### The Challenge of “Myrrh”: Wordle’s December 19th Puzzle

Wordle, the everyday word-guessing game that has enchanted players since its inception in 2021, recently introduced an unforeseen challenge on December 19: the word “myrrh.” This distinctive selection ignited irritation and extensive conversation among enthusiasts, many of whom turned to social media to voice their dissatisfaction concerning the lack of vowels in the word.

#### Wordle’s Gameplay Mechanics

For those who are not well-versed in Wordle, the game prompts players to guess a five-letter word within six tries. Usually, players start by picking common vowels to create a foundation for their guesses. However, “myrrh,” an aromatic gum resin historically associated with ancient traditions—including its role as a gift to Jesus—contains no vowels, greatly complicating the guessing endeavor. This shift from the usual format left numerous players in a bind, striving to identify appropriate words that could meet the criteria, leading to annoyance and several humorous reactions online.

#### Social Media Reactions

The response on channels like Twitter was rapid and fervent, with players disseminating their experiences and expressing frustration about the day’s puzzle. Tweets vividly conveyed the shared ordeal, as users shared everything from honest admissions of their attempts to funny depictions of their exasperations. Here are a few standout moments from the social media conversation:

– **Ace (@trashwoman_ace)** posted a snapshot of their gameplay alongside expressions of incredulity regarding the absence of vowels, capturing a widespread feeling of bewilderment among Wordle fans.
– **Major (@MajorSSB)** presented a light-hearted commentary on how discussions about the word “myrrh” morphed into a trending conversation, showcasing its far-reaching effects.
– **Chloe (@imchloechu)** referred to the day’s puzzle as “the toughest Wordle ever crafted,” underscoring the challenging aspect of the task.
– Celebrated tech reviewer **Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD)** jokingly advised followers against playing Wordle if they were enjoying a good day, indicating that the game’s hurdles could disrupt a pleasant mood.

The sentiment of these tweets varied from comedic to weary, mirroring the collective experience of wrestling with an atypical word.

#### Conclusion

The challenge introduced by “myrrh” in Wordle showcases the game’s capability to elicit strong responses from its community. This occurrence serves as a reminder of the delight and vexation that accompany daily puzzles and the camaraderie that evolves around these mutual challenges. Whether “myrrh” will resurface in the game in the future remains uncertain, but for the moment, it stands out as a significant trial of skill and wordcraft among aficionados.

**The Much-Awaited Adventure of Ark 2: Updates, Setbacks, and Obstacles**

The revelation of *Ark: Survival Evolved*’s follow-up, *Ark 2*, during The Game Awards 2020 marked a crucial milestone in the gaming realm. The franchise endeared itself to survival game fans through its exceptional mix of dinosaur taming and crafting elements, and the sequel promised to significantly elevate this experience. With Vin Diesel prominently highlighted in its marketing and advertising campaigns, hopes were elevated. Nevertheless, five years on, *Ark 2* is still a project enveloped in ambiguity.

**Chronology of Setbacks**

Initially intended for a 2023 debut, *Ark 2* has encountered multiple delays since its conception. The game’s launch was first deferred to an Early Access stage in 2024, only to not see any updates regarding its progress. By early 2023, studio co-founder Jeremy Stieglitz conveyed optimism for a 2027 debut, but recent communications have once again recalibrated expectations, now hinting at a tentative release in 2028. Each setback has fueled increasing doubt about when enthusiasts can anticipate the ultimate product.

**Future Updates for Ark: Survival Evolved**

In the meantime, Studio Wildcard is gearing up for a major update for *Ark: Survival Evolved*, named *Legacy of Santiago*. Set to roll out in late 2027, this update seeks to incorporate some combat features from *Ark 2*, thereby linking both titles. Stieglitz disclosed that this update would unveil new combat mechanics focused on third-person and melee fighting, though it will not include the extensive narrative intricacies envisioned for *Ark 2*. The main attraction of the sequel is expected to be its vibrant campaign storyline, aimed at being a standalone experience.

**Obstacles in Development**

Development hurdles have beset the project since its announcement. Changes in leadership and creative direction have led to shifting narratives and gameplay mechanics. Vin Diesel’s commitment has also been variable, adding further unpredictability regarding the ultimate realization of his character. Stieglitz highlighted that Diesel’s involvement—specifically, how much effort he invests in the project—will greatly impact the narrative framework of *Ark 2*. Presently, the project is considering partnerships with *The Boys* actor Karl Urban, which could indicate a shift in character roles within the game.

**The Outlook for Ark 2**

As excitement escalates, players are left pondering whether *Ark 2* will fulfill its commitments. The continuous delays and changing schedules have understandably resulted in skepticism about its future. However, Studio Wildcard remains dedicated to crafting the game to meet the lofty expectations set by its predecessor. Fans will need to wait until 2028, at the earliest, to determine if *Ark 2* meets its initial expectations and whether it can once again reshape the survival genre.

**R-Type Dimensions 3: An Upcoming Inflection Point for Physical Releases on Nintendo Switch 2**

In a thrilling update for gaming fans and collectors, Inin Games, the publisher behind *R-Type Dimensions 3*, has recently revealed their capability to support a physical launch of the game for the Nintendo Switch 2, with the complete title available on cartridge. This announcement marks a refreshing change from the prior trend of game key cards, which have often been criticized by fans who favor physical copies that do not require additional downloads.

Inin Games’ announcement on Friday indicated that this newfound capacity was enabled by Nintendo’s introduction of larger SD card sizes for the Switch 2, allowing developers to reassess the production of their games in ways that were previously impossible. The company also intimated that this transition would facilitate a fully physical release of the game, setting it apart from the game key card format they had considered before. Importantly, the physical version will be priced at $10 more than its digital equivalent to offset increased production expenses.

Yet, not long after this positive news, a twist emerged. Inin Games retracted their statement about the new cartridge sizes, stating that there has been no official confirmation from Nintendo regarding the specifications of cartridge storage capacities. Instead, they reiterated that their forthcoming release would still be on a physical cartridge, without providing additional technical specifics. This reversal leaves many in the gaming community doubtful about the legitimacy of the assertions related to new cartridge sizes and storage alternatives.

In spite of these challenges, a glimmer of hope remains for the future of physical gaming on the Switch 2. This development hints at the potential for other publishers to utilize any new storage options to produce physical releases, potentially moving away from the restrictive game key card framework that has affected various titles. Nonetheless, legitimate concerns linger about performance; developers might still prefer game key cards due to advantages such as enhanced loading times and economic viability for larger games.

Previously, developers dealing with large game sizes like *Final Fantasy VII Remake* faced the necessity of opting for game key cards because of the restrictions of the current 64GB cartridges available for the Switch 2. This scenario has forced many smaller games, which do not demand extensive storage, to succumb to the same fate, relying on the game key card method. Nevertheless, *R-Type Dimensions 3* could act as a spark for transformation, encouraging other developers to explore physical releases instead.

The ongoing conversation surrounding cartridge technology and the physical release of games underscores the changing dynamics of gaming hardware and consumer preferences. As developers navigate through these updates, the gaming community remains vigilant, hoping that advances in cartridge technology will reshape game distribution—and revive enthusiasm for physical media in the contemporary gaming landscape.