Latest news with #Playground
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
New Report Says Xbox's ‘Fable' May Not Release Until 2027
Fable It's fairly easy to see which AAA games are going to miss their originally stated release date or window, as that's…almost all of them. For instance, Rockstar swearing that GTA 6 would be out this fall, I never once believed that. Sure enough, we're gearing up to play GTA 6 in late spring in 2026 now. This also happened with Fable, allegedly a 2025 release, but back in February, it was delayed to an unspecified time in 2026. Now, it turns out it may be even longer than that. The news comes from reputable Xbox insider Shpeshal Nick, who said on the Xbox Era podcast that two sources have told him that Fable may not arrive until 2027. Not that anything is going especially wrong, just that it's just taking longer than they thought. You can join this with the statement from Head of Xbox Game Studios Craig Duncan back when the original delay was announced, if you want a look at the delay headspace, which may happen twice: 'So, I just want to start with really excited, really excited about progress, really excited where Playground are,' said Duncan. 'We previously announced the date for Fable as 2025, we are actually going to give Fable more time and it's going to ship in 2026 now. While I know that's not maybe the news people want to hear, what I want to assure people of is that it's definitely worth the wait. And I just, I have unequivocal confidence in the Playground team.' For a long while, Microsoft returning to classic IPs, Fable and Perfect Dark, felt like its two biggest pending games. But in the wake of a slew of layoffs and cancellations, Perfect Dark was axed and its entire studio, The Initiative, was shut down. Could that happen to Fable? It seems far less likely. The Initiative was a brand-new studio while Playground is something of a crown jewel in the Xbox stable with their history working on the always-great Forza. Second, Perfect Dark was reportedly plagued with issues for a long time, while we haven't heard similar doom and gloom for Fable, even if it keeps getting delayed. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Still, this is a typical 'announce it a million years before it's ready' situation, as Fable was first revealed back in 2020 when the Xbox Series X and S also debuted. If we're talking 2027 now, well, you can do the math. Even if nothing is explicitly 'wrong,' it's still emblematic of where AAA development is now. The last we saw of Fable was a trailer at the Xbox Games Showcase in June of 2024, seen above, a two and a half minute spot that was a lot more than we'd seen previously. Judging by the amount of dislikes on all these trailers, the game already seems poised to be the product of some culture war nonsense given its focus on a female lead that is not deemed sufficiently attractive by some, but it's a created character game, and we'll see if we can perhaps escape all this drama by launch. Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
Metro
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
‘Unforgettable' film with perfect Rotten Tomatoes score now available to stream
A critically acclaimed Belgian drama about childhood bullying is now streaming in the UK – and it's not one to miss. Playground, directed by Laura Wandel, has been hailed as a harrowing yet deeply moving portrait of school life through a child's eyes. Released in 2021, the film follows young Nora as she navigates her first days at primary school, only to discover her older brother is being bullied. Her attempts to help him spiral into consequences neither of them are prepared for. The 72-minute feature stars Maya Vanderbeque in a standout performance, alongside Günter Duret, Karim Leklou, Laura Verlinden, Lena Girard Voss, and Thao Maerten. Celebrated at major film festivals, Playground picked up the prestigious FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes, the Sutherland Trophy at the BFI London Film Festival, and Best Film from the Belgian Film Critics Association. Amazon Prime Video now hosts the film in the UK, with its synopsis reading: 'It's Nora's first day at school. Concerned at her older brother being bullied, she unintentionally sets in motion events beyond her control.' It currently holds a flawless 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with The Guardian calling it a 'remarkable achievement' and Variety praising its 'rigorous, resolute focus on one little girl fighting a lonely, frightened battle for her future selfhood.' The New York Times also lauded the film, agreeing: 'Wandel is charting a moral awakening and focusing on the questions that many movies rarely engage. How do we love, and why? How do we become, who do we become?' More Trending Fans are just as enthusiastic, with X user @edgarwright writing: 'Laura Wandel's 'Playground', an intense, unforgettable perfectly formed drama with some of the best child performances committed to screen. Highly recommended.' omg the cutthroat world of primary school. UN MONDE (aka PLAYGROUND) is even more nerve-racking than EIGHTH GRADE. Like the Dardenne bros, debuting Belgian director Laura Wandel has the knack of imbuing social realist situations with thriller-like tension. And only 72 mins! — Anne Billson aka @ (@AnneBillson) October 31, 2021 PLAYGROUND (Laura Wandel): had to cross an actual playground on my way out of this and it felt like crossing a minefield in an active war zone. Exceptionally immersive, moving and disturbing, centred on one of the most impressive child performances of recent years. #SSIFF69 — Jessica Kiang (@jessicakiang) September 22, 2021 @jessicakiang agreed: 'Exceptionally immersive, moving and disturbing, centred on one of the most impressive child performances of recent years.' @AnneBillso posted: 'UN MONDE (aka PLAYGROUND) is even more nerve-racking than EIGHTH GRADE. Like the Dardenne bros, debuting Belgian director Laura Wandel has the knack of imbuing social realist situations with thriller-like tension. And only 72 mins!' Long story short, if you're interested in good cinema, stream The Playground while you can. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Jeremy Clarkson ruffles feathers as he brazenly reveals advert that was 'banned' MORE: 'Hidden treasure' music biopic finally arrives on Amazon Prime Video MORE: Amazon Prime fans beat the heat and binge 'best sci-fi series in years'
Economic Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
India's streaming platforms tap gaming craze to expand viewership
TIL Creatives Representational AI image Indian streaming platforms are increasingly spotlighting gaming and esports, with a rise in reality shows and scripted series themed around gaming. These efforts are helping to mainstream a genre that had previously remained a niche platforms are experimenting with a variety of formats, from unscripted bootcamp-style shows to fictional dramas. This reflects a shift in OTT programming priorities. While traditional reality shows have focused on singing, dancing, and survival-based formats, platforms are now exploring content centred on gaming, digital creators, and online communities. US-based Good Game Group recently unveiled Good Game in India. The format blends gameplay, entertainment, and brand-building challenges, offering a $100,000 prize, along with a chance for the winner to compete in the Asia-Pacific finals. "With more than 568 million gamers but just 5% of global gaming revenue, India represents a significant growth opportunity,' said Rai Cockfield, founder of Good Game. 'Its well-established film, music, and fashion industries also make it an ideal market to test contestants' crossover potential into mainstream entertainment." The company has committed up to $50 million over five years. Starting with India, the show is expected to expand to the US, UK, and Australia. It is available on OTT platforms, television, and YouTube, with cricketer Rishabh Pant serving as brand ambassador. According to the State of India Gaming Report 2022 by AWS and Lumikai, the Indian esports industry is projected to grow to $140 million by 2027. The number of esports players is expected to reach 1.5 million by Game joins a growing list of gaming-focused shows. One such example is Playground, a creator-led reality competition by Nodwin show, which recently concluded its fourth season on Amazon MX Player, features digital creators and esports athletes competing in team-based challenges. It will now be expanded into multiple languages and co-developed for international markets. 'We've partnered with Endemol Banijay to expand Playground into multiple Indian languages and co-develop it for other markets,' said Akshat Rathee, Managing Director of Nodwin Gaming, during Nazara Technologies' Q4 earnings call. Also in the mix is Gaming Insaan, a docu-reality show released in late 2024 on Amazon MX Player. It follows YouTuber Nischay Malhan (Triggered Insaan) through a 45-day professional the scripted side, Gamerlog, a coming-of-age esports drama starring Taare Zameen Par actor Darsheel Safary, premiered on June 12 on Amazon MX Dusad, Director and Head of Content at Amazon MX Player, said, "Gaming and esports are no longer niche interests, but a cultural force shaping how young India consumes content. The lines between gamers, influencers, and entertainers are blurring. As a streaming service, this opens up newer use cases for us that go beyond passive viewing, towards community, identity, and shared culture."Another upcoming project is WCG National Showdown India, set to debut in September through a partnership between World Cyber Games and Mumbai-based Upthrust Esports. The format includes gaming challenges and influencer be sure, Amish Tripathi, co-founder of Tara Gaming, said streaming platforms in India have yet to fully leverage the opportunity offered by gaming and esports."Western countries and East Asia have gone much further in this space. Maybe the challenge is that mobile gaming, which dominates the Indian market, does not provide the opportunity for OTT collaborations. I suspect this will change when AAA games based on Indian subjects, such as The Age of Bhaarat, launch and reshape the underlying structure of the market," he Gaming is co-founded by Amitabh Bachchan, gaming veteran Nouredine Abboud, and Tripathi.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
India's streaming platforms tap gaming craze to expand viewership
Indian streaming platforms are increasingly spotlighting gaming and esports, with a rise in reality shows and scripted series themed around gaming. These efforts are helping to mainstream a genre that had previously remained a niche interest. Streaming platforms are experimenting with a variety of formats, from unscripted bootcamp-style shows to fictional dramas. This reflects a shift in OTT programming priorities. While traditional reality shows have focused on singing, dancing, and survival-based formats, platforms are now exploring content centred on gaming, digital creators, and online communities. US-based Good Game Group recently unveiled Good Game in India. The format blends gameplay, entertainment, and brand-building challenges, offering a $100,000 prize, along with a chance for the winner to compete in the Asia-Pacific finals. "With more than 568 million gamers but just 5% of global gaming revenue, India represents a significant growth opportunity,' said Rai Cockfield , founder of Good Game. 'Its well-established film, music, and fashion industries also make it an ideal market to test contestants' crossover potential into mainstream entertainment." The company has committed up to $50 million over five years. Starting with India, the show is expected to expand to the US, UK, and Australia. It is available on OTT platforms , television, and YouTube, with cricketer Rishabh Pant serving as brand ambassador. According to the State of India Gaming Report 2022 by AWS and Lumikai, the Indian esports industry is projected to grow to $140 million by 2027. The number of esports players is expected to reach 1.5 million by then. Good Game joins a growing list of gaming-focused shows. One such example is Playground, a creator-led reality competition by Nodwin Gaming. The show, which recently concluded its fourth season on Amazon MX Player, features digital creators and esports athletes competing in team-based challenges. It will now be expanded into multiple languages and co-developed for international markets. 'We've partnered with Endemol Banijay to expand Playground into multiple Indian languages and co-develop it for other markets,' said Akshat Rathee, Managing Director of Nodwin Gaming, during Nazara Technologies ' Q4 earnings call. Also in the mix is Gaming Insaan, a docu-reality show released in late 2024 on Amazon MX Player. It follows YouTuber Nischay Malhan (Triggered Insaan) through a 45-day professional bootcamp. On the scripted side, Gamerlog, a coming-of-age esports drama starring Taare Zameen Par actor Darsheel Safary, premiered on June 12 on Amazon MX Player. Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of Content at Amazon MX Player, said, "Gaming and esports are no longer niche interests, but a cultural force shaping how young India consumes content. The lines between gamers, influencers, and entertainers are blurring. As a streaming service, this opens up newer use cases for us that go beyond passive viewing, towards community, identity, and shared culture." Another upcoming project is WCG National Showdown India, set to debut in September through a partnership between World Cyber Games and Mumbai-based Upthrust Esports. The format includes gaming challenges and influencer matchups. To be sure, Amish Tripathi, co-founder of Tara Gaming, said streaming platforms in India have yet to fully leverage the opportunity offered by gaming and esports. "Western countries and East Asia have gone much further in this space. Maybe the challenge is that mobile gaming, which dominates the Indian market, does not provide the opportunity for OTT collaborations. I suspect this will change when AAA games based on Indian subjects, such as The Age of Bhaarat, launch and reshape the underlying structure of the market," he added. Tara Gaming is co-founded by Amitabh Bachchan, gaming veteran Nouredine Abboud, and Tripathi.
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
School bullying film hailed as 'devastating and powerful'
A new Belgian film that tackles school bullying is being praised as 'devastating and powerful.' Directed by Laura Wandel and released in 2021, Playground follows a brother and sister as they try to fight off their tormentors. Starring Maya Vanderbeque, Gunter Duret, Karim Leklou, Laura Verlinden, Lena Girard Voss and Thao Maerten, the movie has garnered a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and has won a number of awards. The streaming service's official synopsis states: 'It's Nora's first day at school. 'Concerned at her older brother being bullied, she unintentionally sets in motion events beyond her control.' Fans have fallen in love with the film and it's managed to bag itself 100 per cent on review site Rotten Tomatoes. It also received 81 per cent on the Popcorn Meter. Many have shared their rave reviews on the website. Film Forward's Kent Turner said: 'This may be the most stress-inducing, heartbreaking movie of 2022, and it's only 72 minutes long.' Flick Feast's Dallas King wrote: 'This is a film that, similar to Eighth Grade, should become required viewing in schools. Providing many teachable lessons for pupils and staff alike.' Financial Times' Danny Leigh added: 'Wandel's film is too wrenching to be called a movie for children. 'But children would recognize the truth and the complexity of it, which is surely the highest praise.' Sunday Times' Tom Shone said: 'A beautiful film.' Irish Independent's Paul Whitngton: 'Acted with incredible naturalism by its young actors, Wandel's film is shot from the perspective of a young child, making even the best intentioned adults seem irrelevant to the primordial struggle being enacted at the lunchtime break.' View of the Arts' Alistair Ryder said: 'It's one of the year's boldest and best directorial debuts, in addition to being one of the most incisive films about how children experience bullying yet made.' Meanwhile on IMDb, one said: 'This is really a very remarkable film. Exploring the group dynamics of school children, director Laura Wandel has taken the radical choice of positioning her camera at children's height, registering only what children see. 'Adults are reduced to supporting roles, and they are only visible when they occupy themselves directly with Nora, the heroine of Un Monde, played amazingly by 9 year old Maya Vanderbeque. 'This movie is everything it has to be. The camerawork is really brilliant , the hand held camera gives uncomfortable feel throughout the movie. 'The performances by siblings is just brilliant throughout the movie; they carry the burden. 'The story is really very simple but detailed. Every moment seem to be important and not a repetition. 'And thus the movie is very quick but slow it gives time to viewers to get to understand what's going on. 'To quickly summarize this movie is a must watch, thought provoking and not easy to forget. 'Bullying has become a big subject in the last 20 years, but this film tells a great story from the perspective of two children who are each victims of it. 'With the Dardenne brothers and others, the Belgians have redefined the social landscape of Italian neorealism.' 'I've never seen anything quite like this film before.' The film is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
