#Interactive Storytelling Techniques Pokémon

[nicholasandriani]

Feb 6th: Dear Diary, Mew gave birth… Unveiling Wild Kanto: Celebrating Pokémon Lore & Mew's Legacy on February 6th

Celebrating Mew’s Legacy and the Launch of “Wild Kanto”: A Journey into Pokémon’s Heart February 6th may seem like any ordinary day to the uninitiated, but to those in the know, it marks a pivotal moment in Pokémon lore: the creation of Mewtwo, one of the most formidable and enigmatic creatures in the Pokémon universe. Born from the genetic material of the mythical Pokémon Mew, this day…

[whoneedsmisandry]

Future Trends: The Increasing Popularity of VR CGI in Digital Narratives

As technology improved, one exciting trend is the rising use of VR CGI in digital narratives. This innovative approach immerses audiences in stories like never before, blending virtual reality with stunning computer-generated imagery.

In this post, we will explore how VR CGI is transforming storytelling across various media, including xml epg guide, xmltv generator, and interactive experiences.

Extended Reality (XR), encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), is poised to revolutionize the digital narrative landscape by merging the physical and virtual worlds.

As XR technologies advance, they are finding applications across numerous fields, enhancing user experiences and enabling new ways of interaction.

In the realm of digital narratives, this means a transformative shift towards more immersive and interactive storytelling formats.

For instance, interactive narratives will allow audiences to influence the direction of stories through choices, creating a personalized and dynamic storytelling experience. This level of interactivity, supported by gamification elements such as challenges and rewards, will make narratives not only more engaging but also deeply memorable.

Understanding the Popularity of VR CGI in IPTV EPG

The integration of AI in storytelling is set to redefine audience engagement, with AI-generated characters and chatbots improved based on user interactions. This dynamic personalization will tailor stories to individual preferences, enhancing emotional resonance and relevance.

Furthermore, user-generated storytelling platforms are empowering audiences to become storytellers themselves, fostering a rich diversity of narratives and perspectives. This shift is supported by advanced software capabilities that cater to a younger, digitally savvy audience, driving narrative innovation.

Rise of VR CGI in IPTV: Future XMLV EPG Trends

In the context of xmltv epg m3u and Mfiles technology, the use of immersive 360 VR experiences can evoke a strong sense of presence, making viewers feel like participants rather than mere observers. Directing attention in 360 VR storytelling remains a challenge, requiring innovative techniques to guide viewers to key story elements.

However, the potential for non-linear narratives in 360 VR allows viewers the freedom to explore different perspectives and storylines, enhancing the narrative depth and engagement. This integration of VR and CGI within XMLTV blogs can significantly enhance the viewer's experience, making the guide itself a part of an interactive entertainment experience.

Bringing Digital and Physical Worlds Together

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are pioneering the fusion of digital and physical realms, offering enhanced perceptions and interactions with the real world. AR overlays digital information onto the physical environment in real-time, using sophisticated tracking and rendering to blend virtual elements seamlessly.

This technology has not only captured the public's imagination through applications like Pokémon Go and Snapchat filters but is also expanding into sectors like retail, advertising, and tourism, enhancing user experiences by providing contextual information in an interactive format.

On the other hand, VR immerses users in a completely virtual environment, crafted to deliver a compelling sense of presence through multi-sensory feedback. This technology is employed across various fields including gaming, training simulations, and tourism, where it provides unique, immersive experiences that are profoundly engaging.

In educational settings, VR transforms learning by enabling interactive experiences that improve retention and engagement, such as virtual field trips or complex scientific simulations.

The convergence of AR and VR into Mixed Reality (MR) represents a significant leap towards blending the digital and physical worlds. MR allows for a spectrum of experiences where digital and real-world elements coexist and interact in real-time, offering new possibilities in gaming, entertainment, and beyond.

For instance, in architecture and design, MR can streamline design processes and enhance client presentations by superimposing proposed architectural changes onto existing physical spaces.

In healthcare, MR applications assist in complex surgical procedures by overlaying critical information onto the surgeon’s field of view, improving precision and patient outcomes. This integration of digital and physical realities is not only redefining user experiences but also setting new benchmarks in how we interact with and perceive our environment.

Optimization of VR Applications for XMLTV Generator

Throughout this article, we have traversed the innovative landscapes where virtual reality (VR) CGI and XMLTV converge, offering a glimpse into the future of ultra-immersive storytelling and content presentation in technology blogs.

The integration of VR CGI with XMLTV not only enriches the user experience by providing a dynamic and engaging way to explore program guides but also sets a new bar for the presentation of information.

Crafting content that leverages these technologies invites readers into a world where they are no longer passive consumers but rather active participants in an immersive journey.

The examples and use cases discussed underscore the practical applications and the transformative potential of merging VR CGI with XMLTV, from interactive program previews to enhanced storytelling that deeply resonates with the audience.

Acknowledging the boundless possibilities, it's clear that the amalgamation of VR CGI and XMLTV within technology blogs represents a pioneering step towards redefining digital narratives and user experience.

For content creators and technologists alike, understanding and harnessing this synergy is critical in crafting blogs that not only inform but also mesmerize and engage.

As we look forward, embracing these advancements could very well dictate the success and relevance of digital content within the ever-changing domain of technology and media.

As part of exploring this vast potential and ensuring content remains relevant and engaging, we invite you to uncover the boundless potential of Virtual Reality CGI and elevate your XMLTV Technology Blog by checking out our blog post and experiencing the ease of Entertainment Technology through XMLTV EPG for IPTV Guide.

Want to know more? You can visit this web page and discover the advantages it brings to every tech-savvy individuals and why content creators are captivated by these immersive narratives.

[deepanshu1208]

Video game companies: are pivotal in the dynamic world of interactive entertainment, driving innovation and shaping popular culture. At their core, these companies are responsible for creating, developing, and publishing video games, a sector that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry with a global audience.

One of the key players in this industry is Nintendo, a company renowned for its iconic franchises such as Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. Founded in 1889 originally as a playing card company, Nintendo transitioned to video games in the 1970s, becoming a major force with the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in the 1980s. Their focus on creating engaging, family-friendly content and innovative hardware, such as the Wii and Switch, has made them a staple in the gaming world.

Another influential company is Electronic Arts (EA), known for its extensive portfolio that includes sports games like FIFA and Madden NFL, as well as popular franchises such as Battlefield and The Sims. EA's approach often involves acquiring successful studios and franchises, allowing them to leverage established brands while investing heavily in marketing and development.

On the other side of the spectrum is Valve Corporation, a company known for its digital distribution platform, Steam, which revolutionized how games are sold and played online. Valve is also famous for its highly successful games like Half-Life, Portal, and Dota 2. Their emphasis on community-driven content and modding has significantly influenced how games are developed and consumed.

The rise of indie game developers has also reshaped the industry. Companies like Supergiant Games and Team Cherry, with hits like "Bastion" and "Hollow Knight," demonstrate the creativity and innovation that smaller teams can bring to the table. These independent developers often experiment with unique gameplay mechanics and storytelling techniques, contributing to a rich and diverse gaming landscape.

As technology advances, video game companies are increasingly exploring new frontiers such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Companies like Oculus (now part of Meta) and Epic Games are at the forefront of these developments, pushing the boundaries of how games are experienced and interacted with.

In conclusion, video game companies play a crucial role in the entertainment industry, with each entity contributing uniquely to its growth and evolution. From major publishers to indie developers, their innovations and creations continue to captivate and engage audiences worldwide, shaping the future of digital entertainment.

[coconutsplit]

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are exciting and rapidly evolving fields within computer science. Here's a breakdown of key aspects, technologies, and areas of study within AR and VR:

1. Definitions and Concepts

Augmented Reality (AR): Enhances the real world by overlaying digital information (such as images, videos, or 3D models) onto the physical environment. Examples include apps like Pokémon GO and AR features in Google Maps.

Virtual Reality (VR): Creates a fully immersive digital environment that replaces the physical world. Users can interact with this environment using VR headsets like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or PlayStation VR.

2. Hardware and Devices

AR Devices:

Smartphones and Tablets: Use cameras and sensors to overlay digital content on the real world (e.g., Apple ARKit, Google ARCore).

Smart Glasses: Wearable devices like Microsoft HoloLens and Google Glass.

VR Devices:

Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs): Devices like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR.

Input Devices: Controllers, gloves, and treadmills to interact with the virtual environment.

Haptic Feedback Devices: Provide tactile feedback to enhance immersion (e.g., haptic gloves, vests).

3. Software and Development Tools

AR Development Tools:

ARKit (Apple): A framework for creating AR experiences on iOS devices.

ARCore (Google): A platform for building AR applications on Android.

Vuforia: An AR platform for mobile devices that can recognize images and objects.

VR Development Tools:

Unity: A popular game development engine with strong support for VR.

Unreal Engine: Another powerful engine for creating high-quality VR experiences.

SteamVR: A platform by Valve for developing VR content.

4. Key Technologies

Tracking and Mapping:

SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping): A method for mapping an environment while keeping track of the device's location within it.

Computer Vision: Techniques for recognizing and processing images and objects.

3D Modeling and Animation:

3D Graphics Software: Tools like Blender, Maya, and 3ds Max for creating 3D models and animations.

Interaction Design:

Gesture Recognition: Detecting and interpreting human gestures for interaction.

Voice Commands: Using speech recognition for control and interaction.

5. Applications and Use Cases

Gaming and Entertainment: Immersive games, virtual concerts, and interactive storytelling.

Education and Training: Simulations for medical training, flight simulators, and virtual classrooms.

Retail and Marketing: Virtual try-ons, interactive advertisements, and AR product visualizations.

Healthcare: AR-assisted surgeries, VR therapy for mental health, and rehabilitation exercises.

Architecture and Real Estate: Virtual tours, AR-enhanced blueprints, and interior design visualizations.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage: Virtual museum tours, AR-enhanced historical sites, and interactive guides.

6. Challenges and Considerations

Technical Challenges:

Latency: Reducing delay between user actions and system responses to maintain immersion.

Field of View: Expanding the visible area in AR/VR devices.

Battery Life: Improving power efficiency of portable AR/VR devices.

Design Challenges:

User Experience (UX): Designing intuitive and comfortable interactions.

Accessibility: Ensuring AR/VR experiences are accessible to people with disabilities.

Ethical and Social Considerations:

Privacy: Protecting user data and ensuring secure interactions.

Health and Safety: Addressing issues like motion sickness and ensuring safe usage.

7. Learning Resources

Online Courses and Tutorials:

Coursera, Udemy, edX: Offer courses on AR/VR development.

YouTube Channels: Follow channels like "Valem" for Unity AR/VR tutorials.

Books:

"Augmented Reality: Principles and Practice" by Dieter Schmalstieg and Tobias Hollerer.

"Learning Virtual Reality" by Tony Parisi.

Communities and Forums:

Reddit: Subreddits like r/VRdev and r/augmentedreality.

Stack Overflow: For technical questions and troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are transformative technologies with a wide range of applications. By gaining expertise in these areas, you can contribute to innovative developments in gaming, education, healthcare, and beyond. Dive into the tools, stay updated with the latest trends, and engage with the community to build a solid foundation in AR and VR.

[khanazru]

Game Changers: The Impact of Technology on Gaming

In the dynamic world of gaming, technological advancements have consistently reshaped the landscape, pushing boundaries and expanding possibilities

. From humble beginnings with simple pixelated graphics to today's immersive virtual realities, the evolution of technology has been a game changer in every sense. Let's explore how these advancements have revolutionized gaming and continue to shape its future.

Evolution of Graphics and Immersion

One of the most visible impacts of technology on gaming has been the evolution of graphics and immersion. Early games relied on basic sprites and limited color palettes, but advancements in graphics processing units (GPUs) have enabled stunning visual realism.

Today's games boast lifelike environments, detailed character models, and dynamic lighting that blur the line between reality and fantasy. Enhanced graphics not only enhance visual appeal but also deepen immersion, allowing players to feel truly transported into the worlds they explore.

The Rise of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) represent revolutionary strides in gaming technology. VR headsets plunge players into fully immersive virtual environments where they can interact with virtual worlds in unprecedented ways. Whether exploring alien planets, battling foes in realistic simulations, or experiencing thrilling adventures, VR has unlocked new dimensions of gameplay and storytelling.

On the other hand, AR overlays digital elements onto the real world, offering unique gaming experiences that blend digital content with physical surroundings. Games like Pokémon GO have demonstrated the potential of AR to encourage outdoor exploration and social interaction, transforming how players engage with their environments.

Seamless Online Connectivity and Multiplayer Experiences

Advancements in internet infrastructure and online connectivity have transformed gaming from a solitary experience to a social phenomenon. Online multiplayer games allow players from around the globe to collaborate or compete in real-time,

fostering communities and friendships across borders. Whether teaming up with friends for cooperative missions or facing off against rivals in esports tournaments, online connectivity has enriched gaming experiences and expanded the competitive landscape.

Cloud Gaming and Accessibility

Cloud gaming has emerged as a game changer by eliminating hardware constraints and enhancing accessibility.

Instead of requiring powerful gaming consoles or PCs, cloud gaming platforms stream games directly to devices like smartphones, tablets, and low-end computers. This technology allows players to enjoy high-quality gaming experiences without the need for expensive hardware upgrades, democratizing access to gaming for a broader audience.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Procedural Generation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in modern gaming, enhancing both gameplay and storytelling. AI-driven NPCs (non-playable characters) can exhibit complex behaviors and adapt to player actions,

making interactions more dynamic and realistic. Furthermore, procedural generation techniques use algorithms to generate game content dynamically, creating vast and varied worlds that offer endless exploration and replayability.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Gaming

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the future of gaming holds boundless possibilities. From enhanced realism and immersion to innovative gameplay mechanics and broader accessibility, the impact of technology on gaming is profound and far-reaching. As gamers, developers, and enthusiasts, we are witnessing a transformative era where creativity converges with cutting-edge technology to redefine how we play, connect, and experience virtual worlds.

Join us as we navigate this exciting journey into the future of gaming, where each technological leap promises new adventures, challenges, and experiences that push the boundaries of what's possible. Embrace the game changers and explore the limitless potential of technology in shaping the world of gaming as we know it today and beyond.

[kickr-technology]

Crafting Digital Adventures: Kickr Technology's Guide to Game Development

In the rapidly growing and complicated world of digital entertainment, game development has emerged as a big and full of opportunities industry, captivating audiences with immersive experiences that transport them to fantastical realms and engaging adventures. As a leading website development company based in Noida, Delhi, Kickr Technology is no stranger to the intricacies of digital innovation. Today, we're diving into the realm of game development, exploring its nuances, trends, and the essential role it plays in shaping the digital landscape.

Game Development: A Digital Frontier

Game development companies serve as the architects of virtual worlds, weaving together code, art, and storytelling to create captivating experiences. At Kickr Technology, we understand the importance of staying at the forefront of innovation, which is why we're passionate about exploring the latest trends and techniques in game development.

Top Game Development Company in Noida, Delhi

As a proud member of the vibrant tech community in Noida and Delhi, Kickr Technology is committed to delivering top-notch game development services to our clients. Our team of skilled developers and designers combine their expertise to bring our clients' visions to life, ensuring that each project exceeds expectations.

The Right Game Development Services That Drive Success

At Kickr Technology, we offer a comprehensive suite of game development services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. From conceptualization and design to development and testing, we're with you every step of the way. Our services include:

Conceptualization: We work closely with our clients to understand their vision and goals, helping them conceptualise game ideas that resonate with their target audience.

Design: Our talented designers craft visually stunning worlds and characters that draw players in and keep them engaged.

Development: Our experienced developers bring the game to life, utilising cutting-edge technologies to ensure smooth performance across various platforms.

Testing: We conduct rigorous testing to identify and address any bugs or issues, ensuring a seamless gaming experience for players.

Deployment: Once the game is complete, we assist with deployment to app stores and platforms, helping our clients reach their target audience effectively.

Mobile Game App Development Services

In today's mobile-centric world, mobile games have become increasingly popular, offering users the convenience of gaming on the go. At Kickr Technology, we specialise in mobile game app development, leveraging our expertise to create immersive experiences that captivate players and keep them coming back for more.

Real-Life Examples of Game Development Benefits

Pokémon GO: Developed by Niantic, Pokémon GO took the world by storm in 2016, showcasing the potential of augmented reality (AR) gaming. The game encouraged players to explore their surroundings in search of virtual creatures, leading to increased physical activity and social interaction.

Fortnite: Developed by Epic Games, Fortnite has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of players worldwide. The game's innovative blend of building mechanics and battle royale gameplay has redefined the genre and spawned a thriving esports community.

Among Us: Developed by InnerSloth, Among Us became a breakout hit in 2020, thanks to its addictive gameplay and social interaction. The game's simple premise of identifying impostors within a group of crewmates led to widespread popularity and countless hours of online fun.

Embracing the Future of Game Development

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the landscape of game development. From augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to blockchain gaming and cloud gaming, there's no shortage of exciting advancements on the horizon. At Kickr Technology, we're committed to staying ahead of the curve, embracing emerging technologies and trends to deliver unparalleled gaming experiences to our clients and their players.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced world of game development, innovation is key. As a leading website development company in Noida, Delhi, Kickr Technology is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, delivering cutting-edge game development services that captivate audiences and drive success. Whether you're a seasoned gaming company or a budding indie developer, we're here to help bring your vision to life. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our game development services and how we can help you craft your next digital adventure.

[kickrtechnology2023]

Crafting Digital Adventures: Kickr Technology's Guide to Game Development

In the rapidly growing and complicated world of digital entertainment, game development has emerged as a big and full of opportunities industry, captivating audiences with immersive experiences that transport them to fantastical realms and engaging adventures. As a leading website development company based in Noida, Delhi, Kickr Technology is no stranger to the intricacies of digital innovation. Today, we're diving into the realm of game development, exploring its nuances, trends, and the essential role it plays in shaping the digital landscape.

Game Development: A Digital Frontier

Game development companies serve as the architects of virtual worlds, weaving together code, art, and storytelling to create captivating experiences. At Kickr Technology, we understand the importance of staying at the forefront of innovation, which is why we're passionate about exploring the latest trends and techniques in game development.

Top Game Development Company in Noida, Delhi

As a proud member of the vibrant tech community in Noida and Delhi, Kickr Technology is committed to delivering top-notch game development services to our clients. Our team of skilled developers and designers combine their expertise to bring our clients' visions to life, ensuring that each project exceeds expectations.

The Right Game Development Services That Drive Success

At Kickr Technology, we offer a comprehensive suite of game development services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. From conceptualization and design to development and testing, we're with you every step of the way. Our services include:

Conceptualization: We work closely with our clients to understand their vision and goals, helping them conceptualise game ideas that resonate with their target audience.

Design: Our talented designers craft visually stunning worlds and characters that draw players in and keep them engaged.

Development: Our experienced developers bring the game to life, utilising cutting-edge technologies to ensure smooth performance across various platforms.

Testing: We conduct rigorous testing to identify and address any bugs or issues, ensuring a seamless gaming experience for players.

Deployment: Once the game is complete, we assist with deployment to app stores and platforms, helping our clients reach their target audience effectively.

Mobile Game App Development Services

In today's mobile-centric world, mobile games have become increasingly popular, offering users the convenience of gaming on the go. At Kickr Technology, we specialise in mobile game app development, leveraging our expertise to create immersive experiences that captivate players and keep them coming back for more.

Real-Life Examples of Game Development Benefits

Pokémon GO: Developed by Niantic, Pokémon GO took the world by storm in 2016, showcasing the potential of augmented reality (AR) gaming. The game encouraged players to explore their surroundings in search of virtual creatures, leading to increased physical activity and social interaction.

Fortnite: Developed by Epic Games, Fortnite has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of players worldwide. The game's innovative blend of building mechanics and battle royale gameplay has redefined the genre and spawned a thriving esports community.

Among Us: Developed by InnerSloth, Among Us became a breakout hit in 2020, thanks to its addictive gameplay and social interaction. The game's simple premise of identifying impostors within a group of crewmates led to widespread popularity and countless hours of online fun.

Embracing the Future of Game Development

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the landscape of game development. From augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to blockchain gaming and cloud gaming, there's no shortage of exciting advancements on the horizon. At Kickr Technology, we're committed to staying ahead of the curve, embracing emerging technologies and trends to deliver unparalleled gaming experiences to our clients and their players.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced world of game development, innovation is key. As a leading website development company in Noida, Delhi, Kickr Technology is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, delivering cutting-edge game development services that captivate audiences and drive success. Whether you're a seasoned gaming company or a budding indie developer, we're here to help bring your vision to life. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our game development services and how we can help you craft your next digital adventure.

[kickrtechnology1]

The Evolution of Game Development: From Pixels to Augmented and Virtual Realities

Introduction:

Game development has come a long way since its initiative, evolving from pixel graphics to immersive virtual realities that transport players to alternate worlds. This article explores the journey of game development, from its beginnings to its current state, examining the technological advancements, creative innovations, and industry trends that have shaped the gaming landscape.

The Early Years:

The origins of game development can be traced back to the early days of computing, with games like Spacewar emerging in the 1960s on mainframe computers. These games featured basic graphics and gameplay mechanics, but they laid the foundation for what was to come. As technology progressed, arcade games like Pong and Space Invaders capture audiences with their simple yet addictive gameplay, clearing the way for the rise of the home gaming console.

The Rise of Consoles:

The introduction of home gaming consoles in the 1970s and 1980s marked a significant milestone in game development. Companies like Atari, Nintendo, and Sega revolutionized the industry with iconic consoles such as the Atari 2600, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and the Sega Genesis. Developers began exploring new genres and pushing the limits of hardware capabilities, giving birth to classic titles like Super Mario Bros The Legend of Zelda and Sonic the Hedgehog.

The Birth of 3D Graphics:

The 1990s saw the emergence of 3D graphics technology, ushering in a new era of game development. With the introduction of powerful graphics cards and advanced rendering techniques, developers were able to create immersive 3D worlds that were previously unimaginable. Games like Quake, Tomb Raider and Final Fantasy VII showcased the potential of 3D graphics, captivating players with their stunning visuals and expansive environments.

The Internet Age:

The advent of the internet in the late 20th century transformed the gaming industry again, enabling multiplayer experiences and online communities to flourish. Massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) like World of Warcraft and EverQuest redefined the notion of multiplayer gaming, allowing thousands of players to interact in persistent virtual worlds. The rise of digital distribution platforms like Steam also democratized game publishing, giving independent developers a platform to reach global audiences.

The Mobile Revolution:

Smartphones and tablets in the 21st century sparked another revolution in game development. Mobile gaming became increasingly popular, thanks to its accessibility and casual appeal. Games like Angry Birds, Candy Crush Saga and Pokémon Go dominated the mobile gaming market, reaching millions of players worldwide and generating billions of dollars in revenue. The rise of app stores and in-app purchases transformed the business model of game development, leading to the rise of free-to-play games and microtransactions.

The Emergence of Virtual Reality:

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as the next frontier in game development. With VR headsets like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR, players can immerse themselves in virtual worlds like never before. VR games offer unprecedented levels of immersion and interactivity, allowing players to explore fantastical environments and interact with virtual objects in ways that were previously impossible. Titles like Beat Saber Half-Life: Alyx and Superhot VR have garnered critical acclaim for their innovative use of VR technology.

The Future of Game Development:

As we look ahead, the future of game development seems brighter than ever. Advances in technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing promise to further enhance the gaming experience, enabling more realistic graphics, dynamic gameplay, and immersive storytelling. With the advent of augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), the boundaries between the virtual and physical worlds will continue to blur, opening up new possibilities for interactive entertainment.

Kickr technology is one from the top game development company in noida, expertise in building fun and addictive experiences to unlocking entirely new ways of engaging the audience. Providing solution for all Mobile, Web, Desktop/PC, and Interactive game development service requirements. We determine how to organize and place content to create a logical layout and ease in game play. Prioritizing content for main goals and target user personas allows us to create a natural experience.

Conclusion:

Game development has undergone a remarkable evolution over the years, driven by technological innovation, creative ingenuity, and changing consumer preferences. From the early days of simple pixelated graphics to the immersive virtual realities of today, games have become a universal form of entertainment enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. As technology continues to advance, the future of game development holds boundless potential, promising even more immersive, engaging, and unforgettable experiences for players around the world by taking game development services from kickr technology, get some more ideas about game development service and some other relevent services at kickr’s website www.kickrtechnologies.com.

[incredimate-studio]

Technological Advances and Commercial Trends Shaping the Animation Industry in 2021

In the past animation was the result of manual labour. It involved storytelling through handcrafted sketches. Many of the top animation studios turned to this method to create material for cartoon films and TV shows. The industry today has a value of USD $264 billion, and the majority of sectors are recording an increase of between 2% and 3 per cent. What caused this change and development? The adoption of modern technology and graphics as well as tools used by the animation industry has drastically transformed the look of this industry. Utilizing technology and making the best utilization of current fashions, animation studios have improved both the quality and quantity of their offerings. Three upcoming technology trends are changing the face of the animation industry and have turned into useful tools for leading animation companies.

Augmented Reality (AR)

An ally of the well-known Virtual Reality (VR), in recent years, AR is expected to be a popular tool for animation production businesses. AR has a VR similar interface and focus. Simply put, it is an enhanced representation that is based on reality. The visual and sensory elements are made using modern tools that give users an experience that is close to reality while watching animated videos. The ease of access and the interactivity of AR are ideal to design characters, settings, or games. For example, the well-known games Pokémon Go was developed with AR technology as its foundation which allows users to see Pokémon in their everyday environment.

Infographics based on data

Data has become a major factor in our modern times. Consumers do not simply require a piece of information but want data that is easy to comprehend and comprehendible. Through the use of infographics that are based on data, companies can tackle complicated issues and break them down into smaller pieces of information. According to the report retention and learning can increase up to 400% when the information transmitted is visual. Animation artists are making excellent use of this format to increase the message. For instance, infographics can be utilized to help children learn some habits, such as brushing their teeth two times a daily. Alongside animators, a variety of marketers are also employing this method to attract their customers. For one thing, audiences tend to be drawn to interesting, distinctive, and unique content compared to a simple black and white blog that is stuffed with data.

The era of 3D and VFX

The future is 3D and VFX Are you aware that the tiger in the movie Life of Pi isn't real?? It sure seemed real. Animations like this are created from VFX and 3-D techniques. These tools play a significant role in enriching the viewer's experience by making it more engaging and clear. The modern-day audience has developed a love for fluid, fast-moving, and flexible characters. Leading animation companies use these techniques to create realistic characters. The plots of many animated films and shows are getting more real. It's possible to say that 3-D and VFX have opened the gap between the real and the animated.

Cloud and collaborative networks

The spread of the virus and subsequent lockdown required professionals to work at home. Filmmaking isn't just a single-person job. It requires the dedication as well as the ideas and creative thinking of a variety of team members and even individuals. The animation industry didn't allow this transition, from home to office to hinder its ability to produce a plethora of content. The people who work in this field made the most of digital communication tools such as collaborative work platforms as well as cloud networks to function effortlessly. From animators to scriptwriters and designers, to editors, everyone in the industry uploads their work to shared clouds which allows access to those who could simultaneously move their project into the following step. These platforms make the whole production process smooth, efficient and increase coordination between various departments.

Utilization of sensors in depth

It's a relatively new idea that is getting the spotlight quickly. In the midst of this technology is camera formatting. The settings are made so it is possible for the sensors in-depth to record every image in wireframe format, and convert them into animation. The translated animations are often aligned perfectly with the characters in the film, improving the overall viewing experience. Although this technology is in its early stages, however, it's a promising step towards improving the quality of animation.

3D printing

Just as making films takes a collective effort, so in order to provide viewers with a complete experience, having high-quality props is essential. Particularly, in the realm of animation props play an essential role in connecting the storyline. The top animation production companies employ 3-D printing to improve the aesthetics and experience of the ancillary setup. It requires high-end levels of print size as well as intricate detail and offers the final result an ideal final look. Films with a cult following, such as Avengers: Age of Ultron and Guardians of the Galaxy, utilized this technique to provide viewers with a real experience.

A mix of old and new

In India companies like Cosmos Maya pays close attention to the needs of the target audience. The subcontinent is full of traditional tales and tales which can be utilized to create engaging animation. Children and parents are eager to learn more about these stories that have been told in the past. A number of leading animation companies are mixing old-fashioned tales with modern technologies to create world-class productions and films. For example, Motu Patlu, a show that was created for Indian children, was a huge success due to its Indian touch and close-to-home storyline. Historically, animation was viewed as an entertainment source intended for children only. However, the scope of animation has expanded. The advent of technological innovations and new trends has made animation omnipresent. It has not just removed the age limit from the industry, but it has also opened the way into other areas such as marketing. A lot of brands are shifting away from endorsements by celebrities and focusing on creating their own characters. They're even working with the producers of popular films and shows to launch successful advertising campaigns. With all the latest developments and trends in mind, it is clear that the next chapter of animated looks positive and a lot of fun.

[revealio]

How to Rise Above the Competition Using Disruptive Video Marketing Techniques

Video is Your Boat

To keep from drowning in the sea of competition, think of Video Marketing as a vessel, a boat that will rise you up out of the sea, allowing you to be seen, rather than struggling to tread water to stay alive.

The reason video is such a powerful form of media and communication is because it taps into 3 of the 4 dominant learning styles, auditory, visual, written (via text or captions on the screen)

Authenticity is Your Paddle

1.     Put a face to your brand though video

People relate better to a person or a group of people rather than a logo or package. If you are the owner of your company, you are the brand of your company. Shooting video with you talking to the viewer allows them to connect with you, and they can begin to trust you, and therefore trust your product or service.

2.     Demonstrate your product or service through video

What better way to share the value of your product or service, than to show them what it looks like in action. Visually demonstrating the benefit people will have from your product or service will go a long way in influencing their buying decision.

3.     Show Social proof through video

The best form of marketing content is social proof. There’s nothing quite as powerful as hearing from another satisfied customer as to why they recommend your product or service. The testimony carries even more weight when it is presented in person or captured on video. Try incentivizing your happy clients to share their thoughts on video to help your amazing company grow. 

    Live Broadcasting is the Wind in Your Sail

1.     Invite consumers to engage your brand through storytelling

People connect better through stories. People may like your product or service, but they will become raving fans once they know who you are and what you stand for. Share stories about your “why” through a live broadcast, show some vulnerability by being real, and allow people to identify with you. Then your customers will become raving fans.

2.     Invite consumers behind the scenes in live broadcasts

If you’re having a grand opening event or striving for a big goal, share live broadcasts about these things to your audience, and allow them to get behind you.

Build anticipation and appreciation for what you’re doing. Share what it means to you. Invite them to comment or share something they are working toward, and watch as people come along side you to support you.

Interactive Augmented Reality Technology is Your Jet Engine

1.     Make video interactive with augmented reality technology

Augmented reality technology adds a layer of virtual content to a physical image or object, when viewed through a smart phone or smart glasses. It connects the physical world with the virtual world in a way that is dynamic, interactive, and captivating.

Combining the power of video marketing with the interactive, and magical nature of augmented reality is a recipe for stardom. It resonates with 95% of all people because it taps into all four of the dominant learning styles by adding the Kinesthetic element. Something physical that you can touch, can now COME ALIVE with more valuable information that what you can see with the naked eye.

This is the “WOW” factor that most business owners are looking for.

With this technology, you can add a layer of virtual content to all promotional items such as:

·       Business Cards

·       Posters/Flyers

·       Event Invitations

·       Trade Show Banners

·       T-shirts

·       Swag Bags

·       Book Covers and Interior Pages

·       Real Estate Signs

·       Packaging

·       Labels and Product Tags

·       Training Manuals

·       Assembly Instructions

·       Signage

2.     Interactive Virtual Experiences Are Quickly Becoming Our New Normal

After the launch of Pokémon Go in 2016, augmented reality grabbed the attention of corporate giants, Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and SnapChat. The space is rapidly evolving and Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple proclaims that augmented reality promises to be as influential to our society at the smart phone.

Soon, people will expect to see virtual content all around them, much like the Iron Man movies. For now, there is a competitive advantage to being one of the first to incorporate this new interactive technology into your marketing strategies. Are you ready to blow past your competition, be looked upon as a genius leader in your industry, and convert more sales?

Feel free to reach out to us at info@revealio.com to learn how you can benefit from adding augmented reality marketing into your business, or visit us at https://revealio.com.

[ayokayuek-blog]

Reading Responses

Creative Communities

What’s an example of a creative community?

A creative community could be described as a number of things. It could be communication, a voice for all, a team, a family or a group with a common belief. Basically, anything that involves people who have the ability to stay in an environment together and try to coexist with one another, while expressing themselves through their own creativity which comes across as a community collaboration. Which it is in a sense because a communities main role is to allow expression in individuals to thrive so that a community can truly work efficiently. My example of a creative community would be cultural (a global community). Communities from backgrounds like, African, Japanese, Indian or Mexican, all reflect some sort of community-based on their shared values and beliefs that allow that community to strive and grow through future generations. The new perspective of a creative community I have gained has been fuelled by Dickson, (1995), P. 22. Defining the concept of community and art as a coherent whole, “which aims to be closely relevant to the communities in which it happens, enabling self-expression and feeling through experiences like the creativity of that culture of community”. For example, a Japanese community is known for its dramatic and extravagant expression of culture and tradition. Through celebrations that convey so much creativity and culture, collaborated by a community that believes the same ideas and values. Global communities like these are known for their creativity in terms of their expression of culture and their different approaches towards community and interconnectedness.

Charles, C., & Samples, B. (2004). Coming Home - Community, Creativity, and Consciousness. Fawnskin

Creative Psyche

Identify two or more scenes in movies or books that evoke crying or some other powerful motion, that you felt. And what about your reaction did it reveal about you.

Many of the main films or shows that have gotten a lot of emotion out of me were animated. Toy Story 3 and Up. In the concluding scene of Toy Story, it showed Andy the main character of the movie, leaving for college and growing out of his past with Woody and the rest of the toys. I felt that this scene created a lot of sad emotion because to those who grew up watching the Toy Story films and seeing Andy and Woody grow as a childhood befriends, you see your childhood best friends move too. For me every time I watched the scene of Andy leaving his toys at another child’s home I always seem to buckle and the music doesn’t seem to help with that. I ‘ve learned that I have vulnerability issues when it comes to emotional moments in movies or shows. Up was also the same in terms of vulnerability. The movie is made up of both comedy and sadness. The scene that created the most connection to me was the memory scene. Where the old man was remembering his life with his late wife and the journey towards loneliness. The music played during this memory caused a lot of emotion for me. Mostly because of the death of a loved one and how short life is. Overall my reactions where emotional, revealing to me that I have an emotional personality when it comes to things that can actually happen, whether it be the death of a loved one or moving on from an aspect of your childhood. The idea that fictional films and stories that are told “create incredibly detailed and coherent fantasy worlds to frame their narrative” (Jung, C. 1997), is relevant to films like Up or Toy Story. Because, they are the detailed narratives that have come to life through, peoples creative experiences and expressions, allow emotions like sadness and happiness through creative techniques that convey vulnerability through film and storytelling in novels.

Jung, C. (1997). Introduction. Jung on Active Imagination (Ed. Joan Chodorow) File

Creative Personality

What makes a creative personality?

Determining what makes a creative personality can be quite broad, one’s own creativity and how their personality allows that personality to thrive can be express in a number of ways. Because we all have different creative personalities because we are all creative. The many different approaches taken on the creative mind consists of traits that a creative pupil may have. And if not, there are many other traits that creative person holds. For example indecisiveness, control, vulnerability or confidence. In my opinion, a creative person can be anyone who puts their minds to a certain idea or acquisition. Which is what an overall definition of what a creative personality is. The ability to be driven by motivation and persistence and having the confidence to complete or start something, knowing you might not be a naturally skilled or talented person. Because having a creative personality isn’t built on talent or gifts, but the effort you put into that specific goal. So having the right amount of passion for your craft and the consciousness to complete it, is what makes a creative personality. According to Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996) “creative people develop a set of personality traits consistent with their biological dispositions that are also influenced by their environments”. Which for me, explored the concept of how one's own experiences and lives can cause a part in their personality to want to utilize these experiences through creativity, no matter the practice. Csikszentmihalyi, M. “personality plays a significant role in creative outcomes” (1996). A statement that is true, because, without the personality that makes a person unique, that opportunity to be classified as creative is limited, since creativity is fuelled by one's personality and their ability to execute that originality into your creative expression is what makes a creative personality.

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996, Jul). The creative personality. Psychology File

  Creativity & Technology

What is the difference between augmented reality and virtual reality?

Augmented reality is defined as technology developed into the real world, for example, the game Pokémon Go, a game that placed eggs all around a real-life place. Giving players the chance to play a digital game, while being active in real-world obstacles and surroundings. Augmented reality is also present in real life routines like shopping. Making things like the price of an item present on your phone when entering the store. Virtual reality is creating a fictional world that blocks the real one. For example, the Google-created virtual reality goggles, that allow the wearer of the googles the opportunity to be a part of a show or movie their watching or a simulated game that completely blocks the outside world. When placed in the digital world of VR your interaction with the outside world is very minimal compared to AR. An example of virtual reality would be goggles that give you the opportunity to be in a stadium filled with people, with you as the main act, feeling as if you are in a real-life concert. Blocking out the real world and replacing it with your own dream reality. Because AR utilizes the places, streets, and environment of the real world as the platform for their augmented reality. To give the real world a whole new perspective without being too out of touch with it. Both AR and VR work as a coherent whole in terms of technology and the different ways in which it could be advanced for human use, whether it be games, cinematic viewing or advances in transport. The two realities are making it more and more difficult to tell between what’s real or digital because they are both advancing so much in different ways at different speeds, we never know which we’d be viewing on the streets.

Downey on, S. (2016, October 25). The Gigantic List of Augmented Reality Use Cases.  

[sunnysiteup-blog]

MOVING IMAGE

We have always tried to bring motion and art together. Since the time of cave paintings, we loved to tell stories. Be it cave paintings in France/Spain or wall decorations in Egypt to vessel paintings in Greece.

Optical inventions were popular before animation came into existence. Still images were used to create the effect of motion.

The 1820s - The Thaumatrope was one of the earliest instrument that helped to create the illusion of motion.

The 1890s - Many years later the Cinematographe was invented which was the first mass-produced camera printer projected of modern cinema.

People started experimenting with filming and this led to making drawings which have the illusion of life. Classical animation has its roots in newspapers and comic strips.

1902 – Stop motion animation was used by French artist George Méliès in his film A trip to the moon. It used special effects like double exposures, fades, superimposed images etc.

1906 – J. Stuart Blackton experimented with film and discovered that exposing one frame at a time a subject could be manipulated between exposures to create the illusion of motion. Using this method he created the film Humorous Phases of Funny Faces.

1908 – Known as the father of French animation – Emile Cohl created his first film Fantasmagorie. He combined hand-drawn content with live action.

1910 – Cell animation was developed by Earl Hurd. Artists like Max Fleischer who created Betty Boop, Walter Lantz who created Woody Woodpecker and Paul Terry who created Terrytoons used cell animation.

1914 – Winsor Mccay and American cartoonist brought his character Gertie the Dinosaur to the big screen. It was projected on screen and Mccay would interact with the character.

1917 – Max Fleischer created a technique called Rotoscoping which involved tracing over live-action film footage to create lifelike movements. He also created the Rotograph which helped place animated characters in live-action scenes.

1919 – One of the most famous character Felix the cat was created by an Australian cartoonist Pat Sullivan and it was animated by Otto Mesmer.

From the 1920s there was a slight shift where artists began to use animation purely for art and started experimenting with it and also rejecting classical representation.

Artists like Len Lye started to make animation by painting and screeching onto 35mm celluloid.

Similarly, Norman McLaren who is known as a Poet of animation started to create films that experimented with a wide range of techniques. Film Fiddle-de-Dee(1947)

The 1930s – German animator Lotte Reiniger was well known for her silhouette puppet cut out animation films. She created full-length feature film The Adventures of Prince Achmed which was among the first animated motion picture.

One of the famous experimental filmmaker Oskar Fischinger created many abstract animation films

The 1950s – Saul Bass an American Graphic designer created incredible opening sequences that gained wide public attention.

Maurice Binder created opening sequences for classic James Bond movies and they gained immense popularity.

One of the most well-known filmmaker, Terry Gilliam produced stop-motion collage animation openings for Monty Python.

 The 1960s – Jan Švankmajer, one of the most notable filmmaker in Europe created bizarre and surrealistic films. Using a wide range of techniques he used to combine object animation and live action.

Since the 1960s digital means of working has been introduced and many artists began exploring these options.

John Whitney was one of the pioneers of motion graphics where he used computer graphics to achieve amazing results.

Stan Vanderbeek was a prominent filmmaker who used computer graphics. He used different methods to get his films across. He invented the Movie-Drome theatre which is a 360 degree overhead projection area. He also created digital mosaics which when viewed from a distance becomes a recognizable image.

Current trends include mixing 2D graphics with 3D animation and creating a pleasing aesthetic.

The use of typography in different ways like kinetic type or animated dynamic type helps to get the message across.

Gifs are more popular than ever and many applications and platforms are using gifs as a way to express ideas effectively.

The 360 experience – Using cameras that capture video at 360-degree help create an immersive experience. Platforms like YouTube actively encourage this technology.

Augmented reality helps to integrate the digital world with the user's world in real time. It has been used widely now in applications and gadgets like Google Glass, Pokémon Go etc.

Virtual Reality is the future and it has been growing rapidly ever since. Combining animation and effective design VR can be a great medium for storytelling and giving the audience a unique experience. It is being widely used now.

Mixed reality – It is merging the real and the virtual worlds to visualise a place where both the physical and digital things co-exist. It is an immersive technology which engages the user in a very interactive way. It is a mix of Augmented reality and Virtual Reality. The most famous product that uses this technology is Microsoft HoloLens.

Due to rapid changes in technology and the introduction of the virtual world, I think the future might bring some amazing changes from the way art is created to how the audience views the content.

 References

Bendazzi, G., author and Bendazzi, G.a. (2016). Animation. Volume III, Contemporary times : a world history Boca Raton, Florida : CRC Press.

Furniss, M.a. (2016). A new history of animation New York : Thames & Hudson.

Giannalberto Bendazzi. (2015). Animation: A World History Focal Press - M.U.A.

Jon Krasner. (2013). Motion Graphic Design, 2nd ed. Focal Press.

Sito, T., 1956- (2013). Moving innovation : a history of computer animation Cambridge, Massachusetts ; London: Cambridge, Massachusetts ; London : The MIT Press.

[tinymixtapes]

Feature: Screen Week: Favorite 20 Video Games of 2016

“I’m not a girl/ Not yet a woman/ All I need is time/ A moment that is mine/ While I’m in between/ I’m not a girl” – Britney Spears Reality, in 2016, existed largely as an extension of technology-borne relativism, as a playful liminal space in which anything was possible and nothing was true in the absolute. The world around us has become increasingly gamified, as if last century’s technology was finally reaching pubescence, albeit to predictably tumultuous ends. Social media itself proved to be a better real-time simulation than most video games, a grind of likes and reposts, a playable model of contagion and virality, populated by a cast of heroes, villains, and a few true neutrals, featuring dramatic twists and shocking revelations, of both scripted and emergent varieties. All formed through the convergence of seemingly disparate cultural currents — one part CIV-style geopolitical conflict, another part Decline of Western Civilization culture clash — the stream they formed together feeding into the literal end of American exceptionalism. But as game design concepts seeped further into the decaying foundations of liberal democracy, games themselves began shedding generations of orthodoxy, with some developers establishing new modes of interactive expression, while others found ways to work within the traditional AAA framework to create works of personal, historical, and political relevance. At their best, last year’s games provided indelible moments of emotional depth and structural ingenuity. Meanwhile, advancements in VR and AI finally made it to market, transforming the terra firma of the present into a literal manifestation of a long-predicted future. It remains to be seen whether these advancements will prove to be a utopian boon or a dystopic boondoggle, but one thing is certain: we are in a period of profound transformation. The landscape has shifted. The future is finally now. In 2016, games — or at least the best examples of the form — finally became competitive with more established artistic mediums, whether shortform (film) or long (novels, serialized television). In fact, in terms of breadth, depth, and variety of games available, 2016 was a watershed year. As with music, TV, movies, and books (to say nothing of the many unread piles of magazines strewn about our domestic realms), there were finally more good games to play than there was time availble to play them. And even a technically middling game like Pokémon Go was culturally prevalent enough to shape the way we experienced and interacted with the physical world. But despite significant leaps in sophistication and monocultural penetration, gaming still faces daunting limitations. Unlike other narrative artforms, the range of criticism and discussion continues to be narrow and reductively market-focused. We here at Tiny Mix Tapes might be neophytes at this whole “gaming criticism” thing, but at the same time, we certainly aren’t strangers to unique, unconventional, diffuse, contrary, or otherwise digressive opinions. Furthermore, we’ve spent — or wasted — more than enough time gaming to know that tangents, side quests, and mini games are often more edifying than unifying narratives or universal critical theories could ever promise to be. With that in mind, it’s our honor to present this totally subjective, by-no-means exhaustive list of our favorite gaming experiences of 2016. –Embling --- ABZÛ Developer: Giant Squid [PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows] Giant Squid, the development studio led by Matt Nava (art director for indie hits Journey and Flower), delivered its first game in 2016, and while ABZÛ’s broad stylistic strokes easily land it in “spiritual successor” territory, it’s also unique enough to warrant distinction. With ABZÛ, Nava made full use of the potential in transposing his bright, cartoonishly abstracted vision from the minimalist, post-apocalyptic desert landscape of Journey to a maximalist, post-apocalyptic ocean world populated by placid deep-sea creatures and a malevolent but deteriorating network of mechanized beings. As classically video game-y as that sounds, ABZÛ is far less goal-oriented than its more linear cousin Journey, as befits a game more about creation and the vibrancy of life than the routine of mortality. Instead, the result of the game’s lush, alien visuals and its equal-parts rapturous and elegiac orchestral score is a pure ambient world, an immersive meditating space that veils the typical mechanisms of progression-based gameplay behind the fullness of its atmospherics. In both its loose narrative and its design, ABZÛ confronted the game industry’s obsessive fixation on mechanical functionalism in a necessary way. –Colin Fitzgerald --- Destiny: Rise of Iron Developer: Bungie [PlayStation 4, Xbox One] Well into Year 3 of its promised 10-year cycle, Bungie still hasn’t determined what type of game they want Destiny to be. And yet, with each eagerly-anticipated update, the fanbase rallies back to the looter shooter MMO chasing the newest exotics and god roll PvP weapons. Rise of Iron, the supposed last expansion until Destiny 2, was a great step forward in realizing what fans want most while Bungie figures out just how to frame the gameplay ahead of its sequel. The new raid was the best yet (yes, better than the eternal slog of Vault of Glass), the visuals were varied (the brightness of SIVA nodes to the dank underground of Archon’s Forge), and the weapons felt better than ever. Sure, the same PvP albatrosses and class imbalances are still ever-present (and it would be nice for Bungie to openly admit that they don’t care because Destiny 2 is more pressing), but there is a feeling — even as another content drought sets in — that Destiny 2 will be a fully realized and completely immersive experience because of the strengths of Rise of Iron. The game that has taken over my gaming schedule still has its kinks, but we all have kinks. –Jspicer --- DOOM Developer: id Software [PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows] There comes a time to admit the obvious, that most games are juvenile power fantasies, written and programmed by timid indoor-types, for timid indoor-types, as a means to reward the human tendency toward violence and aggression. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; acceptance of our animal nature is often followed by a certain pearl-clutching censoriousness, but it can just as easily lead to a loving kind of self-awareness, an embrace of certain ignominious truths, the most fundamental being that violence is physically-invigorating, no matter how much we’re enculturated to deny that about our species. DOOM (the original) was perhaps the first game to apply modernist techniques to simulated violence as interactive entertainment. Gone was the euphemized violence of the platformer or arcade game, replaced with a visceral, unsettling simulacrum of combat, which played out somewhere between the screen, where the violence was explicated, and the body, which relayed and translated the message, manifesting it in physical form. DOOM (2016) followed the same radical philosophy, one that drew upon the immutable and inherent. For all the killing I’ve done in my virtual lives, none has been so gratifying, joyful, or kinetic as this new DOOM. It didn’t ply us with disingenuous moralizing, with frivolities such as scripting and characterization. Instead, DOOM was perhaps the most rarefied variation on one of gaming’s crudest forms. Its intelligence was exhibited not through anything so trite as narrative, but rather through balletic economy of movement, hellacious environmental storytelling and design, a thrashing of guitar strings, and, yes, the giddy thrill of bones crunching and skulls caving in. –Embling --- Final Fantasy XV Developer: Square Enix [PlayStation 4, Xbox One] Final Fantasy XV was a three-word dream that lingered for years on the tips of the outstretched tongues of fans waiting to catch the smallest snowflakes of information about its release and plot. And then it finally arrived. The game, as its opening screen reported, was for both new and old gamers, and the self-assessment was accurate: the game was as welcoming as could be to those unfamiliar with the franchise. Beyond being a visually beautiful and immersive game, one that boasted an impressive open-world approach for a good portion of its narrative, Final Fantasy XV reached for something far deeper and more meaningful than the average RPG. The nucleus of the game was the relationship between Noctis and his three childhood friends/protectors, and their bond was what made every quest and mission worthwhile, from catching fish to feeding a stray cat to stalking an enormous mutant wolf to its cave, destroying it under cover of darkness. The real-time fighting system was one of the most fun and difficult to master in recent memory, relying on one’s ability to, within a split second, synthesize information about character HP/MP, spell potency and availability, potions, enemy weaknesses, and, most importantly, your friends’ battle skills and recovery techniques. FFXV was a ratatouille of goodness, combining everything that was historically fun about Final Fantasy with everything that was relevant about being alive in 2016. –Adam Rothbarth --- Glittermitten Grove / Frog Fractions 2 Developer: Twinbeard [Windows, OS X, Linux] Glittermitten Grove was not what it seemed. The veil of building yourself a fairy village complete with waterfalls, berry picking, and fireworks was actually part of an elaborate plan to release a sequel to Frog Fractions, one of the most bizarre gaming experiences since Seaman. The original Frog Fractions was released in 2012 as an innocuous browser game about frogs learning fractions. Playing for more than a few seconds, it was obvious nobody was being taught anything and that the game was intentionally off. After thinking below the box, the game opened up into a complete deconstruction of genre, gaming, and the surrounding culture. A cult following quickly established to deconstruct every aspect of the game. It would take four years for a follow-up, but half of that was the community attempting to uncover an unbelievable series of clues that spanned 19 other game titles by independent developers and also included physical objects, downloading data from a Nintendo Amiibo, and shipping items across the country (read more about it here). But in an era when secrets are often revealed before a game launches, that it took two years of constant effort by fans to even play the game, let alone start to uncover all the secrets within, is nothing short of a revelation. Context aside, how was the actual game? Every bit as deconstructive and brilliant as the original, with more content, more abstraction, and even more absurdity. There were elements from every corner of the gaming universe, with just enough cohesion and substance to make it all hang together. If you ever played Undertale, Papers Please, or Stanley’s Parable and wondered if anyone else was playing with the very idea of a “game,” then check out Glittermitten Grove. Get the fireworks. Go down. –munroe [pagebreak] --- Hyper Light Drifter Developer: Heart Machine [PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Linux, Macintosh OS, Ouya] Why do we fight? Futility always stands by your shoulder in any struggle. Whether it’s traversing vast lands to seek a cure to a indescribable sickness, or to fight your own limitations to accomplish a simple task, or to escape something that is destroying you, or to have any sense of conscience… there’s always someone or something there, pointing out the pointlessness of the effort, encouraging you to give up. Maybe it’s that nobody supports what you’re doing. Perhaps the people you care for most have turned against you. Or maybe it’s your own body that keeps hitting a steel wall. The question becomes, Why bother? We need not answer that. Futility comes from selfishness. And we struggle not for ourselves. Drifting through the plains and ruins with a sword and arsenal, fighting off hordes of forgotten times, while inside your body wastes away from illness and exertion. Maintaining principles and attacking sacred beliefs among your friends. Grinding against your body’s imperfect designs to function within normal parameters. Even being able to face up to yourself and admit that you are flawed and capable of doing wrong to others. We fight because we must. No matter the cost. Even if it’s our lives. –Ze Pequeno --- Inside Developer: Playdead [PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows] It was Playdead’s clever combination of a singular visual style, a classic puzzle design, and an ambitious but ambiguous narrative that made Limbo an instant hallmark for the modern independent gaming movement. And while Inside, the studio’s follow-up, emulated that winning formula perhaps a bit too faithfully, it did refine each element to a new pinnacle. The game asked the player to fill the role of a nameless (and faceless) child protagonist on his quest to escape (?) a sinister authoritarian nightmare (?) in which predatory forces seem to capture and indoctrinate (?) innocent people (?), but naturally, a couple narrative twists and an alternate ending made for murky analysis and, ultimately, ripped the game away from cliché. With artfully sterile, detached aesthetics and nods to the desolate dystopian ambience of Philip K. Dick and Cormac McCarthy and even Cronenbergian body horror, Playdead once again expanded the relatively limited narrative and mechanical language of the independent platformer genre with Inside, reaching toward established literary and cinematic traditions that, unlike so many others, haven’t yet been exploited to the point of oversaturation within the interactive media space. –Colin Fitzgerald --- Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyuu 2016 Developer: Konami [PlayStation] Successful sports simulations, bound by their subservience to realism, can rarely be commended for their artistic originality. As immersive as the uncanny valley-traversing visuals of NBA 2k and Madden prove to be, it isn’t hard to become fatigued staring down a scarily accurate reflection of the reality you’ve plopped in front of the console to escape. In terms of timelessness, many of the first sports series that come to mind are among the least grounded in reality that I’ve played: the Backyard Sports CD-ROMs of the early 00s; Mario’s ventures into Tennis, Golf and Soccer; and Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyuu, Japan’s long-running franchise starring Mii-esque caricatures of the Nippon Professional Baseball League’s entire roster. JPPY celebrated its 20th birthday in 2016 with the series’ deepest installment yet, featuring a smorgasbord of manga-inspired story modes, a frustratingly addictive arcade challenge that revisited fictional “boss” teams of years past, and inviting gameplay that was as easy to pick up as it was deep and intuitive. –Jude Noel --- Kentucky Route Zero: Act IV Developer: Cardboard Computer [Windows, OS X, Linux] A couple things have been evident about Kentucky Route Zero from the beginning: its voice (a deadpan blend of Southern Gothic and Ionesco absurdity), and its distinctly expressionist visual style. KRZ has always been “different,” but over these last few years, it has matured into a fine examination of how memory shapes our lives — and often fails us. Set along a mysterious river, Act IV exploded the game’s text adventure design into a series of forking paths that reinvented its plot at every turn. It’s the most complex thing Cardboard Computer has made, held up by their most memorable and eerie passages to date: a mechanic who teaches French literature, the search for the song buried inside a robotic mammoth, a distillery run by electrified skeletons, and a gorgeous sequence staged as security camera footage that is possibly Zero’s masterstroke. Maybe it’s because we know our time with Shannon, Conway, Ezra, and their friends is coming to an end, but there was an unshakeable feeling of sadness within this Act, the regret of learning that all things pass away, that nothing is final, and that, whether or not we ever get back to the highway, the night can’t last forever. –Dylan Pasture --- Mother Russia Bleeds Developer: Le Cartel Studio [PlayStation 4, Windows, Linux, Macintosh OS] The beat-em up genre thrived during a time when 25¢ bought you three lives and a dream in classics like Double Dragon, River City Ransom, and Final Fight. The style was defined by a left-to-right progression in pixelated 2D, dispatching a variety of punks, vagrants, and drug users with Reagan-era hero efficiency. The genre relied on crushing difficulty and overwhelming odds to sap quarters from arcade denizens, and it died when gaming moved to living rooms and updated to 3D. While elements of the genre carried over into modern titles, the core gameplay experience of the beat-em up game was dead by the end of the 90s. Mother Russia Bleeds, however, stepped into the shoes of that dead genre, driven home in the opening scene by literally bringing your characters back to life, with even a storyline echoing the leftover paranoia of the 1980s: a powerful new superdrug has taken over post-apocalyptic Russia, and it’s up to our heroes to punch, kick, and murder their way through countless enemies to get answers. What made this game stand out from the half-baked nostalgia dumps of years past was that it understood what made those games fun. The characters moved quickly, dealt devastating damage, and bled. The limited pixel count of the 16-bit era was replaced with graphic depictions of viscera and rot that would have been the talk of every playground, on the level of Mortal Kombat. The story was inconsequential and short, but with a 4-player couch co-op option, this game was a beast with friends. –munroe [pagebreak] --- No Man’s Sky Developer: Hello Games [PlayStation 4, Windows] A game with all the hype and none of the delivery. That’s the sad sandwich board Hello Games and No Man’s Sky wore for most of 2016. After an initial delay in its release and a much-needed Day 1 patch, the game was still missing many of the teased components hype people and Reddit users banged the tables about, further fueling such fiascos as GamerGate. There is much to loathe about the new marketing machine that No Man’s Sky represents, but at its core, the game was one of the most beautifully enticing and economically sound exploration sandboxes of our time. Much like Minecraft and Terraria before it, No Man’s Sky was a base to be built upon with subsequent updates. If all you wanted was a gloriously designed and tickling bit of hyperspace mystery coated in technicolor wuzzles and lush planets, No Man’s Sky delivered. But in a year’s time, when No Man’s Sky is a rich, expansive experience for all the senses, I’ll be hoarding all the shares callously tossed aside while I cruise around in my tricked-out cruisers to enjoy the scenery. –Jspicer --- Overwatch Developer: Blizzard Entertainment [PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows] The transformation happened slowly and before our very eyes. When the first-person shooter went online, it cross-pollinated with the itchy, addictive skinner-box reward structures of the role-playing game — linear, level-based progression as the carrot, randomly-generated loot payouts the stick. You might think that the deepening of the relationship between character and player could only be positive, but you would be wrong. Online shooters became not only one of most ubiquitous formats of online multiplayer gaming, but also a mind-numbing grind of progression without end. This, in turn, generated inequality between the various strata of the gaming eco-system, pitting veterans against novices, those who could afford to pay for hastened advancement against those who couldn’t (or those who simply refused to participate in pay to play). The future was uncertain, if not grim, until a sea change occurred this past summer, when the modes and tropes of the multiplayer FPS were upended by Overwatch, Blizzard Entertainment’s newest franchise. Overwatch boldly departed from convention, eschewing such stodgy design ideas, like progression trees and stats (or scripting!) in order to focus on the purest, most creative — not to mention democratic — communal gunplay since Rare stopped developing Nintendo exclusives. One of our long-enduring cultural myths is that you can’t go home again, and yet, miraculously, Overwatch proved that sometimes true progress requires the courage to risk going backwards, to admit that a lack of imagination is the only actual factor keeping us from finding better ways to play the same old games. –Embling --- Pokémon Go Developer: Niantic [Android, iOS] When Pokémon Go was released in July 2016, it seemed tailor-made for casual players. Here’s the truth: it wasn’t. Sure, the GPS-based augmented reality game was intended for the masses — it doubled the size of the mobile gaming market, was 50 times bigger than initial estimates, surpassed Twitter’s 20 million users within two weeks, and swiftly became the most downloaded app ever — but as time went on, the disparity between casual players and hardcore obsessives started looking as dramatic as global wealth distribution. While many players (dubbed “trainers” in the game) caught Pokémon casually and maybe battled a couple neighborhood gyms before quitting altogether (spurred in part by Niantic’s terribly misguided priorities), the dedicated freaks dove deeper into Pokémon Go’s complex, multi-faceted metagame, scouring maps for ever-changing habitats, calculating IVs, Pidgey grinding for XP bumps, “Bubblestratting” gyms, datamining APKs, debating scanner/botting politics, taking road trips for rares, and, most memorably, joining impromptu gatherings around Pokémon hot spots, most often in parks or busy downtown areas. The latter was a weird, explosive, boundary-pushing glimpse into the vibrant yet disruptive possibility of augmented reality gameplay. Here, a mishmash of trainers — hipsters, gamers, nerds, kindgartenders, grandparents, editor-in-chiefs, etc. — all huddled around clusters of PokéStops and gyms, waiting for a Dragonite to spawn so we could all run like idiots into and out of traffic, hundreds of people pouring into the streets rather than sitting on the couch. We lost a lot of weight, drove like assholes, and even inspired legislation. It was thrilling. Next up: Generation 2. –Mr P --- Pokémon Sun & Moon Developer: Game Freak [Nintendo 3DS] Nobody imagined Nintendo’s iconic monster-hunting franchise (which, however commercially successful, more or less receded from the public consciousness post-Y2k) could produce a similar, meteoric impact upon broader cultural landscape 20 years after its 90s heyday in the form of the mobile gaming (and data plan-draining) phenomenon known as Pokémon Go — and yet, in 2016, the critters proved inescapable. Pokémon Sun and Moon, too, commemorated Pikachu and company’s anniversary in the best way possible: a tropical getaway doubling as a welcome break from the formula, as well as the series’ best entries in a decade. Instead of marching along on a predictable hunt for badges, we searched for soup ingredients and faced off against super-sized Raticates; we climbed from the seat of a bike onto the back of a Tauros; we cured our ailing teammates with the stroke of a stylus (“petting” them through the screen) rather than the purchase of an antidote. The ensuing adventure was nothing short of magical for Poké-veterans, 90s kids, and newbies alike. –Zcamp --- Reigns Developer: Devolver Digital [Android, Windows, iOS, Linux, Macintosh OS] Reigns managed to squeeze an immense, ambitious parable on the foibles and follies of power into a ridiculously simple Tinder-style phone app. As the leader of the kingdom, you must carefully tend to the balance between varying sectors of your society, represented as the economy, the church, the army, and, of course, the people. Each of your choices can bring prosperity or ruin to your dynasty, but it’s not just a matter of keeping all your elements in the green — let any one faction of your country flourish too much, and they’ll throw you to the dogs in a savage coup. There is plenty of silliness to balance out all the politicking, but Reigns will kill you over and over again, passing the crown from generation to generation, constantly testing you to see how long you can maintain power. Even in its swipe-right simplicity, the game carried a surprising depth, rewarding us for ruthlessness as often as it punished. It was an impossible attempt to manage chaos, a game of luck with the lives of thousands at our mercy. And at the heart of it all was a queasily honest assertion: being a leader isn’t about making your kingdom great — it’s about making it yours. –Sam Goldner [pagebreak] --- The Last Guardian Developer: SIE Japan Studio [PlayStation 4] In 2017 and beyond, we may continue to hear about cathartic distractions and positive gleams of hope. When it comes to young and old minds alike, it’s necessary to nurture our instinctual affection for life, but it’s always been challenging for video games to replicate qualities such as love and belonging. Then came The Last Guardian, one of the most anticipated games of 2016 after announced as in-development by Team Ico back in 2007. While gamers expected the action-adventure experience of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, what we got instead was more of a cinematic experience, a genuine test of patience and pathos in an era veering on a lack thereof. Designed and directed by Fumito Ueda, The Last Guardian was an experience unlike other “cold” gaming explorations. The gradual bonding and care between a young boy and a giant griffin creature, named Trico, felt perfectly natural, creating an undeniably unique experience to journey in the senses of pragmatic and empathetic actions throughout a lush, dreamlike world. Guaranteed to be a challenging slow-burner for some, Ueda’s newest creation reminded of the artistic merit of video games, giving us a cult favorite that could be felt on a personal and familial level. –Emceegreg --- The Witness Developer: Thekla Inc. [PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, iOS, Xbox 360] I’m not convinced that there is an end to The Witness. The deeper I become mired in Jonathan Blow’s latest vortex of uncertainty, the more it seems to expand in all directions at once, leaving me to gaze upon its scale in brutal and humbled amazement. Its lush design and scenery betray one of the most massive, intricate mazes I’ve ever attempted to cross, so blank in its circumstance yet rife with semantic consequence. As I journey further within, it becomes clear that the only real blockade to progress is myself, that I am both my own greatest enemy and my one true ally. I step away from the game and see puzzles in my own life that need solving, complex patterns that require dedication and complete understanding to successfully ford (to say nothing of how suspicious I’ve become of naturally occurring circles). I’ve experienced such a shocking emotional range during my time with The Witness, gliding through pits of loathing, passages of inertia, vestiges of serenity, and suddenly, moments of triumph. Perhaps soon I’ll discover a final puzzle that connects this whole island together, but I have a feeling my search will continue long after I’ve put the controller down. –Sam Goldner --- Thumper Developer: Drool [PlayStation 4, Windows] Is Thumper the pong of the future? Sure, the mechanics of this rhythm-based game, designed and developed by Lightning Bolt’s Brian Gibson, contained kitsch elements, but it was fun as hell. As a fast-moving beetle (named “Junebug Joe”), you move along a sleek track passing through wormholes into inventive atmospheres, the hell and ethereal landscapes to which your mind is toe-tapping along. Players must absorb the timing by hitting the correct notes to avoid spikes, walls, and tight corners, all executed with the addictive nature of a Guitar Hero meets Tron. While it was surprisingly dimensional and tonal on the PC and PS4 platforms, it was on the PlayStation VR where Thumper really came alive. Your head could now control the rhythmic tilts, the complete sensory exposure exhilarating and captivating. The novelty of the game was explicit, but it was a thrill ride unlike any game before it. Our hearts raced until the very last beat. –Emceegreg --- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End Developer: Naughty Dog [PlayStation 4] Uncharted 4 was ostensibly the last game in a beloved franchise whose finitude is so thoroughly woven into its narrative and drama that its finale felt legitimately sincere and total. This was the last chapter of Nathan Drake’s story. And whether you were guiding him up a shimmering, slippery rock face in a brutal thunderstorm, driving a 4x4 through an African oasis, or hanging off the back of a motorcycle while shooting at an impending armored truck, Uncharted 4 was one of the most gorgeous-looking games to have been released on the PlayStation 4. Its visual mastery, its absolute idiomatic perfection of gameplay, and its gripping, unparalleled action scenography were top of the class. There was one gesture available in Uncharted 4 that more or less embodied how it felt to play this game: if Drake was looking to attack a villain from a long distance, the most satisfying option was to throw a rope across a tree branch or post, jump off the side of a chasm, and swing at high speed toward the marauder, leaping through the air after he let go of the rope to land a bone-shattering aerial punch. When I think about doing this, I fill with joy and wonder at Naughty Dog’s incredible achievement. –Adam Rothbarth --- Xenoblade Chronicles X Developer: Monolith Soft [Wii U] Xenoblade Chronicles X functioned as much as an open-world JRPG as it did a Wonder of the Virtual World: more than triple the size of Skyrim (plus change), the title’s planet Mira was a colossal landscape teeming with six continents’ worth of alien flora and fauna. From the moment one’s avatar left the fortified confines and futurist nu-metal muzak of New Los Angeles, their exploration of bordering territories entered and remained in a state of aesthetic flux. Interplanetary stretches of pastoral fields gave way to vast deserts. A gleaming shoreline composed entirely of precious metals was contrasted by a sulfurous hellscape. The limbs of beasts too large to even notice a wandering human-ambled past, constantly hinting at awe-inspiring encounters to come: Xenoblade X’s high-level “Tyrant” species were omnipresent, yet often passive in their lumbering approach. The game ultimately served as a reminder of mankind’s smallness and fragility while still emphasizing the beauty of the (capitalized) Human Experience — even if that experience was viewed through the windshield of a flying mech suit. –Jude Noel http://j.mp/2kkiNEJ

[williamroylance-fw-blog]

DD2000 Proposal

A role in the games industry I would like to work in is that of a level designer and work towards narrative designer. Ideally as a narrative level designer meaning that I would create the world around the player and shape how the level design around the player tells them the story and lore of the games setting. Examples where this has been done effectively is with Fallout 4 and the feeling the game invokes of being in a wasteland you explore. The wasteland world is one that was once lived in by civilians rather than waste landers and scavengers and tells the player what a lot of the victims of the nuclear weapons were doing in their final moments and the areas and interactive terminals, books, letters and audio tapes create stories inside a world where the players character has a story of their own, the world that was designed was designed to feel like it was once peaceful.

A big skill I want to master is creating immersion in the game for the player. Games like Bioshock, alien isolation, fallout, Pokémon, gears of war, halo and Doom all have great level design and each game has very different designs for different purposes. I will be looking into examples of level design used in each of these and point out what was done well and what didn’t work in each of these franchises level design. I will be looking into the different key designers whose work and portfolios I can find in relation to these games and learn from what they have done and had experience with and use that as a guiding step for moulding what experiences I should gain. I will research what techniques have been used to guide players in the game such as to wards objectives and points of interest. I will look at lighting and colour as a visual guide for players and constructing level design. I will compare the different methods used in different game genres and how these methods fulfil their purpose and how they can be transferred to different genres of games. This includes purpose in level design such as gameplay, storytelling, player guidance etc. another key example is Castlevania: symphony of the night where the player gets to the half way point for the castle where the game is set to flip upside down and the player makes their way out. The level design allows the limited space of the castle to be doubled and offer alternate gameplay in the same space.

From level design I want to promote to narrative designer. I want to take charge of the story of the game and how the game reveals the story. This could be through environment design showing the character story through environment design or through the progression of gameplay for the player. Key examples of narrative design in games is found in examples where the player isn’t explicitly told story but has the ability and guidance to find it, such as the town with cannibals where the player can snoop around the houses in a seemingly quaint town and can discover their dark secret of hunting and eating wandering people in the basement behind a locked door. The game doesn’t explicitly tell you to go down there and the player can completely miss this part of story if they don’t think to look for the clues. But the section of the game takes common sense into the gameplay and allows the player to used what skills they have learned to find the secret.

#DD2000