Artemis II got me reinstalling KSP

With the hype surrounding NASA's Artemis II mission reaching critical mass, players have been flocking back to Kerbal Space Program on Steam, pushing it to its highest player count in over 10 years. Yep, the space sim that taught a generation how not to accidentally explode rockets is trending again.

And honestly? It makes perfect sense.

For anyone who's spent hours strapping boosters onto a barely-stable spacecraft and praying it clears the launchpad, Artemis II feels like the ultimate real-world version of what Kerbal players have been simulating for years. The mission-set to send astronauts around the Moon-is reigniting that same curiosity, chaos, and "let's see if this works" energy that defines the game.

Suddenly, building a wobbly rocket in-game doesn't feel so far removed from reality.

What makes Kerbal Space Program special is how it turns complex physics into something you can actually play with. Orbital mechanics, thrust-to-weight ratios, staging-it's all there. And while NASA engineers might not be quick-saving before every maneuver, the overlap is close enough that moments like Artemis II hit differently if you've ever piloted a tiny green Kerbal into the void.

The result? A massive surge of returning players and curious newcomers jumping in to experience spaceflight for themselves.

It's also a reminder of just how timeless the game really is. Despite being over a decade old, Kerbal Space Program still delivers one of the most satisfying (and hilarious) sandbox experiences out there. Whether you're meticulously planning a lunar orbit or accidentally flipping your rocket five seconds after launch, every mission feels like a story.

And let's be real-half the fun is failing spectacularly.

The Artemis II buzz isn't just boosting player numbers-it's reconnecting people with the sense of wonder that space exploration brings. Watching real astronauts prepare to leave Earth's orbit again has a way of pulling you back into that mindset of experimentation and discovery.

Which, conveniently, is exactly what Kerbal does best.

So if you've been away for a while, now might be the perfect time to reinstall, fire up the VAB, and see if your engineering skills are still... functional.

Just remember: more boosters is always the answer. Space is calling again-and this time, gamers are answering.

Yep, the U.S. government is officially calling on gamers.

In a fresh new recruitment campaign, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is targeting players who thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. The message is simple: all those hours grinding skills in your favorite games might actually translate into real-world expertise.

The ad itself leans hard into gamer culture. It kicks off with an Xbox-style intro before cutting between scenes of players locked into intense gaming sessions and air traffic controllers managing aircraft from their stations. The tagline?
"You've been training for this."
And honestly... they might have a point.

Air traffic control is basically real-life multitasking on expert difficulty. Controllers juggle tons of information at once, make split-second decisions, and keep everything running smoothly under pressure-kind of like coordinating a raid, managing a strategy game, or clutching in a competitive shooter.

But here's where it gets even more interesting: the rewards are no joke. The FAA highlights that controllers can earn up to $155,000 (£115,000) after just three years on the job. Not bad for turning your gaming instincts into a full-on career.

According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, this push is all about reaching a new generation. Gamers, he says, already have many of the key skills needed-quick thinking, sharp focus, and the ability to perform when it really counts.

This isn't the first time they've tried this approach either. A previous campaign called "Level Up" also aimed to recruit gamers, using language straight out of the gaming world to connect with potential candidates.

Why the urgency? There's a serious shortage of air traffic controllers. The FAA has been struggling to fill thousands of open positions, and the gap is expected to grow as more workers retire in the coming years.

And this isn't just any job-it's a critical one. Controllers are responsible for keeping aircraft safe, preventing collisions, and managing the constant flow of planes in and out of airports. It's high stakes, high pressure, and absolutely essential.

Even industry leaders are on board with the idea. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has said they welcome creative ways to bring in skilled candidates-as long as the rigorous standards of the job are maintained.

Of course, the timing of this recruitment push also comes after several serious aviation incidents, putting even more focus on the need for experienced, capable controllers.

So next time someone tells you gaming is a waste of time... you might want to remind them it could literally qualify you to manage the skies.

From console to control tower-ready to level up?

Whether you're here to relive the story, check out the graphics, or decide if Battlefield 6 is worth picking up, this guide has you covered.

Battlefield 6 Full Game Campaign - Complete Story | Single Player Gameplay (No Commentary)

Watch the full Battlefield 6 single player campaign from start to finish. This complete walkthrough includes all missions, cutscenes, and the ending, presented in cinematic style with no commentary. Part of the Battlefield series, this video covers the full story mode for fans and newcomers alike.

This video guide will help you find every collectible in Battlefield 6, complete with mission-by-mission breakdowns and visual walkthrough.

Battlefield 6 All Collectibles - Every Dog Tag Location (Full Guide | Single Player Campaign)

What Are Dog Tags in Battlefield 6?

Dog Tags return as collectible items in Battlefield 6, rewarding exploration and attention to detail. Each tag reveals background lore, soldier information, or small nods to previous games in the Battlefield series.

Collecting them all not only satisfies completionists but also helps unlock achievement and trophy progress tied to campaign collectibles.

But - cue dramatic music - theress a catch.

Rockstar just hit us the other day with the ultimate plot twist: GTA VI is now delayed until May 26, 2026. Yep, mark your calendars and prepare your snacks. We've got a long road ahead.

Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2

Meet Jason and Lucia: Our New Favorite Outlaws

In the latest trailer, we get a closer look at our two lead characters, Jason and Lucia - and wow, are they in deep. These two aren't your typical criminal masterminds. They're hustlers trying to make it work in the wild, sun-soaked world of Leonida (a fictional state that's basically Florida with more gators and even fewer rules).

Things start off simple: one easy job, a quick payday, and maybe a fresh start. But of course, this is GTA - we know it's never that easy. The job goes sideways, bullets fly, and suddenly Jason and Lucia are caught in the middle of a criminal conspiracy big enough to make Vice City look like a small-town brawl.

Now, it's them against everyone - and everything. Dirty cops, cartel kings, crooked politicians... all of it. If they want to survive, they'll have to trust each other more than ever. Think Bonnie and Clyde, if Bonnie drove a stolen muscle car and Clyde had a flamethrower.

Sunshine, Sin, and Suspense

Leonida is looking like Rockstar's most detailed playground yet: from swampy backwoods to glitzy city streets, the whole state oozes charm and danger. And while the story is shaping up to be the most cinematic yet, let's be real - we're just as hyped about jet-ski heists, viral social media stunts, and seeing how many ways we can cause chaos in a pastel tank top.

So, Now What?

We wait. Painfully. Loudly. Obsessively rewatching the trailer frame by frame until May 2026 rolls around.

But hey -if Rockstar keeps delivering trailers like this, we might just survive the wait.

This currently works as of v0.3.5f1 Beta Branch

So there I was, deep in the world of Schedule 1, just minding my own (illegal) business, when I stumbled across something unusual. At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. 16 coca leaves became 20. 1 became 20. And so on. Employees were duplicating items for me?

I had some gold bars and gave it a try. And before I knew it, I was sitting on a literal mountain of virtual gold. My very own Fort Knox. Making over $30 million a day. No mods. No hacks. Just one glorious, game-breaking glitch.

It all started with some innocent shelf tinkering - playing around with stacking, automation, and handler setups. I noticed something weird when I had a handler move items between shelves, and worked out if I placed a single gold bar on one shelf and a stack of gold bars on another, then let the handler do its thing... BAM! Double gold. Every. Single. Time.

UNLIMITED Gold Bars! Schedule 1 Exploit Automation: Employee Stacking Glitch Bug

How the Gold Dupe Glitch Works

• Place a single gold bar on Shelf #2.
• Place a full stack of gold bars on Shelf #1.
• Assign a handler to transfer items from Shelf #1 to Shelf #2.
• Watch in amazement as the bar count magically duplicates. 11 bars become 20, just like that!

How to automate the employee stacking glitch

And it doesn't stop there. With the right layout, this glitch becomes a gold-spewing machine. I set up eight handlers, arranged shelves in rows, and created a fully automated loop:

• 1 Initial input shelf to start the process and receive the looped output
• 8 Feeder shelves, each separated by a gap to avoid stuck handlers.
• 8 Glitch shelves do the duplication magic (just remember to leave space between them so your handlers don't get jammed).
• 8 Output shelves store your beautiful, duplicated bars and send them right back into the system.

Each handler operates in a loop: input shelf ? feeder shelf ? glitch shelf ? [minigame] ? output shelf ? back to input. Once the system is running, it becomes a self-feeding loop that continuously generates and duplicates gold bars.

After two full in-game days:

56 shelves were filled with gold. Using base cost of $10k: Total: 4,480 bars worth $44,860,000. Including six extra bars and deducting expenses.

Day 1 profit totaled $18.2 million.

Day 2 profit totaled $26.16 million.

Selling the gold

Don't just dump all that sweet duplicated gold at base price. Wait for Mick at the Pawn Shop - the in-game buyer - to offer one of his juicy premium payouts. On a good day, he'll give you $15,000-$17,000 per gold bar, instead of the usual $10,000. That one little decision can turn a great day into an absolute cash bonanza. Thursdays are best.

Earn the magnate $10M achievement

It's a glorious, self-sustaining loop of endless wealth. And yes, unlocking the elusive Magnate $10M achievement? A total breeze now.

Moral of the story? Always experiment. You never know when the next random shelf placement might just make you the richest tycoon in the game.

With this partially automated system, I'm generating tens of millions of dollars per day, effortlessly stacking wealth like never before.

Note: This method uses a bug currently in the game - something I hope Tyler (the developer) will patch soon - but for now, it's an insane way to speedrun your fortune.

Watch the full video below to see how the glitch works, how to automate it, and how you can build your own Gold Bar empire (while it lasts)!

UNLIMITED Gold Bars! Schedule 1 Exploit Automation: Employee Stacking Glitch Bug

Whether you're chasing 100% completion or just want to experience a different side of the game, this approach will help you check off this achievement with minimal hassle and no cost.

Watch the video below to see the exact steps I took, and how you can unlock the Upstanding Citizen badge fast and pain-free.

Schedule 1 Upstanding Citizen Achievement Guide

This is a complete end-to-end Schedule I automation guide designed for players who want to minimize hands-on management and maximize production and profit. Whether you're working with employees, mixing ingredients, or managing sellers -this setup handles it all.

Watch the video below to see how I connected each facility to build a seamless town-wide production line.

Automated Town - Schedule 1 Docks Warehouse and Bungalow Coca Setup and Automated Barn guide.

This is the most profitable Coca grow layout I've tested so far. It's perfect for players who want to scale big without constant micromanagement. With the right layout, timing, and automation, this setup keeps your operation smooth, sustainable, and seriously lucrative.

Watch the video below to learn how to build it step-by-step, and start maximizing your in-game income with this powerhouse bungalow strategy.

Ultimate Schedule 1 Bungalow Coca Setup Guide - Best fully automatic layout for 12 days! Using PGR

The result? A glowing product so potent, I irradiated the entire town.

This build showcases advanced Schedule I automation, ingredient mixing strategies, and how to get creative with your product lines using the warehouse system. Perfect for players looking to push the limits of what's possible in the game's production mechanics.

Watch the full video below to see how Chernobyl Kush is made and how you can replicate this high-tier custom strain for yourself.

I IRRADIATED the entire town with my CHERNOBYL KUSH - Schedule 1 (8 Ingredient glowing product)

This setup is perfect for players aiming to optimize their Barn layout, automate production chains, and boost profits in the Schedule I game. Whether you're new to automation or looking for ways to streamline your production, this method is simple, effective, and easy to expand as your operation grows.

Watch the video below for a full walkthrough of the build and see how you can set up your own automatic Barn today.

Schedule 1 AUTOMATIC BARN Setup Build - 2 products automation

Happy 16th birthday to GOW2EXP.com! It's wild to think that this little XP calculator, launched on March 26, 2009, has been around for so long - longer than some Gears players have been gaming! Whether you were grinding for Veteran Gear or just trying to keep track of your progress, GOW2EXP was there to help.

A Time Capsule for Gears of War 2 Fans

Back in the glory days of Gears of War 2 multiplayer, the XP system was a grind, to say the least. From sweaty Guardian matches to endless Horde marathons, leveling up felt like an epic battle in itself. That's where GOW2EXP.com came in - it gave players a simple way to track their XP, ranks, and progression, helping them push through those long nights of shotgun duels and chainsaw battles.

It wasn't just a tool - it was a community staple. Hundreds of thousands of Gears fans used it, mostly before 2012, during the peak of Gears 2's online dominance. It even may have helped shape how people approached the XP grind, giving them the motivation (or, let's be honest, the reality check) they needed to keep going.

Who Actually Made It to Veteran Gear?

Let's be real - not everyone had the stamina to hit Veteran Gear (Level 100). Most of us bailed not even half way, while others no-lifed their way through every XP event Epic Games threw our way. So, the big question: Did you make it to Veteran Gear, or did the grind break you?

A Legacy That Lives On

Even though Gears of War 2 isn't at the top of Xbox's multiplayer charts anymore, GOW2EXP.com is still here, standing as a digital relic of the golden era of Gears. It's a reminder of the time when chainsaw duels were king, host advantage was real, and Guardian lobbies were the battlegrounds of legends.

The History

As soon as the Title Update 3 patch came out for Gears 2, work went into working out the requirements for each level.
A mathematical algorithm (created on 26th March 09 by Mark Willis) generates the values of each level every time you visit the site. When requested, the system also calculates the difference between two levels.
Originally found at MarkWillis.co.uk/gow2exp and posted to the Gears of War forums - it quickly became the primary resource for Gears 2 players trying to level up.

This site was the first table in the world to publish the numbers everyone now took/takes to be the true accurate requirements.

Initial debates

Epic Games' Joe Graf initially stated on the Forums that my calculations were incorrect, but players quickly recognized that the GOW2EXP calculator seemed accurate.

It turned out there was what I would describe as a slight anomaly at level 81, shifting the experience for 81+ by just 1 exp.

This was quickly fixed in August 2009 once players had finally managed to get to level 81 and provided me with the correct experience points for level 81 which resulted in the rest of the calculations to be correct all the way to 100.

Several players would continue to confirm the last levels from 81 all the way to 100. The calculator was confirmed 100% correct by several players and sources.

Optimized for Mobile Devices (May 24, 2010)

As smartphones started to take over the world, websites had to adapt or die - and GOW2EXP.com was ahead of the game!

On May 24, 2010, the site launched a touchscreen-friendly, mobile-optimized version, making it easier than ever to track your XP on the go. Whether you were on an iPhone, Android, or any other modern smartphone, you could access a sleek, easy-to-use version of the site at gow2exp.com/m.

No need to dig around for a mobile link - just visit GOW2EXP.com from your phone, and you'd be automatically forwarded to the optimized experience. Back in 2010, this was a game-changer, ensuring players could check their XP without fumbling around with desktop sites on tiny screens.

Read the original post about the Gears of War 2 Mobile Calculator

So here's to 16 years of XP tracking, nostalgic memories, and Gears of War 2 greatness! Whether you were a Horde warrior, a Wingman champion, or just someone trying to hit that next rank, GOW2EXP.com was part of the journey.

For the 16th birthday I have made a few improvements to the website, completed this History page, and will streamline the experience for returning visitors on all devices all these years later. It's now mobile responsive, too.

Did you make it to Veteran Gear, or did you tap out somewhere along the way?

Give it a visit: GOW2EXP.com

So, What's Bubble Grid All About?

Bubble Grid is all about placing colourful bubbles on a 3x3 grid, aiming to match three or more in a row, column, or diagonally. Once matched, they pop away, clearing space and giving you that oh-so-satisfying feeling. But don't let the simple mechanics fool you - every move counts, and as the board fills up, smart decision-making becomes key.

A Game Designed for Relaxation and Fun

One of the best things about Bubble Grid is its calming gameplay. Unlike fast-paced puzzlers that stress you out with timers and high-pressure combos, this game is designed to be soothing yet engaging. It's perfect for when you need a mental reset - whether you're on a break, commuting, or just chilling at home.

Multiple Modes to Keep Things Fresh

Bubble Grid isn't just a one-trick pony - it offers distinct game modes to suit every type of player:

Free Play
A no-pressure, endless mode where you can take your time and play at your own pace.

Bubble Blast
A fast-paced, timed challenge where you try to score as high as possible within 5 minutes.

Hard Mode
An ever-changing grid where you must place quickly or face the consequences.

Each mode brings its own unique twist, keeping the game fresh and fun no matter how you like to play.

Where to Get Bubble Grid

Ready to dive in? Just search Bubble Grid on the App Store or Google Play, or head over to ScratchmarkGames.com/bubblegrid to learn more.

So, what are you waiting for? Relax, strategize, and start popping those bubbles today!

Back in 2011, the Gears of War 3 beta was an absolute blast. It gave fans their first taste of the game's brutal multiplayer, introducing new maps, weapons, and the glorious Sawed-Off Shotgun, which either made you a hero or public enemy number one. It was sweaty, chaotic, and pure Gears chainsaw duels, curb stomps, and plenty of rage-inducing deaths. For many, it wasn't just a beta - it was a proving ground.

Original post:

The GOW3 Beta starts next Monday (18th April 2011) for those who bought Bulletstorm Epic Editon (Xbox360)
April 25th if you pre-order Gears of War 3 from selected retailers.

Beta Unlockables

Flaming Hammerburst
Complete one match by Sunday, April 24 to permanently unlock.

Flaming Lancer
Complete one match during the week of April 25 to permanently unlock.

Flaming Sawed-Off Shotgun
Complete one match during the week of May 2 to permanently unlock.

Flaming Gnasher Shotgun
Complete one match during the week of May 9 to permanently unlock.

Beta Tester Medal. 'Wear it proudly, Gear.'
Complete one match in the Beta to permanently unlock.

Thrashball Cole
Unlock Thrashball Cole to play as Augustus Cole as he was before Emergence Day - a legendary Thrashball athlete known for his ferocious, flamboyant style. Complete 50 matches in any game type to unlock for the Beta period. To permanently unlock, complete 10 matches as Thrashball Cole during the Beta period.

Gold-Plated Retro Lancer
Before the chainsaw bayonet was deployed at the beginning of the Locust-Human War, the original Lancer assault rifle had a large fixed blade. Complete 90 matches in any game type to unlock for the Beta period. To permanently unlock, score 100 kills with the Gold-Plated Retro Lancer during the Beta period.

By DrMong, 11th April 2011, 21:20 GMT