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Disney Influencer Dominique Brown, 34, Dies from Allergic Reaction at Food Event
2024-12-08
Disney influencer Dominique Brown, a co-creator of Black Girl Disney merchandise, met a tragic end this week. At the young age of 34, she suffered a medical emergency during a food event in Los Angeles. Brown, an avid theme park enthusiast and collector, was attending a holiday food event hosted by BoxLunch when she is said to have had a severe allergic reaction to something she consumed. A People reporter present at the event witnessed Brown receiving CPR.

Remembering Dominique Brown, a Disney Community Light

Brown's Passion for Disney

Dominique Brown was not just any ordinary individual; she was deeply passionate about Disney. Her love for the magical world led her to create Black Girl Disney merchandise, which became a source of inspiration for many. She would often share her experiences at theme parks and her collection of Disney memorabilia with her followers. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she had a special place in the hearts of many in the Disney community.

Her dedication to Disney was evident in every aspect of her life. Whether it was through her social media posts or her interactions with fans, she always brought a sense of joy and wonder. Brown's influence extended beyond just the merchandise she created; she became a symbol of representation and empowerment for Black girls in the Disney community.

The Tragic Allergic Reaction

One fateful day, while attending the holiday food event hosted by BoxLunch, Brown's life took a tragic turn. She unknowingly ate something that triggered a severe allergic reaction. The details of what she ate remain unknown, but the impact was devastating. Brown, who had informed the hosts of her allergies, found herself in a life-threatening situation.

The sight of her receiving CPR was a heartbreaking moment for those present at the event. It served as a stark reminder of the importance of being aware of one's allergies and taking necessary precautions. Brown's family and friends were left in shock and grief as they witnessed this tragic event unfold.

BoxLunch's Response and Tributes

BoxLunch, the "curated gift and novelty store" that also provides meals to those in need, was deeply affected by Brown's death. In a statement on Saturday, the company expressed their condolences to her family and friends and pledged to do everything they could to support them during this difficult time.

Kicks at the Castle, a Disney-focused podcast, paid a heartfelt tribute to Brown, describing her as a "true bright light in the Disney community." Her brother, Patrick Ramos, also shared a message on Instagram, thanking "her social media fam for showing her so much love and light." He expressed his deep sorrow at losing his sister and best friend, highlighting her infectious smile that will be dearly missed.

Dominique Brown's life was cut short, but her impact on the Disney community will never be forgotten. She touched the lives of many with her passion, creativity, and kindness. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant about allergies and cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones.
If You're an Indiana Jones Fan, Check Out These Adventure Games
2024-12-08
After months of eager waiting, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has now made its debut on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a forthcoming release on PS5 early next year. Fans of Indiana Jones are thrilled to finally have a high-budget game to immerse themselves in. Indiana Jones has been a part of numerous games in the past, many of which left a bit to be desired. However, based on the reviews, his newest adventure stands out by a wide margin.

Uncover the Best Games for Indiana Jones Fans

Uncharted

In Uncharted 4, the final game of the Uncharted quadrilogy by Naughty Dog, Nathan Drake makes a daring leap into the back of a jeep. This globe-trotting adventure series allows you to step into the shoes of Nathan Drake, a world-class adventurer who seems like Indy's long-lost son. The entire quadrilogy is readily available at a very affordable price on PlayStation. There's no reason not to jump in and experience the excitement for yourself.Uncharted isn't your typical archaeologist-driven game, but if you're seeking adventure, mystery, and treasure hunting, it's the perfect choice. It takes you on a thrilling journey around the world, filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Tomb Raider

Lara Croft leaps over a cliff in front of a large, overgrown temple in Rise of the Tomb Raider by Crystal Dynamics. People often compare Uncharted to a Tomb Raider rip-off, but why not go straight to the source? Lara Croft is not only a treasure hunter and a globe-trotter but also an archaeologist, just like Indy. The modern Tomb Raider trilogy, including 2013's Tomb Raider and its sequels, Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, is truly remarkable. It's available on almost every platform except the Switch and can often be purchased for just a few dollars.This trilogy offers a similar sense of adventure and exploration as Indiana Jones, with Lara Croft facing various challenges and uncovering hidden treasures.

Phantom Abyss

Phantom Abyss is one of the more recent additions to the list. It was released in full in January 2024 after a lengthy early access period on Steam. In this first-person action adventure game, you play as Indy himself, running through trap-protected temples while wielding a whip in hand. It's a fast-paced and extremely fun experience, and it stands out as one of the best games on Steam.The game's attention to detail and the sense of being in the shoes of Indiana Jones make it a must-play for fans.

Broken Sword

In Broken Sword, you play as George Stobbart, a patent officer and bail bondsman who finds himself in wild situations all over the world. The game is packed with adventure, ancient temples, and numerous riddles to solve. It's not your typical Indiana Jones game, but it definitely fits the bill when it comes to providing an exciting and immersive experience.George Stobbart's journey takes him to different corners of the world, encountering various obstacles and mysteries along the way.

Wolfenstein

BJ Blazkowicz stands atop a mountain of Nazi helmets in the key art for Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus by MachineGames / Bethesda. If you love the part of Indiana Jones where he takes down Nazis, then the Wolfenstein series is for you. Particularly MachineGames' modern series, it's a first-person shooter that also doubles as a brilliant action-adventure game. BJ Blazkowicz is a fantastic protagonist who, like Indy, has a talent for taking out Nazis. You'll find yourself engaged in intense battles throughout The New Order and The New Colossus.MachineGames even went on to develop Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and you can see the shared DNA between the games, making it a natural starting point for those looking forward to the latest Indy game.

Escape Academy

Solving mysteries and escaping from dangerous situations are two of Indy's specialties, and Escape Academy allows you to enhance your skills in these areas. This indie co-op game is essentially a series of themed escape rooms that test your puzzle-solving and teamwork skills. You'll feel like an Indy-in-training as you work together with friends or partners to overcome the challenges.It's a great little experience that offers a unique and engaging gameplay.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Okay, hear me out. On the surface, Tears of the Kingdom may not seem like it fits the Indiana Jones mold. It's a fantasy world with goblins, magic spells, and time travel, which don't seem to align with the Indy vibe. But think about it. Travelling the world, solving puzzles in shrines, and diving into temples to extract magical relics - that's where the similarity lies. It might be a bit of a stretch compared to some other games on the list, but sometimes it's all about the feeling, and Tears of the Kingdom has that special something.The game offers a diverse and immersive world that keeps you engaged as you explore and uncover its secrets.

Crash Bandicoot

In some levels of the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy, you'll have to run through tricky courses while avoiding a giant boulder. While it's hard to say for sure if these levels were directly inspired by Indiana Jones, given that the first level with this gimmick specifically references Raiders of the Lost Ark, it's likely that there's a connection.Crash Bandicoot's adventures take you on a wild ride through different themed stages, adding an element of excitement and challenge to the gameplay.
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Diablo 4's General Manager Disdains "Ready When Ready" Phrase
2024-12-06
Blizzard Entertainment has long been renowned for its stance of not setting release dates for games. In the early 2000s, when asked about upcoming titles like World of Warcraft, the Blizzard staff would consistently reply with "It’ll be ready when it’s ready." This philosophy emphasized the importance of quality over time. Legend has it that this mantra dates back to the first Diablo, which was supposed to be released for Christmas 1996 but came out in January 1997 due to a last-minute delay. Despite missing the holiday sales window, Diablo was acclaimed and sold well, proving the old game industry maxim that a delayed game is eventually good, but a bad game is bad forever.

Rod Fergusson's Disagreement

Rod Fergusson, the general manager of the Diablo franchise and a senior leader at Blizzard, has a different perspective. During a recent video interview, when asked about the 15-month gap between the release of the base Diablo 4 and the Vessel of Hatred expansion, he expressed his dislike for the "it’ll be ready when it’s ready" phrase. He recalled that when he first joined Blizzard and saw a slide with this phrase, he immediately demanded its removal. Fergusson believes in the power of schedules and deadlines and objects to the passive "ready when it’s ready" thinking on a philosophical level.He explained, "It takes the agency away from the team. Saying 'it’s ready when it’s ready' means the team doesn't have control over what they're building. You control the scope, the schedule, and a bunch of things. The idea that the game has to reveal itself with an unknown amount of content... It's frustrating." Fergusson prefers a more proactive approach, comparing it to growing a flower. He said, "I like to be like, 'Hey, we’re going to grow a flower that’s going to bloom at about this time, and we’re going to make sure that happens because we’re going to do all the right things to make sure it happens.' He emphasized that quality remains his top concern and that the team controls the time and quantity.Fergusson's reputation as a closer precedes his time at Blizzard. Before joining in 2020, he was known for saving troubled productions at Epic Games and Irrational Games. His love for Diablo brought him to Blizzard, where he used to set up three TVs in his house to play with his kids every Christmas. He shared an anecdote about his youngest child, who would spend an hour looking at vendors while they waited to play together.Despite his strong beliefs, Fergusson still didn't disclose when the next Diablo 4 expansion will be out. He believes in controlling the process and ensuring quality but leaves the specific timing up to the team's efforts.
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