Gaming Updates: Matthew Ball's State of Video Gaming in 2026: "China is eating the video games industry"

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.biz/matthew-balls-state-of-video-gaming-in-2026-china-is-eating-the-video-games-industry/

ChatGPT:

Matthew Ball’s State of Video Gaming in 2026 report paints a paradoxical picture: record revenues alongside shrinking investment and industry restructuring. Global games content sales rose 5% year-on-year to an all-time high of US$195.6 billion in 2025, with new peaks across mobile, PC and console. However, private funding plunged another 55%, far below pandemic-era highs. Pre-seed and early-stage investments dropped dramatically, and deal volume in late 2025 was roughly one-fifth of Q4 2021 levels.

Development spending remained elevated at over US$40 billion for the second straight year, yet operating margins (excluding China and platform-owning developers) fell well below pre-pandemic levels. Despite 40% growth in consumer spending since 2019, total operating profits are lower than in 2019, reflecting rising costs and tougher competition.

Mobile spending has been flat for five years, with new titles capturing a decade-low share of player spending and downloads. User acquisition costs are crowding out discovery, strengthening established franchises. Console gaming rebounded strongly, surpassing 2020 records, while PC has grown steadily, up 30% since 2020.

China emerged as a dominant force, accounting for 20% of global player spending and 38% of growth. Chinese publishers have captured about half of global spending growth since 2019 and increased their overseas revenue share from 11% to 14%. Meanwhile, Roblox has expanded aggressively, setting records with over 45 million concurrent users.

Revenue gains increasingly stem from price hikes rather than player growth. U.S. player numbers have fallen below pre-pandemic levels, and mobile playtime has declined.

Layoffs continued but fell 40% year-on-year to 9,200 in 2025, signaling slower contraction. Overall, Ball concludes the industry is restructuring, fragmented, and increasingly shaped by China and platform ecosystems.

Comments:

Interesting news.

Some Hoyolab and NetEase games are quite good.

China games are worth a review in the game of the year awards.

Sports Updates: Tournament director calls for sanctions after Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek withdrawals

Source:

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tournament-director-calls-sanctions-aryna-180442064.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFwYXBlci5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEeIVYRNR7J-Bbvf-K_AdfEqB9HshCJnm0kpdIlXdoMoqUpZtqhKtklyYyhRuyy6iOcyaB8PVriof4WKB5PM9BUmLZbvCUU-M26IJuGzfw7CkCO-ELEROqGtkH_uxuYZr6vohQ_V5RrcPaznVlKgvbhrFQXfGSQbBiD68017g77w

ChatGPT:

The Dubai Tennis Championships has been thrown into controversy after world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and former No.1 Iga Swiatek withdrew from the WTA Masters 1000 event just one day before it began. Their late pullouts deprived fans of two of the biggest stars in women’s tennis and sparked strong criticism from tournament organisers.

Tournament director Salah Tahlak described the withdrawals as an “unfortunate surprise” and questioned the explanations provided. Swiatek cited mental readiness issues, while Sabalenka pointed to minor physical concerns. According to Tahlak, tournament medical staff did not believe Sabalenka’s issue was severe enough to require withdrawal.

Frustrated by what he sees as a growing trend, Tahlak called for tougher penalties, arguing that monetary fines are ineffective for top players. He suggested that ranking points should be deducted for late withdrawals from mandatory events, noting that even large fines have historically done little to deter such decisions. He plans to raise the issue formally at an upcoming WTA meeting in Rome, emphasising that tournaments invest heavily in facilities and promotion, only to be undermined when star players withdraw at the last minute.

Under current WTA rules, Masters 1000 events are mandatory, and players must provide valid medical reasons to avoid sanctions. Those who miss without justification receive a “zero-pointer” on their ranking record and may also face fines. Sabalenka’s cited hip issue could exempt her from penalties, while Swiatek’s scheduling-based withdrawal may expose her to sanctions.

In their absence, Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff become the top seeds, with rising talents Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala drawing attention. The incident has reignited debate over player scheduling, accountability and the balance of power between athletes and tournaments.

Comments:

Agree that monetary punishments might not work.

Although deduction of points could be based on frequencies, etc.

Not easy to strike a balance.

Gaming Updates: Not 'major leap' but 'first step': Moonton Games on Singapore recognising esports as sport

Source:

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/moonton-games-singapore-recognising-esports-sport

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s recent passage of the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill formally recognising mind sports and esports as official sports marks what industry players describe as an important starting point — though not a dramatic transformation.

The Bill, announced by Acting Minister David Neo, aims to create a more inclusive and future-ready sports ecosystem. For Moonton Games, best known for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the move is positive but not a “major leap,” according to Singapore head of esports Daniel Chew. Instead, he described it as a meaningful first step.

Chew noted that while the Bill will not instantly transform the industry, it has already shifted perceptions. Shortly after its approval, partners began reaching out with renewed interest, and previously difficult conversations became possible. The recognition provides greater legitimacy, opening doors for collaboration and growth.

Beyond business impact, both Chew and academics believe the move may help reduce long-standing stigma around gaming. Critics, particularly from older generations, often view esports as mere entertainment or a waste of time. However, formal recognition places esports within a structured sporting framework — involving coaching, physical training, nutrition and psychological support — aligning it more closely with traditional athletics.

Moonton already works with the Singapore Cybersports and Online Gaming Association to promote teamwork and sportsmanship through academy leagues. Educators argue that institutional backing could integrate esports into schools as co-curricular activities, scholarships and specialised curricula, highlighting transferable skills such as strategy, data analysis and communication.

Chew added that esports and traditional sports share core values like discipline and teamwork. Ultimately, the Bill strengthens the broader sporting ecosystem, reinforcing that gaming is no longer just a hobby, but an emerging professional sport with long-term potential in Singapore.

Comments:

As parents, still find it hard to recommend kids to full-time eSports 😅

Never say never though.

We will see what happens.

Entertainment Updates: Man in S’pore advertises himself as ‘boyfriend for rent’ on social media for Valentine’s Day & CNY

Source:

https://mustsharenews.com/boyfriend-for-rent-cny/

ChatGPT:

With Valentine’s Day just past and Chinese New Year (CNY) approaching, a Singaporean man has drawn attention online by advertising himself as a “boyfriend for rent” to help singles navigate festive social pressure. On 11 Feb, an Instagram post by Instagram user @liangjishiye showcased a tongue-in-cheek poster aimed at those weary of relatives asking why they are still single.

The eye-catching advertisement featured the man dressed in a bright yellow suit and glasses, confidently pitching himself as “The Perfect Plus-One.” The post promised services such as punctuality, appropriate dressing, polite smiling, and the ability to “automatically shut down all repetitive questions” from curious aunties during reunion gatherings.

The rental service is priced at S$500 per hour and comes with humorous terms and conditions. These include surge pricing if more than three aunties are present, extra charges for pets or babies, and complimentary transport—excluding parking fees. While the poster cheekily notes that “romance is possible,” it stresses that the arrangement is “purely optics” with zero commitment involved. The man also marketed the offer as a “2-in-1 promo” for both Valentine’s Day and CNY.

The individual behind the post is 52-year-old hawker Dominic Neo, who told MS News this is the second time he has offered such a service. He said the idea came from observing that many single women still struggle to find suitable partners.

Although no CNY bookings have been confirmed so far, Mr Neo has received several enquiries. He explained that the S$500 hourly rate reflects his humorous personality and added that prices are negotiable, even offering a promotional rate covering both Valentine’s Day and CNY.

Comments:

Ho Seh Bo Uncle Neo 😂

Happy Chinese New Year 2026

Rewards Updates: Good news: Pelago via Kris+ now supports promo code stacking

Source:

https://milelion.com/2026/02/15/good-news-pelago-via-kris-now-supports-promo-code-stacking/

ChatGPT:

Pelago bookings made via Kris+ now support promo code stacking, allowing users to combine monthly bonus miles with selected discounts. Previously, while Kris+ offered the same base earn rate of 3 miles per dollar (mpd) as Pelago’s website or app — with promotional boosts of up to 10 mpd — users could not apply promo codes when booking through Kris+. This meant popular discounts, including the year-round offer for Singapore Airlines and Scoot passengers, were excluded.

With the latest update, Kris+ now allows the use of promo codes — but currently only for SIA or Scoot passenger (PNR-based) discounts. Other promo codes remain unsupported, and it is unclear whether this limitation will be lifted.

Kris+ bookings typically offer better value. February 2026’s promotional rate stands at 5 mpd (down from 10 mpd in December 2025), suggesting lower bonuses may become the norm, partially offset by stacked discounts. Compared to Pelago’s website/app, Kris+ offers higher promotional earn rates, no explicit miles cap per booking (though daily spend is capped at S$20,000), and faster mile crediting (one day after activity completion versus seven). However, Kris+ does not support cashback platforms like HeyMax or ShopBack.

SIA passengers enjoy 10% off (capped at S$50, usable three times per PNR), while Scoot passengers receive 20% off (capped at S$15, once per PNR). Discounts are valid for bookings made by 31 December 2026.

Payments via Kris+ code as MCC 4722 (travel agencies), making select cards eligible for up to 4 mpd, though some travel-excluded cards should be avoided.

Overall, Kris+ is now usually the better option unless cashback rebates elsewhere are especially compelling.

Comments:

This is good.

Entertainment Updates: State of Play | February 12, 2026 [English]

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/live/P0e5YEXtZu0?si=F8b7Z3TjT_HJsIdY

Comments:

Graphics are cool.

Can anyone beat Clair Obscur story-wise? 😙

Gaming Updates: Hades Completed!

Comments:

Completed Main Story once. Googled and youtubed the rest for story 😜

Nice game.

Entertainment Updates: Baldur’s Gate TV Series Set for HBO, Will Be a Continuation of Baldur’s Gate 3's Story

Source:

https://sea.ign.com/baldurs-gate-iii/238348/news/baldurs-gate-tv-series-set-for-hbo-will-be-a-continuation-of-baldurs-gate-3s-story

ChatGPT:

A Baldur’s Gate television series is officially in development at HBO, with the show set to continue the story of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios’ critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning RPG. Reported by Deadline, the series will be set after the events of the game and follow familiar characters as they deal with the consequences of its world-altering ending, marking a rare case of a TV adaptation acting as a direct narrative continuation rather than a retelling.

The project will be led by Craig Mazin, co-creator of HBO’s The Last of Us, who brings extensive experience adapting beloved video games for television. Mazin has described himself as a devoted fan of both Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons, revealing he has spent nearly 1,000 hours in the game. He said it is a “dream come true” to continue the story created by Larian Studios and Wizards of the Coast, and pledged to bring the characters and world to life with care and respect.

While the series is not tied to any upcoming Baldur’s Gate games, Mazin will have creative freedom over the story he tells. The show is expected to feature a mix of returning and new characters from BG3, raising fan speculation about appearances by favourites such as Shadowheart, Karlach, and Astarion. Mazin is also reportedly open to involving the original game cast, similar to how The Last of Us brought back game actors for key roles.

One major challenge will be deciding which version of Baldur’s Gate 3’s many possible endings becomes canon for the show. With Mazin still focused on future seasons of The Last of Us, the series may be some time away, but anticipation is already high.

Entertainment Updates: Stunning Cinematic Platformer 'Planet Of Lana 2' Leaps Onto Switch 1 & 2 Next Month

Source:

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/02/stunning-cinematic-platformer-planet-of-lana-2-leaps-onto-switch-1-and-2-next-month

ChatGPT:

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf, the visually striking sequel from Wishfully Studios and publisher Thunderful, is set to launch on both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 on 5 March 2026. Revealed in a new release-date trailer, the game continues to impress with its cinematic presentation and refined puzzle-platforming gameplay.

Alongside the release announcement, the developers confirmed a free demo is on the way. PC, PlayStation and Xbox players will be able to try the demo from 11 February, while Switch and Switch 2 owners will receive it at a later, yet-to-be-announced date. Even so, the full release is now just a month away for Nintendo players.

The latest trailer puts the spotlight on the game’s lush, hand-painted visuals while showing expanded gameplay mechanics. Central to this is Mui, Lana’s small but versatile companion, whose abilities have evolved significantly. In Children of the Leaf, Mui can transform into different forms — including a fish and a flying insect — pilot robots, and channel electrical currents, adding fresh layers to environmental puzzles and traversal.

Narratively, the sequel builds on the original’s emotional core. As greed and power divide the tribes of their home planet, Lana and Mui must work together to confront the forces reshaping their world. Their journey across the planet Novo blends ancient mysteries with new threats, testing both the player’s problem-solving skills and the bond between the two protagonists.

The game promises a broader story, more challenging puzzles, and deeper companion mechanics, all enhanced by an orchestral soundtrack and richly detailed environments. With its predecessor praised in 2024 as a standout cinematic platformer, expectations are high that Planet of Lana II will deliver another memorable experience when it arrives next month on Switch and Switch 2.

Technology Updates: OpenAI is hoppin’ mad about Anthropic’s new Super Bowl TV ads

Source:

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2026/02/openai-is-hoppin-mad-about-anthropics-new-super-bowl-tv-ads/

ChatGPT:

OpenAI and Anthropic publicly clashed after Anthropic launched a provocative new ad campaign criticising advertising in AI chatbots, including two commercials set to air during Super Bowl LX. The ads, part of Anthropic’s “A Time and a Place” campaign, depict users seeking personal advice from human stand-ins for AI, only to be interrupted by intrusive product pitches. Each spot ends with the tagline: “Ads are coming to AI. But not to Claude.”

The campaign drew sharp responses from OpenAI leadership. CEO Sam Altman called the ads “clearly dishonest,” accused Anthropic of being “authoritarian,” and argued they misrepresent how ChatGPT plans to introduce ads. OpenAI recently began testing ads in a lower-cost ChatGPT tier, but Altman stressed these would appear as clearly labelled banners at the bottom of responses and would not alter the chatbot’s answers. Chief Marketing Officer Kate Rouch echoed this view, saying the real issue was control rather than advertising.

However, OpenAI’s own blog notes that ads may be shown when there is a “relevant sponsored product or service based on your current conversation,” a detail that adds nuance to Anthropic’s critique. The dispute reflects deeper financial and philosophical differences. OpenAI faces heavy costs after signing massive infrastructure deals and relies largely on free users, while Anthropic depends more on enterprise contracts and subscriptions and has so far avoided ads.

Tensions are heightened by history: Anthropic was founded by former OpenAI employees and has recently gained traction with developers through its Claude Code product. Altman framed the debate as one about access versus restriction, accusing Anthropic of tightly controlling AI use. Anthropic, meanwhile, maintains that Claude is ad-free for now, though it leaves open the possibility of revisiting that stance in the future.

Overall, the spat highlights growing competition—and differing visions—for how AI should be funded and governed.

Technology Updates: Collaboration in ChatGPT is coming to Singapore: what it can do, how it works and what you’ll need

Source:

https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/lifestyle/ai/chatgpt-collaboration-tools-singapore-launch

ChatGPT:

ChatGPT is rolling out a major new collaboration feature to Singapore: group chats that allow multiple people to work together with AI in real time. This update expands ChatGPT from a personal assistant into a shared social and productivity space, suitable for families, students, and professional teams. Once the feature is enabled locally, users will see it in the top-right corner of the ChatGPT app, though rollout may take a few days.

The core upgrade is the ability to invite up to 20 participants into a single chat. Everyone in the group can interact naturally with each other and with ChatGPT, which acts like a knowledgeable participant rather than a dominating bot. Any member can call on ChatGPT to answer questions, generate content, analyse images or shared files, summarise discussions, or support voice dictation. This makes it useful for trip planning, group projects, brainstorming sessions, home renovations, or academic research, all within one shared thread.

Behind the scenes, OpenAI uses GPT-5.1 Auto, which automatically selects the best available model based on a user’s plan tier (Free, Go, Plus or Pro), ensuring broad access without manual switching. In group settings, ChatGPT is trained to follow conversation flow, respond at appropriate moments, and use social cues like emojis, making it feel more natural in multi-person discussions.

Starting a group chat is simple: users can tap the people icon, create or convert a chat, and share an invite link. Privacy is built in—group chats are separate from personal ones, and personal memory is not used. Some advanced tools remain limited, and performance may vary by plan and region.

For Singapore’s collaborative work culture, the feature could meaningfully change how people study, plan, and make decisions—turning ChatGPT into a true team collaborator.

Food Updates: Pizza Hut S’pore Brings Back $10 Large Pizza Takeaway Promotion on 3, 4, 10, 11 Feb 2026

Source:

https://singpromos.com/dining-restaurants-food/pizza-hut-spore-brings-back-10-large-pizza-takeaway-promotion-on-3-4-10-11-feb-2026-298658/

ChatGPT:

🍕 Pizza Hut Singapore Brings Back $10 Large Pizza Takeaway Deal (Feb 2026)

Pizza Hut Singapore is reviving its popular $10 Large Pizza Takeaway promotion for a limited time in February 2026. Running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only, the deal is available on 3, 4, 10 and 11 February 2026 — just four days in total.

During the promotion, customers can enjoy a large pizza for only $10 (usual price $35.05, inclusive of GST), making it one of Pizza Hut’s best-value offers of the year. The promotion is valid all day, while stocks last, and is strictly for self-collection/takeaway.

🍕 Available Pizza Flavours
Customers can choose from three crowd-favourite flavours, offered in Pan or Crackin’ Thin Crust only:

• Very Beefy

• Chic Ham ‘N’ Shroom

• BBQ Chunky Chic

Each order allows up to two redemptions, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends.

🛍️ How to Redeem

1. Order via the Pizza Hut mobile app or Pizza Hut Singapore website

2. Select Self-Collection / Takeaway

3. Head to the “Hot Deals” section

4. Choose the $10 Large Pizza Deal and check out

With limited dates and high demand expected, pizza lovers should mark their calendars early. If you’ve been waiting for Pizza Hut’s iconic $10 large pizza deal to return, February 2026 is your chance 🍕😋.

LifeStyle Updates: Public can use ez-link card to get 10-cent refund when recycling drink bottles, cans from April

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/public-can-use-ez-link-card-to-get-10-cent-refund-when-recycling-drink-bottles-cans-from-april

ChatGPT:

Singapore will roll out the Beverage Container Return Scheme on April 1, allowing the public to receive a 10-cent refund for each empty drink bottle or can returned for recycling. Refunds can be credited via ez-link cards, including student and senior concession cards, which will be the main payment method at the start. Other digital payment options will be announced later for those who do not use ez-link.

About 1,000 return points, mainly reverse vending machines, will be deployed islandwide when the scheme begins. This number will double to 2,000 within a year. Machines will be located in high-traffic areas such as supermarkets, HDB void decks and town centres, ensuring that 90 per cent of residents living in HDB estates are within a five-minute walk of a return point. The machines accept bottled and canned drinks ranging from 150ml to three litres and will automatically process containers and issue refunds.

Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary acknowledged that the scheme will require habit changes and may initially inconvenience some residents. To support public understanding, the scheme’s operator, Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) Ltd, will release guides and videos in March, and each machine will display instructions in all four official languages. Outreach efforts will also involve grassroots groups, schools and businesses.

The scheme is funded by annual fees paid by beverage producers. Smaller producers have raised concerns over compliance costs, including registration fees, deposit requirements and labelling changes, which may lead to price increases. To ease the transition, the National Environment Agency is offering a one-time grant of up to $2,500 and a six-month adjustment period.

Despite expected teething issues, the scheme is projected to cover over one billion drink containers annually and recover more than 16,000 tonnes of recyclable material, helping embed recycling into everyday life in Singapore.

Comments:

I will be using my kids' concession cards for rewards.

I think most adults do not use ez-link card anymore?

Sports Updates: 4 months’ jail for Sim Lim Square seller of illicit streaming devices showing EPL games

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/4-months-jail-for-sim-lim-square-seller-of-illicit-streaming-devices-showing-epl-games

ChatGPT:

A Sim Lim Square retailer was sentenced to four months’ jail for selling illicit streaming devices that provided unauthorised access to copyrighted content, including English Premier League (EPL) matches and movies. Lin Da, 35, was the sole director and shareholder of Simder Trading and Business, which operated the shop MengXin Tech. His company was also convicted and fined $40,000.

Lin pleaded guilty to four charges under the Copyright Act on Jan 27, 2026, with seven additional charges taken into consideration. According to the prosecution, Lin had been importing illicit streaming devices from China and Hong Kong since 2018. After customers purchased the devices, Lin or his employees would install software applications that granted access to pirated live TV channels and video-on-demand content, giving users entry to a constantly updated library of copyrighted works owned by multiple rights holders.

Simder earned between $49 and $60 per device sold, generating an estimated monthly profit of $4,000 to $5,000. In 2020, the Football Association Premier League (FAPL) sent Simder a cease-and-desist letter warning that the devices illegally distributed EPL matches. Despite receiving and understanding the letter, Lin continued selling the devices.

Authorities raided several Sim Lim Square shops on Oct 4, 2022, seizing 301 illicit devices from Lin’s shop and arresting him and an employee. Of these, 16 working devices were found to facilitate access to content from rights holders such as FAPL, Warner Bros, Disney and Discovery, including EPL matches and popular films. The remaining devices were faulty and intended for repair or return. No compensation was made to copyright owners.

This case marks the fourth conviction involving Sim Lim Square sellers since the 2022 enforcement operation, which led to 17 arrests and the seizure of over 2,500 illegal devices worth about $500,000. Rights holders, including the Premier League and the Motion Picture Association, welcomed the sentence, highlighting piracy’s legal, economic and security risks.

Technology Updates: Stop buying 1TB SSDs: They are a rip-off in 2026

Source:

https://www.howtogeek.com/please-stop-buying-small-ssds/

ChatGPT:

The article argues that in 2026, buying 1TB SSDs no longer makes financial sense due to volatile and sharply rising prices across the SSD market. Ongoing NAND flash shortages—driven by AI workloads and data center demand—have pushed storage prices much higher, following the earlier surge in RAM costs. As a result, the traditional “sweet spot” for SSD value has disappeared.

Previously, 2TB SSDs offered better value than 1TB drives, but even that advantage has eroded. Price comparisons show dramatic increases: budget 1TB SSDs that cost under $70 in late 2025 now exceed $100, while premium models like Samsung’s 990 Pro have more than doubled in price. Despite costing less upfront, smaller drives now deliver poor cost-per-terabyte value and fill up quickly, making them inefficient for modern usage.

Although 2TB drives remain slightly better than 1TB, they are increasingly expensive and inconsistent in pricing. The author argues that the new value sweet spot has shifted to 4TB SSDs. While they require a much higher upfront spend—typically $350 to $600—they offer significantly better cost per terabyte. Examples from Silicon Power, Crucial, Samsung, and Verbatim show that 4TB models often cost only marginally more per TB than smaller drives, and sometimes substantially less.

Beyond pricing, larger SSDs offer practical advantages: they’re less likely to be filled to capacity (which helps maintain performance), and they typically have higher endurance ratings (TBW), improving longevity. A 4TB SSD can serve as a long-term, future-proof solution for games, work files, applications, and operating systems, potentially eliminating the need for repeated upgrades.

Ultimately, while 4TB SSDs aren’t necessary for everyone, the article concludes that—paradoxically—spending more upfront may now be the most economical choice in today’s distorted SSD market.

Travel Updates: 5 New Malls Opening In JB That’ll Be Easier To Visit Once The RTS Link Launches In 2026

Source:

https://thesmartlocal.com/read/new-jb-malls/

ChatGPT:

With the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link set to launch by the end of 2026, shopping trips across the Causeway are expected to become faster and more convenient. Anticipating increased cross-border traffic, several new shopping malls are being developed across Johor Bahru, particularly in growth areas such as Iskandar Puteri, Bukit Senyum and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Among the earliest openings is Horizon Mall, a 150,000 sq ft open-air mall in Horizon Hills, Iskandar Puteri. Located near the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club and just a 10-minute drive from LEGOLAND Malaysia, it will feature dining and lifestyle options such as Padi House and popular tea brands, and is expected to open in May 2026.

Closer to the JB checkpoint, SKS City Mall JBCC will sit beneath the Sheraton Johor Bahru hotel, only a four-minute drive from immigration. Spanning about 280,000 sq ft over 4.5 floors, it will house retail shops and family attractions like Jungle Gym, with an anticipated opening by the end of 2026.

Further ahead, Coronation Square Mall along Jalan Gereja will be directly linked to the Bukit Chagar RTS station via covered walkways. Part of a RM5 billion mixed-use development, it is slated for completion in 2029. OBS Mall, a luxury retail component of the One Bukit Senyum project, will follow by 2030, alongside residences and a five-star hotel.

Finally, the Bukit Chagar Integrated Development, opening progressively towards 2033, will welcome RTS commuters with a mall, transport links and large car parks. Together, these developments reinforce JB’s growing appeal as a post-RTS shopping destination for Singaporeans.

Gaming Updates: Popular PC franchise Civilization comes to Apple Arcade on February 5

Source:

On the same day, Apple Arcade adds three more games, all ad-free and without in-app purchases. Retrocade transports players to the golden age of video arcades, featuring classics such as Asteroids, Bubble Bobble, Centipede, and Galaga. Designed for Apple Vision Pro, it is also playable on iPhone and iPad, letting players experience the neon glow and excitement of ’80s arcades. Felicity’s Door, a rhythm-based adventure by Area 35, follows twins Tom and Felicity and their bear Mi-chan through dreamlike landscapes—from cosmic realms to seaside cliffs and cyberpunk cities—offering a magical, music-driven journey. I Love Hue Too+ returns as a fan-favorite color puzzle game, challenging players to organize mosaics of colored tiles into harmonious spectrums.
In addition to new releases, Apple Arcade continues to refresh its existing titles with updates and exclusive events. On January 22, Crayola Create and Play+ features a limited-time Paddington snowy day adventure, including snowman building, cake crafting, and winter-themed activities.
For Apple Arcade enthusiasts, these additions expand the range of experiences—from deep strategic empire-building to nostalgic arcade fun, musical adventures, and relaxing color puzzles—while maintaining the service’s hallmark of uninterrupted, ad-free gameplay. Players can explore the new games and ongoing updates via the App Store or Apple Games app, offering a hub to jump into favorites, discover new experiences, and enjoy shared gaming moments with friends.

Popular PC franchise Civilization comes to Apple Arcade on February 5 - Apple

ChatGPT:

Apple Arcade is expanding its lineup next month with several highly anticipated titles. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Arcade Edition launches on February 5, bringing the award-winning strategy franchise to iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Players can build and evolve empires through distinct ages of human history, shaping their civilization’s cultural legacy and exploring paths rooted in history or imagination. This mobile version joins recent PC-to-Apple Arcade adaptations like PowerWash Simulator and Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition.

Comments:

Nice Surprise.

Hoping more good games to come for this service.

Entertainment Updates: 'Crying' toy goes viral in China after production error at factory

Source:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZj2fLEcPE/?igsh=MTBoMXJzdXJ3Zng2bA%3D%3D

ChatGPT:

What began as a manufacturing mishap at a Chinese factory has unexpectedly turned into a viral commercial success. The incident involved a plush toy horse created for the upcoming Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. Originally, the toy was designed with an upturned, cheerful smile to match festive expectations. However, due to a stitching error at a factory in Yiwu, the horse left the production line with a noticeably downturned mouth, giving it a sad, pouting expression.

Rather than being discarded as defective stock, the toy’s fate changed when a customer who received the flawed version shared photos of it online. The images quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing the attention and imagination of netizens. Users affectionately nicknamed it the “cry-cry horse”, and what was once a production mistake soon became the toy’s defining feature.

Demand surged almost immediately, with consumers specifically requesting the “accidental edition”. Many buyers, particularly office workers, said the toy resonated deeply with them. The horse’s forlorn pout was widely interpreted as a symbol of modern working life—projecting calm and professionalism on the outside while silently enduring stress, fatigue and pressure within. This emotional relatability transformed the toy from a novelty into a cultural expression.

Recognising the sudden opportunity, the Yiwu factory moved swiftly to capitalise on the trend, pivoting its production line almost overnight to intentionally replicate the once-unwanted design. Despite the spike in popularity and orders, the company announced that it would keep the retail price unchanged at US$4.60, reinforcing the toy’s mass appeal and accessibility.

The “cry-cry horse” phenomenon highlights how social media, emotional resonance and rapid manufacturing agility can turn an error into a hit. It also reflects a broader consumer appetite for products that capture shared feelings, even when they arise by accident rather than design.

Comments:

Expect the unexpected sometimes. Just like Life 😁

Sports Updates: A tennis player played so poorly that it went viral. Tournament organizers say they should have never let it happen

Source:

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/08/sport/tennis-kenyan-tournament-goes-viral

ChatGPT:

A first-round match at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W35 tournament in Nairobi, Kenya, unexpectedly went viral after one player delivered an extraordinarily poor performance. The clay-court match ended in a routine-looking 6–0, 6–0 victory for Germany’s Lorena Schaedel, but the spotlight fell on her opponent, 21-year-old Egyptian Hajar Abdelkader, whose struggles made the 37-minute contest painful to watch and widely mocked online.

Observers noted that Abdelkader appeared unfamiliar with even basic aspects of the game. She committed 20 double faults, won only three points—each due to her opponent’s errors—and at times seemed unsure where to stand while serving. The performance led many to question how she had been allowed to compete at a professional tournament, even at the ITF level, which is the lowest rung of the professional circuit but still carries world ranking points and a total prize purse of US$25,000.

Tennis Kenya later confirmed to CNN Sports that Abdelkader had entered the tournament via a wild card, granted after she formally requested one and another player withdrew at short notice. As she was the only remaining wild-card applicant at the time, organizers allowed her into the main draw to keep it full. However, Tennis Kenya admitted that, in hindsight, the wild card should not have been granted given her apparent playing standard.

Adding to the confusion, the Egyptian Tennis Federation stated that Abdelkader is not registered with them and that they played no role in her nomination or entry. Although Abdelkader’s ITF profile claims she has played tennis for seven years, many viewers found this difficult to reconcile with what they saw on court.

The viral reaction ranged from disbelief to ridicule, with criticism that her inclusion may have deprived a legitimate professional of an opportunity. Tennis Kenya has since acknowledged the incident as a mistake, pledged safeguards to prevent a repeat, and said it has reached out to both players to offer support. The match video has since been removed from the ITF website.

Comments:

Haha.