Elden Ring Nightreign Duo Mode Delayed After Major Earthquake

A Major Earthquake and Its Unlikely Impact on Video Game Releases

Last night, a massive earthquake struck off the coast of Russia, making it one of the most powerful seismic events ever recorded. The quake measured an astonishing 8.8 on the Richter scale, causing widespread concern across several regions. While no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported so far, millions have been evacuated from coastal areas in Hawaii, California, and Japan due to fears of potential tsunamis. This event has had an unexpected ripple effect, even influencing the release schedule of a popular video game.

The earthquake's impact on the gaming world is particularly surprising given its scale. Despite the magnitude of the natural disaster, many might find it odd that a game patch could be delayed. However, the situation remains remarkably fortunate—so far, there have been no reports of loss of life or significant harm. Still, the threat of tsunamis looms large, with waves as high as 13 feet already affecting parts of Russia. In Japan, officials are warning that waves could reach up to 10 feet, prompting necessary evacuations.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the developers of Elden Ring, FromSoftware, have taken precautionary measures. They have left their offices and decided to cancel the planned release of Patch 1.02 for "ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN," which was set for July 31. The company issued a statement explaining that the decision was made due to the tsunami warnings following the earthquake near the Kamchatka Peninsula. The patch was scheduled to be distributed after 10:00 CEST / 1:00 PDT on July 31.

What Was in Store for the Patch?

Patch 1.02 was expected to introduce several new features, including the highly anticipated Duo Mode. This feature would allow players to team up in pairs, something fans had been requesting since the game's initial release. Originally, the game was designed for groups of three, which is an unusual setup for multiplayer gaming and more challenging to coordinate than just playing with a partner. The absence of a two-player mode felt even more peculiar given that solo play was an option.

Interestingly, a modder had already created an unofficial two-player option just two days after the game’s launch, proving that such a feature was feasible. At the time, FromSoftware acknowledged that the lack of duo support was an oversight during development. They had intended to balance the game for three-player gameplay, but this was supposed to change soon.

In addition to the Duo Mode, Patch 1.02 was also going to introduce a second group of more difficult Everdark Sovereign bosses. One of these, Maris “Augur” Fathom of Night, was set to be the first in this new wave of challenges.

What Comes Next?

As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding when the patch will be released. FromSoftware has chosen to prioritize safety over releasing a game update, a decision that makes sense given the current circumstances. Players around the world are advised to stay safe, follow evacuation orders, and focus on the more immediate concerns rather than worrying about video games for now.

For those interested in staying updated on the latest news, following social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can provide real-time updates on developments related to both the earthquake and the game industry.

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Floods and Landslides Disrupt Travel as Key Highways Reopen

Kathmandu, July 9 -- Continuous rain caused extensive flooding and landslides throughout Nepal on Wednesday morning, closing multiple major roads and leaving hundreds of vehicles stuck.

Key routes have seen traffic return, but officials caution that road safety issues remain because of unstable ground and ongoing rain.

In the Kavre district, the BP Highway was obstructed at several locations—Pingthali, Charsebesi, and Mangalatar—along the Bhakunde-Nepalthok route starting approximately at 1am on Wednesday.

As reported by Police Inspector Sunil Kumar Dhanzu from the District Traffic Police Office, vehicles traveling towards Sindhuli were halted at Kavrevanjyang, whereas those heading to Kathmandu from the other side were stopped at Mangalatar. The road is now clear, and two-way traffic has resumed, reducing the burden on both travelers and transporters.

In Palpa, a landslide close to Siddhababa Temple in ward 3 of Tinau Rural Municipality obstructed the Siddhartha Highway since early Wednesday. The mudslide, which took place approximately at 2am near the Dobhan head box area, included big rocks that complicated the clearing process.

By midday on Wednesday, the road was reopened for one-way traffic, although officials have warned that dangers still exist. As per the Palpa District Police Office, machinery from the Siddhababa Tunnel Project and the Road Division Office was deployed for the clearing process.

Although the area has reopened, the stretch between Charchare and Gaudepul is still very susceptible to issues caused by past landslides, raising worries among residents and those who use the road.

In Makawanpur, the Kanti Highway, which links Hetauda and Kathmandu, was blocked by a landslide near Gangate in the Thingan-Baguwa area around 5am on Wednesday.

Local residents and law enforcement utilized excavators to clear the wreckage, with traffic resuming by 10 a.m. Police Inspector Bidya Sagar Mehta from the Area Police Office in Thingan mentioned that vehicles that had been detained in Thingan and Baguwa were permitted to proceed once the road was cleared.

In Nawalparasi East, a part of the East-West Highway near Khursanikhola collapsed around 5:30am, stopping all vehicle movement. A truck became trapped in the affected area. By the afternoon, the road was filled to enable one-way traffic, as reported by Deputy Superintendent of Police Bir Dutta Pant from the District Police Office in Parasi.

Vehicles are being permitted to proceed one after another, with traffic officers present at the location and passenger buses given preference. Officials stated that hundreds of vehicles that had been stuck since morning started moving again around 12pm.

In the meantime, in Baglung, landslides caused by the rain on Tuesday evening have obstructed the Kaligandaki Corridor within Baglung Municipality-10. Basanta Pandey, an information officer at the District Police Office in Baglung, mentioned that ongoing rainfall has postponed the clearing operations.

In addition, in Myagdi, the road connecting Beni to Darbang and Muna was blocked because of several landslides in Malika Rural Municipality-6 and Beni Municipality-4. As per the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, rain gauge stations measured 110 mm of rainfall in Darbang and 77 mm in Muna between 6 am and 8 am on Wednesday.

Officials are still removing debris in the impacted regions, but they caution that more rain could cause further landslides. Travelers are encouraged to keep informed before starting extended trips.

Contributions from local reporters.

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Dramatic Rescue: Two Women Save Collapsed Teen on Tokyo Train

TOKYO -- Two women acted quickly and saved a teenager who collapsed on a Tokyo train on May 8.

On June 29, they were thanked by the Tokyo Fire Department for their actions, and awarded certificates.

Around 10:30 a.m., a teenage girl suddenly fell down inside a train after it left Musashi-Kosugi Station. The girl's heart had stopped, and she needed help quickly.

Airu Shiozaki, a 22-year-old university student, was on the train. She heard someone quietly ask for help. In high school and university, she learned how to help people in emergencies. Shiozaki quickly ran to the girl and began giving her air (artificial respiration).

Another passenger on the train, Megumi Saiki, 51, also stood up quickly to help. Saiki works at a hospital and learned how to help people whose hearts have stopped. Saiki began pushing on the girl's chest (chest compressions) right away.

Other people also helped. Some passengers covered the girl with clothes to give her privacy. Another passenger pushed the emergency button inside the train.

The train soon arrived at Jiyugaoka Station in Tokyo. Emergency workers took the girl to a hospital, and she survived.

On June 29, the Tokyo Fire Department gave awards to Shiozaki and Saiki for saving the teenager's life. Nine other people on the train who also helped received special awards.

Shiozaki remembered that her class taught her, "If someone acts quickly, the chance of saving the person goes up a lot. Everyone should try to help." She said these words gave her courage to help.

Saiki said, "One person can't do everything alone. But when many people work together, we can save someone's life."

The chief of the Tokyo Fire Department's Meguro Fire Station said, "It's important to know how to help in an emergency. Also, it's important to quickly call 119 for help."

(Japanese original by Yuka Asahina, Tokyo City News Department)

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