Real Sociedad manager bullish on future of Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi | 24F596N | 2024-05-12 16:08:01
Martin Zubimendi has attracted a lot of attention at Real Sociedad (Picture: Getty Images)
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has insisted that Martin Zubimendi will still be at the club next season, despite interest from the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The central midfielder has been at Real Sociedad for his entire professional career and they are keen to keep hold of the Spain international despite interest from huge clubs.
The 25-year-old has been an incredibly reliable performer since breaking into the first team on a regular basis in the 2020/21 season, making over 40 appearances in each of the last four campaigns.
His reliability has attracted the attention of Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich but Alguacil is certain that he will not be leaving the club this summer.
Alguacil told reporters: 'Martin Zubimendi wants to stay here and for sure he will stay with us at Real Sociedad next season. I have no doubts, he's staying with us.'
Last month Zubimendi spoke to Spanish newspaper Marca on his future, saying: 'They are just rumours, I am happy at Real Sociedad, it is like my home.
'I cannot say that I will play my entire career at Real Sociedad, perhaps the club won't want me to continue in the future. But I do not concern myself with these rumours.'
Zubimendi appears in no rush to leave Real Sociedad (Picture: Getty Images)
The holding midfielder is under contract until 2027 so there is no rush to cash in on him this summer, although that might be more of a concern next year.
Real Sociedad are currently sixth in La Liga and on course to qualify for the Europa League next season, but are extremely unlikely to be able to offer Champions League football next season.
Bec + Bridge's designer duo on AFW, motherhood and friendship | TEZOM3U | 2024-05-12 14:08:01
Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston on motherhood, friendship, and their 20th anniversary at Australian Fashion Week
The designer duo behind Bec + Bridge reflect on their friendship, their lives juggling business and motherhood, and the 20th anniversary of their first runway at Australian Fashion Week. By Dani Maher
Speaking to Harper's BAZAAR Australia/New Zealand a week before they're set to unveil their latest runway for Australian Fashion Week, the duo say they feel lucky to have the partnership they do as both friends and designers. "It's something we don't take for granted," they say.
Their unique journey over the past two decades has seen them evolve as businesswomen and simply as people, and they've supported each other through it all — even as they entered new phases of their life as mothers. Cooper has two sons, nine-year-old Max, and seven-year-old Teddy; while Bridget has three children: 13-year-old Tommy, 11-year-old George, and eight-year-old Matilda. As Mother's Day looms — on the eve of Fashion Week, no less — they admit that "naturally, things change when becoming a mother," but it's a change they've embraced wholeheartedly.
"We've always prioritised balance and perspective in how we approach life and business, but that certainly plays out on a whole new level once becoming a mother," they say.
Embracing "flexibility and balance" has been key, they say, as has maintaining a sense of self beyond the part of their identity that is motherhood. In that regard, fashion has been a liberating tool. "Being able to express personal style, creativity and individuality can be empowering for mothers in maintaining a sense of self," they advise.
Below, discover our full conversation with the fashionable pair — including what they say we can expect from the runway which will mark 20 years since their debut at Australian Fashion Week.
Harper's BAZAAR: What is your first memory of meeting each other at university? What were your first impressions of each other?
We met on our very first day of university. We were being taken on a tour of the textile print rooms and we ended up introducing ourselves. We had no idea what lay ahead for us…
Studying together at UTS was the catalyst for you two becoming friends, and ultimately creating Bec+Bridge after you graduated. What were those earliest discussions of starting your own label like? Did it seem like a dream or something you knew you were going to embark upon together?
We never set out to start a label. It all started with a friend coming to us with an old pair of jeans that he wanted us to revamp for his party that night. We screen printed our names all over them, stitched them, dyed them, embroidered them… they had a full makeover. It was 2001 and denim was having a big moment… that pair of jeans set the wheels in motion. Before we knew it, we were registering our business name.
Bec + Bridge's designer duo on AFW, motherhood and friendship
Some say you shouldn't go into business with your friends. What advice do you have for friends wanting to team up professionally?
We've been incredibly fortunate with our partnership. It's hard to offer up advice in this area… it's something we don't take for granted. Always keeping things in perspective is a good start.
Did becoming mothers change the way you approached your business?
Naturally things change when becoming a mother. We've always prioritised balance and perspective in how we approach life and business but that certainly plays out on a whole new level once becoming a mother.
What do you see as the relationship between motherhood and fashion?
The relationship between motherhood and fashion is certainly a personal one. Apart from the practical aspect, being able to express personal style, creativity and individuality can be empowering for mothers in maintaining a sense of self.
Being able to EXPRESS personal style, CREATIVITY and individuality can be EMPOWERING for mothers in maintaining a SENSE of SELF.
The world of business is still evolving to accommodate women as they enter different stages of their lives, like motherhood. How have you noticed it change as you've become mothers, and how do you hope it can continue to evolve to support women and mothers?
As business owners we've been very fortunate that we're able navigate motherhood with the necessary flexibility and balance we need. We hope that at Bec + Bridge we've built a culture that makes mothers feel supported through encouraging work life balance as well as an environment that allows them to thrive in their careers.
Next week, at Australian Fashion Week, you'll be presenting your 20th anniversary runway. What can fans expect?
A fresh, elevated and edgy collection.
Bec + Bridge's designer duo on AFW, motherhood and friendship
Xbox fans are baffled as head requests 'prestige' games after shutting down some of its best studiosTango GameworksHi-Fi Rush was one of the best Xbox exclusives from last year[/caption]
There was obvious backlash, and Steam developer Valve began refunding everyone who owned Helldivers 2 no matter how many hours they had played.
Fortunately, this caused PlayStation to backtrack on its consumer-unfriendly demand, even though the damage to its reputation had already been done.
PlayStation didn't need to worry about losing good will, as Xbox came back strong this week with an announcement that has devastated the industry.
Xbox shut down four studios, including Dishonored's Arkane Austin, and Hi-Fi Rush's Tango Gameworks, with the latter game being one of Xbox's most successful titles last year.
Hi-Fi Rush received a huge 90 rating on review aggregate site Metacritic, it also won five awards last year including Best Audio Design at The Game Awards, and Best Animation at the BAFTAs.
It was nominated for a further 19 awards, including Ultimate Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards.
To say Hi-Fi Rush was a breakout hit is an understatement. Its hugely successful shadow launch has changed the way games have been marketed and released in the year since and possibly forever.
However, it seems that this success wasn't enough to save the developer, even as it was pitching a sequel according to a report by Bloomberg.
The same report suggests that Arkane Austin was pitching an immersive sim similar to its previous works like Dishonored, which is even more decorated than Hi-Fi Rush winning the BAFTA for Best Game.
Fans were baffled by the decision to shut down these two studios which have incredible games to offer, particularly when Xbox has been struggling with the quality of its first-party games.
However, new comments from head of Xbox Games Studios Matt Booty has left Xbox fans even more stunned.
According to a report by The Verge, in internal messages Booty said: "We need smaller games that give us prestige and awards."
It feels confusing to many that Booty would make remarks like this on the day after the company fired the developers who were making these games.
While PlayStation and Xbox are upsetting fans at least Nintendo has good news for the console community.
Among all of the turmoil, Nintendo announced the Switch 2, revealing that more details would come within the next nine months.
Get the lowdown on more of the latest Xbox releases from our expert reviewers.
I have over a hundred hours spent in Hades and the sequel has me obsessed | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
HADES 2 was one of the most-anticipated games of 2024, and everyone was shocked by its release.
While we knew that it would launch on Steam in Early Access 'soon' it suddenly dropped to everyone's surprise.
I have over a hundred hours spent in Hades and the sequel has me obsessedSupergiant GamesHades 2 is far more than a new playable character[/caption]
I've been playing Hades 2 in Early Access for a few weeks now, and as someone with more than a hundred hours in the original game, I couldn't wait to play.
I will admit that when I started playing Hades 2 during the technical test I came away disappointed.
It initially felt more like DLC to the original game with a new playable character than something fresh.
So many aspects of the game are the same, such as the collecting resources, making friends, and your journey through multiple levels of the underworld.
However, once you get past the first area the hub world opens up, and the new mechanics slowly unfold.
Even in this Early Access version there are six layers to explore, which is two more than the first game's full release.
Without giving too much away the areas mix up the game's formula far more than they did in the original, giving more variety as you dig deeper.
This is aside from all the extra things you can unlock the more you play, giving you different ways to improve Melinoë.
She's the new protagonist, and has a substantial upgrade to her cast which offers some protection when she's standing inside it.
All of the weapons are also new, and there is a mix of old and new keepsakes to change up your playstyle.
With all the new additions, Hades 2 is an improvement over the original, even if it can occasionally get bogged down with collecting resources.
This version is incomplete but still features as much content as a full game, so it's worth taking the plunge.
Most-anticipated game of 2024 has shocked fans as it's suddenly dropped on Steam without warning | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
SHADOW drops have been all the rage lately as games are released with no prior announcement.
While Hades 2 was announced a while ago, we've never been given anything more concrete than a 'coming soon' release date.
Most-anticipated game of 2024 has shocked fans as it's suddenly dropped on Steam without warningSupergiant GamesMelinoë is the new protagonist in Hades 2[/caption]
The wait for many excited fans is finally over, as the Early Access build was suddenly launched yesterday, May 6, 2024, for fans.
Despite being in Early Access the build contains more content than the entirety of the original Hades, with six areas to explore compared to Hades' four.
Many of the aspects of Hades are here, like the hub world and increasingly difficult areas with a tough final boss, but there are plenty of new challenges to explore.
The protagonist has changed from Zagreus to his sister Melinoë, and she has a new set of weapons at her disposal.
There are also new gods, shake ups of the older ones, and even more mythology to find.
People are especially excited that Hades 2 is Steam Deck verified, meaning that you can play it on the go.
The final release will include even more areas, and there are a few bugs that still need ironing out.
A number of character models are also just stand-in designs and don't represent the final product.
However, this is a promising first look at what is to come, with even more to explore than in the original games' full release.
The Early Access build of Hades 2 is exclusive to Steam, and you cannot play it on console.
It will likely be released on consoles in the future, but people will have to wait for the full launch.
If you want to read more about the game, you can check out our Hades 2 preview.
Get the lowdown on more of the latest PS5 releases from our expert reviewers.
Netflix is partnering with the world's most popular game for a first-of-its-kind crossover | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
NETFLIX has shown increasing interest in the gaming industry with over 100 games that you can play as part of your subscription.
However, it seems that Netflix isn't just satisfied with offering games, but it wants to be in games as well.
Netflix is partnering with the world's most popular game for a first-of-its-kind crossoverRoblox / NetflixOne Piece is just one of the features coming to Nextworld in Roblox[/caption]
The entertainment goliath is teaming up with Roblox, one of the most popular games in the world, for a unique crossover.
Beginning today, May 9, players will be able to access Netflix Nextworld, a place where Roblox players will be able to explore Netflix films and shows.
It will open up with four different areas, three of which are based on existing popular Netflix series.
One Piece, Rebel Moon, and Stranger Things will each have their own features, and there will also be a feature for the upcoming series Jurassic Park: Chaos Theory.
Netflix describes Nextworld as a "digital theme park" and will feature mini-games and easter eggs surrounding the shows.
The crossover is described as having: "Immersive games like Stranger Things: Escape from Hawkins High, One Piece: East Blue Brawls, and Rebel Moon: Outskirts Battles [that] will connect you with your favorite characters in a whole new way.
"While you're there, say hi to Dustin from Stranger Things, Luffy from One Piece, and Jimmy from Rebel Moon, who'll serve as guardians of their respective worlds.
"Some of them might even guide you through your quests and you never know who else you might encounter."
This is described as an 'early access' release, which suggests that there are plans to expand it in the future.
The experience will also include collectibles and items that you can wear and use in other places in Roblox.
Nintendo warns Switch fans they could lose money – here's how to avoid it | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
GAMERS are always on the hunt for bargains, with many going to great lengths to save a few pounds on games, which can get very expensive at times.
One of the ways that gamers can save money is through the Nintendo Switch Online voucher program.
Nintendo warns Switch fans they could lose money – here's how to avoid itNintendoThe upcoming Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door can be purchased with a voucher[/caption]
Nintendo Switch Online vouchers come in sets of two, costing £84 for the pair, and can be redeemed for first-party Nintendo-published games.
Given most first-party Switch games cost £50, and some even cost £60, buying games through the voucher program can save up to £25 on full price games.
Nintendo Switch Online vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase, and new first-party games are added as they become available for preorder.
Because of this, many gamers opt to buy vouchers in advance, in anticipation of upcoming games.
Nintendo has issued a warning, though, for players to be mindful of the expiration date of Nintendo Switch Online vouchers, as the expiration might be sooner than you think.
In a tweet from the Japanese Nintendo account, the company noted that the vouchers actually last for 365 days, and not a calendar year like many would expect.
For the most part, this typically equates to exactly one year, but 2024 is a leap year, so tickets bought before February 29, 2024 will expire one day earlier in the following year.
Nintendo uses the example of a ticket bought on May 12, 2023, which if 2024 were not a leap year, would expire on May 12 of the following year.
Because 2024 is a leap year, though, the ticket would instead expire on May 11, 2024, because there was an extra day.
Switch owners are advised to double check the expiry date on Nintendo Switch Online vouchers, which they can do on the Nintendo eShop on their console, in the User Account menu.
Nintendo Switch Online offers a range of benefits to subscribers, including hundreds of retro games across NES, SNES, Game Boy, GBA, Nintendo 64, and Sega Mega Drive.
It also includes DLC at no extra cost for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2.
Get the lowdown on more of the latest PS5 releases from our expert reviewers.
PC gamers can grab a free game only available for a limited time | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
MANY storefronts are holding some excellent deals and sales at the moment, but there's something even better than a great offer.
If you keep your eye on all the many online stores, you'll often be able to find games for free.
PC gamers can grab a free game only available for a limited timeZen StudiosCircus Electrique is available for free for just one week[/caption]
Those who don't have the time to search the web themselves don't need to worry.
We spend our time every week looking for the best deals online so we can pass on the savings onto you.
Epic Games Store gives away at least one free game every week that everyone can pick up for free.
This week you can grab Circus Electrique, a tactical RPG with a strong narrative.
The blurb reads: "Named for the greatest show in Victorian steampunk London, Circus Electrique is part story-driven RPG, part tactics, part circus management, and completely enthralling – all with a steampunk twist.
"When everyday Londoners mysteriously turn into vicious killers, only the circus' lineup of Strongmen, Fire Blowers, Clowns and other performers possess the unique talents necessary to save the city.
"Through tactical turn-based battles, these unlikely heroes face Bobbies, British Sailors gone bad, aggressive Posh Girls, and other Victorian-era archetypes stand in their way – not to mention the occasional menacing Mime or Robobear.
"The game's innovative Devotion morale system affects characters' performance not only in battles, but also for actual circus shows, dutifully managed between heroic jaunts through six sprawling districts."
Gamers have until Thursday, May 16, 2024, after which it will be replaced by a new free game.
You can download it via the storepage on the Epic Games Store website, or directly via the Epic Games Store Launcher.
However, you need the launcher if you want to play the game, so you might as well download it for free.
PlayStation fans relieved after player outrage leads to major Sony backflip | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
PLAYSTATION fans are breathing a sigh of relief today after Sony announced a major backflip following a tumultuous weekend for the company.
The drama erupted over the weekend when it was revealed that Helldivers 2, a PlayStation-published game, would force PC players to use a PSN account, potentially blocking access for some fans.
PlayStation fans relieved after player outrage leads to major Sony backflipArrowhead StudiosHelldivers 2 has players fighting against aliens on foreign planets[/caption]
It's not uncommon for PC games to require third-party accounts, even when purchased on Steam, but this time things are a little bit more complicated.
The main issue was that, despite advertising that the PSN login would be required, the requirement has been turned off since the game launched in early February.
That's largely because of the massive success of the game, which required developer Arrowhead to turn off some network functions like PSN logins to ensure a smooth experience.
Since then, neither publisher Sony or developer Arrowhead had mentioned restoring the requirement for a third-party login.
When Sony announced it would soon be required, players were furious, flooding the game's Steam page with negative reviews.
Players also took to social media to give negative feedback, with social media managers for Arrowhead copping a lot of unfortunate abuse.
To make things worse, the game was sold in almost all Steam regions, even including those where PlayStation accounts aren't legally available.
After that issue was brought to the forefront of the drama, Sony pulled the game from sale in over 170 Steam regions, seeming to many that the requirement was here to stay, despite the backlash.
In a shocking turn of events, though, Sony backflipped on the requirement today, providing a statement on social media confirming the plans had been scrapped.
The PlayStation account said: "Helldivers fans – we've heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update.
"The May 6 update, which would have required Steam and PlayStation Network account linking for new players and for current players beginning May 30, will not be moving forward."
Sony says that it's listening to feedback, and will keep players updated on future plans for Helldivers 2, which is likely to include many updates.
Helldivers 2 launched on PC and PS5 in February to glowing reviews, and has been played by tens of millions of players, many of which were on PC.
Get the lowdown on more of the latest PS5 releases from our expert reviewers.
Pokémon fans are struggling to take down the Primarina raid – here's what you should do | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
EVERY so often Pokémon adds a new seven-star raid to Scarlet and Violet, and these are very tough to take down.
This week is the turn of Primarina, the Water-type starter from Generation 7 that is known for how strong it is.
Pokémon fans are struggling to take down the Primarina raid – here's what you should doThe Pokémon CompanyGholdengo is the perfect counter to Primarina[/caption]
Primarina is only available from two weekends, from Friday, May 10, 2024, until Sunday, May 12, 2024, and again from Friday, May 17, 2024, and Sunday, May 19, 2024.
This means that you only have a few days if you want to catch yours.
However, this isn't the easiest Pokémon to take down and you will need to build a Pokémon that can resist all of its attacks and is immune to Sing.
Here is Primarina's set:
The Mightest Primarina – Level 100
Nature – Modest
Item – None
Ability – Liquid Voice
Tera-type – Fairy
Moveset – Sparkling Aria, Moonblast, Psychic, Sing, Surf, Encore
Primarina has a strong Special Attack stat, and you will need something with good Special Defense in order to counter it.
Liquid Voice will change Sing to Water-type move, and you will want to resist Water-, Fairy- and Psychic-type attacks.
However, there is a Pokémon that is strongly suited to taking down Primarina.
Gholdengo – Level 100
Nature – Calm
Item – Shell Bell
Ability – Good as Gold
Tera-type – Steel
Moveset – Flash Cannon, Make it Rain, Light Screen, Nasty Plot
Light Screen will be necessary to keep Gholdengo safe while it's setting up, and it can heal back with its Shell Bell.
Good as Gold is the key to making this battle much easier, as it prevents both Sing and Encore.
Flash Cannon is not as strong as Make it Rain but it has the benefit of not dropping Special Attack and can build up your Tera Orb Charge so that you can hit harder when the barrier is up.
Gholdengo works to take down this raid, both in groups and when taking it on solo.
Pokémon fans have just hours to grab a super rare 'mon – and it's free | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
EVERY year Nintendo releases two versions of each mainline game with exclusives available for each one.
The main exclusives with Generation 9 are the Paradox Pokémon, powerful past and future 'mons based on popular designs from throughout the franchise.
Pokémon fans have just hours to grab a super rare 'mon – and it's freeThe Pokémon CompanyFlutter Mane is available for a limited time to all players[/caption]
Half of these are past Paradox 'mons exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, and the other half are future 'mons exclusive to Pokémon Violet.
This means that if you only own one version of the game, and have no one to trade with, you'll miss out on a whole collection of popular Pokémon.
Luckily, Pokémon holds a number of giveaways where you can grab different 'mons that have been successful in competitions.
To celebrate the Korea Player's Cup where Korean players can qualify for the World Championships, Pokémon is giving away a Flutter Mane owned by last year's Senior Division Champion.
Yeomyeong's Flutter Mane is only available via Mystery Gift until May 7, 2024, so you only have hours to grab it.
It comes holding the Choice Specs item, and has the moves Moonblast, Shadow Ball, Dazzling Gleam and Thunderbolt.
If you want to grab this powerful Pokémon Scarlet exclusive for yourself, there are a few steps you need to follow.
First open your menu and select Poké Portal, and from here navigate to Mystery Gift at the bottom of the list.
Then select 'Get with Code/Password' and enter the password 987W1THSPECS.
Pokémon fans can pick up a super rare fan favourite – but it's only for a limited time | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
POKÉMON holds events every month to keep people playing its popular games.
May is no different, as a rare and powerful Pokémon will be entering seven-star raids and it's free for everyone to catch.
Pokémon fans can pick up a super rare fan favourite – but it's only for a limited timeThe Pokémon CompanyPrimarina will only be available in raids for a limited time[/caption]
Whether you are a fan of Pokémon Scarlet or Violet it will be available in every game.
Starting on Friday, May 10, 2024, a Fairy-tera type Primarina will be the target of seven-star raids.
Primarina will be available for two different weekends from May 10 until May 12, and again from May 17 until May 19.
You can complete one tera raid every day for a total of seven sets of rewards.
Despite this, you can only catch Primarina one time, so you only need to take down the raid once if you just want the Pokémon.
Primarina comes with the hidden ability Liquid Voice, which you would usually need the rare item Ability Patch if you wanted to unlock it.
Liquid Voice turns all of Primarina's sound based moves to Water-type, and it will also have a number of powerful Fairy-type moves boosted by its tera.
You will need to build a Pokémon specifically for this raid if you want to take it down, so it's worth getting one ready now.
Counters like Snorlax and Clodsire may potentially be good, but we won't know until the raid opens up and we learn its move set.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: How to redeem Mystery Gifts and all current codes | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
AS we approach the Pokémon World Championships 2024, there are only a few events left to take part in battles.
If you want to grab some free items and Pokémon for these events, read on to find out what's currently available.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: How to redeem Mystery Gifts and all current codesThe Pokemon CompanyThis is the menu where you can find Mystery Gifts.[/caption]
We'll walk you through the process of how to download each gift, and what exactly is available.
Top Nintendo Switch gets surprise $43 price cut at Walmart as fan urges PS5 and Xbox gamers to buy 'must-have' item | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
A TOP Nintendo Switch console has had its price slashed in a tempting sale.
Normally the Nintendo Switch OLED retails for $349.99.
Top Nintendo Switch gets surprise $43 price cut at Walmart as fan urges PS5 and Xbox gamers to buy 'must-have' itemNintendoThe Nintendo Switch OLED is heavily discounted at Walmart[/caption]
But Walmart is selling it for just $306.78 – a saving of $43.21, or just over 12% off.
This is the advanced version of the Nintendo Switch with the more premium OLED display.
And it comes in the iconic Red & Neon Blue Joy-Con color option.
Top Nintendo Switch gets surprise $43 price cut at Walmart as fan urges PS5 and Xbox gamers to buy 'must-have' itemNintendo
The console can be used as a portable handheld gaming machine or connected to a TV[/caption]
They went on: "For any Nintendo fan, young and old, the switch is a must have.
"This is the most versatile video game system ever. Great selection of games.
"Nintendo exclusives are always a blast and serve as the main reason to get one these, even if you have a PS5 or Xbox."
Another said: "Works great. So much fun to play with my daughter, and different games for me as an adult.
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"And very portable – people are gonna watch TV and I can play on the handhelds or I can when nobody's there. Why do it on the TV? It is amazing and so much fun."
And one wrote: "I absolutely love this device. I am a casual gamer, playing mostly mobile games, but I took the plunge.
"The switch OLED version has a beautiful screen and I go between using it with the dock, projected on my TV to play games with my partner, to using the handheld to play solo."
Xbox players can get their money back after company shuts down a number of incredible games | 9Z731N6 | 2024-05-12 15:08:01
XBOX dominated the news last year when it made the biggest ever purchase in the gaming industry.
Purchasing Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard for almost $70billion, the company promised to bring more games to more people.
Xbox players can get their money back after company shuts down a number of incredible gamesArkaneRedfall was one of Xbox's biggest exclusives of last year[/caption]
However, almost immediately after the deal was finalised, Xbox laid off almost 2k developers, leaving many people with nowhere to turn.
Yesterday, May 7, Xbox announced that it would close a further four studios, including those who worked on some of Xbox's most popular exclusives.
Hi-Fi Rush was Xbox's breakout hit of last year, but developer Tango Gameworks was shut down yesterday despite excellent reviews and good sales.
Tango previously worked on other popular games such as Ghostwire: Tokyo and The Evil Within.
Alpha Dog Games, which released mobile game Mighty Doom last year, has also been shut down and the game will become defunct on August 7.
However, fans are particularly outraged by the closing down of Arkane Austin and Roundhouse Studios who both worked on the Xbox exclusive Redfall.
Arkane Austin was the main developer behind the title, and has created other excellent games like Prey.
Redfall was still receiving updates, and has a season pass which promised more content in the future.
However, as Arkane Austin has now shut down, all development of the game has ended.
The studio released a statement saying those who purchased the season pass will get a refund, though the exact amount is not clear yet.
Arkane's statement reads: "Redfall players who purchased the Hero Pass as part of the premium Bite Back Edition or the premium Bite Back upgrade will be eligible to receive the value of the upgrade.
"While there will be no further updates, Redfall's servers will remain online for players to enjoy."
Aston Martin wins the King's Award for its luxe and innovative leather | TEZOM3U | 2024-05-12 14:08:01
Aston Martin wins the King's Award for its luxe and innovative leather
The King's Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise until it was renamed last year to reflect King Charles III, recognises excellence in UK innovation. First established in 1965, the awards allow outstanding businesses to use the esteemed King's Awards Emblem for the next five years. It's an honour Aston Martin, an iconic embodiment of British luxury based in Gaydon, England, has won three times since 1998. Renowned for its timeless designs and modern technology as seen in its signature Vantage, DB12, DBS, DBX, and the hypercar Aston Martin Valkyrie — Aston Martin has also gone green with plans to introduce electric sports cars and SUVs between 2025 and 2030.
"As a company with a commitment to innovation, we are incredibly proud to be honoured with this King's Award for Enterprise, which celebrates both the ingenuity of our craftspeople and the quality of Aston Martin's bespoke interiors," Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin said.
Aston Martin wins the King's Award for its luxe and innovative leather
"Recognising our combination of handcraft and cutting-edge manufacturing technology, this award highlights the unique composition of our ultra-luxury interiors and how our manufacturing team have gone to extra lengths to ensure the highest level of personalisation is offered to our customers, whilst not compromising on our seat technology's core functionality."
Don't worry, Georgia Fowler is still living in bond-eye | TEZOM3U | 2024-05-12 14:08:01
Don't worry, Georgia Fowler is still living in bond-eye
Don't worry, Georgia Fowler is still living in bond-eye
"The texture to the fabric means even the simplest swim styles feel luxe and timeless. I was able to wear all their unsized pieces throughout my pregnancy and breastfeeding," she continued.
bond-eye by Georgia Fowler boasts seven avant-garde shapes and five dreamy hues — all immersed in tactile soft shimmer crinkles, classic lurex knit and an exclusive tiger jacquard knit: a bespoke creation only available at bond-eye. The perfect purchase — available from May 13 — for those lucky enough to chase the sun during hedonistic days in the Northern Hemisphere. "New York unfortunately means less swimsuits, but I hope to get up to the Hamptons over the summer and bring bond-eye there," Fowler said of her next big bond-eye adventures.
Below, we chat with Fowler — who takes on the big city in support of husband Nathan Dalah's expanding Fishbowl business, and to tick off more of her modelling milestones — about the "dream" collaboration, her favourite Sydney beaches and what life looks like as a mother-of-two in New York.
BAZAAR Australia: Your partnership with bond-eye is not only your first fashion campaign since giving birth to your second child — congratulations! — but your first design collaboration in three years. Why bond-eye as your big return to fashion?
Growing up at the beach, and living in swim all summer it was only natural to always dream up my perfect swim styles. It was so exciting to work alongside bond-eye and bring this vision to reality. I found bond-eye through my first pregnancy. I fell in love with how comfortable their swim was, and loved how it stretched with me as my bump grew.
Talk me through the design process. What was on your moodboard? How long was the process?
My moodboard was a mix of fashion forward designs spun in with classics that will last forever, all of which focused on flattering shapes to suit all body types. I had a number of ideas, and worked alongside bond-eye assessing limitations with fabric, palettes, and what their current best selling pieces and shapes are. I wanted the collection to be my own, pushing a more neutral palette and fashion forward shapes. Although, it was amazing to reintroduce some existing styles that the bond-eye customer and I love.
Don't worry, Georgia Fowler is still living in bond-eye
What makes the particular fabric both luxe and comfortable?
The texture to the fabric means even the simplest swim styles feel luxe and timeless. I was able to wear all their un-sized pieces throughout my pregnancy and breastfeeding.
You've just recently made the move to New York. What will your new life look like?
New York unfortunately means less swimsuits, but I hope to get up to the Hamptons over the summer and bring bond-eye there.
How does it feel to be a mum of two now? What advice do you have for working mums expecting baby number two?
The juggle of two is real, but with the second comes a real appreciation of how precious these newborn days are. There's definitely less time to yourself and more guilt that you're missing your big kid, or that you're not spending as much time with your newborn as your first.L You can't really win. But with the second I found a sense of calm, I knew what I was doing and knew everything does pass — the good and the tough — so just to accept that and enjoy each moment.
Don't worry, Georgia Fowler is still living in bond-eye
You certainly adopted that beach babe lifestyle while living in Sydney. Do you have any favourite beach spots?
I've always been happiest by the water, we love going (early) to North Bondi and Camp Cove as well as a few secret spots I like to keep up my sleeve. More often than not though on a hot day we like to get out on our boat. We definitely will miss having the Harbour as our back yard.
How will you make the most of your bond-eye range while living abroad this year? Any European holidays coming up?
I certainly hope so! That's one benefit of being in the Northern Hemisphere now, I'll be chasing summer all year!
What other exciting plans and projects do you have this year?
Besides settling into New York life with the family, and setting up a new home, I'm really excited to get back to working internationally and lining up some exciting work, both here and in Europe.
