530/600
Sony’s $400M “Concord” game shut down two weeks after release.

In 2024, Sony released “Concord,” a sci-fi hero shooter developed by Firewalk Studios, with a reported budget of $400 million. Sony anticipated it would become a franchise comparable to “Star Wars,” spawning numerous spinoffs. However, the game received mixed reviews and experienced unprecedentedly low sales, leading to its shutdown two weeks after release and full refunds issued to purchasers. Subsequently, Sony announced the closure of Firewalk Studios and the permanent cessation of the game’s development.

529/600
Rockstar featured fan rants on GTA IV’s WKTT radio.

In 2007, Rockstar Games encouraged fans to voice their opinions on America’s issues by calling a dedicated number. The most compelling recordings were featured on WKTT Talk Radio, a parody conservative station in “Grand Theft Auto IV.”

528/600
Michelin-starred NYC restaurants had higher closure rates than non-starred.

Research indicates that New York City restaurants launched between 2000 and 2014 with Michelin stars had a higher closure rate than those without. By 2019, 40% of these starred establishments had shut down, whereas only 20% of similarly acclaimed non-starred restaurants closed.

527/600
DMX fathered 15 children and died without a will.

Rapper DMX, born Earl Simmons, fathered 15 children with multiple women and passed away in April 2021 without a will.

525/600
Nintendo’s counselors offered phone help for gamers before internet.

Before the internet era, Nintendo offered a Game Play Counselor service, where players could call a hotline for assistance with game challenges. This service operated from 1987 to 2005, providing real-time guidance to gamers.

524/600
Shower every 2-3 days to prevent skin irritation.

Experts recommend showering every two to three days to maintain skin health, as daily showers may cause dryness and irritation.

523/600
Japan’s power grid: East 50 Hz, West 60 Hz.

Japan’s power grid is divided into two regions: the east uses 50 Hz, while the west runs on 60 Hz. This stems from historical decisions in the 1890s when Tokyo imported 50 Hz generators from Germany, and Osaka chose 60 Hz equipment from the U.S.

522/600
Five Guys adds extra fries to create a generous impression.

Five Guys offers extra fries at the bottom of each bag, creating a perception of added value, which founder Jerry Murrell says enhances the customer experience—even though the cost is included in the price.

521/600
Ford’s Model T fell from $825 to $260 by 1925.

Ford launched the Model T in 1908 for $825, or $25,443 in 2024. With nearly 15 million eventually sold, Ford kept reducing the price; by 1925, the base model was $260, around $4,851 today.