Smallville actor Allison Mack has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for her role in the NXIVM cult, according to Reuters. Mack was facing a minimum sentence of 15 years, according to The Hollywood Reporter.She was one of the highest ranking members of convicted sex trafficker Keith Raniere's cult-like group, which recruited women as sex slaves. Last fall, Raniere was sentenced to 120 years in prison.Her and Raniere's rulings make for a real-life coda to the HBO docuseries The Vow, which premiered in August 2020 and chronicles the emotional toll and trauma caused by self-improvement group NXIVM--which was a cover organization for a sex-slavery sorority that blackmailed, starved, and branded its members. In October, HBO renewed the series for Season 2, which was already expected to focus on Raniere's trial while continuing to look inside his inner circle and ongoing supporters.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

The Lord of the Rings Online has introduced two new servers, and they have the best, most appropriate names. The new servers are called Shadowfax and Treebeard, while developer Standing Stone Games is also rolling out new difficulty options. All of this is exclusive to VIP subscribers, so free-to-play users need to upgrade to get started.The Shadowfax server--named after the iconic Middle-earth horse who runs like the wind--lets you level faster by offering +50% XP, legendary item XP, and mount XP, as well as +20% virtue XP. The Treebeard server--named after the very slow and deliberate Ent--is a slower-paced offering featuring -60% reduced XP. Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

One of the coolest parts about remasters and remakes of games is that the mod community is often revitalized, and Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is no exception. Not content with the third-person perspective of the trilogy, one enterprising player has created a mod that converts the exploration sections of all three games into first-person.Called First Person Mode on NexusMods, the mod was made by user "Jade" and specifically focuses on any section of the game that doesn't involve combat. That means that you can use this to go explore the Citadel or do anything that doesn't require Shepard to pull out a gun. It'll also revert to third-person perspective if you enter into a conversation, but the ability to take in the incredibly rich non-combat areas of the trilogy from Shepard's perspective is still fantastic.Gallery In order to install it, you'll need a PC copy of Mass Effect Legendary Edition as well as the ME3Tweaks Mod Manager. Then you can install the First Person Mode mod from NexusMods and get exploring. From the looks of the images on the mod's page, it really changes the impact of the environments--not least because you won't have Shepard cluttering up the screen. You can see some of those images in the gallery above.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Horror streaming platform Shudder is currently running its "Summer of Chills," with 12 exclusive films streaming throughout the summer. July is set to bring a quartet new shockers to the platform, plus some classic catalogue tiles.July's line-up of new horror kicks off on July 8 with Son, in which a woman comes to terms with terrifying changes in her child after he is kidnapped. It's directed by Ivan Kavanagh, who previously made the seriously scary 2014 horror The Canal. That's followed on July 15 by The Call, which unites two genre veterans--Saw's Tobin Bell and Insidious's Lin Shaye--as a sinister old couple of who trap a group of friends in their house.July 22 sees the release of Kandisha, the new movie from acclaimed French duo Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo (Inside, Livid). It's about a woman who summons a powerful demon to exact a bloody vengeance, but soon finds that the evil entity is out-of-control. Finally, The Boy Behind the Door arrives on July 29, and focuses on a kidnapped boy who faces unimaginable terror when he attempts to rescue his friend.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Microsoft has released the latest Xbox system update to select members of its Xbox Insider program. The update doesn't make any significant changes but does fix a number of issues and updates the list of known issues.The Xbox system update will be available for members of the Xbox Insiders program in the Alpha Ring today, fixing a number of small issues. The update fixes an issue where the Netflix app wouldn't launch for some users, some games wouldn't launch even after being reinstalled, and an issue where some consoles couldn't connect to the network.Xbox also recently announced that the Xbox Cloud Streaming service is now available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in more regions across iOS devices, Windows 10 PCs, MacOS, and Android devices. The service is also now being powered by Xbox Series X technology, allowing for faster loading and higher quality game streaming.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Battlefield 2042 will feature some impressive tech, particularly to up the player count to 128. However, it seems the upcoming military first-person shooter may not have ray tracing support when it drops on PC this October.In a press release, Nvidia announced that Battlefield 2042 will take advantage of the card manufacturer's DLSS and Reflex features found in its GeForce 20- and 30-series GPUs. Nvidia didn't mention ray tracing here.In fact, Nvidia only mentions ray tracing when calling out Doom Eternal, which just received DLSS and ray tracing support via a new patch. We've reached out to EA for comment and will update this post if we hear back.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Amazon's series adapting the classic Geena Davis and Tom Hanks comedy A League of Their Own has cast Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) in its version of the Jimmy Dugan role. The casting news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.This new adaptation will be an hourlong, live-action series that will not 1:1 revisit the 1992 film. For example, Offerman--arguably pretty much everyone's favorite deadpan comic actor--will play Casey "Dove" Porter, the coach of the team at the center of the show. Dove was "thought to be the next Major League Baseball star, but blew his arm out after three years." Similar to the movie, which saw Hanks play a similarly fated Jimmy Dugan, Dove aims to make his comeback by coaching the all-female Rockford Peaches into winning the championship banner.The series will star Abbi Jacobson (Broad City)--who co-created and will executive produce alongside Will Graham--Chanté Adams (Roxanne Roxanne), D'Arcy Carden (The Good Place), Gbemisola Ikumelo (Brain in Gear), Kelly McCormack (Letterkenny), Roberta Colindrez (Birdman), and Priscilla Delgado (Julieta). This new version promises to bring the familiar story to a new generation "with new characters and their own fresh, modern vision on a timeless story of big dreams, friendship, love, and, of course, baseball," according to co-head of TV for Amazon Studios Vernon Sanders.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Deadline is reporting that Nico Parker (Disney's Dumbo) has been cast as Sarah Miller, Joel Miller's (Pedro Pascal) daughter in the live-action adaptation of The Last of Us. She joins Pascal, Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, and Bella Ramsey for the HBO TV series. Dandridge is the only cast member thus far to reprise their role from the game.The series will be based on the critically-acclaimed video game series of the same name that's about a super virus that destroys civilization with Ramsey's Ellie is the only one that can save it. Parker's character has a relatively minor role in the game, but also the first character you play in it and sets the chain of events in motion for Joel and his brother Tommy's path.Though the first game centers on Joel's point of view, with small bits for Ellie to play, the second game which came out in the summer of 2020, concentrated more on Ellie and her growing up in this bizarre new world. It received tremendous acclaim and even Game of the Year. Even here at Gamespot, we gave it an 8/10.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

The next entry in the Call of Duty series is rumored to be codenamed "Slipstream." That's according to @Helba_The_AI, who runs blizztrack.com, a site that tracks updates and uploads to Activision Blizzard's storefront, Battle.net.#cod2021 aka Fore is called Call of Duty: Slipstream and here is the logos for it pic.twitter.com/YMKEQHSy8L — Helba (@Helba_The_AI) June 29, 2021Helba shared on Twitter that there is what appears to be files related to Call of Duty 2021 that have been uploaded to Battle.net, alongside logos with the name "Slipstream." While Activision Blizzard did confirm that the next Call of Duty is in development with Sledgehammer Games leading, the game has not been officially revealed or given a release date. Sledgehammer assisted with the development of Modern Warfare and Black Ops Cold War and led development on WWII. The next Call of Duty will also integrate with the Warzone, the free-to-play battle royale.Helba also tweeted that the next Call of Duty may have an alpha coming soon, based on some text found in Battle.net's files. Earlier this year it was reported that the next Call of Duty game will be titled Vanguard and would take place during World War II. While the Vanguard title may be the official name of the game, the Slipstream title could possibly be used to secretly test the game or to avoid the official name of the game from being leaked.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

In unexpected esports competition news: The first Uno Championship Series is happening, and you can participate. Part of the card game's 50th anniversary celebration, the Uno Championship Series Invitational will be held in-person in Las Vegas on November 11, 2021 and offers a grand prize of $50K.Select players of the Uno mobile tournament in the Uno app will be invited to attend the Las Vegas event. It's currently unknown how Mattel will pick players from the mobile tournament pool, but ranking may be a big consideration.The first of its kind.In addition to the mobile tournament, players will also have the chance to attend local in-person tournaments. Prizes are currently unknown, but local competitions will likely be another path for ambitious Uno players to map their path to the Invitational.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Though Prime Day just ended, the deals aren't slowing down as we head into July, and as the US prepares for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, retailers are kicking their annual Fourth of July sales into high gear. Whether you're planning for some outdoor fun or escaping the heat indoors, there are plenty of Fourth of July sales to take advantage of, from deals on tech and PC gear to furniture, mattresses, and even meal kits. The Fourth of July deals bonanza includes sales from major retailers like Best Buy and Walmart along with an eclectic mix of other stores, like eBay, Wayfair, and Newegg. For those shopping for Fourth of July laptop or computer deals, tech brands like HP and Lenovo are offering sales of their own, so it's worth shopping all the July 4th deals while you can. Most sales run through this weekend and end on Monday. Here's a quick look at some of the best Fourth of July deals and sales we're seeing this year.Fourth of July sales 2021Best Buy: Though its Fourth of July sale should kick off in full later this week, Best Buy is already discounting a range of appliances, from refrigerators to microwaves and more.Walmart: Walmart's Fourth of July sale has an eclectic range of products, including deals on 4K TVs, smartwatches, Apple AirPods, and Chromebooks.eBay: The resale site is going all out with steep discounts on tech from Bose, Lenovo, Sony, LG, and more.Newegg: The PC parts retailer has its semi-annual clearance sale running during Fourth of July weekend.HP: The computer brand is slashing up to 58% off desktop PCs, monitors, laptops, and other peripherals.Lenovo: "Black Friday in July" is the theme of Lenovo's holiday sale, with up to 62% off laptops for work and gaming, mice, and more.HyperX: Through July 4, HyperX gaming accessories, including keyboards and headsets, are on sale for up to 50% off.Casetify: From July 2-6, snag a new, customized iPhone case for 15% off with code 4JULY21.Whirlwind FX: From July 2-5, get an extra 20% off immersive RGB gaming keyboards and other PC peripherals with code FIREWORKS.Casper: Fourth of July mattress sales are a big thing. Right now, you can get up to 30% off mattress bundles; 15% off mattresses, pillows, and sheets; and 10% off everything else at Casper.Wayfair: The home and furniture store has a ton of items on deep discount. If you're in the need for a new couch, TV stand, or any other furniture, check it out.Home Chef: If you're not a big cook, meal kits making eating well a little easier. Until July 9, get $25 off your first four Home Chef boxes ($100 savings) with code FOURTH100.Home Depot: For all things home improvement, Home Depot has a massive Fourth of July sale on grills, tools, and more.Overstock: Furniture, mattresses, lamps, rugs--you name it, it's on sale at Overstock for the Fourth of July.Best Fourth of July game dealsSome of Prime Day's best game deals are actually hanging around as we head into Fourth of July weekend, including the steepest discounts yet on next-gen titles like Demon's Souls. Check out some of the best games on sale for PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox below. PC players should check out the Steam Summer Sale before it ends July 8, including the best Steam Summer Sale deals and cheap Steam games under $10.Assassin's Creed Valhalla (PS5) -- $30 ($60)Biomutant (PS4, Xbox) -- $50 ($60)Death Stranding (PS4) -- $20 ($40)Demon's Souls (PS5) -- $50 ($70)Ghost of Tsushima (PS4) -- $40 ($60)Immortals Fenyx Rising (Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox) -- $25 ($60)It Takes Two (PS4, Xbox) -- $30 ($40)Judgment (PS4) -- $22 ($60)The Last of Us Part II (PS4) -- $29 ($40)Little Nightmares II (PS4) -- $25 ($30)Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle (Switch) -- $20 ($60)Monster Hunter Rise (Switch) -- $50 ($60)Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate Edition (PS5, Xbox) -- $40 ($50)The Nioh Collection (PS5) -- $50 ($70)Outriders - Day One Edition (PS4) -- $40 ($60)Resident Evil Village (PS5, PS4, Xbox) -- $50 ($60)Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS4) -- $40 ($60) Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster (Switch, PS4) -- $40 ($50)Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (Switch) -- $50 ($60)Watch Dogs Legion (PS5, PS4, Xbox) -- $20 ($60)XCOM 2 Collection (Switch) -- $15 ($50)Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch) -- $38 ($60)Best Fourth of July tech dealsIf you're looking for a new laptop or TV, there are plenty of great deals to choose from during Fourth of July sales. HP and Lenovo are both hosting sales featuring some solid laptops. You can save close to $500 on the Lenovo Yoga Y540 gaming laptop or $200 on the Lenovo Legion 5 gaming laptop. HP's popular Pavilion line starts at $550 during the sale, and you can also save $100 on the HP Omen 27-inch gaming monitor. Walmart has a nice deal on a 65-inch LG 4K smart TV, dropping the price to only $697. Meanwhile, Best Buy has deals on Fire TVs, including a 50-inch Toshiba model that comes with a free Echo Dot. Check out the best tech deals for Fourth of July below. We'll be adding additional deals to this list as more sales go live.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

John Cena is using his pull as co-host of TBS game show Wipeout to have the cast and writer-director of The Suicide Squad appear on the obstacle-course series compete on August 1. Or, as writer-director James Gunn jokes about his upcoming Wipeout appearance in a newly released promo, "Well, John, we need that [Peacemaker] uniform back before you get slime on it or whatever it is you guys do here."For fans who have been psyched about the upcoming film adaptation of DC's Suicide Squad hitting theaters and HBO Max on August 6, this surprise appearance will just be a nice splash of light-hearted fun a few days before. Of course, once The Suicide Squad is out, we can all go back to looking forward to Gunn's work on a Peacemaker spin-off from that movie (expected on HBO Max in January 2022), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (releasing May 2023), and a Guardians Holiday Special (landing on Disney+ in late 2022).Wipeout was a hit game show that originally aired on ABC from 2008 to 2014, with its claim to fame being that it put contestants through the "world's largest" obstacle course. Recently rebooted back in April of this year, the show was quickly renewed for Season 2 in May. Cena co-hosts the series with Nicole Byer (Netflix's Nailed It!) and model Camille Kostek.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Spike Chunsoft has announced that 2019's AI: The Somnium Files is getting a sequel called AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative. The game will release in Spring 2022 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.The story follows newly-appointed Special Agent Mizuki and her AI partner Aiba. Six years ago, the right half of a corpse was mysteriously discovered. But the left half was never found until six years later, when it appeared as a fresh corpse with no signs of decay. That implied that the victim had still been alive until recently. Mizuki and Aiba are now on the case to solve what are called the Half Body serial killings.A collector's edition was revealed as well, which includes the full game, a Good Smile POP UP Parade figure of Aiba standing at around 170mm, an artbook featuring art from series character designer Yusuke Kozaki, and an official soundtrack by returning composer Keisuke Ito, dubbed HARMOniOUS DISCORD. This edition will cost $119.95.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

The NCAA has approved legislation allowing college athletes to earn profits from their name, image, and likeness, according to an NPR report.Previously, college athletes had limited compensation packages for things like scholarships or other forms of educational payments. Under new laws, however, college athletes can now make money performing activities professional athletes engage in. This includes things like endorsement deals, signing autographs, and social media content. This may also include college sports games, like EA's college football title possibly launching in 2023.We've reached out to EA for comment and will update should we hear back.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Thor: Ragnarok didn't just break the mold for its stoic hero, it shattered it like Hela did Mjolnir. Director Taika Waititi is set to do the same with his second go-round in Thor: Love & Thunder, and Karen Gillan's Nebula will be part of that "bonkers" atmosphere, the actress said in a new interview with Collider."Taika really brought out the bonkers side [of Nebula]," Gillan said. "I think everyone is just really, really funny and bonkers and wild."Nebula joined the MCU in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy. As Gamora's sister and Thanos' daughter, she was a major antagonist for the Guardians and later the greater MCU as she struggled between loyalty to Thanos and then to Gamora, finally breaking out of that mold in Avengers: Endgame. While the Guardians movies are undeniably funny, Gillan has always had to play it straight as the dour cyborg. While the overall atmosphere of Thor: Love & Thunder is wild, Nebula probably won't be the one making the jokes.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com