When we talked about streaming services not long ago, the choices were very small. Within a decade, the number of streamers available out there has become somewhat overwhelming to many consumers. So, to many people, it might take a lot of work to figure out which platform is currently the best when it comes to streaming content. So, let’s take a look at some of the best platforms currently available and some of the benefits that come with them to allow people to make their choices. With no big surprise, you will see some familiar names but also some less familiar names that have been somewhat ignored either by a lack of popularity or simply because they are smaller than other platforms available on the market right now.

Netflix

When we talk about streaming one name comes to mind first and foremost and it is Netflix. While many people know Netflix is the former red box that used to send DVDs through the mail when you rented them the reality is that it is now one of the most important streamers out there. It not only revolutionized the way we see online media nowadays, but it also created the very model to which many other companies modeled their streaming platforms. One of the great aspects of Netflix is that it produces a lot of its content including movies. It is important to understand though that many of the series and movies people used to love watching on Netflix have now been pulled back to their streaming platform which means that depending on where you are in the world Netflix might not have as much of the selection as you might expect.

Prime Video

Prime Video is of course the answer to Netflix of the Amazon company. While it initially didn’t pose a lot of problems to other streaming platforms the reality is that Prime hasn’t become one of the biggest streaming platforms out there, especially thanks to their productions. Shows like The Boys and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power have brought a great number of viewers who have now chosen to stick with Prime Video since the Amazon Prime subscription includes many more services. If you are one of those who subscribe to Prime Video you will find yourself also subscribed to a monthly audible benefit as well as Amazon Music and Twitch Streaming. On top of that, you will also benefit from prime shipping when shopping on Amazon store. There is also talk about Amazon Prime Video possibly becoming the biggest streaming platform out there as it keeps creating more and more original content that not only breaks records in viewership on streaming platforms but also crosses over a lot of audiences.

IPTV

This service is one of the smaller ones compared to other massive streamers, but it will make you feel like you are spending your money somewhere that is worth it. One of the great things about this service is that you can get IPTV in the UK, as well as in America. This service not only works on any device worldwide, but it also comes with an Android app that has an embedded VPN for recordings. True this streaming platform you’ll be able to watch any live sporting event and PPV event you want including any sports content your heart desires. You can also use this service to launch movies and series including adult content without having to worry about any local or regional restrictions on your streaming service. Unlike many other services, this is also a very cheap service that will allow you to have access to all this content for a fixed fee which you can pay monthly or yearly. Thanks to I quality servers you will also avoid any type of freezing during your watch time which means that you can have a smooth viewing session without any bother. This is not only good for casual viewers but also for expats who are looking to keep up with their country’s news.

As you can see there are many options when it comes to streaming especially now that there are Internet Protocol television services available which make it possible for people to view content from other countries that are playing live on TV. The reality of course is that as technology develops the globalization of culture and media will become easier and easier and potentially more affordable for everyone. Only time will tell how streaming platforms will mold themselves in the future.

Smoking is one of the oldest traditions, having been practiced in various ways for centuries all over the world. Later on, technology modernized the practice and brought about vaping. Vaping allows one to smoke nicotine and other substances in a fashionable manner. The special gadget is meant to filter the content before inhaling it to make it safer for the body.

These electronic gadgets have changed and improved over the years, offering more efficient, safer, and user-friendly devices. This has helped curb the high cases of health diseases associated with smoking tobacco.

The idea of electronic cigarettes dates back a few decades ago, and the initial vaping tech became of age and widely used in the early 2000s. It was developed by Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, with the aim of providing the large population of smokers a safer means to traditional smoking.

This article will begin with the innovation of e-cigarettes and then take you through the evolution of vaping to what is used today.

Traditional E-Cigarettes

The first version of e-cigarettes was famously known as “cig-a-likes” and almost looked like traditional cigarettes in both size and shape. The initial design of this device was simple and consisted of a battery section to provide power to the device and an atomizer to burn the liquid nicotine to produce vapor. The liquid would be put in a refillable cartridge, which was also disposable and replaceable when it became overly used or faulty.

This innovation introduced the idea of vaping to smokers. However, it wasn’t the best option, as it had its own shortcomings. For instance, the low battery capacity brought inconveniences, and the available liquid flavors were limited. Additionally, the quality of vapor produced was inconsistent.

Vape Pens Technology

The shortcomings, as well as the increase in the number of lovers of e-cigarettes, made manufacturers continue to be creative. Hence, they began redesigning the earlier gadgets into more advanced devices that would eliminate the shortcomings of the first-generation products. This saw the introduction of vape pens, which offered many benefits from the earlier designs.

The pen came with extended battery life, which meant one would smoke for longer hours in a day without recharging. The cartridge was also refillable with e-liquid, offering more flexibility and cost savings. The burning was also more effective and produced more consistent vapor and better flavor. This new design and improved features made vaping more elegant, admirable, and accessible, increasing the number of vapers.

Advanced Personal Vaporizers and Mods

The Advanced Personal Vaporizers (APVs) are bright about giving the consumer the freedom to make choices and modify the vapourization to suit their preferences. Hence, the APVs or Mods came with even more customization. They allowed users to adjust various settings to enhance their vaping experience.

Its temperature control system allows users to set a maximum temperature for their coils. This prevents the vape from overheating and damaging the system. It also enhances flavor consistency, giving the consumer a better vaping experience.

The battery had variable power, allowing you to control the intensity of the vapor and flavor. The batteries were larger and replaceable, providing extended usage and flexibility. More so, it allowed vapers to rebuild the coils and wicks of the atomizer according to their desired vaping experiences.

Pod Systems

Pod systems are the modern version of vaping, and they have become the most loved design for both beginners and experienced ones. The advanced version offers convenience and portability due to its compact size. It also has easy-to-use features and two main parts, including the e-liquid and the coil. You can purchase a pre-filled pod or refill it yourself.

The user-friendly pods became popular for making vaping discreet, especially when used in public places or by patients using CBD for treatment. Using the modern vape, you can get a private cannabis prescription and comfortably inhale at home for health issues like chronic pain and sleeping. The e-liquid used is smoother and has faster absorption.

There are also smart versions that have advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity. This feature allows the owner to monitor and control smartphone devices. Hence, one can track usage patterns or adjust settings for health reasons.

Conclusion

The vaping industry has seen a number of changes as technology continues to impact innovations. The objective of improving the designs is to provide safety, efficiency, and a better user experience. The revolution of vaping technology is not over; it promises further innovation and improvements. In the coming days or years, the market will have even more advanced devices that could even feature artificial intelligence (AI) to provide insight and safety recommendations.

With the increase in home fire accidents, it is high time that you consider installing the best technology to prevent property loss and lives. Fires are the most unpredictable risks at home, and it is very difficult to tell when and how they may happen. Your lifestyle and circumstances may not allow you to stay at home and monitor everything, meaning it can also happen when you are away.

The only way to mitigate this dangerous menace is by installing modern technologies to help you detect, alert, and respond to potential fires before they can even start. Technology has made it possible to curb the risk of fires with or without your intervention to ensure you are protected all day and night.

If you haven’t been a victim of a fire, don’t say you really should be grateful. It’s luck that you survived, and maybe with no injuries or loss of property. However, to ensure this doesn’t happen, here are the most important devices and installations that can help you and your family stay safe.

Modern Fire Detector Systems

When a fire is about to break in your house, the first indicator is the presence of smoke in the air. Hence, smoke detectors are one of the most basic yet helpful fire protection devices you should have installed at home. They are able to detect smoke in the air as soon as it is emitted and trigger the fire alarm. Additionally, with technological advancement, the smoke detectors have now included smart features to make them more reliable on time.

The technology makes them capable of detecting the slightest smoke and alerting you through your mobile phone. Advanced devices also feature carbon monoxide sensors to protect your family further when a burning object like coal doesn’t produce smoke. When making the fittings, ensure the detectors are well spread across every room in the house and are maintained regularly.

Automatic Sprinklers

As soon as a fire is detected, the next immediate action is to have it put off before it can ignite other materials and spread to the rooms. While fire sprinkler systems were mostly used in commercial buildings, technology has enabled the installation of smarter versions in residential houses.

Hence, with automated systems like water sprinklers, the fire can be easily extinguished from the source. The advantage of this system is that, unlike other chemical compounds, water is used to extinguish different sources of fire and smoke in your households. It is also cheap to install and readily available.

The smart sprinklers are triggered by heat or smoke sensors to spray streams of water until the fire is fully extinguished. Some smart sprinkler systems are also fitted with online cameras and motion sensors to inform users about what transpired before the fire was detected and allow them to take further action.

Heat and Electric Fault Detectors

Electrical items and faulty wiring are common causes of house fires in modern houses. Unlike other visible and easy-to-detect sources, fires from electrical faults are very difficult to tell. They come as a surprise and happen when you least expect, as they hardly produce smoke until the system has fully heated before exploding into flames. However, if you can install smart thermostats and devices, you can help prevent electrical fires before they happen.

You should also ensure that your power supply sockets are fitted with power surge control. These devices help to guard your eclectic appliances from sudden increases in voltage and will also shut down power when your appliances fail and burn out.

Use of Fire Resistant Materials

The materials used for your house’s construction can facilitate or inhibit a fire from spreading. Most houses are made of ordinary materials such as wood, boards, and bricks, which are not fire-resistant. These materials also act as fuel sources, allowing the fire to spread rapidly. However, using modern fire-resistant materials for your home can help slow the fire and reduce the damage. When used in home construction, they act as a barrier to prevent the fire from spreading from the source to other areas.

For instance, in your kitchen area, you may opt to use fire-resistant materials like fire-rated drywall, fire-resistant glass, and intumescent coatings. You can also include fire-resistant materials for roofing to limit the spread of fire from one room to another.

Summary

Technology has made it possible for parents to monitor their homes, even from work, to safeguard their families and property. Thanks to modern technology, fire hazards can also be mitigated automatically and as quickly as they occur. When you combine different smart installations, you are likely to reduce the chances of fire-related damage and save lives and property to a greater extent.

As a homeowner, you have likely thought about ways in which you can improve your home. No matter how much decoration we do, it never feels like our homes never live up to what we imagined, which is partly because what we imagine is usually out of our budget.

The world of interior design has had a complete shift in the last couple of decades thanks to the introduction of technology that can be used in the home. If you have been stuck on ways that you can upgrade your home for a while, take a look at these 5 examples of modern tech that you can add to your house.

Heated Flooring

Heated flooring is one of those things that everyone wants, but everyone thinks is too expensive to get. You may be surprised to know that heated flooring is not even that expensive and if you find the right company to work with, you can ensure that all the hard flooring in your home is heated. Something that you may not know is that heated flooring can also increase the value of your home and according to several real estate services in Perth, having heated flooring in a property that you are selling can instantly attract a lot of potential buyers, so it is worth looking into.

Voice Controlled Lighting

This is another one of those features that we would all love to have in our home, but many of us thought it was too expensive. Voice-controlled lighting is quite old technology now, which means that it is extremely affordable. Having voice-controlled lighting in your home will give your house that wow factor that is bound to impress guests. It also means that you don’t have to get up to turn off your lights once you have already gotten comfortable.

Smart Fridge

This is a bit of tech which may seem unnecessary, but there is no doubting that it is very cool. A smart fridge allows you to see what is inside your fridge without even having to open it, which is useful if you are someone that has the habit of browsing for far too long. Once you run out of things, you can even ask your fridge to purchase more of that item, which is very useful for those of you with very busy schedules.

Door Camera

Something that you may have noticed recently is an increase indoor cameras. These were introduced to combat an increase in people stealing packages from front lawns. Door cameras are not only great for combatting potential crime, but they are useful for discovering whether you have missed parcels or if you have missed a guest. If you are someone that works a lot, this is also useful for checking on your family members and making sure that your loved ones are safe. Door cameras have become very useful for police investigations and you never know what you may pick up.

Google Home

This is another example of modernising your home with tech without breaking the bank. These days it is hard to come across a house that doesn’t use some sort of google device and what makes them so fantastic is the way they link up to your other devices. Have you ever had your hands full and remembered that you need to order something to your home? With the help of google home, you can simply speak out loud when you are going about your daily tasks and have something delivered to your home the very next day.

Since its release in 2009, Minecraft became one world’s most popular games despite the lack of a big marketing budget.

It is often described as a “sandbox game” where users create their own world and experience using blocks and resources discovered on the site. Kids can practice their building and crafting skills with the Minecraft game.

What’s more fun is this sandbox game has no rules. It does not come with instructions on how to play – players build and craft objects however they want.

Because of Minecraft’s popularity, various open-world games were released such as Trove, Roblox, and Starbound which are all inspired by the said video game.

Minecraft has indeed influenced the world of video gaming in many ways!

So, for this article, let’s focus on how Minecraft influenced open world games!

What games have been influenced by Minecraft?

If you can’t get enough of Minecraft, these are other games inspired by it:

• Creativerse. Developed by Playful Corp and can be playable alone or with up to three friends. The aim is to build, craft, and fight mobs while creating your universe. You can upgrade to Creativerse Pro for extras and to make the game more fun and exciting.
• Pixel Worlds. Pixel Worlds is the winner of the 2019 Global Mobile Game Awards Best Indie Game Developer. It is a 2D Massively Multiplayer sandbox adventure game that allows you to trade items, blocks, clothes, and other features with other players using its MMO features. You can also farm, fight monsters in dungeons, take part in fishing tournaments, as well as, build and customize your world.
• Terraria. Terraria is one of the most loved titles of its genre on Steam that is developed and published by Re-Logic Game Studio. You can play this game solo or team up with four friends. This Minecraft-inspired game is all about exploring, building, fighting, and hopefully not quitting after being attacked mercilessly by your opponent. You can also go on a rare treasure hunt journey to find raw materials to build your own city, machine, or gears.
• Terasology. Terasology is a voxel-based 3D game built from a Minecraft-inspired tech demo. It is designed to be hackable so that everybody can contribute to improving the game. The developers of this game highly encourage everyone to contribute to making it more user-friendly. Amazing, right?
• Eco. Eco was made possible through a Kickstarter campaign that garnered over 4500 backers. It is an open-world surviving crafting game developed by Strange Loop Games which can be played alone or online cooperatively. You can farm, hunt wildlife, build towns, research tech, craft, trade goods between players, and much more. Moreover, Eco is multi-award winning game and is only available as an Early Access game on Steam.
• Vintage Story. Similar to Terasology, Vintage Story is voxel-based. This game is focused more on the survival aspect of Minecraft. You’ll notice the farming, mining, food, and combat in the Vintage Story is more realistic than what Minecraft offers in terms of details. It’s an exciting game where you can hunt animals as you work your way up from the Stone Age while facing terrible weather conditions.

These are only a few Minecraft-inspired games. There’s more to cover and you’ll be amazed how an indie game like Minecraft became influential in the world of open-world games.

No doubt about it. Minecraft has a huge influence on open-world games!

How did Minecraft impact the world?

Despite imperfections, Minecraft is considered one of the greatest games ever made. The Mojang Studio, its developer, has grown exponentially since the release of Minecraft.

It is believed that one of its greatest impacts in the world is it became a platform of education, creativity, and inclusivity for people, especially kids.

The Bedrock Edition includes an offshoot known as Minecraft: Education Edition which is widely used by thousands of schools and institutions all over the world.

Also, when you’re not learning in school, the Minecraft Realm enables groups of players to rent prison Minecraft servers for an expansive world no matter who the players are.

In addition, the Minecraft brand has evolved and expanded to new projects such as Minecraft Dungeons and also countless appearances in pop culture, as well as, partnerships and collaborations with other brands.

That said, Minecraft isn’t just a video game but also an educational tool that can also be used as a social platform. And that’s how this influential game made an impact in our world.

Is Minecraft the most influential game?

Minecraft is the best-selling game in the world with 238 million copies sold according to Mojang Studios.

For a game to sell 100 million copies, it’s quite an achievement.

But Minecraft passed that milestone making it an influential game! On top of that, various Minecraft-inspired games were developed to follow through on their success.

Conclusion

Minecraft has created a huge impact in open-world games. It’s not just a video game but also an educational and social platform that is useful in many aspects.

The creation of various Minecraft-inspired games in an attempt to mimic its success is proof that this video game is a big hit.

There may have been other video games that are even better than Minecraft but nothing can compare to its success as the best-selling game of all time.

So, go on, try playing Minecraft now!

We live in a world that is absolutely obsessed with technology, it can feel as though there is always something being released, which means you are constantly having to dip into your pockets to buy it. This tech can be pretty expensive and if you are someone with not a lot of cash in the bank, you probably feel as though you are missing out whenever you can’t buy and afford the latest technology. What if I was to tell you that you can get the latest tech without breaking the bank and here’s how.

Buy It on Finance

Financing is a great way to get the latest tech devices without breaking the bank. Many retailers offer financing options with 0% interest or low monthly payments. These financing plans allow you to spread the cost over several months, making it easier to fit into your budget. Make sure to read the details of the financing plan and pay off the purchase before the end of the term to avoid accruing any interest. Additionally, many credit cards offer cash-back rewards that can help reduce the cost of your purchase even further. Something that you have to be conscious of is if you have ever filed for bankruptcy, as some people do not allow finance after that. To learn if you will be eligible, have a chat with San Diego bankruptcy lawyers with experience and they will talk you through it.

Bid For The Tech Online

Bidding for tech online is a great way to get the latest tech without breaking the bank. Many websites such as eBay, Craigslist, and Amazon offer competitive prices for used and new tech items. When bidding, it is important to research the item in detail to ensure that the item is in good condition and works as expected. Additionally, be sure to read the seller’s return policy and shipping terms prior to bidding. If you are uncertain about an item, contact the seller directly to ask questions and get more information. Finally, make sure to bid carefully and responsibly, as excessive bids can quickly become costly.

Head to Second Hand Tech Stores

Heading to second-hand tech stores is a great way to get the latest tech without breaking the bank. Many larger towns and cities have second hand tech stores that have refurbished or pre-owned tech devices, such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, and tablets. These stores often have a wide selection of devices from different manufacturers and carriers, and the prices can be significantly lower than those found in retail stores. Additionally, the staff at these stores are well-informed about the devices and can offer helpful advice about the best device to suit your needs.

Buy Your Tech on Facebook Marketplace

One way to get the latest tech without breaking the bank is to buy it on Facebook Marketplace. Facebook Marketplace is a great resource for finding new and gently used tech products at a fraction of the cost of buying them new. You can search for tech items by brand, price, or keyword, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Plus, you can message sellers directly to ask questions or make offers. With a bit of searching and savvy negotiation, you can find great deals on the latest tech products.

Exchange Labor For The Technology

One way to get the latest tech without breaking the bank is by exchanging labor for the technology. This could involve offering services or even physical labor in exchange for the technology you are looking for. This could be as simple as helping to build a computer for a friend or family member, or even doing odd jobs around the house. You may also be able to negotiate a deal with a local tech store where you can offer your services in exchange for the technology you are looking for. There are numerous possibilities and options when it comes to exchanging labor for the technology you need.

Split The Cost With Someone Else

One way to get the latest tech without breaking the bank is by splitting the cost with someone else. Share the cost of the device, as well as any monthly fees associated with service plans, with a friend or family member. You can also consider splitting the cost of a device with someone who has similar interests in technology. This way, both of you can benefit from the latest technology without incurring the full cost.

Ask For The Tech For Christmas

For those who want to get the latest tech without breaking the bank, one strategy is to ask for the tech as Christmas presents. This can be a great way to get the best tech without spending too much money. For example, by asking family and friends to help fund the purchase of the desired tech, the cost can be spread out over a longer period of time. Additionally, many stores offer discounts or promotions around the holidays, which can help to reduce the cost of the desired tech.

Slowly Save For The Technology

One way to slowly save for the technology you want is to determine a budget and create a realistic timeline for when you will be able to purchase the item. First, decide how much you can realistically put aside each month to save for the item. Then, calculate how long it will take you to save for it based on your budget and the item’s cost. This will give you a better understanding of when you can purchase the technology you desire and help you stay on track.

Working within the technology industry as a stand-alone firm can be very daunting, especially when you consider how strong and intense the competition can be from other mainstream brands. If you wish to be successful within the tech industry it is extremely important that you think of ways that you can make your business stand out as a brand that can be trusted to deliver a high-quality experience and product. There are many ways that this can be achieved within your business but if you are just getting started in this complex industry do not worry ss you will learn as your company grows and develops further.

A key thing to remember within your tech firm is the wide range of processes that must be completed in order to get to a final stage where your products are hitting the shelves, with this in mind as a manager you will need to spread your focus across a variety of areas to make sure that everything is as it should be in terms of staff work ethic and overall product quality.

Advertising and Marketing

Advertising is hugely important for those of you that are looking to make your tech firm stand out from the competition as people will not be made aware of your brand or your products if you are not putting the processes in place to spread the word. It is often mistaken that advertising isn’t as important as other things that are going on in your business, however, you will see a significant increase in your customer reception and overall profits if you dedicate time and a few members of your team to this area you will totally change the rate of development of your company.

Advertising and marketing can be done in a number of ways but if you wish to start small and work your way up in accordance with your success rate then this would be a good place to start. A quick and easy advertising strategy that you can easily implement into your company would be to use traditional business cards and posters to generate some interest in your company. Sometimes the simplest methods are the best, especially in the early development of your business. Posters and business cards in Perth can be easily sourced and they are an affordable alternative to some of the more extravagant advertising methods that are out there.

Design and Production

How you design a product and the efficiency of your production process are what is going to set you apart from the competition, it is very common within the technology industry for product turnarounds to take a very long time. If you are able to speed up the process whilst retaining the quality of the product you are very likely to see an increase in your stance when compared to some of the bigger top brands in the technology field, this is also good practice for you to bring your company up to the mainstream professional level.

Management

How you manage your company will have a direct influence over how your team works and the results you see in terms of product development. This is very important for things like staff morale and organization which will also affect your business as a whole. It is hard to be productive and work to the best of your ability when management is not working effectively, this is something that could also have the possibility to affect your ability to get your products out with the retailers which will negatively impact how your company looks in comparison to the bigger tech giants.

Over the last thirty years we have seen a huge shift in gaming culture. Previously, gaming was a niche hobby that was often mocked and seen as ‘Nerdy.’ But, as technology improved, gaming became increasingly popular. Today gaming is one of the most popular hobbies on the planet. It is a multi-billion dollar industry, as demonstrated by Microsoft buying Blizzard Activision for a whopping $69 Billion Dollars.

Many people have often dreamed about working in the gaming industry. And it can often seem like an inaccessible dream. But, with gaming only growing in popularity, now is actually the perfect time to try to break into the industry. But where does one start on their journey to become a game designer? We have put together this guide to help you take your first steps.

Find Your Field

Being a game designer can mean any number of things. As you most likely know it takes a dedicated team of people to make a game. Programmers, writers, artists, testers, producers. There are many different fields one can work in with game design. So the first step is figuring out what contribution you want to be making to your team.

Naturally, there will be an area you gravitate towards more than others. Maybe you already have an inclination towards creating art. Or perhaps you spend your free time creating complex stories. Or maybe you studied programming at school. But, you might also consider training in a few different fields to better your chances of finding a job.

Immerse Yourself In Gaming

I have no doubt that, if you are reading this article, you are already an avid gamer. But, as with any creative craft, you can’t be successful without consuming the media you want to make. A writer needs to read a lot of books. A director needs to study a lot of films. And a game designer needs to study games. And that means more than just playing them.

If you want to become a game designer you need to start studying the games you play with a designer’s eyes. Let’s take Minecraft as an example. On the surface, Minecraft is a game with a simple, yet effective, game loop. You break blocks. Use those blocks to build. Get better equipment. Break more blocks. Explore. It is simple enough that someone who has never played a game before can play it with ease. But deep enough that a serious gamer can sink their teeth into it.

But how does it achieve this? This is the primary question you should ask as a game designer. From there you will want to deconstruct everything about it. How intuitive are the controls when considering the gameplay loop? Do the graphics fit the feeling the gameplay creates? Is the sound design immersive? Make sure you write down your observations to get into the habit of thinking like a designer.

You will also want to engage with the games community, especially if it has multiplayer functionality. Just by looking at this survival Minecraft server list, you can get a good idea of how people engage with the game in the multiplayer community. Make a note of which modes are most popular. Does the community prefer modding capabilities? Do they want more control over their multiplayer experience?

Learn Programming

Even if you aren’t looking to become a game programmer it is still a good idea to have a basic understanding of how programming works. This will allow you to better understand what goes into coding a game. And will let you know what is possible, and what isn’t.

There are hundreds of fantastic courses out there to help you get started. Boot.Dev is a great example. It turns programming lessons into an RPG. You gain experience for completing lessons and earn new powers.

If you are really serious about becoming a game programmer, you might consider enrolling in a University or College course for game programming. This will not only teach you the skills you need, but will allow you to network with other game designers and game design companies. Plus, it will look great on your CV when you finally start applying to different companies.

Play Board Games

When you are designing a game there is always one key question you need to ask. And that is ‘Why isn’t this a board game?’ This philosophy is pivotal to the world of gaming. Board games were the precursor to video games. They are baked into the DNA of video games.

So to become a better game designer you should take some time to immerse yourself in the world of board games. Because they will teach you a lot about the fundamentals of both game design and game theory as a whole.

Board Games are a complex beast. They need to be perfectly balanced to ensure all players are having fun, but also have an equal chance at winning. They need to have rules that prepare for any situation that may arise within the bounds of the game. And they need to be replayable. This might all sound simple, but the reality is far from it.

We recommend you try a huge variety of board games. Take rigorous notes, much like how you studied video games. And then try your hand at making your own board game. You’ll be surprised at what you learn from the experience.

In the years the internet has grown, and forums and many platforms allowing discussion have spawned and taken center stage. Once upon a time, it was AIM, then Myspace and now we see platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit take the top spots when it comes to social media.

We often think of these platforms as small podiums for everyone to yell their opinions from the virtual rooftops, but the reality is a bit different. Following the 2016 American elections and many scandals relating to Facebook, a darker side of social media has been addressed in the media. While we thought we were spreading our opinions, were these platforms secretly influencing their users’ opinions?

One of the first ways social media influences people’s opinion is through popular peer pressure. The more something is spread on the internet the harder it becomes to separate the truth from lies. For example, in recent years, the story of the Ghost of Kyiv took the internet by storm to a point where even today people still report on its existence.

The Ghost of Kyiv was an alleged Ukrainian pilot who had allegedly taken down more than thirty Russian planes. While the story may seem inspiring to some, the reality of it was much different. A tweet showing a video of the mysterious Ghost of Kyiv taking down a plane reached almost 2 million views on Twitter. That is a single tweet out of many. The video in said tweet showed a plane coming out victorious of a dogfight, but in reality, this video was not only not from the Ukrainian conflict, but it also was not even real footage.

This fake news spread video game footage as not only real footage but as news in a time of real-life conflict. While resources like Snopes exist, they can hardly keep up with the amount of false information spread on the internet daily.

The other worrying trend coming to light recently is the way social media has learned to target content to audiences. Individuals and organizations buy Reddit upvotes and Twitter likes to spread their messages. But the way Facebook Ads work, for example, the algorithm has learned to target ads to people based on their post and message history but also based on where they are.

So, the worry is that people have become radicalized because social media create echo chambers for users by surrounding their daily use with content further and further into their interests, making it quasi-impossible for them to have any look into different groups or views.

Political ads have also been an issue since by targeting people of a certain region with certain candidate ads, the question has been raised, should this level of involvement be considered interfering with elections or steering voting bases?

With social media being so new in our society, especially when it comes to algorithmic advertisement targeting, the laws are mostly nonexistent. A lot of unknowns remain as to the logistics and moralities of the ever-evolving systems that surround social media use.

While these examples are negative, there’s also been a lot of positive coming from wide exposure on the internet. The widespread presence of diverse groups online has made it so social media have steered public perception of certain marginalized groups towards kinder and more accepting attitudes.

It has also helped to expose a lot of important issues may it be relating to the environment or political issues to people who would’ve never heard about them otherwise. It also has had the effect of fighting back against fake news, a problem it created itself, but a strong positive. So there need to be proper mechanisms to protect users from false information and encourage better communication, to aim to be truer to the initial mission of social media.

As you can see social media do have the power to influence opinions, for better or worse. It is up to us and our governments to see what we are ready to do to make sure these great tools are used properly and to prevent the wide spread of false news that could put people at risk. May it be financial scams or fearmongering regarding health and safety situations that affect the whole world.