#- Multi video resolutions

[techdriveplay]

How to Get the Most Out of Your Smart TV

In the modern era, entertainment technology has revolutionised the way we consume media, and smart TVs have become a cornerstone of this transformation. They offer a wealth of features and capabilities far beyond traditional television sets. To truly maximise their potential, it’s essential to understand how to get the most out of your smart TV. This guide will explore tips, tricks, and best…

[eregyrn-falls-art]

And here it is at last! The Gravity Falls Multi-Artist Lyric Comic tribute to the Stan Twins, "Trouble"!

Stay tuned, as @stariousfalls is working on making all of this into a video version. That will be coming along in the next few weeks!

EDIT: here is the video!

And of course, Happy Birthday to Dipper and Mabel! (Even if this project was Grunkles-centric, Stan and Ford's stories wouldn't have come to such a heart-warming resolution if it wasn't for their niblings. Credit where it's due!)

Some credits and acknowledgements below the read-more:

(I'll have remarks and thanks in another post; but for now, thank you SO MUCH TO EVERYONE who worked on this and made it spectacular!)

CREDITS:

Polaroid Collage One: elishevart, zephrunsimperium, pinkplatiploo, mother-ofthe-universedraws, fordtato, shadeartstuff, creativepup, skysdrawings

I've been a beggar: lemonfodrizzleart

And I've been a king: kingsofjersey

I've been a loner: muria-art

And I've worn the ring: everlight_283 (instagram)

Losing myself: batman-gif

Just to find me again: tazmiilly & gin-juice-tonic

I'm a million miles smarter: eregyrn-falls-art & stephreynaart

But I ain't learned a thing: annakitsun3

I've been a teacher: gobblewanker

And a student of hurt: skysdrawings

I kept my word: orangephoenix6

For whatever that's worth: mother-ofthe-universedraws

Never been last: jackyjackdraws

But I've never been first: jasmine-sketchbook

Oh I may not be the best: stephreynaart

But I'm far from the worst: spectralreplica

Oh I may not be the best: elishevart

But I'm far from the worst: zkyeline

Oh, I've seen trouble: fexiled / fexalted

More than any man should bear: mischieflily

But I've seen enough joy: ginandshattereddreams

I've had more than my share: gin-juice-tonic

And I'm still not done: morcian-draws

I'm only halfway there: jamesfenimoreharper

I'm a million miles ahead of where I'm from: fordtato

But there's still another million miles to come: deerpines, orangephoenix6 & fordtato

Polaroid Collage Two: creativepup, cbmagus49, inkdrawndreamer, bluefrostyy, mother-ofthe-universedraws, fordtato, bewildred-grimsley, shadeartstuff, alphazed

Oh I keep on searching for the City of Gold: vililae

So I'm gonna follow this yellow brick road: cbmagus49

Thinking that maybe it might lead me on: cutebatart

I'm a million miles farther: hellmandraws

And a long way from home: eregyrn-falls-art

I know that there's a plan that goes way beyond mine: possumbreath

Got to step back just to see the design: pottersfieldcustodian

The mind fears the heart: rechoclo

But the heart doesn't mind: novantinuum

Oh I may not be perfect: tazmiilly

But I'm loving this life: hubbabubbagumpop

Oh I may not be perfect: athgalla-arts

But I'm loving this life: thisiswhereidraw

Oh I've seen trouble: purblzart

More than any man should bear: shadowofaghost5

But I've seen enough joy: alextwdgf01 & fordtato

I've had more than my share: dragonsheepstudios

And I'm still not done: acetyzias & stephreynaart

I'm only halfway there: cryptidjeepers

I'm a million miles ahead of where I'm from: chiiroptereh

But there's still another million miles to come: stephreynaart

Polaroids Collage Three: cbmagus49; fordsy; fordtato; puppylove24680; sciencevillain; lemonfodrizzleart; mother-ofthe-universedraws; possumbreath

Polaroids Collage Four: jamesfenimoreharper; gin-juice-tonic; rusted-blue; shadowofaghost5; cutebatart; possumbreath; fordtato; nour386

Polaroids Collage Five: fordtato; pinestwinssimp; tazmiillly; melodramaticwolf; eregyrn-falls-art

[jd07201990]

I’ll admit, this one was a real challenge. But that never stops JD Marketing Solutions, LLC from fulfilling our contracts. I’ll even bet you’ve seen many of our Ads out there, selling sports gear, energy drinks, shoes, hygiene products, etc. Hell, if you’ve walked through the Men’s underwear aisle of any store, you’ll have seen our work. Models. Exact – to – order, custom designed walking – talking billboards that draw eyes to them, and whatever it is they’re created to sell. Their entire existence built from a spec-sheet that wealthy companies, and… well, private investors, pay 8-9 figures to fill out and submit. If your company has a need for perfect male specimens who’ve been programmed to your specific, needs, you can find our Sales team contact at Build-A-Boy . com. Now we have a prime example of our work, although he needs quite a bit more mental rewiring. Tanner here tends to escape our facility and dart about the grounds, attempting to flee back to his pointless life in college at least twice a month. His psychological strength against our state-of-the-art brain-wiping protocols is astounding. Although as you can clearly see, he can fight the brain wipe, but his body has followed our plans to the letter. He’ll soon be strutting around multi-million dollar photography studios, hawking Athletic Gear to aspiring males who would give anything to look like him. For now, we’ll continue to allow him to inadvertently add an hour or so of high-intensity cardio to his already grueling workout regime, as he bolts between buildings, thinking he’s nearly free. All the while our cameras snap thousands of high-resolution photos and video clips, providing us with more evidence of our immaculate work. Tanner added another zero to his buyer’s bill when he sprinted across our lawn in that high end jockstrap, the sun blazing above and sweat beading down his impeccable torso, while our slow-motion cameras streamed his precision athletic training to a private buyer in the Czech Republic. The Clothing company made the wise choice to out-spend the private investor, or Tanner would have been on a private within 6 months, depending on how long it took to finally break his stubborn mind.

[kremlin]

could you explain for the "it makes the game go faster" idiots like myself what a GPU actually is? what's up with those multi thousand dollar "workstation" ones?

ya, ya. i will try and keep this one as approachable as possible

starting from raw reality. so, you have probably dealt with a graphics card before, right, stick in it, connects to motherboard, ass end sticks out of case & has display connectors, your vga/hdmi/displayport/whatever. clearly, it is providing pixel information to your monitor. before trying to figure out what's going on there, let's see what that entails. these are not really simple devices, the best way i can think to explain them would start with "why can't this be handled by a normal cpu"

a bog standard 1080p monitor has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, each comprised of 3 bytes (for red, blue, & green), which are updated 60 times a second:

~3 gigs a second is sort of a lot. on the higher end, with a 4k monitor updating 144 times a second:

17 gigs a second is definitely a lot. so this would be a good "first clue" there is some specialized hardware handling that throughput unrelated the cpu. the gpu. this would make sense, since your cpu is wholly unfit for dealing with this. if you've ever tried to play some computer game, with fancy 3D graphics, without any kind of video acceleration (e.g. without any kind of gpu [1]) you'd quickly see this, it'd run pretty slowly and bog down the rest of your system, the same way having a constantly-running program that is copying around 3-17GB/s in ram

it's worth remembering that displays operate isochronously -- they need to be fed pixel data at specific, very tight time timings. your monitor does not buffer pixel information, whatever goes down the wire is displayed immediately. not only do you have to transmit pixel data in realtime, you have to also send accompanying control data (e.g. data that bookends the pixel data, that says "oh this is the end of the frame", "this is the begining of the frame, etc", "i'm changing resolutions", etc) within very narrow timing tolerances otherwise the display won't work at all

3-17GB/s may not be a lot in the context of something like a bulk transfer, but it is a lot in an isochronous context, from the perspective of the cpu -- these transfers can't occur opportunistically when a core is idle, they have to occur now, and any core that is assigned to transmit pixel data has stop and drop whatever its doing immediately, switch contexts, and do the transfer. this sort of constant pre-empting would really hamstring the performance of everything else running, like your userspace programs, the kernel, etc.

so for a long list of reasons, there has to be some kind of special hardware doing this job. gpu.

instead of calculating every pixel value manually, the cpu just needs to give a high-level geometric overview of what it wants rendered, and does this with vertices. a vertex is very simple, it's just a point in 3D space, for example (5,2,3). just like a coordinate grid on paper with an extra dimension. with just a few vertices, you can have models like this:

where each dot at the intersection of lines in the above image, would be a vertex. gpus essentially handle huge number of vertices.

in the context of, like, a 3D video game, you have to render these vertex-based models conditionally. you're viewing it at some distance, at some angle, and the model is lit from some light source, and has perhaps some shadows cast across it, etc -- all of this requires a huge amount of vertex math that has to be calculated within the same timeframes as i described before -- and that is what a gpu is doing, taking a vertex-defined 3D environment, and running this large amount of computation in parallel. unlike your cpu which may only have, idk, 4-32 execution cores, your gpu has thousands -- they're nowhere near as featureful as your cpu cores, they can only do very specific simple math with vertices, but there's a ton of them, and they run alongside each other.

so that is what a gpu "does", in as few words as i can write

the things in the post you're referring to (V100/A100/H100 tensor "gpus") are called gpus because they are also periperal hardware that does a specific kind of math, massively, in parallel, they are just designed and fabricated by the same companies that make gpus so they're called gpus (annoyingly). they don't have any video output, and would probably be pretty bad at doing that kind of work. regular gpus excel at calculating vertices, tensor gpus operate on tensors, which are like matrixes, but with arbitrary numbers of dimensions. try not to think about it visually. they also use a weirder float. they're used for things like "artificial intelligence", training LLMs and whatever, but also for real things, like scientific weather/economy/particle models or simulations

they're very expensive because they cost the same, if not more, than what it cost to design & fabricate regular video gpus, but with a trillionth of the customer base. for every ten million rat gamers that will buy a gpu there is going to be one business buying one A100 or whatever.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ disclaimer | private policy | unsubscribe

[crescentfool]

so you want to use OBS

hello! i’ve decided to compile information on my OBS setup and some resources that have helped me along the way.  this is mostly for personal reference, but maybe others can make use of this information!

some notes before i get into it:

i use OBS for both offline recording and (twitch) streaming. any footage i record is edited using DaVinci Resolve 18, which is free.

most of my OBS captures are of video games (through a USB capture card, specifically elgato), and the occasional screen/application capture (like clip studio paint, and sometimes PC games).

as such, the information here is reflective of these experiences. this post is not comprehensive to all of OBS’s features- this is just an overview of the settings and configurations that are most relevant to me.

with that out of the way, all the information will be under the cut!

Basic Setup

file format:

how to change: settings -> output -> recording -> recording format -> press “apply” once finished!

I save most of my recordings as .mkv files- it supports multi-track audio! i prefer .mkv over .mp4 because if your power goes out, you still have a recording to work with. 

.mkv files can be read by DaVinci Resolve without an issue- but for Adobe software, they'll need to be remuxed to .mp4 within OBS! (file -> remux recordings -> press the … to select a file -> press the “remux” button)

video resolution and framerate:

how to change: settings -> video -> output (scaled) resolution

my obs canvas is @ 1920 x 1080p (16:9)

i switch between 720p and 1080p as needed! if you're concerned about space, you can probably just go for 720p. i also record at 30 fps, simply because that’s what my capture card supports.

video bitrate:

how to change: settings -> output -> encoder settings (located in both the streaming and recording tab) -> press “apply” once finished!

bitrate is a bit of a doozy to explain, but the most important thing to know is that bitrate affects your video’s quality. lower numbers = lower quality, while higher numbers = higher quality. 

generally speaking, you'll want higher bitrate when you're recording things with high depth of information (e.g. you’d want a higher bitrate for something fast-paced like splatoon, compared to a slower-paced game like animal crossing).

my video bitrate is either set to 3000 or 4000 kbps! and here's some of my other (related) settings while i'm at it:

you can put your bitrate at much higher values than me if you're a stickler for quality- but keep in mind that a higher bitrate means:

bigger file size

more information to upload (when streaming)

your computer will need to encode more

i’d recommend reading twitch’s guidelines on encoding, bitrate, resolution, and framerate to get an idea of what values to pick. for people who are doing offline recording or streaming on a different platform, i suggest googling the appropriate resources!

multi-track audio:

this is mostly applicable to anyone looking to do video editing!

multi-track audio basically allows you to separate your audio sources (e.g. discord, game audio, and your own microphone) into different tracks. 

this is an immensely helpful tool because it lets you adjust audio levels in post-production (editing). some examples of how this can be used:

increasing someones microphone volume if they speak too softly

increasing/decreasing game audio

muting swear words/sensitive information

completely muting voice call + microphone if you want to upload a no commentary video

and more!

to set this up, take a look at your audio mixer panel, and press the ⚙ icon. this will bring up advanced audio properties.

by checkmarking a track box, it puts the audio on that track. to make the above screenshot easier to digest:

track 1 consists of ALL three audio sources- desktop, elgato, and microphone.

track 2 only has the microphone audio.

track 3 only has desktop audio (i use this for voice calls)

track 4 only has the elgato capture card audio (game audio). the volume has also been lowered so that any speaking voices can be heard clearly.

tracks 5 and 6 are unused.

you might be wondering, “why do all three of these have 1 checked off?” this is what i call the universal audio track. i recommend having a universal audio track for a few reasons:

when you stream from OBS onto twitch/youtube- you have to select ONE audio track.

it’s also a nice backup in case you didn’t separate your audio correctly.

if for whatever reason you need to move around your individual audio tracks in editing, the universal track acts as a nice reference point.

mark off your audio tracks for each audio source as you see fit! once you’re finished with the advanced audio properties, go to settings > output.

for the streaming tab, you’ll want to have the number of your universal audio track selected. in my case, that will be audio track 1.

for the recording tab, checkmark all the audio tracks that are applicable to you (in my case, audio tracks 1, 2, 3, and 4). by default, only audio track 1 is selected.

if you don’t check off the additional audio tracks in the output > recordings section, you will not have access to those audio tracks in editing, and you won’t be able to edit your audio tracks independently of each other. so don’t forget to do this! 👍

custom browser docks

custom browser docks are a great tool for when you’re streaming and want to have access to your twitch chat and/or activity feed! (or if you wanted to have some other web browser on OBS).

to create one, go to docks -> custom browser docks.

you’ll be given a table interface that asks you to put the dock name and URL. for streamers who want to have chat and alerts available, do the following:

on twitch’s homepage, go to the upper right and click your icon

then, click creator dashboard

once you’re on your dashboard, go to stream manager

click the vertical “...” on my chat OR activity feed.

press “pop-out chat” OR “pop-out activity feed”

copy and paste the link into the table back into OBS

press apply once you’re done

click and drag the docks around at your leisure to put them where you like!

if you ever decide you don’t want to have something on your OBS dock (or want to bring something back), go to the toolbar, click “docks,” and click the appropriate dock!

third party things

a section of optional things that you may enjoy having.

streamlabs alerts

this is basically for anyone who streams and wants to have their chat and/or follower notifications visualized on screen!

streamlab alerts can be added to OBS by adding a browser source into your scene, and the specifics can be customized on streamlabs itself. it’s pretty self-explanatory, so i’ll just leave a link to streamlabs website, where you can log in using the streaming platform of your choice: https://streamlabs.com/

discord overlay

this is a browser source that can be set up to show people who are in a server's voice chat and who speaks. i recommend this to people who make multiplayer content- it can help viewers distinguish who is who but also it can be helpful in editing.

to set this up, go to https://streamkit.discord.com/overlay, click “install for OBS,” and after logging in with discord, go to “voice widget” and click the server and voice channel you want.

you are able to apply CSS if you'd like more control over the visuals, but the standard layout tends to work fine for me! a search of “discord overlay css” on youtube can help you get more information.

veadotube mini

this is a pngtuber software that a friend recommended to me! no webcam is required- mouth opening and closing is based on your microphone input!

you can download it here (it’s pay what you want!): https://olmewe.itch.io/veadotube-mini

for a proper tutorial on how to use it, i recommend checking out the app's documentation, which you can read here: https://veado.tube/help/

source record

have you ever wanted to stream something with a chat overlay/layout, but wanted your recording to ONLY be the gameplay? or maybe you wanted to record BOTH your gameplay AND your webcam so that you can have a crisp zoom-in on your webcam!

source record is a third party plugin that can help you with that!

the general gist of source record involves applying the “source record” filter on either a scene or source, and customizing the encoding settings accordingly. the exact details of how to set it up is beyond the scope of this post, so I'll just direct people to this video instead (it was very helpful to me):

⚠ a quick note about source record: this plugin can be intense for your computer. be sure to do test recordings and the like to see what your computer can handle (and see if the recordings come out the way you like). it took me a few tests before i settled onto something i liked!

you can download and install source record here: https://obsproject.com/forum/resources/source-record.1285/

vdo.ninja

have you ever wanted to do a collaborative video or stream where you feature someone else’s video on your stream? or maybe you’re doing a multi-person streaming event! vdo.ninja is the perfect tool for you!

vdo.ninja turns your OBS virtual camera into a browser source link- which your collaborator can add on their stream! this is a new tool that i’ve added to my arsenal recently- since my friend and i are planning to stream a side order challenge together! i’ve still got to iron it out a bit more, but i like what i’ve used of it so far.

try it out for yourself at their website here (with documentation and demos available on the homepage!): https://vdo.ninja/ (no downloads required!)

ok! i’m set up! what now?

and with that, that’s all of the settings and tools that i thought would be worth mentioning! while most of my setup was written with video games in mind, some of these plugins and setups may be applicable to other types of videos (e.g. tabletop gaming with a physical camera)!

now that i’ve outlined all these settings, i have one more thing i have to say: regardless of what you're using OBS for, do a test recording before doing anything “official” with it. this recording can be as short as 30 seconds. it’s a good habit to develop that can make sure your streams/recordings turn out the way you want them to!

here are the kinds of things i like to check! it’s not an exhaustive list, but this can be a starting point:

video:

does my video look the way i want it to (and can my computer handle that)?

can my computer handle the load of encoding? - OBS will note in the bottom if the encoding is overloaded. if it can’t handle it, turn down your bitrate or adjust other encoding settings (e.g. i had to toggle psycho visual tuning OFF because it was causing lag)

this is especially the case if you're recording PC games- you don’t want to have slowdown on either your game or the recording!

audio:

are my audio sources (e.g. desktop audio and microphone) correct? - if you plug/unplug devices a lot, be sure to check this (settings -> audio).

are any of my audio sources muted? - make sure you don’t have anything on 🔇 if you don’t want it to be muted! otherwise the audio will be lost forever… (i lost my friend’s VC audio once… it was sad)

are my audio tracks separated properly? - requires you to boot up your editing software, but it's worth doing! for the test recording, just have something from all your sources playing at once, and see if your editor has things separated into tracks.

can i hear the voices clearly? or does the music and/or game overpower them?

if for whatever reason your OBS crashes, or you want more information on anything “critical” or “warning” worthy in your set-up, you can go to help > log files > upload current log file > analyze. crash logs currently can’t be analyzed by the log analyzer- but they’re a valuable tool when asking for help on the OBS forums!

and that’s all! for real, this time. i hope that some of these tools and settings can help anyone wanting to get more out of OBS. there’s definitely other things i didn’t touch upon (e.g. audio filters for noise compression, suppression, etc.), so i suggest doing your own research and trying things out!

happy recording/streaming, and thanks for reading! ✨

[satoshi-mochida]

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos PS5 and Switch physical editions announced - Gematsu

Rock It Games will distribute physical editions of the remastered Croc: Legend of the Gobbos for PlayStation 5 and Switch, the company announced.

Pre-orders are available now until December 10 in the following two editions:

Standard Edition (PS5, Switch) – $39.99

A copy of the Croc: Legend of the Gobbos game with full color manual

Collector’s Edition (PS5, Switch) – $129.99

A copy of the Croc: Legend of the Gobbos game with full color manual

Eight-inch resin Croc statue with a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity

Four-disc CD soundtrack consisting of over 100 tracks

PVC Croc keychain

Ultra3DFX sticker sheet

18 inches by 24 inches artwork poster

Premium box

“From the outset, our vision has been to release Croc only when we’re happy with it,” said Argonaut Games founder Jez San in a press release. “We are speed-running towards a December 2024 release and are very close to being complete. However, if we need to add a little more polish, we won’t hesitate to do so. After waiting 27 years, we trust that our dedicated fans can wait a few weeks longer.”

Here is an overview of the game, via Argonauts:

About

Developed by legendary studio Argonaut Games, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos follows the heartwarming journey of an endearing, humble little crocodile equipped with only his iconic backpack and a wiggly butt as he sets off on his quest to rescue the Gobbos from the clutches of the nefarious Baron Dante and his hordes of Dantinis. Croc must platform his way across a series of unique worlds by running, jumping, climbing, swimming, and tail spinning to save the Gobbos from captivity. With its charm and creativity, the original game quickly became a multi-million unit selling platforming classic and the Croc remaster delivers an authentic gameplay experience that will transport players back to the golden age of gaming.

Key Features

High-definition graphics with high resolution textures and models.

Updated modern analog controls with an improved camera.

Retro Display modes enable players to choose between modern and retro graphics.

The Crocipedia, a digital museum jam-packed with long lost design documents, character designs, pre-release versions of the famous soundtrack, and much more.

The Crocumentary, a series of video interviews of the developers and contributors, sharing their memories of working on the game, and game industry experts discussing its place in gaming history.

Watch a new trailer below.

Physical Editions Announce Trailer

[claraameliapond]

PLO Lumbaba: "the reality is we must in the nature of things seek peaceful resolution and mediation of all things. But always aware, that there are those warmongers who belong to the war industry for whom war and conflict is a multi trillion dollar industry and they want war at all costs. They want war periodically so that they can rebuild. These are the same people who after war, are engaged in rebuilding. They have made money their God, and they have made material things their God. Those are there, and they are the ones sometimes who force people into war. But it's not inevitable. War is not inevitable.

War is not desirable, because history has taught us that even after war, you must negotiate. So why must we not negotiate, that there may be no War?

[whattraintracks]

5. Video Games - Multi

What's this? More Raphael angst? Why are we surprised.

So I was listening to Stay Down by boygenius while some prompts simmered in my brain, and when this one started boiling somewhere around verse two, I knew what I had to do.  

Would Raph even like this song? Who knows, but I sure do, so I am going to close-read the heck out of it and draw so many connections.

Video Games >> I'm just steering my life in a video game >> It's a half-life, it's a fallout 

before any of you wonder what this has got to do with the prompt, here it is! it's in the song. prompt satisfied

apparently, those are also references to video games

. . .

moving on

Fighting and Learned Behavior >> lean into the punch >> push me down >> hold me under >> stay down 

a.k.a. physical altercations as an allegory for Raphael’s life 

obsessed with the metaphor of him leaning into a punch

if he can’t avoid life's blows, he'll do what he can to make them hurt less

suffer the hit just to get it over with, or take it for someone else

on a less angsty note, I simply associate Raph with boxing 

he's a skilled ninja, but sometimes he wants to sucker-punch someone

cuz this boy really loves fighting, and that ain’t a bad thing 

>> wasn't a fighter 'til somebody told me I had better learn >> would you teach me I'm the villain

I think a lot about Raph and learned behavior 

when I tell you Rise and '03 Splinter altered my brain chemistry 

hiding their connection to the Foot/Hamato Clan

trying to spare their sons from anger, grief, trauma, vengeance, and wars that don't belong to them is fascinating to me 

but in every version, he teaches Raph how to fight 

and I've talked about how '87 Raphael still inherited those things from Splinter's

even the ones who don’t are still altered by growing up with him, looking at you M&M Raph 

it's not a coincidence '12 Splinter sees so much of himself in his son

Defense Mechanism and Love for Enemies >> lean into the punch so it don't hurt as bad when they leave 

Raph's anger often screams defense mechanism to me

if humans are going to hate him anyway, again he'll lean into it

be snarky and rude and scary and mean and give them something to really hate

sometimes, his anger is preemptive, but it's not always unfounded

I don't think even ten fingers are enough to count how many times a recurring character turned on the '87 turtles

Raphael should have been allowed to beat up Vernon as consolation

>> there you were, turning your cheek 

but wait! there's more! the Christian references in this song are not subtle

Luke 6:27,29 "Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you . . . if anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also"

I'm thinking about '87 Raphael's "Yeah, I'm with ya, but I'm bitter" and helping the guys protect a city that doesn't appreciate all they do

I'm thinking about '03 Raph, who is resolute it's not their problem that the city's at war but gets involved because Leo does 

I'm thinking about '07 Raph taking up the Nightwatcher mantle after Leo leaves New York 

Disconnection in Personal Relationships >> I look at you and you look at a screen 

this second verse, I think, is pretty open to interpretation, which works well given how many variations there are of Raph

linking "screen" to "video game" in the next line, I picture Raph reaching out and being ignored

like '03 Raph figuring his anger out on his own v. Leo getting sent away for serious/professional help

like '07 Raph missing Leo and hearing no word from him for years 

or I read "screen" with the connotation of concealment

like Rise Raph keeping it together for his little brothers until he can't

like their shock when he finally breaks down

the loneliness of Raph looking at his brothers and knowing them so well but feeling like they never really see him  

>> similar acts and a different name 

I am always struck by how similar Raph and his brothers are 

the little things they do the same because they were raised together

the ways they deliberately emulate each other  

it has to sting seeing so much of them in himself and himself in them and still be reduced to "the angry one"

especially when it's them thinking this way

(side note, Google has this lyric miswritten as "similar accent," which is hilarious in this context) 

Loss and Lack of Control >> I'm in the back seat of my body 

canon takes great pleasure in depriving Raph of control over his body 

how intensely all Raphaels experience their emotions 

off-screen and childhood trauma like “Savage Raph” in Rise 

on-screen trauma that must lead to dissociation, flashbacks, nightmares, etc. 

the two, at least that I know of, mind control events with ‘12 and Rise Raph

even ‘87 Raphael getting de-aged

you could also interpret this as gender dysphoria and I've seen a lot of good trans Raph headcanons

>> I'm just steering my life in a video game 

beyond losing control of his body, Raph never really has control of his life 

“turtle luck” and all that 

this often shows up when their stories shift

like ‘87 Raphael, who goes from a wise guy to a sarcastic grouch as his story drags on and takes a darker turn

as opposed to Rise Raph, who throughout the series, gets talked down from heroism and over-vigilance

but guess which behaviors get rewarded and reinforced during the Shredder arcs and Krang invasion

so as not to ignore the prompt any more than I already have, I do enjoy those episodes where “life in a video game” for Raphael is a little more on the nose

Combat Land (1987), Across the Universe (2003), Mazes and Mutants (2012) 

Literally Neurodivergent and a Minor 

(Shoutout to this art from @/20s-turtle-posting that inspired the name of this section) ((and, no, I did not realise this is an ironic meme and will be taking it seriously))

>> aren't I the one constantly repenting for a difficult mind? >> push me down into the water like a sinner, hold me under >> villain >> sinner >> half-life >> fallout 

I warned you about the religious imagery, but it's a little off in this verse

because repentance is about change as growth

but Raph feels like he has to change his "difficult mind" this ingrained part of himself

so he's stuck in a cycle of remorse and regret, unable to gain control

I think about running fast and far and anguished cries of “what is wrong with me?” (2003)

pushed into and held under, the waters of baptism are no longer cleansing and renewing but suppressing

it's the people closest to him saying “you are seriously twisted” (2012) and “you’ve got a rage problem” (M&M)

and having to decide between hiding those parts of himself or hoping they'll love him anyway

it's Raph feeling bad and broken, feeling like he's a danger and a poison to everyone around him

>> lean into the punch so it don't hurt as bad when they leave >> it takes so long for me to settle down and when I finally do, there's no one else around 

and I wonder if Raph's temper is ever tied to feeling unlovable, and one feeling sparks another in a vicious feedback loop 

a teenager testing the boundaries of care and affection, more defense mechanisms

how does he get himself to believe in their steadfast love even when he feels unworthy of it

to trust he's safe enough to feel all of his ugliest emotions when his life is so out of control

he forgets, his story doesn’t let him remember, that he’s still a kid 

he's got a lot of growing to do, and even if it takes a long time, he’ll settle down one day, find his balance 

his family’s gonna stick it out, and they’ll still be around when he finally gets there

tl;dr I will never be able to listen to this song without crying about Raphael now, so thanks, brain. 

[mindcraaft]

Virtual Desktop VR: The Future of the Virtual World

In an era dominated by technological advancements, the concept of virtual reality (VR) has transformed the way we work, learn, and interact. Among these innovations, Virtual Desktop VR is emerging as a game-changer, allowing users to experience a virtual desktop environment that enhances productivity, creativity, and even leisure. But what exactly is Virtual Desktop VR, and how will it shape the future of the virtual world? Let’s explore.

What is Virtual Desktop VR?

Virtual Desktop VR is an immersive experience that simulates a desktop computer environment within a virtual reality headset. Rather than using a traditional monitor or screen, users can access their computer’s desktop, applications, and files in a fully 3D environment. This allows for the creation of a virtual workspace that can be customized to meet individual needs, providing a sense of presence and control unlike any other.

Key Features of Virtual Desktop VR

Immersive Workspaces Virtual Desktop VR allows users to create customized virtual workspaces. Whether it’s a scenic mountain cabin, a futuristic cityscape, or an open office, the choice is yours. Users can arrange multiple virtual monitors, access documents, and use applications in 3D space, all while remaining within the virtual environment.

Multi-Tasking in a Virtual Environment Virtual Desktop VR supports multi-monitor functionality, giving users the flexibility to work across several virtual screens. This is particularly useful for professionals, designers, or programmers who often need to manage several windows or applications at once. The virtual desktop environment provides a distraction-free, limitless workspace.

Enhanced Collaboration and Interaction The ability to collaborate within a virtual world is a significant feature of Virtual Desktop VR. Whether in business meetings, design reviews, or educational settings, users can connect in a shared virtual space. Imagine brainstorming ideas on a digital whiteboard, sharing presentations, or even walking through architectural designs—all in real time.

Access to Powerful Applications From video editing to 3D modeling, Virtual Desktop VR integrates with a range of high-performance applications. This makes it ideal not only for casual users but also for professionals who require advanced software tools. VR's powerful graphics capabilities bring these applications to life, enhancing productivity and creativity.

Why is Virtual Desktop VR the Future?

Breaking the Boundaries of Physical Space Traditional desktop setups are limited by physical space, clutter, and the need for multiple monitors. With Virtual Desktop VR, users can extend their workspace infinitely and access all their tools without being constrained by their physical environment. This offers a new level of flexibility, especially for remote workers and digital nomads.

Elevating Remote Work As remote work continues to rise, Virtual Desktop VR becomes a vital tool for improving productivity. It creates the feeling of being in a real office, where you can virtually “walk” between your desk and your coworker's, participate in meetings, and even share documents instantly. This level of interaction can bring a much-needed human touch to remote communication.

Transforming Learning and Education Virtual Desktop VR isn’t just for professionals; it’s revolutionizing education as well. Students and educators can meet in virtual classrooms, access interactive learning tools, and collaborate in ways that traditional methods simply can’t match. Virtual campuses could soon become the norm, offering an immersive learning environment from anywhere in the world.

The Rise of Virtual Workspaces As VR hardware continues to improve, the dream of a fully integrated virtual office is closer than ever. With advancements in VR headsets, such as lighter designs, better resolution, and enhanced haptics, Virtual Desktop VR will become more accessible, affordable, and powerful, further embedding itself into daily life.

Benefits of Virtual Desktop VR

Enhanced Focus and Productivity: With fewer distractions and the ability to customize the environment, users often find themselves more focused and productive.

Cost Efficiency: In a virtual workspace, there’s no need for physical office space, multiple monitors, or even the heavy cost of travel for business meetings.

Sustainability: The shift to virtual environments reduces the need for travel and physical resources, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or limitations that prevent them from working in traditional office settings, Virtual Desktop VR opens up new possibilities for inclusion and accessibility.

Challenges to Consider

While Virtual Desktop VR offers incredible potential, there are still challenges to overcome:

Hardware Requirements: Although VR hardware is becoming more affordable, it still requires specialized equipment that may not be available to everyone.

Learning Curve: For those unfamiliar with VR environments, there may be a learning curve as users adapt to navigating their virtual desktops.

Comfort and Motion Sickness: Some users may experience discomfort or motion sickness when using VR for extended periods, although advancements in VR hardware are constantly improving these issues.

The Future of Virtual Desktop VR

As VR technology advances, Virtual Desktop VR is poised to play a significant role in how we interact with digital worlds. Its ability to transform work, education, and social collaboration will continue to evolve, offering users new levels of immersion, flexibility, and creativity. With more businesses and educational institutions adopting VR solutions, the integration of Virtual Desktop VR into everyday life seems inevitable.

In conclusion, Virtual Desktop VR is not just a trend but a glimpse into the future of how we will experience and interact with virtual spaces. Whether for work, leisure, or education, it promises to revolutionize our relationship with technology, making the virtual world more accessible, interactive, and immersive than ever before.

[govindhtech]

Apple M4 Powers Up the iMac: Blazing Speed for Creatives

Apple M4 iMac Predictions

24 Apple iMac

Apple M4 chips may be introduced when Apple updates the 24-inch iMac in 2024. Apple intends to update the Mac series, including the iMac, with AI-focused M4 CPUs. This document details Apple’s M4 iMac ambitions.

Apple M4

Apple may incorporate the M4 chip from the latest iPad Pro models in the forthcoming 24-inch iMac. Since iMacs have M3 chips, the M4 will be a direct upgrade.

Apple M4 is a second-generation chip based on the M3’s 3-nanometer technology with performance and efficiency improvements. Apple M4 CPU outscored M3 chip by 25% in Geekbench benchmark test, suggesting considerable performance boost.

The Apple M4 had 3,695 single-core and 14,550 multi-core scores, compared to 3,087 and 11,702 for the M3.

Apple’s M4 processor has a 10-core GPU and CPU with four performance and six efficiency cores. Apple uses an M4 with a 9-core CPU in the iPad Pro, but the iMac may not have it.

Other Macs will have upgraded M4 Pro, M4 Max, and M4 Ultra CPUs, while the 24-inch iMac, which is equal in price to the MacBook Air, will only have the M4 chip.

Create

No signs suggest Apple will revamp the iMac soon the last overhaul was in 2021. The 2024 iMac refresh may focus internal improvements over exterior design changes.

Computers and displays are merged in the iMac. It fits on a desktop due to its narrow profile and 11.5mm thickness. It has a pastel chin and comes in bright shades.

They know of no iMac enhancements other than the Apple M4 chip.

Larger iMac?

Despite rumours, a 30-inch iMac was still in development in mid-2023. Its release date is unknown. As of May 25, 2024, Apple has no larger iMac. Current 24-inch iMacs include M3 chips. In 2024, rumours of a bigger iMac with an M-series CPU had faded. Apple hasn’t confirmed a 30-inch model for 2025.

Expect a larger iMac: Rumours say Apple may sell a larger iMac in the future.

Connect Mac to external display: You can add a larger external monitor to your iMac or Mac mini. This maximises screen space and lets you choose size and resolution.

Consider Mac Studio: The Mac Studio is fast and may be used with a larger display for a strong desktop arrangement.

Launch Day

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expected a 24-inch iMac M4 processor update “around the end of the year.” The iMac may launch at October or November Apple events with new Macs. Pre-year MacBook Pro and Mac mini improvements are anticipated. Since the iMac was updated in October 2023, an October 2024 release would conclude the year.

The M4 processor outperforms the M3 with a 10-core CPU (6 efficiency and 4 performance) and GPU. Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and 16-core Neural Engine are featured. The M4 iMac could handle video editing and 3D rendering.

Apple iMac M3

They expect the new iMac to have a 24-inch Retina 4.5K display like the M3 model. Apple may possibly offer more colours for the upcoming iMac, like the M2 model. The M4 iMac will be a major upgrade from the M3. Keep an eye out for Apple’s M4-powered iMac later this year if you want a powerful and adaptable desktop.

Based on rumours and leaks, the M4 iMac may include these features:

The next-generation 24-inch iMac is believed to have the M4 chip, which Apple used in the current iPad Pro versions.

The M4, a second-generation microprocessor with faster and more efficient performance, uses the same 3-nanometer technology as the M3.

The M4 outperformed the M3 on Geekbench by 25%. Apple’s M4 processor contains a 10-core CPU and GPU with six efficiency and four performance cores.

Design: The M4 iMac will have a slim, colourful aluminium casing like the M3.

Seven brilliant colors blue, green, pink, silver, space grey, yellow, and orange are likely.

256GB of M4 iMac storage can be expanded to 2TB of SSD storage.

The M4 iMac will have 8GB of starting memory and up to 16GB of unified memory.

Reports and leaks suggest these specs for Apple’s M4 iMac:

M4 Chip had 10 cores: 4 efficient, 6 performant.

Ten cores and second-generation 3-nanometers make the GPU more efficient and performant than M3.

24-inch 4.5K Retina screen, True Tone, P3 colour gamut.

SSDs start at 256GB and RAM up to 2TB.

Standard unified memory is 8GB, customisable to 16GB.

Dual SDXC card slots, USB-C connections, Thunderbolt 4 connectors.

From last update, there was no mention of a “M4 iMac.” Apple regularly updates their products with newer processors and features. Apple’s custom Mac CPUs are generally labelled “M”.

The M1 chip, which delivered exceptional performance and energy economy, changed Apple’s desktop and laptop computers. An M4 iMac may use this special silicon to boost power and efficiency. I prefer Apple’s official releases or trusted tech sources for the most accurate and current information.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[cosmicsupernora]

so i've been doing a SLARPG playthrough where i cannot use any equipables (sans spellbooks)

and. jesus christ. when i first played through the game it felt a little easy (no, i did not play in easy mode) but now basically every fight feels like an uphill battle

spoilers under the cut as i detail various tough spots in the playthrough

act 1 was pretty normal. to be expected, since there's very little equipment you even can obtain by that point. i also, in the interest of doing something new, chose resolute paladin instead of amorous (my first playthrough's choice). this was a bad decision for this type of playthrough; the dot is too little to make up for the loss of free MP restoration from amorous or the healing over time from woodland

much like my original playthrough, fighting glyph in act 2 was a bit of a roadblock, but i managed to win after doing some significant grinding. and by that i mean the time between the save i made at the mountain warp pad and the save just before unlocking jodie is two hours and i had to level up from 8 to 13. the gumball goliath took a couple of tries, but the grinding i did for glyph definitely helped.

honestly i don't remember act 3 being that difficult? i mean, it definitely started to feel like regular fights were really really tough. but i just skipped them where i could, and so i don't remember any significant issues i had. i may have even first tried the fight against paula. or, actually, i think i got really close to first trying it and got it within 2 or 3 more attempts

i'm just about done with act 4, and wow. splitting the party was *reaaallly* fuckin hard. melody and claire (<3) managed pretty well on their own, as they did the first time i played-- magic don't fuck around-- but jodie and allison STRUGGLED. i was losing to the two EX bandits and the snowbat man that are blocking off one of the dragonberry bushes. consistently.

up to this point i had been using a (in my opinion) pretty standard spellbook loadout of magical girl on melody, spellblade on allison, wavemaker on claire (lots of glitchridge enemies were weak to water), and chronomancer on jodie. but with this loadout, allison and jodie just could not handle themselves. i needed a better strategy, so i experimented. it is here where i discover that the machinist spellbook is actually pretty nuts. bard is also pretty damn good. having consistent single-target damage is really good. having damage reduction is good. having a multi-healing option is good. having more forms of damage reduction are good. this breakthrough was exactly what i needed to beat those fucking EX bandits and snowbat man.

none of my party members have reached level 20, and i'm looking ahead to the endgame fights and it's like. how the FUCK am i gonna beat verena, let alone all of the fights leading up to her! i'm prolly gonna have to grind up to a full level 30 party, and even then i don't expect it to be easy.

i'll be sure to keep you posted.

.... i should have streamed this. and/or made a youtube video out of it.

[rahilatach]

The Essential Guide to HDMI Cables

In today's digitally connected world, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables are a ubiquitous component of our home entertainment systems, gaming setups, and even professional audio-visual equipment. Understanding what HDMI cables are, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your needs is essential for optimizing your viewing and listening experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about HDMI cables.

What is an HDMI Cable?

An HDMI cable is a type of connector used for transmitting high-definition video and audio signals between devices. Introduced in 2003, HDMI has become the standard for connecting a wide range of devices, including televisions, monitors, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and sound systems. The primary advantage of HDMI over older connection standards is its ability to transmit both audio and video through a single cable, reducing clutter and simplifying the setup process.

Key Features and Specifications

Resolution and Bandwidth:

HDMI cables come in various versions, each supporting different maximum resolutions and bandwidths. For instance, HDMI 1.4 supports up to 1080p resolution and 4K at 30Hz, while HDMI 2.0 and 2.0a support 4K at 60Hz with a bandwidth of 18 Gbps. The latest version, HDMI 2.1, supports 8K resolution at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, with a bandwidth of 48 Gbps.

Audio Support:

HDMI cables can carry multi-channel audio signals, including formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. HDMI 2.1 introduces support for enhanced audio return channel (eARC), allowing high-quality audio signals to be sent from your TV to a sound system.

Compatibility:

HDMI cables are backward compatible, meaning newer cables will work with older HDMI ports. However, to take full advantage of new features and higher resolutions, both the cable and the connected devices need to support the same HDMI version.

Cable Length and Quality:

The quality and length of an HDMI cable can affect signal transmission. Standard HDMI cables are typically effective up to 15 feet without signal degradation, while high-speed HDMI cables can extend this range. For longer distances, active HDMI cables, which include signal boosters, or HDMI over Ethernet solutions might be necessary.

Choosing the Right HDMI Cable

Selecting the right HDMI cable depends on your specific needs and the devices you are connecting. Here are some factors to consider:

Resolution Requirements:

If you have a 4K TV or plan to get one, choose a high-speed HDMI cable that supports at least HDMI 2.0. For 8K or higher refresh rates, look for HDMI 2.1 cables.

Audio Needs:

If you have a sophisticated sound system, ensure your HDMI cable supports the necessary audio formats and features, such as eARC for high-quality audio return.

Cable Length:

For setups where the devices are far apart, consider active HDMI cables or HDMI over Ethernet to maintain signal integrity over longer distances.

Build Quality:

While HDMI cables are generally robust, investing in a well-built cable with good shielding can reduce the risk of interference and improve durability, especially in environments with lots of electronic devices.

Common Myths About HDMI Cables

There are several misconceptions about HDMI cables, particularly regarding price and performance:

Expensive vs. Cheap Cables:

For most users, a mid-priced HDMI cable will perform just as well as a high-end one. The key is ensuring the cable meets the necessary specifications for your devices.

Gold-Plated Connectors:

While gold-plated connectors can resist corrosion better, they do not necessarily provide a better signal. The cable's internal construction is more critical for performance.

Future of HDMI

The HDMI standard continues to evolve, with future versions expected to support even higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and improved audio and video features. As technology advances, HDMI will likely remain a crucial element of our digital connectivity landscape, adapting to the growing demands for higher quality and more immersive audio-visual experiences.

conclusion

In conclusion, HDMI cables are a vital part of modern digital setups, offering a convenient and efficient way to connect high-definition devices. By understanding the different specifications and choosing the right cable for your needs, you can ensure optimal performance and enjoy the best possible experience from your audio-visual equipment.

[eregyrn-falls-art]

And here is my main lyric page piece for the "Trouble" Multi-Artist lyric comic!

The line is, "and a long way from home." So obviously, I was going to do a Portal Ford piece for that! As usual, my inspiration for the alien landscape came from Moebius (although my pieces never have the same kind of delicacy of color that his do). I wanted a landscape that would instantly convey "alien", and I felt that the green sky and sea, plus the gas giant planet, were the best way to create that effect. By the time I was coloring mine, a bunch of other pieces for Ford's section had already been done, and I could see a few other echoes of a green color scheme, so I also thought this would create a good visual continuity in his section.

But here, the old and now tattered pic of him and Stan as kids on the original Stan o' War is the symbol of "home". And I also knew, by that time, that the next image to start the next verse, @possumbreath's page, would be a take on that theme, with the photo itself appearing later in @acetyzias's page. I liked the idea of sprinkling references to it throughout Ford's section, since in my mind it's so symbolically important to the resolution of his character arc.

Anyway, as always -- go take a look at the whole lyric comic, if you haven't already! And stay tuned for the video version, coming soon!

[igtech01]

Unveiling SnapInsta: Your Ultimate Instagram Downloader

In the digital age, social media platforms like Instagram have become indispensable tools for sharing moments, stories, and creativity. Instagram, in particular, has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app to a multifaceted platform where users engage with content in various forms, including photos, videos, and stories. While the platform offers a plethora of captivating content, there's always the desire to save and revisit these moments. Enter SnapInsta – an Instagram downloader that simplifies the process of saving Instagram media for offline viewing. In this article, we'll delve into the features, functionality, and benefits of SnapInsta, and explore why it's become the go-to choice for Instagram enthusiasts worldwide.

Understanding SnapInsta

Snap Insta is a user-friendly tool designed to facilitate the downloading of Instagram photos, videos, stories, and IGTV content effortlessly. Developed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, SnapInsta caters to users of all levels, from casual Instagram browsers to avid content creators. With its intuitive interface and robust functionality, SnapInsta has garnered a reputation for being one of the most reliable Instagram downloaders available.

Key Features

Multi-Format Downloads: SnapInsta supports a wide range of media formats, including photos, videos, stories, and IGTV content. Whether you want to save a captivating photo or a compelling video, SnapInsta has you covered.

Simple to Use: One of SnapInsta's standout features is its user-friendly interface. The download process is straightforward, requiring only the Instagram post's URL. Users can quickly paste the URL into SnapInsta's interface and initiate the download with just a few clicks.

High-Quality Downloads: SnapInsta ensures that downloaded content retains its original quality, allowing users to enjoy Instagram media in all its glory. Whether it's a high-resolution photo or a crisp video, SnapInsta preserves the integrity of the content throughout the download process.

Batch Downloading: For users looking to save multiple Instagram posts simultaneously, SnapInsta offers batch downloading functionality. This feature streamlines the process, allowing users to queue up multiple downloads and save time.

Fast and Reliable: SnapInsta boasts fast download speeds and reliable performance, ensuring a seamless user experience. Whether you're downloading a single photo or a lengthy IGTV video, SnapInsta delivers swift results without compromising quality.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: SnapInsta is compatible with a variety of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that users can access SnapInsta's features regardless of their preferred device.

How SnapInsta Works

Using SnapInsta is as easy as 1-2-3. Here's a step-by-step guide to downloading Instagram content using SnapInsta:

Copy the Instagram Post URL: Start by navigating to the Instagram post you wish to download. Once you've found the post, copy its URL from the address bar of your web browser.

Paste the URL into SnapInsta: Launch SnapInsta and paste the copied URL into the designated field within the application's interface.

Initiate the Download: After pasting the URL, simply click the download button to initiate the download process. SnapInsta will retrieve the Instagram media and save it to your device.

Benefits of Using SnapInsta

Convenience: SnapInsta offers unparalleled convenience, allowing users to download Instagram content with ease. Whether you're saving content for personal enjoyment or professional purposes, SnapInsta simplifies the process.

Offline Access: By downloading Instagram media with SnapInsta, users gain the ability to access their favorite content offline. Whether you're traveling, commuting, or in an area with limited internet connectivity, SnapInsta ensures that you can enjoy Instagram content anytime, anywhere.

Preservation of Memories: Instagram serves as a digital repository of memories, documenting life's moments both big and small. With SnapInsta, users can preserve these memories by downloading and storing them for future viewing.

Content Sharing: SnapInsta enables users to share downloaded Instagram content with friends, family, and followers across various platforms. Whether it's reposting a stunning photo or sharing an inspiring video, SnapInsta facilitates seamless content sharing.

Is SnapInsta Legal?

While SnapInsta provides a convenient means of downloading Instagram content, it's essential to consider the legal implications. Instagram's terms of service prohibit the unauthorized downloading of content without the consent of the respective content creators. Therefore, it's crucial to use SnapInsta responsibly and respect the rights of content creators.

In Conclusion

SnapInsta emerges as a versatile tool for downloading Instagram content, offering convenience, efficiency, and reliability. With its user-friendly interface, multi-format support, and fast download speeds, SnapInsta simplifies the process of saving Instagram photos, videos, stories, and IGTV content. Whether you're an Instagram enthusiast, content creator, or social media marketer, SnapInsta proves to be an invaluable asset for accessing and preserving your favorite Instagram moments. However, it's essential to use SnapInsta responsibly and adhere to Instagram's terms of service regarding content usage and copyright. Unlock the power of SnapInsta and elevate your Instagram experience today!

[thefirstknife]

I'm honestly the opposite--I would like to have a life outside D2 there's a lot of other games I want to play but I've sunk too much time, money, and gitten too invented in the story to just stop with no resolution. I'd like if they backed off a little on the seasons. Its hard enough doing other single-player games, I can't imagine actually picking up any other multi-player games like I want to because my friends all play them (and none of them want to touch D2 because they aren't interested in countless hours of YT lore videos to catch up). It's a shame for me that it's going this route, so I might just drop it after TFS depending on how that one plays out and their plans from there. Kind of hurts to have to think about something I enjoy turning into "a decade's worth of sunk-cost fallacy"

Yeah, totally understandable.

I would be fine with seasons slowing down. I know people like us are a minority, given the absolute pissbaby reaction to a "mid" season like Plunder where people were genuinely outraged that Bungie "reskinned" old lost sectors to create 3 minutes long missions for the story that you would visit once. People who make that type of outrage are absolutely responsible for the constant demand for brand new stuff literally every week.

One of my preferred ways to do seasons would be 3 seasons per year that are 4 months long. Fewer unique activities, more stuff to do in the existing activities and ofc more focus on the story. This is definitely the minority opinion in the community.

Right now, it's definitely a huge investment, especially if you want to do more than just the bare minimum. I always recommend just taking things slow for your own sake. Anything you miss can be found online and really nothing in the game is so important that it's worth burning yourself out on and neglecting to do other stuff you like.

But hopefully for anything coming after TFS, they will reconsider a lot of these models and mechanics and settle on something more manageable.

[tim-mcnamara]

Why did the early '90s spawn so many video game genres?

Perhaps I'm showing my age, but the density of games that were able to chart completely new territory is impressive.

Dune II - 4X strategy

Sim City - simulation games

Star Control II - open world procgen

Doom - first-person shooter

Monkey Island (or Age of the Tentacle) - adventure

Civilization - strategy

I'm not sure if they've had the same impact, but they had a massive impact on me.

XCOM: UFO Defense - still the scariest game I've ever played

Syndicate - I just keep thinking about it

Master of Orion II - another space 4X game

I haven't played nearly as many games as I used to recently, but here are some titles that created space for a new genre:

Cookie Clicker - clicker games

Minecraft - crafting

Stardew Valley - idle games

Why?

A few thoughts.

The 90s was an interesting time to be a game developer.

The skills that you honed on 8-bit systems could be used to create significantly more impressive games. The 16- and 32-bit systems that emerged in the 90s were wildly more powerful. Although it might look hobbled by today's standards, a 40Mhz 386 processor was a beast compared to what might have expected 10 years' prior.

A lot of the computing capabilities were new and demanded . Graphics cards and sound cards were being added to consumer devices. Some computers even had large resolution monitors, e.g. 640x480 .

Prince of Persia demonstrated that it was possible to for individual programmers and small teams to create seriously competitive titles. All that was required was some creativity.

You competition was arcade games in physical arcades. It would be late in the decade for developers to learn how to make use of Sony PlayStation, such as Crash Bandicoot.

Multi-player options were fairly limited, which meant that the single-player version needed to be really good.

A lot of the cultural expectations for what a video game should provide were not set. This allows game designers to discover

Small teams have less bureaucracy to deal with. There are fewer approvals needed to try something interesting.

Small teams didn't need to be ridiculously profitable to create something that was commercially successful. This provides space for more creativity. Just as how large movie studios need to re-hash old content and tropes because they need things to be commercially successful, large game studios are similar. They need to make lots of money because the games built by large teams are are expensive to make.