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SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike Over AI Concerns: Major Impact on Industry

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Gaming Mitra
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sag-aftra strike

SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to make waves across several industries, the gaming industry is involved in a major labour issue. Video game actors, represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), have declared a strike against major gaming firms like Activision, EA and more. This strike, the first of its kind since 2017, highlights rising concerns about AI’s influence on job security and fair compensation in the gaming industry.

The Strike’s Background

In the fall of 2023, SAG-AFTRA members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, citing major gaming companies’ refusal to safeguard performers’ rights concerning AI use. The main concern is that AI can replicate actors’ voices and likenesses without proper consent or compensation. Since November 2022, around 2,600 voice actors and motion capture artists, including well-known individuals such as Troy Baker (The Last of Us), Jennifer Hale (Mass Effect), and Matt Mercer (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom), have been working without an Interactive Media Agreement.

“The video game industry generates billions of dollars in profit annually,” stated SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “The driving force behind that success is the creative people who design and create those games. That includes the SAG-AFTRA members who bring memorable and beloved game characters to life, and they deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as performers in film, television, streaming, and music: fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the A.I. use of their faces, voices, and bodies.”

Companies Impacted

The strike affects major players in Hollywood and beyond. Companies like Disney Character Voices Inc. (owned by Walt Disney), Insomniac Games Inc. (owned by Sony), and WB Games Inc. (part of Warner Bros. Discovery) are feeling the impact. Publishing giants such as Activision Productions (owned by Microsoft), Take-Two Interactive (Take 2 Productions Inc.), and Electronic Arts Productions Inc. (EA) are also part of the strike. The list extends to Blindlight LLC, Formosa Interactive LLC, Llama Productions LLC, and VoiceWorks Productions Inc.

Game studios have responded that they have made considerable sacrifices, including substantial wage increases and safety improvements. They also claim to have included strong AI safeguards, such as requiring consent and fair compensation for actors.

While the strike aims to address industry concerns, it will almost certainly have an impact on players. Some highly anticipated games may have delays or changes, causing the whole development process to be disturbed. However, it’s worth noting that not all games are affected. Some productions have secured interim agreements or existing contracts that meet SAG-AFTRA’s requirements.

Additionally, games that were in development before September 2023 are also not officially struck, although they might still experience indirect effects. Kotaku has reported this issue concerning GTA 6, and more details are available on the SAG-AFTRA strike website.

How to Support

SAG-AFTRA is encouraging creators and streamers to invite video game performers onto their platforms to discuss the strike. The union also asks supporters to amplify their messages using the hashtags #LevelUpTheContract, #VideoGameStrike, and #SagAftraStrong on social media. For those interested in showing support, SAG-AFTRA has provided shareable graphics and additional information on how to get involved.

Also Read: The Future of Gaming Consoles: A Glimpse into the Next Decade (and Beyond!)

PMWC 2024 Grand Finals Day 1: Alpha7 Esports and DRX Share Top Spot

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Gaming Mitra
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pmwc 2024 finals day 1
Image via PUBG Mobile Esports YT Channel

The PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC 2024) Grand Finals kicked off today with sixteen competing teams buying for the ultimate championship title and a huge chunk of 1.5 Million USD. A total of 18 matches are said to take place for three days from July 26 – 28.

As the first day of the competition concluded, Alpha7 Esports (Brazil) took the lead with a total of 62 points. They share this impressive score with DRX (South Korea), who are in second place due to a slight deficit in placement points.

Team Reject (Japan) and TJB Esports (China) are close behind, occupying the third and fourth positions respectively. Rounding out the top six are Indonesian teams: Talon Esports in fifth place and Boom Esports in sixth.

Let’s take a look at the overall standings of PMWC 2024 Grand Finals Day 1.

PMWC 2024 Grand Finals Day 1: Overall Standings

pmwc 2024 finals day 1
Image via PUBG Mobile Esports YT Channel
  1. Alpha7 Esports (Brazil) – 62 points
  2. DRX (South Korea) – 62 points
  3. Team Reject (Japan) – 49 points
  4. TJB Esports (China) –  45 points
  5. Talon Esports (Indonesia) – 38 points
  6. Boom Esports (Indonesia) – 38 points
  7. Team Liquid (Brazil) – 36 points
  8. Tianba (China) – 32 points
  9. IW NRX (Turkey) – 31 points
  10. 4Merical Vibes (Mongolia) – 27 points
  11. Twisted Minds (Brazil) – 23 points
  12. POWR Esports (Saudi Arabia) – 23 points
  13. Yoodoo Alliance (Malaysia) – 22 points
  14. AL ULA X IHC (Mongolia) – 21 points
  15. D’Xavier Esports (Vietnam) – 19 points
  16. Vampire Esports (Thailand) – 18 points

Match Highlights

Match 1 – Sanhok: Alpha7 Esports started with a victory on the first match of the Finals with eight finishes. TJB Esports and Talon Esports secured second and third places with nine and ten eliminations respectively.

Match 2 – Erangel: TJB Esports secured a WWCD (Winner Winner Chicken Dinner) in this match, finishing with five kills while maintaining strong cover positions in the final zone.IHC Esports showcased their firepower with 11 kills but ultimately fell short, securing second place. Team Liquid also put up a strong fight, racking up 10 finishes, but had to settle for fifth position.

Match 3 – Erangel: Talon Esports claimed victory in this match with five impressive finishes. DRX and Alpha7 Esports also delivered strong performances, securing second and third positions with seven and five eliminations, respectively.

Match 4 – Erangel: DRX emerged victorious, completely dominating Team Liquid and securing five crucial finishes. Despite a valiant effort and 10 impressive kills, Team Liquid ultimately fell to DRX’s relentless pressure. Vampire Esports showcased their firepower with 7 kills, while Team Reject managed to secure 5 eliminations.

Match 5 – Miramar: Alpha7 Esports shined again by marking their second WWCD on the first day in this match with 9 finishes. Twisted Mind managed to secure a single elimination, placing second, while Team DRX fought hard to claim third position with 10 kills.

Match 6 – Miramar:  Team Reject utterly dominated the match, securing a decisive victory with an impressive 17 eliminations. BOOM Esports put up a strong fight, claiming second place with five finishes. 4Merical Vibes rounded out the top three, finishing with nine kills.

Also Read: Elgato Expands Stream Deck Plus with New XLR Dock and USB Hub for Enhanced Functionality

Elgato Expands Stream Deck Plus with New XLR Dock and USB Hub for Enhanced Functionality

By
Gaming Mitra
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elgato stream deck plus
Image via Elgato

Elgato is expanding its Stream Deck Plus device with two new docks: the XLR Dock and the USB Hub. The additions, which were released to expand the device’s potential, satisfy a range of demands, including microphone support and expanded connectivity.

XLR Dock: Enhanced Microphone Support

The $119.99 XLR Dock plugs onto the back of the Stream Deck Plus and provides up to 75dB of gain. This makes it compatible with popular microphones such as Shure’s SM7B. The dock also has a headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, comparable to Elgato’s Wave XLR.

stream deck plus xlr dock
Image via Elgato

Key advantages of the XLR Dock include:

  • Simplified setup: It just requires one USB connection to your laptop or PC, eliminating the need for several XLR interfaces.
  • Integrated control: The microphone settings can be managed via the Stream Deck Plus knobs, while the main buttons can be used to set mute switches and other controls.

USB Hub: Enhanced Connectivity

For those without an XLR microphone, the $59.99 USB Hub adds more ports. It connects to the rear of the Stream Deck Plus and includes:

  • Two USB-C ports.
  • Two USB A ports
  • An SD or microSD card reader
stream deck plus usb hub
Image via Elgato

These ports can handle data transfers up to 5Gb/s. Additionally, the hub has a 65-watt uplink connector that can charge a laptop when connected to an external USB-C power supply. Elgato recommends using a power supply for best performance to minimize issues caused by insufficient power from the system alone.

Availability

The XLR Dock and USB Hub are also available right away from Elgato’s website, providing consumers with increased adaptability and convenience for their Stream Deck Plus setups.

Also Read: Sea of Thieves Season 13: Captain Flameheart Returns with New Challenges and Rewards

Sea of Thieves Season 13: Captain Flameheart Returns with New Challenges and Rewards

By
Gaming Mitra
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sea of thieves season 13

Rare has released the much-anticipated Season 13 update for Sea of Thieves, bringing back the deadly Captain Flameheart and his renowned flagship, the Burning Blade. This update, which was released on July 25th, includes new gameplay elements, a revamped Renown track, and exciting rewards.

Players may now participate in epic naval battles against the Burning Blade, with the option of joining Flameheart’s crew or defeating him for major rewards. The update now includes Skeleton Camps, which defend old temples containing important secrets. In these strange locales, players can choose whether to support or oppose Flameheart’s objectives.

sea of thieves season 13

Key features of the Season 13 update include:

  • The return of Captain Flameheart and his flagship, the Burning Blade
  • New Skeleton Camps and Ancient Temples to explore
  • 100 levels of Renown and a Plunder Pass for additional rewards
  • Gameplay enhancements and bug fixes

In addition to new content, Season 13 introduces 100 levels of Renown, allowing players to access rare prizes and cosmetics. The Plunder Pass offers additional incentives for those looking for more treasure.

While the game’s popularity has surged since its PS5 launch, it has also struggled to maintain gamers. It remains to be seen whether this huge improvement will revive player interest.

For a comprehensive list of changes and updates, players can refer to the official Sea of Thieves Season 13 patch notes. Highlights include new commendations, rewards, and updates to the Emissary Ledgers, along with a range of new items available in the Pirate Emporium and Outpost shops.

Sea of Thieves Season 13 is now available for download, free for all players. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Also Read: PlayStation Portal Update 3.0.1: Enhanced Connectivity and Performance Unveiled

PlayStation Portal Update 3.0.1: Enhanced Connectivity and Performance Unveiled

By
Gaming Mitra
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playstation portal

Sony has released a new system software update for the PlayStation Portal, the Remote Play-focused handheld device introduced last year. The update, version 3.0.1, brings notable enhancements to improve user experience and device performance.

PlayStation Portal Update 3.0.1 Patch Notes and Highlights

Expanded connectivity options

One of the key features of the new update is the expanded connectivity options. Users can now connect their PlayStation Portal to various public networks, including 5GHz ones. This upgrade seeks to give users greater freedom and better connectivity when using the smartphone on the go.

Performance and Stability Improvements

In addition to enhanced connectivity features, the update contains unspecified system software performance and stability improvements. Users on the PlayStation Portal subreddit have observed considerable improvements since the upgrade. However, more testing is necessary to determine the magnitude of these performance improvements.

Visual feedback for touchpad areas

The emulated touchpad on the PlayStation Portal’s vibrant 8-inch screen gives fresh visual feedback. When using the touchpad regions during remote play, you’ll notice better effects that improve your game experience.

Battery Level Display

Want to keep an eye on your battery? You may now see the remaining battery level % in the status bar in the top right corner of your screen. Navigate to [Settings] > [System] > [Battery] and enable [Show Battery Percentage].

Since its release in November, the PlayStation Portal has fascinated players with its combination of important elements from the DualSense wireless controller and its stunning 8-inch LCD display. Over 60% of PlayStation Portal owners have used Remote Play for the first time, making it a significant addition to the gaming ecosystem.

According to Rishi Alwani, PlayStation Portal is set to arrive in India by August 15 and the price could be around Rs 20000.

Also Read: Activision Sells AI-Generated Skins in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: Report

Activision Sells AI-Generated Skins in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: Report

By
Gaming Mitra
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modern warfare 3 AI

AI has already taken over the stage of creative art, employment and video games are no exception. A recent report from WIRED revealed that leading gaming firms, such as Activision Blizzard and Riot Games, are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate their development processes. According to the report, Activision Blizzard went above and above by directly selling AI-generated material to customers.

COD Modern Warfare 3 Yokai’s Wrath bundle: Activision Sold AI-Generated In-Game Content

The gaming company allegedly began experimenting with AI in early 2023, gaining access to advanced language models such as GPT-3.5 by July of the same year. These tools were subsequently approved for use in developing concept art and marketing materials. A crucial turning point occurred in late 2023 when Activision is said to have offered an AI-generated cosmetic item through Modern Warfare 3‘s in-game store.

The report (spotted by Dexerto) links to Yokai’s Wrath bundle, implying that it was partially created by AI. This package, which debuted in December 2023, includes an Operator skin, a weapon blueprint, a calling card, a weapon sticker, and a loading screen. It was priced at 1,500 CoD Points, or around $15.

While it is unknown which components of Yokai’s Wrath bundle were created using AI, the report indicates that Activision’s developers were given permission to utilize AI tools such as Midjourney and Stable Diffusion to create AI art.

However, the situation took a more contentious turn in early 2024 when Microsoft laid off a significant portion of Activision Blizzard and Xbox staff. According to a company insider, remaining concept artists were subsequently pressured to utilize AI to meet production demands.

The report also cites Riot Games, which experimented with its own generative AI. However, the technology apparently did not garner much momentum inside the organization.

As of yet, Activision Blizzard has not responded to the report. The implications of using AI in game production remain an ongoing topic of debate in the industry.

Also Read: PlayStation Unveils New PS5 Beta: Customizable 3D Audio Profiles, Remote Play Access, and Adaptive Charging

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Now Available on Xbox Game Pass

By
Gaming Mitra
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modern warfare 3

In a significant move, Microsoft has added Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 to Xbox Game Pass as of July 24. This marks the first Call of Duty title to join the Game Pass library following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

The game will be available for Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. This news follows recent pricing increases for Game Pass memberships, a strategic move by Microsoft to improve the service’s value proposition.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Arrives on Xbox Game Pass cod mw3 xbox game passmoder

Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass along with Xbox GP ultimate subscribers can now access COD Modern Warfare 3, including the gripping single-player campaign, adrenaline-pumping multiplayer, and the series’ first foray into open-world Zombies. While the announcement doesn’t explicitly mention DLC, we don’t have any DLC included in the Game pass offering.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will receive the Modern Warfare III Cross-Gen bundle, granting access to both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions. Meanwhile, PC Game Pass subscribers can enjoy the Standard Edition of the game through the Xbox app on PC.

To play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on Xbox Game Pass, search for “Call of Duty” on the Xbox or PC (Microsoft Store) and download the main application for free. The game is approximately a 150GB download, so ensure you have sufficient storage space.

Despite mixed reviews for the game itself, the decision to add Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 to Xbox Game Pass is a strategic one. It serves as a direct response to the recent subscription price hikes and aims to retain and attract new subscribers. With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate saw a 51% increase, while PC Game Pass experienced a 28% increase in Indian Rupees, the inclusion of a high-profile title like Modern Warfare 3 is a clear attempt to mitigate potential backlash.

The arrival of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on Game Pass was first reported by eXtas1stv on X. The same source now speculates that Valorant will be released on console on July 26.

Also Read: PlayStation Unveils New PS5 Beta: Customizable 3D Audio Profiles, Remote Play Access, and Adaptive Charging

PlayStation Unveils New PS5 Beta: Customizable 3D Audio Profiles, Remote Play Access, and Adaptive Charging

By
Gaming Mitra
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playstation 5

PlayStation has announced a new PS5 beta, which will be available today and will include various new features designed to improve the gaming experience. One of the most notable changes is the addition of customizable 3D audio profiles for headphones and earbuds.

Let us check more features that come under the New PS5 Beta update.

New PS5 Beta Drops Today: Customizable 3D Audio Profiles, and More

The beta program is currently limited to invited participants in a few countries. Those selected will get an email invitation with download instructions. Sony intends to roll out the update internationally in the following months. However, it should be noted that certain features present in the beta phase may change significantly or be removed from the final release.

Personalized 3D Audio Profiles for Headphones and Earbuds

This feature enables players to develop a customized audio profile based on their own hearing characteristics, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience. Players may use headphones or earbuds such as the Pulse Elite wireless headset or the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds to carry out sound quality tests and create their own 3D audio profile.

To build a personalized 3D audio profile, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [3D Audio (Headphones)] on the PS5 console and follow the on-screen instructions. This personalized profile is intended to improve the user’s ability to identify the locations of characters and objects inside a game, resulting in a more immersive experience.

This contributes to prior 3D audio improvements made since the PS5’s release, such as support for built-in TV speakers and compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled audio devices.

Remote Play Access Control

The latest beta also allows customisation of Remote Play settings for each user. Users can select who can connect to their PS5 system via Remote Play, giving them more control over access. This function is available on all PlayStation 5 models.ps5 beta

To change these settings, navigate to [Settings] > [System] > [Remote Play] > [Enable Remote Play] and choose the user to grant or restrict access.

Adaptive Charging for Controllers

Adaptive charging is now available to PS5 beta users using the latest PS5 Slim model. This function saves power by adjusting the charge duration of the DualSense wireless controller, DualSense Edge wireless controller, PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, and Access controller based on their battery levels when the console is in rest mode.ps5 beta features

To activate adaptive charging, navigate to [Settings] > [System] > [Power Saving] > [Features Available in Rest Mode], then choose [Supply Power to USB Ports] > [Adaptive]. This feature conserves energy by turning off the power supply to the USB port after a certain time if no controller is connected.

Also Read: Take-Two Interactive Concerns about Review Bombing Threat Ahead of GTA 6 Release

Take-Two Interactive Concerns about Review Bombing Threat Ahead of GTA 6 Release

By
Gaming Mitra
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gta 6

Take-Two Interactive, the gaming giant, expressed severe concerns about the rising issue of review bombing, specifically the potential impact on the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6).

In a recent SEC filing (spotted by GameFile and Dexerto), the publisher of the popular GTA game and Red Dead Redemption emphasized the negative impact of review bombing on the video game industry. This manipulative activity involves teamwork to flood online platforms with negative reviews, often unrelated to the product’s quality, to reduce its ratings artificially.

This negative trend has grown more common in the game, film, and television industries. Earlier in July 2024, Dexerto reported how Apex Legends review-bombing pushed the game to its lowest-ever Steam rating. This incident is not isolated, with titles such as Helldivers 2 also undergoing similar treatment for various reasons. The trend is not limited to games; TV shows and films like Rings of Power and The Last of Us have also been victims of review bombing, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.

“If the ratings of any of our games decline or if we receive significant negative reviews that result in a decrease in our ratings, our games could be more difficult for players to find or recommend,” Take-Two stated.

The filing further added, “We may be subject to negative review campaigns or defamation campaigns intended to harm our ratings. Any such decline may lead to loss of players and revenues, additional advertising and marketing costs, and reputation harm.”

Take-Two underlined the necessity of maintaining good ratings on third-party platforms to attract new players and increase revenue. The company warned that a drop in ratings due to review bombing could hamper game discoverability and negatively impact revenue.

The imminent release of GTA 6 in 2025 caused Take-Two’s worries. The game has already sparked heated controversy within the gaming community, owing to the inclusion of the franchise’s first female protagonist. The controversy surrounding this judgment has sparked worries of a review bombing targeting the game.

Review bombing has a negative influence not only on individual games, but also on the industry as a whole. Developers and publishers have to handle the challenges provided by this trend to guarantee that their games are treated fairly and maintain their integrity in the eyes of gamers.

As the industry grows, platforms and communities must devise measures to reduce the impact of review bombing and encourage constructive criticism.

Also Read: Helldivers 2 Escalation of Freedom Update Drops on Aug 6: New Enemies, Challenges, and More

Garena Free Fire Max Redeem Codes for Today, 24 July 2024: Grab Exclusive Freebies!

By
Gaming Mitra
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free fire max redeem codes 23 july 2024

Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes for Today, July 24, 2024: Today’s Free Fire MAX redeem codes are here, offering a chance to snag some awesome in-game cosmetics for free. Free Fire MAX is known for its unique character and weapon skins, but the coolest ones often come with a price tag. With redeem codes, you can grab these exclusive items without spending a dime!

In February 2022, Free Fire was banned in India. However, the MAX version remains available. Reports suggest that the MAX version is entirely owned by a Singaporean company, Garena, with no direct links to Tencent.

The game features enhanced graphics, refined controls, improved gameplay mechanics, larger maps, higher player counts, and new game modes for players to enjoy. Additionally, players can personalize their characters and weapons while earning new rewards as they progress through the game.

The developers usually drop Free Fire MAX Redeem codes regularly and here you will find the daily codes.

How to Redeem the Garena Free Fire Max Redeem Codes

Step 1: Visit the Garena’s official reward redemption website. Click here to go to the website.

Step 2: Sign into the website using any linked social media account which includes Facebook, X(Twitter), Apple ID, Google, or VK ID.

free fire max redeem codes for today
Snippet via the Official website

Step 3: Simply, copy and paste any one of the redemption codes listed below into the text field and click the confirm button to continue.

free fire max redeem codes for today
Snippet via the Official website

Step 4: After confirmation, a dialogue box will appear for cross-checking. Click ‘OK‘.
Once the codes have been properly redeemed, gamers may retrieve their gift from the in-game mail section.

Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes for Today – July 24, 2024

  • FX8C3V2B9N1M6Z5L
  • FJI4GFE45TG56HG5
  • FZ5X1C7V9B2N6M3Q

Note: Do remember that these redeem codes have a limit set on them. Try to Grab them quickly!

Also Read: PUBG Mobile World Cup 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh: All You Need to Know

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