Month: August 2019

The latest entry in Nintendo’s long-running tactical RPG series, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, has finally released for Nintendo Switch. And luckily for anyone who hasn’t gotten their hands on Three Houses yet, the game is already a full $10 off at Target, selling for $50 with free two-day shipping. That’s an excellent deal for brand-new Nintendo Switch exclusive, especially one that’s received overwhelmingly positive reviews from many sites.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

$50 ($60)

See it at Target

It’s worth mentioning that while you can order the game online at a discount from Target, the game is also on sale at Walmart–if you can make it to a brick-and-mortar store. Walmart dropped the price on Fire Emblem: Three Houses to $49.94 on release day, marking a larger trend of retailers offering new games for $50 rather than $60 at release.

If you’re a fan of Fire Emblem or turn-based strategy games in general, Three Houses is absolutely worth picking up. You control a mercenary-turned-professor who arrives at Garreg Mach monastery at the center of a land called Fódlan. There, you’ll choose one among three different houses to train a group of students, who become your warriors on the battlefield.

The game earned a 9/10 in GameSpot’s Fire Emblem: Three Houses review. “When all was said and done, all I could think about was starting another playthrough. I was curious about the mysteries left unsolved, of course, but I also hoped to undo my mistakes,” wrote GameSpot’s Kallie Plagge. “A second playthrough treads familiar ground in the beginning, but after learning and growing so much in the first, it feels fresh, too. That speaks to Three Houses’ mechanical complexity and depth as well as the connections it fosters with its characters–and whether you’re managing inventories or battlefields, it’s the kind of game that’s hard to put down, even when it’s over.”

A player has discovered a glitch in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

that allows you to ride around on Prince Sidon’s back, like a fishy surfboard.In Breath of the Wild, there’s a sequence just before the Divine Beast Vah Ruta in which Link is able to ride on the back of Prince Sidon in order to reach the battle. One player has discovered how to glitch that segment and use Sidon as a mount outside of that battle.

Destructoid reports that the glitch was allegedly discovered by Twitter user F00_Sing, who has created a Twitter thread to demonstrate step-by-step how to replicate the glitch. The tweets are in Japanese, but Google Translate helps clarify the instructions enough to understand the basics. Alternatively, this video from YouTuber Any Austin goes in-depth on how to achieve it.

Essentially, after some messing around with a previously discovered infinite jump glitch, you need to drown Link during the battle with Divine Beast Vah Ruta in order to respawn and then escape to the nearby reservoir, where you can find Prince Sidon. Then you can hop on his back and effectively use him as a horse.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Screenshots

Prince Sidon is one of Breath of the Wild’s breakout characters, gaining a legion of fans during Zelda’s launch period. No doubt some of those fans will be thrilled by this discovery.

While players are still finding things in the Switch’s first Zelda game, we’re already looking at what we’d like from the upcoming Breath of the Wild sequel. What we don’t want is more of the same. We’ve also been making predictions: here’s what Breath of the Wild 2 may mean for the Zelda timeline.

Matt Purslow is IGN’s UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter.

The Boys co-creator Epic Kripke recently revealed there was one controversial scene in the first season of his savage superhero show, in which Amazon strongly opposed and demanded be cut altogether.

In a recent AMA on Reddit, Kripke explained how some footage ended up on the cutting room floor as it was deemed too extreme for audiences. He went on to describe the explicit scene in excruciating detail, as he commended Antony Starr for doing a “great job.”

“There was ONE SCENE that Amazon said F*** NO, you have to cut. I couldn’t quite understand why considering everything else we have in the show, but: Homelander, after being dressed down by Stilwell in episode 2, was standing on one of the Chrysler building Eagles. He pulled his pants down and started jerking off, mumbling “I can do whatever I want” over and over again until he climaxed all over New York City. We shot it! Oh my God, Anthony was the BEST in that scene,” he explained.

The Boys Season 1 Gallery

Kripke added, “Amazon seemed to think it wasn’t necessary. I thought it told me something about his psyche. To be clear, they’ve been great, that may have been the ONLY fight I lost in Season 1.”

Despite the iron ruling on this graphic scene, Amazon generally allowed Kripke free reign over the boundary pushing content of his adult-themed comic adaptation, as the streaming service permitted full-frontal nudity, bizarre sex scenes, extreme gore, and violence.

The Boys explores the seedy underbelly of sex, murder, and mayhem with its satirical view of a society obsessed with celebrity, politics, and pleasing facades – referred to by Kripke at Comic Con as a, “very accurate reflection of the world we live in.”

Amazon has already renewed The Boys for a second season, so if you would like to learn more about this ultra-violent web series, check out our (mostly) spoiler-free review of season one and find out what the ending means for the show moving forward.

Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Fortnite Season 10 has finally arrived, but that’s not the only Fortnite news that’s brewing today. Nerf has also released its Fall 2019 lineup of Fortnite-themed weapons. We have pictures and buy links for all the new foam munitions below. We’ve also picked out some of the coolest Fortnite Nerf weapons from previous releases, some of which are on sale. Let’s get to it.

Nerf Fortnite RL Blaster

Styled after the game’s cartoonish rocket launcher, this two-handled Nerf blaster comes with a pair of foam rockets you can fire at your friends. Don’t worry, they have hollow tips to avoid causing any lasting damage. For some reason this one isn’t immediately in stock. It will be available at Walmart on August 8 and at Amazon on August 21.

Nerf Fortnite Micro Battle Bus Blaster

It might not be inspired by an actual Fortnite weapon, but this tiny toy turns the iconic Battle Bus into a blaster of its own. It’s a hand-powered weapon that comes with two Nerf Elite darts.

Nerf Fortnite HC-E Mega Dart Blaster

With its more compact design, this hand cannon blaster is easier to conceal when preparing to do sneak attacks on your rivals. It comes with three Nerf Mega darts and is easy to load, prime, and blast away.

Nerf Fortnite Micro AR-L Blaster

You won’t find a more adorable assault rifle than this miniature marvel. It’s part of the Microshots series of tiny Nerf weapons, and it comes with two darts (but you can always buy more).

Nerf Fortnite Micro HC-R Blaster

Another entry in the Microshots series is this diminutive hand canon you can load up with Nerf Elite darts and then unload on your prey.

Other Fortnite Nerf Blasters

Those are all of the newly released Fortnite Nerf blasters, but a number of others have been out for some time. Better yet, some of them are on sale. Here are some more battle royale blasters to consider.

Nerf Fortnite TS-1 Blaster

Nerf Fortnite Llama Microshots Blaster

Nerf Fortnite RL Microshots Blaster

Nerf Fortnite Sp-L Blaster

Nerf Fortnite AR-L Blaster

Chris Reed is IGN’s shopping and commerce editor. You can follow him on Twitter @_chrislreed.

The official Star Trek Las Vegas Convention started yesterday and continues through Sunday, bringing all the biggest names and personalities in the world of Trek to the same venue for panels, signings, swag, cosplay and, of course, Klingon Karaoke! But one figure looms particularly large at STLV, of course: William Shatner, the man who helped create this mega-franchise 50-plus years ago.James T. Kirk is renowned, one of the all-time great characters of popular fiction, but the actor who brought him to life is just as much of a legend as his starship captain counterpart. I jumped on the phone with Shatner this week to chat about the Vegas con, Quentin Tarantino’s potential Star Trek movie, Shatner’s biggest regret about the Trek film he directed, and that Star Trek life in general…

Be sure to also check out the official Star Trek Vegas 2019 Creation Entertainment site for all the details on the show, which runs from July 31-August 4!

The First Star Trek Convention

Shatner recalled his very first Star Trek convention, during a time when Star Trek had been cancelled on TV but the movies had not yet launched, where he was essentially thrown out on stage with no idea what to expect.

“It was in New York in the early ’70s,” he said. “I believe it was the first one. There were 15,000 people in the audience. I said, ‘Well, what do I do?’ They said, ‘Well, just go out and talk to them.’ Have you ever imagined yourself going out in front of 15,000 people, not knowing whether to say hello or not, and not knowing what else was going to come about? That’s what it was like for that first time. Absolute madness. What do you say in front of 15,000 people? It was the actor’s nightmare of not knowing the lines, except the actor’s nightmare is you’re also naked!”

Fortunately, Shatner was at least fully clothed. And of course, much has changed since then. For one thing, not only did Star Trek come back with movies, and then more TV shows, and then more movies, and then more TV shows, but the convention experience of fandom in general has become a cottage industry as well. Still, Shatner admitted to thinking at times that the whole con experience was perhaps just a passing phase.

“It started out with my thinking serious actors didn’t do this,” he said. “Then it evolved into having great fun with the audience, coming out in front of them and doing a spontaneous performance for an hour, and trying to make them laugh and inform them. Which evolved into a one-man show, which I did on Broadway for a while.”

Shatner says he loves the convention experience now.

“The kick I get is being in front of the audience, and doing an improv for an hour,” he said. “I have fun with them, and I’ve developed a way of going about it, a process, in which I involve the people asking questions in the question. So we’re all getting to know each other, and rather than being just me, it’s me and everybody. … I try to invent as I go along and it’s more thrilling and more challenging to me.”

Star Trek: Discovery’s Redesigned USS Enterprise Bridge

Tarantino’s Trek

With Quentin Tarantino out and about lately promoting his new film, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, there’s been a lot of talk about his potential Star Trek movie. We know that a script has been written based on an idea by Tarantino, and while word recently came that it would involve the “Chris Pine timeline” if the project happens, that doesn’t rule out someone like Shatner also being involved.

“Yes, I’ve heard about it,” he said. “Tarantino’s a wonderful, immediate director. He’s full of passion, and I think Star Trek works on that kind of passion. I think it would be wonderful.”

So what are the chances of us seeing a return of the William Shatner Kirk in the film as well? The actor acknowledged that he’d be up for returning to the role, though he joked about where his version of Kirk would fit in now.

“I don’t know what they do with an old, overweight captain,” he laughed, “But certainly to work with Tarantino would be a joy.”

As for returning to Trek on TV, as his fellow captain Patrick Stewart is now doing with a new show centered around the character of Jean-Luc Picard, Shatner seems less interested.

“Well, I’ve got a new show on that I’m hosting called The UnXplained on The History Channel,” he deflected. “It just debuted a couple of weeks ago, and it’s doing very well in numbers, so I have high hopes that it’ll be popular.”

I Need My Pain

Shatner of course directed the fifth Star Trek movie, The Final Frontier. The film is not the best regarded of the series to be sure, but it does have some great moments. One such scene comes near the end of the film, when Shatner, DeForest Kelley and Leonard Nimoy are confronted by the character Sybok, who offers to remove their “secret pain” from them. Kirk refuses:

“You know that pain and guilt can’t be taken away with the wave of a magic wand. They’re the things we carry with us, the things that make us who we are. If we lose them, we lose ourselves. I don’t want my pain taken away! I need my pain!”

I asked Shatner about crafting that scene, which he said was intended to remind us that no matter how far we go into the future and how perfect our technology becomes, we’ll still need our humanity.

“I did [that] in one shot,” he said. “If I remember correctly, I had the three of us lined up, and went to each, in essence to get an opinion on the emotion of the moment.”

Unfortunately, The Final Frontier is still a source of mixed feelings for Shatner.

“Well, that movie suffered from my lack of standing on my principles,” he said. “I thought being politic was important and therefore tried to ameliorate situations. So, for example, I wanted the original idea to be Star Trek in search of God, and then everybody brought up the problem of who’s God is it? In order to resolve that, somebody suggested it’s an alien thinking they’re God or the devil, and I accepted that, but it mitigated the force of the show. I had to learn a lesson that we all need to learn, and that is life is comprised of standing on your principles, and not.”

In the end, Shatner seems to truly appreciate the Star Trek experience. We know that actors can wind up butting up against roles that become larger than life — it was his costar Leonard Nimoy, after all, who wrote the book I Am Not Spock (and then, eventually, the sequel I Am Spock). William Shatner is at ease with where Star Trek has brought him, and he has affection for James T. Kirk.

“Very much so. Very much so,” he said. “I enjoyed playing the character, it was well written, and I look back every so often. It was some good work. … I never forget that you and I are talking because I played Captain Kirk, but I also marvel at the phenomenon that is Star Trek.”

For more details on the official Star Trek Vegas 2019 convention, check out the official site.

Talk to Executive Editor Scott Collura on Twitter at @ScottCollura, or listen to his Star Trek podcast, Transporter Room 3. Or do both!

Comparing UK mobile phone deals can be a difficult task, as there are so many different factors to consider.You need to consider the provider, the retailer, and what kind of phone contract you actually want. But most importantly — what is the best mobile phone deal?

With so much information to process, IGN is here to help you compare the best UK mobile phone deals, and break down all the complicated mobile phone jargon along the way. All of the essential information you need is right here, alongside some helpful links in case you already know what you’re looking for.

UK mobile phone deals are constantly changing, so it can be worth checking back every so often to see if there’s an even better deal that has become available.

Editor’s Note: Most mobile phone contracts now include unlimited calls and texts, unless stated otherwise.

Deals of the Day – August 1 2019

These deals are handpicked, reviewed, and updated daily, so be assured these are the top deals going at the time of reading.

Our deal of the day is on the iPhone XR, at just £37 per month deal from Mobiles.co.uk. The deal packs 30GB data with only a £90 upfront cost using the code IGN10. This is a great opportunity to pick up one of the most affordable iPhone deals out there.

There’s also a similar deal on the Galaxy S10 from Mobiles.co.uk as well, for £37 per month, and only £50 upfront with the code IGN10. This includes unlimited calls and texts, and more than enough data for the month.

Compare the Best Apple iPhone Deals

​iPhone XR

The iPhone XR offers a great mix of affordability and quality. The low-cost Apple handset boasts an attractive design, plenty of features, and a reasonable monthly cost on most contracts.

Top Deal: Only £49 upfront, unlimited texts and calls, and plenty of data for most users. If you need a big data package, and you’re not a fan of upfront costs, this is the deal for you. (EE, 24 month contract)

​iPhone XS

The iPhone XS is the superb middle ground for those seeking a new iPhone, as it isn’t as expensive as the XS Max, and packs a little more punch than the more affordable XR.

Top Deal: If you overshoot your data limit every month, it may be time to upgrade. This big data package is perfect for streaming BT Sport HD on that beautiful liquid retina screen, and should provide enough data every single month. (EE, 24 Month Contract)

​iPhone XS Max

The iPhone XS Max dramatically increases the screen usability for an iPhone, and is the big brother to the iPhone XS.

Top Deal: This £63 per month offer from EE packs 50GB of data, and free BT Sport and Apple Music, making it a very tempting deal for those seeking the top iPhone model. (EE, 24 Month Contract)

​iPhone X

Back in 2017 the iPhone X offered a brand-new look for the Apple iPhone. The sleek and bezel-less appearance has become a cornerstone for later editions, and even that infamous notch is still around. In 2019, this model still impresses, but does tend to fluctuate in price, so don’t be disheartened if you catch it during an expensive period.

Top Deal: This is actually a great price point for the iPhone X, and well worth the purchase with only £49 to pay upfront. (EE, 24 Month Contract)

Compare the Best Samsung Galaxy Deals

Galaxy S10+

The Galaxy S10+ is probably the best mobile Samsung has produced. Standout features for the handset include pin-hole cameras, reverse charging, and in-screen fingerprint scanners.

Top Deal: Three is still running its six month contract discount, meaning you’ll only be paying £29 per month at the beginning of your contract, with the price increasing to £58 after the discounted period. (Three, 24 Month Contract)

Galaxy S10

One of the latest releases from Samsung, the S10 is one of the most powerful phones available at the moment. No longer held back by any bezels, the S10’s flawless screen means this phone stands out in the crowd.

Top Deal: This is a no-nonsense deal, with loads of data and a perfectly reasonable price-point for the top handset. (O2, 24 Month Contract)

Galaxy S9

Similarly to the iPhone X, the S9 tends to sit in a strange position between expensive and affordable. There wasn’t a massive jump between the quality of the S8 and S9, but the S9 does have an advanced design and impressive biometric security additions.

Top Deal: Once you redeem the £150 cashback, this contract effectively becomes only £29.75 per month. Considering it also includes free BT Sport and Apple Music, this offer is an absolute steal if you don’t mind buying into an older device. (EE, 24 Month Contract)

Galaxy Note9

Despite the Note 10 being on the cusp of an official announcement, the Note 9 is still an incredibly powerful device and worth picking up. It sports the unique S pen, alongside a top-line camera and beautiful 6.4-inch QUAD HD+ Infinity Display. Even when compared to the S10, this handset is one of the best Samsung Galaxy devices out there.

Top Deal: Not only is this a fantastic price for such an advanced handset, this deal also includes the Galaxy Note 9 at its highest memory capacity, 512GB — now that’s a lot of storage. (EE, 24 Month Contract)

Compare the Best Huawei Deals

Huawei P30 Pro

Highly touted as one of the best handsets of the year, its hard to dislike the brilliant P30 Pro. The level of detail the camera can capture is astounding, and it’s no wonder Huawei are pushing it as the main selling point of the P30 Pro.

Top Deal: Pack your powerhouse phone with plenty of data, and revel in the lack of any upfront costs. (EE, 24 Month Contract)

Huawei P30

The P30 still has all of the brilliant features of its big brother, including the signature 30x zoom and huge battery life, just at a lower cost and without a few bells and whistles. If you don’t mind the cut features, such as no wireless charging, or water resistance (instead of water-proof), the P30 is a superb phone to consider.

Top Deal: This is hardly a deal to turn your nose up at, packing 50GB of data and a whopping £270 cashback. That cashback will bring your monthly costs down greatly, coming in at only £31.75 per month post-redemption. (EE, 24 Month Contract)

Compare the Best Google Pixel Deals

Google Pixel 3

The Pixel 3 should be praised for its reliable performance, superb camera capabilities, and advanced AI functionality. If you’re looking for a modern and stylish smartphone, the Pixel 3 should definitely be on your list.

Top Deal: With only £29 upfront, buying into a big data deal couldn’t be easier. At only £35 per month as well, this is the perfect deal for anyone looking to join the Google Pixel family. (Three, 24 Month Contract)

Google Pixel 3 XL

The Pixel 3’s big brother offers a bigger screen size and a sharp QLED screen. There’s not a lot of difference when it comes down to hardware between the 3 and the 3 XL – so there’s only really the size and the look to consider when making a purchase.

Top Deal: This low cost package from Sky Mobile is a great deal and well worth considering if you don’t need any more than 8GB data per month. Sky runs with a standard 30-month contract, but will let you upgrade after two years. (Sky Mobile, 30 Month Contract)

Google Pixel 3a

The new and even more affordable Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL handsets still include that brilliant Google camera quality, alongside some equally impressive hardware for a budget device.

If you were considering the Google Pixel 3 simply because of its powerful camera, but were put off by its price tag, the 3a is much more competitively priced.

Top Deal: This is a great deal to consider, and your monthly costs effectively drop to £18 after cashback. When it comes to cheap phone deals, this is up there with the best. (Vodafone, 24 Month Contract)

Google Pixel 3a XL

As always, the XL is worth considering if you want a little extra screen size. The battery is the other big difference between the XL and its younger sibling.

Top Deal: This deal comes packed with a brilliant £264 in cashback, effectively bringing the monthly cost down to only £32. (EE, 24 Month Contract)

Can I keep my mobile phone number when I change contracts?

• Text PAC to 65075

Switching mobile networks has never been easier thanks to the latest Ofcom regulations. All you need is a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from your old network, which can now be acquired through a simple text. If you want to find out more info on your contract, such as the final balance to pay after switching, text ‘INFO’ to 85075 to find this out without requesting a switching code.

All it takes is one text, here are the relevant steps:

• If you want to switch and keep your existing phone number text “PAC” to 65075 to begin the process
• Your existing provider will respond by text within a minute
• You will then receive the switching code (PAC), which will be valid for 30 days
• All provider’s reply must also include important information about any early termination charges or pay-as-you-go credit balances
• Your PAC code can be handed to new provider, and the company must arrange for the switch to complete within one working day

One in six people want to keep their mobile number when they switch. For those who don’t, you can text “STAC” to 75075 to request a “service termination authorisation code”.

Which phone network is the best?

Every provider has plenty of benefits and incentives, but there isn’t a definite one UK network to rule them all scenario at the moment. All the networks have their own set of advantages, so here’s some to take note of when buying your next phone.

EE

• Great 4G and 5G speeds
• Free BT Sport
• Free Apple Music

O2

• Priority rewards (2-4-1 dinners, free coffee, and more)
• WiFi hot-spot access

Vodafone

• Data coverage abroad
• Red Entertainment deals
• New unlimited 5G coverage

Three

• Unlimited data packages
• 4G calls and texts
• London Underground WiFi coverage

Should I get a contract or a SIM-free phone?

The most popular option in the UK is paying for your phone through a contract. These allow you to pay for both your device and SIM in one package and benefits those who don’t want to pay-out a massive sum when they get a new phone.

The other option is to buy a phone outright, and then buying the SIM separately. This is a less common option, but it can come with a number of benefits, if you can afford the handset. There’s plenty of freedom when it comes to your data plan and going SIM-free is cheaper in the long run. Although, that initial upfront payment does tend to put most people off.

What data plan should I get?

• 1-2GB – Realistically, you need at least 1GB on your plan, as most providers will offer this at a reasonable price and will allow for plenty of messaging, mapping, and emailing services on the go.
• 3-5GB – If you find yourself scrolling through social media in your spare time, we’d suggest opting for the 2-3GB mark.
• 6-9GB – The occasional YouTube video or music streaming session won’t be a problem with this bracket.
• 10-19GB – This amount of data is normally more than enough for the majority of users, and will let you download audio, scan social media, and watch YouTube on the go.
• 20-30GB – Big data is perfect for streaming online video from sites like Netflix. Packages like this will also offer plenty of add-ons as well.
• Unlimited – Plenty of providers now offer unlimited data plans, although it can be pricey. If you do want to go unlimited, it could be smart to opt for a SIMO plan and buy your phone outright to reduce overall cost.

How much memory do I need on my phone?

If you like having all your photos, music, downloads, and videos to hand, directly on your device, you should opt for the larger 128GB or 256GB models.

However, a lot of devices now pride themselves on their cloud storage capabilities, so if you stream from Spotify, and save loads to Google Drive, you could save some money and use a lower memory handset, if possible.

Activision is bringing back Call of Duty: Modern Warfare with a reboot, and a big part of capturing the spirit of the original will be refreshing its signature multiplayer. We’ll get our first extended look at that aspect of the game today, with a multiplayer reveal livestream.

So far we’ve only gotten a brief glimpse at the new 2-on-2 Gunfight mode, so this livestream looks to offer more details on that mode and any other modes coming to this year’s shooter. We also expect to hear more about its promised cross-play feature. You can bookmark this page to tune in and watch below.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Multiplayer Livestream Start Time:

• 10 AM PT
• 1 PM ET
• 6 PM BST
• 3 AM AET on August 2

Activision promoted the livestream by teasing the return of killstreak rewards. That tease came with its share of controversy, however, as one of the killstreak rewards is use of the controversial chemical weapon white phosphorus. Other killstreak rewards include the juggernaut care package and an armored assault vehicle.

For more on Modern Warfare, check out how weapon customization will work, as well as the pricey Premium Edition with working night vision goggles. We’re likely to see more about the Premium Edition during today’s event as well.

The start of a new season in Fortnite brings with it changes to the island all the action takes place on, and that is the case with the newly launched Season 10, officially dubbed Season X. However, things are a little different this time around, as some of the new elements are actually older ones from previous seasons. The theme for Season 10 involves a little bit of time travel to create a kind of best-of experience in the game. Items from seasons gone have reappeared and, similarly, the map has changed to reflect the old alongside the new.

The biggest change to the map is the introduction of Rift Zones, which transform different locations on the island when you venture to them. Developer Epic Games has indicated that, over the course of the season, how these Rift Zones impact the areas around them will change and evolve, which makes sense given that the studio likes to mix things up regularly to keep the game fresh.

In terms of what’s returned, the main one is Dusty Depot. In Season 4, a comet crashed onto the island and transformed it into Dusty Divot; it seems this has been undone in Season 10. Now there are a few warehouses there and a Reboot Van, if you need to bring friends back to life. The newly introduced Brute mechs will also appear there.

The comet that caused all the destruction has also returned and is hovering above the island, positioned so that players can visit it and get a closer look. It’s frozen in the sky, so you can safely drop or build your way up to it and, if you do, there’s usually a chest to be opened there. There’s also a way inside the actual comet for those looking to explore.

Over in Loot Lake, you’ll find a giant orb, which seems to be the cause of all the time manipulating shenanigans. It looks to be expanding, with the time suspension bubble around it growing in influence. If you venture close enough, you’ll notice the gravity changes, allowing you to float around. You can be sure that this orb will play a big part in the events that unfold in the coming weeks.

Another noticeable addition is the giant skeleton of a monster with a sword pierced through it. Interestingly, there’s a strange purple fluid of some sort leaking out onto the ground around it. What’s peculiar about this is the liquid seems to be forming spiral-like patterns around it. The question is how far this will spread, and will it result in the monster being resurrected in some fashion?

A couple of other noteworthy things include the Durr Burger Head and Stone Head Statue reappearing. These seem to be just a nice little throwback for a bit of Fortnite nostalgia. You can see the new map above.

Again, the Rifts have opened the door for Epic Games to make more frequent updates to the island. Previously, significant changes to the map were tied to major events such as the comet crash or the pirate invasion, but with these new time anomalies, the orb, and the skeleton, there are ample ways to get creative with more regular changes. The Rift Zones can also impact the gameplay, such as by preventing the use of Harvesting Tools, for example.

The way you play Fortnite has also changed in Season 10, as challenges are now themed and grouped together as “Missions.” Currently, there are no weekly or daily challenges, as there have been in the past, but it’s unclear whether this will remain the case throughout Season 10 or if they will return in the future. More information can be found in our Fortnite Season 10 Challenge and Mission breakdown.

Of course, there’s a new Battle Pass too, and it functions in the same way it has for the past few seasons. To make the most of Fortnite you’ll need to have one, especially as there’s much less for those without a Battle Pass to do. We’ve put together a comprehensive gallery featuring all the new Fortnite skins, emotes, back bling, wraps, pets, and more, so you can take a look and figure out if you want to invest the time and money.

For a wider view of what’s new and different, head over to the Fortnite update 10.00 patch notes.

The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has set a date and an agenda for its upcoming public workshop on video game loot boxes. The event, which will take place on August 7 in Washington DC, is titled “Inside the Game: Unlocking the Consumer Issues Surrounding Loot Boxes.” A schedule posted on the FTC site outlines three key panels to take place throughout the day.

The first panel to take place at 10:15 AM ET promises to explore the role of loot boxes and “the impact of these monetization models on end users.” It will include panelists from the National Consumers League, Common Sense Media, International Game Developers Association, and Entertainment Software Association.

The second panel, to take place at 1:15 PM ET after a short break for lunch, will take a look at the “social, psychological, and economic motivations” behind loot boxes. It will feature university professors in the fields of psychology, industrial engineering, marketing, and computer science.

The final afternoon session, set for 2:45 PM ET, is centered on how to make sure concerns around loot boxes are addressed. It will review current initiatives for disclosing microtransactions, as well as “other mechanisms that may enhance consumer protection.” That panel will include representatives of Common Sense Media, Consumer Reports, the ESA, and the National Council on Problem Gambling. Each of the three panels will be moderated by an FTC representative.

All of this comes amid a backdrop of criticism of microtransactions, including comparisons to gambling and concerns about them being targeted towards children. The FTC hasn’t formally made any moves to restrict the practice, but proposed the workshop as a “non-law enforcement option” that could “help elicit information to guide subsequent consumer outreach.” U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has introduced a bill that would ban the practice.

Various countries have responded in their own ways to loot boxes, including some like France and New Zealand that have determined that the practice does not constitute gambling. Still, some countries have already banned the practice, leading games like Rocket League to remove those purchases in select countries.

Fortnite: Season 10 is now live, introducing “Brute” mechs, new skins and emotes, and a fresh batch of challenges. However the launch of the new season has not been without its issues, and developer Epic Games has been forced to disable a number of features as it investigates the problems further.

First, the company tweeted that “the mech has been disabled in the Creative and Playground playlists, due to an issue with movement speed.” It then said that “due to an issue, gifting the Battle Pass on PC has been disabled.” Finally, it stated the following: “We’re aware of some players experiencing an increased level of hitching/stuttering while in-game. We are investigating this and will provide status updates once we have more information.”

None of the problems seen so far have been serious enough to bring the game’s servers down–Epic’s service status page still lists all Fortnite’s systems as “operational”–but it’s still disappointing to see some of these problems crop up on such a big day for the battle royale game.

If you want to see all the changes and tweaks in Season 10, check out the Fortnite update 10.00 patch notes. We’ve also put together a comprehensive guide on the Season 10 Battle Pass, which includes everything you need to know about what it is, what you get for having one, and making the most of one. For more on the new season, take a look at our Fortnite Season 10 hub, which collects all the pre-release teases, information on the season’s launch, and details on everything that is new. This hub is being updated regularly, so check back for the latest updates on what’s happening with the game.