During warm-ups in a game between the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays, Marlins catcher Nick Fortes accidentally hit pitcher Ryan Weathers in the head with a throw, causing Weathers to fall but continue pitching in the game, which he struggled through.
Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera was mistakenly shot and killed by a fellow officer during an armed confrontation with a suspect; the investigation concluded her death was accidental friendly fire during a tactical operation, and she was mourned as a dedicated officer with a bright future.
Helldivers 2's new Democracy Space Station (DSS) feature has faced criticism due to bugs, particularly a friendly fire issue that wipes out players' teams. Arrowhead's community manager, Twinbeard, acknowledged the problems, attributing them to a decline in testing and communication during development. While fixes are promised, players are advised to avoid using DSS until resolved.
Helldivers 2's new Democracy Space Station has inadvertently caused a surge in player deaths due to its overly aggressive orbital bombardment feature. In response, developer Arrowhead Studios has temporarily provided players with extra lives and free shields to mitigate the issue while they assess a permanent solution. The DSS, intended as a strategic tool, has instead become a source of frustration, leading players to question its utility and call for caution in future contributions.
A Russian soldier claims that North Korean troops, sent to assist Russian forces in the Kursk region, accidentally fired on them, resulting in the deaths of Russian soldiers. The incident highlights the challenges of coordination between the allied forces, with reports suggesting North Korean troops may be poorly trained. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not confirmed the presence of North Korean soldiers, while Ukrainian intelligence alleges that up to 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed in the area.
An IDF investigation into the October 7 Hamas attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza reveals that at least 20 different military units operated without command, leading to chaos and potential friendly fire casualties. The findings, based on testimonies, documentation, and security footage, highlight the confusion and lack of coordination among the forces, with civilians and soldiers caught in the crossfire. The official report will be released soon, first to the community and bereaved families, then to the public.
The district attorney's office in Memphis has charged a 17-year-old suspect with 13 counts, including attempted first-degree murder, in the fatal shooting of Officer Joseph McKinney, but not with first-degree murder as evidence suggests McKinney was killed by friendly fire during a shootout. Another individual, Jaylen Lobley, was also killed in the incident, and the 17-year-old suspect remains in the hospital. The Memphis Police Department is mourning McKinney's death and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into the shooting, while the district attorney expressed concern over the release of Lobley despite arguments against it due to his danger to the community.
The Shelby County District Attorney's office revealed that evidence suggests the slain Memphis Police Department officer was killed by friendly fire during a shootout, leading to the decision not to pursue murder charges against a 17-year-old suspect involved. The 17-year-old, facing 13 felony counts, including attempted first-degree murder and assault against a first responder, may be prosecuted as an adult. While acknowledging the friendly fire, the DA's office emphasized the gravity of the teen's actions. The Memphis Police Department and its union expressed continued support for the fallen officer and emphasized the need to focus on the cause of the tragic incident.
Helldivers 2's success is partly due to its commitment to friendly fire, adding consequence and emergent gameplay to the chaotic experience. Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Johan Pilestedt has stated that friendly fire will "never change," as it is integral to the game's identity. The game's popularity and unique mechanics continue to draw players into its galactic war setting, despite some grumbling from those who find it challenging.
Helldivers 2's CEO reaffirms the game's commitment to friendly fire, stating that it "will never change" as turning it off would require turning off bullet damage against enemies as well. Despite efforts to reduce toxicity, team-killing is here to stay, and players are familiar with the risks of accidentally harming allies while fighting enemies in the game.
In Helldivers 2, the shift to a closer camera perspective heightens the vulnerability of players facing extraterrestrial threats, emphasizing the fragility of humans and the need for teamwork. The inclusion of friendly fire adds complexity and humor to the gameplay, fostering a sense of community and making every step in the galactic war more meaningful in this co-op experience.
The developers of Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Games, have explained that the decision to keep friendly fire always on in the game is rooted in creating a believable and consistent game world, adding complexity and intensity to gameplay, and injecting dark humor into the experience. They believe that turning off friendly fire would detract from what makes the game unique and engaging, as it forces players to think strategically and remain constantly vigilant during missions.
Helldivers 2 has seen a huge launch with millions of players on PlayStation 5 and PC, offering a brutal and unforgiving co-op experience that encourages players to work together. The game's difficulty and friendly fire mechanic contribute to its chaotic and often hilarious emergent gameplay. Arrowhead has released a new patch and upcoming premium Warbond, while also seeking the community's help in addressing player behavior issues. Despite its challenging nature, Helldivers 2 has become a surprise hit, topping the charts and reportedly selling around three million copies since its February launch.
Linkin Park announced the release of their first career-spanning greatest hits album, "Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000-2023)," set to be released on April 12 via Warner Records. The album includes hits like "In the End" and "Crawling," as well as rarities like "QWERTY," and features a previously-unreleased single, "Friendly Fire," recorded during the 2017 sessions for their seventh LP, One More Light. The album will be available on streaming as well as CD, cassette, and double vinyl, with various limited edition color vinyl variants and a Zoetrope picture disc.
Linkin Park announces their first career-spanning greatest hits album, "Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000-2023)," set to be released on April 12, featuring 20 songs including the never-before-released track "Friendly Fire" recorded during the sessions of their final studio album. The album also includes fan favorite "QWERTY" and a wide range of hits from the band's two-decade-plus career, with guitarist Brad Delson and member Mike Shinoda expressing their excitement about curating the tracklist.