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A monumental comeback is brewing in the gaming industry. Blizzard Entertainment and China’s gaming giant NetEase have reignited their partnership, paving the way for a triumphant return of legendary titles to one of the world's largest gaming markets, China. This news marks a sweet victory after a period of uncertainty. For over 15 years, Blizzard and NetEase enjoyed a successful partnership, bringing beloved games like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Hearthstone to gamers in China. Unfortunately, the collaboration hit a snag in late 2022 due to a contract dispute, leaving gamers heartbroken without access to their favorite Blizzard titles. But fret no more! The gaming landscape is about to experience a dramatic shift. Under the watchful eye of Microsoft, a new agreement has been forged, promising a "sequential return" of Blizzard games to China starting this summer. This means gamers in China can once again gear up for epic adventures in Azeroth (World of Warcraft) and explore the vast possibilities offered by other Blizzard titles. Specific release dates and details are still under wraps, but exciting announcements are on the horizon! This is a massive win for gamers in China. So, what are your thoughts? Are you excited to see Blizzard games return? Which title are you most looking forward to playing again? https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/10/business/china-netease-blizzard-games-return-intl-hnk/index.html https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3258471/microsofts-blizzard-resumes-netease-partnership-bringing-world-warcraft-back-chinese-players-after https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/business/warcraft-returns-china-blizzard-netease.html Image: Antonio Jodice | Dreamstime.com

Guess who’s just raided the competition and emerged victorious? None other than our favorite tomb raider, Lara Croft! She’s claimed the coveted title of the most iconic video game character of all time in a recent British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) poll, leaving gaming legends like Mario and Sonic in her dust. Lara’s victory is hardly a shocker. She’s been showing us that brainy women can be action heroes since the 90s. And now, she’s topped the charts, beating a host of beloved characters. Here’s how the top 10 shaped up: Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) Mario (Super Mario Bros.) Agent 47 (Hitman) Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog) Sackboy (LittleBigPlanet) Pac-Man (Pac-Man) Link (The Legend of Zelda) Master Chief (Halo) Kratos (God of War) Shadowheart (Baldur’s Gate 3) And talk about perfect timing, Lara’s win coincides with the reveal of her new design recently. Unveiled on the official Tomb Raider website, the design is a blend of classic and rebooted Lara. But hold your horses! This “unified vision” might not be her final look in the next Tomb Raider game though. Fans are buzzing about the reveal. Many are thrilled to see Lara back in her classic turquoise tank top and dual pistols. It’s a trip down memory lane, with a glimpse into the future of the series. The grittier design has sparked debate – is it a fitting evolution for our favorite tomb raider, or do you have other ideas? So, what’s your take, Tomb Raider fans? Does Lara Croft deserve the “most iconic” title? And what are your thoughts on her potential new design? https://www.bafta.org/games/most-iconic-game-character-of-all-time https://news.sky.com/story/lara-croft-star-of-tomb-raider-series-beats-mario-and-sonic-to-be-named-most-iconic-video-games-character-13107571 https://www.gamespot.com/articles/lara-croft-has-a-new-video-game-look-but-it-may-never-appear-in-tomb-raider/1100-6517276/ https://www.thegamer.com/tomb-raider-new-lara-croft-design-just-vision/ https://www.polygon.com/24073332/tomb-raider-lara-croft-unified-design-artwork Image: Spineback | Dreamstime.com

Calling all Umbrella Academy fans! Get ready for a genre-bending thrill ride because My Chemical Romance's frontman, Gerard Way, is back in the comic book game with a brand new series comic book series – Paranoid Gardens. Get ready for a descent into darkly surreal horror unlike anything you've seen before. Here's what's got comic fans buzzing with anticipation: A horror cocktail with a Way-tastic twist Imagine a bizarre fusion of Ricky Gervais' sitcom 'Derek' and the time-hopping adventures of Doctor Who, all thrown into a blender with a generous splash of Way's signature dark humor. The result? Paranoid Gardens, a story set within the unsettling walls of a potentially sentient hospital. Expect corrupt staff, theme park cults, and enough mind-bending plot twists to leave you questioning reality. The dream team of weird reassembles Way isn't embarking on this psychedelic journey alone. He's teaming up with Dark Horse Comics, the powerhouse publisher behind iconic titles like Sin City and Hellboy, to bring Paranoid Gardens to life. Way is joined by his long-time collaborator and co-writer, Shaun Simon (remember the mind-blowing world of 'The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys?'). These two are the ultimate partners in comic book weirdness, and Paranoid Gardens promises to be one of their most unique and ambitious creations to date. Renowned artist joins the chaos Adding another layer of awesomeness, Chris Weston, the artistic mastermind behind Judge Dredd's iconic visuals, is taking the reins on art duties. Get ready for some seriously mind-blowing imagery that will perfectly capture the chaotic brilliance of Way's story. Will Paranoid Gardens be the next Umbrella Academy phenomenon? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure, this series isn't for the faint of heart (or those seeking a predictable plotline). Mark your calendars for July 17th, because Paranoid Gardens #1 is about to warp your reality! In the meantime, start crafting your wildest theories. Is this hospital a gateway to another dimension? What secrets lurk within its walls? Sound off in the comments and let's unravel the mysteries of Paranoid Gardens together. https://deadline.com/2024/03/gerard-way-chemical-romance-umbrella-academy-comic-series-1235865261/ https://gizmodo.com/gerard-way-paranoid-gardens-dark-horse-1851361831 https://www.gamesradar.com/gerard-way-paranoid-gardens/ Image: Hutchinsphoto | Dreamstime.com

In a recent podcast with Lex Fridman, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, pulled no punches when discussing the state and future of Artificial Intelligence (AI). OpenAI is a major player in the AI research landscape, and Altman's insights offered both a realistic assessment of current limitations and a hopeful outlook on the technology's potential. While acknowledging GPT-4's advancements, Altman wasn't shy about calling it "kinda sucks." He clarified that his aim wasn't to downplay the accomplishment, but rather to emphasize the rapid pace of AI development. Just as we view GPT-3 today, he expects us to look back at GPT-4 as a stepping stone on the path to even more sophisticated AI. Despite his critique, Altman remains optimistic. He anticipates the next iteration, possibly GPT-5, to be another significant leap forward. This optimism reflects his belief in AI's ability to improve our lives and tackle complex challenges. Another project piquing Altman's interest is Sora. Though details remain scarce, its placement within the DALL-E generation pipeline suggests further advancements in OpenAI's image generation capabilities. The discussion further highlights the need to prioritize memory and privacy issues in AI development. These are crucial aspects of ensuring ethical considerations are at the forefront when deploying AI technologies. In the conversation, Altman also provides a comprehensive perspective that extends beyond the technical aspects of AI. He offers a firsthand look at the leadership complexities within OpenAI, including the dramatic 'OpenAI board saga'. This involved his unexpected removal as CEO, followed by a swift reinstatement due to employee and investor pressure. He also touches on the recent lawsuit filed by Elon Musk. These events highlight the internal disagreements over OpenAI's direction. The discussion even touches on external competition, with Altman acknowledging Google's presence in the AI landscape. Despite the challenges and criticisms, OpenAI has seen impressive growth, boasting 100 million weekly users and an $80 billion valuation. This growth underscores the potential of AI and the public's desire for AI tools that genuinely enrich our lives. Sam Altman's conversation with Lex Fridman provides a refreshingly candid look at the world of AI. It sheds light on the ongoing challenges, the progress made, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. But where do we go from here? Will AI be a force for good, and how can we ensure its responsible development? You can also read the full podcast transcript here. https://gizmodo.com/sam-altman-also-thinks-chatgpt-kinda-sucks-openai-1851345956 https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/mar/09/why-is-elon-musk-suing-sam-altman-openai Image: Rokas Tenys | Dreamstime.com

Dogwifhat (WIF), a meme coin based on the Solana blockchain, has gone from a cute pup sporting a stylish beanie to a major player in the crypto market. This adorable canine currency has surpassed FLOKI to become the fourth-largest meme coin by market capitalization. But what's driving Dogwifhat's meteoric rise? Community Power: The Dogwifhat faithful rallied together and raised a whopping $690,000 in just four days. Their mission? To secure a splashy display of the Dogwifhat logo on the iconic Las Vegas Sphere. Talk about putting your meme coin on the map! This achievement is not just about the money raised; it’s about the power of community and the influence of meme coins in the current crypto market. The Dogwifhat community’s accomplishment has brought attention to the coin, leading to a 35% gain in its value over the past 24 hours. Dogwifhat’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. Since its launch late last year, it has amassed a market cap of $2.6 billion. This rapid growth is a testament to the crypto market’s affinity for canine-themed coins, following the footsteps of Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB). Market Momentum: The broader crypto market, particularly Bitcoin's recent surge, has provided fertile ground for meme coin growth. Investors looking for a fun and potentially lucrative way to ride the wave may be flocking to Dogwifhat. The "Cute Factor": Let's face it, who can resist a dog in a hat? The adorable mascot undoubtedly plays a role in Dogwifhat's appeal, especially with younger investors. The big question remains: can Dogwifhat dethrone the OG doge and become the king of meme coins? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the crypto space is full of surprises, and Dogwifhat's story is a fascinating one to watch. Could Dogwifhat be a savvy investment, or is it just a fad? Do you think such meme coins have a legitimate future in the crypto space? Disclaimer: The info about Dogwifhat's market ranking and price is fresh as of March 15, 2024, but things can change fast in the crypto world. https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2024/03/13/dogwifhat-becomes-4th-largest-meme-coin-as-community-completes-fundraising-for-las-vegas-sphere-showing/ https://cryptodaily.co.uk/news-in-crypto/thenewscrypto:dogwifhat-surpasses-floki-claims-4th-spot-among-memecoins https://gizmodo.com/dogwifhat-memecoin-vegas-sphere-fundraiser-1851336709 Image: AI generated

Get ready to confront the chilling reflections of our tech-obsessed world. Netflix just confirmed Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror is back for Season 7, beaming onto our screens in 2025. The upcoming season promises six new episodes that will delve into the increasingly complex and sometimes unsettling world of emerging technologies. While specific details remain under wraps (classic Black Mirror!), the news includes a juicy hint: a sequel to the fan-favorite Season 4 episode, 'USS Callister.' For those who need a refresher, the original episode featured Jesse Plemons as Robert Daly, a brilliant but troubled programmer who created a simulated reality within a video game. His role as a Captain Kirk–like figure aboard a starship took a sinister turn, leaving us with lingering questions. Now, the crew of the USS Callister faces fresh challenges, even after Captain Robert Daly’s demise. With Daly’s departure, fans are left wondering about the fate of the USS Callister crew. Will they gain control of their digital universe? How will they navigate their existence without Daly’s oppressive rule? And most importantly, will they ever escape the game? These are some of the burning questions that fans hope will be addressed in the sequel. Here's where things get exciting. With no official episode details, speculation is wide open. Given Black Mirror's history of tackling the ethical dilemmas of cutting-edge tech, Season 7 is likely to explore the rapidly evolving landscapes of artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse. So, tech theorists, let's hear your predictions! What mind-bending stories do you hope to see unfold? Will AI become too human, or will humanity become too reliant on it? Perhaps the lines between reality and the metaverse will blur beyond recognition. Share your creativity, theories, and wild speculations. After all, in the twisted universe of Black Mirror, anything can happen. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/black-mirror-season-7 https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/black-mirror-new-season-7-release-date-b2513010.html https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/black-mirror-uss-callister-spinoff-ideas-director-star-trek-hidden-star-wars-nods-1070875/ Images: Netflix

Tesla's Cybertruck continues to generate buzz, but not always positive. The latest controversy surrounds the Cybertruck Basecamp tent, designed to transform the electric truck into a mobile campsite. However, many fans are expressing disappointment with the final product. Here's why the Cybertruck tent is sparking debate: Disappointing Design: The tent ditches the sleek, integrated design initially shown, opting for a more traditional truck bed tent setup. Pricey Pitch: At a hefty $2,995, some consider it overpriced compared to alternative camping gear or even a small trailer offering more space and features. Missing Features: The promised "Tent Mode" that utilizes the truck's air suspension for auto-leveling is currently absent, with Tesla claiming it will arrive in a future software update. AC Hookup Mystery: While the tent can connect to the Cybertruck's AC system, a separate adapter purchase is required. So, is the Cybertruck Basecamp a camping must-have or a major miss?Would you shell out for this truck bed tent, or steer clear for alternative camping solutions? Read more: https://electrek.co/2024/03/08/tesla-shipping-cybertruck-tent/ https://jalopnik.com/tesla-cybertruck-s-basecamp-tent-is-a-3-000-disappoi-1851319488 https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/tesla-video-cybertruck-basecamp-tent/ Image: Tesla