Netflix's Hellbound Surpasses Squid Game

Squid Game has officially been dethroned by the newly released series Hellbound on Netflix. In just 24 hours, the Netflix original jumped to the first position in world rankings a feat that took Squid Game eight days to accomplish. While Hellbound sits at the No.1 position, setting a new record for a Korean series, Squid Game is still on the Top 5 list at third place. Directed by Train to Busan‘s Yeon Sang-ho, Hellbound involves a supernatural phenomenon in which the people of an alternate reality of Earth are subject to the mercy of messengers that suddenly materialize to deliver prophesies and to drag humans to Hell.

Helmed by “Train to Busan” director Yeon Sang Ho, “Hellbound” is a six-part Netflix series set in a world where humans face a frightening supernatural phenomenon: emissaries from hell who appear on Earth without warning and condemn people to hell. Amidst the chaos caused by this terrifying new reality, an emerging religion led by Jung Jin Soo (played by Yoo Ah In) begins to gain popularity, while others desperately search for the truth behind this strange phenomenon. The drama also stars Kim Hyun Joo, Park Jung Min, Won Jin Ah, Yang Ik Joon, and Lee Re. Netflix Korea shared cute new photos from filming alongside the caption,

“You didn’t lose your way, right? This isn’t ‘Hellbound,’ but rather heaven.” The released pictures capture the dedication and hard work that has gone into creating the intense story of “Hellbound.” Park Jung Min commented, “It was such an exciting set where we could’ve made a ‘Hellbound’ spin-off or a completely new project from the discussions we had while monitoring [our takes].” Kim Hyun Joo also touched on director Yeon Sang Ho’s dedication. When asked about what she thought about when thinking about their set, she answered, “The director’s passionate acting demonstrations.” Yoo Ah In added, “I wondered whether it was possible for the process of making such a serious, severe, and potentially shocking story to be this cheerful. There was fun in watching [director Yeon Sang Ho’s] process of solidifying the project’s message and his own intention without losing his humor.” Won Jin Ah shared, “I felt so much belief [in the director] to the point where I thought that if the opportunity arose, I’d want to participate in another one of his projects.”

Valve's Steam Deck Won't Ship Until Next Year

Valve has delayed the launch of Steam Deck by two months. The handheld PC will now start shipping sometime in February 2022 instead of December of this year, as previously announced. The company blamed the delay on the ongoing global semiconductor crunch that has affected everything from GPU prices to car production. 

 

"We’re sorry about this we did our best to work around the global supply chain issues, but due to material shortages, components aren’t reaching our manufacturing facilities in time for us to meet our initial launch dates," Valve said. If you pre-ordered a Steam Deck before today, you will keep your current place in the reservation line, but the date when your Steam Deck will ship is moving back. Valve said it would update shipping estimates shortly after today's announcement. While any delay stings, the timing of this one at least aligns with the release of major games like Elden Ring and Dying Light 2.

Epic Games Reveals November 2021 Free Games

Thursday has arrived, which means Epic Games Store users once again have a free game to claim! This time around, users can snag Aven Colony. The game is available right now at its 100% discount (down from $29.99), and will be free to claim through November 11th. If you're new to the Epic Games Store, or aren't sure how this works, the game must only be claimed by that date. Once you've done that, there's no need to race through finishing the game, as it will remain a permanent part of the user's library. The Epic Games Store's Tweet announcing the freebie can be found embedded below. Users can claim the game for themselves right here.

A simulation strategy game, Aven Colony tasks players with building a new home for humanity on the alien planet Aven Prime. Players must build small colonies into sprawling cities in the game, while keeping in mind the harsh alien environments. Some biomes are more difficult to manage than others, and Aven Prime is populated by a number of dangerous lifeforms, including sandworms, plague spores, and more. Building a successful civilization could prove challenging, and players will have to manage the wants and needs of their colonists on top of everything else. Players that enjoy the game can also check out The Cerulean Vale DLC, which adds an extra level of challenge. The DLC is not currently on sale, but can be obtained on the Epic Games Store for $2.99. Typically, the Epic Games Store reveals next week's free game ahead of time, but right now, it's looking like there might not be a free game offered. Instead, it looks like users will be able to claim the Rogue Company Season Four Epic Pack, starting on November 11th. The pack contains some unlockables for the free-to-play game. It's possible Epic Games could have a game to offer next week in addition to this pack, but for now, we'll just have to wait and see.