A listing for Assassin's Creed Valhalla on Steam shows a December 6th release date for the Viking action game on Valve's service. This confirms recent rumors that Ubisoft was planning a Steam reconciliation. This reverses a trend that began in 2019 when Ubisoft games started blowing off Steam in favor of its own online store and the Epic Games Store. Back then Ubisoft's Chris Early went so far as to call Steam's business model "unrealistic." Apparently things have gotten real again, as Eurogamer has a statement from Ubisoft saying that Valhalla is not the only one of its titles coming to Steam. The logic presented suggests Ubisoft started skipping Steam to help bring its games to different audiences. Or maybe this is a new approach. Here's word:

"We're constantly evaluating how to bring our games to different audiences wherever they are, while providing a consistent player ecosystem through Ubisoft Connect," a Ubisoft spokespeson told Eurogamer today. "Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Anno 1800 and Roller Champions are among the Ubisoft titles that will be releasing on Steam."

Activision tweets a thank you to Call of Duty: Warzone players for helping make the launch of Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 such a success. Word is over 25 million players took the plunge in the free-to-play battle royale in just the first five days following its launch. On a related note, this new trailer reflects what's called the "Ultimate Experience" in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0. Continue here to read the full story.

Evil West is now available for Windows on Steam, while the console editions of Flying Wild Hog's third-person shooter are expected tomorrow. This involves hunting for Vampires in the wild west, playable both solo and in co-op. If that's not enough to entice you, the game also features legendary thespian Danny Trejo, as seen in this live-action trailer. For a look at gameplay, check out this recent Gameplay Overview Trailer. More on Danny's participation and the game can be found in this post on Steam:

If Evil West is nothing short of a blast, that’s thanks to an explosive gameplay that rids itself from any extra, tedious worry. Actor Danny Trejo, of badass film fame, is not one to let anything interfere with his smashing business. Naturally, Evil West is just his kind of video game: a satisfying run of adrenaline that brings action fun back to basics.

Jump right into fast-paced, over-the-top carnage in a vampire-infested Wild West. Eradicate bloodthirsty monstrosities in style with an overpowering arsenal of weapons and a lightning-fueled punch, combining brutal melee and ranged combos to dominate visceral boss fights and encounters.

Continue here to read the full story.

With the launch of Evil West, we have a roundup of reviews. Read on for evaluations of Flying Wild Hog's third-person shooter:

• Evil West Review No. Simply No "Buy, Wait for Sale, Rent, Never Touch?" - AGC (NSFW video).
• Evil West review - an absolute blast - Eurogamer.net.
• Evil West PC Review - GameWatcher.
• Evil West Review - IGN.
• Evil West Review: A Modern PS2 Action Horror Game - Kotaku.
• ‘Evil West’ review: how the West was overrun - NME.
• Evil West review - PC Gamer.
• Evil West review -- Jumpin' like a real livewire - PC Invasion.
• Evil West review: strong Doom-like combat, middling vampire Western - Polygon.
• Evil West review: Pull that six shooter - Shacknews.
• I strongly recommend: Evil West (Review) [4k PC] - Skill Up (video).
• Evil West review – One of the year’s best action games let down by outdated level design - VG247.
• Evil West Review - Ungodly Hand - Wccftech.
• Worthplaying - PC Review - 'Evil West.'

• Save 67% on Crysis Remastered Trilogy on Steam.
• Save 70% on In Other Waters on Steam.
• Save 20% on Dome Keeper on Steam.
• Save 30% on Jack Move on Steam.
• Anything but Ordinary Painter Bundle Encore (pay what you want and help charity).*

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

• Ireland launches 32% tax credit for digital game developers.

• Lumencraft - Giga Early Access Update is out of beta! 🕷️.

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

• Eye of the Beholder C64/128 - Eagerly awaited Dungeon Crawler from the Amiga-DOS arrives on the C64/128.

• Call of Duty: Warzone 2 Glitch Causes Frustration as Players Turn Invisible.

• World of Warcraft — Accessibility Updates in Dragonflight.

Official trailers.

• Need for Speed Unbound - Speed Race Gameplay.
• Battle Ships: Official Sea of Thieves Season Eight Deep Dive.

Thanks Console General.

• Sony and Honda could include PS5 consoles in electric cars. Brags it is "technologically possible."
• Superliminal Comes to Xbox Series X November 21st, Free for Existing Owners.
• Ultimate Adom - Consoles Trailer.
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Omega (2211.221115-2145).
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Alpha (2302.221117-2200).
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Alpha Skip-Ahead (2308.221117-1900).
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Delta (2211.221115-2145).

• Autonomous Vehicles Join the List of US National Security Threats (may require registration or subscription).

• Elon Musk is laying off even more Twitter workers.
• Elon Musk says Twitter is done with layoffs and ready to hire again.
• Sam Bankman-Fried tries to broker FTX bailout from his Bahamas home. Thanks Matthew.
• Twitter reverses Trump ban; Trump refuses to return.
• Watching '1899' on Netflix: Make Sure You Change This One Setting. Thanks RedEye9.
• Twitch Streamer Hasanabi Gifted 'Cracker Pass' By Wheat Thins.
• Amazon Alexa is a “colossal failure,” on pace to lose $10 billion this year.
• Your lifetime pass to Coachella is stuck in NFT hell.

• System Information Viewer v5.67. Thanks DSLReports via Ant.
• Charge Into the Virtual World With Turtle Beach’s Fuel Compact VR Charging Station for Meta Quest 2 – Now Available.
• MetalFish Aquarium PC Case Gets Tested, Fish Get Underfloor Heating.

• GoComics Down “Due to…Cybersecurity Issues.” Thanks Reddit via Ant.
• This sneaky ransomware gang keeps changing tactics to spread its malware.
• The FCC is cracking down on ringless voicemail spam.
• FTX Founder Deepfake Offers Refund to Victims in Verified Twitter Account Scam.

Last Link of the Day: The Surprising History of the Mullet (video). Thanks RedEye9.

A tweet from Running With Scissors announces that Postal III has been removed from sale on Steam. The studio long ago distanced itself from this installment in the deliberately outrageous shooter series, blaming its poor reception on the decision to outsource development. Word is there was a desire to make it free, but this is prevented by the DRM issue that prompted the delisting:

With Postal 3's DRM issues and overall shittiness of the game itself, the game is officially no longer being sold on Steam.

We didn't have control over the page, so we couldn't make it free before the DRM issues began.

At least people will no longer buy that trash!

Developer Leander Edler-Golla and publisher Yogscast Games announce Bots Are Stupid will arrive on December 15th for Windows, macOS, and Linux on Steam. Described as an "ultra-precise" 2D platformer, rather than offering direct control, it requires players to program bots to traverse its levels. Helpfully, there's a playable demo so players can experience how this works firsthand. There's also a new Release Date Trailer with a look. Here's more:

Bots Are Stupid takes the 2D precision platformer genre and populates it with an infinite supply of stupid robots and innovative instruction-based control method. Use the game’s simple programming language to teach your bots how to use grappling hooks, navigate speed boosts and more to reach the exit, then watch as they follow your direct instructions, often dying in the process.

Master the campaign levels or create and share your own with a sophisticated level editor. Create outrageous courses and devise dastardly challenges for players to overcome, before showing them how it's done with downloadable replays.

Continue here to read the full story.

Publisher Green Man Gaming and solo developer Erik Rempen announce a December 6th release date for Kainga: Seeds of Civilization, the roguelite village-builder for Window. The game has been in Early Access on Steam for the past year, a process described as "very productive and positive." Check out the Release Date Announcement Trailer for a look, and read on for more:

After enjoying a very productive and positive Early Access launch, Kainga: Seeds of Civilization has seen huge steps in the title’s development, as well as the depth of new gameplay content implemented throughout. Working closely with an ever-growing community of budding ‘Thinkers’, solo developer Erik Rempen, has created a beautiful and challenging world full of mystery and cultural intrigue, ready to be revealed in the exciting V1.0 launch.

Continue here to read the full story.

• Rumor - Star Wars Jedi Survivor Release Date Announcement Set For Game Awards 2022.

• Black Friday Week Offers Some of the Year’s Best Deals at Newegg.
• Weekly Sale: ONLY ON GOG titles up to 80% off.*
• Publisher Sale: Nicalis titles with discounts as high as -75% - GOG.com.*
• Publisher Sale: IO Interactive titles up to -80% with Hitman: Absolution anniversary! - GOG.com.*

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

• Albion Online Beyond the Veil update now live.

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

• New Spider-Man Miles Morales PC Mod Unlocks All Suits.

• Blizzard isn't planning to disable Tracer over an Overwatch 2 bug that gives her a major buff.

Thanks Ant.

• AEW: Fight Forever - Gameplay Trailer.
• ONE PIECE ODYSSEY — Water Seven Gameplay Trailer.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• How I Beat Elden Ring's Malenia Using a Dance Pad Thanks Digg.
• The Controversial History of Manhunt - GVMERS.
• When you pirate Elden Ring. Thanks Acleacius.

• World of Warcraft — Join the Feast During Pilgrim’s Bounty.
• Desert Bus 2022 raises $1.1 million USD in 166 hour stream.

• Hideki Kamiya teases Bayonetta 4 already in the works.

• Hyundai wants to help you put solar and batteries in your home.

• Devs are admitting their 'sins' on Twitter, and there sure are a lot who hid Loss in games.
• Facebook is making teens’ accounts more private by default.
• Your Google Searches Are Quietly Evolving. Here’s What’s Next (may require registration or subscription).
• Twitter boss Elon Musk keeps conspiracy theorist Alex Jones off platform.
• Mastodon will lose to Hive as the 'next Twitter' if it doesn't fix 3 big problems.

• Meta Trained an AI on 48M Science Papers. It Was Shut Down After 2 Days.
• Beyond the banhammer: How AI is changing content moderation.
• LG announces the first 1440p 240Hz OLED monitor and it only costs $999. Thanks Max.
• RTX 4080 Launch Disaster - November GPU Pricing Update - Hardware Unboxed (video). Thanks Simon.

• Patient software used by many Ontario paramedics hit by potential cyberattack. Thanks DSLReports via Ant.
• This ransomware will steal your Discord account and encrypt all your files for good measure.

• This Copyright Lawsuit Could Shape the Future of Generative AI.
• FTX crypto exchange owes biggest creditors $3.1bn.

• PAW Patrol: Grand Prix - Christ Centered Gamer.
• Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales PC Performance Analysis - DSOGaming.

Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition Review - NotebookCheck.net Reviews.
• Headset: Astro A30 Wireless Gaming Headset Review - TweakTown.
• Keyboard: Nuphy Halo65 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard review- a small keyboard with a big price tag - AppleInsider.
• Keyboard: Roccat Vulcan II Max Keyboard Review - The RGB King - MP1ST.
• Keyboard: ROCCAT Vulcan II Max Keyboard Review - Blinded by the RGB Lights - Wccftech.
• Laptop: Acer Predator Helios 300 review- Overclocked gaming laptop with a good display - NotebookCheck.net Reviews.
• Laptop: Core i7-1260U debut- Dell Latitude 13 9330 2-in-1 convertible review - NotebookCheck.net Reviews.
• Laptop: Lenovo Legion S7i has the potential to appeal to non-gamers too - NotebookCheck.net News.
• Microphone: Yeyian Agile NL Review - APH Networks.
• Misc: Monoprice Magsafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand Review - ThinkComputers.org.
• Mouse: Cooler Master MasterMouse MM712 - OCinside.

• This Google-Backed Nonprofit Proves Games Can Teach and Be Fun (may require registration or subscription). Thanks Neutronbeam…

Happy birthday to me, as today marks the completion of another orbit around good old Sol. To follow up about my phone, I had a normal charge cycle yesterday, so not needing to replace it can be my present from the universe. That's a double-edged gift, as it comes with the reminder that my phone "problem" was me just not paying enough attention to its battery level, perhaps due to my advancing years. The universe can be a dick like that sometimes. But my non-problem led to a few recommendations for apps to help manage a phone's charging, so there's another gift. Thanks to all who offered help. Anyway, as I've mentioned in the past, I like my birthdays quiet. This being Thanksgiving week in the U.S. will help with that. Another gift! Quite the haul this year.

Obituary: Nicki Aycox Dies: ‘Supernatural’ Actor Was 47.

Annual Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Play

• RoyalUr.net - Play a friend, play online, or play the AI. Thanks New York Times (may require registration or subscription) via Cutter.

Stories

• Governments vote to retire the leap second by 2035. Adding a few seconds to everyone's lifespan.
• Bob Iger Reinstated As Disney CEO.
• Woman who married a rag doll claims he 'cheated.' Thanks Boing Boing.

Science

• Artemis 1 mission- NASA's Orion spacecraft makes its closest approach to the moon.
• 3D intergalactic map will reveal details about dark matter, black holes and stars.

Image

• “Just a bunch of idiots having fun”—a photo history of the LAN party. Makes me genuinely nostalgic.

Media

• Rick and Morty - S6E7 Cold Open- Previously on Rick and Morty. Thanks RedEye9.
• Casino Royale vs Skyfall: 007 Face Off (NSFW).
• Amazing footage of an Emirates A380 arrival at LAX. Thanks Kxmode.

Creature Features
Thanks Kxmode.

• Very rare dog breed with a LONG life expectancy. Thanks RedEye9.
• Mood...🐇😅.
• Happiness.. 😊.

Follow-up

• A COVID treatment wanes: New variants outsmart most monoclonal antibodies. Thanks RedEye9.