Category Archives: Gaming

AI, Cutting Edge, Esoteric, Gaming, Observation, Tech

What is the metaverse? 2 media and information experts explain

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Above: Photo / Pixabay

The metaverse is a network of always-on virtual environments in which many people can interact with one another and digital objects while operating virtual representations – or avatars – of themselves. Think of a combination of immersive virtual reality, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game and the web. 

The metaverse is a concept from science fiction that many people in the technology industry envision as the successor to today’s internet. It’s only a vision at this point, but technology companies like Facebook are aiming to make it the setting for many online activities, including work, play, studying and shopping.

Metaverse is a portmanteau of meta, meaning transcendent, and verse, from universe. Sci-fi novelist Neal Stephenson coined the term in his 1992 novel “Snow Crash” to describe the virtual world in which the protagonist, Hiro Protagonist, socializes, shops and vanquishes real-world enemies through his avatar. The concept predates “Snow Crash” and was popularized as “cyberspace” in William Gibson’s groundbreaking 1984 novel “Neuromancer.”

There are three key aspects of the metaverse: presence, interoperability and standardization. 

Presence is the feeling of actually being in a virtual space, with virtual others. Decades of research has shown that this sense of embodiment improves the quality of online interactions. This sense of presence is achieved through virtual reality technologies such as head-mounted displays.

Interoperability means being able to seamlessly travel between virtual spaces with the same virtual assets, such as avatars and digital items. ReadyPlayerMe allows people to create an avatar that they can use in hundreds of different virtual worlds, including in Zoom meetings through apps like Animaze. Meanwhile, blockchain technologies such as cryptocurrenciesand nonfungible tokens facilitate the transfer of digital goods across virtual borders.

Standardization is what enables interoperability of platforms and services across the metaverse. As with all mass-media technologies – from the printing press to texting – common technological standards are essential for widespread adoption. International organizations such as the Open Metaverse Interoperability Group define these standards. 

Why the metaverse matters

If the metaverse does become the successor to the internet, who builds it, and how, is extremely important to the future of the economy and society as a whole. Facebook is aiming to play a leading role in shaping the metaverse, in part by investing heavily in virtual reality. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained in an interview his view that the metaverse spans non-immersive platforms like today’s social media as well as immersive 3D media technologies such as virtual reality, and that it will be for work as well as play.Hollywood has embraced the metaverse in movies like ‘Ready Player One.’

The metaverse might one day resemble the flashy fictional Oasis of Ernest Cline’s “Ready Player One,” but until then you can turn to games like Fortnite and Roblox, virtual reality social media platforms like VRChat and AltspaceVR, and virtual work environments like Immersed for a taste of the immersive and connected metaverse experience. As these siloed spaces converge and become increasingly interoperable, watch for a truly singular metaverse to emerge.

Originally published on The Conversation by Rabindra Ratan & Yiming Lei and republished under a Creative Common License (CC BY-ND 4.0).

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Entertainment, Gaming, Lifestyle

Cyberpunk 2077: Essential Tips before you Start

Above: Photo Cyberpunk 2077

CD Projekt Red, makers of “Witcher” launch its newest game

It is here; Cyberpunk 2077 has finally had its official launch! The massive and complex RPG is now available around the globe. CD Projekt Red encountered major obstacles getting this game out, including: delays, leaks and crunch.  However, nearly 8 years and after $130 million spent, the game is ready and accessible through the various compatible devices, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5, and Google Stadia.

Click to see”Cyberpunk:2077”
Also available on Amazon

Read More: All things Cyberpunk 2077: release info, initial reactions, leaks and even a medical warning

At the start of the game, you get to customize the main character and protagonist named V.  The extensive character builder and roleplaying decisions allow you to customize your character, down to the T, or P in this case, with even 5 crazy options for pubic hair. In the end no two players will likely design the same version of V, nor have the exact playing experience. 

  We’ve compiled some tips and helpful tricks below that will be to your benefit before you take on the giant world of Night City.

Don’t just play the main quest or only use fast travel 

All the early release gamers have been desperately trying to finish the primary quests in order to give an overall review of the game.  However it’s noteworthy that there are a lot of additional side quests that can be really fun, sometimes even more than the main missions.  Taking on more of the optional quests will give gamers access to better ending alternatives. The take away; do more side quests and you’ll get more satisfying ending options for your character V.   Also worth mentioning, you can “fail” side quests with no chances to re-do them, so take them on as seriously as the main ones. 

Read More: Cyberpunk 2077 : Where to get Awesome Merch and Gift ideas

Within the game there will be fast travel points that you can use. Although tempting and sometimes necessary to quickly meet your objective in a timely manner, we suggest you don’t always depend on this mode.  There can be rewards for traveling by use of car or motorbike when time allows. With the expansive landscape of Night City, you will find that there’s tons to see and do, and traveling manually you will definitely find some cool things along the way.  Examples include finding crimes being committed that you can get rewarded ($$) to break it up and get the perpetrators.

Get your “gig” on for some cash

In addition to side quests, there are also “gigs” which are usually related to some sort of exchange/ trade.  A “Fixer” will ask you to do a job and in return you’ll get money.  Money that you will need in order to buy things like cars, new weapons and upgrades.  Gigs are fun and challenging and usually don’t take up that much time, typically around 10 to 20 minutes to complete.  Just as mentioned with side quests, gigs can also be failed and unfortunately if you lose, there is no cash , which can leave you feeling like you did all that for nothing.

Your experience will never be the same

As mentioned at the start, from building your character,  you are like a beautiful snowflake, in that no other player can exactly replicate the look of your V,  nor the way in which you go through the game.  All the choices and decisions you make in Cyberpunk 2077 matter.  The staggering amount of choices and the approach to your quest, like how you confront your enemies have tangible impacts on the virtual world around you.   All choices, however small you may initially deem them are in fact quite significant, drastic and hold lasting affects. So keep in mind, how you go about completing missions and basically everything you do, will impact your playing experience. 

Yes there are bugs 

Unfortunately, even though we all got an early warnings of this, there are some bugs.  Users have shared clips of glitches, freezes/frame rate issues and more continue to pop up on social media as the games becomes more readily available.  It is unclear if gamers (on console or PC) were trying the game with the day zero patch or not.  CD Project Red did note that if the game was preloaded before the launch, when booted up it would already have the patch.  

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Entertainment, Gaming, Lifestyle

Cyberpunk 2077 : Where to get Awesome Merch and Gift ideas

Photo / Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077: The Complete Official Guide-Collector’s Edition

Click to see “Cyberpunk 2077: Collector’s Edition“
and help independent bookstores.
Also available on Amazon.

The Complete Official Guide to Cyberpunk 2077 is a premium hardcover Collector’s Edition printed on superior quality art paper, and also includes bonus material This massive book covers everything in the game. With details on every last challenge and feature, the guide offers streamlined progression through the entire adventure, as well as a commanding expertise on all key systems. 100% authoritative: all branching paths, all side quests, all rewards, and all endings fully mapped out; also includes optional challenges, mini-games, unlockables, secrets, and more. Foolproof explanations: every mission, every game mechanic, every meaningful choice covered with accessible solutions. Hi-res maps of Night City: each annotated with locations of collectibles and points of interest. Click to see on Bookshop.org also available on Amazon.

Funko Pop! Games Cyberpunk 2077 V-Male Glow in The Dark Exclusive

The World of Cyberpunk 2077 Deluxe Edition

Click to see “Cyberpunk 2077 – Deluxe Edition”
and help independent bookstores.
Also available on Amazon

Explore an extensive examination of the rich lore of Cyberpunk 2077. This intricately assembled tome contains everything you need to know about the history, characters, and world of the long-awaited RPG from CD Projekt Red the creators of The Witcher video game series. This deluxe edition includes: An exclusive Night City map cover.A slipcase featuring Night City graffiti.Temporary Tattoos: show your alignment with any of Night City’s varied, colorful gangs.Johnny Silverhand Poster: a memorial to the gone-but-not-forgotten superstar, Johnny Silverhand.Vehicle Postcards: Four postcards that each showcase a vehicle from one of Night City’s diverse and unique lifestyles.An insightful, captivatingly designed, full-color hardcover that transports readers to the futuristic megalopolis of Night City–the epicenter of the vibrant new action-RPG from CD PROJECT RED. Click to see on Bookshop.org and also available on Amazon.

Wireless Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition Gaming Headset -USB-C Wireless -Detachable ClearCast Microphone

  • Inspired by the in-game ability to see the net overlaid on the real world, the Netrunner Edition is part of the official Cyberpunk 2077 headset collection by SteelSeries
  • Features SteelSeries lossless 2.4GHz wireless for ultra-low latency wireless connectivity on PC, PS4, Android, and Switch/Switch Lite
  • Detachable clear cast noise canceling microphone with natural sounding clarity, discovered-certified

Xbox Wireless Controller – Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition

  • Live the mercenary life with the Xbox Wireless Controller – Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition
  • The rugged design is based on cult Cyberpunk character Johnny Silverhand
  • Custom button mapping with the Xbox Accessories app
  • Plug in any compatible headset with the 3.5mm stereo headset jack
  • Includes Bluetooth technology for gaming on Windows 10 PCs, tablets, laptops, and mobile devices
  • Compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Windows 10

McFarlane Toys Cyberpunk 2077 Johnny Silverhand Action Figure

  • Features Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand in his iconic outfit from the Cyberpunk 2077 Video Game
  • Designed with Ultra Articulation with 22 Moving Parts
  • 7-Inch scale figure comes with a Base, Johnny’s Guitar with strap and a Bottle
  • Includes bonus ‘Rock-On’ Hand
  • Figure showcased in Cyberpunk 2077 themed window box packaging

The World of Cyberpunk 2077

Click to see “The World of Cyberpunk: 2077”
and help independent bookstores.
Also available on Amazon.

An insightful, captivatingly designed, full-color hardcover that transports readers to the futuristic megalopolis of Night City–the epicenter of the vibrant new action-RPG from CD Projekt Red.Step into the year 2077, a world dotted with dystopian metropoles where violence, oppression, and cyberware implants aren’t just common–they’re necessary tools to get ahead. Delve into incisive lore to discover how the economic decline of the United States created a crippling dependence on devious corporations and birthed the Free State of California. Explore the various districts, gangs, and history of Night City. Learn all there is to know about the technology of tomorrow and research the cybernetics, weapons, and vehicles of Cyberpunk 2077. Click to see on Bookshop.org also available on Amazon.

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Cutting Edge, Entertainment, Gaming, Lifestyle

All things Cyberpunk 2077: release info, initial reactions, leaks and even a medical warning

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https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1334128698191130624/vid/1280x720/Z4tI09CodSztjT3R.mp4?tag=13

Above: Video of CyberPunk 2077 Photo Mode

Worth the wait?  Most say ……

Cyberpunk 2077’ is the highly anticipated and long-awaited RPG by the makers of ‘Witcher’, studio CD Projekt Red.  With the release date set for the end of this week, December 10.  Based on the global release map issued by the company, technically those in the U.S. can start playing a day early on Dec. 9. 

The game has stumbled over many obstacles including production delays, leaks and issues relating to overtime crunch, but finally after nearly 8 years in the making and $130 million spent, it soon will be available for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5, and Google Stadia.

Read More: Cyberpunk 2077 : Where to get Awesome Merch and Gift ideas

Some players that have managed to snag an early copy, have leaked some screenshots of the game’s maps, highlighting just how enormous the landscape is and gives gamers a little taste of the hours of gaming awaiting them. 

 Also some early users warned future gamers of the large patch of  43.5 GB update that comes along with the download. Cyberpunk 2077 has reported a pre-launch update and a day-one patch, though the contents of the patch have not been outlined as of yet.

Initial reviews have been mixed, some say well worth the wait, others saying its overly hyped up and not what was expected, although there is a consensus that there is well over 40+ hours of gaming to finish the missions and the expansive world is “fun” to explore. 

Jeez, to add to the mix of information, the onslaught of flashing white and red blinking LEDs for those with photosensitivity can potentially trigger an epileptic episode/ seizure. So be warned of that, although most video games usually have a warning of this. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be a workaround as the in-game features have blinking lights throughout.

Music related, Cyberpunk 2077 will have an eclectic soundtrack, drawing on a range of genres including punk, electronic, rap, hip-hip and alternative.  Some of the artists that will have music on the game’s track include: Grimes, Nina Kraviz, Rat Boy, SOPHIE/ Shygirl, Run the Jewels and more. 

Cyberpunk 2077 plays out like a sci-fi action movie

The game is set in a place called Night city, the vast virtual dystopian metropolis set in the year 2077.  There are recognizable visual elements stemming from the likes of “Blade Runner”, “Neuroamncer” and even gives off “John Wick” vibes.  

At the start, you get to customize the main character and protagonist named V.  The extensive character builder and roleplaying decisions lets you customize your character (down to the piecing, tattoo, cybernetic parts, gentalia and ummm there’s even 5 types of pubic hair options). In the end no two players will likely design the same version of V, nor have the exact playing experience. 

Violence and oppression aren’t just common–they’re necessary tools you use to get ahead. With your opening mission set to go after a prototype immortality chip from on the mega corporations.  You explore the Night City to find that chip.  

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Upon finding the chip, (some what of a spoiler if you haven’t been following anything on Cyberpunk) your character insets into their cyberwar to keep it safe. Once loaded, a new personality emerges, Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves.   You have to play to find out more of your main and final quests, as more reviews trickle in as the release day inches nearer towards us. 

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Entertainment, Gaming

Funimation releases ‘Attack on Titan’ Final Season and first episode Now

Announcement from Funimation:

World’s leading provider of anime, Funimation is thrilled to announce that the first subbed episode of Attack on Titan Final Season launches Sunday, December 6 at 12:45 pm PT/2:45 pm CT and will be available on its streaming service in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ireland. SimulDub™ episodes of the season will be available at a later date. 

Read more: New Exclusive Games for Just-Released Sony Playstation 5

The final season of “Attack on Titan” is looking like it will be the best yet – with the same creative team shift from WIT Studio for the previous three seasons, to MAPPA for the final season. For major fans of anime the first three seasons are already available on Funimation. 

You can get them on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital HD from select retailers and, of course, funimation.com

Attack on Titan Final Season is shaping up to be the most action-packed yet, with MAPPA taking on production duties for the series after a spectacular tenure from WIT Studio on the first three seasons.

Read more: Matrix 4, Mortal Kombat and Godzilla vs. Kong will stream on HBO Max

About “Attack on Titan”:

“Attack on Titan (“Shingeki no Kyojin” in Japanese) anime series is adapted from the best-selling manga series by Hajime Isayama about the last of humanity fighting to survive against man-eating giants called Titans. To date, there are a total of 32 volumes in the manga series, with an estimated 100+ million copies in print around the world.”

About Funimation

Funimation distributes the best anime to a passionate, global community of fans. For more than 25 years, Funimation has pioneered an omnichannel approach to engaging and entertaining millions where they want it most—streaming, home entertainment, theatrical, e-commerce, merchandising, live events, and more.

Funimation’s streaming service offers a growing catalog of more than 700 anime series and 13,000+ hours of content available on 15 platforms in 49 countries. Funimation’s theatrical arm has distributed six of the top 20 anime films in the U.S., and its collectibles unit creates must-have, exclusive home video and merchandise. As pioneers of the SimulDub™, Funimation is the gold standard for foreign language dubbing of Japanese anime with the highest quality and fidelity to the artists’ visions. Counting tens of millions of followers across every major social platform, Funimation’s fan-centric approach continues to engage this large and growing community in trusted partnership with its partners and licensors.

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