Steam Charts reveals that Steam has hit another highwater mark in concurrent users (thanks Reddit). The previous reported peak was last month was when Valve's online store/service first surpassed the 30 million mark. The new record is 31,328,262, well over a million more simultaneous users.

A teaser trailer from Ubisoft reveals the announcement trailer for the Lost Between Worlds add on for Far Cry 6. This is quite the nothingbuger for now, as the clip is only 19 seconds because it repeats its brief message twice. This will payoff on Tuesday at 1:00 pm EST, so mark your calendars. Or jump into the chat and discuss this for a few days. Here's word:

Something big is coming to Yara! Tune-in on November 29 at 10AM PT / 7PM CET for the debut of the Far Cry 6: Lost Between Worlds Announcement Trailer. Click the "notify me" button to set a reminder.

Continue here to read the full story.

A post from EA details a new patch that's now available for The Sims 4 on PC and consoles. This describes changes to address "instances of wholly unacceptable content that has been uploaded to The Sims 4 Gallery." This does not go into specifics, but according to Eurogamer, this addresses an "increase in Nazi propaganda and anti-Semitic content." Here's the official description of the update:

We are aware of and have seen some select instances of wholly unacceptable content that has been uploaded to The Sims™ 4 Gallery. Our team has reviewed, and made critical updates to, the profanity filter to help prevent this from happening again in the future. We are grateful for the community’s vigilance in helping us identify these inappropriate uploads so we can maintain a safe, creative environment for our players. We will continue to do our part by quickly taking down objectionable content that surfaces, identifying and removing repeat offenders and regularly reviewing the profanity filter in case any updates need to be made.

We encourage players to continue to use the “Flag This” button on The Gallery to report any offensive uploads or comments.

GitHub now offers Quake: Ray Traced, a modified version of the Quake source code, adding a path tracing renderer to the classic first-person shooter. Eurogamer offers a trailer showing off how this looks with comparisons to the original game. Word is: "Beyond image reconstruction, gamers actually get two different RT implementations with this mod - a 'classic' option that looks more like the original game with some very nice ray-traced upgrades, alongside a full path-tracer, radically transforming the aesthetic of the game." Here's more:

The classic renderer uses ray tracing for all the primary rendering of geometry, but the lighting is still processed through texture-based light maps like the original game, meaning you get similar lighting and ambience, with some intriguing RT effects: water surfaces are completely different, with RT reflections that show the full surroundings. You also get RT-specific view distortion effects when under water too. A really nice upgrade comes from the teleporters, which now show you the area you'll arrive in when you travel through, Portal-style.

The path-traced option offers a more radical transformation by leveraging path tracing for all of the game's lighting, full replacing light maps and the other tricks Quake used to simulate the look of light back in 1996. Indoor scenes are lit by torches and other small light sources, casting dynamic shadows from appropriate objects. As a part of this system, all muzzle flashes from gunfire cast light and shadows as well, leading to some pretty awesome moments in the dark, reminiscent of Doom 3. One of my favourite RT elements is the lightning gun, which casts light all along the surface of the lighting trail as it leaves the weapon's muzzle.

Continue here to read the full story.

• Black Friday Sale - Microsoft Flight Simulator.

• Montreal-based video game release prompts calls for proper worker credit.
• Microsoft’s Activision Deal Hangs on Long-Shot FTC Accord Team Biden Hates.

• A Plague Tale Requiem: Symphony.
• Marvel's Midnight Suns - Combat Overview Trailer.
• SCS Software - A trip down the memory lane. Here's a blog post.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• Firearms Expert Reacts To Battlefield 1’s Guns PART 2.
• Game On: 'Placid Plastic Duck Simulator' - CNN Video.
• Choosing who gets to live in the bluezone - Viva La Dirt League. Thanks Ant.

• Matt Chat 497: Ernest W. Adams. Thanks Ant.
• Interview: Gungrave G.O.R.E. was Once a 'Freak' of a Game.

• The Excitement Around E-Sports Is Growing. But Where Are the Profits?

• Bye-bye airplane mode: EU allows smartphones during flights. Thanks Slashdot via Ant.
• The iPhone 15 Pro could get solid-state volume and power buttons.
• The Internet Archive just put 565 Palm Pilot apps in your web browser.

• Twitter has lost half of its top 100 advertisers since Elon Musk became CEO. Thanks RedEye9.
• Twitter: Romance, business and campaigns born on the platform.
• Crypto Contagion Is Spreading, Fast.
• This $1 iTunes alternative does what $2.4 trillion company for some reason cannot do.

Thanks Ant.

• Microsoft makes it easier for gamers to upgrade to Windows 11 22H2.
• Asus named most valuable Taiwanese brand in 2022 by Interbrand.

• StanfordU-evaluating 5yrs of pro-Western covert influence operations. Thanks Ant.
• Apple Tracks You More Than You Think (may require registration or subscription).

• The legal war over Disco Elysium reaches Disco Elysium levels of complexity.
• FCC bans telecom and video surveillance gear from Huawei, ZTE and other Chinese companies.
• FAANG-.DE watchdog claims victory as ex-Oculus unhooks from FB login. Thanks Ant.

• Laptop: The fastest Core i7-12700H laptop you can buy: Lenovo Legion 5 15IAH7H review - NotebookCheck.net Reviews.
• Misc: Onyx Boox Leaf 2 review- ebook freedom - The Verge. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Motherboard: MSI MEG X670E ACE Review - TechPowerUp.
• SSD: Corsair MP600 GS 2 TB M.2 NVMe SSD Review - TechPowerUp.

So yesterday I found myself wondering why there are three NFL games on Thanksgiving Day, but none on Black Friday. The league avoids Fridays while the High School season is underway, but that's been over for a while, so this seemed like a missed opportunity. Turns out that it was missed news on my part that had me pondering this. It was already more than a month ago that it was announced that Prime Video to stream 'Black Friday' NFL game in 2023. Of course with the quality of games on Amazon, this doesn't completely rule out a High School game, but maybe this will be worked out better by then.

Obituary: Irene Cara, ‘Fame’ Star and ‘Flashdance’ Singer, Dead at 63.

Scheduled Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Brunch Link

• In my town there is a pole at Walmart that has been hit at least 45 times now that I know of. Thanks Boing Boing.

Stories

• 'Miracle': Missing cruise ship passenger found OK in water.
• NYC robotic parking systems cost luxury residents $300,000 per space. They call these "garages."
• Rats blamed for eating 500 kilograms of cannabis stored by Indian police. Cool story, bro.

Science

• Nasa’s Orion spacecraft enters lunar orbit as test flight nears halfway mark.
• We Finally Know How Black Holes Produce The Most Brilliant Light in The Universe.

Image

• Stunning images of lunar surface captured by NASA's Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft.

Media
Thanks RedEye9 and Kxmode.

• Egg Drop From Space.
• That Moment When He Hears His Mom's Voice! 🦻🏼🥰.
• It hurts even more.
• Rick and Morty - S6E8 Cold Open: 90s-Style Supervillains. Thanks RedEye9.

Creature Features
Thanks Kxmode.

• Look at the dog that waited for his friend at the end 🥹.
• Rambunctious Little Mule Keeps His 32-Year Old Horse Friend Young.
• Bird rescue!
• Diesel the Husky and Gosha the Parrot are Best Friends. Gonna guess that's a parakeet.

You can now collect Terroir for Windows, macOS, and Linux completely free on GOG.com. This is the promised second giveaway that's part of the Black Friday Sale on GOG.com*. Along with a free copy of this tycoon game, the store has also begun offering "insane insomnia" deals in three-hour batches, just to keep us on our toes. Here's the news:

We hope you managed to grab the Narita Boy giveaway, as we have another free game to claim. Terroir, an atmospheric 3D tile-based tycoon game where you manage your vineyard, is free for 72 hours, till November 28th, 2 PM UTC. You can claim it via the giveaway banner on the front page.

But we do not stop at just that. To make the sale even better we're launching our insane Insomnia deals. From now on, every 3 hours there will be a new great deal on a single title, starting with Train Valley at a whopping -87%. These special offers will continue to appear for the next 54 hours, so there are 18 games to catch on amazing discounts, including Songs of Conquest, SCORN, or Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. But you need to act quickly - each offer lasts only for 3 hours and the amounts are limited.

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

RaceWard Studio announces TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 3, an upcoming new installment in this motorcycle racing simulation. This is expected to pop a wheelie and peel out on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch in May 2023. A Teaser Trailer is here to get everyone revved up about this. Here's more on this (presumably) safe way to experience "the most dangerous motorbike race in the world":

The TT Isle of Man takes place on a 60km (37 miles) circuit where riders and their overpowered bikes take incredible risks to try and win the ultimate prize: being crowned champion of the TT Isle of Man. TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 3 includes the official content of the 2022 TT (teams, bikes and courses) and offers a unique and authentic experience. Thanks to the power of the KT Engine and the team's extensive experience (already put to good use in RiMS Racing), RaceWard Studio recreates all the tension and passion of the iconic race. The realism of the TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge series is such that multiple professional riders trained on the previous game to prepare for the official race!

TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 3 features 32 different circuits, including current and historical courses, nearly 40 Superbike and Supersport motorbikes and riders, and upgraded physics. Controlling cornering and braking requires more precision than ever, and motorcycle upgrades gives players the tools they need to achieve maximum performance.

Continue here to read the full story.

• The Epic Games Store will reportedly offer a free game every day over Christmas. Shocked face engaged.

• Humble Software Bundle- Photo Editing Cyber Bundle with Luminar AI (pay what you want and help charity).*

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

• What happens if Activision Blizzard stays independent?

• Splinter Cell is being turned into a BBC radio drama.

• Genshin Impact Version 3.3- Time for a game of cards.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator - November 24th, 2022 Development Update.

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

• A massively ambitious 20-year-old Morrowind mod adds two major new regions. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• New Half-Life VR game, based on Half-Life- Alyx, out today on Steam.

• Civilization 6 Leader Pass breaks the game for some players.

• Meet the man making controllers accessible for everyone.

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II & Warzone 2.0 - FC Trailer.
• Far Cry 3: How The Definition of Insanity Speech Changed Everything - Ubisoft Deep Dev.
• For Honor- Content of the Week - 24 November.
• Slitherine Games: What ingredients make a perfect videogame- THE GEEK RECIPE Ep.1 w/ Raphael Colantonio.
• Arnold and Milla Join World of Tanks for Holiday Ops 2023.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• Act 2 Nightmare (DiabLoL 2 Compilation #2). Thanks Ant.

• Microsoft argues that "Nintendo offers a broader range of mature content than Xbox." Thanks Slashdot via Ant.

• Google warns: Android 'patch gap' is leaving these smartphones vulnerable to attack.

• Elon Musk says Twitter will offer 'amnesty' to suspended accounts.
• Elon Bought Himself A Bunch of Lawsuits (video). Thanks The Flying Penguin.
• Elon Musk says Twitter will manually verify accounts again.
• Advances in email encryption bring all-out security success.

Thanks Neutronbeam and Console General.

• AMD To Raise Prices of Xilinx Based FPGA Products By Up To 25% Starting 2023, Reveals Internal Letter.
• Nvidia to relocate HK-based logistics center to Taiwan- minister.
• AI Reveals New Possibilities in Matrix Multiplication. Thanks Max.
• Microsoft's Windows Subsystem for Linux just hit a major milestone. Thanks Slashdot via Ant.
• DVDFab v12.0.9.3.
• StreamFab v6.0.0.4.

• 1 billion teens and young adults risk hearing loss from listening devices. Thanks Max.
• Fake MSI Afterburner Sites Inject Coin-Miner Into Software installer. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Google rushes out Chrome browser fix for new zero-day flaw.
• 'Quiet quitting' poses a cybersecurity risk that calls for a shift in workplace culture.
• Redacted Documents Are Not as Secure as You Think (may require registration or subscription). What we think is ███████████.

• Metropolitan Police raid homes in biggest cyber-fraud case in history (video). Thanks Neutronbeam.

Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Case: SilverStone SUGO 16 Review - APH Networks.
• CPU Cooler: Arctic A35-I35 A-RGB air coolers review - Guru3D.
• Game Controller: Brook Vivid Wireless Controller - Christ Centered Gamer.
• Headset: FiiO FH7S Hybrid In-Ear Monitors Review - Sci-Fi Hi-Fi - TechPowerUp.
• Keyboard: Razer Huntsman Elite: Is a gaming mechanical keyboard worth buying? - Android Authority.
• Laptop: Acer Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition review- Ready to travel through time and space- You’ll need this $9000 laptop.
• Laptop: Corsair Voyager a1600 Gaming Laptop Review - With AMD Advantage - TechPowerUp.
• Monitor: AOC Agon Pro AG274QG Review- A Competitor’s Tool With Vivid Color - Tom's Hardware.
• Monitor: ASUS ROG Strix XG32UQ Gaming Monitor Review- 32-inch 4K 160Hz with OC - TweakTown.
• Motherboard: Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master Review- Fully Equipped, Under $500 - Tom's Hardware.
• Router: Motorola Q14 Wireless Mesh Router Review - TweakTown.
• Router: Nest Wi-Fi Pro review- a faster, more reliable mesh system - The Verge.
• Speakers: Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus review- you won’t believe your ears - Digital Trends.
• SSD: Kingston FURY Renegade 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD - Nikk Tech.

• Neurocognitive research finds gamers are better at timing their reactions than non-gamers. Thanks Max…

We had a fine old time with our quiet Thanksgiving celebration. The turkey and fixings came out great. MrsBlue was disappointed with the aesthetics of our potatoes, but they were fine too. I did suffer a fail along the way, as I never managed to pick up a pumpkin pie, so one tradition went unfulfilled. I think I'll try to make up for it by searching for pies that are on sale now that turkey day is over. That makes today Black Friday, but you probably don't need any reminders about that. The good news is this annual celebration of consumerism has become a mostly online event. Nobody ever got trampled to death over the internet. Though I'm sure there's someone somewhere working on making that happen.

Blackened Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Brunch Link

• Could I Survive the ‘Quietest Place on Earth’ (may require registration or subscription)?

Stories

• Stop touching your face! It could help you stay healthy.
• The FDA Just Approved The Most Expensive Drug in The World.
• Man Keeps Rock For Years, Hoping It's Gold. It Turns Out to Be Far More Valuable.

Science

• 'Significant Breakthrough' Achieved In Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology. Thanks Max.
• Emperor Charles V's secret code cracked after five centuries. Thanks Acleacius.
• Scientists debate the role of a virus in multiple sclerosis.

Image

• Happy Turkey Day, my dudes.

Media

• 2 homeless women in San Jose find and return thousands of dollars in cash to rightful owner.
• These are the little-known origins of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes 😋 🦃. Turkeys are dinosaurs.
• He's living in the future 😂. Thanks Kxmode.
• Why Andor Feels So Real. Thanks The Flying Penguin.

Creature Features
Thanks Kxmode.

• Real life hero💯. Sphincter check.
• Muddy Pup Having a Good Time.
• That man was so nice ❤️🐶.