Netflix leaves fans distraught as it announces end of beloved series

Netflix users are abuzz with mixed emotions as they react to the recent announcement that the critically acclaimed animated series, “Disenchantment,” is coming to a close after five successful seasons. The news has sparked both outcry and relief among devoted viewers who have been engrossed in the show’s captivating world.

Created by Matt Groening, the mastermind behind “The Simpsons,” “Disenchantment” premiered in 2018 and instantly captured the hearts of its audience. The series centers around the adventurous escapades of a hard-drinking princess named Bean, accompanied by her loyal elf friend Elfo and mischievous personal demon, Luci. Together, they journey through the enchanting yet crumbling medieval kingdom of Dreamland, encountering an array of mystical creatures and embarking on thrilling adventures.

Over the course of four seasons, “Disenchantment” has amassed a dedicated fanbase who have eagerly followed the character’s development and immersed themselves in the rich storytelling. As Netflix recently unveiled a new trailer for the much-anticipated fifth season, fans were both delighted and heartbroken to learn that it would be the final chapter in this enthralling tale.

The show’s official Twitter account made the announcement with an enthusiastic declaration, inviting fans to brace themselves for the shocking conclusion: “HEAR YE! HEAR YE! THE FINAL SEASON OF DISENCHANTMENT IS AMONG US! Season Five premieres on 1 September, only on Netflix. Please enjoy our Final Teaser as we rally momentum for Bean’s shocking conclusion! More to come soon…”

Amidst the sea of responses on social media, fans expressed their love and appreciation for the show while lamenting its impending end. Some viewers fervently hoped for a revival on a different platform in the future, recognizing the potential for the series to continue captivating audiences beyond Netflix.

Others shared their desire for more seasons, expressing sadness that the story would be coming to a close soon. The emotional attachment to the characters and the fantastical world created by Matt Groening was palpable as one fan exclaimed, “Ooh y’all I’m gonna cry!”

Nevertheless, amidst the heartfelt goodbyes, a prevailing sentiment among fans was relief that “Disenchantment” would be given the opportunity to conclude its narrative in a natural and fulfilling manner. Many praised the decision, acknowledging that it has become increasingly rare for shows to have the chance to conclude their stories in today’s television landscape.

In this era of television, where abrupt cancellations have become all too common, fans expressed gratitude that the show’s creators would be able to bring their carefully crafted storylines to a satisfying close. As one viewer aptly remarked, “Glad Disenchantment will be able to finish its story. It’s been rarer and rarer for shows to do that these days,” with another concurring, “Sad it’s the final season but also very happy we are getting the ending the writers built towards and not canceled early like so many shows on Netflix.”

As the premiere date of the fifth and final season approaches, fans are bracing themselves for an epic and emotional conclusion to the beloved series. “Disenchantment” has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on its audience, and its legacy will be remembered fondly in the hearts of its devoted fans for years to come.

In Chrome, Google is extending Gemini and allowing it to perform tasks for you

Xbox Copilot from Microsoft is now available on Windows 11 PCs globally

After a five-year hiatus, Fortnite is back on the US App Store

A program is launched by Meta to promote the adoption of their Llama AI models by companies

Entertainment

Burnout in PlayStation Stars

by George Mensah 2025-05-22

Sony has announced it will wind down the current version of PlayStation Stars, its loyalty and rewards program launched in 2022. The initiative allowed PlayStation users to earn digital collectibles and points for completing in-game challenges, but it never gained the traction Sony hoped for.

Here’s what we know—and what might come next.

Why Is PlayStation Stars Ending?

In an official PlayStation Blog post, Grace Chen (VP of Network Advertising, Loyalty, and Licensed Merchandise) explained:

“Since launching the program, we’ve learned a lot from evaluating the types of activities our players respond best to… We have decided to refocus our efforts and will be winding down the current version of PlayStation Stars.”

Key Reasons Behind the Shutdown

🔹 Low Engagement – Despite offering digital collectibles, the program didn’t resonate strongly with players.
🔹 Shifting Industry Trends – Sony may be pivoting toward new reward structures (possibly integrating with PlayStation Plus).
🔹 No Blockchain/NFT Integration – Unlike competitors (Ubisoft Quartz, Square Enix’s NFT push), Sony avoided blockchain tech, which may have limited its appeal.

What Happens Now? Key Dates & Changes

📅 July 23, 2024 (10:59 AM ET)

Last day to earn rewards (points, collectibles, level-ups).
No new campaigns will be added after this date.

📅 November 2, 2026

Full shutdown of the current PlayStation Stars program.

What About Existing Points & Collectibles?

✔ Points can still be redeemed for PSN wallet funds or games (until November 2026).
✔ Digital collectibles remain viewable in the PlayStation App (but may not transfer to a future program).

What Were PlayStation Stars’ Digital Collectibles?

Unlike NFTs, these were purely cosmetic and non-tradable, including:
🎮 Iconic PlayStation characters (Kratos, Ratchet & Clank, Astro Bot)
🕹️ Nostalgic PlayStation hardware (PS1, PS2, PSP miniatures)
🏆 Limited-edition rewards tied to game milestones

Despite Sony’s initial hype, the collectibles lacked real utility, which may have contributed to the program’s decline.

What’s Next? Will PlayStation Stars Return?

Sony’s wording—“current version”—suggests a revamped loyalty program could arrive later. Possible directions:

🚀 Integration with PlayStation Plus – Exclusive perks for subscribers.
💎 NFT Experimentation? – Sony has filed blockchain patents, but Chen previously denied NFT plans.
🎯 More Gamified Rewards – Better incentives for trophy hunters & frequent players.

Final Thoughts: A Lesson in Gamified Loyalty Programs

PlayStation Stars had potential but ultimately failed to offer enough value to keep players engaged. Its shutdown reflects a broader trend—gamers want meaningful rewards, not just digital trinkets.

If Sony relaunches the program, expect deeper integration with PlayStation’s ecosystem and more tangible benefits.

Entertainment

Fortnite will return to iOS in the US, according to Epic

by George Mensah 2025-05-01

In a landmark decision, Epic Games has announced that Fortnite will return to the iOS App Store in the U.S. next week—ending a nearly five-year absence sparked by Apple’s infamous 2020 ban. This comes after a federal court ruled that Apple cannot charge commissions on purchases made outside its App Store, dealing a major blow to the tech giant’s lucrative 30% “Apple Tax.”

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney declared the move on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “major victory for developers and consumers” while extending an unexpected peace offer to Apple.

Why Was Fortnite Banned from iOS?

August 2020: Apple removed Fortnite after Epic introduced a direct payment system, bypassing Apple’s 30% in-app purchase (IAP) fee.
Legal Battle Ensued: Epic sued Apple, accusing it of anti-competitive practices—a case that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
2021 Ruling: A judge mostly sided with Apple but ordered it to allow external payment links—a ruling Apple resisted.
April 2025 Decision: A new court order blocks Apple from taking commissions on outside purchases, forcing a major policy shift.

Epic’s Bold “Peace Proposal” to Apple

Sweeney’s post included a surprising olive branch:

“If Apple extends the court’s friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we’ll return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic.”

This suggests Epic is willing to end its legal war—but only if Apple abandons its global App Store commission model.

What This Means for iPhone Users & Developers

Fortnite Returns to U.S. iPhones – Gamers can soon download it directly from the App Store (no sideloading required).
Alternative Payment Options – Developers may soon bypass Apple’s fees, leading to lower prices for consumers.
Potential Ripple Effect – If Apple complies globally, other apps (like Spotify, Netflix) could follow Epic’s lead.
EU vs. U.S. Differences – In Europe, Fortnite is already back via Epic’s own store (thanks to the Digital Markets Act), but U.S. users still rely on Apple’s ecosystem.

Will Apple Accept Epic’s Offer?

Apple’s Stance So Far: The company has fought fiercely to protect its App Store revenue (estimated at $24 billion annually).
Regulatory Pressure: With the EU’s DMA and now U.S. courts challenging its model, Apple may have no choice but to adapt.
Possible Compromise: Apple could reduce fees (as it did for small developers) or allow more payment freedom—but a full surrender seems unlikely.

Expert Insight: A Turning Point for App Stores?

As a tech policy analyst with a decade of experience covering Apple-Epic disputes, I believe this ruling could reshape mobile app economics:

✅ More Developer Revenue – If fees drop, indie devs keep more profits.
✅ Consumer Benefits – Cheaper subscriptions, in-game purchases.
✅ Increased Competition – Alternative app stores could rise.

But challenges remain:
❌ Apple’s Compliance – Will it find loopholes?
❌ Security Concerns – Will sideloading increase scams?
❌ Ongoing Legal Fights – Other lawsuits (like Spotify vs. Apple) loom.

What’s Next?

Next Week: Fortnite relaunches on iOS in the U.S.
2025 & Beyond: If Apple resists, expect more court battles—if it complies, the App Store monopoly may crumble.

Load More Posts