Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Studio Ghibli at 40: A Legacy Uncertain?

2025-06-15

This month marks the 40th anniversary of Japan's Studio Ghibli, a studio celebrated for its complex plots and fantastical hand-drawn animation, boasting two Oscars and a global fanbase. However, the future is uncertain, with the latest hit "The Boy and the Heron" potentially being the final feature film from celebrated co-founder Hayao Miyazaki (84). The release of OpenAI's latest image generator in March sparked copyright concerns due to its resemblance to Ghibli's distinctive style. Since its founding in 1985 by Miyazaki and the late Isao Takahata, Ghibli has become a cultural phenomenon, further boosted by a second Academy Award in 2024 for "The Boy and the Heron" and Netflix's global streaming of its films.

(www.japantimes.co.jp)

Game Studio Ghibli Hayao Miyazaki

Chess Elo Surge: A Simple Technique Changed Everything

2025-06-15

A chess player consistently performed better in blitz than bullet chess. Switching from drag-and-drop to click-and-click piece movement shaved 0.25 seconds off his average move time. This seemingly minor change resulted in a significant Elo gain in bullet chess, halving the gap between his blitz and bullet ratings. He attributes the improvement to having more time to think and less pre-moving, reducing blunders.

(jacobbrazeal.wordpress.com)

Game game improvement

SSHTron: A Multiplayer Lightcycle Game Over SSH

2025-06-14

SSHTron is a multiplayer lightcycle game playable via SSH. Simply connect to sshtron.zachlatta.com and start playing. Use WASD or vim keys to control your cycle. Seven colors are available. Built in ~20 hours at BrickHack 2, the code quality is a work in progress. The project is open-source and supports Docker and Raspberry Pi deployments. A security warning notes potential vulnerabilities (CVE-2016-0777) related to SSH clients; updating your client is recommended.

(github.com)

Game

ChatGPT Gets Absolutely Wrecked by a 46-Year-Old Atari 2600

2025-06-14

An engineer pitted ChatGPT against a 46-year-old Atari 2600 running Video Chess. The result? A resounding victory for the retro console. ChatGPT repeatedly made blunders, confusing pieces and losing track of the board, ultimately requesting restarts. This highlights the limitations of large language models in complex strategy games, showcasing their strengths lie in language processing rather than strategic computation. It's a stark contrast to Deep Blue's 1997 victory over Kasparov, underscoring the ongoing evolution of AI.

(www.cnet.com)

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GameStop Bets Big on Pokémon Cards

2025-06-13

GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen revealed a major strategic shift: a heavy focus on trading cards, particularly the wildly popular Pokémon cards, alongside its significant Bitcoin holdings. This is considered a "natural extension" of GameStop's business, offering high profit margins. The resurgence in Pokémon card popularity has created high demand and fueled scalping. GameStop is leveraging this, partnering with PSA for card grading services and seeing a massive revenue boost from this sector. Despite past struggles including store closures and layoffs, GameStop's foray into trading cards offers a promising path to recovery.

(www.gamespot.com)

Game Pokemon Cards Trading Cards

Luxe: A Cross-Platform Game Engine for Rapid Development

2025-06-13

Luxe is a cross-platform, rapid development game engine for Mac, Linux, Windows, and Web, with console support in development. Easy to learn, it prioritizes a streamlined workflow for quickly expressing game ideas, focusing initially on 2D but also supporting powerful 3D rendering through a hardware-driven renderer. Written in C++, Luxe games are typically developed using a custom version of the Wren language, with plans for broader language support. Its modular design, fluid workflow, and human-centered approach make it ideal for solo developers and teams alike. A preview version is currently available, backed by comprehensive documentation and a supportive community.

(luxeengine.com)

Game

Spaceballs 2: Original Cast Returns for 2027 Sequel

2025-06-13

After a 40-year wait, Spaceballs 2 is officially a go! Mel Brooks returns as a producer and will reprise his role as Yogurt. Original stars Bill Pullman (Lone Starr) and Rick Moranis (Dark Helmet) are also back. New additions include Keke Palmer and Lewis Pullman (Bill Pullman's son), playing Destiny and Starburst respectively. The film, described as a 'non-prequel, non-reboot sequel part two with reboot elements,' is slated for a 2027 release.

(www.ign.com)

Game Spaceballs 2 Mel Brooks Sci-fi Comedy

Microsoft's Next-Gen Xbox: Beyond the Console, Embracing Any Screen

2025-06-12

Microsoft's partnership with ASUS to launch the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds signals a major shift in its next-gen Xbox strategy. These Windows-based devices feature a full-screen Xbox UI, extending the gaming experience beyond a single console. This reinforces Microsoft's 'Xbox as a service' vision, pushing the platform to various devices. While currently focused on PC games, Microsoft is addressing compatibility issues through Xbox Play Anywhere and cloud gaming, with plans to leverage emulation for future backward compatibility. The strategy prioritizes player choice, aiming to make any screen an Xbox.

(www.theverge.com)

Game

Hacker News: GameCube Keyboard Controller Powers Up Animal Crossing

2025-06-12

A developer has created an amazing project combining a GameCube keyboard controller with Nintendo's Animal Crossing. The project includes tools allowing for incredibly fast in-game typing, importing custom images and videos, and even playing Snake! It involves 3D-printed custom keycaps, a Raspberry Pi Pico, and some electronics. The project is open-source and the code is available on GitHub.

(github.com)

Game

Barbie Gets an AI Brain: Mattel Partners with OpenAI

2025-06-12

Mattel and OpenAI are teaming up to bring AI to toys, potentially giving Barbie (and other toys) the power of conversation via ChatGPT. This ambitious collaboration aims to create fun, safe, and age-appropriate AI-powered experiences, blurring the lines between physical and digital play. While details are scarce, the first product is expected later this year, promising a new era of interactive toys that adapt and react in real-time, rather than relying on pre-recorded lines. This move represents a significant evolution for Mattel and a potential game-changer for the toy industry.

(nerds.xyz)

Game Toys Mattel

Helion: A Modern Doom Engine Redefining Performance

2025-06-12

Helion is a modern Doom engine built from the ground up, prioritizing performance. It utilizes static rendering and a state management system to overcome the rendering challenges of complex maps, enabling smooth gameplay even on older hardware previously incapable of handling them. Unlike traditional BSP tree rendering, Helion leverages GPU resources efficiently, resulting in massive performance gains. It supports various WAD formats and requires only Windows 7 and an OpenGL 3.3 compatible GPU.

(github.com)

Game

AI Comic: A Roman Industrial Revolution Across Time

2025-06-12

Ulyses, an archaeology student, accidentally connects with Marcus, a Roman slave in 79 AD, through a mysterious stone. Their friendship across time allows Marcus to leverage Ulyses' modern knowledge and technology, sparking an industrial revolution in ancient Rome. From steam engines to gunpowder, each technological advancement drives dramatic societal changes, bringing new challenges and conflicts. This AI-generated comic uses a captivating story to explore an alternate history and the complex implications of technological progress.

(thelydianstone.com)

Game

Nintendo Switch 2: Fastest-Selling Console Ever

2025-06-11

The Nintendo Switch 2 has had a phenomenal launch, selling 3.5 million units in just four days—the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever and potentially the biggest console launch of all time. Despite chaotic pre-orders, tariff concerns, and criticism over pricing, the launch itself went smoothly with ample stock and minimal scalping. Nintendo projects 15 million sales this fiscal year and is well on its way, though challenges remain in maintaining supply and expanding reach beyond early adopters.

(www.polygon.com)

Game video game console sales record

Hong Kong Bans Taiwan-Made Game for Alleged Promotion of 'Secessionist Agendas'

2025-06-11

Hong Kong authorities have banned the Taiwan-made game Reversed Front: Bonfire, citing national security concerns. This marks the first time the region has used national security laws to ban a video game. The game, which lets players fight against the Chinese Communist Party, has been accused of promoting secessionist agendas and inciting armed revolution. The game was removed from the Hong Kong App Store, with the developers stating it highlights censorship in mainland China.

(www.engadget.com)

Game game censorship national security law

RomM: The Ultimate ROM Manager for Emulators

2025-06-11

RomM (ROM Manager) is a powerful tool for organizing and playing your game collection. Its clean interface supports multiple platforms, naming schemes, and custom tags. It scans and enhances your library with metadata from IGDB, Screenscraper, and MobyGames, fetching artwork from SteamGridDB and displaying achievements from Retroachievements. Play games directly in your browser using EmulatorJS and RuffleRS. Share your collection, manage multi-disk games, DLCs, and more. Official apps for Playnite and muOS are available. Join the Discord community to connect with other users!

(github.com)

Game ROM management

A Link to the Past Randomizer: A Decade of Optimization Obsession

2025-06-10

The author recounts a decade-long journey with the A Link to the Past randomizer, a patch that shuffles item locations in the game. Initially drawn in by speedrun videos on YouTube, the author became engrossed in finding optimal routes through the ever-changing game. However, over time, the competitive scene evolved into an extreme pursuit of efficiency, transforming the game into a tedious grind. Ultimately, the author abandoned the time-consuming endeavor, reflecting on the potential for new discoveries through the algorithm's suggestions.

(leejo.github.io)

Game Randomizer

Mining Atari Games from Random Data: A Computationally Intensive Treasure Hunt

2025-06-10

This project attempted to 'mine' Atari 2600 games from 30 billion 4KB files of random data. Using clever heuristics and massive GPU parallelization, the author drastically reduced the search space. The project unearthed ROMs that ran and produced interesting visual output in an emulator, even discovering a 'proto-game' responding to player input. This proves that even in completely random data, information with specific characteristics can be found with the right approach. The experiment offers new avenues for exploring vast possibilities using computational resources.

(bbenchoff.github.io)

Game

Open-Source Rhythm Dungeon Crawler QRawl: Clever Time Travel Mechanics

2025-06-10

QRawl, a 16x9 pixel rhythm dungeon crawler, has open-sourced its code. The game cleverly blends rhythm game and dungeon crawler elements, with core mechanics focused on synchronizing player input with the game's beat. To address the challenge of late but valid player inputs clashing with monster actions, the game uses a 'time travel' mechanic: the game state is saved at the beat, and if a valid input is subsequently given, the game rewinds to this saved state and recalculates game logic. This ensures a smooth rhythm and gameplay experience. The final level reveals a giant QR code, inspiring the author's future game idea: a QR dungeon crawler that generates dungeons from any scanned QR code, transforming everyday intrusions into playful experiences.

(github.com)

Game rhythm game dungeon crawler

Funk Legend Sly Stone Passes Away at 82

2025-06-09

Sly Stone, the pioneering leader of the funk band Sly and the Family Stone, has died at age 82. His family announced his passing after a long battle with COPD and other health issues. Known for his groundbreaking blend of musical styles, Sly and the Family Stone were the first major racially integrated American rock band, producing iconic hits like "Dance to the Music" and "Everyday People." While his later career was marked by struggles with addiction and internal band conflicts, his influence on music remains undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations. A film based on his life is currently in the works.

(abcnews.go.com)

Game Funk Music Music Legend

Apple's New Gaming App: A Resurrected Game Center, But Much More

2025-06-09

Apple is launching a dedicated gaming app, "Games," pre-installed on Macs, iPhones, and iPads this fall with macOS Tahoe 26 and iOS 26. This revamped Game Center will act as a modern gaming hub, similar to Xbox or GOG Galaxy, featuring leaderboards, matchmaking, recommendations, news, and direct access to Apple Arcade. Users can see what friends are playing, challenge them, and access their entire App Store game library. The Mac version includes an overlay for quick access to communication tools, audio, Bluetooth, and battery life. This release underscores Apple's growing push into gaming, following recent additions of AAA titles to Mac and mobile and the acquisition of the small game studio RAC7. While the Epic Games legal battle continues, Fortnite's return to the App Store with third-party payment support marks a significant development.

(www.engadget.com)

Game Apple Gaming Game Center

Indie Game Hypercharge Soars to PS5 Top 10 After Dev's Honest Post Goes Viral

2025-06-08

Hypercharge: Unboxed, an indie action figure shooter, unexpectedly rocketed to the top 10 bestsellers on PS5 after a heartfelt developer post went viral. Initially struggling with low player counts, the five-person team behind the game responded honestly to criticism, emphasizing their focus on creating a game they loved, not chasing wealth or fame. This vulnerability resonated deeply with players, leading to a surge in sales and widespread attention. The story highlights how authenticity can triumph over big marketing budgets.

(www.polygon.com)

Game viral success developer honesty

Let's Bend: Mastering Harmonica Bending Made Easy

2025-06-08

Bending notes on a harmonica can be tough for beginners, requiring extensive practice. The Let's Bend app makes learning fun and easy by visualizing the notes. Available for macOS, Debian, Windows, and Android (free and ad-free), it supports all keys and common tunings. Download the desktop version here, or try the web version. Source code is also available.

(letsbend.de)

Game harmonica music app bending

King of the Hill Revival: Old Friends, New Voices

2025-06-07

The long-awaited King of the Hill revival is finally here! Hulu will premiere the reboot season on August 4th, with the opening credits already released. Sadly, voice actor Johnny Hardwick (Dale Gribble) passed away last year. Toby Huss takes over the role, having previously voiced other characters in the original run. Hardwick's voice will be featured in the first six episodes, with Huss taking over from the seventh. The show also features several changes, including a grown-up Bobby and Hank and Peggy returning to Arlen after years in Saudi Arabia.

(www.cinemablend.com)

Game King of the Hill Revival

Radiant AI: A Deep Dive into Oblivion's Controversial AI and its Legacy

2025-06-07

This article delves into Bethesda's ambitious yet ultimately unrealized Radiant AI system in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Radiant AI aimed to create dynamic and believable daily lives for over 1,000 NPCs, giving them agency to make their own choices, such as foraging for food, sleeping, and even committing crimes. However, due to technical limitations and game design considerations, Radiant AI didn't fully realize its initial vision. The article details Radiant AI's components, its evolution across Oblivion and subsequent titles, and its differences from other game AI systems like GOAP, revealing the truth behind the stories and rumors surrounding Radiant AI.

(blog.paavo.me)

Game Game AI Oblivion

8-Bit Retro Pixel Art: 1800s American West Assets

2025-06-07

This asset pack features numerous 8-bit retro pixel art images themed around the 19th-century American West. It includes flora (cacti, shrubs) and fauna (grizzly bears, elk, coyotes) of the Colorado Plateau, weapons (guns, bows, arrows), mountain man era (mid-1800s) clothing and buildings (saloons, cave entrances). Ideal for game development and retro-style design projects.

(gametorch.app)

Game American West

AI-Powered Animation Generator: Pro-Grade Game Animations on Demand

2025-06-06

This advanced AI tool generates smooth, professional animations from your images or text descriptions. It boasts a complete set of character actions (idle, walk, run, attack, jump, cast, and more), and provides transparent backgrounds, perfect center offset, and bounding boxes for seamless integration. Choose from retro pixel art to modern anime styles to perfectly match your game's aesthetic. Train custom actions to fit unique gameplay needs, creating personalized animations. Upload existing character art or describe your vision—both work flawlessly.

(www.godmodeai.cloud)

Game animation generation

Building a Cute Framework Game Project with CMake and Swift

2025-06-06

This tutorial demonstrates setting up a 2D game project using the Cute Framework, CMake, and Swift. Cute Framework, a powerful C/C++ framework, allows you to write game logic in Swift while leveraging the performance of C/C++ for rendering. The guide details setting up the project structure, configuring CMakeLists.txt, enabling Swift-C/C++ interoperability, and building the project. The result is a basic Cute Framework game ready for expansion.

(layer22.com)

Game

Mission: Impossible – A Buster Keaton Homage and Hollywood's Fate

2025-06-06

This article delves into the Mission: Impossible franchise, specifically Dead Reckoning Part One and Two, and director Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise's homage to Buster Keaton's classic The General. It analyzes McQuarrie and Cruise's creative philosophy and how they navigate Hollywood's commercial pressures and audience expectations. The article draws parallels between the Mission: Impossible series and Buster Keaton's career, exploring innovation, risk, and legacy in filmmaking. Ultimately, it reflects on preserving artistic purity and creativity within Hollywood's commercial landscape and filmmakers' reflections on their careers.

(ratsfromrocks.substack.com)

Game

Nintendo Switch 2's GameChat: Balancing Privacy and Safety

2025-06-06

Nintendo Switch 2's new GameChat voice chat feature balances user privacy with enhanced child protection. GameChat is limited to friends only, requiring phone number verification. For minors, parental consent via the Nintendo Parental Controls app is mandatory, allowing parents to approve friend requests and control video chat access. GameChat temporarily records the last three minutes of audio and video for handling reported violations, but users can withdraw consent at any time. While recordings may be used to investigate violations, Nintendo emphasizes this is to maintain a safe and family-friendly online environment.

(arstechnica.com)

Game

Discord's Balancing Act: Monetization vs. User Experience

2025-06-05

Discord co-founder and CTO Stanislav Vishnevskiy acknowledges the ever-present threat of platform 'enshittification.' With an upcoming IPO and the recent departure of co-founder Jason Citron, many users fear Discord's evolution will compromise its unique community feel. Vishnevskiy admits these concerns, stating that avoiding 'enshittification' – balancing profitability and user experience – is a constant internal discussion. Past ventures like a game store and Web3 integrations failed to meet user expectations. Discord now focuses on its Nitro subscription, exploring new revenue models with the Orbs currency system that rewards users. Simultaneously, the company prioritizes app performance and usability, approaching AI cautiously. Future plans involve supporting game developers and maintaining a long-term commitment to user experience and company values. The challenge lies in navigating these competing pressures while staying true to its identity.

(www.engadget.com)

Game

Category: Game