Latest news with #StardewValley
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
With iOS 19 on the way, Apple looks toward mobile gaming
With Apple's flagship Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event a few weeks away, the company is signaling that it's paying attention to the opportunity of mobile gaming. Apple already has a subscription-based Arcade product for iOS, which gives users access to various mobile games, including cult-classic indie games like Stardew Valley. But per a Digital Trends report, the company is taking things a step further by acquiring its first game studio, RAC7, which makes the hit Apple Arcade game Sneaky Sasquatch. Apple joins some other seemingly unlikely suspects in their investment in mobile gaming -- Netflix, for example, acquired several gaming studios after launching Netflix Games in 2021, which makes cloud mobile gaming available to Netflix subscribers. Meanwhile, Bloomberg confirmed a 9to5Mac report that Apple is developing a dedicated gaming app for iOS 19. The app will reportedly replace the Game Center app and integrate with Apple Arcade to host features like gaming leaderboards, recommendations, challenges, and social features. The new app could also integrate into iMessage or FaceTime to facilitate remote multiplayer gaming. Apple's additional investment in mobile gaming comes at a time when cloud gaming -- which allows users to stream games to their devices without downloading massive files -- is on the rise. Microsoft has been a leader in this shift with its Xbox Cloud Gaming offerings. Sign in to access your portfolio
Edinburgh Reporter
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Rainy Day Entertainment: The Best Ways to Stay In and Have Fun This Summer
Sun's out! Oh, wait, no, it isn't. If there's one thing you can rely on during a Scottish summer, it's the rain showing up uninvited. Stuck inside again? Then why not make the most of it? From laid-back movie marathons to creative projects and a few ways to add a little excitement to a slow afternoon, here's how to turn a rainy day into a good one. Bring the Cinema Home Photo by Corina Rainer on Unsplash Who needs overpriced popcorn and sticky cinema floors when you can create the perfect movie night at home? Pick a theme: go retro with '80s classics, dive into gritty crime thrillers, or keep things light with feel-good comedies. Streaming platforms have endless options, so all that's left is to dim the lights, grab your snacks, and settle in. And if you're feeling nostalgic? Blanket forts aren't just for kids, trust us. Host a Cook-Off Challenge Stuck indoors with nothing but time and a kitchen full of possibilities? Turn a dull afternoon into a full-on cook-off challenge with friends or family. Pick a random ingredient (something totally uninspiring like a tin of beans or that lonely courgette) and see who can create the most impressive dish. Taste tests are mandatory, and bonus points go to anyone who manages to keep the kitchen remotely clean. Warning: things may get competitive, and someone will absolutely forget the timer. Test Your Luck with Online Games When the rain refuses to let up, there's an easy way to keep the day interesting without stepping outside. Online games offer a great way to stay entertained and connected without leaving the house. Fast-paced titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends are perfect for a bit of action, while life simulators such as Stardew Valley and The Sims 4 provide a slower, more relaxing escape. Puzzle games like Wordle and Candy Crush help keep the mind sharp, and strategy options like Civilization VI offer hours of thoughtful gameplay. Whatever the vibe, there's always something to jump into. Games on an online casino platform bring all the variety of a real casino straight to your screen. Spin a few reels on classic or modern slots like Big Bass Splash for quick entertainment, or head into strategic table games like Blackjack and Roulette for something more engaging. No need to brave the weather. Just log in and explore. Get Crafty with DIY Projects INSERT IMAGE >>> >>> IMAGE Rainy days are perfect for getting stuck into a DIY project you've been putting off. Try something simple like candle making, painting, or giving old clothes a second life with a bit of upcycling. Creative hobbies not only help pass the time, but you'll end up with something tangible to show for your efforts. Plus, it's far more satisfying than another aimless scroll through your phone. And if all else fails, there's always IKEA furniture to build… if you dare. Try a Virtual Escape Room or Trivia Night If the weather's keeping everyone indoors, why not stir up a bit of friendly competition? Virtual experiences have come a long way, and there are now plenty of escape rooms you can tackle online with friends. No need to figure out who's hosting or who's bringing snacks. Just gather on a video call, crack some puzzles, and see who's the real problem-solver. Or keep things simple with a virtual trivia night. Set themed rounds, film buffs versus music lovers, anyone?, and throw in small prizes to keep things interesting. Maybe the loser takes care of the dishes or makes the next round of tea. Who says staying in can't come with a little friendly competition? Like this: Like Related
Hype Malaysia
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
'Stardew Valley: Festival Of Seasons' To Make Its Way To KL This September; Ticketing & Seating Announced
With orchestras gaining traction throughout Malaysia, such as the Symphonic Ghibli Orchestra, which sold out in mere minutes, symphony fans have something else to look forward to this September. If you're a big fan of cosy farming games, then you would definitely recognise this popular indie farm game packed with adventures and an iconic soundtrack. The 'Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons' concert moseys its way to Kuala Lumpur on 6th September 2025. Curated by the game developer, Concerned Ape, the 35-piece orchestra will take audiences on a magical journey from your first day in the valley to your arrival at the summit. If you're not familiar with the game, 'Stardew Valley' is an open-ended game in which you cultivate your farm by clearing land, growing seasonal crops and raising farm animals. The game is packed with quests and an intricate storyline right in the heart of the player's hometown, 'Pelican Town'. It won the Breakthrough Award at the 2016 Golden Joystick Awards and was recognised as 'Game Of The Year' by the Games Industry. Not only is the game the perfect cosy farming game, it's soundtrack also proves to be its selling point. The 'Stardew Valley' concert will include popular tracks such as 'Dance of the Moonlight Jellies', 'The Valley Comes Alive' and 'Spring (Wild Horseradish Jam'. Visually, the concert will include some in-game footage and specially created content exclusive to attendees. Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons Live in KL Date: 6th September 2025 (Saturday) 6th September 2025 (Saturday) Venue: Zepp Kuala Lumpur Zepp Kuala Lumpur Organiser: Singapore Street Festival x 54 Entertainment Singapore Street Festival x 54 Entertainment Ticket Link: Ticketing: RM148 (Wood), RM198 (Copper), RM248 (Steel), RM298 (Gold), RM348 (Iridium), RM298/per seat (Gold Box), RM348/per seat (Iridium Box) Early bird sales go on sale tomorrow (15th May 2025) till 14th June 2025, starting at 10 a.m. through Stardew Valley fans, don't miss out on your chance to experience the delightful sounds of your favourite game live on the big stage! Sources: Twitter, Stardew Valley Concert Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
CNET
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
These Cozy Games Will Ruin Your Productivity in the Best Way
Sometimes, it feels like the world just won't slow down. Between rising costs, overwhelming headlines and that constant background stress, finding a moment to relax can feel impossible. Staying informed is important, but sometimes, you need to unplug and reset. And self-care doesn't always mean candles or yoga -- sometimes, it means getting lost in something that feels good. Even though that can be few and far beween. Whether you're tending a quiet farm, exploring a dreamy fantasy world or solving cozy little puzzles, the right game can give your brain a break. Some are easy to pick up with your morning coffee, while others pull you into big adventures that help you forget the real world for a while. You can find a bunch of these on the best game subscription services, and some you might have to hunt down, but they're all worth it. Because yeah, the world's a lot right now. But sometimes, giving yourself permission to zone out and have some fun is exactly what you need. Here are some of our favorite games for when you just want to forget about everything for a while. Concerned Ape Stardew Valley In what may be one of the coziest games of all time, you inherit a rundown farm and help it thrive, Harvest Moon style. This colorful farming sim lets you escape city life to cultivate crops, raise animals and even start a family. Between mining in monster-filled caves, participating in local festivals and building relationships with the townsfolk, there's always something to keep you busy. The best part of Stardew Valley is the fact that you don't have to participate in every single aspect of the game if you don't want to. There's plenty of fun to be had in the simple joy of harvesting your crops, making some quick cash and doing it all over again the next day. Plus, you can play with friends in the game's multiplayer mode. Available platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux See at Stardew Valley Thunder Lotus Games Spiritfarer A heartfelt adventure about ferrying lost souls to the afterlife may not seem like a relaxing escape, but wait until you play it. As Stella, the new Spiritfarer, you'll befriend unique characters, help them fulfill their last wishes, and help them say their final goodbyes while building and managing your own boat. The beautiful, hand-drawn visuals and gentle pacing create a comforting atmosphere that's easy to get lost in, and it'll put a smile on your face even as it explores heavy themes like love and loss. Equal parts management sim and emotional adventure, Spiritfarer is a beautiful take on saying goodbye that still manages to inspire hope while keeping you entertained. Available platforms: Xbox One, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux See at Thunder Lotus Games Electronic Arts Dragon Age: The Veilguard The first new Dragon Age game in a decade whisks players back to Thedas, where the lines between reality and the Fade have dangerously blurred. As part of the Veilguard, you'll create a your character, choose a faction and explore beautiful landscapes teeming with secrets with plenty of enemies to fell. Branching dialogue, companions to romance and all the Dragon Age lore you can handle make this one adventure that'll stick in your mind long after the credits roll. The choices you'll be forced to make won't always be easy, nor will the path to finding disillusioned mage-turned-villain Solas. But they'll always be engaging, and this fantasy world is one that'll have you eager to step into each play session. Available platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Windows See at Electronic Arts Larian Studios Baldur's Gate 3 In this grand traditional roleplaying adventure, every decision shapes your journey and changes the world you're exploring. And it's a colorfully weird and bizarre one at that, populated by mind-flayers, monsters and irresistible elfin vampires who may or may not kill you. Using turn-based combat inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, you'll power through challenging battles, take on complex puzzles and form unlikely alliances. But there's still plenty of fun to be had, too. You'll never feel closer to a cast of characters as you will in this installment of the long-running Baldur's Gate series, which consistently feels as alive as the very world you live in. Available platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Windows, Mac See at Larian Studios Secret Mode A Little to the Left Love tidying up? Love staying at home and getting cozy with a coffee and a blanket on the sofa? You've found your next perfect game. A Little to the Left is a charming puzzler that satisfies the soul with simple yet challenging organizing tasks like straightening and placing picture frames (hence the name). From sorting pencils to lining up cat food cans, each puzzle assigns a bit of order to a chaotic world. But beware of the cat, who can always mess up a "purrfect" placement when you least expect it. Perfect for fans of soothing gameplay, it's a fun reminder to take a step back and breathe. Available platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Windows, Mac See at Max Inferno Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey In this sprawling open-world Mario game, our favorite plumber sets off on a globe-trotting adventure like never before. The fun goes global as he hunts for Princess Peach, stolen away by Bowser to marry. Like most Mario games before it, Super Mario Odyssey is a lighthearted platformer with its own fun twist. With his new companion Cappy, Mario can "become" enemies and objects like light bulbs, animals and more as you explore tons of new kingdoms and secret areas. From cityscapes (with amazing music) to desert dunes, each kingdom is packed full of memorable Mario moments that'll have you coming back for more. And you'll have plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny. Available platforms: Nintendo Switch See at Nintendo Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot Astro Bot may be one of the cheeriest games to ever land on PlaySation. Take on the role of this happy little robot as you explore worlds based on various elements teeming with references to other PlayStation games, hardware and pop culture from yesteryear. Leap, dodge and explore vibrant 3D worlds that feel like they were ripped straight from a new Mario platformer. Then rescue your favorite PlayStation characters, from Kratos to PaRappa the Rapper, and watch them interact in a massive hub where all your collections and new friends can hang out. It's pure, unadulterated bliss (and a great reason to invest in a PS5 if you haven't already). Available platforms: PlayStation 5 See at Playstation The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild This beloved Switch game flips traditional Zelda gameplay on its head, serving up an open-world experience that's as vast as it is beautiful. Explore the ruins of a doomed Hyrule as you work to uncover the secret behind slaying its newest foe. Threats lurk everywhere as you climb, cook and fight your way through shrines and dungeons with towering enemies. There's a bittersweet yet heartfelt story at the center of it all, but the real joy lies in exploring every single area you can to unearth delightful secrets and take in the serenity of vast landscapes. And when you're finished, there's always its equally fantastic sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, to take in. Available platforms: Nintendo Switch See at Nintendo HoYoverse Genshin Impact This free-to-play open world adventure takes you to Teyvat, where you can take part in a massive RPG experience like no other from your favorite console, PC or your phone. With a cast of unique characters, each with their own abilities, you can find your favorite cast and swap between them. Want a different character to play with? The game's fairly generous gacha system helps you unlock additional heroes to get through the game in the way you want -- and if you like what you see, there are other games from HoYoVerse if you want to try them, like Honkai Star Rail and Zenless Zone Zero. Available platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Windows, iOS, Android See at Genshin Impact Hello Games No Man's Sky Want to blast off into space? This expansive exploration game gives you a universe-sized sandbox that lets you travel to countless planets, each with their own unique ecosystems, alien creatures and loot. Name new, uncharted worlds, trade with distant civilizations or build a home base wherever you like. You have seemingly endless upgrades, plenty of familiar survival mechanics and multiplayer mode to play with, which makes No Man's Sky a unique experience that's only grown larger with every update. Space is waiting -- all you need to do is jump in your ship. Available platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Mac See at No Man's Sky
Geek Girl Authority
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Why Cozy Games Are the New Power Fantasy
People might think that the current gaming era prioritizes high-energy action and competitive gameplay to maintain player engagement. The gaming world has witnessed a silent transformation where players now choose to experience heartfelt emotions instead of combat while adventuring and taking slow-paced journeys instead of speedrunning. The new gaming era brings power through kindness instead of competitive achievements. The gaming world has experienced a recent rise of cozy games which provide players with a new kind of empowerment through their ability to manage peaceful worlds and develop meaningful routines while building emotionally rewarding connections. The new breed of gamers are looking to divert from the 'only-winning' attitudes to create spaces where players can focus on nurturing their creativity and building meaningful bonds. Players now view Stardew Valley, Spiritfarer, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Unpacking as more than relaxing games because these titles create life-affirming digital environments that help players find peace. The Allure of Emotional Safety Cozy gaming experienced a surge during a time when major global stressors included a pandemic alongside economic uncertainty and social fragmentation. Animal Crossing reached worldwide popularity at exactly the time when the world needed it most in 2020. Players used their in-game activities to rebuild feelings of stability while navigating through an unstable reality. The meditative gameplay of Spiritfarer combined with its touching narrative about spirit guidance into the afterlife allowed players to experience grief and closure through gameplay mechanics that other games avoided. The game provided peaceful moments through its meaningful achievements instead of intense dramatic moments despite its somber content. These games create an environment that protects players' emotions. The game does not impose strict time constraints and players cannot make permanent mistakes. You can just… be. Control, But Without Chaos The empowering nature of cozy games stems from their power to grant players control in environments which typically feel disorderly. In Stardew Valley for instance, you receive a neglected farm through inheritance before developing it into a successful ecological system. The power fantasy in this game exists through nurturing life instead of fighting enemies because it includes plants and animals and the townspeople. Through your decisions you create positive change in the world through individual actions such as planting crops and speaking with people. The 'high tension' genre has undergone a transformation through the addition of cozy visual elements and peaceful gameplay mechanics. Indie life sims such as Dinkum and My Time at Portia provide RPG-style progression through a system that does not punish players for their mistakes. The enjoyment stems from the journey rather than the achievement alone. Cozy Isn't Casual—It's Intentional There's a misconception that cozy games are simplistic or shallow. On the contrary, the design of a good cozy game requires a deep understanding of pacing, emotional resonance, and narrative subtleties. These games excel at layering mechanics in a way that feels natural and rewarding without overwhelming the player. In a world flooded with stimulation, cozy games offer mindful design. They ask players to pay attention to the changing seasons, to the needs of their virtual neighbors, to the act of choosing which flowers to plant by the window. This mindfulness extends the play experience into a form of low-pressure, high-satisfaction immersion. Lessons From Other Industries Interestingly, some of the same psychological insights that make cozy games successful can be found in another digital arena: online casinos. At first glance, these worlds might seem diametrically opposed. One focused on warmth and relaxation, the other on risk and reward. But look closer, and you'll find parallels in design philosophy and player engagement. Just as cozy games aim to reduce friction and create a low-barrier entry into satisfying loops, online casinos use tools like no deposit bonuses to let users explore their platforms with minimal commitment. These bonuses are offered without requiring an initial deposit and give players a taste of the experience in a stress-free environment, just like how Stardew Valley lets you ease into farming without punishment or debt. The appeal in both cases is psychological comfort: users are invited to engage at their own pace, building confidence and enjoyment organically. The Real Power Fantasy Ultimately, cozy games are resonating now more than ever because they reframe power as empathy, patience, and intentionality. In a time when everything feels fast, competitive, and extractive, cozy games ask you to slow down, take care, and give back. It's not about dominating a world, it's about belonging in it. They show that you don't have to fight to win. Sometimes, tending your crops, feeding a friend, or placing the perfect book on a virtual shelf is the greatest triumph of all. Why Did THUNDERBOLTS* Even Bother Including [SPOILER]? RELATED: SUPER SPACE CLUB Is Free in the PC and Mobile Epic Games Store
