The competition at the Chinese box office has seen an exciting shift in positions between successful Disney films and the James Cameron franchise. During the period from January 2 to 4, Zootopia 2 managed to reclaim the top spot at the box office, grossing 121.5 million RMB (approximately 17.1 million dollars). This new boost raised its total to 4.25 billion RMB (about 598 million dollars), solidifying its status as one of the biggest successes in cinema in the country. A film that continues to dominate is Avatar: Fire and Ash, the […]
The competition at the Chinese box office has seen an exciting shift in positions between the successful Disney films and the James Cameron franchise. During the period from January 2 to 4, Zootopia 2 managed to reclaim the top spot at the box office, grossing 121.5 million RMB (approximately 17.1 million dollars). This new boost raised its total to 4.25 billion RMB (about 598 million dollars), solidifying its status as one of the biggest box office successes in the country.
A movie that keeps smashing it
Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment of Cameron’s iconic science fiction saga, was pushed to second place, although its performance remained strong, adding 15.8 million dollars to its total gross. The film continues to attract audiences across the country, accumulating impressive figures since its release.
This box office duel underscores not only the vitality of both franchises but also the growing appetite of the Chinese audience for sequels to iconic films. Both productions have been fiercely competing, reflecting global trends in entertainment where sequels and products from established franchises dominate the conversation and box office figures.
As the year 2024 progresses, the anticipation of how this competition will unfold continues to grow. With rumors about the possible arrival of new titles and continuations of other franchises, the box office landscape could change again in the coming months. Fans and critics are interested to know if both films will maintain their strong performance or if new competitors will emerge in this dynamic market.
Microsoft has dismantled the infrastructure of RaccoonO365, a financial threat group that has facilitated the theft of more than 5,000 Microsoft credentials since July 2024, by seizing 338 domains related to this criminal activity. According to a report published by the company, RaccoonO365, also known as Storm-2246, has become the fastest-growing phishing tool used by cybercriminals, operating in 94 countries and targeting more than 2,300 organizations in the United States through tax-related themed phishing campaigns. A high-profile operation The phishing kits offered by RaccoonO365, which include emails […]
Microsoft has dismantled the infrastructure of RaccoonO365, a financial threat group that has facilitated the theft of more than 5,000 Microsoft credentials since July 2024, by seizing 338 domains related to this criminal activity. According to a report published by the company, RaccoonO365, also known as Storm-2246, has become the fastest-growing phishing tool used by cybercriminals, operating in 94 countries and targeting more than 2,300 organizations in the United States through tax-related themed phishing campaigns.
A high-profile operation
The phishing kits offered by RaccoonO365, which include fraudulent emails and counterfeit websites branded with Microsoft, have particularly impacted organizations in the healthcare sector in the United States. “The rapid evolution and accessibility of services like RaccoonO365 indicate that we are entering a new alarming phase of cybercrime, where scams and threats are likely to multiply exponentially”, warned Steven Masada, assistant attorney in the Digital Crimes Unit at Microsoft.
Microsoft, in collaboration with Cloudflare and Chainalysis, carried out this operation under a court order from the Southern District Court of New York, successfully identifying and tracking cryptocurrency transactions linked to the criminal organization. Joshua Ogundipe, a Nigerian accused of leading this group, allegedly obtained more than $100,000 in cryptocurrencies by selling phishing kits to a community of over 850 members on Telegram. The company has noted that Ogundipe has a background in programming and would be responsible for much of the code of this criminal platform.
However, Microsoft also emphasized the deficiencies of international regulations, highlighting the lack of government cooperation in the fight against cybercrime as a significant obstacle. Despite the success of this intervention, experts anticipate that cybercriminals will attempt to rebuild their operations, which requires a constant effort from authorities to close the existing gaps in current legislation.
STRAFTAT, the acclaimed free 1v1 arena shooter that recently won the Best FPS award of 2024, has released a substantial update that adds 30 new maps, 9 new weapons, additional features, and quality of life improvements to the game. This free update has been highly anticipated by the community, which can now enjoy the enhanced experience of the title developed by The Lemaitre Bros. Among the new weapons, the inclusion of a katana stands out, surprising many players due to how intuitive and satisfying it is in gameplay. Alongside it is a mine […]
STRAFTAT, the acclaimed free 1v1 arena shooter that recently won the Best FPS of 2024 award, has released a significant update that adds 30 new maps, 9 new weapons, additional features, and quality of life improvements to the game. This free update has been highly anticipated by the community, which can now enjoy the enhanced experience of the title developed by The Lemaitre Bros.
Among the new weapons, the inclusion of a katana stands out, which has surprised many players due to how intuitive and satisfying it is in gameplay. Alongside it is an AP mine and various experimental weapons from the 80s and 90s, such as the H&K CAWS and the G11, which bring a nostalgic and original air to the game. These weapons, which did not have a prominent use in their respective periods, seem to fit perfectly in the frenetic world of STRAFTAT.
Regarding the new maps, ReeperBahn, Patio, and Highwall have captured the attention of fans for their design and strategic possibilities. Each of these environments promises to offer new dynamics in the matches, although their full evaluation will have to wait until players experience them in depth.
An Absurdly Generous Game by Industry Standards
Despite what might initially be perceived as a simple expansion, the update includes a new cosmetic suit for the game’s peculiar characters, adding an extra touch of personalization. It is worth remembering that STRAFTAT is offered for free on Steam, with a 5 euro DLC that doubles the game’s content, which has been well-received by those seeking fresh and entertaining gameplay at no cost.
The developers have expressed their desire to create an FPS that they would enjoy playing, reflecting their commitment to originality and fun. With all these new features, STRAFTAT seems ready to keep its community immersed in the chaos and fun of its intense 1v1 battles.
The popularity of the series Squid Game continues to break records in 2024, as it has become the most-watched series in a single week, amassing an impressive total of 4.9 billion minutes of viewing. This remarkable milestone was recorded during the period from December 23 to 29, coinciding with the release of the highly anticipated second season of the series on Netflix. Squid Game continues to break records The second season of Squid Game premiered on December 26, 2024, which undoubtedly contributed to […]
The popularity of the series Squid Game continues to break records in 2024, as it has become the most-watched series in a single week, amassing an impressive total of 4.9 billion minutes of viewing. This remarkable milestone was recorded in the period between December 23 and 29, coinciding with the release of the highly anticipated second season of the series on Netflix.
Squid Game continues to break records
The second season of Squid Game premiered on December 26, 2024, which undoubtedly contributed to this large volume of viewership. This number includes both viewers who caught up with the first season and those who dove into the new episodes immediately after their release. According to Nielsen, this reflects not only the accumulated interest of fans but also the “binge-watching” effect that characterizes streaming platforms.
The cultural phenomenon unleashed by Squid Game responds to its intriguing mix of suspense, drama, and social criticism, elements that have strongly resonated with audiences globally. The series, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, has transcended the borders of South Korea, becoming a pillar of global entertainment.
With the second season already released, it is expected that the interest in the series will remain high, possibly pushing Squid Game to set even more records in the future. The franchise has captured the public’s attention, creating a cultural phenomenon that continues to be a topic of conversation and analysis in the entertainment field.
We bring you a complete list of the best indie video games arriving in 2024; at least the ones we know of, because there are always surprises!
Video games never stop, not even in 2024. Many promising indies are expected to be released during the upcoming year, including many that we probably don’t even know exist. But we are aware of the existence of quite a few, and although we had to leave many out, here we have made a selection of the most promising ones. With something for everyone, it is impossible not to find a game here to keep an eye on during this 2024.
Pacific Drive
Having to investigate a place known as The Zone, we will have only one tool to survive: our van. Pacific Drive is a driving and survival game that promises supernatural encounters as we investigate things beyond our understanding. One of the most promising indies of the beginning of the year.
Garbato is a hero who, according to his story, is brave and managed to save his friends from the forces of evil. At least until the villain Funfuñón expelled him from the story to a strange 3D world very similar to ours. An adventure game with a mix of 2D and 3D elements that strongly resembles the classic The Legend of Zelda.
Holstin
How does Silent Hill in a Polish village in the 90s sound to you? Because that’s the basic idea behind Holstin. With a 2D isometric design for puzzle parts and a first-person 3D design for combat, Holstin is one of the most impressive games that should be coming to us next year. Pure terror.
Ultros
The artist and musician behind the classics Hotline Miami, El Huervo, is venturing into the development of his first video game with his own studio. Ultros has a very peculiar psychedelic aesthetic and promises to be a very interesting twist on the classic metroidvania formula with a compelling story. If someone can promise that, it’s precisely El Huervo.
One of the few downsides of GTA’s success is that Rockstar ignores its other franchises. That’s why we’re excited about Butcher’s Creek. Inspired by Manhunt and Condemned: Criminal Origins, the developer of Dusk and Iron Lung offers us a gore fantasy where we have to survive a group of psychotic killers who want to make a snuff film with us. Not suitable for faint-hearted, but for lovers of the darkest Rockstar.
SKALD: Against the Black Priory
Role-playing and dark fantasy come together in a retro game that strongly resembles games like Ultima or Eye of the Beholder. Except with a modernized UI and controls perfectly adapted to the sensitivity of contemporary players. A game that can become the obsession of many players.
Mariachi Legends
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Halberd Studios is ready to release their new game. Clearly inspired by Blasphemous, but drawing from Mexican folklore, we will have to help Death in its ultimate purpose. With a highly refined combat system and elements of action and platforming, it wouldn’t be surprising if it ends up being the indie game everyone is talking about.
An RPG for up to four people that can be played in one-hour sessions sounds like something made with the players’ material reality in mind. And that’s exactly what it is. Baladins promises us what we have always been looking for: a game that we can play with our friends and that is something deeper than the typical shooter. Now, with extremely cute art.
Demonschool
What would happen if Persona were a tactical RPG with an art style directly inspired by Go Nagai, creator of Devilman? Well, it would probably look a lot like Demonschool. A game that wears its influences on its sleeve, but is much more than the sum of its parts. A game with the potential to be one of the best hidden gems of 2024.
Rift of the Necrodancer
Returning to the Crypt of the NecroDancer is always good news. And this time we do it with a rhythm game that reminds more of a combination of WarioWare and Guitar Hero. A little fighting game, a little rhythm game, all arcade, Rift of the Necrodancer can be not only one of the games of the year, but of the decade, if it lives up to its ambition.
Treasure, the legendary game developer behind titles such as Ikaruga, might be planning a new game for 2024, according to company statements.
Video games have been around long enough for some of their studios and authors to be considered classics. They have a history, they have changed the medium and shaped it. Some we have already lost, others have retired, others continue working, others we don’t know exactly what they are doing. This last one is something difficult to explain for anyone outside of video games, but it happens more often than it seems.
Among the most beloved and celebrated studies of all time that have remained dormant are Treasure. Considered perpetrators of some of the best games of the 90s and 00s, they are the people behind titles like Gunstar Heroes, Guardian Heroes, Radiant Silvergun, Ikaruga or Sin & Punishment. A roster of true gems that have defined video games forever.
The problem is that for a few years now they have been doing little more than managing their past licenses. They have been making remasters of their most well-known titles, particularly shoot ’em ups like Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun, they haven’t made a new video game in a decade. Their last development was Gaist Crusher God, for Nintendo 3DS, which was released in 2014 and never left Japan. Treasure has managed to stay alive since then, but with a very low profile.
At least until a few days ago. To celebrate the news that their games will be on sale during the end of the year, the president of Treasure decided to give some big news. He said, “Next year, I want to do something for the first time in a while.”
Of course, we cannot confirm that Treasure is making a new game. Even if everything points to it possibly happening. It is possible that it could be something completely different from a new game, such as a remaster or a remake, if not directly a port. But the hope for a new Treasure game is something that keeps the passion of many players alive. And we are among them.
Hades II, in early access form, will arrive in 2024, although not without a small delay, which is accompanied by good news.
Few games are more anticipated than Hades 2. Its first installment was a resounding success, to the surprise of both the studio and fans. The studio’s previous games were excellent but had gone relatively unnoticed in terms of public reception. However, Hades exploded in popularity from the very beginning. This has led them to be more cautious with its sequel. Knowing the high expectations people have, they have decided to release it as an early access title. With some bad news about it.
The early access release of Hades 2, which will be available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, has been delayed until the second quarter of 2024. Before its launch, there will be a technical test, which is also scheduled for the same timeframe. Originally, the game was intended to release its early access in the first quarter of 2024.
However, these bad news come with some juicy details that compensate for the extra wait. To begin with, the technical test will have much more limited content compared to what we will see in the early access. Moreover, with the early access, they intend to achieve two things simultaneously: polish the game with player feedback and advance the story and character relationships with each new update. Thus, it’s not just an early access but also somewhat an episodic version of the game within the early access.
While they don’t know how much it will cost to launch version 1.0 of Hades 2 and exit early access, they are currently focused on creating all the content to make the early access satisfying to play as a complete game on its own. So, even though we still don’t know its release date or price, one thing is certain: Hades 2 aims to be even bigger than its predecessor.
Kyoto Animation begins to return to the fray, offering us the trailer for the third season of one of its animes most loved by the community.
If there is an animation studio known for its excellence, it’s Kyoto Animation. While they had to significantly slow down their pace due to the tragedy that occurred on July 18, 2019, where an unrelated individual set fire to their offices, resulting in the loss of 36 lives and injuries to 33 others, it doesn’t mean they have ceased to exist. Slowly but surely, they are recovering from this tragedy and making a return to the small screen. And by 2024, they have planned the highly anticipated comeback of one of their most popular series.
Recently, the Japanese studio has released a new trailer for the third season of Sound! Euphonium. In this trailer, they introduce a new character, Mayu Kuroe, who is a new student playing the euphonium. With a rendition of Glenn Miller’s classic swing tune, “Moonlight Serenade,” the trailer hints at Mayu’s role as the deuteragonist of this third season. Since Kumino, our protagonist, also plays the euphonium, there’s only one position as the principal euphonium player in any respectable band.
The anime will adapt Kumiko’s entire third year in high school, covering two volumes of Ayano Takeda’s light novel of the same name. If you don’t want to know what happens in this third season, please skip the following paragraph, as it contains spoilers.
In the novels, the high school band reunites its efforts to win gold at the national band competition. Kumiko becomes the new president, with Shuiichi as her vice president, and Reina takes on the role of the head percussionist. New students join the school and the band, with Mayu Kuroe, an exceptional euphonium soloist from Seira Girls’ School, standing out among them. This addition creates new tensions within the band.
The third season of Sound! Euphonium is set to premiere in April 2024. While the streaming platforms have not been officially confirmed, it is expected to be available on Crunchyroll, where the first two seasons can be watched.
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