Good morning. It’s Wednesday, August 28. In today’s edition, we explore the rising influence of generative artificial intelligence and bots on the internet, shedding light on the so-called “Dead Internet Theory.” We also cover the government’s newly launched “Create in India Challenge” aimed at fostering innovation, along with the latest developments in the industry.
If this is your first time reading this, sign up here.
The Internet’s New Reality: How Bots and AI Are Changing the Digital Landscape
The internet, once a digital haven for human interaction, might not be as authentic as it seems. A growing number of theorists subscribe to the "Dead Internet Theory," which contends that much of the content we encounter online today is generated by bots and artificial intelligence, not people. According to proponents of this theory, AI-driven bots have been gradually taking over the web since 2016, subtly influencing culture, opinions, and online discussions.
Recent allegations against French video game publisher Ubisoft have brought this theory into sharper focus. The company is accused of using bots to artificially boost excitement for its upcoming game, Star Wars Outlaws. Reports of suspicious social media spikes and engagement patterns have raised questions about the legitimacy of the buzz surrounding the release. Ubisoft has yet to comment, but the controversy highlights the growing concerns about AI's expanding role in shaping digital content.
Our feature story delves into the dangers of AI’s infiltration into the internet. As AI continues to blur the lines between real and artificial interactions, the internet's future as a space for genuine human connection hangs in the balance.
India Unveils Create in India Challenge: A National Showcase for Creative Talent
The Government of India has announced the launch of the inaugural Create in India Challenge Season 1, culminating at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) from November 20-24, 2024, in Goa. This initiative will host 25 competitions across various creative fields, including animation, gaming, music, and more. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) will support finalists in presenting their work at WAVES, with some winners securing opportunities to showcase their talents on international platforms. For instance, the winner of the Animation Filmmaking competition may present their work at the Annecy Animation Film Festival in France, while the anime contest winner will have the opportunity to display their work at a major event in Japan.
The Anime Challenge will cover three categories: manga, webtoon, and anime. The initiative aims to revolutionize India’s anime and manga industry by offering creators a platform to showcase their talent, connect with industry professionals, and gain recognition. Organized by the Media and Entertainment Association of India, the challenge will be held across 11 cities at both state and national levels.
The Game Jam, organized by the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC), will feature a nationwide competition focused on video game creation, with top winners joining the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)’s IMAGE CoE cohort for further growth opportunities.
Other competitions include filmmaking, radio, AI, comics, and more.
Quick Bytes
Valve's New MOBA Shooter Deadlock Surges in Closed Beta
Valve officially unveiled Deadlock over the weekend, and the closed beta has already hit a new peak of 89,203 concurrent players, more than doubling its previous high of 44,512 on August 16. The surprise MOBA shooter, long-rumored but closely guarded by Valve, faced controversy after The Verge’s Sean Hollister bypassed the non-disclosure agreement to write about the beta, resulting in a ban. Deadlock’s current peak surpasses those of Valve's established titles like Team Fortress 2 and Left 4 Dead 2. Currently, the game remains accessible only to select playtesters, with no official release timeline announced.
G2 Esports Unveils Limited Edition Batman Streetwear Collection Ahead of LEC Finals
G2 Esports and Warner Bros. have revealed a limited edition Batman Streetwear Capsule Collection, launching August 31 at the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) Summer Finals and online September 2. This four-piece collection celebrates Batman’s 85th anniversary, offering fans streetwear inspired by the Dark Knight. Items include a hoodie, tee, sherpa fleece jacket, and windbreaker, with subtle designs blending G2 Esports’ identity with DC Comics. This marks the second collaboration between G2 Esports and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, following the successful launch of Joker and Superman Prestige Jerseys for G2’s esports teams last year.
Korean Org Gen.G Announces Plans to Establish New Esports Hub in Riyadh
Korean esports organization Gen.G has announced plans to establish a new hub in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking its fourth global location after Seoul, Shanghai, and Los Angeles. The announcement was made during the Esports World Cup earlier this month. Gen.G aims to bring its expertise in education to the MENA region, partnering with local and international entities such as Stc, LG UltraGear, and the Saudi Esports Federation. Nicole Choi, MENA Partnership Lead at Gen.G, revealed plans to offer certification courses and training programs, including an upcoming course designed to help entrepreneurs launch and scale their own esports teams.
Riot Games Tempers Expectations for 2025 League of Legends Updates
The Riot Games balance team has begun tempering expectations for its 2025 League of Legends plans, despite previous claims from game director Pu Liu that the game would be “changing forever.” Studio head Andrei van Roon has clarified that while there’s “cool stuff coming,” the changes may not be as transformative as initially suggested. The update disappointed many in the League community, which had anticipated major overhauls in 2025. Riot hinted at more game modes and continued adjustments to matchmaking, with further details expected in September and November regarding the game’s 15th preseason.
Did You Know
The Tropico video game series, where players assume the role of a dictator ruling over a fictional Caribbean island, was banned in Thailand following the country's military coup on May 22, 2014. The Thai military government, which had taken control of the country after ousting the civilian administration, expressed concerns that Tropico could "affect the peace and order" of the nation.
At the heart of Tropico is the concept of managing a dictatorship, which includes balancing political factions, manipulating elections, and deciding how to deal with dissent. Players can choose to rule with an iron fist or attempt to create a more democratic society, but the game’s satirical portrayal of authoritarianism didn’t sit well with the newly installed junta in Thailand.
The ban specifically targeted Tropico 5, the latest installment in the series at the time, which had just been released in 2014. Thai authorities feared that the game could inspire opposition to the military regime or incite political unrest by providing players with a platform to simulate a coup or revolution.
Quote of the Day
from AFK Gaming https://ift.tt/Srlt7WF
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
No comments:
Post a Comment