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Rumors are swirling ahead of the 2024 Game Awards Thursday — but they’re not about who will take home the show’s prizes. Instead, most of the buzz ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Geoff Keighley -hosted event, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, is surrounding what big announcements and trailers video game developers and publishers will choose to release out of the show. Will Take-Two Interactive use this as its moment to finally reveal the release date for “Grant Theft Auto 6”? Will Skydance Interactive and Disney unveil details surrounding their closely guarded “Star Wars” game? Will Xbox surprise gamers and quickly reveal the first downloadable content (DLC) for MachineGames’ new hit “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle”? “I always say, people get excited to see one thing because they know it exists — but what about all those things that you don’t know exist? That’s what’s kind of fun,” Keighley tells Variety . “We always see the fake lists online of, ‘All these things are getting announced.’ And it’s just because those are things people know exist. And I’m like, but, what if there’s a whole set of other things out there?” Keighley and Game Awards executive producer Kimmie Kim, director Richard Preuss and production designer LeRoy Bennett are remaining tight-lipped on that front, but have plenty to say about the work that’s gone into prepping the 10th annual Game Awards. “What’s interesting about our show is that all the clips are online,” Keighley said, noting the show has always been free to watch (and rewatch) via YouTube and the Game Awards’ social media channels. “You can see it. It used to be on anniversary shows, you have to roll all these clips and all the things that happen because you can’t find them anywhere else. For us, our shows have been very accessible to everyone for a decade. So we’re going to tip our hat to some great people and moments that have been part of our show’s history — but we’re also going to focus a lot on the future. And with our show, it’s half an award show and half a look-forward to what’s coming next. This audience really does want to see the future, so we’ll be focused not just on what’s happening in 2025 in gaming, but I think you’ll see some things that are even further out at the show.” It took time, but over the past decade, the Game Awards has gained the trust of the gaming industry to break these big moments and publishers plan a year out to have their titles and announcements revealed during the show. “I come from awards shows like the Oscars or the VMAs where, the day when we’ve finished and the show goes out, we plan for the next year,” Kim says. “And there’s a similar vibe here, where we’re working closely with the vast majority of game companies always thinking ahead, how they wanted to collaborate years ahead, which we didn’t see the first couple years.” During that 10-year time period, the production quality of the show has also evolved to keep up with the industry it’s showcasing. For the 2024 show, the production team is working with more LED screens than ever before for those anniversary surprises. “Over the years that I’ve been designing the show, every year, I’m trying to push technology boundaries and try different things,” Bennett says. “There’s a certain format that we have to stick to because of just the nature of the awards, the games, and how you show the video games on the screens and stuff. But I constantly try to change the look of the show and the production within the format. This year involves a lot more LED screens and modules than we’ve ever had before. It’s a very architectural LED-based set.” While game developers, execs and fans will be celebrating Thursday, it must be noted that the SAG-AFTRA strike against major gaming publishers rages on and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight at the moment for contract negotiations, which largely surround the issue of generative AI in video games. Keighley and the Game Awards team are monitoring the situation and have kept this in mind when booking talent for the show. “We’re learning about it as it evolves and we’ve seen some of the comments around what’s a struck game, what is not a struck game, and can people appear or not?” Keighley says. “So we want to be respectful of the performers and their choices and how they want to participate in the evolving situation. We’re looking at it day by day and trying to be very respectful and we hope for a positive resolution.” Over the past 10 years, Kim says the level of prestige has risen for the show, while it’s also managed to maintain its indie status — not airing on a specific network or streamer behind a paywall, but on YouTube — and create a kind of general tribute to the year in video games. “There’s definitely people invested in it,” Kim said. “There’s a friendship and partnership where this is a team, doing this together, which I really find it interesting and unique to any other award shows, in a way. So it became one of these true community coming together moments when planning things ahead. That’s very helpful for producing the show, and also such a morale booster and rewarding thing that we able to create.” Preuss agrees with the all-for-one-and-one-for-all sentiment that he’s seen from the gaming industry when it comes to the Game Awards — not something typical of a competition-based event where people are duking it out for the top prizes. “The nice thing about this show from year to year is that there are these surprises, there are these special announcements. And it’s so much more than about the awards,” Preuss says. “It is a total celebration of the industry in a way that I don’t think other awards do. They celebrate, of course, the accomplishments of that year, which the Game Awards does — but there is a just a greater history within the show and it also always looks to the future.” The industry might be in love with the Game Awards — but they don’t love its lengthy runtime. While not alone in that particular issue, a common complaint for the Oscars, Emmys and other top events, Preuss says they are working on improving it each year. “Similar to a lot of other award shows, it’s all about pumping the gas and the brakes to keep the show running as tight as possible, so that there’s no awkward pauses,” Preuss says. “And that’s where our crew is so great, in terms of having the next band set up, or getting The Muppets — who’ve joined us many years and are back again — set up. Keeping our show very tight, but also doing our best to let things breathe appropriately.”Despite the talks of a contract extension, there remains a possibility that Raúl-Asensio could leave Real Madrid next summer in order to seek new challenges and opportunities. Several top clubs are said to be monitoring the player's situation closely, ready to pounce should he become available on the transfer market. This uncertainty has added an extra layer of drama to the ongoing negotiations between Raúl-Asensio and Real Madrid.12 Dec 2024 Revealed: The cycle of homelessness, hospital admission and discharge Victoria Macdonald Health and Social Care Editor NHS England is warning of a “tidal wave of flu hitting hospitals” after the number of beds occupied by patients with flu increased by 70% in a week. It was also the busiest November on record for accident and emergency. Hospital bosses are desperate to free up beds, but some are occupied by homeless people, who can’t be discharged without somewhere safe to go. Share on Facebook Share Share on Twitter Tweet Share on WhatsApp Send Share on WhatsApp Send Share on WhatsApp Email Load more share options
Signal Gold Exercises Option and Upsizes Concurrent Financing, Confirms Conversion of Subscription Receipts and Updated Credit Facility Restructuring TermsPLZEN, Czech Republic : Manchester United learnt lessons from their bland first half at Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday and sped up the action in the second period, allowing them to get a 2-1 win, coach Ruben Amorim said. Forward Rasmus Hojlund scored twice in the second half to allow United to come back from a goal down at six-times Czech champions Plzen for their third consecutive European win. "We improved during the game," Amorim told TNT Sports. "We controlled the game in the first half but without any great chances. "We lacked speed and movement and we didn't control the ball because the pitch was difficult to make the connections with the strikers. Viktoria didn't have chances either. "In the second half, we gave a goal away but we reacted well. We pushed the opponents to their own half and we managed to score. The win is important at the moment and it's good to prepare for the next game." United, still unbeaten in this year's competition, had more possession throughout the game but had to stand up to an initial spell of pressure from the hosts, who ended up taking the lead in the 48th minute through forward Matej Vydra. "The speed improved (in the second half)," Amorim added. "I told the players we need more movement in front because they have to feel we are a danger. "We changed a little bit of our game and the players from the bench also helped. We improved not just the way we play, but also the speed of the game. "We are improving in some details. We controlled the transitions very well. We were aggressive when we lost the ball. We need to spend more time near the opposition goal." The Portuguese manager was happy with the performance of substitute Hojlund, who needed just six minutes to cancel out Plzen's opener before sealing the win with another strike just before fulltime. "He is improving, he is more near the goal now," Amorim added. "He knows better the movement he has to do. He could score more this evening. But he is scoring, working and controlling the ball better." The Danish striker has been involved in six out of 12 of United's goals in the Europa League this season, scoring five of them.Highlights from Trump's interview with Time magazine
DoorDash will require its drivers to verify their identities more often as part of a larger effort to crack down on unauthorized account sharing. DoorDash has been under pressure to ensure its drivers are operating legally. Over the summer, for example, it pledged to do a better job identifying and removing dangerous drivers after a flood of complaints of dangerous driving from cities. Officials in Boston, New York and other cities have said that in many cases, people with multiple traffic violations continue to make deliveries using accounts registered to others. The San Francisco delivery company said Thursday it was requiring some drivers to complete real-time identity checks immediately after they complete a delivery. Previously, drivers were occasionally asked to re-verify their identities before or after a shift. DoorDash has introduced the new system in Los Angeles, Denver, Seattle and other cities, and said it planned a wider rollout next year. DoorDash said it also has developed an advanced machine learning system that can flag potential unauthorized account access, including login anomalies and suspicious activity. If the company detects a problem, it will require drivers to re-verify their identity before they can make more deliveries . U.S. drivers must verify their identities with a driver’s license or other government-issued identification, and upload a selfie that matches their identification photo before they can do work for DoorDash. They also must submit to background checks, which require a Social Security number. The company said it found that some drivers were getting around the requirements by sharing accounts with authorized users. In some cases, drivers who were not authorized to drive for DoorDash paid authorized users for access to their accounts. Some federal lawmakers have demanded that DoorDash and other delivery apps do a better job of keeping people who are in the U.S. illegally off the platforms. Republican U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Mike Braun of Indiana and Ted Budd of North Carolina sent letters to delivery companies in April asking them to crack down on account sharing. “These illegal immigrants are delivering food directly to consumers’ doors without ever having undergone a background check and often without even using their real names,” the letter said. It added that working illegally can also be dangerous for migrants, creating the potential for exploitation and abuse. The Associated Press left messages seeking comment Thursday with Gig Workers Rising and Justice for App Workers, which both represent delivery drivers. DoorDash won’t estimate how many drivers are using shared accounts, but said its safeguards are effective. Last year, it began asking drivers to re-verify their identities monthly by submitting a selfie. The company said it is now asking more than 150,000 drivers to complete selfie checks each week, and it’s removing them from the platform if they don’t comply.Two People Caught with Homemade Fake Customs Documents in Attempt to Safely Cross the Border with Excessive Luxury ItemsIn the Li household, even in the most unexpected of moments, love always prevailed – whether through tears, laughter, or the simple joy of being together. And as the night wore on, the gentle rhythm of their shared breaths filled the air, a testament to the unbreakable bond that held them all together, now and forever.
While her absence may be felt in the online community, Xuan Xuan's fans remain hopeful for her return and eagerly anticipate the next chapter in her inspiring journey. As she takes the time to recharge and recalibrate, one thing is certain – Xuan Xuan's indomitable spirit and infectious charm will continue to shine bright, captivating audiences and spreading joy wherever she goes.Royal expert left ‘angry’ after watching Prince Harry’s ‘really dull’ Netflix documentaryPolice release new photos as they search for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO
So, what can be done to break free from the grip of weight memory and prevent weight rebound? The key lies in adopting sustainable lifestyle changes that address the underlying factors contributing to weight gain. This may include establishing healthy eating habits, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress effectively, and seeking support from healthcare professionals or weight management programs.As the La Liga season enters its crucial stages, the battle for the title and the fight for survival at the bottom of the table are set to provide fans with plenty of thrills and drama. With every match becoming more important than the last, the teams in Spain's top-flight league will need to dig deep and show their fighting spirit to achieve their goals.The incident reportedly took place during a late-night operation by law enforcement authorities targeting illegal prostitution activities in the city. The chief prosecutor was allegedly caught red-handed in a compromising situation, leading to his immediate arrest and detention for further investigation.
Unbeknownst to Mr. Li and Lily, Mrs. Li had been quietly observing the scene unfold from the doorway, a mischievous glint in her eyes. While she was concerned about her husband's inebriated state, she couldn't help but find the situation slightly amusing. She knew that Mr. Li's emotions were genuine, but the theatricality of his drunken declaration was too absurd not to elicit a small chuckle from her.The Boston Bruins will have four players taking part in the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Jeremy Swayman will join defenseman Charlie McAvoy on Team USA in the round-robin tournament. McAvoy was previously named one of the first six players to the United States’ roster over the summer. Four Bruins in total will participate in the event: • Brad Marchand (Canada), • Elias Lindholm (Sweden) • McAvoy (USA) • Swayman (USA) Bruins general manager Don Sweeney is serving as the general manager for Team Canada. Two former Bruins players were also included on rosters as Linus Ullmark (Sweden) and Erik Haula (Finland) will participate. Hampus Lindholm was left off Sweden’s roster. The Bruins defenseman has been dealing with a lower-body injury since November. While the severity of the injury is unclear, , then-coach Jim Montgomery it would sideline Hampus Lindholm for weeks. Interim coach Joe Sacco didn’t have much of an update ahead of Boston’s Centennial game on Sunday, telling reporters he was still weeks away from a return. There was no media availability to ask questions of Swedish leadership to determine what they knew about Hampus Lindholm’s injury and whether they didn’t expect him to be back in time. Canada and Sweden open the tournament on Feb. 12 at 8 p.m., while the United States and Finland play on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m.Even in this banner season for military academy football — complete with winning streaks, national rankings and a conference championship — the biggest goal remains the same. For Army: Beat Navy. For Navy: Beat Army. With the college football landscape changing at a furious rate, the significance of this matchup adds a dose of tradition to mid-December, amid all that talk about the transfer portal and the new expanded playoff. "We've had a good year. You make it a great year by winning this game coming up on Saturday. Frankly, that's just the way it goes around here," Army coach Jeff Monken said. "It's a game and a season really all of its own. We don't apologize for talking about it all the time. We talk about it all the time, and it's 365 days a year." Saturday in Landover, Maryland, is the 125th matchup between Army and Navy, and although these two programs are long removed from their days winning national titles and Heisman Trophies, this is a historic moment in the rivalry. The Black Knights and Midshipmen have combined for 19 wins this season, their highest total ever entering this game. People are also reading... Army (11-1) is ranked 19th in the AP poll after beating Tulane last week to win the American Athletic Conference — the first league title of any kind in the team's 134-year history. Navy (8-3) was ranked as well earlier this season after starting with six straight victories. "I knew we were going to be an improved football team," Navy coach Brian Newberry said. "Didn't know exactly what that was going to look like. I think certainly we've improved in a lot of different areas. I'm excited about the season we've had." Common opponents This was Army's first season in the AAC, putting the Black Knights and Midshipmen in the same league, although their annual matchup is considered a nonconference game. For a while, there was a chance the teams could meet twice, with a conference championship clash coming before the regularly scheduled Army-Navy game, but that didn't happen. Their most prominent common opponent came from outside the league. Notre Dame handed both Navy and Army its first loss, beating the Midshipmen 51-14 and the Black Knights 49-14. Within the AAC, both teams beat Temple, UAB and East Carolina. Army beat Tulane and Rice and Navy lost to those two teams. Army and Navy also each won its nonconference game against Air Force. Trophy time Those victories over Air Force mean this season's Commander-In-Chief's Trophy comes down to the Army-Navy game. It's the first time since 2017 that both teams enter this game with a shot at the trophy. It's also the first time since 2017 that both teams enter the game with bowl bids secured. Navy faces Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl and Army takes on Marshall in the Independence Bowl. Back in Maryland This year's Army-Navy game is at the Washington Commanders' home stadium in Landover. It was also held there in 2011. This is the first time the game has been in Maryland since Baltimore hosted it in 2016. Baltimore is also up next in 2025. Chasing a record Army quarterback Bryson Daily has 29 rushing touchdowns this season, which is tied for the FBS lead with running back Ashton Jeanty, Boise State's Heisman finalist. Only one QB in FBS history has run for more TDs in a season than Daily. That was Navy's Keenan Reynolds, with 31 in 2013. "You come here to play in this game. The biggest stage possible, millions of people watching and a sold-out NFL stadium. It's awesome," Daily said. "None of the games that happened before this matter. We're going into this game like we're 0-0, they're 0-0 because that's just how you have to come into this game." Decisive Navy's closest game this season — win or lose — was a 56-44 win over Memphis. The Midshipmen are the only FBS team that hasn't had a game this season decided by eight points or fewer. AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Augie standouts, locals earn all-region honors
A group of entrepreneurs hope that a dog-friendly cruise they are planning for next November turns into a recurring event.