The fediverse has the potential to help create enduring and interoperable social networks. But many creators and businesses rely on bigger, closed platforms because they offer direct ways to make money from their audiences, which is hard to do in the fediverse right now.
Technology
10 years later, there’s still nothing like Journey’s multiplayer
![10 years later, there’s still nothing like Journey’s multiplayer 10 years later, there’s still nothing like Journey’s multiplayer](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_1885.jpeg)
I’ll always remember the primary time I performed Journey.
All through the sport, real-life gamers can be a part of you in your quest towards a mountain on the horizon. Gamers can fade out and in of your journey — perhaps they need to go quicker than you, perhaps they only give up — however within the latter half of my sport, I had discovered any individual who caught with me. Journey has no voice or textual content chat and no names figuring out different gamers you meet. The one approach we might talk was by means of our actions, sticking shut collectively to refill one another’s vitality, and singsong chirps. Regardless of these limitations, we constructed a rapport.
Close to the top of Journey, it’s a must to scale the mountain, and as you strategy the height, you get caught in a storm. A lot of the sport is crammed with daylight, flight, and joyful music, however the mountain is grey, winds buffet your character, and the music is, at instances, uncomfortable. Despite the fact that the extent was draining, I used to be completely satisfied that I had my companion, and we huddled collectively as we marched towards the height.
Ultimately, the music fades out, and you’ll solely hear your footsteps trudging ever extra slowly by means of the weather. Then, as the sport grew silent, my buddy collapsed into the snow. I truly cried out in dismay. Then my character fell over, too, and the display screen pale to white.
In lots of video video games, you die rather a lot. That was the one time a digital loss of life has made me really feel like I had truly misplaced a buddy.
Thankfully, that’s not truly the top. In a cutscene, I used to be revived quickly after I fell, after which, in an exuberant celebration of colour and music that’s maybe my favourite online game “stage” of all time, soared towards the highest of the mountain — with my once-fallen buddy flying alongside me.
Journey turns 10 years previous right now, March thirteenth, and I nonetheless haven’t skilled something like that second. To mark the anniversary and be taught extra in regards to the sport’s bond-forging multiplayer, I spoke with Jenova Chen, president and artistic director of Journey developer thatgamecompany. Whereas it could really feel like the sport is effortlessly pairing you with companions as you go alongside, primarily based on what he informed me, it wasn’t fairly that straightforward.
The aim for Journey was to “innovate the way it feels between folks on the web,” Chen mentioned. “Can we invent the suitable atmosphere, the suitable suggestions, to deliver out one thing that we’re extra pleased with? And to have a web based sport the place folks really feel pleasant and compassionate in direction of one another?” He elaborated additional later in our dialog. “We need to see two folks going by means of the journey collectively, [like when] in our life, we meet somebody particular, and we journey with them, and ultimately, we’d depart from one another.”
Whereas it was a profound perfect, “the truth is: human beings, sadly, are big infants within the digital world,” Chen mentioned. “Irrespective of how previous you’re, even in the event you’re in your 70s, if we transfer you from Earth and right into a digital house, [that person] would change into a large child. A child doesn’t know what is an effective ethical worth versus what’s a foul ethical worth. The child solely is aware of: if I’m in a brand new atmosphere, I’m going to attempt to push the buttons and see what sort of suggestions I can get, and infants are nice at searching for most suggestions.”
To encourage compassion, the workforce examined numerous concepts. They tried a system impressed by Gears of Struggle that allow you to assist out an incapacitated buddy however discovered that even in playtests among the many builders, the participant would relatively not assist the opposite individual out. “That approach, they create numerous nervousness within the different participant and make the opposite participant extra offended. And so they truly get extra gratification out of the suggestions,” Chen mentioned.
In addition they examined a mechanic the place one individual might push the opposite excessive up, after which that individual would pull the primary. “However as soon as we gave this physics simulation to the gamers, they selected to push one another off the wall and see them fall from the cliff and die, ready to be helped,” Chen mentioned.
Throughout these checks, folks would say, “I might relatively play this sport alone. Why do you pressure me to play with this different individual? I hate them,” based on Chen. That’s as a result of “killing is way larger suggestions than simply serving to the opposite individual to get on a ledge,” Chen mentioned.
The challenges of creating these mechanics work affected Chen. “On the time, I used to be like, ‘Is humanity at its core simply darkish?’” he mentioned. However a baby psychologist helped Chen see issues by way of the best way infants view suggestions. “In case you don’t need infants to do one thing horrible, give them zero suggestions,” he recalled studying from her. “Don’t give them unfavourable suggestions as a result of they are going to misread that as constructive suggestions.”
That led to a change that might have an enormous impact on the sport: whenever you obtained near somebody, you’d recharge their vitality. (Within the closing sport, you utilize your vitality to fly.) “And in order that makes folks really feel like ‘Oh, I like to remain close to somebody as a result of I don’t must run to search out the vitality,’” he mentioned. “In order that they find yourself sticking collectively, they usually journey collectively, they usually type a companionship. That was only one easy change. From assholes who need to kill one another and dancing round their corpse, creating hatred, to ‘hey, they’re all lovey-dovey, they’re serving to one another, they usually couldn’t depart one another.’”
The workforce additionally needed to experiment to land on the musical chirps that gamers can use to speak with one another. They tried a “thumbs up and thumbs down concept” the place you could possibly push the thumbstick as much as present a inexperienced ping and push it down to indicate a purple ping. However in testing, nearly all of pings have been purple as gamers spammed them to bug their associate to do what they wished, which created emotions of stress.
“Ultimately, we realized it’s higher simply to maintain it impartial,” Chen mentioned. “After which we let the frequency and the amplitude [of the ping] be interpreted by the opposite participant. However we seen that once we don’t add context, folks normally interpret the opposite individual’s intention positively. I believe that’s deep down our human nature.”
Despite the fact that the chirp is meant to be impartial, it’s not a static noise. It’s nearly like a musical instrument, and its sound evolves all through the sport, Journey composer Austin Wintory informed me. “On the very starting of the sport, it’s very bird-like, and there’s flute and little bits of cello,” he mentioned. However over the course of the sport, you’ll hear extra of a human voice inside that sound. “So by the point you’re within the clouds and the very huge finale, particularly in the event you do one of many huge charged up [pings], you’ll be able to actually hear there’s a human voice in there.” (The human voice used within the pings is Lisbeth Scott, who sings Journey’s finish credit.)
The humanity within the design of Journey, from the human voice within the chirps to the multiplayer design that encourages cooperation, is a lot of what makes the sport memorable for me. As I climbed the mountain with my companion the primary time I performed the sport, I understand now that whereas I’ll have been huddled near my buddy to try to share my vitality, deep down, I simply wished to do every little thing I might to assist them rise up that mountain — and I knew they have been doing the identical for me.
Forward of speaking to Chen and Wintory, I replayed Journey for the primary time because it got here out. Regardless of how a lot I like the sport, I’ve at all times nervous one other run would change how I really feel about it. I used to be so afraid of the way it may contort my reminiscences that I used to be actively procrastinating on taking part in it.
To my shock, the expertise was simply as highly effective. Ten years on, there are nonetheless folks taking part in Journey, and I met 4 different companions who have been a part of my journey. I even made a brand new buddy who caught by my aspect by means of the snowy climb to the mountain’s summit — and thru the joyful flight to the height.
Journey is obtainable on PS3, PS4, PS5, PC, and iOS. Composer Austin Wintory has additionally simply launched a re-orchestration of the Journey soundtrack carried out by the London Symphony Orchestra titled “Traveler — A Journey Symphony.” I’ve listened to it and thought it was excellent.
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Technology
Sub.club is here to help the fediverse make money
![Sub.club is here to help the fediverse make money Sub.club is here to help the fediverse make money](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8A0q_n8p9e1FkUJ_LlqP_epNcHY=/0x0:1990x1224/1200x628/filters:focal(995x612:996x613)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25596303/Screenshot_2024_08_30_at_10.30.43_AM.png)
Sub.club is trying to solve that.
The idea is that this will let users on ActivityPub-based platforms like Mastodon easily offer paid subscriptions and premium content while taking a 6 percent cut in addition to payment processing fees. It could solve a big problem with the fediverse right now: it’s not easy to make a living on it unless you direct your followers back to existing platforms like Patreon that are closed off and require users to visit a particular site or app to get much of the content.
Bringing money into the fediverse ecosystem and having a way for creators to get paid could be an important building block, Bart Decrem, one of the founders of sub.club, tells The Verge. “So we think this work is super important for all of us that believe in the promise of the internet.”
That could be especially true if the fediverse is successful to the point where it creates what sub.club adviser Anuj Ahooja calls “one last network effect.” That would be the idea of everyone joining fediverse platforms built on an open protocol where it’s possible to interact online with the option to move from network to network and platform to platform at will. “From there, you can drive so much innovation around social media,” Ahooja says.
While X is still culturally relevant enough that it was the first place where Joe Biden’s campaign posted the news that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, many people got the news on other platforms as it splashed across Instagram, TikTok, Discord, and Whatsapp. I’m not sure everyone is going to coalesce in one place or that they even want to, and profiles you can take with you could be a part of that.
Currently, sub.club is only available for Mastodon users, and depending on how you use Mastodon, you might run into the service in different ways. On Mastodon web clients, creators can point people to a subscription page.
In clients that include a rich experience for the subscriptions — right now, that’s Mammoth, which is made by the same developer team, and Ice Cubes — creators can add a subscribe button that appears at the top of their profile that takes users to a subscription webpage.
As a creator, making the post your subscribers will see takes an extra step: you have to DM your sub.club account. Then, people who subscribe to your posts will see that post in their following feeds.
Sub.club doesn’t just want to push creators to only use its services; instead, the team envisions building “a subscribe button that integrates with other paid subscription products,” Ahooja says. That’s why it’s launching as a developer preview; “if you’re going to build something, build it in a way that’s standard and portable across multiple services,” according to Ahooja.
It’s also created an API that can build premium bots, according to this FAQ, so you could, for example, set up a silly bot that adds animals to photos.
Sometime this fall, sub.club also plans to let Mastodon server admins use the tool to help fund maintenance instead of asking users for support through platforms like Patreon or Ko-Fi.
“There’s a lot of free labor that runs the fediverse right now,” Ahooja says. “So let’s make sure people are getting compensated.”
Technology
California's first electric train could be what’s coming to your city
![California's first electric train could be what’s coming to your city California's first electric train could be what’s coming to your city](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg)
All aboard. California’s transportation landscape is getting a major upgrade as Caltrain, the oldest continuously operated railroad in the West, ushers in a new age of electric trains.
This isn’t just any old train ride. It’s a journey into the future of public transit.
Electric train (Caltrain)
Caltrain’s electric debut
Picture this. It’s a sunny day in San Francisco, and a sleek, modern train pulls into the station. But there’s something different about this one. No diesel fumes, no rumbling engine. Just a quiet hum of electricity. That’s right, folks. After nearly a decade of construction and 160 years of history, Caltrain is going electric.
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On a momentous day, Caltrain was joined by federal, state and local officials, along with transportation, business and labor leaders, to celebrate the inaugural electric train ride. This VIP tour allowed participants to experience firsthand the cutting-edge electric fleet that represents a landmark shift toward a faster, more frequent and environmentally friendly public transportation network along the San Francisco Peninsula.
The first regular electric train service kicked off Aug. 11. More electric trains will be introduced each week until the full electrified service launches Sept. 21.
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![Caltrain goes electric 2](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/2-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Inaugural electric train ride (Caltrain)
EV PARADISE OR CHARGING HELL? ALARMING ELECTRIC CAR SECRET EXPOSED
What’s the big deal?
You might be wondering, “So what? It’s just a train, right?” Wrong! This is a game-changer. These new electric trains can zip between San Francisco and San Jose in under an hour. Plus, they’re increasing service by 20% because they can speed up and slow down faster than their diesel counterparts. This means more robust and flexible access to cities throughout the rail system, with 16 stations seeing trains every 15-20 minutes during peak hours and all stations receiving service every 30 minutes on weekends.
Comfort is king on these new trains. They come equipped with Wi-Fi, digital onboard displays, power outlets at every seat, improved climate control, baby-changing tables in the bathrooms and expanded storage under the cantilevered seats.
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![caltrain goes electric 3](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/3-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Electric train fleet (Caltrain)
THIS FLYING ELECTRIC VEHICLE BREAKS RECORD WITH 523-MILE NONSTOP FLIGHT
Reducing emissions for a cleaner future
By switching from diesel to electric, Caltrain is cutting a whopping 250,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. That’s like taking 55,000 cars off the road each year. This transition not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also improves air quality and relieves traffic congestion, contributing to ambitious regional and state climate action goals.
![Caltrain goes electric 4](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/4-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Electric train fleet (Caltrain)
GIANT BATTERY-POWERED DUMP TRUCK DUMPS DIESEL FOR ELECTRIC
A boost for the economy and community
The Caltrain Electrification Project isn’t just about transportation. It’s also a significant economic driver. The project has created 33,000 jobs across 36 states, fueling economic growth and innovation within local communities and nationwide. This collaborative effort to manufacture the electric trains and infrastructure underscores a commitment to sustainability and job creation.
Moreover, the electrification project advances equity along the corridor by reducing noise and air pollution while increasing access and service for equity-priority communities by 26%. It’s a win-win for both the environment and the community.
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![Caltrain goes electric 5](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/5-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Electric train fleet (Caltrain)
THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2024
Paving the way for a sustainable tomorrow
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg summed it up perfectly.
“The future of California’s rail systems will be powered by clean, renewable energy,” setting a standard for other rail systems to follow in the effort to reduce carbon pollution across the country, he said.
With enhanced amenities, increased service frequency and a commitment to sustainability, these trains are set to transform the daily travel experience. So, whether you’re a commuter or a curious traveler, now is the perfect time to hop on board and witness the future of transit in action.
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![Caltrain goes electric 6](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/6-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Electric trains (Caltrain)
Kurt’s key takeaways
As we stand on the brink of this new era in public transportation, the launch of California’s first electric train marks a significant milestone not just for Caltrain, but for the entire Bay Area. This transition to electric service promises not only faster and more reliable commutes but also a cleaner environment, reduced emissions and improvement in air quality for generations to come.
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Technology
Trailers of the week: Sonic 3, Napoleon, and Agatha All Along
![Trailers of the week: Sonic 3, Napoleon, and Agatha All Along Trailers of the week: Sonic 3, Napoleon, and Agatha All Along](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xehqURZrk1qOC9CIrNQ6QKdyNYA=/0x0:1045x764/1200x628/filters:focal(523x382:524x383)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25597794/onesheet_synopsis.jpg)
This week brought a few noteworthy movie and TV trailers — the big one being Sonic the Hedgehog 3. And while I won’t include them here, you should check out some of the trailers included with our coverage of the most recent Nintendo Direct (shoutout to the Nintendo DS Castlevania games collection).
It’s clear that summer is winding down, and so are the big blockbusters. Things will liven up a bit with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice next week, but things are looking quiet for a little bit after that.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 finally brings Sonic’s big nemesis, Shadow, into the mix, played by Keanu Reeves. The trailer only gave a bit of Reeves’ voice but makes up for it with lots of Jim Carrey’s disheveled and depressed Dr. Robotnik and Gerald Robotnik (also played by Carrey). The movie hits theaters on December 25th.
Marvel’s Agatha All Along, the Disney Plus series that follows Kathryn Hahn’s WandaVision villain, will begin streaming soon on September 18th. While the show is looking like it’ll have plenty of comedy, this week’s trailer makes it clear there will be plenty of drama, too.
A new Wallace & Gromit movie means more stop-motion animation, which is something I’ll never get tired of. In this movie, which will hit Netflix in the US this winter, Wallace invents a smart home device (which is a garden gnome) named Norbot. Things go awry when Norbot is surreptitiously controlled by Feathers McGraw, a villain in the Wallace & Gromit world.
Apple released a director’s cut of Ridley Scott’s Napoleon this week on Apple TV Plus. With 48 minutes of extra footage, it sounds like there’s plenty more to watch if you don’t plan on spending Labor Day weekend standing by a barbecue grill.
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