Since Chris Wilson announced Path of Exile 2 on the stage at ExileCon back in 2019, it's been nearly four years. Where has the time gone? With ExileCon 2 just around the corner, here's everything you should know about Path of Exile 2.

Campaign, Engine Upgrades & MTX

Path of Exile 2 will be a massive expansion of Path of Exile one rather than being a new stand-alone game. It will introduce a new 7x story campaign that can be played alongside the original campaign to access a shared endgame, the Atlas and mapping system we know and love.

We'll also be getting some juicy graphics updates in part from engine upgrades and back-end optimizations which will make the game look more like this - 16 times the detail.

There'll be plenty of new animations and environmental effects, too. And character models will be getting some updates, as well. But fear not, all of the MTX you've invested your hard-earned cash into over the years will still work in Path of Exile 2.

New Skill Gem And Socket System

One of the biggest changes coming to the game with Path of Exile 2 is the complete overhaul of the Skill Gem and Socket System. And Path of Exile 2, instead of socketing your support gems into linked sockets in your gear, you'll instead socket them directly into the active skill gem itself, which itself is then socketed into predetermined sockets in your gear.

There'll be a flashy new skill gem interface to support this change. Orbs of Fusing will be no more as the sockets and skill gems will always be linked and you'll be able to find up to three linked skill gems from item level 1 to 19: 4 linked skill gems from item level 20 onward, 5 linked skill gems from item level 35 onward and fully six-linked skill gems starting at item level 50.

Also did you spot that multi-colored socket? That's a new addition with the predetermined gear socket system and Path of Exile 2. Gear will always drop with the same number and color of sockets based on type, like this hybrid armor evasion helmet with a hybrid red and green socket which means it can be socketed with either color of gem.

Two-handed weapons will have four sockets. One-handed weapons and off hands will have two sockets each. Body armors will have two sockets and helmets, gloves and boots will have one socket each.

You will still be able to modify the color of sockets on gear with a new in-game currency and you will also be able to use Chromatic Orbs and Jewels to modify the sockets on skill gems. If you find a skilled gym with more links than the one you are using, you'll be able to destroy your current gem to apply the level and experience to the new gym to obtain more links.

19 New Ascendancy Classes

While the new socket and gem system may be the largest change that Path of Exile 2 will introduce, the addition of 19 new ascendancy classes might be the most anticipated feature.

The new ascendancies will be tied to the new campaign. So, if you want to play a Juggernaut or a Pathfinder, you will still need to play through the original campaign to reach the endgame.

The Ranger will be getting the new Survivalist ascendancy with an interesting dynamic with the skill tree having defensive options on the left side and defensive options on the right side.

One of the offensive options, Division grants you two copies of compatible skills socketed in your bow: one supported by GMP (Greater Multiple Projectiles) and the other by Barrage, potentially two seven links.

The Survivalist will also have an ascended-like choice between Fork, Pierce and Chain and the Multiplication skill that allows you to save your projectiles to build up larger bursts.

On the defensive side, we have Spell Avoidance, which convert your evasion into Spell Evasion. The Ranger will also be getting the Beastmaster ascendancy, which heavily supports the new shape-shifting abilities that will be coming in Path of Exile 2. This ascendancy will grant you the workout skill, a high crit shape-shifting ability, which you won't be able to find anywhere else.

You will also be able to spec into wild shape to massively improve shape-shifting bonuses and keep those bonuses even when you're in human form. Ally of the Wild will give you a nice little companion that will work like a Golem and provide buffs. You can even specialize into which type of companion you need.

The Rangers third new ascendancy, the Tactician, is possibly the most ambitious of them all. The Tactician will be able to continuously leave bombard areas with reigning arrows and even gain multiple uses of this skill, which will prevent enemies from attacking at range.

Meanwhile, the Siege Warfare and Siege Breaker notables will provide massive buffs to your totems like ensnaring enemies and making them take more range to attack damage and allowing the most recently placed totem to deal a lot more damage.

But the most interesting of all is the Close Combat Specialist, which will enable the Tactician to use ax and sword melee abilities with a bow. The developers did mention that they are re-rigging animations, which have made things like bows using melee animations possible and Path of Exile 2. We don't have a whole lot of information on the other ascendancies, but we do have some names and concepts.

Here's the Defiler, a new Witch ascendancy and the Arcanist, another Witch ascendancy that will have a heavy focus on lightning damage and charging up energy. There's also the Reaver, a war leader ascendancy for the Marauder, which will grant powerful bonuses to allies around him. And this, an unnamed Marauder ascendancy with a focus on Avatars and ancestral abilities.

New Weapon Types, Meta Gems, AI & UI

New ascendancies are pretty exciting. But there's also going to be new weapon tags, too.

We know of at least two of them, the Crossbow (Victory Core Power Shot Crossbow) and the Spear (Winged Spear). These new weapons seem to hint at a new direction in terms of gameplay in regards to your choice of weapon as both of them will grant new skills.

Crossbows grant implicit attack skills, such as PowerShot, a high damage single target ability. Instead of socketing attack skills, you can socket Crossbow bull types to augment the attack abilities and change what they do. We know of at least three types of bolts. Armor Piercing Incendiary and Permafrost.

Meanwhile, the Spear will allow you to use new engage and disengage abilities to provide freedom of movement and more interesting combat.

More Information

Aside from what we've already discussed in this article, there are a few more tidbits of information we have about Path of Exile 2.

We know that there will be a new gem type called metagems, which the developers described as the opposite of an active skill gem. Instead of socketing support gems into an active skill gem, you'll socket active gems into metagems. Like this Proficiency metagem for auras, which will allow you to turn all of your auras on or off with a single hotkey.

Cast on Critical Strike Support and Spell Totem Support will also be metagems. Speaking of Spell Totem, the developers also talked about tentative plans for new AI options to allow your Spell Totems to use skills in certain orders. In this example, they showcase the Spell Totem setup that will curse any uncursed enemies in the area before moving on to use other skills.

On the discussion of AI, they also mentioned that Monster Packs will have more interesting AI and Path of Exile, too, such as patrolling areas where appropriate.

Of course, you can also expect other upgrades, such as UI elements. like this new character sheet, which will provide information that is better laid out and easier to find.

During a discussion on some of the pain points of developing Path of Exile, the developers talked about having ascendancy skills, such as the pre-existing bomb armor (Bone Barrier) on the Necromancer or the new skills (Born to be Wild & Ally of the Wild) like those granted by the Beastmaster and having them scale as you progress in Path of Exile 2 instead of granting a static value like they do currently.

They weren't sure yet if this would be tied to level progress or based on when you take each ascendancy notable. The developers also talked about how the new ascendancy notables and Path of Exile 2 are designed to have far less clutter stats and instead focus on one or two impactful stats. They mentioned that the original ascendancies will need a rebalance to bring them to the same level.

We will know more information about Path of Exile 2 at ExileCon 2023 on July 29th and 30th in Auckland New Zealand.

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As we get a little further into 2023, the more busy we’re going to be with RPGs. Last month had us flying upon hippogriff and broomstick in the magical world of Hogwarts Legacy, taking our top spot in February. This month, however, we are more into action titles with challenging souls like combat as well as turn-based gems to take on. This month we’re in for a hellishly good time. So, let’s get into the top RPGs of March 2023.

1. Honorable Mention: Diablo 4 (Open Beta)

It’s time to unleash hell. Diablo 4 won’t be releasing until June, but you can get a sneak peek of what live has in store for you this month. An early open beta will be held from March 17th until March 19th for those who have pre-purchased the game.

Then there’s an open beta for everyone else from March 24th until the 26th. The open beta contains the prologue and the whole of act one. This means players can explore the first area of Fractured Peaks. there will be some limitations though, so your character progress will only be able to go to level 25.

Once you cap, you can still go ahead and hunt down demons to your heart’s content, but you won’t be able to level more than this. The beta will include dungeons quests and, of course, plenty of loot.

In case you missed it, Diablo 4 is the next upcoming action JRPG in the series taking place many years after the events of Diablo 3. Sanctuary is slowly rebuilding, but all threats loom in the land itself.

Related: What You Need To Know About Diablo IV End Game Modes?

Lilith, the daughter of Mephisto, is closing her grip on the inhabitants, leaving them in despair. Taking out the mantle of one of the five classes, players will hack and slash their way through dungeons, demons and more. Explore the world of Sanctuary upon horseback and even eventually take part in PVP.

While Lilith readies her army for June, you can join the beta this march on PC, Xbox series, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. If you are worrying about Diablo 4 Gold, or you want read more guides about this game, then take a look at IGGM.com.

2. The Legend Of Heroes: Trails To Azure

The Legend Of Heroes: Trails To Azure is the first official in the English version to be released on modern platforms. This JRPG entry is set just a few months after the events of the Trails from Zero, concerning the political complications of the Samurai content.

While Crossbell as well as the Special Support Section seem to be at peace now, it’s only a temporary situation. Tensions are rising between the Erebonian Empire and the Republic of Calvard.

Lloyd, the main character of the story and his group of rag-tag allies must prepare themselves for the trouble ahead by gearing up. This is the finale to the Crossbell arc within the Trail Universe.

In Trails of Physio, players will be introduced to new combat features, such as burst, back, attack and the use of a customizable car. There’ll be the return of a few familiar faces from the Trails of Cold Steel series. The Special Support Section will have new members and new duties to master in turn-based battles.

Players can also import their saved data from the previous title Trails from Zero to have an enhanced experience with further event scenes and new scenes to enjoy. Saving data from Trails of Azure will give bonuses for the upcoming game.

Trails into Reverie, which releases later this year. The Legend Of Heroes: Trails To Azure heads to PC, PlayStation 4 and Switch on March 14th for North America and March 17th like EU.

3. Mato Anomalies

Mata Anomalies is an anime inspired RPG set in a bygone city and a more neo-futuristic parallel world. Investigating anomalies is your call to the city as you follow dual protagonist Doe and Gram. Grouping up with some unlikely companions in order to unnerve the mysteries in the city of Mato as detective Doe and by traveling through roofs as Exorcist Gram.

The game lets players explore dual worlds with Rifts that provide portals beyond space and time, but jumping between these worlds won’t be easy as there are plenty of enemies to fight.

Players can take up different weapons, skills and use the dual-talent system to enhance their characters. The health system is also shared across or teammates, suppliers will need to keep an eye on bouncing risk and reward in turn-based combat.

Another interesting feature is the use of mind hacking, which uses cards instead of weapons. You strategize the best way to use action points and cards per turn, with both offensive and defensive cards to use.

If you like the idea of a persona-esque title with a more detective edge, then this could very well be likely up your alley. Mato Anomalies will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch and PC on March 10th.

4. Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & The Secret Key

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & The Secret Key is the concluding part of a trilogy of games from the Japanese developer Gust.

The RPG follows Alchemist rise actually unlocks powerful keys that grant her advanced alchemical abilities. In the third and final installment, players will follow her adventure as she discovers the secret hideout, interacts with secret fairies and obtains ancient keys that influence her potent Alchemy.

Happy Island has been suddenly abruptly interrupted for Ryza and her friends on the kirkmen island. Seemingly out of nowhere, a new group of islands spring forth from the ocean. Instead of having extensive areas connected by pathways and loading screens found in previous titles, this one has an open world we explore. This will allow seamless exploration that will include no loading screens whatsoever.

Ryza can now run or ride through various areas without interruption. Freedom is the name of the game here and there will be tons to see. There are a total of four major regions in Atelier Ryza 3 and each will have its own distinct look and feel. Meet a total of 10 companions. You can choose from bringing the playable character, account up to 11, including Ryza herself.

This number in itself is a high point for the series as no other game has had a roster this large before. Combat involves real-time tactical battles with up to five members in the party. Using keys will help boost a character for a limited time, reducing waiting time and letting you use skills and other attacks one after the other.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & The Secret Key will rise on March 24th to PC, Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

5. Bleak Faith: Forsaken

This one has been a while in the making. Finally getting its launch this month is a crowdfunded indie title, Bleak Faith: Forsaken.

It’s a mix of sci-fi with Dark Fantasy is an intriguing one for souls fans.

In Bleak Faith: Forsaken, players must tread through a relentless world referred to as the Omnistructure. This harsh Omniverse is filled with treacherous terrain and menacing monsters to prepare for an adventure full of intense combat and soaring boss battles.

Leap, run and climb through the apocalyptic ruins of what was once a plentiful land. Taking on the role of the last of humanity’s protectors, the Forsaken. Fighting to preserve the ancient remnants from their extinction.

But just how much of humanity is left to save? As you would expect from a soulslike. The combat will be challenging inspired by brutal combat systems. Its class and perk systems draw inspiration from the likes of the Dragon Age series. It blinks Bleak Faith: Forsaken. You aren’t alone in the Wasteland as creatures and adversaries or wait around every corner.

The enemies are what you’d expect from the game with a bleak in the title with a bloodborne-esque horror of kind of feel will with a Sci-Fi edge. Bleak Faith: Forsaken will be making its debut on PC on March 10thn. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions are planned, but will come at a later date. This is a highly anticipated RPG not just for this month of March, but also for 2023.

6. Wo Long Fallen Dynasty

Wo Long Fallen Dynasty centers around the Three Kingdoms period of the later Han Dynasty. This period is fraught with power struggles and conflict, providing a fitting foundation for an intense combat game.

During inspiration not only from history but also fantasy, players will be battling against hordes of supernatural monsters that are plaguing the dynasty. Take on the role of a malicious soldier committed to fight the Yellow Turban Rebellion. The game, just like the developers’ previous franchise, Neo sets to have plenty of mythical and fantasy elements to it with some brutal sword slashing to get you excited.

Instead of a traditional character leveling system, the morale system will determine the character’s success in combat. Defeating more enemies will raise your ranks. Enemies with higher role rank will mean faster progression, making facing off against or challenging enemies much more rewarding.

Related: Wo Long Fallen Dynasty: A Complete Guide For Zhang Liang Boss Fight

But you don’t have to go to loan as NPC characters will be recruitable and you can also play alongside friends and Co-op. Combat is set to be fast-paced using both Wizardry Spells and Martial Arts to engage in fights against enemies. The use of the spirit gauge determines when you can block or dodge, but spamming attacks will empty that gauge meaning keeping an eye on your moves in order to empower your Martial Arts.

There is a range of fantasy elements and action gameplay, which will be loved by both Neo and Ninja Gaiden fans. Wo Long Fallen Dynasty will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox series X and S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox game pass and PC on March 3rd. If you're looking for Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty GQ, check out IGGM.com.

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Beginning February 8th, Lost Ark was hosted a named “special event to celebrate the MMO’s one-year anniversary” This update welcomes a new section called Rowen in Lost Ark. You’ll encounter two competing factions: Preigelli and Liebertane, who compete for the precious crimson jewel of Arkesia, called Sylmael.

If you unlock all of Rowen’s quests, then you’re eligible to pick one faction for open-world PvP. However, Amazon Games made a joke saying that “the battle has just begun, and the actual competition will continue to heat in March, when the Tulubik Battlefield will be available.” For those players who want to achieve excellent results and have better experience in the following activities, it is very necessary to reserve sufficient lost ark gold in advance.

Lost Ark event featured many familiar characters from The Witcher, such as Geralt, Yennefer, Triss, Dandelion and Ciri.

After ICYMI updated Wreck the Halls last December, Amazon and Smilegate released the first part of Lost Ark 2023 Roadmap. According to Amazon Games, the first Specialist Advanced Class, the Artist will be launched in this month. And, Artist Class will come in the next month. This time around, gamers in the west will see more revealingly dressed characters, and there may be surprises.

The Artist will also follow a Powerpass and Progression event similar to the one before. Amazon Games hope it can help new Artist mains to prepare for the coming April quickly.

Most recently, Amazon Games and Smilegate said they were correcting their erroneous bans on the Lost Ark players.Let us look forward to the changes in Lost Ark and the opening of a new chapter besides Rowan.

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If Illidan Stormrage's words were to describe the present, it would be "you're not ready." But, to be fair, there have been plenty of people who have known about heroic dungeons and the bonus event of the iconic expansion's Black Temple raid over the years. Currently, the event has already started, so if you are a WoW player who is playing Dragonflight, then you can participate in the Burning Crusade Timewalking bonus event.

Next, I'll tell you about the Burning Crusade Timewalking bonus event in WoW Dragonflight, including when it starts and ends, how to join the bonus event, quests, rewards and Heroic Dungeons.

When And How To Join The Bonus Event?

The latest WoW Burning Crusade Timewalking bonus event has started on Tuesday, 14 February 2023, at 08:00 PST, and its time is US Pacific Standard. For the European event, it it has already started on Wednesday, 15 February 2023.

If you're a WoW player in the US, the Burning Crusade Timewalking bonus event will end on 21 February at 07:00 in Pacific Standard. If you are a European player, the bonus event will end on Wednesday, 22 February 2023, at 03:00 UTC.

How to join: First, you need to open your Group Finder. Then, select Dungeon Finder. Finally, search for Timewalking to join the bonus event.

Quests And Rewards

In this World of Warcraft bonus event, you can get a quest from Kazra in Valdrakken. However, if you don't like traveling, you can also just explore your Adventure Guide. In order to open it, you need to hold down "Shift+J".

• Task: You need to complete the Timewalking dungeons, there are 5 in total.

• Reward: Cache of Vault Treasures, which also has a non-level equipment. Also, the equipment comes from Normal Vault of the Incarnates.

When you activate Burning Crusade Timewalking, you'll be able to earn a 50% bonus from reputations. And these reputations are what you get from creature kills and quests.

Read More: What Blizzard Should Do To Make WoW Classic Season of Mastery 2 A Successful Launch?

Heroic Dungeons And Related Content

I think you'll be able to sense that what makes Burning Crusade Timewalking in WoW Dragonflight so appealing to you is that it's where you get to experience the iconic Black Temple raid that the Illidan awaits. And the reason why you can't do it through Raid Finder is because the raid setting is Normal.

No problem though, head over to Group Finder for Premade Groups who want to venture into Black Temple just like you. Alternatively, you and your guild members or friends team up with about 10 to 30 players. However, one thing you need to remember is that when you are in the Timewalking event raids, your level and equipment will decrease. So, you can use WoW Gold to get more advanced gear that will improve your strength. In this way, even if your level and equipment drop a little during the Timewalking event raids, it will not have much impact on your fight.

Furthermore, during the WoW Burning Crusade Timewalking bonus event, you can indulge in six heroic dungeons inside. Here's a brief introdction of the six heroic dungeons in Burning Crusade Timewalking:

• Magister's Terrace:

After Kael'thas Sunstrider's defeate in Tempest Keep, he announced that he had allied himself with the ruthless Burning Legion. Kael'thas returned to the Isle of Quel'Danas to summon the demon lord Kil'jaeden. And, he has to make final preparations for the arrival of his master.

• Mana-Tombs:

In Draenor, the original exiles discovered one thing that the unfortunate and disturbing consequence of life is death. So, in the catacombs of Auchindoun, the draenei buried their dead in this place. And this catacombs, located beneath the forests of Terokkar, is a labyrinthine wonder.

• The Blood Furnace:

The Hellfire Citadel, is a fort so strong that it is almost indestructible. It is located in the center of Outland's barren Hellfire Peninsula, and was used as Horde's base of operations during the First and Second Wars. And the second wing of Hellfire Citadel is The Blood Furnace.

• The Botanica:

The mysterious naaru created the mighty Tempest Keep, who had Burning Legion's sworn enemies and beings of pure energy. Not only is this Naaru's base of operations, but the structure allows one to travel from one place to another in an instant, a technology of traveling across dimensions.

• The Shattered Halls:

The headquarters of Fel Orcs of Outland is Hellfire Citade. As the third wing of Hellfire Citadel, The Shattered Halls are often referred to as "SH." Here, Kargath Bladefist and his Fel Orcs now reside in Hellfire Citade. And, the the last boss is Kargath Bladefist.

• The Underbog:

One name is Coilfang Reservoir, which is the name of the naga-based compound. And, these compounds lurk in the deepest waters of Zangarmarsh. Pistons and huge open pipes run through Coilfang Reservoir, which is almost as big as it could hold an army. However, the purpose of Coilfang Reservoir is not really a military one.

I think this time you'll have some exciting and enjoyable challenges in the Burning Crusade Timewalking bonus event. Because this bonus event is very similar to the Black Temple raid, when you are in heroic dungeons, your items and levels will be scaled down.

After reading the above, I believe you already know something about World of Warcraft's Burning Crusade Timewalking bonus event. Hope that can provide some help for you to participate in the bonus event.

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World of Warcraft fans discovered a clever Easter egg from Final Fantasy 14 in Dragonflight. The clever reference in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight called upon one of Final Fantasy 14’s most infamous memes.

The Final Fantasy 14 Easter egg is found within an Engineering toy added in Dragonflight. Cleverly named the Wyrmhole Generator, this toy allows players to teleport to a random place on the Dragon Isles on a two-hour cooldown. However, players who spend 30 points in the Novelties sub-specialization of Engineering can reduce the cooldown to one hour, and gain the ability to choose a zone to teleport to instead.

From then on, when players use the Wyrmhole Generator, they are given a special dialogue box that allows them to choose one of the four zones of Dragonflight, or choose a random location. Though the text on all the options is entertaining, players were especially charmed by the final choice: “Pray return to the Waking Shores.”

For the uninitiated, Final Fantasy 14 has players work with the Scions of the Seventh Dawn in their secret, out-of-the-way base called the Waking Sands in the early portions of the Main Scenario. Minfilia Warde, a prominent NPC and quest-giver during this part of the game, frequently contacts players to summon them back to the base using the same line, much to the annoyance of many players. “Pray return to the Waking Sands” became a meme because of this, and Minfilia’s association with it made her into a contentious character.

Nevertheless, players who enjoy both World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14 got a kick out of the Easter egg in Dragonflight. Soon after it was discovered, the reference quickly spread across the official subreddits for both games. Players were quick to joke about having war flashbacks from A Realm Reborn, and wondered what Minfilia or her secretary Tataru could get up to alongside the Dragonscale Expedition in Dragonflight. World of Warcraft content creators like Asmongold even posted their own reactions to discovering the Easter egg.

As two of the biggest MMOs on the market right now, both Final Fantasy 14 and World of Warcraft contain plenty of funny references to one another. Dragonflight itself contains tons of other funny Easter eggs, including multiple from Yu-Gi-Oh! Part of the joy of any new MMO expansion is discovering clever pop culture references hidden throughout the game world. With World of Warcraft: Dragonflight now in full swing, players can scour every corner of the new expansion and share their favorite references as they find them.

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The Christmas decorations are back in Forza Horizon 5‘s Guanajuato, as we’re set out to celebrate the Horizon Holidays series.

Included within the series is also a Horizon Secret Santa event, where you’ll be rewarded with a Holiday Tree Outfit and a Lamborghini Sián Roadster if you send gifts to other players.

The cars you can unlock this week is the AMC Javelin-AMX 1971 for 20 points and the BMW M3 GTS 2010 for 40 points.

As for the series itself, you can unlock the Extreme E Odyssey 21 e-SUV 2022 for 80 points, and the Ferrari California T 2014 for 160 points.

TREASURE HUNT: DRIVING SEASON

As for the Treasure Hunt named “Driving Season”, this comes with the hint “Drive home for the Holidays in a famously green manufacturer”.

You’re required to jump into any Aston Martin car and drive for at least 5 miles.
Once unlocked, an orange circle will appear around the Playa Azul area, located at the east coast. The Chest is located within the centre of the village, within a sort of stage area with Christmas related objects nearby.

Fast travel to the Goliath race event, and immediately head to the unmarked road on your left. Drive down this path and turn right onto the marked off-road track, and the Treasure will appear on the left side of the road.

Simply smash into the Treasure Chest, and the 100FP and 3 points are yours!

PHOTO CHALLENGE #HIDEANDSEEK

This week’s photo challenge requires you to photograph the Snowman at the Casa Bella player house in Mulegé.

This house can be found on the north side of the town and directly to the south of the Mulegé sign on the map. The snowman can be found within the north-western corner of the house.

While near the snowman, simply open the camera app by using up on the D-pad and tap A to snap the picture to gain the rewards.

Upon completion, the Sleigh Bells Car Horn reward is yours. This can be equipped by heading to the car horn area in the pause menu.

SERIES 15 WET SEASON #FORZATHON SHOP HIGHLIGHTS

This week’s rewards available within Series 15’s Wet season are two cars, a hat, a car horn and an accessory, alongside the always available Wheelspins.

Both cars are available to buy from the autoshow for a cheap combined cost of 2,350,000CR. The available items from the Forzathon Shop this week are:

• Lotus Elise GT1 1997 – 600 FP

• Reindeer Antlers Hat – 75 FP

• Jingle Bells Car Horn – 75 FP

• Red Nose Accessory – 75 FP

• Porsche 911 GT2 1995 – 400 FP

• 1x Super Wheelspin – 150 FP

• 1x Horizon Wheelspin – 60 FP

#FORZATHON WEEKLY CHALLENGE BUBBLE TROUBLE

It’s confusing as to why Playground Games wants you to travel within the tiny BMW Isetta 300 Export 1957, but hey, anything to complete the playlist.

After squeezing into this micro vehicle, you’re required to reach 55mph/89kmh at any Speed Trap, earn 4 Stars at any PR Stunt, and finally wrap things up by earning 2 Stars at Danger Signs.

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As Diablo 4 developers prepare a final push to the game's planned release date next year, a number of current and former Blizzard employees who worked on the project described a troubled development process to The Washington Post.

The Post published an article today based on discussions with 15 current or former Blizzard employees. While the current plan is for the game to release June 6, they said it has already been pushed back multiple times, and even meeting this date is likely to require significant crunching.

While Activision Blizzard is not mandating crunch, it is incentivizing it with perks some developers described as "paltry."

Those perks range from $25 in DoorDash credit for people working more than 10 hours a day to a stock bonus plan where developers who finish the game and stay with the company for at least a year after can get anywhere from $5,000 (for entry-level employees) to $50,000 (for senior-level developers) in stock if performance targets are met.

Employees blamed poor management for the crunch and the repeatedly shifting release date.

Original director Luis Barriga and lead designer Jesse McCree – both of whom were fired last August in the wake of state and federal gender discrimination lawsuits against Activision Blizzard – were blamed for not following through on decisions, abandoning features and throwing away the work already done on them, micromanaging, pursuing certain elements of the game and then losing interest and delegating them for others to finish, a process that was said to begin burning people out.

Former Epic Games and Irrational Games veteran Rod Fergusson was also cited as a problem. Having parachuted into Irrational Games late in BioShock Infinite's development, Fergusson had some reputation for getting troubled games across the finish line. However, Blizzard employees said when he joined the team in February of 2020, his big contribution seemed to be launching a "Rodcast" weekly Zoom meeting where several hundred people would listen to him mix addressing legitimate development issues with talk of movies or celebrities he knew.

"People got frustrated because we all thought he was gonna come in and fix the game," one former employee said. "And when nothing happened, that's when you started to see this massive turnover."

Other factors that developers said exacerbated the loss of experienced developers and institutional knowledge were poor pay, unsatisfactory working conditions, and morale. After the company's gender discrimination lawsuits landed, senior leadership changed at both Blizzard and on the project itself, and Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick blamed the publisher's falling stock price not on the mounting scandals it was facing but on the delays of Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4, which one developer said did not go over well.

For those at Blizzard Albany, seeing their former studio head Jen Oneal promoted to co-leader of Blizzard and then resign months later saying Activision Blizzard refused to pay her the same as co-leader Mike Ybarra was a further blow.

"You're like, 'Man, I feel like I'm working for the bad guys," one women who formerly worked at Blizzard Albany said. "I feel like any work I do is tainted by this name."

A Blizzard spokesperson told the Post, "As you may know, game development in general, and Diablo 4 specifically, follows an iterative process where the scope evolves over time. Production on the game is going extremely well. Overtime is voluntary and limited to specific teams. We regularly survey the team on their professional well-being, and the latest results are the most positive they've been in years.

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