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There's still a small sliver of moon on display tonight, but not so much to see anything. This is because we're approaching the New Moon phase of the lunar cycle. Keep reading to find out what exactly this means.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Tuesday, Nov. 18, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. This means 3% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

Don't strain your eyes tonight, there's too little moon to see anything. As we move towards the next lunar cycle, the moon will be small (and even out of sight) for a few days.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Dec. 4, this will be the last of three consecutive supermoons. The last full moon was on Nov. 5.

What are moon phases?

Moon phases are are part of a recurring lunar cycle (every 29.5 days), according to NASA. These phases describe how the moon appears from Earth as it orbits our planet. While we always see the same side of the moon, the amount of sunlight hitting it changes throughout its orbit. So, sometimes it looks full, sometimes half, and sometimes not there at all (aka, the New Moon). There are eight main moon phases:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 8, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 8, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 18 Pips

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add to 8. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 18 Pips

Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically; 2-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add to 11. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 18 Pips

Number (9): Everything in this orange space must add to 9. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this purple space must add to 9. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this light blue space must add to 9. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this dark blue space must add to 9. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this green space must add to 9. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition isn't too bad if you're familiar with head coaches.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: A natural

• Green: Run in this

• Blue: Lead playcaller

• Purple: Summer events and people

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Special Ability

• Green: Running Shoe Brands

• Blue: NFL Head Coaches

• Purple: Summer___

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #421 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Special Ability - FLAIR, GIFT, SKILL, TALENT

• Running Shoe Brands - ASCIS, BROOKS, HOKA, SAUCONY

• NFL Head Coaches - HARBAUGH, PAYTON, RYANS, VRABEL

• Summer___: LEAGUE, MCINTOSH, OLYMPICS, SANDERS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love to make people laugh.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 18, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: A hoot

• Green: Red veggies

• Blue: Film stars

• Purple: Setting

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Funny person

• Green: Kinds of tomatoes

• Blue: Best actress Oscar winners

• Purple: Ending in synonyms for "location"

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #891 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Funny person: CLOWN, JOKER, LAUGH, RIOT

• Kinds of tomatoes: CHERRY, GRAPE, PLUM, ROMA

• Best actress Oscar winners: BERRY, MADISON, STONE, SWANK

• Ending in synonyms for "location": COMMONPLACE, NEEDLEPOINT, PARASITE, SUNSPOT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 18, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're disorganized.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 18, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 18, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: All mixed up

The words are related to organization.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things that are in disarray.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Out of Order.

NYT Strands word list for November 18

• Jumbled

• Scrambled

• Out of Order

• Chaotic

• Shuffled

• Muddled

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're opinionated.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 18, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 18, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To suggest.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter O.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

OPINE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 18, 2025

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

If you hate the idea of your information being used to train AI, you're going to love the minor but vital tweak Apple just made to the iOS App Store.

"You must clearly disclose where personal data will be shared with third parties, including with third-party AI," the company told app developers — adding that all apps must "obtain explicit permission before doing so."

The updated language — Apple's first guidance on third-party AI — is part of a document called App Review Guidelines. And lest the name fool you, the introduction makes clear that adhering to these guidelines is pretty much mandatory.

"We will reject apps for any content or behavior that we believe is over the line," Apple tells developers later in the guidelines. "What line, you ask? Well, as a Supreme Court Justice once said, 'I'll know it when I see it.' And we think that you will also know it when you cross it."

The update, which dropped last week, marks the first time that AI has even been mentioned in the guidelines. Apple under CEO Tim Cook has been highly skeptical about AI, slow to include AI features in Siri, and sometimes hesitant to even use the letters "AI"; Cook has preferred to use the similar term "machine learning" in past keynotes.

Sourcing data to train AI models has become one of the most legally contentious activities in Silicon Valley. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, filed a lawsuit in April against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)

And even Apple, the AI laggard that is reportedly going to use Google Gemini to power Siri soon, isn't immune.

Last month saw two lawsuits alleging Apple has improperly used other people's work for its own AI training. In separate filings, two neuroscientists and two authors said Cook's company had used data from "shadow libraries," or pirated content available online.

While Apple's response remains to be seen, the legal landscape doesn't look all that promising for the company. AI giant Anthropic settled a class-action lawsuit over shadow library usage in September for $1.5 billion.

But at least Apple can now legitimately claim to be protecting its users from AI data-scraping within its apps.

As one of Mashable’s sex toy and dating app experts, I have the inside scoop on the news and deals way before they hit the masses. I also get exclusive access to products before they launch (you should see my office closet — it’s nothing but boxes and boxes of sex toys). I truly love what I do as a service journalist, and if there’s one thing I’m passionate about, it’s making sure our readers have the right tools and info they need to get all the pleasure and self-love they deserve.

I’ve also been covering Black Friday sales since 2022, and I have a pretty good grasp of the genuine sex toy deals versus inflated price tags masquerading as deals. (Even deals like to role play!) Now that holiday sales are starting to drop (they literally get earlier and earlier every year), I’m starting the season off with a comprehensive guide to the best early Black Friday sex toy deals.

In this guide, you’ll find all the sex toy deals I’d recommend to friends. Spoiler: Most of these deals aren’t at Amazon, but that’s OK! While Amazon does have some worthwhile deals, its selection of sexual wellness products is limited compared to specialized retailers, and most items are sold by sketchy third-party sellers. The real deals come directly from the manufacturers themselves or from reputable retailers who specialize in sexual wellness products.

With all that said, there’s no way this is the final list. We haven’t even seen the actual Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales yet, so be sure to check back frequently for updates as more deals become available.

Lovers Loyal 5.5in Dildo

I have endometriosis and I struggle with pelvic pain, so I’m not always down for penetration, but when I am, my go-to dildo is the Lovers Loyal 5.5in Dildo. This little guy is super soft (like, unbelievably soft) and flexible, and it has a suction cup base so you can stick it to the floor, the side of a bathtub/shower, a chair, your headboard, or wherever else it’s safe to do so. (I wouldn’t stick it to a mirror, even though that does sound like a good idea in theory.) The suction cup base also makes for a great handle if you don’t actually want to stick it to anything, but the option’s there if you want it.

It’s 5.5 inches long and 1.48 inches in diameter, and it’s harness-compatible. You’ll want to use lube with this toy, but stick to water-based lubes — other types, like silicone and oil, can break down the material over time. I know the actual phallic look can be a turn-off (I wasn’t a fan of realistic toys until I met this one), but I assure you it's incredibly comfortable and versatile. You can use it for anal, too!

For Black Friday, Lovers is offering 20% off all purchases with the code JUST4U. This code is valid through Nov. 30. That means, you can get this dildo for $38.40 (that’s a $9.60 discount).

Opens in a new window Credit: Lovers Lovers Loyal 5.5in Dildo $38.40 at Lovers
$48 Save $9.60 Use the code JUST4U to get this deal! Get Deal Bellesa G-Stroking Rabbit

I’m waiting with bated breath for Bellesa Boutique's 12 Day Advent Calendar to drop (it’s currently out of stock, but it’s totally worth the wait — I tried it out last year and will be praising it until I find a better alternative). But, right now, you can get up to 80% off select Bellesa toys, including the G-Stroking Rabbit, which is perfect for anyone who loves deep, G-spot stimulation paired with external clitoral vibration.

This dual-action vibrator is only $79 with the discount (or you can do four interest-free payments of $21 with Klarna). At this price, I’d definitely recommend snatching it up before it’s gone. (A handful of toys are already sold out!) The overall aesthetic of Bellesa toys is pretty basic, but their functionality and effectiveness in the orgasm department are unmatched.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bellesa Boutique Bellesa Boutique G-Stroking Rabbit $79 at Bellesa Boutique
$119 Save $40   Get Deal LELO Smart Wand 2 Medium

This is the first wand vibrator I ever fell in love with: the LELO Smart Wand 2 Medium. It's the perfect size and shape (especially if you have wrist limitations or pain) for targeted clitoral stimulation. The vibrations are strong, rumbly, and if set correctly, can get you from 0 to orgasm in seconds. Right now, you can get the LELO Smart Wand 2 at the LELO site for $126.75. It’s also on sale at Lovers with code LELO20, but the better deal is at LELO. You’re saving $42.25, and you’ll get a free Sona 2 Travel if you spend $62.26 more (so, all you’d need to do is add another LELO product or accessory to your cart to qualify for the free gift).

Opens in a new window Credit: LELO LELO Smart Wand 2 Medium $126.75 at LELO
$169 Save $42.25   Get Deal LELO Enigma Wave

If you’re interested in adding a second toy to your cart so you can get the Sona 2 Travel for free, I’d recommend the LELO Enigma Wave (but only if you’re into intense clitoral and G-spot stimulation). This toy came out in 2023, and fair warning, it is intense. So, if you prefer gentler sensations, this might not be the best option for you. I had to move it around a bit to get the perfect angle, but once I found it, the combo of G-spot and clitoral stimulation sent me into orgasmic bliss. It also helps that it's totally hands-free once you get it in position. (Bonus: Your partner will love watching you converse uncontrollably.)

The difference between this toy and other dual-stimulation toys is that it features a proprietary WaveMotion technology and three synchronized motors to mimic that come-hither motion while also providing intense external clitoral stimulation. I’d definitely recommend using lube with this toy or getting revved up before putting it inside of you. With the discount, you can get the Enigma Wave for $201.75 directly from LELO. Again, it’s also 20% off at Lovers, but LELO currently has the better deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: LELO LELO Enigma Wave $201.75 at LELO
$269 Save $67.25   Get Deal Tracy’s Dog OG Sucking Vibrator

If you want a similar clitoral suction experience at a more accessible price point, I can’t recommend Tracy’s Dog OG Sucking Vibrator enough. If you can get past the weird name, you’ll see that this little vibe can hold its own compared to more expensive models, and it’s currently 40% off. (You can also find Tracy’s Dog at Amazon, but not all of the brand’s products can be found there.)

This vibrator is famous, and if you haven’t heard of it, you definitely need to go and read this review. It basically broke the internet in 2019 thanks to its unbeatable clitoral suction technology. The viral reviewer was so into this toy that she said her “soul left” her body and “God himself” spoke to her. “I shook for a good five minutes; I couldn’t get up off the bed if I even wanted to,” she wrote. While not everyone will have this out-of-body (and maybe out-of-mind) experience, I can truthfully say this little toy has exceeded my expectations, especially for an under-$50 toy. At the time of writing, Tracy’s Dog OG Sucking Vibrator is available for $29.99 at the Tracy’s Dog website.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tracy's Dog Tracy's Dog OG Sucking Vibrator $29.99 at Tracy's Dog
$49.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal More Black Friday deals on Tracy's Dog toys

At Amazon specifically, virtually the entire Tracy's Doc toy lineup is discounted by at least 10% right now. You can also find special coupons, free toys, and other promotions. So, if you're a Prime member, head ot Amazon to shop Tracy's Dog early Black Friday discounts.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tracy's Dog Tracy's Dog Flexible Rabbit Vibrator with Suction $35.99 at Amazon
$43.99 Save $8   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tracy's Dog Tracy's Dog Powerful G Spot Vibrato $29.69 at Amazon
30% off with qualifying purchase Get Deal FemmeFunn Thruster Rabbit

If you have an afternoon or evening to yourself and you want to get completely wrecked, the FemmeFunn Thruster Rabbit is my go-to. This is for those days/nights when you have 0 plans. (Big Samantha Jones vibes here.) The FemmeFunn Thruster Rabbit, fortunately, is available in purple in addition to its flesh tones (I have the dark purple one, which is the brand's signature color), and it comes with a remote. The suction cup base makes it easy to stick to just about any flat surface. (Place a pillow or something soft where your knees are going to go if you plan on getting on all fours, which I totally recommend trying at least once).

Unlike other thrusters on the market, the FemmeFunn Thruster Rabbit is designed to keep going even when your muscles are contracting — this means it won’t stall out at the good part. And, thanks to the remote, you can adjust the settings while you’re playing without having to reach down to fumble with the buttons.

From Nov. 18 (tomorrow) to Nov. 27, you can get this toy for 15% off. OR, you can buy two toys for 20% off, or three toys for 30% off. If you wait until Nov. 28, you can get 30% off sitewide, so it really just depends on how willing you are to wait after I just gave you that juicy rundown.

Opens in a new window Credit: FemmeFunn FemmeFunn Thruster Rabbit $111.99 at FemmeFunn
$159.99 Save $48.00 The price below shows the 30% discount. Get Deal More Black Friday sex toy deals

Here’s a lightning round of all the other sitewide and product-specific sales to have on your radar, straight from my inbox.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babeland Babeland The retailer is running an early offer for up to 50% off air pleasure and suction toys from Nov. 17-23. But the real sale is up to 69% off sitewide from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: b-Vibe b-Vibe The leading anal play brand is offering 40% off sitewide from Nov. 18 to Dec. 2. This also includes "up to 80% off selected items," so it's a great time to shop. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: biird biird From Nov. 21 to Dec. 1, Biird is offering up to 50% off on its official site and Amazon store. Purchases on the Biird website also get a free gift (a Vulvii necklace for $75+ or an Evii Green for $159+). Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Good Vibes Good Vibes This retailer is offering up to 50% off G-spot vibes from Nov. 17-23. The bigger sale — up to 50% off sitewide — runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Hot Octopuss Hot Octopuss Get up to 60% off for bestsellers like the Pulse Queen, Pulse Solo, and Pulse Duo. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Je Joue Je Joue Je Joue For all of November, Je Joue has up to 50% off some of its most popular products. This includes 50% off the Amour Pink, Duet Lilac, all Onyx butt-plugs, Naughty & Nice Gift Boxes, and G-Spot Favourites (Uma and Juno), and 15% off fan favorites like the Mimi & Mimi Soft and the new ILY Collection. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Kiiroo Kiiroo This sale is wild. From Nov. 18 to Dec. 4, their bestsellers are on sale, with some getting massive discounts. The Titan stroker is 70% off, dropping from $149 to just $45. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Le Wand Le Wand The premium wand brand is having two sales. First, from Nov. 18-24, get 40% off all wands. Then, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2, the sale expands to 40% off sitewide, plus up to 80% off select items. Shop Now

AI music is beginning to fill up music streaming libraries, and a lot of music lovers aren't happy about it.

However, according to a new study conducted by French music streaming service Deezer and Ipsos, 97 percent of people surveyed couldn't tell that a song was fully generated by AI instead of a human. Out of that group, the majority, or 52 percent, felt uncomfortable about the fact that they couldn't tell the difference.

AI-generated music has certainly advanced over the years, but that's not the only reason people can struggle to identify AI songs. A lot of popular music is rather formulaic, meaning it's rather easy for AI to mimic, at least when it comes to instrumentals. 

SEE ALSO: No, that AI country song isn't No. 1 on the Billboard chart. Yes, it is terrible.

The study from Deezer and Ipsos is an interesting one, as it finds people aren't completely opposed to AI. For example, 46 percent of people surveyed thought AI could be used to help them discover new music. In addition, 66 percent of people said they would give AI music a try at least once out of curiosity.

However, it seems like people start to feel an opposition to AI music once they feel deceived. The survey found that 80 percent of people want AI music clearly labeled on platforms. Another 72 percent would want to know if a platform was recommending fully AI-generated music to them. Nearly half, or 45 percent of users, would filter out AI-generated music, and 40 percent would skip AI music if they came across it.

Music fans also have a negative view of AI songs when it comes to supporting music artists. The survey found that 65 percent of people don't think AI should train on copyrighted music, and another 70 percent believe that AI threatens the livelihood of artists.

Only 11 percent of those surveyed think that AI music should be given equal treatment on the top music charts.

It's important to note that much of the critical reaction towards AI-generated music is specific to fully AI-generated songs. Musical artists and producers have long used emerging technologies in their work, such as autotune, to digitally fix or alter their music. However, even those tools require human expertise and input to actually create the final sound or composition.

According to Deezer, around 50,000 fully AI-generated music tracks are uploaded to streaming services every day, accounting for a whopping 34 percent of all daily music releases.

AI-generated creative works, such as AI-created illustrations and videos, have received lots of backlash online over the past couple of years. In fact, the push back against AI in art has been so strong that some social media platforms, like Pinterest, have given its users the option to filter out AI content completely.

As AI-generated music evolves and the blowback against AI continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how streaming platforms like Spotify and Deezer treat AI-generated music on their platforms.

The world is a noisy place, and sometimes, it's nice to have the option for a bit of volume control.

For many people, that means turning to noise-cancelling headphones, but they're not always the best option. For starters, their ability to block out noise depends on their battery life. Wearing headphones or earbuds also means it's easier to stay plugged in to digital distractions, which isn't ideal for situations where you're looking for quiet and focus.

Enter: Loop earplugs. The colorful earplugs first hit the scene in 2016, thanks to co-founders Dimitri O and Maarten Bowdes wanting to provide a solution for people who enjoy live music and loud spaces, without the side helping of tinnitus.

Which Loop earplugs are right for you? Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Nearly 10 years later, the brand has expanded its earplug options to yes, give concert-goers a way to protect their ears, but also to help people stay focused, sleep better, and generally exist more peacefully in overstimulating environments. They're reusable and cleanable, so they're less wasteful than swapping out a new pair of foam earplugs.

So, which are the best Loop earplugs overall? With eight different earplugs ranging from $24.95 to $59.95, it's a valid question. To find the answer, I tested out a selection of some of the most popular earplugs from the brand: I landed on the Quiet 2, Experience 2, Dream, Engage 2, and Switch 2. For now, I omitted the Plus versions (due to wanting to compare the base models head-to-head first), as well as the kids' versions (due to not being a child). I tested all of these earplugs personally, except for the Loop Experience 2, which were tested by my colleague Haley Henschel.

Are Loop earplugs worth it?

On a general level, your hearing health is something worth investing in. According to the World Health Organization, "most common causes of hearing loss in adults, such as exposure to loud sounds...are preventable." The WHO also estimates that more than a billion young adults are at risk of incurring permanent damage to their hearing from unsafe listening practices.

Obviously, that alone doesn't mean Loops are worth it — they're far from your only option when it comes to earplugs. There are the classic foam earbuds, which are ultra-affordable. However, they aren't meant to be reusable in the long term and lack the tailoring of the Loop line. And they're not the most subtle option.

SEE ALSO: I tested sleep earbuds for over a month: Here are the 3 I'd buy

Other reusable earplug brands are out there, like Happy Ears and CURVD come in at similar price points to Loop earplugs — all three brands are cheaper than getting custom earplugs made, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

All this to say, purely based on the market and their performance, I find Loop earplugs to be worth it, but generally encourage you to wear some form of earplugs next time you go to a loud environment. If you're not too keen on the Loop price points, I recommend waiting for a sale, like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, to pick up a pair of earbuds. While we don't see these earplugs get discounts often, most of the line goes on sale during shopping holidays. For more details on which prices to buy at, you can check each of the Loop earplugs we recommend below.

Which Loop earplugs are best for me?

The right Loop earplug match will depend on your reasons for seeking out earplugs in the first place, whether that be better sleep, finding focus, or saving your ears at live shows. Below, I break down the differences between five different Loop earplugs, and where each shines, to help you find the ones that suit you best.

Best for concerts: Loop Experience 2 The Loops Experience 2 earplugs dampened the sound of a roaring crowd at Beyoncé's latest tour. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

My colleague Haley Henschel put these earplugs to the test in possibly the way a person could: by taking them to the Cowboy Carter tour. Her report: "I could hear Beyoncé and her band perfectly, but the din of the stadium was almost completely suppressed. Curious to hear what I was missing, I removed my right earplug at one point during the set and was shocked to hear that the crowd was close to singing over Bey. The Loops were tuning out everyone else without making her sound muffled." That level of balance is what landed the Experience 2 our pick as the best Loop earplugs for concerts, even if they are the most obvious choice.

Henschel did note that they worked so well that she missed a couple of mid-song comments from her friend, but that's to be expected with earplugs. She also remarked that she was especially impressed with the fit — while she usually needs to wear a tight beanie to keep her Apple AirPods Pro from slipping out, the smallest size of the Experience 2 stayed in without a hitch. (Though I didn't test the Experience 2 personally, I also have a hard time finding earbuds that fit, and often have to go for the XS eartips. In Loops, I typically favor the S ear tip.)

As for their pricing, the Experience 2 clock in at $34.95 for their standard colorways, but during sales, we've seen them drop down to $27.95.

Decibels filtered: 17dB | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: Silver, black, gold, rose gold, holographic black (costs extra), holographic ruby (costs extra), Loop x Coachella (costs extra)

Loop Experience 2 $38.95 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Best for focus: Loop Quiet 2 The Quiet 2 earplugs are the perfect work companion. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The Quiet earplugs were my introduction to Loop a couple of years ago as I was looking for a solution to deal with a noisy neighbor. Though I used the original Quiet model then, the Quiet 2 hold up. For less than $30, the Quiet 2 earplugs are amazing for blocking out sound to focus, but also for getting the best bang for your buck. If you're not necessarily looking for something to wear to live events, these may be the best Loop earplugs for you. The silicone loop is soft enough to lie on with relative comfort, so they're as great for sleep as they are for working or reading. (Not to mention, they're $25 cheaper than the Loop Dream at full price). During this past October Prime Day, we saw the Quiet 2 earplugs drop down to $14.49 — their lowest price ever, and the lowest price among the recs on this list.

What does 24dB of blockage mean in practice? For me, it meant that I could work right next to my partner watching TV at a normal to low volume, and barely hear what he was watching. While I work in the office with my door closed, I can hear the sound of my own typing, but can only hear the murmur of my partner talking in the other room behind a closed door (where, without earbuds, I can make out his every word perfectly). Wearing these earbuds feels like turning the volume of the world around you not entirely off, but to low, making them a great option for when you need to focus or sleep, or even travel.

Decibels filtered: 24dB | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: White, violet, black, mint

Loop Quiet 2 $20.95 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Best for staying aware: Loop Engage 2 The Engage 2 are great for a coffee date, or a trip to the grocery store. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The Loop Engage 2 earplugs are very similar to the Experience 2: both are designed to let in more sound, both cost $34.95, and both come with four sizes of silicone ear tips. Though I didn't get to personally test them head-to-head, here's where I can tease out the differences.

According to Loop, the Engage 2 block 16 decibels to the Experience 2's 17 decibels. Henschel mentioned that when wearing the Experience 2 to a concert, she missed a few comments from her friend standing right next to her. That makes sense: the Experience 2 are designed to lower the volume overall (without distorting the sound quality of the music you're listening to), while the Engage 2 are designed to lower the volume on background noise (which tends to be at a higher pitch than human voices), but keep you in tune with voices around you, so you can hold up a conversation with more ease. Wearing the Engage 2 around my apartment, while ordering coffee in a loud coffee shop, and at the grocery stores proved that they worked without issue. I did hear my voice a little louder, but not distractingly so — it was certainly less distracting than the bangers my local H-Mart likes to bump on a Tuesday night. If you find yourself often overstimulated by sound when trying to socialize or simply live your life, the Engage 2 are a great way to turn down the volume, but still stay present.

At $34.95, they're the same price as the Experience 2 at full price, but their sale price has dropped ever so slightly lower. This past Prime Big Deal Days in October, they hit the record-low price of $24.95.

Decibels filtered: 16dB | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: Clear, dusk, green, rose

Loop Engage 2 $35.95 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Best for sleep: Loop Dream Prioritizing a good night's sleep? Check out the Loop Dream. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

As a disclaimer, a family member gifted these earplugs to me after I told them how much I enjoyed using the original Quiet earbuds to sleep. And though the price is surprisingly steep compared to the rest of the line, I would happily buy these with my own money, as I primarily use earplugs to help me sleep.

Why? They're restless, side sleeper-approved. Though they block just a few more decibels than the Quiet 2, I find the Loop Dream to be even more comfortable to wear at night. The ear tip is a foam interior surrounded by a silicone exterior, which provides a slightly better (and more secure) fit than I experienced with the Quiet 2. (That's not to say the Quiet 2 aren't secure, but I move a lot when I sleep, so any extra features that help these earbuds stay in place are welcome by me. If, for whatever reason, you don't vibe with the foam tips, these earbuds also come with four sizes of Dream Double tips, which are a doubled-up silicone.

SEE ALSO: Elemind is the sleep headband that cured my insomnia

The Dreams also deviate from the rest of the Loop lineup with the closed-loop silicone shape, which is genuinely softer than the Quiets (and significantly more so than the Switches), making six to 10-hour wear incredibly reasonable. I experienced a slightly higher learning curve in putting them in my ears initially, but once I found the right fit, these fell out less than the Quiet earplugs. Finally, the case of the Dreams is ever so slightly larger, with a no-slip bottom that means they're far less likely to be knocked off your nightstand. The price may be steep, but if you anticipate mostly using your earplugs for sleep, the Dreams are worth it. Historically, they've gone on sale less frequently than other earplugs in Loop's lineup, so if you catch them marked down during a shopping holiday, they're worth grabbing. During October Prime Day, select colorways were on sale for $37.46.

Decibels filtered: 27db | Ear tips: Foam-silicone, eight different types in four sizes each (XS-L) | Available colors: Lilac, black, peach

Loop Dream $49.95 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Best for versatility: Loop Switch 2 The Loop Switch 2 live up to their name. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

If, after reading all of the above, you find yourself wanting the benefits for multiple pairs of Loops, the Switch 2 are your best bet. Impressively, a small switch allows you to toggle between noise blocking on 20dB, 23dB, and 26db, meaning they let enough sound through to hold up a conversation, but also can block out nearly as much as the Dreams for maximum peace. The only use case I don't see these working out great is for sleep, due to the hard plastic switch on the outer loop not being as comfortable as the Quiet 2 or Dream earplugs.

Throughout my testing period, I found myself reaching for these earplugs the most due to their flexibility. I could go from being locked in while working to having a conversation without taking them out. While by far the most expensive of all the available Loop earplugs, they're still cheaper than buying a pair of Experience and Quiet earplugs separately. They also got a decent discount during October's Amazon Prime Day sale, dropping all the way down to $44.95 from their $59.95 full price.

Decibels filtered: 20db, 23db, 26db | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: Emerald, black, gold, silver, McLaren papaya (costs extra)

Loop Switch 2 $59.95 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Computer monitors have had a strange gap in technologies for quite some time. At the top of the stack are OLED gaming monitors that offer the best specifications and image quality, and then the next most common option seems to be monitors with very basic backlights with either no local dimming, or a very rudimentary implementation of it.

TL;DR: The 2026 AI Content Creation Lifetime Bundle gives you two pro-grade AI tools for writing and voiceovers — for just $39.99 (reg. $2,070).

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce 2026 AI Content Creation Lifetime Subscription Bundle $39.99
$2,070 Save $2,030.01   Get Deal

If your content workflow feels like a juggling act — writing, editing, translating, and then recording — here’s your new secret weapon: The 2026 AI Content Creation Lifetime Subscription Bundle.

For just $39.99, you’ll get lifetime access to two powerhouse tools, WordPop AI and SpeakBreez AI, designed to take your creative and professional projects from idea to finished product — in less time than it takes to brew your morning coffee.

SEE ALSO: Google's AI can now automatically call stores and buy items for you

WordPop AI was designed to be your all-in-one writing assistant, translator, and document wizard. It’s built to handle everything from SEO-optimized blog posts and polished business copy to multilingual content and creative storytelling.

With 100+ templates, 120+ supported languages, and an AI Writing Editor that adjusts tone and style on the fly, WordPop AI makes writing feel less like work and more like an easy flow.

Then there’s SpeakBreez AI, a digital voice studio. It gives you access to 800+ ultra-realistic voices across 142 languages — ideal for YouTubers, educators, marketers, and business owners. From corporate training narrations to podcast intros, SpeakBreez lets you turn text into human-quality voiceovers in seconds. And it’s fast.

Together, these two tools can help you create more efficiently, scale content production, and stay competitive without a mountain of subscriptions.

You’ll write, speak, and publish easier — all for a one-time payment. Get the 2026 AI Content Creation Lifetime Subscription Bundle, on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $2,070) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Apple TV may have the hottest show streaming right now with Pluribus, but let's not forget that the streaming giant also has a pretty solid selection of movies to watch, too.

BEST-EVER PRICE: The M5 MacBook Pro is on sale at Amazon for $1,474, down from the list price of $1,599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro M5 $1,476 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $123   Get Deal

The early Black Friday deals at Amazon are making us look like fools. We made a lot of noise about the most recent price drop on the brand new MacBook Pro M5, but now it has fallen even further. OK, we not talking big numbers here (an extra $6 off), but a new record-low price is a new record-low price. We're certainly not complaining.

As of Nov. 17, the Apple MacBook Pro M5 is on sale for $1,474 at Amazon. That's down from its list price of $1,599, and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon. So what are you waiting for? Black Friday deals like this don't always stick around for long.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Black Friday ad: The best early deals you can buy online

Mashable's Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth reviewed the new M5 MacBook Pro and awarded it a Mashable Choice Award, so you know it's worth the splurge even at list price. According to Werth, "The new MacBook Pro offers only iterative improvements over its predecessor, but that hardly matters with a device this good. With a beautifully crisp display and M5 silicon, the MacBook Pro surges even further ahead of Windows laptops."

There are already a bunch of MacBook deals to consider ahead of Black Friday, but this might be a candidate for the best. Need something super powerful that can handle even the most demanding of creative tasks? This could be the deal for you.

Click. Click. Click. Nowadays, that's not the sound of using your remote to change channels, but rather of scrolling through Netflix looking for something decent to watch. Sometimes it feels like you're being shown the same handful of movies, right?

The Game Awards 2025 has finally revealed its nominees for categories such as Best Racing Game, Best Sports Game, and the coveted Game of the Year. This has been one of the best years for gaming in recent memory. Nintendo launched the Switch 2, the successor to its dominating console and handheld hybrid, and Xbox dipped its own toes into the handheld market with the ROG Xbox Ally.

There have been some incredible hits across the industry from small indies like Blue Prince and Despelote, as well as blockbusters like Doom: The Dark Ages, Split Fiction, and Monster Hunter Wilds. There have also been quite a few late-year surprises like ARC Raiders and Dispatch.

But only one game can take home 2025’s Game of the Year award, and there are only six nominees. Keep reading to learn how to vote in The Game Awards 2025 as well as the full list of categories and nominees, from best indie game to best art direction.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the clear fan favorite to win 2025’s Game of the Year award. Made by a small group of passionate developers in France, this game combines engaging turn-based combat with believable characters to tell one of the most emotional impactful stories this year. Plus, unlike every other game of the year nominee, Expedition 33 isn't a sequel or franchise title, which may give it an extra edge among players.

Expedition 33 is also leading the pack with a staggering 12 nominations this year in other categories, including Best Art Direction and Best Narrative.

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 PS5 $48.97 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

The sequel to Hideo Kojima’s post-apocalyptic epic, Death Stranding, is another fantastic narrative-driven game with themes about connection, grief, and loss. With Death Stranding 2, Helldivers 2, and Ghost of Yotei, Sony is this year’s most nominated publisher with 19 nominations.

Death Stranding was a nominee for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2019, but ultimately lost out to From Software and Activision’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Let’s see if Kojima can take home the award this time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kojima Productions Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PS5) $69 at Amazon
  Shop Now Donkey Kong Bananza

Nintendo has taken its ape mascot and created one of the best 3D platformers this year with Donkey Kong Banaza. The camaraderie between Donkey Kong and Daisy is so charming, and the game’s innovative destruction mechanics make it fun to smash the environment into pieces. 

Nintendo has received plenty of Game of the Year nominations throughout the years with games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Metroid Dread, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, but hasn’t won the category since 2017 with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Donkey Kong Bananza - Nintendo Switch 2 $69.99 at Best Buy
  Shop Now at Best Buy Hades 2

Hades was 2020’s indie darling. The incredibly addictive “just one more round” roguelite gameplay, appealing cast of characters, and bold comic-book art direction captivated players all across the world. Hades 2 brings more of the same but turns the dial up. With even more gameplay refinements, areas to explore, and deities to meet, it’s no wonder that Hades 2 has received a Game of the Year nomination.

Hades was nominated for Game of the Year in 2020, but lost to The Last of Us Part 2. Now’s another chance for it to win.

Hades II - Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition $49.94 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Hollow Knight Silksong

Together with Hades 2 and Expedition 33, Hollow Knight Silksong completes the indie trifecta of nominations this year. It’s surprising that this game actually came out this year after numerous delays, but the wait definitely paid off. Its exploration and difficulty are immensely rewarding, making it one of the best 2D platformers in years.

Its predecessor, Hollow Knight, was nominated for Best Debut Indie Game in 2017, but lost to Cuphead. Now, its sequel joined the big leagues with a Game of the Year nomination. Talk about a glow up!

Opens in a new window Credit: Team Cherry Hollow Knight: Silksong (Nintendo Switch 2 - Digital Code) $19.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Warhorse Studios Kingdom Come Deliverance II $58.68 at Amazon
  Shop Now

This one is a bit of a surprise because for as great as Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is, there are other games that could’ve taken its place in this nomination. The other nominees have stayed in the cultural zeitgeist and were shoe-ins. Still, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2’s dedication to historical realism and gameplay is impressive, and its story is more emotionally charged than the first game, making it an excellent medieval simulation RPG.

The first game didn’t receive any nominations at previous shows, so it must be exciting for the devs to get their first nomination at The Game Awards, and for the ultimate Game of the Year category, no less.

How to vote in The Game Awards 2025

The Game Awards 2025 takes place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California and will air on December 11. You can vote for your favorite games on The Game Awards website. All you have to do is create an account and sign in to start voting right away. However, the winners aren't simply chosen by popular vote.

In addition to fan votes, The Game Awards has a "jury of over 100 global media and influencer outlets, selected for their history of critical video game evaluation. Specialized juries also convene for other categories including esports, accessibility and best adaptation." In the end, "Winners are determined by a blended vote between the voting jury (90%) and public fan voting (10%). Fans can vote for their favorite games on TheGameAwards.com.

The Game Awards 2025: Full list of nominees

Besides the six Game of the Year nominees, here's the full list of categories and nominations for 2025.

Best Independent Game:

• Absolum

• BALL x PIT

• Blue Prince

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Hades II

• Hollow Knight: Silksong

Best Debut Indie Game:

• Blue Prince

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• despelote

• Dispatch

• Megabonk

Best Mobile Game:

• Destiny: Rising

• Persona 5: The Phantom X

• Sonic Rumble

• Umamusume: Pretty Derby

• Wuthering Waves

Best Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Game:

• Alien: Rogue Incursion

• Arken Age

• Ghost Town

• Marvel’s Deadpool VR

• The Midnight Walk

Best Action Game:

• Battlefield 6

• Doom: The Dark Ages

• Hades II

• Ninja Gaiden 4

• Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Best Role-Playing Game:

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

• Ghost of Yotei

• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

• Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Split Fiction

Best Fighting Game:

• 2XKO

• Capcom Fighting Collection 2

• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

• Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

• Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage

Best Family Game:

• Donkey Kong Bananza

• LEGO Party!

• LEGO Voyagers

• Mario Kart World

• Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

• Split Fiction

Best Simulation/Strategy Game:

• The Alters

• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

• Jurassic World Evolution 3

• Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

• Tempest Rising

• Two Point Museum

Best Sports/Racing Game:

• EA Sports FC 26

• F1 25

• Mario Kart World

• REMATCH

• Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Best Multiplayer Game:

• ARC Raiders

• Battlefield 6

• Elden Ring Nightreign

• PEAK

• Split Fiction

Best Game Direction:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

• Ghost of Yotei

• Hades II

• Split Fiction

Best Narrative:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

• Ghost of Yotei

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

• Silent Hill f

Best Art Direction:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

• Ghost of Yotei

• Hades II

• Hollow Knight: Silksong

Best Score and Music:

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

• Ghost of Yotei

• Hades II

• Hollow Knight: Silksong

Best Audio Design:

• Battlefield 6

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

• Ghost of Yotei

• Silent Hill f

Best Performance:

• Benn Star in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Charlie Cox in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Erika Ishii in Ghost of Yotei

• Jennifer English in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

• Konatsu Kato in Silent Hill f

• Troy Baker in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Innovation in Accessibility:

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows

• Atomfall

• Doom: The Dark Ages

• EA Sports FC 26

• South of Midnight

Games for Impact:

• Consume Me

• despelote

• Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

• South of Midnight

• Wanderstop

Best Ongoing Game:

• Final Fantasy XIV

• Fortnite

• Helldivers II

• Marvel Rivals

• No Man’s Sky

Best Community Support:

• Baldur’s Gate III

• Final Fantasy XIV

• Fortnite

• Helldivers II

• No Man’s Sky

Best Game Adaptation:

• A Minecraft Movie

• Devil May Cry

• Splinter Cell: Deathwatch

• The Last of Us Season 2

• Until Dawn

Most-Anticipated Game:

• 007 First Light

• Grand Theft Auto VI

• Marvel’s Wolverine

• Resident Evil Requiem

• The Witcher IV

Content Creator of the Year:

• Caedrel

• Kai Cenat

• MoistCr1TiKaL

• Sakura Miko

• The Burnt Peanut

Best eSports Game:

• Counter-Strike 2

• DOTA 2

• League of Legends

• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

• VALORANT

Best eSports Athlete:

• brawk – Brock Somerhalder (VALORANT)

• Chovy – Jeong Ji-hoon (League of Legends)

• f0rsakeN – Jason Susanto (VALORANT)

• Kakeru – Kakeru Watanabe (Street Fighter)

• MenaRD – Saul Leonardo (Street Fighter)

• Zyw0o – Mathieu Herbaut (Counter-Strike 2)

Best eSports Team:

• Gen.G (League of Legends)

• NRG (VALORANT)

• Team Falcons (DOTA 2)

• Team Liquid PH (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang)

• Team Vitality

Ever miss using your Laptop’s trackpad while working on your Windows desktop? Are you someone who mostly uses creative or office apps and would benefit from gesture support on your PC? Well, the perfect solution already exists—but it comes from an unexpected source: Apple!

Pickup trucks today are beasts—capable, powerful, and loaded with features that can rival a luxury car. But all that muscle and tech often means clunky fuel economy, a huge turning radius, and more gadgets than anyone really needs.

DoorDash has confirmed a data breach that leaked phone numbers, first and last names, physical addresses, and other information. It's unclear how many people are affected.

At this point, it should be clear that anything you read from Google’s AI Overview needs to be taken with a grain of salt — including when it starts labeling real video games as fictional. Case in point: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

For the past few months, searching "Black Ops 7" on Google has returned a bizarre response from the search engine’s Gemini-powered AI Overview, which insists the game doesn’t exist. "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is a fictional video game that does not exist," the AI claims. It even elaborates: "The search results describe a hypothetical game with a November 14, 2025, release date, a story set in 2035 that continues the narrative from Black Ops 2 and Black Ops... The fictional game includes co-op campaign, multiplayer, and a Zombies mode."

Credit: Screenshot: Google

What makes the situation even stranger is that everything the AI lists — from the release date to the 2035 setting to the available modes — is actually true. Yet it still labels the game as "fictional." Black Ops 7 is the 22nd mainline entry in the Call of Duty franchise and the eighth installment in the Black Ops universe. Right now, it’s sitting at a grim 1.8 user score on Metacritic, with players voicing frustration over a disappointing single-player campaign and the blatant use of generative AI for core assets throughout the game.

The issue was first spotted about three months ago by a Reddit user in the r/google subreddit. As of Nov. 13 — the day before the game’s release — I was able to replicate the same problem multiple times, and it’s still happening as of this writing. Interestingly, the glitch appears to be limited to mobile devices and AI Overviews; Google's AI mode correctly recognizes that Black Ops 7 is real. Mashable reached out to both Google and Activision-Blizzard, but have not yet received a comment from either.

What's happening with AI Overviews is a small but telling example of a much larger problem: Big Tech’s AI systems still struggle to keep up with real-time information, especially around breaking news or newly released media.

AI Overviews has no trouble recognizing the release and existence of other games that launched around the same time as Black Ops 7. For example, it correctly tells me that Yakuza Kiwami 2 received a Switch 2 release this month. But in the same breath, it completely fumbles Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero — first labeling it as a mobile game, then immediately correcting itself and saying it isn’t, all while failing to mention that it also just launched on Switch and Switch 2.

Credit: Screenshot: Google

As Mashable's Chase DiBenedetto has reported before, "While AI assistants may be helpful for simple daily tasks... their weakness at reporting news is a liability for everyone, according to watchdogs and media leaders alike." And while this current glitch may only involve a video game, it highlights the same broader issue.

We’ve already seen how easily AI chatbots can spread or reinforce misinformation in far more serious contexts — like Grok's viral claim that the Charlie Kirk shooting was a hoax. As more people rely on AI tools as on-demand fact-checkers, especially during highly volatile events, these inaccuracies could be seen as a danger.