Multiple games – including Final Fantasy 14 and Umamusume: Pretty Derby – have faced outages and other issues following this week’s discovery of a serious PHP vulnerability.
## Pokémon Happy Meal Makes Its Comeback for 30th Anniversary in 2026
No worries, the Pokémon Happy Meal is set for a glorious comeback in 2026 as part of the festivities for the franchise’s 30th anniversary. The promotion is scheduled to kick off on November 5 and last until December 9, bringing the thrill of long lines at McDonald’s drive-thrus nationwide, as fans rush to enjoy a nostalgic meal, even if their initial plan was just to get a banana milkshake.
### What to Anticipate in the Happy Meal
Initially revealed by PokéBeach, the yearly Pokémon promotion has stirred excitement among fans, although it hasn’t been officially listed on McDonald’s websites yet. PokéBeach has established itself as a trusted source, making their announcements quite credible. As per their announcement, the forthcoming set will feature the usual 15 cards, packaged in booster packs containing four cards—three standard and one holographic. Traditionally, these cards are reprints from previous sets, easily identifiable by a small set symbol at the bottom left corner. Notably, past releases have showcased unique holographic designs, adding a collectible allure to the cards.
### Meal Features
The Happy Meal will comprise one booster pack along with the choice of a toy or a booklet. This adjustment is particularly appreciated by U.S. customers, especially since McDonald’s UK has entirely phased out plastic toys from its Happy Meals, opting instead for less appealing cardboard options.
### The Hype of the Promotion
Annually, the Pokémon and McDonald’s collaboration sparks an enthusiastic response, causing scalpers and eager collectors to attempt to acquire multiple meals just to obtain sealed four-card packs that often have minimal value in the aftermarket. This phenomenon results in significant wait times for customers merely wanting to enjoy a quick meal, complicating access for younger fans eager to secure their cards.
The situation escalated to chaos last year in Japan, where a promotional event was swiftly abandoned after only three days due to the overwhelming crowds and disorder it generated in McDonald’s establishments. As the TCG (Trading Card Game) continues to gain traction, alongside the excitement around the 30th-anniversary cards, there’s considerable curiosity about how the forthcoming promotion will unfold in the upcoming months.
### What’s Ahead
At this point, there’s no information regarding which particular cards or Pokémon will feature in this year’s Happy Meal promotion or if the cards will have any significant tie to the 30th anniversary. Traditionally, these packs tend to include rather standard bulk cards, which brings forth questions about the overall enthusiasm surrounding the promotion each year.
In summary, the return of the Pokémon Happy Meal is set to ignite both nostalgia and excitement among fans, but it also brings with it the challenges of crowd management and availability that have been typical of past promotions. Collectors and families will need to navigate the hustle and bustle, hoping to make the most of this special occasion as they celebrate three decades of Pokémon.
### The Excitement and Apprehensions Surrounding James Watkins’ *Clayface*
The DC Universe has undergone a notable evolution with the fresh guidance of James Gunn, signaling a move towards a more whimsical and less grave narrative style. One film that is creating significant excitement is *Clayface*, helmed by James Watkins, which offers a darker and more grotesque interpretation of the backstory of one of Batman’s most prominent adversaries.
#### Plot Summary
In *Clayface*, the narrative centers around Matt Hagen, portrayed by emerging talent Tom Rhys Harries, who endures a savage disfigurement that leaves him marked with career-ending injuries. In a frantic effort to regain his former identity, he chooses an experimental procedure, which results in shocking side effects—his body starts to undergo a disturbing, melt-like alteration. This film, instead of merely skimming the surface of the superhero genre, plunges into the depths of body horror, delivering a more raw and unsettling storyline than usual superhero offerings.
#### Trailers and Audience Response
The unveiling of the *Clayface* trailers has elicited a range of responses, particularly concerning the bleak material. The initial trailer set a tone of horror intertwined with the superhero theme, highlighting Hagen’s gruesome transformation. Viewers were startled by the moment when Hagen wipes away his own face, described by one critic as an ideal jump scare.
However, as further trailers were released, the atmosphere shifted from disquieting to thoroughly unsettling. The second trailer featured a sequence that disturbed many—Hagen using scissors to snip away excess skin growing around his eyes, implying a film that embraces graphic visuals and physical unease. Although subtle in its horror, the intensity built around that moment seemed to resonate with audiences, prompting questions about the film’s overarching direction.
By the third and final trailer, the horror escalated, revealing not only Hagen’s battles but also his interactions with others, hinting at a tragic character journey. A particularly striking scene depicts Hagen’s dual nature—forcing a victim’s face through his own body, revealing not malevolent delight but deep sorrow and despair. This impactful portrayal transitions the character from a standard villain to one of tragedy, blurring the boundaries between horror and compassion.
#### The Psychological Depth
The emotional intricacy of Hagen’s path is a primary concern for potential viewers. While body horror can be tolerable within the genre, the additional layer of Hagen’s remorseful attitude during his actions induces discomfort. The prospect of witnessing a character embodying sadness while causing harm suggests a more profound narrative that might challenge audience sensitivities.
Fans of the superhero genre are now wrestling with their expectations. The buzz around *Clayface* is laced with unease, as many express a wish to see the film while simultaneously dreading the explicit nature of its content. This complex emotional terrain could either amplify the film’s effect or alienate viewers seeking a more conventional superhero adventure.
#### Conclusion
James Watkins’ *Clayface* is positioned to reshape the anticipations of the DC Universe, blending horror with superhero lore in a manner that highlights the often-misunderstood essence of its main character. While excitement remains palpable, the emotional implications of its story may prompt audiences to reconsider their comfort levels in cinema. As the launch date nears, fans find themselves eager yet wary, suggesting that *Clayface* could emerge as one of the most divisive additions to the DC film roster thus far.
A little bit of extra waiting is in order for Crimson Desert‘s first proper expansion, Charting the Unknown. Originally set to arrive midway through October, it’s now been moved back by a couple of weeks to allow for some extra fine-tuning of the thousand or so funky open world activities devs Pearl Abyss have jammed into it.