Tag Archives: collaboration

general

Apple TV’s ‘gripping’ 8-part mystery thriller looks like the perfect new year binge

Leave a comment

**Slow Horses Star Reflects on Season 5 Finale and Teases ‘Fun’ Shake-Up for Next Season**

Christopher Chung, who plays Roddy in the Apple TV spy thriller *Slow Horses*, shared a few exciting hints for the upcoming season while appearing at London’s Global Gift Gala. Fans of the series can expect an intriguing shake-up that promises to bring fresh energy to the beloved show.

—

**Apple TV’s 9-Part Mystery Drama from *Breaking Bad* Creator Sounds Unmissable**

*Pluribus* marks another collaboration between *Breaking Bad* creator Vince Gilligan and actress Rhea Seehorn. The new series promises to be “genre-bending,” captivating viewers with its innovative storytelling.

—

**Viewers ‘Completely Hooked’ After 1st Episode of New Thriller Starring *Line of Duty* Star**

*Down Cemetery Road*, starring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, has been met with rave reviews. The 8-part detective drama is adapted from *Slow Horses* author Mick Herron’s debut novel, offering a gripping plot and an iconic cast that is hard to miss.

—

**Cath Kidston Unveils AW25 Collection: The Board Game**

Iconic British brand Cath Kidston is ushering in a new era of whimsy with its latest collection, *The Board Game*. Our editors have handpicked 12 must-have products from the line that perfectly blend nostalgia and fresh, playful designs.

—

**Why *Down Cemetery Road* is Your Next TV Obsession**

Featuring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, *Down Cemetery Road* delves into a thrilling plot adapted from Mick Herron’s novel of the same name. Its compelling storyline and stellar performances make it a standout detective drama this season.

—

**Apple TV Adds *Harry Potter* and *Doctor Foster* Stars to ‘Edge-of-Your-Seat’ Returning Thriller *Hijack***

Idris Elba stars in the gripping thriller series *Hijack*, which returns for an eight-episode second season on January 14. The show brings intense suspense and has bolstered its cast with well-known stars from *Harry Potter* and *Doctor Foster*.

—

**Apple TV Reveals First Look at ‘Criminally Underrated’ 11-Part Returning Drama *Shrinking***

Jason Segel and Harrison Ford lead the comedy-drama *Shrinking*, returning to Apple TV on January 28. The series follows a grieving therapist navigating complex emotions with humor and heart, promising a compelling new season for viewers.

—

Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting shows and collections, as the new year brings fresh entertainment and style to your screens and wardrobe!
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/865876/apple-tv-gripping-8-part-mystery-thriller-looks-like-perfect-binge/

general

Young Thug Says He Doesn’t Know Who The Alchemist Is

Leave a comment

Young Thug Has Shut Down Hopes for a Collaboration Album with The Alchemist

A recent viral meme sparked excitement among fans about a potential collaboration album between Atlanta rapper Young Thug and legendary producer The Alchemist. The imagined project was described as an “introspective jazz” album, a pairing that quickly gained traction across rap Twitter. However, Young Thug has since put those hopes to rest by revealing that he doesn’t even know who The Alchemist is.

The confusion began when stylist Ian Connor shared a text exchange with Thugger on Twitter. In the conversation, Connor asked Young Thug if he had seen the meme or knew who The Alchemist was. Thug’s simple response was, “No who’s this?” To which Connor replied, “The Alchemist, one of the greatest producers of all time. I’ll kall you when my brain comes up with a plan, but this is sumn that needs to be done.”

It’s unclear whether the conversation continued beyond that point or if Young Thug ever took the time to look up the prolific beatmaker. The Alchemist is well-known for his classic projects with artists such as Freddie Gibbs, Earl Sweatshirt, and Boldy James.

The meme that sparked all the speculation originated from a tweet by Debating Hip-Hop, which imagined the duo crafting an “introspective jazz” collaboration. Fans eagerly embraced the idea, turning it into a widespread joke across rap circles on Twitter.

At ComplexCon, a reporter even took the opportunity to ask The Alchemist about the rumor. Playing it cool, he responded, “I can’t confirm or deny anything, bro. I need that, too. You can hook it up? Talk to him [points to fan]. If he makes it happen, then it’s gon’ happen. It’s on you now, bro.”

For now, while fans continue to hope, it seems a collaboration album between Young Thug and The Alchemist remains unlikely—at least until Young Thug gets to know who Uncle Al really is.
https://www.complex.com/music/a/markelibert/young-thug-doesnt-know-who-the-alchemist-is

general

F1 driver who raced against Ayrton Senna names Max Verstappen the ‘most complete driver’

Leave a comment

Former Ferrari driver Stefan Johansson has hailed Max Verstappen as the most complete F1 driver he has ever seen. The Swedish veteran put the Red Bull driver above all others, including Ayrton Senna, whom he raced against in the 1980s.

Johansson, who competed in 78 Grands Prix between 1980 and 1991, credited the Dutchman for taking the sport to new competitive heights. While he has witnessed greats from multiple eras, Verstappen’s technical mastery and mental strength stood out above them all.

Speaking to FORMULA 1 Magazine, Johansson said:
“(Max Verstappen is) a fantastic asset to Formula 1. That’s for sure. Max has made a very important contribution to how great the sport is today. He’s provided the entertainment since he entered the sport and is a significant factor.

“Max is still getting better every year,” added the Swede. “I think that he’ll go down in history as the best ever. I’ve driven with and against great drivers, and I find it difficult to compare eras, but for me, he’s the most complete driver I’ve ever seen. Max is so good, almost flawless.”

Ayrton Senna remains one of Formula 1’s most revered names—a three-time champion whose raw pace and fearless commitment defined an era. Verstappen has often been measured against the Brazilian legend, especially given his similar ability to extract lap time beyond the car’s expected limits.

With the 2025 championship still alive, Max Verstappen’s form once again evokes that Senna-like edge under pressure. The Dutchman has made a remarkable comeback post-summer, overcoming a deficit of over 100 points to both McLarens after the Dutch GP. He has now cut that lead to 35 points heading into the final four races.

Lando Norris leads the standings with 357 points, with teammate Oscar Piastri just one point behind on 356. Verstappen sits third on 321, keeping his hopes of a fifth title mathematically alive despite McLaren’s dominant MCL39 package.

Johansson believes that even if Max Verstappen doesn’t win this year, he has “made this championship a lot more interesting.”

—

### Adrian Newey Praises Max Verstappen’s Maturity and Ayrton Senna’s Curiosity

Adrian Newey, who worked with Max Verstappen throughout Red Bull’s dominant run, echoed similar sentiments from a different vantage point. The legendary engineer, who moved to Aston Martin earlier this year, credited Verstappen’s growth as both a driver and a professional.

Newey also reflected on Ayrton Senna, another driver he regarded as “outstanding.” During their brief collaboration at Williams in 1994, Senna’s technical understanding stood out.

“He got to the wind tunnel and straight away, he was down on his hands and knees, looking at the back at the rear suspension, spotted that that was a bit different to anything that had been done before, asking all about it. I needed to be on my toes to answer his questions. So I think Ayrton, without doubt, was outstanding.”

That curiosity, Newey said, was a mark of Senna’s genius—one that he now believes echoes, albeit differently, in Max Verstappen’s laser-focused drive.

“Max, now I think, is absolutely outstanding as well. He’s not had the easiest upbringing, I don’t think that’s a secret, but his maturity is amazing.”

Newey’s admiration carries significant weight, given that Verstappen has won all four of his world titles in Red Bull cars built under his technical leadership. Those championships have defined the modern era, just like Senna’s dominance in the early ’90s.

The Dutchman has since moved into third place on the all-time podium list, trailing only Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-f1-driver-raced-ayrton-senna-names-max-verstappen-most-complete-driver

general

Dying Light: The Beast X PUBG Mobile Crossover Event Is Now Live

Leave a comment

**Dying Light: The Beast x PUBG Mobile Is Real**

Techland has officially unveiled the first-ever crossover event for *Dying Light: The Beast*, bringing together two of the most recognized survival franchises: *Dying Light* and *PUBG MOBILE*. This exciting collaboration blends the horror and parkour action of *Dying Light: The Beast* with the intense, battle-hardened spirit of *PUBG MOBILE*, promising players a fresh and thrilling experience filled with danger, strategy, and exclusive rewards.

You can check out the official collaboration trailer below to get a glimpse of the action-packed event.

—

### How to Participate

Players can start by visiting the *Dying Light Outpost* event page to activate the **Skillet quest**. Once unlocked, the **Airdrop Finder** car skin will appear in their in-game stash.

After completing the **Power Gambit** main story quest, players can then embark on the Skillet mission. This mission challenges you to race against time to secure airdrops while facing deadly adversaries. The Baron’s lieutenant is hot on your trail, eager to seize the bounty for himself, making every encounter a tense test of skill and survival.

—

### The Mission Details

The Skillet quest sends players deep into **Castor Woods**, where multiple drop sites must be reached before rival forces arrive. Each stage of the journey presents new challenges, unexpected surprises, and powerful loot.

Only those who endure to the end will earn exclusive PUBG MOBILE-themed gear, including the iconic cast-iron frying pan, a heavy steel bat, and the brand-new **Marked Man Outfit**.

—

### Exclusive Rewards and Gameplay Benefits

Each reward is more than just cosmetic—it enhances gameplay with benefits like:

– XP boosts
– Improved weapon accuracy
– Increased weapon damage

Additionally, equipping the **Battleground Keychain charm** further sharpens combat abilities, amplifying every attack and giving players a stronger edge in battle.

—

### Event Duration

The *Dying Light: The Beast x PUBG MOBILE* crossover event runs from **October 31 to November 21, 2025**. Players are invited to fight, scavenge, and survive in a unique world where horror meets the battleground.

Don’t miss out on this thrilling event that pushes survival gameplay to new heights!
https://cogconnected.com/2025/10/dying-light-the-beast-x-pubg-mobile-crossover-event-is-now-live/

economy, technology

NVIDIA (NVDA) becomes first company to pass $5 trillion valuation

Leave a comment

NVIDIA Reaches Historic $5 Trillion Market Valuation

This week, NVIDIA made history by becoming the first-ever company to reach a $5 trillion market capitalization. Known as one of the most prolific chip makers and designers of hardware powering the AI market, NVIDIA’s growth continues to soar alongside the booming artificial intelligence sector. As tech giants increase their investments in AI, demand for NVIDIA’s products has surged.

On Tuesday, the company’s market cap hit an unprecedented $5.07 trillion, marking a significant milestone for both NVIDIA and the technology industry. This achievement was first reported by CNBC and was closely observed throughout the day’s trading.

Recently, NVIDIA announced the relocation of much of its Blackwell AI chip manufacturing to Arizona, United States, signaling a strategic move to enhance its production capabilities domestically.

NVIDIA’s rise in value is no surprise. The company has long been a leader in AI chip and hardware design, benefiting from the immense capital flowing into the AI sector as companies vie to outpace their competitors. Despite facing challenges, including pressure from both the Chinese and US governments that led to its exit from the Chinese market, NVIDIA has maintained strong momentum.

Part of the company’s recent success also comes from high-profile partnerships, such as its collaboration with Eli Lilly to develop a new supercomputer, further positioning NVIDIA at the forefront of AI innovation.

As AI technologies continue to evolve, NVIDIA’s role remains pivotal, and its market valuation reflects the confidence investors have in its future potential.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146567/nvidia-nvda-5-trillion-valuation

government, international, politics

Trump begins week-long Asia tour to meet Xi Jinping amid government shutdown

Leave a comment

**President Donald Trump Departs U.S. for Asia Tour, Including Meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping**

*By Katherine Mosack | OAN Staff*
*10:47 AM, Saturday, October 25, 2025*

President Donald Trump has departed the United States to tour three Asian nations and meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The president boarded Air Force One on Friday night and is expected to arrive in Malaysia on Sunday morning.

His first stop will be the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur. Trump attended the summit once during his first term, and this year’s event comes at a critical time as Malaysia and the U.S. work to address a conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

Following the summit, Trump is scheduled to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and participate in a joint signing ceremony alongside Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Earlier this year, Trump threatened to withhold trade deals from Thailand and Cambodia until they resolved their skirmish.

“I told the leader of Malaysia, who is a very good man, I think I owe you a trip,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, giving credit to Ibrahim for his collaborative efforts with the U.S. to halt the fighting.

In addition, a meeting with President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil may also take place on Sunday. The Brazilian leader reportedly wishes to discuss the U.S. cutting a 40% tariff on Brazilian imports and may address Trump about recent U.S. military strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats off the South American coast. While Lula has mentioned plans for a meeting, the White House has not publicly confirmed it.

After Malaysia, Trump will visit Japan and South Korea to discuss at least $900 billion in investments for U.S. factories and projects. These investments are part of an agreement to reduce Trump’s tariffs from 25% down to 15%.

In Japan, Trump will meet with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female prime minister and a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated after leaving office. “I look forward to meeting her,” Trump said, highlighting her connection to Abe as “a good sign.”

Trump will also be hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito and will meet with U.S. troops stationed in Japan, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

One of the most highly anticipated stops is a meeting with President Xi Jinping, expected around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit while Trump is in South Korea.

“We have a lot to talk about with President Xi, and he has a lot to talk about with us,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House. “I think we’ll have a good meeting.”

The meeting is aimed at de-escalating the ongoing trade war. Recently, Beijing imposed new export restrictions on rare earth minerals vital for military applications and threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs. Earlier this week, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a “fantastic deal” with Xi.

Trump may also raise the issue of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy newspaper founder held in solitary confinement in China since last month, although no such discussion is officially planned.

Speculation has also emerged about a possible reunion with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Gong-young indicated this month that a meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) could be arranged. “They have a lot of nuclear weapons, but not a lot of telephone service,” Trump quipped, suggesting that setting up a visit might be difficult.

The president is expected back in Washington by October 30th. His signature will be required to sign any legislation aimed at reopening the government, which has now been shut down for 25 days.

When asked about the shutdown, Trump said he was unsure if the government funding lapse would be resolved by his return. “America is shut down and the President is skipping town,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) stated on Friday night. “While Americans are struggling to make ends meet, federal workers are going without pay, and millions of families are bracing for soaring health care costs, the president is leaving the country. Instead of doing his job, President Trump is abandoning it.”

Onboard his flight to Malaysia, Trump told reporters he would be “willing to” meet with Democrats leading the shutdown once he returns, noting that he would have done so earlier if arrangements had been made. “I said come on over, just put the government back. All they have to do is say yes, then it’s over. And then we go into negotiations,” he said.

—

*Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. [Subscribe here.](#)*

*What do YOU think? [Jump to the comments!](#)*

—

*Sponsored Content Below*

*Share this post!*
https://www.oann.com/newsroom/trump-begins-week-long-asia-tour-to-meet-xi-jinping-amid-government-shutdown/

business, culture, employment, survey, workplace

New SurveyMonkey Study Reveals Key Insights on U.S. Workplace Culture

Leave a comment

A recent study from SurveyMonkey shines a spotlight on emerging workplace trends that small business owners must navigate to foster a productive and engaged workforce. Conducted between July 25 and August 3, 2025, the survey sampled 3,573 full-time workers across the U.S., offering a snapshot of sentiments and preferences that can help businesses adapt their strategies in this evolving landscape.

The findings underscore a significant shift in employee expectations and workplace culture, driven by the ongoing effects of the pandemic and shifts in work dynamics. Small business owners need to stay attuned to these trends to not only retain talent but also enhance overall employee satisfaction.

### Flexible Work Environment: A Must-Have

One of the standout revelations from the SurveyMonkey study is the increasing demand for flexible work arrangements. Nearly 50% of respondents indicated that the option to work remotely is a critical factor in their job satisfaction. This trend underscores the importance of offering flexibility, particularly as many employees have grown accustomed to hybrid work models that blend remote and in-office hours.

“Flexibility in the workplace is no longer a perk; it’s an expectation,” said a spokesperson from SurveyMonkey. For small business owners, adapting to this trend may involve rethinking traditional office space allocations or investing in remote collaboration tools.

### Employee Well-being Takes Center Stage

Mental health and well-being emerged as crucial areas of focus. Workers noted a desire for employers to prioritize mental health resources and create an environment where employees feel safe to discuss their challenges. More than 60% of respondents expressed that supportive workplace cultures significantly improve their job performance.

Small business owners looking to harness this trend might consider implementing employee assistance programs or regular check-ins to ensure their staff feels supported.

“Invest in initiatives that promote well-being, and you’ll likely see productivity increases alongside improved morale,” the SurveyMonkey spokesperson added.

### The Importance of Career Development

Another key takeaway from the study is the growing appetite for career development opportunities. Employees voiced a need for training and advancement programs. More than half indicated that access to professional development significantly influences their job satisfaction and retention.

For small businesses, this presents a dual opportunity: not only can they cultivate talent from within, but they can also enhance their reputation as desirable employers. Offering workshops, mentorship programs, or online courses can be effective strategies for fostering a culture of growth.

### Navigating Potential Challenges

Despite these clear benefits, small business owners face challenges when adapting to these evolving expectations. Implementing flexible work arrangements, for instance, may require an upfront investment in technology and infrastructure. Additionally, ensuring mental health resources are both accessible and impactful can be a complex task.

Moreover, while the focus on career development is beneficial, small businesses must balance these offerings with budget constraints. Prioritizing which initiatives to implement based on available resources and employee needs will be crucial in ensuring sustainability and effectiveness.

### Fostering an Inclusive Culture

Diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront of workplace discussions, with employees increasingly seeking organizations that reflect their values. The data reflects that diverse workplaces are more innovative and attract a broader talent pool.

Small business owners should consider implementing inclusive hiring practices and fostering a welcoming environment to meet these expectations. Employees want to know that their voices are heard and that they can contribute to a workplace that values varied perspectives.

Initiatives like employee surveys, feedback loops, and outreach programs can help small businesses engage effectively with their workforce.

### Conclusion

The ongoing evolution of the workplace landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for small business owners. By integrating flexible work arrangements, prioritizing mental health, and investing in professional development, businesses can align with the shifting priorities of their employees.

Those who respond proactively to these trends will not only maintain a competitive edge but also create a thriving workplace culture conducive to long-term success.

For more insights from the SurveyMonkey study, visit [SurveyMonkey’s report](https://www.surveymonkey.com/).

*Image via Envato.*
https://smallbiztrends.com/new-surveymonkey-study-reveals-key-insights-on-u-s-workplace-culture/

general

Melanie C and Red Girl Records partner with Virgin Music Group to for new album and single

Leave a comment

Virgin Music Group has announced a new partnership with British pop artist Melanie C and her independent label, Red Girl Records, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in the former Spice Girl’s solo career.

The collaboration launches with the release of “Sweat,” the lead single from Melanie C’s forthcoming ninth studio album of the same name, set for release in 2026. The track, recorded between Stockholm and Los Angeles, features a sample of Diana Ross’s “Work That Body.”

Melanie C shared her enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “I’m thrilled to be releasing my new music with Virgin Music Group. It feels like a homecoming after the successes we shared working together with Spice Girls and my first two solo albums. They are paving the way for more artist-led deals and have an incredibly strong international team. I’m really excited to see what we can achieve together.”

Vanessa Bosåen, President of Virgin Music Group UK, added, “Melanie is such a unique force of nature who is on the verge of another exciting chapter in an illustrious career. She captivates the heart of everyone she meets, and we are thrilled to welcome her into the Virgin Music Group family. We look forward to working alongside her and her team to bring her intoxicating vision to life.”

This new partnership continues Melanie C’s long-standing relationship with Virgin, which originally distributed her early solo releases as well as the Spice Girls’ global catalog.

In addition to her achievements as a solo artist, Melanie C is notable for being the only female performer to top the UK charts as a soloist and as part of a duo, quartet, and quintet. She has also cultivated a parallel career as a DJ and live performer, often blending club and pop influences in her performances.
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/melanie-c-and-red-girl-records-partner-with-virgin-music-group-to-for-new-album-and-single/

entertainment, music, music industry, prizes, vinyl

Enter to Win a Sabaton ‘Legends’ Vinyl Prize Pack!

Leave a comment

How would you like to win a new vinyl prize package featuring the latest Sabaton album, *Legends*?

This exciting giveaway comes from the Loudwire Nights radio show as part of our Loudwire Record Club. The prize package is pretty impressive, starting with the *Legends* album itself.

The new record has just arrived and is available now. It has already spawned five singles, including “Templars,” “Hordes of Khan,” “The Duelist,” “Lighting at the Gates,” and the most recent effort, “Crossing the Rubicon,” which features Jonny Hawkins and Mark Vollelunga of Nothing More.

Speaking with Loudwire Nights host Chuck Armstrong recently, Sabaton’s singer Joakim Broden shared, “I love doing fun stuff and unexpected stuff and trying new stuff.”

Sabaton’s Par Sundstrom spearheaded the collaboration with the Nothing More guys, and Broden was very pleased with the results. “I’ve got to say, I was super impressed when I heard the results,” said the singer. “I’m the cranky guy. I would expect to go in there and say, ‘Yeah, that’s not very good. Change that.’ But in this case, no. I loved it.”

You can check out more of that Loudwire Nights chat with Sabaton’s singer below.

But a copy of the vinyl album is just the beginning of this prize package. Along with the *Legends* vinyl, the winner will receive:
– A vinyl slipmat
– Assorted postcards from Sabaton, signed by the members of the band
– An 11″ x 17″ poster
– A 16-page *Legends* booklet that includes facts about each legend mentioned in the album, along with the lyrics and artwork

### How to Enter

Getting in on this great Sabaton vinyl giveaway is simple. Just use the entry form at the bottom of this post to submit your contact details. If your name is chosen, we’ll reach out to you with instructions on how to claim your *Legends* vinyl prize package.

Be sure to enter soon, as this contest will end on **Wednesday, Oct. 22**.

—

### READ MORE:
[Sabaton Book 31-Date North American Tour](#)

—

### Programming Note:

Along with the contest, Loudwire Nights will be celebrating the music of Sabaton during the Friday, Oct. 17 airing this week.

Tune in to Loudwire Nights with Chuck Armstrong nightly starting at 7 PM ET. You can listen anytime, from anywhere, right here or by downloading the Loudwire app.

Good luck!
https://loudwire.com/sabaton-legends-vinyl-prize-pack-contest/

collaboration, entertainment, gaming, media, video games

Plans for Monster Hunter Wilds x Final Fantasy 14 collab started at Gamescom 2024

Leave a comment

**Monster Hunter Wilds x Final Fantasy 14 Collaboration Event: A Journey of Mutual Trust and Creativity**

Over the past few weeks, Capcom and Square Enix have delighted fans with the Monster Hunter Wilds x Final Fantasy 14 collaboration event. This exciting crossover introduced a variety of Final Fantasy-themed elements into Monster Hunter Wilds—and vice versa—offering players a unique experience blending both beloved worlds.

### A History of Collaboration

This isn’t the first time these industry giants have joined forces. The foundation for the current collaboration was laid back in 2018 with the successful Monster Hunter World x Final Fantasy 14 event. Fast forward to Gamescom 2024, when key figures from both teams—Monster Hunter Wilds Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, Director Yuya Tokuda, and Final Fantasy 14 Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida—met for a pivotal dinner discussion that reignited their collaborative spirit.

During Tokyo Game Show 2025, these game leads shared insights about how that meeting set a new wave of collaborative plans in motion, culminating in this year’s crossover event.

### A Collaboration Made in Mutual Trust

For those new to the event, Monster Hunter Wilds launched its Final Fantasy 14 collaboration on **September 29, 2025**. The update brought a thrilling hunt for Omega Planetes, tied to an engaging storyline, along with exciting content such as the Dark Knight armor set, the Soul of the Pictomancer weapon, Chocobo and Moogle skins, and the addition of Malboro and Cactuar as endemic life.

Following this, on **October 6, 2025**, Final Fantasy 14 released Patch 7.35, which introduced an eight-player battle against the formidable Guardian Arkveld. This quest involved a Palico and its mysterious Seikret pal. Players also gained access to Monster Hunter-themed cosmetics for their characters and mounts.

This wealth of content emerged from a genuine desire by both teams to collaborate again, building on the strong foundation from the 2018 event.

### Behind the Scenes: Conversations That Sparked the Collaboration

Ryozo Tsujimoto reflected on the origins of this partnership:

> “I’ve known Mr. Yoshida for a very long time. I have a great deal of respect for his creativity and commitment to game development as a producer. We were finally able to work together for the first time during the Monster Hunter World x Final Fantasy 14 collaboration. It was really a casual approach we made to one another, asking if there was anything we could do together with respect to our games.”

He recalled that at Gamescom 2024 in Cologne, Germany, a dinner with Yoshida and his team casually steered towards revisiting the fun they had in the previous collaboration.

> “Monster Hunter Wilds wasn’t out at the time—we were showing it off at Gamescom, so it was kind of on our minds. We didn’t decide then and there, but we agreed to have more productive discussions about working together again. Ultimately, that led up to Tokyo Game Show 2024, where I finally managed to catch up with him in Tokyo, and we set it in stone that we’d be working on something together.”

Naoki Yoshida shared his perspective on the partnership:

> “Working with Capcom’s Monster Hunter team was a no-brainer, even back in 2018. They supported us from the very beginning when I took over Final Fantasy 14 and began steering it toward success between 2010 and 2013 during the launch of A Realm Reborn.”

Yoshida praised the Monster Hunter team for their unwavering support:

> “When I first took on Final Fantasy 14’s remake and rebuilding, [Tsujimoto] came to me and said, ‘Why are you taking on such a crazy plan? This seems like so much to take on, but if there’s anything we can do to help from our team, we would love to help you. Whether the game is a success or not, we want to work with you in the future.’ The reason Final Fantasy 14 is here is because of that support.”

### Original Content and Exciting New Experiences

Both teams emphasized that nearly all content featured in these collaborations—across Monster Hunter Wilds and Final Fantasy 14—is freshly created for this project.

Yoshida noted:

> “There is one scene with a character drinking a potion that we did reuse in Final Fantasy 14, but everything else has been completely created new. This will be different from the Monster Hunter World event.”

### Looking Ahead

With both collaborations now live, Capcom and Square Enix hope to spark renewed excitement among fans—encouraging players to explore each other’s ongoing worlds and enjoy the unique content born from this creative partnership.

This collaboration stands as a testament to the trust and camaraderie between the Monster Hunter and Final Fantasy teams, promising more thrilling projects in the future. Stay tuned!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146317/monster-hunter-wilds-final-fantasy-14-interview-tokyo-game-show-2025