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Diablo 4 Players Shed Tears of Joy as Devs Add Massive QoL Change To Prevent Bricking Gear Diablo 4 Players Shed Tears of Joy as Devs Add Massive QoL Change To Prevent Bricking Gear There’s nothing quite like the gut-wrenching feeling of accidentally ruining a piece of gear in Diablo 4 that you’ve spent countless hours grinding to obtain. That perfect roll you’ve been chasing for weeks can vanish faster than your will to play, all because of one unfortunate missclick during the enchanting process. Better late than never? Not quite. | Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment After nearly a year and a half of community feedback, Blizzard has finally implemented a small but significant quality-of-life change that has players breathing a collective sigh of relief. But while some are celebrating this long-awaited update, others are questioning why it took as long as it did for such a basic feature to be added. Diablo 4‘s Latest Quality-of-Life Victory The enchanting system has been a constant source of anxiety for players since launch. One wrong move, and that perfect piece of gear you’ve been farming for days turns into vendor trash. It’s a frustration that’s led to countless rage quits and probably a few broken peripherals along the way. Now, finally, Blizzard has made “No Change” the default option when enchanting items. The community’s reaction has been fairly positive: For veteran Diablo 4 players who’ve lost track of how many items they’ve accidentally bricked, this change represents more than just a simple UI update—it’s peace of mind: Posts from the diablo4 community on Reddit However, this seemingly basic feature’s delayed implementation raises some valid concerns about the devs’ priorities. What should have been a launch feature has taken over 18 months to materialize, leaving many players wondering what other obvious improvements might be gathering dust on the development backlog. The Long Road Ahead Competition is on its way, and it will not be pulling any punches. | Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment While the enchanting fix is certainly welcome, it’s just one item on a lengthy list of needed improvements. The Tempering system, for instance, ******** a testament to unnecessary tedium. Players currently need to navigate through multiple menu layers for each attempt, turning what should be an engaging gear optimization process into a mind-numbing click fest. Some players aren’t mincing words about their frustration: Comment byu/M4ttingt0n from discussion indiablo4 The community’s patience with these basic quality-of-life issues is wearing increasingly thin: Comment byu/TrickyCorgi316 from discussion indiablo4 The timing of these improvements becomes even more critical with Path of Exile 2‘s December 6 release date approaching. Some players are already planning their exodus: Comment byu/TrickyCorgi316 from discussion indiablo4 The enchanting fix—while appreciated—feels like too little, too late for many players. The core issues with Diablo 4‘s gear progression systems run deeper than just UI improvements. The restrictive Tempering system, the limited use of Scrolls of Restoration on items, and the general ***** of experimenting with gear all contribute to a less engaging endgame experience. Blizzard needs to significantly pick up the pace of these improvements if they want to maintain player interest, especially with strong competition on the horizon. While fixing the enchanting system’s default state is a step in the right direction, it’s a small step when giant leaps are needed. What do you think about this latest update? Are you satisfied with the pace of improvements in Diablo 4, or do you think Blizzard needs to step up their game? Let us know in the comments below! Source link #Diablo #Players #Shed #Tears #Joy #Devs #Add #Massive #QoL #Change #Prevent #Bricking #Gear Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Triathlete Gentle scoops $217,000 pay-day in world T100 Triathlete Gentle scoops $217,000 pay-day in world T100 Ashleigh Gentle has collapsed to her knees after battling home third in the inaugural T100 triathlon world championships in Dubai, but the *********** Olympian was able to celebrate a huge pay day for her achievement in finishing second in the season’s overall series. ********* Taylor Knibb lifted the first-ever global crown with a commanding victory on Saturday, delivering a brilliant performance in the blazing heat as temperatures reached 31 degrees Celsius during a two-kilometre swim, 80km on the bike and a concluding 18km run. It completed the 26-year-old’s perfect streak after wins in San Francisco, Ibiza, Lake Las Vegas, and Dubai, leaving her with a $US310,000 ($A480,000) prize in the lucrative new series. Behind Knibb and Swiss Olympic silver medallist Julie Derron, Queenslander Gentle, who had at one point looked a potential winner during the run, battled on courageously after hitting the wall in the sweltering conditions, and ended up stumbling along on her knees after walking shattered across the line. The 33-year-old’s ample reward for the brutal test, though, was a $US140,000 ($A217,000) pay day for her series second-place. “I went for the win and it was so painful,” said the former world triathlon mixed relay champion Gentle. “I gave it everything and got third in the end but I’m proud of my effort. It was pretty brutal. When I wasn’t feeling too good and Derron just flew past me on the run, it was super soul-crushing, but I did what I could. “All the athletes I’ve been racing this year have been motivating me and inspiring me in training. I feel like I’ve been applying myself more, better than I ever have, because the level of the women’s field is just getting better and better and just trying to keep up is pretty difficult. “Taylor has just been dominating and when you’re racing an athlete like that, it is sometimes really difficult to truly believe that you can beat them. “But I had this little ***** in my belly… I have no reason to believe that I can beat her, but I’m on the start line and that means I have got a chance, so I just had to believe that. “I didn’t beat her but feel like I was a step closer today and did everything I could to try and get there.” Knibb reckoned she was “kind of shocked” by her victory. “It only came together in the last three kilometres when everyone else fell apart, but it was very step-by-step.” Source link #Triathlete #Gentle #scoops #payday #world #T100 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A boomer who retired with a $2 million net worth despite working modest jobs shares his advice on retiring comfortably A boomer who retired with a $2 million net worth despite working modest jobs shares his advice on retiring comfortably Richard (not pictured) said he and his wife retired on over $2 million in assets despite some costly investment mistakes.fotodelux/ Getty Images An Idaho couple retired with a net worth of over $2 million by living frugally and making smart investment choices. Richard learned investment strategies later in life after losing thousands in the dot-com bubble. Richard’s story highlights the “millionaire next door” mindset of diligent saving and careful investing. Richard, who is in his mid-70s, never held a very high-paying job and made various investment mistakes that cost him thousands over his life. However, the Idaho resident said living frugally, prioritizing retirement accounts, and making smart real estate decisions allowed him and his wife to retire comfortably with over $2 million in assets after a career in state government and consulting. Richard learned about investment strategies later in life after losing thousands in the dot-com bubble. After that, he said his path to growing wealth was modest and careful. He asked to use his first name only for privacy concerns. His path is indicative of the “millionaire next door” mindset, which involves concerted efforts to save and invest using very accessible strategies, rather than flashy but risky get-rich-quick schemes or landing an elite, ultra-high-paying career. Still, he acknowledged that not all retirees have the resources to save a substantial amount for their retirement. We want to hear from you. Are you an older ********* with any life regrets that you would be comfortable sharing with a reporter? Please fill out this quick form. “Having a work ethic has helped me throughout my life not just in accumulating wealth but in having people recognize that I’m a reliable person,” Richard said. “You have to be honest, you have to be kind, and you have to help other people.” Richard said his “near-ideal” upbringing taught him the value of money and hard work. As a teenager, he worked as a paperboy, produce clerk, ice cream vendor, and root ***** stand cashier. He estimated earning about $5.25 a week in high school, or about $53 in 2024 dollars. “I realized the value of money because it gave me this independence to buy the clothes I wanted to buy, allowed me to buy Christmas presents for my siblings and parents,” Richard said. He also acknowledges that he grew up in a time when life’s necessities were more affordable. In his small, middle-class hometown in Illinois, he said a family could be supported on one income. He worked and lived frugally while attending the University of Illinois, which he said cost just $173 his first semester. He paid back his student loans right after graduating with a psychology degree. Story Continues While serving in the Air Force for nearly six years, he purchased a modest home in Sacramento. He and his wife grew food in their garden and made granola from scratch. He said he sold the house when its value doubled. “I never really thought about what my financial goals were until later,” Richard said. “I remember coming home one Sunday, and I said I really don’t want to have a middle-class existence. I would like to do better if I can.” In graduate school, he worked as a teaching assistant, started investing using his stockbroker friend’s advice, and bought a condo. He admitted because his parents weren’t financially savvy, he wasn’t a “very disciplined saver or investor,” though he knew never to go into major debt. He said he wasn’t always sure how to invest properly. Some now-common vehicles intended to make it easy for everyday savers to make diversified investments, like exchange-traded funds, weren’t yet invented, and he said he invested too heavily in penny stocks and riskier investments. He decided to save and invest as much as possible while building his IRA and paying off his existing loans. While his career has been fairly stable, he weathered two layoffs and lost thousands in investments when the dot-com bubble burst in 2000. “I haven’t been a disciplined, smart investor throughout my life, but I have always lived frugally,” Richard said. “I purchased real estate and invested whenever the opportunity arose, so it’s an imperfect background. But it shows that even if you make those kinds of mistakes, it’s still possible to accumulate wealth.” Richard maintained his frugality as he inched closer to retirement, avoiding big-ticket items. Richard retired at 62 when he realized he could be “liberated from a lifetime of labor” and had enough saved. He waited until 65 to claim Social Security, noting he never wanted to rely solely on Social Security for his retirement. His wife retired in 2013, and their assets now total about $2 million, split evenly between their investments and their house. They live comfortably on about $3,500 monthly in Social Security and dividends from investments, investing about $25,000 annually with annual dividends of about $120,000. Richard said they have long-term care insurance and reserved much of their money for healthcare expenses. Richard described his investment strategy as “somewhat atypical.” They primarily invest in mutual funds that pay consistently high dividends of about 10%. At their age, Richard said he wants to eliminate individual stocks. “Although market values can decline or rise, we just stay focused on the rate of return and hope that will not change appreciably,” Richard said. “So far, this is working, and we are satisfied to have a steady income without having to sell funds to generate revenue.” They still live within their means, but they occasionally take international trips. They keep costs low by flying economy, avoiding expensive restaurants, never going on tours, and staying in Airbnbs. “I’ve never stayed at a five-star hotel, and I’ve almost always had used cars,” Richard said. “We don’t order takeout every day, and we might go to a restaurant once a week. Add that up, and you’re saving tens of thousands of dollars.” In retirement, Richard has produced over 70 books about his hometown, ********* history, and trail guides. He’s also directed a local community group and now volunteers as a tour guide. “Retirement has been a total joy; it’s similar to having a second childhood where you have complete freedom, and your job is to keep yourself entertained,” Richard said. Are you part of the ***** movement or living by some of its principles? Reach out to this reporter at *****@*****.tld. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #boomer #retired #million #net #worth #working #modest #jobs #shares #advice #retiring #comfortably Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

SNP plans to cut staff at party headquarters SNP plans to cut staff at party headquarters Getty Images SNP leader John Swinney addresses delegates during the SNP party conference in Edinburgh in September The SNP’s ruling body has proposed cutting the number of staff at its headquarters by more than a third, from 26 to 16. The party’s national executive committee (NEC) agreed to a proposal to “streamline” staffing during a meeting on Saturday. A voluntary redundancy scheme has been opened. National secretary Councillor Alex Kerr said the move would “protect the long-term finances of the party”. The announcement comes as its focus shifts to the 2026 Holyrood election. The SNP, which has been in power since 2007, faces a resurgent Labour Party which increased its Scottish seats at Westminster from one to 37 in the summer’s general election. Mr Kerr said: “The national executive committee has been tasked with delivering a modern, dynamic election-winning party to win in 2026 and beyond – and today’s agreement to consult on a new structure at headquarters makes key progress to deliver on that aim. “The proposal, agreed by the SNP National Executive Committee today, would get HQ into shape for future elections and for the ****** for independence. “It would mean that not everyone currently employed at HQ will continue with us but a streamlined headquarters protects the long-term finances of the party and delivers on the modern, professional, election-winning organisation Scotland needs.” Mr Kerr said the SNP’s success was built on the work of many people – at headquarters, in local campaign teams and those in elected office. He also thanked those who worked for the party and supported its aim of an independent Scotland. Getty Images Murray Foote, left, pictured with the SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn The party suffered a heavy defeat in July’s general election and was left with nine, MPs compared to 48 in 2019. Along with the loss of its status as the third biggest party at Westminster, the SNP also lost out on a bulk of its so-called short money. This is provided to opposition parties to allow them to carry out their parliamentary duties. Last month the SNP’s chief executive Murray Foote quit the post after 14 months. The former newspaper editor said that he “could not make the necessary personal commitment” to leading a reorganisation of the party after their disappointing election performance. SNP membership numbers The SNP has also struggled for substantial donations in recent years, relying instead on membership fees. It is the biggest political party in Scotland, with figures from June showing it had 65,000 members. But falling membership numbers have triggered a drop in income. The current membership is roughly half what it was after a surge following 2014’s independence referendum. This year, 81% of the party’s funding came from membership fees, compared to just 35% in 2015 – the year former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led it to a massive 56 seats in the general election. The party’s finances have been improving recently and its most recent accounts showed it was in surplus. Meanwhile, there is an ongoing police probe into the SNP’s finances. The party’s former chief executive Peter Murrell, who is married to former first minister and ex-SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, has been charged with embezzling party funds. The Crown Office are currently considering whether there is enough evidence to prosecute Mr Murrell, and whether a prosecution would be in the public interest. Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were also arrested and released without charge, pending further investigation. Source link #SNP #plans #cut #staff #party #headquarters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US flood governance drives social inequity, and maybe the next housing market ****** US flood governance drives social inequity, and maybe the next housing market ****** Regional and demographic variation of human-flood dynamics across the CONUS coast. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01848-z A recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment looked at the current US National Flood Insurance Program, and how, without drastic changes, another housing ****** could be on the horizon. The collaboration includes UConn Department of Natural Resources and the Environment researchers Associate Professor James Knighton, Associate Professor Richard Anyah, Master’s Student Sandeep Poudel, UConn Associate Extension Educator Zbigniew Grabowski, and Rebecca Elliot from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Knighton, Poudel, and Elliott wrote the following blog post for Springer Nature Research Communities: The US National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a public, federal program, was designed by Congress to be a safety net for flood-exposed homeowners after private insurers refused to take on the risk. From 1978 through 2004, the premiums collected from insured properties fully covered all claim payments to fix flood damages. But since 2004, losses made worse by rising sea levels and larger coastal storms have contributed to plunging the NFIP tens of billions of dollars into debt to the US Treasury, large chunks of which have periodically been paid off by the broader US tax base. The fiscal and policy challenges facing the NFIP in recent years led us to wonder: what might the future of this program look like? Our socio-environmental forecasts, informed by climate projections, US census data, FEMA records, and Zillow home values, indicate that the business-as-usual approach to flood mitigation will cause the NFIP debt to increase further and culminate in a sudden housing market ****** beginning sometime around 2060. Our research largely agrees with a 2016 report by Freddie Mac that forecasts $160 billion of the housing market will be under the high tide by 2050, and $238 billion by 2100. These predictions may seem outrageous, but warning signs of a coming US coastal housing market ****** are visible in 2024. Before Hurricane Sandy in 2012, coastal properties across the northeastern US were a sound investment, rising in value significantly faster than the national median. Since Sandy, northeastern coastal properties have been a less competitive investment, with home value growth lagging the national median by about 25%. In the months since hurricanes Helene and Milton, the US has paid $480 million to restore 54,000 damaged properties. Despite the NFIP-aided recovery of structures, market values have not recovered with listed ***** prices dropping by approximately 15% at the time of this writing. Our forecasts agree with what we’re seeing on the ground. Florida is likely to be the canary in the coal mine, showing a drop in coastal home values starting now. The mid-Atlantic and Gulf states will experience dramatic drops in home values starting around 2040. The northeastern US and west coast, naturally better shielded from intense coastal storms but not sea level rise, will follow in the decades after. Major parts of the coastal housing market that US taxpayers shore up through the NFIP will soon be lost to flood waters. What is to be done? Maintaining the NFIP in its current form is likely the least desirable option for the US. Coastal storms will continue to pose serious risks to the health and safety of those in floodplains while stressing our emergency response agencies. Taxpayers are continuing to subsidize coastal real estate development, which principally benefits the better-off. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter—daily or weekly. Lower income coastal residents who are unable to afford a relocation on their own will watch as the accumulated wealth of a family-owned home is gradually eroded. Wealthy residents living at risk will continue to benefit financially from the NFIP until they decide to safely relocate. Government-assisted, community-oriented relocations of coastal residents from flood-prone areas can address four of our problems at once. First, it might allow the US to sidestep a catastrophic housing market ******. Second, relocation would improve our national resilience to rising tides and coastal storms. Third, it would shield US taxpayers from the rising debt of the NFIP. Finally, approximately 70% of the land adjacent to the US shoreline is privately owned. Private coastlines can be converted into naturally restored public spaces, providing all residents with access to their nation’s natural resources, while acting as a buffer from the storms and tides to come. More information: Sandeep Poudel et al, Differential flood insurance participation and housing market trajectories under future coastal flooding in the ******* States, Communications Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01848-z Provided by University of Connecticut Citation: US flood governance drives social inequity, and maybe the next housing market ****** (2024, November 16) retrieved 16 November 2024 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #flood #governance #drives #social #inequity #housing #market #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ukraine war likely to end more quickly under Trump, Zelenskyy says – National Ukraine war likely to end more quickly under Trump, Zelenskyy says – National President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine must do all it can to ensure the war with Russia ends next year through diplomacy, commenting at a decisive moment after Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential election win and Russia’s grinding battlefield gains. However, Zelenskyy said Russian President Vladimir ****** was not interested in agreeing to a peace deal, and argued it was convenient for Moscow to sit down to talk while continuing to ******. “From our side, we must do everything so that this war ends next year, ends through diplomatic means,” Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian radio interview aired on Saturday. Moscow’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva said on Thursday that Russia would be open to negotiations on an end to the war if they were initiated by Trump, although he added that these would have to acknowledge “realities on the ground.” Story continues below advertisement Moscow uses this phrase to mean Ukraine would have to cede four regions that Russian forces have partly occupied and that Russia has claimed in their entirety. Zelenskyy has repeatedly said since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 that peace cannot be established until all Russian forces are expelled and all territory captured by Moscow, including Crimea, is returned. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. However, a return to Ukraine’s internationally recognized 1991 borders was not mentioned in the president’s “victory plan” that he publicly presented last month. Zelenskyy said the war was likely to end quicker under Trump, who said often during his campaign that he would rapidly end the conflict, without giving specifics. 2:04 Ukraine fears Trump victory will mean end of U.S. military support Zelenskyy said U.S. law prevented him from meeting Trump before his inauguration on Jan. 20. Story continues below advertisement “We will do everything that depends on us (to ensure a meeting). We had a really good meeting in September,” Zelenskyy said, adding he would only talk with Trump himself rather than any emissary or advisor. Zelenskyy conceded that the situation in eastern Ukraine was difficult and Russia was making advances. Trending Now Billionaire Elon Musk wants ‘high-IQ’ task force workers, but the pay is zero Poilievre says he’d ****** Trump economic policies, tariffs ‘with *****’ Moscow’s forces are currently bearing down on Kurakhove, which has a thermal power plant and is only 7 km (4 miles) from Pokrovsk, a large town which for much of the war has been one of Ukraine’s logistical lynchpins. More on World More videos On the battlefields of eastern Ukraine, Russia is now advancing at the fastest rate since the war’s earliest days in 2022. Zelenskyy said the situation was difficult for several reasons, one of which was hold-ups of up to a year in equipping brigades, partly because of months of delay by the U.S Congress last winter in approving Ukraine aid. However, he said some of these brigades would now enter the fray. “In order to stop the Russian army, new reserves, kitted out with the equipment we have been waiting for so long, will now arrive,” he said. Ukraine has sought to boost its own weapons production to lessen dependence on allies. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was now making four different missiles, which he said were currently in testing. Story continues below advertisement 2:37 Russia launches 1st missile ******* on Kyiv since August, Ukraine says Source link #Ukraine #war #quickly #Trump #Zelenskyy #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

With ****** Ops 6, Xbox Has Crushed PlayStation With a Call of Duty Record While Sony is Busy Pushing Remasters With ****** Ops 6, Xbox Has Crushed PlayStation With a Call of Duty Record While Sony is Busy Pushing Remasters One of the highly-anticipated games of 2024, Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 had a good start compared to the previous installments in the Call of Duty franchise. This time, it’s safe to say that the active player count is very high as Microsoft made the decision to release the game on Xbox Game Pass on day one. Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 was released on Xbox Game Pass on day one (Image via Activision) Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, recently revealed that Xbox is the most-played platform for Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6. This isn’t exactly shocking as releasing the game on Xbox Game Pass was a game changer. The move boosted the sales of Xbox Game Pass, giving Microsoft massive financial aid. It’s safe to say that Sony, on the other hand, has lost this battle. Xbox Is The Most-Played Platform For Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 The statistics prove that Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 has been dominating the industry since its release. Thanks to Microsoft’s decision to release the game on Xbox Game Pass on day one, the game has managed to maintain a high active player count. In a recent interview with GameFile Xbox boss Phil Spencer confirmed that Xbox is the most-played platform for Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6. Xbox and PC fans have been enjoying the game since day one with the Xbox Game Pass, leaving PlayStation fanboys infuriated. Microsoft’s decision to acquire Activision Blizzard was certainly a turning point as it now has access to one of the most popular FPS franchises in the world. It’s safe to say that Xbox fans are glad that they picked the right console. Couldn’t imagine this 5 years ago. Game Pass is a literal Game Changer! — Kloot (@ZakkenKloot) November 15, 2024 The power of Game Pass. — Creative Monster (@CreatveMonster) November 15, 2024 What’s crazy is it’s the # 1 game on PlayStation as well. Game Pass is a monster — Newsance (@NewsanceInHD) November 15, 2024 Why are PS fanboys so triggered when positive Xbox news comes out? SMH — Jay Rembert (@JayRembert2) November 16, 2024 PlayStation indeed isn’t the most played platform, but it isn’t too far behind. A report has revealed that 18% of US active PlayStation 5 players and 34% of active PS5 players launched Call of Duty HQ on October 23 and October 28, respectively. The Multiplayer Maps In ****** Ops 6 Have Been Criticized Multiplayer maps have ******* to impress the community (Image via Activision) ****** Ops 6 had a decent start as players who prefer the single-player experience praised its exceptional campaign. The multiplayer, however, isn’t exactly flawless. Matchmaking, maps, and omnimovement are among the things that players aren’t exactly satisfied with. The first season for ****** Ops 6 is expected to solve the map issue as three new multiplayer maps were added to the game, plus more maps are confirmed to roll out soon. PlayStation fans can only thank Sony as it signed a binding 10-year deal with Microsoft to keep the best-selling Call of Duty series available on PlayStation back when Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard. The Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s secret *******, in fact, the industry giant spends a staggering $1 billion annually to keep third-party titles on the Game Pass. Source link #****** #Ops #Xbox #Crushed #PlayStation #Call #Duty #Record #Sony #Busy #Pushing #Remasters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mind check: should schools track kids' mental health? Mind check: should schools track kids' mental health? *********** schools will have access to a government-funded digital tool to support students’ mental health but some question whether it will be effective. Source link #Mind #check #schools #track #kids039 #mental #health Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

1 Year Later, I’m Yet to Enjoy the Advantage Todd Howard Claimed Starfield Has Over Skyrim and Fallout 1 Year Later, I’m Yet to Enjoy the Advantage Todd Howard Claimed Starfield Has Over Skyrim and Fallout After years of anticipation, Bethesda’s Starfield debuted in 2024. The gigantic-space RPG was the company’s first new intellectual property in 25 years, and a lot is going behind it to be something special. Upon its release, the game was met with a positive reception, but that reaction didn’t last long as players felt the game lacked a soul. Starfield was supposed to be Bethesda’s redemption game. (Image via Microsoft) Todd Howard and his team didn’t give up on the space RPG, though. In the last year, the team has brought various updates and even a full-fledged DLC for the game. However, amidst all that, I would like to ask where Starfield‘s “handcrafted planets” were supposed to give it an edge over Fallout and Skyrim. Todd Howard Didn’t Deliver on Yet Another Thing With Starfield Ahead of Starfield‘s release, many gamers were concerned about how Bethesda would use procedural generation technology. People felt that most of the game’s planets would be procedurally generated and wouldn’t feature the handcrafted content of the company’s other popular RPGs, such as Fallout and Elder Scrolls. However, Todd Howard came out and confirmed that won’t be the case. It was stated that with more than 1000 planets for gamers to explore across the Milky Way galaxy, Starfield brings out the largest interactive spaces in the company’s catalog. Howard stated that even though they’re procedurally generated, Bethesda has developed and handcrafted a lot of them and put in more work compared to the studio’s previous titles. We’ve done more of it than we’ve ever done However, I’d like to disagree on this one. Going into the game, I was lured by Howard’s promises and expected to see a truckload of awesome locations, enemies, and quests, especially those in high-level areas, but that wasn’t the case. When I explored Starfield‘s various star systems, I came across just a handful of “unique” handcrafted locations. Even these didn’t feel like they had much work put into them and simply didn’t compare to what we had seen with Skyrim or Fallout. It genuinely feels like you’re walking into a procedurally generated simulator; you wouldn’t want to see these areas time and time again. It’s clear that Howard and his team opted for the quantity over quality approach. Whether that’s positive or negative depends on the individual player. But I feel like if Bethesda had focused on diverting its resources on ten-hand-designed planets, the game would’ve felt alive and stood out among its competitors. It’s disappointing how Howard handled this title, considering it was his childhood dream. Starfield Doesn’t Deserve a Sequel or Further Development Recently, an ex-Bethesda developer stated that Starfield is now part of the company’s big three, right alongside the Fallout and Elder Scrolls franchises. Even Xbox boss Phil Spencer has revealed that he wants the IP to have the same longevity as Skyrim, a game that’s still enjoyed to this day. With these things in mind, it’s quite clear that top executives want Starfield to continue with another entry, and while the details are still scarce, I don’t think the game deserves such a treatment. It’s not just me; even the Steam reviews prove my point. Starfield doesn’t offer engaging characters or fun mechanics. All this game really brings to the table are boring planets and temples, disappointing space travel, and a ******* storyline. I genuinely don’t think this game justifies the massive investment Bethesda has put behind it, and it’s a sinking ship the longer it goes on. What doesn’t make sense to me is why Starfield is preparing for the sequel treatment while Microsoft continues to ******* other studios. The tech giant murdered smaller studios like Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin to focus on high-budget Bethesda games. Disappointing triple AAA titles such as Starfield continue to dominate the industry unfairly and consume resources that could’ve gone towards supporting smaller and more innovative studios. Despite making massive hits, games from such small studios don’t get sequels because of financial risks. Meanwhile, mediocre titles from Bethesda continued to get funded because of its brand, whatever is left of it. It’s a really big issue in the gaming industry. Independent developers continue to suffer, and companies just want maximum profit maximization, ruining gaming for us. With that said, do you think Starfield is Bethesda’s biggest ********? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Year #Enjoy #Advantage #Todd #Howard #Claimed #Starfield #Skyrim #Fallout Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NASA Complains That Its Spacesuits Are a Decrepit Mess NASA Complains That Its Spacesuits Are a Decrepit Mess Hand Me Downs NASA’s spacesuits, which its astronauts use to venture outside the International Space Station, are really starting to show their age. In June, NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson was alarmed to discover water squirting from her spacesuit and covering her visor with ice, forcing the agency to call off the planned spacewalk. In the same month, NASA called off yet another spacewalk due to a “spacesuit discomfort” issue plaguing NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick. The space agency’s extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), essentially a self-sufficient spacecraft in the shape of a bulky spacesuit, dates back to the early 1980s and hasn’t seen any major updates since the late 1990s. The latest design, which was first flown in 1998, was meant to last 15 years, meaning that the suits currently being used are far beyond their intended shelf life. “None of our spacesuits are spring chickens, as we would say, and so we will expect to see some hardware issues with repeated use,” Dominick, who returned to Earth last month after spending more than half a year on board the ISS, told reporters last week, as quoted by Space.com. Following Suit After what Dyson called getting “an arctic blast all over my visor,” NASA officials said the issue had been corrected. Dominick, who was meant to accompany Dyson during the fateful spacewalk, reiterated that during any spacewalk, the stakes are incredibly high. “It’s one of those things that we are always at every second — or every point in a process — ready to stop, or ready to turn in another direction, or work a contingency procedure,” Dominick told reporters last week. “And that is exactly what we did.” Meanwhile, the pressure on NASA to introduce a new and updated spacesuit is growing. The space agency chose two private space companies to develop new spacesuits in 2022, which would not only allow astronauts to perform spacewalks outside of the ISS but also walk on the Moon. One of those companies, Collins Aerospace, backed out of the deal this past summer. But the other one, Axiom Space, appears to be making steady progress. Last month, the firm showed off a suit designed to protect astronauts during NASA’s Artemis 3 mission, the first planned lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972, which is tentatively scheduled for 2026. But even Axiom Space is facing some serious financial trouble. As Forbes reported in September, the startup has been struggling to pay the bills and ***** off at least a hundred employees. Even the space station itself is looking worse for wear. Cracks and leaks affecting the Russian segment of the aging International Space Station were deemed a “top safety risk” by NASA’s inspector general earlier this year. Officials have warned of the “possibility of a catastrophic ********” — a worrying sign that the station’s days could soon be numbered years, even before it’s scheduled to be deorbited. More on space suits: The Company NASA’s Hired to Build the Next Space Station Seems to Be in Big Trouble, ******* 100 Employees and Unable to Pay Bills Source link #NASA #Complains #Spacesuits #Decrepit #Mess Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Valve Lead Writer Openly Declaring Half Life 3 Won’t Happen is a Good Thing Valve Lead Writer Openly Declaring Half Life 3 Won’t Happen is a Good Thing It’s quite hard to believe, but Half Life 2: Episode 2 debuted almost 17 years ago, and that’s a long time for fans to wait for a Half-Life 3 title in this legendary series. Even though Half-Life: Alyx was an incredible return to the series’ world, the fact that it was limited to VR led to a split within the community. Valve doesn’t have any plans of bringing Half Life 3. (Image via Valve) So, for the most, it’s been nearly two decades without the once-most-hyped sequel of all time. At this point, players would be better off moving to another series as Valve itself doesn’t have any intentions of crafting a third entry in the franchise, which could prove to be a positive thing in the long run when you think about it. Valve Doesn’t Want to Make Half Life 3 and That’s Good If you’re a fan of the Half Life franchise, you probably know about the series’ co-creator writer Marc Laidlaw. He’s the one responsible for bringing the first two entries into the franchise. However, he quietly retired from his position at Valve back in 2016. The chaos of the gaming industry was too much for him, and he wanted to work on more self-directed writing projects. In an interview with Arcade *******, Laidlaw opened up about the glory days of the franchise and his thoughts on the future of Half Life. When asked whether or not the long-awaited Half Life 3 would ever hit the shelves, the series writer stated that he doesn’t know and wouldn’t return to the studio either to work on the game. No idea. And I have no interest in going back. I had ideas for Episode 3. They were all supposed to take the series to a point where I could step away from it and leave it to the next generation. Laidlaw explains that he had multiple ideas for a third entry in the franchise, and they were going to take it to a point where he could leave it to the next generation. However, it seems like his ideas never came to fruition as Valve hasn’t bothered touching the IP in years, and that’s arguably for a good reason. We all love the Half Life franchise because it brought something new to the table and left a mark on the gaming culture. If Valve tries to tie up the loose ends at this point, it could prove to be a disaster as the game simply wouldn’t be able to match the astronomical player expectations set by its previous entries. Going back to the franchise after such a long silence could end up harming it, especially if Valve can’t innovate or produce something similar again. Valve itself has a weak track record in the last couple of years. Counter-Strike 2 still lacks the major update it needs, and the studio has outright abandoned Team Fortress 2. Who knows if Valve can really even make a quality Half Life 3 anymore? Just like some classic books and films that are remembered for knowing when to conclude, the Half Life franchise might be better off by remaining a masterpiece than a disaster. Laidlaw Regrets Publishing Half Life Episode 3 Story Laidlaw shares his biggest regret with the Half Life franchise. (Image via Valve) If you’re out of the loop, back in 2017, Laidlaw decided to put the “Epistle 3” story on his own website. The unofficial tale came right around Episode 2’s anniversary and was told by someone called “Gertie Freemont” with casual references to “Alex Vaunt,” which were alleged references to Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance. In an interview, Laidlaw stated that he shouldn’t have hit the publish button for this story ever. Even after the writer opened up about his passion and regrets over the Half Life series, he believes that the decision might have caused trouble for his colleagues over at Valve. I was living on an island, totally cut off from my friends and creative community of the last couple decades, I was completely out of touch and had nobody to talk me out of it. It just seemed like a fun thing to do, until I did it. In the end, Half Life continued in some form with 2020 release of Half Life Alyx, though it wasn’t the Episode 3 or another full-fledged entry that players were chasing. With that said, do you think Valve needs to make Half Life 3? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Valve #Lead #Writer #Openly #Declaring #Life #Wont #Happen #Good Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Top Senators call for federal probe into Musk’s contact with ****** Top Senators call for federal probe into Musk’s contact with ****** Two top Senate Democrats have called for a federal investigation into Elon Musk’s reported contacts with Russian President Vladimir ****** and his top aides. The senators have urged the Pentagon and the Justice Department to determine whether the conversations, which the Kremlin has denied, should force a review of the federal government’s contracts with Musk’s company, SpaceX. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the world’s richest person has had “multiple, high level conversations” with ****** since 2022 while also sustaining contact with other top Russian officials. Musk wrote on his X platform on Friday that he’s “going to find out who’s making these accusations and ***** them”. In another post, he slammed the two Democrats – Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior Democrat on the Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees – as “puppets” and “knuckleheads”. The pair of Democrats sent a letter on Friday to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Defence Department Inspector General Robert Storch raising “serious questions regarding Mr Musk’s reliability as a government contractor and a [security] clearance holder”. The Donald Trump ally currently benefits from billions of dollars in US defence and intelligence contracts, and also claims to hold a top secret level security clearance. “Russia’s ambitions in the space domain pose a direct threat to US national security,” Reed and Shaheen write, pointing to reports earlier this year that the US adversary has deployed a counter-space ******* that may be capable of attacking other satellites in low-earth orbit. The senators note that, unlike others with high-level security clearance, Musk does not report his contacts with foreign government officials. They add that the billionaire’s communications with ******’s deputy chief of staff, Sergei Kiriyenko, comes amid a Justice Department finding that Kiriyenko and other top officials were involved in an effort to seed Kremlin *********** on social media, including on the Musk-owned X (formerly Twitter) platform. “For these reasons, we urge an immediate review to ascertain whether Mr Musk’s relationship with multiple high-level Russian officials warrant an investigation and a determination by the Department of Defense’s senior debarment official whether SpaceX should exclude Mr Musk’s involvement in current or future US Government contracts,” Reed and Shaheen write. Musk, who backed Trump’s successful 2024 re-election bid with campaign appearances and millions of dollars in donations, was picked by the president-elect earlier this week to lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency”. But he has also participated in the incoming president’s diplomatic efforts. Musk joined phone calls over the past week with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. The BBC’s US partner, CBS News, reported on Friday that he also recently visited the residence of Iran’s ******* Nations ambassador in New York. Washington does not have diplomatic relations with Tehran. Source link #Top #Senators #call #federal #probe #Musks #contact #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

1 Hated ****** Ops 6 Skin is Becoming the Sole Reason Everyone Wants to Skewer Activision 1 Hated ****** Ops 6 Skin is Becoming the Sole Reason Everyone Wants to Skewer Activision Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 launched to widespread acclaim, a rare achievement for a franchise that often finds itself in the crosshairs of criticism. For a moment, it seemed like Activision had finally cracked the code, delivering a game that balanced nostalgia with innovation. Sike, we’re back at it again. | Image Credit: Activision But as Season 1 rolls out, a familiar controversy has emerged. The game’s carefully crafted atmosphere, which earned praise for its return to the gritty, clandestine roots of the ****** Ops series, is being challenged by something that has players questioning whether they’re still playing the same game. And this time, it’s not just the usual suspects complaining—even the game’s staunchest defenders are raising their eyebrows at what many are calling a betrayal of the series’ identity. ****** Ops 6 Season 1: A Dragon in Soldier’s Clothing The arrival of Season 1 in Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 and Warzone has brought with it a cosmetic that’s causing more than just a visual disturbance. The Dragon Knight skin, complete with particle effects and glowing green flames, has become the poster child for everything players ***** their beloved military shooter is becoming: Comment byu/Turbostrider27 from discussion inpcgaming The criticism isn’t just about aesthetics. Players complain that the skin’s elaborate effects are actually impacting gameplay, with some even reporting frame rate drops and visibility issues. It’s a problem that becomes particularly acute in the game’s more competitive modes. What’s particularly frustrating for many players is that this comes just weeks after ****** Ops 6 was praised for its authentic military aesthetics and attention to detail. The campaign’s portrayal of covert operations and the multiplayer’s initial focus on tactical gameplay had given fans hope that the series was finally moving away from its carnival-like cosmetic choices. And while some might argue that Warzone has always had its share of outlandish cosmetics, there’s something about this particular skin that feels like a step too far—to kick off the first season with: Comment byu/Turbostrider27 from discussion inpcgaming Even fans of other games known for their creative cosmetics are pointing out the fundamental difference in approach: Comment byu/Turbostrider27 from discussion inpcgaming The community’s reaction has been swift and decisive, with many veteran players threatening to abandon the game until something changes. It’s a situation that perfectly illustrates the growing disconnect between player expectations and corporate strategy. The Solution Nobody Will Get As if all the ranting is actually going to change something. | Image Credit: Activision The community has proposed what seems like a reasonable compromise, though anyone familiar with the industry can probably guess how this story ends: Comment byu/Turbostrider27 from discussion inpcgaming But as that reply suggests, the likelihood of Activision implementing such a feature is about as high as finding a friendly player in a hot drop. The reality is that these cosmetics represent a significant revenue stream for the company. The irony isn’t lost on players that ****** Ops 6, a game that launched with marketing focused on “The Truth *****” and a return to form, has so quickly embraced the very elements that many felt were diluting the series’ identity. For now, it seems players will have to accept that their military simulator might occasionally feel more like a fantasy RPG. At least until the next controversy comes along to make us nostalgic for the days when a glowing dragon was our biggest concern. What’s your take on the Dragon Knight skin? Do you think Call of Duty has gone too far with its cosmetics, or is this just the natural evolution of modern gaming? Let us know in the comments below! Source link #Hated #****** #Ops #Skin #Sole #Reason #Skewer #Activision Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

England 49-49 Jamaica: Hosts draw series opener after late drama England 49-49 Jamaica: Hosts draw series opener after late drama England had to settle for a tie in their opening Horizon series match against Jamaica in Manchester after a dramatic last-second goal denied them victory. Sunshine ****** shooter Shanice Beckford scored in the final second to clinch a 49-49 draw after England had led for three quarters. The Roses had stretched a six-goal lead at half-time, but the visitors rallied in the final ******* to capitalise on mistakes from their hosts. The second match in the inaugural four-match series is on Sunday at 14:00 GMT and will be available to watch live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. The return matches will take place in the Jamaican capital Kingston on 25 and 26 November. Jamaica had not played a full international test match since the 2023 World Cup, where they finished third, but disrupted the Roses’ flow in the opening quarter and were level at 13-13 after 15 minutes. England were more controlled in the second quarter and Helen Housby sunk a last-second long shot to the delight of the home crowd and open up a six-goal lead at half-time. Imogen Allison and Funmi Fadoju were effective in defence but often struggled to prevent the ball coming in to 6ft 4in shooter Romelda Aiken-George. Head coach Jess Thirlby made changes throughout the third quarter but the visitors tightened up in defence and closed the gap to just three to set up a tense final *******. Jamaica then took the lead halfway through the final quarter, before a vital interception from captain Fran Williams allowed England to move ahead. But, in a frenetic final few minutes, both sides struggled to take the ball to goal with defensive brilliance on display at both ends. Fadoju made two decisive interceptions in the final two minutes, before Shamera Sterling stepped in to **** the ball away from England’s Lois Pearson with seconds on the clock. Aiken-George missed the resulting two shots, though, before Beckford gathered the rebound and scored to tie the match. England, who moved up to second in the world following the series win over New Zealand in October, are without shooter Eleanor Cardwell through injury while Natalie Metcalf is also missing after announcing her pregnancy earlier this month. Source link #England #Jamaica #Hosts #draw #series #opener #late #drama Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rate of Human Development First Slowed Down 1.77 million Years Ago Rate of Human Development First Slowed Down 1.77 million Years Ago The pace of human physical development is slower than that of other primates, meaning that it takes us longer to move from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. Scientists have long believed that this is related somehow to the complex nature and large size of the human brain, which takes more time to mature in harmony with the human body. There are questions about how early the ancestors of modern humans (***** sapiens) started physically maturing at a delayed rate, in comparison to their primate cousins. In a new study just published in the journal Nature, a team of ********* scientists presents evidence that suggests delayed growth in the human evolutionary line first appeared in approximately two million BC, or at least 500,000 years earlier than previously believed. “We show that the first evolutionary steps towards an extended growth phase occurred in the genus ***** at least 1.77 million years ago, before any substantial increase in brain size,” the study authors wrote in their Nature article. The intriguing new discovery is significant, because it does not support the idea that human physical growth slowed in conjunction with increased development in the brain, at least not in the earliest stage of the process. Signs of Delayed Childhood at Dmanisi The scientists involved in the newly published study studied ancient skeletal ******** recovered in eastern Europe, specifically in central Georgia at a prehistoric archaeological site near the city of Dmanisi. In this case it was the fossilized teeth of an ancient hominin child that produced the evidence of delayed growth in archaic humans, which the scientists obtained using sophisticated x-ray imaging technology to count growth lines on the 1.77-million-year-old specimen’s molars. The Dmanisi specimen was found in 2001, and its ******** included a skull and jaw with several teeth still in place. Paleoanthropologists Christoph Zollikofer and Marcia Ponce de León from the University of Zürich and paleontologist Paul Tafforeau from the ********* Synchrotron Radiation Facility used synchrotron power to secure the high-resolution x-ray images of the dental growth lines, which showed the child had ***** between the ages of 11 and 12. Dentition of Dmanisi skull D2700/D2735. a–c, Computed tomography (CT)-based visualization of the skull and associated teeth showing right lateral (a), frontal (b) and left lateral (c) radiographic projections. d,f, Occlusal views of reconstructed mandibular (d) and maxillary (f) dentition (green, highresolution PPC-SRµCT of isolated teeth used for microstructural analyses; orange, medium-resolution PPC-SRµCT of teeth in place, not included in microstructural analyses; red, low-resolution scans (medical CT, not included in analyses); light blue, missing teeth mirrored from preserved antimeres; dark blue, missing mandibular first incisors, reconstructed from second incisors). e, Frontal view of the skull. Scale bar, 5 cm ((Vincent Beyrand and Paul Tafforeau, ********* Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France/Nature) The researchers analyzed stress lines on the ancient teeth, caused by illness or a lack of food, to see how the various teeth in the child’s mouth grew in relation to each other. By doing this they were able to determine that the Dmanisi child kept its baby teeth longer than most primates during the first five years of its life, which is the same pattern observed in modern humans. But the child then experienced more rapid growth in the molars between ages six and 11, this time matching the growth patterns of a modern chimpanzee. What happened during the first five years was most significant, because it represents the oldest example of a slowdown in the rate of hominin maturation ever found in the fossil record. Notably, this particular hominin species possessed a brain that was similar in size to that of a chimpanzee. While the brain’s developmental pace may have been accelerating by this time, its size and complexity were still far from that of modern humans. “One of the main questions in paleoanthropology is to understand when this pattern of slow development evolves in [our genus] *****,” explained Alessia Nava, a bioarchaeologist from Sapienza University in Rome who was not involved in the new study, in an interview with Science. “Now, we have an important hint.” Researchers first became aware in the 1930s that humans mature more slowly than other apes. A common theory has been that our ancestors experienced a change in the rate at which their children reached maturity because of the nature of their brains. Slower physical growth would have been more naturally in synch with the construction of a more complex brain, since children who matured physically before their brains could catch up would have been mentally unprepared to survive on their own. On the other hand, an extended childhood would have allowed them to stay in a safe and protected environment for a longer ******* of time, giving their brains time to grow and develop and adapt to the challenges of an independent ****** existence. To uncover the truth about human evolutionary development in this regard, scientists frequently perform studies on fossilized hominin teeth, which tend to preserve better than bones. Permanent molars in particular are useful, since they produce growth rings just like trees, which can be correlated with the passage of time and the development of the body as a whole. What such studies have revealed is fascinating. For example, it seems that the teeth of one Australopithecus afarensis toddler, who came from a distant human ancestor that lived 2.4 million years ago in Ethiopia, grew teeth as rapidly as a modern chimpanzee. But by 1.2 million years ago another human ancestor species, ***** antecessor, was producing children whose teeth grew much more slowly (meaning their kids were taking longer to reach adolescence and adulthood). The Dmanisi youth whose dental ******** were examined in this new study has provided fresh and revealing information about what was going on in the ******* between 2.4 and 1.2 million years ago, suggesting that key developments were taking place over an extended ******* of time. Creating a Support Structure for a Longer Childhood According to the researchers, the Dmanisi child would have depended on adults for food and other types of care for many years after weaning. Excavations at Dmanisi have shown that the archaic hominin adults who lived there used stone tools, butchered meat, and cared for the elderly, despite having brains that were only a bit larger than those of chimpanzees. This was likely linked to the slowing of childhood development, the researchers suspect, since tool use, meat eating, and the development of a social structure that cared for the vulnerable would have made a longer childhood more viable in the Dminisi society. This wouldn’t have directly caused childhood development to slow down (evolution doesn’t work that way), but it would have enabled such a thing to happen naturally over time. A group of ***** erectus sharing food with an old and toothless individual who lived several years without teeth, an altruistic behavior associated with the early humans discovered at Dmanisi. (Mauricio Antón / Nature) But regardless of the reasons, what this new discovery shows is that an increase in brain size and complexity was not the reason why childhood in human ancestors first started getting longer. This may have been a factor later on, but at least 1.77 million years ago the extension of childhood in human ancestors was apparently disconnected from brain development. Top image: X-ray views of the skull and dentition of a young individual of early ***** from Dmanisi, Georgia. Source: Vincent Beyrand and Paul Tafforeau, ********* Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France/Nature By Nathan Falde Source link #Rate #Human #Development #Slowed #million #Years Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nintendo’s Switch 2 Could Be Doomed Even Before Release As Possible Tariffs Could Hike Prices Massively Nintendo’s Switch 2 Could Be Doomed Even Before Release As Possible Tariffs Could Hike Prices Massively As Nintendo reportedly gets ready for the release of its Switch 2 console, the import tariffs proposed by U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump earlier this year during his campaign trail could have major repercussions. The Nintendo Switch 2 is knocking at the door. | Credit: Nintendo. Although the exact release date of Nintendo’s Switch replacement is still unknown, indications suggest that it will happen in 2025, and Trump’s proposed tariff policies may result in significant price increases for the product in the US market. Trump’s Policies May Raise the Cost of Switch 2 Donald Trump’s new policies might pose a problem for the Switch 2. | Credit: Gage Skidmore/Licensed Under CC-BY-SA-2.0/Wikimedia Commons Nintendo stated in early May that the Switch 2 console would be unveiled by March 2025 at the latest. Although Nintendo has not yet confirmed the rumors, several industry insiders had already conjectured that the console would be released in March 2025 before that announcement. With that deadline approaching, some in the industry are worried about the price of the Switch 2 due to Trump’s proposed tariff policies during his campaign, which include a 20 percent tariff on all imported goods and tariffs rising to 60 percent for products coming from China. Regarding the tariffs, industry insider Jeff Grubb has voiced concerns about the possible price of the Switch 2 release in the event that the proposed tariffs are implemented. “There’s a lot of ins and outs, but mostly just think of it this way: everything is going to be taxed as it comes into the country, and that cost will get passed onto consumers,” he stated in a recent video. Tariffs are levied by the government against businesses that import goods from other countries. They can be used to both increase government revenue and discourage businesses from using goods made abroad. Nonetheless, there is growing concern that importers will raise the price of the goods they sell to offset the fees they are required to pay, making them more costly for consumers. What Is the Future of the Switch 2? Nintendo Switch 2’s price is going to soar. | Credit: Nintendo. At this stage, concerns regarding the Switch 2’s launch price are purely hypothetical. Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, which is over a month ahead of the Switch 2’s earliest possible release date. A few votes from the opposing party could thwart any of Trump’s future plans for the nation, even though his *********** Party is predicted to maintain slim leads in both chambers of Congress. The Constitution gives Congress the authority to impose tariffs, but the legislature has a history of giving the president the authority, so it’s unclear if Trump would be able to do so without the legislature’s consent. How the Switch 2 will be categorized is another issue. The nation from which goods are imported could have a significant impact on the rate at which tariffs are applied, according to Trump’s earlier remarks. Despite being a ********* company, Nintendo’s campaign trail claims are ambiguous and do not clarify whether a particular chip or other component of a product could have an impact on the overall tariff percentage of the product. A 60% tariff passed directly to consumers could push the price of the Switch 2 closer to the $800 range, according to an industry analysis conducted by Toyo Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda prior to the election. Source link #Nintendos #Switch #Doomed #Release #Tariffs #Hike #Prices #Massively Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

After the blaze: A year on from devastating Wanneroo bushfire we’re yet to learn preparedness lesson After the blaze: A year on from devastating Wanneroo bushfire we’re yet to learn preparedness lesson Standing at the end of his driveway, Rod Chapman could see he’d lost everything. The ***** was still blazing around him as he sneaked back to his property against advice because he “couldn’t wait a second longer” to see if he could salvage anything from the wreck of the house that had been his family’s home for 29 years. His home in Mariginiup , about 35km north-east of the CBD, was one of 18 lost in the devastating bushfire that hit Perth’s northern suburbs last November. It’s a day neither he — nor those who fought the blaze — will ever forget. “I was at work when we got the call,“ he said of the *****’s genesis. “I was monitoring it on the computer with my daughter — who was still at home — and watching it. And although it hadn’t turned red on the screen, you could quickly see that the orange was getting *******. “So we locked up the business and left to go.” But by the time the Chapmans reached their suburb it was already too late for them to get on to their property, and within minutes their daughter had been forced to leave, carrying with her nothing but her **** bird and cat and a few small personal items. Her parents had nothing but the clothes on their backs. Camera IconRod Chapman. Credit: Laura Newell Of the items lost in the blaze, it is the videos and photos of their daughter Lauren, who ***** in a horseriding accident on the property when she was just nine, that Rod and his wife Di mourn the most. “We lost everything that we had associated with our daughter,” Rod said. “Unfortunately, most of the photos and videos we had were not digital. So pretty much, from the point of view of memorabilia, we lost everything. And I think that was probably the hardest thing for us to get through.” First reported about 1pm on November 22, the ***** was later found to have been sparked by a lightning strike which ignited underground peat — partially decayed vegetation. It would go on to ***** through 1900ha within four days with a perimeter of more than 64km — destroying 15 commercial properties and 18 homes, and damaging 75 structures on 46 properties as it went. It took more than three months to fully extinguish. But it all started out as a column of smoke, as Department of ***** and Emergency Services district officer Shaun Champ, one of the first on the scene, remembers well. “We got a report of a ***** just after one o’clock . . . myself and the Wanneroo chief bush ***** control officer happened to just be finishing a meeting and noticed a large column of smoke,” he said. Camera IconThe ******** of the Chapman family’s Mariginiup home, as of October 24, 2024. Credit: Laura Newell/Laura Newell “The conditions of that day were not ideal. They were quite extreme. It was close to 40 degrees with easterly winds — we get our worst ***** behaviour from generally the east.” The fierce winds — gusting at up to 70km/h — and an unusually hot and dry start to summer saw that column of smoke from the Gnangara pine plantation rapidly turn into a ******, with walls of flames up to 30m high. Spot fires were breaking out up to 1km ahead of the front, until by dusk it was bearing directly down on thousands of suburban homes in Tapping and Banksia Grove. DFES superintendent Metro North Coastal Clint Kuchel was the incident controller for the blaze. Even he was surprised by the speed with which it travelled. “The weather conditions were terrible,” he told The Sunday Times. “And not only that, that was exacerbated by the lack of rainfall through the preceding winter and the hot summer before that — it hadn’t rained . . . which really dried the soil, dried the fuels, and made the conditions really ripe for a spark or an ignition source of some type, and then those hot easterly winds to whip up the ignition and push the ***** at a rate of knots. Camera IconDa Vinci Park after the ***** swept through. Credit: Daniel and Laura Newell/The Sunday Times “For me, having many years in the industry and seen a lot of fires, this one was different — the speed of movement through the wind and the dry fuels. It was a high, high rate of spread. “(But while) the ***** was moving very quickly, it was also moving through land use that would normally have an impact in slowing it down. “So coming out of the remnant State forest, the remnant pine trees . . . moving through horse paddocks with grasses that would normally slow it down. It didn’t slow it down. Moving into market gardens, which you would expect are green and irrigated, we were expecting that to slow it down. It didn’t slow down. “The radiant heat, the flame and the spotting meant that the ***** had generated its own momentum . . . was moving much quicker and moving through all of those areas very quickly that we would expect might slow it down or change its behaviour in some way.” It’s gut-wrenching to go back and see what’s left of the place. But there was an unusual saviour on the horizon — Pinjar Road lay between the ***** and more densely packed city suburbs. “That was a significant break for us,” Mr Kuchel said. “It’s a double lane, with a median strip and then it goes to built-up areas. “As the fuel profile changes from bush to built up, so do our strategies, and so some opportunity does come with that because that discontinuous fuels means there’s less immediate fuel to *****, and it gives us an opportunity to put some control around it.” While firefighters were focused on bringing the monster under control, thousands of residents were heeding DFES’ call and rapidly evacuating the area, with the red “emergency warning” zone covering Mariginiup, half of the suburbs of Banksia Grove, Tapping and Ashby, and vast swathes of Sinagra, Carramar, Melaleuca and Wanneroo. Camera IconThe Mariginiup/Wanneroo bushfire in November 2023. Credit: DFES/DFES And the end was far from sight, with twists and turns to follow over the next five days which kept residents as far away as Hocking on their toes. The ***** was, Mr Kuchel said, an incident “up there” with some of the worst he had fought — including the Yarloop-Waroona blaze of 2016. “The bushfire behaviour through here was extreme,” Mr Kuchel said. “Twenty to 30-metre flame heights. It had already progressed nearly 10km in about six hours by the time it got to (Pinjar Road). “It’s something you can’t (understand) until you’ve experienced it: the wall of flame, the speed of movement. Our crews were in it, living it, trying to do the best they could to protect the community. “This was (also) unusual in that it moved in and really came up hard against that built-up area in Tapping around Pinjar Road, which, again, as I mentioned before, changed the ***** behaviour. “There’s an opportunity that comes with that, but there’s also risk . . . And as incident controllers and as firefighters, we need to understand what that means for us to to get ahead of the operational tempo.” True to Mr Kuchel’s word, they worked to get ahead of it, with an estimated 1500 career fireys, volunteers, community organisations and government agencies all coming together to aid the efforts. “Some of the night shifts alone, early on, there were over 250 people on the fireground,” Mr Kuchel said. “It’s an incredible thing to think that 1500 people can come together in two to three days, with a common purpose. it’s an incredible commitment by community members, by volunteers and by the people we serve, together, to make sure that the best outcome for the community in what were extreme and trying conditions.” He was joined in his praise of the community response by city of Wanneroo mayor Linda Aitken. “Clint (Kuchel) said he has never known a community in a situation like this to be so respectful and work together,” she said. “Normally, they get very ****** and because they feel threatened. “But the whole time, my focus was on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which is a safe place to put your head and food for your tummy, and then we will look after the rest. Camera IconThe Mariginiup/Wanneroo bushfire in November 2023. Credit: DFES/DFES “And then, as the community was secure in that they will have a safe place to sleep and for their families to sleep, and that their animals would be looked after, and they would have food . . . they were better resourced to be able to deal with the trauma or the response to what they’ve been through from being evacuated.” Ms Aitken said it was obvious how tough the conditions were for firefighters, who came to support the Wanneroo crews from all parts of WA, when they would come into the evacuation centre for meal breaks. “It was big for them. It was huge,” she said. “But I suppose the biggest thing is there’s none of this bravo stuff. They’re the silent, strong achievers. They come in filthy, they sat down and got their meals. “They were from Gnowangerup, they were from the hills, they were from down south, they were from up north, country areas, regional firefighters — and they all came to Wanneroo to help us in our situation. It was really, really amazing.” By November 25, the wind had eased in what Ms Aitken called “a miracle”, and the picture of the devastation left behind by the blaze became clearer. She was invited to take to the skies in a DFES chopper to assess the damage. “That was quite shocking to see what had been burnt . . . it was quite hard. Horrific to see what had been lost around the lakes, and it was just ******,” she said. Camera IconClint Kuchel in Marginiup in October 2024. Credit: Laura Newell She also felt the loss more personally, watching as friends were told they, too, had lost their home. “I’ve got some personal friends of mine that we’ve known for about 30 years, and they have four children, the youngest graduated Year 12, just after the fires — and they lost everything, absolutely everything,” Ms Aitken said. “When you hear the story and you grieve for them and you empathise with what’s happened, and then you support them, and you just watch as people walk through this and they grow from it.” A year on, the Chapmans are also looking to the future. But it won’t be back at their Mariginiup property, which Mrs Chapman still can’t bring herself to visit. “It was an amazing place to live,” Mr Chapman said. “You are only 30 minutes from the heart of the city, and yet you could have been anywhere, you know, and wake up every morning, walk outside, see the birds. Listen to the birds chirping. “This time of the year that’s coming up in the warmer weather, you see the reptiles slithering around the place and . . . you felt that you were in your own little paradise. “(Now) every time you go there, you just feel your guts drop, you know. It’s gut-wrenching to go back and see what’s left of the place. “I’m fortunate in the sense that I had a level of insurance that wasn’t as high as it should have been, but was certainly enough for us to be able to move forward with our life. “We had really, really great years out there, but, you know, the fires sort of brought us back to the situation where we’ve got to be positive and look at what lays ahead as a new beginning. “I have another little property up the coast so we’re going to actually start our next stage up there. Although we think it may never happen, I assure you, it can. “I feel for those that didn’t have enough insurance, and I know that there are a number of them, but we’re very lucky that we did have enough, that we’ve been able to get ourselves organised and move forward.” So what have the lessons been from this blaze? Have we learnt to take the risk of bushfire in our inner suburbs more seriously? And what are we expecting this year? According to the Bureau of Meteorology, our weather conditions remain extremely dry, so the threat of ***** in our suburbs is still very high, yet many are still lagging behind on preparedness. Camera IconThe Mariginiup/Wanneroo bushfire in November 2023. Credit: DFES/DFES “People think bushfire only occurs in the hills,” Mr Kuchel said. “But last year, our first lot of bushfires for the high-threat ******* happened in Bold Park, in Kings Park. We then had fires in Star Swamp, The Spectacles. “So just because you’re not in a perceived bushfire-prone area doesn’t mean you’re not exposed to bushfire in WA. “I think those that experienced the (Wanneroo) ***** have a greater appreciation of what it’s like to have lived through an experience like that. Unfortunately, from a broader community point of view, I’m not sure it shifted the dial. “Our research has identified that very few people have actually done the work and spent that 15 minutes to build that bushfire plan. That’s unfortunate, but because we know we’re in a bushfire-prone area. “I don’t think we can be complacent. I think we need to understand the alerts. I think we need to understand what it means to actually be prepared, not to wait until the ***** is on your doorstep. “That’s not the time to start thinking about what you might do.” He’s joined in that message by Mr Chapman, who speaks from bitter experience. “Don’t underestimate the likelihood that a ***** could impact you,” he said. “Be very conscious of the environment that you’re in and how much native vegetation there is around you, and be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect your property. “Because although we think it may never happen, I assure you, it can.” Source link #blaze #year #devastating #Wanneroo #bushfire #learn #preparedness #lesson Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Season 1 Battle Pass Was Just Revealed and ****** Ops 6 Players Are Disappointed Season 1 Battle Pass Was Just Revealed and ****** Ops 6 Players Are Disappointed Many ****** Ops 6 players had nothing but bad words upon seeing the Season 1 Battle Pass. Do you agree with them? Source link #Season #Battle #Pass #Revealed #****** #Ops #Players #Disappointed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Matt Gaetz ‘Pull Out’ Remark Derails MSNBC: ‘I Just Threw Up’ Matt Gaetz ‘Pull Out’ Remark Derails MSNBC: ‘I Just Threw Up’ MSNBC’s The 11th Hour With Stephanie Ruhle. Stephanie Ruhle was saved by an ad break when a segment about Matt Gaetz’s attorney general nomination went off the rails in fits of laughter. President-elect Donald Trump announced Gaetz as his attorney general pick on Wednesday, despite an investigation into Gaetz’s alleged *****-use and **** scandal with an underaged girl. In light of the allegations, a comment about “pulling out” quickly derailed Friday’s 11th Hour With Stephanie Ruhle. The MSNBC panel debated how likely Gaetz would be confirmed for the role, with both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate expected to take umbrage with his nomination. “One game plan was to put somebody out there that even Republicans would resist to make it easier for some of the other appointments that are less than illustrious to get through,” explained MSNBC creator Tom Rogers. “That may be a good strategy here.” He added, “I’m not sure they’ll stop any of them. If they do stop any of them, they’ll stop Gaetz. And I think it makes it more likely others will be approved.” The rest of the panel offered their own theories, with some suggesting Trump offered Gaetz the role in order to have a loyal yes-man in the Department of Justice—a department he’s had plenty of difficulty with in the past. Former New York Rep. Max Rose said he thinks that Gaetz has no chance of being attorney general, but would instead step back from the role and use his anti-establishment image as fuel to run for governor in Florida. “I do agree. He will probably have to pull out.. excuse me, that’s a bad choice of words,” said Rogers, before being interrupted by a cry of laughter. Ruhle covered her face as she laughed, with the rest of the panel cackling on while Rogers attempted to move the convo forward. “He will have to pull out before there’s a hearing, I think. I think this is not going to be something that goes over well,” Rogers reiterated over giggling from the panelists. Ruhle put a stop to the disorder–potentially and threw the show to commercial. “I just threw up in my mouth, so we have to go to commercial,” she said as the panel was overcome with laughter again. Source link #Matt #Gaetz #Pull #Remark #Derails #MSNBC #Threw Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Half-Life TV Series: 10 years Ago, Bryan Cranston Would’ve Been the Perfect Gordon Freeman Half-Life TV Series: 10 years Ago, Bryan Cranston Would’ve Been the Perfect Gordon Freeman Video games have proven to be a great medium for telling complex and intricate narratives. One of the best examples is the Half-Life series, the sci-fi series from Valve that follows the story of Gordon Freeman, a scientist whose ******* experiment unleashed a deadly alien invasion on the planet. With the recent surge in live-action video game adaptations, Half-Life should be one of the top candidates as well. Andrew Garfield could be the perfect fit for the iconic role of Gordon Freeman. | Image Credit: Valve However, the real challenge with any adaptation is casting the right actor for the various characters, especially the main protagonist. While Bryan Cranston would have perfectly fit the bill as Freeman, he’s now too old for the role (68 years old). With him out, there is another promising candidate, MCU star Andrew Garfield, who can bring the emotional depth and physicality needed for the role. Andrew Garfield Would be the Perfect Choice for Half-Life’s Gordon Freeman In various movies, Andrew Garfield has showcased his ability to capture emotional depth while maintaining a compelling physical presence. This quality alone makes him an excellent choice for the role of Gordon Freeman. But his role as Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man franchise showcased his ability to convey emotional vulnerability, intelligence, and a lot of inner strength. These qualities are essential for playing the character of Freeman. Just like Peter Parker, Freeman is an intelligent person who often ******** silent and operates in the background. However, due to an unexpected turn of events, both characters are forced to witness and be part of extraordinary things. Unlike the web-slinging superhero who is trying to keep the streets of New York ******-free, Freeman faces an intense internal battle as he navigates the wreckage of ****** Mesa and the alien-infested world around him. The character’s journey is filled with complexity, resilience, and the ability to survive, all the traits Garfield can portray. Beyond Spider-Man, Garfield has demonstrated his range in films like Hacksaw Ridge, where he portrayed a determined yet vulnerable hero, and Tick, Tick… *****!, where he showcased his ability to convey a wide range of emotional states. These performances highlight his ability to portray the complex role of Gordon Freeman, a character defined by quiet resilience and inner turmoil. Half-Life Has A Legacy Worth Honoring Live-action adaption of a complex narrative presents various significant challenges. | Image Credit: Valve Half Life is more than just a video game, it has become a cultural phenomenon. Gordon Freeman is one of the most beloved characters in gaming history, and any adaptation, especially live-action, would need to honor both the narrative and the character himself. While live-action adaptations such as The Witcher, The Last of Us, and others have proven that they can be successful, it’s still a delicate balancing act. The biggest challenge with any adaptation is staying true to the source material while making it appealing to a broader, often non-gaming audience. Another significant challenge is the casting. However, with Andrew Garfield as Gordon Freeman, he has the emotional depth and range to handle the complexity of the character. It is clear that adapting a beloved video game series like Half-Life into a live-action series comes with its hurdles, but if done right, it can create an immersive experience for both longtime fans and new audiences alike. While fans continue to hope for Half-Life 3, a TV series based on the iconic game could be just as satisfying. With Garfield as Freeman, the series has the potential to honor the original game while bringing the character to life in a new way. Do you think Andrew Garfield is the perfect choice? Or is there another actor you’d like to see in the role? Tell us in the comment section below. Source link #HalfLife #Series #years #Bryan #Cranston #Wouldve #Perfect #Gordon #Freeman Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Last-second Jamaica goal seals thrilling tie with England Last-second Jamaica goal seals thrilling tie with England England settle for a tie in their opening Horizon series match after Jamaica score a dramatic last-second goal at the AO Arena in Manchester. Source link #Lastsecond #Jamaica #goal #seals #thrilling #tie #England Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The next-gen anime shooter “Strinova” is coming to PC on November 22nd, 2024 The next-gen anime shooter “Strinova” is coming to PC on November 22nd, 2024 “Game developer and publisher iDreamSky is proud to unveil their upcoming 5v5 anime-inspired tactical shooter “Strinova”, which features an original mechanic called Stringification that lets players freely swap between 3D and 2D forms. You won’t have to wait long to try it as its Official PC Launch goes live on 22nd November at 12am GMT. You can pre-download the game from 19th November at 12am GMT, on the official Strinova website or add it to your wishlist on Steam.” – iDreamSky . Source link #nextgen #anime #shooter #Strinova #coming #November #22nd Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

England great Kane says he's in the form of his life England great Kane says he's in the form of his life England captain Harry Kane is adamant he’s not worried about his long-term future as the team’s main man, declaring he is in the best form of his career. Source link #England #great #Kane #he039s #form #life Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The ‘Wokeness’ Criticism That Plagues Space Marine 2 is a Hilariously Made-up *********** Piece That’d Make Ben Shapiro Flinch The ‘Wokeness’ Criticism That Plagues Space Marine 2 is a Hilariously Made-up *********** Piece That’d Make Ben Shapiro Flinch There’s no doubt that Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 has been one of the year’s biggest hit games for PC, PS5, and Xbox. This is quite an incredible feat, considering it launched right around hype games such as Star Wars Outlaws and Silent Hill 2. Space Marine 2 is one of the biggest success stories of the year. (Image via Focus Entertainment) While it’s an incredible game, it isn’t free from criticism. However, one particular criticism regarding the game’s “wokeness” is outright a *********** piece that’ll make you wonder how few in the community come up with such things. Space Marine 2 is not a Woke *********** Like Many Believe Multiple popular online forums, including Space Marine 2‘s official subreddit, have lately been flooded with criticism about the game being “woke.” Some of the posters contributing to this wave of complaints seem to have taken issue with the game’s cast featuring ****** and ****** Ultramarines. It’s outrageous how, in today’s day and age, some are calling out game characters for belonging to different ethnicities. Labeling the game as “woke,” just because of this is simply horrible. Anyone who’s familiar with the Warhammer 40k franchise would instantly know that including various ethnicities or genders isn’t something new. Portraying Space Marines with different races is purely cosmetic. Their race doesn’t change the overall direction of the game or the behavior of the Space Marines themselves. They’re still humanity’s greatest hope and masculine figures who’ll ****** off anything that stands in their way. Saber Interactive has done an incredible job of crafting the campaign in a way that stays faithful to the Warhammer 40k universe, balancing modern values with the world we’ve all grown to love over the years. The inclusion of various races isn’t a “woke” agenda or ruining the game in any way or shape. Space Marine 2 Players Hate the New Volkite ******* Space Marine 2‘s latest ******* isn’t as powerful as Saber stated. (Image via Focus Entertainment) While the “woke” controversy doesn’t make any sense, what does make sense is the criticism surrounding the brand-new Neo-Volkite *******. As part of the game’s season two, players got a bunch of new additions, including this brand-new **** that ********, Bulwark, and Vanguard Operations could use. Saber made everyone believe that the ******* would be the right solution for those Zoanthropes who had caused a headache for Space Marines. However, players believe its beam is not as effective as it should’ve been, and it’s ineffective at taking down opponents. Many in the community have aired their frustrations on Reddit, stating that the ******* is completely useless even when leveled up. It looks like even if you have leveled-up Neo-Volkite and aim it at any Extremis-level ******; it takes too long to bring it down. Saber might have to adjust this ******* in Space Marine 2 with the upcoming updates. It’s one of the first ones we’ve received in the game, and its reception hasn’t proved to be the best. In the very same update, Saber also buffed a number of weapons such as Bolt Carbine, Bolt *******, Auto Bolt Rifle, Plasma Incinerator, and Oculus Bolt. With that said, do you think Space Marine 2‘s “woke” allegations are justified? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Wokeness #Criticism #Plagues #Space #Marine #Hilariously #Madeup #*********** #Piece #Thatd #Ben #Shapiro #Flinch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

World’s second-largest GPU maker flees China on cusp of RTX 5090 launch to avoid US sanctions — Zotac, Inno3D, and Manli bail amidst looming US GPU export controls World’s second-largest GPU maker flees China on cusp of RTX 5090 launch to avoid US sanctions — Zotac, Inno3D, and Manli bail amidst looming US GPU export controls HKEPC reports that the Hong Kong-based PC partner will relocate the company and HQ to Singapore, creating PC Partner Singapore PTE Ltd. The company is also reportedly shifting its production facilities to Indonesia. The recent PC Partner Group Limited (PCT) listing on the Singapore SGX stock exchange provides evidence of the former claim. However, HKEPC could only say that the China-to-Indonesia production shift was a rumor. Apparently, the company shifted its base and production in time for the launch of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards, swerving any expected high-tech export controls imposed on China by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The PC Partner name might not be very familiar to youngsters as components featuring the eponymous brand, founded in 1997, aren’t widespread in the West in the 2020s. However, some of us remember the firm’s accessibly priced motherboards from a few decades ago. PC Partner also previously produced Radeon reference graphics cards for AMD, so the company isn’t a lightweight by any means. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: SGX Group) (Image credit: SGX Securities) In 2024, PC Partner is probably an even more important player in the PC components business, managing sub-brands such as Zotac, Inno3D, and Manli. These are all important PC graphics card players, although some aren’t very popular in the U.S. market. According to HKEPC, combining all of its brands makes PC Partner “the world’s second-largest graphics card manufacturer.” The U.S. sanctions on powerful GPUs will have already hit PC Partner during the RTX 40-series era, and the firm seems to have decided it is a worthwhile use of time, effort, and money to uproot its operations ahead of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series (Blackwell) onslaught completely. Based in and operating from un-sanctioned territories, we will see plenty of Zotac-branded RTX 5090 graphics cards marketed here in the West and other friendly territories. With the performance uplifts expected across the RTX 50 family, it may even be the case that RTX 5080 products will be too advanced or powerful to swerve sanctions. Remember, the sanction specifications move, too. All this uncertainty should be eliminated for PC Partner’s business going forward. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #Worlds #secondlargest #GPU #maker #flees #China #cusp #RTX #launch #avoid #sanctions #Zotac #Inno3D #Manli #bail #looming #GPU #export #controls Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]