When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Relax your sensitive body parts with Bob and Brad's M7 Plus Massage Gun Steven Parker CEO - Neowin.net Neowin @aSteveParker · May 18, 2025 11:00 EDT I was offered the chance to test out the Bob and Brad Hand M7 Plus Massage Gun, and full disclosure, they let me keep it regardless of my findings. I've never used such a thing as personally, I don't find them all that practical over a neck massager that can also be used for spot immersive massage. First up, what's in the box: M7 Plus Massage Gun 5 Interchangeable Massage Heads- Including the Infrared Heat & Blue Light Head USB-C Charging Cable User Manual 1-Year Warranty (card) In short, everything you need to get started. According to the official Amazon listing, here are the key features: Advanced Heat & Blue Light Therapy: The M7 Plus features an upgraded infrared heating head with two temperature settings (100°F & 107°F) to enhance circulation and accelerate muscle recovery. Unlike standard massage heads, it provides deeper relief. The added blue light mode also offers skin brightening benefits, making this massage gun a versatile tool for both muscle relaxation and skincare. True Deep Tissue Massage: With a 9 mm amplitude and five adjustable speeds (2000-3000 RPM), the M7 Plus delivers a powerful, customizable deep tissue massage. The latest brushless motor ensures a quiet yet effective experience, allowing you to adjust the intensity to your comfort level. Its professional-grade performance makes it an excellent choice for relieving muscle soreness and tension.All these features make it a great gift choice. Compact & Quiet Design: Weighing only 0.88 lbs and measuring 5.3 x 3.35 x 1.9 inches, this mini massage gun is highly portable. Operating at under 55dB, it ensures a discreet and relaxing massage experience. Its lightweight and quiet design make it perfect for home, office, or travel use, offering relief anytime, anywhere. Ergonomic & Comfortable Handle: Designed with user comfort in mind, the massage gun features a curved, silicone-wrapped handle that conforms naturally to your hand. Unlike traditional straight handles, it offers a superior grip and better shock absorption, reducing hand strain and ensuring a more enjoyable massage session. Fast Charging & Long Battery Life: Equipped with three high-capacity lithium batteries, the M7 Plus delivers long-lasting, consistent power for uninterrupted relief. It supports Type-C fast charging, reaching a full charge in just 2 hours, so you can quickly get back to enjoying effective muscle relaxation without long waiting times. With all that out of the way, here are my own findings. First off, I want to share what others are saying about this product. It has a relatively high rating of 4.6 on Amazon (after 90 global reviews), which is quite good. Of the negative reviews, it appears that one Spanish buyer maybe isn't aware that to get heat, the corresponding attachment needs to be powered on, and another critical two-star review lamented on the poor rubber band grip quality, which somehow came loose on it, as well as on the previous gen Gun they purchased. However, 75% of reviewers have given this 5 stars, which has resulted in the high'ish rating of 4.6. Usage As you can see from the above photo, there are five different attachments, these are: Heating Head: For all body parts. Ball Head: For large muscle groups like quads, glutes, extreme muscles and joint soreness. U-shaped Head: For spine, neck, and shoulder. For sensitive muscles and soft tissue. Bullet Head: For joints, deep tissue, trigger points, and small muscle areas like feet and wrists. Air Cushion Head: For relaxation of sensitive body parts. I gave it a try on with the default Heating Head attachment on both left and right thighs, and as you can maybe see from the above YouTube Short, it's quite powerful even on the lowest setting, but also not incredibly loud, which is why I opted for no background music on the YouTube Short. As previously stated, to get heat, you have to turn on the attachment (there is a power button on the attachment). It lights up red to the medium heat setting (38C, 100F). Pressing the button again puts it on high heat (42C, 107F), and then pressing again turns the lighting blue, which is the "Blue Light 460" setting that appears to promote "Skin Lightening," huh? Okay. Long pressing turns off the attachment, but it can still be used for massaging. The Heating Head also includes its own battery, so this has to be charged separately from the M7 Plus. It's also quite light at 0.88 lbs/399 grams, which is fine for something you'll not be using above your head anyway. In the short, I had it on the lowest setting, but it can get loud when cranking it up a few notches. I've had this massaging gun a couple of weeks, and have used it a few times, but I haven't (yet) had a case of muscle knot to truly gauge if it can offer instant relief. It certainly is powerful enough to tackle muscle pain. The entire handle/grip is encased in rubber, which makes it extremely easy to hold in place even with the higher vibration settings, it really makes me wonder how one Amazon reviewer had their rubber covering come loose. I have large hands and I was gripping it pretty tightly when using it, and it doesn't even feel like the rubber is some sort of sleeve, it feels more like it is part of the product itself. To achieve the higher vibration settings, you can press the power button on the bottom of the M7 Plus again (1 second) to go up to a maximum of five stages, which are also indicated by five lights flanking the power button; to go back lower, you simply have to go through the cycle again until you reach the desired setting. Long pressing the power button (1.5 seconds) turns off the device completely. When I came to writing this hands on, the M7 Plus had started to indicate (with the power light turning red) that it needed charging. I looked in the manual but nowhere does it state how long it takes to charge; happily, the official website states that it "Fully charges in 2 hours via USB-C." Furthermore, without stating the battery capacity, it also describes the M7 Plus as running on "three high-capacity lithium batteries for extended use." I can tell you that these are not replaceable without voiding the warranty. Finally, you may be wondering how this fits into the scope of a tech website? Well, let me tell you something: sometimes, I sit for up to 15 hours working on Neowin, and although I take breaks in between, it takes a toll on my body. I think in the immediate absence of a partner to apply relief, these portable massagers can shed the strains of the day in just a couple of 10-minute bursts. On the official website, this has an MSRP of $89.99, but luckily for our readers, this is selling at $30 off for just $59.99 right now on Amazon; you do have to apply the $10 in-page coupon to get it down at this price. Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini Massage Gun for $59.99 (plus $10 off coupon), $89.99 MSRP Do you also own a massaging gun? Let us know in the comments your experience. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Tags Report a problem with article Follow @NeowinFeed

Modern luxury embraces a quieter kind of elegance, one that leans into minimalism instead of extravagance. It reflects a way of living rooted in purpose, calm, and thoughtful design. These interiors blend sophistication with simplicity, avoiding clutter in favor of clean lines and refined choices. Every element serves a role, allowing essential details to shine. The outcome is a space that feels balanced, serene, and timeless. By combining minimalism with wellness and smart living, these interiors enhance not only the look of a space but also how it feels and functions. Through purposeful design, integrated technology, and a focus on mental clarity, you can introduce these design concepts to create a space and lifestyle that is calm, intentional, and elevated. 1. Infuse Timeless Elegance In luxury interiors, minimalism is more than an aesthetic as it represents a refined elegance achieved through restraint. These spaces are grounded in timeless design, where organic forms, soft curves, and clean lines establish a sense of harmony and visual rhythm. A thoughtful blend of ambient, accent, and task lighting shapes both function and mood. Sculptural fixtures and strategically concealed LEDs highlight textures, enhance the atmosphere, and elevate the space with quiet sophistication. Additionally, true luxury lies in incorporating timeless craft and craftsmanship where each element is thoughtfully designed and intentionally curated. Longchamp enters the world of home decor with its first furniture collection, created in collaboration with designer Pierre Renart. Known for its refined leather craftsmanship, the French fashion thoughtfully designed sculptural forms that merge elegance with motion. The collection captures a sense of flow with materials like leather and wood while pushing creative boundaries and embracing luxury minimalism. The Wave bench, is wrapped in cashew-toned leather and hovering above a fluid wood base. The Ruban chairs follow, with eight shades of leather including Longchamp’s signature Heritage and Lumière greens, creating a subtle rhythm of color and form. Though bold in design, each piece maintains an airy, effortless feel. Renart’s use of locally sourced French wood grounds the collection in sustainable values. inimal, and made to resonate with a new generation of design lovers. 2. Less is more Luxury minimalism embodies the “less is more” philosophy, crafting clutter-free spaces that strike a balance between beauty and purpose. More people are looking for homes that provide peace, comfort, and a place to relax in this fast-paced world. As a result, these interiors promote mindfulness and reduce stress. Clutter-free spaces are designed with built-in storage, functional furniture, and sophisticated designs. Every element serves a purpose, adding depth rather than clutter. The choice to invest in fewer, premium pieces creates an atmosphere that’s both inviting and thoughtfully composed. The outcome is a peaceful, nurturing space that supports intentional, present-day living. The Gont vase captures the essence of luxury minimalism with its clean lines and natural textures. Inspired by the structure of a pinecone, its layered plywood shell adds quiet complexity without visual clutter. The silhouette is sculptural yet subtle—perfect for modern interiors that value restraint. Inside, a cylindrical metal insert offers practical elegance for holding small, non-flowering trees. At just over a foot tall, the Gont belongs in well-lit spaces, where its geometric facets catch shifting light and cast bold, architectural shadows. 3. Consider Neutral Color Tones Neutral tones form the foundation of tranquility in luxury minimalist interiors. Shades of earthy brown, soft white, and warm cream blend seamlessly to evoke a sense of calm and openness. These hues work in harmony rather than in contrast, creating a light, balanced atmosphere that feels both expansive and serene. Texture brings these tones to life—through tactile materials like plush textiles, natural stone, and rich wood finishes. Finishes in brushed brass or matte black steel bring a sleek, contemporary contrast. The restrained palette ensures a clean, uncluttered look while adding subtle depth and character. 4. Use Natural Materials Luxury minimalism celebrates natural materials that blend aesthetic beauty with comfort and conscious living. Soft textiles, such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool, introduce warmth and tactile richness, while woods like oak, walnut, and ash lend a grounded, organic feel. Timeless stones like marble and granite add quiet sophistication to surfaces and statement accents. Each material is thoughtfully selected for its quality, durability, and enduring style. By prioritizing fewer, well-crafted pieces, this philosophy embraces sustainability and reduces excess. Richard Haining’s handcrafted chandelier is a refined statement in luxury minimalism, made from salvaged California Redwood once part of NYC’s iconic water towers. Measuring 36 inches across with ten dimmable LED bulbs, it offers a warm, ambient glow. Each wood segment is precisely stacked to reveal the grain’s natural beauty, creating a sculptural form that feels both grounded and elevated—organic elegance distilled into a functional centerpiece. Part of Haining’s STACKED Collection, the chandelier reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design. Sourced from pre-war buildings and local woodshops, the reclaimed materials are given new life through meticulous craftsmanship. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece that honors the texture, tone, and history of natural materials—minimalist in form, rich in story. Perfect for interiors that value quiet luxury, authenticity, and timeless design rooted in place. 5. Create an Indoor Outdoor Connect Luxury minimalism often dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior, fostering a seamless connection that enhances light, flow, and spatial harmony. Open floor plans play a key role, inviting natural light and fresh air to circulate freely. Expansive windows, sliding glass walls, and fluid transitions extend living areas outward, creating a biophilic atmosphere rooted in nature. Thoughtfully placed greenery—like sculptural indoor trees, succulents, or lush potted plants add softness, warmth, and a sense of life to the space. These elements not only elevate the aesthetic but also support wellbeing. The result is a tranquil, light-filled environment where simplicity, nature, and comfort exist in perfect balance. Geddes Ulinskas Architects deliver a masterclass in luxury minimalism with this 12,000 sq. ft. Cow Hollow residence in San Francisco. Defined by clean geometry and natural materials, the home centers around a cast glass staircase that is sculptural and serene, forged from molten glass over three months. Layered, glazed volumes create seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, framed by bronze ribbon windows and a floating roof supported by glass-wrapped columns. A 20-foot wooden door leads into refined interiors featuring hand-textured stone, warm wood, and blackened steel—all in a palette inspired by nature. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors blur the boundary between garden and living space. Fabric-stretched ceilings conceal systems, maintaining smooth lines and quiet elegance. The home includes a theater, wine room, gym, 72-foot lap pool, and wellness spa with sauna and steam shower. A rooftop deck with a stone fire table offers panoramic Bay views—completing this restrained yet richly layered modern retreat. Luxury is more than décor—it’s also about comfort and staying in tune with the present. In minimalist homes, technology is discreetly integrated to enhance everyday living. Smart lighting, concealed audio systems, and touchless features offer modern convenience while preserving a clean, tranquil aesthetic.The post 5 Steps To Add Luxury Minimalism For Having Timeless Elegance And Smart Tech in Perfect Harmony first appeared on Yanko Design.

Designs include a freestanding classroom, new planting and integrated sculptures intended to link art, nature and learning Source: Tom Stuart-Smith StudioThe proposed new Clore Garden Tate Britain has unveiled proposals for a new public garden and education facility at its Millbank site, developed by Feilden Fowles and landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith Studio. The Clore Garden project seeks to transform the approach to the Grade II* listed gallery into a planted landscape incorporating accessible pathways, public art and a new garden classroom. According to Tate, the project aims to enhance biodiversity and increase opportunities for community engagement, while offering a new civic green space in central London. The landscape design features a network of pathways set within densely planted zones and intends to create varied conditions for seasonal planting, wildlife habitats and informal gathering. The garden will include new seating areas, a café terrace, a wildlife pond and spaces for programmed outdoor activities. Sculptures from Tate’s collection are expected to be integrated into the landscape. Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain, said: “We are enormously excited to share a first look at designs for Tate Britain’s new garden, a significant green space uniting art and nature and encouraging biodiversity. “These sumptuous, innovative designs demonstrate the role museums can play in our cities, places where contemplation and relaxation can go hand in hand with joy and creativity. We hope the garden will offer new ways to engage with Tate’s Collection, for both visitors and local residents alike.” The proposed new Clore GardenSource: Tom Stuart-Smith Studio The proposed new Clore GardenSource: Tom Stuart-Smith Studio The proposed new Clore GardenSource: Tom Stuart-Smith Studio The proposed new gardenSource: Tom Stuart-Smith Studio 1/4 show caption Tom Stuart-Smith said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to create a haven for people, plants and sculpture right in the heart of London and to transform the setting of the gallery into a beautiful garden that is really engaging, biodiverse and sustainable.” Planting selections are being developed with input from the Royal Horticultural Society. The project will include a single-storey classroom structure to be designed by Feilden Fowles. No images have so far been released of the building. Feilden Fowles and Tom Stuart-Smith Studio were selected to lead the project in early 2024 following an open design competition.

For a designer obsessed with detail, it’s a fantasy to find a friend, much less a client, with the enthusiasm and stamina to sustain an 80-email thread about one fabric trim. But this was the level of unrushed, joyful consideration that ELLE Decor A-List designer Nicholas Obeid shared with homeowner Deirdre Brodie while working on her historic townhouse in Albany, New York. After completing a gut renovation on the 1875 home, which abuts the city’s 90-acre Washington Park, Brodie and her husband Dan Odabashian tapped Obeid to create some enchanting cohesion among the home’s three floors, and to delight in the details—and emails—alongside her.William Jess LairdSage-green walls create a relaxed mood in the dining room, where a vintage burlwood table is surrounded by French Art Deco chairs with upholstery in Zak + Fox fabrics. Antique rug from Upstate Rug Supply.It was important to Brodie, an Albany native who has lived within the same square mile for two decades, to establish a forever home for her and her husband that was at once welcoming and exciting and that turned the spotlight on local artisanship. Together, designer and client saw the home’s three 19-foot-wide stories as the chapters of a book: a vibrant first floor for hosting and community; a serene second floor for the primary suite, outfitted in soothing brown tones; and a top floor with two guest rooms to suit different design moods. (Brodie says invited couples sometimes happily opt to split up to better relish their preferred quarters.)The stairwell, with original steps dating back to the late 19th century, serves as the book’s binding. A mural composed of large-scale Greek keys, applied by hand using custom-engineered rollers by local artist Nina Stanley, ties the landings together. “It’s a representation of how we wanted the floors to communicate to each other,” says Obeid, who pulled from classical elements in the architecture to create a unifying iconography that draws on Greek and Egyptian motifs, as well as motifs by the Art Deco rug designer Ivan da Silva Bruhns. “The pattern is very classic, but seen in a fresh way,” he says.William Jess LairdIn the stair hall the custom mural features classical motifs and was hand-painted by Nina Stanley.Obeid drew on the strict yet expressive forms of his own furniture line to inform the artful geometries that repeat throughout the interior. “At two feet or 20 feet, every view is totally interesting,” Brodie says. Prized rugs, artworks, and two antique Fortuny chandeliers served as creative fodder for Obeid, who prioritized working with pieces purchased by Brodie’s mother at estate sales and on Facebook Marketplace, transforming them into new family heirlooms. “He was so generous in honoring that,” Brodie says. “My mother’s sense of how beautiful hospitality could be is what made me excited to have the opportunity to do this house.”Other bits of sentimental flotsam and jetsam were taken in decorative stride, like a box of vintage orange Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper that Brodie rescued from an architectural parts warehouse. When she brought the dusty box of “crazy orange” (her term—his was “bananas”) wallpaper to Obeid, she recalls him saying, “This is not exactly my comfort zone, but that’s why I want to do it.” The saturated hue appears in a guest room, tempered with tasseled green curtains in a custom Rule of Three hand-marbled -malachite-like silk.Obeid anchored the space with a chaise longue covered in a striped velvet by Misia, rescued and revived from a cat-ravaged past in storage. But the focal point of the room is a set of seven bespoke decorative plates by the artist Shane Gabier, designed to echo the wallpaper in tones of olive green, butter yellow, and an ultra-classic Parisian blue checkerboard. It’s just one more detail in which to delight in a home punctuated by craft, care, and a commitment to circling back. ◾This story originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Elle Decor. SUBSCRIBE

Scent is one of the most powerful ways to immortalize a moment in time, many thanks to the olfactory system’s direct line to the amygdala and hippocampus (the parts of the brain responsible for emotion and memory). It’s why a whiff of a familiar fragrance note can trigger déjà vu or nostalgia for something or somewhere long gone. And while perfumers often look to far-flung destinations for fragrance inspiration, some of the most compelling scents take cues from the spaces we frequent, like the interiors of a home or a hotel room.When perfumer Jérôme Epinette, the nose behind all of Byredo’s iconic scents, was drumming up inspiration for the brand’s iconic library-inspired Bibliothèque scent, he began with a leather couch, which he associates with sitting down to relax with a book. “That’s how I came up with the biotech [elements], which have a little bit of violet, suede, leather, and wood of course,” he explains. Elsewhere, hints of patchouli are meant to evoke a Mad Men–era image of someone lighting up a cigar among the shelves, he says, “even though we don’t smoke in the library anymore.”Similarly, Abel’s master perfumer Isaac Sinclair had a clear idea of setting when he was creating The Apartment, an interpretation of a Hausmannian Parisian flat overlooking the Arc de Triomphe (a very real place where the scent was concocted in person). Rather than pencil in the framework of a home note for note, The Apartment instead evokes sex appeal and sophistication through gourmand notes of cherry and rum that suggest the after-hours revelry that happens between those very walls. Sinclair says that, unlike other perfumes that revolve around one or two core notes, this fragrance captures a vibe and a sexy atmosphere.He compares the process of constructing a perfume to architecture itself. “Usually you start with a foundation and then you start building on top of that,” he says, rather than going roof-first. Sticking to the storyline is also important for the cohesiveness of a scent, he explains, drawing out the design metaphor. “Sometimes you can add something to a fragrance and it smells amazing, but you’ve actually lost the story.”Danish designer Oliver Gustav, whose studio in Copenhagen features a beautifully curated assortment of furniture and decor from all over the world, also has his own line of scents colored by his love for design and interiors. “I wanted something to bring me back to certain special places and times—sometimes a place with present-day significance, and [other times] a place almost ancient but with dreamy and inspirational significance to my work and life as a designer and collector,” he explains of his fragrances.Here a closer look at some of these intriguing scents out there inspired by interiors, along with the stories behind their makeup.Abel Apartment Eau de ParfumTo bottle up the sexy, cosmopolitan allure of Paris, The Apartment needed to match the same energy. Sinclair says the rum note in it came about after plenty of experimentation—and alludes to the debauchery of a long night after-hours—while the cherry that forms the heart of the perfume (derived from pure cherry extract) is another gourmand note with sultry connotations.Byredo Bibliothèque CandleBibliothèque is one of our favorite candles to recommend as gifts for bookworms and beyond. It plays with contrast through plum and peach notes that Epinette says lend a creaminess to the leather and patchouli at its heart for a well-balanced rendering of a place filled with cushy seating and bound books.Comme des Garcons Odeur 71 Eau de ToiletteComme des Garçon’s oddball Odeur 71 is a slice-of-life perfume inspired by everyday smells you might encounter in an office setting, like the dust on a lightbulb or pencil shavings. It was name-dropped by one of the guest editors for AD’s first Scent Week, DS & Durga cofounder Kavi Moltz, who describes it as an unorthodox perfume that showed her how far you could push the boundaries of fragrance. “It’s the scent I wore before we started DS & Durga—it’s meant to smell like copy machine toner and hot lightbulbs,” Moltz shares."MMXXI" Potpourri on Iron StandAs a designer and collector, Gustav had a special room in mind when creating the scent MMXXI. “It is my own calming living room in a crooked 1638 house where I can withdraw from the bustling world to one of soothing gray tones, beautiful books, deep comfortable chairs, and a crackling fireplace,” he says. He set the scene with notes of worn leather and tabacco, softened by violet to evoke the calm of the space.Vilhelm Parfumerie Room Service Eau de ParfumVilhelm Parfumerie’s Room Service was inspired by Old Hollywood glamour, with actress Greta Garbo as its ultimate muse. The scent places her in New York City’s Carlyle Hotel, draped in satin and drawing a bath topped with flower petals. Notes of musk and sandalwood nod to the sensuality of the scene that’s playing out, while the florals and citrus can be interpreted as a literal spin on the creature comforts of a well-stocked hotel room.Byredo Tree House CandleTree House is another architectural take on a tiny home. Notes of wood and hay bolster this cedar-and-bamboo-heavy fragrance, while earthy notes of myrrh and sandalwood elevate this youthful structure into a sacred place.Maison d'Etto Durban Jane Eau de ParfumMaison D’Etto’s woodsy Durban Jane is less a depiction of a specific house and more of an abstract expression of belonging and comfort. Perfumer Celine Barel captures the “cocoon-like feeling of home” through cedar and sandalwood notes that nod to the bones of a house, plus earthy notes like orris and labdanum (with its traces of leather) that heighten the cozy factor of this scent.

Curious how others are creating with Unity? Check out this roundup of the latest Made with Unity news and discover what the Unity community has been up to.#MadeWithUnity games reached some exciting milestones in February.To start, Intercept Games’ Kerbal Space Program 2 has been released in Early Access on Steam, if you’re looking for something out of this world. Ready to get your puzzle on? NAHUAL by Thirdworld Productions may be the quirky brainteaser you’ve been waiting for.Congratulations to all of the games that won an Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences’ D.I.C.E. Award! As a follow up to last month’s finalists list, you can find the full list of winners in this IGN article. Esteemed Made with Unity winners include:TUNIC, Outstanding Achievement for an Independent GameMarvel SNAP, Mobile Game of the YearOlliOlli World, Sports Game of the YearWe share new releases or milestone spotlights every Monday on the @UnityGames Twitter account. Be sure to give us a follow and support your fellow creators.Tuesdays are dedicated to #UnityTips on Twitter. Here are a couple we found particularly helpful in February:@SunnyVStudio dropped some major grout for your tiles if you start to see screen tearing.@jamesebrill is on a roll with getting stones rolling – learn how to breathe life into 2D rolling stones.Keep tagging us using the #UnityTips hashtag.We're stunned by what you all create every week, and you certainly kept the amazing projects coming in February. If we missed something from you, be sure to use the #MadeWithUnity hashtag next time you share.Twitter’s @cptnsigh gave us all virtual whiplash with a strikingly smooth fast-paced FPS, and @canopy_studio healed our whiplash with a relaxing waterfall. Then, we snuck around with a bow and arrow and completed puzzles in @CatthiaGames’ Cynthia: Hidden in the Moonshadow. Finally, @PhillipWitz's adorable frog showed off its new skating skills.On Instagram, @papetura warmed our cups with a dose of fiery cuteness, and now we’re certainly ready for Spring thanks to @Studio_unjenesaisquoi, @umanimation1, and @focus_entmt. @Cornf_blue went super speed with some insane parkour and @JfvmYt was busy expanding their castle!We’re so excited for the #MadeWithUnity year ahead (and GDC 2023 later this month), so keep adding the hashtag to your posts to show us what you’ve been up to.Following the wrap of Global Game Jam 2023, we took to Twitch for a Let’s Play stream that saw members of our team play a selection of 10 games created during the event and solicited from the community.Later in the month, we sat down with Whales and Games to discuss Townseek in an all-new Creator Spotlight stream. Then, we released another Creator Spotlight clip (above) on the use of timeline in As Dusk Falls. And finally, as a callback to the 2022 Let’s Dev 101 session on animation, we posted the full stream to YouTube.Don’t forget to follow us on Twitch and hit the notification bell so you never miss a stream.On February 23, we hosted our second Dev Blitz Day of the year, focusing on scripting. The event was held in both the forums and on the Discord server. Throughout the day, we had more than 100 threads and would like to thank everyone who participated.Keep an eye on our forum announcements and Discord for updates about future Dev Blitz Days.Just because you're a “one-person team” doesn’t mean you can’t call in extra help! Check out how Thomas Sala, creator of The Falconeer, was able to fill in skill gaps using assets from the Unity Asset Store. Assets were able to take the game to another level – from adding realism to gameplay to localizing in 13 different languages. Similarly, here are three more stories from studios that were able to save time and money by using assets.Taking to social media, here's a roundup of some of our favorite creator showcases from Twitter in February:Clay Outdoors Pack | Unicorn OneVolcano | NatureManufactureMegabook 2 | Chris WestLove/Hate | PixelcrushersDon’t forget to tag the @AssetStore Twitter account and use the #AssetStore hashtag when posting your latest creations.Last but not least, here’s a non-exhaustive list of Made with Unity titles released in February. Do you see any on the list that have already become favorites or notice that something is missing? Tell us about it in the forums.Birth, Madison Karrh (February 17)The end is nahual: If I may say so, Third World Productions (February 17)PlayStation® VR2 (PS VR2) releases (February 22): Cities: VR – Enhanced Edition, Fast Travel GamesCosmonious High, Owlchemy LabsDemeo, Resolution GamesThe Last Clockwinder, PontocoThe Last Worker, Oiffy, Wolf & Wood Interactive LtdThe Light Brigade, Funktronic LabsSynth Riders, Kluge InteractiveThe Tale of Onogoro, Amata K.K.Tentacular, Firepunchd Games UGWHAT THE BAT?, TribandZenith: The Last City, Ramen VRSons Of The Forest, Endnight Games Ltd (February 23)Clive ‘N’ Wrench, Dinosaur Bytes Studio (February 23)Kerbal Space Program 2, Intercept Games (February 24)Phantom Brigade, Brace Yourself Games (February 28)Rytmos, Floppy Club (February 28)That’s a wrap for February! Want more community news as it happens? Don’t forget to follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitch.

Succession creator Jesse Armstrong has never been subtle with his commentary on the rich and powerful, but the new trailer for his HBO feature Mountainhead spells out exactly what makes its central characters people you shouldn’t be rooting for. Set in a remote cabin at the top of a mountain, Mountainhead revolves around a quartet of tech bros whose companies have turned them into obscenely wealthy people. Though Randall (Steve Carell), Hugo Van Yalk (Jason Schwartzman), Venis (Cory Michael Smith), and Jeff (Ramy Youssef) all have different net worths, they share the same type of worldview that comes with having billions of dollars to your name. The men see their riches as a sign that they deserve some down time relaxing in the snow while their employees keep things running at home. But the CEOs are given pause when Traam — Venus’ generative AI-filled social media platform — is pointed to as a catalyst for an uptick in violence. And while the men are quick to assure one another that none of their creations can be blamed for making the world a more terrible place, it isn’t long before the friends start pointing out the multitude of ways in which that is absolutely not true. Especially coming right after X’s recent issues with Grok talking nonstop about “white genocide” in South Africa, Mountainhead’s trailer makes the movie feel unsettlingly tapped into the news cycle. Though the movie is supposed to be funny, the way its characters “joke” about being able to take over the world isn’t all that amusing considering the way actual tech CEOs talk about people. That might make Mountainhead feel more like a dramatic documentary when it makes its HBO debut on May 31st.

Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)It's possibly becoming a bit of a hard sell these days, the old roguelike dungeon-crawling adventure, replete with retro/pixel visuals. We know it. However, as busy and as overstuffed with pale imitators to the greats as this genre is, it's still well worth keeping an eye out for the odd gem. And here we have an example of said gem. Into the Restless Ruins is a fantastic thing - put simply, a game that takes a whole bunch of mechanics you might think you're tired of, and weaves them together into something entirely fresh and unique. Edinburgh-based Ant Workshop Studios has melded deckbuilding, dungeon-crawling, dungeon-building, a fiendishly moreish memory game, and delightful, Vampire Survivors-esque, auto-combat to beguiling effect in its Switch debut. The delicately judged balance here, in how each of these mechanics is given an equal share of your time, ensures that, from the first dungeon drop to the very last battle of the campaign, you may find yourself immobilised, such is the addictiveness of the core gameplay loops running in tandem. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked) Kicking off in a dank catacomb, in a region known as Eorisdale, Into the Restless Ruins sees you take charge of a cloaked protagonist, a Celtic champion, who's on the hunt for the Harvest Maiden. This figure from Scottish folklore, according to the game, can satisfy any heart's greatest desires - in return for a little toil. And so off we pop down some dungeons as we've got a hot tip-off that's where she goes to chill out. This first dungeon gently introduces the flow of the gameplay. Starting a run, you're procedurally-generated a single piece of dungeon, perhaps a crossroads, with a spawn point in the centre. You also have a deck with five cards. Each card has a little part of a dungeon displayed on it, alongside the number of BP (Build Points) you'll need to play it, and a note of any other effects the card may have. An armoury will raise your attack stat, a camp lets you regenerate a little of your torch, whilst faded groves give you a little health regen, and so on through more complex fare. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked) You start off from your spawn point and use your cards, choosing a piece of dungeon to fit — in a lovely clicky way — to the piece you're currently on. The aim now is to build and expand, using your given turns and BP, to reach several clouded areas spread around you, some of which contain seals. These seals must be found and broken to advance further to a final boss confrontation. All good. Now, once you've done your planning and played your cards, you hold in 'Y' to drop right down into the dungeon (and it's nice how the game just seamlessly zooms right in for this bit) where the auto-combat battling begins. The combat here will come as no surprise to anyone who's survived vampires: it's all about positioning and timing, avoiding explodey rats and mice, weaving through wizard's spells, and knowing when to press or pull back. Once this part starts, you'll likely quickly realise that you've made some mistakes in the planning (especially if you are us). You see, as your dungeons expand, as you reach a seal and break it and are then faced down by a horde of angry beasties, the importance of dungeon design is fully revealed. Accessibility Features GameplayAssistsControlsVisualAudioFull Accessibility Report Data by Family Gaming Database Campsites, first up, need to be placed along routes with some thought to ensure you can keep your torch lit, because they've only gone and put your light supply on a tightly-timed gauge. Tension has entered the chat! You also have a bar dictating your health, which doesn't take much to empty either, so the positioning of those regenerating faded groves is now of critical import. Once you complete a run you'll be taken back to your deck and another gauge is deployed. This purple addition to the fun shows you how cursed you are, you see. It gets added to with each complete run, and so doing well, not dying, and playing clever will help you keep this bar filling up as slowly as possible. Dying and making a mess, on the other hand, will add some hefty chunks, putting you at risk of being overwhelmed before you manage to break all the seals and beat the boss. Phew! The first dungeon's leisurely pace and straightforward layout gives you a chance to get used to spinning and placing parts of your dungeon onto the map, as well as getting to grips with how you'll need to time everything just so to push on to victory. The combat keeps itself varied by providing new weapons and collectibles, too, as well as giving you new options through a vast selection of upgradeable and changeable cards (116 base varieties, we believe). Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked) There are further layers provided through build synergies — certain placement patterns provide surprise boons — and there's also a whole bunch of Cantrips to unlock and use, allowing you to add both positive and negative effects to raise or lower the amount of XP you gain in a run, or "harvest" to use the correct lingo. So, lots of moving parts to consider. You've also got a few characters to meet out in these ruins that you've built around yourself, strange NPCs who'll upgrade your cards, duplicate particular faves, and more besides, whilst imparting some folklore upon you. Upgrading here, it has to be said, is also just really cool and satisfying because, besides the usual numbers-going-up, you get new entrances onto your card pieces. So, for example, a long corridor with three doors that you couldn't use because it wouldn't fit, now gets an extra door for you to work with. It's addictive, puzzley-time stuff that just gets better as it gets harder. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked) Of course, when a clouded area within any of your dungeons doesn't contain a seal, you've wasted a lot of resources making your way towards it, and this aspect also brings enough tension to your planning time that the building is every bit as enjoyable as the combat. Wandering through dungeons brings the added danger of getting lost, too, as there's no map, so the memory game starts to rear its head as you move onto the later catacombs, which mix things up by spreading the clouds you need to uncover in various directions. This means way more pre-planning is required to avoid coming a cropper to the tight time and health constraints placed on you. Beyond this, you've also got cursed cards that'll be played into your deck once you've been cursed, these add some rough negatives to proceedings if you let them sit in your hand, and so you need to consider when to play them (they cost a BP) in order to do the least amount of damage to your chances and get them out of your deck. These are offset by favour cards you'll get from breaking seals and levelling up, so you could, as an example, play a cursed card that means you can't heal up at groves, but then play a card that gives you +500% damage, so it nullifies the negative somewhat and removes it from your deck. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked) There are so many wrinkles here that it could have become very tedious and/or messy, so the best thing is how it's all so effortless and easy to learn, even if you don't really do cards as a regular thing. Every aspect is explained well (there's a tutorial in the menus when you need it), and you can take your time in the planning phase. As the catacombs get harder, things progress along perfectly from relaxing and addictive, to tension-filled and even more bloody addictive. The lovely pixel art style, quick shots of Scottish folklore, and solid soundtrack all work to give you exactly the kind of ambience you need to settle in for the long haul. In terms of negatives, well, the story aspects are light, really, so this one isn't gonna be challenging any of the more narratively bombastic examples of the genre to a straight-up auto-fight in the school playground. We guess, too, that the graphical style is one that's been done quite a bit, but honestly, we're picking for the sake of it now. This is some premium-grade roguelike, in the end - a uniquely fresh take that borrows inspirations from all over its chosen genre, and cobbles them together into a wonderful indie game that's very much its own thing. Just be warned that the 'one more run' factor here is high. Conclusion Into The Restless Ruins has taken us totally by surprise. This is a belting addition to the Switch's lineup of roguelikes that manages to make itself fresh and unique in a category full of bland copycats. The melding of deckbuilding, combat, memory challenges, and construction of dungeons makes for a game that draws you right in every time, robbing you of hours as you work your way through its delightful catacombs. A little more narrative oomph may have taken it even further, but you're still looking at a bit of a must-play here. A wonderfully clever melding of mechanicsCombat is fun with good variety in enemies and weaponsPacing is spot on, with dungeons getting more complex as you goEasy to get to grips with but deep as the darkest dungeon, too Story is very lightPixel art style has been done quite a bit before Excellent 9/10

Pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee – Knoll’s latest lineup is one you’ll want to savor slowly. Unveiled as the Knoll Pavilion at Milan Design Week 2025, the heritage brand’s newest suite of collaborations brings together a who’s who of design visionaries, each offering their own take on craft, comfort, and form. Featuring sculptural seating, finely crafted wood pieces, reimagined icons, and playful, lounge-worthy designs, each piece stands on its own, yet together they showcase Knoll’s ongoing commitment to championing the brightest minds and reinventing familiar furniture typologies. Biboni Sofa by Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee of Johnston Marklee Looking for that just right balance of relaxed yet engaged? Enter the Biboni Sofa by Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee of Johnston Marklee. It brings sculptural softness to seating, its rounded folds shaped into an enveloping, almost anthropomorphic form. Designed with an architectural mindset, every detail enhances its relationship to the surrounding space – best experienced floating in the round, as part of a constellation of elements. “It wants to be a good friend,” says Johnston. “We like that it can be giving in that way.” Balancing structure and comfort, Biboni is at once formal and informal, soft yet supportive. Biboni Sofa by Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee of Johnston Marklee Biboni Sofa by Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee of Johnston Marklee, D’Urso Occasional Tables by Joseph D’Urso Muecke Wood Collection by Jonathan Muecke Architect and sculptor Jonathan Muecke doesn’t hide wood joinery the way others might feel compelled to. Instead, he celebrates it, boldly showcasing end grain and structural connections as defining features in the Muecke Wood Collection. Muecke focuses on the materiality of the pieces and the spatial relationship they have with the room. “I don’t think about chairs and tables as objects,” he says. “I think about a chair in terms of material – as a marker of human scale, a physical record in relational space.” Perron Bun Lounge Chair by Willo Perron With its plush, oversized cushion seemingly floating above a slim sculptural base, the Perron Bun Lounge Chair by Willo Perron blurs the line between lounge chair, sofa, and bed. Its playful, cloud-like form offers an ultra-relaxed take on seating, balancing softness and lightness with a performative edge. Designed for sinking in, stretching out, or curling up, it’s comfort at its most inviting – and a little unexpected. “I come from pop culture and music, and my work is always a little bit performative,” says Perron. Perron Bun Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Willo Perron D’Urso Occasional Table by Joseph D’Urso A celebrated minimalist, Joseph D’Urso first designed the D’Urso Occasional Table for Knoll in 1980, and now it’s reissued in three sizes. Its sleek silhouette pairs industrial materials with thoughtful function, from polished steel finishes to discreet casters. With a lower open shelf that acts as a second tabletop, clearing the top surface of clutter, it’s a small piece of architecture that seamlessly balances form and utility. D’Urso Occasional Tables by Joseph D’Urso The Barcelona Collection by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Lastly, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Collection, originally introduced in 1929, gets a fresh update with new fabric upholstery options and an ultra matte-black frame. The timeless elegance of the iconic chair, stool, and couch is reimagined with subtle shifts in materiality, bringing even more versatility to Mies’s famous “less is more” philosophy. The Barcelona Collection by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Year after year, Knoll continues to build on its legacy of collaborating with design’s leading voices to create pieces that balance bold ideas, unique points of view, and timeless appeal. From sculptural seating to thoughtful reissues, each release reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and shaping the way we live with design. To learn more about Knoll’s latest 2025 collections and the Knoll Pavilion, visit knoll.com. Photography courtesy of Knoll.