Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment

Amazon is winding down its still-popular New World MMO amid mass layoffs

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Amazon Games is winding down support for New World: Aeternum amid layoffs in the division and even deeper job cuts across its parent company. The game debuted on PC in 2021 and it landed on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S just over a year ago.

"After four years of steady content updates and a major new console release, we've reached a point where it is no longer sustainable to continue supporting the game with new content updates," Amazon Games wrote in a blog post. "The recently launched Season 10 and Nighthaven update will serve as the final content release for New World on PC and consoles. It is only after much consideration that we've reached this decision."

Players will still be able to buy New World for now, and it will remain available to PlayStation Plus subscribers on the Extra and Premium tiers "until further notice." Amazon is making this month’s Nighthaven expansion available to everyone for free too.

The company said it will keep the game's servers up and running through 2026, "allowing our community time to continue their adventures in Aeternum." In terms of how long fans will be able to keep playing the game, Amazon said it will provide more details about "what to expect in the coming months.” It pledged to "provide a minimum of six months’ notice before making any changes that impact your ability to play New World: Aeternum."

According to Bloomberg, Amazon told staff in a memo this week that, as part of widespread layoffs, it would dial back work on big-budget games, especially MMOs — a category that New World falls under. Updates for Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark — MMOS that Amazon publishes but are developed externally — will continue, the company confirmed to MassivelyOP.

Amazon did not comment on the status of a Lord of the Rings MMO that’s been in the works for a while. However, according to Eurogamer, a former Amazon senior gameplay engineer wrote in a since-deleted LinkedIn post that they were laid off “alongside my incredibly talented peers on New World and our fledgling Lord of the Rings game (y'all would have loved it).”

Amazon Games vice president Christoph Hartmann told me last year that Amazon started its big push into games with MMOs because it saw an opportunity. At the time, there weren't too many titles in that genre popping up. However, he noted that "we're evolving out of the MMOs" into other genres, hinting then that the division was changing focus. (Amazon's first AAA game, the free-to-play shooter Crucible, didn't last long after its debut in 2020.)

New World is still a popular game. It got off to a blistering start, with a peak concurrent player count of 914,000 on Steam. This past weekend, it at one point had nearly 50,000 concurrent players on that platform. It was also one of the highest grossing games on Steam in 2021.

And yet it seems that Amazon's games division will now focus more on Luna, the cloud service for which it rolled out an overhaul just last week. It reportedly plans to keep releasing “casual and AI-focused games" for Luna, such as Courtroom Chaos: Starring Snoop Dogg, which puts an AI-generated version of the rapper in a Judge Judy-type role for court case-style debates between players. Amazon's most recent game for PC and consoles is King of Meat, a co-op dungeon-building platformer that has so far reached a peak Steam concurrent player count of just 253.

Update, October 30 11:02AM ET: Updated with details about the Lord of the Rings game’s possible cancellation.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-is-winding-down-its-still-popular-new-world-mmo-amid-mass-layoffs-150500426.html?src=rss

YouTube will ‘strengthen’ enforcement around violent and gambling games in November

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YouTube will enforce new rules that are supposed to strengthen the enforcement of its guidelines around online gambling and graphic video game content starting on November 17. One of the biggest changes it's implementing is age-restricting gaming videos featuring realistic human characters in scenes depicting torture or mass violence against non-combatants. 

The streaming website says it will take into account the duration and prominence of the scene in a video when reviewing one. For compilation videos, it will consider the cumulative duration of the scenes classified as graphic under its policies. Any video placed behind an age check barrier will be inaccessible to viewers under 18 or to anybody who's not signed into their Google accounts. YouTube didn't specify the duration that would get a video restricted, but a spokesperson told The Verge that "certain content may be age-restricted if it’s non-fleeting or zoomed in." Creators can get around the restriction, however, by blurring any violent scene. 

In addition, YouTube is implementing stricter online gambling rules. It already prohibits videos directing people to online gambling sites or apps not certified by Google. Starting on November 17, it will also prohibit online gambling videos that involve items with monetary value, including digital goods like NFTs and game skins. The website is also age-restricting content with online casino-style games, even if they don't involve items with real monetary value. 

YouTube will review old videos and remove them or put them behind age checks if they're found to be in violation of the new rules, but it will not issue strikes to creators if they were uploaded before November 17. Creators can also edit their videos before that date with the website's trim and blur editing tools. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/youtube-will-strengthen-enforcement-around-violent-and-gambling-games-in-november-123051469.html?src=rss

Life is Strange developer Don’t Nod is making a narrative game for Netflix

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Don't Nod has a long history of making memorable narrative games, and it looks like the studio's next project will come from Netflix programming. In the company's half-year financial report, Don't Nod noted that it has signed "a development agreement with Netflix for the creation of a new narrative video game based on a major IP." Its Montreal studio is helming the project, while Netflix will publish the game. There are no other details available about the project, including what show or movie it will be based on, so place your guesses now. 

Netflix's game strategy took some hits over the past year with the closure of its Team Blue studio for AAA game development and walking back plans to add six titles to its lineup. Leadership for games at Netflix also changed at the start of 2025, and since then the strategy has pivoted towards party games and kid-friendly content, mainstream titles and narrative experiences. 

There are some notable titles in the Netflix library such as Kentucky Route Zero and Oxenfree that seem like a good match for Don't Nod’s niche. After arriving on the gaming scene with Life is Strange, Don't Nod continued its work with projects including Life is Strange 2, Tell Me Why and Lost Records, in addition to several more stories under the Life is Strange banner. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/life-is-strange-developer-dont-nod-is-making-a-narrative-game-for-netflix-184506442.html?src=rss

Year Walk, Device 6 and other early Simogo games are coming to Steam and Nintendo consoles

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Simogo is celebrating its 15th anniversary with some retrospective projects, which include bringing its games to more platforms. The studio has put together the Simogo Legacy Collection for Steam, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. This includes all seven of the mobile games that the developer released between 2010 and 2015, including Year Walk and Device 6. The collection will be available on December 2 — the 15th anniversary of the release of Simogo’s first game, Kosmo Spin — and it costs $15.

Co-founder Simon Flesser noted that the studio's mobile games were in "constant danger of disappearing or ending up being unplayable." (Year Walk was ported to Wii U but we all know what happened with that console.) The idea behind Simogo Legacy Collection is to preserve them and “keep the experience as close as possible to the original games," Flesser said. As such, the team has made as few changes as possible while still making sure the games work on PC and Nintendo’s consoles.

You can use touchscreen controls on Switch and Switch 2 to play the games as they were originally intended. Simogo has also added support for mice, controllers, motion controls and, on Switch 2, dual mouse controls. The bundle includes a bunch of extras too, such as an ebook of Year Walk side stories, a podcast for The Sailor’s Dream, additional music, playable prototypes of the games and more.

That’s not all, though. Simogo is working on Switch 2 versions of its two most recent games, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes and Sayonara Wild Hearts. Expect those to arrive in early 2026. The studio is also bringing Sayonara Wild Hearts back to iOS as a paid app next year. That was a launch game for Apple Arcade in 2019, but it left the service in 2024. I’m very much looking forward to having my favorite game available on a device I carry with me everywhere again, even though it’s available on PC and consoles as well.

As well as those projects, the studio has teamed up with Lost in Cult to create a coffee table book about the history of Simogo. Heartbeats, Dreams and Laser Eyes: 15 years of Simogo is a softback book with around 250 pages. A deluxe edition with a semi-translucent wrap, a bookmark, commemorative stamp set and (for the first 300 units) a signed bookplate will be available too. Pre-orders open today and the book is expected to ship in late 2026.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/year-walk-device-6-and-other-early-simogo-games-are-coming-to-steam-and-nintendo-consoles-160056076.html?src=rss

A new game from Tencent looks like a pretty blatant Horizon ripoff

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Details about an epic-looking upcoming sci-fi adventure game just dropped. The images and teaser trailer depict a post-apocalyptic world in which humans in primitive-style garb battle giant dinosaur-like robots while sweeping orchestral music plays. It all seems a little familiar. But wait, this isn’t the next Horizon game from Guerrilla. Oh, no, no. This is an initial look at a game from a Tencent subsidiary called Polaris Quest.

Guerrilla and Sony don't exactly hold a monopoly on tamable robot dinosaurs or open-world crafting games. But at first glance, Light of Motiram is a pretty blatant Horizon ripoff. It mimics Guerilla's art style and animations, right down to the abundant lens flares. One image shows a trio of human characters using bows and spears to tackle a mammoth-style machine. Even the game's logo font and description ape that of Horizon's — Light of Motiram is about humanity's attempt to "rebuild from the dawn of a new primitive era."

There are some differences, in fairness. Here, you can construct your own shelters, while trained "Mechanimals" can help you in combat. There's co-op support for up to 10 players as well. While Guerrilla is working on a multiplayer game, the recent Lego Horizon Adventures spinoff is the only Horizon game to date that features co-op.

In one sense, fans of the Horizon series will understand why it's apt that the games seem to have effectively been cloned. We'll have to wait to see just how egregiously Polaris Quest has copied Aloy's adventures. Light of Motiram doesn't have a release window as yet, but the seemingly free-to-play title is coming to Steam and the Epic Games Store. Unless Sony slaps Tencent with a cease-and-desist first, that is.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/a-new-game-from-tencent-looks-like-a-pretty-blatant-horizon-ripoff-174935880.html?src=rss

Australia is one step away from banning social media for under 16s

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Australia is set to ban under 16s from social media services after the Senate passed a bill to that effect by 34 votes to 19. The legislation will return to the House of Representatives, which will need to approve amendments before it becomes law. That is all but a formality as the government holds a majority in that chamber. The bill, which has been fast-tracked, sailed through the lower house in a 102-13 vote earlier this week.

The government has said that the likes of Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and X will be subject to the new rules, which won’t come into force for at least 12 months. However, officials still have to confirm which platforms the ban actually covers as they aren't detailed in the bill. The BBC notes that the country’s communications commissioner, Michelle Rowland, will determine that with help from a so-called eSafety Commissioner. The latter will be responsible for enforcing the law.

The rules will not apply to health and education services, gaming platforms or messaging apps, nor those that don’t require an account. So, the likes of Fortnite, Roblox and YouTube are likely to avoid any ban.

Companies that are subject to the legislation could face fines of up to $49.5 million AUD ($32.1 million) if they fail to comply. They will have to employ age-verification tech, though the specifics of that have yet to be determined. The government plans to assess various options in the coming months, but Rowland confirmed this week that platforms won't be able to compel users to submit a personal document (such as passport or driver license) to verify their age.

Researchers have claimed that mooted age-verification systems may not work in practice. Critics, meanwhile, have raised concerns over privacy protections.

While there are certainly valid concerns about the harms of social media, such platforms can be a lifeline for younger people when they’re used responsibly. They can help vulnerable kids find resources and peers they can turn to for advice. Social media can also help those in rural areas forge authentic social connections with others who live elsewhere.

Under 16s who continue to access banned platforms won’t be punished. Resourceful teens may find it very easy to bypass restrictions using a VPN, which could make the law largely toothless. The online world also extends far beyond the reach of a small number of centralized social media platforms. There are other pockets of the internet that teens can turn to instead. For instance, there are still a large number of active forums for various interests.

When the legislation becomes law, Australia will set the highest minimum age for social media of any jurisdiction. France has tabled legislation to block users under 15 from social media without parental consent and it’s now pushing for the European Union to move forward with a similar undertaking across the entire bloc. Norway plans to bring in legislation along those lines, while the UK's technology secretary recently indicated that it was an option for that country.

Utah last year passed laws to limit minors' social media use. The state's governor repealed and replaced those earlier this year following legal challenges. However, in September, a judge blocked the most recent legislation just days before it was set to take effect. Other states have considered similar laws.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/australia-is-one-step-away-from-banning-social-media-for-under-16s-160454882.html?src=rss

Hulu Black Friday streaming deals include one year of the Disney+ Hulu bundle for $36

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Black Friday and the holidays are a time for rest, and there are few better ways to unwind and relax by binging a good show or a few movies. The Disney+ and Hulu bundle has a ton of good content, and right now it only costs $36 for a one-year subscription thanks to Black Friday streaming deals. In other words, it’s $3 a month, which is a far cry from its usual $11-per-month price tag. However, only new users or subscribers who canceled their plans at least a month ago are eligible to redeem this discount. If you have an existing Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ or Disney Bundle subscription, the discount won’t apply.

This bundle with ads contains content from Disney+ and Hulu. The content is still the same as with ad-free plans, including movies and series like Deadpool & Wolverine, Frozen, Godmothered and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, the anticipated Star Wars series only on Disney+. If some of these newer shows aren’t to your liking, there are likely older classics worth your time in the library.

The deal will begin on November 27 and end on December 2. After 12 months, the subscription will renew at the regular price if automatic renewal is enabled. Disney+ is one of the best streaming services out there, focusing on providing family-friendly content but also with some more mature content. If you want even more adult-oriented shows and series, Hulu fits the bill. Both have original content as well.

There are a number of other Black Friday streaming deals available now as well. Key among them are discounts on one year of Peacock and six months of Max. Here are more details:

Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/hulu-black-friday-streaming-deals-include-one-year-of-the-disney-hulu-bundle-for-36-140024466.html?src=rss

This Black Friday Meta Quest deal includes a free $75 gift card when you buy the Quest 3S

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It's hard to beat the promise of a big box for one-stop shopping. Target is one of my favorites if I just want to browse with no agenda, because I'll inevitably stumble on something fun or on sale. Or in the case of this Black Friday deal, both. Target is currently selling a Meta Quest 3S for $300, as is Amazon. That's the usual price tag for this virtual reality headset, but both retailers include a $75 gift card along with the tech (On Amazon, use the code QUEST75 to get it.) That covers a lot of impulse buys.

There's a lot to recommend the Meta Quest 3S for a virtual reality fan. In fact, it's our pick for the best budget VR set. Even if you're investing in a lower-range VR headset, you'll want to have plenty of software to run on it. The Quest 3S has a large app library and it can be used to stream games from a PC.

While some headsets can be unpleasant to wear for very long, reviewer Devindra Hardawar found that wasn't an issue with the Quest 3S. And although it has made some sacrifices on the screen and lenses to keep the costs down, this set still delivers a strong, immersive virtual reality experience.

The content included with any Quest headset purchase will help you get started in VR. Batman: Arkham Shadow is one of the most notable exclusive games for Meta's Quest 3 and Quest 3S, continuing the lineage of the Arkham game universe initially developed by Rocksteady Studios. You'll also get three months' subscription to the Meta Quest+ catalog of games. Keeping the subscription after the trial period will cost $8 a month. Or use that gift card and pick up a title to keep.

Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-black-friday-meta-quest-deal-includes-a-free-75-gift-card-when-you-buy-the-quest-3s-115856500.html?src=rss

LinkedIn is killing the standalone live audio feature you probably forgot about

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Remember in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic when live audio was suddenly everywhere? The trend was made popular by the briefly viral phenomenon Clubhouse before seemingly every other online platform copied the feature for themselves.

Since then, live audio has become mostly a footnote to a weird time when we were all stuck at home at the same time with nothing to do and listening to hours-long streams of strangers talking to each other passed as entertainment. Now LinkedIn, which was somewhat late to the live audio party in 2022, has opted to get rid of its standalone live audio events.

In an update, the company says it will no longer support native audio events beginning next month. Users will stop being able to create new events as of December 2, and previously scheduled events will no longer work after December 31. Instead, the company is “bringing together” audio events with its live-streaming feature, LinkedIn Live. LinkedIn Live, however, requires creators to use third-party tools to set up streams. So while audio-only streams will still be able to exist on LinkedIn, they will take a few extra steps.

LinkedIn isn’t the only company to change course on live audio. Reddit, Facebook, Spotify and Amazon have all shuttered their pandemic-era live audio products.Even Clubhouse (which, yes, still exists) pivoted away from the format last year. The feature is, however going strong on X despite a few high-profile technical issues.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/linkedin-is-killing-the-standalone-live-audio-feature-you-probably-forgot-about-232705727.html?src=rss

Hackers breach Andrew Tate’s online ‘university,’ capturing data on 800,000 users

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Hackers breached an online course founded by far-right influencer, and accused human trafficker, Andrew Tate, according to reporting by Daily Dot. The hackers captured data on more than 800,000 users and revealed the email addresses of around 325,000 of them.

Tate’s self-proclaimed “online university” hosts courses on fitness, finance and content creation, all for the low price of $50 per month. The site currently claims it has over 113,000 active users, which translates to an estimated $5 million per month injected into Tate’s bank account. A source familiar with the breach told Daily Dot that Tate’s website is “hilariously insecure,” so the hack wasn’t difficult.

The unnamed hackers cite “hacktivism” as their motive, suggesting an issue with Tate’s particular brand of toxic discourse and his alleged propensity toward sex trafficking underage girls. To that end, they broke into the website in the middle of a livestream led by Tate, accessing the primary chatroom.

The hackers punctured the safe space of Tate's chatroom and uploaded emojis sure to upset the hyper-masculine influencer and his fans, like a transgender flag and a feminist fist. They also posted an AI-generated image of Tate draped in a rainbow flag. They even got a hold of admin controls and temporarily banned some users. The hackers also downloaded public and private chats made on the platform.

Daily Dot took a look at some of the acquired chat logs. They were filled with conversations about the “LGBTQ agenda” and, of course, “the matrix.” The publication shared the leaked email addresses with HaveIBeenPwned, a site that alerts users when they have been, well, pwned. Incidentally, this isn’t the first time Tate’s site was hacked this year. Back in July, over a million users and 22 million messages were exposed. 

Tate is currently facing five legal investigations in Romania and the UK. He is alleged to have sex trafficked and raped minors, as well as forming an organized crime group with the intent of sexually exploiting women. He denies all of the charges.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/hackers-breach-andrew-tates-online-university-capturing-data-on-800000-users-184800703.html?src=rss