Latest news with #TheWitcher
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
One of UK's busiest airports unveils brand new £100 million upgrade
The new terminal is part of the first phase of Leeds Bradford Airport's £100 million terminal expansion project Passengers at Leeds Bradford Airport have hailed the new terminal as 'brill' and even 'better than Manchester Airport' on its opening day. The airport's £100 million terminal expansion project has unveiled a host of new facilities, including additional seating, two new lounges, an improved baggage reclaim area, and an upgraded passport control. From Tuesday, all passengers arriving and departing via LBA will move through the upgraded terminal facilities. The terminal expansion includes a modernised arrivals process, including a new baggage reclaim area and an upgraded passport control facility incorporating advanced security technologies. The new terminal has 83% more seating, an "food and drink offering" and two premium lounges, including the brand-new Six Eight One Premium Lounge. Travellers heading to Krakow on Tuesday, June 17, shared their thoughts on the new amenities and how they stack up against Manchester. Polish couple Szymon Machynia and Agata Koc, who were off to a religious ceremony related to their Rodzimowierstwo faith, which inspired elements in 'The Witcher' Netflix series, praised the new setup, reports Leeds Live. Szymon, a mill operative, expressed his disdain for Manchester Airport: "I hate Manchester, I despise that airport. It's hard to get in there, it's easy to get lost around. If they change something you suddenly have to go from one spot in the airport to the other. It's awful. "Leeds is nice and small. Security was brill, it was fast and simple. The new gate was great and the new machines improve the process. I still had to take my shoes off – but maybe one day we'll get there." Agata, a photographer, also shared her approval: "I think this terminal is better than the other one. The old one was small but this one is open and everything was [clearly] signposted where to go." Doncaster-based plumber Filip Dziegielewski, 39, set to embark on a European jaunt with friends, praised the convenience of his departure point, remarking, "It looks very nice and tidy, very modern. Good connections. Security was very fast today, everything was working." He added, "Leeds will be better than Manchester once they finish work on the bus from Doncaster to Leeds. It's 40 miles but it takes one and half hour. Manchester is busy and here it is very quiet." Wakefield local, technical logistics supervisor and father-of-three Slawomir Baokowski, 38, on his way to see family, expressed enthusiasm about the airport. He said "It's fantastic, honestly. It's really nice and fresh, good job. There's loads here. Honestly, and it's the first time I say this, but it's better in Leeds than Manchester Airport. In Manchester, there's too many people there." Alan Brytan, 23, who specialises in quality control, heading to reunite with relatives, was not aware work was underway. "It's quite surprising, to be honest, I wasn't aware of it. It's come together really nicely. This was completely new news to me. I got a notification on my phone saying 'gate seven', and I asked some guy about it. It's a whole new terminal, like a whole new world. It looks much nicer.," he said. "If you want to travel, it's still better just to go to Manchester. If you're going closer to home then this is the better airport."
Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The Witcher 4 designed for PS5 and not PC after 'so many problems' scaling down
CD Projekt has discussed its technical ambitions for The Witcher 4, which marks a big change in strategy for the studio. The history of CD Projekt is rooted in the PC market, stemming back to the original The Witcher in 2007 and their origins as a CD-ROM importer, but development of The Witcher 4 will see the studio make a shift in priorities. The majority of CD Projekt's games have been built for PC first, with console versions scaled down from this baseline to accommodate their technical limitations. However, this method has caused some issues in the past, with console versions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 riddled with problems at launch – especially the latter. An Unreal Engine 5 demo for The Witcher 4 earlier this month indicated a possible sea change at the studio, showing the upcoming sequel running on a standard PlayStation 5 at 60fps. Now, CD Projekt has confirmed Sony's console is the priority for The Witcher 4. When asked by Digital Foundry, about the reasons why it chose to show the Unreal Engine 5 demo on PlayStation 5, Charles Tremblay, vice president of technology at CD Projekt, said: 'As you said, we always do PC and we push [the technology] and try to scale down. But then we had so many problems in the past that we tried to see, ok this time around we really want to be more console-first development.' After noting the challenge of targeting 60fps on PlayStation 5 with a game like The Witcher 4, he added: 'Where we go from there is hard to say, but right now we really wanted to focus on what does it mean to make this ambition on a console, and we have all our other projects at 60fps and we really wanted to aim for 60fps once again.' While it remains to be seen what this means for the PC version, Tremblay did reassure PC players that it still wants to offer the 'best experience' for those on the platform. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. When asked how the studio would potentially scale up The Witcher 4 beyond PlayStation 5, Tremblay said: 'I don't want to go too much in details and again, not to overpromise, but in the past something that's super important for the group is that if people pay good money for their hardware, then we want them to have what the game can provide for that. Not like a simplified experience. So this is something we'll definitely explore. 'The company started as a PC company and we definitely will want to have the best experience for the PC gamer for sure, but it's too early to say what it will mean for The Witcher 4.' According to Tremblay, the bigger hurdle is scaling down from the PlayStation 5 version, most notably for the Xbox Series S. More Trending 'This is something that is next on our radar for sure,' Tremblay replied, when asked about the Xbox Series S version. 'I will say that 60fps will definitely be extremely challenging on [Xbox] Series S. Let's just say this is something that we need to figure out.' As per Microsoft rules, developers have to ensure their games can run on both the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S, with no difference in features. This has caused problems in the past, with Baldur's Gate 3 being delayed on Xbox Series X/S due to issues related to the lower-powered console. The Witcher 4 doesn't have a release date yet but it is expected to launch in 2027, with a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 set to follow. That's around the time that the PlayStation 6 has been rumoured for release, but unsurprisingly Tremblay made no mention of that. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 sales numbers smash records in the US and worldwide MORE: Red Dead Redemption 2 actor teases news this week as fans hope for Switch 2 port MORE: Games Inbox: Would Xbox ever shut down Game Pass?
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Bloody Scotland crime writing festival line-up unveiled with Sir Ian Rankin at helm
The Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival schedule also features broadcaster Steph McGovern, Jeremy Vine and the Rev Richard Coles. Authors Kate Atkinson, Kathy Reichs and Jo Nesbo are set to grace an "incredibly welcoming" crime writing festival, with Sir Ian Rankin at the helm as guest programmer. The Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival's lineup, revealed on Thursday, boasts names like Horrible Histories' Terry Deary, comedian Adam Kay, and broadcasters Steph McGovern, Jeremy Vine, and the Rev Richard Coles. Sir Ian, famed for creating detective John Rebus, is the inaugural guest programmer for the event scheduled to take place in Stirling this September. In homage to his iconic character, the festival will feature James McPherson, known for his role as Mike Jardine in Taggart and as the voice of the Rebus audiobooks, alongside former Coronation Street actor Gray O'Brien, who recently portrayed Rebus on stage. Scottish writers on the line-up include Chris Brookmyre (with Marisa Haetzman as Ambrose Parry), Denise Mina, Graeme Macrae Burnet, Alex Gray, Lin Anderson and Judy Murray. Sir Ian shared his excitement about programming, drawing from his experience with a smaller festival in Cromarty, expressing delight that all invited writers accepted the invitation. He said: "You get in touch with writers you admire, you say we've got a festival going on, would you fancy coming along? I'll be interviewing you on stage, and nobody said, no, which is a real thrill. "So we've got everybody from Philippe Sands, who's a human rights lawyer, talking about human rights violations inSouth America, to Kate Atkinson talking aboutEdinburghand other things as well, Kathy Reichs coming from North America. "We've got a whisky and music night, which will be fantastic with two musicians who've turned their hands to writing books, and a bunch of other stuff besides." Sir Ian said the festival has a broad spectrum of authors, from cosy to "hard-boiled" crime writers, as well as non-fiction authors. He added: "It's an incredibly welcoming festival. The fans, the readers, the authors all mingle. There's no differentiation between them because all the authors are also fans." Festival director Bob McDevitt said: "It has been an absolute joy working with the legendary Sir Ian Rankin on this year's programme and I think he has helped to deliver one of our strongest-ever line-ups. "There are so many treats in store for our audiences this year, from established names writing at the very top of their game to brand new voices bringing a different perspective to the crime genre – roll on September." Sir Ian Rankin, appearing alongside the aforementioned authors, includes actor Joey Batey of The Witcher, Chris Chibnall, creator and writer of Broadchurch, and American crime writer Laura Lippman, who will take the stage with Mark Billingham. Fringeevents at the festival this year will include a "Day of the Deid" procession led by Sir Ian and the winners of the two prizes, and Sir Ian's Whisky Night with songs from James Yorkston and Colin MacIntyre. Alan Bett, head of literature and publishing at Creative Scotland, praised the festival saying: "Bloody Scotland brings the big names of crime writing to Stirling each year, and 2025 offers an incredible list of authors, enhanced by Ian Rankin's role as guest programmer. "Of huge importance is the platforming of emergent writers. Bloody Scotland provides new Scottish authors the opportunity to launch their careers and build readerships, and for Scotland's fans of crime fiction, the chance to find their next favourite book." Due to run at various locations around the city, including the Albert Halls, Trinity Church, Central Library and The Golden Lion Hotel, the event takes place from September 12-14 and the festival promises much for literary enthusiasts. Commenting on the festival's charm and reputation, Sir Ian previously shared: "Bloody Scotland manages to remain the world's friendliest and most inclusive crime fiction festival while also attracting the biggest and brightest names in the business to the city of Stirling. It's epic." Long-time contributor to Bloody Scotland since its founding, Sir Ian has not only captained the national crime writers' football team but also historically led the festival's torchlight procession that winds through Stirling.
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Line-up unveiled for crime writing festival with guest programmer Sir Ian Rankin
Line-up unveiled for crime writing festival with guest programmer Sir Ian Rankin The Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival schedule unveiled on Thursday also features Horrible Histories author Terry Deary Authors Kate Atkinson, Kathy Reichs and Jo Nesbo will be among those appearing at an "incredibly welcoming" crime writing festival guest programmed by Sir Ian Rankin. The Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival schedule unveiled on Thursday also features Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, doctor turned comedian Adam Kay and broadcasters Steph McGovern, Jeremy Vine and the Rev Richard Coles. Sir Ian, creator of the detective John Rebus, is the first guest programmer for the festival, which takes place in Stirling in September. In a nod to the police officer, the programme also includes James McPherson who made his name in Taggart and narrates the Rebus audiobooks, and former Coronation Street star Gray O'Brien, who recently played Rebus on stage. Scottish writers on the line-up include Chris Brookmyre (with Marisa Haetzman as Ambrose Parry), Denise Mina, Graeme Macrae Burnet, Alex Gray, Lin Anderson and Judy Murray. Sir Ian said he has some experience of programming as he has been involved in a small festival in Cromarty, and he was thrilled everyone he asked to take part in Bloody Scotland agreed. Article continues below He said: "You get in touch with writers you admire, you say we've got a festival going on, would you fancy coming along? I'll be interviewing you on stage, and nobody said, no, which is a real thrill. "So we've got everybody from Philippe Sands, who's a human rights lawyer, talking about human rights violations in South America, to Kate Atkinson talking about Edinburgh and other things as well, Kathy Reichs coming from North America. "We've got a whisky and music night, which will be fantastic with two musicians who've turned their hands to writing books, and a bunch of other stuff besides." Sir Ian said the festival includes a wide selection of authors ranging from the cosy to the "hard-boiled", as well as non-fiction writers. He added: "It's an incredibly welcoming festival. The fans, the readers, the authors all mingle. There's no differentiation between them because all the authors are also fans." Festival director Bob McDevitt said: "It has been an absolute joy working with the legendary Sir Ian Rankin on this year's programme and I think he has helped to deliver one of our strongest-ever line-ups. "There are so many treats in store for our audiences this year, from established names writing at the very top of their game to brand new voices bringing a different perspective to the crime genre – roll on September." Others appearing include actor Joey Batey who was in The Witcher on Netflix, Chris Chibnall, creator and writer of Broadchurch, and American crime writer Laura Lippman who will be on stage with Mark Billingham. Fringe events at the festival this year will include a "Day of the Deid" procession led by Sir Ian and the winners of the two prizes, and Sir Ian's Whisky Night with songs from James Yorkston and Colin MacIntyre. Alan Bett, head of literature and publishing at Creative Scotland said: "Bloody Scotland brings the big names of crime writing to Stirling each year, and 2025 offers an incredible list of authors, enhanced by Ian Rankin's role as guest programmer. "Of huge importance is the platforming of emergent writers. Bloody Scotland provides new Scottish authors the opportunity to launch their careers and build readerships, and for Scotland's fans of crime fiction, the chance to find their next favourite book." The festival takes place in various venues including the Albert Halls, Trinity Church, Central Library and The Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling from September 12-14. Article continues below Sir Ian previously said: "Bloody Scotland manages to remain the world's friendliest and most inclusive crime fiction festival while also attracting the biggest and brightest names in the business to the city of Stirling. It's epic." The author has been involved in Bloody Scotland since its inception, has captained the Scotland crime writers' football team and has led the event's torchlight procession through the streets of Stirling. More information can be found at
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Line-up unveiled for crime writing festival with guest programmer Sir Ian Rankin
Authors Kate Atkinson, Kathy Reichs and Jo Nesbo will be among those appearing at an 'incredibly welcoming' crime writing festival guest programmed by Sir Ian Rankin. The Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival schedule unveiled on Thursday also features Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, doctor turned comedian Adam Kay and broadcasters Steph McGovern, Jeremy Vine and the Rev Richard Coles. Sir Ian, creator of the detective John Rebus, is the first guest programmer for the festival, which takes place in Stirling in September. In a nod to the police officer, the programme also includes James McPherson who made his name in Taggart and narrates the Rebus audiobooks, and former Coronation Street star Gray O'Brien, who recently played Rebus on stage. Scottish writers on the line-up include Chris Brookmyre (with Marisa Haetzman as Ambrose Parry), Denise Mina, Graeme Macrae Burnet, Alex Gray, Lin Anderson and Judy Murray. Sir Ian said he has some experience of programming as he has been involved in a small festival in Cromarty, and he was thrilled everyone he asked to take part in Bloody Scotland agreed. He said: 'You get in touch with writers you admire, you say we've got a festival going on, would you fancy coming along? I'll be interviewing you on stage, and nobody said, no, which is a real thrill. 'So we've got everybody from Philippe Sands, who's a human rights lawyer, talking about human rights violations in South America, to Kate Atkinson talking about Edinburgh and other things as well, Kathy Reichs coming from North America. 'We've got a whisky and music night, which will be fantastic with two musicians who've turned their hands to writing books, and a bunch of other stuff besides.' Sir Ian said the festival includes a wide selection of authors ranging from the cosy to the 'hard-boiled', as well as non-fiction writers. He added: 'It's an incredibly welcoming festival. The fans, the readers, the authors all mingle. There's no differentiation between them because all the authors are also fans.' Festival director Bob McDevitt said: 'It has been an absolute joy working with the legendary Sir Ian Rankin on this year's programme and I think he has helped to deliver one of our strongest-ever line-ups. 'There are so many treats in store for our audiences this year, from established names writing at the very top of their game to brand new voices bringing a different perspective to the crime genre – roll on September.' Others appearing include actor Joey Batey who was in The Witcher on Netflix, Chris Chibnall, creator and writer of Broadchurch, and American crime writer Laura Lippman who will be on stage with Mark Billingham. Fringe events at the festival this year will include a 'Day of the Deid' procession led by Sir Ian and the winners of the two prizes, and Sir Ian's Whisky Night with songs from James Yorkston and Colin MacIntyre. Alan Bett, head of literature and publishing at Creative Scotland said: 'Bloody Scotland brings the big names of crime writing to Stirling each year, and 2025 offers an incredible list of authors, enhanced by Ian Rankin's role as guest programmer. 'Of huge importance is the platforming of emergent writers. Bloody Scotland provides new Scottish authors the opportunity to launch their careers and build readerships, and for Scotland's fans of crime fiction, the chance to find their next favourite book.' The festival takes place in various venues including the Albert Halls, Trinity Church, Central Library and The Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling from September 12-14. Sir Ian previously said: 'Bloody Scotland manages to remain the world's friendliest and most inclusive crime fiction festival while also attracting the biggest and brightest names in the business to the city of Stirling. It's epic.' The author has been involved in Bloody Scotland since its inception, has captained the Scotland crime writers' football team and has led the event's torchlight procession through the streets of Stirling. More information can be found at
