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Brave Leo AI: The Chatbot that Respects Your Privacy
your personal internet wingman. Ask Leo to summarize web pages in seconds or provide insightful talking points on trending videos. Leo can also generate new content, translate text, and even compose terrible poetry if you're into that.
Unlike Big Tech assistants, Leo's responses are anonymous. Once your chat ends, the conversation vanishes into the void. There's no need to log in or hand over personal data. Leo taps into Brave's built-in privacy protection to keep your information secure.
Early tests show that Leo can outmaneuver competitors like ChatGPT on web comprehension and speed thanks to Claude's cutting-edge natural language skills. But for now, Leo is only available on the desktop version of the Brave browser.
So, if you're looking for an AI copilot to navigate the web's informational overload, Leo may be your new BFF. Just don't ask about those snow boots.
What is Brave?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiXaHv_9rmQ
As discussed previously, Brave is a free privacy-focused browser that blocks website trackers and online ads.
By default, brave runs in incognito mode, shutting out invasive ads and pop-ups. No more getting bombarded with ads after clicking on them once. Brave strips away the cross-site trackers that stalk your clicks and build creepy advertising profiles.
By default, with Brave, you use an incognito window. Brave blocks cookies and cross-site trackers, eliminating ad campaigns that follow you from website to website. This is a game-changer for most of us who are showered with unwanted ads in news feeds, social media, and other internet browsers.
What is Brave Leo AI?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odAjS0CMHj0
Leo is your personal AI sidekick for the web. With Leo, you can:
* Get summaries of webpages and videos in seconds. Leo scans content and highlights key facts and concepts.
* Receive informed opinions on trending topics. Ask Leo for the main talking points to sound smart at your next dinner party.
* Generate new articles, emails, and more. Tell Leo to compose a poem, translate text, or transcribe audio.
* Have natural conversations. Leo's friendly interface makes chatting feel smooth and natural.
Leo streamlines your workflow by quickly delivering critical information. No more scanning dense articles or watching long videos. Leo does the work and gives summary insights on demand.
Brave Leo Features
Leo launched in November 2023, bringing AI assistance to the desktop version of the Brave browser.
Like other AI chatbots, Leo is designed to help folks:
* Quickly obtain information.
* Solve problems.
* Find answers to questions.
However, Leo has another string to its bow: it can create real-time summaries of web pages and videos. Leo simplifies web searches with features including:
* Independent analysis. Leo scans and comprehends current web pages without relying on external sources.
* Anonymous use. Conversations disappear once completed. No login or personal data required.
* User control. Leo only accesses open browser tabs. Users decide what sites and info to analyze.
* Ad-free experience. Leo blocks distracting ads and trackers, allowing you to focus on content.
* Natural language processing. Claude framework enables smooth voice and text conversations.
* Easy accessibility. Leo conveniently accessible via browser sidebar and address bar icons.
With Leo, Brave combines AI with enhanced user privacy. No tracking, profiling, or data collection. Just an AI assistant ready to understand and summarize the web for you.
What drives Brave Leo?
Leo's AI brain is powered by Llama 2, a large language model (LLM) released by Meta that's free for research and commercial usage. Llama 2 enables Leo to understand natural language requests and provide informed responses.
Leo uses a reverse proxy service to keep all user interactions anonymous. This intermediary server shields your IP address and identity. It forwards requests to Leo and relays responses back to you.
A reverse proxy can mask your identity, and if someone were trying to find out who you are, they are more likely to get the reverse proxy details than yours. Once your chat ends, the exchange is permanently deleted with no trace left behind.
So when you chat with Leo, you can feel confident sharing queries and information freely. The reverse proxy anonymizes every conversation.
Brave engineered Leo for capabilities, user privacy, and security. The reverse proxy design bakes anonymity into every interaction. You get an AI assistant without compromising personal data.
Why should you use Brave Leo?
Helping you find your way around the internet more easily might sound suspicious if Brave Leo was trained to lead you to sites chosen by big tech companies or if your searches were tracked. But in keeping with the team's philosophy, Leo is built into the Brave browser. It falls within the independent, anonymous, and secure boundaries the Brave team sets.
How current is the information Brave Leo holds?
While a plan exists to access some live information in future releases, Brave Leo doesn't currently have its own specific access.
However, when used with the Brave browser, Leo can analyze and summarize or explain any webpage you open without leaving the page. This could be a handy feature.
Pricing of Leo
The basic Leo is free for Brave desktop users. Leo Premium costs $15/month and uses Anthropic's Claude assistant for improved responses in a multilingual setting, coding, and excellent logical reasoning.
If you opt for the premium version, you must create an account. Brave confirms there's no link between your Leo interactions and the personal details used in your account.
This is a comparison of the free and paid versions, as provided by Brave.com:
Is there anything I need to look out for?
Regardless of which version of Brave Leo you use, use clear and precise instructions to reduce the likelihood of receiving incorrect answers.
Because your conversations aren't retained, there's no way you can look back on past conversations. Ordinarily, this wouldn't be a problem, but if you want the information for future use, copy and save it elsewhere.
All AI chatbots tend to 'hallucinate,' and Leo will also. So, Brave recommends double-checking the supplied information for accuracy. If you use Leo to interpret web pages already opened, it's easier to confirm the accuracy of the provided answers.
How do I get Brave Leo?
Brave Leo is currently only available on desktop computers, with mobile versions expected to run shortly. To start using Leo:
* Download and install Brave Browser 1.60 or higher.
* Open the Brave browser on your desktop.
* Locate the Leo icon in your browser's sidebar or address bar.
* Click the Leo icon to open the chat window.
* Type a question or request and hit Enter or Send.
* Leo will provide a response to your query.
* Continue the conversation by entering additional questions and comments.
* Click the Leo icon again to close the chat window and end the session.
With just a few clicks, you can access Leo directly within the Brave browser for quick and anonymous AI assistance.
Why should you download Brave?
By downloading Brave, you get not only the usual features of browsers but also three features that most browsers don't have:
* Privacy: Along with an incognito window, Brave doesn't track you or your searches. Because Brave doesn't collect your data, it can't share or sell it to others.
* Independent Searches: Brave has built its own search engine index. Now, your searches are independent of big tech companies that track you and may have a vested interest in promoting specific websites.
* Speed: Because advertisers aren't tracking your every click, internet speed is faster – 3 times faster than Chrome is the pitch claimed by Brave. Not only quicker page loading, but no longer downloading data you don't need, and laptop batteries will go further on less charge. Brave is an excellent solution if privacy and speed are compelling issues for you. It's quick to download and imports your bookmarks, extensions, and passwords, making the switch easy.
How Brave makes money?
If Brave is secure and doesn't sell data to interested parties, how does it make money? The short answer is:
* Brave does have advertisements.
The main difference between Brave and Google ads is that Brave browser ads can't track you from site to site. Brave uses a private advertising network instead.
If you opt for the Brave Rewards system, you can choose which kinds of ads you see and the maximum number shown to you per hour. The ads are strategically placed on the page, making them less intrusive than on other browsers. And as a reward, you'll earn tokens each time an ad appears on your screen.
Brave uses Basic Attention Token (BAT), based on Ethereum - an open-source blockchain platform. BAT connects users (people using Brave as a browser) with advertisers, publishers, or creators. In exchange for displaying ad types of your choice, your attention is given a value that earns you 70% of the ad income Brave receives from advertisers in the form of a BAT. BATs can be exchanged for both fiat and cryptocurrencies and gift cards from various companies.
Brave: AI without compromise
Brave redefines the web browser with its focus on privacy and speed. No more annoying ads or trackers following your every click. Leo adds a privacy-focused chatbot. Conversations vanish when you're done.
As big tech gathers more user data for its AI, Brave, and Leo offer an alternative. If you want to control your web experience, the Brave-Leo team has you covered. Intelligent browsing and assistance while respecting your data. The future looks bright with Brave's innovative approach.
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A Preview of Gangs of Sherwood
Discover a whole new take on Robin Hood, the legendary English outlaw in Gangs of Sherwood, the upcoming cooperative action-adventure game from Nacon. Whether you’re a fan of the story, or a cooperative action game player in search of a new medieval-cyberpunk challenge, prepare to find your fortune and free old England from oppression in Gangs of Sherwood.
Many movies, as well as strategy and action video games have taken their inspiration from the timeless story of Robin Hood. It’s been awhile since the last Robin Hood movie, and over two decades since Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood captured the spirit of medieval Nottingham, pitting our hero against the evil Sheriff.
Offering an original twist on the traditionally medieval setting, Gangs of Sherwood transplants the derring-do to a dystopian era, where the medieval and futuristic collide. The good people of England have never been so oppressed by the Sheriff of Nottingham, so get ready to rise up in this explosive action game. If you’re a lone wolf, feel free to play solo, or gang up with up to 4 players to rob the rich and lead the rebellion. Read on to discover the story behind the game, as well as storyline, gameplay, and of course, Gangs of Sherwood release date!
Who’s behind Gangs of Sherwood?
Gangs of Sherwood is developed by premier Belgium based game developer Appeal Studios, a subsidiary of THQ Nordic. Appeal are responsible for the Outcast action-adventure franchise. The publisher behind Gangs of Sherwood is French video game company Nacon. Nacon is renowned for several popular game franchises, including the Warhammer universe.
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen?
Before we get into the characters and gameplay of Gangs of Sherwood, let’s set the scene by reminding ourselves of the legendary tale of Robin Hood. While the story of a handsome, Lincoln green clad hero fighting for the oppressed and outwitting the nefarious Sheriff of Nottingham is the popular version of the legend of Robin Hood, the truth is a slightly murkier shade of green.
A skilled archer and swordsman returning to northern England from the Crusades, Robin finds his land taken by the oppressive Sheriff of Nottingham, and the country misruled by Prince John.
Ever faithful to the rightful king (Richard the Lionheart), Robin and his gang of merry men rob the rich and give to the poor. An honorable outlaw defending the people against tyranny, Robin Hood and his gang hide out in Sherwood Forest. Since first appearing in ballads, poems and tales in the 15th century, there have been many variants of the story or Robin of Locksley, yeoman, archer and outlaw, this interesting article helps to pin down the truth about Robin Hood.
https://youtu.be/_OwV3p71vaY
Gangs of Sherwood story and characters
How did we get here? Returning from the Crusade with the Philosopher’s Stones, the King harnessed the power of the stones to greatly advance the motherland through technology. As we all know, power corrupts, and the Lionheart stone was seized by the Sheriff of Nottingham, degenerate oppressor of the English people! Fight the forces of evil in the beauty of Sherwood Forest and on the streets of the dystopian town of Nottingham, where the medieval peasantry and futuristic steel meet.
At the start of the game, Robin and his gang are in the midst of an uprising against the Sheriff of Nottingham and have been ambushed in his hometown of Locksley. The resistance movement in Gangs of Sherwood features the four iconic heroes from the legend of Robin Hood:
* Robin himself, archer extraordinaire who can take out enemies from afar and trick them with his special arrows.
* By his side is Little John, a reformed royal knight who specializes in smashing enemies up close with his (literal) fist of steel.
* Maid Marian is the Sheriff’s daughter, an assassin of noble birth, who prowls the battlefield attacking when the time is right.
* Last, but certainly not least, Friar Tuck protects his allies with his magnetic shield barrier and heals them with his medicinal mead.
Gameplay
While you can take on the Sheriff and his minions alone, Gangs of Sherwood is primarily intended to be played in co-op multiplayer mode. Gangs of Sherwood gameplay reflects this: each character possesses a unique, customizable gameplay, as well as unlockable combos and fragments to take on increasingly formidable enemies. Strategy, thought and coordination are all required to reign supreme in this game.
Roaming the medieval-futuristic land of Sherwood and Nottingham, Robin Hood and his sidekicks must battle a range of enemies. To attain victory in combat, players must combine fast, light attacks with devastating heavy attacks, and make use of their grappling hook to launch themselves into the air to perform aerial combos. Players must take advantage of their surroundings in Gangs of Sherwood, trapping enemies with falling objects or luring them into pits. Standard moves are complemented by Rebel Ability, a means of inflicting maximum damage, and Rebel Instinct, a foil that assists when taking down stronger enemies.
The mission based gameplay and design exude creativity, from the cyberpunk/medieval setting to enemies including laser crossbowmen. Varying your attacks and scrapping with style will boost your combo score, earning more gold. Gold is totted up at checkpoints, and can be cashed in for attack bonuses and health bars. Gold, as well as artifacts can be found along the way, unlocking unique advantages for the rest of the mission. Players must also help out villagers, another source of gold!
After completing each level, your gold as well as achievements can be used to access upgrades and new moves before returning to your hideout. The hideout features vendors who will sell you various items to enhance and customize your characters, as well as new clothes to make them look the part while robbing the rich. Higher difficulty settings and new modes unlock after completing the main adventure, so head out into the forest today with your bow in hand, and save
England from her cruel oppressors!
The takeaway
We hope that you have enjoyed this journey into the unique action-adventure universe of Gangs of Sherwood. Remember the release date: 30 November 2023 on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. We hope that you enjoy Gangs of Sherwood, be sure to also visit Acer’s Game Pass to discover all of your favorite games, past, present and future.
For gamers on a budget who require optimum performance at an approachable price, check out Acer’s Nitro V 15 Gaming Laptop - ANV15-51-59MT. This laptop boasts a 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with 144 Hz refresh rate, in addition to a powerful Intel® Core™ i5-13420H Processor with up to 4.6GHz. On top of these features, the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card promises to impress, delivering crystal clear graphics as you take on the Sheriff of Nottingham!
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World of Warcraft: The War Within - The Story and Details Revealed So Far
The War Within is the newly announced expansion heading to Blizzard’s long-running MMO, World of Warcraft. The War Within will be the first of three new expansions revealed for the Worldsoul Saga trilogy, subsequent entries of which will be named Midnight and The Last Titan. This upcoming expansion will take players beneath the surface of Azeroth to the land of Khaz Algar, where they’ll find the Earthen, a race of dwarves, and darker forces such as the Nerubians. Of course, a new setting isn’t all that comes with an expansion: the game will have a new level cap, dungeons, and a raid to overcome. Continue reading to find out all we know so far about World of Warcraft: The War Within.
World of Warcraft: The War Within
With World of Warcraft’s 20th anniversary coming up next year, and 2023 being the year BlizzCon returned after a long hiatus, fans certainly expected a lot from the even’ts welcome ceremony, and World of Warcraft in particular had a lot to surprise fans. The biggest announcement by Blizzard Entertainment at BlizzCon 2023 was that World of Warcraft will be receiving three major expansions in the future. These expansions will tell the tale of World of Warcraft’s next ongoing storyline, the Worldsoul Saga. The expansion that will be the opening act of this saga will be The War Within. This expansion is slated for release at the end of 2024 and will introduce new zones to explore, new dungeons and raids to conquer, new game systems to master, and more.
Storyline
https://youtu.be/o03STclgxSc?si=PGD1n9qmHpX2xbmU
In terms of story, this certainly feels like the greatest undertaking in World of Warcraft since its inception. The story has been unfolding for almost 20 years (30 if you include the original Warcraft games), but it has never really felt like Blizzard has been aiming for a single, overarching plot. Each expansion so far has wrapped itself in a neat little package, ready to plunge the world into chaos once again with the arrival of a new threat. The War Within initially feels like a regular expansion. It brings new areas, new enemies, and a host of innovative mechanics that improve the gameplay experience.
However, considering that The War Within is just the first step in the Worldsoul Saga, it feels like Blizzard is entering into an endgame-like event with the series. Although this will not be the end of Azeroth or the Warcraft universe, it may be a definitive point where Blizzard ends its 20 years of storytelling and moves on to something else. Exactly what that means, players probably won’t find out until the third expansion in the saga, The Last Titan.
The overall premise of The War Within is that Anduin Wrynn and Thrall have been experiencing visions where a mysterious voice singing a Radiant Song is calling out to them from the depths of Azeroth. To uncover the source of this voice, Thrall and Anduin gather a band of heroes and lead an expedition into the unexplored depths of their world. Our heroes will also find various allies on their journey, such as an ancient race of Dwarves known as the Earthen. Also, Magni Bronzebeard and Alleria Windrunner are set to return for this expansion to accompany Anduin and Thrall on their trip. As the expeditionary force makes its way through the underground caverns, players will have to fight a new threat that risks cutting their journey and their lives short.
The villain leading this threat is Xal’atath, an ancient being who serves a chaotic, otherworldly force known as the Void. After being released from a cursed black blade, where she had been sealed for untold millennia, Xal’atath now seeks to create a new dark legacy to replace The Black Empire, which fell at the hands of the titan-forged. Xal’atath wants to use a new alliance with the Nerubians to form a force that seeks to enact the machinations of the Void. She has conscripted the Nerubians and their queen, Ansurek, to serve her. In return for their service, she has promised to help release the Nerubians from their isolation, restore their empire to its former glory, and grant them the power to transform into terrifying soldiers through a horrifying evolution.
Who are the major players in The War Within?
More details will inevitably emerge between now and release, but Anduin Wrynn, Thrall, Magni Bronzebeard, Alleria Windrunner, and Xal'atath are all set to play a significant role in the upcoming game.
Anduin Wrynn
It’s been a while since we saw Anduin Wrynn, the young man who is on paper still the King of Stormwind, and it doesn’t look like his time away has changed him for the better. Anduin was front and center during Shadowlands, where he was one of the important captives whisked away to Torghast by the Jailer. Anduin eventually found himself being controlled by Domination magic and forced to relieve several Covenant leaders of their Sigils, giving the Jailer access to Zereth Mortis, the place where the mysterious First Ones allegedly created all the realms of Death, and the ultimate goal of all the Jailer’s millennia of scheming.
Once freed, Anduin—mentally shaken by what he had seen and done—opted not to return to Stormwind and immediately retake the throne of the Alliance. Instead he accompanied Sylvanas Windrunner on her punishment tour of the Maw, presumably helping her rescue and save every soul she had condemned to that hellish realm. He doesn’t seem to have regained much of his confidence; if anything, Anduin seems even more distraught over his time in the realms of Death than before, feeling disconnected from a Light he no longer feels worthy of wielding. We certainly didn’t hear a peep out of him during Dragonflight, but it appears that he’s one of many characters who’s been having visions of radiance—visions that have led him to Silithus. We do still see a little of the old hero in him, though. Maybe this story arc will be Anduin’s redemption.
Thrall
Although his hair is looking a little greyer these days, Thrall (a.k.a. Go’el) is an iconic figure in the World of Warcraft franchise and needs little introduction. After his role in Shadowlands, Thrall returned to Azeroth, but remained out of the spotlight for Dragonflight. He played a role in the orc heritage armor quest, appearing as a peacemaker and settled-down family man (and, if the player character chooses to join the Frostwolf Clan, a proud clanmate).
As a Shaman, Thrall has always been in tune with the elements of Azeroth and, to an extent, the planet herself. However, it appears he’s one of many these days receiving the visions discussed in the trailer, and much as Saurfang did for him when he was in hiding during the events of Battle of Azeroth, now it has fallen to Thrall to seek out Anduin. It’s only natural that when the planet is threatened, Thrall is one of the first to step up to its defense; he’s done so time and time again, and he appears to be enlisting others as well.
Magni Bronzebeard
Formerly the king of Khaz Modan and the brother of Muradin, Magni Bronzebeard is a steadfast dwarf who now acts as the herald of the world soul of Azeroth. Magni was always a loyal friend of the Alliance and fought bravely against the Horde and later the Lich King’s forces. When the Cataclysm engulfed Azeroth, Magni heroically sacrificed himself and became a diamond statue, saving Khaz Modan while Magni remained frozen in the heart of the ancient iron forge. As the dwarves remembered and honored his sacrifice, the spirit of Magni bonded with the world of Azeroth. Years later, to everyone’s astonishment, Magni suddenly woke up from his torpor and declared that from now on he would be the voice of Azeroth. As a result, he played a crucial role in the events surrounding the finale of Legion, in which the Titan Sargeras plunged his sword deep into Azeroth, mortally wounding the world.
From then on, Magni’s mission was to heal the wound in the world and save the planet. This was particularly evident during the Azeroth Crisis, when Magni went to great lengths to use the Heart of Azeroth to heal the planet’s wounds. In the end, Magni’s efforts finally bore fruit. Where once the lamentations of the world’s soul could be heard, Azeroth now sings happier songs again. We’ve known for quite some time that Azeroth is sentient; one of the reasons the Titans seem so fixated on this planet, and the Old Gods so dead set on corrupting it, is evidently due to Azeroth’s potential to become a phenomenally powerful Titan herself. Although in the past she has been seemingly only able to communicate through Magni, it appears that she is now capable of directly sending messages—albeit only momentary and confusing messages—to her residents.
Alleria Windrunner
In The War Within, we catch up not with Anduin’s travel buddy Sylvanas but with her sister. It turns out Alleria isn’t having visions of radiance, but of darkness, and for good reason. One half of the demon-fighting power couple that led the Army of the Light against the Burning Crusade for a thousand years, Alleria Windrunner chose to learn to wield the power of the Void in the fight against fel forces. Although she has mastered it, the price for that choice has been high—Alleria is constantly assaulted by whispers from the Void, seductive ones that want to turn her from her heroic path and into something darker. Alleria has been receiving visions of goings-on below the surface, as well as some imagery that current players may recognize from Iridikron’s escape cinematic in the Dawn of the Infinite megadungeon.
Alleria’s role is shaping up as the person receiving direct, taunting images from below of the Void’s machinations, and she’s likely to be one of the leaders on the expedition down there and to use her connection to the Void to hunt down the villain who’s stirring up so much trouble.
Xal’atath, the Harbinger
Anyone who’s played through the artifact quests in Legion as a Shadow Priest is of course familiar with Xal’atath, Blade of the Black Empire—or rather, the entity within it who shares the same name. At the end of that expansion, her blade, like the rest of the artifacts, was canonically used to subdue the corrupting energy within the Sword of Sargeras. After that, Xal’atath, like so many times before, disappeared. The knife turned up again in Battle for Azeroth, where she guided us to three powerful Void relics that the naga were attempting to use to create an ultrapowerful storm; in the process, we also got her a body outside of the knife, as the entity within the blade possessed the body of a dead high elf priestess who had been trying to harness one of the relics. After that, she helped us bring the relics and ourselves directly to N’zoth in the Crucible of Storms, then vanished. Although the knife that used to house her had been seen a few times after that (playing a relatively major role in the final two patches of Battle for Azeroth), the being inside stayed hidden… until recently.
At the end of the Dawn of the Infinite megadungeon, players noticed that the Void-flavored portal through which Iridikron escaped contained the silhouette of a distinctly feminine elf. Immediately, between this and Iridikron’s talk of a “Harbinger,” rumors immediately began to fly that this was Xal’atath, returned at last to do whatever it was she intended to do. It appears that those rumors were true, based on both Alleria’s dark visions.
Xal’atath, confirmed the Harbinger, has been watching us and conjured up some dark plans of her own; the Black Empire may have been defeated, and the Old Gods are confirmed dead, but Xal'atath has struck up an alliance in the deep places of the world with the Nerubians, who made their largest appearance in Wrath of the Lich King. She has taught their queen how to mutate certain Nerubians into paragons of their species, something the queen has fully embraced; meanwhile, she is using them to gather a substance called the Black Blood of the Old Gods. Whatever it is that she’s up to, it seems she has distressed the planet’s soul enough to call out to its defenders, and so Xal’atath seems to be the first of no doubt many big enemies we’ll face off against during the Worldsoul Saga.
New zones
In a first for the series, the new continent the expansion introduces will be entirely subterranean. Introduced as Khaz Algar, this is the home of a specific subset of the Earthen, who players have seen before in zones like Ulduar. Within the continent are the following four zones:
* The Isle of Dorn: a surface-level zone with fertile soil and plant life, this new area will be the central hub for players. Billed as a lush paradise, the limited screenshots show a combination of epic structures and beautiful vistas reminiscent of Valdrakken.
* The Ringing Depths: an industrial underground cavern full of lava-flowing foundries, forges, and furnaces. Overseen by the Machine Speakers, Kobolds have taken over much of the Ringing Deeps, building a city of their own. Titan relics appear to litter the environment.
* Hallowfall: a vibrant underground zone shining bright from the light of an enormous crystal that has recently seen its light changing. Fading without warning, the zone has been plunged into darkness. This area will be home to the Arathi and their capital Mereldar.
* Azj-Kahet: in the deepest depths of Azeroth, this zone is the heart of the Nerubian Empire, the home to forgotten scavengers. Here lies the Nerubian City of Threads—a city that has been built on the ruins of itself many times over and is billed as having a complex political system and culture.
New dungeons and raids
When The War Within expansion launches, it will do so with eight dungeons for players to conquer. In line with previous expansions, four of these will be leveling dungeons, and the other four will be reserved for max-level characters. The full list is as follows:
Level-up dungeons
* The Rookery
* The Stonevault
* Priory of the Sacred Flame
* City of Threads
Maximum-level dungeons
* Cinderbrew Meadery
* Darkflame Cleft
* The Dawnbreaker
* Old City
Additionally, the expansion will include a raid dungeon that will presumably follow a similar formula to Dragonflight’s Dawn of the Infinite megadungeon. Entitled Nerub’ar Palace, this eight-boss Nerubian Empire raid in Azj’kahet will be the first raid in The War Within.
Delves
One of the new systems being announced for The War Within is delves, which are scalable world instances for 1–5 players that are similar to dungeons, raids, and PvP except that they focus on the outdoor world and offer a more structured experience. Delves address the lack of upgrades and overall excitement found in the outdoor world beyond completing quests. Delves will involve exploration, deep-diving into mysteries, and extending open-world content, as opposed to moving from one boss to another, in the same vein as dungeons—with the difference from other open-world adventuring being the treasure received at the end.
Unlike previous small-group content, such as scenarios and island expeditions, delves offer fully flexible group sizes, so you can run them alone, with a partner, or with a full party. Delves are also role agnostic, so you’ll be able to bring any combination of specializations you choose—no need to seek out tanks or healers for your group. They’ll also be cross-faction.
You’ll be accompanied by a seasonal NPC companion in the vaults, starting with Brann Bronzebeard for Season 1. These companions will have customizable talents and abilities that you’ll be able to select to suit your group and playstyle.
At the end of each delve, you’ll have to defeat a boss or complete a puzzle to unlock the vault’s treasure and complete the mission. The expansion will launch with the following 12 unique delves throughout the world:
* Earthcrawl Mines
* Skittering Breach
* The Waterworks
* The Spiral Weave
* Kriegval’s Rest
* Nightfall Sanctum
* The Dread Pit
* Rak-Rethan Abyss
* Fungak Folly
* The Sinkhole
* Deepwalker Hold
* Mycomancer Cavern
Delves will also offer plenty of cosmetic awards, such as mushroom and candle hats, based on their specific theme, and they will be included into seasonal content, giving players rewards for the season, including mounts, pets, and achievements.
Warbands
Warbands is an innovative and game-changing new feature that will be introduced with the expansion. With Warbands, the character selection screen has been revamped and will conveniently showcase all your available characters, regardless of the server they belong to. You will be able to effortlessly manage multiple characters across accounts while enjoying a plethora of quality-of-life improvements.
* Banks offer a shared account between characters, meaning that you won't need to mail items anymore.
* Reputations, Achievements, and Renown will be account-wide for all players.
* Flight Paths will be linked across accounts, meaning you'll only have to unlock paths once, saving time.
* Universal Transmog across your warband will become available, meaning one character can unlock a Plate item, and another can transmog them.
Hero talents
New hero talents for each class specialization will allow players to progress characters with “evergreen self-contained talent trees that also infuse class fantasy flavor” inspired by iconic Warcraft universe archetypes. These will be in addition to current talent trees, and include three trees per class—two small trees per specialization that you can switch between. This system will auto unlock at level 71, with players receiving a new talent point at each level. Once players reach level 80, the whole tree will unlock. The goal is for hero talent trees to be “low friction,” with the ability to swap between choices and trees easily, in a vein similar to that for Dragonflight talents.
The following are the names of the hero talents that players will be able to choose from:
* Death Knight: Deathbringer, Rider of the Apocalypse, San'layn
* Demon Hunter: Aldrachi Reaver, Fel-Scarred
* Druid: Druid of the Claw, Elune's Chosen, Keeper of the Grove, Wildstalker
* Evoker: Chronowarden, Ruby Adept, Scalecommander
* Hunter: Dark Ranger, Pack Leader, Sentinel
* Mage: Frostfire, Spellslinger, Sunfury
* Monk: Conduit of the Celestials, Master of Harmony, Shado-Pan
* Paladin: Herald of the Sun, Lightsmith, Templar
* Priest: Archon, Oracle, Voidweaver
* Rogue: Deathstalker, Fatebound, Trickster
* Shaman: Farseer, Stormbringer, Totemic
* Warlock: Diabolist, Hellcaller, Soul Harvester
* Warrior: Colossus, Mountain Thane, Slayer
New playable allied race: Earthen dwarves
Earthen dwarves are a new allied race coming to The War Within that exist as three estranged groups: Oathsworn, Unbound, and Machine Speakers. Members of this titan-forged race are made of living stone imbued with the essence of Azeroth’s worldsoul. As players progress through the main campaign, they’ll meet the Earthen that have made the Isle of Dorn and the zones beneath it their home. Earthen will be available to both Alliance and Horde players and can be played as the following classes: Death Knight, Hunter, Mage, Monk, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, and Warrior. Leveling an Earthen toon will also unlock the new Earthen Heritage Armor.
New “dynamic flying” update
The Dragonflight mechanics have undergone a transformation in The War Within and are now called dynamic flying, which will be available from the beginning of the expansion, with the to-be-confirmed style unlockable at max level when the campaign is completed. This exciting update has been applied retrospectively to all existing flying mounts, resulting in a more thrilling and momentum-driven flight experience compared to the traditional classic/static flight initially introduced in The Burning Crusade. You will also be able to toggle between dynamic flight or the traditional flying style.
What is the WoW: The War Within release date?
A release date for The War Within has not yet been confirmed, but judging by the small print on the prepurchase page on the official website, you can expect it to arrive in fall 2024. This ties in with the timeline of previous expansions, which generally run for around two years; Dragonflight was released at the end of November 2022, so we can expect The War Within to be out sometime between October and December 2024.
For more awesome games, make sure to check out the lineup of games the Xbox Game Pass has on offer. Furthermore, with the purchase of a Windows 11 PC from Acer, you can enjoy one month free of Xbox Game Pass.
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Microsoft Owns 13 Video Game Franchises Worth Over $1 Billion Each
Microsoft's recent eye-popping $68.7 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard catapults it to the forefront of gaming with 13 AAA franchises, each with billion-dollar revenues. This move propels Microsoft to the third largest gaming company by revenue, trailing only Sony and Tencent.
Rewind to 2014, when Microsoft shelled out $2.5 billion to bring Minecraft into its fold. That was just the start. From there, it's been a relentless expansion, amassing a war chest of 24 gaming studios including ZeniMax. The result? A beefed-up Xbox Game Pass library that pulls in over 25 million subscribers.
And with the Activision Blizzard acquisition, Microsoft's making a statement. "We will have 13 billion dollar-plus franchises – from Candy Crush, Diablo, and Halo, to Warcraft, Elder Scrolls, and Gears of War," says Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO.
With Microsoft's gaming realm expanding at warp speed, it's a maze keeping up. So, here's the rundown of the billion-dollar heavy-hitters they've now got under their belt.
1. Age of Empires
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCSP8oL2jFU
Age of Empires is a monumental journey through history, a Real-Time Strategy (RTS) series that has captivated gamers for over 25 years. The franchise has expanded to a dozen titles, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.
Debuting in 1997, the original Age of Empires lets you command one of 12 civilizations, guiding them from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. Your mission? To grow a simple settlement into a formidable empire. You must strategically manage resources, expand your cultural influence, and engage in military strikes.
The game's allure lies in its blend of strategy and history. Countless gamers have commanded legions, built empires, and crafted historical narratives. It's a tribute to our past, a strategic challenge, and a testament to how games can make history come alive.
2. Call of Duty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZNSOEVJtok
Call of Duty has outsold even the famed Grand Theft Auto series. As of 2023, this AAA franchise is valued at an incredible $31 billion, with nearly 450 million units sold.
Each Call of Duty release is a global event, drawing millions of gamers. Known for its immersive FPS action, you dive into all kinds of warfare – from historical battles to modern skirmishes and even futuristic combat.
Its success lies in its ability to continuously reinvent and elevate the FPS genre. Every installment brings innovative gameplay, gripping narratives, and a multiplayer experience that's often imitated but never replicated.
3. Diablo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro26B394ZBM
Diablo is a dark fantasy RPG series where you delve into hell's depths, maiming creatures before escaping with loot. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, it's a saga of action, role-playing, and hack-and-slash that has captivated gamers since 1997.
Set in the brooding world of Sanctuary, players battle demons, including the notorious Diablo, across various realms like the High Heavens and Burning Hells. The series, spanning four core games, has become a cultural titan in gaming, inspiring books, comics, and a rich expanded universe.
As of 2023, Diablo has sold nearly 100 million copies globally. The latest, Diablo IV, made a hellish impact, raking in $666 million in just five days. Diablo's legacy continues to define the action RPG genre, with millions drawn to its dark allure.
4. Fallout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB4NQxmqJis
Microsoft's 2020 acquisition of ZeniMax Media brought an unexpected prize: the Fallout series. Unleashed by Tim Cain at Interplay Entertainment, Fallout is a post-apocalyptic RPG juggernaut smashing sales records since its 1997 debut. Set in a world where 1950s American culture collides with a nuclear dystopia, it's a masterclass in atompunk retrofuturism. Think atomic age meets doomsday.
Starting with the revolutionary Fallout, the series evolved under Bethesda Softworks, particularly with Fallout 3 in 2008, which revamped the game with immersive 3D graphics and a sprawling open world. In 2015, Fallout 4 smashed $750 million in sales just 24 hours after hitting the shelves.
Fallout's blend of nail-biting survival, deep stories, and a world like a nuclear-blasted echo of our own. It's a mix of intense survival gameplay, rich narrative, and a haunting yet familiar nuclear wasteland, earning its stripes as a billion-dollar franchise.
5. Microsoft Flight Simulator
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ozy64a-OG4
Microsoft Flight Simulator, soaring since '77, predates even Windows! Bruce Artwick's brainchild started as a geeky sim on MS-DOS, evolving into a jaw-dropping, cloud-powered spectacle on Windows and Xbox.
The 2020 edition marked the biggest leap in the franchise’s over 40-year journey. More than 1 million copies sold quickly after its release contributed to the series' impressive total of 22.2 million units. The impact extends beyond the game itself, as Jon Peddie Research (JPR) highlights a remarkable $2.6 billion boost in PC hardware sales linked to the game.
Microsoft Flight Simulator offers a sky's worth of adventure with over 24,000 airports, perfect for gamers and aspiring pilots. With its cutting-edge graphics and a worldwide fanbase hooked on its expansive mods, it's a gaming legend offering an unparalleled virtual flight experience.
6. Forza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJumrR_bbg0
Forza, a high-octane racing video game series, roars as a billion-dollar franchise and a jewel in Microsoft's crown. Since its 2005 launch, Forza has revved up immense success, selling over 16 million copies by 2021. It has become the go-to for racing fans on Xbox and Windows, attracting over 14 million unique players.
Crafted by Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games, Forza splits into two adrenaline-fueled series:
* Motorsport: simulation purists
* Horizon: arcade-style racing
With mobile spin-offs like Forza Street and Forza Customs, the brand has expanded beyond traditional gaming platforms, catering to a broader audience. This expansion and stellar sales cement Forza as a top-tier, billion-dollar racing franchise. It's not just racing; it's the cutting-edge of virtual racing experiences.
7. Gears of War
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu2RsEUOA3M
Microsoft acquired Gears of War from Epic Games in 2014. The series has consistently delivered gritty storytelling and visceral combat. Its groundbreaking cover-based combat system has revolutionized third-person shooting mechanics.
The saga began in 2006 with the original Gears of War, centering on Marcus Fenix's fierce battle against the Locust. Over its nine titles, the series has continued to evolve, deepening the conflict, and expanding its universe with each new installment.
More than a game series, it's a culture: DC comic series, novels, and merchandise, all testament to its magnetic pull. It hit the ground running, selling over three million copies within ten weeks of its debut, making it the fastest-selling video game of 2006.
With total sales exceeding 22 million units and revenue surpassing $1 billion, Gears of War is not just a successful game series; it's a billion-dollar franchise and a landmark in the gaming industry.
8. Halo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18-_9E0HNY4
Halo isn't just a game; it's a sci-fi sensation that changed FPS gaming. Born from the minds at Bungie and now steered by Microsoft's own 343 Industries. It blasted onto the scene in 2001 with Halo: Combat Evolved. Fast-forward to now, and it's the Xbox's flagship with over 12 killer titles.
Over 70 million Halo games have been snapped up worldwide. You play as Master Chief, a super-soldier taking on the alien Covenant. And it's not just about the solo play. Halo's multiplayer is equally acclaimed.
But Halo's reach goes beyond the console. Its vast cultural impact sparked a whole universe of novels and comics. Even a TV series is on the horizon. Talk about impact. And with a cool $6 billion in the bank, Halo's a mega-hit, a cultural titan in the gaming world.
9. Minecraft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rla3FUlxJdE
Minecraft reigns as the top-selling video game, with over 300 million sold and more than 140 million players in August 2021. Snapped up by Microsoft in 2014 for a whopping $2.5 billion, it generated a massive $99.62 million from mobile revenues in 2022 alone.
Minecraft launched in 2011 as a simple game where players could build and explore pixelated worlds. It's a canvas for creativity, offering gameplay including:
* Survival: test your resourcefulness in a dynamic world.
* Creativity: unleash your imagination with unlimited resources.
* Story mode: dive into narrative-driven adventures.
* Dungeons: explore action-packed, dungeon-crawling adventures.
This digital playground, where players shape their own narratives, is a testament to the power of interactive storytelling and community-driven innovation in gaming.
10. Overwatch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQfRHycUsmQ
When Blizzard Entertainment unleashed Overwatch in 2016, it redefined team-based combat games. Raking in $1 billion in its 2016 debut year, Overwatch merged cutting-edge gameplay with a roster of diverse characters, each with unique abilities and backstories.
Overwatch's hero-based gameplay encourages teamwork and strategy. It demands players adapt their skills to dynamic combat situations. The cultural footprint of Overwatch stretches far beyond the screen with fan art, cosplay and an animated miniseries. It's sparked a global community where, and hopefully under Microsoft's new leadership the Overwatch League will flourish again.
With Microsoft's acquisition, Overwatch stands on the brink of a new era. This move isn't just a financial transaction; it's a statement about the game's innovation. Overwatch, now a billion-dollar title under one of tech's biggest names, is poised to redefine the gaming landscape.
11. The Elder Scrolls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaI-EOVpDvo
The Elder Scrolls series is revered in the realm of fantasy RPG with its intricate gameplay and vast, immersive worlds. Its colossal success caught Microsoft's eye, and it acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, the publisher behind The Elder Scrolls. The deal, valued at a whopping $7.5 billion in 2020, underscores the immense value and influence of this best-selling video game franchise.
Starting in 1994 with The Elder Scrolls: Arena, the series continually redefines the RPG genre. Each game invites players into vast narratives and intricately detailed universes.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, released in 2011, achieved over $1 billion in its first month. Skyrim is the 7th best-selling game, selling over 60 million copies. This success reflects the series' blend of immersive storytelling and player-driven adventure.
With Microsoft's backing, The Elder Scrolls is poised for new horizons, promising to uphold its legacy as a beacon of interactive storytelling.
12. World of Warcraft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o03STclgxSc
Since its 2004 inception, World of Warcraft (WoW) has
