Actor Bruce Willis has five daughters, three of whom he shares with his ex-wife, Demi Moore, and two who he has with his current wife, Emma Heming Willis.
Actor Bruce Willis has five daughters, three of whom he shares with his ex-wife, Demi Moore, and two who he has with his current wife, Emma Heming Willis.
It’s no secret that Vimeo has shied away from challenging YouTube in favor of serving as a business-friendly video platform, and now that’s affecting its living room apps. The company is ending support for its current TV apps on June 27th, including the versions for Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku devices. They’ll no longer be available in app stores, and you won’t see any updates. If you want to watch a clip on the big screen, you’ll have to stream it from a mobile device using Apple AirPlay or Google Cast. We’ve asked Vimeo for comment.
The company is fairly clear about its reasoning. The focus on creatives and corporations means those TV apps aren’t a priority, and Vimeo shelves products that are “no longer consistent with [its] standards.” Vimeo isn’t about to maintain apps that don’t fit its strategy and will increasingly fall behind, in other words. Casting will provide a “better ongoing experience,” the firm claims.
Dear @Vimeo. I use your app to do everything. Does this mean I cannot watch any of the hundreds of videos I have saved in my “Watch Later” list to my TV? Come on… pic.twitter.com/QsXw7VrKta
— Ted Geoghegan (@tedgeoghegan) May 25, 2023
The catch, of course, is that you might still use Vimeo for watching your favorite videos. There won’t be an easy way to browse the “Watch Later” queue from the living room. While this won’t stop you from watching videos on a TV, this could make marathon viewing sessions more of a hassle. Like it or not, Vimeo is happy to steer you to your computer or phone for any extended streaming.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/vimeo-will-stop-supporting-its-tv-apps-on-june-27th-194846561.html?src=rss
By now, it’s well-known that Xbox-exclusive Redfall was a colossal commercial and critical dud when it launched last month. Its somewhat intriguing concept — vampires inhabiting a well-to-do Massachusetts island — was held back by bugs and an overall lack of polish. (The description “not fit for public consumption” summarized Jessica Conditt’s impressions in Engadget’s review.) Now, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier has pulled back the curtain on alleged behind-the-scenes turmoil that led to Xbox’s latest setback in its mission to catch up with Sony’s and Nintendo’s first-party console sellers.
The story shows Arkane Studios’ development lacking direction long before Microsoft acquired Zenimax, the studio’s parent company, in 2020. Hoping to capture some of the lucrative juice propelling mainstream “games as a service” titles like Fortnite and Overwatch, Arkane (known for critically acclaimed single-player titles like Dishonored 2 and Prey) looked to incorporate microtransactions into Redfall early on. In-game monetization was eventually scrapped, but the alleged rough start apparently set the tone for a sloppy and scattered design process.
Developers speaking off the record to Bloomberg described the leadership of co-directors Harvey Smith and Ricardo Bare as unfocused. “Developers under Smith and Bare said the two leads were outwardly excited but as the project progressed failed to provide clear direction,” Bloomberg wrote. “Staff members said that, over time, they grew frustrated with management’s frequently shifting references to other games, such as Far Cry and Borderlands, that left each department with varying ideas of what exactly they were making.” In addition, the sources describe a “fundamental tension” between single-player and multiplayer emphasis, with devs reportedly feeling like the game was trying to accomplish two things and succeeding at neither.
Hiring and maintaining existing staff posed another challenge. Developers typically joined Arkane wanting to work on the solo / simulation types of affairs the studio was known for; many employees reportedly left after they found themselves working on what felt like an unfocused multiplayer fiasco. Additionally, the studio’s Austin, TX headquarters meant hiring also had to contend with the state’s regressive social policies under Governor Greg Abbott and the far-right Texas Legislature. “Since Redfall wasn’t yet announced, the studio couldn’t describe its details to prospective employees — a predicament that exacerbated the staffing issues,” Bloomberg added. This was all compounded by the fact that Arkane was trying to make a multiplayer game with a head count built for single-player titles; even outsourcing to other studios reportedly didn’t provide enough help.
After Microsoft acquired ZeniMax, Arkane’s new parent company took a mostly hands-off approach. “Aside from canceling a version of Redfall that had been planned for rival Sony Corp.’s PlayStation, Microsoft allowed ZeniMax to continue operating as it had before, with great autonomy,” said Schreier. As a result, the story details an unsurprising “final frantic months” of development, including multiple delays. It probably didn’t help that Smith and other studio leaders allegedly engaged in magical thinking (or at least magical speaking), promising “Arkane magic” would serve as a last-second fix for the troubled production. That didn’t happen, and several of Bloomberg’s sources said they were surprised to ultimately find the game’s public release essentially unchanged since last playing it in 2021.
Although Microsoft inherited (what sounds like) a titanic mess, the company deserves blame for not recognizing the title’s flaws before launch and either shelving it entirely or perhaps reworking it as a single-player title. We may see how quickly Microsoft can rebound and learn from its mistakes as we approach Starfield’s highly anticipated September arrival. In the meantime, I recommend checking out Bloomberg’s story for much more detail about making the Xbox-exclusive stinker.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-was-reportedly-hands-off-with-xbox-dud-redfall-201436340.html?src=rss
Last year, Nintendo put its eShop in “maintenance mode” in Russia, which prevented access to the eShop for customers in the country. Now, the company is making it official: Nintendo is halting all sales in Russia.
Nintendo of Europe announced that as of May 31st, 2023, the company will halt all new eShop sales in Russia. This means that you won’t be able to make any new purchases from the store or redeem digital codes. Nintendo says all credit card information and PayPal details will be deleted for security reasons and that you won’t be able to create new Nintendo Accounts as long as Russia is set as the country.
The good news is users with a Russian eShop account will still be able to download previously-purchased games and DLC “for the foreseeable future.” It’s unclear at this time how long Nintendo plans on keeping the eShop available for these users.
“As of May 31, 2023, and for the foreseeable future, Russian customers with an existing Nintendo Account will be able to redownload digital content that they have previously purchased. It will not be possible to make any new purchases or use download codes within [the] Nintendo eShop in Russia.”
We’ve reached out to Nintendo for additional comment and will update this story when we’ve heard back.
Both Microsoft and Sony halted all sales from Russia over a year ago as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Game studios such as Epic, Activision Blizzard and EA made similar moves and halted sales in the country at around the same time. Nintendo joining the mix means that no major console makers currently allow its Russian users to purchase new games in the country.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-officially-halts-all-eshop-sales-in-russia-204548768.html?src=rss
The ‘Teen Mom’ star clapped back at a publication for commenting on her look, saying her face looked ‘puffy,’ while explaining her condition.
The ‘Teen Mom’ star clapped back at a publication for commenting on her look, saying her face looked ‘puffy,’ while explaining her condition.
The public outing came shortly after the couple was photographed enjoying a dinner date together in London.
The public outing came shortly after the couple was photographed enjoying a dinner date together in London.
Getting access to everything you want to watch without a cable subscription is easy these days — but the subscription fees can add up quickly. On average, streaming services charge between $5 and $15 each month for their on-demand libraries. If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer, however, you might be able to save a little with a new bundle: starting on June 2nd, the company will offer Netflix’s Premium Plan and Paramount+ with Showtime for $25.99 per month.
The deal is available exclusively through Verizon’s +play portal, which it introduced last year as a tool to help customers manage their streaming subscriptions and discover new content. It’s essentially a service that helps you consolidate all of your streaming bills in one place, and this bundle seems to be an incentive to get more users on the service. To get access, however, you’ll need to be a Verizon Wireless customer specifically: subscribers to Verizon Fios don’t qualify.
Netflix’s Premium plan costs $19.99 on its own, and you’ll pay $11.99 for Paramount+ with Showtime — Verizon’s deal can save about $6 a month for a qualifying customer.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/verizon-streaming-bundle-offers-netflix-premium-and-paramount-with-showtime-for-26-190627317.html?src=rss
Jimmy Butler’s girlfriend Kaitlin Nowak will be cheering him and the Miami Heat on in the NBA Finals from the sidelines. Find out more about her here!
Jimmy Butler’s girlfriend Kaitlin Nowak will be cheering him and the Miami Heat on in the NBA Finals from the sidelines. Find out more about her here!
Lily-Rose Depp is super talented and successful, just like her famous parents. Find out more about her dad, Johnny Depp, and her mom, Vanessa Paradis, here.
Lily-Rose Depp is super talented and successful, just like her famous parents. Find out more about her dad, Johnny Depp, and her mom, Vanessa Paradis, here.
Meta announced a slate of upcoming games today for its standalone VR headsets (including the upcoming Meta Quest 3). Apple is expected to enter the virtual headset space next week, so Meta is hoping to make a lasting impression with its lineup of upcoming VR titles from beloved franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Stranger Things, Ghostbusters and Attack on Titan — along with some VR remakes of old-school classics.
In addition to Asgard’s Wrath 2, the most enticing game may be the one we know the least about. Although it was little more than a tease, Meta confirmed that Assassin’s Creed Nexus VRisn’t vaporware after all: The next VR installment in the long-running series will launch in the Meta Quest Store later this year. Unfortunately, further details must wait for its official reveal at Ubisoft Forward on June 12th.
We first learned about an upcoming Stranger Things VR game late last year, and today we got a closer look. The title lets you play as season four villain Vecna as you “invade the dreams and memories of fan-favorite characters and harness telekinetic powers to possess minds and battle creatures.” Gameplay includes grabbing, crushing and throwing opponents using telekinesis and opening and closing portals “at your peril.” Meanwhile, the story will allow you to tap into Vecna’s more human past to “relive memories from [Henry Creel’s] time at Hawkins Lab with Dr. Brenner as you explore an otherworldly, interconnected hive mind.” Stranger Things VR is developed by Tender Claws and will launch this fall on “major VR platforms,” including Meta Quest Pro / 3 / 2.
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord is another previously announced VR game in the pipeline from an iconic IP. The trailer focuses on the backstory of Gustav Hookfaber, a disgruntled and morally confused scientist who has transformed into the villainous Ghost Lord to wreak havoc on San Francisco. You’ll wield proton packs and other classic equipment for solo or co-op ghost-busting. “Continue the Ghostbusters’ legacy, protect the city from fiendish ghosts, and experience all the humor and frights from the beloved franchise,” the game’s description reads. Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord will launch on Meta headsets this fall.
Although it may not be as familiar to younger audiences, The 7th Guest was one of the coolest spectacles to fire up on your cutting-edge CD-ROM in the mid-90s. About three decades later, you’ll be able to play an updated version of the atmospheric adventure / puzzle game in virtual reality. “[Developer Vertigo Games] is using volumetric video capture to recreate the FMV (full-motion video) storytelling of the original game, bringing the classic adventure to life like never before,” the description reads. “And for the first time ever, the iconic mansion is being recreated in full 3D — though don’t be surprised if it starts shifting around you. After all, it’s haunted.” The 7th Guest arrives later this year for Quest.
Another remake, the ultraviolent 2011 first-person shooterBulletstorm is also getting a VR makeover. And the game’s creatively gruesome “Skillshots” are in tow. “Kick an enemy into a cactus?” the game’s teaser asks rhetorically. “Skillshot. Crush one under a hot dog cart? Skillshot. Grab one with your Energy Leash and fling ‘em into a burner? Definitely a skill shot.” Developer Incuvo and publisher People Can Fly (the original game’s developer) created the VR refresh, which appears to stay true to the title’s over-the-top indulgence. Bulletstorm launches later this year on Quest Pro / 3 / 2.
Manga and anime fans may want to heed the upcoming Quest title Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable. The game places you in the Scout Regiment for solo and co-op play. “[Players] will need to combine entirely free three-dimensional movement through use of their Omni-directional Mobility (ODM Gear with cross-range combat in order to defend themselves against killer titans,” the game’s blurb reads. “As players progress, the battle difficulty will increase, so only those with determination and skills critical to making it through to the final battle will survive.” Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable arrives “this winter” for Quest.
In a slightly less epic and mythological (but perhaps just as fun) gaming world, PowerWash Simulator is getting a VR variant. “With 1:1 accuracy and control of the Quest Touch controllers, blasting away every speck of dirt and grime is a breeze,” the description says. “Reach up, get down and lean-in to tackle those pesky hard-to-reach spots or sit back and wash your worries away.” In addition, the cleaning sim supports solo play and online multiplayer as you “Absorb the relaxing atmosphere and stress-free pace as you take the pressure off and strip dirt from patios, pavements, vehicles, and public parks.” PowerWash Simulator VR launches later this year on Quest headsets.
Owners of Meta headsets may already be familiar with Schell Games’ I Expect You to Die. Dating back to the Oculus Rift launch lineup in 2016, Schell Games’ series combines seated gameplay with clever puzzles in a James Bond-like atmosphere laced with wit and satire. The third installment, I Expect You to Die 3: Cog in the Machine, has you again taking on the evil Dr. Zor. It promises an “expanded narrative” with new levels and “more hours of gameplay” compared to the series’ first two installments. The third game in the series launches this summer for Quest, and the developer says pre-orders will get 10 percent off the game’s full price.
In addition to these familiar franchises, Meta announced several other upcoming games and updates for existing titles. For example, tactical FPS Onward is getting a big 1.11 update that adds new player animations, a redesigned lobby, shooting-range revisions and more. Other new or upcoming Quest titles include the roguelike Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game, mech-fighter Underdogs, jumpscare horror game Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire and a remake of the arcade / Dreamcast rhythm game Samba de Amigo. You can read more about all of the big Quest VR announcements in Meta’s recap.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/vr-assassins-creed-stranger-things-and-ghostbusters-arrive-on-meta-quest-later-this-year-174119442.html?src=rss
