#Gaming Industry Insights

[market-insider]

Game Engines Market: Unveiling Opportunities and Challenges

The global game engines market size is anticipated to reach USD 8,261.6 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.4% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth of the market for game engines can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for mobile games, the rise of virtual and augmented reality technologies, and the growing popularity of esports.

Game Engines Market Report Highlights 

The solution component segment accounted for the highest revenue share of over 70.0% in 2022, due to the ease of development of high-quality games using game engines. Solution components like plugins and asset packs can help developers save time and resources by utilizing pre-made tools and assets for game development

The 3D game engine segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2030. The growth is attributed to the increasing popularity of 3D games, which provide players with immersive and engaging experiences and are becoming more popular among gamers of all ages

Based on genre, the action & adventure games segment accounted for the highest revenue share in 2022, and is poised to expand at a CAGR of 16.1% during the forecast period. The rise in trend of smartphone-based gaming among end-users is anticipated to propel the growth of the segment

Asia Pacific is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 18.4% over the forecast period, owing to the region's large and rapidly expanding population of gamers

For More Details or Sample Copy please visit link @: Game Engines Market Report

Game engines are also becoming more accessible and easier to use, allowing developers of all skill levels to create high-quality games and interactive experiences. The market is also witnessing the emergence of innovative game engines, including Unreal Engine 5 and Amazon Lumberyard, which are expected to further drive industry growth. The increasing adoption of game engines across various industries, including education, healthcare, and advertising, is expected to continue the rapid growth of the market during the forecast period.

The increasing popularity of mobile gaming drives the market growth of game engines. With the sustained rise in popularity of smartphones and tablets, mobile gaming has become more accessible than ever, increasing demand for games that can be played on the go. Platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine have been able to capitalize on this trend by providing developers with tools and resources to create high-quality mobile games quickly and efficiently.

The primary advantage of using game engines for mobile game development is the ability to create games for multiple platforms. Companies offer support for a range of platforms, including iOS, Android, console, and PC. This allows developers to create games once and deploy them to multiple platforms, saving time and resources. The rapid growth in popularity of the eSports industry is also driving market demand, with esports having millions of players & viewers globally. As it continues to grow, companies like Unity and Unreal Engine are becoming more crucial for creating high-quality games that can be played competitively.

Game engines offer features such as real-time physics simulation and network optimization, which ensure smooth and responsive gameplay in online multiplayer matches. Besides providing tools for game development, these platforms are used to create specialized tools and software for eSports. For example, Unity has launched Unity for eSports, a set of tools and services designed specifically for the industry. The platform offers features like match management, player profiles, and live streaming integration, making it easier for organizers to manage and broadcast eSports events.

The accessibility of this platform is another factor contributing to the market growth. In the past, game development was a highly technical and time-consuming process that required significant expertise. Nowadays, game engines have become more user-friendly with drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built assets, and tutorials, making it easier for developers of all skill levels to create games. This accessibility has allowed more developers to enter the market, leading to an explosion in the number of games being created.

[trendbuzze]

"Trump's Vision for American Industry: A Game-Changing Address to UAW Members 🚀 Don't Miss Out on the Insights!"

Trump makes play for Michigan’s : In a pivotal moment on September 27, 2023, former President Donald J. Trump addressed the United Auto Workers (UAW) at an event that captured the essence of American industry and its relationship with labor unions. The speech, held in Michigan, marked a significant juncture in the political landscape, as Trump delved into critical issues impacting the automotive…

[nicholasandriani]

"10 Key Takeaways from LudoNarraCon 2023: Insights and Inspiration for Narrative-Driven Games and Beyond

LudoNarraCon 2023, the annual digital convention dedicated to narrative-driven games, was a huge success. Over the course of three days, attendees were treated to a wealth of exciting new games, insightful discussions, and thought-provoking panels. With so much content to absorb, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 key takeaways from LudoNarraCon…

[apieinvestavimapaprastai]

Take-Two Interactive: Should You Buy Now or Wait?

Explore Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.'s financial performance and stock insights. Learn why this gaming giant #Stockpriceforecasting #TakeTwoInteractiveSoftware #TTWO #Videogameindustry #InvestmentInsights #MarketAnalysis #GamingStocks #VolatileStock

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. is a leading video game holding company based in New York City. It was founded in 1993 and owns major publishing labels such as Rockstar Games, Zynga, and 2K, which operate internal game development studios. The company’s portfolio includes popular franchises like BioShock, Borderlands, Grand Theft Auto, NBA 2K, WWE 2K, and Red Dead. Continue reading Take-Two…

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

Meet Amey Deo, the Writer Who Scripts Creativity into Every Scene

Let’s meet another great filmmaker in my circles I have a passion for shining a spotlight on filmmakers, media personalities, and gamers. There’s something magical about stepping into their world, feeling their emotions, and translating that connection into stories my readers can truly feel. I introduce a few and will link them at the end of this story.  Today, I want to introduce Amey Deo a…

[nmsc-market-pulse]

Family Indoor Entertainment Centers Market: Dominating the North American Landscape

Introduction

The Family Indoor Entertainment Centers (FEC) Market has seen substantial growth over recent years, with North America emerging as the dominant region. This dominance is driven by a combination of factors including technological advancements, high disposable incomes, and a strong emphasis on family-oriented activities.

This article delves into the dynamics of the North American FEC market, exploring its growth drivers, popular attractions, and future trends.

Download Free Sample: https://www.nextmsc.com/family-indoor-entertainment-centers-market/request-sample

Market Overview

Family Indoor Entertainment Centers are indoor venues offering a variety of recreational activities designed to entertain family members of all ages. These centers typically feature a mix of arcade games, indoor playgrounds, mini-golf, laser tag, bowling alleys, trampolines, and virtual reality experiences. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, leads the global FEC market due to several key factors.

Growth Drivers

Technological Advancements

North America is at the forefront of technological innovation, which significantly impacts the FEC market. The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) has revolutionized traditional gaming and entertainment experiences. These technologies offer immersive and interactive experiences that attract a broad demographic, from young children to adults. The region's strong tech infrastructure supports the seamless implementation of such advanced entertainment solutions.

Inquire Before Buying: https://www.nextmsc.com/family-indoor-entertainment-centers-market/inquire-before-buying

High Disposable Incomes

The high disposable income levels in North America enable families to spend more on recreational activities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the disposable personal income per capita has been steadily increasing, allowing for higher spending on leisure and entertainment. This economic advantage translates into a robust customer base for FECs, as families are willing to invest in quality entertainment experiences.

Emphasis on Family-Oriented Activities

Cultural trends in North America emphasize the importance of family time and activities that can be enjoyed together. FECs cater to this demand by providing diverse entertainment options that appeal to all age groups. The family-centric approach of these centers ensures they remain popular destinations for weekend outings, birthday parties, and special events.

Popular Attractions in North American FECs

Arcade Games and Redemption Centers

Arcade games remain a staple in FECs, offering a nostalgic yet evolving experience. Redemption centers, where players exchange tickets for prizes, add an element of excitement and reward. The continuous update of arcade game libraries with the latest titles keeps visitors returning.

Indoor Playgrounds and Soft Play Areas

Designed for younger children, indoor playgrounds and soft play areas provide safe and engaging environments. These areas often include ball pits, slides, climbing structures, and interactive play elements. They are crucial in attracting families with toddlers and young children.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences

VR and AR have become game-changers in the FEC industry. VR arcades, escape rooms, and immersive rides offer cutting-edge entertainment that draws tech-savvy visitors. AR experiences, such as interactive walls and floors, blend the physical and digital worlds, creating unique attractions.

Trampoline Parks and Adventure Zones

Trampoline parks and adventure zones offer active entertainment, catering to older children and teenagers. These attractions include trampoline courts, foam pits, ninja warrior courses, and climbing walls. They promote physical activity and appeal to those seeking energetic and challenging experiences.

Bowling Alleys and Mini-Golf Courses

Traditional attractions like bowling alleys and mini-golf courses continue to be popular. These activities provide a fun and competitive environment for families and groups. Modern FECs often incorporate thematic elements and advanced scoring systems to enhance these classic experiences.

Future Trends and Innovations

Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data

The use of AI and big data analytics is set to transform the FEC market. By analyzing customer preferences and behavior, FEC operators can personalize experiences and optimize operational efficiency. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can enhance customer service and streamline bookings.

Sustainability Initiatives

As environmental consciousness grows, FECs in North America are adopting sustainable practices. Energy-efficient lighting, eco-friendly materials, and waste reduction initiatives are becoming standard. These practices not only reduce operational costs but also appeal to environmentally aware customers.

Hybrid Entertainment Models

The future of FECs may involve hybrid models that combine physical and digital entertainment. Interactive screens, holographic displays, and mixed-reality experiences could redefine indoor entertainment. Such innovations will attract tech enthusiasts and offer novel experiences that differentiate FECs from traditional venues.

Health and Safety Enhancements

In the post-pandemic era, health and safety have become paramount. FECs are implementing enhanced sanitation protocols, contactless payment systems, and advanced ventilation solutions. These measures ensure a safe environment, fostering customer confidence and encouraging repeat visits.

Conclusion

The family indoor entertainment centers market in North America is thriving, driven by technological advancements, high disposable incomes, and a cultural emphasis on family-oriented activities. With a diverse array of attractions and continuous innovation, FECs in the region are well-positioned for sustained growth.

As operators embrace emerging trends and technologies, the future of the North American FEC market looks promising, offering exciting and engaging experiences for families across the region.

[datascraping001]

Google Search Results Data Scraping

Google Search Results Data Scraping

Harness the Power of Information with Google Search Results Data Scraping Services by DataScrapingServices.com. In the digital age, information is king. For businesses, researchers, and marketing professionals, the ability to access and analyze data from Google search results can be a game-changer. However, manually sifting through search results to gather relevant data is not only time-consuming but also inefficient. DataScrapingServices.com offers cutting-edge Google Search Results Data Scraping services, enabling you to efficiently extract valuable information and transform it into actionable insights.

The vast amount of information available through Google search results can provide invaluable insights into market trends, competitor activities, customer behavior, and more. Whether you need data for SEO analysis, market research, or competitive intelligence, DataScrapingServices.com offers comprehensive data scraping services tailored to meet your specific needs. Our advanced scraping technology ensures you get accurate and up-to-date data, helping you stay ahead in your industry.

List of Data Fields

Our Google Search Results Data Scraping services can extract a wide range of data fields, ensuring you have all the information you need:

-Business Name: The name of the business or entity featured in the search result.

- URL: The web address of the search result.

- Website: The primary website of the business or entity.

- Phone Number: Contact phone number of the business.

- Email Address: Contact email address of the business.

 - Physical Address: The street address, city, state, and ZIP code of the business.

- Business Hours: Business operating hours

- Ratings and Reviews: Customer ratings and reviews for the business.

- Google Maps Link: Link to the business’s location on Google Maps.

- Social Media Profiles: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook

These data fields provide a comprehensive overview of the information available from Google search results, enabling businesses to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions.

Benefits of Google Search Results Data Scraping

1. Enhanced SEO Strategy

Understanding how your website ranks for specific keywords and phrases is crucial for effective SEO. Our data scraping services provide detailed insights into your current rankings, allowing you to identify opportunities for optimization and stay ahead of your competitors.

2. Competitive Analysis

Track your competitors’ online presence and strategies by analyzing their rankings, backlinks, and domain authority. This information helps you understand their strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to adjust your strategies accordingly.

3. Market Research

Access to comprehensive search result data allows you to identify trends, preferences, and behavior patterns in your target market. This information is invaluable for product development, marketing campaigns, and business strategy planning.

4. Content Development

By analyzing top-performing content in search results, you can gain insights into what types of content resonate with your audience. This helps you create more effective and engaging content that drives traffic and conversions.

5. Efficiency and Accuracy

Our automated scraping services ensure you get accurate and up-to-date data quickly, saving you time and resources.

Best Google Data Scraping Services

Scraping Google Business Reviews

Extract Restaurant Data From Google Maps

Google My Business Data Scraping

Google Shopping Products Scraping

Google News Extraction Services

Scrape Data From Google Maps

Google News Headline Extraction   

Google Maps Data Scraping Services

Google Map Businesses Data Scraping

Google Business Reviews Extraction

Best Google Search Results Data Scraping Services in USA

Dallas, Portland, Los Angeles, Virginia Beach, Fort Wichita, Nashville, Long Beach, Raleigh, Boston, Austin, San Antonio, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Orlando, San Diego, Houston, Worth, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Columbus, Kansas City, Sacramento, San Francisco, Omaha, Honolulu, Washington, Colorado, Chicago, Arlington, Denver, El Paso, Miami, Louisville, Albuquerque, Tulsa, Springs, Bakersfield, Milwaukee, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Atlanta, Seattle, Las Vegas, San Jose, Tucson and New York.

Conclusion

In today’s data-driven world, having access to detailed and accurate information from Google search results can give your business a significant edge. DataScrapingServices.com offers professional Google Search Results Data Scraping services designed to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to enhance your SEO strategy, conduct market research, or gain competitive intelligence, our services provide the comprehensive data you need to succeed. Contact us at info@datascrapingservices.com today to learn how our data scraping solutions can transform your business strategy and drive growth.

Website: Datascrapingservices.com

Email: info@datascrapingservices.com

[techtoio]

How AI is Transforming Everyday Technology

Introduction

Welcome to TechtoIO! Today, we delve into one of the most exciting developments in modern technology: artificial intelligence (AI). AI has moved beyond the realm of science fiction and is now an integral part of our daily lives. From smart homes to personalized recommendations, AI is transforming everyday technology in ways we once only dreamed of. In this article, we explore how AI is reshaping various aspects of our lives and what we can expect in the near future. Read to continue

[jcmarchi]

Top 5 Keys to Success with Kiloview - Videoguys

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/top-5-keys-to-success-with-kiloview-videoguys/

Top 5 Keys to Success with Kiloview - Videoguys

On This Weeks Videoguys Live, James will be discussing Kiloview’s Top 5 Keys to Success. Don’t miss out as he dives into the latest gear that’s shaping the industry – the E3, Cube R1, and X1 as well as a look at the N6, N5, and N60. Kiloview is creating tools that are revolutionizing the way we capture the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these insights are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their video production game.

Kiloview E3

Dual-Channel 4K HDMI & 3G-SDI HEVC Video Encoder. Flexible, Powerful. Professional: A New Generation Of Video Encoder. Kiloview E3 is a new generation of video encoder which builds on the capabilities of our original encoder models with new features of video input and loop through with HDMI up to 4K P30 and 3G-SDI up to 1080 P60, encoding both HDMI and 3G-SDI video by H.265 and H.264 simultaneously1 or either of the sources or a mix video from the both video sources with multi-protocols including NDI|HX2/ NDI|HX3/ SRT/ RTMP/ RTSP/ UDP/ HLS for either live production, post production, remote transmission, live streaming or recording in different industries.

Kiloview CUBE R1

The CUBE R1 is a dedicated, professional IP video recording device. It addresses the inflexibility of traditional recording while enhancing IP-based production workflows’ professionalism. The CUBE R1 can record up to 4 channels of 4K video or 9 channels of 1080p HD video simultaneously. It supports NDI high-bandwidth and NDIHX, with storage options including SSD or NAS. Features include playback, one-click NTP time synchronization, transcoding, and more, catering to the needs of professional video production teams.

Kiloview CUBE X1

CUBE X1 NDI CORE is a lightweight version of the NDI CORE MAX. The CUBE X1 is designed for unified scheduling, switching, distribution, and management of all NDI signals, supporting 16CH NDI inputs and 32CH NDI outputs. It can achieve seamless switching of all NDI sources and switch without lagging or black screen. Additionally, it can realize non-multicast multiple distributions, multi-business grouping management, NDI signal rotation playback, etc. It is also compatible with NDI signals of any format or from any device, such as UHD/HD/NDI/NDI|HX and other NDI inputs for seamless docking. Equipped with an LCD touch screen, the CUBE X1 allows users to monitor the network status, storage space, and CPU occupation in real time.

Kiloview N6

Kiloview N6 HDMI/NDI converter is a bi-directional converter that supports HDMI input (encoder) to both NDI high bandwidth and NDI|HX2/3 with loop through for view on monitor, or HDMI video output (decoder) from any NDI sources coming from any camera, software or device from any brand, either from NDI high bandwidth or NDI|HX2/3.

Kiloview N5

Kiloview N5/N6 NDI converter is a bi-directional converter that supports 3G-SDI/HDMI input (encoder) to both NDI high bandwidth and NDI|HX2/3 with loop through for view on monitor, or 3G-SDI/HDMI video output (decoder) from any NDI sources coming from any camera, software or device from any brand, either from NDI high bandwidth or NDI|HX2/3.

Kiloview N60

KILOVIEW N60 is a brand-new full-function NDI converter. Adopting the leading FPGA technologies, advanced-level AVC/HEVC algorithm, and NDI algorithm, KILOVIEW N60 supports 4Kp60 format encoding/decoding with both NDI High-bandwidth and NDI|HX, meeting all your demands and applications of IP-based video transmission.

[dragonslaved]

All right, besties. I had my days of depression and (bad) ideations, I had my flare of anger. It's easy to fall into despair, but let's focus that energy to thinking further ahead. Firstly: by focusing on our health and eating.

You've probably noticed in the last few months, a lot of food recalls from the FDA. The majority of these, particularly the most recent ones around heavily processed chicken in ready-meals and beef in fast food restaurants, are a direct result of the 45th president cutting back health regulations in industrialized food production four to six years ago that we're just now seeing the results of as it's gone through the process and finally hit shelves.

Now would be a good time to start looking into your local farmer's markets and sourcing your meats and produce from locally owned farms you trust. Start developing a good relationship with your local farmers and butchers. When you go to see them, just get to know them and ask some general questions.

A lot of these places are family run, particularly if you're not close to a large metropolitan area. So when you go to see these folks and they make small talk (because they will, they want to know what brought you out, how'd you find their farm, what kinds of meats and cuts and whatever you're looking for, just genuine small talk), do not bring up politics or USDA regulations. Literally just tell them that you're interested in sourcing and supporting local agriculture and farming (which is true, you are wanting to get away from big corporate industrialized meat production).

If your area has a good farmer's market during the spring/summer/fall, absolutely hit that up. The one close by me not only has good meats and produce, but also honey, different kinds of cheeses, all sorts of things. Farmer's markets closer to a city or metropolitan area will usually only be on weekends during the warmer seasons so keep an eye out and check out any options you have.

I'll give a starting resource for you: https://www.localharvest.org/locations/

Any local farms or farmer's markets that are registered there in the mainland US will have some listings there with hours of operation, location and what they produce, as well as if they're a farm, a farmer's market, a grocery, or a local restaurant, as well as reviews. Use that and source further and find other farms that aren't registered on that site that may have more of what you're looking for. The farming community talk to each other and they know what's up with the other farms.

If you want to go out and pick your own produce (berries, fruits, etc), there's https://upickfarmlocator.com/ that will show you any "u-pick" farms and orchards in your area. It's a pretty in depth resource that I'd recommend using if you're able to go out and do that.

There are a few urban harvesting resources like fallingfruit, but I'm not as familiar with that so I can't in good faith recommend it until I've done some research into it myself.

I'm mostly familiar with chicken farms and fish ponds so I can't provide much insight to cattle or game meat, unfortunately. If anyone who sees this post is familiar, please feel free to add on. I'm also not a source for how to skin your meat or pluck your birds, so again, if anyone seeing this has any insight, please please add on to this.

Let's keep each other healthy and strong so we can fight the good fight ahead of us. The biggest advice I can give to anyone starting this journey is to research. Research anything you're interested in and don't give up.

I'll update this post with any other resources I find, or that others add on. This post is recent as of 2024-11-08.

(And yes, I know, before anyone comes rushing in, I understand this is not as easy for larger metropolitan areas or food deserts. Yes I know not everyone has the ability to go out and do this, and not everyone has easy transportation to haul goods back. This is where the "community" part comes if you can coordinate a group renting a car or someone who does drive to get everyone out there and back. And yes, before other folks come in, I understand sometimes it's better to grow your own produce and raise your own livestock, this is for the folks who don't have the ability to whether that's because of physical disabilities, lack of space [Hi, I live in a condo and have no space to grow my own in fact], or any other reason why they can't.)

[falciesystemessays]

so mark brown, host of the game analysis youtube channel Game Maker's Toolkit, has released his first game, Mind Over Magnet, just about a month ago. in his recent postmortem video of the thing, he says that the common sentiment from reviewers is that it's a solid 8/10. a very polished but very uninspired puzzle platformer, with good design fundamentals but without The Sauce that makes it something special.

and like, even as a genuine fan of game maker's toolkit, who uses its videos on game design as comfort media, it's hard not to be a cynic about it. hard not to say "this is the kind of game that the gmtk approach produces." a game that's good, but not great. a game that entertains for an afternoon, but doesn't change your life. a work of craftsmanship, but not of art.

but i know this isn't fair. most video games are, in fact, like that. not every puzzle platformer can be an INSIDE or Braid. 90% of everything is crap, and mind over magnet is, for all its flaws, a video game that actually released and was pretty alright. that's more than a lot of us can say. and maybe those reviewers aren't seeing the best of the game, i haven't played it yet so i couldn't say if they're really onto something. mark's devlogs are still super inspiring and insightful, and i still like gmtk a lot.

but i think... this is the only way this story could have ended. three years spent developing a game that is simply pretty good. one that probably would have flopped if it wasn't mark fucking brown posting it. not because the game is necessarily bad, but because there's simply nothing special to it that really gives it the pull. that's just how it goes sometimes, you put your mind, body, and soul into developing a game, and it doesn't set the world on fire. most games don't.

when he said at the end "i don't know if i would ever want to do this again, but if mind over magnet is the only game i put into the world, i'm happy with that," that was the realest shit in that entire series. game design full-time isn't for everyone. i don't even really know if it's for me, i definitely couldn't work in The Industry full-time. being a gamedev is a really compelling thing for a lot of people who've loved games their whole life and want to be part of that. but it's not easy, it never is, and it's not for everyone. even the people who obsess over game design. that's not to say you shouldn't try if you really want to, but that the process of making the games you love will probably be a lot more involved than you could ever dream of. if you want hard proof of that, uh, Check Out Developing.

[venic-bxtch]

|Preview of “Video Games”

|Joe Burrow x Sports Journalist!Reader

In the fast-paced world of sports journalism, you were a rising star. Your insightful analyses and compelling stories had earned you a reputation as one of the most promising reporters in the industry. Yet, despite your success, you felt a void—a longing for a connection that transcended the professional realm.

Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback, was a name that resonated across the nation. His on-field prowess was matched only by his off-field humility and charm. You had followed his career closely, admiring his resilience and leadership.

One crisp autumn morning, you were assigned to cover a press conference featuring Joe Burrow. The room buzzed with reporters eager to dissect the game’s every moment. As Joe entered, his eyes met yours, and for a fleeting second, the noise of the room faded.

After the press conference, you approached Joe for a one-on-one interview. You found a quiet corner in the stadium, away from the hustle and bustle.

“Joe,” you began, “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”

“Of course,” Joe replied with a warm smile. “I’m always happy to chat.”

Over the next hour, you delved into deeper conversations—Joe’s journey from college football to the NFL, and your path from a small-town reporter to a national correspondent. Laughter flowed easily between you, and the connection you felt was undeniable.

As the interview concluded, Joe handed you a folded piece of paper.

“I hope we can continue this conversation,” he said softly.

You unfolded the paper to find a handwritten note with his phone number and a simple message: “Coffee tomorrow?”

Surprised yet elated, you agreed.

The next morning, you met at a local café known for its quiet ambiance and excellent brews. Over steaming cups of coffee, you continued your conversation, exploring your shared interests and dreams.

As the morning sun filtered through the café windows, casting a warm glow on your table, Joe leaned forward, his expression earnest.

“I know our worlds are different,” he said softly, “but I feel something real between us.”

You smiled, your heart full.

“Me too,” you whispered.

From that moment on, your relationship blossomed. You navigated the challenges of your respective careers, finding solace and strength in each other. Your love story became a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most unexpected connections are the most profound.

However, as your bond deepened, you found yourself facing a dilemma. Ethan, a fellow reporter and close friend, had been a constant presence in your life. Your shared experiences and mutual respect had always hinted at a deeper connection. Recently, Ethan had begun expressing his feelings more openly, making it clear that he was interested in taking your relationship beyond friendship.

You were torn. Ethan was someone you trusted and cared for deeply. Yet, your feelings for Joe were undeniable. You didn’t want to hurt Ethan, but you also couldn’t ignore the profound connection you shared with Joe.

One evening, as you sat alone in your apartment, contemplating your feelings, your phone buzzed. It was a message from Joe:

“Thinking of you. Hope we can see each other soon.”

A smile tugged at your lips. You felt a warmth spread through you at the thought of Joe. But then, your phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Ethan:

“I can’t stop thinking about you. I think we should talk.”

Your heart sank. You knew you couldn’t keep avoiding the conversation with Ethan.

Taglist: @heavyhitterheaux @joeyfranchise @funnyjb @crispppykreme @nami-swannn @strawberries-and-lots-of-kisses @blackynsupremacy @iknowdatsrightbih @ikeepitlight

Message me to be added to the Taglist

[renthony]

Official Commission Info Post

(Updated July 8, 2024. Copied over from my main website.)

Pay me to write about a topic of your choice!

Provide me with a topic related to my areas of interest, and I��ll share my expertise, opinions, and insights. My areas of interest/expertise include speculative fiction (sci-fi/fantasy), fiction writing, literature studies, television & film studies, media censorship, animation, and pop/fandom culture.

Note: You choose the topic, not the angle. You can’t pay me to write any amount on the topic, “why Ren’s favorite thing is actually bad,” or, “why Ren’s least-favorite politician is actually a superhero.” I reserve the right to refuse any commission for any reason, with money refunded where necessary. I retain full credit and ownership of my writing—meaning I don’t do homework and I don’t do ghostwriting.

Examples of my work can be found at this link. Further info below the cut.

Rates

$25 USD for 500 words.

Up to 3k words @ $0.05 USD per word.

Over 3k words @ $0.15 per word.

Over 5k words @ $0.20 per word.

Rates calculated using the IWW Freelance Journalists Union rate sheet. Writers of the world unite!

Payment processed via PayPal or Venmo. Final product will be emailed to you as a PDF, and cross-posted to my tumblr and Patreon page along with other platforms as I see fit.

Email me at renniequeer@gmail.com to commission today!

Turnaround Times

I’m disabled and have inconsistent energy levels, so turnaround times may vary depending on my health. At minimum, 500 word essays typically take me about a week, 3k takes about two weeks, and 5k papers take about a month. If there are any unexpected delays to my work, health-related or otherwise, I will email you with an updated turnaround estimate as needed.

À La Carte

Can’t think of a topic but still want to hire me? Here’s a list you can choose from!

General 500 Word Topics

500 words doesn’t give me much space, so these commissions are great for getting my basic thoughts and opinions on a topic. You can use the following list as simple prompts on their own, or as a springboard to come up with your own, more specific prompt.

Science Fiction

Fantasy

Worldbuilding

Self-Publishing

Animation

Tabletop Gaming

Cosplay and Costuming

Media Representation

Media Preservation

Media Piracy

Censorship

Purity Culture

Labor Rights in the Entertainment Industry

Queer Media History

Fandom

3k Essay Prompts:

These topics require a little more space to dig into, so I need at least 3,000 words to do them justice. You can also request any of the prompts from the 500 word prompt list for a more robust essay on the topic.

Always Watch the Background Actors: How Learning Stage Combat Improved My Moviegoing Experience

Animation and Musicals: Misunderstood Non-Genres

Draw from the Heart: Using Familiar Settings to Craft New Worlds

Worldbuilding: Avoiding the Planet of Hats Trope

Worldbuilding: Utilizing Elements of Culture

5k Research Paper Topics:

These are the big topics that will require research, citations, and several long weeks of work. I can write as much on the topic as you want, but it must be at least 5,000 words. You can also request any of the prompts from the 500 word or 3k word prompt lists for more robust essays on the topic.

Killing the Cat: Violence Against the Vulnerable as Sloppy Narrative Shorthand

It Wasn't a Damn Door: Why Jack Dawson Had to Die

Bury Your Gays on Solstheim: Queer Representation in the Elder Scrolls

Invisibility or the Freakshow: Intersex Representation on American Television

The Nuke in the Room: Political Allegory in Samurai Jack

Payment Installments & Discount Options

Times are rough for everyone. If you would like to hire me but can’t afford to pay all at once, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me about paying in installments! Details can be discussed on an individual basis.

For a 15% discount, you may also email me with proof that you have requested my short story, The Queen of Cups, at your local library! For a 25% discount, submit proof that you have requested both my short story, The Queen of Cups, and my wife’s novel, The Last Girl Scout.

[felassan]

Mark Darrah's recent YouTube video 'Why Do AAA Games Take So Long?' is an interesting and insightful look behind the curtain about this aspect of modern game development and the industry: [link]

Description:

"Why are AAA taking and longer and longer to make? We aren't getting any younger but the time between releases seems to be ever expanding. Chapters: 0:00 Why so LONG? 0:15 They Don't 4:28 "Size" 8:16 The Fidelity Death Cult 11:08 The Team 14:35 Iteration 16:44 Delay Inception 18:23 Culture? 19:55 Because They Can 21:10 Opportunity for AA and Triple I"

Mark: "What's the longest you've waited for a game? What's a game that you're waiting for that's coming out this year, and is it Dragon Age?"

---

Comment on the vid: "3:03 so you're saying that the reason why DA4 was announced the month before Anthem shipped was so EA couldn't do anything bad to the studio without breaking a promise made to the Dragon Age community? ^^" Mark: "I'm not NOT saying that."

Comment: "I have definitely been waiting patiently for Dragon Age: the Veilguard." Mark: "BioWare is definitely pulling out all the stops."

Comment: "Another reason for very early announcements I've heard talked about (beyond messaging shareholders) is recruitment drive. Do you think it's a plausible reason?" Mark: "Yes this is real. We need to be able to tell people they are going to be working on Dragon Age, so we need to announce"

Comment: "At least for DAV, I bet it is the change of gameplay, live service, no live service, open world, no open world. Rpg with action elements then Action game. Seems then leadership change is more interesting than the game itself." Mark: "There is a story here"

Comment: "i think Dragon Age would've been out a few years ago if the team worked on Dreadwolf from the beginning instead of all the other canceled visions of the project" Mark: "There are several off ramps for DA"

Comment: "The Mass Effect game following Andromeda will likely end up being the longest wait I’ve ever had for a video game lol" Mark: "It will be a while"

Comment: "Can you explain why they changed the combat in DAV" Mark: "DA has always been changing its combat."

Mark: "Almost everyone at BioWare is working on DA ATM"

Mark: "Yeah stylization lives longer" [re: graphical fidelity cult]

Comment: "Games are made quickly but then consultants like Sweet Baby Inc come and change the story to be worse and characters to be uglier. Adds plenty of dev time." Mark: "LOLOLOLOL"

[heartmachinez]

Heart Machine is on Patreon!

Why are we on Patreon?

Games are the greatest form of expression and entertainment that we've ever created. There’s a common saying in games development that it's a miracle that any games are made, let alone good ones. Now, it’s even more brutal.

Over the past two years, the industry has rapidly changed, flipped around and turned upside down. Funding for new projects is sparse, even for successful devs. Everything is far more expensive to make. Paths we used to be able to take to create projects no longer exist.

You’ve likely heard about this on some front. It’s grim. 30% of all games developers have either been laid off or had their roles significantly reduced or affected over the past year alone. Studios have closed. Many have left. We at Heart Machine are not immune, having gone through layoffs in November of this year.

Since the old models are not enough, we have to adapt. So we're asking for support to help us continue to not just survive, but adapt and thrive. To help us prototype and build new projects, to help support us when the state of the industry has made it so much harder to exist.

We've always been big on talking directly to our audience. We think this Patreon is an opportunity for us to do more on this front while also benefiting.

There are a few key goals we have in mind for this Patreon:

1. To give a more thorough and deep insight into our process and what it takes to make games. Sharing exclusive write-ups, videos, concept art, design documents and prototype gifs from all of our projects past and present.

2. To share more about the issues in the industry driving this state of turmoil. E.g. corporate consolidation, overspending, accelerating costs, and a changing market.

3. To reach a bigger audience with more transparency in an otherwise notoriously opaque industry in the hope we can share and do our part to help others to better navigate and survive.

We all love games. We’re here because it’s an industry driven by passion. But it’s never been easy. We've been making titles we are extremely proud of for 10 years now, and we want to make sure we can stick around another 10.

Approaches like this Patreon are part of what it takes to make sure of that, to get through the toughest times and come out ultimately better.

We hope that you enjoy the content and inside access that we’ll be providing here.

Thank you so much for your support.

[alwaysbewoke]

our entire political system is flawed, but

you're not going to change it in one election to perfection; what you can absolutely do is make everything worse in one election. also, you can acknowledge that the system needs work and that you want more without lying and pretending as if it has produced nothing positive for you. the problem right now with many people is that you guys want an instant solution. you want an instant fix. however, there is no such thing. there will not be one election or one candidate or one bill that's going to fix this. this is going to take long-term, strategic, methodical work for us to make it right, and i can tell right now that many people are not up for the task. they're too weak, but they won't be weak enough to complain, make videos, tweets, ig posts, reels, tiktoks, blog posts and whatever whining when shit hits the fan. they'll be the first ones howling at the moon and gnashing their teeth without taking responsibility for the part they played in the shitstorm.

here's some simple advice: pack the senate and congress with hardcore progressives. hardcore progressives. and then go to your local election and pack that with hardcore progressives again. but by no means should any of us accept any talk or strategy that gives the republicans power. at some point, you've got to stop playing checkers in a chess game.

however, the problem is this point of view should have been adopted in 2016. i fear that it might actually be too late because people played checkers in the chess game knowing full well that whoever won that election was going to have at least one supreme court pick. that winner actually got three and now has set this country back for the foreseeable future. generations are going to be feeling that pain. we missed out on critical years to address climate change. the voting rights of black people have been completely undermined. the educational opportunities for black people have also been undermined. discrimination against gay people has been affirmed. we saw the death of millions of americans at the hands of a global pandemic that was profoundly mishandled, and yet having seen and experience all of this people are willing to entertain the idea of allowing those in power who did all this to get even more power again. UNBELIEVABLE! people like that deserve ridicule.

if you actually care about black lives, people of color, trans rights, gay rights, healthcare, education, palestine, dr congo, police brutality, child poverty, climate change, restoring democracy, voting rights, equitable access to all levels of education, ending the prison industrial complex, women's rights, and etc do not entertain any talk about taking actions that will give republicans power. not in the short term. not in the long term. don't let your anger and your disappointment force your hand into making things worse for yourself and others. there's already been widespread voter suppression so if you think you're going to give republicans all that power and then vote to take it away from them down the line when everything is more to your liking, you are delusional. if you really want to change things (like for real, you're not just talking shit about "progress"),here are some insightful videos:

#FuckBidenButHellToTheNoOnAnyRepublican