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The Star
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Generation Alpha's 'FarmVille' is growing like crazy in 'Roblox'
Anyone older than 25 likely has fond – or madly frustrating – memories of playing FarmVille , the popular browser game that lets users grow virtual crops and herd pixelated animals. Agriculture aficionados can rejoice: Generation Alpha's FarmVille has arrived. Grow a Garden , a simplistic farming simulation that involves planting seeds and collecting exotic pets, has exploded as one of the most highly played titles of the year. Technically an 'experience' within the game-creation platform Roblox , it smashed its own record for concurrent users by reeling in 16.4 million active players on Saturday. It is a genuinely shocking feat. That number is more than Fortnite 's peak and greater than the concurrent player records of the top five Steam games combined. Grow a Garden 's allure might baffle anyone who has never toyed with slow-paced world-builders like Animal Crossing or Tomodachi Life. Players nurture a potpourri of plants and pets, which they can buy and sell in exchange for the in-game currency Sheckles, which can also be bought with Roblox's in-platform currency Robux (which can itself be purchased with real dollars). Plots begin barren before users transform them into fantastical safaris of shimmering frogs and prancing monkeys that each have their own special abilities. Suddenly, a player's dismal square brims with vibrant vegetation and beanstalks shooting into the sky. Numerous qualities elevate the game from a standard farm sim. It is the first major Roblox game to integrate offline growth, which encourages players to return to see changes. There are multiple time-sensitive components, including shops that restock with new items every five minutes and weekly drops (like the fruit-pollinating Bizzy Bees) with exclusive items that feel like can't-miss moments. Every little element has been shaped to keep people hooked, including blind-box pet eggs and the ability to steal things from other users' farms. These digital ranchers are so feverish that some have resorted to third-party sites to acquire the most legendary commodities. People have spent over US$100 (RM425) on eBay listings for the cosmic-looking Candy Blossom Tree and for Titanic Dragonflies. At its peak, Grow a Garden had more than triple the population of New Zealand, the home of Janzen Madsen, who runs Splitting Point Studios, which scouts and acquires rising games on the platform. When Madsen, 28, picked up Grow a Garden from the Roblox creator BMWLux in April, it had about 2,000 concurrent users. 'I was immediately like, 'Wow, this is pretty cool,'' said Madsen, who is also known as Jandel. 'Farming is pretty innate to humans. If you think about it, the past thousands and thousands of years, it's what everyone's done.' Madsen's team of about 20 people scaled the game, fixing bugs and adding key elements like daily quests. And it is still tinkering. Madsen teased an update involving dogs that would recover fossils that could be traded in for sand-themed fruits, and eventually a feature that allows people to trade items. He also wants to have celebrities host live events with him. Madsen has scaled many Roblox games, but nothing like this. He has seen people playing the game in real life, and all of his friends' children are loving it. 'To be platform-defining, or even industry-defining is crazy,' he said. As news about the game's record-obliterating player count spread across the internet, some were dubious about its legitimacy. But after comparisons with other games on Roblox , people have largely concluded that bots have not heavily contributed to Grow a Garden 's success. Some have theorised that the game is so popular because its bare-bones, subtly addictive gameplay appeals to a new, younger audience that is just starting to dominate Roblox . A popular video clip showed what looked like a classroom full of children sitting at computers excitedly awaiting a Grow a Garden update. Per Madsen's data, about 35% of its sizable player base is under 13. KreekCraft, a popular Roblox YouTuber, pointed to Grow a Garden 's popularity on TikTok and Shorts – full of juvenile, goofy clips of the game – as evidence of its younger users. 'Normally, whenever a Roblox game gets really popular, there's an equal reaction on the YouTube side of things,' said KreekCraft, whose real name is Forrest. Instead, there is barely any long-form content proportional to the game's success. Previous Roblox hits like Dress to Impress were buoyed by influencers like Kai Cenat, but this one is all short-form videos. 'It's a lot of younger kids coming in,' KreekCraft said. 'It's a very simple, straightforward, easy-to-understand game.' Still, the game is clearly beloved by people of all ages. Nobody has any clue how big it will become and how long it can continue this upward growth. 'It's definitely a Roblox game that came out of nowhere,' KreekCraft said in disbelief. 'It popped on the radar a few weeks ago and now it's broken every single Roblox record by miles. And it's just like, 'How did this happen? What is the ceiling here?' It blows my mind.' – ©2025 The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Explosive Love Island episode immediately hailed as 'best ever' after incredible drama
Explosive Love Island episode immediately hailed as 'best ever' after incredible drama The latest challenge has caused some of the most dramatic scenes in the show's history, and fans are loving it. Islanders couldn't believe what they were hearing during last night's challenge (Image: ITV ) The atmosphere in the Love Island villa intensified this evening with significant altercations, drama, and confessions unfolding. Continuing from where things left off at the eBay party the day previous, the challenge last night, Thursday, June 19 led to some of what fans are calling the most sensational moments ever witnessed on Love Island. The tension escalated shortly after Harry and Yasmin ventured to the hideaway for a couple of secret kisses, causing Helena (who is coupled up with Harry) and the other Islanders to seethe over their dishonesty. Despite their attempts to catch a glimpse, the rest were oblivious to the fact that the pair had exchanged three kisses until it was unveiled during the thrilling Look Who's Talking challenge. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . The fiery challenge featured Islanders picking cards inscribed with quotes and jointly deducing which among them had said those words, which inevitably sparking intense confrontation and entertainment. It was during this game when it came to light that Harry and Yasmin had not just shared one or two, but three kisses in the Hideaway, which was frustrating and upsetting for Helena. Remell read out loud from the card: "Do you think I should kiss her? Is that what you're saying? Kiss Yas, because I will," leading the group to suspect Harry as the author. Article continues below After being pointed out, Harry, conceded that the statement was indeed his from the previous night, following their mutual kiss in the challenge. He confessed that they had kissed in the Hideaway "twice." But everyone was taken aback when Yasmin interjected, clarifying, "It was three times actually." Megan, a friend of Helena, was incensed with Harry's dishonesty, furiously declaring: "You owe it to Helena to be f*****g honest, you p***k!". Content cannot be displayed without consent Harry found himself in trouble more than once during the episode, as his cheeky remarks to Yas came to light, sparking major rows by the fire pit. Following the explosive scenes, fans took to X, previously known as Twitter, to share their thoughts. One fan wrote: "nah this is the best love island season we've had in YEARS i'm enjoying this so bad #LoveIsland." Another viewer concurred, commenting: "That might be one of the best episodes of Love Island ever. Like it deserves to be in the hall of fame #LoveIsland." A third chimed in with similar enthusiasm: "I think this is the best episode ever!". Yasmin's comment has even led Love Island to now playfully change their Instagram bio to "No, it was three times actually", alongside a cheeky emoji. Article continues below
Listly
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Listly
Guitars For Sale
REPORT Listly by Ronnie Gibson My name is Ronald Gibson, and I've been playing guitar since 1982 and bass guitar since 1986. I worked for Willis Music in Cincinnati for a few years in the early 90s and played in a couple bands around the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana tri-state area starting in 1988. For a long time I had a home recording studio where I recorded my original songs with medium priced equipment, including my guitars, with Epiphone probably being my favorite. -- Today I'm a sponsor of Zzounds, eBay and others selling top-notch music equipment on social media and my websites. With guitars being my knack, I investigate the newest deals on electric, acoustic and semi-hollowbody guitars. I only list guitars that are shipped from the USA, offer free shipping and all are priced within $299 to $899. Guitar prices can go up or down after a list is posted. All guitars on this list are featured on zZounds. Lists will be updated on a regular basis.
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Love Island fans hail latest episode 'best ever' as villa erupts into mayhem
Love Island fans were treated to a night of non-stop drama and arguments in tonight's episode, with some hailing the episode one of the best in the ITV2 show's history Tensions are rising in the Love Island villa as tonight saw fights, drama and admissions. The fallout from the eBay party continued tonight - with the latest challenge causing some of the most dramatic scenes in Love Island history, according to fans. It came just after Harry and Yasmin headed for a kiss in the hideaway, leaving Helena and many of the other Islander's fuming. Although they all tried to sneak a peek, they were left unaware that the couple had shared three kisses, until all was revealed in the epic game, Look Who's Talking. In the explosive game, the Islanders each took a card, with a quote written on it. They then collectively decided which of their fellow Islanders said it - which of course, caused a whole load of drama. It was in the game where it was revealed Harry and Yasmin shared not one, not two, but three kisses in the Hideaway, leaving Helena fuming. The moment came after Remell read out the card: "Do you think I should kiss her? Is that what you're saying? Kiss Yas, because I will," as the Islanders guessed it was Harry's words. Once he was exposed, Harry who is currently coupled up with Helena revealed that the words came out his mouth last night after the two shared a kiss in the challenge. He finally admitted the pair had shared a kiss in the Hideaway "twice." However, Yasmin left the villa stunned when she corrected him by saying: "It was three times actually." Helena's friend Megan was left fuming at Harry for lying as she exclaimed: "You owe it to Helena to be f*****g honest, you p***k!" It wasn't the only time Harry was in hot water during the game, as a number of his flirtatious comments to Yas were exposed, causing huge arguments around the fire pit. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter after the drama, one viewer penned: "nah this is the best love island season we've had in YEARS i'm enjoying this so bad #LoveIsland." A second agreed: "That might be one of the best episodes of Love Island ever. Like it deserves to be in the hall of fame #LoveIsland." Meanwhile, a third echoed: "I think this is the best episode ever!" The drama comes after last night's dumping with saw Malisha brutally dumped from the villa. It came after new bombshell Harrison chose to bring Toni back from the villa after dating both her and Malisha.
Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island's Meg breaks down in tears as she splits with Dejon over bombshell Yasmin
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island star Meg has broken down in tears after splitting with Dejon over bombshell Yasmin. On Thursday evening's episode, Meg and Dejon sat down for a chat after a very tense villa game played out amongst the Islanders. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Love Island star Meg has broken down in tears after splitting with Dejon over bombshell Yasmin Credit: Eroteme 6 Dejon seemed very much over the conversation Credit: Eroteme 6 Dejon is coupled up with Meg, but was tasked with snogging the Islander he found most attractive, aside from his partner Credit: Eroteme 6 Meg was confused why Dejon kissed Yasmin Credit: Eroteme They were all treated to an eBay pre-loved party and a game of beer pong dares, and Yasmin's first snog occurred with Dejon. Dejon is coupled up with Meg, but was tasked with snogging the Islander he found most attractive, aside from his partner. He went straight over to Yasmin as Meg watched on, and snogged her. Later on in the game, Yasmin ended up snogging Harry too. And as Meg and Dejon chatted about what had happened during the game afterwards, it was clear that they weren't going to see eye to eye. Meg asked why Dejon snogged Yasmin despite 'not being attracted to her.' Dejon said: 'I find Yasmin the most attractive out of my couple,' which left Meg confused. The couple went back and forth as the other Islanders watched on. Dejon told Meg: 'You honestly blow my mind, I'm so confused.' Love Island bombshell Yasmin slammed as 'game-player' as she throws villa into chaos by snogging Harry AND Dejon before row with the girls He then questioned why Meg chose to do a sex position with bombshell Harrison, when she could've picked him instead. After their exchange of angry words, Meg told Dejon: 'I'm taking a big step back.' Dejon encouraged her and said: 'Have fun,' to which Meg replied: 'I stay true to myself and what I do.' He ended up walking off, leaving an emotional Meg sitting by herself. Alima came over to comfort her, as she was left in tears after the exchange. It comes after fairly-new bombshell Yasmin revealed to some of the Islanders, including Harry and Dejon, that a man had never given her an orgasm before - which came amid another very shocking claim. The London-based beauty also confessed that she has only ever slept with two men before, despite speaking about sex frequently with guys in the villa. Many fans have now slammed Yasmin's claims on the grounds that she talks about sex a lot. "Unsure how Yasmin goes on about all this sexual stuff so much but says she's only slept with 2 people…" said one person. A second added: "Yasmin can't hold a conversation without mentioning sex but has only slept with two guys?? i've seen it all." "Not in a million years has Yasmin slept with 2 men. She's the horniest person that's ever set foot in this villa, wow," penned a third. While a fourth slammed: "Yasmin has made her whole personality sex like does it hurt you to not talk about it ???" "Yasmin making up the orgasm lies for MORE male attention??" speculated a fifth. CONFIDENT BOMBSHELL But some viewers defended Yasmin and slammed those "coming for her" because she's "confident enough to talk about sex". One person on X said: "Why is everyone coming for Yasmin? Cause she's confident enough to talk about sex? "Grow up man, you lot fantasise about this shit but when it's happening you all hide behind your duvets?" Earlier this week, Yasmin offered to have a threesome with Dejon. 'Would you ever have a threesome with me and Toni?' she asked the hunk who is currently coupled up with Meg. Then, in Wednesday night's instalment, Yasmin spoke to Harry on the terrace when things got very flirty. She spoke about being "bent over" and he said she was "undressing" him with her eyes. She has also chatted to Dejon about the prospect of a threesome, with co-star Toni. 6 Yasmin snogged Dejon
