Imagine coming home for the holidays, excited to spend quality time with your loving partner, only to be dumped just before Thanksgiving? This is such a common occurrence for many daters, especially college-aged students, that there’s an actual name for it: the turkey drop.

What Is the ‘Turkey Drop’ Dating Trend?

The “Turkey drop” is basically just a festive term for a breakup that occurs during Thanksgiving time. Like most dating trends, we can thank Gen Z (okay, and perhaps Millennials, too) for this one—though it was a common dating phenomenon far before it had this catchy title. And unfortunately, it doesn’t just impact college kids. With Thanksgiving and the holiday season adding pressure on even the most mature couples, it often triggers serious discussions and reconsiderations, which in turn often lead to separations.

“I am very used to my phone lighting up at this time of year because of trends like ‘the turkey drop,’” says Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking. “The trend started with college freshmen. They head off to school still dating their high school sweetheart, then come home for Thanksgiving and realize they’re not the same person who left in August. So they end it before the pie comes out.”

Why Thanksgiving Is a Popular Breakup Holiday

Coming from experience, I’d say many couples feel overwhelmed and conflicted during the start of the holiday season, which is around Thanksgiving. Do you bring your partner home for turkey dinner with the fam, or are you not ready to take those next steps? Do you want to lock in for cuffing season, or does the thought of spending the winter snowed in together make your skin crawl? This season often triggers deep reflection, which can ultimately lead to breakups.

“The pressure is on; your auntie is asking if you are in a relationship, etc.,” Trombetti says. “Also, you are getting closer and closer to the new year. This is typically when many couples assess what they want for the future, and sometimes that means ending their current relationship.”

Additionally, for those away at college, they might return to their hometown lover with a new sense of identity and craving for freedom. Of course, they delay the breakup until Thanksgiving, which is typically the first chance they have to come home and talk in person. 

Signs You’re About to Be ‘Turkey Dropped’ by Your Partner

No one wants to be broken up with during the holidays (or really any time of the year). A common sign someone is planning to end a relationship is increased distance and decreased effort. For example, maybe they’re answering your texts less and less, or perhaps they’re not including you in their holiday plans.

“This is typically the busiest time of the year,” Trombetti says. “If they are not mentioning plans for the holiday season, it may be a red flag.”

If you suspect your partner might drop you this Turkey Day, you can usually avoid being blindsided and humiliated by having an open, honest conversation. 

“If you feel someone pulling away, that usually means something,” says Trombetti. “Trust your gut on this one. If they feel off, they probably are off.”

The post This Is Why So Many Couples Break Up Around Thanksgiving, According to a Relationship Expert appeared first on VICE.

“See you later, alligator” takes on a whole new meaning with this gator-themed console from Xbox. An homage to Florida, home to many of the behemoth creatures, the console is waiting for a lucky gamer to grab it – being mindful of the teeth, of course, which already have an Xbox controller balanced between them. 

Measuring five feet long from scaly snout to thrashing tail, the X-BITE looks so real that anyone unfamiliar with its origins could be forgiven for jumping on the phone to their local animal control. Gleaming green eyes, complete with X-shaped irises, peer out from the top of the shovel-shaped head, which is complete with two rows of bright white teeth. The Xbox controller perched between its jaws has tooth marks on it, perhaps evidence of an ill-advised fight on the part of the original owner attempting to keep it. 

In the video on the Xbox website, the X-BITE is perched on its own stand, lifting it up in the air so that its clawed feet are poised as if in mid-swim. Or mid-charge, depending on the point of view. The silhouette of an Xbox Series X is visible in its stomach, stretching the green scales into a rectangular shape, the amber glow of the power button visible even through the gator’s thick skin. 

Xbox Just Made a Giant Alligator-Shaped Series X Console, and You Can Win It for Free

Despite the fact that an alligator appeared to treat the console like an appetizer, the post on the Xbox news site makes it clear that the Xbox Series X within is entirely functional. All the player would need to do is press the button to turn it on. The alligator itself was crafted with care, designed by the same studio – John Nolan Studio – which is behind animatronics and other creatures for The Witcher. This unique console was built with a combination of 3D modeling and fabrication, along with sculpting. 

For anyone interested in combining their love for gaming with a perennial conversation starter, Xbox is offering the Xbox Series X-BITE for free, as part of an online contest. Here’s the catch (no pun intended) – there’s only one. Interested gamers have three options to enter, though, including X, Instagram, or TikTok. 

Whatever social media platform they choose, the directions are simple. After making sure to follow the @XBOX account, just share the sweepstakes post. Don’t forget to add the #XbiteSweepstakes hashtag to the post before it goes live. 

It’s also important to note that the winner has 48 hours to claim their prize. “Miss the window,” according to the Xbox post, “and this gator makes a clean getaway.” 

Built to play. Not to pet. Enter for a chance win!

Follow and repost with #XbiteSweepstakes for a chance to win the one-of-a-kind playable XBOX Series X-BITE.

No Purchase Necessary. US/DC/PR 18+. Ends on 11/10/26. Rules: https://t.co/tngcGpYvRR pic.twitter.com/rmumLc3rAH

— XBOX (@XBOX) November 3, 2026

The post Xbox Is Giving Away a Free Giant Alligator-Shaped Series X Console. Here’s How to Win It. appeared first on VICE.

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Halo Infinite is offering players a surprising content update that may tempt some gamers back into the most recent installment in the franchise for some exciting action.

Halo Infinite Adds 10 Maps This Week

Things have been quiet on the Halo Infinite beat for quite a while, but the game isn’t dead yet. A surprise update arrived this week and delivers 10 new multiplayer maps to the game.

All 10 new maps were part of the Halo Fest Forge Contest that took place earlier this year, and they’ve specifically been added to a Halo Fest Showcase playlist.

Here is a full list of all the new maps players can access after downloading the latest update:

• Abundance
• Bits and Pieces
• Cascade
• Eulogy
• Hierarch
• Sanctum
• Shade’s Promise
• Sluff
• Sojourn
• Unconveyed

Players can dive into CTF: Arena, King of the Hill: Arena, Oddball: Arena and Slayer: Arena modes if they want to see any of the new maps in action.

Xbox hasn’t announced the next official installment in the Halo franchise yet, but the reorganization did move development of the next project to Activision, which will be responsible for producing the next mainline game for the franchise.

The remaining Halo Studios team has been scaled down and the remaining members are now responsible for community support and multiplayer maintenance on existing games like Halo Infinite.

Leadership at Xbox is trying to develop games for the tentpole franchises more frequently, so it will be very interesting to see how long it takes for Activision to get a Halo title off the ground and how different that project might look from the previous games in the series.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Halo news and updates.

Halo Infinite is available now on PC and Xbox Series consoles.

The post Halo Infinite Gets A Big Content Update Five Years After Its Launch appeared first on VICE.

According to the internet, everything is a red flag now, from slow texters to grown men who own exactly one towel.

Some of these are personal preferences, and others are easily solved with a trip to Target. But there’s a big difference between dating someone with a few irritating habits and dating someone who makes you question yourself, your friendships, or whether you can trust them. Therapists and relationship researchers have identified some warning signs that point to bigger issues with respect, honesty, and control. Here are seven to watch for.

1. Everything Happens Way Too Fast

Two weeks into dating someone, you’re still figuring out if you even like their friends. They’re already making plans for your first anniversary. That much enthusiasm can be flattering, but when the affection comes with pressure to commit, you could be dealing with love bombing.

A University of Arkansas study of 484 college students associated love-bombing behaviors with narcissistic tendencies, insecure attachment, and lower self-esteem. There’s nothing wrong with getting excited about someone new, but it’s concerning when all that affection comes with pressure to commit before you’re ready.

2. You’re Always the Butt of the Joke

A little teasing is normal. But when someone regularly makes fun of your appearance, career, or intelligence in front of other people, then tells you to lighten up when you get upset, it’s hard to see what’s so funny. Psychologist John Gottman’s research identified contempt, including mockery and ridicule, as one of the strongest predictors of divorce among married couples.

3. They Use Silence Against You

There’s nothing wrong with needing some space after an argument. Sometimes you need a few hours before you can talk without saying something you’ll regret. But ignoring your partner for days until they give in or apologize is another matter. 

Gottman calls withdrawing from conflict stonewalling, though it can also happen when someone feels overwhelmed, with no intention of punishing their partner.

4. Every Ex Was Apparently Crazy

One terrible ex? Understandable. Five terrible exes, all supposedly responsible for everything that went wrong? You have to wonder if this person has ever admitted to making a mistake. Relationships are rarely that one-sided, and someone who can’t acknowledge their own mistakes might have a hard time admitting when they’ve hurt you, too.

5. Your Friends Barely See You Anymore

Your partner gets irritated whenever you make plans without them, and seeing your friends starts coming with an argument you don’t feel like having. You find yourself turning down invitations just to avoid another fight. Isolation from friends and family is a recognized warning sign of controlling or abusive behavior, especially when your partner is the reason those relationships are suffering.

6. You’re Starting to Question Your Own Memory

It’s normal for two people to remember an argument differently. But when your partner repeatedly insists something never happened, denies saying things you distinctly remember, or accuses you of imagining everything, you can start questioning your own memory. If they’re deliberately trying to make you doubt yourself, that could be gaslighting.

7. They’re Awful to Service Workers

A guy can spend the entire date being charming, but the second he snaps at a server over something stupid, that charm goes right out the window. There’s no excuse for treating someone like crap because they’re bringing you dinner. And if he’s comfortable being that rude to a stranger right in front of you, imagine how he handles things when he’s pissed off at someone he knows.

So What Now?

People screw up in relationships. They say stupid things, lose their tempers, and make mistakes. But if you’ve had the same conversation about the same hurtful behavior 15 times and nothing has changed, there’s only so much you can blame on a bad day.

Therapist Adrienne Michelle told Cosmopolitan that positive qualities don’t excuse behavior involving control, dishonesty, or disrespect. If you’re frightened of your partner or feel controlled, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support at 800-799-7233.

As for the guy with one towel, he can probably stay. Somebody just needs to take him shopping.

The post 7 Major Red Flags in a Relationship You Should Never Ignore, According to Experts appeared first on VICE.

There’s something attractive about a guy who barely uses social media. A guy who has absolutely no online presence, though? That’s how you end up on a true crime podcast.

A new survey from ReverseLookup asked 8,800 women across the U.S., U.K., EU, and Latin America about men they’d recently dated or flirted with online. Sixty-seven percent preferred guys who hardly post on social media over the ones documenting every meal, workout, and minor inconvenience.

But there’s a difference between a man who stays off Instagram and one who seems to have materialized out of nowhere.

When researchers showed women dating profiles with different levels of online activity, 72% felt comfortable meeting a guy with an old or mostly private account that had some boring, normal history. That fell to 49% for men with highly active public profiles and just 38% for those with virtually no online presence outside the dating app.

So the guy posting gym selfies every morning isn’t doing himself any favors. According to the survey, a mostly abandoned Facebook page with birthday messages from his aunt and a profile picture from 2019 is a better look.

Women Are Paying Attention to This One Thing Before Agreeing to a Date

A dating profile only tells you so much, and some women aren’t taking a stranger’s word for it. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed had searched for a man online before meeting him. His name, phone number, photos, and job were all fair game. For 41%, a lack of verifiable information had been enough to delay or reconsider a date.

ReverseLookup, for the record, is a people-search company that benefits when people investigate strangers online. Its survey also focused specifically on women who’d recently interacted with men through online dating, so these findings don’t necessarily reflect what women everywhere want.

The results did reveal an interesting contradiction. Sixty percent of respondents wanted less of their own information searchable online, yet nearly half of those women were uncomfortable dating someone who was equally difficult to find.

It’s understandable, though. A woman knows why she’s keeping her own life private. She doesn’t know why a stranger has no photos, no old accounts, and nothing that confirms the details he’s given her.

Of course, having an online presence doesn’t mean someone is trustworthy. There are creeps with perfectly respectable LinkedIn profiles, too. But when you’re meeting a stranger, you work with whatever information you can find.

The post Men Who Do Less of This Have Better Luck Dating, According to a New Survey appeared first on VICE.

November is officially here and Xbox is ready to share the additions that are coming to Xbox Game Pass early this month with the latest wave of titles.

Every Title in Xbox Game Pass November Drop

The next big wave of Xbox Game Pass additions has officially been revealed and, although it’s a long list, there aren’t as many blockbusters, day ones, or exclusives to make the first November wave terribly exciting.

Sports fans may be happy to find Football Manager 27 on the list and there are a few titles that had previously been limited to Ultimate subscribers that are making their way to the Premium tier, as well.

Warhammer Survivors could be an interesting addition and the 1.0 release of Void/Breaker could potentially appeal to fans of roguelites.

Here is the full list of additions…

• Football Manager 27 (PC)
  • Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Pit of Goblin (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC)
  • Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
• Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – November 4
  • Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
• Void/Breaker (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – November 4
  • Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
• Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – November 5
  • Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Firefighting Simulator: Ignite (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – November 5
  • Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass
• MySims Cozy Bundle (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 5
  • Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Football Manager 2027 Console (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – November 10
  • Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Warhammer Survivors (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – November 10
  • Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Tanuki: Pon’s Summer (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 10
  • Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Hope in the City (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – November 11
  • Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Thronefall (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – November 11
  • Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
• John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – November 12
  • Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
• Aphelion (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – November 17
  • Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Paw Patrol: Dino World (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 17
  • Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Additionally, Game Pass Essential subscribers will find the following additional titles in the Essentials library beginning November 15:

• Banjo Kazooie (Cloud and Console)
• Banjo Tooie (Cloud and Console)
• Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (Cloud and Console)
• Gears of War: Judgement (Cloud and Console)
• Halo: Spartan Assault (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Perfect Dark (Cloud and Console)
• Viva Piñata (Cloud and Console)
• Viva Piñata: TIP (Cloud and Console)

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Xbox Game Pass news and updates.

The post Xbox Game Pass Reveals Huge List of Titles Arriving in Early November appeared first on VICE.

Former Xbox COO and Minecraft executive Helen Chiang has responded to reports about her departure from Microsoft, disputing claims that she was fired for violating company policy. In a public statement, the executive pushed back on speculation about her exit and raised concerns about how her situation was handled.

Former Xbox COO Helen Chiang Disputes Policy Violation Claim

Following her recent departure from Microsoft, Helen Chiang has responded to claims that Xbox fired her in a post on LinkedIn titled “Clarity is Kindness.” The former Xbox chief operating officer directly challenged the claim that a policy violation led to her exit of the company.

“There has been some speculation about my abrupt departure from Microsoft, including claims that I was ‘fired for a policy violation’. That’s not accurate and while I won’t turn this into a play-by-play, silence should not be mistaken for agreement. What has been said about my departure, and what has been left unsaid, has created a picture of me that I hardly recognize. It’s important to me to set the record straight.”

For context, Eurogamer previously reported that a source familiar with the situation alleged Chiang had been dismissed over policy violations. However, the outlet explicitly stated that it had not independently verified that allegation. The claim was subsequently covered by other publications, including Windows Central.

In her response, the former Minecraft executive specifically denied leaking confidential information or leaving to work for a competitor. She also denied engaging in discrimination, bullying, harassment, insider trading, embezzlement, or other fraudulent activity.

“I stand by my record: both the results I delivered and the way I have treated people throughout my career. I won’t let speculation define my character or erase that record,” she wrote.

Helen Chiang Says She Intended to Stay at Xbox

According to Chiang, she had wanted to continue her career at Xbox. Addressing speculation that she had left for another company, the former executive emphasized her connection to the business.

“You don’t spend two decades somewhere without developing a deep loyalty to the people, teams, and businesses you’ve helped build. XBOX was never just another stop in my career. My end game was always to keep building here.”

Chiang also rejected suggestions that she had left because she was passed over for a larger role. She said she had not actively pursued greater responsibilities and had been promoted into the COO position in July without requesting it.

“I went where the company believed I was needed and where I could have the greatest impact. I did not ask for my most recent role, either and was promoted into it in July,” she explained. Her departure came just months after that promotion. Before becoming Xbox’s first chief operating officer, Chiang had spent more than two decades at Microsoft, with her previous responsibilities including leadership of Mojang and the Minecraft business.

While Chiang did not disclose the specific reason for her exit, she questioned whether standards of fairness and accountability had been applied consistently in her case. “I have serious concerns about how they were applied in my case, and I believe those concerns deserve to be taken seriously,” she wrote.

For now, the circumstances surrounding her departure remain unresolved publicly. Her statement disputes the reported policy violation explanation, but does not provide a full account of what happened. After thanking those who had contacted her with support, Chiang closed with a final message: “This is not how I ever imagined my story here would end. And it is not the whole story.”

The post Former Xbox and Minecraft Executive Responds to Reports She Was Fired by Microsoft appeared first on VICE.

Come November, once Halloween passes and the holidays approach, many singles start taking their dating lives more seriously. With the weather cooling and cuffing season in full swing, some attempt to tie down their current situationships or talking stages, while others go out on the prowl for a more serious connection. Experts call this pattern of behavior the “November Theory.”

With November just around the corner, you might want to familiarize yourself with the concept, so you’re ready for whatever romantic twists this month throws at you.

What Is the November Theory in Dating?

The November Theory essentially positions November as a month when romantic relationships are either dropped or deepened. Many believe Thanksgiving (and the holiday season in general) adds pressure that urges most couples to reflect. In other words, you either choose to strengthen your commitment or jump ship.

“The November Theory in dating has been a relationship ‘test’ of sorts that people have been talking about for years,” says Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking. “The idea is that November kicks off the holiday season, and the holiday season makes or breaks a couple. You are asking yourself questions like, ‘Should I bring this person home to meet the family? Did my family like them? Do I want to start the new year with this person?’”

Oftentimes, romance and relationships are at the forefront of our minds during November. Everything feels more romantic when the temperature cools and the holidays are looming. Even the most jaded of lovers crave cuddles on the couch with steaming mugs of hot chocolate and walks downtown in fresh snow, admiring the holiday lights.

“This is the height of cuffing season,” says Trombetti. “People want to cozy up by the fire, have cute holiday dates with someone, etc., which leads people to think more about their love life.”

And, of course, you might have Mom or Grandma in your ear, asking whether you’ll be showing up alone—yet again—to Thanksgiving dinner. It’s merely impossible to avoid talk of romance and dating during “the most wonderful time of the year,” which arguably starts during November.

“People like having someone to bring home for the holidays,” Trombetti says. “That way you do not get any nosy questions from your aunt on who you are seeing.”

How to Work With the November Theory

The November Theory is a great time to pause and reflect on your romantic life: Are you happy in your current connection? Would you feel good about bringing them home to your family? Or are you realizing you’re not as interested as you were during summertime or spooky season, now that the stakes are higher?

And if you’re single: Are you seeking companionship? Do you want a partner to spend the long, cold winter months with?

“I don’t want anyone to overthink their relationship, but I do think the holidays and the year coming to a close is a good time to assess where you are and where you want things to go,” says Trombetti. “Use this time to your advantage to really think through what you want in the next year. If it is NOT your current partner, then it is time to let them go so they can start moving on (as well as you).”

The post What Is the ‘November Theory’? The Dating Trend That Could Make or Break Your Relationship. appeared first on VICE.

Square Enix has revealed a new Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Moogle karaoke mini-game, and it’s as adorable as you would expect. The developer released new gameplay showing off the rhythm game, which has players joining a Moogle idol group to perform songs.

Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Moogles Trade Their Shop for an Idol Group

Square Enix has shared new Final Fantasy 7 Revelation gameplay on X, revealing a major career change for the Moogles in the 2027 title. In FF7 Revelation, the Moogle Emporium has gone out of business, and its merchant has decided to form an idol group instead.

In the short clip, the Moogle merchant explains to Cloud why the Emporium had to close up shop: “The Moogle Emporium is no more! The threat of both the meteor and the Weapons scared away all our clientele. Without customers I wouldn’t be able to bring joy to anyone. That’s when I knew I needed to switch gears, kupo! So I decided to form a Moogle Idol Group. Moogle studios, is going to bring smiles to our fans worldwide!”

If you’ve played the previous Final Fantasy 7 remake games, this is quite the plot development for our favorite bite-sized merchants. Hilariously, Square Enix also released a second video showing the Moogle mini-game in action. And well, these fluffy performers are taking their new careers seriously!

How the Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Moogle Karaoke Mini-Game Works

The Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Moogle mini-game looks similar to the karaoke games in Yakuza. Controller button prompts move across the screen, and players have to press the matching buttons in time with the music.

However, the Moogles aren’t just dancing along to a backing track. The idol group performs an original song complete with lyrics encouraging players to dance, shake their pom, and let loose. Naturally, there are plenty of “kupos” thrown in the lyrics as well.

For your convenience, here is the full gameplay clip so you can watch it yourself:

As the world changes in Final Fantasy VII Revelation, the Moogle House finds itself facing financial trouble.

In a last-ditch effort to bounce back, the Moogles are starting an unexpected idol business…! pic.twitter.com/ScMcuKHLoJ

— FINAL FANTASY VII (@finalfantasyvii) October 30, 2026

While Final Fantasy 7 Revelation certainly has a heavy story, Square Enix is continuing to make room for the original game’s lighthearted side. In September, the developer also revealed the new FF7 Revelation hot springs feature, which lets Cloud and his friends take a break in the sauna.

Between spa visits and Moogle karaoke, the party has a few ways to unwind before facing Sephiroth in the final showdown of the remake series.

The post Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Reveals Surprising Moogle Makeover appeared first on VICE.