Comparing UK mobile phone deals can be a difficult task, as there are so many different factors to consider.
You need to consider the provider, the retailer, and what kind of phone contract you actually want. But most importantly — what is the best mobile phone deal?
With so much information to process, IGN is here to help you compare the best UK mobile phone deals, and break down all the complicated mobile phone jargon along the way. All of the essential information you need is right here, alongside some helpful links in case you already know what you’re looking for.
UK mobile phone deals are constantly changing, so it can be worth checking back every so often to see if there’s an even better deal that has become available.
Activision is bringing back Call of Duty: Modern Warfare with a reboot, and a big part of capturing the spirit of the original will be refreshing its signature multiplayer. We’ll get our first extended look at that aspect of the game today, with a multiplayer reveal livestream.
So far we’ve only gotten a brief glimpse at the new 2-on-2 Gunfight mode, so this livestream looks to offer more details on that mode and any other modes coming to this year’s shooter. We also expect to hear more about its promised cross-play feature. You can bookmark this page to tune in and watch below.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Multiplayer Livestream Start Time:
10 AM PT
1 PM ET
6 PM BST
3 AM AET on August 2
Activision promoted the livestream by teasing the return of killstreak rewards. That tease came with its share of controversy, however, as one of the killstreak rewards is use of the controversial chemical weapon white phosphorus. Other killstreak rewards include the juggernaut care package and an armored assault vehicle.
The start of a new season in Fortnite brings with it changes to the island all the action takes place on, and that is the case with the newly launched Season 10, officially dubbed Season X. However, things are a little different this time around, as some of the new elements are actually older ones from previous seasons. The theme for Season 10 involves a little bit of time travel to create a kind of best-of experience in the game. Items from seasons gone have reappeared and, similarly, the map has changed to reflect the old alongside the new.
The biggest change to the map is the introduction of Rift Zones, which transform different locations on the island when you venture to them. Developer Epic Games has indicated that, over the course of the season, how these Rift Zones impact the areas around them will change and evolve, which makes sense given that the studio likes to mix things up regularly to keep the game fresh.
In terms of what’s returned, the main one is Dusty Depot. In Season 4, a comet crashed onto the island and transformed it into Dusty Divot; it seems this has been undone in Season 10. Now there are a few warehouses there and a Reboot Van, if you need to bring friends back to life. The newly introduced Brute mechs will also appear there.
The comet that caused all the destruction has also returned and is hovering above the island, positioned so that players can visit it and get a closer look. It’s frozen in the sky, so you can safely drop or build your way up to it and, if you do, there’s usually a chest to be opened there. There’s also a way inside the actual comet for those looking to explore.
Over in Loot Lake, you’ll find a giant orb, which seems to be the cause of all the time manipulating shenanigans. It looks to be expanding, with the time suspension bubble around it growing in influence. If you venture close enough, you’ll notice the gravity changes, allowing you to float around. You can be sure that this orb will play a big part in the events that unfold in the coming weeks.
Another noticeable addition is the giant skeleton of a monster with a sword pierced through it. Interestingly, there’s a strange purple fluid of some sort leaking out onto the ground around it. What’s peculiar about this is the liquid seems to be forming spiral-like patterns around it. The question is how far this will spread, and will it result in the monster being resurrected in some fashion?
A couple of other noteworthy things include the Durr Burger Head and Stone Head Statue reappearing. These seem to be just a nice little throwback for a bit of Fortnite nostalgia. You can see the new map above.
Again, the Rifts have opened the door for Epic Games to make more frequent updates to the island. Previously, significant changes to the map were tied to major events such as the comet crash or the pirate invasion, but with these new time anomalies, the orb, and the skeleton, there are ample ways to get creative with more regular changes. The Rift Zones can also impact the gameplay, such as by preventing the use of Harvesting Tools, for example.
The way you play Fortnite has also changed in Season 10, as challenges are now themed and grouped together as “Missions.” Currently, there are no weekly or daily challenges, as there have been in the past, but it’s unclear whether this will remain the case throughout Season 10 or if they will return in the future. More information can be found in our Fortnite Season 10 Challenge and Mission breakdown.
Of course, there’s a new Battle Pass too, and it functions in the same way it has for the past few seasons. To make the most of Fortnite you’ll need to have one, especially as there’s much less for those without a Battle Pass to do. We’ve put together a comprehensive gallery featuring all the new Fortnite skins, emotes, back bling, wraps, pets, and more, so you can take a look and figure out if you want to invest the time and money.
The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has set a date and an agenda for its upcoming public workshop on video game loot boxes. The event, which will take place on August 7 in Washington DC, is titled “Inside the Game: Unlocking the Consumer Issues Surrounding Loot Boxes.” A schedule posted on the FTC site outlines three key panels to take place throughout the day.
The first panel to take place at 10:15 AM ET promises to explore the role of loot boxes and “the impact of these monetization models on end users.” It will include panelists from the National Consumers League, Common Sense Media, International Game Developers Association, and Entertainment Software Association.
The second panel, to take place at 1:15 PM ET after a short break for lunch, will take a look at the “social, psychological, and economic motivations” behind loot boxes. It will feature university professors in the fields of psychology, industrial engineering, marketing, and computer science.
The final afternoon session, set for 2:45 PM ET, is centered on how to make sure concerns around loot boxes are addressed. It will review current initiatives for disclosing microtransactions, as well as “other mechanisms that may enhance consumer protection.” That panel will include representatives of Common Sense Media, Consumer Reports, the ESA, and the National Council on Problem Gambling. Each of the three panels will be moderated by an FTC representative.
All of this comes amid a backdrop of criticism of microtransactions, including comparisons to gambling and concerns about them being targeted towards children. The FTC hasn’t formally made any moves to restrict the practice, but proposed the workshop as a “non-law enforcement option” that could “help elicit information to guide subsequent consumer outreach.” U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has introduced a bill that would ban the practice.
Various countries have responded in their own ways to loot boxes, including some like France and New Zealand that have determined that the practice does not constitute gambling. Still, some countries have already banned the practice, leading games like Rocket League to remove those purchases in select countries.
Fortnite: Season 10 is now live, introducing “Brute” mechs, new skins and emotes, and a fresh batch of challenges. However the launch of the new season has not been without its issues, and developer Epic Games has been forced to disable a number of features as it investigates the problems further.
First, the company tweeted that “the mech has been disabled in the Creative and Playground playlists, due to an issue with movement speed.” It then said that “due to an issue, gifting the Battle Pass on PC has been disabled.” Finally, it stated the following: “We’re aware of some players experiencing an increased level of hitching/stuttering while in-game. We are investigating this and will provide status updates once we have more information.”
We’re aware of some players experiencing an increased level of hitching/stuttering while in-game. We are investigating this and will provide status updates once we have more information.
None of the problems seen so far have been serious enough to bring the game’s servers down–Epic’s service status page still lists all Fortnite’s systems as “operational”–but it’s still disappointing to see some of these problems crop up on such a big day for the battle royale game.
If you want to see all the changes and tweaks in Season 10, check out the Fortnite update 10.00 patch notes. We’ve also put together a comprehensive guide on the Season 10 Battle Pass, which includes everything you need to know about what it is, what you get for having one, and making the most of one. For more on the new season, take a look at our Fortnite Season 10 hub, which collects all the pre-release teases, information on the season’s launch, and details on everything that is new. This hub is being updated regularly, so check back for the latest updates on what’s happening with the game.
