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Gaming Predictions for the UK Market in 2026

Sebastian Bickley
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Gaming Predictions for the UK Market in 2026

The gaming landscape heading into 2026 looks messy honestly. Multiple trends from 2025 are carrying forward, new technologies push things in different directions, and nobody really knows which predictions will actually pan out. The UK market sits in an interesting spot because regulatory stuff is changing while global gaming trends pull in other directions sometimes.

Mobile Gaming Keeps Growing

Mobile gaming isn’t slowing down, that much seems obvious. The numbers are wild actually, mobile platforms pull in way more players than console and PC combined for most games. Free-to-play titles with simple mechanics get massive player counts. Roblox and Free Fire both passed 200 million unique players in 2025 which is kind of absurd when you think about it.

Convenience matters more than quality sometimes, which sounds cynical but it’s true. Pulling out a phone for ten minutes beats booting up a console when someone’s on a lunch break or waiting for the bus. Developers figured this out years ago, that’s why so many studios went mobile-first even when hardcore gamers complained about it.

Cross-platform play helps mobile gaming feel less isolated now. Starting something on mobile then switching to desktop later works pretty smoothly most of the time. UK players use mobile games the same way everyone else does, filling little gaps throughout the day. Commutes, waiting rooms, boring meetings probably. The barrier to entry stays low since most people already own phones capable of running these games anyway.

Competitive mobile titles aren’t just casual anymore though. Some have really deep systems that appeal to serious players who just don’t want to sit at a desk all the time. Whether that counts as “real gaming” depends on who you ask, but the player numbers don’t lie.

Regulations Complicating Things

UK authorities got stricter about game monetization throughout 2025. Loot boxes faced more scrutiny, transparency requirements increased. By 2026, publishers navigate way more complex rules when designing how games make money. This affects what launches in the UK and how developers structure revenue models. The regulations aim to protect consumers, especially younger players, from predatory monetization practices. Developers push back saying these rules hurt creativity and make UK releases less profitable. Finding the right balance creates ongoing arguments that shape what actually gets developed.

Other gaming sectors face similar attention. Online slot games and casino-style platforms adapted to UK gambling commission standards that got tougher. Enhanced responsible gaming features, stricter age verification, mandatory reality checks became standard instead of optional. The entertainment stays available but the frameworks around access changed substantially. These regulatory changes might push some developers away from the UK market entirely if compliance costs get too high. Or they adapt, which seems more likely given the size of the UK gaming audience. Either way it shapes what’s available.

Cloud Gaming Might Actually Work Now

Cloud gaming technology got better over the past couple years. The latency issues that made early services basically unplayable got reduced, not eliminated but reduced enough that it’s usable. Playing demanding games on basic hardware by streaming from servers sounds great in theory. No downloads, no storage issues, just instant library access.

UK internet speeds support this reasonably well in cities. Rural areas still struggle though, which creates a divide between who can actually use these services effectively. The value proposition changes a lot depending on someone’s hardware situation. Players with expensive PCs don’t gain much from cloud services, but people using older laptops or tablets suddenly get access to games they couldn’t run locally.

Subscription models bundling cloud access with game libraries look like the direction things are heading. Pay monthly, stream hundreds of titles. Feels similar to how Netflix changed TV watching, though whether that comparison holds up long-term is questionable. Early adoption numbers seem promising but sustained growth isn’t guaranteed, especially if the game selections get stale or pricing increases.

Everything Works Across Devices Now

Playing the same game on different devices without issues became expected rather than impressive. Start on console, continue on tablet, finish on PC. Progress syncs, the experience stays consistent mostly. Developers building stuff in 2026 can’t ignore this without looking outdated compared to competitors.

The technology making seamless cross-play possible matured enough that implementing it is straightforward for most studios now. Player bases benefit from not being split by platform, friends can play together regardless of hardware. UK gamers got used to this already and expect it to keep expanding. Multi-device compatibility goes beyond just gameplay. Social features, achievements, purchases, everything needs to work everywhere. The complexity this creates for developers is significant but ignoring it means losing players to games that offer better flexibility. It’s become table stakes basically.

Competitive Gaming Getting Bigger

Esports kept growing in the UK throughout 2025. New arenas opened, universities added programs, sponsorship money increased from companies that used to ignore gaming. By 2026, competitive gaming reaches more people directly instead of just as something to watch online. Community tournaments and local competitions make esports accessible beyond just elite players.

The spectator side continues growing too. UK audiences for major events rival traditional sports viewership in certain age groups. Broadcasting quality improved with better production and more engaging presentation. VR and AR features getting integrated into broadcasts create different viewing experiences than just watching screens, though whether people actually want that remains to be seen.

Professional UK-based teams compete internationally across multiple titles. League of Legends, Fortnite, fighting games, the UK produces competitive players in various genres. This visibility helps normalize esports as legitimate career paths, though realistically only a tiny fraction of players reach that level. Most people watching esports will never compete professionally, same as traditional sports.

Conclusion

Predicting which trends dominate versus which fade is basically guesswork. Mobile gaming’s momentum seems unstoppable given current numbers. Cloud gaming depends on infrastructure and whether the business models actually work long-term. Regulatory frameworks will definitely shape UK releases regardless of global trends, that’s already happening.

Player preferences ultimately decide what succeeds though. Technologies enable possibilities but execution determines outcomes. UK gamers will play what engages them, whether that’s AAA blockbusters, indie experiments, mobile casual games, competitive titles. The variety available in 2026 exceeds any previous year, giving players more choice about how they spend gaming time than ever before, which sounds great but also makes deciding what to actually play kind of overwhelming sometimes.

BTS’ New Album: Everything We Know So Far

Konstantinos Pappis
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BTS’ New Album: Everything We Know So Far

Having completed South Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS have announced their first new album in six years. ARIRANG is due out March 20 via Big Hit Entertainment. Here’s everything we know so far.

What’s the backstory?

BTS’ last studio LP was 2020’s Be. In 2021, Big Hit confirmed that they were taking an “official extended period of rest,” and the K-pop superstars released the anthology album Proof in June 2022. They’ve pursued solo projects since, including J-Hope’s 2022 album Jack in the Box, RM’s 2022 effort Indigo, and Jimin’s 2023 collection Face. Jimin and Jung Kook teamed up for the Disney+ series Are You Sure?!, whose second season aired in December. Jin shared a concert film about his debut solo tour last month, and V became the first brand ambassador for the Korean beauty brand TIRTIR.

How was the release date announced?

The group teased a world tour last summer, saying that a new album would be released in the spring of 2026. “We’re approaching the album with the same mindset we had when we first started,” they said. “We’re also planning a world tour alongside the new album. We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are.”

Fans discovered the cryptically-written release date of the album – March 20 – via handwritten notes sent to the loyal ARMY fanbase to celebrate the New Year. “We’ve waited more earnestly than anyone else,” RM wrote. “The year we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived,” Jimin remarked. “In 2026, we’ll make even more good memories, so look forward to it!” V added.

What do we know about the making of the album?

Not much beyond the fact that BTS entered the studio last July. They’ve also vaguely suggested that it will “reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas.”

Do we have a tracklist yet?

No official tracklist has yet been unveiled, but we do know the album featuers 14 tracks. Be was a relatively understated effort, with 8 tracks clocking in at less than half an hour,  while 2020’s Map of the Soul: 7 spanned 20 tracks, with guest spots from Halsey and Sia.

Will there be a tour in support of the album?

On January 13, BTS announced a massive 2026-27 tour. It will see them play a total of 79 shows across five continents.

BTS 2026-27 tour dates

This post will be updated…

Peter Gabriel Announces New Album ‘o\i’, Shares New Single ‘Been Undone’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Peter Gabriel Announces New Album ‘o\i’, Shares New Single ‘Been Undone’

Peter Gabriel has announced he is following up his 2023 album i/o with a companion LP, o/i. “These are my lumpy bits – i/o: the inside has a new way out and o\i: the outside has a new way in,” Gabriel commented. As was the case with i/o, he plans to release one album track with two mixes (Tchad Blake’s Dark-Side Mix and Mark ‘Spike’ Stent’s Bright-Side Mix) on every full moon. Each track will be accompanied by a piece of visual artwork, and the lead single, ‘Been Undone’, is out now alongside Ciclotrama 156 (Palindrome) by the São Paulo–based artist Janaina Mello Landini. Listen to it below.

Patient and spidery, the eight-minute ‘Been Undone’ was the most recent track Gabriel and his longtime bandmates – bassist Tony Levin, guitarist David Rhodes, and drummer Manu Katché – made at his Real World Studios. “I’m delighted to say that tonight, at the full moon, we will be beginning another year of full moon releases under the name o\i,” he said. “The songs are a mix of thoughts and feelings.
I have been thinking about the future and how we might respond to it. We are sliding into a period of transition like no other, most likely triggered in three waves; AI, quantum computing and the brain computer interface. Artists have a role to look into the mists and, when they catch sight of something, to hold up a mirror.”

Bakana Boutique Opens a Cross-Cultural Luxury Lifestyle Space in San Francisco

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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Bakana Boutique Opens a Cross-Cultural Luxury Lifestyle Space in San Francisco

Bakana Boutique opens in San Francisco as a new cultural space based on global and upcoming brands. Bakana is a selected store, beyond a traditional retail space, and is based on the experience of the founder, Mariana Bakana, in the fields of fashion, creative direction, and entrepreneurship. The notion is a response to a rising local demand for selective and design-conscious setups in the changing luxury scene of the city.

A Platform Shaped by Global Creative Exchange

The boutique started as a career in international fashion networks under the auspices of Mariana Bakana. Her style is more collaborative than distributive, providing independent designers and artisans with a critical audience. The space combines labels from Europe and the United States, whose niche is in Paris, Italy, and the South of France. Every participant is brought in based on a selective process that focuses on craftsmanship, storyline, and cultural relatability.

This is compared to the overall changes in the luxury industry. According to Bain and Company, over 60 percent of luxury purchases made across the world are influenced by experiential retail, as people want to have context and meaning in addition to products. In response to this trend, Bakana Boutique responds by placing each collection within a broader cultural discourse, rather than merchandising at the level of single items.

Curated Collections Across Lifestyle Categories

To establish a cohesive lifestyle outlook, the store offers limited-edition collections in fashion, cosmetics, gourmet goods, and wellness. This interdisciplinary curation reflects shifting consumer behavior. Nearly half of North American luxury customers now base purchasing decisions on lifestyle convergence, as shown in a 2023 McKinsey report.

Two internal lines serve as the space’s anchors within this framework. Bakana Gold, an extra virgin olive oil derived from Puglian millenary trees, supports traceable production and agricultural heritage. Bakana Beauty incorporates local customs with contemporary skincare methods, drawing inspiration from Mediterranean practices. These lines set quality and sourcing criteria for visiting brands and guarantee continuity.

A Launchpad Rather Than a Storefront

Bakana Boutique operates as a launch environment for international labels entering the San Francisco market. Pop-ups, trunk shows, and private presentations create flexible formats that adapt to each brand’s identity. Press previews and cultural programming further extend visibility beyond the physical space.

This model reflects a growing preference for temporary and event-based retail. Pop-up retail revenue in the United States exceeded 10 billion dollars in 2022, driven by brands seeking lower risk and stronger audience engagement, as reported by Statista. Bakana integrates this logic while emphasizing community connection over transactional volume.

Supporting Independent and Women-Led Initiatives

The project’s framework continues to emphasize community interaction. Collaborations, seasonal markets, and fashion shows promote women-owned enterprises and independent creators. These programs promote dialogue among designers, customers, and cultural players in the city.

San Francisco’s creative economy lends support to this strategy. Creative sectors generate more than 15 billion dollars in revenue for the local economy each year, as reported by the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Bakana Boutique exists inside this environment, providing a physical meeting place for global and local influences.

Bakana Boutique’s debut marks the introduction of a hybrid place where retail, culture, and creative exchange converge. The idea connects San Francisco to European design centers while responding to changes in luxury consumerism and community-driven shopping. Bakana, rather than redefining luxury, reframes its circulation through context, collaboration, and cultural continuity.

Create For Inclusion: The Designer Builds for Broader Reach

Abbie Wilson
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Create For Inclusion: The Designer Builds for Broader Reach

Imagine walking through a museum where interactive pins emerge as you explore, each one a gateway to discovery. Tap a pin, and you’re transported into an immersive space where history comes alive through a scavenger hunt game, revealing the stories and secrets behind each artifact. This is the experience Nuoran Chen and his team brought to life in their product demo video for The Virtual New York Times Museum. The project reimagines a hidden gem: the New York Times Museum tucked away on the 15th floor of the NYT’s office building, accessible only to employees who work there. Chen and his team’s vision opens this space to the world, showcasing over 170 years of journalistic history through an innovative virtual experience. The concept design earned them top honors at 2025 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). Behind the project is the main designer, Nuoran Chen, whose work is shaped by a long-standing interest in inclusive design.

Nuoran Chen grew up in an era when information has never been more readily available. Yet, he argues, it is this abundance that has made designers complacent—assuming everyone has easy access and overlooking those who still face barriers. His passion lies in bridging this gap: making services or information more accessible and reachable to those with limited abilities. Over the past three years as a product designer at major media companies like The New York Times and The Washington Post, he has worked to embed inclusive thinking from concept to commercialization throughout the design process. In his personal projects, he takes his commitment further by inviting users into the decision-making process. These principles come to life across three projects that reveal different dimensions of his approach to inclusive design.

Image of the virtual New York Times Museum where users land onto a 3D space to start the guided tour.

The virtual New York Times Museum project exemplifies Chen’s commitment to making exclusive physical spaces digitally accessible while maintaining the authenticity of its physicality. In his role on the project, Chen focused on translating the museum’s solemn, in-person experience into a digital one through a unified design language that guides users throughout the entire journey. He didn’t simply create another online gallery where users scroll through grid-displayed images. Instead, he used photogrammetry to capture the physical space itself, creating a digital twin that preserved the museum’s atmosphere and spatial relationships. He also designed the spatial UI system that supports the entire experience, from museum navigation to scavenger-hunt interaction.Interactive pins anchor artifacts to their actual locations within the digital twin, surfacing naturally as users explore the space. This recreates the feeling of strolling through a museum in person, delivering a serious yet engaging experience: the UI is intentionally restrained, fading into the environment to foreground journalism while offering subtle cues that guide exploration and interaction. Audio descriptions are included for each artifact, extending the experience to audiences who prefer or rely on audio. Through this project, Chen demonstrates how design can remove barriers to physical access while preserving the authenticity of the original experience and deepening engagement.

Chen’s work for inclusive design also extends to the system-level that powers accessibility for all products. At The Washington Post, Chen’s work on the internationalization of the content management system exemplified this thinking. He improved the accessibility of design systems and helped the company reach more clients who use Arabic and Hebrew through his right-to-left (RTL) language adoption guidance. Chen emphasized that RTL adoption isn’t simply mirroring components on screen—it requires an exhaustive design of information hierarchy, interaction gestures, and iconography within specific cultural contexts. He created the first component-level documentation on RTL for The Washington Post ArcXP design system, which includes all these nuances that helped different teams build with intention, ensuring consistency across the platform. For Chen, this work proved that improving accessibility at the design system level creates a win-win outcome: “For companies, teams can build products faster and generate more revenue sources while reducing legal risk; for users, the product is more usable and accessible.

Image of the TactileLink prototype. One instructor is teaching two students simultaneously through a voice guide.

TactileLink, Chen’s personal project, takes his inclusive design approach to the design process itself. It challenges the conventional design process where solutions are created first and users consulted later. When Chen and his team volunteered at a Blind Arduino class at the East Bay Center for the Blind, they observed the instructor physically guiding each student’s hand across tactile diagrams one-on-one. This approach made teaching multiple students challenging. Rather than designing a solution in isolation, Chen brought the blind students and instructors into the process from the start. Together, they brainstormed ideas, built prototypes, and tested solutions in real classroom settings. The result was TactileLink, a tactile graphic teaching system that makes in-class or remote tactile graphic education more accessible. One instructor can now teach multiple blind students simultaneously. Students can easily locate elements by audio feedback: as they move their finger across a diagram on a tablet, the pitch shifts—rising near target elements, falling when they drift away.

Taken together, Chen’s work reflects a consistent approach to inclusive design that extends beyond individual deliverables. While often working within large, collaborative teams, he has taken on roles that shape both how products are built and how their impact is understood—whether by defining interaction models that preserve physical context in digital spaces, establishing system-level standards that guide future teams, or reframing accessibility work so it is recognized as innovation rather than accommodation. Across institutional projects and independent initiatives alike, Chen demonstrates that inclusive design is not a fixed set of techniques, but a strategic practice that requires advocacy, cross-disciplinary coordination, and long-term thinking. His work highlights how designers can expand access and reach at scale, even within complex organizations where accessibility was not originally prioritized.

Nintendo Switch 2: How To Redeem Game Codes on Nintendo eShop

Shubhendu Vatsa
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Nintendo Switch 2: How To Redeem Game Codes on Nintendo eShop

If you’re just starting a digital game collection on your Nintendo Switch 2, redeeming game codes is one of the quickest and most popular ways to add new titles to your library. Anyone who has bought and redeemed digital game codes on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC before will already know exactly how it works, and it’s no different on the Switch 2.

You can redeem a download code, aka a game code, on the Switch 2 directly through the Nintendo eShop on your console or via a browser on your phone or computer. Either way, the game will be linked to your Nintendo Account, thus making it available across all your devices. So to help you get started, here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to redeem game codes on the Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo Switch 2: How To Redeem Game Codes on Nintendo eShop

To redeem a game code on Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll need the 16-character download code included with your purchase. Also, your Nintendo Switch 2 must also be connected to the internet, and you’ll need a Nintendo Account that’s registered in a country or region where the Nintendo eShop is available.

If you’re away from your console, you can still redeem the same code online using a web browser, as the purchase is tied to your Nintendo Account. Here’s how to redeem a game code on Nintendo Switch 2:

  1. First, connect your Nintendo Switch 2 console to the internet.
  2. Then, from the HOME Menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon to open the store.
  3. When prompted, choose the Nintendo Account you want to use.
  4. Once inside the eShop, select Redeem Code from the menu on the left.
  5. Enter your 16-character Nintendo Switch download code using the on-screen keyboard.
  6. Lastly, hit Confirm to complete the process.

Some retailer game cards include both a control number and a download code. Make sure you enter the download code, not the control number. Once your redemption is confirmed, the game will begin downloading automatically. The game’s icon will appear on the HOME Menu with a progress bar that will disappear once the download finishes. Moreover, if your console supports virtual game cards, the game will launch automatically after the download is complete.

If you see a message saying the code has already been used, it means the game code has already been redeemed and can’t be used again. For more gaming news and guides, be sure to check out our gaming page!

Seven Book Cover Designers To Watch In 2026

Gerda Krivaite
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Seven Book Cover Designers To Watch In 2026

Within the variety of artistic expression, the art of book design is too often overlooked. From the 16th century well into the modern era, books were sold as unadorned objects with plain bound boards or simple leather, leaving wealthier purchasers to arrange their own permanent binding. Today, stepping into a bookshop means confronting a kaleidoscope of competing visual strategies: minimalist sans-serif shouts resting alongside maximalist illustrations, metallic foils catching light next to matte textures. From the times of custom-bound volumes to today’s market-driven designs, book cover creation has undergone a striking transformation. In 2025, that evolution surfaced in a wave of bold, experimental and truly brilliant designs. Here are seven book designers worth following as we step into the new year:

  1. Janet Hansen

    Currently an art director at Alfred A. Knopf and Everyman’s Library, Janet Hansen-Brand discovered her love for design during her time at the School of Visual Arts. For Janet Hansen, one of the great pleasures of book design is the freedom to creatively engage with a wide spectrum of subjects and ideas. This is on display in the cover for Michael Clune’s Pan, in which a fragmented collage of classical-styled figures hover over a stark, black‑and‑white photograph of a face — a memorable blend of image and texture, testament to the designer’s passion for her craft.

  2. David Pearson


    Specialising in print-based design, David Pearson captivates with his crisp, distinctive book covers. Pearson has been commissioned by a variety of clients, including Wes Anderson, The New York Times and the V&A, and is also the founder of The Book Cover Review. This year, one of his standout achievements is his work for Joe Brainard’s I Remember — a composition of repeated, staggered letters against a black backdrop, at once reminiscent of digital code and evocative of the fragmented, searching nature of memory.


  3. Linda Huang

    Linda Huang is a book cover designer based in New York. Her work has attracted significant recognition: a poster she created during the Black Lives Matter movement for Printed Matter was acquired by The Whitney Museum. Currently, she serves as the art director at Pantheon Books, part of Penguin Random House. While in 2024 she was recognised for the arresting cover of Kaveh Akbar’s Martyr!, last year saw her explore text as a central design element. Her cover of Vauhini Vara’s Searches, created in collaboration with Andrew LeClair, invites readers to wade into the story before they even open the book.

  4. Alicia Tatone

    Based in New York, Alicia Tatone is a freelance illustrator, designer and art director. She has created collage and graphic designs for clients including The New York Times, The Atlantic, WIRED and Gay Magazine. Enjoying working across a variety of mediums, Tatone is interested in everything from painting to lettering. Her work for Robbie Arnott’s Dusk remains particularly memorable — the oversized yet elegant title lettering looming across a collage of misty greenery and canyon-like terrain expertly creates a sense of wild, intense drama.


  5. Math Monahan

    Art director at Simon & Schuster and book designer Math Monahan is based in New York City. His design work and interviews have appeared in PRINT magazine as well as in Spine’s Book Covers We Love, The Casual Optimist, and LitHub’s Best Book Covers of the Month. For the cover of Rose Keating’s Oddbody, Monahan chose a vivid two‑toned palette. The interplay of bright red and striking royal blue lettering accentuates the central floral motif with brave contrast and elevated precision.


  6. Clay Smith

    Currently a designer for Simon & Schuster, Clay Smith is renowned for her atmospheric and characterful book covers. You might recall her design for Rebecca K. Reilly’s Greta & Valdin, with its iconic lime motif — meanwhile, in 2025, one of her most charming works was the cover for Eliana Ramage’s To the Moon and Back. Here, Smith places luminous lettering over a starry sky, framing a bursting volcano in an unusually cosy yet spectacular manner.


  7. Jack Smyth

    Based in Dublin, Jack Smyth works as a freelance graphic designer. Already highly regarded, Smyth’s work appears in Faber, Creative Review and It’s Nice That among others, and in 2024 he was celebrated as Designer of the Year by the British Book Awards. For Lucas Schaefer’s The Slip, Smyth balances newspaper‑like typography with a layered photograph and a vibrant orange panel that cuts through the composition. Here, the image and text expertly push in different directions to create a sense of motion and impact.


The Process of Personal Injury Claims in North Carolina

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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The Process of Personal Injury Claims in North Carolina

The knowledge of the personal injury claims process can make accident victims feel more at ease and ready to claim their losses by means of compensation. According to the research they conducted, not all individuals know how organized and time-bound the process is in North Carolina. Being aware of every procedure; starting with the injury up to the end of the claim, can prove to be a good difference in a claim.

Step 1: Medical and Non-Medical Treatments

It starts right after one gets injured. Being able to seek medical attention is very important to your health as well as your claim. Medical records establish some form of official connection of the accident to your injuries and this is necessary evidence. Failure to treat on time can give the insurance companies an opportunity to claim that your injuries were not that serious or not caused by something.

Step 2: Investigation of the Accident

Upon medical fitness, the inquiry process starts. This includes the collection of evidence, including accident reports, photographs, witness testimony, video surveillance and medical records. In North Carolina, to establish negligence, the other party must have been under duty of care, breach of that duty and directly caused you to be hurt.

Investigations at the initial stages of its development would be beneficial to preserve evidence and support your argument once negotiations are initiated.

Step 3: Establishing Liability in the North Carolina Law

The state of North Carolina does adhere to a strict rule of contributory negligence. This implies that you can be prevented from recovering compensation in case you are found guilty, even in the slightest aspect of the accident. It is due to this harsh standard that the determination of clear liability is one of the most important aspects of the claims process.

The insurance companies can find an excuse in any possible way and that is the reason why such attention is paid to documentation and legal strategy.

Step 4: Calculating Damages

Once there is the determination of the liability there is the determination of the value of the claim. Damages may include:

  • Past and future medical costs
  • Late wages and decreased earning powers
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage

To compute the damages accurately, it is not only to sum the bills but to estimate long-term expenses and the impact of the injury on a person in his or her everyday life.

Step 5: Filing an Insurance Claim

The majority of the personal injury lawsuits start with an insurance claim against an insurer of the party at fault. A demand letter is normally delivered stating the case facts, liability and compensation requested. The response of the insurance company can be in the form of questions, records request, or settlement offer.

This phase is characterized by negotiation since the first offers are usually lesser than the worth of a claim.

Step 6: Negotiating and Settlement

Settlement of many personal injuries cases are out of court. The process of negotiations can include several offers and counter offers. Fair settlement must put into consideration both present and future losses- not only present expenses.

Negotiations can always come to a halt or the insurer may refuse to exercise good faith in which case litigation can be required.

Step 7: Bringing a Lawsuit, in case it is needed 

A personal injury lawsuit can be brought about in case there is no settlement. North Carolina has a statute of limitations of three years after the occurrence of the injury as regards to most personal injury cases. Discovery, depositions, possible mediation and possibly a trial are involved in filing a lawsuit.

In North Carolina, the personal injury claims procedure is complex, time-constrained and is highly dominated by the state specific legislation. Knowing every step is a way of making the injured people defend their rights and seek the compensation that they rightfully deserve, in a more vivid and confident way.

Our Culture’s Most Anticipated Books of Winter 2026

Sam Franzini
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Our Culture’s Most Anticipated Books of Winter 2026

It’s the best time of the year! Winter straddles the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, which means it’s both a time of reflection and new beginnings. After we covered 27 books and authors last year we’re turning to a new year where more books than ever are on the horizon. Enjoy our first batch of picks and tell us which ones you liked!

Don’t Step Into My Office, David Fishkind (Jan 13)

Part murder mystery, part slapstick comedy, part tale of literary failure, David Fishkind’s novel about a relapsed alcoholic on the cusp of writing a treatise on Jay Gatsby’s semitism is a propulsive and marvelously funny debut. Jacob Garlicker could have bumbled about New York City forever, for all I cared, and I would have kept reading.

I Could Be Famous, Sydney Rende (Jan 13)

Ten women orbit one famous actor, Arlo Banks, on the cusp of cancellation amid cannibalism accusations, in this debut story collection about fame and what it takes to get there.

The Hitch, Sara Levine (Jan 13)

As an anti-racist Jewish secular eco-feminist, Rose Cutler feels like she has the world figured out according to her principles, but when her dog attacks and kills a corgi at a nearby park, her nephew begins acting strangely. The explanation? The corgi’s soul has leaped into the boy and now must be exorcized, of course.

Lost Lambs, Madeline Cash (Jan 13)

Forever Magazine co-founder and author of Earth Angel returns with her debut novel, Lost Lambs, a stirring portrait of a family in decline.

Just Watch Me, Lior Torenberg (Jan 20)

When Dell’s younger sister, Daisy, falls into a coma, her solution is to livestream twenty-four hours a day to raise the funds so the hospital won’t pull the plug. As she rises through the ranks and gains popularity, she comes to realize a certain horror in being constantly seen. 

Discipline, Larissa Pham (Jan 20)

A tight, invigorating read, Discipline follows an author on tour for her novel about a decade-old relationship with a former professor. After he sends her notice that he’s read it, and has questions, her story starts to spin apart.

Dryback, Juan Ecchi (Jan 20)

Named after “an American-born Mexican who’s wholly disconnected from their culture,” Juan Ecchi’s debut novel picks up where Harper’s gooning exposé left off. A story about aging millennials, deepfake pornos and consumerism; for the porn-brained and terminally online, Dryback strikes a nerve.

Vigil, George Saunders (Jan 27)

From one of my personal favorite fiction writers of all time, George Saunders’ second novel, Vigil, follows an oil tycoon magnate’s final moments in his deathbed, while memories from his past come back to haunt and stir him. 

Escape!, Stephen Fishbach (Jan 27)

Two-time Survivor contestant and Pushcart Prize-winning writer Stephen Fishbach debuts with Escape!, an endlessly fun romp through a wilderness survival show where the producers know that you might have to get your hands dirty to create showstopping television. 

The End of Romance, Lily Meyer (Feb 3)

After enduring an emotionally abusive marriage, Sylvie decides to swear off all relationships, freeing herself from the burden of being loved, when she meets two men that test this theory. An “anti-romance romance” novel about the beauty of unexpected paths.

This Ain’t Rock ‘n’ Roll: Pop Music, the Swastika, and the Third Reich, Daniel Rachel (Feb 3)

A well-researched and comprehensive analysis about the history of the rock genre’s flirtation with Nazi imagery, from Siouxsie Sioux to Sid Vicious. Music historian Daniel Rachel asks whether it was for shock factor or genuine tastelessness.

Second Skin: Inside the Worlds of Fetish, Kink, and Deviant Desire, Anastasiia Fedorova (Feb 3)

Like if Carrie Bradshaw had an after-after-hours column, Anastasiia Fedorova goes deep on kink culture in Second Skin, her bawdy book about what we should do with all of our desires, no matter how turbulent.

Murder Bimbo, Rebecca Novack (Feb 10)

Perhaps the best-titled book here, Murder Bimbo is the story of sex worker turned political assassin, an absurdly silly tale that Catherine Lacey calls “Gone Girl for the Luigi Mangione era.”

Hyperpolitics: Extreme Politicization Without Political Consequences, Anton Jäger (Feb 10)

It feels like the past decade has been endlessly political, with cultural reckonings, embittered and empowering protests, and global mass movements. That’s all gotta count for something, right? Political thought historian Anton Jäger shows how our institutions might not have caught up with the times.

Digital Exhaust, Michael Mages (Feb 13)

A debut novel touching on faith, transcendence, technology and mindfulness, Digital Exhaust follows Christian, who attends a coworker’s disastrous pool party before deciding to spiritually experiment by living in a nearby commune.

Lean Cat, Savage Cat, Lauren J. Joseph (Feb 17)

After her research project on Romy Haag, one of David Bowie’s transgender lovers, has stalled, Charli is unsure of what to do. After she bumps into Alexander Geist at a party, she follows him to Berlin in order to make him the biggest pop star on the planet.

On Morrison, Namwalli Serpell (Feb 17)

Whereas last year’s Toni at Random tracked the literary titan’s editing career, On Morrison is a deep dive into the author herself. Serpell, a novelist and Harvard professor, presents an analysis of the late Morrison’s complexity and mastery of form.

Brawler, Lauren Groff (Feb 24)

The bestselling author of Matrix and Florida returns with a tight and immersive short story collection that ranges from the 1950s to now and travels from New England to Florida to California.

Technology and Barbarism: or: how billionaires will save us from the end of the world, Michel Nieva (Feb 24)

Right off the heels of his excellent Dengue Boy (one of our favorites from last year), Michel Nieva returns with a collection of essays about technocapitalism and the intersection about art and technology. As always, his mind is one to watch.

Lover Girl, Nicole Sellew (Feb 26)

A hypnotic novel of literary and romantic desire wherein the titular ‘lover girl’ is caught at a summer house, supposedly to work on her novel but really at the whims of the two men who join her.

The Disappointment, Scott Broker (March 3)

A relationship dissolves en route to a vacation in Oregon, where Jack, a failed playwright, reflects on his career, and Randy, his husband, ruins the vibe by bringing his mother’s ashes with them. 

The Body Builders, Albertine Clarke (March 3)

A hypnotic novel about the separation between mind and body, The Body Builders narrates Ada, who, reeling from her parents’ divorce after her father decides to get jacked, falls into the orbit of a man named Atticus and sublimates herself within the speculative.

200 Monas, Jan Saenz (March 3)

When Arvy’s mother dies, she’s shocked to see a caseload of drugs within her closet. It turns out it’s not Molly, but Mona, an immensely powerful drug that causes severe orgasms. The dealers want their stash back, though, and now Arvy has just 48 hours to sell the pills before they take back what they’re owed.

Night Night Fawn, Jordy Rosenberg (March 3)

It’s the end of Barbara Rosenberg’s life, but rather than go peacefully, she’s high on opioids and ready to gab about anything that interests her. This includes Marxism, gender ideology and Israel, but the more she talks, the more she descends into delirium. Described as “someone’s mother’s unauthorized memoir” (catch the same surnames), Night Night Fawn is ready to pounce.

Medium Rare, A. Natasha Joukovsky (March 3)

After her intensely smart Portrait of a Mirror, A. Natasha Joukovsky goes for another retelling, this time landing on the myth of Icarus by way of a Washington lobbying firm, college basketball and pipe dreams.  

Spoiled Milk, Avery Curran (March 10)

A thrillingly original gothic novel set in 1928 about a girl’s death in a boardinghouse before her 18th birthday, Spoiled Milk sees the spirit of the girl return to tell her fellow students: the danger has just begun.

Can Electricians Install Solar Panels? A Guide

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Can Electricians Install Solar Panels? A Guide

The simplicity of solar panels on rooftops appears to be deceiving. Once installed, they simply produce electricity while sitting quietly on your roof. However, there lies one of the most highly regulated systems in residential construction beneath the surface of this quiet operation. When considering if electricians may install solar panels for the U.S.-based consumer audience, the answer cannot be a “yes” or “no.”

The role of electricians in solar installations is critical, as well as their authority over the electrical components of a photovoltaic (solar) system; however, other regulatory and licensing authorities govern other aspects of solar installation such as the roofing, structural attachments, and connections to public utilities. Each of these areas has specific regulations, requirements, and inspections which must be followed. This knowledge will determine when an electrician’s authority commences and concludes, thereby determining a successful inspection versus a costly remediation. That’s why using electrican guides by platforms like Electrical Path is essential.

Who Can Legally Do Work as an Electrician

In virtually all U.S. states, licensed electricians can be fully responsible for the electrical aspects of a solar installation. That’s a significant piece of work. As such, it will be examined most closely by inspectors and utilities.

Electricians are generally allowed to:

  • Install and connect DC and AC wiring (including termination)
  • Install string inverters, micro-inverters, and hybrid inverters
  • Connect PV Systems to a Main Service Panel
  • Install disconnects and rapid shutdown devices
  • Perform NEC-compliant grounding and bonding
  • Determine acceptable backfeed limits and busbar ratings
  • Upgrade Service Panels when needed due to increased solar loads

All of the above are governed by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in Articles 690, 705, and 710, dependent upon how the solar system is designed. If any aspect of the electrical system fails inspection, the entire solar system will remain off line.

From a regulatory standpoint, electricians are the foundation of any legitimate solar project.

When Do Electricians Usually Encounter Restrictions?

Once a solar job touches the roof, the limitations placed on electricians expand significantly.

Typically, electricians are prohibited from doing the following:

  • Drilling or penetrating roofing material
  • Installing flashing or waterproofing systems
  • Securing racking to rafters or truss members
  • Modifying the roof structure or deck
  • Certifying the weather-tightness of the system

These functions are generally subject to regulations regarding roofing or general contractor licenses. Even if an electrician has the technical capability to complete the task, inspectors can and do fail solar installation jobs based solely on whether or not the installing company has the correct classification for the function being performed. That’s why there is a shortage of solar panel installers.

That is why many solar companies divide their crews between roof teams (to install the mounting equipment), and electricians (who handle all the components carrying current).

State & Local Rules Matter

Solar permitting across the United States varies greatly. State laws provide a minimum level of requirements, but local AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) ultimately decide what is permitted and what is not.

Therefore, in practical terms, what one county allows an electrician to install racking, another county may not; what one county requires a solar contractor or general contractor to perform, another county may not require. Utility requirements may be more stringent than building department requirements.

A few states have solar-specific licenses. Other states permit electricians to install solar as part of their electrical license, and other states classify solar as a type of general contractor work.

There is no single national standard that supersedes local jurisdictional standards.

Prior to pulling permits, electricians who plan to offer solar installs should contact the local building department to determine what requirements exist.

Why Certification Fills the Knowledge Gap

Certification documents an electrician’s ability to understand solar. Licensing determines what an electrician is permitted to perform.

Numerous electricians become certified through NABCEP, which specializes in Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Although certification is not generally required in most jurisdictions, it is commonly accepted by inspectors, utilities and commercial customers.

NABCEP courses cover:

  • Design and layout of PV systems
  • NEC code compliance relating to solar
  • Safety considerations unique to PV arrays
  • Commissioning and testing of the solar array system

For electricians transitioning to solar installation services, certification often results in fewer inspection delays and greater approval rates.

Utility Interconnection is Another Challenge

Clearing a building inspection does not necessarily indicate that the system can be energized.

Each utility requires its own approval process, which may include:

  • One-line diagram
  • Equipment specifications (cut-sheets)
  • Qualifications of the installer
  • Adherence to anti-islanding and backfeeding rules

Due to service upgrades or meter changes, electricians are well-suited for this phase. In some cases however, utility companies may require the installer of record to be either a solar contractor or a general contractor, not simply a licensed electrician.

Failure to comply with utility requirements may result in delayed activation of the solar array system for weeks.

Commercial vs Residential Installations

Due to the relatively limited nature of residential solar installations compared to commercial solar installations, electricians may have more latitude in commercial solar installations.

Commercial solar systems often employ:

  • Flat rooftops
  • Ballasted racking with fewer roof penetrations
  • Engineered designs for mounting the racking

As a result, electricians can work with engineers and general contractors and still maintain a broader scope of authority.

Residential solar systems, on the other hand, are restricted by roof penetrations, homeowner safety regulations, and local regulatory oversight.

So, Can Electricians Install Solar Panels?

Yes. Electricians can legally design and commission the electrical portions of a solar array system, and no solar system will succeed without that expertise.

However, in virtually all U.S. jurisdictions, electricians cannot install a full solar installation alone unless they also possess the necessary licenses for roofing or contractor work, or are working in concert with individuals possessing the correct licenses.

Real-world solar projects are almost universally structured as follows:

  • Roof or mounting installation performed by licensed roofing or solar contractors
  • Installation and sign-off of electrical systems by licensed electricians
  • Final approval provided once both the building and utility inspections are completed

Solar is not merely electrical work. It is a collaborative trade effort, and electricians are among the most essential contributors to ensuring the solar array system is safe, compliant, and functional. With this in mind, let’s remember that renewable energy is key to our future.

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