What's new
I have had a huge interest in maps and geography since I was a very small child.
So here's a little thread on maps that I find interesting and fascinating - some represent data, some physical features, others may display key routeways and connectivity and others again might show urbanisation and the growth patterns of cities.
I am generally fascinated with the way places and routes are related to each other in spatial terms, and I could pore over a good map for ages.
Here's one to start off. Feel free to add your own!
Pangaea (a supercontinent that existed roughly 335-175 million years ago) mapped with contemporary geopolitical borders.
The original is here
So here's a little thread on maps that I find interesting and fascinating - some represent data, some physical features, others may display key routeways and connectivity and others again might show urbanisation and the growth patterns of cities.
I am generally fascinated with the way places and routes are related to each other in spatial terms, and I could pore over a good map for ages.
Here's one to start off. Feel free to add your own!
Pangaea (a supercontinent that existed roughly 335-175 million years ago) mapped with contemporary geopolitical borders.
The original is here
Dylan
Independence from Britain is celebrated somewhere in the world roughly every six days.
Recycling Bin
Penguin population by country
Franco Pinion
One Man's Odyssey (The Itinerary of Ibn Battuta)
US and Israel launch an attack on Iran, as President Donald Trump confirms "major combat operations" are under way.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says his country launched a "pre-emptive" attack on Tehran, announcing a state of emergency in Israel in anticipation of retaliatory strikes.
Washington has been ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme. Trump said on Friday he was "not happy" with Iran's negotiating position during nuclear talks.
Donald Trump has confirmed that the US has launched "major combat operations" against Iran in an eight-minute video on Truth Social.
He said Tehran's "menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world".
"For 47 years," Trump adds, "the Iranian regime has chanted 'Death to America' and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed."
He references the US embassy crisis from 1979 and 1981, where 66 hostages were held for 444 days, as well as other incidents with Tehran.
"It's been mass terror, and we're not going to take it any longer", he adds, before claiming that Iran attempted to rebuild its nuclear programme and was developing long-range missiles.
Trump then says "we are going to destroy their missiles" and "annihilate their navy", and adds that while steps have been taken to avoid casualties, "Americans may be lost".
He tells the Islamic Revolutionary Guard to "lay down their arms" or "face certain death".
Addressing the people of Iran, Trump says "the hour of your freedom is at hand" and warns them "bombs will dropping everywhere".
"When we are finished, take over your government, it will be yours to take", he adds.
"This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it.
"No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight."
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says his country launched a "pre-emptive" attack on Tehran, announcing a state of emergency in Israel in anticipation of retaliatory strikes.
Washington has been ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme. Trump said on Friday he was "not happy" with Iran's negotiating position during nuclear talks.
Donald Trump has confirmed that the US has launched "major combat operations" against Iran in an eight-minute video on Truth Social.
He said Tehran's "menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world".
"For 47 years," Trump adds, "the Iranian regime has chanted 'Death to America' and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed."
He references the US embassy crisis from 1979 and 1981, where 66 hostages were held for 444 days, as well as other incidents with Tehran.
"It's been mass terror, and we're not going to take it any longer", he adds, before claiming that Iran attempted to rebuild its nuclear programme and was developing long-range missiles.
Trump then says "we are going to destroy their missiles" and "annihilate their navy", and adds that while steps have been taken to avoid casualties, "Americans may be lost".
He tells the Islamic Revolutionary Guard to "lay down their arms" or "face certain death".
Addressing the people of Iran, Trump says "the hour of your freedom is at hand" and warns them "bombs will dropping everywhere".
"When we are finished, take over your government, it will be yours to take", he adds.
"This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it.
"No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight."
Dylan
Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, saying the Tehran regime was "seriously fractured". The last-minute move follows a request from Pakistan, which has been mediating in the conflict. However, the US president said the blockade of Iran's ports would remain in force.
Dylan
According to Trump's people. The deal with Iran is done, and the Strait of Hormuz is open; the U.S Navy blockade is lifted. Peace in Trump's time, though the virtual signing of the document is not done yet, and the IRG are denying there's a deal.
Franco Pinion
While an end to the war is to be celebrated, we shouldn't forget who caused this.
The cynic in me is that this is a ruse. Spike inflation with a war, end the war and then spread a narrative that you are responsible for falling prices.
I fully expect the US to fall for this shit.
4981
The Coalition
Jan 2027
Very much looking forward to this. The story in Gears 4 and 5 was alright but I'm excited to play this and have Marcus and Dom back together again.
David76
Gears of War: E-Day is shaping up to be a deeply emotional experience, set within a single war-ravaged city named Kalona. In a recent interview, the developers at The Coalition shared that the game aims to recapture the heart and spirit of the original trilogy, focusing on the profound impact of Emergence Day, when the Locust first emerged on Sera.
The narrative is structured over consecutive days, allowing players to become intimately acquainted with the city and its history. The developers emphasise the importance of portraying the loss and destruction faced by the inhabitants, creating a poignant backdrop for the game. Players will explore various locations, including downtown streets, military installations, and industrial sites, all while engaging with the emotional narratives of characters like Marcus and Dom.
While specifics regarding gameplay modes remain under wraps for now, The Coalition describes E-Day as a celebration of both the franchise's past and its future, aligning with the upcoming 20th anniversary of Gears of War. The anticipation is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this new instalment will deliver one of the most heartfelt stories in the series.
The narrative is structured over consecutive days, allowing players to become intimately acquainted with the city and its history. The developers emphasise the importance of portraying the loss and destruction faced by the inhabitants, creating a poignant backdrop for the game. Players will explore various locations, including downtown streets, military installations, and industrial sites, all while engaging with the emotional narratives of characters like Marcus and Dom.
While specifics regarding gameplay modes remain under wraps for now, The Coalition describes E-Day as a celebration of both the franchise's past and its future, aligning with the upcoming 20th anniversary of Gears of War. The anticipation is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this new instalment will deliver one of the most heartfelt stories in the series.
Dylan
Looks great. I was hoping for more exploration and RPG after the last one and this seems more traditional.
David76
Microsoft has officially shared the PC system requirements.
Minimum Requirements:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX-6300
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 or AMD Radeon HD 7950
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 50 GB available space
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-4770 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 570
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 50 GB available space
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Saber Interactive
Dec 2027
Exciting news for fans of the racing genre! The beloved series, Stuntman, is making a triumphant return with its latest instalment, Stuntman Hollywood, which was unveiled during the recent Sony State of Play livestream.
This new game promises to bring back the adrenaline-pumping action that players have come to love, blending high-speed racing with thrilling stunts. While details are still emerging, the reveal has already sparked a wave of enthusiasm within the gaming community.
For those who may not be familiar, the Stuntman series has always been about putting players in the shoes of a stunt driver, allowing them to perform daring manoeuvres and complete challenging missions. With the advancements in graphics and gameplay mechanics on the PS5, fans are eager to see how this new title will elevate the experience.
Stuntman will always hold a place in my heart. And the overload of nostalgia, Jesus Christ. This must not fail.
This new game promises to bring back the adrenaline-pumping action that players have come to love, blending high-speed racing with thrilling stunts. While details are still emerging, the reveal has already sparked a wave of enthusiasm within the gaming community.
For those who may not be familiar, the Stuntman series has always been about putting players in the shoes of a stunt driver, allowing them to perform daring manoeuvres and complete challenging missions. With the advancements in graphics and gameplay mechanics on the PS5, fans are eager to see how this new title will elevate the experience.
Stuntman will always hold a place in my heart. And the overload of nostalgia, Jesus Christ. This must not fail.
David76
Really looking forward to this! As you say, hopefully do right!
Franco Pinion
This could be epic.
David76
The first hands-on previews have started rolling in, and they suggest that this latest entry is aiming high with its ambitious gameplay and stunning visuals. It's great to see a classic series making a comeback, and it seems like the developers are really putting in the effort to deliver an engaging experience.
Crystal Dynamics
Dec 2026
Always good to see a new Tomb Raider game on the horizon.
Recycling Bin
Looking forward to this, looks more like the older games with puzzles and set-pieces instead of her fighting an army of soldiers.
Abomb
The Steam store page has shed light on the development process employed by Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog. It appears that the studios have utilised generative AI tools during the early stages of the game's creation. According to the AI-generated content disclosure section, these AI-assisted tools were primarily used for "early exploration" and "temporary development" content.
The developers have reassured fans that any AI-generated assets from these initial phases have been either replaced or refined by skilled human artists. They stated, "AI-assisted tools were used during development to support some early exploration and temporary development content. Any AI-assisted assets were either replaced or refined by humans to maintain the creative and artistic vision of the development team."
While the specifics of what content was generated using AI remain unclear, it seems that these tools were mainly involved in the rapid prototyping phase, likely helping to shape level layouts and other foundational elements of the game. Reactions to this news have been mixed within the gaming community. On platforms like the Tomb Raider subreddit, some users have expressed concerns about the use of generative AI, while others have noted that its application in the early stages of development is a reasonable approach.
Interestingly, some discussions suggest that the decision to incorporate AI tools may have been influenced more by corporate mandates than by the developers' preferences.
In terms of release information, initially set for a 2026 launch, the game has now been postponed to February 10, 2027. While the studio has not provided extensive details on this delay, it's speculated that it was a strategic move to avoid competing with the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on November 19, 2026.
The announcement of the new release date was accompanied by a new gameplay trailer. This showcased Lara Croft navigating snowy mountains in Peru, engaging in combat, and tackling platforming challenges. The trailer culminates in an exhilarating chase sequence featuring a T-Rex, highlighting Lara's agility and resourcefulness as she escapes a collapsing structure.
The developers have reassured fans that any AI-generated assets from these initial phases have been either replaced or refined by skilled human artists. They stated, "AI-assisted tools were used during development to support some early exploration and temporary development content. Any AI-assisted assets were either replaced or refined by humans to maintain the creative and artistic vision of the development team."
While the specifics of what content was generated using AI remain unclear, it seems that these tools were mainly involved in the rapid prototyping phase, likely helping to shape level layouts and other foundational elements of the game. Reactions to this news have been mixed within the gaming community. On platforms like the Tomb Raider subreddit, some users have expressed concerns about the use of generative AI, while others have noted that its application in the early stages of development is a reasonable approach.
Interestingly, some discussions suggest that the decision to incorporate AI tools may have been influenced more by corporate mandates than by the developers' preferences.
In terms of release information, initially set for a 2026 launch, the game has now been postponed to February 10, 2027. While the studio has not provided extensive details on this delay, it's speculated that it was a strategic move to avoid competing with the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on November 19, 2026.
The announcement of the new release date was accompanied by a new gameplay trailer. This showcased Lara Croft navigating snowy mountains in Peru, engaging in combat, and tackling platforming challenges. The trailer culminates in an exhilarating chase sequence featuring a T-Rex, highlighting Lara's agility and resourcefulness as she escapes a collapsing structure.
David76
IGN dropped a video preview for Legacy of Atlantis. This preview is packed with brand-new gameplay footage showcasing what to expect from Lara Croft's next adventure. To make things even better, VGC compiled all the gameplay clips featured in the IGN preview into a slick new video. This means you can now enjoy a full 4 minutes of thrilling gameplay that promises to immerse you in the rich world of Atlantis.
The domestic football season is over for another year, and many players are preparing for the World Cup. Managers, old and new, will be assessing their squads and making plans for the transfer window and beyond. Scouts will be looking at players, the media will be speculating, and some players will see their valuations rise on the back of a good World Cup.
Discuss the latest rumours and gossip surrounding a player on the move or who could potentially be switching clubs as we head towards the 2026-27 football season.
Discuss the latest rumours and gossip surrounding a player on the move or who could potentially be switching clubs as we head towards the 2026-27 football season.
Dylan
Apparently, Bernardo Silva is poised to sign for Real Madrid. It looked certain he would be moving to Barcelona at one point but now Madrid looks a more likely destination.
Best
Real Madrid appears to be on the verge of securing the signing of Bernardo Silva.
Bayern Munich is feeling optimistic about its pursuit of Marcus Rashford. The German giants are reportedly confident they can strike a deal for the Manchester United forward.
Manchester United has successfully come out on top in the race to sign Mateus Fernandes. This acquisition adds another promising talent to their roster as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Best
Chelsea have agreed a deal to sell Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid. Multiple clubs were interested in signing him but the player wanted to move to Real Madrid.
Cucurella is in the US with the Spanish squad and will complete the move after the World Cup. The fee is believed to be around £46m
Cucurella is in the US with the Spanish squad and will complete the move after the World Cup. The fee is believed to be around £46m
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
Maverick Games
Mar 2027
VGC has just released a nearly four-minute video showcasing the first gameplay footage of the upcoming arcade racer, CLUTCH. While this footage comes from a pre-release build and doesn't fully reflect the final product, it definitely gives us a sneak peek into what the developers are aiming to achieve.
In CLUTCH, players will immerse themselves in a fast-paced racing experience, and from the footage seen so far, it looks like they're on the right track. The visuals and mechanics shown in the video hint at a thrilling arcade racing experience that fans of the genre might really enjoy.
In CLUTCH, players will immerse themselves in a fast-paced racing experience, and from the footage seen so far, it looks like they're on the right track. The visuals and mechanics shown in the video hint at a thrilling arcade racing experience that fans of the genre might really enjoy.
Welshy
Very much looks like a mix of Forza and NFS.
Tom
Nothing new, it looks decent though. It definitely gives NFS vibes.
From time to time, you may be rewarded with badges recognising contributions, milestones, and moments of excellence you have contributed to the continued growth of Idle Chatter and our little community.
Your well-deserved awards will appear below.....
Your well-deserved awards will appear below.....
Gemma
A full year of laughs, insights, and lively posts - what a journey! We're proud to award the What A Year! Badge to
Abomb in recognition of twelve months of meaningful presence on Idle Chatter.
Over the past year,
Abomb has added their voice to our forum in a way that's left a lasting mark. Through their posts and participation, they've helped make this space a little brighter, a little friendlier, and a lot more engaging.
This badge stands as a toast to a fantastic first year - and a hopeful glance toward the future. Thank you for being part of our story!
Abomb in recognition of twelve months of meaningful presence on Idle Chatter.Over the past year,
Abomb has added their voice to our forum in a way that's left a lasting mark. Through their posts and participation, they've helped make this space a little brighter, a little friendlier, and a lot more engaging.This badge stands as a toast to a fantastic first year - and a hopeful glance toward the future. Thank you for being part of our story!
Tom
For logging in 2 days in a row, we award
Welshy the Blooming Habit Badge - a gentle nudge that even small streaks can grow into something beautiful.
Like the first sprout of spring, your consistency has begun to blossom. Here's a flower for your effort - let's see if it turns into a garden!
Welshy the Blooming Habit Badge - a gentle nudge that even small streaks can grow into something beautiful.Like the first sprout of spring, your consistency has begun to blossom. Here's a flower for your effort - let's see if it turns into a garden!
Tom
Points Make Badges Award Announcement
Congratulations to
Strawberry Man for racking up a mighty 150 trophy points - a sure sign of dedication, activity, and general forum greatness.
Your efforts haven't gone unnoticed… though let's be honest, with that many points, you've either earned the community's admiration - or cleverly hacked the system.
Either way, this badge is yours. Impressive work!
(But let's not pretend you're not still a menace to society.)
Congratulations to
Strawberry Man for racking up a mighty 150 trophy points - a sure sign of dedication, activity, and general forum greatness.Your efforts haven't gone unnoticed… though let's be honest, with that many points, you've either earned the community's admiration - or cleverly hacked the system.
Either way, this badge is yours. Impressive work!
(But let's not pretend you're not still a menace to society.)
The PlayStation App was updated recently. One new feature is that the PlayStation takes any screenshots you take and stores them on your app for download for 14 days.
I thought it might be a good excuse to start sharing people's in-game captures. Obviously, this is open to all platforms and not limited to PlayStation owners.
I'll kick off with Gran Turismo 7 and Elden Ring. Time to start taking better pics.
I thought it might be a good excuse to start sharing people's in-game captures. Obviously, this is open to all platforms and not limited to PlayStation owners.
I'll kick off with Gran Turismo 7 and Elden Ring. Time to start taking better pics.
Bob the Ninja
Keeper. Beautiful looking game. One of the more painterly art styles I've seen recently - even to the extent that some textures and areas feel like they're rendered in brushstrokes.
Bob the Ninja
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is quite the looker.
Abomb
Forza Horizon 6
Test your knowledge. Five questions, fifteen seconds each, with timer-based scoring that rewards quick thinking and a wrong answer that ends the round.
Who will be the smartest player?
Who will be the smartest player?
Dylan
IC Trivia #27 — eliminated at Q5 — 31 pts
Gemma
IC Trivia #30 — eliminated at Q5 — 39 pts
Abomb
IC Trivia #45 — eliminated at Q4 — 28 pts
