The article provides a detailed overview of the New York Times' Strands puzzle, a word search game that challenges players to find a group of words with a common theme and a special "spangram" word that connects the theme words. The article explains how to play the game, including the use of hints and the need to be on the lookout for synonyms, homophones, and other surprises. It then provides the hints, spangram, and answers for the November 17th Strands puzzle, which revolves around the theme of landmarks. The summary highlights the key information about the game and the specific puzzle covered in the article.

In a Sydney classroom, year 5 students play a video game teaching cyber safety. The game, Dodgy or Not?, is updated in real time. Students vote on message authenticity. Educator Stacey Edmonds designed it with students. They learn to spot deepfakes and potential online hazards. Cyber safety education is crucial as scammers become more sophisticated, and students share their experiences. Australia loses billions to cybercrime each year.

"The Rise of the Golden Idol is a sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol. It's a point-and-click murder mystery game set in the 1970s. The clever system involves clicking to collect words and using them to solve puzzles. There are more layers with recurring characters and chapters. The game has tough puzzles but an improved hint system. It can be grotesque but is compelling. With 20 cases and 4 DLC packs coming, it's available on multiple platforms."

Supervive aims to be a 1000-hour game. It enters open beta on Steam this week. It combines MOBA and battle royale elements. Play solo or with friends. Hunters have unique abilities and fall into 5 categories. There's a 4v4 arena mode. Open beta starts Nov. 20 and is free-to-play with in-game purchases. Different from other battle royales with its top-down view and unique combat.

In the 1970s-80s, Space Port was a common video arcade at malls. It closed with home consoles. Now, Brian Nelson opened "Players Only Arcade" in Bristol with classic games from 1979-83. He collects them and they play old sounds. The arcade doesn't use quarters; it's time-based. Open Wed-Fri 5-9 pm, Sat-Sun 12-8 pm. (jmullane@couriertimes.com)

This article provides Friday's Quordle hints and answers. It explains how to play Quordle (guess 4 five-letter words in 9 attempts). Hints for today's words include a V-shaped indentation, a clothing brand and seat, traveling in a communal vehicle, and discovered. The answers are NOTCH, BENCH, BUSED, and FOUND. Check the blog for Sunday's hints.

Half-Life 2, one of the best games of all time, is now available for free on Steam until November 18th. Released in 2004, the game is considered a classic, with a Metacritic score of 96. It is the sequel to the original Half-Life and follows the story of research scientist Gordon Freeman as he fights to save the world from an alien invasion. The game is supported and "Verified" on the Steam Deck, making it a great option for those interested in experiencing this all-time great title. The main story can be completed in 13-15 hours, with completionists needing around 20 hours to experience all the game has to offer.

Andy Jimison from Worcester, a 1990s fan, loves video games. He opened Materia Games and now teams up with Jay Grey of Odd by Worcester brewery to open MallRats at @ the Common. It will feature classic games and sell games for different systems. The arcade is set to open in two weeks, creating a 90s atmosphere for customers.

Microsoft's Xbox division wasn't pressured to turn "Fallout" into a TV series. The adaptation on Amazon Prime Video worked due to passion. Phil Spencer and Jonah Nolan discussed its origin and gaming IP convergence. Nolan, a TV veteran, adapted the game deeply. He pursued Todd Howard and they hit it off. The show was a hit with Emmy nominations. Engaging with fans is important. Spencer also hinted at a "Halo" TV series. It's a collaborative process now.

The article discusses a lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania state court against several law firms, including DLA Piper, Ballard Spahr, Fisher Broyles, and Pierson Ferdinand. The lawsuit alleges that corporate partner John "Jay" Coogan, currently at Pierson Ferdinand, aided Rival Games LLC's co-founder Shawn Murnan in a scheme to divert investments and cryptocurrency token grants away from the company, to the detriment of Edo Cohen, the other co-founder. The lawsuit claims that Coogan helped Murnan revise the company's operating agreement without Cohen's knowledge and drafted documents that allowed Murnan to redirect millions in investment money and cryptocurrency token grants into his own companies.

Nintendo tracked a user via Reddit posts and console repair requests to identify a piracy case. The user 'Archbox' was linked to James Williams. Nintendo hired a firm and found his location. After a cease-and-desist, Williams' communication stopped, leading to a default judgment. This week, Nintendo also sued a player Jesse Keighin for pirating games and streaming them.

Avowed offers early access in a more expensive edition with a skin pack, art book, and soundtrack. It starts early on February 13. Many games do this. Developed by Obsidian, it'll release on Xbox and PC on February 18 and be on Game Pass. Game director said it's similar in length to The Outer Worlds with over 10 endings. Xbox boss Phil Spencer dislikes manipulative expansions and is open to more acquisitions and working on handheld prototypes.