Investing Updates : X Empire Airdrop

My Thoughts:

Disappointed 😆

I did do the games one or twice per day for like 3 months I think.

Didn't donate any TON to the game though.

Entertainment Updates : Games from the Past

URL: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/maplestory-neopets-and-warcraft-can-the-games-you-grew-up-with-recapture-the-magic

OpenAI:

Here are the 5 key points from the article on The Straits Times about "MapleStory, Neopets, and Warcraft" recapturing the magic:

• Nostalgia Factor: The article discusses how iconic games from the 2000s, like MapleStory, Neopets, and Warcraft, evoke strong nostalgic feelings for those who grew up with them.

• Continued Popularity: Despite their age, these games are still popular and have managed to retain a dedicated player base.

• Memories and Friendships: Many players share fond memories of making friends and spending significant time in these virtual worlds.

• Evolution of Games: The article explores how these games have evolved over the years to keep up with modern gaming trends and technology.

• Challenges of Recapturing Magic: It questions whether these games can truly recapture the magic of the past and what it would take to do so.

My Thoughts:

I missed WoW. It helped me through tough times.

Will get back when I've more free time.

Hopefully it will still exist by then 😂

Entertainment Updates : Telegram Tap-To-Earn Games Future

URL: https://decrypt.co/283419/telegram-tap-to-earn-gaming-avoid-play-fate

OpenAI

The article from Decrypt discusses the rise of tap-to-earn games on Telegram and their potential to avoid the pitfalls of earlier play-to-earn models. These games, like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat, have gained massive popularity by allowing users to earn in-game points or coins by simply tapping on the screen. The simplicity and accessibility of these games have attracted millions of users worldwide.

However, the article also highlights concerns about the sustainability of these models. The key challenge is whether these games can maintain user interest and economic viability without falling into the same traps as previous play-to-earn games, which often struggled with inflationary tokenomics and declining user engagement.

My Thoughts

• Early days for many tap-to-earn games.
• I think it will do well. Should continue to exist in some form.
• Although only a few will probably make it and form a monopoly for a while.

Investing Updates : Catizen Crypto Airdrop

https://decrypt.co/248758/who-is-eligible-catizen-telegram-game-airdrop-ton

OpenAI

The article on Decrypt explains that the "Catizen" game, integrated into the Telegram app, is conducting an airdrop on The Open Network (TON). The airdrop is exclusive to players who participate in the game's activities and hold TON tokens. Eligible users need to complete in-game tasks and achieve specific milestones. This initiative promotes the Catizen game and the TON ecosystem, using Telegram as a gaming platform.

The Catizen Telegram game, which operates on the TON blockchain, has gained significant traction for its play-to-airdrop model. Players can engage with virtual cats in a fun and accessible game while earning token rewards without the need for upfront investment. It’s part of a growing ecosystem that merges GameFi, the metaverse, and AI technologies, offering players opportunities to earn future airdrops like the $CATI token by simply playing the game.

Feedback on the airdrop has been generally positive, particularly because it doesn't require initial financial investment—just time and participation. Many users appreciate the game's simplicity and the chance to earn airdrops, especially given that TON's ecosystem is seeing increased attention in the crypto space. However, it’s important to note that while the airdrop is promising, the value of the rewards and long-term potential of $CATI tokens remains uncertain. Some players are investing heavily to get more rewards, but others recommend a cautious approach, especially when spending real TON tokens for faster progression. 

Overall, the airdrop looks good if you're looking for a low-risk way to engage with blockchain gaming, but as with all crypto projects, it’s essential to manage expectations.

My Thoughts

• Have been playing a few telegram crypto games as noted in my referral page, mostly during commutes to work and late night stress relief after children sleep.

• Even with my rather casual interactions with Catizen, I seem to have qualified for the airdrop. Is it really easy money?

• Will make a post on the earnings if awarded on any of the crypto telegram games.

Technology Updates : AI in Games

AI Summarisation

AI has significantly influenced the development and success of best-selling games in recent years. Here are some notable examples of how AI has been utilized in popular games:

### 1. **Adaptive AI in Single-Player Games**

- **The Last of Us Part II (2020)**: The AI in this game is particularly notable for its ability to adapt to player actions. Enemies communicate with each other, strategize, and even react emotionally to the death of their comrades.

- **Ghost of Tsushima (2020)**: The game uses AI to create realistic enemy behaviors and dynamic weather patterns, enhancing the immersive experience.

### 2. **Procedural Content Generation**

- **No Man's Sky (2016, with significant updates through 2023)**: AI is used to generate an almost infinite number of planets, each with unique ecosystems, landscapes, and life forms.

- **Minecraft (2011, but continuously updated)**: Uses procedural generation to create its expansive worlds, making each player's experience unique.

### 3. **AI-Driven NPCs**

- **Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)**: The game features complex AI for NPCs, who follow daily routines and react dynamically to the player's actions.

- **Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)**: Despite its rocky launch, the game features AI-driven NPCs that populate the vibrant world of Night City, each with their own behaviors and routines.

### 4. **AI in Multiplayer Games**

- **Fortnite (2017)**: Uses AI for match balancing and to manage in-game events. The AI also helps in creating intelligent bots that can fill in for human players.

- **Apex Legends (2019)**: Features AI-driven elements such as the 'Ring' that dynamically changes the play area, and intelligent loot distribution to balance gameplay.

### 5. **AI for Game Development and Testing**

- **Ubisoft's Commit Assistant**: A tool that uses AI to predict and prevent bugs in game code, which has been used in the development of games like Assassin's Creed.

- **AI in Playtesting**: Companies like EA use AI to simulate thousands of hours of gameplay to identify potential issues and balance gameplay elements.

### 6. **AI in Real-Time Strategy and MOBAs**

- **Dota 2 (2013)**: OpenAI's bots have been trained to play Dota 2 at a professional level, showcasing the potential for AI to compete with and even surpass human players in complex strategic games.

- **StarCraft II (2010)**: DeepMind's AlphaStar AI has demonstrated high-level play, challenging human professionals and pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities in RTS games.

### 7. **AI-Enhanced Graphics and Animation**

- **Control (2019)**: Uses AI for real-time ray tracing, creating stunning visual effects and realistic lighting.

- **Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)**: AI is used to animate the game's robotic creatures, making their movements and behaviors realistic and dynamic.

### Conclusion

AI continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing the complexity, realism, and overall experience of modern video games. From procedural content generation to sophisticated NPC behaviors and real-time strategy, AI's influence is evident in many of the best-selling and most acclaimed games of recent years.

My Thoughts

• Imo, AI can change the gaming world for the better as above have shown.
• Although it's true some jobs may be challenged and threatened to non-existence. 
• Finding a balance and good regulation will take some time.

https://geekculture.co/video-game-actors-continue-strike-over-unregulated-ai-use-in-hollywood/

Gaming Updates : Puzzle & Dragons Story iOS

AI Summarization

Puzzle & Dragons Story is a charming casual adventure game available on iOS and Apple Arcade. In this match-3 puzzler, you’ll recruit adorable allies to aid you in battle. While the title doesn’t offer an extensive story, the gameplay involves creating and leveling up cute creatures. Combat revolves around matching orbs strategically, considering elements and abilities. It strikes a balance between challenge and casual play, although grinding in later stages can be frustrating¹²³. Give it a try if you enjoy fantasy-themed match-three games! 🐉🧩

My Thoughts

• Been concentrating on this game recently. Still far from completion.
• It strikes all my chords given my current limited playtime : progression, grinding, collecting & simple gameplay.
• Going to renew my yearly Apple Arcade subscription soon. I like the wide variety of games on offer. More Importantly, my daughter likes Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom 😄

https://www.pocketgamer.com/puzzle-dragons-story/review/

Entertainment Updates : Rise of Telegram Crypto Games

• First played Notcoin in the early days.
• Thought it was quite silly and repetitive.
• It's grown into a big attraction now 😂. May re-visit some of them.

https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-notcoin-telegram-based-game-airdrop
https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-hamster-kombat-telegram-game-token-airdrop
https://www.theblock.co/learn/300164/what-is-telegram-game-tapswap-and-how-do-you-play-it

Entertainment Updates : Delta & Retro Emulators on Apple App Store

• Game-breaking news for gamers.
• Especially for people like me, who's managing 3 kids, has little time and find it hard to justify paying for gaming services.
• There's also so many old games that I've missed out and need to catch up.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/17/24132984/delta-free-emulator-nintendo-gba-n64-iphone-app-store-us

LifeStyle Updates : Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Splintered Fate

Rating : 3.5 / 5

Good Action Game although it gets a little repetitive after a while.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tmnt-splintered-fate/id1625907876

LifeStyle Updates : Hello Kitty Island Adventure

Apple Arcade's Game of The Year 2023

Nice cute game. Nice progression pace

Overall mechanics simple and deep enough to delivery good gameplay experience

https://www.ign.com/games/hello-kitty-island-adventure

LifeStyle Updates : Sonic Dream Team

• Good short Sonic platformer
• Some stages are quite difficult.
• Story and music are forgettable.

https://www.grouvee.com/user/102790-WinsonFong/shelves/

LifeStyle Updates : Games & Movies Piracy. Balance between Free and Ethics.

• This is not an endorsement on using pirated services. But it is inevitable that an average family with average income will consider using such services. Because if you save more, your monthly invest income goes up.
• VPN service is important when using such services. Healthy security habits e.g. OS updates, cache clearing, etc also play a part.
• In life, there's a need to strike a balance in all things. Support the individuals or corporations' inventions whenever you can.

https://nordvpn.com/

https://vimm.net/

https://privacysavvy.com/geoblocking/streaming/free-streaming-sites-for-movies-tv-shows/