BioGamer Girl

DOTA: Dragon's Blood - Is It Worth Watching?

2021-04-09T11:06:00.001-05:00

DOTA: Dragon’s Blood is an animated Netflix adaptation of Valve’s beloved Esports legend MOBA game. It was released at the end of March, telling the story of dragon-hunting knight Davion as he fights to make his world a safer place. The series blends Japanese and Western animation styles to create something visually unique, bringing DOTA’s world to life with an almost World of Warcraft-esque color palette - typical fantasy tones are offset by fantastical splashes of colour and vivid magical effects. It’s common knowledge that screen adaptations of hit games are often more miss than hit, but Dragon’s Blood is having a bit of a moment nonetheless.

The series currently sits at 8.3/10 on IMDB and a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers praising its entertaining lore and fight sequences. In contrast, Rotten Tomatoes’ audience rating is currently at 92%, a significant increase over the critic rating - this would suggest that fans of the game itself are enjoying the Netflix adaptation more than the critics, which makes a lot of sense. It’s a curious place for a show to be, though, and with so many more options out there to spend your time on, you might be wondering if this series is worth your time.

It's here.https://t.co/QrGLeYpBEd @netflix @NXOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/guNVn4cz9K
— DOTA 2 (@DOTA2) March 25, 2021

Dragon’s Blood has clocked up some impressive numbers in the short time since its release. The series has already cracked the top ten most viewed list for Netflix in 47 countries - including Jamaica, Brazil, Estonia, and India. It’s a really strong start for the series, and just goes to show how far DOTA’s reach goes, as people across the globe have flocked to watch it. Whether this is an indicator of the show’s quality or just how much DOTA is beloved around the world remains to be seen, and although Netflix has yet to announce a renewal, it seems all but inevitable.

The voice cast includes the likes of Yuri Lowenthal (Spider-Man, Prince of Persia, Persona), Kari Wahlgren and Troy Baker (far too many to list), it’s obvious that producers Studio Mir/Kaiju Boulevard are taking this adaptation seriously. These are all incredibly prolific voice actors in the animation and gaming industry, with even casual gamers or anime fans hearing their voices a hundred times over without realizing it. The series is spearheaded by Ashley Miller, who’s worked on some very well received sci-fi TV shows alongside contributing to superhero flicks Thor and X-Men: First Class.

The competitive DOTA scene from where all this began has had a bit of a difficult time thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Last year, the highly anticipated International was postponed and eventually cancelled, leaving the high-end competitive circuit without its biggest event. The ONE Esports Singapore Major is currently underway, marking the first top tier offline cross regional event in over a year, since the pandemic began.

The prize pool for the Singapore Major is $500,000 - Team Secret have already walked away with the fourth place prize of $50k. The first, second and third place prizes - $200k, $100k and $75k respectively - are still all to play for. Surprisingly, big teams like Fnatic and Team Liquid were knocked out in the playoffs, leaving the tournament without any European representation. Check out the odds by BetOnline for top picks on the DOTA scene’s 2021 circuit.

The Singapore Major starts now! The DPC is back with 16 of the best teams in the world competing in the race to TI10. Watch it live on https://t.co/9fC9HbJcRE pic.twitter.com/2AJ5BszpyJ
— DOTA 2 (@DOTA2) March 27, 2021

So, is Dragon’s Blood worth watching? It depends - if you’re a longtime DOTA lover there’s plenty to love, the animation is slick, the cast is relatively star-studded, and it has some prolific creative talent behind its direction. It has become an overnight sensation in 47 countries, and there has to be some merit behind that - but really, the decision’s down to you. Do you like your fantasy with liberal splashings of blood and a focus on worldbuilding? Do you want to be engrossed in the world, or amused and entertained? If you’re not a DOTA fan already, it might not make quite as much sense, but well-produced fight scenes and a diverse cast of characters might still sell it to you. If you’ve already spent a lot of time in DOTA’s world, you’re going to get more enjoyment out of it than someone coming in as an outsider. Check it out for yourself - don’t worry about what the critics say.

How Could Rockstar Improve its Diamond Casino and Resort For GTA VI

2021-03-08T17:27:00.002-06:00

Grand Theft Auto V is a behemoth in terms of the franchise, spanning three generations of consoles and making millions of dollars for Rockstar Games.

It originally dropped in 2013 and has had a longer lifespan than any other game in the franchise. The previous longest gap was five years, between the adventures of Niko Bellic in GTA IV and the arrival of Michael, Trevor and Franklin. Fans look set to wait even longer for the potential follow-up, and much of that wait is down to the success of GTA Online.

The online features have taken over from the original story and let players loose in Los Santos to live their own adventure. Gamesindustry.biz reports it is the most profitable entertainment product of all time, which has given it a life of its own, outside of the main game. It has been constantly updated with the additions of a nightclub in After Hours and motorcycle gangs and hideouts in Bikers.

One of the most popular updates came in 2019 when Rockstar finally opened the doors of the Diamond Casino and Resort. It gave players a chance to win big playing several casino games, as well as adding vehicles, property and missions. Since then, the Cayo Perico Heist has also been added, but players keep gravitating back to the casino.

Why? There is a daily challenge where you spin a wheel and maybe win a vehicle, as well as the range of casino games to play. However, as it approaches its two-year anniversary, the casino needs freshening up a bit, and it could be an easy win for Rockstar to keep the game alive whilst GTA VI is developed. So, here are a few ideas we would like to see implemented in the game.

Horse Racing

The Diamond Casino added a simulated race event, where you could use in-game currency to have a day at the races, in theory. With an actual racetrack outside the casino, why not expand this to a fully-fledged horse race event for players? Rockstar could even link it to their Red Dead Redemption Online game, where your horse could be transferred over. Ok, so there might be issues regarding when the two games are set, but aliens have visited Los Santos, so a bit of Back to the Future-style time travel would surely work? If they are unwilling to go that far, perhaps an add-on that utilizes the La Fuente Blanca ranch, offering you the option to buy and train racehorses would work?

Texas Hold‘em

The casino games that are offered are fun, for a while, but they could be shaken up a little with an add-on. One huge disappointment was the inclusion of three-card poker over something like Texas Hold‘em. The latter is a game based more on skill, and it tends to be more involved also. It has been used with success in Red Dead Redemption, so why did Rockstar pick a much blander poker variant? By changing the game, they would not significantly alter the concept for GTA fans, even those not familiar with poker. The handy guide to hand rankings on Poker.org shows that they remain the same whichever variant you are playing, the method by which the cards are dealt is a significant difference. By switching to Texas Hold‘em, the basic rules remain the same, but players would doubtless become more engaged.

Revamp the Wheel

The wheel must change! Nobody wants to win XP anymore, most of the players are so far past worrying about levels. The cars on offer are not always attractive either, and how many players have a garage full of cars won at the casino which they never drive? Mixing up the prizes on the wheel, maybe more in-game cash prizes and weapons might go down well. Also, instead of cars every week, why not drop the odd luxury property on there, a nice mansion in the hills for example? Property does not have a major function in the game, but it is nice to own, and players perhaps do not spend their in-game money on nice houses because they are limited. This might draw players into more shark cards too if they were given interior design options to customize on those properties.

Tips for Getting Approved for Social Security (SSI) Disability

2021-03-08T14:56:00.000-06:00

If you are one of the many people waiting to hear back on your Social Security Disability case or about to apply, then we have a few tips for you right here on getting approved!

The disability process for Social Security disability can take a very long time. It can be close to a year until you get a decision on your initial case or even a few months. The thing is that there is no set time and it depends on the caseworker and the individual. However, there are certain things you can do to speed up the process. Only around 36% of those who apply are approved during the initial application. If you are denied, then you will have to go through several appeals processes and might eventually have to get a lawyer and go before a judge. So make sure you do everything you can to improve your chances of approval during the initial application. Or you could wait years before you might get approval!

FIRST, make sure you have a medical listing that is covered by SSI DISABILITY, here.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE STOPPED WORKING FOR AT LEAST 5 MONTHS BEFORE APPLY

If you are applying for SSI Disability then your case has better results if you have stopped working completely. They require you have to have been out of work and disabled for at least 5 months as a prerequisite to be able to apply for disability. You can get back pay from the onset of disability, but there is a five-month waiting period, where you get nothing for those initial 5 months. After the 5 months, then every month after that you had to wait to hear back from disability, you are entitled to back pay on those months once approved. So if you stopped working on June 01 then you need to wait until after October 01 of that same year before applying. Then however long it takes to come to a decision on your case, rather it be 3 months or a year, you will get back pay for all of those months. But waiting 5 months after you become disabled then applying, helps speed things along in your case. Also, do not work any during the time you are disabled. Working even a couple hours a week can hinder your disability case because they can come to the conclusion that you are capable of some type of work for a certain amount of hours, and you will be denied! To get SSI Disability means you are not able to work at all. So you have to have someone who can help you with housing and other necessities while you wait.

SSI IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE WITH VERY LOW INCOME AND LITTLE ASSETS

Even if you meet the medical requirements for SSI, you have to meet the income limits as well to be approved. This means you have no more than $2,000 in the bank for an individual. And you can only have one car and your house, after that all other assets will be counted against you, and will likely result in you being denied SSI Disability benefits. Also, if you are married or living with someone that could be considered a spouse, they will count their income and assets as well. This means that if they make it over the threshold for the asset limits, then you can also be denied for SSI Disability. If you share a home with a friend or family member and are not contributing your fair share in regards to bills, then they will also deduct the amount of SSI benefits you receive after approval. If you receive money in what they call in-kind benefits, such as money from someone who pays for food, shelter, etc, or gives you money for these things, that also reduces the monthly benefits you receive. SSI has a complex set of formulas for you to get approved and how much you will receive in monthly benefits. However, if you borrowed money and/or took out loans to take care of your expenses, then loans or borrowed money does not count against you, and you will get the full monthly benefits you are entitled to. So before applying make sure you are not over the $2,000 in money and asset limit, not counting (1) car that you use as the primary mode of transportation and your house. And that you are not married or living with someone that could be considered a spouse who puts you over the limit. If that is the case, then you will not be approved for SSI Disability.

GATHER ALL OF YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS FOR SSI AND MAIL THEM YOURSELF ALONGSIDE TALKING TO YOUR DOCTORS TO GET STATEMENTS ON YOUR BEHALF

The Social Security office gives you the option to allow them to gather all of your medical documents for your disability case, but this will add on several months of waiting for your case. It is a much slower process for them to gather your medical records than if you just gathered them yourself. And you never know until after a decision if they gathered everything they should have for your case. You will want strong medical evidence showing your disability and how it impacts your ability to work. If you have no medical records documenting your disability, then you need to start making appointments with your doctor to start to document your disability. Having these records will greatly help your case to be approved. You have to prove that your disability has lasted a year and/or will last up to 12 months from the onset date. So if you have yet to document your disability with medical records, then from the onset of your disability, use those initial 5 months to start going to doctors and getting up monthly accounts of your disability from medical professionals before applying. The SSI office looks more favorably toward those applicants who have been able to gather a statement from their doctors documenting their disability and how it impacts their ability to work. And this can lead them toward approval in your case.

USE A JOURNAL TO DOCUMENT YOUR DAILY LIVING LIMITATIONS AND HAVE FRIENDS/FAMILY/EX-CO WORKERS WHO CAN PROVIDE STATEMENTS ON YOUR BEHALF

When SSI starts to investigate your case, they will want to know about every aspect of your daily living and the limitations you face. From the onset of your disability, start a journal. Document everything you do in a day from the time you wake up until you go to sleep. Document how you are limited in getting yourself to medical appts and if someone has to drive you, if someone helps you shower, prepare food, and anything else you experience in a day. You will want to document your physical and/or mental limitations throughout your day. If you are disabled, then you are going to have trouble with the simplest of activities and SSI will want to know these setbacks in your day. Your caseworker may also send you a Residual Functional Capacity Form (RFC) to fill out and make sure you document all of that on this form. If you are not sent one, request one to be sent, because this will help your case dramatically. It also helps to not only fill one out for yourself but to have someone that has witnessed your daily life fill one out as well on your behalf. It also helps your case to get written statements from friends, family, and ex-coworkers on how your disability has impacted your daily living and ability to work. When it comes to ex-coworkers, they can state how your work performance started to be impacted and what limits you had before you completely became disabled and what you couldn't do after that. It will come up towards the end of the SSI Disability process if you can work in any capacity in any other type of job. They will first want to make sure you can no longer do the type of work you have in the last ten years and that you can no longer do any other type of sedentary or low-impact job. This is when your journal with all of your limitations will come in handy. Make sure you detail everything that would hold you back from being able to work again.

Make a list of your entire work history for the last ten years before the onset of your disability alongside your job responsibilities for each job with start and end dates. Then list all of the reasons you can no longer do those jobs. You will be asked for this information toward the end of the SSI Disability process, so be prepared.

MAKE SURE YOU GO TO ANY MEDICAL OR CONSULTATIVE EXAMS SCHEDULED ON YOUR BEHALF

You may be asked to attend medical exams conducted by doctors on behalf of the SSI office. Remember these doctors are not on your side or there to specifically help you. Most likely, they want to find anything they can that could help them deny your case. They may watch your behavior upon entering and exiting the office to see if you told the truth about your limitations. If you drove yourself or someone else did to the appointment. They made run blood tests to make sure the medications you are supposed to be on show up in your blood. They may run physical tests to gauge your strength, ability to stand or sit, or other tests to test your physical status. Or they may ask questions to determine your mental status if applying for depression or anxiety. These exams can help your case if you are truthful and the tests show that you are in fact limited due to a disability, rather physical or mental. Make sure you have a list of all of your conditions, no matter what they are, with a full list of your medications, dosage, and daily usage. Also in this list make sure to include all surgeries and hospitalizations. These doctors are usually not sent anything from SSI about your medical history. They are sent something simple like you are applying for disability for heart failure, depression, cancer, etc. That is all they send them with your name, social security number, and basic contact information. Then these doctors will perform certain tests in regards to the condition you are applying for disability for to see what your limitations are. So to have a small list of your medical history can help them have a better look at your condition alongside the tests they perform that day. These exams are usually very short around 10 to 30 minutes. So make sure you give detailed information for them to document in the short time you have with them. They may not ask the right questions on your behalf, so make sure you have your medication list and you tell them what you suffer with.

STAY IN CONTACT WITH YOUR CASE WORKER AND REPORT EVERYTHING

Your caseworker is the person who will decide rather you are disabled or NOT. Keeping a good relationship with your worker and checking in periodically can also help your case. Don't assume they will constantly be in contact with your doctors to get your updated medical information as your application is processing. Make sure you have their phone number and address in order to send them updated monthly reports or to call in your updates. However, these workers have a lot of cases, so they may not answer and it may seem impossible to get them on the phone. THIS IS WHEN you send in letters and medical records via mail. WRITE, WRITE, WRITE. Leave that paper trail. And send your mail with tracking and keep copies of what you mail. This will help if you have to go to court in an appeal case if you are denied.

STAY POSITIVE, CHECK ONLINE FOR UPDATES, AND BE PREPARED TO WAIT

You can APPLY and check for updates for SSI Disability here: Application Status | SSA

This site will tell you where you are at in the SSI Disability application stage. But they are very SLOW to update this information. It could take weeks to a month for it to appear online. Say they approved you in February, you might not even know it until a month or two later. If you are approved, it may appear online first or you might get a letter first. There are several different departments that are over these updates and it just depends on how long it takes that department to update your information. And no your caseworker or SSI will not tell you this information over the phone, you HAVE TO WAIT for the letter in the mail. They love making you WAIT! Then even after being approved, be prepared to wait another month or two before you get your first payment. And the back pay will take EVEN longer. Another department will go back to do their own investigation to make sure everything that has been said in regards to your income and that you weren't receiving SSI payments in any other states before they will send you a letter stating how much back pay you will get and when. It is never paid in one lump sum either.

Be prepared to wait months or up to a year before you finally get that approval letter! But follow the steps above, and you will be more likely to get approved in a shorter amount of time!

Note: These tips are provided by an actual SSI Disability claimant, under the age of 40, without the help of a lawyer, got approved during the initial application stage in under a year.

A Simple Skincare Guide for Gamers

2021-03-04T14:19:00.003-06:00

If you’re anywhere between a dedicated gamer and an esports athlete, you may not have much free time to think about caring for your skin. However, a lack of sleep and excessive screen time can damage and age your skin. The good news is, skincare doesn’t have to be complex. Here is an easy, five-step skincare routine that will only take ten minutes out of your day.

  The Effects of Gaming on Skin

One of the main concerns for gamers and their skin is poor sleep. A study showed 67% of gamers reported inadequate sleep due to playing.[1] Plus, screen time before bed can also disrupt your body’s ability to get good sleep.[2] After just one night of poor sleep, you can get swollen eyes, darker undereye circles, paler skin, more wrinkles and fine lines, and more droopy corners of the mouth.[3] Another thing that can affect your skin as a gamer is your gaming consoles or equipment. Gaming controllers, computer mouses, headphones, etc. can hold grease, bacteria, and other germs, so touching your face after touching a dirty controller may cause acne or other skin irritations.[4] Lastly, blue light from screens may also cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin) and premature aging.[5]

  Morning Routine

Try this easy routine in the morning before you start your gaming sessions. 

Cleanser - Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin. Gently pat dry, and change your face towel out every 1-2 days.
Serum - Vitamin C Serum can protect the skin from UV Rays, which can come through windows while you’re indoors[6] that causes aging. It may also protect against blue light from screens.[7]
Moisturizer - Lightweight moisturizer if you have oilier skin, heavier moisturizer if you have dry skin.
Eye cream - Optional to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Sunscreen - Sunscreen is still important even if you’ll be indoors.[8] Apply at least SPF 30 sunscreen to protect against UV damage and skin cancer.

  Night Routine

Wind down at night using this simple routine to clean all of the sunscreen, dirt, and other oils from the day before bed. 

Remove makeup - You can use micellar water, cleansing oil, or a cleansing balm to gently remove makeup. Non-makeup wearers can skip this step.
Cleanser
Retinoids and Exfoliants - Retinoids such as tretinoin cream can be used to treat and prevent acne and reduce signs of anti-aging.
Serum
Moisturizer
Eye cream

  Other Tips for Gamers

●  Sanitize your gaming station, mouse, keyboard, and controllers regularly.
●  Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching food.
●  Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
●  Try to stay away from foods that can cause acne such as sugary snacks and beverages, dairy products, and fast food.[9]
●  Exercise regularly, blood flow nourishes the skin.[10]
●  Remember to take breaks to prevent eye strain and potential dark circles.[11] You can also wear blue-light blocking glasses.

           It’s easy to dismiss skincare when you’re busy, but healthy skin matters too. Not only does it make you feel more confident, but it also protects us and has many functions. Find the ideal routine that you can commit to and stay consistent. Be patient with progress and consult a licensed dermatologist or esthetician if you need extra help!

Footnotes:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160613144656.htm
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181127111044.htm
https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/36/9/1355/2453883
https://bestlifeonline.com/negative-effects-video-games/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/20/style/skin-damage-blue-light-what-is-all-of-that-screen-time-doing-to-your-skin.html
https://www.keckmedicine.org/myth-or-fact-you-dont-need-sunscreen-if-you-are-indoors-all-day/#:~:text=UVB%20rays%2C%20on%20the%20other,linked%20to%20most%20skin%20cancers.&text=So%20even%20if%20you%27re,rays%20and%20possible%20skin%20damage
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/20/style/skin-damage-blue-light-what-is-all-of-that-screen-time-doing-to-your-skin.html
https://www.keckmedicine.org/myth-or-fact-you-dont-need-sunscreen-if-you-are-indoors-all-day/#:~:text=UVB%20rays%2C%20on%20the%20other,linked%20to%20most%20skin%20cancers.&text=So%20even%20if%20you're,rays%20and%20possible%20skin%20damage.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-cause-acne
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/exercise
https://www.healthline.com/health/dark-circle-under-eyes#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

Free Cellphone and Monthly Data For Low Income Individuals and Families

2021-03-03T13:56:00.003-06:00

If you are one of the struggling individuals without work or find yourself struggling to pay bills--READ ON!

In today's world, you need a phone. Rather you are looking for work or need to stay in contact with friends and family. However, if you have lost work hours or your job, then having a phone is a luxury some can not afford.

There are free phone services for those who need it from SafeLink Wireless and Assurance Wireless. If you receive SNAP benefits (food stamps) or Medicaid then you are eligible based on income. If you do not use these services you can also submit wage stubs and income statements.

These services not only provide you with a free phone with unlimited texting, alongside free monthly data and minutes. It is very easy to apply and you will receive your phone within a few months.

GameStop Tax Sale Gives Gamers 55% Off Games and Accessories

2021-03-03T13:42:00.002-06:00

GameStop has announced their huge tax sale with 55% off games and accessories. Read on.

Some of the games on sale include Mario Plus Rabbids Kingdom Battle ($19.99), Just Dance 2021 ($28.00), Madden NFL 21 ($24.99), and many more.

To check out the 440 items on sale, visit the official GameStop Tax Sale here.

Pokémon 25th Anniversary Includes McDonald's Trading Cards, Singing Pickachu and More

2021-02-24T16:46:00.003-06:00

Pokémon is celebrating 25 years with a slew of special events including a virtual Post Malone concert. Read on.

Until March 8th, fans can head to their local McDonald's to get four Pokémon Trading Cards in their happy meal. A special Pikachu is available in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. You just need to visit the Pokémon 25th Anniversary website on February 25 for a special code here.

To learn more, visit Pokémon 25 February Events (pokemon.com)

Why Gaming Is Actually Good For You!

2021-02-12T14:45:00.000-06:00

It is believed that gaming is not just a pastime that is focused on sitting around at a computer screen anymore. More and more people are starting to appreciate the other types of skills that come from gaming and it is believed that playing video games, including shooter games, can boost learning, health and social skills as well as helping you make friends, which is a huge bonus and something that is often overlooked in the gaming world to outsiders. Gaming may strengthen a range of cognitive skills such as spatial navigation, reasoning, memory and perception which means it could improve how you think, interact and even give you a new set of skills for work. There’s plenty to enjoy. If you’re a hardcore gamer, you will already know all of this but for those who are new or are wanting to start gaming, it is never too late. We have probably all had a playstation or some type of Nintendo game growing up. So already we have dabbled in the world of it, but now it’s time to realise that it is actually really beneficial too.

Why Else Is It So Good? Well, You Can Meet People!

Gaming allows you to connect and to converse with anyone you want and this may even mean the other side of the world. You can make so many new friends all with common interests and connect with them outside of gaming also. There is common ground and connecting with new people and cultures is a brilliant learning curve and something that should be promoted and looked positively at. Despite criticism that says gaming is bad for friendships, it can in fact be the exact opposite.

Work On Strategy

If you’re new to gaming you may find that it seems just pure entertainment and that you are not actually learning anything but in fact a lot of games take a lot of skill and coordination, as well as strategy learning and working out how to make new moves which can be great if you're in an industry that is focused on that such as IT and even marketing. Looking at how to succeed and becoming a strategist is very worthwhile. These skills can last a lifetime and they will only be improved. This is the same in so many sporting games too, it is all about strategy, such as any types of racing games, or hockey such as NHL, the list is endless.

Stress And Anxiety Relief

GFaming can really help your mental health also as it provides an escape as well as a way to burn off steam without having to go out, drink or do something that may put you in harm's way. It’s a fun way to blow off steam too, whether you’re blowing something up, winning a race or finding treasure of some type here is a type of satisfaction that comes with gaming and it will only ever make you feel better.

So maybe it’s time for you to delve into the world of gaming, afterall.

Five Great Mobile Games for Making New Friends

2020-10-07T18:01:00.000-05:00

The digital age has opened magnificent opportunities for meeting and interacting with new people.

Social media allows you to target specific interests and join groups of like-minded people to make new friends. From the comfort of your own home you can become involved in discussions, debates and friendly chatter with people on the other side of the world. Statista estimates that mobile users will spend 234 minutes of their day on their devices by 2021, meaning the need to interact with others whilst doing so in on the increase.

Meeting new people, even online, is not always easy. Sometimes, rather than instigating conversation, it is easier to let it develop whilst taking part in activities or games. There are plenty of games which promote social interaction, some of which are great fun as well.

We’ve put together a list of five worth trying if you’re looking to meet new people online in an environment without pressure or expectation.

Words with Friends

Words with Friends is about much more than simply playing with existing friends, it’s a great way to meet new players as well. It’s a derivative of the classic board game Scrabble, with players taking turns to play words on a board, looking to exploit various bonus spots to multiply scores.

You can link with people you know, but for lone players there’s a matching system which allows you to play people you don’t know. With a handy chat function too, you’ll soon be pitting your mind against players around the world and making new friends.

Zynga Poker

Zynga, the makers of Words with Friends and the wildly popular Farmville, delivered a great poker experience with their release Zynga Poker. It’s free to play and is available through social media site Facebook as well as Android and Apple.

You’ll soon be meeting new people around the table and a recent addition includes a poker-themed prize wheel which has created an additional buzz to an old format.

Call of Duty

The Call of Duty franchise is one of the most popular on regular consoles, with millions of players competing across many different titles. The current title, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare, was released in October 2019 and was still the top-selling console game in February 2020.

The franchise has now arrived on your portable devices with Call of Duty Mobile. It’s another way to connect with gamers across the globe, delivering the classic Battle Royale and Head to Head battles seen on the consoles. Call of Duty has been bringing gamers together for many years and it’s a great way to meet new people, even if you are launching grenades at them.

PPPoker

Poker in its real form is very social, with players sitting around a table looking to read each other and interact for clues as to the hands they’re facing. Online, reading people is not quite as easy, but the social aspect of poker is hugely important.

That’s why PPPoker is a great app for meeting new people. It’s currently incredibly popular, with Cardplayer explaining how the PPPoker app has clocked several million downloads to date. Each of those downloads is a potential new player for you to find and interact with. There’s a range of refreshing social options on the platform and even the chance to qualify for real tournaments held in different locations around the world.

Unkilled

The first-person shooter genre has become a juggernaut of the console world and Unkilled is further proof that it ports over to mobile just as well. The game has been downloaded by more than 110 million players around the world and as it offers PvP and cooperation action, it is a great place to meet new, like-minded people.

There are over 150 missions in apocalyptic New York City, packed with zombies and challenges for players to meet head-on in teams of five. You’ll soon be bonding with total strangers over an engrossing campaign, before checking out the other game modes.

10 Tips For Being A Safer Gamer

2020-09-29T19:19:00.000-05:00

More and more people are beginning to spend an increasing amount of time gaming.

But whether you are gaming with unknown players through the internet or playing by

yourself, it is vital to be aware of the potential risks and know how best to play safely

and healthily.

In 2020 alone, online gaming risks have increased by more than 50% as more people sign on to it. This situation has placed online gamers at an increased risk of different kinds of online attacks. Therefore, it is essential to practice gaming safely anytime you get behind your favorite game.

So, are you uncertain whether you are safe online? Are you looking for ways to become a safe gamer? The following tips should help.

Take the necessary safety precautions

First things first; before you start playing, be sure that you have all your safety and health measures in place. If you are new to gaming, one thing you will realize is that it can be a very addictive experience, and you may end up hours behind your computer.

It is recommended to have a pair of glasses to help protect your eyes from the adverse effects of long hours behind the screen. You can easily pick up a new brand of eyeglasses capable of blocking harsh rays, or take frequent breaks from your computer. During your breaks, ensure that you stretch your muscles and rest your eyes. It is also advisable to have a timetable, so you do not end up spending too much time behind your game.

Secure your computer

Most people prefer to play on their gaming computers for the best gaming experience, although smartphones and tablets are also available. But this situation also means that you need to secure your computer to play safely. For starters, always ensure that your firewall is up-to-date to prevent unauthorized people from hacking your computer, getting access to your personal information, or sending your viruses. Also, ensure that your computer and all necessary security software are up-to-date. If you are using public Wi-Fi to play your games, then you

should get a VPN.

Report any harassment

Unfortunately, online gaming is not always fun, as online harassment is increasingly becoming more prevalent, with 65% of online gamers experiencing such harassment. Therefore, it is important not to allow yourself to become a victim. Anytime a player does something that makes you feel uncomfortable, you have every right to use the report function and block that person afterward. You can report to your parents if you know that person personally. Barring such a player will prevent them from reaching you again. Also, do not respond to any player that makes you feel uncomfortable. Responding is just a way of encouraging them to continue harassing you.

Stick to using only your username

This security tip is especially important when playing an online game with your friends. No matter how comfortable or safe you feel, it is harmful to refer to your friends’ names by their real names. Also, refrain from using your real name at any point. In short, always stick to using only your username or usernames chosen by your friends. You can also make a pact with your friends to only use each other’s usernames anytime you are playing publicly.

Protect your identity

Almost all online games require players to choose their usernames. You need to ensure that the username you choose does not give any of your details away. For example, it is not safe to use a username that contains your date of birth or even location. In short, do not use any information that gives your identity away or lets unknown players find out who you are. Indeed, some gaming experts have advised that if you have to use an avatar or profile picture as part of your online ID, it is not safe to use your selfie or photo of yourself.

Create a strong password

As one of several safety checks and security reasons, most online games require players to create passwords to protect their accounts. In some cases, the system ensures that your password is strong enough by providing recommendations and requirements. In cases where such conditions are provided, ensure that your password is a mixture of special characters (where allowed), numbers, and letters. This way, it becomes a lot more difficult for people to guess your password or go around it. Also, ensure that the password you chose does not contain any obvious information such as your name, birthday, or address.

Only use sources you trust

In online gaming, just like any other online platform, some sources are not trustworthy. Platforms such as Google Play, the App Store, Microsoft Store, and PlayStation are the safest to use. Try as much as possible not to download any game from any source that you do not trust. In most cases, depending on the security settings on your device, you will receive security alerts about the reliability or otherwise of any source you attempt downloading from. But to be on the safer side, only download from trusted sources. Also, make sure that you update your games anytime a new update is made available.

Avoid automatic hidden charges

Although many online games are free to play, there are still a lot out there that come with some hidden charges. Most of these hidden charges are to unlock new features and levels in the game. To avoid making payments without your knowledge, you can set up your console to first make requests or ask for permission before any charge or transaction is completed. Set your console up to make requests for your password before any new charge is made. It is especially crucial if your online game links to your guardian or parent’s credit card.

Take a stand against online bullying

Aside from online harassment in gaming, another ugly truth about online gaming is that there are also bullies or bully accounts. Online bullying in gaming usually occurs while a game is still ongoing and shows its ugly head in many various forms. If you happen to experience online bullying while enjoying your game, do not allow it to stop you from playing. Just like online gaming harassment, you will only end up encouraging a bully account if you pay attention to them or reply to their taunts. The next thing to do after ignoring them is to block them. Doing this will ensure that they no longer have access to your account. Afterward, go ahead and report those accounts by using the report feature. When done successfully, it can lead to their account being deactivated or suspended.

On the other hand, treat other gamers with the same respect you want to receive. Do not speak with other players in a manner that you do not want to be communicated to.

Keep all audios and videos between friends

It is always great to have the option of using your webcam and voice chat features to communicate with your friends when playing together, but try as much as possible to limit these features to friends only - or anyone you already know personally. Webcams are easy to hack when you are online. Therefore, when playing against strangers in public, be sure that you do not turn on your webcam feature and neither use your audio chat option. Doing this will prevent unauthorized players from hacking into your account and getting visual or audio information about you. But if you have to use those features, always ensure that you put on a face mask to cover your identity.

Maintaining safety during gaming is very important and helps to make your experience even better and more rewarding!

Image Credit

Broken Light: The Rise of the Life Weavers Now Available

2020-09-01T07:15:00.000-05:00

M.L. Valentine has released their debut novel, Broken Light: The Rise of the Life Weavers.

In a world that rests on the brink of light and darkness, one special woman is poised to balance the scales forever. Celeste quickly learns that her humble country upbringing and quiet life nestled in the woods is going to take a huge turn as the forces of evil stalking her. She uncovers valuable information about her past as her husband Anthony stumbles upon a big secret at work - that sends him to the North Pole.

But not all as it seems, as Santa Claus is actually the greatest of all demons, hatching a plan to use Christmas as a weapon to enslave humanity from across the dimensions. Celeste taps into her ancient lineage and destiny, fending off a deadly demon attack, and escapes to the portal between worlds, where she and Anthony inadvertently intertwine the worlds, allowing Big Red to come and start destroying the human world. Survivors flock to various forts, meeting up with agents of the Light Weavers - beings with strange abilities and mysterious powers that weave the fate of the world.

These characters possess special skills that are useful for rebuilding humanity - planting crops in frozen temperatures, heating the deadly cold, and more. Along the way, we discover that Celeste has passed from vessel to vessel across the ages, waiting for her chance to finally restore the world by defeating Big Red. This all culminates after Red has defeated or turned 97% of humanity on the frozen rock that would have once been known as Earth, and only a new child born in Fort Cole possesses the new hope to defeat him with the spirit of Celeste inside her.

Along the way, we explore the backstories of other key figures, like Mariposa the Immortal, who unlocks terrible secret power in the pages of a blank book, or Diane the Demon who never caught a break. These all tie into an epic conclusion were some rogue elements of Big Red's forces decide to make a play for the dark throne themselves, leading to a showdown between the allied heroes and a reborn Celeste. It's a classic good vs. evil conclusion with a twist that reveals even more shocking secrets about the universe in Broken Light.

Now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major book retailers.

Godfall from Gearbox Publishing Makes Its Reveal at Gamescom

2020-08-27T16:26:00.002-05:00

Counterplay Games and Gearbox Publishing reveal new details for Godfall.

In case you didn’t see during today’s Gamescom Studio Presented by IGN segment, Counterplay Games and Gearbox Publishing unveiled three Valorplates for their upcoming next-gen title, Godfall.

As part of the reveal, Keith Lee, CEO, Counterplay Games, provided additional insight into:

The three new zodiac-inspired Valorplates: Mesa, Typhon and Vertigo
What Valorplates are and how they affect gameplay
Specialized Archon modes and unique Valorplate abilities
Valorplates’ roles in Co-op combat

The Struggle Is Revealed With New Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Trailer

2020-08-27T16:22:00.001-05:00

Gamescom reveal includes new cinematic trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.

Few people will know of the struggle. The entire world is on the brink. Failure is not an option. #BlackOpsColdWar In January 1981 at CIA Headquarters, Jason Hudson briefs the U.S. President on an imminent threat of attack.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time Coming To PS4 and Xbox One This October

2020-08-27T16:17:00.001-05:00

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time launching this October. Read on.

Starting at launch, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's about Time will include “Flashback” levels, which will give players the ability to rewind time back to the ‘90s – the greatest era ever!The Flashback levels are designed to challenge players’ puzzle solving and technical performing abilities. They also give fans even more ways to play. Through the collection of Flashback Tapes, players discover Crash and Coco’s origin story and experience Bandicoot training in Neo Cortex’s Test Chambers – but the task won’t be easy. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time launches October 2, 2020, and is available on PS4 and Xbox.

IDW Games Releases New Details For Galaxy Hunters

2020-08-26T15:06:00.002-05:00

IDW Games has announced some highlights and mechs for Galaxy Hunters.

Designer Daniel Alves seamlessly blends the excitement of crafting a unique character with the deep strategy of classic worker placement in Galaxy Hunters, the new worker placement game from IDW Games. Featuring an innovative neural link system, your choice of pilot and mech will guide your strategy from first deployment to final scoring. Galaxy Hunters is live now on Kickstarter with an exclusive Starfire mech for all backers, and there’ll be more exclusives to come!

HIGHLIGHTS:

Inventive Pilot & Mech System
Your special abilities are determined by your unique mech-pilot pairing
High replayability with new combinations and new upgrade arrays
Your link influences play across the board with bonuses to weapon efficiency, mutant resistance, and planetary effects

The Mechs

Striking sci-fi sculpts with a commanding 65mm board presence
Pre-assembled for immediate planetary deployment
All game backers will receive a complete set of mechs unlocked throughout the campaign

Hybrid Gameplay

Traditional Euro-style worker placement across fourteen interstellar destinations to gather resources, buy upgrades, and recruit specialists to your cause
Extensive upgrades across seven categories make for a singular experience in every session
Mech versus mutant combat to harvest DNA, accomplish Megacorps missions, and become the most famous hunter in the galaxy
Mutant invasions influence both layers of the game with unexpected arrivals and potential enemy floods

“New Ways To Hunt” Expansion

Offering more rewards, but at a higher risk
Recruit a fifth player to the hunt
New mech & pilot -- Duar Krill and the Iron Smoker
Introduces combat panels and dice for a layer of push-your-luck play
Opens up a new realm of planetary exploration with Ambassadors

For the latest information on the Galaxy Hunters Kickstarter preorder campaign, please visit the campaign page at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/idwgames/galaxy-hunters-0.

This is the Zodiac Speaking Scheduled for September 24 Release

2020-08-04T14:22:00.001-05:00

Can you hear it? Come closer...This is the Zodiac Speaking! Read on.

This is the Zodiac Speaking is a fact-based single-player noir/psychological thriller based on the story of Zodiac, one of the most famous never-caught serial killers. It mixes vintage ’70s California visuals and an original epic cinematic soundtrack with gameplay elements that include classic horror, investigation, stealth mechanics, and multiple endings to discover. It offers two unique gameplay modes, one that blends storytelling with stealth action gameplay and the other (Detective Mode) that emphasizes immersive investigative storytelling.

Play as San Francisco journalist Robert Hartnell. Robert receives a mysterious phone call from the serial killer Zodiac who greets him with the infamous ‘hello, this is the Zodiac speaking’. This single event kicks off a series of events that will take Robert down a spiraling path toward confronting one of America’s most notorious killers and...his own past.

Visit the Kickstarter page!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5StW5YDCzNE

"This is the Zodiac Speaking is a true American crime story. The Zodiac killer is ingrained in American pop culture. And though this game is by no means a homage to serial killers, it’s a story about their victims and the people who survived,” said Krzysztof Grudziński, Director and Narrative Designer in Punch Punk Games “The selection of Zodiac is the backdrop we are using to tell a unique story about a troubled protagonist, a San Francisco based journalist Robert Hartnell, who one day receives an ominous phone call. We look forward to sharing Robert’s story with you on September 24, regardless of the level of campaign’ success.”

MORE THAN A GAME! Meet the amazing team behind This is the Zodiac Speaking

The co-author of the script to This is the Zodiac Speaking is Lukasz Orbitowski, one of the best Polish writers, laureate of the ultra-prestigious Paszporty Polityki pop-cultural award and nominated for the Nike Award (most important literature prize). Orbitowski is one of Poland's most important horror authors. Together with Krzysztof Grudziński, Head of Punch Punk Games, they plunged into the dark and dangerous 70s to produce an immersive and mature story.

Music for the game was created by AGIM, a restless innovator and experimenter of the Polish electronic music scene. The official soundtrack from the game will be published in Europe (digital distribution and vinyl edition) by a legendary electronic music label, Pias Recordings. The amazing soundtrack prepared by A_GIM, an acclaimed DJ, instantly sparked the interest among the Pias team. Pias will work with Klabater, the publisher of the game.

“It rarely happens you gather so many talented people behind one game. And it is even more impressive when you consider the fact that This is the zodiac Speaking is an ambitious narrative game,” said Michal Gembicki, Joint-CEO in Klabater. “Acclaimed musicians, awarded writers, and of course very talented Punch Punk development team lead by Krzysztof Grudziński, they are all on board. I’m really excited about this joint cooperation. Narrative games at their best!”

Game Features:

Discover the facts and evidence-based story of America’s most famous never-caught serial killer.
Experience the story from the perspective of a person who survived the attack of the serial killer, face your trauma, and run an investigation that will lead you to the truth about Zodiac.
Unravel the details behind the murders, visit locations inspired by the original crime scenes, experience real psychological sessions that will help you to manage your traumas.
Reveal 3 alternative endings, all based upon your investigation decisions.
Enjoy the atmospheric film music and original retro-inspired art style.
Travel to the vintage ’70s and feel the old-school vibe while visiting faithfully depicted California’s hallmark spots from the past.

Visit This is the Zodiac Speaking Steam page! This is the Zodiac Speaking is scheduled for September 24 2020 on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Introduces New Tier One Operators

2020-07-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

Activision has released a new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare trailer. Read on.

The trailer features the new warrior group of Tier One Operators called Shadow Company.

View the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtHZhDrQouU&feature=youtu.be

As Season Five approaches, events have transpired and led to the formation of a new group aligned in name only with the Allegiance faction – Shadow Company. An elite PMC, Shadow Company operates outside the boundaries of the original Armistice. Forged from the fires of in-fighting between the Coalition and the Allegiance, Shadow Company has a framework and agenda all of their own.

All experts in their field with formal military experience, this trio of Operators is prepared to change the current experience of Verdansk. Highly skilled with a diverse range of expertise the Shadow Company consists of Rozlin “Roze” Helms (formerly Jackals), Velikan, and Marcus “Lerch” Ortega, the Company’s leader.

Season Five launches on August 5th.

To learn more about Shadow Company, head to the Activision Games Blog post: https://blog.activision.com/call-of-duty/2020-07/The-Rise-of-Shadow-Company-in-Modern-Warfare

Get Organized at Home and Work With Custom Excel Spreadsheets under $25

2020-07-08T13:25:00.000-05:00

With more and more people staying at home, it has never been a better time to get organized!

Freelancer Alissa Worley is offering custom excel spreadsheet templates for under $25 alongside bundles under $100!

You can visit Fiverr today to order a custom spreadsheet under her gig "I will design a colorful and practical excel spreadsheet for you."

To purchase, visit: https://www.fiverr.com/alissaworley/create-a-fun-excel-spreadsheet-template

About This Gig

I'll format and edit a spreadsheet based on the information that you provide to me via pdf. files, microsoft word, google docs, or any other related methods explaining the purpose that you want your spreadsheet for.

My services include 1 page of spreadsheet per purchase which guarantees you a colorful fun spreadsheet that you can use for your intended purpose! Whether that be making a chore chart for your kid with a points system to keep them behaved, a ledger accounts to keep track of your finances, or even an outline to keep your creative stories organized? The choice is up to you and it is limitless!

I personally enjoy formatting documents and spreadsheets, so you can be sure to have a fun and neatly-organized spreadsheet for your personal needs!

Be sure to contact me via seller to discuss the details of what purpose you want the spreadsheet to serve!

BGG Entertainment Sells for $7 Million in Private Deal; Includes BioGamerGirl.com

2020-07-06T14:54:00.000-05:00

BGG Entertainment, an American entertainment company founded by Amanda Dyar and led by Alissa

Worley, has reached an agreement with a private buyer to sale its entertainment assets for $7 million. The $7 million deal includes various media assets such as films, video games and various entertainment websites. One of the company's popular video game websites, BioGamerGirl.com, will be included in the sale.

The team at BioGamerGirl.com will work with the private buyer as consultants to launch a brand new project in 2024. BGG Entertainment plans to make another announcement about this transition very soon.

To stay-up-to-date, please visit www.biogamergirl.com

What 30 Years of Parenting Has Taught Me

2020-07-01T12:22:00.000-05:00

As I turn the 38 today, I realize I have been a parent for most of those years. Growing up I had two brothers, Daniel was two years younger than me. And my brother Chris was almost eight years younger than me. Since I grew up with parents who had mental health and substance abuse issues, then I practically raised both my brothers. I taught them how to read, write, ride a bike, and even tie their own shoes. When people picked on them at school, I was the one who stepped in and fought their bullies. After we got home from school, I am the one who cooked their dinners, made sure they were bathed and tucked them in at night. When my brother Chris was born, I was ecstatic. Because to an eight year old, it is like having your very own real life baby doll. I don't know why, I guess they just didn't care. But they left my newborn brother with me to take care of. As an eight year old, it was terrifying. What if I hurt him, I thought. What if I am not doing this right. But like instinct almost, I knew exactly what to do. I fed him, burped him, and changed his diapers. I rocked him to sleep and took care of him when he was sick. And miraculously, he survived. However, an eight year old raising an infant, isn't going to produce the most favorable parenting results. Both my brothers were fire starters and Chris had violent tendencies at a very young age. I once went out to check on my dog's new set of puppies, to find them all dead, with rubber bands around their necks. He would take knives to school. And was constantly getting in trouble. However, I still tried to handle things as best I could. I remember having meetings with his teachers because my parents could never be there. And I am sure they knew that things were off. We were almost put into foster homes many times.

On one occasion, my parents had changed our schools, and our bus stop was in another county. We waited at this store for my mother to pick us up, but she never showed. For hours we set there and nothing. Since it was getting dark, I decided to walk home. As we walked, it started to rain. My brother Chris, who was in Kindergarten, cried the whole time and tired very quickly. I ended up having to carry him most the way. It was a ten mile hike. I think it was around 2 A.M. when we got home, and it rained most the way. I remember a van of guys tried to stop and get us into their car, with beers in their hand, and I declined. Because I always had very good common sense, from very young. I see missing kids today and I think back to my own childhood, were many times, that could have been me.

When my mom finally came in from her drug binge at 4 AM, all she cared about was were my drunken father was. She didn't care we walked. She didn't care we almost got abducted. She only cared about herself. And my father. My father was abusive, we literally got cussed and beat every day of our lives. Most of the time I took the beatings, to prevent my mom and brothers from receiving them. I would always step in. My dad would wait until the most vulnerable times, when I was in the shower, to step in with a belt and beat me. He put cigarettes to my eyes, and caused me fractures many times. But I always kept it to myself, because I knew that foster homes would be even worse. My mother was raped at 15 and my father was responsible for killing the men responsible. He always told us these horrific stories growing up and his go to line was "I brought you into this world and I can take you out." He also told us many times, "He wanted my mom, not us." He also told me many times I was worthless and would never amount to anything except maybe a stripper. Not words of encouragement that most parents tell their children. However, no matter how much I was beat down, I was motivated to do great things and get myself out of this situation one day. And all I ever wanted was my parents to be proud of me. Most nights I didn't get sleep, cause it was always fights and chaos between my drunken, drugged out parents. But I still managed to make straight A's and do well in school. I even signed up for football and was the only girl to play on the team. Just because someone said "girls can't play football."

I wanted to be a role model for my brothers. To show them that even if we grew up in this poor, terrible environment that we could still be better than that. My brother went on to play football following my debut, and I believe that was a huge part of his own life. I never really got through to my younger brother. He went on to struggle with mental health issues, drugs, and jail the rest of his life.

When I got pregnant at 17 with my son, I automatically knew I had to be the best version of myself. That no matter how much pain I carried with me and what I endured, that there was no excuse. I went on to college while pregnant, I had toxemia and was told to stay in bed, but I couldn't. I had to work. I had to finish my degree. I had a child coming and he was going to have a better life. I became pregnant with my daughter not long after, they are only fifteen months apart. Over the course of their lives, I received five degrees, worked for the Senator of Alabama, launched campaigns for billion dollar companies and started BioGamer Girl. I dabbled in the entertainment industry with films, games and shows--all the while-- raising two kids, working 80 hour mental health jobs and remodeling a dilapidated farm house that I bought. While I pushed myself to give them more than I ever had, I pushed too hard, and ended up having a stroke. At 27 I was diagnosed with a rare genetic blood disease, but not until I had already had a heart attack and stroke from three clots on my brain. I was in so much pain that I wished for death. Because for months I went undiagnosed, told my doctors it was just migraines. But even when I went blind and could barely lift my arm, I was still cleaning my house, trying to do my college classes, work and take care of my children. Nothing was going to stop me. Not even death.

Around that same time, I also was in a fatal stabbing incident. Where my stepfather tried to kill my mother, myself and my brother. I remember lying on the ground, the life draining out of me, and I prayed to god. Please don't let this be the end. My children need me. Please god. I beg you. My step dad tried to finish me off, but my brother attacked him right before he tried to stab me in the chest as I laid dying on the ground. And I will always appreciate that. He did in fact save my life. However, all of this trauma, caused me to develop PTSD. And over the years, the only way I could deal was to cut ties with this horrible life and that of the people in it. And it worked, I was able to achieve my dreams and give the kids the life I wanted for them. Both my parents died in my 20s, and even though they caused me great pain, I often yearn for that connection for my children. To be able to take my kids to their grandparents on holidays and have someone to reach out to for advice. But we aren't all granted that in life, and you have to just make do with what you do have. Since I didn't have family, I turned to friends to become that family. I still miss that aspect in my life. To this day, I do not have anything to do with people like that. And in turn, my kids have made better decisions in their lives as well. If your children don't motivate you to be the best person you can, and if you don't cherish the family you have, then I have no use for those kind of people. And only truly selfish people can't see that for themselves and appreciate it.

Today both of my children are in college. My son is in college and hopes to go into the world of computers and my daughter is in New York. She aspires to follow in my footsteps of game marketing and developing her own video game studio one day. Both my children are beyond talented and smart. They were in every club in school, made straight As and always made me proud. My daughter finished high school early at 16 and went on to take entrance exams to college. She worked fifty hour weeks and was constantly motivated to be better. She has big dreams and I believe my example as a parent led to that.

One of the main things I have learned from almost thirty years of parenting--LEAD BY EXAMPLE. If you want your children to be good people, you in turn have to be a good person. If you want your children to aspire to big things, you in turn have to aspire to big things. Children mimic the actions they see around them. And when your child does wrong, you have to tell them. You aren't there to be your child's friend, you are the parent, and there to be a mentor and guide. Also, you don't use your children as a bartering chip. I see a lot of millennials these days having children, and then use them to hold their family members hostage to get things they want for themselves. If you are an adult, you have to act like an adult. Your family is there for love and support, not as your personal bank. Your children should motivate you to be better people not as poker chips in the game of life.

In the end being a parent is hard. There is no right way. There is no perfect way. There are indeed wrong ways. But as long as you try your very best, then your children will realize that when they are themselves adults. If your children turn out to be awful people, while in part it may be the parent's fault, that mostly falls on the child. Everyone has choices in life. And your choices and actions are what define the person you become.

Curse of the Sea Rats Announced for Consoles and PC

2020-06-18T14:09:00.001-05:00

Curse of the Sea Rats is making its way to Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC and Xbox One in 2021.

Curse of the Sea Rats packs all of the best features from the metroidvania genre featuring beautiful 2D hand-drawn animation and 3D environments, combined with real-time combat mechanics, final bosses and a lot of pirates and rats!

So far, our Kickstarter campaign has surpassed 370% of the initial funding goal and more than 2k backers in 10 days, being mentioned by over 200 gaming sites and 28 channels on YouTube. Curse of the Sea Rats will be released in 2021 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Steam.

New Details Released for Baldur's Gate 3

2020-06-18T14:03:00.000-05:00

Larian Studios reveals new details for Baldur's Gate 3.

Larian Studios has talked more about Baldur’s Gate 3 today just ahead of D&D Live 2020: Roll w/ Advantage. Game Director Swen Vincke delivered a new look at gameplay while breaking down the results of months of iteration in a community livestream, showing off many of the content improvements and additions the team has made since PAX East 2020, some of which were made based on direct feedback from fans.

Last weekend during the Guerrilla Collective showcase, the team announced that the anticipated August 2020 early access release of Baldur’s Gate 3 is on track, despite setbacks caused by COVID-19. A community update video released last Saturday gives context about the current state of development and paved the way for today’s presentation.

Here’s some of the new changes and content shown in the stream:

The narrator that will lead players through the game has changed to present tense/second-person narration
Changes have been made to the initiative system. Previous gameplay showed the side initiative, which has evolved over the past month. Characters with similar individual initiative can now be grouped together automatically, allowing players to try out combinations and align their attacks in a group initiative system. Other characters and enemies will have individual initiative.
Vincke showed the inspiration system for the first time. Inspiration points allow the player to reroll one of their dice — a very valuable tool for when the roll of the dice decides life and death. These points are awarded to the player for finding special solutions during their playthrough.
Reactivity to the player character: Vincke played as a custom character elf, showcasing how the world reacts to who you are and, more importantly, which decisions you have made in the past.

Between the original announcement a year ago and what was shown today prior to D&D Live 2020, Baldur’s Gate 3 is coming into shape, one which will continue to evolve as Larian works directly with the community during its early access campaign. The team is now fully focused on getting ready for the early access release in (maybe!) August 2020. Larian will have more to announce about the date, content and details of early access as August approaches.

StoneAge World Now Available on the App Store and Google Play

2020-06-18T13:57:00.000-05:00

StoneAge World launches for mobile devices. Read on.

StoneAge World, the latest game from Netmarble’s internationally-known StoneAge IP, has officially launched across 172 countries worldwide for the App Store and Google Play. To celebrate, players can partake in primeval launch events designed to delight and empower as they kick-start their ancient adventure.

StoneAge World takes the concept of pet-collection and role-playing game (RPG) mechanics and seamlessly blends them together with a delightful and venturesome MMO experience set in a whimsically inspired take on prehistoric societies. Set in the land of Tectonika, players will embrace the role of “Trainer,” a powerful warrior who collects, tames, and trains pets to protect the land from enemies. With over 250 pets including dinosaurs, wooly mammoths, pigs, wolves and more, players will have their hands full defending Tectonika against unknown enemies from the up-and-coming Machine Civilization and exploring the unique quirks of prehistoric society.

"StoneAge World is a new blend of mobile game that combines with pet-centric collection which appeals to players of diverse generations, all with a visually pleasing aesthetic that differentiates itself from other mobile MMORPGs. We are thrilled to finally bring this game to the West for mobile players around the world,” said Joon Sung Chang, Executive Producer of Netmarble.

At launch, the following events are available for player Trainers to take part in and grow stronger to defend against the Machine Civilization:

· Catch Operation Event (June 18 – July 2) – Players can collect stamps from daily missions, where rewards are obtained according to the accumulated number of stamps.
· Power Reward Event– Rewards will be earned when the player’s ‘Lineup Power’ level is reached as they strengthen Trainers and Pets.
· Level Reward Event– As players reach up from level 10 to 90, the greater rewards such as Stone, Shell, and Trainer’s Rope will be given to players.
· Moga Growth Event (June 18 – July 1) – Grow the Moga and players can get diverse growth related rewards
· 15-day Check-in Reward Event– When players log into StoneAge World, they will receive gifts each time they check in.

StoneAge World is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play, with supporting languages in English, Korean, Chinese (simplified / traditional), Japanese and Thai available for players. More information on StoneAge World can be found on the official website (https://stone.netmarble.com/en) and on the game’s official Facebook.

The Most Important Video Games Trends in 2020

2020-06-18T13:46:00.000-05:00

Fortunately. the gaming industry has been one of the more resilient to the catastrophic turn of events in 2020. While the COVID-19 outbreak has certainly had an impact on the industry the business is still going strong, more gamers have been born out of social-distancing and there are new opportunities on the horizon. Gaming has been one of the best ways to socialize during the lockdown. The WHO even recommended it as an alternative social activity.

The question is, what kind of games are all these new gamers playing and which ones are on the rise? Video game companies have been able to capitalize on this new wave of casual gamers, and many other trends have emerged this year. Here a few of the most important video game trends that have come about in 2020.

Free downloads

It’s become commonplace to offer free games to download as an incentive, and then later charge for optional purchases during gameplay instead. Clash Royale is an example of one of these games for mobiles. The app is completely free to download and players even have the option to disable the in-app purchases option in their device settings.

This trend has also become big in desktop games such as Fortnite, and iGaming industry as well. It’s a perfect technique to entice gamers by letting them download the game for free, and have the option to purchase tools and items later. It’s a successful way to get the product out there for promotion, and gamers feel relaxed about trying a new game without forking out for it.

The streaming revolution

Cloud gaming is also a means of playing a game without having to buy it or invest in hardware or consoles. Whether it’s on a secure cheap vps or home server, streaming is great because all you need is a fast internet connection. With smart TVs as well, many gamers have had the pleasure of streaming directly in their living rooms.

The popularity of the Google app Stadia suggests a positive outlook for cloud-gaming in the future. Stadia allows AAA, console, and PC games to be transferred to any device without using any hardware. Google does all the work for you and streams the game off the internet. Stadia also has a range of accessibility options, making streaming games open to all.

Big releases

Both Xbox and Sony are said to be getting ready for big console releases at the end of this year, so the industry must be doing well. The Microsoft Xbox Series X and Sony Playstation 5 are the main eagerly awaited consoles on the way. Many gaming fans can also look forward to the releases of important games such as Halo Infinite and The Last of Us Part 2.

These releases are all coming in time for Christmas or before, so it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top. There are still plenty of exciting things to look out for in the high-end market as well in 2020.

The Marketing Tricks Of The Game Industry

2020-04-08T11:40:00.000-05:00

Every industry has promotional tricks and strategies to make us drool with envy at the discovery of their new products. We’ve all been betrayed by the glorious picture of a cheeseburger on the menu, only to discover that the same burger looks a lot less appetizing on the plate. Where did the magic of the melted cheese, oozing with deliciousness, go? It was never there in the first place. More often than not, they enhanced the product for the picture. The bottom line: You suspected the picture was a trap, but you bought it anyway because it looked too delicious to ignore.

What do games do to convince us to buy them? Video games have a variety of promotional tools at their disposal to reach out to their audience. Unlike other industries, the gaming industry sells to many target groups, all of which are remotely-based. We’ve all met different gamers, from the hardcore platform enthusiast to the anxious amateur who prefers plot-based games. As such, they can’t rely on photos only – like your favorite burger restaurant. How does the game industry appeal to such a broad and diverse audience successfully?

The slow release of information

Teasers are always a hit for big development studios. Think of it as a trailer for a movie. The trailer is all about showing off the best bits. As such, you’ve got a selection of the best scenes, a brief view of the cast – preferably known names –, and the introduction of a cliffhanger element. Development studios follow similar rules when they release gameplay footage and images from their new game. The intention is to create a buzz for potential gamers who know your other games. As such, the gameplay acts as a big reveal that answers a lot of questions, such as whether or not the game can meet the standards set by previous games, whether bugs and issues in previous games have been fixed, and whether the chosen gameplay is exciting and engaging.

Can it backfire? Yes, it can! If the released material doesn’t appear to meet gamers’ expectations, the studio is likely to struggle to launch successfully.

Creating paid add-ons

Stream, smartphone, and console games are no strangers to additional paid content. Free and popular games on your mobile tend to have further content available if you’re happy to pay for it. Who hasn’t bought an extra life rather than wait a full day for their character to regenerate? Similarly, chapter release is another fantastic way of giving gamers free or cost-effective access to your game. If they enjoy the play, they can choose to purchase the next chapter and so on until the end of the game. Console gamers are familiar with game extensions that can be purchased for their favorite games. As such, the best marketing strategy for games is pricing. Indeed, by maximizing gaming payment options – including discussions to include blockchain technology for crypto-payment – for micro releases, game studios can create loyal customers. The idea is to reduce your development cost by focusing on small content pieces that can be bought one at a time. As such, you rely on the game’s name as a promotional tool.

Does it work? Yes, it’s highly effective as long as the micro-releases are appropriately priced – read cheap. Payment security is, however, a risk factor that can prevent cyber-conscious gamers from buying.

They cast a famous voice

Would you watch a movie just for an actor? Probably. Would you be tempted to buy a game because a famous voice or face appears in it? Yes, you would. That’s precisely why more and more development studios are involving famous actors in their projects. The trend is not new, however. Gamers who grew up with the A-Team have recognized H.M. Murdock’s voice in early games such as Final Fantasy X, Wolfenstein, Fallout 2, and Baldur’s Gate II. Nowadays, notable contributions have become a promotional tool, as Cyberpunk 2077 has proven with Keanu Reeves. Norman Reedus, from The Walking Dead, is the main character in Death Stranding. Willem Dafoe, along with Ellen Page, lent their voices and faces to the mesmerizing interactive thriller Beyond: Two Souls. The list is long, but you get the point. If there’s a famous voice in it, chances are the game will get noticed.

They go wild on cosplay

Cosplay artists are the new influencers in the gaming industry. Talented makeup and costume artists come together to create realistic replicates of their favorite game characters. While you can buy cosplay costumes online, shops tend to follow the trends. In other words, by the time a costume hits the shops, the game has already become a hit. Smart development studios, however, work closely with cosplay artists to promote the launch of their game. As such, the objective is to create a social media buzz ahead of the release.

Does it work? Yes, ComicCon and other Game events thrive on cosplay costumes. The only problem is to get noticed when everyone else is also in costume. It’s best suited for games with remarkable characters, such as the Witcher with his white hair, facial scar, and unique eyes.

They sell collectibles

The collectible market presents a massive opportunity for game studios. Iconic characters make the ideal gift for a gamer, such as Mortal Kombat figurines or the Legend of Zelda. The advantage of collectibles is that they can each reach out to the non-gaming community. A fun and beautiful figurine is a fantastic addition to your desk decor, for home-based workers, for instance. Do you need to know the game to buy it? You don’t have to. But, more often than not, those collectibles can convert non-gamers.

They share their reactions to gamers

Very few gamers know the voice and face of the developers behind their favorite games. Sure, we can list out a handful of names, such as Hideo Kojima, the director behind Death Stranding, but one name does not make a game. As such, more and more developers and directors have taken to the Internet to share their reactions to their game being played. The speedrun series on Youtube has given game studios a voice, which can bridge the gap to the audience.

Does it work? YouTube is all about sharing stories. As such, the authentic reactions of the people who created the game can be an exciting marketing tool. While the potential to go viral is limited – everybody is posting ‘reaction’ videos –, it can help to convince cautious gamers who like to research options before purchasing.

The limited-time discount

Special offer! This game is 30% off until tomorrow.

Would you buy it?

It’s a tricky question. Gamers are not easily duped. Many have a clear idea of what type of games they prefer, and they would rather pay full price for something they enjoy than a discounted price for something they didn’t want to play in the first place. That being said, in the current self-isolation situation, discounted games are flying off the digital shelves, regardless of their genre. Indeed, when you’re stuck at home indefinitely, you need to keep yourself busy. Discounts tend to be typically effective around holiday times for the same reason.

In conclusion, the game industry has many marketing strategies to reach out to a broad audience. There is never a single promotional tool. Indeed, combining multiple techniques and approaches is the best way to share your message with as many potential buyers as possible. Because not all marketing tricks are going to work with the same kind of gamers, game studios have to multiply their efforts. The bottom line: It works! Even though most of us know their methods by heart, we still buy their games. Perhaps a good game is all the promotion we need.