Games

Shakman Directs New 'Planet of the Apes' Film

The next installment in the "Planet of the Apes" cinematic universe will be helmed by director Matt Shakman, who recently gained recognition for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." He will collaborate with Josh Friedman, a returning writer who previously contributed to 2024's "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes." This new project is expected to expand upon the rich narrative framework established by Matt Reeves' trilogy from the 2010s, building on the success of its visual effects and character development.

Reports indicate that this forthcoming "Planet of the Apes" feature will not directly continue the storyline of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," but instead present a fresh, independent narrative set within the familiar world where intelligent apes hold dominion. This creative decision suggests a desire to introduce new characters and unexplored territories, offering a fresh perspective while maintaining the continuity of the universe. The success of "Kingdom" in expanding the lore through standalone stories provides a strong precedent for this approach.

The decision to bring Matt Shakman aboard for this project is notably intriguing, especially given a past incident involving a deleted scene from his Marvel film, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." This scene, which was intended to feature the Fantastic Four battling the Red Ghost and his Super Apes, was largely cut from the final edit. It raises speculation that his involvement in the new "Planet of the Apes" film might be a form of creative redress, allowing him to explore ape-centric themes more fully. This suggests a compelling blend of creative vision and narrative exploration in the upcoming movie.

Mastering the Taming of the Hyacinth Macaw in Crimson Desert

This guide details the intricate process of taming the Hyacinth Macaw in the game Crimson Desert, a task often considered more challenging than taming other legendary birds. It outlines the specific steps required, from acquiring the necessary items to strategic placement of the bird feeder, to successfully befriend this elusive blue parrot.

Embark on a Challenging Quest: Tame the Magnificent Hyacinth Macaw!

Unraveling the Enigma of the Hyacinth Macaw's Temperament

The Hyacinth Macaw, a captivating blue parrot within the world of Crimson Desert, stands out as one of the most formidable legendary birds to tame. Its unpredictable aerial movements make tracking its precise location a significant hurdle. Furthermore, its preferred sustenance, Desert Melons, are also highly sought after by other avian species in the vicinity, frequently leading to them pilfering from your feeder. Despite these obstacles, with persistent effort, success in taming this remarkable creature is well within reach.

Strategic Steps for Befriending the Hyacinth Macaw in Crimson Desert

To successfully bring the Hyacinth Macaw into your fold, several key preparatory actions are essential. First, you must unlock the 'Sotdae of Bond,' a specialized bird feeder crucial for attracting legendary birds. Next, amass ten Desert Melons, the macaw's favorite treat, each contributing +15 Trust points. While only seven are strictly necessary, the additional three account for potential theft by other birds. Lastly, it is advisable to clear out the Wolf Trackers from the Giant's Yard Outpost, as this simplifies the process of setting up your feeder undisturbed.

Procuring the Prized Desert Melons for Your Feathered Friend

Desert Melons, the Hyacinth Macaw's favored food, can be acquired from specific vendors. The Grocer in Tommaso offers five of these succulent fruits, while the Grocer in Varnia stocks an additional seven. Should you need more than five at once from Tommaso, a simple trick involves purchasing the available stock, resting for twelve hours within the game, and then returning for another batch.

Pinpointing the Macaw's Haunt: The Giant's Yard Outpost

The Hyacinth Macaw can be found in the eastern reaches of Pywel, near the Giant's Yard Outpost. This location is situated to the west of Red River and south of the Red Tree Forest, an area also known for housing the legendary horse, Rocade. After gathering your melons and securing the outpost, the next critical step is to strategically position your 'Sotdae of Bond' bird feeder. The recommended spot is on a ledge east of the camp, directly overlooking the ravine that leads into the Red Tree Forest.

The Art of Patience: Observing and Protecting Your Feeder

Once the feeder is in place, a period of patient observation begins. The Hyacinth Macaw's flight path is famously erratic, making it challenging to predict its arrival. Keep a close watch for a distinctive flock consisting of one large blue macaw accompanied by smaller, yellowish Sun Conures. Be vigilant, as these smaller birds may attempt to land on your feeder. Should this occur, swiftly use the 'Force Palm' ability to deter them, preventing them from consuming the precious Desert Melons intended for the macaw. While some believed the macaw avoided rain, observations suggest its appearance is purely random, regardless of weather conditions. Once the Hyacinth Macaw has consumed enough melons to reach 100 Trust, you can approach and select the 'Take in' option to officially claim your new pet.

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Gaming Icons Honored at World Video Game Hall of Fame

The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, recently announced the newest members of its esteemed World Video Game Hall of Fame. The 2026 induction class comprises a quartet of influential titles: the mobile gaming phenomenon Angry Birds, the foundational Japanese role-playing game series Dragon Quest, the groundbreaking sports simulation FIFA International Soccer, and the psychologically intense horror classic Silent Hill. These games were selected for their profound and lasting impact on popular culture and the gaming industry, triumphing over a strong list of finalists.

This year's ceremony highlights the diverse ways video games have shaped entertainment and culture, from pioneering touch-based mobile experiences to establishing genres and redefining narrative immersion. Each inductee represents a significant milestone, showcasing innovation in gameplay, storytelling, and global reach. The Hall of Fame continues its tradition of recognizing titles that have not only achieved widespread popularity but have also left an indelible mark on the historical trajectory of electronic gaming, ensuring their legacies are preserved and celebrated for future generations of players and scholars.

Pioneers and Innovators: A Diverse Class of Inductees

The 2026 World Video Game Hall of Fame induction ceremony celebrated a diverse collection of titles that have each left a distinct mark on the gaming world. From mobile sensations to genre-defining role-playing and horror experiences, and global sports franchises, these games showcase the breadth and innovation within the industry. The inductees—Angry Birds, Dragon Quest, FIFA International Soccer, and Silent Hill—were chosen for their significant cultural impact, enduring popularity, and groundbreaking contributions to game design and narrative. Their inclusion not only honors their individual achievements but also reflects the expanding scope of what constitutes a classic in the evolving landscape of electronic entertainment.

The selection process saw these four games emerge victorious from a competitive pool of nominees, including other beloved titles such as Frogger, Galaga, League of Legends, Mega Man, PaRappa the Rapper, RuneScape, Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, and Tokimeki Memorial. Each inductee brings a unique story of innovation and influence. Angry Birds, launched in 2009, revolutionized mobile gaming with its intuitive touch controls and instantly recognizable characters, attracting tens of millions of players worldwide. The Dragon Quest series, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is lauded as the blueprint for Japanese role-playing games, known for its compelling narratives, memorable music, and epic adventures that have influenced countless RPGs. Konami’s Silent Hill, released in 1999, redefined horror with its advanced 3D graphics, dynamic camera angles, and deeply psychological storytelling, impacting how emotional engagement is achieved in games. Lastly, EA Sports' FIFA International Soccer, which debuted in 1993, became an instant global success, laying the foundation for what would become the most popular sports game franchise of all time, selling over 325 million units by 2023 and capitalizing on soccer's universal appeal.

Lasting Legacies: Cultural Impact and Enduring Popularity

The latest inductees into the World Video Game Hall of Fame exemplify games that have transcended mere entertainment to become cultural touchstones. Their enduring popularity and significant impact on both the gaming industry and broader society are undeniable. Each title, whether through pioneering new genres, establishing gameplay mechanics, or reaching massive global audiences, has contributed to the rich tapestry of video game history. The Hall of Fame's mission is to acknowledge these lasting legacies, ensuring that the games that have shaped generations of players and influenced countless other creators are properly recognized and celebrated for their historical and cultural importance.

Lindsey Kurano, electronic games curator at The Strong, noted that it would be challenging to envision modern role-playing games without the foundational influence of Dragon Quest, highlighting its undeniable impact despite its greater popularity in Japan. Ben Mattes, creative officer for Angry Birds, emphasized how the game, beginning with simple mechanics, expanded into various transmedia categories, making its induction a special recognition. Andrew Borman, director of digital preservation at The Strong, pointed out Silent Hill's significance in pushing the horror genre into new psychological dimensions, engaging players emotionally as much as reflexively. Jeremy Saucier, The Strong's vice president for interpretation and electronic games, underlined FIFA International Soccer's immediate global success and its larger worldwide imprint compared to other sports titles, given soccer's universal appeal. Established in 2015, the World Video Game Hall of Fame annually honors games that demonstrate enduring popularity and cultural significance, with nominations open to the public and final selections guided by experts in game history.

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