#we're immersed in a simulation

[fxrheisenn]

Andrus Laansalu talked about making Disco Elysium at EKA (Estonian Academy of Arts)

"Initially, the church wasn't a focal point. There were certain characters that needed to visit this location, and I asked, "Seriously, what do we have in our church?" The others replied, "Nothing at all. Our church is completely bare—just a wheel, really. It's quite basic."

That's when I decided to unleash my creativity in the design. For example, they chose to install a glass structure at the top of the church to create a reflective surface. It was like placing an optical clock up there. Therefore, one of the most crucial aspects of designing the church was ensuring the lighting was just right to create the desired atmosphere."

"Let me show you an example of Baroque architecture, which is rich in detail. We're also designing the interior of the church based on large cathedrals. However, the foundation you use might not yield the expected results, because the church itself doesn't require such intricate details. Sometimes, it's about simplifying the design."

"I used Articy for the initial scriptwriting of Disco Elysium. The image only represents a tiny fraction of the text and choice variables involved. This system was also the reason I eventually abandoned the project after a year of outlining the script and shifted my focus to becoming a sound designer. My mind struggled to keep up with the dynamic graphic rules, but fortunately, a more talented writer took over afterward."

"In terms of sound design, it's essential to develop different layers to bring out the charm of the church as a cohesive space. Although this represents only a small portion of the overall design, each layer actually requires a significant amount of time to compose the whole....... Whenever there's a shift or a change due to the dialogue itself, you need to adjust the background sounds. Each time you modify the details in the dialogue, I have to refine the background audio, ensuring that these elements build upon each other like an intricate layer of work."

"It's funny how many scenes involve characters getting smacked in the face. My job was to recreate those, so I locked myself in the bathroom with a recorder and hit my forehead until it turned red.

As a sound designer, I really dig those unsettling, drill-like sounds. So, I mixed in creepy lectures, metal scraping, moans, and cries of pain—because I just love that stuff! (laughs)

Players will be moving through all kinds of areas, so it's super important to make the sound transitions feel natural, trying to create a more immersive vibe in certain spaces.

With all the scenes featuring big cranes, you can hear them from far away, and I wanted to capture that eerie ringing in your ears. That's going to be a thing throughout most of the game. I've found ways to really mess with players while they're playing!"

"I've come across a lot of old objects (like phones and radios) that I needed to perfectly replicate the sounds. I started to become a bit of a hoarder, buying up different models of old phones whenever I found one to add to my collection. The sound effects I can simulate from them are really impressive."

"Some of the devices don't actually exist in real life—just a mix of architecture and tech. When I need to create sound effects, I first look for something similar that exists in our world, then I try to simulate what the sound and appearance of that thing might have been like a century ago.

Towards the end of the game, there's a character carrying a fuel canister. We needed the sound of the canister, so we dug one up from our garage—it had been sitting there since it was five! I realized this would make the sound perfect. So, it had been there for 50 years, and after 40 years, it finally found its purpose.

In some places, I needed unique sound waves, and recreating them was a real headache until one day I happened to walk by a swimming pool and stumbled upon an old wartime torpedo. You can rotate the torpedo's probe, and it slowly rises up, like a proud zombie head. The sounds it made were exactly what I needed!"

🙋How did you manage to get funding?

"Well, since we're in Estonia, you just need to know a wealthy person. You don't need five people—just two who can network, hang out together, and convince them to keep investing! (laughs) Back then, we constantly ran out of money and would tell them, 'Oops, looks like we spent it all! Can you invest a bit more?' That's how we made it through!"

🙋How did you all come together to make the game?

"Luck. It usually doesn't happen this way, and that's the key difference. It has to be. If not, you couldn't create a game of this scale - well, I mean in terms of budget. But creatively, Estonia definitely has writers and artists who can pull it off. With such a small population, there are a lot of quirky folks who are good friends. We were really lucky, though - lots of fortunate circumstances came together. It brought the right people together, allowing those talented fools to collaborate with us. They had experience but hadn't tackled projects of this magnitude before. So yeah, luck is pretty important!"

Lecture experience shared by 白兔YIYANG SUN on 小红书, reposted & translated by me with her permission.

[sirianasims]

Psssst! Hey! Yes, you! We need to talk about clubs:

Using the Clubs for Immersive Gameplay

Of all the systems that Sims 4 has, the club feature is probably one of my favourites (Restaurants are a close second, but they're not why we're here today!) Clubs are one of the easiest ways to increase your immersion when you play and make the random townies that show up on community lots just a tiny bit less random.

The Basics

Often, people are mostly concerned with the groups their active sims are in. You might already have a club to keep track of your sims' closest friends, study group, or baby daddies, we don't judge here.

Clubs are also a great way to automate what you want your sim to be doing with less micromanaging, but for immersion, we're actually more interested in clubs for the sims you don't (or rarely) play.

WTF are the neighbours doing?

Most of the pre-made clubs are kinda meh. I prefer to add my own so I can make my community lots just a bit more lively and make sure people's activities make just a tiny bit of sense because the autonomy in this game is not great. These are just for inspiration based on clubs I often add to my own game:

A group of teens who meet at the retail clothing store to try on clothes and gossip about Nancy's nose job or whatever.

A local bowling league (complete with uniforms) who meet and bowl - just don't fuck with The Jesus.

An HOA of Karens who meet at the park to clean, raise property values, and be mean to people.

Geeks and gamers who meet at the local arcade to awkwardly flirt over pizza.

Comedians who meet at the local comedy club - you can even use the club doors to make a VIP backroom only for the performers.

Sports teams - such as a basket team who meets at a local basket court, or a swim team who meets at the local pool (you can even give them tiny matching speedos!)

Scouts! The scout feature is cute but it's a rabbit hole, boo! But you can make a Scouts club, complete with uniforms, and have them show up in parks where they can do various activities and work on their badges. Add a teen or two to supervise the younglings, their parents will be so proud, aww.

A sorority or fraternity in university who meet up at the local bar in matching varsity jackets to make all the other students feel inferior.

A group of old ladies who meet at the park to knit or cross-stitch and brag about the accomplishments of their descendants.

A "business" club, usually CEOs, lawyers and such, who meet in fancy bars to hold important business meetings and probably commit white-collar crimes, so predictable.

If you have a sim with an office/work from home job and you'd like to pretend they actually go to work, you can make an office building and a group of "coworkers" who'll show up to drink coffee, chat, and work on computers next to them in the office. It'll even simulate rotating desk assignments for an instant capitalist hellscape!

The possibilities are endless, and I find the club feature really useful to add little interesting scenarios to the background of my gameplay.

Thanks to SQOTD for inspiring this!

📩 Simblr question of the day: according to you, what are the most underutilized gameplay features in the sims games you played, dlc included? - @simblr-question-of-the-day

[sysmedsaresexist]

I've seen this question going around a fair bit to blogs that don't really give a good answer and I don't really want to interact with, SO

Let's talk 📣

Headspaces

Did you know that there was a point in time when inner worlds were largely confined to discussions of polyfragmentation and complex MPD?

I've posted before about the experiences of older systems before the internet, and this topic falls into that same boat-- back before maladaptive daydreaming was even a named concept (Eli Somer first wrote about MaDD in 2002).

So, to anyone worried:

Not having an inner world is NORMAL

In fact, for the longest time, it was the norm.

As such, there were techniques used to HELP clients develop an inner world in an attempt to learn to communicate with their alters.

And I'd like to share one of those with you! This technique could be useful to ANYONE still struggling to speak with system members, and gives you a basis from which to build an inner world.

The Round Table Communication Exercise

When I first started my journey, I had no communication with my system. We experienced heavy emotional intrusion from each other, maybe a whisper here or there, but that was it.

My therapist taught me this technique to use during our sessions and while I was going to sleep.

Essentially, you're meditating. Find a quiet place to relax (when going to bed it perfect), close your eyes, and imagine a table.

Start simple, nothing intense. Hold the image of the table in your mind. What is it made from? How many legs does it have? What colour is it? Is there anything on it? Etch this table into your mind. Every inch of it. Commit it to memory.

And now, set chairs at the table. How many are there? Are they the same material as the table? Are they comfortable or hard? Tall backs? Arms? Can you sit in the chair and lean your forearms on the table? Is it comfortable?

Invite others to come sit with you.

Maybe they won't show up the first day, but continue to invite them, continue to imagine that table and the chairs. Note any changes that occur to the table.

Once you're comfortable with the table, familiar with it, slowly look around the room. How many walls? What colour? Is there anything on the walls? What kind of vibe is the room giving you? Is it welcoming and relaxing? If it's not, imagine yourself changing the room. Straighten pictures, paint the walls.

Continue to visit this room and invite others to come talk.

Eventually, someone came to sit at the table with me. As we sat and spoke, I could start to envision his face, his hair, his voice, his clothes, I could hear him telling me his name.

And over time, more people joined us. More chairs appeared, knickknacks were scattered around the room and across the table, doors appeared along the walls.

We created a couch and a TV, to simulate fronting and imagine our interactions together.

Because that's all an inner world is-- an imaginary recreation to represent internal interactions.

There isn't some small pocket in your brain where everyone lives, you're not born with an inner world, it doesn't come free with your first alter's Xbox. An inner world can be as simple as being able to visualize an interaction, or an entire immersive daydream city.

One of my alters is very emotionally reactive, and when he's frustrated, he "flips the table." This visualization is something everyone in the system can see, it's the same feeling each time, and the reactions of each alter can be perfectly visualized as this table flips-- exhausted groans, facepalms, shooshpaps as he's whisked away to his room through one of the doors.

When we're fighting for front, we can see ourselves sitting on the couch in front of the television, fighting over the remote, or if we're co-con we can imagine ourselves sitting together on the couch. Maybe we're cuddled and happy, or maybe we're sitting there awkwardly, a solid inch between us where we refuse to brush arms.

Over time, the couch became bigger, and more of us could sit together, everyone aware of and watching the images on the screen of our life happening in real time. We could talk to each other about choices we were making.

Eventually, we could visualize ourselves talking it out rather than fighting. We were able to slam our hands down on the table before it could be flipped.

These visualizations are our basis of communication.

This is an inner world, even if it's nothing more than a room that I created myself.

I hope this exercise can help others.

Good luck, and happy daydreaming.

[dearstvckyx]

The Racer’s Distraction - MV1

Max Verstappen was in his office, completely immersed in his racing simulator. The roar of the virtual engine and the precision of each turn kept him entirely focused. He was in the zone, every muscle attuned to the race ahead. Suddenly, a knock on the door pulled him out of his concentration.

"Maxie, I'm heading to Target. Do you or the cats need anything?" Alexa's voice was as sweet and melodic as ever.

Max turned his head slightly, eyes still on the screen. "Uh, no, I think we're good," he replied absentmindedly. But then he did a double take.

Alexa stood at the doorway in a light, flowing sundress that accentuated her every curve. Her Chestnut hair falling over her shoulders in her natural soft waves. It only took him a second to realize she wasn't wearing a bra or underwear underneath. His eyes widened, and a surge of possessiveness washed over him.

"Running to Target?" he asked a bit confused on what she was doing, “Yeah I’m going to get batteries and stuff for dinner.” His fiancé responded. “Dressed like that?” Max questioned her, looking her up and down.

Alexa raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "What's wrong with it? You don’t like it? Carmen helped me pick it out.

Max leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing as he took her in. "Yeah I like, but I don’t need all of Monaco liking it as well"

She let out a soft laugh and walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Oh, Max, don't be silly. It's just a dress. It’s not see through at all.”

He reached up to cover her hand with his, his grip firm yet gentle. "Babe… I can see through it, so that means everyone else can. So what? Are you just gonna go flash the country?"

Alexa's smile softened, and she leaned down to kiss him. "You're adorable when you're jealous, you know that?"

Max sighed, shaking his head with a smirk. "Just be careful, okay? And maybe hurry back. The cats might miss you."

She chuckled and straightened up, giving him a little twirl before heading out the door. Max watched her go, his heart pounding with a mix of affection and possessiveness. As the sound of the front door closing reached his ears, he immediately grabbed his phone and texted George to tell him to tell Carmen she is banned from taking Alexa clothes shopping, and now his mind was no longer on the race. All he could think about was Alexa and how lucky he was to have her.

The rest of his practice session was a blur. He couldn't wait for her to come back home.

Based Off This

[aquasarsstuff]

INTRO

Good day to you dear student! I'm Aqua, one of the prefects and the student responsible for handling the library here in NRC. I'll be giving you a guidebook, so you can easily find your book. Scroll down a bit, and you'll see the masterlist. If it's out of stock, just send me a request in the ask. That way, I can incorporate that the next time the library needs some book to be delivered. If you need me, I'm at the front desk.

Kofi Account

Event Stories

HEARTSLABYUL

Riddle Rosehearts (Available)

• Your choice (Prologue)

Summary (Route unavailable): Awakening in a dating simulation, you find yourself immersed in a realm of whimsical fantasy, a stark contrast to the modern world you’re accustomed to. In this alternate universe where you’ve landed, will you navigate towards your fairytale ending or become ensnared in a complex web of deception? The outcome depends on your choice.

• Villainess Au (Incomplete)

Ace Trappola (Available)

• Your choice (Prologue)

Summary (Route unavailable): Awakening in a dating simulation, you find yourself immersed in a realm of whimsical fantasy, a stark contrast to the modern world you’re accustomed to. In this alternate universe where you’ve landed, will you navigate towards your fairytale ending or become ensnared in a complex web of deception? The outcome depends on your choice.

Deuce Spade (Available)

• Your choice (Prologue)

Summary (Route unavailable): Awakening in a dating simulation, you find yourself immersed in a realm of whimsical fantasy, a stark contrast to the modern world you’re accustomed to. In this alternate universe where you’ve landed, will you navigate towards your fairytale ending or become ensnared in a complex web of deception? The outcome depends on your choice.

Trey Clover (Available)

• Your choice (Prologue)

Summary (Route unavailable): Awakening in a dating simulation, you find yourself immersed in a realm of whimsical fantasy, a stark contrast to the modern world you’re accustomed to. In this alternate universe where you’ve landed, will you navigate towards your fairytale ending or become ensnared in a complex web of deception? The outcome depends on your choice.

Cater Diamond (Available)

• Your choice (Prologue)

Summary (Route can be unlock): Awakening in a dating simulation, you find yourself immersed in a realm of whimsical fantasy, a stark contrast to the modern world you’re accustomed to. In this alternate universe where you’ve landed, will you navigate towards your fairytale ending or become ensnared in a complex web of deception? The outcome depends on your choice.

SAVANACLAW

Leona Kingscholar (Out of stock)

Ruggie Bucchi (Out of stock)

Jack Howl (Out of stock)

OCTAVINELLE

Azul Ashengrotto (Out of stock)

Jade Leech (Out of stock)

Floyd Leech (Out of stock)

SCARABIA

Kalim al Asim (Available)

You're my favorite

• Summary: You questioned your own value, but Kalim loves you.

Jamil Viper (Out of stock)

POMEFIORE

Vil Schoenheit (Out of stock)

Rook Hunt (Out of stock)

Epel Felmier (Out of stock)

IGNIHYDE

Idia Shroud (Out of stock)

Ortho Shroud (Out of stock)

DIASOMNIA

Malleus Draconia (Out of stock)

Silver (Out of stock)

Sebek Zigvolt (Out of stock)

Lilia Vanrouge (Available)

• Valentines gone wrong

Summary: You've discovered an occasion celebrated in Twisted Wonderland on February 14, and as a thanks to Lilia, you decided to give him a gift that very day.

• Spending the night with him

Summary: Due to being busy by schoolwork, you never got to visit your lover that's living in the mountains. Rumors of creature who hates light at the night in the woods began to surface. As you venture the path of the woods, you we're warned by your friends to go back before sunset.

• Arrange Marriage Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Summary: Frustrated about your upcoming marriage, you ranted to your bestfriend who seems to be more than enthusiastic to listen.

• Endeavors with the General

• Lover's Quarrel

• My Muse (Yandere)

• Baby Disaster!

• Peepaw helps general Lilia in his love life

Summary: Peepaw travels back in time to give his younger self a little push to finally pursue you, and stop beating around the bush.

Tags:

#aquasprompts #aquawritingsources #doIcontinue💖

[eager-wolfboy]

"See, drones have many purposes! For example.." A certain someone was chattering away, pressing buttons and pulling levels all around the control panel to the sides of them. I stifled the urge to crack a joke about what a good drone they make.

We were both in some VR game, flying in her spacecraft. Maybe to some, being immersed into a video game that's basically space roadtrip simulator isn't really good second date material, but with all the friends I've had over the years, in being shown shows and movies I'd never even heard of before, this felt like a natural progression in a state of casual emotional intimacy... Also space cool.

It was already an excruciatingly hard task to focus on anything other than them; we were practically snuggling in their pilot seat. They're really warm, and she sometimes was flying so contently that it's like they became one with the ship.

It was really cute.

And by really cute, I mean distracting.

The little task managers and gauges were flitting all around the control panel and windows definitely didn't help either. And, to top it all off, we were in the middle of a fucking asteroid belt. Everything simultaneously felt so small, and yet, larger than life. It was.. overwhelming, to say the least.

But to them, it was second nature, even though they'd told me they hadn't played this game in a long while. They must've sensed my confusion, because they pointed to the asteroid right in front of us.

"See all the glowing dots there?"

I nodded.

"Those are all drones that I just launched, so I can access the core inside. Nowww," they said as she looked over the seat and starting flying in reverse.

"Watchhhhh..." they finagled with some more buttons on a sidepanel.

".....This!"

Instantly, the asteroid exploded! A beautiful, bright display of colors burst through the rock, and shards were shooting out in all directions. They beamed, and I felt my tail wag at the sight.. Never mind that the wagging squished us even closer together.

After a few moments, only some big asteroid chunks in a smoky fog were left. Their face soured.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I forgot what these kinds of asteroids were made out of," they said seriously, "We're going in to extract the cores, and it's going to get, like, super cold. Like, be prepared to learn what absolute zero feels like."

"It'll be far from absolute zero," Missy, her owner, warmly piped up in that charming, matter-of-fact way. Though she was technically the pilot seat we were snuggling on, her voice sounded like it was coming through the spaceship's intercom, "And even if it was, hon, the simulation would only make it feel like a cool breeze. But even those effects can be disabled..."

She trailed off, as if unsure if she should ramble about the game more, but I hoped she could feel the tension melting out of me at her words. They were soothing to hear, especially coming from one of the developers of the game. Though I'm sure if I called her a developer, she'd gently correct me to whatever fancy schmancy title she actually got.

Emboldened by her assurance, I giggled, "Well, that's ok! I can handle a little cold! And I know lots of ways to warm you up!~" I shimmied even closer, practically on their lap now.

"Oh?"

They turned to look at me, eyes flicking up and down, with a flirty cute smirk. Stars, they're adorable.

"Yeah!" I nodded, voice deepening just a little to match the vibe, "Like... get you a sweater, or a mug of hot cocoa or something."

We shared a few chuckles, before they quickly pecked me on the lips. Then it felt like my whole body was burning. As they headed into the wreck and started extracting the asteroid cores, I'd gotten chills of a whole different kind.

[nitewrighter]

Hello! I hope your week has been kind. I would like to ask, in s2 ep9, we see Lois with amnesia interacting with Clark, or rather Kal-El, who in the simulation was raised on Krypton rather than on Earth. What do you think of an AU where in a futuristic Earth, humans attempting the first interstellar travel across space, intrepid reporter Lois Lane was chosen to represent journalism amongst the space crew, only to get separated by some accident and crash landed on Krypton, which, I think would have gone full isolationist. Where she was taken into captivity and meets Kal, and bonding ensues. What do you think of that AU? And how would you write it, if you don't mind me asking? Kara would be there.

Drink water regularly, and eat your vegetables daily.

Hi! Sorry it's taken me so long to get to this ask!

An isolationist Krypton actually isn't that far off from (at least Byrne-era) comics canon! As I've mentioned before while talking about the origins of the Eradicator, there was a significant period of Krypton's history where it was isolationist and xenophobic, and this lead to the Eradicator affecting Kryptonian genetics to prevent the majority of Kryptonians from being able to leave the planet.

I love the idea of a culturally Kryptonian Kal, because like, while obviously comics canon says that Clark got his kindness and his morals from Ma and Pa Kent, I do like speculating how he would kind of... find his way to that in AU's where they don't raise him. I think to make this AU really work, you'd need to make Jor-El and Lara kind of amalgams of their Donner Movie, House of El Graphic novel series, and Superman: TAS depictions: Noble, kind, and (by Kryptonian standards) romantic and rebellious! I've always like the idea that Kal does have inklings of their personalities, even if he's culturally earthling. I do think one of the things that really hurts about MAWS is we see Jor-El as more of a disillusioned general than a doomed scientist prophet and I loooove scientist Jor-El, I love the anguish of "We're fucked but maybe we don't have to be completely fucked." But--okay, steering back to your AU.

I mean if I was going to write an AU like that, I'd be working a lot from Byrne's Krypton with a heavy dash of Bronze Age Krypton rather than MAWS Krypton. It's not that I don't like MAWS Krypton, it's just I feel there's a lot less we know about it. What we do know about it are from heavily unreliable narrators (Jor-El, Kara, Brainiac). Meanwhile, Byrne's Krypton has that all-important moral ambiguity, while Bronze Age Krypton has a lot of fun sci-fi and linguistic tidbits, so I feel like I'd be able to put together a more immersive fic experience from that. I could still keep the MAWS characterizations, mainly by making the House of El a house that fell from grace as a result of Jor-El being mistaken in his prediction of Krypton's destruction, à la "The Man Who Has Everything." Hell, I can even keep that "Kal-El as the first natural Kryptonian birth in centuries" characterization, which I talk a lot about here, but basically I can use the cultural taboo of that as a means to give Kal that all-important loneliness that informs his kindness and deep need to prove himself. So basically in this AU, Lois is seen as essentially a HORRIBLE BIOHAZARD, and the only people who are willing to deal with her are the DISGRACED WEIRDOS of the House of El. Jor-El largely sees her as a scientific curiosity, Lara is mostly concerned about her son's fixation with this alien when he's already bullied and isolated enough for being a natural birth, and Kal has just laid eyes on THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEING IN THE UNIVERSE.

[amazingamyy-y]

What If We're Living in a Simulation? Exploring Simulation Theory

Simulation theory is one of those concepts that can make your brain do a double take. The idea is simple, yet profound: what if our entire reality—everything we see, hear, and feel—is just an advanced simulation? It’s a thought that’s been explored in science fiction for decades, but in recent years, it has gained traction in academic circles and pop culture alike.

The Basics: What Is Simulation Theory?

At its core, simulation theory posits that the universe and everything within it is a highly advanced computer simulation. This could mean that we are living in a virtual reality created by a civilization far more advanced than our own, potentially to the point where their simulations are indistinguishable from what we perceive as reality.

This idea was popularized by philosopher Nick Bostrom in his 2003 paper, Are You Living in a Computer Simulation? Bostrom suggests that at least one of the following propositions is true:

Almost all civilizations at our level of technological development go extinct before becoming capable of creating such a simulation.

If civilizations reach the capability to create such simulations, they choose not to for some reason.

We are almost certainly living in a computer simulation.

The third proposition is the one that has sparked the most interest—and controversy.

Why Would Anyone Create a Simulation?

The motivations behind creating such a simulation could vary widely. Some theorists suggest that an advanced civilization might create simulations for scientific research, historical reenactments, or even entertainment. If you think about it, our own society is moving towards increasingly immersive virtual realities. We play video games, use virtual reality headsets, and create digital worlds. As our technology improves, who’s to say we won’t create simulations so complex that the inhabitants don’t even realize they’re in one?

Evidence and Arguments

So, what evidence is there that we might be living in a simulation? While there’s no definitive proof, several arguments have been made:

Mathematical Structure of the Universe: Some physicists and mathematicians point out that the universe seems to operate according to a set of underlying mathematical laws. If the universe is code, then it makes sense that it would have a structured, logical framework.

Quantum Mechanics: At the quantum level, reality behaves in strange, almost digital ways. Particles appear and disappear, and the act of observation seems to affect outcomes. This has led some to speculate that what we’re seeing is akin to how a computer simulation might render only what is necessary for the “player” to see.

Cosmological Fine-Tuning: The universe appears to be finely tuned for life, with physical constants falling within a narrow range that allows for the existence of complex structures like stars, planets, and humans. Some argue this could be evidence of a simulation designed to support life.

Counterarguments

Of course, there are plenty of skeptics. Critics of simulation theory argue that the hypothesis is unfalsifiable—meaning it cannot be proven or disproven. This makes it more of a philosophical musing than a scientific theory. Additionally, some argue that assuming we are in a simulation leads to a kind of nihilism, where our actions and experiences are rendered meaningless.

Others point out that just because something is possible doesn’t mean it’s probable. The idea of an advanced civilization creating simulations is fascinating, but there’s no direct evidence to suggest it’s happening.

Why It Matters

Whether or not we’re living in a simulation, the idea itself has significant implications. It forces us to question the nature of reality and our place within it. Are we the creators of our destiny, or are we just characters in a cosmic video game? Simulation theory also raises ethical questions—if we create simulations with conscious beings, what responsibility do we have toward them?

Final Thoughts

Simulation theory might sound like science fiction, but it’s a concept that has captured the imaginations of philosophers, scientists, and the general public alike. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, it’s an idea that invites us to think deeply about the nature of existence. And who knows—maybe one day we’ll find out the truth.

In the meantime, the idea that we could be living in a simulated reality adds a layer of mystery to our everyday lives. Next time something strange or inexplicable happens, you might find yourself wondering: Is this just a glitch in the matrix?

Feel free to dive into the comments—I'd love to hear what you think about simulation theory! Are we living in a simulation, or is it just another wild idea? Let’s discuss!

[self-loving-vampire]

23 an ending that really stuck with you?

54 favorite game developers?

57 ask anything you like; if someone is trying to make an extremely immersive world where the player really feels like they're having an impact on the setting, characters, and story, what are some aspects/mechanics that would really make you feel like you're a part of the world? what's something you wish you could do in the games you play?

23. an ending that really stuck with you?

I could copy my girlfriend's answer and point towards Mary Skelter 2 but for the sake of variety I'll say that I liked the ending of Wizardry 8 in that your quest is to acquire this reality-rewriting artifact and not only can you actually accomplish this but you can successfully use it to make the universe a better place as its new pantheon.

Not a lot of of games let you set your ambitions as high as "ascend to godhood and correct the inherent misery of reality". A lot of the time the people trying to do that are in the villain role and get branded as overly full of hubris for not just accepting that everything sucks forever.

So that stood out to me as unusual. I feel like a more normal RPG would have had the protagonists trying to stop someone working towards the goal you're pursuing to maintain the status quo.

54. favorite game developers?

As a rule I don't really do consumer loyalty or anything. I also know very well that even series I liked previously can change into something I no longer enjoy that much.

With that said, I think it's kind of miraculous in itself that Touhou is now on 19 mainline games and is seemingly (I still need to play the ones after 14) still good. A lot of other series jump the shark by game 3.

57 ask anything you like; if someone is trying to make an extremely immersive world where the player really feels like they're having an impact on the setting, characters, and story, what are some aspects/mechanics that would really make you feel like you're a part of the world?

One common factor in a lot of the games I consider immersive is that the world just keeps going on its own even when you're not interacting with it. You can see time pass and NPCs going on about their daily lives.

This type of world simulation is one of the things I aim for when running TTRPGs too. I found it enchanting since I first saw it in Ultima 7 (released back in 1992!) as a small child but Gothic 2 also did it really well.

This kind of thing is not so rare now but it really stood out to me when I first saw it, especially since I was too young and inexperienced with games to realize how limited it actually was.

Anyway, I think this bit may be very nearly mandatory for me to get truly immersed. I need the shopkeepers and such to do at least a little bit more than just stand in the same place at all times.

Other things that definitely seem to help:

1- A minimal UI that doesn't give you omniscient quest markers and the like. It should still have a journal or something to keep track of quests and information but no markers.

2- Rougher mapping, you can still have a GPS tracker if you must but making use of landmarks, signs, and directions to navigate rather than map markers helps you pay more attention to your surroundings.

If I can be sure I have fully explored an area and found everything there is to be found there by looking at the map and checking off markers we're in a bad place.

3- A high level of interactivity with the environment. For example, if you see a bed you should be able to lie down on it. If you see a stove you should be able to cook, and etc. This can end up feeling a lot more tactile and immersive than doing things like resting and crafting through abstracted menus.

4- The world itself needs to demand your attention. Part of this is just interesting worldbuilding, but game design that makes you watch what you do or say rather than just exhausting every dialogue option in every conversation can also make you be more cognizant of your position, your environment, and your goals. It should be possible to fail conversations if you are imprudent.

5- The less linear the better. If a game is highly linear then you are probably going to hit a point where you want to do something that isn't permitted much, much sooner than if you had a handful of reasonable options to pursue.

It's worst when the game forces you to do things you really don't want to do (such as working with a character you would rather kill) and gives you no way out through pure removal of agency, like preventing you from attacking the offending NPC or making them invulnerable. That kind of stuff highlights the artificiality of what you're being forced to do.

6- Ideally some emphasis on things that are not combat, such as dialogue trees and non-combat skills. It's also not enough to just slap a fishing minigame and some combat-centric crafting on it.

what's something you wish you could do in the games you play?

I think it would be really cool if there were more DRPGs that fully took advantage of their genre and introduced more mechanics for long-term dungeon delves rather than just following the (admittedly fun) Wizardry formula where you balance pushing deeper into the dungeon with returning to town to resupply and recover.

What I'm thinking is more like Ultima Underworld or Legend of Grimrock. Something without a safe starting town you can return to, forcing you to instead make use of your skills in order to survive in the dungeon, which should ideally be a dynamic place with multiple different factions controlling territory and possibly being in conflict with other another, with you having the option to interact peacefully with them and maybe even join or ally yourself with a faction.

I think that would really elevate a dungeon crawl and give it more character and thought compared to just filling in the map and going down to the next floor.

[republicsecurity]

Training afternoon

The recruits listened as 6DG05's voice resonated within their helmets, a digital symphony of authority and guidance. The field lay before them, a vast expanse of simulated and real challenges, something not easy to keep apart inside the helmets that totally controlled their sensory input.

6DG05's voice resonated through the recruits' helmets, cutting through the digital landscape like a calculated breeze. His explanation wove through the intricacies of the Corps' methodology, emphasizing the seemingly paradoxical benefits of controlled sensory input.

"Recruits," he began, his tone carrying a subtle mixture of authority and explanation, "the controlled sensory input is not just a feature; it's a crucial aspect of your training. In this controlled environment, we can fine-tune your experiences, exposing you to a spectrum of challenges that transcend the limitations of traditional training methods."

He elaborated on the advantages, dissecting the nuances of their immersive training. "By manipulating your sensory perception, we can simulate a vast array of scenarios – from chaotic battlefield emergencies to nuanced medical procedures.

Inside the confines of their helmets, IU664 and H2U8M found a rare moment to converse, their voices digitalized and encrypted, resonating within the sealed space.

IU664's voice, slightly distorted by the helmet's communication system, cut through the virtual landscape. "It's disturbing, isn't it? Not knowing where the line between reality and simulation is drawn."

H2U8M, navigating the simulated challenges alongside IU664, responded, "Yeah, it messes with your head. Everything feels real, but then again, it might not be."

The digital symphony of their voices interwove with the simulated sounds of the field, creating a surreal backdrop to their conversation.

"I mean, how do we know if what we're experiencing is genuine or just another layer of the Corps' conditioning?" IU664 pondered.

"Uncertainty breeds adaptability. It's part of their method. Keep us guessing, keep us sharp."

The urgent call from T4C7L pierced through the recruits' simulated environment, pulling them from the complexities of their virtual challenges. Racing toward the coordinates, IU664 and H2U8M, found themselves face to face with a disturbing scene.

The field kitchen, where they just had eaten lay in ruins. Smoke billowed from the wreckage, and the harsh glow of flames cast eerie shadows on the digital landscape. As they approached T4C7L's prone figure, a sense of urgency permeated the simulation.

Lifting debris with their gauntleted hands, IU664 and H2U8M uncovered the injured T4C7L. His moans resonated in their helmets, creating an unsettling juxtaposition with the chaos of the disaster.

T4C7L lay there, his left leg severed by a cruel piece of virtual debris. The recruits, not knowing if this was real or part of the simulation's artificial nature, felt a surge of empathy and concern for their fallen comrade.

"Stay with me, T4C7L," IU664 urged, his digital voice carrying a hint of urgency.

H2U8M, assessing the injury, stated, "We need to stabilize him. The AI should guide us through the procedure."

As they engaged in the simulated medical emergency, the line between reality and virtuality blurred. The immersive nature of the training demanded their full attention, compelling them to respond to the simulated crisis with a blend of tactical skill and compassionate care. In the Corps, even the most controlled environments carried the weight of uncertainty and the imperative to act.

Following the AI's guidance, H2U8M took charge of the situation, his gauntleted hands working with precision to address the virtual trauma. The HUD within his helmet displayed step-by-step instructions, an ethereal guide in the midst of the simulated crisis.

IU664, his attention focused on the task at hand, assisted by providing tools and materials as prompted by the AI. Together, they worked to staunch the bleeding, following the carefully choreographed motions dictated by the digital guide.

The HUD displayed vital signs and diagnostics related to T4C7L's condition. The integrated medi-kit had administered pain medication to alleviate T4C7L's suffering, and the virtual readouts indicated a stabilization of his vital signs.

H2U8M and IU664, still in the midst of the emergency, assessed the data provided by the suit. The digital interface guided them through the next steps, prompting them to check for any other injuries and ensure that T4C7L remained stable until further assistance arrived.

The surreal blend of the real and the simulated created a unique atmosphere within the paramedic suits. The recruits, immersed in the scenario, relied on the seamless integration of technology and training to navigate the challenges presented to them.

Mission Control's voice resonated in their helmets, instructing them to evacuate T4C7L to a designated safe zone approximately 2 km away. The recruits, relying on the suit's enhanced strength and the knowledge gained through their training, carefully lifted and secured T4C7L onto a makeshift stretcher.

The HUD provided a digital map overlay, guiding them through the simulated terrain. The recruits, now fully immersed in the scenario, navigated the challenges of the field with precision. The weight of their injured comrade served as a constant reminder of the gravity of their mission.

As they moved toward the designated safe zone, the AI continued to offer guidance and feedback, assessing their actions and responses.

H2U8M's voice resonated through the secure channel, the digital encryption ensuring their conversation remained private within the confines of their helmets.

H2U8M: "This feels real, doesn't it? The weight of T4C7L, the urgency of the mission. It's all too convincing."

IU664: "I agree. The details, the sensory input—simulations don't usually feel this tangible. But then again, we're dealing with a level of technology that blurs the lines between reality and simulation."

H2U8M: "What if they're testing us, pushing us to question the nature of the scenario? It's all part of their conditioning methods."

T4C7L's voice crackled through their secure communication channel, his tone a mix of pain and frustration.

T4C7L: "You stupid cucumbers, this is as real as it gets. The pain in my leg is real, the wreckage around me is real. Now, less talking, more moving. Get me out of here."

H2U8M and IU664, though relieved to have some confirmation of the reality of the situation, focused on the task at hand.

The AI-induced partial failures added an extra layer of challenge for the recruits. H2U8M and IU664, tasked with carrying the simulated injured T4C7L, found their suits responding sluggishly, resistors intermittently activating, and the feedback loops creating unpredictable resistance.

As they struggled with the simulated technical issues, the instructors watched the recruits' responses closely through the telemetry data. The suits' HUDs flickered, displaying false alarms and misleading information, testing the recruits' ability to troubleshoot and adapt.

Amidst the simulated chaos, H2U8M and IU664 lifted the incapacitated T4C7L, the weight feeling unexpectedly variable due to the simulated suit malfunctions.

Inside the encrypted communication channel, IU664's voice crackled into H2U8M's helmet, laden with a mix of frustration and amusement.

As 6DG05 observed the recruits' progress, a mischievous thought crossed his mind. With a subtle command to the AI, he decided to add an extra layer of challenge.

6DG05: "Let's keep them on their toes. AI, introduce some glitches into their suits, nothing too extreme, just enough to test their adaptability and problem-solving skills."

The HUDs of the recruits flickered momentarily, introducing simulated glitches that distorted visuals and generated sporadic sensor errors. The recruits, unaware of the deliberate interference, now faced an additional layer of complexity in the already challenging simulation.

IU664: "Did you feel that glitch, H2U8M? Something's off, and I don't think it's just part of the simulation."

6DG05 observed the recruits' actions on the HUD telemetry feed. Satisfied with IU664 and H2U8M's performance in stabilizing and evacuating T4C7L, he allowed a sense of approval to creep into his thoughts.

H2U8M: "Yeah, I noticed. Feels like the suits are playing tricks on us. Maybe they've upgraded the training scenarios, or it's another layer of conditioning."

T4C7L, lying on the simulated ground, spoke through the helmet's speakers, his voice carrying a mix of urgency and simulated pain.

T4C7L: "Come on, recruits! This isn't a stroll in the park. I need help. Get me to that ambulance, and make it quick. No time to dilly-dally."

Amidst the simulated chaos and controlled disarray of the training exercise, IU664 and H2U8M rushed towards the waiting Instructor KO10T, their minds instantly reverting to the systematic approach they'd been trained to follow in such situations.

IU664, his voice calm and focused despite the surrounding turmoil, relayed the critical information. "Instructor, we've encountered a casualty. Assessing his condition using the ABCDE approach: Airway's clear, breathing labored, pulse is thready, conscious but showing signs of distress. Extremity injury to the left leg, traumatic amputation. Bleeding is controlled."

H2U8M, maintaining composure, joined in. "Checking his Disability and Exposure—conscious and oriented, no other evident injuries. Estimated blood loss is moderate but manageable. Requesting immediate evac, sir."

Instructor KO10T, taking in the urgency in their voices, nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood. Prepping for immediate evacuation. Excellent work, both of you. Let's get him to safety."

The visors ascended with a faint hiss, revealing the training ground in all its controlled normalcy. The chaotic scenes of a simulated emergency melted away, leaving IU664 and H2U8M blinking in the calibrated lighting of the training area.

The instructors, KO10T and 6DG05, observed with a discerning eye, assessing the recruits' reactions to the simulation's conclusion.

The training ground, once a staged battlefield of urgency and simulated injuries, now revealed T4C7L standing before them, seemingly whole except for the absent leg that remained in the simulation.

T4C7L, having played his role in the training exercise, maintained a composed demeanor despite the apparent incongruity of his missing leg.

T4C7L, noticing their confusion, spoke up. "Ah, the leg. I guess I forgot to mention it during the briefing. Lost it in a motorcycle accident when I was seventeen. But they fixed me up real good, got me back on my feet, or foot, so to speak. Decided I wanted to serve, to be on the other side, helping folks just like the guys who helped me."

T4C7L, noting the lingering surprise on the faces of IU664 and H2U8M, grinned. "Don't worry, mates. I'm not as handicapped as it might seem. The leg I lost years ago has been replaced by this marvel of technology." He tapped on the sleek surface of his suit's leg, revealing the hidden, fully functional prosthetic limb.

The recruits, still processing the revelations, marveled at the seamless integration of advanced prosthetics into the tactical paramedic suits. It was a testament to the level of technology they were immersed in, where disabilities could be overcome with cutting-edge innovations.

T4C7L continued, "This prosthetic is more than just a replacement. It's an enhancement, a piece of gear that complements the suit and makes me as effective as any of you." He flexed the prosthetic, demonstrating its range of motion and adaptability.

The revelation about T4C7L's prosthetic leg added another layer of complexity to IU664 and H2U8M's understanding of their immersive training. The blurring line between simulation and reality became increasingly elusive, and the recruits found themselves questioning the authenticity of their experiences.

The instructors, masters of this carefully constructed reality, watched silently, knowing that each twist in the training narrative served a purpose beyond the recruits' immediate comprehension.

KO10T, realizing the disconcerting nature of the training, approached IU664 and H2U8M. His inquiry about their needs and the offer to adjust the environment for their comfort revealed a subtle acknowledgment of the psychological strain the immersive scenarios imposed on the recruits.

With a controlled, yet understanding tone, KO10T conveyed, "Do you need anything, recruits? Take a moment. I'll give you control over the suits. You can decide whether to keep the visors open or closed, whatever makes you more comfortable."

The choice offered a semblance of autonomy within the structured training environment. As the visors lifted, the recruits found themselves facing the training ground once again, now free from the immersive overlays that dictated their experiences. The ambient sounds of the training site became more pronounced, grounding them in the tangible reality of their surroundings.

U664 and H2U8M, visors open to the training ground's unfiltered reality, sipped their hot tea as they joined KO10T and T4C7L in preparing for the next team's immersive scenario. The banter flowed naturally between the recruits and their instructors, a brief interlude of camaraderie amid the intense training regimen.

KO10T, while overseeing the setup, engaged in light banter with the recruits. "Well, recruits, how did it feel to face the unexpected? This training isn't your typical walk in the park, but you handled it well."

H2U8M chuckled, "I have to admit, I wasn't sure if we were dealing with a simulation or a real emergency back there. You've got us on our toes, Instructor."

T4C7L, adjusting some equipment nearby, added, "Ah, the blend of reality and simulation, keeps you sharp, doesn't it? It's what makes our paramedics the best in the field."

T4C7L asks H2U8M to carry him in the Fireman's carry to the simulated explosion site

H2U8M, responding to T4C7L's request with a smirk, said, "Sure thing, T4C7L. Ready for a scenic tour of our simulated chaos?" He crouched down, allowing T4C7L to climb onto his back in a fireman's carry.

As H2U8M walked toward the designated area, T4C7L playfully remarked, "Ah, the perks of having recruits who can lift you like a feather."

"Consider it part of our paramedic fitness training, sir," H2U8M quipped, maintaining the camaraderie amid the unconventional scenario.

H2U8M carefully lowered T4C7L to the ground, and T4C7L continued to play his part in setting the stage. He pointed to a small container labeled "artificial blood" nearby and instructed, "There you go, H2U8M. Make it look dramatic. We want the next team to think they're in for a real challenge."

H2U8M, with a hint of a smile beneath his helmet, picked up the container and applied the artificial blood to the prosthetic stump, creating a convincing illusion of injury. T4C7L, lying on the ground, maintained a serious expression, adding to the realism of the scene.

KO10T, overseeing the preparations, nodded in approval. "Good job, recruits. This will set the tone for the next team. Remember, realism is key in our training."

KO10T told the recruits: "If you want you watch your mates go through the same scenario as you did, but you will have to lower the visors."

U664 glanced at H2U8M, and they exchanged a silent agreement. With a synchronized motion, they lowered their visors, immersing themselves back into the controlled environment of the suits. The training ground transformed once again, the HUD overlaying data and simulations on their vision.

KO10T's voice echoed in their helmets, "Welcome to the observer's perspective, recruits. Take a moment to see how your fellow paramedics handle the challenges. It's a valuable part of your training."

As they watched their comrades navigating the simulated emergencies, H2U8M couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and camaraderie. IU664, sharing the sentiment, remarked over their encrypted channel, "It's strange being on this side, isn't it? Almost like watching a performance, but with a deeper understanding."

"Yeah," replied H2U8M, "you get a different appreciation for the complexities of the scenarios when you're not in the thick of it. Let's see how they tackle it."

Finally the last team of their platoon emerged. Most of them were as stunned as H2U8M from the final scenario.

As the last team completed the scenario, the recruits gathered, their visors lifted to reveal a mix of sweat-soaked and bewildered faces. The training ground, once a battleground of simulations and challenges, now required their attention for cleanup.

KO10T's voice cut through their helmets, "Good work, recruits. Visors up for now. Take a moment to catch your breath. We'll march back to the barracks once the site is cleaned up."

IU664 and H2U8M joined the rest of the platoon in the post-scenario haze. The disorientation lingered as they helped tidy the training area. Equipment was stowed, and remnants of the simulated emergencies were cleared away.

H2U8M retrieved T4C7L's prosthetic leg and handed it to him. T4C7L deftly attached the prosthetic, securing it in place with practiced ease. As the mechanical components engaged, the leg seemed to seamlessly integrate with his suit.

T4C7L stood up, testing the prosthetic limb. The movement was fluid, a testament to the advanced technology that augmented his abilities. The recruits, still gathered and cleaning up the training site, watched with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

IU664, intrigued by the seamless integration of the prosthetic with the suit, couldn't help but ask over their helmet communication, "How does it feel, T4C7L? Having a leg like that?"

T4C7L, now standing steadily, replied with a grin audible in his voice, "Feels like I never lost it in the first place. The tech these suits have is something else. Now, let's finish up here and head back. Good job today, everyone."

The platoon marched in unison, their visors down, the rhythmic thud of boots echoing through the simulated night. The HUDs provided a subtle green glow, enhancing their vision in the darkness. The recruits moved with a disciplined precision, the day's immersive training still fresh in their minds.

IU664 and H2U8M, side by side in the formation, exchanged a few words over their helmet communication. The day's events had left an indelible mark on their perception of the training, blurring the lines between simulation and reality.

H2U8M remarked, "Never thought I'd see someone attach a prosthetic leg to a suit like that."

IU664 replied, "Yeah, the technology is impressive. Makes you wonder what else these suits can do."

As they moved to the decontamination area, H2U8M turned to IU664, visor still lifted, "Quite a day, huh? I never expected this level of intensity when we started."

The recruits moved through the decontamination process, shedding the remnants of the scenarios they had faced. The barracks awaited them, a place where they could rest, reflect, and prepare for the next phase of their paramedic training.

The platoon filed into the barracks, the air hissing as the docking clamps engaged, securing the recruits in their suits.

Inside the barracks, the visors lifted, revealing a room filled with exhausted but focused faces. The instructors, including T4C7L, who had rejoined them, prepared to discuss the day's events and lessons learned. The recruits, visors now transparent, awaited the debriefing that would shed light on the complexities of their futuristic training.

The mechanical symphony of replenishment and recharging began, each suit connected to its designated station.

The suits, now in a passive state, initiated their self-maintenance routines. he HUDs displayed diagnostic data, ensuring that each suit received the necessary attention for the upcoming days of training.

IU664 glanced at H2U8M, their expressions hidden behind the helmets. "It's like we're part of some advanced, living organism," IU664 remarked, the fatigue of the day's training evident in his voice.

The classroom, now illuminated by the overhead lights, awaited the instructors' debriefing.

The recruits' HUDs illuminated with a cascading stream of data, an automated report detailing their performance throughout the day. Bright green indicators marked areas of success, while cautionary amber signals highlighted aspects needing improvement.

IU664's eyes scanned the detailed breakdown of his actions during the simulated emergency scenarios. The HUD displayed commendations for swift responses, accurate diagnostics, and effective communication with H2U8M. Yet, there were amber warnings, cautioning him about a slightly delayed reaction time during the evacuation phase.

H2U8M's HUD presented a similar array of information. The system praised his effective wound management and coordination with IU664, but a cautionary note suggested a need for more precision in administering certain medical procedures.

The recruits, still inside their suits, exchanged glances. The silent feedback from their AI-guided assessments brought a mix of satisfaction and determination. It was a constant loop of improvement — an intricate dance between human decision-making and the enhancements offered by the advanced technology woven into their suits.

IU664 tapped a few virtual buttons on his HUD, accessing a broader analysis of their overall platoon performance. The report extended beyond individual accomplishments, providing insights into the collective efficiency and potential areas for group synergy.

"It's like a digital debriefing," IU664 remarked, his voice reverberating within the confines of the helmet.

H2U8M nodded, "They've quantified every move, every decision. We're not just learning from our experiences; the system is optimizing us."

As the recruits absorbed the data and recommendations, the automated voice of the AI chimed in through their helmets, "Tomorrow is a new day of training. Optimize, adapt, overcome."

The instructors, their voices resonating through the recruits' helmets, issued the command: "Initiate docking procedures. It's time to rest."

The recruits, visors descending to create a cocoon of isolation, marched in unison toward the docking stations. The rhythmic hiss of docking clamps engaged, securing each recruit in place. The ambient hum of the suits' machinery became a lullaby, a mechanical symphony serenading them into a state of rest.

As the recruits settled into their individual stations, the suits initiated a sequence. The once active HUD now dimmed, transitioning into a soft, ambient glow. Inside the sealed helmets, the recruits experienced a gradual disconnection from the external world.

In the virtual space of their HUD, the instructors relayed a message: "Rest well, recruits. Tomorrow awaits new challenges."

The recruits' bodies reclined in the docking stations, embraced by the contours of their suits. The AI, ever vigilant, monitored their vital signs and sleep patterns. As the recruits drifted into the realm of dreams, the suits maintained a silent watch, ready to awaken them at the appointed hour.

[twoandahalfstudios]

We're going to be holding a small funding event for A Date with Death on itch when the demo releases 🥳

We'll have a few opportunities for custom outfits, hairstyles and accessories available.

We'll also have a few spots for fellow devs to put in fun fake ads 💀

Wishlist here:

A Date with Death is a supernatural romance chat simulator visual novel that puts you in control. Create your own character, from appearance to pronouns… but be warned, the choices you make will have consequences, and the line between love and death is a thin one.

💀 Custom Character Creation: Build your own protagonist, from their physical appearance to their pronouns and name, and truly immerse yourself in the story. 💀 Room Design: Decorate your apartment to your liking and create a cozy space that you'll love coming back to. 💀 Pet Your Furry (or scaley?) Companion: Yes, you can pet the dog. Snuggle up with your furry friend and let their cute antics help you unwind. 💀 Choices That Matter: Make decisions that will affect your character's fate and lead you to one of multiple possible endings. What kind of relationship will you have with the Grim Reaper? 💀 Gorgeous Original Art: Lose yourself in stunning visuals that bring the story to life, and feel like you're truly part of the world of A Date with Death.

[annaplaybook]

Is Inzoi a Dream Come True?

The timing couldn't be more perfect. Remember my post where I mentioned how Sims' lives often feel similar?

Well, just yesterday, Kjun, the director of the simulation game Inzoi, shared an exciting update on his Discord channel. He introduced new evolutionary AI technology aimed at making the Zois smarter and more individual. From the video, it looks like the smart Zois will be able to understand their surroundings and react accordingly. I'm guessing this involves a value system that helps shape their character by the end of each day.

In past discussions on Kjun's Concerns, I suggested adding values or habits to differentiate each character as they grow, avoiding predictable behavior driven by coding with only slight personality differences. It seems this idea, whether originally theirs or inspired by user suggestions, is coming to life and I couldn't be happier!

Seeing this opportunity to make life simulation more immersive and dynamic is incredible. It feels like we're getting closer to the life simulation we've always dreamed of, doesn't it?

My only concern is about optimization, but since everything is still a work in progress, I'm hopeful. Wishing Kjun and his team the best of luck, they're doing an amazing job!

[net-craft]

The Impact of AI on Mobile App Development Services in Arizona: A Glimpse into the Future

Arizona's mobile app development scene is experiencing a surge. Here at Net-Craft.com, a leading Mobile App Development Services company in Scottsdale, Arizona, we're constantly exploring innovative technologies to push the boundaries of what's possible. And one technology rapidly transforming the industry is Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This blog article dives into the impact of AI on Mobile App Development Services in Arizona. We'll explore how AI is revolutionizing the app development process, enhancing user experiences, and shaping the future of mobile apps.

AI in Mobile App Development: A Game-Changer

AI encompasses a range of technologies that enable machines to simulate human intelligence. In the realm of mobile app development, AI is being used in various ways, including:

Smart App Development Tools: AI-powered tools are streamlining the development process. Code generation, automated testing, and design optimization are just a few ways AI is accelerating development timelines.

Personalized User Experiences: AI algorithms can personalize user experiences in real-time. Imagine an Arizona hiking app that recommends trails based on your fitness level and weather conditions. This level of customization is possible with AI.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They can answer user questions, provide customer support, and even complete tasks within the app.

Predictive Analytics: AI can analyze user behavior to predict future actions and preferences. This allows developers to create more intuitive interfaces and anticipate user needs.

Enhanced Security Features: AI can be used to detect and prevent security threats, protecting user data and enhancing app security.

Benefits of AI in Mobile Apps: A Win-Win for Users and Developers

The integration of AI in mobile apps offers a multitude of benefits for both users and developers:

For Users:

Enhanced User Experience: AI personalizes the app experience, making it more intuitive, engaging, and efficient.

Improved Functionality: From AI-powered recommendations to proactive problem-solving, AI can significantly enhance app functionality.

24/7 Support: AI-powered chatbots can provide instant support and answer user questions around the clock.

For Developers:

Increased Efficiency: AI-powered tools automate repetitive tasks, allowing developers to focus on core functionalities and creative aspects.

Reduced Development Costs: Streamlined development processes and faster timelines can translate to cost savings for developers.

Data-Driven Insights: AI can analyze user data, providing valuable insights that inform future app development decisions.

The Future of Mobile App Development Services in Arizona: Powered by AI

The future of mobile app development in Arizona is undeniably intertwined with AI. As AI technology matures, we can expect to see even more innovative applications emerge:

Context-Aware Apps: Mobile apps will become more context-aware, adapting to user location, time of day, and even mood. Imagine an Arizona tourism app that suggests nearby restaurants based on your preferences and the time of day.

Enhanced AR/VR Experiences: The integration of AI with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies will create immersive and interactive experiences within mobile apps.

Adaptive Learning Apps: AI can personalize learning experiences within educational apps, tailoring content and difficulty levels to individual users.

Net-Craft.com: Embracing the Power of AI

At Net-Craft.com, we're passionate about staying ahead of the curve. We actively explore the potential of AI to enhance our Mobile App Development Services in Arizona. As AI technology continues to evolve, we're committed to integrating it responsibly and ethically to create exceptional mobile apps for our clients.

Looking to Leverage AI in Your Mobile App?

We understand that embracing new technologies can be daunting. Net-Craft.com is here to guide you through the process. We offer consultations to discuss your specific needs and explore how AI can be integrated into your mobile app concept.

Together, let's leverage the power of AI to develop groundbreaking mobile apps that set new standards in Arizona and beyond!

Know more https://www.net-craft.com/blog/2024/11/28/ai-impact-mobile-app-development-arizona/

[digitaldetoxworld]

Technology Integration Education Research A New Era

Technology  Integration Education Research  era has revolutionized the manner college students examine and teachers coach. From interactive digital gear and virtual classrooms to artificial intelligence (AI) and information-driven insights, generation is reshaping schooling on a global scale. This transformation is going beyond replacing conventional chalkboards with smartboards or textbooks with capsules. It offers a extra dynamic, personalized, and efficient studying experience that prepares college students for the demands of the twenty first-century workforce. As we discover the profound effect of technology integration in education, we're going to have a look at its advantages, challenges, and the approaches it's far shaping the future of mastering.

The Evolution of Technology in Education

Historically, education has been characterized by using traditional techniques of practice, which include lectures, textbooks, and hands-on activities. While these stay treasured, the appearance of era has brought a wealth of recent tools and assets that enhance the coaching and learning manner.

Technology in education began with the introduction of computers and the internet in classrooms, but it has on account that advanced into an atmosphere that includes smart gadgets, academic software program, on-line gaining knowledge of systems, and virtual studying environments. Schools and universities now contain era in multiple ways, from mixed getting to know models to fully on-line courses. This evolution allows for extra interactive, bendy, and reachable schooling for inexperienced persons of all ages.

The Benefits of Technology Integration in Education

Personalized Learning:

One of the most huge benefits of generation in schooling is its capability to facilitate customized gaining knowledge of reviews. With the assist of AI and system gaining knowledge of algorithms, educational platforms can tailor classes, quizzes, and exercises to individual college students’ learning speeds and patterns. This guarantees that each scholar gets guidance at their own tempo, minimizing frustration and maximizing comprehension.

Tools like adaptive getting to know software program analyze a scholar's progress and offer focused content that addresses their particular wishes. For instance, a pupil suffering with math can obtain extra practice troubles, at the same time as a greater advanced scholar is probably challenged with higher-degree questions.

Enhanced Engagement:

Interactive tools including instructional games, simulations, and multimedia content material make studying greater attractive and fun for students. Visual and audio elements help explain complicated concepts in approaches that conventional strategies won't, making studying extra reachable to visual and auditory inexperienced persons.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are also more and more being utilized in lecture rooms to create immersive studying studies. Students can discover historical civilizations, visit outer area, or dissect virtual animals, all with out leaving the study room. These gear captivate students’ interest and make gaining knowledge of more memorable.

Collaboration and Communication:

Technology enables collaboration amongst students, instructors, and even worldwide friends. Tools like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom allow for real-time communique, document sharing, and collaborative tasks. Students can paintings collectively on assignments, talk thoughts, and supply peer feedback, regardless of their physical area.

In addition to pupil collaboration, era permits instructors to hold higher communication with students and mother and father. Online portals and apps offer instant updates on grades, assignments, and attendance, allowing for more obvious and ongoing feedback.

Accessibility and Inclusivity:

It  has the capacity to make schooling more inclusive via offering get admission to to resources for students with disabilities. For example, display readers and textual content-to-speech software help visually impaired college students, whilst speech recognition equipment help students with bodily or getting to know disabilities take part extra completely in elegance.

Online guides and digital textbooks additionally allow students from remote or underserved areas to get entry to high-quality education. With the rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), novices from around the arena can take publications from top universities without ever stepping foot on campus.

Global Learning Opportunities:

It  breaks down geographical limitations, allowing college students to connect to friends, teachers, and experts from around the sector. Through digital exchanges, college students can engage in cross-cultural projects, discussions, and studies. This international angle complements students’ expertise of various cultures and fosters empathy, crucial thinking, and worldwide citizenship.

Moreover, online structures like Coursera,  and Khan Academy offer college students get admission to to world-elegance schooling from pinnacle universities and establishments, regularly at little to no cost.

Data-Driven Insights:

Importance technology integration education   affords   educators with powerful equipment to collect and examine records on scholar performance. Learning control systems (LMS) and evaluation equipment generate unique reviews on student development, figuring out regions of electricity and people requiring in addition attention. This facts allows instructors to make knowledgeable decisions, adjust coaching techniques, and provide centered interventions to help student getting to know.

Predictive analytics also can help become aware of students who are vulnerable to falling behind, allowing instructors to interfere early and offer the vital help to preserve them on the right track.

[aita-blorbos]

AITA for punishing my son? 

I (43M) have spent the last 30 years without a soul trapped in a horrific state between life and death in a crystal dimension suspended in time where I can display realistic simulations of the past as a sort of "immersive VR experience" if you will. My son S (43M) is a real scumbag, he used to be a surgeon but after stealing a man's kidney to save his daughter (who died anyway) he became a crime boss and hurt a bunch of people, such as murdering his cousin R (45NB) and forcing C(late 30s M) to work for him, as well as infecting him with a deadly brain disease. My son eventually found out where I am and came to me to reconnect after not seeing me for 30 years. This is where I might be TA. I initially acted welcoming and loving, but soon switched to punishing him for his myriad sins. I made him relive all the worst moments of his past, forcing him to face his actions firsthand. I promised him salvation if he stayed with me. In truth, I feel empty without a soul, and hurting him is the only way I'm able to feel anything. I've felt so isolated these 30 years and I crave some sort of companionship, so the idea was that I'd keep him with me by any means possible. Of course, he also deserves punishment for his transgressions. If the Lord doesn't send him to Hell, I'll do it myself, I decided. Some time after the first punishment, C's fiancee, B (30s NB) hunted my son down and tore off 3 of his arms and blinded 5 of his eyes, as well as eating his soul. My son was understandably traumatized by this, so I decided to exploit this by trapping him in a virtual forest filled with the sounds of B and eyes peering from the darkness to make him feel like he was being hunted for sport. At the end of it, I forced him to watch B eat his corpse. After this I took him back to the living room of his childhood home and let him hug me and come to me for comfort. However, due to some truly odd circumstances, I suddenly found myself with a soul again in that moment. In a single moment I felt 30 years of pain, as well as overwhelming guilt over what I'd put my son through. I sobbed into his shoulder, muttering apologies, before forcing him out of the crystal realm. I completely shut myself off from everyone else, begging for death, but eventually recovered. I lost my soul again, but after feeling pain and guilt for the first time in 30 years I was no longer so twisted, just empty and miserable. I wanted to repair relations with my son, but he was killed by C in a rather… Upsetting way, and I haven't been able to talk to him since. I wish I could grieve him, but without a soul I'm just empty. I wish more than anything that we could reconcile, that I could make up for what I did, but I know that we're both already damned. In truth I know that this is an ESH situation, but I suppose I'd like to hear the opinion of others. 

[castlebyersafterdark]

ok, so im watching the how to get away w murder clip and like... yeah? sexy sex? but there's too many cuts in the edit. i want to see more, but without seeing more.... if you know what i mean?

this is my main issue with modern (or should i say hollywood?) sex scenes. theyre too fast paced, not only in the progression of the sex itself, but in the edit. noah has made letterboxd mentions of how he admires films where the scene is allowed to just play out, often from one angle, and its usually in european or arthouse cinema. the fact he's said this makes me think ST is NOT being filmed like this, which makes me sad, but i guess i shouldnt have expected anything else judging by the history of the show.

my hope with byler, more than wanting to see body parts (though i wouldn't mind that - bodies are beautiful), is that the scene is allowed to play out, with the camera slowly panning in rather than chopping and changing angles. for me, this is slow immersion, desperately sensual. i can forget i am even there... i am lost in the scene, and the actors are too, because they are allowed to just be in one long take and forget the camera. ST has sometimes used what fans call 'stalker' shots, which gives them a bad connotation - its where the camera creeps on characters out of their view. but i dont think it necessarily is a bad camera shot. depends on the tone we're setting. after all, we are all voyeurs simply by watching a story on a screen, arent we? why not make the camerawork immersive too, in a nice way? perhaps, this way, there would be less shame for viewers as well, because we wouldn't constantly be reminded YOU ARE WATCHING A SEX SCENE! ISNT THIS SEXY???!!!! I BET YOURE GETTING A BONER RIGHT NOW! HAHAHA!

lmao. It would just become another part of the lives of these characters. this is why i love lucca guadagnino the director, he says he approaches every scene with the same attitude and gives it the same importance, whether its simulated sex or a tiny passing scene without lines. and honestly, it's a cultural issue too. european culture in general is more comfortable with sex and the body. you see it in food, in dance, in the way people behave and move and everything. i think in america, shock factor and sex sells, but there's also deep shame ingrained into those same things. it makes for an odd tussle, where there wouldnt even be an issue in european culture. epicurean sensuality is normal and celebrated there.

i suppose its too much to expect finn and noah to pull off a guadagnino style love scene under the direction of the duffer brothers lmao. but they seem to have their only sensuality that they bring and cannot be quelled... the van scene is honestly, very sensual and intense. so i have some hope.

but i do hope one or either of them are scooped up for a project like Queer, one day. I think they could both thrive under such a director's approach to filmmaking.

also love that we have mentioned titanic here lately because even though thats hollywood, its subtle and very sensual rather than "sexy". And in doing so, it becomes sexy. I want byler to be sensual and emotional, not sexy.

I'll always stand by my love of HTGAWM and thinking they did a pretty good job - I mean, in a show with romantic subplots and especially as a character who uses sex and his sexuality for secondary means? It's still important to the show while not being the point of the show. It's all genre, medium, story being told. Filming style.

I guess it depends on what you're watching. I feel like the sex scenes in a snappy crime procedural vs. a drama/romance film vs. a mainstream horror/sci-fi are going to be very different. There's just different style of filming. I like all the types mentioned above. Do I want to imagine what scenes of various natures would look like if Stranger Things was more arthouse lofty cinema? Yeah, that's honestly how it looks in my imagination 😆 But ST is not an arthouse indie film haha. I would never expect as such. It does allow emotions to sit, it does allow for sentiment. It's not like they're constantly undercutting any emotional moment with humor or quips or subversion fourth wall genre aware eye rolling like other media (cough mcu and sw cough), so there's that at least.

Definitely appreciative and more interested in scenes that are allowed to play out, the sensual rather than shock value or included but almost shameful. I really think a lot of it depends on tone of story and film/show. I don't think I subscribe to only allowing room to consider certain regions to be able to be successful with or engage with certain emotions and art. I think the problem is the most glaring detractors in opposition to what we talk about are loud by nature, the big budgets that demand a return so they cater to more mass appeal. Anything mass appeal is going to be imperfect about sex, since it's so devisive. Not trying to be too defensive! I just think it should be considered. I always try to consider alternatives to sweeping generalizations.

Titanic is a great example of a filmmaking style I quite enjoyed and I thought was perfection for the story it told! The history and the romance and humanity all in conjunction. I think the sex scenes, the sensuality of it all - spot on. It didn't need to be more exposed, more what I call "softcore" simulated. Sometimes I think scenes do go too far, sometimes not far enough. Titanic was perfect for Titanic. Its genineky one of those topics thats a case by case basis in my personal reads of media re: sex scenes in cinema.

But - agreed, in that train of thought at the end. We have fandom, we have imagination to make Byler spicy and sexy. I'd hate for them to just shy away completely if the intention is to include a sex scene. It should be more emotional and sensual than shocking or ashamed to really give it weight. For sure.

Also agree I'd love to see either boy in a film with material that allows then to explore on screen, show a side we haven't gotten yet. Vulnerable filmmaking, a little artsier. Some say neither really have the acting chops but I disagree. We've seen some moments of brilliance. They'd need the right script, story, directing. Material that could push them. I do believe they have it in them to deliver in some sort of future project and it would so great to see. Let's hope 🤞