Evening Reading – September 29, 2025

Good evening, Shacknews! It’s nighttime, which means it’s time for Evening Reading. Let’s officially close out our day of posting with a quick roundup of the latest stories and highlights from around the web.

### In Case You Missed It at Shacknews:

– **Hades 2 Review:** The ‘House’ always wins.
– **LEGO Party! Review:** A new kind of venue for family fun.
– **Ghost of Yotei Review:** May she who sets out on the path for vengeance dig six graves.
– **Shack Chat:** What was your favorite announcement from TGS 2025?
– **Nintendo Singapore Established:** A move to grow business in Southeast Asia.
– **What is a Leveraged Buyout?** What this means for Electronic Arts (EA) going forward.
– **Teemo Joins the 2XKO Roster:** Exciting roster news for competitive gaming fans.
– **Hearthstone: Across the Timeways:** Hits the Rewind button this November.
– **Silent Hill f:** Sold a million units in just one day!
– **EA Confirms $55 Billion Sale:** Deal involving Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake & Affinity Partners.

### Other Stuff From The Internet!!!

– **Your Daily Dose of Sudoku:** Nothing but lines, but plenty of fun to sharpen your mind.
– **Destiny 2 Players Are Dropping Off:** Players have had enough of the game—and some have had enough of the player base. Speaking of which, popular content creator Datto is taking a break. The Destiny 2 community can be extremely toxic at times.
– **Conspiracy Theories Are a Slippery Slope:** Sure, it’s fun to laugh about Bigfoot, but it’s a bit unsettling when someone you know believes the Earth is flat. This was quite a clickable title!
– **South Park Is Fantastic:** I need to rewatch the whole series—such a classic!
– **Legal Time!** I’d definitely recommend you pay attention to the legal stuff.
– **Mountain Climbing Seems Too Much To Me:** Too much risk, too much danger. Maybe not for everyone.
– **Check Out These Old School PC Games:** Bring back the big boxes and that nostalgic feeling!
– **SF2 Cheats Against the Player?!** I did not know this—what a wild discovery!

There you have it, Shacknews, your Evening Reading for tonight. If you enjoyed today’s roundup, please consider subscribing to **Shacknews Mercury** to support our site for as little as $1/month.

Don’t have a dollar? No worries! You don’t need one to check out **Shackmaps**. We’ve got a brilliant **Silksong** map to help you uncover every millimeter of that game.

Thanks for reading and have a great night!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146159/evening-reading-september-29-2025

Evening Reading – September 29, 2025

Good evening, Shacknews! It’s nighttime, which means it’s time for Evening Reading. Let’s officially close out our day of posting with a look at everything new and noteworthy.

### In Case You Missed It at Shacknews:

– **Hades 2 Review:** The ‘House’ always wins
– **LEGO Party! Review:** A new kind of venue
– **Ghost of Yotei Review:** May she who sets out on the path for vengeance dig six graves
– **Shack Chat:** What was your favorite announcement from TGS 2025?
– **Nintendo Singapore Established:** Growing business in Southeast Asia
– **What is a Leveraged Buyout and What Does it Mean for Electronic Arts (EA) Going Forward?**
– **Teemo Joins the 2XKO Roster**
– **Hearthstone: Across the Timeways:** Hits the Rewind button in November
– **Silent Hill f:** Sold a million units in one day
– **EA Confirms $55 Billion Sale to Saudi Arabia PIF, Silver Lake & Affinity Partners**

### And Now, Other Stuff From The Internet!

– **Your Daily Dose of Sudoku:** Nothing but lines today.
– **Destiny 2 Players Are Dropping Off:** Players have had enough of the game, and some have had enough of the player. Speaking of which, Datto is taking a break. The Destiny 2 community can be extremely toxic.
– **Conspiracy Theories Are a Slippery Slope:** It can be fun to laugh about Bigfoot, but then you look up at someone you know who believes the Earth is flat. This was quite a clickable title!
– **South Park Is Fantastic:** I need to rewatch the whole series.
– **Legal Time!** I’d definitely recommend you [insert recommended action].
– **Mountain Climbing Seems Too Much to Me:** Too much risk, too much danger.
– **Check Out These Old School PC Games:** Bring back big boxes!
– **SF2 Cheats Against the Player?!** I did not know this.

There you have it, Shacknews — your Evening Reading for tonight.

Please consider subscribing to Shacknews Mercury to support our site for as little as $1/month. Don’t have a dollar? You don’t need one to check out Shackmaps. We’ve got a brilliant Silksong map to help you uncover every millimeter of that game.

Thanks for reading, and have a great night!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146159/evening-reading-september-29-2025

Evening Reading – September 29, 2025

Good evening, Shacknews! It’s nighttime, which means it’s time for Evening Reading. Let’s officially close out our day of posting with a look at everything Shacknews has featured today.

### In Case You Missed It at Shacknews:

– **Hades 2 Review:** The ‘House’ always wins.
– **LEGO Party! Review:** A new kind of venue.
– **Ghost of Yotei Review:** May she who sets out on the path for vengeance dig six graves.
– **Shack Chat:** What was your favorite announcement from TGS 2025?
– **Nintendo Singapore Established:** A move to grow business in Southeast Asia.
– **What Is a Leveraged Buyout?** And what it means for Electronic Arts (EA) going forward.
– **Teemo Joins the 2XKO Roster.**
– **Hearthstone: Across the Timeways:** Hits the Rewind button in November.
– **Silent Hill f:** Sold a million units in one day.
– **EA Confirms $55 Billion Sale:** To Saudi Arabia PIF, Silver Lake & Affinity Partners.

### And Now… Other Stuff From The Internet!

– **Your Daily Dose of Sudoku:** Nothing but lines.
– **Destiny 2 Players Are Dropping Off:** Players have had enough of the game, and some have had enough of the player. Speaking of which, Datto is taking a break. The Destiny 2 community can be extremely toxic.
– **Conspiracy Theories Are a Slippery Slope:** It can be fun to laugh about Bigfoot, but then you look up at someone you know who believes the Earth is flat. This was quite a clickable title.
– **South Park is Fantastic:** I need to rewatch the whole series.
– **Legal Time!** I’d definitely recommend you…
– **Mountain Climbing Seems Too Much to Me:** Too much risk, too much danger.
– **Check Out These Old School PC Games:** Bring back big boxes!
– **SF2 Cheats Against the Player?!** I did not know this.

There you have it, Shacknews—your Evening Reading for tonight.

Please consider subscribing to **Shacknews Mercury** to support our site for as little as $1/month. Don’t have a dollar? You don’t need one to check out **Shackmaps**. We’ve got a brilliant **Silksong map** to help you uncover every millimeter of that game.

Thanks for reading, and have a great night!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146159/evening-reading-september-29-2025

Optus instructed to find ‘external party’ to review systems after triple-0 outages

Communications Minister Calls for Independent Review of Optus After Fatal Triple-0 Outages

Communications Minister Anika Wells has instructed Optus to bring in an “independent and external party” as part of efforts to prevent another fatal triple-0 outage. However, no specific details have been provided regarding what this independent review will entail.

The minister met with the heads of Optus and its Singaporean parent company, Singtel, in Sydney on Tuesday morning, nearly two weeks after a 13-hour outage on September 18 was linked to multiple deaths. During the outage, hundreds of people—primarily in South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory—were unable to reach emergency services when dialing triple-0.

Following the highly anticipated talks, Ms. Wells stated that she had urged the embattled telco to “find a way” to allow an external party to review their systems. She emphasized the importance of Australians gaining confidence from an external investigation and advice, rather than hearing only from Optus that the issues will be resolved.

Shortly after the minister’s media address, Optus chair John Arthur told reporters the company was committed to working with the government “to do whatever needs to be done,” but he was unable to provide specific details about the independent review. “We are always welcome to external perspectives and external views, and that remains the case here,” he said.

Over the weekend following the initial outage, a second failure left thousands of customers in the New South Wales town of Dapto unable to make emergency calls. Ms. Wells highlighted that having two outages “in short succession” has caused a “very serious lack of confidence” in Optus’s ability to deliver reliable triple-0 services.

She further revealed that she sought assurances from Optus chief executive Stephen Rue and Singtel’s chief Yuen Kuan Moon that corrective action would be taken. “No-one is shying away from the fact that Optus has not complied with their obligations to the Australian people and that is what needs to be fixed here,” Ms. Wells said. “I think Optus accepts that, that this is a compliance issue on their part.”

When asked whether Australians could be assured such incidents would not happen again now that the issue had been identified, Ms. Wells responded, “That’s a question that you should put to Optus, immediately.”

John Arthur reiterated that the cause of the initial outage was “process-related” and due to human error, rather than issues with money or investment. He added, “And in due course we will be talking about the extent of Singtel’s investment in Australia, which goes beyond Optus.”

### Optus Leadership and Accountability

Amid growing pressure on Optus to demonstrate its reliability, Singtel chief Yuen Kuan Moon was asked multiple times whether he fully supported Optus CEO Stephen Rue. Mr. Yuen stated that Mr. Rue was brought in almost a year ago specifically “to address issues” within Optus. “It is very early days, it takes time to transform a company,” he commented. “An initial investigation of the September 18 incident found that it was due to a people issue and it takes time to transform and change the people.”

Mr. Yuen also issued an apology to the friends and family of those whose deaths have been linked to the outage.

### Context and Ongoing Investigations

The recent triple-0 outages come just two years after a major Optus failure left thousands unable to call emergency services. In response, Optus was fined more than $12 million, and a comprehensive review was commissioned, resulting in numerous recommendations.

Australia’s communications watchdog has now launched an investigation into the September 18 incident, aiming to understand what went wrong and prevent such failures in the future.

*Optus chief Stephen Rue and Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon have been contacted for further comment.*
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-30/optus-anika-wells-meet-about-triple-0-outrages/105833276

Electronic Arts sold for whopping $55B, second-largest gaming acquisition ever

**Electronic Arts Acquired in Historic $55 Billion Leveraged Buyout**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 30, 2025, 01:24 AM*

Electronic Arts (EA), the renowned video game developer behind popular titles such as Madden NFL, Battlefield, and The Sims, is set to be acquired for an astounding $55 billion. This deal is poised to become the largest leveraged buyout in history, with a significant portion of the acquisition financed through debt.

### The Consortium Behind the Acquisition

The group of buyers includes Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners—led by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump.

### Deal Details: EA Going Private

If the acquisition proceeds as expected, EA’s 36-year tenure as a publicly traded company will come to an end. The game publisher will no longer be listed on the stock exchange.

The purchase price represents a substantial 25% premium over EA’s current market value, with shareholders receiving $210 per share.

EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, who has been at the helm since 2013, will retain his position following the acquisition. Additionally, the company’s headquarters will remain in Redwood City, California.

### Industry Context: Second Largest Gaming Acquisition in History

This acquisition will become the second-largest gaming purchase ever, trailing only Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the publisher of Call of Duty.

Microsoft’s deal faced intense regulatory scrutiny worldwide, with UK authorities warning that it might undermine competition. Approval was eventually granted only after Microsoft agreed to transfer cloud distribution rights for Activision’s console and PC titles to Ubisoft, the developer behind Assassin’s Creed.

### Market Influence: EA’s Role and Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Investments

EA has been a dominant force in the gaming industry for over four decades, producing some of the most successful game franchises in history. Its football game series alone has sold 325 million copies since its debut in 1993.

For Saudi Arabia, this acquisition represents a significant milestone in its broader efforts to expand its footprint in the gaming sector. The kingdom has previously invested in gaming companies like Niantic and has hosted major esports tournaments to bolster its presence.

### Industry Impact: Concerns Over Debt and Workforce

The buyers are expected to contribute $36 billion in equity, with the remaining amount financed through loans, primarily provided by JPMorgan Chase. Industry experts have expressed concern that the deal could saddle EA with approximately $20 billion in debt.

There are also worries about potential job cuts as private investors may push for increased cash flow to service this hefty debt. EA recently reduced its workforce by about 5% in 2024, followed by several hundred layoffs earlier this year.

### What’s Next? Timeline and Outlook

The deal is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2027, pending approval from EA shareholders.

Going private will grant EA the flexibility to restructure without the pressures and scrutiny that come with being publicly traded, where companies often focus on short-term quarterly results.

Despite its loyal fanbase, EA’s annual revenue has remained relatively flat over the last three fiscal years, fluctuating between $7.4 billion and $7.6 billion.

This acquisition marks a transformative chapter for EA and reflects the evolving landscape of the gaming industry and investment trends globally.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/video-game-maker-electronic-arts-acquired-for-55b/story

Bybit and Nexo Launch Tools to Fight $10B Scam Crisis

With nearly $10 billion lost to scams last year, major crypto platforms are stepping up efforts to protect users. Two of the biggest names, Bybit and Nexo, have each introduced new security tools aimed at mitigating the impact of fraud that continues to plague digital assets.

### Different Tactics, Same Goal

Bybit has focused on the problem of stolen funds flowing into its platform. Rather than waiting for legal action, it has created a private reporting line exclusively for its top-tier clients. This line provides direct access to the exchange’s internal security team. Cases are reviewed around the clock, and accounts can be restricted within hours to preserve evidence before involving the police.

Nexo, on the other hand, is attempting to stop scams at the point of transaction. Its upgraded Anti-Scam Engine operates quietly in the background, analyzing behavior across multiple blockchains. If suspicious activity is detected, clients are prompted to double-check before sending funds. In rare cases, the system can temporarily halt a transfer until it is reviewed.

Currently, Bybit’s reporting portal is reserved for VIP users but may expand to retail traders if testing proves successful. Nexo’s tool is already live on networks including Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, and Arbitrum, with Bitcoin, Solana, Tron, and XRP slated to follow.

### Pressure to Act

Both companies acknowledge that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, ranging from romance schemes to pig butchering campaigns that can drag on for months. Regulators have also increased pressure on exchanges to demonstrate their ability to prevent abuse before it results in billion-dollar losses.

David Zong of Bybit stated that the company aims to move faster than law enforcement can. Meanwhile, Elitsa Taskova of Nexo emphasized that protection should feel invisible until it’s needed. Despite differing philosophies, the message is clear: crypto platforms cannot afford to leave their users exposed.

*The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.*

**About the Author**
Alex is a reporter at Coindoo with over 8 years of experience in the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries. An experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast, Alex provides insightful and thought-provoking articles that break down complex topics into clear, accessible content. Follow his publications to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in digital assets.
https://coindoo.com/bybit-and-nexo-launch-tools-to-fight-10b-scam-crisis/

Mahindra Thar hits 3L sales mark in just 5 years

**Mahindra Thar Hits 3 Lakh Sales Mark in Just 5 Years**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 03:58 PM*

Mahindra’s iconic Indian SUV, the Thar, has achieved a significant milestone by crossing the 300,000 sales mark. This achievement comes just five years after the launch of its second-generation model in October 2020, underscoring the vehicle’s growing popularity and strong market presence.

### Market Impact: Five-Door Roxx Variant Drives Exponential Growth

A major factor behind this impressive growth is the five-door Thar Roxx variant, launched in September 2024. In just one year, the Roxx has sold 71,000 units and now accounts for nearly two-thirds of all Thar sales in the first five months of FY2026. Its family-friendly design has broadened the SUV’s appeal, attracting a wider customer base and positioning the Thar as a serious contender in the mass-market SUV segment.

### Sales Performance: Thar’s Contribution to Mahindra’s SUV Success

Since its second-generation launch, the Thar has contributed approximately 15% to Mahindra’s overall SUV sales. Between April and August 2025, it emerged as the company’s second best-selling model, trailing only behind the Scorpio twins. With recent price reductions driven by GST cuts—up to ₹1.33 lakh—and a facelifted three-door model in the pipeline, the Thar is poised to hit its next sales milestone even sooner.

### Engine Specifications and Appeal

The second-generation Thar’s three-door model has been celebrated for its blend of rugged off-road capability and daily usability, packed with modern features. Offering powerful diesel and turbo-petrol engines, it delivers superior power and torque figures compared to direct competitors. While this model has won over off-roading enthusiasts, it is the five-door Roxx variant that has truly transformed the brand’s overall sales trajectory.

Mahindra’s Thar continues to evolve, cementing its position as one of India’s most beloved SUVs and a key contributor to the company’s success story.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/mahindra-thar-reaches-3l-sales-mark-in-5-years/story

Taiwan Stock Market Due For Support On Monday

The Taiwan stock market has finished lower in three straight sessions, sinking more than 660 points, or 2.5 percent, during that span. The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) now sits just above the 25,580-point plateau, although it may find traction on Monday.

The global forecast for Asian markets is upbeat, buoyed by an improved outlook for interest rates. European and U.S. markets were up recently, and Asian bourses are expected to open similarly.

On Friday, the TSE finished sharply lower following losses in financial shares, technology stocks, and plastics companies. The index plummeted 443.53 points, or 1.70 percent, to close at 25,580.32 after trading between 25,469.04 and 25,998.28.

Among the active stocks:

– Cathay Financial dropped 0.91 percent
– Mega Financial edged up 0.12 percent
– First Financial sank 0.84 percent
– Fubon Financial dipped 0.16 percent
– E Sun Financial shed 0.45 percent
– Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company retreated 1.52 percent
– United Microelectronics Corporation rallied 1.24 percent
– Hon Hai Precision plunged 4.57 percent
– Largan Precision declined 1.28 percent
– Catcher Technology tumbled 1.60 percent
– MediaTek tanked 2.60 percent
– Delta Electronics plummeted 4.07 percent
– Novatek Microelectronics slumped 1.36 percent
– Formosa Plastics stumbled 1.29 percent
– Nan Ya Plastics crashed 3.18 percent
– Asia Cement rose 0.13 percent
– CTBC Financial remained unchanged

The lead from Wall Street is positive as major averages opened higher on Friday and spent most of the day in the green. The Dow jumped 299.97 points, or 0.65 percent, to finish at 46,247.29, while the NASDAQ advanced 99.37 points, or 0.44 percent, to close at 22,484.07. The S&P 500 gained 38.98 points, or 0.59 percent, ending at 6,643.70.

For the week, however, the NASDAQ slid 0.7 percent, the S&P 500 fell 0.3 percent, and the Dow dipped 0.2 percent.

The strength on Wall Street reflected a positive reaction to a closely watched Commerce Department report showing consumer prices rose in line with economist estimates in August. The data helped increase confidence that the Federal Reserve will continue lowering interest rates in the coming months.

Crude oil prices advanced on Friday as Russia restricted fuel exports by introducing a partial ban on diesel exports until the end of 2025. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for November delivery was up $0.59, or 0.91 percent, at $65.57 per barrel.

*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/taiwan-stock-market-due-support-monday

WeWork India to launch ₹3,000cr IPO on October 3

**WeWork India to Launch ₹3,000 Crore IPO on October 3**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 28, 2025, 03:12 PM*

WeWork India, a leading player in the co-working space sector, is gearing up to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on October 3, 2025. The issue size is estimated to be around ₹3,000 crore. According to the red herring prospectus (RHP), bidding for anchor investors will open for a day on October 1, with the IPO set to close on October 7.

### IPO Details

The upcoming IPO from WeWork India will be an Offer for Sale (OFS) featuring up to 4.63 crore equity shares. Embassy Buildcon LLP, a promoter group firm, and Ariel Way Tenant Ltd, a subsidiary of WeWork Global, will be selling their shares as part of this offering.

Since it is an OFS, WeWork India will not receive any proceeds from the listing itself. Instead, the offering provides an opportunity for existing shareholders to liquidate a part of their holdings.

### Company Profile

Established in 2017, WeWork India operates under an exclusive license of the ‘WeWork’ brand in India. The company is promoted by Bengaluru-based real estate major Embassy Group. Currently, Embassy Group holds approximately 76.21% stake in WeWork India, while WeWork Global owns 23.45%.

The company has a strong presence across major Tier-1 Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad, among others.

### Business Scale and Operations

WeWork India manages a substantial 77 lakh square feet of space, out of which around 70 lakh square feet is operational. The company offers a desk capacity exceeding 1.03 lakh and employs more than 500 people.

In January 2024, WeWork India raised ₹500 crore through a rights issue, primarily aimed at reducing debt and supporting its growth plans.

### Market Entry and Future Outlook

The upcoming IPO is expected to not only provide liquidity to existing shareholders but also enhance the company’s visibility in the market. WeWork India aims to create a public market for its shares in India and strengthen its position in the evolving co-working industry.

With the IPO set to close on October 7, WeWork India is likely to make its stock market debut around October 10, 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates on this much-anticipated market entry.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/everything-we-know-about-wework-india-s-ipo/story

1,869% rally in 5 years! Do you own this stock?

**1,869% Rally in 5 Years! Do You Own This Stock?**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 04:49 PM*

Cupid Limited has been making waves in the market, delivering stellar returns of over **244% in just six months** and an astounding **1,869% over five years**. This remarkable performance is expected to attract heightened interest in Monday’s trading session.

### What’s Driving Cupid Limited’s Growth?

The company’s Chairman and Managing Director, **Aditya Kumar Halwasiya**, recently announced that **Q2 FY26 is poised to be the best quarter in Cupid’s history**. This optimistic forecast is fueled by several key factors:

– New product launches
– Accelerating momentum in the FMCG vertical
– A strong pipeline of institutional orders

### Strong Financial Performance

Cupid Limited reported impressive financial results for the year, with a **total income of ₹203.18 crore** and a **net profit of ₹40.89 crore**. The company has also experienced rapid growth in its B2C FMCG segment, generating over **₹50 crore in revenue within just one year**.

This success is supported by a vast distribution network of **1.2 lakh retail outlets across India**, enabling strong consumer connect and an expanding market presence.

### A Strategic Shift Towards Wellness and Health-Tech

Halwasiya emphasized Cupid’s transformation from being primarily a contraceptive company to establishing itself as a leader in **consumer wellness and health-tech**.

He highlighted the company’s focus on:

– Sustainable growth
– Global expansion
– Innovation

while ensuring **personal care and preventive healthcare remain accessible to all**.

Cupid Limited’s strong fundamentals and visionary leadership position it well for continued growth and market success. Investors may want to keep a close watch on this evolving company.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/cupid-limited-to-report-best-ever-quarter-stock-up-244/story