Activision Blizzard, the gaming giant behind popular franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, is facing backlash from its quality assurance (QA) workers over a new mandatory return-to-office policy. The policy, which was announced in October 2023, requires all QA workers to return to the office full-time starting in January 2024.
Reasons for the Protest
The policy has been met with strong opposition from many QA workers, who argue that it is unfair and impractical. They cite a number of reasons for their opposition, including:
The cost of relocation and commuting: Many QA workers live far from the company’s offices, and they would have to incur significant costs to relocate or commute. For example, a QA worker living in Orange County, California, would have to face an average commute time of over an hour and pay high gas prices to reach the company’s headquarters in Santa Monica.
The impact on childcare and eldercare: Many QA workers have childcare or eldercare responsibilities that would be difficult to manage if they had to go back to the office full-time. A survey conducted by the ABK Workers Alliance found that 70% of respondents had childcare or eldercare responsibilities that would be impacted by the return-to-office policy.
The effectiveness of remote work: Many QA workers have been working remotely for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have been productive and efficient during that time. A study by Stanford University found that remote workers were 13% more productive than their in-office counterparts.
Calling it a “Soft Layoff”
The ABK Workers Alliance, a union representing Activision Blizzard workers, has called the new policy a “soft layoff.” They argue that it will force many QA workers to quit their jobs, as they will not be able to afford to relocate or commute, or they will not be able to find childcare or eldercare. The union estimates that up to 30% of QA workers could be forced to leave the company as a result of the policy.
Activision Blizzard’s Response
Activision Blizzard has defended the new policy, saying that it is necessary to improve collaboration and communication among employees. The company has also said that it will offer some financial assistance to help employees with relocation costs. However, the amount of financial assistance offered has been criticized by the union as being inadequate.
The Union’s Demands
The ABK Workers Alliance is demanding that Activision Blizzard rescind the mandatory return-to-office policy and allow QA workers to continue working remotely. They are also demanding that the company provide better pay and benefits for QA workers. QA workers are some of the lowest-paid employees at Activision Blizzard, and they often have to work long hours under demanding conditions.
The Future of the Dispute
It is unclear how the dispute between Activision Blizzard and its QA workers will be resolved. The union has said that it is prepared to take legal action if the company does not rescind the policy. The outcome of this dispute could have a significant impact on the future of remote work in the gaming industry.
Additional Notes
This is an ongoing story, and new developments may emerge in the coming days and weeks.
I have tried to present the facts of the situation in a neutral and objective manner.
I have included links to sources so that you can learn more about the story.
Embarking on a Pirate’s Adventure: A Skull & Bones Closed Beta Experience
Ahoy, mateys! The high seas have been calling, and I recently had the chance to answer in the closed beta for Ubisoft’s upcoming pirate adventure, Skull & Bones. After countless hours spent plundering, trading, and sinking ships, I’m here to share my impressions on this long-awaited title.
Setting Sail in a World of Plunder:
Skull & Bones plunges you into the Golden Age of Piracy, where danger and opportunity lurk around every wave. The Indian Ocean serves as your playground, a vast expanse dotted with lush islands, treacherous reefs, and bustling port towns. From the sun-drenched shores of Madagascar to the storm-battered coasts of Goa, the world feels vibrant and alive, teeming with diverse ecosystems and hidden secrets.
Crafting Your Pirate Legacy:
At the heart of the experience lies your ship, your customizable vessel that serves as your home and weapon. From nimble sloops to hulking galleons, a variety of ships cater to different playstyles. You’ll tinker with masts, sails, cannons, and crew to create a perfect instrument of maritime mayhem. Progression feels meaningful, as you unlock new upgrades and skills to make your ship a true terror of the seas.
Combat: Cannonades and Cutlass Clashes:
Ship-to-ship combat is the beating heart of Skull & Bones, and it’s a thrilling mix of tactical maneuvering and explosive firepower. Cannons roar as you trade broadsides, strategically aiming for weak points and unleashing devastating salvos. Boarding actions add a layer of visceral intensity, as you clash with enemy crews in a dance of steel and gunpowder. Mastering the wind, waves, and your ship’s unique strengths is key to emerging victorious from these intense encounters.
Beyond the Buccaneers’ Brawl:
While combat is undoubtedly the star of the show, Skull & Bones offers a surprising amount of variety beyond the battlefield. You can engage in intricate trade routes, hunt for hidden treasures, complete swashbuckling story missions, and even form alliances with other pirates to take on formidable challenges. These diverse activities keep the gameplay loop fresh and engaging, ensuring there’s always something to do on the open seas.
A Few Rough Patches on the Horizon:
However, it wouldn’t be a beta without some blemishes. The progression system at times felt grindy, requiring repetitive tasks to unlock desired upgrades. Balancing issues were also evident, with certain enemy ships feeling overly spongy and some weapons dominating the meta. The open world, while beautiful, could occasionally feel empty, and the AI companions lacked personality and tactical depth.
Verdict: A Promising Voyage with Work to be Done:
Despite its imperfections, the Skull & Bones closed beta left me with a sense of cautious optimism. The core gameplay loop is undeniably fun, offering a satisfying blend of ship customization, thrilling combat, and diverse activities. The world feels stunning and immersive, and the potential for epic pirate adventures is palpable. However, Ubisoft needs to address the aforementioned issues and add more depth and polish to certain aspects of the game before it truly sets sail for greatness.
Overall, Skull & Bones has the makings of a swashbuckling good time, but it’s still finding its sea legs. If Ubisoft can smooth out the rough waters and refine the experience, we could be in for a truly epic pirate adventure come launch. So raise your Jolly Roger, me hearties, and keep an eye on the horizon – Skull & Bones may just be the treasure we’ve been waiting for.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the world of Skull & Bones! Feel free to share your own thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Until next time, fair winds and following seas!
This is more than just a game, it’s an experience. It’s the future. It’s PlayStation VR2.
Buckle up, gamers, because PlayStation VR2 is here to whisk you away to a reality beyond the screen. This isn’t just a headset; it’s a portal to a world where virtual worlds feel shockingly real. Gone are the days of clunky controls and blurry visuals – the PS VR2 redefines immersion, thrusting you into the heart of the action with unparalleled precision and vibrancy.
Feel the Game, Not Just Play It: Gone are the days of button mashing. PS VR2’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers blur the line between controller and reality. Feel the raindrops drum on your virtual hands, the thrum of a spaceship taking off, or the satisfying recoil of a weapon with an alarmingly tangible intensity. Each action resonates through the controllers, weaving a tapestry of sensation that transports you deeper into the game.
A Feast for the Eyes: Prepare to be blown away. The PS VR2 boasts vibrant OLED displays with an expansive 110-degree field of view, painting your surroundings in stunning detail. From sun-drenched landscapes to alien vistas, every scene explodes with life, blurring the boundaries between imagination and reality. And with HDR support, expect even the darkest corners to shimmer with exquisite detail.
Move with Freedom, Aim with Precision: Say goodbye to tangled wires and awkward tracking. The PS VR2 boasts inside-out tracking, meaning precise movement without the need for external sensors. Dodge bullets by physically twisting your body, scale treacherous cliffs with intuitive climbing motions, and aim down your sights with pinpoint accuracy. Your virtual body is an extension of your own, unlocking a level of physical interaction that was once a futuristic dream.
Beyond the Headset: The PS VR2 experience extends far beyond the headset. Sense controllers, designed to feel natural in your hands, add another layer of realism. Eye tracking technology detects your gaze, adding emotional depth to your interactions with other virtual characters. And a built-in microphone for clear communication ensures seamless collaboration and competition in the online world.
This is just the beginning. With a growing library of innovative titles, from adrenaline-pumping action to serene exploration, the PS VR2 promises endless possibilities. Whether you’re scaling snowy peaks in Horizon Call of the Mountain, dodging hordes of undead in The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution, or crafting mind-blowing experiences in Dreams VR, the future of gaming is here, and it’s begging to be explored.
So, are you ready to step into the unknown? The PlayStation VR2 awaits, offering a future where the line between reality and virtual fades away. Brace yourself for the ultimate gaming adventure – where every breath, every touch, every step plunges you deeper into a world unlike any you’ve ever imagined.
Gone are the days of squinting at blurry mobile games on bumpy bus rides. The Steam Deck has arrived, a handheld beast that redefines what it means to game on the go. Buckle up, gamers, because this isn’t your grandma’s Game Boy:
Powerhouse in Your Pocket: Forget watered-down ports and compromised graphics. The Steam Deck packs a punch, boasting an AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU, and 16GB of RAM. That translates to next-gen visuals, silky-smooth performance, and the ability to play your entire Steam library, from indie darlings to AAA blockbusters, all in the palm of your hand. Say goodbye to sacrifices, hello to unbridled gaming freedom.
A Feast for the Eyes: Bid farewell to pixelated nightmares. The Steam Deck’s 7-inch IPS touchscreen boasts a beautiful 1280×800 resolution, showcasing your games in stunning detail. Whether you’re exploring the neon-drenched streets of Cyberpunk 2077 or battling epic monsters in Elden Ring, the visuals will leave you slack-jawed.
Comfort is King: Forget cramped thumbs and aching hands. The Steam Deck is ergonomically designed, with full-sized analog sticks, comfortable back buttons, and intuitive shoulder triggers. You can game for hours on end without feeling like you’re gripping a brick. No more awkward claw hands, just pure gaming bliss.
A Universe of Possibilities: The Steam Deck isn’t just a glorified console. It’s a portal to a gaming multiverse. Browse the vast Steam library, install mods to customize your experience, or stream PC games remotely from your home rig. You can even use it as a PC in a pinch, making it the ultimate productivity and entertainment companion.
Beyond the Hype: Sure, the Steam Deck is powerful, but it’s not perfect. Battery life can be demanding, and the price tag might make some wallets weep. But for those who crave true PC gaming freedom, who yearn to liberate their Steam library from the confines of their desks, the Deck is a dream come true.
The Verdict: The Steam Deck is a game-changer, a portable powerhouse that obliterates the compromises of past handhelds. It’s not just a device; it’s a declaration of intent, a statement that PC gaming can conquer any corner of the world, from your living room couch to the sunniest park bench. So, pack your Steam library, grab your Deck, and prepare to unleash your inner gamer – anywhere, anytime. The future of gaming is here, and it fits in your pocket.
This article expands on the original description by delving deeper into the Steam Deck’s technical specs, visual capabilities, ergonomic design, and diverse functionalities. It also acknowledges potential downsides while emphasizing the overall game-changing nature of the device. Remember, you can tailor the tone and details further to suit your specific audience and publication.
Forget blurry pixels and clunky controls. The Oculus Quest Pro shatters the limitations of virtual reality, ushering in an era of hyper-realism that will make you question where the digital ends and the real begins. Prepare to be swept away by:
Oceans of OLED: Forget jaggy edges and pixelated landscapes. The Quest Pro boasts stunning OLED displays, painting virtual worlds with vibrant colors and unparalleled clarity. Immerse yourself in lush jungles so detailed you can practically smell the damp earth, or explore alien vistas so breathtaking they’ll leave you breathless.
Eye on the Prize: Forget clunky controllers and awkward movements. The Quest Pro’s cutting-edge eye-tracking technology takes virtual interaction to a whole new level. Your gaze is your command, allowing you to navigate menus, manipulate objects, and even express emotions with uncanny precision. Imagine summoning a weapon with a mere glance, or having your avatar mirror your real-world smirk – it’s a level of immersion that’s simply mind-blowing.
A Symphony of Senses: The Quest Pro doesn’t just paint a picture; it orchestrates a symphony of senses. Spatial audio soaks you in every rustle and roar, while haptic feedback lets you feel the coarse grip of a virtual weapon or the gentle caress of a digital breeze. It’s like stepping into a living, breathing world, where virtual reality becomes a tangible extension of your own.
Beyond the Battlefield: The Quest Pro isn’t just for slaying dragons and conquering galaxies. It’s a portal to endless possibilities. Work in a virtual office, collaborate with colleagues across the globe, or step into the shoes of historical figures through immersive educational experiences. The Quest Pro is a canvas for imagination, a tool for productivity, and a gateway to a world where anything is possible.
A New Reality Beckons: The Oculus Quest Pro isn’t just a gadget; it’s a revolution. It’s a leap into the future, a blurring of the lines between reality and the digital realm. It’s a chance to experience the world in ways never before possible, to unleash your creativity, and to connect with others in ways that transcend physical limitations. So, are you ready to take the plunge? Are you ready to dive into the hyper-real world of the Oculus Quest Pro? The future of reality is waiting, and it’s time to answer the call.
This article expands on the initial description, adding sensory details, potential applications beyond gaming, and a touch of excitement to entice readers to explore the possibilities of the Oculus Quest Pro. Remember, you can customize the tone and content further to fit your specific audience and publication.
Stay tuned, Guardians, as Bungie’s next frontier might be in your pocket
Rumors are swirling around the galaxy, hinting at a bold new frontier for Guardians: a Destiny mobile game. Whispers suggest that Bungie and NetEase Games have joined forces to craft a first-person shooter experience for your pocket.
This speculation stems from two sources. First, an artist at NetEase posted on LinkedIn about their involvement in developing “an unannounced FPS mobile game” with Bungie. Second, The Game Post claims an insider revealed the game’s identity: a brand-new addition to the Destiny series, separate from Destiny 2 but sharing its rich universe and lore.
While details remain shrouded in mystery, the potential for a mobile Destiny is electrifying. Imagine grinding bounties on your commute, strategizing raids during lunch break, or unleashing the Light’s power at a moment’s notice. The possibilities are as vast as the cosmos itself.
Of course, skepticism lingers. Can a mobile game capture the essence of Destiny’s epic gunplay and intricate world-building? How will Bungie balance accessibility with the series’ signature depth? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Guardians, prepare to sharpen your blades, dust off your Ghosts, and answer the call to adventure – perhaps even on the smallest of screens.
So, keep your eyes peeled, Guardians. News of this mobile venture might just drop from the Traveler itself, and we’ll be here to guide you through every twist and turn. Stay tuned, and may the Light be with you, wherever you roam.
In response to longstanding rumors, Bungie appears to be gearing up for a significant addition to the Destiny franchise with the development of a major mobile game. The speculation gained traction after official job listings from the game developer surfaced, seeking to fill key roles for an upcoming Destiny title. Bungie’s job listings included positions for an art director, executive producer, and senior test manager, emphasizing the need for candidates experienced in AAA mobile gaming and possessing expertise in the Destiny intellectual property. This move suggests Bungie’s strategic expansion into the mobile gaming realm within the Destiny universe.
In a recent leak, details emerged suggesting that the upcoming Destiny project is potentially codenamed ‘Goliath.’ A job listing for the position of principal producer shed light on the project’s responsibilities, indicating tasks such as “Fostering an understanding of ‘Goliath’ goals and vision across your teams” and “Working with the ‘Goliath’ Leadership Team and other Producers to help define and deliver on the roadmap of future Destiny releases.” Notably, the listing was subsequently revised, removing all references to the term ‘Goliath.’
In a move that’s equal parts genius and hilarious, Valve is cracking down on Dota 2 smurf accounts with a unique twist: “seasonal rewards” that pack a permanent ban under the guise of coal. Yes, you read that right. Naughty players, including even pro-player mason, found themselves unexpectedly gifted lumps of coal that turned out to be tickets to Dota 2 purgatory.
Mason’s wide-eyed shock in a now-viral clip perfectly captures the surprise of unsuspecting recipients who unwittingly triggered their own bans by “claiming” the festive (and ironically named) “seasonal reward.” But the humor gives way to a deeper message: Valve is dead serious about cleaning up the notoriously toxic Dota 2 landscape.
This coal-powered initiative is just one piece of Valve’s “Frostivus 2023” update’s “naughty list” purge. In a blog post dripping with playful menace, Valve warned players that this year wouldn’t be filled with holiday cheer for those breaking the rules. “Bloodbath” was the term used, and judging by the gift-wrapped banhammer, they weren’t kidding.
Whether mason’s plea for leniency will find a sympathetic ear at Valve HQ remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: this creative and unexpected approach to curbing smurfing and rule-breaking has sent a clear message to the Dota 2 community – beware the naughty list, for even a festive lump of coal can come with a hefty price tag: an indefinite vacation from the battlefield.
So, will this coal-based banning tactic prove effective? Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: it’s definitely injected a dose of dark humor and intrigue into the ongoing battle against Dota 2’s toxicity.
Unwrap the Magic of Frostivus! (New Features, Frosty Fun Awaits)
This Frostivus, Valve isn’t just delivering festive cheer, they’re serving up a generous helping of fair play! Their latest update kicks off with a message clear as a wintery night: smurfing, toxicity, and behavior score manipulation are no longer tolerated. Here’s a frosty breakdown of the good tidings:
Smurf Slayers on Patrol: Since September’s 90,000 smurf account banhammer swung, Valve hasn’t been napping. Tens of thousands more have faced the icy chill of permanent bans in recent weeks, sending a message that the “everyone plays by the rules” policy applies even to pros.
Beyond Smurfs: Naughty List Expansion: Valve’s naughty list grows! In-game jerks causing grief and manipulating their behavior score through “farmers” are now also targets for penalties and, in extreme cases, even main account bans.
Frostivus Festivities for Fair Players: This update is a celebration for those who embrace true sportsmanship. Valve is committed to making matches as enjoyable as possible, ensuring the new year dawns with a brighter, friendlier Dota 2 landscape.
A Coal-Flavored Warning: While everyone else enjoys the Frostivus festivities, Valve reminds us those who haven’t played nice will find a lump of bitter consequence in their inventory. No need to panic, though! Genuine remorse and a commitment to playing honorably can always melt the frost and pave the way for redemption.
So, grab your friends, embrace the spirit of the season, and dive into the Frostivus update with renewed enthusiasm. Remember, the real magic lies in fair competition, camaraderie, and the thrill of a hard-fought victory. Happy Frostivus, heroes! May your matches be filled with frosty fun and the warmth of fair play!
This rewrite avoids negativity and focuses on the positive message of fair play and community. It maintains Valve’s humor, but replaces the “choke on coal” imagery with a more subtle warning.
Several years ago, when Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver initially allowed any Pokemon to accompany the player anywhere, fans were ecstatic at the prospect of witnessing their cherished companions strolling around the game world. However, in the recently released Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC: The Indigo Disk, the Pokemon experience has taken an innovative turn. Beyond having your Pokemon follow you, the new feature enables you to step into the shoes of a Pokemon.
In The Indigo Disk, quite early in the game, you’ll encounter a character named Synclaire within the Terarium. Upon completing a quest for her, Synclaire will introduce you to the use of a Synchro Machine. This device grants you the ability to essentially “become” your Pokemon, allowing you to traverse the map while controlling them and utilizing them for autobattling. In practical terms, it may seem like a somewhat redundant feature, with its primary advantage being the ability to manage your Pokemon during autobattles without the need for repeated summoning when they go out of range.
While the utility might be limited, for Pokemon enthusiasts, the concept of Syncing adds a whimsical and amusing element to the gameplay. Much of the charm stems from the inherently lovable and playful nature of the Pokemon characters themselves. As an example, players can embody Tinkaton and whimsically interact with everything using a colossal hammer.
For those just delving into the Indigo Disk DLC, I highly recommend heading to the central plaza area of the Terararium and engaging with Synclaire to unlock this feature. The beauty of it is that you can even employ it in multiplayer, assembling a Pokemon party with your friends. It’s an entirely absurd, seemingly unnecessary, yet thoroughly delightful new addition that I wholeheartedly embrace.
As for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet themselves, they might not be as charming, as highlighted in both our review of the base games and our evaluation of the Teal Mask DLC – a prerequisite for accessing the Indigo Disk. Our comprehensive review of the Indigo Disk is currently in the works and will be published before the holiday season. In the meantime, we are diligently creating wiki guides to aid those who are already making swift progress through the new expansion content.
Engaging in online games and video games is an enjoyable experience, providing a means to connect and interact with others. Whether on gaming consoles, computers, or mobile devices, many individuals find pleasure in playing games. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers associated with online gaming, such as viruses, identity theft, and phishing attacks. Keep reading to discover the primary risks of online gaming and learn effective measures to safeguard yourself.
Engaging in online gaming poses various risks and potential hazards.
The primary dangers associated with online gaming involve:
Malware and viruses: Downloading cheaper or free versions of your preferred games may expose you to the inadvertent risk of downloading viruses and malware. This risk extends to accessing cheat codes or buying items through third-party sellers. Even legal game downloads carry a potential security gap, leaving you vulnerable. Once malware infiltrates your system, hackers can exploit it to pilfer your personal information.
Identity Theft: Collecting personally identifiable information is a common practice among cybercriminals as they construct profiles of their potential victims. Engaging in online gaming with strangers introduces a potential risk through the chat function, enabling communication with other players. Criminals may exploit the chat function to obtain sensitive details like your name, phone number, and home address. Therefore, exercising caution about the information you share during gaming is crucial.
Account takeover: Employing identical usernames and passwords across all your preferred gaming platforms, although not advisable, poses a security risk. In the event that hackers acquire your credentials, they gain access to all your accounts, potentially assuming control. Hackers may resort to brute force attacks, employing automated scripts to attempt unauthorized entry into your account using credentials pilfered from other sources.
Swatting and doxing: If hackers obtain your personal information, they may engage in doxing, the act of publishing your home address or phone number online. Doxing serves various purposes, including punishing, intimidating, or humiliating the target. Motivations behind doxing actions range from seeking online amusement and disregarding the harm inflicted to mistakenly seeking justice, revenge, jealousy, harassment, and even profit. Doxing is an event that can unexpectedly occur, causing significant disruptions to a person’s life. Furthermore, there have been instances in the gaming realm where doxing led to swatting—criminals misleading law enforcement to your address by fabricating a fake emergency to intimidate you.
Spyware: Players may become targets of spyware schemes, particularly when engaging with untrustworthy online gaming platforms. Spyware operates by clandestinely monitoring a person’s online activities without their awareness. The recorded information can then be sold to third parties, leading to a breach of privacy.
Data breaches: Hackers have the capability to directly target game publishers. If they successfully infiltrate a publisher’s systems, they can pilfer a vast amount of information, ranging from the source code and the games themselves to the personal details stored in users’ accounts. An illustrative case is the Zynga data breach, where hackers stole login information (usernames, passwords, and email addresses) for players of Draw Something and Words With Friends. This breach impacted over 172 million accounts, ranking it among the most substantial data breaches in history.
Cross-site scripting: Outdated gaming platforms may employ insecure methods for handling login credentials, exposing them to a security vulnerability known as cross-site scripting (XSS). This susceptibility allows malicious actors to intercept and pilfer these details, posing a significant risk to user security.
DDoS attacks: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks happen when hackers try to overwhelm gaming servers, resulting in a system crash that disrupts the service. Although it doesn’t entail the theft of user data, it remains a significant inconvenience to users. The downtime and recovery period can also incur substantial costs for the game’s service provider.
Phishing emails: Phishing emails or deceptive links shared through in-game chat during online gaming serve as a method for hackers to trick individuals into installing malicious software on their devices. These emails or chat messages often mimic legitimate sources, enticing users to download supposed bonus content or access a login page. In reality, these communications are fraudulent and harbor malicious intentions.
Cyberbullying: In certain instances, gamers may face mistreatment from other players, leading to attempts to humiliate victims. Cyberbullies may go a step further by attempting to manipulate their targets into revealing personal information that can be exploited against them.
Safeguarding against the perils of online gaming requires adopting precautionary measures
Protecting yourself from the risks of online gaming requires implementing sensible precautions and practicing cyber hygiene. Here are some essential measures to follow:
Use Strong Passwords: Utilize robust passwords with a minimum of 12 characters, including a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information such as sequential numbers or personal details.
Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable two- or multi-factor authentication for an additional layer of security. This often involves receiving a code on your phone or email during the login process.
Protect Personal Information: Refrain from including identifiable information in gaming usernames and exercise caution when sharing personal details on gaming forums or through headsets.
Download Only from Legitimate Sources: Steer clear of downloads from unofficial or pirated sources to prevent introducing viruses or malware. Stick to reputable download sites for enhanced game security.
Be Alert to Hidden Charges and Scams: Familiarize yourself with terms and conditions to understand potential charges. Exercise caution when engaging in transactions related to in-game ‘property’ and be vigilant against scams.
Keep Software Up to Date: Ensure that your devices and software are regularly updated to benefit from the latest security patches addressing vulnerabilities.
Beware of Phishing Emails: Exercise caution with emails urging immediate action, avoiding clicking on links, opening attachments, or responding to suspicious emails.
Dispose of Gaming Devices Safely: When disposing of a gaming device, delete personal information and account details to protect your privacy.
Use a VPN When Playing Games: Employ a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to conceal your location and enhance protection against attacks like DDoS. VPNs also provide added security for data transactions.
Install and configure a reputable VPN.
Understand the terms of service, including privacy policies.
Note that VPNs complement but do not replace standalone antivirus software.
By incorporating these practices, you can maximize safety while enjoying the benefits of online gaming.
Bethesda’s recent release, Starfield, a space-exploration RPG, has received generally positive reviews since its launch this year. However, like any major release, it hasn’t been without its share of player complaints. Despite being a highly anticipated title from Bethesda, it fell short of expectations for some players, even becoming the subject of jokes online. Emil Pagliarulo addressed this issue on social media (formerly Twitter), highlighting the common misunderstanding among some players about the intricacies of game development.
Developer of Starfield comes to the defense of Bethesda’s RPG title
Pagliarulo begins his extensive thread by noting that certain players are “disconnected” from the “realities of game development,” yet confidently express their opinions on the internet. He acknowledges the frustration consumers may feel when they spend money on games and don’t feel they are getting their money’s worth.
Nevertheless, he elaborates on why he refrains from complaining about games on social media, citing two primary reasons. First, being a developer himself, he possesses a profound respect for his fellow developers and comprehends the immense challenges involved in game development. Second, due to his position at a game studio, he refrains from expressing grievances on social media, deeming it both “uncool and unprofessional.”
Following that, Pagliarulo reflects on his time as a game reviewer, recalling how he expressed unfiltered opinions about games, whether positive or negative. During that phase, he lacked an understanding of the immense effort put in by designers, programmers, artists, producers, and all other contributors, facing the challenge of “bringing a vision to life with constantly shifting resources.”
Pagliarulo clarifies that he isn’t venting about his current job or attempting to change opinions with these statements. Instead, he emphasizes that “nobody sets out to make a bad game,” and he believes that “most game devs are incredibly talented,” even if a particular game falls short. He further explains the distinction between the “perfect game” one “wants” to create and the game that one “can” create. Ideally, these two align closely, but it’s a stroke of luck when they do.
Nevertheless, reaching that point isn’t a straightforward journey, demanding extensive teamwork. Pagliarulo encourages players to “love games, buy them, play them, and complain to your heart’s content.” However, he also urges players to recognize that the game they hold is, “in some ways, a freaking miracle in and of itself.” He emphasizes that ordinary individuals have collaborated for years with a singular objective — to deliver joy and entertainment. Pagliarulo concludes by suggesting it’s beneficial to keep this in mind and appreciate the collective effort behind the games.
