Latest news with #Worms
Economic Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Apple Arcade August updates look promising: Play-Doh World coming to life
On August 7, Apple Arcade will expand its library with four new titles, bringing its total to over 200 games. The upcoming releases include Play-Doh World, where players can shape characters from digital clay; Worms Across Worlds, the latest in the long-running Worms series; Let's Go Mightycat!, a 3D puzzle game with a playful tone; and Everybody Shogi, a colorful take on the classic Japanese strategy board game. All games on the platform remain free of ads and in-app those who don't know, Apple Arcade is a game subscription service available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. It offers access to a curated library of games across various genres from puzzles to adventure and more. All titles are free from ads and in-app purchases. New games and updates are added regularly to keep the experience promising games coming this August include - Play-Doh World by Scary Beasties This brings the classic creative toy into a digital setting, where players can shape and customize characters in a vibrant, interactive world. Whether designing quirky animals or playful hairstyles, the game encourages free-form exploration and imaginative play. With multiple themed zones, collectibles, and regular content updates, it offers a variety of creative activities. The experience is open-ended and designed to be safe and ad-free. Worms Across Worlds by StoryToys Worms Across Worlds by StoryToys and Behaviour Interactive continues the legacy of the long-running series with a new dimension-hopping twist. After Professor Worminkle's experiments go awry, players join the iconic Worms in a mission across five distinct universes to stop the chaos. The game blends strategic, turn-based combat with fast-paced action, offering both solo and four-team multiplayer modes. Each world introduces new challenges as players work to outwit the professor and restore balance. Let's Go Mightycat! by PONOS Corporation Let's Go Mightycat! by PONOS Corporation turns an ordinary cat into an intergalactic hero in this playful spinoff of The Battle Cats. Players guide Mightycat through vibrant planetary stages, solving puzzles, rescuing allies, and unlocking quirky costumes along the way. With each challenge, the Cat Empire's reach expands across the stars. The game combines light-hearted humor with puzzle gameplay in a colorful, fast-paced Shogi by AltPlus Inc. This game offers a fresh, accessible take on the classic Japanese board game. With colorful visuals and puzzle-style stages, it introduces shogi in a way that's approachable yet strategically engaging. Players can take on daily challenges, customize their pieces, and compete in real-time matches across devices. Whether you're new to shogi or a seasoned player, the game blends tradition with modern gameplay in a vibrant, welcoming Arcade is available for ₹99 per month in India, with a one-month free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade at no additional cost. It is also included in the Apple One Individual plan (₹195/month) and Family plan (₹365/month), both of which come with a one-month free trial. A single Apple Arcade subscription can be shared with up to six family members, offering unlimited access to its 200+ game catalog. Arcade Originals can be played across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro, while App Store Greats are available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. Game availability may vary depending on hardware, software, and region.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Apple Arcade August updates look promising: Play-Doh World coming to life
On August 7, Apple Arcade will expand its library with four new titles, bringing its total to over 200 games. The upcoming releases include Play-Doh World, where players can shape characters from digital clay; Worms Across Worlds, the latest in the long-running Worms series; Let's Go Mightycat!, a 3D puzzle game with a playful tone; and Everybody Shogi, a colorful take on the classic Japanese strategy board game. All games on the platform remain free of ads and in-app purchases. For those who don't know, Apple Arcade is a game subscription service available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. It offers access to a curated library of games across various genres from puzzles to adventure and more. All titles are free from ads and in-app purchases. New games and updates are added regularly to keep the experience fresh. The promising games coming this August include - by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover how to go from draft to done in a few clicks—not a few hours. Grammarly Install Now Play-Doh World by Scary Beasties This brings the classic creative toy into a digital setting, where players can shape and customize characters in a vibrant, interactive world. Whether designing quirky animals or playful hairstyles, the game encourages free-form exploration and imaginative play. With multiple themed zones, collectibles, and regular content updates, it offers a variety of creative activities. The experience is open-ended and designed to be safe and ad-free. Worms Across Worlds by StoryToys Worms Across Worlds by StoryToys and Behaviour Interactive continues the legacy of the long-running series with a new dimension-hopping twist. After Professor Worminkle's experiments go awry, players join the iconic Worms in a mission across five distinct universes to stop the chaos. The game blends strategic, turn-based combat with fast-paced action, offering both solo and four-team multiplayer modes. Each world introduces new challenges as players work to outwit the professor and restore balance. Let's Go Mightycat! by PONOS Corporation Let's Go Mightycat! by PONOS Corporation turns an ordinary cat into an intergalactic hero in this playful spinoff of The Battle Cats. Players guide Mightycat through vibrant planetary stages, solving puzzles, rescuing allies, and unlocking quirky costumes along the way. With each challenge, the Cat Empire's reach expands across the stars. The game combines light-hearted humor with puzzle gameplay in a colorful, fast-paced adventure. Everybody Shogi by AltPlus Inc. This game offers a fresh, accessible take on the classic Japanese board game. With colorful visuals and puzzle-style stages, it introduces shogi in a way that's approachable yet strategically engaging. Players can take on daily challenges, customize their pieces, and compete in real-time matches across devices. Whether you're new to shogi or a seasoned player, the game blends tradition with modern gameplay in a vibrant, welcoming setting. Apple Arcade Pricing in India Apple Arcade is available for ₹99 per month in India, with a one-month free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade at no additional cost. It is also included in the Apple One Individual plan (₹195/month) and Family plan (₹365/month), both of which come with a one-month free trial. A single Apple Arcade subscription can be shared with up to six family members, offering unlimited access to its 200+ game catalog. Arcade Originals can be played across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro, while App Store Greats are available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. Game availability may vary depending on hardware, software, and region.
Buzz Feed
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
A Breakdown Of Syd's "The Bear" Black Coded Episode
The Bear Season 4 touched down on Hulu recently, giving viewers another opportunity to catch up with our favorite chefs. Episode 4 of the new season, entitled "Worms," was a standalone piece for Sydney, and it was absolutely *chef's kiss.* "Worms" was a beautiful look at Black culture and family, and gave us a more serene episode without much of the usual chaos and emotional baggage that comes with the standard The Bear atmosphere. "Worms" was written by Ayo Edebiri, who plays Sydney, and Lionel Boyce, who plays Marcus. By far, this was the most Black coded episode in the entire series, and it really made me feel seen. For a show that's based in Chicago, a city with one of the largest populations of Black people in America, I had long felt like I wanted to see more of the culture depicted in the series. "Worms" delivers this in such an eloquent and fresh way that it shocked me. So many times when we see Black culture depicted on shows that do not feature a majority Black cast, it feels trite and vociferous. In contrast, "Worms" was quiet, subtle, realistic, and gratifying. Here are all the ways "Worms" was Black coded: The Whoopi Goldberg opening. The episode starts with Syd watching Jumpin' Jack Flash, a Whoopi Goldberg comedy from the mid-'80s. The film is a deep cut and is about a woman who is way overqualified but underappreciated, being recruited to help a European spy escape from danger. 'Do you wanna work here, or do you want to live?," asks Whoopi in the film. I couldn't help but see the parallels to Syd's journey here. She is an overqualified Black woman who feels underappreciated, working to help keep The Bear afloat. Does she want to continue working there, or does she want to live a more peaceful life? Syd taking out her braids. As Syd watches Jumpin' Jack Flash she is undoing her box braids. We see her removing some extensions, sometimes painfully, with semi-patience and grace. This process alone can take forever and is the first step in the hours-long process of getting your hair redone. Chef Adam thinks the hair appointment will only last two hours. While Syd is taking her braids out, Chef Adam Shapiro calls her. If you recall, in the previous season, Chef Adam offered Syd a boss position at his new restaurant. The decision to leave The Bear and join Chef Adam has been weighing heavily on Syd for an entire season at this point. Chef Adam asks Syd to come check out the new restaurant, which is still being built. Syd lets him know that she has a hair appointment today... a warning that most people in the Black community know means, "I'm busy for the rest of the day, try me another time." However, this goes right over Chef Adam's head as a white man, and he offers to meet her after it's done in "two hours." Both Syd and I scoffed at the same time here... TWO HOURS? For box braids? Impossible. However, rather than explaining this, Syd just offers to push her appointment back so she can go meet him quickly. Syd's wool beanie. To cover up her undone hair in public, Syd rocks a large wool beanie. Same Syd, Same. Chef Adam's slight microaggressions. Chef Adam seems like a genuinely nice guy who just wants to impress Syd and make her feel welcome. Unfortunately, he commits quite a few microaggressions in his attempt to be friendly. When Syd meets Chef Adam at the new spot, he is blasting MOP's "Ante Up," which is honestly a classic rap record that I play around the house."Do you know this guy?" he asks Syd (MOP is actually a duo) before he continues whitesplaining. "It's East Coast shit, but it's a classic.' I assume Chef Adam thinks playing very loud rap music for the Black woman coming to visit him will make her feel welcome. He tells her she can then play whatever she wants (I guess he assumed she wanted loud rap music?), but then Syd turns on Beethoven, to which a caught-off-guard Chef Adam goes, "Yeah, vibes." Next, he suggests that Syd bring in, 'some of those Afro-Caribbean influences' to the menu. However, I don't think we've seen Syd create many "Afro" dishes thus far on the show, which highlights that Chef Adam doesn't really know her style at all and is just assuming she has some African or Caribbean dishes in her repertoire because she's a Black woman. To cap off this parade of microaggressions, Chef Adam then suggests that he doesn't want to hire a woman, but then fill the kitchen with, "guys that look like me." Once again, I think he's just trying to be warm and welcoming, but the comment just hit like someone who is trying too hard to be diverse and hip. Would he have made this same comment to a guy who looks like Carmy? Probably not. Family doing your hair on their day off. After Syd finally gets to her hair appointment, we meet her cousin Chantel, played by the always masterful Danielle Deadwyler. Chantel, who is a stylist, is doing Syd's hair at her house on her day off. Having an auntie or cousin do your hair on their off day is such a subtle nod to the culture, and it's little things like that that really bring this episode together. The close-up shots of the hair gel just adds to the ambiance and sets the cultural mood perfectly. The entire relationship and lingo between Syd and Chantel. Throughout the entire episode, we are given a front-row seat to Syd and Chantel's relationship. From their lingo to their body language, it's just such a fresh, funny, and vivid window into the culture. The way they gossip, the way they throw shots at each other and allude to family beef... it feels so authentic, like I'm sitting in my auntie's house while watching it. Chantel code switching on the phone. While Chantel is doing Syd's hair, she gets a call from someone trying to schedule an appointment. We hear Chantel immediately code-switch and talk in a much more "proper" voice to the client on the phone, reminding them not to call her personal phone and to call the shop instead. "I know she didn't just talk to me like that." This was my favorite moment from "Worms." Chantel yells upstairs to her daughter, TJ, asking her to bring down the hair extensions to finish Syd's hair. To which her daughter yells back, "There ain't none, damn!" LAWD, let me tell you I almost fell out of my seat when Syd slowly turns to look at Chantel, both of them in shock. Using a simple curse word like "damn" towards your parents in a Black household sounds to them like you're asking for the death penalty. The subsequent crash out from Chantel had me in tears of laughter. Chantel leaving mid-session to get more supplies. But it turns out TJ was right, there aren't any hair extensions in the house. So, Chantel tells Syd that she's heading to the store and doesn't ask but instructs Syd to watch TJ while she runs out. While I don't use extensions for my locs, I have definitely been in a position where the loc gel or another item runs out, and I'm left to sit and watch TV while my stylist runs to the store. "Fit Check!" Chantel hits Syd with the obligatory, "fit check" question before sliding out the door in a fresh blue Adidas tracksuit. At this point, it's pretty obvious that Chantel is not just going to the hair store. Also, I was howling when she asked for a fit check and didn't even wait for a response before deciding her look was good enough and leaving. The blinking and unset stove clock stuck on 12:00. The unset stove clock is such a subtle inside joke, and I loved it. It's not as trite as the overused "why is the smoke alarm always beeping" joke, but it hits the same tone. The feeling of being left out when going to a better school. While Syd is watching TJ, it's revealed that TJ is being forced by her mother to attend a charter school, while her friends get to go to the public school. This is a struggle that many kids in the hood can relate to. Their parents want them to have a better education and experience, but that means leaving friends behind whose parents may not be able to afford those same opportunities. And God forbid you're seen as the kid with "rich" parents who can afford to provide you with a better life. "Go and make me a bowl." When Chantel finally comes home, after shopping for herself on top of everything else, she checks out the dish that Sydney prepared for TJ. Syd has the audacity to ask, "What did you buy me at Adidas?", after seeing all the shopping bags. Chantel simply hits back with, "Don't worry about that, go and make me a bowl." TRIFLING yet hilarious. Food on the North Side being too dry. When Syd invites Chantel to The Bear, the latter is hesitant because it's on the North Side of Chicago. "You know they beefs be different," Chantel quips. The wide-eyed look of disgust Chantel gives Syd is the tell that she's talking about white people, even though she doesn't directly mention race. "Dip it, keep it wet. With the cheese," Chantel continues, alluding to the fact that the beef on the North side is too dry. And finally, one more microaggression from Chef Adam. When all is said and done, Syd leaves Chantel's place and calls Chef Adam. And you know he has to leave us with one more friendly yet painful microaggression. 'Have you seen Good Hair? I just streamed it. It's so dope," he tells Syd on the phone. I'm still shaking my damn head. Stream The Bear on Hulu.
CNET
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Worms Make Me Uncomfortable, but I'll Still Play This Upcoming Apple Arcade Game
Worms are everywhere. I know and accept this, but I hate those little critters and they freak me out. Their wriggly bodies make my skin crawl, and I actively avoid them at all costs. But when Apple Arcade adds Worms Across Worlds, the next installment in the award-winning Worms series, on Aug. 7, I'll play it because the game's cartoony style make these worms palatable for me. Apple Arcade is filled with familiar and classic games, alongside exclusive titles, that you can play for $7 a month (£7, AU$10). You can find many of these games in the App Store, but they may have paywalls and ads that hinder your gaming experience. An Apple Arcade subscription gives you access to games without paywalls and ads, a feature usually denoted by "Plus" in the name. Here are all the games Apple is bringing to the service in August. You can also check out the games Apple added in July, like Angry Birds Bounce. Worms Across Worlds Developer: StoryToys and Behaviour Interactive Apple I'm not a fan of worms, but I'll play Worms Across Worlds for the animation and quirky humor. The invertebrate warriors are back to stop Professor Wormwinkle's reality-threatening experiments in this turn-based strategy game. The worms will chase the professor through five different dimensions to bring an end to his path of destruction. You can play solo or team up in four-player multiplayer mayhem. Play-Doh World Developer: Scary Beasties Apple This Apple Arcade exclusive game is a great way to introduce your kids to learning, crafting and gaming. You can sculpt, squish and squash Play-Doh creations while exploring an ever-expanding world. And the more you interact with this world, the more special Play-Dohs you'll collect, so you can give your creations unique looks and styles. Let's Go Mightycat! Developer: Ponos Corporation Apple It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's the galactic hero Mightycat! In this 3D block-busting puzzler game, you're on a quest to stop the Super Cat God from conquering the whole galaxy -- and maybe pushing it off a ledge. You'll rescue friends, collect stylish new capes and decorate your own room in between saving the galaxy of course. Everybody Shogi Developer: AltPlus Inc. Apple This game is based on the Japanese strategy board game Shogi, or Japanese chess, which anyone can pick up and play. Players can learn this traditional game, enjoy daily challenges, unlock unique piece designs and take on other players from around the world. You can access these games on Apple Arcade on Aug. 7, and you can access other games on the service now for $7 per month or $50 annually. You can also try Apple Arcade free for one month with your first sign-up, or you can get a three-month free trial when you buy a new Apple device. To access Apple Arcade, open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, and tap the joystick in the menu bar.
Black America Web
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
‘The Bear' ‘Worm' Episode Exposes Microaggressions Black Women Face In The Workplace
Source: Photo: Courtesy of FX / Photo: Courtesy of FX Sydney Adamu was minding her business, unraveling her box braids on Season 4, Episode 4 of The Bear, when a voice on the other end of the line interrupted her much-deserved moment of peace. The call, which was presented as an opportunity, was more of a disguised demand and blatant disregard of Sydney's boundaries. Shapiro, Sydney's employee Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto's rival, had been interested in hiring her since season two. Sydney's Black girl magic and talent are the secret sauce at 'The Bear' and Shapiro knows it; he was counting on her NOT to know it. Industries benefit from Black women feeling like they can not say no. Shaprio was so invested in his dreams, he couldn't sense Sydney's hesitation. This is a familiar experience for many Black women, including myself. We are expected to leap at any opportunity because there are so few out there for us. The sous chef, played masterfully by Golden Globe-winner Ayo Edebiri, had ONE day off to get her extra small knotless braids done. She deserved that after a week of dealing with pasta timings and scallop placements. But that was stolen from her by entitlement. According to the American Psychological Association , microaggressions are 'brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, and environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults to the target person or group.' Written by Edebiri and Lionel Boyce, the episode is titled 'Worms.' It reflects the realities of what it is like to be a Black woman in the workplace. It shows the tough choices black women have to make at work and the ways they are punished for prioritizing themselves. Microaggressions can come in the form of unreasonable expectations. Despite Sydney having an important hair appointment, Shapiro wouldn't taken no for an answer. He crossed the line instead by asking how much time the hair appointment would be. He felt entitled to her time. He incorrectly assumed it would be two hours. She corrected him, and he was in shock about the length of time exceeding his expectations. Her appointment was in her cousin's living room, but it was still an appointment. He shared that shock, putting her in an awkward position. He refused to let it go. It was unfathomable to him that he might have to ask to see her in advance. Eager to end the conversation, Sydney moved her appointment. She accommodated him because he pressed her. He felt comfortable pressing her. That is a problem. Chefs have insane schedules, and it's understandable that they might call at the last minute, but it is not understandable that they wouldn't accept a refusal from someone who isn't even not working for them yet. That's cringey and a red flag. You shouldn't have to provide context about your edges, kinks, and coils for someone to accept your word. Related: Quinta Brunson, Niecy Nash And Ayo Edebiri Win Big At The Emmys Sydney arrived at Shapiro's soon-to-be restaurant, on her day off with her hair tucked underneath a knitted cap to M.O.P.'s iconic 'Ante Up' blasting as she walked in. He then asked her if she heard of M.O.P. and offered some token facts about the group. There's a fine line between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. There's nothing wrong with a white person acknowledging Black culture, but there is something wrong with them assuming someone's musical preferences because of the color of their skin. Mansplaining hip-hop history to earn brownie points is also not it. This is one of many microagressions in this episode. His pointed comment about a desire to infuse Afro-Caribbean influences into the restaurant's menu was a desperate attempt to entice the well-rounded chef by appealing to her Blackness, and placing her in a culinary box. He makes assumptions instead of collaborating. It's uncomfortable. Sydney called Shapiro after her appointment, and he asks if she has seen Good Hair . See where this is going? This happens across industries industry. Shapiro promised Sydney autonomy, but his actions prove he isn't capable of seeing her as his professional equal. His performative allyship shadows his every good intention. Janicza Bravo directed the story with care, zooming in on the little moments that cause friction in the professional lives of Black women. The Italian family running The Bear may not be experts on intersectionality, but they are consistent. They expose everyone to the same 'energetically musty' environment. Shapiro pretended to value Sydney more than he did. Sometimes, a well-meaning white person can be more dangerous than an outwardly hateful one. That said, the Berzattos are broke, and it is truly awful that Sydney has to choose between sustainable income and emotional security. We should be able to come to work, enjoy our day off, and get paid enough to live off without being asked invasive questions about our beauty procedures. Shapiro insulted Sydney the second that she said no to him. He started attacking her skills and acting like she was missing out on a great opportunity to learn from him. The talent he praised her for and was chasing after suddenly wasn't good enough because it wouldn't bend to his will. He didn't feel disappointed that she wasn't joining him. He felt disrespected. This was a person who saw Sydney as a woke accessory. No amount of anti-racist reading lists was going to fix his core issue. He expected her to be grateful for the chance to assist him. Did he call her a slur? No. But he was the disrespectful one. Sydney went with the devil she knew. Shapiro accused her of staying on a sinking ship, but that was her decision to make, and she had the right to make it. Season 4 of The Bear is now streaming on Hulu. SEE ALSO 'The Bear' 'Worm' Episode Exposes Microaggressions Black Women Face In The Workplace was originally published on
