Attendees at the weekend event can earn a Crafter Cape by collecting three Emerald Stickers, which are obtained by participating in designated Minecraft sessions and activities. Each attendee is allowed only one cape, but there is no limit on the total number of capes distributed. To collect Emerald Stickers, attendees must engage in sessions labeled with “Minecraft Emerald” or participate in activities at the Minecraft Arena. Stickers can be placed in the Inventory Ribbon, which has three slots and can be collected at the Swag Bag kiosk. After collecting the stickers, attendees can redeem their cape at the Cape Trader in the Minecraft Village within the Arena. A wristband scan and verification of the completed ribbon are required to receive a Cape Card with a unique in-game code. For those unable to attend, an alternate Builder Cape will be available online during Minecraft LIVE on May 30.
Grinding Gear Games is making Path of Exile 2 more accessible with the 0.5 update, titled Return of the Ancients, which introduces significant changes to the game. The update includes enhanced in-game guidance, allowing players to access build guides, prioritize skill gems, and receive tailored tips on item stats directly within the game. This feature aims to reduce the intimidation factor for newcomers and streamline the experience for players creating their own builds. The developers of Path of Building are also planning to update their tool to enhance compatibility with the new in-game integration. Additionally, the update simplifies crafting mechanics by linking specific materials to each mechanic, making planning easier for players. Game Director Jonathan Rogers expressed optimism about the new quests improving endgame accessibility and stated that Grinding Gear Games aims to incorporate functionalities that players need for the 0.5 update, with plans for a 1.0 launch by the end of 2026.
A modded Minecraft server often experiences a significant decline in player engagement, with many losing over 60% of active players within the first month due to sustainability challenges. Successful servers adopt a structured approach, starting with a focused modpack and gradually guiding players through early, mid, and late game stages. The technical infrastructure affects player retention, with consistent performance and uptime above 99% being crucial. Smaller servers with 20 to 50 players tend to have higher engagement rates. Community interaction is vital for server success, with shared goals enhancing player involvement. A staggered approach to content updates, introducing new mechanics every 2 to 3 weeks, helps maintain player interest without overwhelming them.
The developer Evil Raptor has released a significant update for the team shooter Far Far West, which includes an overhaul of the Prestige system to reduce grind time by halving the required experience gains and restructuring the unlocking process for Joker and upgrade slots. Players can now prestige heroes and weapons up to level 15 and unlock an additional bonus upgrade slot, totaling six. Jokers will now be instanced per player to improve resource distribution, and players can share Jokers without triggering healing effects. The drop rate of Jokers has been adjusted based on team size. Balance changes include increased ammo for the Bow, a damage buff for Dual Revolvers, and a doubled Fire Rate upgrade for the Minigun. The Overblast modifier has been nerfed, and adjustments have been made to enemy types for better balance. The update also features bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, and new options for players in the lobby. The update is now live, and players are encouraged to provide feedback through official channels.
Developer Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has announced a major update for Path of Exile 2 called Return of the Ancients, which is described as the largest enhancement for both the sequel and its predecessor. Game Director Jonathan Rogers addressed community concerns about missing features, particularly the absence of swords and certain classes like the Duelist, reassuring players that these elements will eventually be introduced. He expressed satisfaction with the current state of the game compared to previous updates and emphasized the team's commitment to delivering a polished experience. Patch 0.5 will be the last major update before the 1.0 launch, scheduled for late 2026, focusing on balancing, introducing new unique items, and completing the final two acts of the campaign. The update will feature new systems aimed at enhancing accessibility for players, including a "questification" of content and streamlined crafting systems. Additionally, integrated build guides will improve the user experience by allowing easier in-game access to build plans. The update is set to launch on May 29.
- The Backbone One is a mobile gaming controller that is easy to recommend and comfortable for long gaming sessions.
- The Backbone Pro is an upgraded version of the Backbone One with additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity and programmable back buttons.
- The ohsnap! Mcon Mobile Gaming Controller is a magnetic controller that attaches to the back of phones and has a unique design.
- The GameSir G8 Galileo is a mobile gaming controller with a cradle style that holds smartphones and has Hall-effect sticks and triggers.
- The Razer Kishi Ultra is a sliding controller designed for tablets and large phones with USB-C connectivity.
- The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is a traditional mobile controller with a retro design, Hall-effect sticks, and customizable features.
- The Gulikit KK3 Max is an upgraded version of the King Kong controller with Hall-effect joysticks and programmable buttons.
- The Viture x 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is designed for smart glasses and offers a comfortable gaming experience.
Paxos has implemented Blue-Green upgrades to improve database maintenance for asset trading, achieving a 50-fold reduction in downtime from 30-120 minutes to approximately one minute. This upgrade strategy allows for real-time synchronization between a blue cluster handling production traffic and a new green cluster with the updated version. Challenges included issues with CREATE ROLE statements disrupting upgrades due to temporary roles and the necessity to drop replication slots before PostgreSQL 17, which could lead to data loss. Additionally, upon the green cluster becoming primary, it acquires a new cluster ID, requiring updates for clients using RDS IAM authentication. The transition to PostgreSQL 17 is anticipated to resolve the need to drop logical replication slots, preserving Change Data Capture (CDC) continuity.
Fractal Design has launched the Torrent series of cases, including the Torrent Compact, designed for maximum efficiency and airflow. The Torrent Compact supports various motherboard sizes (E-ATX, ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX) and features a top-mounted power supply, seven expansion slots, and multiple fan and radiator mounting options. It includes two 180 mm Dynamic X2 fans, capable of moving 153 CFM of air, and has a net weight of 7.7 kg with dimensions of 450 x 222 x 467 mm. The case offers three 2.5" drive bays and one 3.5" drive bay, along with front panel ports including USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C and USB 3.0. The design emphasizes unobstructed airflow and includes a removable dust filter. The case is equipped with a PWM-controlled hub for up to nine fans and features a dedicated mounting hole for custom cooling loops. The assembly process is standard, though the top-mounted power supply and limited cable management space may pose challenges. The case's performance was tested with high-end components, demonstrating effective cooling capabilities, although the fans can produce noticeable noise at maximum speeds.
The Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue will take place at Mandai Wildlife Reserve from April 24 to September 13, 2026. It is Asia's first immersive Minecraft experience, featuring guided tours through various Minecraft-inspired biomes. Participants will use a handheld device called the Orb of Interaction to engage with the environment, performing actions such as breaking blocks and gathering resources. Each session lasts approximately 55 minutes with timed entry slots every 15 minutes, and group sizes are limited. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and entry is free for those aged 2 and under. Guests will receive a limited edition Minecraft Experience Cape upon completion and can purchase themed merchandise at the Trading Post. Bundled ticket options are available for access to other Mandai attractions, offering potential savings. The experience is designed to be accessible for a diverse audience, encouraging various levels of participation.
