'One more patch' is coming for the game, and it will add the feature,
CD Projekt Red says. The mods will be available across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X / S.
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Forbes
6 minutes ago
- Forbes
Why The Labubu Craze Became A Nostalgic Social Currency
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 12: Close-up detail view of seven Labubu monsters / charms / dolls / plus from ... More "Big Into Energy" collection : Loyalty, Happiness, Luck, Hope, Serenity, Love an Secret, during a street style fashion photo session, on June 12, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by) The distinctive grin of Labubu, a small, elf-eared creature with serrated teeth, has become widespread across social media feeds, celebrity red carpets, and fashion shows worldwide. What began as a collectible toy from Hong Kong-based Pop Mart has evolved into something far more complex: a cultural phenomenon that generated $423 million in revenue for the company in 2024 alone, transforming a playful figurine into a coveted symbol of exclusivity and insider knowledge. People wait in line to visit the new Pop Mart store selling Labubu toys at a shopping mall in Berlin ... More on July 25, 2025. Labubu is a brand of collectible designer plush toy monster elves created by Hong Kong-Dutch designer Kasing Lung and marketed by and sold exclusively at China-based retailer Pop Mart. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) (Photo by TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images) This isn't just another toy craze. The Labubu mania reveals something deeper about consumer psychology, nostalgia, and how objects become vessels for social status in the digital age. Through three distinct lenses—as a nostalgic product, a form of social currency, and a fleeting fashion statement—the Labubu phenomenon offers insights into modern consumer behavior and the mechanics of viral culture. The Power of Labubu's Nostalgic Design At the heart of Labubu's appeal lies a sophisticated understanding of nostalgia and emotional resonance. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2016, the character draws from Nordic folklore and European fairy tales, creating what author and fashion historian Robert Ossant describes as a 'fascinating combination of cute and ugly that taps into the 90s and Y2K aesthetic of Furbies, Garbage Pail kids, Troll dolls and cartoons like Rugrats and Ren & Stimpy.' Lung, born in 1972, spent part of his childhood in the Netherlands, and his design philosophy blends childhood memories with universal mythological elements. The result is a character that feels simultaneously new and ancient or something that resonates across cultural boundaries while tapping into collective childhood memories. "The large eyes and tiny nose resemble childlike characteristics, upping the cute factor and appealing to the anime and manga trends we're seeing in the current zeitgeist," explains Nina Vargas, a global beauty strategist, in her analysis of the toy's psychological appeal. These 'anthropomorphic qualities' don't just make the character endearing, but they create an emotional bridge that allows consumers to project feelings and memories onto the object. The timing of Labubu's global breakthrough in 2024-2025 wasn't accidental. After nearly a decade of relative obscurity, the character found its moment during a period when consumers were particularly receptive to nostalgic comfort items. In fact, if you scroll TikTok, you will see millions of videos of consumers listening to 90s music, revisiting fashion trends from that decade, or rewatching their childhood favorite movies and TV shows. The Labubu's ability to evoke childhood security while remaining contemporary enough for adult fashion sensibilities created the perfect storm for viral adoption. Labubu Is An Exclusive Social Currency Perhaps no aspect of the Labubu phenomenon is more revealing than its transformation into a form of social currency or an investment piece. The collectible toy market has long understood the power of scarcity, from Pokémon cards, Barbies and Beanie Babies, but Labubu has elevated this concept to new heights through strategic use of "blind box" purchasing and limited releases. "The Labubus became a social currency because to have a rare Labubu communicates an insider knowledge of trends and value. It began as 'if you know you know' (IYKYK) style statement and a widely understood, talisman of taste," Ossant explains. CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 17: Zufi Alexander wears an all Miu Miu look made of butter yellow long summer ... More dress and straw Miu Miu bag with attached Labubu bag charms during day five of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by) The economics are straightforward yet powerful: initial drops are priced modestly (around $30), but artificial scarcity quickly drives secondary market prices to multiples of their original value. This creates multiple tiers of social signaling. Owning any Labubu demonstrates cultural awareness, but owning a rare variant or paying premium resale prices communicates having insider knowledge, and frankly, the financial means. The unboxing ritual central to Labubu culture amplifies this social currency effect. "The unboxing and reveal of which character emerges from the packaging intrigues the viewers, making them eager to seek their own unwrapping experience in the hopes of having their own (hopefully rare) character," Vargas notes. Social media feeds filled with unboxing videos create a feedback loop of desire and FOMO (fear of missing out) that drives continued purchasing. Retail strategist Jeanel Alvarado, Founder & CEO at RETAILBOSS, identifies a crucial parallel: "Many collectors of Labubu for instance turned out to be luxury buyers. Affluent shoppers who typically seek out rare watches, handbags and limited edition pieces." This crossover reveals how Labubu functions as what Alvarado calls "recession-core": a lower-cost luxury that satisfies the same psychological needs as expensive handbags or watches during times of economic uncertainty. How Labubu Transcends Style And Fashion While Labubus have become ubiquitous fashion accessories, dangling from designer bags and celebrity outfits, their role transcends traditional fashion logic. Rather than following seasonal trends or aesthetic movements, it is a commentary on consumption, and generational divides. PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 08: A guest wears a burgundy bordeaux woven Bottega Veneta Andiamo leather ... More bag, light blue Labubu bag charm, cream Labubu bag charm, outside Elie Saab, during the Paris Fashion week Women's Fall/Winter 2025-2026 on March 8, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by) "Labubus represents more of a social statement than a fashion statement," states Anna Pompilio, Strategy Director at Marks. "It shows not only that you're tapped into the micro-culture of the moment, but that you either have the A) time to spend on Pop Mart hunting down your own Labubu or B) the money to spend on a resold one.' The fashion industry has taken notice. Luxury brands like Burberry and Celine have responded with their own character-based accessories, signaling recognition of the trend's commercial potential. However, this mainstream adoption may paradoxically signal the beginning of the end for Labubu's cultural cache. Ossant sees the trend as serving "as a critique of fashion's most ridiculous extremes, influencer culture and the relentless churn of trends, but also a commentary on different generations." According to him, it's become a tool for millennials to mock Gen Z's seemingly mindless consumerism, while Gen Z uses it to highlight just how much millennials are missing the irony. SHANGHAI, CHINA - JUNE 09: Labubu figures and dolls are seen on display at a Pop Mart store on June ... More 9, 2025 in Shanghai, China. From Southeast Asia and Europe to the United States and the Middle East, Labubu - the beloved character from Chinese toy company Pop Mart - is taking the world by storm. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) As with most viral phenomena, Labubu's future remains uncertain. The very mechanisms that drove its success such as social media amplification, artificial scarcity, and FOMO-driven purchasing are notoriously fickle and feed into overconsumption. Many, like Ossant, argue that Labubus are an entry level luxury where the value is tied up in rarity and exclusivity rather than actual cost. "Customers are fatigued with fast-fashion, and collector items and limited edition items have continued to catch waves with limited drops," Alvarado adds. Yet she also acknowledges the fundamental tension: once a trend reaches mainstream saturation, its value as social currency diminishes. Whether Labubu endures or fades, its impact on understanding consumer behavior, social media marketing, and the psychology of collectibility will likely persist. As Alvarado succinctly summarizes: "It shows the value is in the eyes of the beholder, for those who understand the collector and resale market potential for limited items it's a lucrative play, in addition to the clout they can get online. For others it's just an 'ugly toy.'" A man walks with two Labubu plush toys of Pop Mart hanging from his backpack straps along a ... More pedestrian street on The Bund in Shanghai on July 4, 2025. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Forbes
6 minutes ago
- Forbes
Android Circuit: Galaxy S26 Ultra Leaks, Pixel Watch 4 Pricing, Honor Magic V5 Breaks Records
Taking a look back at this week's news and headlines across the Android world, including Google confirms Pixel 10, Pixel Watch 4 pricing, pre-order records for Samsung and Honor, Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks, Now Bar updated with new AI, and Oppo continues photo partnership. Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Android in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Apple news here on Forbes. An attendee holds the new Google Pixel 9 phones during the Made By Google event (Photo by Justin ...) Google Reveals Pixel 10 It's tough to stop leaks in the modern smartphone world, so Google—in a move echoing its 2024 launch timetable—has confirmed the Pixel 10 family with a teaser ad on the Google Store: "You can currently see a video of the phone on Google's website (and below), which shows a gray-ish blue phone with three back cameras, a flash, and what appears to be a temperature sensor — previously a Pro-exclusive feature. Google's website only describes it as the 'Pixel 10,' but the phone in the video lines up more closely with official renders of the Pixel 10 Pro series." (The Verge). Pixel Watch 4 Pricing Details Pricing has yet to be confirmed on the Pixel 10 series, although retail leaks have suggested similar pricing to last year. The same is true of the Pixel Watch 4, with European sticker prices matching up 2024's model: "According to Dealabs, the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 will come in at 399€ for the Wi-Fi model and 499€ for the LTE version. The 45mm Pixel Watch 4 is 449€ for Wi-FI, while LTE is 549€. This is specifically French pricing, with the leak presumably coming from a local retailer." (9to5Google). Record Pre-Orders For Galaxy Z Series Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 have shown the demand for the foldable form factor remains relatively high, with over a million pre-orders for Samsung's latest: '...all the signs from key markets like India and South Korea are very encouraging. Almost surprisingly so. Not only are the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 nearly as popular as the Galaxy S25 series in the world's most populous nation, but the pre-order record set by the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 a couple of years back in Samsung's homeland has officially been broken as well." (Phonearena). Honor's Record Preorders Speaking of foldable records, Honor is seeng a similar lift in pre-orders. The latest Magic V5 is picking up record requests around the world: "We brought in double the stock of the Honor Magic V3 for this launch, and still managed to sell out online within just 48 hours. Foldables are clearly booming in Singapore. It's clear that consumers here are eager to embrace innovation.' (Honor Singapore via Hardware Zone). Samsung Boosts Galaxy S26 Ultra Specs Looking further ahead, the foldables may be the fashion, but the flagships are waiting in the wings. Some will undoubtedly be launched in September (likely in time for Berlin's IFA consumer technology show), while others will follow later. Samsung's Galaxy S26 family is either at the very end of that cycle, or kicks off 2026. Nevertheless, one recent leak suggests it is already behind in the specs comparison: "That's still a 10% increase, but battery sizes starting with 6 and 7 are becoming the norm for Chinese brands, so this will clearly be seen as a weakness for the S26 Ultra when it arrives. On the flip side, it is said to support 65W charging, for the first time a Samsung smartphone is going to go past the previously-inescapable 45W threshold. (GSMArena). Samsung Upgrades Now Bar As artificial intelligence becomes ever more prevalent, how it is brought to users will be key. Samsung's Now Bar is one of those choices, and the South Korean company is stepping up and introducing more services to the fore: "In the 'Device Experience Guide' for the Galaxy Z Flip 7, which ships with One UI 8, Samsung highlights that the Now Bar can now display real-time app alerts right on the cover screen. The document also reveals that app support for the Now Bar is set to expand from 20 services in One UI 7 (as of June 2025) to up to 35 in One UI 8 by the end of 2025." (Android Authority). And Finally... The traditional focus of smartphone photography is still a key point both in marketing and in manufacturing, so it's worth noting that Oppo's partnership with Hasselblad is set to continue: "Back in 2022, Oppo entered a strategic partnership with legendary imaging brand Hasselblad. The pair have been collaborating on all of Oppo's flagship phones since, and the two sides are now extending that partnership and revealed they are developing a next-generation imaging system for Oppo's upcoming flagship phones." (GSM Arena). Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don't forget to follow me so you don't miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last week's Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you'd like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Apple iSports Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd
IRVINE, Calif., July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apple iSports (OTC-QB: AAPI) ('Company' or 'Apple iSports' or 'AiS'), a gaming, entertainment, and technology services company, is pleased to announce it has signed a Definitive Agreement with LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd ('LBC' or 'Lucky Bet'), an online gaming, wagering, and payment systems company. Key Highlights LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd, a Queensland, Australia corporation, will sell all its shares to Apple iSports. The Board of Directors of both LBC and Apple iSports have unanimously approved the proposed transaction, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to any regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of closing conditions in the Definitive Agreement. LBC will continue to operate under its brand and will be led by Mr. Ian Parke, the CEO of LBC. Messrs. Ian Parke and James Tennant will join as Directors of the AiS Board, adding to the strength and experience of the Company. The Board of Directors of Apple iSports will apply its significant management skills and industry relationships to assist LBC in achieving its business strategies and expansion efforts. Strategic and Financial Rationale Key The proposed acquisition underscores Apple iSports' ability to execute strategic transactions pursuant to its stated business strategy. This transaction will underpin the Company's ambitions and excellent relationships in the gaming and entertainment communities by securing highly accretive gaming and wagering revenue streams from business-to-business (B2B) and consumers (B2C). In doing so, this will position the Company to become a highly competitive player in the U.S. online gambling services ecosystem. Ian Parke, CEO of LBC, stated, 'The proposed acquisition of our company by Apple iSports validates the global opportunity we see in regulated, tech-driven gaming. By combining LBC's platform and operational expertise with AiS's capital markets presence and distribution network, we are primed to accelerate our expansion into new markets and scale our white label program. This partnership represents a major step forward for Lucky Bet and the broader LBC ecosystem.' Joe Martinez, CEO and Chairman of Apple iSports, commented, 'The Board of Directors is excited to continue rolling out our stated objectives with our proposed acquisition of LBC. Our service offerings to B2B and B2C will now be significantly enhanced in a rapidly growing sector. Combined with our exceptional team, this transaction catapults us into the US and international gaming markets. Board member and director Lyndon Hsu, who is based in Singapore, commented, 'This defining transaction will expand our reach into gaming, wagering, and payment services markets via B2B and B2C opportunities. AiS will also be able to accelerate its stated capital raising objectives and further anticipated business acquisitions. Apple iSports remains on track to become a NASDAQ mainboard-listed company.' About LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd Established in 2022, LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd is a global gaming and fintech platform provider based in Queensland, Australia. Its flagship brand, Lucky Bet, is a digital-first casino and sportsbook operation currently expanding across South and Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, and other high-growth international markets, including the USA. LBC offers a comprehensive platform and managed services solution that powers both its own brands and a growing portfolio of white label partners. The platform supports real-money wagering across multiple verticals—including casino, sportsbook, esports, and fantasy—and is fully integrated with industry-leading payment gateways, fraud and risk tools, affiliate management systems, and compliance frameworks. Through its white label and turnkey managed services model, LBC enables media groups, influencers, and regional operators to enter new markets quickly and cost-effectively. Partners benefit from a fully outsourced operation—including technology, compliance, payments, customer support, and marketing automation—freeing them to focus on user acquisition and local market growth. Most brands go live within four weeks. Lucky Bet's innovative features include multimodal-based user onboarding, crypto and fiat deposit capabilities, and a Visa-issued crypto debit card program for VIP players. This forward-looking approach positions LBC as a differentiated provider in the global gaming ecosystem, uniquely equipped to serve mobile-native and digitally savvy audiences. LBC's platform is built to scale, with enterprise-level uptime, modular feature deployment, and real-time reporting capabilities, positioning the company as a preferred B2B partner in emerging and regulated markets alike. About Apple iSports Group Apple iSports is a rapidly emerging gaming, entertainment, and technology services provider to B2B and B2C. The Company's core businesses include gaming, wagering, and ecosystem solutions. The core team behind Apple iSports has over four decades of gaming and wagering experience in regulated markets such as Australia, the U.K., and Europe. The Company now brings that experience to the U.S., complemented by powerful corporate and finance capabilities. For additional information about the Apple iSports platform, please visit. Corporate and investor information at Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This release contains forward-looking financial information related to the Company's strategic growth initiatives. Actual results may differ due to market conditions and other factors. Apple iSports Group, Inc. assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law. Media Contact:Cathy VerlenchController & Head of Media RelationsApple while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
