Ciara excitedly announced that she is expecting her fifth child and fourth with NFL superstar husband Russell Wilson. 

The 40-year-old songstress jumped to her main Instagram page on Sunday to share the big news while also unveiling her growing baby bump to her followers. 

The music artist and Wilson are already parents to Sienna, nine, Win, six, and Amora, two. Ciara also shares her eldest child Future Zahir, 12, with rapper Future from their previous relationship. 

Her latest post included a clip that began to pan over white shirts hanging from a clothesline outside underneath the warm sun. 

Ciara was then seen hanging a small onesie at the very end as the camera gave a glimpse at her baby bump. 

She wore a white tank top and a pair of low-waisted denim jeans while her locks were placed in curlers. 

The songstress songstress jumped to her main Instagram page on Sunday to share the big news; The couple seen in February in San Francisco 

Ciara then turned towards the camera while flashing a big smile and held up five fingers. 

Another slide showed the singer posing next to the clothesline with the four shirts displaying the names of her children. 

The onesie was left blank on the front as she held it up while posing for a lighthearted picture. 

Wilson also filmed himself strolling past the line of shirts as he approached his wife, and the pair cozied up together for the sweet selfie video. 

Ciara paused for more photos while standing outside in a spacious backyard and at one point, rested her hands on her stomach. 

In the caption of the Instagram carousel, the Level Up songstress penned: ‘One more person to Love.’ 

Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Ciara for comment, but has yet to hear back. 

Social media users and celebrities flocked to the comment section to offer their congratulations to Ciara and Wilson. 

 She unveiled her growing baby bump to her followers

The music artist and Wilson are already parents to Sienna, nine, Win, six, and Amora, two

Her latest post included a clip that began to pan over white shirts hanging from a clothesline outside underneath the warm sun

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Ciara then turned towards the camera while flashing a big smile and held up five fingers

She wore a white tank top and a pair of low-waisted denim jeans while her locks were placed in curlers

Another slide showed the singer posing next to the clothesline with the four shirts displaying the names of her children

Wilson also filmed himself strolling past the line of shirts as he approached his wife, and the pair cozied up together for the sweet selfie video

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In the caption of the Instagram carousel, the Level Up songstress penned: ‘One more person to Love’

La La Anthony wrote, ‘Another beautiful blessing!!! More to love!!! Making space over at Auntie La’s house. love my family. I’m just over here cheesing so hard. CINCO!!!’

Rapper Latto typed, ‘Congrats Ci,’ followed by a red heart emoji while comedian Jessie Woo added, ‘When God said to be fruitful and multiply, yall took that PERSONALLY!!! congratulations.’ 

Kehlani penned, ‘he was never playing a single game w u,’ and Nicole Scherzinger said, ‘Omggg congratulations.’ 

Singer Major Girl shared, ‘Congratulations..that’s a lil boy there…,’ while iHeartRadio added, ‘OMGGGGG SO EXCITED!!!’

Back in July, Wilson had expressed his hopes to welcome another baby with wife Ciara. 

The couple tied the knot in 2016 during a romantic ceremony at Peckforton Castle in England. 

‘We have four amazing kids and I’m trying to convince Ciara to have a fifth,’ the sports star told E! News. ‘Cinco, you got to be on the way soon.’

He added, ‘I want to have five, Ciara does too. We’ll see. Hopefully, I can convince her.’  

Social media users and celebrities flocked to the comment section to offer their congratulations to Ciara and Wilson

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‘We have four amazing kids and I’m trying to convince Ciara to have a fifth,’ the sports star told E! News. ‘Cinco, you got to be on the way soon’

Ciara has previously opened up about motherhood and balancing her entertainment career simultaneously, calling it ‘organized chaos.’ 

‘I am a big believer in having some kind of schedule, especially for kids,’ the singer told USA Today last year. 

‘Having them on sleep schedules and having order for them because they function so much better when they have an idea of what’s happening and what to expect, for the most part.’ 

The star added that when it comes to parenting, ‘there is no perfect way to do it.’

She later said having Wilson as a partner is ‘a blessing.’ 

‘We are tag teaming on how to make the world better for our kids,’ Ciara further told the outlet. 

Ciara has previously opened up about motherhood and balancing her entertainment career simultaneously, calling it ‘organized chaos’

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Back in June, Wilson announced his retirement from the NFL after a 14-year professional career

‘And from a love perspective, that actually brings us closer because you are kind of doing everything together, and that is kind of sweet.’ 

Back in June, Wilson announced his retirement from the NFL after a 14-year professional career. 

Ciara soon shared a sweet tribute to her husband on social media and wrote, ‘The best in the world! There’s only one, 3!

‘Always so proud of you! It’s a true blessing to go on this journey with you! My greatest inspiration! I love you so much!’

The devastated widow of the former Team USA triathlete and father-of-two who died after drowning while on vacation broke down in tears as she paid an emotional tribute to him at his funeral on Sunday.

Spencer Korwin, 38, of Manhattan, was vacationing on Shelter Island at the Pridwin Hotel with his wife when he disappeared during his morning swim and tragically drowned.

A heartbreaking funeral service took place at Temple Israel in New York City‘s Upper East Side on Sunday and his wife, Carly, sobbed through her moving tribute to her husband.

‘This is a nightmare. This is the worst day of my life. I can’t accept that this is real and that Spencer is not going to come home,’ she said.

‘Spencer was more than I could ever have dreamed of when it came to a husband, a father, and a friend. He was the best human I have ever met, and he was the love of my life.

‘We had the most beautiful and special once-in-a-lifetime type of love, and we knew it.

Carly Korwin paid an emotional tribute to her husband Spencer after he tragically drowned

He was a former member of Team USA, where he competed at the Triathlon World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand in 2012 

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‘We always said forever isn’t long enough. And I will never be able to make sense as to why this incredible life we built together, filled with happiness and so much love, was ripped away from us in an instant.’  

The couple began dating years after they graduated from Syracuse University. They share two daughters, Sadie, 4, and Colette, 1. 

‘He wrote me and the girls notes all the time and hung them around the apartment,’ Carly continued.

‘He was filled with surprises and hugs just because… he had automated texts set up twice a day just to remind me that he loves me, I’m a wonderful mom and wife. 

‘I know the girls will never stop missing him, and he will forever be their hero.’

Korwin entered the water at the hotel’s docks around 8am on Wednesday, police said. The waters were calm that day, but the currents can be strong due to the narrow passage it flows through, authorities said. 

‘However, these are open waters where tides, currents and boat traffic are always considerations,’ Shelter Island Police Chief James Read told The Times.  

Marine and air units were deployed, and Korwin’s body was found around 3pm underneath the docks at the hotel. His body was pulled onto a boat.

Korwin and his wife were staying at the Pridwin Hotel at the time of his drowning 

He went for a swim around 8am and his body was found under the docs around 3pm

Officials believe Korwin died from accidental drowning, but his official cause of death is pending the medical examiner’s report. 

The Syracuse University graduate was a member of Team USA in 2012, when he competed in the Triathlon World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand. 

He was sponsored by Gatorade for five years, his LinkedIn said.

Korwin opened a children’s outdoor summer camp in Southampton in 2020. A year later, he opened Korwin Health & Wellness, a company specializing in personal fitness and holistic health. 

He was also a trainer for SportsLab NYC in 2013.  

‘He was the sun around which so many of our lives orbited, and his loss is being felt deeply by everyone who knew and loved him,’ a family friend said in a GoFundMe set up to help his children. 

‘Spencer was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.’ 

The fundraiser has garnered just under $340,000 out of its $500,000 goal, as of Sunday night. 

Korwin was the second person to drown off Shelter Island this summer. On May 16, Timothy Magambo, a college student, drowned off Wades Beach.

He and a group were swimming to Shell Beach when he got separated and floated hundreds of yards away. 

Southold Police Captain Scott Latham told The Times that swimmers should not venture out too deeply into the water or where currents are strong. 

Lifeguards are typically on duty from 11am to 5pm.  

The FCDO is advising Brits against travel to parts of Indonesia following the volcanic eruption on Friday.

It says flights disruptions remain at Jakarta airports, Soekarno Hatto Airport and Halim Airport, which have been closed due to volcanic ash clouds.

It also says to avoid travellng to the following areas in Indonesia:

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province – to within 7km of the crater

Mount Sinabung, Karo Regency, North Sumatr – to within 5km of the crater

Mount Marapi, West Sumatra – to within 3km of the crater

Mount Semeru, Lumajang Regency, East Java – to within 5km of the crater and in the south-east of Mount Semura to within 500m from any riverbank of the Besuk Kobokan river for 13km from the crater

Mount Ruang, Northern Sulawesi – to within 7km of the crater

Mount Ibu, North Maluku Province – to within 7km of the crater

It warns travel insurance could be invalidated if you decide to travel against the FCDO’s advice.

It has been revealed The Celebrity Traitors will return on September 23 – after last year’s star Joe Marler leaked the date.

The former rugby star joined Richard Osman and Marina Hyde for a live edition of their The Rest Is Entertainment podcast at London’s Southbank Centre on Saturday.

Joe was offering his advice for this year’s contestants before he let slip the date the show will be back on screen.

Joe said: ‘What is it, September 23, the next series?’ as Richard confirmed: ‘By the way, to point out it’s absolutely embargoed that it starts on September 23… the cat’s out of the bag isn’t it?’

The BBC released the trailer for the hotly anticipated series last month, as host Claudia Winkleman left the star-studded line-up quivering in the teaser. 

Following Alan Carr’s win as a Traitor in last year’s series, this year’s celebrities include Maya Jama, James Blunt and Richard E Grant.

He joined Richard and Marina Hyde for a live edition of their The Rest Is Entertainment podcast at London’s Southbank Centre as he said ‘What is it, September 23, the next series?’

Richard explained he had spoken to some of the stars involved in this year’s series as he commented: ‘Sounds like it was quite intense,’ which Joe noted was very different to his series.

Joe said: ‘I believe it was a slightly different emotion than our experience. Ours was very laugh-led, and everyone was sort of enjoying catching up, you know, pratting about to the point where they went, “Guys, we’re trying to play a game.”

‘It’s not just for the laughs – “Oh, do you remember going to that party, darling?…”

‘Whereas this lot really want it from the start, and then I guess they see how well the first series has gone and there’s a little bit of pressure on them to be like: “Oh I’d quite like a bit of that.”

Maya and Jerry Hall are two of the biggest names leading this year’s cast as they join legendary actor Richard E Grant and comedian Romesh Ranganathan.

Also heading to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands are Michael Sheen, Miranda Hart, Ross Kemp, Bella Ramsey and James Blunt.

Comedians Rob Beckett, Joe Lycett, Joanne McNally and James Acaster will also join, alongside Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock.

The line up will be completed by mathematician Hannah Fry, broadcaster Amol Rajan, Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, prankster King Kenny, Industry star Myha’la, Heartstopper’s Sebastian Croft and My Mad Fat Diary’s Sharon Rooney.

Meanwhile the new series marks Claudia’s return to the BBC after she walked away from her chat show The Claudia Winkleman Show after just one series. 

In the new trailer the celebrities gather in the pews of an eerie church, as Claudia asks: ‘A moment of silence for the celebrities gathered today.’

Maya and Jerry Hall are two of the biggest names leading this year’s cast as they join legendary actor Richard E. Grant and comedian Romesh Ranganathan

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Claudia Winkleman left Maya Jama, James Blunt and Richard E Grant quivering in the chilling teaser

Michael Sheen and Maya Jama sit in the pews of an eerie church in the latest series’ trailer 

The camera then panned across a terrified Miranda Hart, Rob Beckett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Bella Ramsey, Ross Kemp and Sharon Rooney. 

‘Thoughts and prayers,’ said Claudia, before striding down the aisle as she added: ‘Who doesn’t love a dramatic exit.’ 

Funeral-style flowers can be seen behind Claudia, spelling out ‘RIP VIP’. 

Details about the new series are being kept secret, so it remains to be seen who Claudia will choose as her three Traitors.

With this line-up proving to be the starriest yet, it was previously reported that bosses were forced to double their £1million budget in a bid to cater to the A-List contestants’ demands.

In June, it was reported that producers of the show are ‘shocked’ by how the new series has unravelled after the original Traitors went on a ‘recruiting spree’.

A third of the 21 stars are said to end up as Traitors in a huge twist no one saw coming. 

Insiders say the tactics caused a ‘thrilling shift of power’ to take place in the game which reached new levels of backstabbing and betrayal. 

It is said to be completely different from the first series of the celebrity spin-off which saw Alan Carr and Cat Burns stick together as Traitors all the way through the series after Jonathan Ross got banished earlier on. 

The anti-migration party is set to win regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt

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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) looks set to win a strong victory in a regional election on Sunday, the first in its history.

But it was not immediately clear whether it would be able to fulfil its ambition of forming the country’s first far-right state government since the Second World War.

The party of German’s unpopular leader, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, was set for a disastrous result in the the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.

The anti-migration and Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany’s candidate for governor said that “we have written history”.

Ulrich Siegmund, 35, told public broadcaster ARD that voters had sent a signal that “things cannot carry on like this” and that it was “also a signal toward Berlin”.

Of Germany’s unpopular leader, he said: “A very good campaigner for us in this election campaign was Friedrich Merz. Every day this man is in the chancellery is one too many.”

The AfD went into the vote seeking an absolute majority in the state legislature to govern on its own. That would overcome the so-called firewall of mainstream parties’ refusal to work with AfD, but it was unclear after polls closed whether it would happen.

A first state government would be the biggest prize in the anti-migration party’s 13-year history, at a time of widespread discontent with a national government that has yet to persuade voters that it can get the country’s sluggish economy moving.

Whether or not AfD can form a government, the projected result is a blow to Mr Merz, whose centre-right party has led Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years. Unlike other countries in Europe, modern Germany has not yet had a far-right or right-wing populist party leading a national, state or major city government.

AfD is the biggest opposition party in Germany’s national parliament and is strongest in the formerly communist and less prosperous east, where Saxony-Anhalt is located.

Its regional branch in Saxony-Anhalt is one of several classified by the domestic intelligence agency as a proven right-wing extremist group. AfD vehemently rejects accusations of extremism.

Projections for ARD and ZDF public television, based on exit polls and early counting, put AfD at a little over 44% of the vote, more than double its showing five years ago in the region of 2.1 million people west of Berlin.

That was far ahead of Mr Merz’s Christian Democratic Union which was seen polling 18.5% and losing about half its support. The Left Party and the centre-left Social Democrats and Greens were seen taking around 9% each.

It was unclear whether the BSW party would get the 5% of the vote needed to win seats. The projections put AfD at least marginally short of an absolute majority, though that could change.

AfD’s national co-leader, Alice Weidel, described the projected result as “sensational” and said “we have received a very clear mandate to govern here”, The party’s “hand is outstretched to all who want to make Saxony-Anhalt better and move Germany forward”, she said.

A visibly disappointed incumbent governor, Sven Schulze, congratulated AfD on becoming the state’s strongest political force and said that “we as the CDU will also have to deal with this result,” without specifying how.

Franziska Hoppermann, the national general-secretary of Mr Merz’s party, rejected the idea of backing off its refusal to deal with AfD.

“AfD is a right-wing extremist party. It wants to leave the euro; that would be economic downfall … it works closely together with Russia, it wants a completely different social model,” she said. “We will not work with them.”

There already has been one case in which AfD won a state election but did not end up governing. That was two years ago in neighbouring Thuringia, where a CDU governor took power with a minority government, but against a regional AfD that was well short of a majority.

If the result allows Mr Schulze to try to put together some kind of alliance with smaller parties, that would be delicate, because it would require at least some tacit support from the Left Party, a hard-left party with which the CDU refuses to form coalitions.

Germany’s 16 states have extensive powers, for example in overseeing security matters and running the education system.

READ MORE: Ex-teacher dubbed Scotland’s Jimmy Savile ‘sexually abused by his alcoholic mum’

READ MORE: Huge fire in Glasgow’s Possilpark as ‘lies’ over use of flats by illegal immigrants blamed

Mr Siegmund has listed among his top priorities “a deportation offensive and above all dropping the incentives for why people come here and exploit our social system”.

He wants to initiate a long process to withdraw Saxony-Anhalt from the regional public broadcaster, citing concerns about “disinformation”.

AfD in Saxony-Anhalt wants to allow home schooling, which so far is not permitted in Germany.

It pledges to ban schools from officially raising the rainbow flag and ensure they fly the national flag. It opposes taxpayers’ money being “given away” to Ukraine and says it would push to lift sanctions against Russia, but that is not a matter state governments can decide.

State governments also sit in Germany’s upper house of parliament, which has to approve some government legislation. The influence there of Saxony-Anhalt, one of the smaller states in a nation of 83.5 people, is limited – it controls four of the 69 votes.

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Ghouls and ghosts are making a spine-tingling return from October 29 – 31 October, with tickets now available to book.

This year the seasonal spectacular is set in the sinister swamp monster of Irwell Vale. Visitors will find out if they have what it takes to join the Monster Squad and solve the mystery by making their way through the haunted Halloween walkthrough, which will include jump scares.

 More terror is waiting on the platform as fan favourites Vampire Brian and Veronica the witch will be there to prepare visitors with a song, a dance and probably a scream or two as they board the scream train.

ELR spooky Ghost Train back on track (Image: ELR)

The journey is set to be scarier than ever, with flickering lights, eerie sounds, creepy surprises… and perhaps a very unwelcome visitor on board.

Even the locomotive is in costume, wearing a Halloween Mask created by our friends at Mangostone.

 Chairman of the ELR Mike Kelly said:“Who doesn’t love a good scare? This Halloween, climb aboard our Heritage Steam Train for a spooktacular family adventure packed with creepy characters, gruesome surprises and plenty of Halloween fun!

 “Dress up in your favourite Halloween costume and join us for a fantastic family-friendly extravaganza. There’ll be plenty of surprises along the way, with some creepy creatures and mysterious goings-on guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.”

So, dust off those cobwebs, grab your costumes and get ready for a Halloween experience the whole family will enjoy. Book early to avoid disappointment.

The latest Hulton and Rumworth Partnership and Communities Together (PACT) meeting was held at St Andrew’s Church on Crescent Avenue.

A full house attended to mark the transition between Greater Manchester Police neighbourhood sergeants.

Sgt Oliver Cooper is leaving the ward beat after almost three years in the role and 13 years policing in Bolton.

His replacement will be Sgt Mike Dixon, who brings two decades of policing experience to the area.

The regular meeting to discuss issues that matter to residents provided the perfect opportunity for residents to “say goodbye to Sgt Cooper as he moves on to a new role outside of Bolton, and also say hello to Sgt Dixon who is taking over”.

The event attracted local councillors, members of the public, police officers and Police Community Support Officers.

Many of them paid tribute to Sgt Cooper’s service to the community.

One resident told the meeting: “We’ve had a long string of absolutely superb officers looking after our community, and we look forward to more of the same from Sgt Dixon.”

Officers from Hulton an Rumworth’s neighbourhood team. (Image: GMP)

Addressing residents, Sgt Cooper reflected on his time in the role and his long association with Bolton.

He said: “It’s been a brilliant nearly three years in this job and we’ve achieved a lot together.

“It feels a bit strange to be leaving Bolton after 13 years, but it’s fantastic to see such a great turnout this evening and to have the chance to say farewell properly.”

Sgt Dixon said he was looking forward to building on the work already being carried out in Hulton and Rumworth ward.

He said: “I hope to bring some different ideas to the role while continuing the brilliant work that’s already happening here.

“I have 20 years of policing experience and I’m looking forward to working closely with residents, partners and local officers in the months ahead.”

The meeting also included an update on neighbourhood policing activity and ongoing issues across both wards.

In Hulton ward, officers discussed concerns about incidents involving underage drinking and antisocial behaviour from children.

The meeting also heard about reports of e-bike related issues, with Sgt Cooper emphasising the importance of proactive policing.

In the ward of Rumworth, residents received an update on the Thornbank Estate, where fewer reports have been received following recent action.

Locals also heard about work taking place at a housing hub aimed at helping residents gain qualifications and integrate into the community.

Police said they were continuing to assist with closure orders targeting stores selling illicit goods after concerns were raised by residents.

Officers also reported that issues relating to drugs and anti-social behaviour had improved since June, although work remains ongoing.

Neighbourhood Watch representatives used the meeting to encourage residents to continue reporting suspicious activity.

Those at the meeting were told that community intelligence remains vital to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, with officers stressing that residents would “never be criticised” for reporting behaviour they believe to be suspicious.

The meeting concluded with thanks to Sgt Cooper for his service and a warm welcome to Sgt Dixon as he prepares to lead neighbourhood policing efforts in the area.

Operation Coronation was launched last May on the Thornbank Estate off Deane Road in Deane after repeated reports of drug crime and vulnerable people being exploited.

Police say that by working with Bolton Council and housing provider Be One Homes, they have cut crime by nearly 30 per cent and incidents by nearly half.

There were two closure orders for flats in the area that were linked to crimes and drugs, while another three were closed through tenancy action or voluntary surrender.

The Rusty Bike Cafe, on Black Horse Lane in Swainby, sits close to the Coast to Coast route as it passes through the western edge of the North York Moors.

The café has a 4.6-star Google rating from almost 500 reviews, while it is also rated 4.6 on TripAdvisor and ranks as Swainby’s number one coffee and tea spot on the site.

Its location makes it particularly useful to walkers tackling the Coast to Coast, but visitors say the welcome is as much of an attraction as the food.

One walker stopping there in August described it as a “perfect stop on the Coast to Coast”.

They praised the cakes, chai tea and warm atmosphere after encountering difficulties during their walk, adding that the owner had been particularly helpful.

Another recent customer called the café a “lovely surprise”, praising its dog-friendly welcome, sandwich and coffee.

The Rusty Bike Cafe, on Black Horse Lane in Swainby (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

Dogs appear to be regular customers too, with the café frequently praised by visitors travelling with pets.

Inside, the cycling theme is difficult to miss.

The café occupies premises with links to a former bike shop, and bicycles and cycling memorabilia remain part of the interior.

A visitor earlier this year highlighted those reminders of its history while praising its selection of meals, hot and cold drinks and cakes.

Other customers have singled out bacon paninis, cheese scones and sweet treats, while vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices are also offered.

Swainby itself adds to the attraction.

The village sits beneath the Cleveland Hills and is a popular starting point for walks into the surrounding countryside, with the Coast to Coast bringing a regular stream of long-distance hikers through the area.

That means The Rusty Bike can serve everyone from people out for a short Sunday walk to those several days into a journey across northern England.

There is indoor and outdoor seating as well as parking, giving visitors somewhere to stop regardless of whether they arrive on foot, by bicycle or by car.

The café is currently listed as opening from 10am until 4pm on Friday through Tuesday, with Wednesdays and Thursdays closed.

For tired walkers emerging from the Cleveland Hills, however, its cakes and warm welcome appear to be making it one of Swainby’s most welcome stopping points.

The Monday letters page thinks the PC version of GTA 6 will be out sooner rather than later, as one reader looks forward to the first Zelda movie trailer.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Spring release
I’ve seen a lot of talk this weekend of the idea that the PC version of GTA 6 will be out sooner rather than later. I don’t see any way it could be out this year, or they wouldn’t have mentioned, but it seems roughly six months is the time being thrown around, as the gap between the console and PC version.

That would make it somewhere around May, which is one of Rockstar Games’ favourite times of year to release new games. I looked up the quickest a PC version has been released, in modern times, which was GTA 4 in seven months. I think the longest was GTA 5, which for some reason took 19 months.

Even without these rumours I can’t see them taking that long again. The only thing that makes me think it might take longer than six months is when GTA Online 2, or whatever it’ll be, starts on console. They’ll want to make sure that’s okay for a few months before the PC version comes along. In fact, that’s probably one of the reasons there’s a delay.
Hammeriron

Business relationship
I hope Grand Theft Auto 6 offers game-changing moral choices. If I recall correctly, didn’t Grand Theft Auto 4 ask players to make a major choice with one mission? Niko had to choose between two targets, and depending on which decision you made the game’s plot branched in some way?

Also, I can’t help thinking back to the third game, which started with the silent protagonist being sold out by his girlfriend. In the forthcoming game, what if we get to turn Lucia against Jason, or the other way around? There’s no honour amongst thieves apparently.
Michael Veal

GC: It seems you can treat the Lucia and Jason relationship as purely business, which does seem to leave the option open for things to go sour.

Play Anywhere sometimes
So Xbox brings in 15 hours a month max cloud gaming for Game Pass Ultimate and only five hours for the basic subscription. But doesn’t that mean the Play Anywhere without a console on your phone, and deals with TV companies for streaming through the TV, will also be capped as cloud gaming?

Making yet another farce of Play Anywhere, they really don’t help themselves. I understand Nvidia and Google have brought in charges but when you are offering a service brought to a TV makes it pointless… madness.
TWO MACKS
PS: What would you that mean for the handheld devices they sell? Surely biggest own goal ever if charging for that on expensive handheld devices.

GC: There are no exceptions that we’re aware of. Their argument seems to be that very few people use it that much anyway.

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Next gen prep
The news from Microsoft the other day, about limiting the amount of hours we get to stream for free on the different account tiers, is clearly a hint towards what Microsoft is planning for next gen, isn’t it? The number that use the service at the moment are almost pointlessly small, certainly given Xbox’s current active userbase, so it’s not going to make any difference whatsoever to their balance sheet.

What it does allow Microsoft to do is normalise paying for cloud gaming access before they announce their next gen plans: presumably one standard style powerful console at £1,200 and one empty shell of a console with a controller and a tiny hard drive that only streams games for, oh, let’s say a silly fee of £99 or whatever.

This will be their way around the current component cost crisis and allows them to slowly manage consumer expectation around what they should expect from a streaming only future.
Matthew Hardcastle

GC: That seem a plausible scenario, but we’re not sure charging extra for cloud gaming is going to work out the way they think.

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Ticking clock
I’ve just bought my son a Samsung TV that lets you play Game Pass on it, without the need of a console. Does that mean from November, if he’s on the cheapest tier, he will get, say, five hours of play a month? Because if that is the case he won’t be getting Game Pass. If I’m paying for a service I want it available 24/7, after all that’s what I’m paying for.

I mean every time you fail a mission you won’t be moaning you have failed, you will be moaning you have got four hours left and it will take you 30 minutes to get back to where you were and you won’t be wanting to nip and get a drink or even go to the toilet because them times you’re not there will be using your allowance of play.

Xbox really haven’t thought this through. Phil Spencer got it wrong when he increased prices; this new boss has lowered prices by a few pound, took away day one on some games, and then said your on a timer when gaming. They really do love hurting themselves when they’re on the ropes. As for Game Pass thing, I’ll buy him a PlayStation 5 console for Xmas on Black Friday.
David

GC: Surely pressing pause stops the clock.

47 years, man and boy
I’ve wrote in before, and been a gamer since 1979-ish, when my dad came home with Pong. From then it’s been Pong to Atari to Spectrum. From Spectrum to Amiga (plus rubbish CD32 and Microcosm and Rise Of The Robots) to PS1. I’m now on a PS5 pro with an extra disc drive purchase. It’s fab.

It’s exactly how I imagined games to look when I was looking at Gunfright (Ultimate Play the Game and playing a cowboy. Now we have Red Dead Redemption 2 and all the other fabulous things like Black Flag, James Bond, Indiana Jones, to name my faves. Exactly what you wanted in games when you were an eight-year-old starting out in games.

It’s been a leap of Star Trek proportions. Graphics, production, sound, quality? Unimaginable when I was enthralled by my Amiga. The industry today is disappearing up its own behind, run by people who have no care, passion, or grace for the people who make the games and in the end, give them the profit they so desire. Yet they treat them like a piece of chewing gum on their shoe.

Only money and shareholders come into their thinking and it’s a shame for so many people who have invested in this hobby and pastime. What a waste. I spent nearly a grand almost two years ago to now be told that my console will be obsolete in two years?! I am 52 and not going any further with consoles, that’s it. PlayStation 6, 7, 8. Xbox Gonk or whatever, no thank you. Digital only? No thank you. I’ve now made sure every game that I buy is on disc. Thank you CeX.

I would also like to thank you Gamecentral because I have always, every day, read your pages. I trust your reviews and love your content. Please don’t stop.
Indiegaz (PSN ID)
PS: My kids have Nintendo Switches, that’s a different kettle of fish.
PPS: Since I was able to save up and buy a Spectrum magazine from Martins, that had a tape of Road Runner (Acme) on it, every game I have ever bought since then has been something I can have in my hand, right up to the new Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake. It’s sad that in a few years there will be no ownership of the games you work hard to pay for.

Equally authentic
So I just watched a video about Project Milo, I’d completely forgotten about that, but it got me thinking, with AI being so advanced nowadays would something like that be possible now and would there even be a market for it?

I’ve always seen AI being perfect for non-player character dialogue in games (never expected it to be used for artwork). I know everyone at GC is pretty anti-AI in games but what does everyone else think? And how would you use it if you was a developer?
P B

GC: Considering Project Milo was a complete scam we’re sure modern AI (which has more in common with autocorrect than true AI) would be able to replicate it very accurately.

Uncommon sense
I generally agree with Cranston’s assessment in their weekend feature, about next gen PlayStation and Xbox.

To embellish the points made, it would make sense moving forward if, ignoring Xbox as most people will, Sony releases a new console concept that ditches numerical branding to signal a necessary shift in how they approach new iterations.

Calling it PlayStation 6 can only mean more powerful, which makes them hostage to uncompetitive price points and, going with the territory as few will be able to afford it, no compelling games to justify owning one. This generation is bad enough. If they stay true to form, I predict now that after the console bombs there will not be a PlayStation 7, with Sony pulling out of the industry altogether.

The alternative is an inevitable digital-only device roughly as powerful as the PS5 Pro with a smaller, slicker form factor selling for less than or roughly the same as the current PlayStation 5. As component prices generally will be cheaper, this will offset the rising cost of RAM chips. As it will be entirely backwards compatible, the current crop of consoles will be discontinued.

It will sell on the basis of its design, a few low cost gimmicks and the fact you will not be able to buy a PlayStation 5. Eventually those who own a PlayStation 5 will need a replacement regardless.

This would provide developers with a long term perspective on game development, enabling them to work with current technology which, through experience, will mean they can reduce the time to make new software for it. If they have to adjust to another more powerful hardware, few will survive the transition.

It makes some sense for Sony to release a premium priced handheld that can play PlayStation 5 games, not to compete with Nintendo – which I do not think they can, given the latter’s low spec approach, experience and mobile friendly killer IP – that targets a niche market. Either that or something cheaper designed for playing indie software.

I do not recall whether Sony has stated that they are developing a ‘PlayStation 6’ or merely a next generation console. Either way, it cannot be assumed that the next one will necessarily be more powerful.

While a sensible approach to the many issues a next generation console raises, I have absolutely no faith in Sony pursuing this more sensible and sustainable route.
Ciara

GC: Sony hasn’t used the phrase PlayStation 6 themselves, but then they didn’t use the name PlayStation 5 until after the console had already been revealed.

Inbox also-rans
I love that when Nintendo do finally announce the Directs people want they schedule them one day after the other. Talk about fast and feast. I’d worry if Nintendo were ever normal though, I think being weird is just the price you pay for good games.
Benjy Dog

That 40th anniversary Zelda Direct is blatantly going to have the first trailer, or at least some clips, for the Zelda movie in it. Can’t wait to see it, but I’m very wary.
Onibee

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The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

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MORE: Games Inbox: Has Sony lost the trust of PS5 gamers?

A period of low pressure is moving towards the UK

As we ease further into September and get back into routine, it looks like the weather is likely to remain unsettled for the week ahead.

The Met Office is forecasting a mixture of sunshine, showers, and strong winds throughout Northern Ireland this week, with conditions starting to feel more autumnal.

The weather forecaster said the jet stream will remain active across the Atlantic over the next 10 days, helping to develop areas of low pressure and steer them towards the UK.

A period of low pressure is expected to move away from the UK during Wednesday, although it could remain windy for a time. A ridge of high pressure may then approach from the Atlantic, providing a short-lived drier interval.

Here is what you can expect from the weather in Northern Ireland this week:

Monday:

A dry bright start then cloud and showers spreading from the west, some heavy. Brightening up again later. Maximum temperature 18C.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:

Showery on Tuesday with strong westerly winds. Showers dying out on Wednesday with some sunny spells developing. Cloudy with rain on Thursday, brighter later.

UK long range weather forecast: Friday 11 September – Sunday 20 September

Changeable initially, with some dry interludes and relatively cool nights, interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers arriving from the west, perhaps accompanied by some strong winds at times too.

A trend toward some longer dry interludes between systems as we head toward mid-September, but at this stage a return of prolonged dry, settled weather looks unlikely. Temperatures will probably be close to average overall, though still with some relatively cool nights at times.

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