RTS development is funny: it takes a while to build the separate systems (AI, economy, sim, rendering, etc), and then it takes a while for them to come together. But when they do, you suddenly have a game—a game that needs debugging and balance and polish— but the core of the game that you know you’re going to ship. And the best part is that it feels like an Age of Empires game.

Our partners at Relic have been incredible stalwarts as we all migrated development from office to home, and modified (through trial and error) our processes to help facilitate productivity to keep the game on track. So much passion, such great developers, artists, designers, narrators, audio experts, and community—not to mention the backbone functions that keep the company going.

That's how the game actually feels: fast-paced change of scenery, ominous landscapes and the ever-present feeling of an inevitable danger accompanied by a barely-distinguishable guitar soundtrack.

You’re seeing this world with the eyes of a stalker named Skif — remember the codename, you will hear it a lot. Following the steps of its predecessors, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 introduces a completely new main protagonist. His actions will shape the new grand chapter in the history of the Zone.

• Humble Software Bundle: Organize Your PC (pay what you want and help charity).*
• Humble Book Bundle: Home Sweet Home by Quarto (pay what you want and help charity).*

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

• Every Starfighter From Star Wars- Squadrons Explained. Thanks Kevin.

• Catching up with NFL great Richard Sherman on his favorite video games, esports ownership, and more - GeekWire.

• What to Do If You Can't Make Android Auto Calls. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Play Pokemon Sword on the Web, Powered By Raspberry Pi.
• Release youtube-dl 2020.12.31. Thanks Ant.

• Intel Confirms On-Package HBM Memory Support for Sapphire Rapids.
• Intel Alder Lake PCIe 5.0 Configuration Reportedly Detailed In Coreboot.
• 2020 put us on the edge of a processor revolution.
• The Best AIO Cooler Size for You - 120 vs 240 vs 280 vs 360 (video).
• What Is “Binning” for Computer Components?
• A handy disk analysis feature is coming to Windows 10.
• Tech that died in 2020 (video).

• Section 230 is threatened in new bill tying liability shield repeal to $2,000 checks.
• Prosecutors seek 9-year prison term for Samsung chief Lee.
• Several major VPN services taken offline for reportedly offering illegal services.

• Gamers feel cheated by this $339 million video game after another delay- 'The greatest scam in gaming history'…

Torchlight II is filled to the brim with randomized levels, enemies and loot. Capturing all the flavor and excitement of the original, Torchlight II expands the world and adds features players wanted most, including online and LAN multiplayer.

Metro: Last Light Redux is the definitive version of the critically acclaimed ‘Metro: Last Light’, rebuilt in the latest and greatest iteration of the 4A Engine for Next Gen. Newcomers will get the chance to experience one of the finest story-driven shooters of all time; an epic adventure combining gripping survival horror, exploration and tactical combat and stealth.

This definitive version also includes all previously released DLC, adding 10 hours of bonus single-player content to the huge solo campaign. Fans of the original game will notice new features and gameplay improvements, including new melee animations, the ability to check your watch and ammo supplies on the fly, and new full-body player animations.

The fix seems to be working, so it shouldn't take long.

The hotfix is live now (11.0.2). It's not a full solution, but things should improve.

• Monster Hunter director Paul W.S. Anderson interview - Syfy.

• PS5 restock disaster — here's when to expect more units.
• What to Do If You've Let Your Animal Crossing Island Go to Hell.

• Los Angeles to offer vaccine record on iPhones.
• Apple removes app promoting private parties in pandemic.

• The biggest streamer bans of 2020.
• UK internet use doubles in 2020 due to pandemic.
• "Cobra Kai" Has A Six Season Plan.

• Gigabyte Confirms Avalanche of 20GB Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti, 12 GB RTX 3060 Cards.
• 26 great apps for your new 2020 Windows PC.
• GIGABYTE Introduces the AORUS C700 Glass Full-Tower PC Chassis.
• 500,000 graphics cards found in an abandoned container. Thanks RedEye9.
• Tech Choices Dictate Teen Friendships During Pandemic (may require registration or subscription).
• New Samsung TVs with HDR10+ will adapt to ambient lighting.
• LG CX OLED Calibration Settings. Thanks Max.

• FBI: Pranksters are hijacking smart devices to live-stream swatting incidents.

• Apple suffers a loss in lawsuit against maker of iPhone emulators.

• Fight Crab - Christ Centered Gamer.

• CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo V2 Review - OverClocked Inside.
• Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 3070 vs. Radeon RX 6800- 41 Game Benchmark - TechSpot.
• Graphics Card: MSI Radeon RX 6800 XT Gaming X TRIO Review - Guru3D.
• Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Review- Heir to the Titan Throne - Tom's Hardware.
• Laptop: Acer Predator Triton 500 (2020) Review - MobileTechReview (video). Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Microphone: Elgato Wave-1 Review - TechPowerUp.
• PSU: Thermaltake Toughpower PF1 650W Power Supply Review - Tom's Hardware.

• Coronavirus plays a heavy hand 10 best video games of 2020. Thanks Acleacius…

Eve of a Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Stories

• No Crowds, but Times Square Ball Drop Is Still Happening. Here’s How (may require registration or subscription).
• 3 Minutes Less Of 2020: Iconic Scottish Clock That Always Runs Fast Won't Be Set Back. Thanks RedEye9.

Science

• In 1110, The Moon Vanished From The Sky. We May Finally Know Why. Thanks Max.

Media

• I Left Her: HER REACTiON.
• Music Battle - Our Shining Days -2017.