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Larian Aims for Future Companions to Focus More on Relationship Development Rather Than Immediate Intimacy

With Baldur’s Gate 3 and its gang of rowdy adventuring mates in the rear view mirror, Larian are hoping to improve a couple of aspects of how they handle companions going forwards – a process that’ll likely kick off in Divinity. In particular, the development of deeper relationships between party members and a more subtle build to the moment when the player’s relationship veers into deeply horny territory are on their list of learnings.

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A Study of the Assertion that Todd Howard Has an Aversion to Fallout: New Vegas

### The Misconception of Todd Howard’s Aversion to *Fallout: New Vegas*

Lately, conversations about Todd Howard, the creative director of Bethesda, and *Fallout: New Vegas*, a title crafted by Obsidian, have ignited numerous dialogues among gamers. The widespread rumor that Howard has negative sentiments towards *New Vegas* has circulated extensively, particularly after the debut of *Fallout 4* in 2015. Numerous fans of the franchise make light of Howard’s purported disdain for the game, especially considering the positive acclaim that *New Vegas* has received compared to *Fallout 4*. Nevertheless, these assertions are baseless and lack substantial proof.

### Sources of the Rumor

The notion that Todd Howard dislikes *New Vegas* seems to have gained momentum a few years post the game’s launch in 2010. The discourse appears to have amplified following the release of *Fallout 4*, in which a portion of the gaming audience conveyed discontent with the title. Many enthusiasts believed that *Fallout 4* leaned more towards shooter mechanics rather than a classic RPG, prompting comparisons that positioned *New Vegas* as a superior installment in the series. Exchanges on platforms such as GameFAQs brought this sentiment to light, with users conjecturing about Howard’s reluctance to speak positively about *New Vegas*.

### Evaluating the Evidence

In spite of the widespread appeal of the myth, a deeper inspection shows that Todd Howard has indeed shown respect for *New Vegas*. From the outset, there has been public recognition of its quality:

1. **Howard’s Initial Recognition**: In 2010, Howard voiced positive feelings about *New Vegas* during a Game Informer preview, where he highlighted creativity and enjoyment in game creation.

2. **Backing from Obsidian**: Key figures at Obsidian, such as Feargus Urquhart and Josh Sawyer, have lauded their partnership with Howard. In several interviews, they characterized him as encouraging and receptive to innovative design choices.

3. **Ongoing Affirmations**: Over the years, in various interviews, including those with The Guardian and IGN, Howard has reiterated his admiration for *New Vegas* and acknowledged the outstanding work accomplished by Obsidian.

4. **Recent Statements**: As recently as 2024, Howard refuted the rumor during an interview on *Kinda Funny*, underscoring *New Vegas*’s importance to both Bethesda and its community, while expressing respect for Obsidian’s contributions.

5. **Canon and Factions**: Clarifications regarding the canon of *Fallout* have also been made multiple times, emphasizing that Obsidian’s *New Vegas* remains a crucial part of the series. The only stipulations made by Bethesda for *New Vegas* were minimal, primarily focused on the incorporation of factions.

### The Allure of the Myth

The tale of Todd Howard disapproving of *New Vegas* has an enticing quality, frequently portraying a David-versus-Goliath scenario between the well-established Bethesda and the smaller Obsidian team. Many fans delight in the underdog narrative, nurturing a sense of loyalty and identity within the community. This viewpoint may aid in the continual existence of the myth, despite ample evidence that contradicts it.

In summary, while the rumor that Todd Howard dislikes *Fallout: New Vegas* may persist among fans, it stands as a myth lacking evidential support. Howard’s public statements reflect not disdain, but appreciation for the effort invested in the game, underscoring its significance within the *Fallout* series. As the popularity of *New Vegas* endures, so too does the necessity for accurate representations of its legacy and the individuals responsible for its creation.

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Larian Announces Discontinuation of GenAI for Divinity Concept Art; Future GenAI for Other Games to be Based on Proprietary Data

Larian CEO Swen Vincke has provided an update as to how the studio are planning to go about handling the use of generative AI in the making of Divinity. In an effort to alleviate concerns, the newly decided plan is to avoid using it in any capacity as part of the concept art development process. In general, Larian are aiming to ensure any in-game generated assets in their games come from models “trained” on data Larian already own, rather than risking the charge of creative theft or actual copyright breach.

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Anker’s 24,000mAh Power Bank Hits Year’s Lowest Price After Skipping Holiday Sales

### The Anker 737 Power Bank: Your Indispensable Charging Ally

You may find yourself reaching for the Anker 737 Power Bank and then questioning how you ever managed without it. This power bank is crafted for individuals who require a dependable option to recharge their phone, tablet, laptop, handheld gaming device, or headphones without the constant anxiety of battery notifications disrupting their routine.

At present, you can obtain the Anker 737 Power Bank for only **$90** on Amazon, reflecting a **$20 discount** from its standard price of **$110**—a savings of **18%**. If you’ve been mulling over the idea of a new power bank, this is a prime moment to complete the transaction.

**A Portable Power Bank for Every Charging Need**

The Anker 737 Power Bank is far more than just a quick emergency charge; it features a high-capacity battery that can power multiple devices at once, often leaving excess juice after charging. This function is especially advantageous for families, couples, or groups traveling together, as it removes the stress of vying for charging ports. You can power your smartphone and tablet together or keep your headphones charged while you enjoy your portable gaming system.

In spite of its robust features, the power bank is compact enough to carry daily. Its sleek and minimalist design incorporates indicator lights that show the remaining battery, ensuring you won’t be in the dark about the power level.

For those who have ever found themselves searching for free outlets, frequently monitoring their battery percentage, or juggling a single wall charger among various devices, this power bank is a major enhancement. With a simple plug-in for all your gadgets, you can reduce the worry of battery anxiety throughout your day.

With its considerable power, multiple ports, and rapid charging abilities, the Anker 737 Power Bank effortlessly fits into your travels, commutes, and everyday activities. You will undoubtedly value the advantages of possessing this vital tool, particularly now that it is offered at its lowest cost.

For anyone in search of a trustworthy and effective charging solution, acquiring the Anker 737 Power Bank is a choice that promises to improve your daily life.

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Nintendo Advances Mario Merchandise Showcasing Mother’s Extraordinary Thumb Medical Condition

**Nintendo’s My Mario Toys: A Debate Over Imagery**

Nintendo, a giant in the gaming world, keeps fans thrilled with cutting-edge products and experiences. Recently, the company revealed its upcoming “My Mario” toy line, set to debut in February at its locations in New York City and San Francisco. However, the enthusiasm for these toys has been clouded by concerns that the marketing images depicting parents and kids playing with the toys might be created using artificial intelligence (genAI).

The financial giant consistently reports billions in yearly profits, prompting many to wonder why Nintendo wouldn’t invest in an actual photoshoot to advertise its newest releases. Observers have highlighted inconsistencies in the images, igniting discussions about the credibility of the visuals.

As conversations unfolded across social media channels, users examined the photos, pointing out oddities like disproportionate finger sizes and strange hand positions, leading some to speculate that these could signal AI-generated images. The issue of AI art is currently a trending topic, raising alarms about its infiltration in various media forms, including marketing and promotional materials.

Regardless of the controversies, the true nature of the visuals remains ambiguous. Many observers found the aesthetics questionable, prompting them to reevaluate their own understanding of human anatomy and imagery. One commenter amusingly shared that they glanced at their hands to reconcile their perception of what anatomically accurate fingers should resemble.

The dialogue shifted to Nintendo’s social media platforms, where fan responses varied from skepticism to outright mockery concerning the potential for AI-generated content. Posts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) reflected a mixture of excitement for the “My Mario” project, while also fueling doubts about the legitimacy of the promotional images.

Nintendo has yet to provide a statement or clarification on the use of AI in their marketing visuals. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, creative sectors must confront the challenge of distinguishing what is genuine from what is generated. As discussions persist, many encourage an open-minded approach, so that authentic creativity isn’t misidentified as algorithmic creations.

The upcoming launch of the My Mario toys aims to strengthen connections between parents and children, enriching family play experiences inspired by Nintendo’s cherished Mario franchise. No matter the resolution regarding the promotional visuals, the eagerness for the toys themselves stays strong, reflecting the lasting affection and intrigue fans have for Nintendo’s legendary characters and their journeys in the Mushroom Kingdom.

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New Version Control Tools Aim to Reduce Update-Induced Issues for Steam Workshop Mods

The regular modpocalypses which tend to erupt when a fresh update for a game comes down the pipeline – an especially terrifying prospect if it’s an older game and the tweaks/additions aren’t something you’re happy to temporarily switch back to vanilladom in order to enjoy – may now be less of a ballache. Well, at least when it comes to the Steam Workshop, which has just had new version control pipes welded to its pulsating metal frame.

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