Timber! Early Access to Timberborn is now underway on Steam, offering the chance to sink your teeth into this city-building game for Windows and macOS where the world is run by "lumberpunk beavers." Here's an Early Access Trailer showing off the only workplace where slapping tail is not considered inappropriate. Here are some dam details:

Mankind turned Earth into a dry wasteland and perished, but some species adapted and evolved. Pick one of the beaver factions and see how long your colony can last.

Control one of two beaver factions: the nature-friendly Folktails or the industrious Iron Teeth. Each faction has a unique style, buildings, and gameplay traits. Choose what fits your playstyle!

Prepare your settlement for recurring droughts. Stockpile on food and keep fields and forests alive even after rivers dry up. Rely on both natural water sources and artificial irrigation to keep the land arable.

Continue here to read the full story.

Get pumped! Gas Station Simulator is now available on Steam, offering a Windows game where you attempt to make a thriving business by restoring a run-down service station. Here's a recent trailer, and here are some details to fuel your imagination:

Gas Station Simulator is all about renovating, expanding and running a gas station along a highway in the middle of a desert.
Freedom of choice and multiple approaches to run your business and deal with pressure are key ingredients in this game.

Buy an abandoned gas station in the middle of nowhere and restore it to its former glory.
Get rid of debris and broken furniture, fix up the walls, paint and decorate the place to your liking.
Just don’t spend all your cash on the looks right away, you bought a gas station after all.
Repair the equipment, buy what can’t be repaired and start serving your customers to earn money for further renovations and improvements.

Continue here to read the full story.

A post on Reddit has word that Bethesda Softworks is looking into performance issues in DEATHLOOP that many are attributing to the Denuvo DRM in the just-released shooter:

Hey all, I'm one of the DEATHLOOP Community Managers, and while those burgers do look great, regarding performance we are aware of reports that some PC users are experiencing stuttering issues in DEATHLOOP. We're actively investigating the issue right now as a priority, and will update you with more specific information as soon as possible.

Madmind Studio announces development is complete on Succubus, and the now-gold action/adventure is set to launch on GOG.com and Steam. This also means the Adult Only game has received approval from Valve, despite its racy graphics. This is because the game will launch in its censored form, but Madmind promises free DLC on day one to unlock all its adult material. In the meantime, there's still a free SUCCUBUS: Prologue on Steam you can sample. Here's the pitch:

You are the Succubus – a wild and lustful demon who rejected the role of the queen of the infernal abyss. ­With the disappearance of the legitimate rulers of Hell, the remaining demons recognized Nimrod as their ruler, because he was the only soul who could dominate the mind of the mighty Beast. By raising his new empire from the corpses of sinners, the new king, along with his new queen – you – managed to control the chaos left by former rulers. The life of luxury and walking on rugs sewn from the skins of martyrs was not for you though, and so you have chosen a life in the wilderness. You inflict pain by hurting everyone and everything in your path to satisfy your apetites and primal instincts

RAM Pressure is out of Early Access and now available on Steam as a free online tactical game inspired by the turn-based combat of the XCOM/X-COM series. For us non-physicists, here's the Wikipedia article explaining the game's title. Here's a new trailer showing off gameplay. The game's business model involves optional in-game purchases, but the nature of these is not clear from the description:

Tactical story-driven online multiplayer game combining the turn-based combat of X-COM with a deep, well-grounded sci-fi setting. Experience intense tactical online multiplayer action and explore a deep plot and unique storyline built on both single-player and multiplayer missions.

In the near future, Earth is hit by an unusual meteorite swarm: the remains of alien fleets decimated by an ancient galactic war. To avoid widespread panic, world governments hide the truth from the population by sending elite mercenary squads to crash sites – gaining access to the alien technology before anyone else can do the same.

Continue here to read the full story.

• Humble Be the Bad Guy Bundle (pay what you want and help charity).*
• Save 76% on Disgaea Dood Bundle on Steam.
• Save 66% on Complete Nidhogg Bundle on Steam.

*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.

Official patch.

• Call of Duty: Warzone Season Five Reloaded Patch Notes.

Thanks Ant.

• Clash: Artifacts of Chaos - ‘Welcome to Zenozoik’ Dev Diary.
• The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes – 20 Minutes of Gameplay with Game Director's Commentary.
• EVE Online - Gateway - Quadrant 3 Trailer (2021). Thanks Neutronbeam.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• How Arkane Studios Designed Prey - Documentary - Noclip.
• Life of a completionist - Collectibles - Viva La Dirt League.

• Call of Duty: Warzone Mode Intel- A Guide to Iron Trials ’84.

• Report: Hardware spending grew by 45% in August (NPD).
• Introducing Superstar X-Factors in NHL 22.
• Flynn: Son Of Crimson Is Now Available For Windows 10, Xbox One, And Xbox Series X-S (Xbox Game Pass).
• Catlateral Damage: Remeowstered Pounces onto Xbox One and Xbox Series X-S Today.
• Dustwind - The Last Resort Is Now Available For Xbox One And Xbox Series X-S.
• Xbox Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month.

• Lawmakers Push Facebook To Abandon Instagram For Kids, Citing Mental Health Concerns.
• Trillian 6.5 for Windows. Thanks Ant.

• AMD & Microsoft Collaborate To Bring TensorFlow-DirectML To Life, Up To 4.4x Improvement on RDNA 2 GPUs. Thanks Simon.
• The Labor Of Love That Is Recovering Lost Software. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Jensen Huang Is on the 2021 TIME100 List.

• Customer Care Giant TTEC Hit By Ransomware.

• Petition · Warning at Activision Blizzard: Do not layoff workers!…
• Twisted Metal TV adaptation casts Anthony Mackie as John Doe…
• Ex-Ubisoft Devs Open New Studio, Immediately Diss Ubisoft…

Last Link of the Day: Talking Parrot Tells Cat to Quiet Down (NSFW). Thanks Boing Boing.

In a tweet, EA and DICE confirm the rumor in the story below, saying Battlefield 2042 is being delayed to November 19th. Updates on plans for open beta testing of the military shooter are promised later this month:

Building the next generation of battlefield during a global pandemic has created unforeseen challenges for our development teams. Given the scale and scope of the game, we had hoped our teams would be back in our studios together as we move towards launch. With the ongoing conditions not allowing that to happen safely, and with all the hard work that teams are doing from home, we feel it is important to take the extra time to deliver on the vision of Battlefield 2042 for our players.

Your enthusiasm for the game has been very inspiring. We believe in the game we're making, and we thank you for your patience as we put some finishing touches into the experience.

Updates on the open beta will be coming later this month.

Continue here to read the full story.

A tweet from professional leaker Tom Henderson continues the intense effort to divine plans for Battlefield 2042 before they are revealed. The latest is speculation that the next installment in the military shooter series is being delayed. Tom disagrees with other rumors of a delay of months, saying he hears it's more like several weeks, and a late November release window "is currently flying around." Tom penned an article on DualShockers with more:

EA’s lack of communication on Battlefield 2042 could be a small indication that the game has been facing some development issues. Both the Beta date and Hazard Zone are still yet to be announced by EA officially and although I would like to think this is down to smart marketing, it doesn’t seem to be the case.

What’s particularly interesting about the Battlefield 2042 delay rumors though, is that the Battlefield 2042 Beta still seems like it’s scheduled for later this month, with an announcement expected to be made soon.

NPD analyst Mat Piscatella tweets NPD's August video game sales analysis for August 2021. This includes chart that delves into detail, but Mat also offers a handy summary:

August 2021 US NPD THREAD - August 2021 consumer spending across video game hardware, content and accessories grew 7% when compared to a year ago, to an August record $4.4B. YTD consumer spending totaled $37.9B, a 13% increase when compared to the same period in 2020.

Stunlock Studios offers a new trailer from V Rising, the open-world vampire survival game in development for release on Steam. This features a first look at gameplay, showing off the game's environments, combat, base-building, and more. The company also announces a beta test will get underway later this year, and those interested should sign up here. For more, sink your teeth into these details:

To survive as a vampire, you need to hunt for blood in nearby settlements, hide from the scorching sun and avoid stepping into garlic fields. Build your castle and invite blood-thirsty friends to join as you explore a gothic open-world, pillage villages, raid bandits, and wander into the territories of supernatural beasts.

Attack other players’ castles, or become a diplomat in a game of blood, power, and betrayal. Devise your vampiric playstyle and engage in real-time PvE and PvP combat. Fight your way up the food chain and claim your place as the apex predator of a dark fantasy realm.

Continue here to read the full story.

Developer SpiffyBit and publisher RockGame announce the conclusion of Early Access for Scrapnaut is upon us, with the game's official release for Windows on GOG.com and Steam. A post on Steam details all the changes in the release version for those who have previously played the scrappy survival game. Here's the Full Release Trailer (phrasing!) and here are some scraps of information:

Scrapnaut is a co-op & singleplayer top-down, base building survival game with steampunk elements. Explore an open world with different biomes, take care of oxygen, manage your farms, generate electricity, build your home and much more!

Continue here to read the full story.

The Isn't Company announces Hometopia, a home renovation and sale game coming to Steam in January 2022. The Official Trailer shows off the game's use of the Unity Engine to create a world where house flipping meets asset flipping. Word is to expect a week-long free demo starting October 1st as part of the next Steam Next Fest. Here's more:

Build, design and renovate houses across five unique neighborhoods in Career mode or create your own neighborhoods and dream homes from scratch with friends online! Builder. Designer. Renovator. What's your Hometopia?

Continue here to read the full story.

• Special Sale: sci-fi RPGs up to 90% off - GOG.com.

Mods.

• New Tales or Arise PC Mod Allows Users to Increase NPC Draw Distance, Unlock the Dev Console and More.
• This new Doom mod will let you send Thatcher back to Hell.

• Warzone's game-breaking invincibility glitch returns with Riot Shield exploit.
• Apex Legends Octane Jump Pad trick still works despite nerf.

• Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases l Dev Diary l Microids & Blazing Griffin.
• Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases l Everything You Need to Know.
• Medieval Dynasty - Insider Video 1.0.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• The Legendary TOPGUN Intro Inside DCS 2.7. Thanks DSOGaming.

• Diablo 2: Resurrected's Post Launch Content Plans - GameRant. Not concrete. Thanks Blizzplanet.

• Deathloop delivery booth code location.
• Where to find the best weapons and ammo in Deathloop.
• Life Is Strange: True Colors Ending Guide - How To Secure The Vote.

• Aliens Fireteam Elite - DSOGaming.

• New PS5 Update 21.02-04.00.00.42-00.00.00.0.0 Now Out, File Size & Details Listed.
• Switch system update version 13.0.0 now available. Adds Bluetooth audio support.
• New PS4 Firmware Update 9.00 Causing Issues Loading PSN Store, Connecting & More.
• Nintendo Switch finally supports Bluetooth audio—but beware the lag.
• Xbox Returns to Tokyo Game Show 2021.
• OlliOlliWorld: New Burntrock biome revealed, 120fps confirmed for PS5.
• Catlateral Damage: Remeowstered Is Now Available For Xbox One And Xbox Series X-S.
• Merek's Market Is Now Available For Xbox One And Xbox Series X-S.
• Arkan: The Dog Adventurer Is Now Available For Xbox Series X-S.
• Skeletal Avenger Is Now Available For Digital Pre-order And Pre-download On Xbox One And Xbox Series X-S.
• PlayStation Plus Double Discounts promotion comes to PlayStation Store.
• Defeat the hordes when BPM: Bullets Per Minute arrives October 5 – PlayStation.Blog.

• Google's Android Auto for People With Dumb Cars Is Good.
• Arm launches hardware platforms for software-defined cars.
• iPhone 13 versus iPhone 12 performance comparisons missing.
• Fitbit smartwatches now detect snoring and other loud noises.
• Amazon gives Kindle e-readers a rare user interface overhaul. Thanks Slashdot.
• What Is a High Refresh Rate- Frame Rate? (Phones, TVs, Monitors) (may require registration or subscription).
• Razer's finger sleeve absorbs thumb sweat for mobile gaming. No RGB, no sale.

• Facebook under fire over secret teen research.
• Mental health: TikTok rolls out support to combat suicide searches.
• Pale Moon version 29.4.1. Thanks Ant.

• China's Domestic JM9 Series GPU Tapes Out & Is As Fast As The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Graphics Card.

• Microsoft accounts no longer need a password.
• Two-thirds of cloud attacks could be stopped by checking configurations, research finds.
• Brits open doors for tech-enabled fraudsters because they 'don't want to seem rude.' Thanks DSLReports via Ant.
• IBM finds cloud credentials sell for mere dollars in 'booming' dark web market.

• Kickstarter For Hand-Drawn Video Game Manuals Shuts Down Due To IP Threat.
• FCC Should Investigate Starlink's Half Million Pre-Orders Asks Rival.
• TikTok faces privacy investigations by EU watchdog.
• Google Is Getting Caught in the Global Antitrust Net (may require registration or subscription).
• Ransomware crims saying 'We'll burn your data if you get a negotiator' can't be legally paid off anyway.
• DOJ fines NSA hackers who assisted UAE in attacks on dissidents.

Deathloop is Being Review Bombed on PC For its DRM.

• I Am Fish review: a physics platformer with sole - Rock Paper Shotgun.
• Lost in Random Review - IGN.
• Tales of Arise PC Performance Analysis - DSOGaming.

• CPU Cooler: Bizarre Chinese CPU Cooler- Cylindrical Aigo Shadow Max V5 Review - Gamers Nexus (video). Thanks Neutronbeam.
• CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Toughliquid 360 ARGB Sync - OCinside.
• Graphics Card: Workstation GPU Viewport Performance- CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX & More – Techgage.
• Keyboard: Shurikey Gear Hanzo Keyboard Review - TechPowerUp.
• Laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 Review- Bigger (Screen) Is Better - Tom's Hardware.
• Mouse: Razer Orochi V2 Review - TechPowerUp.
• PSU: FSP Dagger PRO 850W SFX Power Supply Unit - Nikk Tech.

• AbleGamers Just Got a Big Win for the Disabled Gaming Community (may require registration or subscription)…
• 'Valheim' devs say players should start a new game for 'Hearth And Home.' Thanks The Flying Penguin…

A big orb weaver spider has demonstrated how smart she is by setting up her home-base outside one of our patio doors. This door doesn't get opened to disturb her webs, but the light it emits at night serves to lure prey into her trap. It's such a good spot, a second spider set up shop there below the first one. She didn't last long, but reading about orb weavers suggests their territoriality is limited to their webs, so I don't know that they came into conflict or anything. Anyway, she's been there for a few weeks now, and it can be fascinating to watch her building and destroying webs and attacking those unfortunate enough to become entangled. I mentioned feeling bad that her life-cycle would soon conclude with the onset of winter, leading MrsBlue to say something about building a terrarium for her. When I started to discuss the logistics of this she had to tell me she was kidding. You'd think she'd know better by now than to joke about such things with me.

Web Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Stories

• UK government claims people must keep flying to help cut carbon emissions.
• Ancient spider caring for offsrping is trapped in amber.

Science

• Prehistoric humans rarely mated with their cousins. Thanks Max.
• If You're Brave Enough — An Injection Of Pufferfish Toxin Could Treat 'Lazy Eye.' Poison, poison, tasty fish, eye drops! Thanks RedEye9.

Media

• Illusion that came second in the Illusion of the Year 2020.
• Clever otter clapping her hands and demanding snacks.

Follow-ups

• The pandemic puppy craze is creating a veterinary crisis. Thanks Max.
• Late-night hosts pay tribute to Norm Macdonald following his death- 'The comedy world is poorer.'
• The controversial science behind woolly mammoth de-extinction.

The Funnies

• Savage Chickens.

With weekend two of Call of Duty: Vanguard soon getting underway, Activision Blizzard outlines details on when and how to get in. Things get underway Thursday at 1:00 pm EDT, but PC players will have to preorder to participate at that time. Then on Saturday at 1:00 pm EDT the beta will open to everyone, and two additional playlists will come online. Here's a BETA Weekend 2 Trailer, and this post has everything you need to know in detail, including system specifications. Here's more on open beta content and participation rewards:

At the beginning of this open beta period on September 18, two additional featured playlists will become available: a Solos version of Champion Hill, and a 24/7 Team Deathmatch playlist on Royal Hotel and Eagle’s Nest with Combat Pacing set to Blitz.

Those who participate in the beta and reach level 20 will receive two rewards:

• A Weapon Blueprint for Call of Duty Vanguard and Warzone, available in Vanguard following the game’s launch on November 5, and in Warzone when the new main map launches later this year.
• An Arthur Kingsley Operator in Call of Duty: Mobile, available shortly after the end of the Beta.

Continue here to read the full story.

Also coming this weekend is an Age of Empires IV Technical Stress Test which will get underway on September 17th at 1:00 pm EDT. This differs from previous beta testing for the RTS sequel as it requires no invitation, and is open to everyone. This page has all the details. Here's word on what will be included in the test:

Most aspects of the game available during this event will be focused on the multiplayer experience. However, you will have the opportunity to play against AI via the Multiplayer Custom Lobby, as well as try out Mission Zero (the game’s tutorial). Given this is a Technical Stress Test, we encourage you to play against others participating. The more data we get from different match-ups across various servers, the more action our development team will be able to take to prep our systems for the big day.

There will be four civilizations available – the English, the Chinese, the Holy Roman Empire and the Abbasid Dynasty – and five different maps.

Paradox now offers a free Lem content update for Stellaris, celebrating the 100th birthday of sci-fi author Stanisław Lem. Word is the outer-space grand strategy game now includes in-game content directly inspired by his work, created in cooperation with the Polish Science Fiction Foundation. To celebrate the news, the game is free-to-play on Steam, as all the best weekends start on Tuesday. As we've grown to expect, the full game is also on sale, and any free progress will carry over if you buy it. Here are the Patch Notes for the 3.1 Lem Update which include this video with a feature breakdown. Here's more on the update:

“From the works of science fiction authors around the world to revisiting our own past ideas, our inspiration comes from many places, and we continually find new stories we want to tell with Stellaris,” said Daniel Moregård, Game Director for Stellaris. “This patch gave us a unique opportunity, as well: this year marks the 100th birthday of Stanisław Lem, a Polish science fiction writer whose stories have been a fantastic inspiration for the Stellaris team. In addition to some direct references to Lem’s work within the game for observant fans, the Lem update refreshes and renews the content that our fans have enjoyed throughout the history of Stellaris.”

Named for renowned Polish sci-fi writer Stanisław Lem, the Lem Update is the first release from the newly formed Custodians Team within Paradox Development Studio. The Custodians team is focused on creating free content, balance, and updates for Stellaris, improving both the base game as well as previously launched downloadable content.

Continue here to read the full story.

Developer NeverJam announces SpiderHeck is coming to PC and consoles in 2022, to do whatever the heck a SpiderHeck does. The game is a comedic physics-based couch brawler, which you can see in action in this Announcement Trailer. PC players have the chance to check this out right now, as a playtest is now underway, and you can request access through its Steam Listing. Here's word:

As showcased in the new announcement trailer, SpiderHeck is a fast-paced brawler that launches up to four players into a ridiculous spider showdown. Armed with laser swords, grenades, and even rocket launchers players must navigate multiple platforms (and the dangerous lava) to web-sling their way to victory.

Alternatively, players can choose to take on wave after wave of vicious wasps in endless co-op or single-player fun. This hardcore PVE mode features rogue-like gameplay with multiple monsters, unlockable perks and hours of ridiculously messy gameplay.

Continue here to read the full story.

Developer DO MY BEST and itty-bitty publisher tinyBuild announce The Bookwalker, an upcoming action/adventure. In this you play as a thief with the ability to enter the world of books and steal the fictional items therein (hopefully keeping one step ahead of Officer Bookman). As seen in the Announcement Trailer, this involves a switch from a first-person view to an isometric perspective. There's a playtest underway, so you should register on Steam for a chance to join in if you're interested. Here's more:

As a bookwalker, you possess the unique ability to dive into worlds of books as if they were dreams. However, they are not as immaterial as mere fantasies. Bookwalkers can also bring valuable items from a book into the real world, and that is precisely what your job is

Travel between worlds of books in search of legendary items of great power. Even though they are not as powerful in your world, you can still find buyers on the black market.

Continue here to read the full story.

Ubisoft announces that Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour: Viking Age will launch on October 19th, offering the chance to explore some Viking history first-hand using the groundwork of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. This will be a free add-on for Valhalla, but it will also be sold as a standalone release via Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store. The standalone version will come early next year to Stadia, Luna, and consoles. Here's more on how this can be your way to Norway:

Continuing in the footsteps of previous Discovery Tours, the new experience was designed with input from historians and archaeologists, and will transform the game’s world into a nonviolent, educational experience that players can freely explore to learn more about the places, people, and cultures of ninth-century England and Norway. However, Discovery Tour: Viking Age takes a new approach to how players explore history: instead of embarking on guided tours, they will assume the roles of different characters and take on quests, which aim to bring them closer to the material by putting them at the center of it.

While following the narrative and completing the quests’ objectives, Discovery Tour: Viking Age players will have the opportunity to interact with Discovery Sites that each focus on an element of the culture and traditions of Vikings and Anglo-Saxons in the Viking Age. Those Discovery Sites feature images of items from the collections of Discovery Tour’s museum partners, which include the UK’s Hampshire Cultural Trust, Preston Park Museum & Grounds, York Archaeological Trust, and The British Library; France’s Réunion des Musées Nationaux; and the National Museum of Denmark.

Rebellion announces the release of two new add-ons for Evil Genius 2: World Domination on Steam, adding new content to the despicable you sequel. The Mechanical Minions Pack is paid DLC (included with the Season Pass) featuring robot minions, while the as the name suggests, the free Portal Pack opens an aperture into the world of Aperture Science with content based on the Portal series. Here's a trailer showing off some of each, and here's word on how the cake is the truth:

Ever wanted to walk through walls and get from one side of your vast evil lair to the other in an instant? Well, now you can thanks to the experts at Aperture Science who have worked wonders to bring the world of Portal to Evil Genius 2. The new free DLC pack is available now for all PC players and includes a host of amazing upgrades for your lair based upon the classic Portal games from Valve. These include portals, autonomous turrets, propulsion gel and more…

Continue here to read the full story.

Put on your sneakers and drink your Kool-Aid, as Team17 and Sole Survivor Games now offer Early Access to Honey, I Joined a Cult on Steam. This Windows sim puts you in charge of your own cult in the 1970s, the far out heyday of brainwashing. Check out the Early Access Launch Trailer, and please your charismatic leader by reading on for more:

As architect of a new and groovy cult, players design everything from the ground up, from the deity they worship to the location of the energy spa; no detail is too small for the cult leader to decide. Running a lucrative cult is no easy feat though: the leader’s ego, local law enforcement, government agencies, and angry protestors all threaten the all-important bottom line if not managed correctly.

Continue here to read the full story.

• Good Shepherd Entertainment Publisher Blowout Sale - Steam.
• Save 44% on The Reluctant Hero Bundle on Steam.
• Save 25% on Start10 on Steam.
• Save 90% on AER Memories of Old on Steam.
• Sword Art Online Franchise Sale on Steam.

• Dread Templar Content Update #1 is here.
• No Man's Sky Experimental Branch 13/09.
• Steam Client Update Released.
• Steamworks SDK 1.52 Now Available.
• World of Warcraft Hotfixes: September 13, 2021.

↑ Official patches. ↓ Unofficial games, patches, and mods.

• A Minecraft builder is recreating the entire Star Wars galaxy planet by planet. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Deathloop PC Issues: Stuttering, Unstable Framerate On Steam.

Official trailers.

• Brawlhalla x The Walking Dead - Negan & Maggie Reveal Trailer.
• Hello Neighbor 2 - Gameplay Deep Dive.
• The Dawn of Grand Cathay - Total War- WARHAMMER III.
• Star Trek Online: Reflections Launch Trailer.
• tinyBuild Connect September 2021.
• Tinykin - Gameplay Trailer.

• Deathloop: 9 Things To Know Before You Play.
• Deathloop Guide - Visionary Walkthroughs and How to break the cycle of Blackreef.

• Nintendo Has 'No Plans' To Lower Switch Price In U.S. Following European Price Cut.
• Ren & Stimpy are coming to Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl.
• Hell Let Loose open beta launches on PS5 this week.
• Golf Peaks Is Now Available For Digital Pre-order And Pre-download On Xbox One And Xbox Series X-S.
• Boulder Dash Deluxe Available Now.
• THQ Nordic Celebrates a Major Anniversary with a Major Xbox Store Sale.

• Steam Deck's killer app just launched on the Steam store.
• Apple Announces iPhone 13 Series: A15, New Cameras, New Screens.
• The iPad Mini Is More Than Ever a Big-Ass iPhone (may require registration or subscription).

• Twitch to ban serial refunders who take advantage of streamer subs.
• Cloudflare is about to make millions of web pages a whole lot faster.
• TurboTax maker Intuit to buy Mailchimp for about $12 bln in a data play. Thank you to all the PR firms who've included our data in this deal. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Rare Earth Metal Pricing Skyrockets, May Result in Higher Electronics Pricing.
• New Intel Feature Allows Updating Motherboard UEFI Without a Reboot.
• Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma controller with interchangeable thumbstick caps announced.
• LG's 325-inch Direct View LED TV is an answer to Samsung's The Wall. We don't need no education.

• Microsoft Patch Tuesday, September 2021 Edition.
• Adobe Releases Security Updates for Multiple Products - CISA. Thanks Ant.
• Walgreens’ Covid-19 test registration system exposed patient data. Thanks Matthew.
• It’s a Good Day to Update All Your Devices. Trust Us (may require registration or subscription).
• Krita art app users targeted by ransomware posing as paid 'collaboration' opportunities.

• Biden’s baffling FCC delay could give Republicans a 2-1 FCC majority.

• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone: Introducing Judge Dredd — Get the Limited-Time Bundle Now…
• Activision Blizzard Hires Senior Executives from Disney and Delta…
• Ubisoft's guitar learning subscription service Rocksmith+ delayed into next year…

Sad news. :(

Obituary: Norm Macdonald Dead: ‘Saturday Night Live’ Alum & Veteran Comic Was 61.

The time is upon us for DEATHLOOP, as this time-looping shooter from Bethesda Softworks and Arkane Lyon is now available for PC and Xbox. The Windows edition is available on Steam, and there's a note on Bethesda Support for PC users about making sure your graphics drivers are up-to-date. Here's the previously released Official Launch Trailer and here's word on the game:

DEATHLOOP is a next-gen first person shooter from Arkane Lyon, the award-winning studio behind Dishonored. In DEATHLOOP, two rival assassins are trapped in a mysterious timeloop on the island of Blackreef, doomed to repeat the same day for eternity. As Colt, the only chance for escape is to end the cycle by assassinating eight key targets before the day resets. Learn from each cycle - try new paths, gather intel, and find new weapons and abilities. Do whatever it takes to break the loop.

Every new loop is an opportunity to change things up. Use the knowledge you gain from each attempt to change up your playstyle, stealthily sneaking through levels or barreling into the fight, guns-blazing. In each loop you’ll discover new secrets, gather intel on your targets as well as the island of Blackreef, and expand your arsenal. Armed with a host of otherworldly abilities and savage weaponry, you’ll utilize every tool at your command to execute takedowns that are as striking as they are devastating. Customize your loadout wisely to survive this deadly game of hunter vs hunted.

Continue here to read the full story.

Activision Blizzard Hit With Unfair Labor Practice Lawsuit The Washington Post reports (may require registration or subscription) that Activision Blizzard employees and labor union the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have filed an unfair labor practice suit against the company. The suit alleges worker intimidation and union busting: "The union claims that Activision Blizzard is using coercive tactics to stop employees from unionizing." The story says Activision Blizzard, the CWA, and assorted lawyers have not yet replied to requests for comments on this news. Here's more on the suit:

In a statement shared with The Washington Post, CWA organizing director Tom Smith said: “Management could have responded with humility and a willingness to take necessary steps to address the horrid conditions some [Activision Blizzard] workers have faced. Instead Activision Blizzard’s response to righteous worker activity was surveillance, intimidation and hiring notorious union busters.”

The employees and the CWA union filed this most recent lawsuit in California with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that Activision Blizzard acted coercively to stop unionization using tactics such as surveilling employees, interrogating them, making threats and promising benefits.

Funcom announces it will continue to create games based on Conan the Barbarian, saying it has acquired full control of the rights to the character along with dozens of other intellectual properties. This is part of the purchase of Cabinet Group, home to Conan, Mutant Year Zero, Solomon Kane, and other IPs. Word is at least one unannounced project pertaining to this news is already in development:

Cabinet Group’s entire portfolio will be incorporated into the IP studio and Funcom subsidiary Heroic Signatures. Funcom CEO Rui Casais said he has high ambitions for the IPs and noted at least one unannounced project is already in development.

“We are currently overseeing the development of an unannounced game which will combine many of the characters in the Robert E. Howard universe,” said Casais. “And if you combine Funcom’s knowledge of games with Heroic Signatures’ knowledge of the TV/entertainment, publishing, and licensing industries, it makes us perfectly placed to take this venture to the next level. It’s exciting times ahead for us and for fans of the IPs.”

The AIAS Game Maker's Notebook Podcast (video) is a YouTube version of an interview with Randy Pitchford of Gearbox Entertainment that was first released in April through the various podcast services. Largely unnoticed at the time, the discussion includes Randy's revelation that Gearbox is working on a new Brothers in Arms game. The topic of the World War II shooter series comes up at the 53 minute mark (thanks eXputer via IGN) amid discussing the announcement and poor reception of Aliens: Colonial Marines (a project he calls "doomed from the start"). Here's where Randy talks about not talking about the thing he's talking about:

Like, I didn't announce Borderlands 3 until, like, it was beta (laughs). And it sucks, because I know there's a lot of people... we're working on another Brothers in Arms game, but I'm not saying shit until we have it. We have fans that really love that, and they're just going to have to suffer.

Continue here to read the full story.

Wccftech has a statement from NVIDIA explaining the recently discovered GeForce NOW! game list. The list is called "unauthorized," which is an interesting way to characterize data openly served on its website. Here's why the list contains titles of games that are not actually in production or are not known to be coming to PC:

NVIDIA is aware of an unauthorized published game list, with both released and/or speculative titles, used only for internal tracking and testing. Inclusion on the list is neither confirmation nor an announcement of any game.

NVIDIA took immediate action to remove access to the list. No confidential game builds or personal information were exposed.

Though the explanation above suggests not to trust the titles on that GeForce NOW! game list, a tweet from Tom Henderson takes one of them seriously. There's a reference on the list to something called Project Cortez. According to the generally reliable leaker this is next year's Call of Duty game, and a sequel to the last Modern Warfare installment in the series: "It looks like Call of Duty: 2022 is codenamed Project Cortez - It's expected to be a sequel to Modern Warfare 2019." VGC chimes in with more, saying this agrees with some insider info it's been hearing:

According to people with knowledge of Activision’s plans, Modern Warfare’s sequel will include a campaign involving US special forces fighting a covert war against Columbian drug cartels.

The crowding of next year's game release schedule continues, as Techland announces another delay to the release of Dying Light 2 Stay Human. The zombie-infested action/RPG sequel was last expected by the end of this year, but now it is now due on February 4th. This is because the game needs some more Polish polish, but we are told to expect previews of the game next month. Here's word from Techland CEO Pawel Marchewka:

The team is steadily progressing with the production and the game is nearing the finish line. The game is complete and we are currently playtesting it. It is by far the biggest and the most ambitious project we've ever done. Unfortunately, we've realized for us to bring the game to the level we envision, we need more time to polish and optimize it.

That is why we have decided to move the release date to February 4th, 2022.

We are sorry to keep you all waiting a little longer, but we want the game to meet your highest expectations on release and we don't want to compromise on this. However, you won't have to wait too long to get a deeper look at Dying Light 2 Stay Human. Next month, both press and content creators will get their hands on PC and console versions of the game during the upcoming series of preview events around the world. They'll be able to share their experiences of The City with you.

Continue here to read the full story.

Xbox Wire announces updates to the Xbox App for Windows 10/11 PCs now allows for additional options for streaming Xbox games to your computer:

So today, we’re opening up new possibilities for you to remotely play console games on your Windows 10 PCs (or later) with updates to the Xbox app, including support for:

• Playing Xbox Game Pass games from the cloud
• Playing games directly from your console with Xbox remote play

With these new updates, you now can play some of your favorite console titles on a wide range of PCs, even those that don’t have the specs required for certain PC titles. Streaming games through the Xbox app provides the quickest way to play without having to install games on your PC, giving you more time to dive right into Psychonauts 2, Hades, or whatever else you are playing.

Balsa Model Flight Simulator has taken off into Early Access on Steam for Windows, offering a 10% launch discount for the coming week. This is the brainchild of Felipe "HarvesteR" Falanghe, who first helped us struggle with the gravity of the situation as creator and lead designer of Kerbal Space Program. Here's a new trailer showing off the incredible lightness of being balsa. Here are some details:

Balsa is a detailed Model Flight Simulator with a powerful editor where you can design, build, fly and battle with model aircraft.

Created by Felipe "HarvesteR" Falanghe, the original Lead Developer of Kerbal Space Program, Balsa takes the next step in player-built flight simulation games, delivering an entirely new, multi-genre experience for virtual pilots of all skill levels.

Continue here to read the full story.

Prospering is something one does not necessarily expect to achieve following an apocalypse. But that's just the goal of Prosperity, a new expansion for Endzone - A World Apart that's coming on October 21st to the wasteland city builder. Here's a Gameplay Trailer with a look at gameplay. Those hoping for the chance become Fury Road's Immortan Joe, Waterworld's Deacon, or Gary Oldman's what's-his-name from The Book of Eli will be disappointed. In this case prosperity refers to second generation survivors who outdo their neighbors, as the badlands start to emulate the suburbs:

The Prosperity expansion will take the plucky post-apocalyptic wasteland dwellers from struggle-mode to alive‘n’thrivin’ with new materials, buildings, challenges, and new adventures! While their predecessors worked hard to eke out a meager existence in a world that wanted them dead, this new generation finally has a chance to actually enjoy life — whether that means a nice soapy bath or a cold ale.

Continue here to read the full story.

Flow Fire Games announces November 11th is the new target date to launch SYNTHETIK 2 into Early Access on Steam. This is a delay, as everyone was promised first crack at this would come during this summer. The setback is not acknowledged, and is therefore unexplained. The news is accompanied by a new Story Trailer for the roguelite tactical shooter sequel. Here's a quick pitch:

SYNTHETIK 2 is an unforgiving tactical Shooter Rogue-lite where you must experiment and adapt to defeat the Machine Legion. Experience the next level in gun-play thanks to an all new Tech Framework and Universe Ruleset which adds a new world of possibilities.

Fight the Machine Legion with all new Classes and Specializations. The new threat of powerful Factions, bring their own Technologies and lethal Arsenals.

On top of all this, expect expanded powerful integrated Modding Support, Co-op for up to 4 Players, a new Universe Hub, Overhauled Graphics and much more!

Continue here to read the full story.

Developer Raiser Games and publisher UPLAY Online announce October 19th is the official launch date for Youtubers Life 2, the upcoming sequel that simulates being a video content creator. A new YouTube Video shows off this game about creating new Youtube videos. And what could be better than being a Youtuber? Well living in a city full of them running around with their selfies sticks reminding everyone to like and subscribe. Here's more on this meta-metropolis:

Following up the multi-million selling original Youtubers Life, the new game opens up its world to its players and lets them step out of the bedroom for the first time to explore ‘NewTube City’.

But this brand new metropolis isn’t just a playground: Its streets will also serve as the player’s connection to the hot new trends they need to be making content about. Players will be able to hunt out the new trends other content creators are unaware of, making the most of their appeal with fresh videos. NewTube City is the key to your Youtuber taking on the world. They’ll even have a cute and customisable drone who follows them around on their adventures, recording videos to serve as content as they go.

Continue here to read the full story.

• Save 85% on Darkest Dungeon on Steam.
• Steam -- Hunt- Showdown -- DLC Bundle sale - Save 57%.

• Cyberpunk 2077 Patch 1.31.
• Steam Client Beta.
• Watch Dogs: Legion Title Update 5.6 Patch Notes. Thanks MP1ST.

↑ Official patches. ↓ Unofficial games, patches, and mods.

• Mini-Quake Is Here And It’s Smaller Than A JPG.

• VALORANT YouTuber discovers 'broken spot' on Icebox by super dashing with Jett.
• Apex Legends’ tap-strafing nerf delayed due to “unexpected side effects.”

Official trailer.

• Back 4 Blood - Campaign Trailer.

• Quake - Nightdive on Porting, Updating & Adding Crossplay - Shacknews (video).

• Best controller settings for Vanguard: Sensitivity & Aim Assist.
• Arkane’s favorite Deathloop loadouts: create your perfect Colt with these character builds.
• Deathloop beginner’s guide, tips, and tricks.
• How to collect endorsement VC checks in NBA 2K22.

• PS5 September System Software Update launches globally tomorrow.
• LittleBigTrouble: Sony kills multiple games’ online service without notice.
• Sony Is Nickel-and-Diming PlayStation 5 Owners on Game Upgrades. Thanks Slashdot via Ant.
• Movies Anywhere Is Now Available On Xbox Consoles.
• This Week's Deals With Gold And Spotlight Sale - Xbox's Major Nelson.

• Xiaomi launches its own smart glasses, of course.

• Hayley Atwell To Voice Lara Croft. Thanks Ant.
• ‘Driver’- Binge & Ubisoft Team For Live-Action’ Series Adaptation.
• Two Companies Could Pay You $1,300 To Watch Horror Movies This Halloween. Thanks RedEye9.

• Logitech G Unveils Its Lightest, Most Affordable, Sustainable Wireless Gaming Headset Yet.
• IRobot's new Roomba uses AI to avoid smearing dog poop all over your house. Thanks DSLReports via Ant.
• PHP maintains an enormous lead in server-side programming languages.
• Canon reveals its EOS R3 pro mirrorless camera in full.

• Close to half of on-prem databases contain vulnerabilities, with many critical flaws.
• Google patches two Chrome zero-days.

• Apple and Google must allow developers to use other payment systems, new Korean law declares.
• Australia: Facebook Users Liable for Comments Under Their Posts. The high court must be high AF. Thanks Simon.
• Investigating the Fake eBay Market for $25,000 Beanie Babies.
• Google found guilty of restricting Android forks in South Korea, fined $177 million.

• The Artful Escape Review - Nowhere Nephew - GameSpot.
• Call of Duty Vanguard Beta Review- Big potential but major tweaks needed - Charlie INTEL.
• Life is Strange True Colors PC Performance Analysis - DSOGaming.
• Lost in Random Review - Six Appeal - GameSpot.
• 'Lost in Random' review- A bold Tim Burton tribute with one dicey mechanic - Inverse.
• For Hardcore Shmup Score Attack JUNKIES! - TechBeat Heart - Indie Showcase.

• CPU Cooler: Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 360 Review- Expandable Excellence - Tom's Hardware.
• Keyboard: Drop CTRL Mechanical Keyboard Review - TechPowerUp.
• Laptop: Asus ROG Zephyrus S17 Review - IGN. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Misc: Kingston DataTraveler Max 1TB USB-C Review - World's Fastest Pen Drive - TweakTown.
• Monitor: Razer Raptor 27 Gaming Monitor Review - TechSpot.
• NAS: ASUSTOR Drivestor 4 (AS1104T) NAS Review - TweakTown.
• RAM: Hynix Gold P31 2 TB Review - Finally in 2 TB - TechPowerUp.
• SSD: MSI SPATIUM M470 1TB PCIe 4.0 Gen4 NVMe SSD Review - The FPS Review.
• SSD: Teamgroup MP34Q 2TB NVMe SSD review - Guru3D.

• Sumo Group acquires Auroch Digital. In other words, Tencent acquires Auroch Digital…

BEST BOND GADGETS OF ALL TIME! James Bond Revisited (thanks Ant). I'm a purist, so not so much of a fan of most of the gadgetry. That said, I will gladly take an Aston Martin DB5 and a Rolex Submariner even if their gimmicks are being infested with murder hornets.

Go-Go Gadget Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Story

• Watch Jeff Bridges Dance with His Daughter at Her Wedding. The Dude abides. Thanks Acleacius.

Science
Thanks Max.

• Scientists Claim Overeating Is Not the Primary Cause of Obesity – Point to More Effective Weight Loss Strategies.
• Human Gut Bacteria Could Be Accumulating Our Medications Without Us Realizing.
• Bizarre pig-faced shark found dead in the Mediterranean Sea. Is it real?

Media

• I broke out of a concrete prison cell using ONLY a spoon... Papillon would be proud.
• Worst Basketball Ever.