Apple, Oprah Winfrey sign multi-year deal for TV programming
By Mike Wuerthele Friday, June 15, 2018, 10:19 am PT (01:19 pm ET)
Apple and Oprah Winfrey have teamed in a long-term partnership to develop programming and original content for what will likely become Apple’s streaming video service.
There is almost nothing known about what will be published. Apple’s statement on the matter is short, only saying that “Winfrey and Apple will create original programs that embrace her incomparable ability to connect with audiences around the world.”
Winfrey had her own television channel, OWN, that is run by her own Harpo Studios, in conjunction with Discovery, Inc. She sold the majority of her stake in the network to Discovery in December 2017, but is still the CEO of the network.
In February 2015, OWN was available to over 70 percent of the US households with cable or satellite service.
The terms of the deal are unknown. The content will likely be tied to the ongoing efforts Apple has undertaken to develop video content —few of which have borne any fruit as of yet, with the released ones not being particularly successful.
In August of 2017, Apple was said to be investing $1 billion in unique content and programming. Apple’s rumored budget is roughly what Amazon spent in 2013 when it launched its first original shows. It’s still, however, about half what HBO spent in 2016, making it unlikely that the company will directly tackle industry stalwarts, at least at first.
Since then, Apple also reportedly provided a blank check to Drake for his own shows and movies, and signed a deal with “Star Trek” and “Battlestar Galactica” reboot alum Ronald D. Moore for a new space drama. It is also reportedly paying $5 million per episode on a ten-episode season of “Amazing Stories,” a revival of the Amblin Television and NBCUniversal science fiction anthology.
Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine studio is linked to three projects tied to Apple. The first show is as of yet untitled, but features Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston in a drama based on morning show production.
The second show is development of Nichelle Tramble Spellman’s “Are You Sleeping,” with the “Serial” podcast creator onboard in an advisory role, and Octavia Spencer starring. The third is a sketch comedy show starring Kristen Wiig.
More recently, Apple signed a deal with “La La Land” writer and director Damien Chazelle, and another with “The Big Sick” writers Kumail Nanjiani of “Silicon Valley” and Emily V. Gordon.
These are all thought to be part of a broader $1 billion investment in original programming, which is considerable but still a lower investment than those of its competitors, such as Netflix’s reported $7 billion on original content for 2018.
Welcome to the Weekender, your weekly look at the best new games, sales, and updates. We’ve got the release of ARK: Survival Evolved and a couple other new options to talk about, along with a wide selection of sales. Let’s get to it!
ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular desktop and console crafting/survival game set in a world where humans are not the apex predator. Dinosaurs abound and must be defeated, or tamed. A mobile version has been in the works and is now available in the App and Google Play stores and features the same basic gameplay as on other platforms. You start with nothing and must gather materials, find food, build a base, craft weapons and equipment, explore your dino-infested world, and of course fight. There’s both a single-player campaign and 50-player multiplayer matches.
The game is free-to-play with an in-game currency, amber, which allows you to buy items and food, rather than resource-gathering and crafting, as well as some special buffs. There are amber deposits throughout the world you can harvest and some of the big creatures drop it, plus you can get it for free by watching ads. It’s pretty much the usual freemium setup. There’s also a ‘Primal Pass’ that pulls the ads and offers permanent XP doubling and some other stuff for $3.99/month or $34.99 a year. As a result, the multiplayer will likely be very pay-to-win. There may be a single-player pay wall, but I haven’t reached it.
I’m a huge fan of the genre so I’ve been keen to put it through its, even with the freemium stuff. It’s not bad—the gameplay is decent and there’s quite a bit to explore, craft, and fight. The touch controls, a critical part of any mobile conversion, do feel somewhat clunky but not so bad one couldn’t get used to them. I’ve been tinkering with the single-player campaign and haven’t played long enough to determine if there is a pay wall, hopefully not. ARK: Survival Evolved pales in comparison to something like Crashlands, but if you’re looking for more crafting-survival game options on mobile it’s worth checking out.
The Talisman Digital Edition has rolled out yet another expansion, this time The Woodland Edition. It adds the Woodland Board, a new wrap-around game board, along with 103 Woodland cards, 10 adventure cards, 20 path cards, 14 destiny cards, 5 spell cards, and 5 new characters. The Woodland Edition is available now for $3 via in-app purchase.
Cartoon Craft is a simple real-time strategy game with a, well, cartoony art style. It covers all the genre bases: you start small and must gather gold and resources in order to build up your settlement and develop your military. You explore the map and go looking for enemies to fight and then beat them down in real-time combat. It’s simple and fun and worth a look for genre fans.
A heartwarming role-playing game is a bit of a rarity, but that’s what you get in To the Moon. It’s the tale of two doctors who travel through an old man’s memories in order to make his deathbed wish come true. It’s an emotional story, with great music and atmosphere to match, along with deep and powerful characters. It’s not perfect, the controls leave a little to be desired, but it will leave an impression on you.
Monument Valley 2 is the sequel to one of the bigger mobile puzzle games of all time and is a good game in its own right. The sequel brings 16 new levels full of M.C. Escher inspired architectural puzzles and is set in a different part of the same world as the original. The game is still on sale on iOS, though not Android.
If you’re ready to make some tough choices in a grim, dystopian future now’s your chance. Beholder, a game where you run an apartment building and must spy on and rat out your ‘unpatriotic’ neighbors, is on sale for a couple bucks off.
Turn-based strategy with a twist of action, Steamworld Heist was near the top of a crowded field of great games in 2016 and earned four well-deserved stars from JP. It’s also half off right now.
Highly tactical WWII naval combat game Carrier Battles 4 Guadalcanal is frequently updated with new content and updates. It’s most recent update made the game universal, so you can now play on your iPhone. If you’re a fan of hex-based, heavily tactical wargame simulators this is worth a look.
Seen anything else you like? Played any of the above? Let us know in the comments!
Awakening in a mysterious mansion, her first, frantic thoughts are:
?Where am I? And more importantly, who am I?? She encounters several young men in the same predicament trapped and missing their memories. To survive they must hunt black butterflies and claim kaleidoscope shards from the horrific monsters surrounding them.
Celebrate E3 2018 with up to 50% off select digital games
Celebrate E3 2018 with up to 50% off select digital games
Super Smash Bros. is back! Celebrate E3 2018 by checking out select digital games that helped make some of your favorite fighters famous, as well as other great games.
Savings like these don’t happen every day, so don’t miss out! Offer ends June 21 at 8:59 a.m. PT. You can also shop the sale on Nintendo eShop on your device. And remember to stay up to date on all things Nintendo from E3 on the official site, e3.nintendo.com.
Remember that My Nintendo members can earn Gold Points on eligible digital purchases. Already have Gold Points? Redeem them toward purchases of Nintendo Switch games featured in this sale for additional savings! Visit my.nintendo.com for more details.
Sony issues evasive response to Fortnite cross-platform controversy
Sony has built up something of a reputation for being a spoilsport when it comes to cross-platform play, and the company has found itself at the center of another controversy after its reluctance to join the party started affecting players’ experiences on other platforms.
Earlier this week Fortnite players directed their anger towards the Japanese console maker after being blocked from accessing the Switch version of the popular battle royale effort, seemingly because their account had already been associated with the PlayStation 4 version of the game.
With fans understandably aggrieved, the company has issued a statement to the BBC, although there’s a good chance the evasive response could do more harm than good.
“We’re always open to hearing what the PlayStation community is interested in to enhance their gaming experience,” said Sony, speaking to the BBC. “With more than 80 million monthly active users on PlayStation Network, we’ve built a huge community of gamers who can play together on Fortnite and all online titles.
“We also offer Fortnite cross-play support with PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, expanding the opportunity for Fortnite fans on PS4 to play with even more gamers on other platforms. We have nothing further to add beyond this at this point.”
You probably don’t need us to tell you that it’s a statement that succeeds in saying barely anything. Sony manages to avoid acknowledging the issue entirely, beyond suggesting its open to feedback from the PlayStation community, which doesn’t offer much hope to those eager to carry their progress over to the Switch.
Jump into NBA 2K18 for Free This Weekend with Xbox Live Gold
Take a break from watching the NBA Finals this weekend and hit the court with NBA 2K18 during Xbox Live Gold Free Play Days. Xbox Live Gold members can enjoy NBA 2K18 for free and enjoy a limited time discount on this fantastic sports game and its virtual currency.
Starting Thursday, June 7 at 9:00 a.m. PT and running through to Sunday, June 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT, Xbox Live Gold members in Xbox One markets can play the most critically acclaimed basketball video game. During the weekend you can build up your career in NBA games, hit the courts in The Playground, join the Pro-Am circuit, or explore an all-new open neighborhood setting.
As mentioned earlier, you’ll also have the option to purchase NBA 2K18 Legend and NBA 2K18 Legend Gold Edition through the Microsoft Store at a 67% discount and up to a 30% discount on virtual currency to continue your gameplay experience. If you pass up on this opportunity, don’t worry – all your saved progress and earned achievements will be waiting for you should you decide to pick up the ball later to continue your career.
You can download NBA 2K18 by clicking on the Gold Member area on the home dashboard from your home console or by downloading directly from the Microsoft Store.
Guide: Fortnite Pleasant Park Treasure Map Location
Finding the Fortnite Pleasant Park Treasure Map and then following it to the treasure is one this week’s Battle Pass challenges in week seven, season four. Complete it and you’ll earn 10 Battle Stars that will help boost you up the tiers for those sweet season four exclusive rewards.
In this guide, we’re going to help you find the location of the Treasure that the Pleasant Park Treasure Map details. You don’t have to find the Treasure Map itself though, so just skip that bit and read below for a walkthrough of this challenge.
The Pleasant Park Treasure map points towards Tilted Towers – specifically to a small hill to the southeast of it. For a better view of its location, take a look at our handy map above, that details the exact location.
Set your marker there and glide down to it. For the exact location, take a glance at our screenshots below that shows the hill from two different angles.
If you’ve landed in the right spot and you own a Battle Pass, the Battle Star should appear before you. Look at it and hold ‘Y’ to collect it and the challenge is complete.
Fortnite – How To Complete This Challenge
Do note that you need to complete the particular match of Fortnite you’re playing to mark this challenge as complete – quitting out will only cause you to fail. If this is all you want to achieve during this match, just run down to Tilted Towers and get yourself shot.
Bear in mind that this will be a particularly hot area this week, so you might want to hold off from doing this challenge until next week, when everyone else has completed it.
Having said that, if you do aim to do it right at the beginning of the match, you’ll only really have pickaxes to contend with. Should be easy enough to grab the treasure before those can finish you off.
Now that you’ve completed this challenge, make sure to check out our guide to scoring goals in five different soccer pitches. That’s the other tough challenge from the week.
* Eul’s Scepter of Divinity: Bonus movement speed reduced from +40 to +30 * Moon Shard: Night vision increased from 300/150 (base/consumed) to 400/200 * Refresher: Recipe cost reduced from 1800 to 1700 * Talisman of Evasion: Evasion reduced from 20% to 15% * Talisman of Evasion: Cost reduced from 1450 to 1400 * Solar Crest: Base evasion reduced from 20% to 15% (active application is still 20%)
* Abaddon: Level 10 Talent increased from +20% XP to +25% * Abaddon: Level 15 Talent increased from +60 Mist Coil Heal/Damage to +75 * Abaddon: Level 15 Talent increased from +6 Armor to +8
* Alchemist: Chemical Rage now applies a basic dispel on cast
* Ancient Apparition: Level 10 Talent increased from +60 Gold/Min to +90
* Anti-Mage: Base damage increased by 2
* Bane: Base damage reduced by 2 * Bane: Brain Sap manacost increased from 70/100/130/160 to 90/115/140/165
* Beastmaster: Base armor reduced by 2
* Bristleback: Viscous Nasal Goo now has a -2 base armor reduction
* Clinkz: Base armor increased by 1 * Clinkz: Strafe dodge now works against non-player units * Clinkz: Strafe attack speed increased from 80/140/200/260 to 110/160/210/260
* Clockwerk: Base damage reduced by 4
* Crystal Maiden: Crystal Nova cooldown reduced from 12/11/10/9 to 11/10/9/8 * Crystal Maiden: Level 15 Talent increased from +120 Gold/Min to +150
* Dark Willow: Bramble Maze cooldown reduced from 40/35/30/25 to 34/31/28/25 * Dark Willow: Level 10 Talent increased from +20 Damage to +30
* Death Prophet: Exorcism spirit spawn interval increased from 0.3 to 0.35
* Disruptor: Thunder Strike cooldown increased from 15/13/11/9 to 18/15/12/9
* Earthshaker: Echo Slam now has 100 Initial Damage
* Enchantress: Nature’s Attendants cooldown reduced from 45 to 35 * Enchantress: Enchant slow rescaled from 3/4/5/6 to 3.75/4.5/5.25/6
* Enigma: Demonic Conversion manacost reduced from 170 to 140/150/160/170 * Enigma: Demonic Conversion Eidolon HP regen increased from 0.25 to 4
* Gyrocopter: Level 15 Talent changed from +3 Flak Cannon Attacks to +0.5s Homing Missile Stun Duration * Gyrocopter: Level 20 Talent reduced from +45 Movement Speed to +40
* Huskar: Level 25 Talent changed from 0 Inner Vitality Cooldown to Burning Spears Pure and Pierces Immunity * Huskar: Level 25 Talent increased from +125 Attack Range to +150
* Invoker: Catacylsm max spread distance reduced from 220 to 200
* Io: Spirits damage reduced from 25/50/75/100 to 20/40/60/80 * Io: Tether movement speed reduced from 7/10/13/16 to 5/8/11/14% * Io: Level 10 Talent reduced from +60 Damage to +45 * Io: Level 20 Talent reduced from +20 Health Regen to +15
* Juggernaut: Base armor increased by 1
* Keeper of the Light: Chakra Magic no longer has a 25/35/45/55 manacost
* Leshrac: Lightning Storm cast range reduced from 650/700/750/800 to 650
* Lich: Frost Blast attack slow increased from -20 to -30 * Lich: Frost Blast cooldown reduced from 8 to 7 * Lich: Level 10 Talent increased from +175 Health to +200
* Lycan: Feral Impulse damage reduced from 15/26/37/48% to 12/24/36/48%
* Magnus: Base strength increased by 1 * Magnus: Skewer slow increased from 2.5/2.75/3/3.25 to 3.25 * Magnus: Shockwave damage increased from 75/150/225/300 to 90/160/230/300
* Meepo: Base armor increased by 2
* Mirana: Level 25 Talent reduced from -80s Moonlight Shadow Cooldown to -75s
* Naga Siren: Song of the Siren manacost increased from 100/150/200 to 150/175/200
* Necrophos: Level 15 Talent increased from +16% Ghost Shroud Slow to +20% * Necrophos: Level 25 Talent increased from -1.5s Death Pulse Cooldown to -2.5s * Necrophos: Level 25 Talent increased from +0.6 heartstopper Aura to +0.8
* Night Stalker: Crippling Fear cooldown increased from 12 to 24/20/16/12 * Night Stalker: Void cooldown increased from 8 to 11/10/9/8
* Oracle: Fortune’s End is no longer disjointable * Oracle: Level 15 Talent increased from +90 Gold/Min to +120
* Pangolier: Fixed Rolling Thunder having no effect on units like Primal Split Brewlings and Ancients neutrals (still doesn’t affect roshan)
* Phantom Assassin: Stifling Dagger slow rescaled from 1/2/3/4 seconds to 1.75/2.5/3.25/4 * Phantom Assassin: Level 20 Talent improved from Double Strike Stifling Dagger to Triple Strike Stifling Dagger
* Phoenix: Supernova stun duration from 1.5/2/2.5 to 2/2.5/3.0
* Puck: Waning Rift silence duration increased from 0.75/1.5/2.25/3 to 1.5/2/2.5/3
* Pudge: Level 10 Talent changed from +5 Armor to +30% XP * Pudge: Level 15 Talent changed from +75 Damage to +12% Rot Slow
* Riki: Base armor increased by 1 * Riki: Base damage increased by 4
* Sand King: Base damage reduced by 3 * Sand King: Caustic Finale slow reduced from 21/24/27/30% to 15/20/25/30%
* Shadow Shaman: Base intelligence increased by 2 * Shadow Shaman: Hex manacost reduced from 110/140/170/200 to 70/110/150/190 * Shadow Shaman: Level 15 Talent increased from -4s Hex Cooldown to -5s * Shadow Shaman: Level 25 Talent reduced from +60 Wards Attack Damage to +50
* Silencer: Arcane Curse penalty duration increased from 4 to 5 seconds
* Sniper: Assassinate cast range increased from 2000/2500/3000 to 3000 * Sniper: Level 10 Talent changed from +15% Cooldown Reduction to +25%
* Spectre: Level 15 Talent increased from -8s Spectral Dagger Cooldown to -10s
* Spirit Breaker: Greater Bash disable duration increased from 1/1.2/1.4/1.6 to 1.2/1.4/1.6/1.8 * Spirit Breaker: Nether Strike damage reduced from 150/250/350 to 150/200/250 * Spirit Breaker: Level 10 Talent increased from +400 Night Vision to +600
* Sven: Storm Hammer Manacost reduced from 140 to 110/120/130/140
* Terrorblade: Agility gain increased from 3.2 to 3.7
* Tiny: Base movement speed increased from 280 to 285 * Tiny: Tree Throw splash damage increased from 130% to 150% * Tiny: Grow Status Resistance increased from 20/30/40% to 30/40/50%
* Ursa: Overpower duration increased from 15 to 20 * Ursa: Level 20 Talent changed from +1s Enrage Duration to +1.5s
* Winter Wyvern: Base Intelligence increased by 2
* Wraith King: Mortal Strike skeletons now have 30% Magic Resistance * Wraith King: Level 15 Talent increased from +25 Skeletons Attack Damage to +35
* Zeus: Lightning Bolt manacost increased from 75/95/115/135 to 90/105/120/135
MC-130936 – Carpets on llamas removed when loading 1.12 map
MC-130942 – Errors, warnings and 10 second freeze on loading list of singleplayer worlds
MC-130945 – Command tab completion does not work in command blocks with command suggestions off
MC-131125 – InhabitedTime set to zero after update from 1.12.2 (Local Difficulty)
MC-131155 – Saving structure which has not been saved before logs error “Couldn’t load structure”
To get pre-releases, open your launcher and go to the “launch options” tab. Check the box saying “Enable snapshots” and save. To switch between the snapshot and normal version, you can find a new dropdown menu next to the “Play” button. Back up your world first or run the game on in a different folder (In the “launch options” page).
Please report any and all bugs you find in Minecraft to bugs.mojang.com.
Pre-releases can corrupt your world, please backup and/or run them in a different folder from your main worlds.
Share your thoughts on how 1.13 is shaping up in the comments below!
If you want to remain spoiler-free, you should stop reading now and not look at the internet until September 4. As many of you already know, we gave you a glimpse of beloved Hunter Vanguard Cayde-6’s final moments earlier this week.
We told you that Forsaken is taking a darker tone and has a Western revenge vibe. It looks as if many of you have taken it upon yourselves to avenge Cayde. In September, you’ll get your chance to hunt down the Barons, confront Uldren, and make him answer for his crimes.
The away team has been on the ground at E3 giving out new information on Forsaken and letting players get their hands on our new game mode, Gambit. Speaking of Gambit, we have a new trailer showing off this competitive co-op experience.
A lot of excited players have stopped by the booth to get their hands on Gambit for the first time. Here are a few photos documenting the action.
Play Your Way
You caught your first glimpse of the weapon slot changes in our ViDoc, and there is gameplay footage of Gambit coming out of E3 showing how the new system will work. Our very own Design Lead Josh Hamrick shared his team’s goals for the new system and a little more info on how it works.
Josh: Hey everybody, I wanted to stop by for a second and provide just a bit of information regarding the new weapon slot system. We know many of you want the D1-style system back. Many of you have also asked us to keep the D2 model. We want to deliver something you all want, but we also want to surprise and delight you while moving the game forward. Ultimately, we want to give you something better than anything you’ve seen yet.
More Choice and Deeper Customization
The top two slots (quick slots) have more freedom than ever, allowing you to carry unique sets of Primary & Special Weapons. When paired with the appropriate Exotic, crazy load outs like the 3 Shotty build I mentioned in the ViDoc are possible… and freaking awesome.
Balanced with Ammo
Uptime for your weapons is balanced by how often you can get your hands on the right ammo. Tuned to be very similar to D1, uptime works out as follows: (most to least) Primary (White) then Special (Green) and then finally, Heavy (Purple). Primary Ammo is useless while running the 3 Shotty loadout, which takes a combination of Special and Heavy ammo —and finding yourself completely dry means it’s time to get your hands dirty. Godspeed, space puncher.
Perfect for Roles
Whether it be for raids, trials and comp, or the brand new, incredibly awesome, and (in my opinion) pinnacle Destiny sandbox activity, Gambit, the new weapon system shines at allowing incredible flexibility and customization so you and your team can strategize and build your way to greatness. Momma always said, “Loadout for the job you want.”
I promise you’re going to get more, very specific details soon™ alongside a TON of additional Forsaken information.
To the Victor Go the Spoils
Its winner’s week. Dead Orbit rose above the rest and claimed victory.
They broke the previous streak of dominance by New Monarchy who had won the previous four events in a row. New Monarchy finished second this time, and Future War Cult took home the bronze. Here’s a breakdown of the pledges and packages.
Dead Orbit is offering their weapon to everyone all this week. Make sure you pick it up before the next reset. If you pledged to them, you also get a hefty discount. New Monarchy and Future War Cult will get another shot when the Faction Rallies start back up again.
Oh Lordy
The banner is going back up again. Saladin invites fireteams of six to do battle for glory.
BEGINS: Tuesday, June 19
ENDS: Tuesday, June 26
The game is Control!
If you didn’t earn all your Season 3 ornaments during the first event, your progress carries over, and you can pick up right where you left off. Same goes for working your way through Saladin’s reputation ranks.
Good luck out there!
Comic
Next Friday, we are delivering the next episode of our web comic Warmind. Follow Ana Bray as she continues her adventure.
We will also release the localized versions of Warmind episode 2 next week. All of it is going live on June 22 at comics.bungie.net.
Pride
Bungie is dedicated to every individual in our community and embraces what makes us each unique. We are excited to support the LGBTQIA community through the sale of our Bungie Pride shirts and tank tops on the Bungie Store.
100% of the profits will support The Trevor Project, a leading national nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA young people under 25.
Lifeline
Destiny Player Support is already preparing for your next adventure. They will be on hand to make sure you have the information you need when we roll out Forsaken this fall. Until then, they are still supporting the live game every day.
This is their report.
Young Wolf and Saladin’s Pride Memorialization Emblems
Since Destiny 2 launched, DPS has monitored reports from eligible veteran Destiny players who have not yet received the Young Wolf or Saladin’s Pride memorialization emblems in Destiny 2. We have determined the cause of this issue and have set up a process to verify reports and resolve the issue for impacted players. To submit a report, affected players should see our Missing Memorialization Emblems pinned thread.
Player-Impacting Issues on Xbox One
DPS is currently investigating an issue which is causing some Xbox One players to be unable to launch Destiny 2 from their console dashboard. Additionally, some players have reported infrequent framerate issues on Xbox One following Hotfix 1.2.1.1. While we continue to investigate these issues, affected players may find resolution by following the mitigation steps listed in our Xbox One Application Launch and Framerate Issues pinned thread.
Reports of Recent Crashes on PC
Recently, the DPS team has observed reports from players encountering crashes or freezes while playing Destiny 2 on PC. While this issue is still under investigation, so far it has been determined that the causes of the majority of these reports are unrelated. As always, players who encounter issues on PC should report them to our #PC Support forum. For confirmed issues on PC, players should visit our PC Known Issues list.
Warmind Known Issues List
With the launch of Destiny 2: Warmind, DPS has consolidated all the latest gameplay known issues reported by players into the Warmind Vital Information and Known Issues list. Before players report an issue to the #Help forum, we recommend they visit this page to determine whether or not the issue is already tracked by the DPS team. If they are available, potential workarounds and mitigation steps will be there as well.
I Don’t Feel So Good
The movies keep on rolling. We have two more picks for you this week. As always, we’ll be sending the creators a special emblem to celebrate their victory. If you are one of said creators, make sure you put the player names of everyone involved in making the video in the description. For a chance to win next week, submit your video to the Creations page.
Movie of the Week: Cayde-6 Tribute
Honorable Mention: Borealis Mayhem
What a week. We’ve had a great time sharing details about Forsaken and watching players experience Gambit for the first time. There is plenty more to talk about. We know you have lots of questions. The answers are coming.
