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Blizzard has announced that it's ending support for Overwatch's MOBA-inspired Stadium mode due to low player numbers.

In a new blog post , game director Aaron Keller breaks down the different Overwatch modes by the amount of players they're attracting, and well, it's easy to see why Blizzard has decided not to bother making new content for Stadium.

The main unranked 5v5 queue is unsurprisingly the most popular and accounts for 54% of daily players, while 34% of players up the stakes for ranked 5v5 queue. From there, 19% and 8% log in for unranked and ranked open queue 6v6, respectively, and just 4% are playing unranked mystery heroes 6v6. All the way at the bottom is poor old Stadium mode, whose ranked and unranked queues are seeing just 3% of the player base tune in.

Keller notes that there's overlap in the data accounting for players who play different modes in the same session, which is why the percentages don't add up to a perfect 100%, but the numbers don't lie: Stadium just isn't very popular.

"With this in mind, while we'll continue supporting Stadium with seasonal balance updates, rank resets, and rewards," says Keller. "We're not planning on expanding Stadium with new Heroes or maps. Instead, we're taking what lessons we've gleaned from building it and applying those lessons (and those talented devs) to our future plans."

In the same blog, Keller also announced two new experimental 6v6 modes that'll be tested in the back half of season 3. The new modes are aimed at finding "ways of making matches more dynamic in Role Queue, improving the tank experience, and removing some of the volatility of team fights while also removing some of the pain points that players have with our current formats.

The first test runs this week from July 16 through July 19 and turns Quick Play into a "Flex Queue" where each team will always have at least one tank, three flex damage dealers, and two supports. The rub is that, at any point in the match, one of the team's damage dealers will have the option to swap into the tank role with a different hero, which Keller hopes will reduce queue times, make for a "slightly more dynamic experience" than the regular 2-2-2 team makeup, and provide a "more consistent" experience than open queue.

"There are a few downsides to this format and the biggest is the potential social pressure for Damage dealers to play Tank," says Keller. "But if the burden is shared among 3 people with more freedom to play different Heroes, will it feel acceptable? We're hoping to find out!"

Another test will run from July 28 to August 3 and is being called "Dynamic Queue," featuring a "blend" of Flex Queue and Role Queue elements. This time around, whether team composition is decided by the Flex Queue rules depends on how many people queue up for Tank, which is Blizzard's "current bottleneck."

"Think of the shift into Flex Queue format as a 'release valve' for the 2-2-2 queue," Keller explains, adding that the upside here is that it'll often result in "what we anticipate will be the most preferred format, 2-2-2." The downside is that the loss of consistency could make matches feel less competitive, which is something Blizzard will be keeping tabs on.

As if eulogizing Stadium, Keller encourages players to engage in these more experimental modes. "Give them a chance and go into those queues with an open mind. The pace of fights and general vibe of these matches may seem very different. Spend time getting used to how they feel and see if your initial reactions change over the mode's duration," he says.

Overwatch escapes "Mostly Negative" Steam reviews 3 years after becoming the worst-rated game on Valve's store: "In 2026, we finally got back to just Overwatch"

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Lisbon's hotel scene has as much character and charm as the city itself — and its newest arrival comes courtesy of World of Hyatt's Andaz brand. Just opened in March, Andaz Lisbon made not one but two of TPG's lists of most exciting hotels opening in 2026.

The Andaz brand's Portugal debut promised a prime location in the bustling Baixa district, views of historic Lisbon landmarks and the brand's signature cultural connections — and it didn't disappoint. From the gorgeous design and top-notch service to the carefully curated menus of Portuguese dishes and cultural activities offered, this points hotel feels anything but cookie-cutter. Read on to learn what the buzz is all about.

Related: The Andaz Turks and Caicos Grace Bay is now open for bookings

First impressions

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY

From the outside, Andaz Lisbon — housed in a former bank building — fits right in with the Baixa neighborhood's elegant 18th-century architecture. Inside, the brand-new hotel gives a nod to its history. The foyer displays an Our Lady of Mercy tile panel from 1767, unearthed during the renovations, and a desk from one of the bank's offices displays books on art and design in the lobby.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY The corridors and common spaces feel alive with color, and artworks and curios await around every turn. In keeping with the Andaz brand's cultural ethos, the pieces on display were all created by artists with some connection to Portugal. Other decor elements were inspired by destinations around the globe: rich, saturated prints bring to mind African textiles, for example, and abstract sculptures are reminiscent of the German Bauhaus style.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY The result is a reflection of Lisbon: A diverse, cosmopolitan city that has plenty of style but doesn't take itself overly seriously. A place where high-end fashion designers coexist with tiny, centuries-old shoe stores (more on those later), where tuktuks rattle down winding cobblestoned streets and e-scooters zip past castles and cathedrals.

The rooms

Behind its compact facade, Andaz Lisbon houses 170 rooms and suites arranged over six floors. Options range from basic one-king rooms to the palatial 1,065-square-foot presidential suite.

A basic king room at Andaz Lisbon. RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY I stayed in a deluxe one-king room, with a little extra space in the seating area and double windows overlooking Rua do Comercio. Pops of color and mixed textures felt aligned with the hotel's art-forward design.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY My snack station was well equipped with a coffeemaker, tea kettle and minibar. (The snacks and drinks are complimentary, but only on the first night.) There were also two fun stainless steel water bottles — free souvenirs offered in every room — which the hotel encouraged guests to refill at the water station in the lobby.

The bold, red-tiled bathroom managed to fit a roomy shower, toilet stall and vanity into a small footprint. Even better, I found plush bathrobes and slippers waiting for me.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY It's worth noting that, like some other upscale hotels, Andaz Lisbon has a fragrance throughout the property, which may be a concern for migraine-prone travelers like me. I didn't have trouble because the smell didn't extend to my room or the dining areas, but extremely sensitive travelers should be mindful.

Dining at Andaz Lisbon

One notable takeaway about dining here: Andaz Lisbon offers an extensive breakfast spread, similar to what you'll find at many European hotels, for an extra 29 euros ($33) per person per day. There's a cold and hot buffet, and you can order more sophisticated cooked dishes from the menu at no added cost. This is a tasty and filling way to kick off a day of exploring; I often skipped lunch because I was still full from breakfast.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY Luzzi Restaurant & Terrace

Breakfast is served inside Andaz Lisbon's rooftop restaurant, Luzzi, which for the rest of the day serves traditional Portuguese fare with a modern twist. The space is infused with colors, patterns and textures dappled with sunlight from the windows overlooking the city. The result manages to be both bright and cozy, yet energetic and relaxed at the same time.

Luzzi seems to attract not only guests but local Lisboetas, which is a good sign; even on a Wednesday night, I saw packs of locals dressed up for a night on the town.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY Everything I tried — feijoada Lusitana, a Portuguese bean stew (20 euros or $23), tofu dumplings (10 euros or $11) and sweet potato fries (8 euros or $9) — was superb. I also sampled a vegan version of the Portuguese dessert quindim (10 euros or $11), and the passion fruit sorbet blew my mind.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY On the terrace next door, visitors can enjoy the same dishes and drinks in a more casual setting, with views of Rua Augusta Arch from balconies tucked into the tiled walls and live music every night from Wednesday to Saturday.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY Andaz Lounge

On the ground floor, Andaz Lounge — inspired by the traditional Portuguese quiosque — serves refined drinks and elevated street food.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY I'm not exactly an oenophile, but I couldn't leave Lisbon without sampling some Portuguese wines — especially when all the lounge's by-the-glass offerings are made by female wine producers nearby. The bartender was happy to help me choose a wine, as well as to find vegan-friendly menu items. I went with the Caesar salad (12 euros or about $14) with a mushroom dressing and tofu, and let me tell you: I've had a lot of salads in my life, and this easily made the top five.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY Whether you're fueling up at the breakfast buffet, having a lively dinner with friends at Luzzi or curling up with a glass of wine and a good book at the Andaz Lounge, you can expect warm service that's just polished enough to make you feel a little bit like a VIP — without having to worry about a dress code.

Amenities and Signature Experiences

Beyond the on-site restaurants, here are the other amenities you'll find at Andaz Lisbon:

A 24/7 fitness center

A spa coming later this year (until then, in-room spa treatments are available, and the hotel partners with nearby spa facilities that the concierge can arrange for guests)

Pet friendly accommodations (for dogs up to 66 pounds)

Andaz Signature Experiences available for booking

The hotel partners with a local tour company to offer various half- and full-day Andaz Signature Experiences. These culturally inspired activities include an artist-led street art tour, a coastal horseback ride and a catch-and-cook boat ride with a local fisherman.

I tried a shortened version of the "Gems in the Making" experience (900 euros or $1,028 for the full version), which involved a tour of the city's oldest artisanal shops on foot or by tuktuk. With the help of my guide, I explored the world's oldest operating bookshop, a fifth-generation hat maker, a coffee shop once frequented by the 19th century poet Fernando Pessao and more — followed by a hands-on filigree workshop with a family of jewelers that has been in business since 1924.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY I was impressed not only by the tour's quality but also by how distinct to a "local's" version of Lisbon that it was. It introduced me to a lesser-known facet of the city that I otherwise would never have discovered.

Location and logistics

The Rua Augusta Arch near Andaz Lisbon. RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY The Andaz is located in the tourist-friendly Baixa area, or downtown, half a block from the main drag of Rua Augusta. It's steps away from the Tagus River, and it puts guests within easy walking distance of many of the city's highlights — from the historic Alfama neighborhood to the buzzy nightlife of Pink Street.

The hotel is about a 20-minute drive from Lisbon Airport (LIS). A rideshare will set you back around 10 to 20 euros ($12 to $24), or you can take public transportation for around 2 euros, though it will take roughly twice as long. The nearest bus stop and metro station, Praca do Comercio and Terreiro do Paco, are a couple of minutes away on foot.

Accessibility

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY Andaz Lisbon is not the most accessible hotel I've visited, but it does have some accessibility features.

Most common areas are accessible by elevator, and there is a specially adapted room for guests using wheelchairs, complete with widened doors and a roll-in shower. There is only one of this room type, so be sure to call ahead and confirm it for your dates.

I didn't see any Braille on signs, and the hotel doesn't advertise features like visual doorbells. However, it's worth calling to see if it can accommodate your needs before ruling it out.

How to book a stay at Andaz Lisbon

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY Standard rooms start from 266 euros ($303) per night, while my one-king deluxe room starts at 304 euros ($346) per night, not including breakfast. Award rates for this category-6 property range from 20,000 to 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night, per the program's updated award chart .

Andaz Lisbon is also a member of Chase Travel's The Edit , so you can access elitelike perks while stacking Chase Ultimate Rewards and World of Hyatt earnings on your stay. Plus, it's a Points Boost property, so you can get solid value when redeeming your Chase points through Chase Travel. Just be sure to compare prices on the portal to Hyatt's website before deciding where to book .

CHASE TRAVEL If you book directly, you'll want to use one of the best credit cards for Hyatt stays , and ideally one that offers World of Hyatt elite status for value-added benefits. These include:

World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees ): Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, automatic Discoverist status and five elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees ): Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, automatic Discoverist status and five tier-qualifying night credits for every $10,000 you spend each year toward a higher tier.

Bottom line

With a central location, top-notch service and style in spades, Andaz Lisbon makes a luxurious home base for a trip to Portugal's capital.

But this jewel of a hotel is more than just a place to rest your head. In fact, the hotel's excellent fare and cultural experiences were among the most memorable aspects of my entire trip.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Getting lost in history in Assassin's Creed Origins

By Andy Kelly

In Assassin’s Creed we usually visit civilisations at their peak, whether it’s Renaissance Italy or London at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Ubisoft could have done this for Origins too, taking us to the golden age of Ancient Egypt. But instead we visit this period of history in its twilight years. The pharaonic line is coming to an end and the Greeks have dramatically transformed the landscape, culture and religious practices of this part of the world.

(Image credit: Ubisoft) This makes for a fascinating architectural contrast. In the largest cities you see statues of Egyptian gods crumbling and forgotten, outnumbered by pristine, polished marble statues of Greek legends. And even monuments, like the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, are already falling apart. There’s a tragedy to seeing this grand civilisation fade away as foreign invaders erect gleaming temples and acropolises across the desert.

It might be the best open world Ubisoft has ever created. While riding through the barren Green Mountains region on horseback, idly exploring with no specific goal in mind, I crested a hill and saw a sprawling Roman city resting in a misty valley below. It stopped me in my tracks. The scale is breathtaking, making even the vast cities of previous Assassin’s Creed games seem small in comparison.

Size isn’t everything when it comes to open worlds, of course. Just look at something like Just Cause, which is enormous but consists of little more than large swathes of dull, featureless countryside and a few unconvincing cities. Origins keeps things interesting by splitting its world up into distinct regions, from the oasis town of Siwa and the rocky canyons of the Black Desert, to the ruin-littered sands of Giza and the cultural epicentre that is Alexandria.

Crocodile tears

Faiyum is one of the prettiest and most interesting locations in the game. Founded to worship Sobek, who takes the form of a crocodile, this city is built around a network of canals and dominated by a beautiful, ornate temple dedicated to the god.

Inside, the priests worship a giant crocodile adorned with gold and jewels who they believe is the embodiment of Sobek, and one quest involves hero Bayek trying to find out why the sacred creature has mysteriously started weeping blood.

It took me a hefty 27 hours to finish Origins and there are still areas on the map cloaked in black, indicating that I haven’t travelled there yet. It’s obscenely huge, although the length is artificially extended somewhat by forcing you to reach a certain level before attempting the next story quest.

Exploring Egypt isn’t as thrilling as sailing the Caribbean in Black Flag, which remains my favourite entry in the series. But it’s a much richer, more convincing world overall, and a precious chance to step into history and experience it firsthand.

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Pentagon seeks an affordable drone capable of replacing many MQ-9 Reaper missions

Reaper drones hit hard in Iran, and losses force demand for lower-cost unmanned combat aircraft

New aircraft must combine long range with substantial payload capacity

The United States Air Force is examining a lower-cost unmanned aircraft concept after losing “dozens” of MQ-9 Reaper drones during the recent conflict involving Iran.

Those losses have intensified concerns about relying upon expensive aircraft in environments where increasingly affordable air defenses can destroy them.

With roughly 135 Reapers in service and each drone costing about $30 million, officials increasingly question whether existing loss rates remain sustainable.

Pentagon seeks a lower-cost drone with long range and heavy payload

Rather than pursuing a more advanced version of the MQ-9, defense planners are exploring a drone intended for larger-scale deployment.

The Defense Innovation Unit is seeking proposals for a Massed Modular Aircraft, or MMA, capable of performing many missions currently assigned to the Reaper.

According to the solicitation, the Pentagon believes dependence upon “exquisite” aircraft costing more than $30 million is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.

The concept favours quantity alongside capability, allowing forces to continue operating even after suffering substantial battlefield attrition.

Unlike many smaller drones commonly associated with swarm operations, the proposed aircraft would retain significant reach and carrying capacity.

The solicitation calls for a payload of at least 2,800 pounds, compared with roughly 3,800 pounds carried by the MQ-9.

Requirements also include an unrefueled combat radius of at least 2,300 nautical miles and a one-way transfer distance exceeding 8,000 nautical miles.

The drone must travel at speeds above 200 miles per hour while remaining capable of operating from 6,000-foot runways and improvised airstrips.

Defense planners also want enough onboard power and cooling capacity to support diverse internal and external mission equipment.

The specifications mention 25kW of available electrical power and 5kW of cooling capacity for future mission systems.

Ambitious timeline aims for operational capability by 2031

The proposal places considerable emphasis upon autonomy, allowing a single operator to supervise several aircraft simultaneously during complex missions.

While no specific dimensions were included, the performance requirements indicate an aircraft broadly comparable in size to the MQ-9.

Officials have also not disclosed a preferred procurement price, though expectations suggest a figure substantially below the Reaper's estimated $30 million cost.

The timeline remains aggressive, with full-scale prototype flight testing expected within 21 months following contract award.

Initial Operating Capability is planned for fiscal year 2031, with 20 mission-ready aircraft delivered to an operational unit.

Recent combat experiences appear to have influenced the concept's development, particularly situations where defenders exhausted interceptors before attackers exhausted drones.

The solicitation argues that maintaining continuous MMA operations could pressure opponents into consuming costly defensive missiles at unsustainable rates.

“Keeping a constant airborne MMA presence to launch weapons, gather intelligence, perform electronic warfare missions, or relay communications will force an adversary to stay on the defensive,” the Defense Innovation Unit stated.

Via Defense News

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25 years since its release and over 15 years since its finale, 24 is undoubtedly a product of the 2000s. Airing less than two months after the September 11th attacks, Fox's crime/political thriller serendipitously captured the hearts and minds of Americans, reeling from the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, looking for justice and retribution. The series echoed the sentiments of America constantly being under attack by international terrorists, particularly ones hailing from the Middle East, and the acceptance of federal authorities deploying any means necessary to protect the United States, feelings that have caused 24 to age like milk. Scoff at its jingoism and portrayals of Middle Eastern terrorists that have since drawn criticism, but contemporary audiences can't ignore just how revolutionary the series' narrative structure was upon airing . Before The Pitt , 24 captured an entire action-packed day's worth for agent Jack Bauer ( Kiefer Sutherland ), with relentless energy that laid the groundwork for today's subgenre of anxiety-inducing episodic TV.