sourcing bamboo rollup blinds that, while not an exact match to the Chik blinds, are close enough to get the desired look without significantly breaking the budget. Cathy admits that, like all of us, she occasionally splurges, but “most of the time 90% feels like the right compromise between good design and reasonable budget.” Armed with a new catch phrase, I spent the weekend thinking of all the times I’m thankful to have settled on a “pretty good is good enough” way of thinking.In the Living RoomEllen GodfreyThe living room of my 1914 Craftsman is bright and cheerful with coffered ceilings and an original coal-burning fireplace with an inky green tile surround. I knew I wanted to do something to highlight the green tile, so when my friend and designer, Ellen Godfrey introduced me to Trustworth’s “Hydrangea” wallpaper it was love at first sight. It’s a whimsical, floral pattern that has similar green tones to my tile paired with muted yellows and dusty pinks. But without the budget to afford a full-room wallpaper install, I opted to apply the 90% rule and only wallpaper the fireplace bump out instead. I saved thousands of dollars on both the wallpaper and the installation fees, and, thanks to the room being mostly windows and door, I got 90% of the way to the look I was after. Seven years later and I’m still so glad I didn’t wait until I could afford to wallpaper the entire room. For More on Wallpaper:In the KitchenBecky-Luigart StaynerBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingThe vision for my British-inspired kitchen renovation was always yellow, so nailing the perfect shade of warm sunshine was mission critical. Once my husband and I completed extensive swatch testing, lost a few nights of sleep, and polled a dozen of our most design-savvy friends it felt like a worthy splurge to go with our winner, Sudbury Yellow by Farrow & Ball instead of color-matching the yellow hue with a more affordable paint brand. However, another element on the vision board was a breakfast nook for our family of four to have a space to enjoy more casual meals and snacks together. With a tiny kitchen footprint that left no room for a built-in banquet and a budget that couldn’t handle more custom cabinetry, we once again decided to get 90% of the way there, opting for an antique pedestal table and a freestanding scalloped banquette-style bench upholstered in performance fabric. Again, we saved thousands of dollars in construction costs, and, in the end, got 90% of the way there in both form and function. For More on Kitchens & Breakfast Nooks:In the Kid’s RoomMaribeth Jones for Country LivingWhen our daughter Ruby was born we had to get serious about light control in the guest room that was getting twirled up into her nursery. The room has SEVEN windows. Seven! I think it was a sleeping porch in a past life, but I digress. I really wanted motorized linen shades from The Shade Store, like I’d seen in the beautiful Connecticut farmhouse of Debbie Propst. But with the aforementioned seven windows, they just weren’t in the budget. Once again, we employed the 90% rule and went with a more affordable line of motorized shades in a creamy linen that allowed us to get both the light filtering and ease we needed, while not sacrificing too much on the look we were after. If you squint they aaaalmost look like the luxe version from my original inspiration. For More On Window Treatments:So, whether you’re looking to do a full renovation or some minor decor swaps, let the 90% rule be your North Star. Cheers to good enough! Maribeth B JonesDesign DirectorMaribeth B Jones is the Design Director of Country Living where she creates seasonal content full of warmth and playfulness. When she’s not wrangling chickens for a cover shoot you can find her collecting vintage oil portraits or flipping pancakes in her sunny, yellow kitchen with her two chatty daughters.

Menu Home News Hardware Gaming Mobile Finance Deals Reviews How To Wccftech Gaming The Last of Us Creator Is Also Producing an Unannounced Game Alessio Palumbo • May 20, 2025 at 04:00am EDT The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann is undoubtedly a very busy person these days. In an interview with the Press X to Continue podcast, the acclaimed game designer and writer revealed he is producing an unannounced game. Then, you know, there's another game that's being worked out in Naughty Dog where I'm more of a producer role and I get to mentor and watch this other team and give feedback and be, like, the executive in the room. I enjoy all those roles and the fact that I jump between one to the next, it makes my job very exciting and always feeling fresh. I'm never bored. Of course, that is in addition to the announced Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, which he's personally directing. And he's also an executive producer and episode director on The Last of Us HBO show, which is likely to continue beyond season two, given that it didn't include all of the story from the second game. Druckmann's statement confirms a recent rumor reported by movie insider Daniel Richtman, who mentioned that Naughty Dog recently canceled a game formerly directed by Vinit Agarwal but still has another active project that's been in the works for at least three years with Shaun Escayg as its director. Now, when it comes to what that will be, we inevitably enter guessing territory. The mind immediately goes to The Last of Us Part III, which many fans would like to see at some point. However, Druckmann himself suggested just over two months ago that there may not even be a third installment in the beloved franchise. Was he just misdirecting until a proper announcement? Or is Escayg perhaps working on a new installment in the Uncharted IP, which is familiar ground for him, having already co-directed Uncharted: The Lost Legacy with Kurt Margenau? It may be a while until we learn the answers to these questions. During that podcast conversation, Druckmann also marveled at the improvements made in the gaming medium when discussing things that The Last of Us fans preferred in the game over the TV show adaptation: Lately, I've just been really fascinated with the adaptation and all the various reactions to it. And I just had this moment the other day where I was reading something, actually people were critical of some choices that we've made in the show and they were saying like, oh, I like this better in the game and this was more subtle in the game, and I just had this joyous moment of like, look how far games have come that we could have this conversation. You can compare the two and the game can sit side by side with an HBO show and you can have this conversation and even if people are critical of it, I just love it. And then there's people that love it and there's people that love the show better, and they're like, "Oh, these choices were better than the game." And I'm like, "Isn't that fascinating? Look at that." Subscribe to get an everyday digest of the latest technology news in your inbox Follow us on Topics Sections Company Some posts on wccftech.com may contain affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com © 2025 WCCF TECH INC. 700 - 401 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Monzo, Britain’s biggest digital bank, is still synonymous with its neon debit cards, extensive use of emojis, and free spending abroad. But it’s no longer just trying to be cool; it’s trying to become a major financial institution. That shift, from an upstart fintech beloved by millennials into a mature, sustainable business, is what makes this year a likely turning point. In a sit-down with this editor last week, despite signs that Monzo is preparing to go public – along with new reports that something is in the works – Monzo CEO TS Anil wouldn’t confirm that Monzo is listing this year. He suggested the building blocks are in place, though: profitability, product breadth, and just the right amount of AI. The numbers help tell the story. Monzo posted its first annual profit last year. In its 2024 annual report, it claimed 9.3 million personal account holders and more than 400,000 business customers. It’s also no longer reliant on interchange fees and overdrafts; lending, subscriptions, and business banking are now meaningful revenue streams. All this comes after a period marked by regulatory scrutiny and leadership turnover, developments that forced the company to grow up fast. Under Anil — a banking veteran who joined Monzo in 2020 and soon after took over as CEO from co-founder Tom Blomfield — Monzo is still flashy. Those hot coral cards remain a must for many younger banking customers. It has also become more disciplined about its growing product lineup. Monzo’s customers can now invest in mutual funds powered by BlackRock, for example, and track their existing mortgages from other lenders in their Monzo app. They can also use Monzo in the U.S., though most Americans have yet to hear of the brand. The question is whether that’s a problem, considering Monzo started amassing beta customers in the country six years ago. Certainly, it seemed fair to ask if Monzo needs to penetrate the U.S. market to become the global powerhouse that Anil is envisioning. During our sit-down, Anil suggested that’s not the case. He said that one in five adults in the UK now banks with Monzo – in other words, there is market share Monzo has left to gain in its own backyard. (According to Anil, Monzo added 300,000 new users in April alone.)  When questioned about U.S. expansion and the competitive landscape, Anil downplayed the challenge. “I think there are a few universal truths that apply,” he said. “Most people feel anxiety about their money, and that anxiety is independent of affluence . . . The second thing that holds true is that the incumbent industry has been built off of arbitraging customers and leveraging, in some fashion, customers’ ignorance. Those are the insights that are helping us create the best features that would make sense in the U.S.; that’s the way we intend to double down.” Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 REGISTER NOW During our talk, we also discussed whether Monzo could itself be construed as a legacy player in the not-too-distant future. After all, the company is now 10 years old, and AI is changing everything. We wanted to know whether Monzo worries about the rise of AI-native banks. “Gosh no, we’re not a legacy player,” Anil said. “We continue to operate at the bleeding edge of technology.” What would worry him, he continued, is if he “saw signs of complacency in terms of adopting new technology, or at least a curiosity about it. Those would be like bright, flashing red warning signs for me, but that’s the opposite of the company that we are.” As for the IPO that’s reportedly in the works, said Anil: “To tell someone in the media ‘don’t believe everything you read in the media’ is kind of like a dicey move to make, but yeah, please don’t believe everything you read in the press. We will be a great public company one day. We haven’t decided either when or where, let alone with whom.” If you’re curious to learn more, including about how Monzo keeps its marketing fresh, how it’s using AI, and the ways its engineers handle the adoption of new tech, watch our full chat below.

Even though your pile of shame’s already teetering and your backlog is the size of a felled sequoia, who are you and I to resist yet another bargain? Today's gaming treasure trove spans mischievous birds, noir cyborgs, and wizarding wonders, all at prices that’ll have your wallet breathing a sigh of relief. Whether you’re deep in console country or loyal to your trusty PC, there’s a little something here to make your day but ruin your bandwidth.This Day in Gaming 🎂In retro news, I'm lighting a 15-candle cake for WarioWare D.I.Y., one of my favourite Nintendo DS time-wasters. Nintendo essentially handed players the keys to the microgame factory and somehow didn’t burn the place down. Armed with a stylus and too much free time, you could compose janky 8-bit music, draw unhinged sprites, and script chaotic games that lasted all of five seconds but felt like fever dreams. The tutorials starred Wario’s development crew trying (and mostly failing) to teach you game design basics without causing a workplace accident. Honestly, it was less Super Mario Maker and more Mario Paint meets GarageBand on a sugar high. It even let you upload your madness online, meaning no DS cartridge was safe from your homemade horrors. A beautiful, timeless mess.Aussie bdays for notable games- LostWinds (Wii) 2008. eBay- WarioWare D.I.Y. (DS) 2010. eBay- Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands (PS3,X360) 2010. Get- L.A. Noire (PS3,X360) 2011. Get- Transistor (PC) 2014. Get- Fire Emblem Echoes: SoV (3DS) 2017. SequelsContentsNice Savings for Nintendo SwitchPreorders openNintendo Switch 2 ConsoleRequires a free to make / cancel First Membership that provides free shipping.Nintendo players can dash into Sonic Frontiers for A$49, a sprawling open zone adventure that lets the blue blur stretch his legs like never before. Or stir up some trouble in the minimalist mayhem of Untitled Goose Game, a local Melbourne creation that nabbed a BAFTA and inspired real-life goose protest signs.Sonic Frontiers (-51%) - A$49Sifu (-70%) - A$18Lego Ninjago Movie (-45%) - A$49Shin Megami Tensei V (-32%) - A$54Dragon Ball FighterZ (-44%) - A$50Untitled Goose Game (-50%) - A$15Expiring Recent DealsThe Witcher 3 Comp. (-75%) - A$19Lego Skywalker Saga (-80%) - A$17Dead Cells (-50%) - A$18Yooka-Laylee (-80%) - A$6Blasphemous (-75%) - A$9Unicorn Overlord (-36%) - A$61Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.Switch Console PricesHow much to Switch it up?Switch OLED + Mario Wonder: $̶5̶3̶9̶ $538 | Switch Original: $̶4̶9̶9̶ $448 | Switch OLED Black: $̶5̶3̶9̶ $477 | Switch OLED White: $̶5̶3̶9̶ $476 ♥ | Switch Lite: $̶3̶2̶9̶ $328 | Switch Lite Hyrule: $̶3̶3̶9̶ $335See itBack to topExciting Bargains for XboxXbox Series X owners should absolutely look at Robocop: Rogue City - Alex Murphy Edition, now just A$10. The devs brought back Peter Weller himself to voice Robocop three decades after the original. Meanwhile, Ori and the Will of the Wisps remains one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful games of the generation, with animation influenced by Studio Ghibli.Xbox OneExpiring Recent DealsOr just invest in an Xbox Card.Xbox Console PricesHow many bucks for a 'Box? Series X: $̶7̶9̶9̶ $798 👑| Series S Black: $̶5̶4̶9̶ $545 | Series S White:$̶4̶9̶9̶ $498 | Series S Starter: N/ASee itBack to topPure Scores for PlayStationPS5 players can get a discounted trip to Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 at A$71, now finally in the form fans were promised back in 2020. Or check out The Last of Us Part II Remastered, which includes a roguelike mode originally prototyped as a testbed for stealth mechanics.PS4Expiring Recent DealsDoom: The Dark Ages (-17%) - A$99Split Fiction (-16%) - A$59Star Wars Outlaws (-64%) - A$4040K: Space Marine 2 (-27%) - A$79Judgment (-48%) - A$28UFC 5 (-65%) - A$39Octopath Traveler II (-32%) - A$57Night in the Woods (-50%) - A$14Rogue Legacy (-80%) - A$5PS+ Monthly FreebiesYours to keep from May 1 with this subscriptionArk: Survival Ascended (PS5)Balatro (PS5/PS4)Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (PS5/PS4)Or purchase a PS Store Card.What you'll pay to 'Station.PS5 + Astro Bot:$̶7̶2̶4̶.9̶5̶ $699👑 | PS5 Slim Disc:$̶7̶9̶9̶ $798 | PS5 Slim Digital:6̶7̶9̶ $678 | PS5 Pro $1,199 | PS VR2: $649.95 | PS VR2 + Horizon: $1,099 | PS Portal: $329See itBack to topPurchase Cheap for PCOver on PC, Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition is criminally underplayed at just A$4. It’s essentially “GTA meets Hong Kong cinema” and includes an actual Bruce Lee outfit. Finally, Baldur’s Gate 3 is down to A$71, and it only took Larian Studios six years, three delays, and a player base that insists on seducing every NPC to make it one of the most beloved CRPGs of all time.Or just get a Steam Wallet CardPC Hardware PricesSlay your pile of shame.Official launch in NovSteam Deck 256GB LCD: $649 | Steam Deck 512GB OLED: $899 | Steam Deck 1TB OLED: $1,049See it at SteamLaptop DealsHP Envy x360 16" 2-in-1 (-39%) – A$1,399HP Laptop 15.6" Ryzen (-34%) – A$1,049ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 (-35%) – A$869Lenovo Yoga 7i Gen 9 (-41%) – A$1,229Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch (-16%) – A$2,094Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 (-36%) - A$879Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen7 (-27%) - A$1,018Desktop DealsLenovo neo 50q Gen 4 Tiny (-35%) – A$639Lenovo neo 50t Gen 5 Desk (-20%) – A$871.20Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (-29%) – A$1,899Monitor DealsARZOPA 16.1" 144Hz (-55%) – A$159.99Z-Edge 27" 240Hz (-15%) – A$237.99Gawfolk 34" WQHD (-28%) – A$359LG 27" Ultragear (-42%) – A$349Component DealsStorage DealsBack to topLegit LEGO DealsExpiring Recent DealsBack to topHot Headphones DealsAudiophilia for lessGalaxy Buds2 Pro (-31%) – A$239Technics Wireless NC (-33%) – A$365SoundPEATS Space (-25%) – A$56.99Sony MDR7506 Pro (-18%) – A$199Back to topTerrific TV DealsDo right by your console, upgrade your tellyLG 43" UT80 4K (-24%) – A$635Kogan 65" QLED 4K (-50%) – A$699Kogan 55" QLED 4K (-45%) – A$549LG 55" UT80 4K (-28%) – A$866Back to top Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

IT Support EngineerBlizzard EntertainmentAlbany New York 12205 United States of America2 hours agoApplyTeam Name:IT - Blizzard Internal Information SystemsJob Title:IT Support EngineerRequisition ID:R025339Job Description:Job Title: IT Support Engineer ILocation: AlbanyBlizzard Entertainment is looking for a self-motivated and skilled IT Support Engineer I. Blizzard Desktop Support is the first line of support for all IT-related issues. Job duties would include building, configuring, deploying, monitoring, modifying, and repairing local and remote computers. An ideal candidate would have experience working in a corporate IT environment, knowledge of PC and Apple and their operating systems, knowledge of scripting languages, troubleshooting networking issues, and have exceptional customer service skills.The ideal candidate is a highly organized individual passionate about delivering flawless experiences for our users. Excellent communication skills, collaboration skills, and a strong ability to adapt to shifting priorities are critical. If this sounds like you, we look forward to hearing from you!ResponsibilitiesProvide epic-level support to end users on a variety of IT desktop & IT operational-related issues.Identify, research, and resolve technical problems.Respond to telephone calls, emails, and requests for technical support.Document, track, and monitor problems to ensure a timely resolution.Work with applicable ticketing or work tracking systems such as JIRA, Confluence, or Service Now.Manage ticket requests and follow up with users.Receives and works escalated issues from other desktop staff and/or the manager.Install and maintain Windows and Mac operating systems (OS).Troubleshoot various types of PC, laptop, or tablet hardware and software.Inventory tracking when receiving and shipping hardware onsite.On-call support for when vendors need on-location access.On-call support for issues that arise outside normal business hours.RequirementsCustomer ServiceOutstanding customer service skillsStrong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate and present complex issues and analyses in an effective mannerExcellent organization and time-management skillsReliability and dependabilityTeam PlayerMust speak fluent English.TechnicalIntermediate PC hardware experience (ability to build, diagnose, and repair computers; strong troubleshooting skills)Experience supporting a variety of software, (Adobe CC, Microsoft Office 365, Cisco AnyConnect, System Drivers)Working knowledge of installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting current versions of Windows and OSXKnowledge of maintaining and troubleshooting Apple iPhone/iPad and Android OS phone devicesBasic knowledge of scripting languages (MS PowerShell, Python)Intermediate knowledge of network technologies (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)Intermediate knowledge of MDT (Image creation and deployment, multiple images)Other1-3 years’ minimum experience in a Corporate IT environmentITIL knowledge and experience a plusFlex working schedules, (Can include evenings and weekends)Ability to think outside of the boxAbility (and willingness) to lift a minimum of 50 poundsGood time management and organizational skillsAbility to organize and prioritize assigned tasks/projectsStrong sense of urgency and business orientationYour PlatformBest known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.Our WorldActivision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!Our ability to build immersive and innovative worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.RewardsWe provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/ .In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $14.19 - $26.22 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable. Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings. Apply

With over a hundred years of history and a stacked portfolio of films and TV shows, it’s no surprise that Disney has its own horse in the competitive streaming service race. Since the inception of Disney+ in 2019, the streaming giant has grown its portfolio beyond its classic fairy tale roots and now boasts a catalogue of box office-busting films and bingeable series alike. From Star Wars to Marvel, you might be wondering: How can I stream Disney+ in 4K? Look no further, as our guide will run you through everything you’ll need, from subscription types to hardware. How to Stream Disney+ in 4KUnlike most streaming services on the market, Disney+ doesn’t require you to have a premium account to access 4K content. That means no matter what kind of subscription you’ve chosen, whether it be a bundle or basic plan, you’ll have access to 4K streaming on Disney+. So if you’re considering which bundle or account type to pick, the decisions will come down to what extras you’d like, such as offline downloads or ads. Disney+ Basic (with Ads) – $9.99 per month Disney+ Premium (without Ads) – $15.99 per month Disney+ Hulu Bundle Basic (with Ads) – $10.99 per monthDisney+ Hulu Bundle Premium (without Ads) – $19.99 per monthDisney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Basic (with Ads) – $16.99 per month Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium (without Ads) - $26.99 per month Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with Ads) - $16.99 per monthDisney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (without Ads) - $29.99 per monthPlayMake Sure Your Setup Is 4K-CompatibleTo stream Disney+ in 4K, you’ll need to ensure all aspects of your setup can support streaming in 4K. That means it’s not just your Smart TV that needs to be compatible, but also every other piece of hardware, too. If you use an Apple TV or Firestick, you’ll need to shop around for the 4K compatible versions. Same goes for buying a HDMI cable to connect your hardware. Budget 4K Streaming DeviceAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K MaxSee it at AmazonHDMI for 4KBelkin HDMI 2.1 Ultra High SpeedSee it at AmazonBest 4K TVLG 65" Class OLED evo C4See it at AmazonBest 4K Monitor (for gaming too)Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDPSee it at Best BuyOne important caveat to consider is that, as of right now, streaming Disney+ in 4K is not possible on computer browsers. That means if you're using a laptop, your content will be limited. Check Your ConnectionWhen streaming 4K content on Disney+, there aren’t any internet settings to adjust, as the app automatically detects internet quality and adjusts your content’s video format accordingly. With that in mind, if you’re still running into problems, you can reset your device’s cache. To do this, we recommend following the official guide Disney+ has on its website. Are There Other Ways to Watch Disney+ Movies and Shows in 4K ?From keyrings to theme parks, Disney loves to flaunt its vast collection of iconic IPs. As such, the media conglomerate has released a slew of its best content as physical Blu-rays. From Marvel’s catalogue of high-octane superhero flicks to Pixar’s collection of heart-rending animated films, much of the Disney+ catalogue can be purchased separately from the platform. Better still, many seasons of Disney’s beloved TV shows have also found a home on 4K Blu-ray, including The Mandalorian, Loki, and Hawkeye, to name a few.