#Obs studio developers

[cai-tan]

Hey, Tumblr, I'm angry and frustrated and I'm making it your problem.

Break the Keep Reading only if you either A. have any experience with OBS-Websocket or other such integrations, or B. sincerely wish to partake in my suffering. Warning for excessive cursing, it gets rough.

Update on the whole KT-1632 overlay situation: After a handful of minor technical difficulties and rookie mistakes (hey cat, it would help if you actually turned on the damn websocket before trying to connect to it), I've established a base framework for connecting to OBS Websocket.

Once I had that in place, I started testing out what kind of messages I can get, and uh... I'm already running into a huge problem, here.

See, OBS Websocket 5.0 has the following messages that seem pertinent to my use case: CurrentProgramSceneChanged, SceneTransitionStarted, SceneTransitionEnded, and SceneTransitionVideoEnded. Keep in mind, the only documentation I can access right now, as far as I can tell, is just the 5.0.1 OBS-Websocket.

Here's a refresher on the use case: I want to be able to move elements of my Unity-based stream overlay depending on which scene is currently active in OBS. A wrinkle in this is that I use a custom stinger transition with a specific cut point, like this:

Now, all three events regarding the scene transition only have one piece of data to them: the name of the transition (which is basically always going to be "SniperScope"). The only event that actually tells me what scene is being switched to is the CurrentProgramSceneChanged event.

There is an immediate problem.

Funnily enough, this order of operations is actually backwards from the current documentation:

On the one hand, there could potentially be some sort of delay or other issue involved with WebsocketSharp / Unity that's responsible for this, however in my testing the exact amount of delay and order of operations is entirely consistent every single time I initiate a transition in OBS. The first message almost always arrives instantaneously; it's the other three messages that seem to come whenever they feel like it, and not at all close to what they need to be at.

On the other hand-- wait, what? What's this issue on the official obs-websocket github about--

So you're telling me that SceneTransitionStarted used to have the from and to scenes specified in the event data in version 4, and they removed it in version 5 for literally no other reason than an RPC overhaul? And they haven't added it back in OVER A YEAR?!

Now, the github actually does have an install link for obs-websocket version 4.9.1-compat that should (keyword should, you know how that goes) work with OBS 29 (more specifically, it should work with 28+, which means there isn't even a guarantee for it to work with OBS 29... fucking awesome).

However, uhhhhhh... I cannot find ANY FUCKING DOCUMENTATION FOR 4.9'S PROTOCOL WHATSO-FUCKING-EVER. There is LITERALLY ONLY 5.0 in the readmes and protocol.md docs.

This shit has me pulling my hair. I'm goin' the fuck to sleep. Anyone got any bright fuckin ideas, I'm all fuckin' ears for it in the morning.

[kiyo-cant-write]

hi hi! jade req again, kinda toxic this time

can we get jade with a reader who’s really easy to manipulate and they know it? idk if it makes sense but like jade realizing reader isn’t oblivious to his manipulation, just kinda self-destructive and hopelessly into him

jade thought he was being slick because reader wasn’t calling him out on anything, but he overhears their conversation and finds out that they’re fully aware jade is a ton of red flags but is still staying anyway, and his reaction to that

i really hope this makes sense! idk how to word it

jade w/ an easily manipulated reader ✧･ﾟ

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Aw! Thank you for another request! I love Jade and Octavinelle so much! I hope that I did your idea justice. Please let me know if you'd like another request in the future! Onwards to the story! ^^

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Summary: Jade Leech has been stringing [Name] along for fun and due to the instruction of Octavinelle's Housewarden. He thought he was doing well... but it seems [Name] may have had ulterior motives.

TW/CW: Toxicity but the standard Fish Mafia kind

Notes: established "relationship", they/them pronouns for the reader, the reader is Yuu/Ramshackle Prefect, the reader is described as human and younger than Jade/frosh, ADeuce if you squint, implied to be post-Azul OB

Guest Stars: Deuce Spade, Ace Trappola, Grim, Azul Ashengrotto & Floyd Leech (referenced)

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✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:

Jade Leech

As much of a sadist as Jade can be, he's not exceptionally cruel outside of what he deems as the necessity for his purposes.

He is a bit smug when he thinks he has [Name] under control.

Jade is pretending to be "honor student Jade Leech."

He acts as their friend and support albeit for the Lounge.

He pretends to care, to do everything to help them.

He smiles at them, speaks politely, and even "affectionately."

They trust him and they tell him things they shouldn't.

He will use those bits of information when the time comes.

Every time they have an inkling of doubt, he squashes it.

His surprise is evident when Floyd points out that it might not be the case this time, but Floyd is Floyd and doesn't explain.

Wanting to make sense of this discovery, Jade observes [Name].

He watches to see if [Name] really has caught onto him.

Jade is intrigued and what he finds does not disappoint.

He is surprised to find that they caught on long ago.

But they stayed? Why?

Because they "love" him?

Why would they love the guy trying to string them along?

It didn't make sense to him. He felt a tug at his heartstrings.

Did he feel bad about this?

He didn't know what to do.

Jade starts to avoid [Name] after realizing their feelings.

He retracts further into his honor student persona.

[Name] will not win this fight. He will not be bested by a freshman.

The battle has just begun and Jade needs to bury this sinking feeling in his chest. What does it mean anyway?

Floyd serves as a live studio audience to Jade's struggles.

Jade is an observer. That had been his role for so long, that he wasn't sure when it began. Ever since he was young, he would watch and calculate while Floyd was the type to rush into things, be impulsive, and just a tad stupid at times, at least when they were young. Jade never intended to make his observations a skill, but sooner or later, everything becomes an asset.

That's what his father had always said.

His mother worried about the sadistic streak in her son, but she couldn't do anything to prevent its development. Jade was, after all, a member of the Leech family. He and Floyd would join the family business sooner or later unless they wholly refused its offer.

"[Full Name]," Jade mused to himself, "How interesting."

Azul had been the one to ask him to pay extra close attention to Ramshackle's Prefect in case they strayed too far from things, or got into any trouble. The magicless human that had saved others from themselves, they interested the owner of Mostro Lounge. Jade had simply agreed with Azul's request, observation was his skill, after all.

It had never been meant to evolve, and certainly not into this.

Jade watched as this person fell for his polite words hook, line, and sinker. It was almost too easy. They were shockingly trusting, telling him all sorts of things he could use to be downright evil if he wanted to be. It wasn't time for that, not yet, but one should always guard their secrets (perhaps not as much as Azul, but at least a bit).

He didn't need to do anything unless the moment called for it.

At the time, it had not been necessary.

That was weeks ago.

Azul hadn't given further instructions and, to be fair about it, Jade didn't want to earn that octomer's ire. Not today, anyway. He and Floyd were troublesome, yes, but not stupid.

So, as Azul had instructed, he was trailing the Prefect until told otherwise (or until it became boring, whichever arose first). Though their reactions had been predictable, he could argue that things were getting boring now.

Floyd would have given up ages ago, he was sure of it.

[Full Name] was currently spending their time with their classmates, Ace Trappola (easily swayed by competition and bets) and Deuce Spade (note: gullible as a child). Jade had kept an eye on the three of them (and Grim) because of their closeness. It was rather irritating how buddy-buddy they were. He had worked a bit to get [Name] alone those few times they had spoken privately.

Standing away from the trio, Jade listened in on their conversation.

"[Name], I don't think that this is good," Deuce told them, clearly worried for their friend's mental state, "You need to be more careful. Don't you remember what happened to me and Ace?"

"I fucking remember!" Ace chimed in, "It sucked. Don't trust fish."

"Nya! Fish are food, not friends," Grim told them, "Especially eels!"

"Ah... You guys..."

Jade almost wanted to chuckle at Grim's words of "wisdom" but he withheld it, knowing that he mustn't give away his position. Not yet.

"You shouldn't trust Leech-senpai," Deuce continued, "Do you not remember how he and his twin brother acted before?"

"THEY TRIED TO KILL US, [NICKNAME]!!" Ace interrupted Deuce, earning him a glare from the navy-haired boy, "Sorry, Deuce-chan."

"Don't call me that."

What Deuce was doing could only be described as glowering.

"Lighten up and help me convince [Nickname] not to get themselves murdered by a shady eel and a shadier octopus!" Ace told him, slapping Deuce on the shoulder, "Just because they're better doesn't mean they're changed fish! Fish are suspicious!"

"Ace, do you have some fish-related trauma outside of campus that I should know about?" Deuce asked him, "It's starting to seem—"

"FOCUS ON [NICKNAME], DEUCE."

Ace's reddened face was a sign that Deuce was on to something with that fishy nonsense. Jade Leech would remember that fact.

Fish trauma. Noted.

"....Okay," Deuce agreed, turning back to [Name], "Do you want to tell us what you've been doing with Leech-senpai? We're worried..."

Deuce trailed off for a moment before he added a Deuce-typical offer.

"I can fight him if you want me to. They're messing with my friend."

"N-no thanks, Deuce... I don't think I need that," [Name] said, laughing at the antics of her friends and roommate, "Honestly, I know he's not being honest with me... But I don't really... care?"

The words surprised Jade but he refused to give himself away. There was more information to be gathered, for his own needs and Azul's.

They don't mind my dishonesty? Heh...

"I have never been more concerned for you than I am right now," Ace said, tone lacking its usual goofy undertone, "Do you want me to tell Mom and Dad about anything? They would help..."

Ace wasn't sure what to do but this was a worry. So frantic to say his sentence Ace neglected to register his misnomer for Vice Housewarden Trey Clover and everyone's favorite senpai Cater Diamond. He could lay awake and think about that later.

Deuce clearly felt similarly as he reached out to put a hand on [Name]'s. He wasn't good at solving problems of the emotional variety but he could be a support. Or, he would try to be one.

"Even if we can't say anything helpful... We can be here to listen."

"I appreciate it, but I'm fine," [Name] tried to assure them (but it wasn't working), "I just... I like Jade-senpai... and if this is how... he will talk to me... then I am okay with it. I've just been going along with all... that."

Jade felt time stop for a millisecond as he processed the words. They had been "playing along"? They didn't fall for every trick? Perhaps this was more interesting than he had thought. Still. He didn't like being bested, perhaps he needed to up his game...

"[Name], that's not good... I don't think..." Deuce managed.

"I wish Mom and Dad were here..." Ace mumbled.

"[Name], don't leave me for a fish! It's not even tuna!"

Grim clung to his human with small paws, tail swishing.

Jade was baffled not by those that Azul had previously controlled but by [Name] themself. They were something odd amongst the students of Night Raven College. They didn't shy away from his... methods.

But they said they liked him. He wondered if that made him feel something. He wasn't one to like other people, stay around them long... especially these landfolk.

It was a foreign concept.

Oh dear. [Full Name], you've managed to intrigue me now.

To the concern of Deuce, Ace, and Grim, Jade Leech wouldn't be letting his human prey go any time soon. Not for Azul, or his brother... This was something he was pursuing now. For better or worse.

I hope they're prepared to best me once more.

What would they say if I said I "loved" them? ♪

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Imagine the rest for yourself~

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Thank you for reading! Likes and reblogs are appreciated! Do NOT repost my writing/headcanons as your own >:c Check the top of my blog for the inbox status and read the rules before requesting. This is not a twst-only blog! ^^

[write-it-good-imagines]

Nothing More(M) - Two

~5k words - please, enjoy!

I see you as a stranger but it’s different… I have those marks of love, my soul is hurt. Can’t you stay closer when the lights turn down, so that you’ll feel you don’t have me?

“Then what? You just casually claimed you’re fine to be her fuck buddy?”

“Yes.”

“And you’ll have sex, at the expense of her telling you more about herself?”

“…yes.”

“You’re stupid.”

Jinyoung grabbed at the bridge of his nose before dropping down on the leather chair of the practice studio.

“I’m not?” Mark said with some sort of reinforced conviction, like that was his brightest accomplishment. “It’s pretty fair, if you ask me.”

“Fair?” Jinyoung repeated, leaning forward on top of his knees. “You know absolutely nothing about this girl, for which you are developing an unrequited affection.”

“I know things.”

“Like?”

Mark opened his mouth to answer but the words ceased to exist. With Jinyoung cocking his eyebrow and a half-mockery half-pitiful expression plastered on his face, Mark realized he really did not know much.

“She’s, uhm, a manager at Seoul Medical Private practice.”

Jinyoung nodded, as if prompting Mark to continue talking.

“And a part-time bartender.”

“Mhm. I suppose that’s it.”

 “That’s it.”

A sigh escaped through Mark’s lips. “But isn’t this the whole point of casual sex? You don’t ask questions and you don’t seek answers.”

“Except you are doing both, one-sidedly.” Jinyoung rose from his seat to place a hand on Mark’s shoulder, not trying to mask the evident worry in his eyes. “You’re not that guy.”

Mark looked at the other, and ultimately away. The silence of his reflection in the studio mirror was interrupted by the other 5 members, crowding the room with their usual infectious cheerfulness. Before breaking away from Mark, Jinyoung patted him on the shoulder and pursed his lips into a small smile. “You’re not that guy”.

“Knock-knock,” Jonathan’s voice chirped before leaning his tall body against the doorframe of Samantha’s new office. “I like this room. It’s much more spacious and you finally have big windows. Think you can grow a plant in here?”

Samantha put her pen away after having signed a document. She smiled up at Jonathan. “What can I help you with, Doctor Williams?”

Jonathan took the liberty to look around the office, searching for something specific. It still was there, Samantha’s doctor coat, dropping from the hanger. “I have an interesting case, which I’ll probably definitely operate on.”

She knew where that was going. “And?”

Jonathan stopped by the hanger, tracing his fingers over the white ironed material. “And I want Doctor Stoss to scrub in with me.”

“I am not a neurosurgeon, last time I checked.”

“But you agree that you’re still a surgeon.”

Samantha looked back at the wooden surface of the desk, trying to busy herself with anything other than that discussion Jonathan knowingly started. “Then again, I was not a neurosurgeon”.

The man came over to the desk, prompting his hands on either side of it. He leaned closer to Samantha, forcing her to look up at him. “I have a 7-month-old pregnant woman with a tumor on her brain. I want the best OB-GYN resident in this hospital to scrub in with me and deliver the baby or keep the baby in safely.”

She looked away. Jonathan peeled a hand off from the desk to bring up to her chin, on a tender touch. “I will repeat that if you think you didn’t hear it clearly enough”.

“Jonathan, I’m not ready.” Samantha breathed shakily and had to close and squeeze her eyes in an attempt to keep that past incident away from surfacing violently. “I’m not ready.”

Jonathan let his hand slide further to caress the fragile skin of her cheek. “Let us help you. Let me help you. We all know that wasn’t on you.”

“What’s it to you?” Samantha opened her eyes to pierce into the other’s emerald ones. Jonathan jerked his head back in surprise, the contact between them breaking in response. The tip of his tongue wet the bottom lip and exhaled an exasperated sigh.

“It is that you chose that bastard over me. It also is that I loved you and I am beating myself up everyday you are not picking up the damn scalpel. I should have beat him much more than I did.”

“Jonathan—”

He pushed forward. “And now that you finally threw him out of your life, and a good part of your life for that matter, you keep away from me. I am still here.”

Samantha’s eyes were pacing back and forth between his features, his eyes, and his lips, as if trying to grasp the words he was speaking and put them together in such a manner that made sense. She looked at him with a look that was stuck somewhere between past and present, a look that let him know everything was a mistake. A look that also let him know there was no way to rewrite the past. And he wished he hadn’t seen that look.

“You don’t love me, Jonathan. I can’t have you trying to love two women at the same time. Not when one of them is just a ghost in your memory.”

He scoffed. Samantha did not let him speak. “You stopped loving me the moment I made my choice. And it’s okay. Because I don’t hold any grudge against you. Because you love Leena.”

Jonathan straightened his body and Samantha could not read his expression. “Let me go.”

“He killed that woman, Sam. He did. He was desperate to show off to the Chief.”

“Jonathan, I am not having this discussion—”

“You trusted him against your better judgement. You couldn’t have saved neither of them—”

“Jonathan, get out.”

The man lifted both his hands to signal he was giving up. “I can’t let you go, Sam. I just can’t. You’re losing yourself and you’re not picking up my hand. You used to take us by the hand.”

Samantha turned her chair away from Jonathan and fixated her eyes on a void point outside the window. Her brain triggered the moments she tried shoving away like skeletons in a closet. She wanted to desperately believe skeletons do not always come back.

“I assume we’re still meeting to go out tonight. We’re supposed to celebrate the new manager.”

The last thing she heard was the sound of the door slamming violently behind. Before a tear dropped loosely, Samantha thought about Mark.

In the fervent ruckus of practicing and perfecting their next concert, which was set to start in 6 days, the guys, drenched in sweat, with their ankles hurting after more than 5 continuous hours, decided to take a water break. Mark dropped to the ground, crossing his legs, and holding his body up with his arms. Before Jackson threw him a towel, Mark thought about Samantha. It had been a couple of days since they’d heard from one another.

“Hey, Mark,” Bambam chirped, a cheeky tone blatantly carrying his words “girlfriend’s calling.”

Mark’s head perked up almost instantly.

“She’s not his girlfriend.” Jinyoung breathed, pouring what was left of the water in the bottle on his head.

“I don’t think she’s not his girlfriend” Jackson joined in, throwing the shirt over his head.

“Could you stop making assumptions?” Mark jolted from his place, eager to try and put an early end to the teasing he was just about to receive. “I swear to God, if I am picking up this phone and you’ll be hovering over my shoulders, I’ll kick you in the nuts.”

Youngjae placed his hands protectively over the threatened jewels. “Don’t hit hard?”

At that point, he gave up.

“Hey stranger.”

“Hey,” she answered on the other end of the line, with a slight delay. “I’m sorry I didn’t text you earlier.”

“Yeah, no, that’s fine. It’s quite actually none of my business.” Mark saw in the mirror the displeased expressions of Jackson and Jaebom, while Yugyeom and Bambam covered their mouths dramatically. ‘That’s bad’, Jackson mouthed to Jinyoung.

Against his expectations, Mark was met with silence on the other line. Suddenly, he felt awkward for the first time since meeting her. Mark never meant to sound accusative. If anything, he might have waited for her to text. “I mean, part of the deal, right?”

“…yeah.”

 “Listen, I didn’t mean that. It’s just been a very long day.” A small pause, in tune with all the other members who seemed to have drawn in their breaths for what Mark would have said next. “I can use some good company. If you want to meet up?”

“Yeah, sure, sounds good to me.”

Mark was not convinced it sounded good to her. He cleared his throat. “So, uh, do you want to meet tonight?"

Another pause. “I cannot really meet tonight, I have surgery.” She heard his sharp gasp. “Not surgery on me, surgery on someone else. I’m, uh, a resident.”

“A resident? A surgical resident?” There was a collective gasp from all of the boys, accompanied by shocked faces staring at Mark in the mirror.

“You didn’t take me as the smart type, huh? I guess smart people don’t have fuck buddies after all.”

“No, that’s—”

“Listen, I have to go. For the record, I didn’t call to get you to bend me over the table. I… I wanted to see how you were doing. Bye.”

Mark did not have any chance to protest before the dial tone echoed in his ear. The phone slid away from his ear, intrigued initially, then a furrow between his eyebrows made him wonder what he did wrong for her to dismiss him like that.

“A surgical resident,” Jaebum repeated, gesturing with his hands like an orchestra conductor to calm down the overly excited group. “That’s cool.”

“Cool? That’s fucking insane. Do you think I could find an arrangement like yours?” Bambam blurted out and earned a smack on the head from the leader. Jinyoung followed Mark with his eyes. He sensed the uncertainty and the sliver of self-doubt oozing from the other. Just when he was about to say something, Jackson went over to start the music set, to rescue Mark from the dozens of questions he was about to receive, to which he held no answers. Jinyoung thanked him with a head dip.

Jonathan was cleaning his hands when the OR doors slid open. He couldn’t hide the evident shock on his face, not that it mattered. For all he knew, he wanted her to see the shock imprinted on his face.

“Don’t tell me.”

The shock deepened when he noticed she was dressed in surgical scrubs. Then a sly smirk on his face. “You look so hot dressed like this.”

Samantha kicked the water tank with her foot, choosing not to add any comment.

“I missed you.”

She gasped at the other’s confession. Her head tilted for her to look over her shoulder in the depth of his eyes. Coming to the OR was impulsive, an impulsive decision after Mark reiterated their arrangement. Samantha knew it sounded frivolous. Only then did she truly register the words Jonathan said to her. The memories, the hope, the dream. With all the disappointments they carried. Before she knew, she found herself in the OR.

“If you keep staring at me like that, I might push you against the wall and you’d lose the bet.”

“Doesn’t that make you the loser?” she retorted, a smirk stretching the corners of her lips. “I’m just observing, that’s it. There is already a GYN resident in there.”

Jonathan shook his hands lightly to dispose of the surplus of dripping water. He turned to her as he kicked the OR door open, and if Samantha did not know any better, she would say he was relieved of her presence. “Not if you kissed me first.”

Pacing was not Mark’s way of coping with things in general. For what sentiment he paced that evening, in the lobby hall of the hospital, he could not tell. No one likes hospitals in particular, but it wasn’t the hospital’s fervid smell of chlorine that provoked Mark’s pacing. It was Samantha’s sharp dismissal that stained his thoughts. And he didn’t care, or that’s what he kept trying to convince himself of. Jinyoung’s words popped in his mind yet again.

You’re not that guy.

When he braced himself to stop pacing, he approached the nurse’s station. “Hi, good evening. I am looking for Samantha…”

The awkward pause sneaked in. A woman whose last name he had no idea about, who was supposed to be his casual sex call.

“She’s a manager here at this hospital.”

“Oh, Doctor Stoss you meant. Yes, the surgery in OR 4 has just ended, she should be here any minute with Doctor Williams.”

Mark did not get enough time to thank the nurse when he got distracted by an electrifying sound he himself had caused before. His attention turned magnetically toward the source of the joyful laughter, only to be met by Doctor Jonathan Williams, with his hands in his jeans pockets. He was making Samantha laugh.

“Mark?” she turned to him in a blink, same way Jonathan turned to her.

“So you’re the Mark,” Jonathan said, faking one of his best smiles. Samantha was too taken aback to realize Jonathan was, in fact, a tad bothered by the other’s presence.

Mark quirked an eyebrow involuntarily at the other man. He was exactly as Samantha described him, tall, handsome, cocky. Trustful. And he knew about them two, which could have changed the situation. Complicate it.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you here is all, Mark. I told you I had surgery.”

“Yeah, no, I heard, I wanted to make sure you were fine.” If it weren’t for his fingers numbing from his tightened grip around the Lindt chocolate box, he would have forgotten about them entirely. Mark extended his arm towards Samantha in a successful but unforeseen attempt to leave her speechless. It was Jonathan’s turn to cock an eyebrow.

“You shouldn’t have…” Samantha looked up at Jonathan. She was growing annoyed with his displeased antics. Not that Mark would know. “I am busy tonight, we’ll gather with Leena to celebrate, you know. Me.”

“Totally.” Mark nodded with a serene expression. “I will go. If we don’t see each other again before I go, it was nice enough seeing you like this, Doctor.”

There was something about his serene smile that tied a knot in Samantha’s stomach. In her imagination, Mark was not supposed to be that. He was not supposed to come looking for her, to bring her chocolate and call her endearingly on her title. He was not supposed to sketch a hue of pink across her face. Mark was supposed to sleep with her and forget about her.

“Go where? I wouldn’t say you are leaving,” Leena chimed in, allowing her curly hair to bounce freely against her short-sleeved shirt, “though we won’t force you to join us for drinks.”

“Ah, as much as I’d love to,” Mark replied, his eyes searching for Samantha once again, “I wasn’t invited. I’m not barging.”

“We’re inviting you now.” Jonathan cleared his throat and painted a puzzled expression on Samantha’s face. “You said so yourself, you would love to, would you not?”

Mark hesitated. He suddenly pondered over the fact that a fuck buddy would not meet the other’s friends.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to feel pressured by these two anyway.”

“No, I… I think I’d love to.”

Saturday night in a popular high-profile club in Seoul city could rival all levels of imagination. Stories that would go unknown for all eternity, on people who’d enter the club to enjoy, to fool around, to forget, on a busy dancefloor, with extravagant lights and liquor. Samantha’s cousin had one of the most sought-after clubs of the capital and on good merit. It hit Samantha that she never did face the other side of the bar counter. It had always been easier to be the one serving the poison than the one to drink it.

The reservation for Samantha’s group was made on a booth better shielded from the crowded center of the club. She waved a hand at the security guys outside and guided the four of them to their spot.

“Wow, I can’t believe I never came to this club,” said Jonathan with a newly discovered admiration for the place.

“Maybe your relationships would have been more successful.” Leena stuck his tongue out at him and the other rolled his eyes at her remark. Albeit hiding a smile behind the façade.

Mark guided Samantha to take her seat first and the latter offered a smile. She refused instead.

“I’ll go get the drinks because I am that cool and that fast. What would you like to have?”

Not long after Samantha disappeared in the nightly crowd, Mark took a seat somewhat cornered by the curious eyes of Samantha’s friends. One would say that, with all the public attention and the fame, he would get used to the squinting.

“So, you and Sam,” Jonathan begun, rolling the sleeves of his shirt as if preparing himself for some sort of a confrontation with the other man. “How’s it going?”

“Fine? I think.” He replied much less inconsistently than he would have hoped. Truth be told, he did not really know how to reply to such a question. The answer would have been straightforward for someone who sleeps with another person for fun but one does not consider verbalizing how such a relationship would ‘be’. When it is not even a relationship. “She’s amazing.”

“I bet she is.”

“Jonathan!” Leena smacked his shoulder. “Please forgive him, we have been friends since college, and he gets over-protective over her sometimes…”

Mark pondered over the girl’s words. If he would not want to be involved with Samantha, he wouldn’t mind about their arrangement. “It’s totally fine. I am a stranger who sleeps with your friend. Nothing more.”

The conversation was cut short by Samantha returning with the tray of drinks. After serving everyone, more out of habit than anything else, she seated herself beside Mark. “So, what did you two press Mark about?”

Jonathan raised both his eyebrows and his glass in a swift motion, to grab a solid gulp of his whiskey on the rocks. “Nothing in particular.”

“So, a surgeon, huh?” Mark took a hold of his dark beer to mimic Jonathan’s earlier gesture. “Can you do both? Management and save lives?”

Samantha looked down at her glass to swirl the straw around. Mark was not ill intended, and she also was not prepared to reveal too much about herself. She never planned to do so anyhow.

I want you to tell me about you in exchange.

“I took a step back from surgery for a while. It became a bit overwhelming. But I did not want to leave the hospital and the community, so I applied for a more ‘business’ like job. Now I am manager.”

“Today was just her first step coming back to surgery full time.” Jonathan smiled and shot a wink to Samantha’s direction.

Leena immediately became confused. “Surgery? You went into surgery today?”

Samantha looked over at Jonathan with a piercing look. Mark figured she had not revealed that to the other woman. “Jonathan told me he had a 7-month-old pregnant woman with a brain tumor. He came to me to ask me to scrub in. I just watched the fetal monitor, that’s all. Luckily, there was no need to step in.”

“Interesting,” concluded Leena to take a sip of her Margarita. “Samantha, can we have a word?”

Samantha looked over at Mark with an apologetic look. Guilt started building up that she purposely dragged him into her personal life. Mark raised his bottle once again, with his lips pursed into a silent surrender. It was flattering, in a way, that she honored her half of their agreement. With each word sent out into the world by the three of them, Mark’s curiosity blossomed. Perhaps more eager and too easily.

“So, how’s the sex?”

Mark choked on the beer. “I’m sorry?”

“Nah, I am just curious how a stranger in a bar got in her bed.”

Ah, thought Mark. Jonathan did not know.

“I am not entitled to tell you that.”

“Heroic.”

“You actually went into surgery? And you did not think to tell me, as well?”

Samantha looked at Leena. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen that mixture of hurt and betrayal on the other’s face. “It was impulsive. Johnny came to my office to tell me about his case, and then we sort of fought—”

“Why did you fight about?”

The moment Samantha put her hands on her hips, Leena knew. “Fought about you.”

“It’s not what you think—”

“He still hasn’t let go of you. Did you tell him that Mark is your fuck buddy?”

Silence. “I see. It’s not like you’re trying too hard to push him either.”

“Leena I don’t want him, I don’t love him. And he loves you. It’s quite visible with the naked eye.”

“It’s not when the moment you fuck another guy, he becomes all protective over a woman who is not even his to begin with!”

Leena stopped in her tracks, almost in disbelief that she let something out which she did not consider she would. Samantha grabbed her by the wrist to tug her through the crowd.

“What are you doing?” screamed Leena over the booming music.

“I am tired of being the middleman between you two fools. He is crushing so hard over you and as cocky and almighty you say he is, he is a coward. So, you’ll speak to him while I have sex in the back room. 30 minutes enough?”

By the time the girls returned to their booth, Leena had not been given the choice to ingest the newly divulged pieces of information. The two arrived in the evasive silence of the two men who could have prayed for a disaster to occur so that they’d escape the involuntary cage they’d been placed under.

“Leena has something to talk to you about Jonathan. So, while you two resolve your lover’s quarrel, I am going to steal Mark from this table.”

Mark extended his body upwards faster than he would have liked to and put his hands together in a silent apology. He threw one last look over his shoulder at the two surgeons and then had to concentrate on his feet to follow an apparently flustered Samantha. The woman guided the two into a room to the far back of the club.

A small room, still neatly decorated with a tall mirror, half a dozen lockers, and all the necessities an employee starting their shift would need. Samantha slammed the door behind them and locked it in an agile movement of the wrist. She prompted her body against the door to relieve a sigh.

“You know, against all odds, I like your friends.” Mark chuckled and took a couple of steps to seat himself on the closest chair. “A bit intense but they seem like genuine people.”

“You don’t say.”

The day had been full and heavy of unsettled emotions for Samantha. Rarely do plans turn out to be exactly how you imagine them. Samantha’s plan was to enjoy a managerial Saturday, having drinks and getting drunk in her favorite club, not reminiscent of the cold past but optimistic of the unexplored future. She could not find a plausible explanation of why she joined the surgery in the evening, of why she allowed Mark to enter a significant piece of her life in meeting her friends.

Only, she did know the explanation for all of the events. She joined in surgery because Jonathan was right. She allowed Mark to enter her life because he exceeded all her expectations of him, because, in a split of a moment, she acknowledged she wanted him to get to know her. To know the great OB-GYN resident that she was.

And this shattered the reality from under her feet.

He was supposed to be a tight hug that turned into sex. Nothing more.

“Hey, are you alright?”

Samantha did not realize when Mark stood up to enter her proximity. His hand found her cheek in a motion that was so natural he surprised himself of it.

She was supposed to be a tight hug that turned into sex. Nothing more.

“Yeah. I am tired of all these unrequited feelings and of all these unspoken memories and I just hope Jonathan lets me go already so he can be with Leena.”

Samantha smiled tiredly and leaned into Mark’s touch. He had a hunch that her confession held much more power than being about just her two friends. And he wanted to ask, the more he wanted to ask the more his heart picked up a beat in his chest.

“Huh, I think the only people who did not know they love each other are Jonathan and Leena.” He declared instead, locking his eyes with hers. Unbeknownst to him, his other hand gained a free will to intertwine with Samantha’s fingers. Mark wanted to stop. He wanted to stop his body from gravitating towards hers.

“Thanks for the chat,” Samantha laughed and ignored the burning in her chest and the buzzing in her head altogether. If she were drunk, she would have blamed it all on the alcohol, and she would have justified herself for the reason it was so scorching to look into Mark’s orbits.

Mark brought his head to rest against her shoulder and the sudden contact set her skin on fire. The devil on her shoulder wanted Mark to rip her shirt so he could touch her better.

“So, I promised Leena I’d get her 30 minutes to freely talk to Jonathan,” Samantha dismissed the dangerous thought to make space for dirty ones. Dirty ones that wouldn’t leave her longing in the morning. “Do you think we could give them that?”

“I…” Mark murmured and pushed himself away, his hand still protecting her cheek. “I want to kiss you, so, so bad.”

“What are you waiting for?”

I want to. And I can’t.

If I kiss you now, I am afraid I’ll fall in love with you.

Samantha untangled their fingers to reach up to his face. Tips of her fingers set ablaze.

Mark sighed and glued their foreheads together.  Their noses were brushing against one another, and Samantha could feel each inspiration Mark took into his chest. “I cannot make love to you and leave the next day like I am the worst scum to have ever walked this Earth. I am not that guy.”

Samantha was not sure she understood the breathy words gliding out of Mark’s mouth. She was dazzled by the wording he chose.

“You aren’t making love to me Mark. We are having sex, it is just sex.”

A modest scoff carried Mark’s silhouette to wrap his arms around her frame. He felt Samantha’s body rigid in his embrace. Mark couldn’t let her see the disappointment nesting in his eyes. He couldn’t allow himself to believe in the disappointment nesting in his eyes. He went ahead and assumed a miscalculation. He had to set himself straight.

I guess it is just sex.

“Jonathan asked me how’s sex with you.”

Samantha’s chest deflated helplessly. The sudden hug and the hasty words made her afraid and nervous Mark would want to go on with his life, that he would put a stop to them. She did not want him to put a stop to them. “So? What’d you tell him?”

“Nothing.”

She furrowed her brows.

“But I am going to tell you how sex with you is.”

Mark pulled away from the hug to face her, resting his left hand against the door, the other prepared to do a demonstration on her body. Samantha could not tell how he was feeling, what he was thinking. He looked stoic.

“If I kiss you right here, behind the lobe of your ear,” Mark traced his index along her skin and Samantha felt like he could ignite it “you’ll gasp. Grab my hair and pull me into you.”

Mark’s words were even, collected. His eyes were glued to each piece of her body he was busy with. Reading her like an open book. “If I cup your breasts,” Mark ran the back of his finger over her clothed breast, a moan eluding from her lips “you’ll moan. Like you did just now.”

His hand travelled to her hip, tips of his fingers digging into the fabric of her trousers. She was unlucky it had such a thin texture. “If I grab you by your hips, this is the part where I usually slide myself inside you and you nip your fingers into my back. “

Mark brought his free hand to cusp her cheek and prompt her to look at him. By all means, Samantha was expecting to recognize anything comparable to lust, carnality. What she found instead was a stubborn tenderness that was a stranger to simply having sex.

I want to make love to you.

“Mark?” she whispered when he didn’t move.

“Will you be mad at me if we don’t have sex tonight, princess?” he stated, loosening his clasp on her hip, but caressing her cheek with his other thumb. “I am tired and I left Milo alone too much.”

Against her will, Samantha let out a whimper. Mark took her entire essence and played with it in his hands, reassembling it at his will in mere minutes. In such a short period, Mark took his time to memorize her characteristics, her reactions, and her feelings. Mark took his time to make an effort on how to please her. He never did what Mark did.  

I don’t want you to go, Mark.

“Sure, absolutely. I understand.” She nodded, placing her hand above his. “When are you, uhm… when are you flying out?”

“Day after tomorrow.”

“When will you be back?”

Why would I want to know?

Mark chuckled and admired her for a moment. He was aware he was leaving her hot and bothered. He did not assume for a moment that she was inquiring for any other reason.

God are you beautiful.

“It’s going to be three long weeks, give or take. You’re going to have to find a replacement for me.”

I hope you don’t find a replacement for me.

Samantha giggled. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it.”

The phone in Mark’s pocket buzzed up with messages. He wanted to pull away, but Samantha kept his hand in place. “Kiss me goodbye at least?”

The night highway was chasing pointlessly after the black van, transporting Mark and his group to the airport. Mark’s eyes were aimed at the blurry lights, the hues of orange and red cutting through the depth of the sky. He pulled over the hood of his sweatshirt and checked his phone. Still devoid of any messages.

Jinyoung was chatting with the others when he noticed abruptly Mark did not join the lively discussion. He stealthily excused himself from the group, with a little help from Jackson to keep the others at bay from questioning too much.

“Hey,” Jinyoung plopped himself into the seat next to Mark. The latter snapped from the whirlwind of his thoughts.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“I think you should tell me what’s up, Mark.”

Mark laughed and turned his body towards the other. “That obvious?”

“A bit.” Jinyoung agreed. “Have you heard from her yet?”

The other shrugged his shoulders. “Nope. We didn’t, you know, do anything. We just went out with her friends. Intense guys, lucky me I have a bit of training from y’all.”

“But?” Jinyoung questioned, still leaving Mark to his own pace. “She must’ve been a bit disappointed you never did anything.”

Mark tilted his head to look out the window. He wished his thoughts would blurry like the reality on the highway. “Yeah, she must’ve been.”

“And you? Were you expecting anything to happen? Did you kiss her, I don’t know, goodbye?”

Mark was a bit shocked by her request. Still, against his better judgement, he drew in closer, to seal the distance between their lips. “You are irresistible, you know that?”

Jinyoung just knew something was bothering Mark. Maybe regret, or maybe repentance.

“No, I didn’t kiss her.” Previous chapter Next chapter

[twh-news]

‘Loki’ Co-Star Ke Huy Quan on How ‘The Goonies’ Inspired His Character and Tom Hiddleston’s Acting Advice

SPOILER ALERT: This story includes discussion of major plot developments on “Loki,” which is currently streaming on Disney+.

Roughly 20 minutes after the news broke that the 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike had concluded, the first email I received from an actor’s publicist was for Ke Huy Quan. That’s how enthusiastic the recent Oscar-winning star of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was to talk about his role on “Loki,” the Marvel Studios series for Disney+ that just wrapped up its second season. When he signs on to our Zoom chat for the interview, his face is beaming. 

“I’ve waited a long time to talk about ‘Loki,’” he says. “Like, talking to you right now gives me a lot of joy.”

Quan plays Ouroboros, or “OB,” the head (and seemingly the sole employee) of the Repairs and Advancement Department of the Time Variance Authority — basically, the one person responsible for keeping the TVA’s machinery running. Quan is the most high profile new addition to the cast, which includes Tom Hiddleston in the title role and Owen Wilson as the TVA operative Mobius, and he was anxious at first about joining such a well-regarded show for its second season.

“They already have this camaraderie going on, this beautiful relationship,” he says. “So coming in, I was a bit intimidated. I didn’t know how I would fit in. From the get go, I felt this warmth, this beautiful acceptance with everybody’s wide open arms. They brought me in, and I felt right at home. It was wonderful.”

Quan rarely stops smiling as he talks about how his performances as a child in 1984’s “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and 1985’s “The Goonies” informed his experience making “Loki,” how Marvel Studios’ films took him back into his childhood — and how Hiddleston guided him through mastering O.B.’s dense technical dialogue.

How has it been for you to not be able to talk about this performance?

When I got the role of Ouroboros, we were in London for four months shooting and I couldn’t tell anybody. I couldn’t tell my family. The only people who knew was my wife, my entertainment attorney — which is my “Goonies” brother — and my agents. We had the most amazing time, and I was so proud of it. I would fantasize about being all over the place with Tom and Owen and my “Loki” family to talk about it.

And then all of a sudden, Hollywood shuts down. It reminded me of when I got the movie of a lifetime, “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” I finished that with one day to go, and the entire world shuts down [in the pandemic]. But of course, the strike was very important for our union. I’m very proud of the work that they did. And I’m also super happy now that it’s over and “Loki” gets to have the celebration it deserves.

I want to go way back to “X-Men,” because you worked on the stunt team on that movie after you’d basically stopped acting, and that’s when you first met Kevin Feige.

Ah! He was an associate producer at that time, and I was just an assistant action choreographer. It was right after I graduated from USC Film School. I was really nervous, because I didn’t know if I would have a career behind the camera and I was really grateful when I got the call from Corey Yuen, who was the action director on “X-Men.” When I walked on set, I was just blown away. I met this young man and he had this vast knowledge of this universe, and he was so willing and so passionate to talk to me about it. Because I didn’t know a lot about Marvel. I loved Kevin Feige right away and, of course, many years later, when he became this huge producer at Marvel, I always wanted to work with him, but I didn’t know in what capacity. We would see each other once in a long while. Little did I know that 23 years later, we get to work together. I’m just so thrilled.

Did you develop a better sense of Marvel after you worked on “X-Men”?

Well, I was very focused on being on being the action choreographer. When that movie was over, I went on and did other stuff. It was not until Kevin Feige made the first movie, “Iron Man,” and I went to see it and I was just blown away by how entertaining, how fun, it was. I watched every single [Marvel Studios] movie that came out thereafter and became a huge fan of this universe. I know a little bit about this universe, but I can’t say I’m as knowledgeable as Kevin. But I really enjoy these movies. My family are huge fans.

What made you excited to watch them?

I grew up in an era where you go into movies like “Back to the Future,” “Indiana Jones” — all those fun summer blockbuster movies, those big event movies. Those were my happy memories. Going to watch a Marvel movie reminded me of my childhood. Those movies are meant to be shared with a mass audience, that communal experience in a movie theater with 1,000 people. I just love them.

“Loki” head writer Eric Martin told me that he based Ouroboros on family members of his who were tinkerers. How did you develop a character for yourself? What did you draw off to bring that character to life?

When I first read the script, I instantly fell in love with Ouroboros. You can see who this character is right away — his quirkiness, his humor, his passion for his job jumps right out of the page. In the process of trying to fine tune how I want to play him, something dawned on me. I realized that this character is familiar to me. I think I know who he is. I have to go back 35 years ago, when I play Data on “The Goonies.” 

So many fans have come up to me, and the most asked question was, “Will there be a ‘Goonies 2’? And what is Data doing as an adult?” This character of Ouroboros is kind of my answer to that. I view him as a variant of Data. What’s really interesting is, on my first day, I’m in full hair and makeup and costume. I’m walking to the Ouroboros set. They built this amazing set on the second biggest stage at Pinewood Studios. I look up and I see the name of the stage is “Roger Moore.” Now as we all know, Data loves James Bond. The character 007 inspires him tremendously. So I feel like there’s some cosmic connections to this character and Data. Playing him was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had. 

OB has a lot of technical dialogue. How did you master that?

It was hard! Adam, I’m telling you, it was not easy! In the beginning, I kept messing up my lines. My character is responsible for a lot of the exposition. So it would just be pages and pages of dialogue. I didn’t understand, what is the “temporal loom”? What is the “throughput multiplier”? I could barely say it in the beginning. I had to ask [executive producer] Kevin Wright: “You have to show me what it is.” I have to visualize it in my head in order for me to say this dialogue. So he showed me visuals. There was a miniature model of the temporal loom. 

I even asked Tom Hiddleston. In Episode 6, he was just spitting out that dialogue at 100 miles per hour. I was blown away by his performance. I said, “Tom, how do you do that?” It comes so naturally for him. He talked about his method. He showed me how to do it. And of course, you know, I practiced it, and it worked. 

What did he teach you?

Well, I mean, there’s no secret to it. It’s really looking at the dialogue and reading it very, very slowly the first few times, and then as you become more comfortable with it, then you start picking it up. It’s just that repetition, but start very slow. I do the opposite. I jump right in and I’ll practice it as if I will be saying it in camera. But his process is just start very slow and familiarize yourself with every single word. That’s the method that I’ve been using ever since.

After having seen every movie in the MCU, what was the experience of stepping inside one of their projects?

One thing that really surprised me was, when I heard people talk about these movies, they always said, you know, “There’s always a lot of visual effects, a lot of blue screens.” On “Loki,” it was a practical set. Everything was built. The only blue screen that we had was outside the window in the temporal loom chamber. Everything inside was practically built. We could touch it, we could see it, we could step on it. And it was incredible. It also brought me back to the days when we shot “Goonies” and “Indiana Jones.” All those were practical sets as well.

The season ends with Loki becoming the god of stories and in effect sacrificing himself to bring order to the multiverse. What did it feel like to be on the inside of that revelation?

We didn’t get access to Episode 6 until later on. When I read it, I was blown away, because it was not the direction I was expecting. I got so emotional because the character arc of Loki is one of the most beautiful arcs I’ve seen in cinema history. He started 14 years ago as a selfish villain, and to end at the Episode 6 of “Loki” Season 2, how he made this tremendous sacrifice without recognition. Nobody knows he did this, except the team. Nobody on the sacred timeline knows that he’s given up his freedom, he’s given up all these wants and needs, to be on that throne and hold everything together. That is just beautiful. I just love it. I just think it’s so poetic and so beautiful. It’s a perfect ending to a perfect character.

How much of an indication has Marvel given you about OB’s future in the MCU?

I haven’t had any conversations. I love OB. I love playing him. It makes me so happy that the audience is responding to this character. When I first got the call from Kevin Feige and he asked me to come join the MCU family, I asked him, “Is this a one-time thing? Or are we going to be able to see more of him?” Because I loved him on the pages. And he says, “Ke, we always give what the fans want.”

So I hope the fans like OB enough and I want to see him in more MCU movies and television shows. We will find out, but no, I haven’t had any discussions with anybody yet.

[gamecultureclub]

Der Game Culture Club ist aus seinem Dornröschenschlaf erwacht und dann direkt wieder kurz weggenickt. Doch es ist nicht tot was ewig liegt, auch Dank KI-Assistenz.

Hier findest Du die Zusammenfassung des GCC #44 - Games and the passing of the torch in Deutsch und Englisch inklusive Link zum Video.

#GCC 44 - Games and the Passing of the Torch: Geschichten des Übergangs

Im ersten exklusiven Game Culture Club seit fünf Jahren haben wir uns mit einem der faszinierendsten narrativen Konzepte in Spielen befasst: „The Passing of the Torch“. Dieses Konzept beschreibt die Übergabe von Verantwortung, Wissen oder Macht von einer Generation an die nächste – eine Idee, die tief in der menschlichen Kultur verwurzelt ist.

Übergabe innerhalb der Spielwelt

Die narrative Ebene dieses Übergangs begegnet uns in zahlreichen Geschichten. Ob in „The Witcher 3“, wo Geralt von Rivia sowohl als Mentor agiert als auch selbst loslassen muss, oder in „God of War“, wo Kratos lernt, Verantwortung an seinen Sohn Atreus abzugeben – der Übergang ist oft ein emotionaler Höhepunkt. Ein Highlight dieser Diskussion war der Vergleich zwischen der Loslösung von Elternfiguren und der Übernahme von Verantwortung, die das Erwachsenwerden symbolisiert.

Parallelen zur Realität

Nicht nur innerhalb von Spielen, sondern auch in der Spieleentwicklung selbst sehen wir diese Übergänge. Studios wie Blizzard Entertainment haben mit Titeln wie „Torchlight“, das von ehemaligen „Diablo“-Entwicklern erschaffen wurde, symbolische Staffelübergaben vollzogen. Hier zeigt sich: Kreative Impulse und Mechaniken der Vergangenheit werden von neuen Teams adaptiert und transformiert.

Ein Blick über den Tellerrand

Doch das Konzept ist nicht auf Videospiele beschränkt. Es taucht in zahlreichen Medienformen auf – von der Übergabe des Lichtschwerts in „Star Wars“ bis hin zu Spin-offs wie „Buffy“ und „Angel“. Ein wiederkehrender Gedanke unserer Diskussion war, dass solche Übergänge nicht nur auf narrativer Ebene, sondern auch als kulturelles Phänomen wirken.

Die Schwierigkeit mit dem Ende

Ein besonders spannender Punkt war der Umgang mit dem Tod in Spielen. Oft fungiert der Tod als „Game Over“-Zustand und nicht als natürlicher Teil einer Geschichte. Spiele wie „Red Dead Redemption“ bieten jedoch interessante Ansätze, indem sie den Staffelstab nach dem Tod des Protagonisten an eine andere Figur weiterreichen.

Fazit: Mehr als nur Übergabe

„The Passing of the Torch“ ist mehr als ein narratives Werkzeug. Es symbolisiert eine universelle menschliche Erfahrung: das Weitergeben von Wissen, Verantwortung und kulturellem Erbe. Dieser Übergang bleibt spannend, weil er Transformation ermöglicht und die Geschichte in neue Bahnen lenkt.

-----------------

Games and the Passing of the Torch: Tales of Transition

In the first exclusive Game Culture Club in five years, we delved into one of the most intriguing narrative concepts in gaming: The Passing of the Torch. This idea reflects the transfer of responsibility, knowledge, or power from one generation to the next—a theme deeply rooted in human culture.

Passing the Torch Within Games

This narrative device is prevalent in many stories. From The Witcher 3, where Geralt of Rivia both mentors and learns to let go, to God of War, where Kratos begins to entrust his son Atreus with greater responsibility, these transitions often become emotional highlights. A key point of our discussion compared the process of breaking away from parental figures to the assumption of accountability, symbolizing the journey to adulthood.

Parallels in Reality

Passing the torch isn’t limited to in-game narratives—it’s also evident in game development itself. For instance, titles like Torchlight, created by former Diablo developers, symbolize how creative ideas and mechanics are adopted and transformed by new teams. This continuity showcases how gaming as a medium evolves while honoring its past.

A Broader Perspective

The concept also appears across various forms of media. From the handing down of the lightsaber in Star Wars to spin-offs like Buffy and Angel, transitions are not only narrative devices but also cultural phenomena. A recurring thought in our discussion was how these transitions resonate not just within the story but in the cultural and creative landscape as a whole.

The Challenge of Endings

An especially intriguing topic was how games handle death. Often, death is treated as a "game over" rather than a natural conclusion to a story. Games like Red Dead Redemption offer fresh takes, where the torch is passed to another character following the protagonist's death, blending mechanics with storytelling.

Conclusion: More Than a Narrative Device

The Passing of the Torch is more than a storytelling tool. It embodies a universal human experience: passing on knowledge, responsibility, and cultural heritage. These transitions remain compelling because they allow transformation and propel the narrative into uncharted territory.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Games and the Passing of the Torch 03:00 The Concept of Passing the Torch in Gaming Narratives 05:52 The Game Culture Club: Origins and Purpose 09:09 Exploring Mental Health in Gaming 11:59 Narrative Complexity in Games: The Witcher 3 and God of War 15:00 The Dynamics of Sequel vs. Spin-Off in Gaming 22:41 Exploring Spin-Offs in Gaming 25:32 The Evolution of Shooter Genres 29:31 The Renaissance of Retro Shooters 31:39 Narrative Structures in Gaming 37:10 Passing of the Torch: A Cultural Perspective 45:23 Exploring Death in Gaming Narratives 51:34 The Future of Game Culture Club 54:40 Navigating the Passing of the Torch 01:00:24 Organizing and Structuring Future Events

[martiandmichelle]

Hello, how are you and everyone? Question: Do you and others have any back or shoulders problems?

Hi and thanks for your question! The answer is "no - kinda." What I mean by adding the kinda is that I did in the past but I haven't in a long time. When I did have problems around 10 years ago I went to a physical therapist and she: (1) gave me a series of stretches and exercises that really helped, and (2) became one of my lovers and is now the Managing Director of our studio: Dana. Dana's wife Gail is a nutritionist and my long-time friend, Gina, is (or maybe was since she is now retired) a nurse practitioner; these ladies take good care of me. Plus I have a retired doctor (Dr. Li) who comes into the studio twice a week to check up on all of us. I also meet with a back specialist (orthopedic physician) and a OB-GYN monthly. My career rest on my back and shoulder staying healthy so we do everything we can.

As for the other ladies, the only one who had back problems was my younger sister Ruthie which is surprising because she was our studio amazon, tall and strong. She has L cups. Ruthie developed neck and shoulder pain. Dana helped her out so the pain became minimal. She eventually married an aging porn stud and they moved to a farm in Vermont.

Again, thank for the question and don't ever hesitate to ask more.

[kiranapassionategamer]

Step-by-Step: How to Live Stream Your Ludo Matches

Gaming streams have developed to show the players’ activity, communicate with the audience, and sometimes even earn money. Ludo, a board game quite famous earlier and has even grown popular in this digital world, is no different. Live streaming is a great approach for a Ludo lover if you want to present your matches to the world. 

This live stream guide will help you effectively go about live streaming your Ludo matches.

Why Live Stream Your Ludo Game?

Ludo is one of several gamers that are following the trend of live broadcasting. You can: by streaming your Ludo game in real time.

Build relationships with other Ludo players to create a community.

Real-time tips and strategies exchanged.

Acquire followers and earn money from your articles.

Engage viewers in conversation to improve your game experience.

Time to Get Started with Ludo Live Streaming

To live stream your Ludo real money earning games, you need to follow the below-mentioned steps carefully:

Step 1: Choose Your Platform

Before you start streaming, decide which platform you want to use. The most popular streaming platforms are:

YouTube: Known for its vast audience and easy-to-use interface.

Twitch: The go-to platform for gamers, offering extensive live-streaming features.

Facebook Gaming: Great for reaching your existing friends and followers on Facebook.

Instagram Live: Ideal for quick, casual streams with a more personal touch.

Each platform has its features and audience, so choose the one that best fits your needs and where you believe your audience is most active.

Step 2: Set Up Your Streaming Software

To stream your Ludo matches, you’ll need streaming software. The most popular ones include:

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software): Free and open-source, OBS Studio is highly customizable and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Streamlabs OBS: Built on OBS Studio, it offers a more user-friendly interface and additional features tailored for streamers.

XSplit: A paid option with a straightforward interface and powerful features for Windows users.

How to Set Up OBS Studio:

Download and Install: Visit the OBS Studio website, download the software, and install it on your computer.

Create a New Scene: Open OBS Studio and click the “+” button in the “Scenes” box to create a new scene.

Add Sources: Click the “+” button in the “Sources” box to add your sources. For streaming Ludo, you’ll primarily need a “Game Capture” or “Window Capture” source to capture the game window.

Configure Settings: Go to “Settings” > “Stream” and select your streaming platform. Enter the stream key provided by your chosen platform.

Step 3: Optimize Your Stream Settings

To ensure a smooth and high-quality stream, optimize your settings in OBS Studio or your chosen streaming software:

Resolution: Set your output resolution to 720p or 1080p, depending on your internet speed and computer capabilities.

Bitrate: Adjust your bitrate according to your internet upload speed. A 2500-3500 kbps bitrate is suitable for 720p, while 4000-6000 kbps is ideal for 1080p.

FPS (Frames Per Second): Set your FPS to 30 for a standard stream or 60 if you want a smoother experience and have sufficient bandwidth.

Step 4: Prepare Your Equipment

To create a professional and engaging stream, invest in some essential equipment:

Computer or Smartphone: Ensure your device can handle the game and streaming software without lag.

Webcam: A good quality webcam adds a personal touch and helps viewers connect with you.

Microphone: Clear audio is crucial for engaging with your audience. A dedicated microphone is recommended over a built-in one.

Stable Internet Connection: A wired connection is preferable for stability. Ensure you have sufficient upload speed for streaming.

Step 5: Create Engaging Overlays and Alerts

Overlays and alerts can make your stream more engaging and visually appealing. Use tools like Streamlabs or StreamElements to create custom overlays, alerts, and widgets. These can include:

Chat Box: Display viewer comments on your screen.

Alerts: Notify viewers of new followers, subscribers, or donations.

Overlays: Add a professional touch with borders, backgrounds, and other visual elements.

Step 6: Promote Your Stream

Promotion is key to building an audience. Here are some tips to get the word out:

Social Media: Share your stream link on your social media profiles before and during your stream.

Join Communities: Participate in gaming forums, Ludo groups, and other online communities to share your stream.

Collaborate: Team up with other streamers for joint streams, which can help cross-promote your channels.

Schedule Regular Streams: Consistency helps build a loyal audience. Let your viewers know when to expect your streams.

Step 7: Engage with Your Audience

Engagement is crucial for a successful stream. Here’s how to keep your viewers interested:

Interact: Respond to comments and questions in real time.

Be Entertaining: Keep your commentary lively and entertaining.

Encourage Participation: Invite viewers to play with you or suggest strategies.

Step 8: Analyze and Improve

After each stream, take time to analyze your performance:

View Metrics: Check viewer counts, engagement rates, and other analytics your streaming platform provides.

Gather Feedback: Ask your audience for feedback on what they liked and what could be improved.

Adjust Accordingly: Make necessary adjustments to your setup, content, and streaming schedule based on the feedback and metrics.

Step 9: Monetize Your Stream

Once you have built a steady viewership, you can start monetizing your streams:

Platform Monetization: Use built-in monetization features like YouTube’s Super Chat, Twitch’s subscriptions and bits, or Facebook Stars.

Sponsorships: Collaborate with brands for sponsored content.

Donations: Encourage your audience to support you through donations on platforms like Patreon or directly through your streaming service.

Conclusion

Live streaming your Ludo matches can be a fun and rewarding experience. Following this step-by-step guide, you can set up a professional stream, engage with your audience, and potentially earn money. Remember, consistency and engagement are key to building a loyal viewer base. 

So, prepare your equipment, choose your platform, and start streaming your Ludo matches to the world.

[northwest-cryptid]

I feel like I want to prefix all of this with saying I have nothing against those who go by the books and sell out and forego their own identity to make streaming as a career a reality for them.

But I also want to say that I will always support those who try to make it without doing all that. Listen I get it, it's hard; and that's exactly why I respect them for it.

I've been trying to find the middle ground, people tell me just play Genshin it's popular; but are you kidding me? Do you know who I am? Do you think I'd stoop so low as to play a game that glorifies the mass murder of my people? No thanks man.

I legitimately felt emotional seeing the support I was given by the Mabinogi community because I'm actually pulling numbers on par with my peers; the very same peers who did very much decide to just sort of sell out to whatever got them the most viewers and interaction.

I'm not looking down on them, if anything I was always a little irked by it because it was a constant reminder that I should do the same.

Yet here I am actually slowly amassing a small community with higher viewer averages, more engagement on my streams; and it seems like I can actually deliver a fun experience to those who stop by.

Streaming as a full time career is something that will take a lot of work; it's going to take a fair bit of effort, I need to dedicate myself to it and it's not easy. I'm planning to sign on with a proper studio later down the line; or at least audition with a few. Even if it means having to give up some form of identity to adopt another they want me to use.

However as it currently stands I don't have a lot of options, if I'm being honest that's not why I outright seek streaming though.

Sure I'm physically disabled, sure it's difficult for me to do any form of physical labor; and yea I know I can't hold a "real job" like people would love for me to.

Truth is, I've always wanted to be some form of an entertainer; I've always wanted to help people the way entertainers helped me. When I was young I focused so heavily on being a game developer, I wanted to create a world for people to feel like they belonged. I felt that way because Mabinogi gave me that when I was an outcast in school. The older I got the more I realized that being a game dev wasn't actually a job I could just pick up and do. It was a lot more challenging than that; I worked with a few smaller indie groups and every time I got burnt.

I had my intellectual property stolen, I was basically let go when they realized they didn't want to pay me for my services since they "didn't need to" considering they held all the legal rights to my work.

I realized that streaming was something I could just sort of, do. I grabbed a webcam, a decent mic; and OBS. I just sorta started streaming whatever; tried to stick with things I actually want to show other people; tried my best to create some kind of space for a community to feel welcome in.

I see the way people feel towards streamers, and while I understand the need to keep a distance (believe me, I really do) I also want to be a big enough streamer to properly house myself, keep food on the table, support my loved ones; and also be there for an audience.

I want to be a streamer who can genuinely put my audience first when it comes to what sort of things I bring to the screen, obviously caring a lot about my own interests and such as well; but I want to be someone who can brighten peoples days you know.

When I was young I remember telling my family that my life goal wasn't so lofty as to accomplish world peace or anything like that; but that rather I wanted to try my best to make someone's day a little better every day. It didn't matter who, it didn't matter how big of a deal it was. If I could make someone's day just even a little better than it was, then I was doing something good for the world as a whole.

So yea, I guess if I'm being honest; whenever I think about what I want to do for a living, there's nothing that comes to mind; but streaming? Streaming is fun, it allows me a sort of outreach; to talk to people, to help people.

I get to be there for others, I can entertain them; help make their days a little brighter and I also get to be an entertainer. I get to put on a show, play up a silly character and have some fun with it.

I don't want to have to sell out and be someone I'm not, I don't want to have to endorse games I don't support. I want to be me; and I want to be there for my community.

This is the first time in a long time I've felt like maybe I can do that; even if being me mean I get to play the role of a silly eldritch demon here to claim dominion over the realm in the name of my great elder god lol.

[phillipamoore12]

How to Succeed on Twitch

In recent years, Twitch has risen to prominence as a leading platform for gamers, artists, and entertainers to share their content and engage with audiences worldwide. If you're looking to carve out your space as a successful Twitch streamer, here's a comprehensive roadmap to guide you on your journey:

Defining Your Niche and Strategy

Before diving into the world of Twitch streaming, take the time to identify your passion and expertise. Whether you're a gaming aficionado, an artist, a musician, or a versatile entertainer, defining your niche will help you craft a content strategy that resonates with your audience. Conduct research to understand trending categories and find your unique angle to stand out amidst the competitive landscape.

Establishing Your Presence

Creating a Twitch account is your first step towards establishing your presence on the platform. Customize your channel with an appealing profile picture, banner, and bio that reflect your brand identity. Pay attention to your stream layout, including overlays, alerts, and chatbots, to enhance the viewer experience and make your channel more inviting.

Investing in Quality Equipment

Ensure a smooth streaming experience by investing in essential equipment such as a high-quality microphone, webcam, and a reliable internet connection. A capable computer or gaming console is also crucial for seamless gameplay or content creation. Quality equipment not only enhances the technical aspects of your stream but also contributes to a more professional and engaging viewer experience.

Engaging Your Audience

Authenticity and interaction are key to building a loyal fan base on Twitch. Develop a streaming schedule to maintain consistency and reliability, allowing viewers to anticipate your broadcasts. Actively engage with your audience by responding to chat messages, involving them in discussions, and creating a welcoming community atmosphere. Building meaningful connections with your viewers fosters loyalty and encourages them to return for future streams.

Embracing Streaming Tools and Software

Familiarize yourself with streaming software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, or XSplit to customize your stream, manage scenes, and optimize video and audio settings. These tools offer a plethora of features that allow you to personalize your broadcast and deliver a professional-quality viewing experience to your audience.

Promoting Your Channel

Promotion is essential for growing your Twitch channel and expanding your reach. Utilize social media platforms, gaming forums, and online communities to promote your streams and engage with potential viewers. Collaborate with other streamers, participate in networking events, and explore cross-promotion opportunities to increase your visibility and attract new followers to your channel.

Striving for Excellence and Consistency

Consistency is key to building a successful Twitch channel. Strive to deliver high-quality content while maintaining a regular streaming schedule. Whether you're entertaining your audience with engaging gameplay, showcasing your artistic talents, or hosting interactive discussions, aim to captivate your viewers and keep them coming back for more.

Fostering Community and Relationships

Nurturing a positive and inclusive community is essential for long-term success on Twitch. Engage with your audience both on and off stream, host viewer games or events, and listen to their feedback to continuously improve your content and viewer experience. Building strong relationships with your viewers fosters loyalty and creates a sense of belonging within your community.

Exploring Monetization Opportunities

As your Twitch channel grows, explore various monetization options available on the platform, such as affiliate programs, subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships. Meet the eligibility criteria to become a Twitch Affiliate or Partner, unlocking additional revenue streams and opportunities for financial support from your audience and brand partners.

Adapting to Change and Innovation

The landscape of Twitch streaming is constantly evolving, with new trends, features, and viewer preferences emerging over time. Stay updated on platform updates and industry developments, and be prepared to adapt your content and strategies accordingly. Embrace change and innovation to remain relevant and keep your audience engaged in an ever-changing environment.

Learning and Growing Continuously

Continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for success as a Twitch streamer. Seek feedback from your viewers and peers, analyze your stream analytics, and iterate on your content to enhance the viewer experience and maximize engagement. Stay open to learning from successful streamers in your niche, attending workshops, and experimenting with new techniques to refine your craft and elevate your content.

Celebrating Milestones and Achievements

Acknowledge and celebrate your milestones and achievements with your audience. Whether it's hitting follower goals, reaching subscriber milestones, or achieving significant viewership milestones, involve your community in your success and express gratitude for their support. Celebrating milestones not only fosters a sense of achievement but also strengthens the bond between you and your viewers, reinforcing their loyalty and support.

Conclusion:

Becoming a successful Twitch streamer is a journey that requires dedication, creativity, and a genuine connection with your audience. By following these steps and staying committed to your goals, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the dynamic world of Twitch streaming and build a thriving channel and community that leaves a lasting impact on the platform.

[dragonfreckles]

Adding on to this with some of my favorites!!

Winged Canvas (love love LOVE these guys! they have tons of tutorials and streams for just about anything regarding 2D art and animation)

chupuko (live2D animation tutorials! goes over the whole process from drawing the model to setting it up in vtube studio. her tutorials were what inspired and taught me to make my own vtube model)

Blender Guru (goes over the basics of 3D modeling program Blender, his donut tutorials are kinda considered the classic starting point for beginners)

And some programs:

ibisPaint X (free, lots of tools available including one for comic paneling. can get it on your phone)

Aseprite ($20, for pixel art, you can find it on Steam)

Live2D Cubism (free but also has a paid version with some extra features. used for animation and rigging, and usually the go-to for rigging vtube models but can be used for other animation too. i'd recommend just getting the free version, it has everything you need and the paid version is pretty pricey)

FlipaClip (free animation app, you can get it on your phone)

Procreate Dreams ($20. procreate's animation app, but i wouldn't recommend it as of now since it's still pretty shoddy and missing a lot of core features. i'll put it in here regardless since it's the one i have experience in)

ToonSquid ($10. for animation as well. haven't tried this one yet but i've heard it's pretty good! i've been considering getting it to replace Dreams actually just haven't decided yet)

Shotcut (free, video editing)

Audacity (free, audio editing)

OBS Studio (free live streaming/recording software)

OpenUtau (free vocaloid alternative. an updated version the original UTAU, you don't need to change your locale for this version and it's compatible with all UTAUloids. shareware so anyone can create a voicebank for the program, the main downside is that there's no one place to find a voicebank so you gotta hunt for em a little, but here's Kasane Teto and Adachi Rei - ignore the "download faster" thing to the left of the screen for Rei, it's not necessary to download the file and idk why it's there either. and you only need one of the voicebank downloads from each of em it depends on which language/voicebank type you wanna use so it's probably best to look into that a little bit first)

RPG Maker (pricey, but a solid game development engine. it has a ton of different iterations so i'd recommend doing lots of research before settling on anything, but it's a good tool if you're interested in game design. there are also a lot of plugins made by community members that can really enhance your game, my favorite plugin dev is Caethyril! They have a bunch of free plugins for both MV and MZ - and here's their tweaks for MZ as well!)

Ren'Py (free visual novel maker)

Twine (free choose-your-own-adventure maker that you can use on your browser, just be careful about clearing cookies cause it'll clear your Twine stuff as well. there is also a downloadable version though)

Unity (free 3D game development software)

Unreal (another free 3D game development software)

cheer, resources be upon ye!

Can't afford art school?

After seeing post like this 👇

And this gem 👇

As well as countless of others from the AI generator community. Just talking about how "inaccessible art" is, I decided why not show how wrong these guys are while also helping anyone who actually wants to learn.

Here is the first one ART TEACHERS! There are plenty online and in places like youtube.

📺Here is my list:

Proko (Free)

Marc Brunet (Free but he does have other classes for a cheap price. Use to work for Blizzard)

Aaron Rutten (free)

BoroCG (free)

Jesse J. Jones (free, talks about animating)

Jesus Conde (free)

Mohammed Agbadi (free, he gives some advice in some videos and talks about art)

Ross Draws (free, he does have other classes for a good price)

SamDoesArts (free, gives good advice and critiques)

Drawfee Show (free, they do give some good advice and great inspiration)

The Art of Aaron Blaise ( useful tips for digital art and animation. Was an animator for Disney)

Bobby Chiu ( useful tips and interviews with artist who are in the industry or making a living as artist)

Second part BOOKS, I have collected some books that have helped me and might help others.

📚Here is my list:

The "how to draw manga" series produced by Graphic-sha. These are for manga artist but they give great advice and information.

"Creating characters with personality" by Tom Bancroft. A great book that can help not just people who draw cartoons but also realistic ones. As it helps you with facial ques and how to make a character interesting.

"Albinus on anatomy" by Robert Beverly Hale and Terence Coyle. Great book to help someone learn basic anatomy.

"Artistic Anatomy" by Dr. Paul Richer and Robert Beverly Hale. A good book if you want to go further in-depth with anatomy.

"Directing the story" by Francis Glebas. A good book if you want to Story board or make comics.

"Animal Anatomy for Artists" by Eliot Goldfinger. A good book for if you want to draw animals or creatures.

"Constructive Anatomy: with almost 500 illustrations" by George B. Bridgman. A great book to help you block out shadows in your figures and see them in a more 3 diamantine way.

"Dynamic Anatomy: Revised and expand" by Burne Hogarth. A book that shows how to block out shapes and easily understand what you are looking out. When it comes to human subjects.

"An Atlas of animal anatomy for artist" by W. Ellenberger and H. Dittrich and H. Baum. This is another good one for people who want to draw animals or creatures.

Etherington Brothers, they make books and have a free blog with art tips.

As for Supplies, I recommend starting out cheap, buying Pencils and art paper at dollar tree or 5 below. For digital art, I recommend not starting with a screen art drawing tablet as they are more expensive.

For the Best art Tablet I recommend either Xp-pen, Bamboo or Huion. Some can range from about 40$ to the thousands.

💻As for art programs here is a list of Free to pay.

Clip Studio paint ( you can choose to pay once or sub and get updates)

Procreate ( pay once for $9.99)

Blender (for 3D modules/sculpting, ect Free)

PaintTool SAI (pay but has a 31 day free trail)

Krita (Free)

mypaint (free)

FireAlpaca (free)

Libresprite (free, for pixel art)

Those are the ones I can recall.

So do with this information as you will but as you can tell there are ways to learn how to become an artist, without breaking the bank. The only thing that might be stopping YOU from using any of these things, is YOU.

I have made time to learn to draw and many artist have too. Either in-between working two jobs or taking care of your family and a job or regular school and chores. YOU just have to take the time or use some time management, it really doesn't take long to practice for like an hour or less. YOU also don't have to do it every day, just once or three times a week is fine.

Hope this was helpful and have a great day.

[matthewzkrause]

Tired of Paying for Tools? These 40 Open-Source Alternatives Have You Covered?

Let’s be real for a second.

We’ve all been there—mid-project, mid-semester, or mid-burnout—when a paid tool throws up a paywall and asks for $19.99/month just to export your file. It stings, especially when you’re trying to keep your budget lean.

But here’s the good news: the open-source community has your back. 💪 There are dozens of completely free, insanely powerful tools that can do (almost) everything their paid counterparts can—without locking your best features behind a subscription.

Whether you're a freelancer, student, startup founder, or just someone who loves great software, this list is your new toolbox.

🚀 Why Open-Source Is the Underdog That Wins Before we dive in, let’s clarify something: Open-source ≠ low quality. In fact, some of the world’s biggest companies (Google, NASA, Netflix) use open-source tools every day. These aren’t sketchy knockoffs—they’re community-powered, security-tested, and constantly evolving.

Now, let’s talk about the 40 free tools that could save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars a year.

🧠 Smart Swaps for Everyday Tools

LibreOffice → Ditch Microsoft Office Docs, Sheets, Presentations—all offline, all free.

OnlyOffice → Google Docs Vibes, but Yours Looks and feels like MS Office, works online or self-hosted.

Joplin → Evernote for Nerds Markdown-based, syncs securely, and doesn’t sell your notes.

Zettlr → Perfect for Writers & Academics Citation support + distraction-free writing.

🌐 For Browsing, Email & Team Chat

Firefox → More Privacy, Less Google Extensible and fast—and they don’t track you.

Brave → Built-in Ad Blocker? Yes Please Faster browsing + rewards system.

Thunderbird → Outlook Without the Overkill Email, calendar, and to-do list in one clean interface.

Mattermost → Slack Without the Bill Your team chat, your server, your rules.

Jitsi Meet → Free Video Calls—No Sign-Up Needed Start a call with a link. Done.

🎨 Designers & Creators, Rejoice

GIMP → Photoshop for the People Yes, it’s that powerful. Yes, it’s free.

Inkscape → Vector Design Like a Boss Great for logos, icons, and print design.

Krita → Digital Painting Heaven Designed by artists, for artists.

Blender → Hollywood-Grade 3D Modeling Used in actual movies. Free forever.

Darktable → Lightroom Without the Monthly Bill RAW editing + professional workflow.

🎧 Audio & Video Editing

Audacity → Podcasting, Remixing, Editing, Easy Intuitive multi-track editor.

OBS Studio → Streaming & Screencasting Gold What Twitch streamers use. Seriously.

Shotcut → Video Editing That Just Works Cross-platform and powerful.

Olive → Modern Video Editor in the Making Sleek, promising, and growing fast.

👨‍💻 Developers, You’re Going to Love These

VSCodium → VS Code Without Microsoft Tracking Same editor, privacy-respecting build.

Atom → Hackable to the Core Loved by web devs and hobbyists.

Eclipse → Java Devs’ Old-School Favorite Still rock-solid.

NetBeans → Full IDE for Polyglot Coders Good for Java, PHP, and C++.

Hoppscotch → Postman Without the Bloat Runs in your browser, free forever.

MariaDB / MySQL → Free SQL Workhorses The backbone of many web apps.

SQLite → Tiny, Powerful, Portable Database No server required. Zero config.

✅ Organize Your Life (and Work)

Wekan → Trello Clone, But Open Kanban boards made simple.

Focalboard → Self-Hosted ClickUp Alternative Task management that respects your data.

Redmine → Jira's Open Twin Great for bug tracking & agile workflows.

Taskcafe → Asana-Style, Cleaner Interface New kid on the block, with potential.

🔐 Privacy Tools That Feel Like Superpowers

Bitwarden → Best Password Manager, Hands Down Cloud, browser, and mobile support.

KeePassXC → Local, Bulletproof Password Vault For privacy purists.

Tutanota → Private Email That Just Works End-to-end encrypted email, minimal design.

Pi-hole → Block Ads on Your Entire Network Install it on a Raspberry Pi and say goodbye to web ads.

☁️ Sync, Store, and Share Files Securely

Nextcloud → Your Own Google Drive Private cloud, full control.

Syncthing → Dropbox, But Peer-to-Peer No servers. Just your devices talking securely.

rclone → Cloud Storage on the Command Line Sync anything, anywhere.

📊 Data, Dashboards & Decisions

Metabase → BI Dashboards Without the Headache Plug in your data, get answers fast.

Grafana → DevOps’ Favorite Dashboard Tool Real-time, customizable graphs.

Apache Superset → Data Exploration for Pros Used by Airbnb, Netflix, and more.

🤖 Bonus: Automate All the Things

AutoHotKey → Make Your Computer Work For You Automate anything on Windows. Seriously.

🌍 Your Wallet and Your Future Will Thank You Switching to open-source isn’t just about saving money (though that’s nice). It’s about:

💻 Owning your tools

🔐 Protecting your privacy

🌱 Supporting innovation and community

🧰 Having control over your workflow

These tools are built by people like you, for people like you. Try just a few of them, and you’ll wonder why you ever paid in the first place.

[prestigebfs]

Creating and Selling Online Courses: Monetize Your Expertise in 2025

Meta Description:

Learn how to create online courses and sell educational content to monetize your expertise in 2025. Discover top tools to teach skills online and generate passive income from your knowledge.

Introduction: Why Selling Online Courses Is a Top Income Stream in 2025

In today’s knowledge-based economy, your experience and expertise are more valuable than ever. One of the most scalable and profitable ways to leverage your skills is by creating and selling online courses. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, entrepreneur, or creative, you can now teach skills online, help others succeed, and build a sustainable income stream.

Thanks to platforms that make it easy to create online courses and sell educational content, turning your passion into profit has never been more accessible.

Why You Should Create Online Courses

Online education is booming. More people are learning from home, avoiding traditional classrooms, and seeking flexible, on-demand training. That’s where your knowledge comes in.

Benefits of Selling Online Courses:

Low startup costs and high profit margins

Teach from anywhere, anytime

Scalable income—sell once, earn forever

Establish authority in your niche

Help people transform their lives with your expertise

Top Niches for Teaching Skills Online

You don’t need to be a college professor to teach online. People want practical, real-world skills they can use.

Popular Online Course Topics in 2025:

Digital marketing and social media

Graphic design and video editing

Fitness and wellness coaching

Financial literacy and investing

Language learning

Coding and tech skills

Photography and music production

Entrepreneurship and business development

If you have mastered any of these—or a micro-niche—you’re ready to start.

How to Create and Sell Educational Content

1. Choose Your Topic and Target Audience

Pick a topic you’re knowledgeable about and passionate about. Define your ideal student and the specific outcome they'll gain from your course.

Example: “Teach beginners how to use Canva for social media graphics in 7 days.”

2. Outline and Structure Your Course

Break your course into easy-to-follow modules and lessons. Use a logical structure:

Introduction

Core lessons (video, PDF, slides)

Quizzes or assignments

Bonus content or resources

Final summary or certification

3. Record and Edit Your Content

Use tools like:

Loom, Zoom, or Camtasia for screen recording

Canva for slide design

Audacity or Descript for editing audio

OBS Studio for video capture

Keep videos short, engaging, and actionable.

4. Choose a Course Platform

Upload and host your course using popular platforms:

Teachable

Thinkific

Kajabi

Podia

Udemy (great for audience exposure but less pricing control)

These platforms let you host videos, accept payments, issue certificates, and manage your students easily.

5. Price and Launch Your Course

Start with an introductory offer to build momentum. Use psychological pricing ($49 instead of $50) and offer limited-time bonuses to encourage quick action.

6. Market Your Course

Use content marketing, email funnels, and social media to drive traffic:

Build an audience on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram

Run Facebook or Google ads

Grow an email list with free lead magnets

Partner with influencers or affiliates

Tips for Success as an Online Course Creator

✅ Focus on delivering real value, not just information ✅ Provide support through Q&A, live sessions, or community groups ✅ Keep updating your content as tools and trends change ✅ Collect testimonials and success stories to boost trust ✅ Offer upsells like coaching or advanced modules

Final Thoughts: Turn Knowledge into Income

If you've ever been told, “You should teach this,” now is the time to do it. Creating and selling online courses is one of the best ways to monetize your expertise, build a global brand, and earn passive income doing what you love.

With the right tools, strategy, and commitment, you can teach skills online and change lives—starting with your own.

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Keywords Used: create online course, sell educational content, teach skills online

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[blogbyrajesh]

Tech Toolkit: Tools and Platforms That Power Innovation at Hack4Purpose

Hackathons are fast-paced environments where ideas become working solutions in just 24 to 48 hours. But no team can build impact-driven innovations without the right set of tools. At Hack4Purpose, participants come from diverse backgrounds, bringing ideas that span across domains like health, education, sustainability, fintech, and more.

To succeed, teams often leverage a combination of development frameworks, design tools, project management platforms, and data resources. This blog breaks down some of the most commonly used technologies and essential tools that have powered past Hack4Purpose winners.

1. Tech Stacks That Deliver Under Pressure

At Hack4Purpose, most participants prefer lightweight, fast-to-deploy stacks. Here are some popular choices:

Front-End:

React.js – For rapid UI development with reusable components

Vue.js – Lightweight alternative preferred for simplicity

Bootstrap / Tailwind CSS – For quick, responsive styling

Back-End:

Node.js + Express.js – Fast setup for APIs and scalable backend

Flask (Python) – Popular for data-heavy or ML-integrated apps

Firebase – Excellent for authentication, real-time database, and hosting

Databases:

MongoDB – Great for quick setup and flexibility with JSON-like documents

PostgreSQL – Preferred for structured, scalable applications

Teams often choose stacks based on familiarity and ease of integration. Time is tight, so tools that require minimal configuration and have strong community support are the go-to choices.

2. Design and Prototyping Tools

User experience plays a major role in judging at Hack4Purpose. To create intuitive, impactful interfaces, teams rely on:

Figma – For UI/UX design, wireframing, and team collaboration in real time

Canva – Ideal for pitch deck visuals and quick graphics

Balsamiq – Used for low-fidelity wireframes to validate ideas early on

Even non-designers can contribute to the visual workflow thanks to these user-friendly tools.

3. Project Collaboration and Task Management

Efficient teamwork is critical when time is limited. Here are some platforms used for coordination and project management:

Trello – Simple Kanban boards to track tasks and deadlines

Notion – All-in-one workspace for notes, docs, and task lists

GitHub – For code collaboration, version control, and deployment pipelines

Slack / Discord – For real-time communication with mentors and teammates

Some teams even use Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for pitches and research collaboration.

4. AI & Machine Learning APIs

Several winning projects at Hack4Purpose integrate AI and ML to solve social problems, often using:

Google Cloud Vision / NLP APIs – For image and text processing

OpenAI (GPT or Whisper APIs) – For content generation, summarization, and voice-to-text apps

Scikit-learn / TensorFlow Lite – When developing custom models

Teams usually import pre-trained models or use open-source datasets to save time.

5. Open Data Sources & APIs

Hack4Purpose encourages building data-driven solutions. Teams frequently use open data platforms to ground their ideas in real-world insights:

data.gov.in – Government data on agriculture, health, education, etc.

UN Data / WHO APIs – For global health and development metrics

Kaggle Datasets – Ready-to-use CSV files for quick prototyping

By combining real data with impactful ideas, projects often resonate more with judges and stakeholders.

6. Pitch and Demo Tools

Presentation is everything at the end of the hackathon. To deliver compelling demos, teams often turn to:

Loom – For screen-recorded demo videos

OBS Studio – For streaming or recording live app walkthroughs

Google Slides / PowerPoint – To deliver clean, impactful pitches

Many teams rehearse their final pitch using Zoom or Google Meet to refine delivery and timing.

Final Thoughts: Prepare to Build with Purpose

At Hack4Purpose, technology isn’t just used for the sake of innovation—it’s used to solve problems that matter. Whether you’re developing a chatbot for mental health, a dashboard for climate data, or an e-learning platform for rural students, having the right tools is half the battle.

So before the next edition kicks off, explore these tools, form your dream team, and start experimenting early. With the right tech stack and a clear sense of purpose, your idea could be the next big thing to come out of Hack4Purpose.

[7cta2019-0105-2024]

Blog Post #31- 25/04/2025

During my development and concepting process for my Bio-Genesis project, I’ve found that drawing inspiration from other artists is a vital part of shaping my own vision. Here are a few key artistic influences that have been steering my approach to environment design, concept, and lighting:

1C Game Studios - Caliber: While browsing through ArtStation, I came across an incredible piece by 1C Game Studios from their Caliber project. The scene depicted a bunker-like laboratory hidden within an overgrown forest, and it immediately caught my attention. The way the environment blended natural overgrowth with an industrial, sterile structure really struck a chord with me. It was exactly the kind of mood I wanted for my Bio-Genesis project. This artwork sparked the idea of setting my project in a hidden underground bunker, and it became the foundation for the entire environment concept.

Daniel Jakobi: A concept artist specializing in sci-fi environments and assets, has also been a major inspiration for me. His work is known for its clean, futuristic designs and practical details, and it really resonates with the aesthetic I’m going for in my project. His designs have been incredibly useful for thinking about how to approach modeling the bunker structures, machinery, and other assets for my project. His work also helps me think about the modular design of the lab and how to create a space that feels both futuristic and grounded in reality.

Kime Honma: A Senior Lighting and Level Artist, has had a huge influence on how I’m approaching the lighting for my project. One particular piece that caught my eye was STRAY on ArtStation. I was drawn to how Kime used lighting to convey mood and tell a story through the environment. The way light and shadows worked together created such a powerful atmosphere, and it made me realize how important lighting is in setting the tone of a space. For my Bio-Genesis lab, I’m paying special attention to how lighting can influence the story I want to tell. It’s not just about visibility but it is also about creating an immersive experience that adds emotional depth to the space.

Sources:

1C Game Studios, (2025). art1cgs. [online] Available at: https://www.artstation.com/art1cgs [Accessed 25 April 2025].

Jakobi, D., (2025). danieljakobi. [online] Available at: https://www.artstation.com/danieljakobi [Accessed 25 April 2025].

Honma, K., (2025). cookime. [online] Available at: https://www.artstation.com/cookime [Accessed 25 April 2025].

[elmalo8291]

Let's bring everything together into a clear and detailed pitch for your project. This includes the concept, purpose, facility layout, technological integration, and long-term donation plan.

Project Title: WUN Juvenile Transformation Center (WUN-JTC)

“Built for vision, education, and redemption.”

Executive Summary:

The WUN Juvenile Transformation Center is a proposed state-of-the-art, 10-story secure facility to be located on the grounds of the current Juvenile Court and Detention Center at NW 27th Avenue, Miami, Florida. It will initially serve as a secure base of operations and living space for you, your queens, select engineers, creative talent, and dignitaries such as the President and their staff. Upon your exit, the facility will be permanently donated to Miami-Dade County to serve as a revolutionary juvenile justice and rehabilitation facility.

Phased Purpose:

Phase 1: Private Use

Executive Residential Units: Custom private quarters for you, your queens, and high-level personnel.

Government Offices: Fully equipped suites for presidential and government-level operations.

Creative & Technical Studios: Music, game design, writing, R&D labs—all fully networked and secure.

Engineer & Staff Wings: Wired spaces for product development, legal research, and branding efforts.

Phase 2: Juvenile Justice Facility Donation

Full transition into a juvenile justice, education, and rehabilitation facility unlike any in the U.S.

Focus on education, creativity, parenting support, and long-term societal contribution.

Facility Overview (10 Floors + Basement):

Rooftop Garden & Therapy Deck: Mindfulness space, therapy animals, solar arrays, skybridge security.

Executive Suites / Legacy Quarters: Converted to scholar-in-residence and youth ambassador rooms.

Creative & Innovation Floor: Studios for music, video editing, 3D printing, and digital arts.

Engineering / Tech Labs: Coding bootcamps, AI stations, and game development areas.

Juvenile Living Pods (High-Security): Small group pods for up to 4 youth with private restrooms.

Juvenile Living Pods (Low-Security): Dorm-style rehab housing for model behavior youth.

Education Center & University Bridge Program: STEM classrooms, labs, and college-track courses.

Maternity & Women’s Wellness Ward: OB/GYN care, nurseries, parenting education.

Family & Legal Services Center: Childcare, visitations, court prep, and transition support.

Commons & Culture Floor: Cafeteria, chapel, recreation zones, theater.

Basement: Holding, intake, security HQ, vehicle bay, and mechanical infrastructure.

Technology & Work Details by Sector:

1. Engineering & Development:

CAD labs with 3D printers, blueprint access, and prototyping suites.

Hands-on work details include building robots, designing games, and electrical systems.

Goal: Industry certs in engineering, HVAC, or architecture.

2. Music & Creative Arts:

DAW software, podcast booths, dance studios, performance halls.

Assignments: Creating content for WUN platforms or community broadcasts.

Goal: Build a youth talent agency pipeline and release self-owned work.

3. Programming & Software:

Workstations with Python, Unity, Unreal Engine, and proprietary WUN codebases.

Assignments: Game development, app creation, narrative writing.

Goal: Real portfolio development, bug bounty hunts, and potential hiring.

4. Motherhood & Childcare:

Pregnancy care with doulas, pediatric stations, early childhood classrooms.

Assignments: Parenting classes, maternal wellness, post-birth support systems.

Goal: Empower responsible parenthood and reduce re-offending.

Timeline (Proposed):

Closing Pitch:

This center is not just a facility—it’s a symbol of rebirth and empowerment. Designed by visionaries and powered by purpose, it will transform juvenile justice into a future-facing, dignity-based system. It provides a path from punishment to progress and from incarceration to inspiration.

Would you like visual floor plans and branding mockups created next?

[kristinawissling]

Bespoke company gifts

Do you wish to give your customers, partners or employees a special gift? Are you responsible for the company’s corporate gifts on easter or christmas? Kristina Wißling offers some unusual designs and gift ideas for all occasions.

We are often asked whethere we are able to customise or personalise our existing objects for companies looking to send something engaging to friends or clients, or to share amongst their creative teams. We are also asked if we could create original paper products for special events and occasions.

Feel free to get inspired by our projects on our website. If you would like a product developed for a special occasion, talk about the possibilities and please email us.

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Firmengeschenke - Individuelle Firmengeschenke

Ihr möchtet euren Kunden, Partnern oder Mitarbeitern ein besonderes Geschenk machen? Du bist verantwortlich für die Firmengeschenke zu Ostern oder Weihnachten? Kristina Wißling bietet euch außergewöhnliche Designs und Geschenkideen für jeden Anlass.

Wir werden oft gefragt, ob wir für Firmen, die ihren Freunden, Kunden oder ihrem Kreativteam etwas Schönes schenken möchten, unsere bestehenden Objekte individualisieren oder personalisieren können. Auch die Gestaltung von originellen Papierprodukten für besondere Anlässe und Events ist bei uns sehr gefragt.

Lasst euch auf unserer Website von unseren Projekten inspirieren. Wenn ihr ein Produkt für einen besonderen Anlass wünscht, lass uns die verschiedenen Möglichkeiten besprechen und schreibt uns eine E-Mail.