Latest news with #Imperium
CNET
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Netflix Expands Zach Snyder's Rebel Moon Series With Blood Line Game
I never got around to watching Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon film series on Netflix. So, before I started playing an early version of Blood Line: A Rebel Moon Game through Netflix Games, I was nervous I wouldn't understand what was happening. But you don't need to have seen the films to enjoy this mobile game. Super Evil Megacorp, the team behind the award-winning game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, developed Blood Line: A Rebel Moon Game in collaboration with Snyder. The game is a whole new story with a fresh cast of characters set within the Rebel Moon universe. Here's what you should know about Netflix's Rebel Moon tie-in game, Blood Line, before you get started. Blood Line's story fits into Rebel Moon, but you don't need to have seen the films This new Rebel Moon story is set on the planet Krypt, and it features an original cast of characters. Netflix The game begins when your character decides to rebel against the Imperium -- think the Empire from Star Wars. You link up with other rebels, carry out raids and attacks on Imperium strongholds and use resources to upgrade weapons and loadout. All this takes place on the planet Krypt, which fans of the films might recognize as an ally of the Imperium. According to Snyder, this choice led to some cool ideas. "We find out what makes the Krypteians such capable warriors," Snyder said in a video shown in a press briefing. "What if a rift formed between these two cultures who have aligned for a thousand years … and what if that rift exploded into a planet-wide rebellion?" But you don't need to know the lore of the films to enjoy this game, because this is a fun mobile game you can play with your friends or by yourself. The different classes of characters let you take on missions how you want, and the quick missions offer enough of a challenge to keep you coming back to try and perfect your run. Which Blood Line class is right for you? The four classes in Blood Line are -- from left to right -- the Forsaken, Evoker, Kindred and Bannerguard. Netflix There are four different classes with unique playstyles and abilities you can play as in the game. There's the Bannerguard, which is a heavy assault class. Their main weapon is a machine gun, and some of their abilities allow them to boost their team's damage or allow teammates to take reduced damage. The Evoker is your support class, and their main weapon is a staff that can charge up attacks over time -- and the starting staff can attack multiple enemies at once. As a support class, their abilities focus on healing others and providing teammates with increased movement speed and other buffs. The Forsaken is an assassin class and specializes in close-range combat. They carry two dual-edged swords, and some of their abilities can give them, as well as nearby teammates, a speed boost. Finally, there's the Kindred, which is a long-range sniper class. The Kindred has a bow that can inflict a lot of damage when fully charged, and they can set traps around the battlefield that can stun enemies. I found myself switching between the Bannerguard and Forsaken classes when I played the game. The Bannerguard is a pretty well-rounded unit that can deal and take a lot of damage, so that is an easy first class to get acquainted with the game. And the Forsaken was just fun to play. I spammed the dodge button like I was playing Elden Ring to get in close to enemies, hit them fast, and then I'd jump out of the way of enemy fire. However, the Evoker and Kindred classes feel like they would be more helpful in multiplayer matches as opposed to single-player games -- especially the Evoker support class. I completed a mission with each class, but the Evoker's buffs felt like they were meant to share with others, and the Kindred's sniper class and traps felt wasted because enemies always saw me, so I could never hide or lay any traps. Both classes make the missions more challenging in single-player mode, but I imagine each class really shines when you're playing with others. As you play, your character gains experience and levels up and becomes more formidable, bringing an RPG element to the game. You can also upgrade your weapons, giving them more damage or other benefits. Short but engaging missions make it easy to hop in and out of this game You can take on these missions on your own or with friends. Netflix The missions I played were fairly short, taking only a few minutes to accomplish, which I liked. It allowed me to jump into the game for a few minutes at a time without requiring a huge chunk of my time. So I could play a quick mission while I waited for some food to heat up in the microwave. I also enjoyed the different side objectives for each mission. Each mission has a main objective as well as secondary goals that give you more rewards. Some secondary goals are to take out a certain number of enemy troops, and others are to beat the mission within a given time limit. Luckily, you can replay each mission; that way, you can go back and accomplish any objectives you might have missed and level your character up. Between each mission, you go to your hideout where you can talk to other members of the rebellion to learn more about them, upgrade your weapons and loadout or change your class. The hideout is also where the main narrative beats happen as you learn more about what is happening in the rebellion and what your next move is. If you played Super Evil Megacorp's TMNT game, you might expect Blood Line to be a roguelike since they are similar in other areas, like their co-op mechanics and top-down gameplay. However, that's not the case. Each level in Blood Line has a consistent layout and enemy count, so you know what you're getting into each time you select a given mission. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but something to be aware of if you thought this was going to be a roguelike game. Netflix's content development continues to evolve While Blood Line offers a fun and challenging experience, it also marks another step by Netflix to revamp its gaming strategy. Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters said in the streaming company's fourth-quarter earnings call for 2024 that it would keep adjusting its games strategy, focusing more on narrative games based on Netflix content. "We want to do more recognizable, mainstream titles, whether that is licensed titles, like GTA…as well as home-grown titles based on our IP," he said. To that end, Netflix released the Black Mirror tie-in game Thronglets in April on the same day the company released the seventh season of the show. The game was featured in one episode of the season, and I felt the game gave more depth to the story the episode was telling. The story in Blood Line isn't featured in a Rebel Moon film the way Thronglets was in Black Mirror. It expands the universe of Rebel Moon and makes it more immersive by giving the Krypteians more depth. They aren't the good guys in the films, but in the game, we get to see another side of their people and world that fleshes them out and gives them more character and agency in the larger Rebel Moon universe. Netflix subscribers can play Blood Line: A Rebel Moon Game now on mobile. This and other games are included in the price of a Netflix subscription (starting at $8 a month). You can access Blood Line and other Netflix games through the Netflix mobile app. For more on Netflix games, check out what to know about Spirit Crossing, WWE 2K and the Grand Theft Auto series on the service.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Did this WWE star just reveal secret El Grande Americano identity?
The post Did this WWE star just reveal secret El Grande Americano identity? appeared first on ClutchPoints. With the recent injury to WWE star Chad Gable, someone has to take up the El Grande Americano mantle, and former Imperium member Ludwig Kaiser may have dropped a bombshell tease. Advertisement He took to his Instagram Stories (via WrestleLamia on X, formerly Twitter) to share a picture from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Interestingly, he is getting an Americano coffee drink from a machine, leading to fan speculation. This added fuel to the fire that Kaiser is Americano. The role was originally played by Gable, but someone had to take over it in his absence. During the June 30, 2025, edition of Monday Night RAW, Americano was seen backstage. While he was masked, it was obvious that Kaiser was the one under the mask. Is Ludwig Kaiser WWE's El Grande Americano? All signs point to Kaiser being the new Americano. He appeared backstage during the June 30 edition of RAW, and it was clear he was under the mask. During the show, Kaiser also leaned into the internet frenzy he caused, asking, 'What's all the fuss about?!' on X. Advertisement We will have to see how WWE handles it from here. Will they act like Kaiser is the same Americano that Gable played? Or will there be an explanation for his change in height? Either way, Kaiser is probably just happy to be back on screen. He had not been seen on RAW since March 2025, and he has not competed in a televised match since April 28, 2025. He took part in the 2025 André The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images. It is unclear why Kaiser was kept off WWE TV for so long. That usually does not bode well for Superstars, but he now appears set to be in a marquee spot on the card. Kaiser was previously part of Imperium with Gunther. While Kaiser kicked Giovanni Vinci out of the group, the group appears to have disbanded as of December 2024. Gunther wanted Kaiser to pave his own path, and becoming Americano appears to be the direction Kaiser went. Advertisement Meanwhile, the 'Ring General' is the reigning World Heavyweight Champion in his second reign. Gunther just beat Jey Uso to win the World Heavyweight Championship for the second time. Related: Idris Elba reveals John Cena-led WWE Mount Rushmore Related: Real reason for WWE star Roman Reigns' hiatus revealed
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tiffany Stratton's partner, Ludwig Kaiser, makes a mysterious RAW return
Ludwig Kaiser and Tiffany Stratton (Image via Getty Images) Ludwig Kaiser has been missing from the action since long time and has left the fans wondering: Where is Ludwig Kaiser? Known for his time with Imperium, the wrestler quietly disappeared from RAW and SmackDown, leaving his future uncertain. But now, after nearly two months off TV, Kaiser has finally resurfaced, and his return comes with even more intrigue, considering his real-life relationship with fellow WWE star Tiffany Stratton. With Stratton currently rocking on SmackDown and Kaiser missing in action, fans speculated whether WWE had a bigger plan in motion. And now, Kaiser's unexpected RAW appearance suggests his story inside the ring is far from over. Ludwig Kaiser was spotted during a heated RAW segment The last time Ludwig Kaiser was seen in televised action was back in April during the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown ahead of WrestleMania 41. Since then, his only matches came quietly on WWE Main Event, and his absence from RAW and SmackDown left everyone scratching their heads and wanting more. But that all changed on the June 23rd episode of RAW. During a backstage segment, tensions exploded between Chad Gable and Penta . The fight between the two got worse when Penta pulled Gable's arm badly, leaving him in pain as the referees and producers quickly came to help. While everyone was focused on the fight, some sharp-eyed fans noticed Ludwig Kaiser quietly standing in the background, watching everything happen. The commentators didn't mention him, but fans quickly spotted him and started talking about it online. Ludwig Kaiser's future after Imperium and what's next Ludwig Kaiser rose to fame as part of Imperium alongside Gunther and Giovanni Vinci . But with Vinci released earlier this year and Gunther now dominating as a two-time World Heavyweight Champion, Kaiser's path has become less clear. There's been no public fallout between Kaiser and Gunther, but WWE has hinted at Kaiser stepping out from under The Ring General's shadow to build his own legacy. His quiet, background appearance on RAW may just be the start of that journey. Penta snaps on Chad Gable: Raw highlights, June 23, 2025 Adding to the intrigue is Kaiser's real-life relationship with rising star Tiffany Stratton. With Stratton on SmackDown, some fans believe WWE may have future plans that could tie their on-screen stories together. For now, though, Kaiser's solo return is enough to spark speculation. Will Kaiser target Penta? Align with Gable? Or forge his own path entirely? One thing is clear, he will not be hiding in the background for long. Ludwig Kaiser is back, and his next move could shake things up in a big way. Also Read: Ludwig Kaiser takes a little help from WWE legend Shawn Michaels to get back at Charlotte Flair For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘There's an epic nature to this story': ‘Dune: Prophecy' star Emily Watson teases travels to Arrakis for Season 2
In its first season, Dune: Prophecy explored the Imperium and the foundations of the Sisterhood that would become the powerful Bene Gesserit 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides. At the cornerstone of that foundation stands Valya Harkonnen. As played by Emily Watson on the HBO series, the Mother Superior is a powerful and uncompromising leader, doing everything she can to secure the future of her Sisterhood. More from GoldDerby Kaitlyn Dever on playing 'horrible' characters in 'Last of Us', 'Apple Cider Vinegar': 'I just don't see any other option but to give 100 percent' How the longtime 'Severance' cinematographer wound up directing Season 2's standout episode 'We could do this show forever': 'Somebody Somewhere' creators on final season, heart, and the humor of Bridget Everett By the end of the series' first season, Vayla found herself on a new planet, but one very familiar to Dune fans. Gold Derby had the opportunity to speak with Watson about playing Valya and what lies ahead for her as she ventures to Arrakis in search of the enemy who could destroy everything she holds dear. Gold Derby: What was your familiarity level with the world of coming into this project? Emily Watson: Minimal. I had seen the first Denis Villeneuve movie, but then went on a very steep learning curve. I'm glad I didn't know that when we set out on that journey, the level of fandom — not just the lore and the detail of it and mythic nature of it — but also the sense of ownership of what the interpretation should be. There's a very heartfelt, passionate voice out there, people who know and love this world. How much did the depth of this fictional world help your process? Or did you avoid knowing too much? It certainly helped up to a point. Obviously, you have to respect the material and learn as much as you can. We had a very helpful team of people helping us digest material and pointing us in the direction of pieces of research and pieces of the books that would be useful. I wasn't going to sit down and read absolutely everything. At the same time, as with any part, you have to go on your own imaginative journey with it and make it — in a very strange and alien universe — as human as you can. What were you first impression of Valya once you were able to read material from the show? Very messed-up, very tough, very damaged. Very, very driven in the sense of the ends justifying the means. The end to her is righteous. She's in the business of saving the universe and saving humankind. She basically founds a cult, and cult leaders are very charismatic, persuasive people. They pit young people in competition with each other to be the most zealous. It's a sort of recruiting tool — telling people they're special and that they're the chosen ones and that they can save the world. It's the beginning of a myth. It's the beginning of thousands of years of creating a myth. Which aspect of her character appeals to you in how you approach portraying her as an actor? I love the idea of going into the world of science fiction and superpowers and all of that. But with Valya, all of her powers are in her mind, so the actors are doing the heavy-lifting. It's about mental prowess and having to be very, very present, in-tune with people, and hyper-aware. I like the mental discipline aspect of it. How much consideration did you give Charlotte Rampling's performance from the Villeneuve films? Or did the 10,000-year gap free you up? Absolutely, that 10,000-year gap is liberating. Thank God! At the same time, I do think she's iconic. She's an incredible presence and an incredible actress and so powerful. For our job, that's a direction of travel, but at the same time, with the way that our story was structured — going back to when these character were young and how they began to travel down this path and the unformed nature of what they're doing and the vulnerabilities that they have — it's showing a different arrival point. Was there any framework for you and Jessica Barden (who plays the younger Valya) to synch up your performances? Or were you just relying on the writers? Strangely, we had visions of spending time together, but the strike meant that it was not to be. We did talk. Once I started talking to her — her sense of fierceness and rawness — I felt lucky. To have someone portray your past in such a vivid way, it does an awful lot of the work for you. To arrive at Valya in place where all that youthful wildness is being control and put to a purpose, it felt like a nice journey between the two of us. What was it like to get to see her performance finally? It was great. It was thrilling. It made me nervous. I had seen [the younger actors] around, but we didn't have any scenes together. Seeing how those youngsters created that early world was fantastic. It seems possible within the world of the show that you could eventually be in a scene together. I know! I was saying that her the other day. "I wish we could do stuff together." But there is an awful lot of scope for doing whatever you want in this universe. How does thorough world-building in the production design affect your performance? It immediately gives you a sense of place and a sense of status. Again, it does a lot of the work for you. Those costumes were very powerful, feminine, and dark. Wearing a veil, in fact, I found thrilling. It's like wearing a mask. It's liberating because you can project a different kind of power from behind a veil. I love that. But also, the sets were breathtaking. Every time we went onto a new set, it was really shocking how big and powerful they were. It was awe-inspiring. There's an epic nature to this story. It's a vast universe, spanning many worlds. You don't have to work to reach for that. Valya's sister, Tula (played as an adult by Olivia Williams), is the closest relationship she has, but the two character spend most of the season apart. What was it like trying to bridge that gap and sell the familiarity? We have enough time together to establish that. Olivia and I are different kinds of actors, but we very much come from the same stable — theater and Shakespeare — with an understanding that you are taking a particular part of the story and serving that. Knowing that they were connected in their mission and what they were trying to achieve, although very far apart from each other, and trusting Olivia as an actor to be running the show back at the school brilliantly while I was off doing what I was doing. That sense of betrayal at the end, that nothing has been what I thought, feels powerful. Valya ends the season on Arrakis. A personal question: How do you feel about sand? I'm not particularly good with heat, so it's going to be interesting. I don't think we can be in the same location because of world events, but judging by the Villeneuve films, they shot everything in the desert at dawn and dusk. Wherever we are, I hope it's the nicest light, but obviously not too hot. Best of GoldDerby Chloë Sevigny on Kitty Menendez and 'Monsters' fascination: 'People are endlessly curious about those who have privilege and abuse it' Jason Isaacs relives filming 'The White Lotus' piña colada scene: 'It was one of the reasons I was worried about taking the job' Kaitlyn Dever on playing 'horrible' characters in 'Last of Us', 'Apple Cider Vinegar': 'I just don't see any other option but to give 100 percent' Click here to read the full article.
Time Business News
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How Baptist Health Leveraged AI to Improve Help Desk Management
In the healthcare industry, efficiency and responsiveness are key. When the help desk at Baptist Health—one of the country's leading healthcare networks—became overburdened with routine support requests, the organization knew it was time for a change. Baptist Health partnered with Imperium Dynamics to introduce an AI-powered solution that transformed their help desk into a streamlined, 24/7 support hub, reducing response time and enhancing staff productivity across departments. The Challenge: Manual Overload on IT Teams Like many healthcare organizations, Baptist Health's help desk was handling hundreds of tickets daily. From simple password resets to software access issues, IT staff were constantly firefighting rather than focusing on strategic improvements. The backlog affected every level of the organization—delays in support meant slower operations, which ultimately impacted patient services. Furthermore, many of these tasks were repetitive and didn't require human decision-making. The team realized the need for automation but wanted to do it smartly, using AI that could grow with their needs. The Imperium Dynamics Solution Imperium Dynamics designed and deployed an AI-driven help desk chatbot built using Microsoft Power Platform, Azure AI, and CoPilot Studio. The solution was designed to: Automate routine queries such as password resets and access requests such as password resets and access requests Provide self-service articles directly through the chat interface directly through the chat interface Escalate complex tickets to IT staff with all contextual information included to IT staff with all contextual information included Operate 24/7, providing consistent support across all shifts The chatbot was integrated into Baptist Health's internal systems and made available through platforms like Microsoft Teams and the company's employee portal. Phased Implementation To ensure a seamless rollout, the project followed a 3-phase approach: Assessment & Planning: Imperium evaluated the existing ticketing systems and identified the most common pain points and ticket types. Pilot Launch: A limited version of the chatbot was deployed to a select group of users. Feedback was collected and used to fine-tune responses. Full Deployment: After successful testing, the chatbot was rolled out organization-wide, backed by training resources and change adoption workshops. Results That Speak Volumes In the first six months following the deployment, Baptist Health saw remarkable improvements: Ticket volume reduced by 45% for live IT staff for live IT staff 60% faster average response times 35% boost in employee satisfaction scores related to internal support related to internal support Full after-hours support, minimizing disruptions for night shift personnel Moreover, IT staff now had the bandwidth to focus on proactive projects like cybersecurity enhancements and system optimization. AI with Empathy and Context What set Imperium's solution apart was the chatbot's human-like interaction and contextual awareness. Built with natural language processing (NLP), the bot could understand different ways users asked the same question and provide accurate, conversational responses. It also preserved the full chat history for escalated tickets, reducing back-and-forth. Looking Ahead Encouraged by early success, Baptist Health is now exploring further AI-driven enhancements, including predictive maintenance alerts and AI-assisted knowledge base creation. The ultimate goal? To create a digital-first support ecosystem that empowers employees and drives better patient outcomes. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
