Category Archives: economy

business, economy, entertainment

Epic Games Store is offering an exclusive Fortnite skin for Resident Evil Requiem pre-orders

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Fortnite fans are no strangers to crossover events, collaborations, and content from other popular IPs, especially when it comes to skins. This time, Epic Games and Capcom are teaming up for a particularly exciting offer tied to the upcoming game Resident Evil Requiem.

Players will have the chance to unlock a Fortnite skin of Grace Ashcroft, the main character from Resident Evil Requiem. However, this exclusive skin can only be obtained by pre-ordering Resident Evil Requiem through the Epic Games Store.

Epic Games and Capcom announced this special collaboration on social media this week. With Resident Evil Requiem set to launch in February 2026, those who pre-order the game on the Epic Games Store will receive the Grace Ashcroft skin on their Epic account. The skin itself will become available in Fortnite in March 2026.

Epic Games has a history of running exclusive promotions for its digital store, often featuring crossover content for Fortnite. For example, ahead of the release of Alan Wake 2, the Epic Games Store offered a special Alan Wake skin for Fortnite players who owned the game on their platform.

This new Grace Ashcroft Fortnite skin is yet another example of how Epic Games continues to blend popular gaming worlds, giving players unique ways to customize their in-game characters while celebrating upcoming titles. Be sure to pre-order Resident Evil Requiem on the Epic Games Store to secure your exclusive skin!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146598/epic-games-store-resident-evil-requiem-fortnite-exclusive

business, economy, technology

ARC Raiders climbs over 180k concurrent players in its day one debut

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This week, Embark Studios released ARC Raiders, offering players a fresh multiplayer extraction shooter to dive into. The response has been impressive, with the game attracting more than 180,000 players on PC alone on its very first day.

Concurrent player numbers for ARC Raiders on PC are tracked by SteamDB, which began monitoring the game upon its public debut this week. According to SteamDB, the player count has surpassed 188,000 and continues to rise.

Approaching 200,000 players is a significant achievement for a new IP, especially during a month that also saw releases from big-name franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield. ARC Raiders appears to be winning over gamers with its engaging blend of looting, PvE, and PvP gameplay—offering both solo and squad-based shooting experiences.

Having had the chance to try out the game in an early preview, I can confirm it provides an enjoyable experience. Whether playing alone or with teammates, the thrill of strategizing and grabbing gear keeps the gameplay exciting and rewarding.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146593/arc-raiders-180000-concurrent-players-steamdb

culture, economy, entertainment, media, technology

Fortnite Sidekicks are new customizable companions

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Epic Games has announced the arrival of Sidekicks, new companions designed to accompany players in Fortnite. These customizable creatures will be available across multiple game modes, including Battle Royale and LEGO Fortnite, as well as other titles developed by Epic.

Sidekicks are set to debut with the launch of the next season on November 1. As revealed in a recent blog post, these companions will travel alongside players as they explore the map and engage in battles. While Sidekicks do not provide any competitive advantage, they add a layer of personality by mimicking player emotes and reacting to in-game actions.

Most Sidekicks will be customizable upon acquisition, allowing players to personalize their companions. However, once customization choices are finalized, they become permanent. Players can earn Sidekick Points (SP) through gameplay, which can be spent to unlock a variety of new cosmetic options for their Sidekicks.

Several Sidekicks have already been unveiled. Among them is Peels, a playful banana puppy that players can earn through the new Battle Pass starting November 1, 2025. Additionally, Bonesy, Spike, and Lil’ Raptor will be available for purchase in the Item Shop beginning November 7.

With their charm and unique interactions, Sidekicks are set to bring a fun and fresh dynamic to the Fortnite experience in the upcoming season.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146591/fortnite-sidekicks-companions-announced

business, economy, politics

EXCLUSIVE: After Jolly LLB 3, Star Studio18-PVR Inox now fight over VPF for Huma Qureshi-starrer Single Salma

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Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront of reporting the ongoing tussle between the national cinema chains—namely PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis—and film producers over the payment of the VPF (Virtual Print Fee).

Last month, the industry was jolted when PVR and Inox suspended advance bookings for the much-awaited film *Jolly LLB 3*, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. This decision came after its producers, Star Studio18, refused to pay the VPF. The advance bookings were halted twice, the last time just 12 hours before the commencement of the first show.

According to reports, Star Studio18 eventually paid the VPF but made it clear that the payment was made under protest. The studio also stated that discussions on the issue would continue.

More than a month later, the VPF dispute has resurfaced, this time involving the Huma Qureshi-starrer *Single Salma*.

**Exclusive:** After *Jolly LLB 3*, Star Studio18 and PVR Inox are now clashing over the VPF for *Single Salma*.

A trade source informed Bollywood Hungama, “*Single Salma* is also produced by Star Studio18, and they once again requested a VPF waiver from PVR Inox as well as Cinepolis. However, this request was not granted, and discussions are still ongoing. If a solution is not found, *Single Salma* will likely be released only in non-national theatres across the country.”

Industry insiders reveal that *Single Salma* is expected to release on around 200 screens. The film features Huma Qureshi in the lead role, who coincidentally was also part of *Jolly LLB 3*. The cast also includes Shreyas Talpade and Sunny Singh.

The producers argue that they are justified in requesting the VPF waiver since *Jolly LLB 3* is a 2025 release. However, PVR Inox maintains its stance, stating that the agreement specifies that studios will stop paying VPF only if other production houses do the same.

In a related development, on September 30, 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) ordered an investigation against PVR INOX Limited over allegations of abusing its dominant market position by continuing to levy VPF on film producers.

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**Also Read:**
Huma Qureshi and Rachit Singh fuel engagement buzz with public appearances

—

**More Pages:**
– Single Salma Box Office Collection
– Bollywood News Live Updates
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-jolly-llb-3-star-studio18-pvr-inox-now-fight-vpf-huma-qureshi-starrer-single-salma/

economy, entertainment, politics

BREAKING: Ranbir Kapoor’s Love And War bows out of Eid 2026 clash with Yash’s Toxic; to release post June 2026

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Earlier this morning, Yash and the producers of *Toxic* reconfirmed that the fairy tale for adults will hit the big screen as scheduled in March 2026, coinciding with the Eid 2026 period.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the industry is buzzing with reports about the delay of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next film, *Love and War*. Reliable sources confirm that *Love and War* will miss its Eid 2026 deadline, thereby avoiding a clash with Yash’s epic, *Toxic*.

**BREAKING:** Ranbir Kapoor’s *Love and War* bows out of the Eid 2026 clash with Yash’s *Toxic*; set to release post-June 2026.

“It’s a blessing in disguise, as it made no sense for two Pan-Indian films to clash on the same date. *Love and War* is running much behind its shooting schedule and will now release in the second half of 2026. Around 75 days of shoot still remain, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali has requested Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal to allot bulk dates till summer 2026 to wrap up the film,” a reliable source told Bollywood Hungama.

The film is reported to be approximately 40 days behind schedule. As a result, the earliest possible release date for *Love and War* is now June 2026. Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali will soon make an official announcement regarding the delay.

This delay also helps avert any off-screen clash between Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, ahead of their anticipated on-screen rivalry in *Ramayana*. Contrary to earlier speculations, it is Ranbir Kapoor who will not be arriving on Eid 2026, while Yash remains on track to bring his action romance *Toxic* to cinemas in March 2026.

*Toxic* is progressing as planned, with the makers expressing strong confidence in their product. The film stands out as one of the rare Indian movies to be shot simultaneously in Kannada and English.

More details on the release of *Love and War* are being kept under wraps for now.

**Also Read:**
– Not cancelled! *Love & War* Italy schedule back on
– Sanjay Leela Bhansali to shoot grand climax in Italy this December

Stay tuned for more updates on *Toxic* box office collections and live Bollywood news.
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/breaking-ranbir-kapoors-love-war-bows-eid-2026-clash-yashs-toxic-release-post-june-2026/

economy, entertainment, politics

Stranger Things 5 trailer: Cast teases “next-level action’ and a “chaotic start” in the final season

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The lights are flickering once again in Hawkins. Shadows crawl, memories linger, and the air crackles with the kind of electricity only Netflix’s most beloved world can summon. Netflix invites us back to the Upside Down as the trailer for **Stranger Things Season 5** drops.

### Stranger Things 5 Trailer: Cast Teases “Next-Level Action” and a “Chaotic Start” in the Final Season

Counting down to the final chapter, the cast, creators, and executive producers of *Stranger Things* set the stage for what’s to come and where we find our characters at the start of the season, as told to Tudum.

Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) says,
> “Eleven is in training mode. She’s in a warrior state, which is the first time you see Eleven like that at the beginning of a season. As for her mindset, all she is thinking about is protecting her friends. Her friends are her chosen family, so she will do whatever it takes to protect them and we’re going to see that.”

Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin) adds,
> “Dustin is kind of in a bit of a funk. I think everybody probably is considering the state that Hawkins is in, and it’s getting a little bit harder for the gang to keep all the pieces together. We’re all dealing with the day-to-day issues of what it is to try to keep everybody safe and figure out where Vecna is, while having a lot of unpacked baggage from the events in the previous season.”

Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas) shares,
> “It’s always been in the beginning of a season that everything is all good, but this is the first season we come into it and the stakes are the same as where we left off. We haven’t defeated Vecna and the problem is still there. We’re still trying to figure it out and we may not be able to figure it out, so you feel that burden on Lucas as well as everyone else on the show. Everyone is on edge and we’re all just trying to keep hope alive.”

Noah Schnapp (Will) asserts,
> “Will is back in Hawkins this season. He was out of Hawkins for the last season, so now we’re seeing the effects of him being back in that realm. We kind of hit the ground running right away this season, which is really exciting and not how we’ve started any other season. Everyone is all in one place and we all have the same objective.”

Sadie Sink (Max) explains,
> “We [ended] Season 4 in a tough place for Max. Her final moments were her in a hospital bed. Eleven was searching for her in the void and couldn’t find her, so Max is definitely not the way she once was. There’s still a small glimmer of hope, though, and her friends are hanging on to that.”

Finn Wolfhard (Mike) says,
> “Mike is back in leadership mode, and he’s kind of taken it more upon himself to help plan out these missions, and he and the whole gang are devoted to finding Vecna and ending this.”

Ross Duffer (Co-Creator, Executive Producer, Writer, Director) shares,
> “I think what’s unique about this season is that it starts a little bit in chaos because our heroes ultimately lost at the end of Season 4. We usually set up their normal life and how they’re going about school, and then we introduce the supernatural element. But in this case, this season is sprinting from the start.”

Matt Duffer (Co-Creator, Executive Producer, Writer, Director) adds,
> “They’re not experiencing normal life. Nothing in Hawkins is normal anymore. Their movement is restricted, and there are Big Brother cameras everywhere. So not only are they active, their everyday, normal lives are anything but.”

Shawn Levy (Executive Producer & Director) concludes,
> “The action is next level, the visual effects are next level, but I’m also happy to say that the emotional center remains the same. And part of the magic of this show is that even as we evolve, even as the storytelling becomes more epic, it’s always anchored in these characters that we love.”

—

**Also Read:** [“Stranger Things fans will be truly satisfied with the ending”: Cast and makers speak about Netflix show ahead of final season premiere](#)

—

**BOLLYWOOD NEWS LIVE UPDATES**
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/stranger-things-5-trailer-cast-teases-next-level-action-chaotic-start-final-season/

culture, economy, entertainment

Now That’s Some Hissing Humor: 27 Cat Memes to Boost Your Spirits Until Halloween

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Hello, fellow feline fans! It’s the day before Halloween, that magical time when the air smells faintly of pumpkin spice, half the neighborhood is covered in fake cobwebs, and our cats are one spooky shadow away from accidentally scaring us to death.

The almost-Halloween mood is bubbling with excitement. The costumes are ready (or maybe the cats have already shredded them), and we’re just counting down the hours until spooky o’clock finally arrives.

But how do we pass the time until then? With cat memes, of course! Because let’s be honest—cats and Halloween are kindred spirits. They’re mysterious, dramatic, slightly chaotic, and occasionally seen sprinting across the room at invisible forces.

You don’t need ghosts when your cat already stares at walls like they’re haunted.
https://cheezburger.com/42970373/now-thats-some-hissing-humor-27-cat-memes-to-boost-your-spirits-until-halloween

business, economy, finance, technology

Google (GOOGL) Q3 2025 earnings results beat revenue and EPS expectations

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Markets have closed for the day, and Google (GOOGL) has released its latest quarterly earnings report. In Q3 2025, the tech giant surpassed expectations by beating both revenue and earnings per share (EPS) estimates.

For the first time in the company’s history, Google earned over $100 billion in a single quarter. The company reported revenue of $102.3 billion, exceeding the anticipated $99.96 billion. Additionally, Google posted an EPS of $2.87 per share, outperforming the analyst expectation of $2.26 per share.

CEO Sundar Pichai provided a statement in the earnings release, highlighting the company’s strong performance and growth.

Following the double beat on revenue and EPS, Google’s stock saw significant movement after hours. The stock price rose from $274.57 at market close to as high as $290.53.

In addition to Google, other tech giants Meta and Microsoft also shared their quarterly earnings reports today, contributing to an eventful earnings season.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146572/google-q3-2025-earnings-results

culture, economy, education, entertainment, sports

Nutley’s Meya Ranges takes third in Essex XC Championships

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Up until last week, Meya Ranges’ senior season has been all about pacing and patience. Throughout the offseason, Ranges focused on improving her pacing on the course to ensure she could finish races stronger. During the regular season, she was strategically held out of some of Nutley’s dual meets, keeping bigger goals in mind—namely the Essex County and upcoming NJSIAA state and sectional championships.

On Friday at Cedar Grove Park, that training and approach paid off in a big way. Ranges smashed her previous career best by running a 19:09.07 to claim third place at the Essex County Championships. Her medal-winning performance earned her The Observer Athlete of the Week honors.

For Ranges, this marked her second consecutive third-place finish at the Essex County Championships. Last fall, she took third with a time of 19:41.50.

“Going into Friday, I was really confident in myself, and now I have more experience running a 5K,” Ranges said. “I knew how to pace it, and I pretty much ran my own race. I definitely think I’m hitting my stride right now. I think a lot of the credit goes to my training and my coaches. At the beginning of the year, I didn’t run as many dual meets as I did before, just to save my legs for the championship season. I’ve been doing a lot of tempo runs during the dual meets, and that has definitely helped.”

Head coach Kara McNish added, “With Meya, we kind of mapped out the whole season, looking at invitationals and recovery time. I gave her certain days that she wasn’t going to race, like the Essex County Invitational and some dual meets. Last year, we didn’t do that at all, which I think, in the end, weighed heavy on her legs. By the time we got to sectionals and groups, she was feeling it.”

For Ranges, sitting out those dual meets wasn’t always easy. She admitted to feeling a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) as she did her work separately from her teammates.

“I want to save my legs, but I want to be running. I want to be with them,” Ranges said, also crediting swimming and cross-training for helping her get stronger heading into the season. “But I know it’s for the better because Cedar Grove is all concrete, so it’s definitely harsh on your legs. Saving my energy, going to the track, and doing a tempo workout really did help. I felt really fresh on Friday.”

With her legs fresh and another year of experience under her belt, Ranges felt much more comfortable heading into this year’s county meet. Just ten days earlier, at the Super Essex Conference Championships, she set a then-personal best with a time of 19:19.40 at Cedar Grove.

According to Ranges, she didn’t start with the front pack in the field of 106 runners. Instead, she gradually made her way toward the front while saving a strong kick for the end.

“I definitely wanted to go under 19:20, but I really had no idea what was going to happen because everybody in Essex County is so good—everyone’s improving,” Ranges said. “So I just wanted to stay up, run my own race, try to catch up to the lead pack, and then kick at the end. That was my goal, and I executed it pretty well.”
https://www.theobserver.com/2025/10/29/nutleys-meya-ranges-takes-third-in-essex-xc-championships/

business, economy, finance

Listen to the Microsoft (MSFT) Q1 2026 earnings call here

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We’re set to learn more about Microsoft’s (MSFT) recent financial performance with the release of the company’s quarterly earnings report later this afternoon.

After markets close for the day, Microsoft will hold an earnings call to share more details and field questions from investors. You can listen to Microsoft’s Q1 2026 earnings call live.

The call will take place today, October 29, at 2:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. ET. We’ll be streaming the event on the Shacknews YouTube channel. Additionally, you can find the call available on Microsoft’s investor relations website.

That’s how you can listen to Microsoft’s Q1 2026 earnings call.

Be sure to check back here on Shacknews for all the news and insights from the earnings report and the subsequent call.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146571/listen-to-msft-q1-2026-earnings-call