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Valve Takes Steam to the Next Level with New Big Picture Mode and Other Novelties Valve, the development team behind the popular digital distribution platform, Steam, has just released a new update with an impressive selection of features that offer an unprecedented level of convenience for gamers. This update brings a refreshed look to the Big Picture mode, gives users easier access to recent games, and introduces several interface improvements. The Big Picture mode is much better than the version that users have been using since 2012. The new version makes it easier to navigate Steam when using gamepads and controllers. Moreover, the update brings quick access to recently launched games and improved store, library, and friend list search options.  The update includes several helpful interface improvements along with a fresh look. This includes more configuration choices for controllers and the Big Picture mode itself, such as the automatic disabling of the controller when exiting the mode.  Valve has also addressed several minor but useful issues with the update. It has made it possible to skip the additional settings window when launching a game without going into the item's properties. Loading libraries with many titles is also faster, as well as the pinned notifications and the controller settings preview.  Finally, gamers can change the download region without having to restart their Steam client. This useful feature allows players to bypass the busiest Valve servers. In conclusion, Valve has released a much-needed update for Steam, bringing gamers a wonderful selection of features and improvements that make the platform even easier to use. The new Big Picture mode, quick access to recent games, and the ability to change the download region without restarting are just some new features gamers can enjoy in this update.

• Abigail Rodriguez
• 2023-02-01

Understanding Warlander's Character Classes and Tier List Warlander is a free-to-play game that allows players to take on the role of one of three character classes and take part in battles between armies. The game offers players the choice to play as a Warrior, Wizard, or Cleric, and each of these classes come with their own strengths and weaknesses. This guide will provide an overview of the character classes available in Warlander and discuss a tier list of the best characters within the game.  Warrior Class  The Warrior class is a great choice for players looking to deal a lot of damage in close quarters. This class has a relatively high defense and the Barrier ability which allows the player to create a shield that will protect them for a certain amount of time. The Warrior is also able to use a crossbow to keep their enemies at bay. However, this class is not as adept at long-range combat as the Wizard.  Wizard Class  The Wizard class is perfect for those who prefer to battle from afar. The Wizard has access to a powerful Lightning spell which can deal a large amount of damage to enemies from a distance. This class is very adept at dealing damage from a distance and is a great addition to any team. However, the Wizard has a relatively low defense which can make them vulnerable in close combat.  Cleric Class  The Cleric class is an excellent support class for any team. This class has the ability to heal allies and bring them back from the dead with the Resurrect ability. The Cleric also has access to the Area Heal skill, which can restore the life points of multiple allies at once. This class is not as powerful in combat as the Warrior or Wizard, but they are essential to any team.  Warlander Class Tier List  Creating a tier list for Warlander is not an easy task, as all classes are essential to any team. However, based on effectiveness in combat, the tier list is as follows: Wizard in the first place, Warrior in second, and Cleric in third. The Wizard is a great damage dealer from a distance, the Warrior is excellent in close combat and the Cleric has a range of support abilities that makes it invaluable to any team.  Bottom Line In conclusion, Warlander offers players three unique classes, which all bring something different to the table. Each class has its own strengths and weaknesses and it is up to the player to decide which class is the best fit for their team. Understanding the tier list of the classes is essential to become a successful Warlander player, and this guide has provided an overview of the character classes and their tier list.

• Abigail Rodriguez
• 2023-02-01

Dark and Darker: Prepare for the Next Free Trial Dark and Darker, an upcoming online dungeon crawler is getting ready for its next tests. IRONMACE, the independent Korean studio that is developing the game, announced that the tests would be available to all players during the upcoming Steam Next event. The developers also took part in a Q&A session where they shared many details about the game and the playtest.  The upcoming playtest will feature a new dungeon in the form of a one-story mine, complete with a boss troll at the end. There will be no skill tree available in this test, but players will be able to communicate via voice. The game will be launched in early access in April or May, and the developers have many changes planned in the meantime.  The wizard class will be getting a much-needed revamp, as the magic system wasn't working as it should. Additionally, two-handed weapons will be nerfed, as their stats were seen as exaggerated. The bard class is planned for the future, and players who kill their teammates will suffer consequences. The developers also have missions and outdoor stages in their roadmap.  Dark and Darker has been in development since 2018, and the previous tests have been successful. At the peak moment of the December test, an impressive 69 thousand players were playing the game. The developers seem committed to delivering a great product, as they continue to add new features and make improvements.  In conclusion, Dark and Darker is coming to Steam Early Access soon, and the upcoming playtest is another chance to give the game a shot. Players can take part in the tests during the Steam Next Fest and learn more about the game and its features. The game is looking more and more promising as the developers continue to work on it.

• Abigail Rodriguez
• 2023-01-31

Best Genshin Impact Alternative Games on Mobile for Adventure Seekers Genshin Impact is an incredible open-world action-adventure game that has taken the mobile gaming world by storm. It has captivated gamers with its beautiful visuals, captivating storytelling, and engaging action-combat gameplay. However, if you're looking for something different, there are plenty of great Genshin Impact alternative games on mobile that offer a similar experience. Here are the top five mobile games that can scratch the Genshin Impact itch.  1. Honkai Impact 3rd Honkai Impact 3rd is an action-packed 3D anime-style video game developed by miHoYo and published by Yostar. The game is set in a futuristic world in which mysterious creatures called “Honkai” have appeared and are wreaking havoc on humanity. Players take on the role of a Valkyrie, a powerful female warrior tasked with protecting humanity from the Honkai. The game features intense hack and slash combat with a variety of weapons, powerful special skills, and combo attacks. Players can also team up with friends and take on challenging missions.  Pros:  Beautiful 3D graphics; Variety of weapons and skills; Co-op missions; Intense hack and slash combat. Cons:  Repetitive mission objectives  2. The Elder Scrolls: Blades  The Elder Scrolls: Blades is an action-RPG developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is set in the sprawling world of Tamriel, the same world featured in the popular Elder Scrolls video game series. Players take on the role of a member of the Blades, a group of elite warriors tasked with protecting their homeland. The game features hack and slash combat, open-world exploration, and a variety of quests and challenges. Players can also craft items, build their own towns, and explore dungeons.  Pros:  Stunning visuals; Variety of quests and challenges; Crafting and town building; Open-world exploration. Cons:  Repetitive combat; Poor optimization; Unbalanced difficulty. 3. Dungeon Hunter 5 Dungeon Hunter 5 is an action-RPG developed by Gameloft and published by Ubisoft. The game is set in a dark and mysterious fantasy world filled with monsters and evil forces. Players take on the role of a hero tasked with saving the world from an ancient evil. The game features hack and slash combat, a variety of weapons and armor, and a variety of quests and challenges. Players can also upgrade their gear and take on epic boss battles.  Pros:  Variety of weapons and armor; Challenging boss battles; Dynamic quests and challenges; Epic loot drops.  Cons:  Poor optimization; Unclear story progression.  4. Horizon: Zero Dawn Horizon: Zero Dawn is an action role-playing game developed by Guerilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world where machines have taken over and humans are struggling to survive. The game follows the protagonist Aloy as she travels the open world to uncover the mysteries of the world and fight against the robotic enemies. The game features a unique combat system that combines ranged and melee weapons. Players can also craft weapons and armor to customize their characters. Horizon: Zero Dawn has an expansive open world and a unique story that will keep you engaged for hours. Pros:  Unique combat system; Engaging storyline; Expansive open world; Crafting system; Stunning visuals. Cons:  Repetitive side missions; Limited character customization. 5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U. It is set in the fantasy world of Hyrule, where players take on the role of the main protagonist Link and explore the world to uncover secrets and save the kingdom from destruction. The game features an open world that is filled with puzzles, shrines, and dungeons. Players have to use the environment to their advantage as they battle enemies, collect items, and solve puzzles. Breath of the Wild also features an innovative combat system that allows players to use their environment to their advantage. Pros:  Exploration-based gameplay; Unique combat system; Immersive soundtrack; Beautiful visuals; Puzzles and shrines. Cons:  Long load times; Repetitive side quests; Limited character customization.

• Amelia Wilson
• 2023-01-16

Epic Games Announces $10 Million Prize Pool for 2023 Fortnite Championship Series Epic Games has announced that the 2023 Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS) will have a total prize pool of $10 million and will begin on February 2nd, 2023. Additionally, the developer has announced the addition of FNCS Majors, with the first planned for March 2023. This is sure to be an exciting season for players and spectators alike! The competition will feature the top 40 duos from the weeks leading up to the Major, who will be competing for a spot in the Global Championship at the end of the year. The $2 million from the annual prize pool will be shared among the top performers. Players from all around the world will be able to take part in the tournament, with Epic Games promising to provide a fair and balanced playing field for all. In addition to the FNCS Majors, Epic Games has also announced a number of formats changes that will make the tournament even more exciting. The rules have been tweaked to make the competition more balanced and to ensure that the best teams have the best chance of winning. The rules have also been designed to ensure that the playing field is kept level between the top teams and the rest of the competition. Epic Games has also promised to provide a wide range of support for players taking part in the FNCS. Players will be able to access exclusive content and rewards, as well as receive support from the developer's team of professionals. This additional support will ensure that all participants are able to make the most of their experience in the tournament. Epic Games has promised to provide a level playing field and top-notch support for all participants, so be sure to get ready for an unforgettable experience!

• Lucas Anderson
• 2023-01-14

Riot Games Apologizes to Fans After Unsuccessful Trailer Riot Games, the developer behind the popular MOBA game League of Legends, has recently apologized to its fanbase after the release of its Season 2023 cinematic The Brink of Infinity. Riot Games took to Twitter to express their understanding of the importance of this cinematics to the fans, acknowledging that they have "missed the mark" this time. The Brink of Infinity was supposed to mark the start of the new League of Legends season and the introduction of a new story arc. Unfortunately, the trailer failed to capture the attention of the fans, who were expecting something more exciting. While the trailer was visually stunning, the storyline was lackluster, and the characters were not as well-developed as they could have been. The trailer also failed to capture the essence of the game, which is what many fans were hoping for. The trailer was focused more on the visual side of the game rather than the gameplay elements that make League of Legends so popular. Fans were also disappointed that the trailer failed to introduce any new characters or storylines. The company promised to use this as an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and to make sure that the next cinematic will be better. Riot Games also acknowledged that the cinematics is an important part of the League of Legends experience and that they will strive to make sure that it meets the fans’ expectations. For many fans, this apology is enough to restore their faith in the company and the game.

• Abigail Rodriguez
• 2023-01-12

TikTok Is Banned on All Devices Run by the U.S. House of Representatives Because of a Number of Security Concerns TikTok, the popular Chinese video app, has been banned from US House of Representatives-managed devices, according to the House's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The move follows a series of state governments blocking the application from government devices due to concerns over potential data tracking and censorship.  It is estimated that 19 states have at least partially blocked the app due to the potential of the Chinese government using the application to track Americans and censor content. The House has taken similar action by banning the app from all its devices. The ban on TikTok from the US House of Representatives is part of a $1.66 trillion omnibus spending bill, which aims to fund the US government until September 30th, 2023. The bill includes a provision to ban the app on federally managed devices and will take effect once President Joe Biden signs it into law. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House has already started to contact lawmakers and staff to remove the application from their devices. The concern over TikTok’s security issues is not limited to the US government. The Indian government has also banned the app due to similar worries over data privacy and censorship. Other countries are also scrutinizing the application and considering similar bans. However, it is worth noting that TikTok has been taking steps to address these security issues. It has recently opened its first data center in the US and is actively working to ensure that user data is not stored or shared with the Chinese government. Moreover, the company is suing the US government over the ban. In conclusion, the US House of Representatives' ban on TikTok is a clear indication that the US government is concerned about the app’s security issues. It is possible that more countries will follow suit as the application continues to come under scrutiny for its data privacy and censorship policies. Furthermore, anyone with TikTok on their device will be contacted to remove it, and future downloads of the app are prohibited. The CAO has worked with the Committee on House Administration to implement the policy for the House. The move is seen as a sign that the US government is taking steps to restrict the Chinese app and protect its citizens from potential data tracking and censorship.

• Amelia Wilson
• 2022-12-28

Developer Yuji Naka Indicted in Square Enix Insider Trading Case Yuji Naka, the co-creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, and Taisuke Sasaki, a former employee of Square Enix, have been formally indicted for alleged insider trading offenses. It is alleged that the two individuals used confidential information to purchase stocks of Square Enix, which they knew would increase in value following the announcement of a new collaboration. NHK reports that Naka had early knowledge of Square Enix’s collaboration with mobile developer ATeam Entertainment on the Final Fantasy spin-off Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier. Using this information, Naka purchased approximately ¥144.7 million yen ($834,000) worth of Square Enix stocks before the public announcement. Additionally, Sasaki purchased ¥105 million yen ($787,318) of the company’s stocks. It is believed that Naka was also implicated in a similar scheme surrounding the mobile game Dragon Quest Tact. Before the announcement of Dragon Quest Tact, he allegedly purchased 10,000 shares of Aiming stock for around ¥2.8 million yen ($20,000). Square Enix has publicly committed to working with authorities on the matter. If found guilty, Naka and Sasaki could face up to five years of imprisonment, a fine of up to ¥5 million yen ($45,000), or both. It is unclear when either of them will stand trial, but the case could have serious implications and set a precedent for future cases. The actions of Naka and Sasaki have not only resulted in their indictment but have also raised serious questions about the ethical and legal implications of insider trading. Not only does insider trading exploit the confidence of shareholders and investors, but it also has the potential to undermine public trust in the gaming industry itself. Furthermore, it could potentially lead to a decrease in market competition, as some companies may be tempted to use insider information to gain an edge over their rivals. By engaging in insider trading, Naka and Sasaki have put the integrity of the gaming industry at risk. The indictment of the two men serves as a reminder that the law must be respected and that the industry must strive to maintain a fair and competitive market. It is hoped that their case will serve as a warning to industry figures and that the gaming industry will continue to be a safe and secure environment for investors, shareholders, and consumers alike. Overall, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of playing by the rules when it comes to investing in the gaming industry. Insider trading is a serious offense, and those found guilty should face the necessary legal consequences. At the same time, this case reminds us that those who are accused of insider trading should be given a fair trial, and their charges should be considered in the context of the amount of money involved in the case.

• Lucas Anderson
• 2022-12-27

The Apple Watch Series 8: 20+ Amazing Features for Your Convenience As one of the most popular and innovative products of the tech giant Apple, the Apple Watch Series 8 has taken the world of personal technology by storm. The latest version of the smartwatch comes with a host of new features and functions that make it the perfect device for anyone who is looking for a great way to stay connected, organized, and informed.  The Series 8 is the most advanced Apple Watch to date, offering users a range of new features and improvements. The design of the Series 8 is sleek and modern, with a larger Retina display and new watch faces. It also has a brighter display, so it's easier to read in sunlight. Whether you’re an avid fitness enthusiast or just want to keep tabs on your daily activities, it’s the ultimate device for convenience. Here are 20 of the most interesting and useful features that make this particular model stand out from the crowd. 1. ECG Feature: One of the most impressive features of this product is the ECG (electrocardiography) app. This app allows users to take an electrocardiogram with their watch and then receive an instant notification if their heart rate is irregular or if there is any sign of atrial fibrillation. 2. Blood Oxygen Level Monitoring: The Apple Watch Series 8 also offers a Blood Oxygen app to measure the amount of oxygen in the user’s bloodstream. This feature is great for athletes and other active individuals, as it can provide useful data on their performance and overall health. 3. Sleep Tracking: The Apple Watch Series 8 comes with a Sleep app that can track the user’s sleep cycle, duration, and quality. It can also be used to set sleep goals and reminders. This feature is perfect for those who want to make sure they are getting a good night’s rest. 4. Stress Tracker: The stress tracker on the Apple Watch Series 8 is used to track your stress levels. This is helpful for people who want to reduce their stress levels. 5. Calorie Tracker: This tracker is used to track your calorie intake. This is useful for people who want to lose weight or stay healthy. 6. Hydration Tracker: The hydration tracker is used to track your water intake. This is healthy for people who want to stay hydrated. 7. Blood Sugar Tracker: This unique tracker is used to track your blood sugar levels. This feature is great for people who have diabetes or who want to monitor their blood sugar levels. 8. Activity App: The Activity app allows users to track their daily activity, such as steps taken, calories burned, and more. This app is good for those who want to stay motivated and meet their fitness goals. 9. Personalized Workouts: The watch can provide you with personalized workouts tailored to your fitness goals. It can track your progress and suggest new exercises to help you stay motivated. 10. Siri: The device comes with a built-in voice assistant, Siri. This feature allows users to ask questions and get quick answers, as well as access many of the other features of the watch. 11. Emergency SOS: In case of an emergency, the Apple Watch Series 8 allows users to press and hold the side button for a few seconds to call for help or contact emergency services. 12. Water Resistance: The Apple Watch Series 8 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it perfect for swimming, taking a shower, or even going for a dive. 13. Maps: It comes with a built-in Maps app that allows users to easily locate their current location, as well as search for nearby points of interest. 14. Apple Pay: The Apple Watch Series 8 supports Apple Pay, allowing users to easily pay for goods and services with their watch. It's equipped with Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows you to make payments by simply tapping your wrist against an NFC-enabled terminal. 15. Music Control: With the Music app, users can easily control their music from their Apple Watch Series 8. This feature is great for those who want to listen to music while on the go. 16. Calendar: The Apple Watch Series 8 also comes with a built-in Calendar app, allowing users to easily keep track of their upcoming events and appointments. 17. Built-in GPS: You can keep track of your outdoor activities with the built-in GPS. Whether you're going for a run, a bike ride, or a hike, the watch will track your route and provide you with useful information, such as elevation and distance. 18. Weather App: The Weather app allows users to quickly check the current weather conditions, as well as the forecast for the next few days. 19. Emergency Contacts: The Emergency Contacts app allows users to quickly and easily add their emergency contacts and call them with just one tap. 20. Stopwatch: For those who want to time their workouts, it comes with a built-in stopwatch function. 21. Alarm: The Alarm app allows users to set multiple alarms and reminders, perfect for those who need to stay on top of their schedule. 22. Timer: The Timer app allows users to set a timer for any length of time, making it great for short tasks or activities. 23. Battery Life: The Apple Watch Series 8 boasts an impressive 18-hour battery life, making it perfect for those who are always on the go. 24. App Store: The App Store allows users to easily download apps and games to their Apple Watch Series 8, giving them even more ways to stay connected and entertained. From a hardware perspective, the Apple Watch Series 8 is powered by an Apple S8 processor, which is twice as fast as the previous generation. This makes the watch more responsive and capable of running more powerful applications. It also features a larger display, making it easier to read the time, notifications, and more. Additionally, it offers an always-on Retina display, which allows you to view important information without having to raise your wrist. In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 8 is an incredibly versatile and impressive piece of technology. With its wide array of features and functions, it has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an on-the-go professional, or just someone who wants to stay connected, this gadget is the perfect device for you.

• Abigail Rodriguez
• 2022-12-23

Google Lens Decodes Doctors' Bad Handwriting For decades, doctors have been writing prescriptions in such a way that it is almost impossible for their patients to understand what they wrote. Now, Google is taking a step forward to help solve this problem by using its Google Lens technology to decipher the handwriting of doctors. Google announced at its annual conference in India that it is working with pharmacists to decode the handwriting of doctors. The feature, which will be available on Google Lens, will allow users to either take a picture of the prescription or upload one from the photo library. Once the image is processed, the app detects and highlights the medicines mentioned in the note. This technology will act as an assistive tool for digitizing handwritten medical documents by augmenting the humans in the loop such as pharmacists.  The technology will be useful for both doctors and patients. For doctors, it will help them write more legible prescriptions and for patients, it will help them understand the prescriptions easily. Furthermore, it will also help to reduce the chances of errors due to illegible handwriting.  Google’s technology is a great step forward in solving the problem of doctors’ bad handwriting. It will help both doctors and patients by reducing the chances of errors due to illegible handwriting and helping patients understand the prescriptions easily.

• Lucas Anderson
• 2022-12-19

Get a Year-in-Review of Your PlayStation Gaming Achievements with the PlayStation 2022 Wrap-Up Sony has released its 2022 Wrap-Up for PlayStation, giving users a comprehensive look at their gaming achievements for the year. The Wrap-Up is available for both PS5 and PS4 consoles, and includes a breakdown of users' playing statistics, standout achievements, and favourite games. It also includes new avatars for players based on their gaming achievements. The PlayStation Wrap-Up 2022 summarises users' top five most played games of the year, and provides global statistics for games on the Sony platform. It also gives users an overview of their total playing time in 2022, both local and online, and the total number of games they played. PlayStation Plus subscribers get a look into their subscription service stats as well, including the number of games downloaded, their top online game, and the hours spent playing online.  The Wrap-Up also provides a list of users' gaming achievements for the year, listing the number of Trophies earned across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum categories. PlayStation's 2022 Wrap-Up is a great way for gamers to get a comprehensive overview of their gaming habits and achievements in the year. It's a great way to get a snapshot of the games you've played, the time spent in them, and your overall progress on the PlayStation platform. The avatars are a great bonus, providing a unique way to show off your gaming accomplishments.

• Abigail Rodriguez
• 2022-12-15

Fortnite FNCS Back Bling: How Players Got The Badge of Honor Seeing streaming as a key factor contributing to the growth of multiplayer online games, Epic Games tries to nurture this massive phenomenon by arranging occasional giveaways of free cosmetics to the Fortnite player base. Even though these are the only source of income for an otherwise free-to-play cross-platform survival game, Epic frequently rewards its Fortnite player community with free items to boost their loyalty and engagement. Getting free stuff from Epic Games can either imply meeting some minor requirements or come with no strings attached. Thus, just a little while ago, the company treated some of its players to an exclusive and completely free FNCS back bling known as The Badge of Honor. The back bling reward was part of the most recent v22.40 update, which should be the last significant update for Chapter 3 before the first season of the new chapter starts in early December. To unlock the badge, qualified gamers had to follow the few simple steps below: Link their Epic Games and Twitch accounts. The Twitch account did not have to be active or streaming – it merely had to be there and connected to the player’s Epic Games profile. Locate a Twitch Fortnite streamer with "Drops enabled." Click on the Drops Enabled banner atop the chat and continue watching the video to have the free back bling reward unlocked after 30 minutes of viewing. Once players unlocked the badge and provided they still had enough time left till the end of the day, they could continue watching the stream for another half an hour to get one more freebie, which was the in-game spray.  Did you manage to meet all the requirements above to get the FNCS back bling Badge of Honor and the spray? Would you like to see more of such giveaways by Epic Games in the future? Do not hesitate to tell us in the comments section below!

• Abigail Rodriguez
• 2022-11-23