Monster Hunter World

It's taken its sweet time getting to the platform, but Monster Hunter World players on PC will finally be able to step into the shoes of Geralt of Rivia next month, on May 9th, as part of the game's Witcher collaboration.

Monster Hunter World and Prey headline a strong April for Xbox Game Pass

With Resi 5, Life is Strange 2: Episode 2, and more.

Microsoft is prepping a bumper April for Xbox Game Pass, with subscribers set to gain access to Monster Hunter World, Life is Strange 2: Episode 2, Prey, Resident Evil 5, and The Golf Club 2 over the next few weeks.

Monster Hunter World on PC getting free high-resolution texture pack DLC next month

Requires 8GB VRAM and 40GB hard-drive space.

Those playing Monster Hunter World on PC can look forward to a notably prettier Monster Hunter World on PC next month, when Capcom introduces a new optional high-resolution texture pack for the game - but you'll need a relatively beefy graphics card to take advantage of it.

Here's what you can do in Monster Hunter World's limited-time Witcher crossover event

Available now on Xbox One and PS4.

As you may or may not already be aware, Monster Hunter World has nuzzled up with the Northern Kingdoms today, as part of its Witcher crossover. Previously, Capcom was a little cagey regarding the specifics of the update, but now, with things underway, all has been revealed.

Paul W. S. Anderson's Monster Hunter movie now has an official release date

In Khezu want to put it in your diary.

If you've been awaiting the arrival Paul W. S. Anderson's Monster Hunter movie with bated breath (and not necessarily because you're incredibly excited to see it), you may now begin the countdown toward exhalation: Sony Pictures has announced that Monster Hunter will be hitting cinemas, possibly with a faint squelching sound, on September 4th next year.

That release date (thanks Deadline) has been a long time coming; a Monster Hunter film was first rumoured to be in the works back in 2012 and was only made official by Capcom last year. As we now know, it's being helmed by Resident Evil and Event Horizon director Paul W. S. Anderson and stars Milla Jovovich, Diego Boneta, Ron Perlman, Meagan Good, and Tony Jaa.

If you're curious to know how Anderson and co. have chosen to adapt Capcom's beloved Monster Hunter series for the big screen, here's the official synopsis:

You can now fight Alien's Xenomorph Queen in Monster Hunter World

Thanks to an enterprising PC modder.

Tired of battering your way through the same old behemoths in Monster Hunter World? Fancy a tougher challenge? Well now, thanks to an enterprising modder, you can take on "the perfect organism", the Alien franchise's Xenomorph Queen.

Monster Hunter World's Witcher collaboration event now has a start date

As do its first birthday celebrations.

Capcom has delved deep into its number bag, tossing out release dates for a selection of upcoming Monster Hunter World events, including its Witcher crossover collaboration, and its Appreciation Fest first birthday celebrations.

Monster Hunter World's first big expansion is unveiled

Iceborne coming next autumn - after Geralt comes to the base game.

Monster Hunter World's first big expansion has been announced, and it's the equivalent to the older 'G' or 'Ultimate' editions. Named as Iceborn, it'll arrive as an add-on to the base game next autumn.

Iceborne will introduce a new quest rank, new monsters and new areas, and feature a story that carries on from where Monster Hunter World left off. Series head Ryozo Tsujimoto said the expansion would be similar in size to older 'G' or 'Ultimate' editions. More information on Iceborne will be shared in the spring.

Before that, though, there's plenty more planned for Monster Hunter World, with the headline being the addition of The Witcher 3's Geralt of Rivia early next year. New voice lines have been supplied by Doug Cockle for the English version, while other languages are also getting new lines recorded by their respective versions (though I'm not sure who's doing the honours for the Geralt of Rivia who's speaking Monster Hunter language - something that's confirmed will also be happening when the star of CD Projekt's RPG arrives).

Final Fantasy's Behemoth comes to Monster Hunter World on PC this month

And you can dress your Palico up as a Moogle.

Monster Hunter World's Final Fantasy 14 crossover event, which introduces the formidable Behemoth to the game's steadily expanding menagerie of creatures, is coming to PC on December 21st.

Monster Hunter World's festive Winter Star event is underway on Xbox One, PS4, and PC

New quests! Winter woolies! Palico snowmen!

Monster Hunter World is getting in the festive spirit with its first ever Winter Star event. It's accessible now on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC, and introduces new quests, new outfits, new Guild Card customisations, and more.

Capcom's Monster Hunter movie is finally looking like Monster Hunter in new image

A little bit, at least.

To date, early glimpses of Capcom's long-in-the-planning Monster Hunter movie haven't done much to impress, focussing largely, and unpromisingly, on a cast of generic military personnel. Concerned parties can finally breathe a touch easier, however, with a new on-set photo offering the most Monster Hunter-y look at the Monster Hunter movie yet.

Monster Hunter World on PC is getting Arch-Tempered Kirin later this month

And a Devil May Cry crossover!

It's all go in Monster Hunter World PC. Mere days after Capcom announced that the mighty Elder Dragon Lunastra is, at long last, readying to make her debut on the platform later this month, the publisher has now revealed that Arch-Tempered Elder Dragon Kirin is incoming too.

Mighty Elder Dragon Lunastra comes to Monster Hunter World on PC next week

Fourth free content update inbound.

Capcom has announced that the mighty Elder Dragon Lunastra will be spreading her wings and joining the fray in Monster Hunter World for PC next week, starting on Thursday November 22nd.

Elder Dragon Kulve�Taroth finally comes to Monster Hunter World on PC this week

But only for a limited time.

Capcom has announced that the formidable Elder Dragon Kulve Taroth will finally be making its way to Monster Hunter World on PC this week, but only for a limited time.

Chinese users doubled to 30 million in last year.

Steam's active user base has risen from 67 million to 90 million over the last year, with a majority of those coming from China - where the Chinese government is still refusing to approve new games for sale.

Surprise! The Monster Hunter movie doesn't look much like Monster Hunter yet

Diego Boneta shares in-character photo.

Monster Hunter World has done the business for Capcom, selling over 10m copies to date. Now's as good a time as any to capitalise on the series then - and what better way to reach the masses than with an authentic Monster Hunter movie experience that really sells the world of Capcom's long-running franchise? Alternatively, how about a movie where some soldiers fall into a portal and shoot some stuff? BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE PROBABLY GETTING.

Monster Hunter World's Mega Man collaboration event starts this week on PC

Rewards a new weapon and Palico outfit.

Capcom has announced that Monster Hunter World's Mega-Man-themed collaboration event will begin this Friday, October 19th, on PC.

Monster Hunter World has launched a spooky new Hallowe'en event on consoles

Previous limited-time quests also return.

Capcom has unveiled a spooky Hallowe'en-themed limited-time event for Monster Hunter World on Xbox One and PS4, and it's available to play right now.

Monster Hunter World's ghoulish festivities are billed as the Autumn Harvest Fest and are immediately visible in the Gathering Hub, which has received an appropriately spooky makeover, with giant Palico pumpkins, seasonal bunting, fireworks and more. Hunters can also sample a new food platter and receive discounts on in-game items.

The real heart of the event, however, comes in the form of several new limited-time quests, some unlocking Halloween-themed costumes so you can properly get into the spirit of things.

Monster Hunter World's mighty Deviljho comes to PC tomorrow

In first post-launch content update.

Capcom has announced that Monster Hunter World players on PC will get their first taste of free post-launch content tomorrow, September 6th, with the arrival of the series' legendary Deviljho.

Monster Hunter World is the biggest Japanese game on Steam ever

Critical hit.

Monster Hunter World is the biggest Japanese game on Steam ever.

Monster Hunter's Rathalos is coming to Final Fantasy 14 in August

Alongside Palico and Poogie minions, and more.

Square Enix has revealed that Monster Hunter World will be infiltrating Final Fantasy 14 on August 7th, as part of its collaboration event with Capcom.

Final Fantasy 14's formidable Behemoth comes to Monster Hunter World this August

And there's a new trailer to celebrate.

Capcom has released a new trailer showcasing Monster Hunter World's upcoming Final Fantasy 14 crossover event, which is scheduled to launch on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 at the start of August.

Monster Hunter World is out next month on PC

Uragaan to get it sooner than expected.

Capcom has, at long last, announced a release date for the superb Monster Hunter World on PC: it's coming exactly one month from today, on August 9th.

Final Fantasy's Behemoth is coming to Monster Hunter World

As part of Square Enix and Capcom's collaboration event.

Following yesterday's news thats Monster Hunter World would be making its presence felt in Final Fantasy XIV later this year, Capcom has announced that an iconic Final Fantasy creature will soon be coming to Monster Hunter World.

Monster Hunter World is coming to FFXIV this summer

Rathalos for words.

Square Enix has teased an upcoming crossover for Monster Hunter World and Final Fantasy XIV.

You can now battle new Elder Dragon Lunastra in Monster Hunter World

Say hello the Empress of Flame.

Monster Hunter World is now home to a new Elder Dragon, in the form of Lunastra, the Empress of Flame.

Resident Evil film director making a Monster Hunter movie starring Milla Jovovich

No brainer.

There's a Monster Hunter movie in the works.

Capcom just had its most profitable year ever

And it's down to Monster Hunter World.

Monster Hunter World was such a massive hit for Capcom that it fuelled the company's most profitable year ever.

Monster Hunter World's next update introduces Elder Dragon Kulve Taroth

And a new limited-time event type.

Monster Hunter World's next major update, due to arrive on Xbox One and PS4 on April 19th, will introduce the mighty Elder Dragon Kulve Taroth, Capcom has announced.

Kulve Taroth is the second monster to be added to Monster Hunter World post-launch, following on from everybody's favourite behemoth nuisance the Deviljho, and will be available as part of a new limited-time event.

According to a new post on Capcom's Unity blog, hunters will get their first taste of Kulve Taroth in a new Siege quest, designed to be played collaboratively across multiple hunting parties within the same Gathering Hub. Up to 16 players can participate at once, split into hunting parties of up to four hunters. Each party can help progress the quest either by collecting tracks or by attacking the Kulve Taroth in order to break off more parts.

Monster Hunter World's first prototype didn't feature any combat

And a familiar monster that didn't make it into the full game.

Monster Hunter World's first prototype didn't actually feature any combat, helping the team decide how well the sequel's new environmental focus would hold up.

FeatureWhy does smashing a monster in the face in Monster Hunter World feel so good?

Making a monster - behind the scenes of Capcom's epic.

Do you know what makes Monster Hunter: World's beasts so convincing? Motion capture. That's right, some of World's creature animations began life as a person in a moleskin suit flailing around the studio, rolling on the floor, flapping their arms like wings, and scurrying about on all-fours. Yes, we humans were the monsters all along. Boom! Plot twist.

Monster Hunter World's first major update is coming next week

Deviljho introduced, new features debut.

The first major update for Capcom's Monster Hunter World is landing next week, introducing a new monster into the ecosystem while also adding some welcome new features.

Deviljho, a menacing brute wyvern, will be making its debut on March 22nd, and is the headline addition. Elsewhere, you'll be able to re-edit your character's appearance - though it seems you're only allowed to do so once for free via a ticket, with subsequent tickets available to buy for real money. An option to return to the gathering hall once a quest has finished has also been added - while the various weapons are seeing adjustments too.

The news is all set to be announced in a stream going through the update later this morning, though Famitsu has jumped the gun a little by revealing the key details and the date. It will, it's worth noting, be a free update for all players.

Dante is heading to Monster Hunter World in a Devil May Cry collaboration event later this year

Coming to Xbox One and PS4.

Capcom has announced that Devil May Cry's Dante is heading to Monster Hunter World later this year, in a brand-new collaboration event.

Monster Hunter World is now Capcom's best-selling game of all time

How the West was won.

Monster Hunter World has become the best-selling game in Capcom's 38-year history - beating every Resident Evil, Mega Man, Dead Rising and Street Fighter (sorry Wes).

Monster Hunter World's next Horizon Zero Dawn crossover quest starts tomorrow on PS4

Unlocks Aloy full armour and bow.

Monster Hunter World's second Horizon Zero Dawn crossover quest will commence tomorrow on PlayStation 4, and Capcom has offered final details.

FeatureWhat medieval bestiaries tell us about Monster Hunter World

Tracking monsters through history.

Humanity's struggle against monstrous creatures has been a perennial favourite of storytellers for thousands of years. We see it in Gilgamesh's battle against Humbaba, Beowulf's doomed struggle against Grendel and the dragon, and Ahab's bitter feud against Moby Dick. Today, the trope is perhaps more popular than it has ever been. Who can count the monsters we have slain in games such as Dark Souls, The Witcher or Monster Hunter?

FeatureBeing adopted by a Monster Hunter veteran is brilliant

It's a whole new World.

I'm new to Monster Hunter. I played one of the PSP games years ago for a couple of hours but was left without a clue, and that was it. I was scared of Monster Hunter as a result. It was one of those long-running series renowned for being hardcore. Would I be able to get into it? I knew people said Monster Hunter World was the most accessible yet, but when they spoke Monster Hunter it sounded like a different language to me. I didn't really want to read guide after guide after guide if I could help it. What I wanted was a friend who knew Monster Hunter to show me the ropes, but I didn't have that so what could I do?

FeatureMonster Hunter World has so much to teach other big budget games

Giant killer.

You wouldn't cheese an Odogaron - even a tempered, high rank bastard that had carted you and your team over and over until you'd all convinced yourself this demon doggy was not going to be put down - because, well, you just wouldn't. It's a question of respect, isn't it? And Monster Hunter: World's many beasts, from the humble Kula-Ya-Ku to some of the mightier elder dragons, certainly command your veneration.

Monster Hunter World gets new patch, Capcom still struggling to fix Xbox One online woes

Uragaan to have to play on your own a bit longer.

Capcom has released a new patch for Monster Hunter World on Xbox One and PS4, offering fixes for both versions of the game. Unfortunately, however, the publisher is still struggling to resolve the matchmaking issues that Xbox One players have experienced since launch.

Shortly after Monster Hunter World's arrival, many Xbox players began reporting that they would receive an error message whenever they attempted to find and join a multiplayer session. It was possible to set up a session manually among friends, but those with limited online contacts were finding themselves excluded from a core part of the game.

To its credit, Capcom acknowledged the Xbox One issues promptly, and released an update last week attempting to remedy the problems. Sadly, the patch was only partially successful, with some players reporting that their matchmaking woes remained unsolved.

Digital FoundryMonster Hunter World tested: four consoles, eight games modes - but which is best?

Enhanced consoles deliver better visuals and improved performance.

For a generation-spanning franchise that has enjoyed success on PlayStation 2, PSP, 3DS, Wii and Wii U, it's surprising just how long Monster Hunter has taken to arrive on the current wave of consoles. Designed from the ground up to leverage the power of PlayStation and Xbox, the recently released Monster Hunter World promises ambitious changes to the formula, rolling out new technology in the process - so just how successful is the final result?

At its core, Monster Hunter World makes use of Capcom's proprietary MT Framework engine, which has a history of supporting large environments and richly detailed creatures, as seen in visually arresting titles such as Lost Planet 2 and Dragon's Dogma. Compared to previous installments in the series, MHW is no longer split up into smaller zones, enabling seamless exploration of the world alongside more active hunts. On top of that, monsters can no longer run between loading points - the thrill of the chase is wide open and seamless. What's interesting here is that you can fast travel to any camp in the world instantly, suggesting that each major environment might be fully loaded into RAM rather than relying on streaming.

This massive new world is now filled with detail previously impossible on less powerful hardware. Texture work is sharp and clean with generous layers of stone, sand and mud across the terrain. The extra memory available on modern consoles enables a level of fine detail that offers a night and day improvement over the last 3DS title. It may not be cutting edge compared to the latest and greatest open world games (just as an example - reflections on water surfaces are basic approximations at best), but it looks great and is a significant upgrade over any prior title in the series.

Series best UK chart debut for Monster Hunter World

Gajau-b.

Will Monster Hunter World be the game to finally cement the series in the West? The big-bucks PS4 and Xbox One instalment is off to a strong start, recording a series-best UK launch, topping the UK retail video game chart.

Here's what Monster Hunter World's Day One microtransaction prices look like

Wondering how much Uragaan to have to pay?

Monster Hunter World is out today on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, and that - as Martin Robinson explained in his recent review - is well worth celebrating. With its launch, however, comes Capcom's initial wave of microtransactions - the first time that cosmetics have ever come with a real-life price tag attached in a mainline Monster Hunter game.

EssentialMonster Hunter World review

Dragon's breath of the wild.

There are plenty of mightier, meatier monsters to be found out there in the wilds of Monster Hunter World's Astera. Like Tobi-Kadachi, the mutant squirrel bastard who'll stun you with the spark in his tail as he leaps from one tree to another, or the fire-breathing Anjanath who'll happily one-shot fledgling hunters. Later, there are the grand towering Elder Dragons that'll knock you this way and that as you whittle away at their generous pools of health on hunts that sap up the best part of an hour, all before you pick yourself up from the forest floor, dust yourself off and, like a kid stepping off a rollercoaster, say to yourself let's do that again.

Monster Hunter World

Publisher/developer: Capcom

Sony reveals new limited edition Monster Hunter World PS4 Pro bundle

Custom console, controller, and game.

Sony has revealed a new, limited edition Monster Hunter World PlayStation 4 Pro bundle, complete with custom console and controller, due to release on January 26th.

FeatureLearning to speak Monster Hunter

A question of scale.

First up, I have not learned to speak Monster Hunter. I am still learning. In fact, I am pretty much still at the beginning of it. I have almost no good equipment. I have tangled with only the most feeble of Monster Hunter's terrifying beasts. I know what Psychoserum does, but only because I looked it up. But anyway, I have started! I have ventured into the wild lands, which at first seem very tame and blurry and empty - I am playing Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on the 3DS - and they have just started, over many hours of early-game missions, to seem truly wild. This is how it begins, I guess. I have always wanted to do this, and this is how it begins.

Capcom sheds some light on Monster Hunter World's PC delay

Hopefully Uragaan to like the end result.

 Capcom had shed a little more light on the significant delay between Monster Hunter World's arrival on consoles and PC.

Monster Hunter World gets a final PS4 beta

And free post-launch DLC.

Monster Hunter World is due for launch on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in just a few weeks - on 26th January - but there's still time for one more PS4 beta.

(Sorry Xbox One owners, no beta for you.)

PS4 people, you'll be able to sample the delights of fighting Worlds beastie Nergigante from 18th January until the 22nd.

Capcom confirms "autumn 2018" release for Monster Hunter World on PC

"Thank you for your patience".

Capcom has announced that Monster Hunter World will arrive on PC sometime this "autumn", considerably later than its console counterparts.

Monster Hunter World is due to launch on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in the UK on January 26th. A PC version was confirmed for release when the game was first revealed at E3 last year, but Capcom has been notably vague on its status since then.

However, the publisher has now, finally, offered an update, revealing that Monster Hunter World "is currently being optimized for PC and is planned for an Autumn 2018 release".

There's a second Monster Hunter World PS4 beta this week

I may Pukei-Pukei with excitement!

There's a second Monster Hunter World beta on PlayStation 4 this week. It runs from 22nd December right through to Boxing Day. Goodness me is Christmas really that close?!

The exact start and finish times are: 22nd December 5pm GMT/6pm CET/9am PST, through to 26th December 5pm GMT/6pm CET/9am PST.

You can download and install the Monster Hunter World beta in preparation from today. If you already have the game installed from the first beta, you're all set. And if you need any tips and guidelines for playing the Monster Hunter World beta, we have just the piece for you.

Monster Hunter World is getting a Mega Man collaboration

Felyne good.

Today's PlayStation Experience 2017 show revealed a new trailer for Monster Hunter World, and with it a special Mega Man collaboration.

Capcom offers full, final details of its imminent PS4-exclusive Monster Hunter World beta

Starts Saturday!

Capcom has unveiled full, final details of its upcoming PlayStation 4-exclusive Monster Hunter World beta, due to begin this Saturday.

More specifically, the Monster Hunter World beta starts on Saturday December 9th at 5pm, and runs until Tuesday December 12th, finishing at 4:59pm on the dot. You'll need to be a PlayStation Plus subscriber to join in the hunt, and the full download weighs in at 5.1GB.

As previously announced, the beta will feature three different playable quests. "Great Devourer, Great Jagras" takes place in the Ancient Forest, and sets the Great Jagras as your target. "The Ancient Forest Menace" also unfolds in the Ancient Forest, but this time you'll be hunting an Anjanath. The beta's final quest, "Wildspire Rampage", occurs in the scorching heat of the Wildspire Waste, with all eyes on a Barroth.

FeatureHow a hamster and a vacuum cleaner combined for Monster Hunter World's best new beast

Making a Monster.

I've got my own particular tale about a hamster and a vacuum cleaner, but it's probably for the best I don't share it here (I was eight years old, me and my friend were very stupid and it's not something I'd ever do again. The hamster lived, though). This tale's a bit more savoury, and it's about Monster Hunter World's best new beast.

FeatureIf Monster Hunter: World doesn't get you into Capcom's incredible series, nothing ever will

Roll out the Barroth.

Monster Hunter, in case you didn't already know, is great. A series of boisterous action games that charge you with tracking down and felling preposterous, wonderfully realised beasts before skinning them so that you might make a new pair of trousers from their hide then go and hunt some more. It's an intoxicating loop honed over generations, though not without inheriting a few of its own little quirks along the way.

Monster Hunter World's beta will be a PlayStation 4 exclusive

And it starts this December.

Monster Hunter World is getting a beta this December, and it'll be a PlayStation exclusive.

The Monster Hunter World beta will run from December 9th to December 12th, and will include three different quests that can be played either co-operatively online or solo. Two of these quests unfold on the game's Great Forest map, where Hunters can take on the Great Jagras - described as "a scavenger capable of swallowing other monsters whole", or the "fiery and territorial" Anjanath. The third beta quest shifts the action to the desert-like Wildspire Waste, where an armoured Barroth awaits.

Accompanying the beta announcement is a new Monster Hunter World trailer, offering a look at the three quest missions that will be included in the beta.

FeatureCapcom's hard play for the west has resulted in a very different Monster Hunter

Grapes of Rathalos.

As if it wasn't obvious enough from the stage upon which Capcom chose to introduce the newest Monster Hunter, this one's going to be a little different. Monster Hunter World, which opted out of the series' traditional Japanese debut to break cover during Sony's conference at this year's E3, is a hard play for the west, an attempt to win over an audience that the series has been wooing for a while now. Will it manage to do so? I'm not entirely convinced it can, but also I'm not entirely fussed - because either way, Monster Hunter World ushers in some very welcome changes for the series.

Monster Hunter World gets global release date

Beast of a reveal.

Monster Hunter World will be released worldwide for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on 26th January 2018, Capcom confirmed at Tokyo Game Show.

You can check out the new trailer below:

A collector's edition and a digital deluxe edition of Monster Hunter World will be available. There will also be a Monster Hunter World edition of the PS4 Pro.

Monster Hunter World reveals summary videos of every weapon type

Are you a bad enough dude to fight with a Hunting Horn?

Capcom has released a series of videos providing a rundown on each of the game's 14 weapon types.

Watch 23 minutes of Monster Hunter World gameplay in HD

Dino crisis.

The first lengthy high quality video of Monster Hunter World gameplay has surfaced offering 23 minutes of drool-inducing anticipation.

As previously discussed, this next Monster Hunter is coming to consoles and it's using the PS4 and Xbox One's hefty horsepower to host colossal stages that are seamlessly explorable, as opposed to the series' earlier entries comprised of interconnected arenas.

Given the larger scale, finding your target could be intimidating, so Capcom has streamlined the process from aimless wandering to now examining clues to summon glowing insects called Scout Flies that lead you to your objective.

24 minutes of Monster Hunter World gameplay show why it could be the best entry yet

Seamless maps, dynamic environments, and new mechanics offer a major evolution for the series.

Capcom revealed 24 minutes of Monster Hunter World gameplay during a Japanese livestream earlier today.

YouTuber and Monster Hunter aficionado Arekkz Gaming offers an English language synopsis of the developer walkthrough after having seen the same presentation at E3.

In this upcoming entry to the fantasy hunting series, maps will be large and you'll be able to seamlessly transition around the field, unlike the series' previous entries where you have loading screen between each section of the map.

Why are some Monster Hunter fans upset about a new game in the series?

It's complicated...

A short while ago, Capcom announced it'd be bringing Monster Hunter XX, the latest instalment of its long-running series that released for the 3DS this March, to Nintendo's Switch, and all was well with the world. Soon after, it announced another, all-new Monster Hunter that'd be coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC early next year called Monster Hunter World. And all of a sudden things don't seem quite so rosy. Why is that?