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Zenless Zone Zero 2.3 takes full advantage of the new Spook Shack faction for its Halloween season
Game Updates

Zenless Zone Zero 2.3 takes full advantage of the new Spook Shack faction for its Halloween season

by admin September 29, 2025


If you’ve been enjoying the politics-filled 2.2 update for Zenless Zone Zero, which came out earlier this month, you’re probably on your way to finishing the new content. Which means, of course, it’s time for the next update to reveal itself.

Version 2.3, Memories of Dreams Bygone, was officially unveiled today, and it’s going to arrive on October 15 – so in about two weeks from now.

Zenless Zone Zero’s Version 2.3 immediately addresses one of the criticisms players had with earlier installments of Version 2, which revolved around the lack of the lack of Rupture characters in its banner events. 2.3 is adding three new Agents to the roster: Lucia, Yidhari, and Komano Manato.

Lucia is an S-Rank Ether Support Agent, who’s very much into the Ethereal. Her kit reflects that, too, because she can recreate Ethereals in combat. She calls on Dream Points to enter a Dream state and unleash Ether Veil: Wellspring, which boosts the max HP of all allies, and increases the team’s Sheer Force and Aftershock frequency.

Yidhari is another S-Rank Agent, only she’s the Rupture one fans have been missing. Her Ice attacks always deal Sheer damage, and she gains Sheer Force based on her max HP. Interestingly, however, Yidhari deals more damage the lower her HP is, which adds an element of risk/reward to her kit.

Komano Manato is the only A-Rank addition, joining as a Fire Rupture Agent. Likewise, his Sheer damage scales with his max HP. As far as returning favourites, Version 2.3 will bring back Vivian (S-Rank, Ether – Anomaly), as well as Ju Fufu (S-Rank, Fire – Stun) as part of its banners.

Watch on YouTube

In this chapter, you’ll get to visit Timesworn Hills, and team up with Spook Shack. The new region – and the update itself – very much share the spooky theme of abandoned research facilities where tales of experiments going awry are buried.

The narrative kicks off like a few good Halloween mysteries: a missing person’s case. Some miners and Porcelumex employees have gone missing, and you’re being sent in to investigate. Timesworn Hills is also rich in Lumite ore.

Memories of Dreams Bygone is bringing some gameplay changes to Soldier 0 – Anby, who’s getting a buff alongside some tweaks to her combat. You can also look forward to Threshold Simulation as a new challenge activity that tests your stamina by throwing you in back-to-back battles.

Zenless Zone Zero is getting a hint of turn-based combat in this update, too, with the arrival of the When Dreams Remain Unfinished event. In it, you’ll get to play as monsters with unique abilities. You’d want to play it, too, because completing the event guarantees getting Agent Komano Manato.

Image credit: MiHoYo.

Photography event SNAP! Shining Strike returns as well, and it now offers more camera controls, filters, and frames.

As part of today’s news, we also got a glimpse at future Agents Banyue, Dialyn, Zhao, and Ye Shunguang, who HoYoverse said will be joining the game in “the near future.” Finally, if you log in during 2.3, you’ll get 600 Polychromes alongside 10 Encrypted Master Tapes, and 10 Boopons.

Before you go, it’s always a good idea to catch up on our updated Zenless Zone Zero codes. If you’re in a fighting mode, you may also jump into the comments of our Zenless Zone Zero character tier list and argue your case.



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September 29, 2025 0 comments
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Scientists Might Be Looking for Consciousness in the Wrong Part of the Brain
Product Reviews

Scientists Might Be Looking for Consciousness in the Wrong Part of the Brain

by admin September 29, 2025



What gives rise to human consciousness? Are some parts of the brain more important than others? Scientists began tackling these questions in more depth about 35 years ago. Researchers have made progress, but the mystery of consciousness remains very much alive.

In a recently published article, I reviewed over 100 years of neuroscience research to see if some brain regions are more important than others for consciousness. What I found suggests scientists who study consciousness may have been undervaluing the most ancient regions of human brains.

Consciousness is usually defined by neuroscientists as the ability to have subjective experience, such as the experience of tasting an apple or of seeing the redness of its skin. The leading theories of consciousness suggest that the outer layer of the human brain, called the cortex (in blue in figure 1), is fundamental to consciousness. This is mostly composed of the neocortex, which is newer in our evolutionary history.

Figure 1, the human brain (made with the assistance of AI).
Peter Coppola, CC BY-SA

The human subcortex (figure 1, brown/beige), underneath the neocortex, has not changed much in the last 500 million years. It is thought to be like electricity for a TV, necessary for consciousness, but not enough on its own.

There is another part of the brain that some neuroscientific theories of consciousness state is irrelevant for consciousness. This is the cerebellum, which is also older than the neocortex and looks like a little brain tucked in the back of the skull (figure 1, purple). Brain activity and brain networks are disrupted in unconsciousness (like in a coma). These changes can be seen in the cortex, subcortex, and cerebellum.

What brain stimulation reveals

As part of my analysis, I looked at studies showing what happens to consciousness when brain activity is changed, for example, by applying electrical currents or magnetic pulses to brain regions.

These experiments in humans and animals showed that altering activity in any of these three parts of the brain can alter consciousness. Changing the activity of the neocortex can change your sense of self, make you hallucinate, or affect your judgment.

Changing the subcortex may have extreme effects. We can induce depression, wake a monkey from anesthesia, or knock a mouse unconscious. Even stimulating the cerebellum, long considered irrelevant, can change your conscious sensory perception.

However, this research does not allow us to reach strong conclusions about where consciousness comes from, as stimulating one brain region may affect another region. Like unplugging the TV from the socket, we might be changing the conditions that support consciousness, but not the mechanisms of consciousness itself.

So I looked at some evidence from patients to see if it would help resolve this dilemma.

Damage from physical trauma or lack of oxygen to the brain can disrupt your experience. Injury to the neocortex may make you think your hand is not yours, fail to notice things on one side of your visual field, or become more impulsive.

People born without the cerebellum, or the front of their cortex, can still appear conscious and live quite normal lives. However, damaging the cerebellum later in life can trigger hallucinations or change your emotions completely.

Harm to the most ancient parts of our brain can directly cause unconsciousness (although some people recover) or death. However, like electricity for a TV, the subcortex may be just keeping the newer cortex “online,” which may be giving rise to consciousness. So I wanted to know whether, alternatively, there is evidence that the most ancient regions are sufficient for consciousness.

There are rare cases of children being born without most or all of their neocortex. According to medical textbooks, these people should be in a permanent vegetative state. However, there are reports that these people can feel upset, play, recognize people, or show enjoyment of music. This suggests that they are having some sort of conscious experience.

These reports are striking evidence that suggests maybe the oldest parts of the brain are enough for basic consciousness. Or maybe, when you are born without a cortex, the older parts of the brain adapt to take on some of the roles of the newer parts of the brain.

There are some extreme experiments on animals that can help us reach a conclusion. Across mammals—from rats to cats to monkeys—surgically removing the neocortex leaves them still capable of an astonishing number of things. They can play, show emotions, groom themselves, parent their young, and even learn. Surprisingly, even adult animals that underwent this surgery showed similar behavior.

Altogether, the evidence challenges the view that the cortex is necessary for consciousness, as most major theories of consciousness suggest. It seems that the oldest parts of the brain are enough for some basic forms of consciousness.

The newer parts of the brain—as well as the cerebellum—seem to expand and refine your consciousness. This means we may have to review our theories of consciousness. In turn, this may influence patient care as well as how we think about animal rights. In fact, consciousness might be more common than we realized.

Peter Coppola, Visiting Researcher, Cambridge Neuroscience, University of Cambridge. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.



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CEO of EA, home to studios like Maxis and Bioware, claims company's values will "remain unchanged" following sale to Saudi government, investment firms
Game Reviews

CEO of EA, home to studios like Maxis and Bioware, claims company’s values will “remain unchanged” following sale to Saudi government, investment firms

by admin September 29, 2025


Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson has stated that the company’s values will remain unchanged following a $50bn buyout from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners.

In a statement posted to the Electronic Arts website and titled “Exciting News About Our Future”, Wilson attempted to reassure staff at EA that the future was bright for EA in the wake of the buyout.

He said: “This moment is a recognition of your creativity, your innovation, and your passion. You have built some of the world’s most iconic IP, created stories that have inspired global communities, and helped shape culture through interactive experiences. Everything we have achieved – and everything that lies ahead – is because of you.

Watch the Battlefield 6 multiplayer trailer here.Watch on YouTube

“We are entering a new era of opportunity. This is one of the largest and most significant investments ever made in the entertainment industry. Our new partners bring deep experience across sports, gaming, and entertainment. They are committed with conviction to EA – they believe in our people, our leadership, and the long-term vision we are now building together.

“Our mission at EA to – Inspire The World To Play – continues to guide everything we do. Our values and our commitment to players and fans around the world remain unchanged. With continued rigor and operational excellence, we can amplify the creativity of our teams, accelerate innovation, and pursue transformative opportunities that position EA to lead the future of entertainment. Together, we’ll create experiences that are bold, expressive, and deeply connected to inspire generations of players around the world.”

These values are of particular note. Among EA’s developers stand both Bioware and Maxis Studios, creators of Mass Effect and The Sims respectively. These series are not only popular, but quite outwardly LGBT-positive, featuring same-sex relationships. One of the new private owners – the Saudi Arabian government – continues to keep same-sex relationships illegal.

It’s worth noting that SNK, following its acquisition by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, attempted to reassure the world that its creative input would not be changed as a result. SNK’s next game Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves would then feature Cristiano Ronaldo and Salvatore Ganacci – celebrities that featured heavily in Saudi Arabian events.

The statement from Andrew Wilson continues: “I am excited to continue as CEO, working alongside our leadership team to advance our strategy. United by our vision, we will deliver experiences that transcend platforms and empower players everywhere to create worlds, characters, and stories that are bold, interactive, and deeply connected.”



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September 29, 2025 0 comments
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rally at risk as top Fed sends major warning
NFT Gaming

rally at risk as top Fed sends major warning

by admin September 29, 2025



The crypto market tilted upward today, Sept. 29, as investors started to buy the dip after last week’s plunge. However, this rally could be at risk after a major warning from Beth Hammack, a senior Fed official.

Summary

  • Cleveland Fed’s Beth Hammack has warned about inflation and interest rate cuts.
  • Aster has passed Hyperliquid as the biggest perpetual DEX in terms of volume.
  • Stablecoin market capitalization is nearing the $300 billion market cap. 

Crypto news today: Beth Hammack warns on inflation

One of the top catalysts for the crypto market recently has been the Federal Reserve, which has started cutting interest rates. However, the pace of cuts may not be as analysts expect, as some Fed officials are still concerned about inflation.

Speaking in a CNBC interview, Beth Hammack of the Cleveland Fed warned that inflation was still a major challenge. She noted that headline and core inflation have remained above the 2% target for four and a half years.

Hammack also believes that the labor market is still strong despite the recent weakness. She cited the unemployment rate, which has remained below 5% this year.

The statement came a few days before the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes the official jobs numbers. Economists expect the data to reveal that the economy created 59,000 jobs in September after adding 22,000 in the previous month.

Therefore, the crypto market could be at risk if the Federal Reserve slows the pace of interest-rate cuts.

Aster and Lighter overtake Hyperliquid

Another important crypto news today is that Hyperliquid is facing substantial competition pressure from Aster and Lighter. Data compiled by DeFi LLama shows that Aster, which is backed by Changpeng Zhao, handled over $84 billion in volume in the last 24 hours, higher than the $5.6 billion that Hyperliquid handled. This volume brought its 30-day volume to $290 billion, higher than Hyperliquid’s $279 billion. 

Aster weekly volume has soared | Source: DeFi Llama

Lighter handled transactions worth over $7.18 billion in the last 24 hours.

Still, it is unclear whether this data is accurate, as it notes that Aster handled $270 billion in volume last week, up from $10 billion a week earlier.

The data also show that Aster’s total value locked jumped to $2.26 billion, up from $346 million on Sept. 1.

Stablecoin supply nears $300b

Another key crypto news is that the amount of stablecoins in circulation is soaring and is about to hit $300 billion. 

The supply jumped by $4.15 billion in the last seven days. Tether maintains the biggest market share at $174 billion, while USDC has $73 billion. The other biggest players in the sector are Ethena USDe, Dai, Sky Dollar, and World Liberty Finance’s USD1. This stablecoin growth will likely accelerate after the U.S. passed theGENIUS Act. 



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September 29, 2025 0 comments
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DeepSeek's Best Crypto Presales to Buy for Uptober: AI Has Spoken
Crypto Trends

DeepSeek’s Best Crypto Presales to Buy for Uptober: AI Has Spoken

by admin September 29, 2025


Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

The total cryptocurrency market cap hit an all-time high of $4.17T on August 14. Since then, however, it’s been locked in a tight consolidation range between $3.5T and $4T.

Recently, it dropped sharply, falling around 9% in just 7 days between September 18 and 25, raising concerns over whether ‘Uptober’ is off the cards.

That said, zoom out, and you see Bitcoin has still gained 3.5% this month after a sharp 6.5% slump in August. Similarly, Solana and XRP are also likely to close the month in green.

Historically, Q4 has always been one of the best-performing periods for Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.

As per @CryptoNobler, a crypto trader with 253K followers on X, low-cap tokens could surge by more than 200% this October.

Looking at the Altcoins/Bitcoin index, the chart has been in an uptrend since 2018, when low-cap tokens rallied 120x in just a few months.

Source: @CryptoNobler on X

The next pump (175x) came in 2021, once again after the index found support on the same trendline. Now, the index is hovering around that trendline again, potentially signaling the start of Altcoin Season 3.0.

DeepSeek Finds Best Crypto Presales to Buy this #UPTOBER

Knowing that altcoin season is upon us is one thing, but taking advantage of it is a whole different ballgame.

That’s why we turned to DeepSeek to identify the most promising cryptocurrencies likely to benefit from Uptober’s rally.

After an in-depth analysis of market data, historical charts, and social chatter, DeepSeek highlighted three altcoins you shouldn’t miss.

Read on as we reveal DeepSeek’s best crypto presale picks, with a breakdown of each one in detail.

1. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) – Layer-2 Bitcoin Solution with Faster Transaction Processing & Lower Fees

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) aims to introduce a new layer of usability, speed, and scalability to the sluggish Bitcoin blockchain.

Imagine being Bitcoin, the world’s most popular cryptocurrency, and still not being able to participate in DeFi.

Sounds strange, right? However, that’s the way it is, but Bitcoin Hyper aims to change it.

$HYPER brings the advantages of Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) integration to the Bitcoin chain. This lets developers execute smart contracts and build dApps directly on Bitcoin, all without compromising security.

SVM is the same protocol that gives Solana its high throughput of around 65K transactions per second, compared to Bitcoin’s 7 TPS.

It uses parallel execution to process several transactions simultaneously, as long as those transactions aren’t related to each other.

On Bitcoin, the SVM integration will ensure transactions are aggregated and processed off-chain, then sent to the mainnet for confirmation and final settlement. This retains Bitcoin’s inherent security.

$HYPER also introduces a decentralized canonical bridge, acting as a pathway between Layer 1 and Layer 2 Bitcoin. Here’s how it works:

  • You send your Layer 1 tokens to the bridge, which verifies and securely locks them.
  • In exchange, the bridge mints you an equivalent amount of Layer 2 tokens fully compatible with Web3 applications.
  • You can then use these L2 tokens to explore DeFi apps and engage in staking, borrowing, lending, and even NFT marketplaces.
  • Once you’re done, you simply send the L2 tokens back to the bridge, which unlocks your original L1 tokens.

The $HYPER presale has already generated significant buzz among crypto investors, raising $18.8M to date. Today, $HYPER costs just $0.012995 a token. Here’s how to buy Bitcoin Hyper.

According to this expert $HYPER price prediction, the token could surge to $0.32 by year’s end – a staggering 2,300% return.

Join the $HYPER presale and be part of Bitcoin’s evolution.

2. Best Wallet Token ($BEST) – Non-Custodial Crypto Wallet That Lets You Directly Invest in the Best Presales

Best Wallet Token ($BEST) powers Best Wallet – a one-stop destination to securely manage all your crypto holdings with unmatched ease of use.

At a time when crypto adoption is at its peak, investors need a trustworthy wallet to safeguard their assets, and that’s exactly where Best Wallet comes in.

The first thing you’ll notice about the wallet is its security. It’s a non-custodial wallet, so only you have access to the private keys, ensuring no chance of foul play.

Next, you can enable two-factor authentication, including biometrics, to further secure your account. That said, security is just one part of the deal.

Best Wallet features a unique ‘Upcoming Tokens’ section where you can discover and invest in new cryptocurrency projects in presale directly within the app.

Unlike other wallets, which require you to visit presale websites and manually connect your wallet, Best Wallet allows you to purchase, claim, and trade tokens seamlessly, all within your wallet app.

Best Wallet aims to capture 40% of the non-custodial crypto wallet market share by 2027. Naturally, this success would reflect in the price of its native token, $BEST.

Buying $BEST now, in presale, also unlocks exclusive perks, like:

  • Early access to other hot presales and upcoming tokens
  • Lower gas and transaction fees within the app
  • Staking rewards, currently up to 82% p.a.

The $BEST presale has already raised $16.17M, with each token available at just $0.025715.

According to the experts behind this price prediction, a $100 investment at present could potentially grow to $2,400 by the end of 2026.

Grab $BEST now to lock in 82% annual staking rewards.

3. Remittix ($RTX) – Token Powering Crypto-to-Fiat Conversions with Zero FX Fees

Remittix ($RTX) is a Payment Finance (PayFi) solution that bridges the gap between digital and traditional currencies.

The platform enables seamless conversion of cryptocurrencies into fiat with same-day transaction processing and zero forex fees.

You can send crypto to anyone in the world, and they’ll receive it as fiat in their local denomination, directly in their bank account – without even realizing it was a crypto transfer in the first place.

Cross-border transactions usually involve hefty forex fees, which can add up quickly if you make regular transfers.

However, Remittix’s zero-forex-fee model ensures you don’t lose any part of your money to exorbitant platform charges.

Currently, Remittix supports 30 fiat currencies, 100 cryptocurrencies, and operates in over 40 countries, with coverage expected to expand as the platform grows.

The $RTX presale has been a huge hit, already raising $26.7M so far. Right now, you can get each $RTX token for $0.1166.

Disclaimer: Crypto is a highly risky endeavor. None of the above constitutes financial advice; please conduct your own research before investing.

Authored by Krishi Chowdhary, Bitcoinist – https://bitcoinist.com/deepseek-best-crypto-presales-to-buy-for-uptober

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.



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September 29, 2025 0 comments
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Ethereum (Midjourney/CoinDesk)
GameFi Guides

Chainlink Teams With Major Financial Institutions to Fix $58B Corporate Actions Problem

by admin September 29, 2025



Decentralized oracle network Chainlink is working with 24 of the world’s largest financial institutions to overhaul how corporate actions, such as dividends, stock splits, and mergers, are processed across global markets.

Chainlink ran a pilot with SWIFT, DTCC, Euroclear and six other financial institutions. It leveraged a combination of its blockchain-based and artificial intelligence (AI) to ingest and validate real corporate action events in multiple languages.

That led to the production of unified data containers, known as golden records, in near real time, according to a press release shared with CoinDesk.

These records were distributed simultaneously to blockchain networks and legacy systems like the interbank messaging system SWIFT, significantly reducing manual work and the risk of error.

The process used a blend of large language models, including OpenAI’s GPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude, to extract structured data from unstructured corporate action announcements. These were then published as unified gold records on-chain to create a “single source of truth that all participants can easily access, verify, and build upon.”

Chainlink’s Runtime Environment (CRE) validated model outputs, while its interoperability protocol (CCIP) relayed data to blockchains, including Avalanche and DTCC’s private network.

Data attesters cryptographically attested the outputs and contributed to potentially missing data fields. According to Chainlink, the system achieved a near 100% data consensus across all test events.

The current system for processing corporate actions is costly. Citi’s 2025 Asset Servicing report shows that the average corporate action touches 110,000 interactions and costs $34 million to process. The global financial industry is now spending an estimated $58 billion annually in processing corporate actions.



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Randy Pitchford has found his soulmate: an edgy cowboy robot named after money that's in Borderlands 4's first DLC
Game Updates

Randy Pitchford has found his soulmate: an edgy cowboy robot named after money that’s in Borderlands 4’s first DLC

by admin September 29, 2025


Remember when you were young, and had your first crush? All of a sudden your hormones are going nuts, and here’s this person you can’t think about without your face contorting into a goofy smile, or talk about without bashfully giggling. Well, it seems that’s how part-time Gearbox exec and full-time social media poster Randall Steward Pitchford II feels about Borderlands 4’s freshly revealed first DLC Vault Hunter.

It’s understandable to be fair. Which of us hasn’t found ourselves gazing longingly at a former casino robot dressed like a goth version of John Wayne, before volunteering to help animate its card-throwing? Sometimes, C4SH rules not just everything around you, but your very heart.

Watch on YouTube

C4SH is the name of this cowbot, whom you’ll be able to play as if you splash out for him when he arrives alongside the game’s first story DLC early next year. The Vault Hunter’s “a drifter who chases the probability-breaking highs of cursed eldritch artifacts, with his bio continuing that the first story DLC, Ellie and the Vault of the Damned, “is full of cosmic horrors that harbor uncanny curios, some of which can surely bend the odds in C4SH’s favour.”

As you might have guessed, C4SH is aimed at folks who like playing in a way that comes with high risk for potentially high reward, with the buckarndroid’s skills being deliberately unpredictable. That’s all cool, but the more important thing emphasised in C4SH’s reveal at the Tokyo Game Show is this: Randy Pitchford fucking LOVES him.

“C4SH is important to me because I think he and I have a lot in common,” the exec said during this on-stage reveal, having previously descibed the cowboy robot as “very dear to me, very personal to me.” What’s engendered these strong feelings in such a famously chill and dispassionate fellow? Well, Pitchford has both won and lost while doing some real life gambling, the CEO said, and he’s also a professional magician. “I’ve mastered sleight of hand with playing cards, and we used my demonstration to help animate the character in the game,” said the smitten Gearbox skipper.

We’ll have more to share in the coming months about C4SH and Story Pack 1, but for now, check out what’s up next in our post-launch roadmap, including our first Seasonal Mini-Event, Bounty Pack, and Invincible Boss. pic.twitter.com/FUYq5qduqO

— Borderlands (@Borderlands) September 28, 2025

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So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to basically be Randy Pitchford – or at least a cyborg Clint Eastwood that he sees a lot of himself in – now’s your chance to find out. I assume there’s a posting interface built into the HUD when you load in as C4SH. Either that, or you’ll have to run two monitors for the authentic experience of arguing with tweeters about the capabilities of their game-playing boxes as you play Borderlands. Remember: when it feels like you should probably stop posting, do not stop posting.

As they’ve revealed C4SH, Gearbox have also put out a DLC roadmap for Borderlands 4. Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned, the first story pack C4SH arrives as part of early next year, also includes extra main and side missions in a new zone of Kairos and new gear. Hopefully the majority of the performance issues which’ve plagued the shooter since release will be sorted by then, so you can enjoy C4SH rather than crash.





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September 29, 2025 0 comments
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Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme Performance Puts Pressure Back on Intel and Apple
Product Reviews

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme Performance Puts Pressure Back on Intel and Apple

by admin September 29, 2025


It’s important to note that this was all tested on the X2 Elite Extreme configuration, which comes with six additional CPU cores over the standard X2 Elite. There were no X2 Elite systems to test, so we don’t know what those multi-core scores will be. I’ve been told that GPU performance will also scale up on the X2 Elite, but we don’t yet know how much faster the X2 Elite Extreme is over its sibling.

The other caveats? The reference unit on which all of this was benchmarked is a bigger laptop than many current Snapdragon X Elite options—a 16-inch laptop with a 0.67-inch thick chassis. That’s not overly large, but performance in smaller laptops with less thermal headroom may perform differently. Qualcomm did have a few other reference designs on display, such as a 2-in-1 detachable, mini PC, and all-in-one desktop. These weren’t available for testing, but were a preview of what to expect next year when these chips launch in actual devices.

Finally, benchmarks are benchmarks. Take all of this with a grain of salt. How these chips will affect real-world performance in all the apps you use every day will be different. We’ll have to wait until these processors land in laptops to really stress test them, and we’ll have a better idea of how they perform against the competition.

X2 Elite Extreme and X2 Elite Confusion

Between the X2 Elite Extreme and the X2 Elite, there are technically three specific SKUs. The exact chip from the benchmarking session, the X2E-96-100, represents the top-tier performance in the lineup, with 18 cores and a dual-core 5-GHz boost. This is the chip that will be sold as the X2 Elite Extreme.

Confusingly, there are two Snapdragon X2 Elite chips, one that also has 18 cores and one with 12 cores. The difference between the two 18-core models is memory bandwidth. Although all three chips have a new neural processing unit capable of 80 TOPS, the X2 Elite chips are limited to 8-channel memory, whereas the X2 Elite Extreme has integrated 12-channel memory with a bandwidth of up to 228 GB per second.

That might sound like a subtle difference, and it will be for most people, but AI workloads are extremely memory-dependent—that lower bandwidth will be a bottleneck for anyone tapping out the NPU. With the X2 Elite Extreme configuration, the focus seems to be on speeding up AI workloads, rather than more conventional faster CPU or GPU performance.

Qualcomm seems to want to push the focus of AI in its top-tier configuration, but so far, the real jump in performance seems like it would be between the 12-core and 18-core versions of the X2 Elite. But we’ll have to wait until we can review these systems in new hardware.

Adding another top-tier chip with its own branding is an interesting move for Qualcomm, especially since the company seems to have the most success with its mid-tier chips that showed up in laptops around $1,000. But it’s a strategic move, especially if the company wants to achieve its goal of taking 50 percent of the Windows PC market share in 5 years.



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Art shows different EA game franchises.
Game Reviews

EA Announces Unprecedented $55 Billion Sale To Saudi Arabia, Jared Kushner’s Private Equity Group, And Others

by admin September 29, 2025


Another one of the biggest game publishers in the world is being sold. On Monday, Electronic Arts announced a $55 billion deal to take the publisher behind massive franchises like Madden, The Sims, and Apex Legends private, selling to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and President Donald Trump nephew Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. 

The all-cash deal values the company at a 25 percent premium over its mid-august stock price and is set to be finalized by mid-2026 pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. Current CEO Andrew Wilson will remain the head of the publisher which will stay headquartered in California. Roughly $20 billion of the sale is debt-financed through JPMorgan Chase Bank.

The sale builds on Saudi Arabia’s existing 10 percent ownership of the company which was built up in recent years amid investments across the larger gaming industry. Those included the $4.9 billion purchase of Monopoly Go! mobile game maker Scopely in 2023 and the gobbling up of Pokémon Go and Niantic’s other gaming businesses earlier this year for $3.5 billion. The current $55 billion buyout of EA is not just the government-backed Public Investment Fund’s largest gaming acquisition to date, it’s also the largest sale ever to take an existing public company private.

“Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work,” Wilson said in a press release. “Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come. I am more energized than ever about the future we are building.”

Founded back in 1982, EA’s gaming empire is vast with studios across the globe and franchises ranging from blockbusters like Battlefield and EA Sports FC (formally known as FIFA) to Mass Effect maker BioWare and smaller label signings this year’s critically-acclaimed GOTY-contender Split Fiction. It’s not yet clear how the deal will effect the size and scope of the roughly 15,000 person publisher, though this much money rarely changes hands without lots of people losing their jobs.

“EA has been challenged to innovate in the last decade,” Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter told Kotaku in an email over the weekend after news of the deal first leaked. “Several franchises have faded (Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Burnout, NFS), some failed (Anthem) and only a handful continue to produce. They suck at mobile and appear too focused on pleasing investors and not focused enough on pleasing gamers. I think the Saudis have the potential to jump start mobile and to try innovative moves like making Ultimate Team free. We’ll see if it works

Saudi Arabia’s funding partners include the private equity firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, the latter of which was founded by Kushner after Trump left office in 2021. Roughly half of its reported funding, approximately $2 billion, is also from Saudi Arabia. “Electronic Arts ​is ​an ​extraordinary ​company with a ​world-class ​management ​team and a bold vision ​for ​the ​future,” he said in a statement. “​I’ve admired their ​ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, ​and ​as ​someone ​who ​grew up playing their ​games ​- and now enjoys them with his ​kids–I couldn’t be ​more ​excited about ​what’s ​ahead.”

The deal arrives amid fresh criticism of people selling out to the Saudi Royal family despite its record of human rights abuses. Organizations backed by PIF held the Esports World Cup in Riyadh this summer and hosted talks with high-profile industry figures like Hideo Kojima and Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot, whose company is currently producing an Assassin’s Creed DLC set in Saudi Arabia. Outside the world of gaming, famous comedians like Bill Burr and Dave Chappelle were recently criticized for attending the Riyadh Comedy Festival.

“From the folks that brought you 9/11,” quipped WTF podcast host Marc Maron last week. “Two weeks of laughter in the desert, don’t miss it! The same guy that’s gonna pay them is the same guy that paid that guy to bone-saw Jamal Khashoggi and put him in a f***ing suitcase. But don’t let that stop the yucks, it’s gonna be a good time!”

The full press release is below:

Under the terms of the agreement, the Consortium will acquire 100% of EA, with PIF rolling over its existing 9.9% stake in the Company. EA stockholders will receive $210 per share in cash. The per share purchase price represents a 25% premium to EA’s unaffected share price of $168.32 at market close on September 25, 2025, the last fully unaffected trading day, and a premium to EA’s unaffected all-time high of $179.01 at market close on August 14, 2025.

PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners bring deep sector experience, committed capital, and global portfolios with networks across gaming, entertainment, and sports that offer unique possibilities for EA to blend physical and digital experiences, enhance fan engagement, and create new growth opportunities. The transaction represents the largest all-cash sponsor take-private investment in history, with the Consortium partnering closely with EA to enable the Company to move faster and unlock new opportunities on a global stage.

“Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work,” said Andrew Wilson, Chairman & CEO of Electronic Arts. “Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come. I am more energized than ever about the future we are building.”

“PIF is uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors, building and supporting ecosystems that connect fans, developers, and IP creators,” said Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments at PIF. “PIF has demonstrated a strong commitment to these sectors, and this partnership will help further drive EA’s long-term growth, while fueling innovation within the industry on a global scale.”

“This investment embodies Silver Lake’s mission to partner with exceptional management teams at the highest quality companies. EA is a special company: a global leader in interactive entertainment, anchored by its premier sports franchise, with accelerating revenue growth and strong and scaling free cash flow. We are honored to invest and partner with Andrew – an extraordinary CEO who has doubled revenue, nearly tripled EBITDA, and driven a fivefold increase in market cap during his tenure,” said Egon Durban, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake. “The future for EA is bright, we are going to invest heavily to grow the business and we are excited to support Andrew and the EA team as the company accelerates innovation, expands its reach worldwide, and continues to deliver incredible experiences to players and fans across generations.”

“Electronic Arts ​is ​an ​extraordinary ​company with a ​world-class ​management ​team and a bold vision ​for ​the ​future. ​I’ve admired their ​ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, ​and ​as ​someone ​who ​grew up playing their ​games ​- and now enjoys them with his ​kids – I couldn’t be ​more ​excited about ​what’s ​ahead,” said Jared Kushner, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Partners.

“The Board carefully evaluated this opportunity and concluded it delivers compelling value for stockholders and is in the best interests of all stakeholders,” said Luis A. Ubiñas, Lead Independent Director of EA’s Board of Directors. “We are pleased that this transaction delivers immediate and certain cash value to our stockholders while strengthening EA’s ability to continue building the communities and experiences that define the future of entertainment.”

Transaction Details

The transaction was approved by EA’s Board of Directors, is expected to close in Q1 FY27 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by EA stockholders. Following the close of the transaction, EA’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market.

The transaction will be funded by a combination of cash from each of PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners as well as roll-over of PIF’s existing stake in EA, constituting an equity investment of approximately $36 billion, and $20 billion of debt financing fully and solely committed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., $18 billion of which is expected to be funded at close. Each of PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners plan to fund the equity component of the financing entirely from capital under their respective control.

Upon completion of the transaction, EA will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California and continue to be led by Andrew Wilson as CEO.

Update: 9/29/2025 8:58 a.m. ET: Added more information about EA, details of the deal, and a quote from an analyst. 





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New York City’s ‘Bitcoin Mayor’ Eric Adams Drops Out of Race for Reelection

by admin September 29, 2025



In brief

  • New York City’s ‘Bitcoin Mayor’ Eric Adams has dropped out of the race for re-election.
  • Adams had publicly tied his image to crypto, from Bitcoin paychecks to calls for BitLicense reform, and many other initiatives.
  • His withdrawal follows legal troubles and questions about whether crypto can anchor political identity.

Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, ended his reelection campaign Sunday evening after a term marked by both controversy and his stature as one of the country’s most visible crypto-friendly politicians.

Over the course of his tenure, the self-described ‘Bitcoin Mayor’ had made crypto a key component of his public image: from taking paychecks in Bitcoin three years ago, to calling for the removal of the city’s BitLicense requirements, as well as pitching ways to make New York the “crypto capital” of the world. He also supported integrating blockchain technology into city systems from education to record-keeping.

Yet his efforts often stalled it the face of regulatory limits and political controversies. Almost a year ago, Adams was indicted on federal criminal charges with allegations of his connection to illegal foreign donations for his campaign.

“[…] some remain unsure of me after the unfortunate events surrounding my federal case,” Adams said at one point in his announcement video. “I was wrongfully charged because I fought for this city.”

Crypto’s shifting political tides

While Adams’ exit was shaped by legal battles and low polling, observers say the decision also shows the difficulty of using digital assets as a plank for political identity.

“Adams’ departure is largely symbolic. New York loses a visible crypto advocate, but the industry’s political traction has already been shifting toward states like Texas, Wyoming, and Florida where pro-innovation policies are taking hold,” Mayuko Hamazaki, principal at Willspire Capital, told Decrypt.

Adams’ withdrawal from the mayoral race “reflects his own controversies more than crypto itself,” Hamazaki added. “Politicians can still align with digital assets effectively, but success depends on broader credibility and policy agendas, not just a crypto-friendly stance.”

Others pointed to the crypto industry’s broader inroads into national policy.

“This is a New York story, not a crypto story,” Matt Mudano, co-founder and CEO of Bitcoin-native platform Arch Network, told Decrypt.

While Adams’ was “a loud supporter of crypto adoption,” his withdrawal “had more to do with his own personal controversies and doesn’t change the underlying trend: crypto is becoming more mainstream in U.S. policy,” Mudano said, adding that with “sustained, bipartisan work on broader market rules,” the wider perception of the crypto industry will be shaped by “national wins, not one mayoral race.”

Elsewhere in the U.S., politicians have incorporated crypto into their campaign platforms, such as Ian Calderon in California, who is running for governor with proposals to add Bitcoin to the state’s balance sheet and allow crypto payments for public programs.

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