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Saudi Arabia’s $55 billion takeover of EA could waste “one of the best catalogues in the industry” by reducing it to a “sequel-and-mega-franchise machine,” Helldivers 2 boss worries
A senior figure at Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead Game Studios has voiced concern that Saudi Arabia’s $55 billion (roughly £43 billion) acquisition of Electronic Arts could see the publisher’s varied back catalogue neglected in favour of relentlessly milking its biggest franchises. The warning reflects wider unease in the games industry about what happens to smaller,…
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The soaring demand for Patriot missiles, from the Middle East to Ukraine
Global demand for US-made Patriot air defence missiles has surged well beyond production capacity, driven by Russia’s ongoing bombardment of Ukraine and the fallout from America’s war with Iran, which began in February 2026. Nearly 20 US-allied nations rely on the Patriot system for protection against ballistic missiles, but manufacturers cannot keep pace with the…
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Revealed: major oil firms make $93bn profits amid war and climate crisis
Eight of the world’s largest oil companies made almost $93bn (£69bn) in profits in the second quarter of 2026, as the Iran conflict pushed global oil prices to highs above $126 a barrel. The windfall, which comes amid record heatwaves and severe drought linked to fossil-fuel emissions, has renewed calls for firms such as Saudi…
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Israel fans can attend Republic of Ireland fixture
Israel supporters will be permitted to attend their side’s Nations League fixture against the Republic of Ireland next month, though no away fans will be facilitated for the reverse leg. Both matches in Group B3 will be held at neutral venues because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the Football Association of…
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O Slow Announces Debut Album Antenna: Hear “No Body” & “Shine”
Brooklyn-based artist O Slow, the moniker of Jacqui Miranda, has announced her debut full-length album, Antenna, due out on 8 September. The announcement arrives alongside the release of lead single “No Body” and confirms that a previously shared track, “Shine,” will also feature on the record, giving fans an early taste of her first LP…
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Trump offers Iran ‘last chance’ deal as repeated pauses fail to end war
President Donald Trump has warned Iran that ongoing negotiations represent its “last chance” to reach a deal, as the diplomatic process struggles to bring a lasting halt to hostilities despite repeated pauses. The warning comes as Tehran disputes Trump’s characterisation of the talks, creating confusion over the true state of the negotiations and raising the…
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Bessent says deal on Strait of Hormuz possible ‘today or tomorrow’
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday said a deal regarding the Strait of Hormuz could be made either “today” or “tomorrow” as the world waits for the strategic waterway to return to pre-war conditions. “We are in talks with the Iranians. There is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open…
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‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Scores Biggest All-Time Middle East Opening Weekend Amid Stunts & Drone Shows
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has recorded the biggest opening weekend in Middle East box office history, according to distributor Empire Entertainment, underscoring the region’s growing importance as a cinema market and the enduring pull of the Spider-Man franchise. The release, on 30 July, was marked by elaborate promotional stunts, including a Spider-Man performer scaling Dubai’s…
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Qatar says US-Iran mediation efforts continuing but no direct talks planned
Qatar has confirmed that diplomatic efforts by Qatari, Pakistani and Omani mediators to defuse tensions between the United States and Iran are continuing, though no direct talks between Washington and Tehran are currently scheduled. The announcement follows conflicting signals from both sides, with Iran denying President Trump’s claim that negotiations were under way, insisting its…
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The last thing we need is a nuclear pathway for Saudi Arabia
Too much of the abolition movement remains fixed on the admirable but presently unattainable goal of total disarmament.