Technology

The quest to save a Stadia exclusive

Published

1 year ago

December 25, 2022

Earlier this yr, Google introduced that it was shutting down its recreation streaming service Stadia, a brief three years since its launch in 2018. Whereas it’s principally followers of the service feeling the impression of the closure, there are a handful of builders with Stadia exclusives that may sadly lose their video games when the service shuts down for good in January. A kind of is Q-Video games, makers of PixelJunk Raiders. The Verge spoke with Q-Video games’ founder and CEO, Dylan Cuthbert, who defined the distinctive state of affairs Q-Video games is in, attempting to get their unique off Stadia’s foundering ship and someplace protected the place individuals can play it.

PixelJunk Raiders is an area exploration roguelike that takes benefit of Stadia’s distinctive “state share” function that enables individuals to share situations of their recreation during which different gamers can leap into and expertise for themselves.

Earlier than Raiders was in improvement, Cuthbert stated that Google was displaying Stadia off to builders, and he instantly latched onto the concept of gamers having the ability to share their expertise within the recreation with others. “We constructed a recreation round these primary concepts, and it was a enjoyable design problem,” Cuthbert stated.

As improvement on Raiders continued, Cuthbert needed to flesh out extra concepts his staff had for the sport, extending its improvement time. However round six months earlier than Raiders launched, he began to get the concept Stadia is likely to be in bother.

“Though we needed to develop the sport additional, [our Stadia representative] was like, ‘No, it’s best to actually ship it, or possibly it gained’t get shipped,’” Cuthbert stated.

Raiders launched in March 2021 to less-than-glowing opinions. By then, Google had already shut down the studio it opened, headed by Jade Raymond, to create first-party video games for the service.

“I believe the writing was on the wall,” Cuthbert stated.

Oddly sufficient, this isn’t the primary time Cuthbert’s been confronted with attempting to avoid wasting one in every of his video games. In 2017 Q-Video games launched The Tomorrow Youngsters, an journey recreation with a novel voxel-based artwork fashion. The free-to-play recreation wasn’t in a position to generate sufficient cash to cowl its server prices, so Sony shut it down six months after its launch.

“Though we had a powerful fan base and a powerful consumer base, we didn’t wish to milk them for more cash,” Cuthbert recalled. “We had bother increase our base revenue, and so, [Sony] shut it down.”

The Tomorrow Youngsters’s abrupt closure bothered Cuthbert, Q-Video games, and the sport’s robust fanbase.

“We shut it down [in 2017], however the followers simply saved posting in regards to the recreation and speaking in regards to the recreation,” Cuthbert stated.

Picture: Q-Video games

“Every single day there have been screenshots being posted on Twitter, although the sport wasn’t reside anymore and so they couldn’t play it.”

That ardent love impressed Cuthbert to try to revive the sport, which meant an advanced authorized dance with Sony’s licensing division.

“So I stated, ‘Nicely, in case you give me the IP again, I’ll rework the sport so there’s no operating prices,’” Cuthbert stated, describing his negotiations with Sony to get it to launch the IP rights of The Tomorrow Youngsters to Q-Video games. “I’ll get the sport again on the market for the followers, and I’ll even improve it for the PlayStation 5.”

However earlier than Sony may say sure, Cuthbert additionally needed to monitor down the assorted licensors of the instruments utilized in The Tomorrow Youngsters’s improvement in addition to its voice actors and music administrators to get their permission to re-release the sport.

“It took a few yr to get the permissions. A number of the individuals have been simply exhausting to trace down as a result of the businesses had gone out of enterprise.”

However after Cuthbert’s shoe leather-style info gathering, he lastly had all of the items in place to re-release The Tomorrow Youngsters, which Q-Video games did earlier this yr. And the fanbase now’s proving to be simply as in love with it now as they have been again in 2017. “The assist’s been amazingly optimistic. They’re all mad. I imply, in a great way,” Cuthbert chuckles.

Cuthbert hopes he can engineer an identical destiny for PixelJunk Raiders. When requested how Q-Video games intends to port a recreation seemingly reliant on a function unique to Stadia, Cuthbert appeared assured that it’d be a simple technical repair.

“So the state share system is copyable, I believe,” he stated. “Leaping in from movies and stuff clearly couldn’t be finished, however that wasn’t fairly as essential on the finish [of development], so I believe that’s really high quality.”

Screenshot from PixelJunk Raiders where a human player is dodging a laser bolt fired from a jellyfish like creature against a sandy landscape

The place Cuthbert does really feel he may discover some friction is with Google itself. After the problem of re-releasing The Tomorrow Youngsters, one of many classes Cuthbert stated he discovered was to, as a lot as attainable, retain the IP rights to the video games he makes. And whereas he does have the rights to PixelJunk Raiders, he says the contract he signed with Google makes it economically unfeasible to launch the sport elsewhere.

“I believe the writing was on the wall.”

“The primary concept internally is that if we are able to discover funding, what we’d do is we’d take the sport and rework it into the extra full imaginative and prescient that we had, then relaunch it,” he stated. “We managed to get like an addendum added to our contract to allow us to possibly launch on different platforms, however the royalty on that addendum was simply too excessive to make it possible.”

Cuthbert’s concept is to herald a publishing accomplice who might help with improvement prices and advertising to re-release the sport. However earlier than that may occur, he wants any person, anyone, at Stadia to assist him renegotiate his contract. Publishers aren’t going to wish to become involved if Q-Video games should pay a steep royalty to Google to ensure that this recreation to be revealed elsewhere although in T-minus 28 days and counting, the platform the sport is at the moment on will not exist.

So for the second, Raiders is in limbo.

“There may be there’s one man there who appears to be attempting to get stuff finished,” Cuthbert stated. “He simply despatched me a message saying that he’s engaged on it. So be affected person. However I don’t understand how lengthy now we have to be affected person.”

“I don’t understand how lengthy now we have to be affected person.”

Although it looks like Raiders is about to blip out of the universe, ala Thanos’ snap, Cuthbert is happy with what he achieved with Stadia. And that, had Stadia taken benefit of its full potential, it may have probably addressed the preservation concern older video games face.

“You possibly can have a system the place you’ll be able to simply go and watch some recreation from the ’80s on YouTube, and your mother may play. And it might be simply there, like no problem for any browser. So the entire thing for me with Stadia, why I used to be so enthusiastic for it, was its potential to decrease the barrier of entry.”

One of many issues with online game preservation is {hardware} degradation and the speedy leaps in know-how the trade cycles via each seven to eight years. With Stadia, Cuthbert envisions an ecosystem the place all the sport applied sciences of the previous are preserved and saved on the cloud as emulators that folks may play on the click on of a button.

“I believe if we wish to be critical about preserving video games from the ‘70s or the ‘80s or, , all the way in which again to the start. That’s the form of system we want. He stated. “We are able to’t be counting on individuals shopping for low-cost plastic emulators in a field.” (Sarcastically, one in every of Cuthbert’s personal video games was revived within the type of a launch on a “low-cost plastic emulator in a field” as he labored on StarFox 2 which was scrapped for 20 years earlier than Nintendo formally launched it on the SNES Traditional.)

However earlier than Cuthbert can understand his dream of a web-based emulator service the place he can play Smuggler’s Run, he must see a Google about PixelJunk Raiders.

“I’m simply ready and seeing what occurs,” Cuthbert stated. “I’m form of trusting in them to come back again and say, ‘Okay, right here you go. You’ll be able to run with it now.’”

Technology

True or false: If you get a pop-up message, you should pull the plug on your computer immediately

Published

50 seconds ago

May 15, 2024

Press Room

True or false: If you get a pop-up message, you should pull the plug on your computer immediately

In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon to be on the receiving end of some unsolicited and potentially malicious online advice. Take, for instance, the concern raised by “Barbara,” who reached out with a question that might have crossed many minds:

“Hi, Kurt. I can’t remember if I read this online or someone told me about it, but when you receive a pop-up message, you should pull the plug on your computer immediately; this prevents the scammer from having any further access to your work. Is this the right thing to do?”

Pop-ups used to be one of the most common ways that scammers would penetrate a person’s computer. It’s less common nowadays, which may be one of the reasons the unplugging method came to be. Well, the quick answer is “no.” Instead of just debunking this myth once and for all, let’s talk a bit more about why it’s not recommended and what to do instead.

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A person unplugging a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What never to do when you see a pop-up message

It’s important to be cautious when dealing with pop-up messages, as they can be used by scammers to trick you into downloading malware or giving away your personal information. So, you’re right in taking a second to figure out your next move.

But pulling the plug on your computer immediately when you receive a pop-up message is not the right thing to do. This could potentially cause data loss or damage to your computer, which can wreak havoc in other ways. It could also potentially let in more scammers in the future due to vulnerabilities in your system.

It’s also worth mentioning that if the pop-up message is a malicious link or file, scammers these days have a lot more sophisticated strategies, and merely unplugging your computer wouldn’t necessarily stop them. Don’t worry, though. There are ways to protect yourself.

A man working on his PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What you should do when you see a pop-up message

So, if unplugging your computer isn’t the answer, what can you do instead if you see a pop-up message, especially one that looks suspicious? Follow the steps below.

Don’t click on the pop-up message: If you receive a pop-up message, don’t click on it or enter any personal information. Instead, close the window by clicking on the “X” button in the top right corner of the window. Be on the lookout for fake pop-ups that appear in your browser window that are trying to trick you into clicking on them. These pop-ups are not coming from your computer but from a malicious file that has integrated itself into your browser and is displaying images that look like pop-ups. If you click on them, you might end up downloading more malware, giving away your personal information or paying money for a fake service.

MORE: BEWARE OF THIS MCAFEE GOOGLE CHROME AD SCAM

Watch out for download pop-ups: If you’re receiving a pop-up because you clicked a link to download, be sure that the file can be trusted. Did you download it directly from the company’s website? Or was it from a message that someone sent you via email, SMS or Facebook? Or was it from a third-party app store? If it’s the latter, be extremely cautious.

Don’t call any phone numbers: If you receive a pop-up message that tells you to call a phone number, don’t do it. This is a common scam used by scammers to trick you into giving away your personal information or downloading malware.

Woman on the phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to prevent pop-ups (and other scams)

While there’s no way to prevent scams 100%, aside from practicing online privacy and security recommendations (and staying up to date with security news), there are ways to prevent pop-ups that may contain threats.

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Download a pop-up blocker: Many browsers have pop-up blocker extensions to keep pop-ups at bay. However, you may need to disable these to let certain pop-ups come through; for instance, when doing your online banking or booking a flight. Many premium popup blockers come included with security software used to protect your devices.

Be wary of suspicious links/files: Whether these suspicious links are through a pop-up ad or somewhere else, always exercise caution.

Use strong antivirus software: Make sure you have antivirus software installed on your computer and keep it up-to-date. The best way to help protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Update your browser: Make sure your browser is up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This can help prevent security vulnerabilities that might be exploited by scammers.

MORE: EXPOSING TOP SCAMS TARGETING COSTCO SHOPPERS

Kurt’s key takeaways

Pop-ups are still a way for hackers to infiltrate your system with a malware threat. Like with any cybersecurity scams and the pace at which information travels these days, you may hear of ways to protect yourself, like unplugging your computer. But always double-check solutions before taking matters into your own hands. Also, remember the next time a pop-up springs into view, pause and proceed with caution – your cybersafety depends on it.

Can you share a time when you successfully identified and avoided an online scam? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Why TikTok users are blocking celebrities

Published

7 hours ago

May 15, 2024

Press Room

Why TikTok users are blocking celebrities

Every Met Gala has some sort of controversy, whether it’s about the dress code and theme, the guest list, or a now-infamous brawl in an elevator at an afterparty. Because this is 2024, it’s only fitting that the outrage began this year because of a TikTok audio track.

In a now-deleted video, an influencer named Haley Kalil shows off her elaborate floral dress and headpiece as she prepares to host a pre-Met Gala red carpet event. Her misstep was using an audio snippet in the background taken from the 2006 film Marie Antoinette, in which the titular character smirks and delivers one of the most famous (and spurious) one-liners of history: “Let them eat cake.” The sound has been circulating on TikTok for months, mostly used in makeup tutorials, fashion videos, and things of that nature.

The backlash was swift and brutal. Audiences compared the event to The Hunger Games, a dystopia where the wealthy sit back as everyone else fights to the death. TikTok users flooded Kalil’s comments saying she was clueless, callous, or purposefully trying to manufacture outrage. Kalil insisted it was an honest mistake, but the optics were bad: as thousands die, starve, and are displaced in Gaza, reveling in opulence will inevitably rub some the wrong way.

For seven months, social media audiences have watched violence rain down on Palestinians in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7th attack in Israel. Instagram feeds have been inundated with infographics, charts, and gruesome images of death and destruction. TikTok — once an app primarily known for goofy dances — has become a battleground for shaping the public narrative around the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict. For many — especially younger people — their entire exposure to the conflict has been on social media, as opposed to learning of it on a college campus, through family, or via traditional media. It only makes sense, then, that these same platforms have become an outlet for their responses, whether in the form of frustration, activism, or some combination thereof.

At the same time that Kalil’s video was being debated and discussed, a seemingly unplanned grassroots movement dubbed “Blockout 2024” was picking up steam. Last week, a TikTok user shared a video about blocking celebrities on social media platforms in order to stymie their reach and, by extension, their earnings from ads or sponsored content. The video was in response to clips from the Met Gala interspersed with news footage of Gaza, and the intended message was clear: celebrities don’t care about what happens to everyone else. The least normal people could do is try to cut the powerful off however they can.

Since then, a litany of “block lists” have circulated, created by different people and for different reasons. The targets vary, but Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez are frequently listed, along with many others. (Kalil, unsurprisingly, has also been mentioned.) It’s a diffuse movement with no established leadership or stated goals, but it’s clearly resonated: tens of thousands of posts have been made on TikTok and Instagram using related hashtags, and comment sections are filled with “#blockout” and pro-Palestine messages.

The Blockout is coinciding with more direct forms of mutual aid, with pressure directed at celebrities and influencers to promote these efforts. Sending funds and other resources to Gaza has been difficult over the past several months due to the legal system, the collapse of infrastructure, and Israel’s physical blocking of aid going into Gaza. Some content creators have publicly called on celebrities to support organizations like Operation Olive Branch, a grassroots effort to directly fundraise for Palestinian families. Artists and creators like Lizzo and Hank Green have posted in support of the organizations, spurred in part by comedian Erin Hattamer’s call for fundraising.

Social media-based activism can be fleeting: followers lose interest; momentum dies down; and the reach of movements is limited by algorithms. To be fair, the Blockout is still in its early days, and it’s unclear if it will have a measurable impact. But for a conflict that’s unfolding via shortform videos, live selfie-style updates, and Instagram posts, this will likely not be the last we hear of it.

Technology

Suit up for the stars: SpaceX’s new era of space fashion

Published

7 hours ago

May 15, 2024

Press Room

Suit up for the stars: SpaceX’s new era of space fashion

SpaceX is not just launching rockets but a new era of space exploration with its cutting-edge extravehicular activity (EVA) suits.

As we stand on the cusp of the first-ever private space walk in 2024, let’s dive into the details of this revolutionary gear.

Fashion meets functionality in space

Bridging the gap between style and practicality, SpaceX has unveiled the attire for astronauts embarking on the historic Polaris Dawn mission. Gone are the days of bulky, cumbersome space suits. The new EVA suit blends a sleek design with advanced functionality.

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MORE: HOW THE DREAM CHASER SPACEPLANE PLANS TO SHAKE UP SPACE TRAVEL IN THE FUTURE

Debunking space suit myths

Popular culture often misleads us with oversimplified depictions of space suits. Contrary to the “goldfish bowl” helmets and easy-to-wear coveralls seen in movies, real space suits are complex, human-shaped spacecraft. They’re equipped with propulsion and life-support systems, making them more akin to deep-sea diving gear than casual wear.

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Why not stick with the old suit?

SpaceX’s current intravehicular activity (IVA) suits serve as emergency protection within the Dragon capsule. However, they’re not designed for the rigors of space walks. The new EVA suit is a significant upgrade, offering enhanced mobility, durability and protection against the harsh conditions of space.

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The EVA suit: A closer look

The EVA suit retains the sleek design of the IVA model but introduces new materials and fabrication techniques for improved performance. The suit is also scalable, ensuring a perfect fit for a diverse range of body types.

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4 features that set the EVA suit apart

1. Rotating joints: For unparalleled mobility when pressurized

2. Advanced seals and valves: Offering high redundancy and safety

3. 3D-printed helmet: With a glare-reducing visor, HUD and camera

4. Thermal management textiles: Borrowed from Falcon rockets for extreme protection

The upcoming Polaris Dawn mission will test the EVA suit’s capabilities and set the stage for future lunar bases and Martian cities.

Kurt’s key takeaways

It’s clear that the EVA suit is more than just a new set of threads for the stars. With the Polaris Dawn mission on the horizon, we’re not just preparing to watch astronauts float gracefully outside their spacecraft. We’re gearing up to witness a pivotal moment in history – where fashion and functionality fuse in the vacuum of space, debunking long-held myths and setting new standards for what’s possible.

As SpaceX gears up for the first-ever private space walk with its innovative EVA suits, what are your thoughts on the impact of such technological advancements on the future of space exploration and human life beyond Earth? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: