#Virtual Reality Skill Development

[simulanissolutions]

n recent years, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in various industries, transforming how we learn, work, and interact with technology. In India, one company that stands out in this burgeoning field is Simulanis Solutions. Renowned for its innovative approach, Simulanis Solutions is revolutionizing the way we approach training and industrial education through cutting-edge virtual reality training solutions

[defencecapital]

HAL Management Academy , IIIT Dharwad sign MoU for collaborative research, skill development

By A Correspondent Bengaluru (Karnataka): India’s state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Management Academy, the nodal training agency of HAL, and the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Dharwad, (IIIT-Dharwad) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in advanced technologies. The partnership would focus on joint research,…

[dcxdpdabbles]

DCxDP Fanfic Idea: Not My Business

Danny Fenton develops a unique set of skills throughout his life. He knew how to disarm a bomb when he was seven, thanks to his Dad making minebombs in the front yard as a ghost defense. (They only covered humans in ecto-goo, but it was the same concept of not wanting to have it explode on him)

He knew how to fight with a bo-staff only because he had to fight off the meals his parents brought back to life with a broom. He knew how to balance a checkbook, file tax forms, and properly build credit by the time he was ten, thanks to the years his parents ran a business at the kitchen table.

His sister taught him how to charm rude customers with a smile, how to lie without flinching, and how to complete all his assignments on time, despite having only a few hours to do so. She spent a lot of time volunteering, often dragging him along, which allowed Danny to build up his resume with both soft and hard skills he likely would never have thought there was a name for.

Problem-solving, teamwork, communication, time management, adaptability, data analysis, cybersecurity, data entry, and copywriting were the skills that Jazz focused on the most. She all but beat them into his head.

Along with cooking, sewing, basic plumbing, basic mechanics, and budgeting. Jazz was the one who looked for practical abilities.

That left time for his mom and dad to teach him things like forging, combat training, reprogramming everyday objects into weaponry, defending his position before a board for grant money, turning everyday household liquids into knock-out gas, and how to talk his way out of traffic tickets.

Not to mention everything he learn as Phantom.

Danny knew how to verify jewels and gold due to the years spent in the ghost zone fighting off pirates and treasure hunters. Phantom's reputation made him a target for many ghosts who wanted to add his rarity to their collections.

How to command a room, then a town, and finally an army. Diplomatic missions increased in number as he began meeting with the leaders of various sectors within the Ghost Zones.

Really, Danny didn't make a whole lot of sense, if anyone bothered to ask him how he came to this set of skills. The thing was, unlike the rest of his family, Danny was far too reserved to show them off. He edged the line of shyness from a young age, which sometimes bled into reclusive tendencies.

He didn't get anxious from social interactions; he just didn't feel like seeking them out. Sam and Tucker felt a similar way, as they were always willing to talk to a stranger, but they tried to branch out of their safe little bubble to make friends rather than acquaintances. Then the summer between sophomore and junior year happened.

Sam, Danny, and Tucker left tenth grade as plain losers only to arrive in junior with a splash.

The trio noticed that people were staring at them more intensely than they had been before. That they were used to, what they weren't used to was that the stares were not mocking or dismissive.

It was odd, but it didn't click on why that was until winter break, and more specifically, Star's Holiday party.

Ever since the fourth grade, Star hosted the biggest party of their generation. Her parents owned the local fun center, which featured indoor kart racing, laser tag, arcade games, paintball, and virtual reality pods. Everyone tripped over themselves to be given an invitation as she offered a full day and night of free entertainment at the center.

It always ended with wild stories of teenage fun that Danny always wanted to see in person, rather than hearing about in the hallways the next day. Not that everyone in their grade went. The invitation list was super selective (Star's parents did lose a lot of profit for letting their daughter do that)

You either received an invitation from the party girl herself, or you were asked to be a plus one, which was just as much of an honor as it was a symbol of social status among the teenage population of Amity Park.

The trio was never invited, which is why they were already making their way to the student parking lot when Star stood in the courtyard, holding up the scarred envelopes. Inside them was the bracelet that one had to scan at the door of her center to let people in. It was how her father ensured only the agreed-upon guests stayed at that number.

In the middle of making plans for hot chocolate at Sam's favorite poetry slam cafe, Star had run at Tucker's car, practically falling over to knock on his window. Danny had never been so confused in his life as his friend rolled down his window to arch a brow at the girl.

She stuttered her way through a pathetic request for fashion advice that Tucker easily answered in two sentences. Sam snickered as Star seemed unsure what to do with Tucker's lack of interest in her or her popularity.

Ever since Tucker started focusing more on his self-confidence and joined the fashion community, he hadn't been so girl-crazy nor as desperate to get one's attention.

Just as Danny reminded Tucker that other cars were waiting for them to clear the road, Star had pushed three envelopes into the driver's hand and run off with a red face.

Tucker stared at the envelopes in his hands with a wild look that both Sam and Danny shared. They slowly kicked their brains back into gear when an angry honk from the car behind them sounded, and they ended up silently driving the cafe, still in a daze.

Jazz laughed herself silly when they rang her up to ask if she thought it was a trick (Sam was sure they were going to be Carrie-ed), a mistake (Danny insisted Star had gone to the wrong car, but due to the tinting, didn't realize until it was too late). Or a genuine invitation (Tcuker had always been the most optimistic of the three).

"Haven't you three ever wondered why Spectra used emotion-based ectoplasm for her appearance?" She giggled, "It makes people hot. And you guys literally spend all summer in the Ghost Zone during your internships, feeling human emotions while being exposed to natural ectoplasm. You three came back looking good."

That was a shock.

The summer apprenticeships had been a compromise between Sam and her parents. They were growing tired of her not growing out of her "phase" and were threatening to send her to a military camp to straighten her out.

Thankfully, Jazz had stepped in, brilliantly changing their minds into allowing the college student to match Sam up with a well-known friend as a mentor. She even threw Danny and Tucker into her "program" to further show that it was just what Sam needed to stop her from being a troubled teen.

Since only Maddie and Jack knew about Phantom, it took some effort among all of them to create fake websites and legitimate-looking summer programs before Sam, Tucker, and Danny arrived in the Ghost Zone in different vehicles to spend their summers. It helped that Ghostwriter owed them a favor, and he brought the programs to life.

Danny was learning medical practices of various species with Frostbite. Sam was with Princess Dorathea, learning how to govern and manage a large estate. Tucker had taken Wulf up on his offer to join him through the Ghost Zone's wildness, allowing Tucker to experience life off-screen and learn more about animals.

Jazz had said she placed them out of their comfort zones, but with trusted ghosts that could help them build well-rounded characters. At first, it wasn't for them, but the trio found themselves falling in love with their activities.

By the time they came back, they had many stories and exceptional skills to share with their parents. Sam's parents weren't happy she was still a goth, but they did appreciate her newfound determination to connect with them and her interest in running companies like the family business.

Tucker's parents were amazed by the muscles he gained and how he started to limit his screen time. He still loves his tech, but now he was branching out into fashion, helping out around the house, and appreciating animals and nature like never before.

Maddie and Jack watched as Danny grew more empathic while becoming more sure of what to do in stressful situations. Confidence that their son desperately needed had been gifted to him over the summer. He no longer lowered his eyes or slouched, even if his awkwardness lingered a bit.

That apparently made them hot? Yes, it did.

At Star's party, even though the three kept to themselves, laughing and hanging out as normal, people were constantly attempting to talk to them or simply flushing whenever they made eye contact. Danny, Sam, and Tucker all agreed that they no longer wanted to be popular.

They stay firmly behind unbreakable walls even as the party skyrocketed them to the same level of popularity as the A-listers (they refused to join the club). The three were more excited to return to their summer internships the following summer.

By the time graduation rolled around, Danny, Sam, and Tucker had been voted the most attractive and the most likely to succeed. They were a new type of untouchable royalty walking the halls of Casper High.

It came as no surprise that their resumes and internships got them offers from various colleges, not to mention their looks. Jazz, by that point, was still working on her degree at Gotham U, so the three chose to go there.

Danny was studying to become a doctor, Sam was in business, and Tucker chose computer sciences. They had moved into a house that Sam's parents bought for them, allowing Jazz to move out of the dorms into the spare room. Things were going great for a while, living in the big city and being adults on their own for the first time.

Then Danny applied for an internship at Martha Wayne Memorial Hospital in the administrative area- Sam convinced him it would be a good way to get a foot in the door when he applied to medical school. He needed someone to write him rec letters.- And one night, when he was working late on data entry, he happened to see Batman's maskless fall out of a portal produced by a trenchcoat man.

The trenchcoat man carried Batman to the abandoned operating room that had been left behind when they remodeled the place and converted it into offices, followed by the rest of the Bats. Their faces were covered entirely, but it did not hide their worry as they rushed to catch up with the pair.

A woman wearing scrubs pushed through the portal and the group of masked heroes, barking out orders to prepare the room.

There was a magic spell wrapped around the group that typically would have made them invisible, and erase their importance in the mind of whoever looked at them, as if they were from a forgotten dream. Still, Danny's ecto contamination made him immune to the spell, so he witnessed the whole thing.

Huh. Bruce Wayne was Batman. Neat.

Danny figured it wasn't his business and turned back to his two monitors to finish the Excel spreadsheet he was working on. He later left after saving his work, ignoring the fact that he now knew why the operating room had been left untouched, despite having all that technology on standby.

He would get home, mention it over a plate of reheated pizza, while Tucker would be working on an essay due at midnight. His best friend would shrug, claiming his own ectoplasim had made him immune to Poison Ivy's plants- they were shockingly similar to some of the plants Wulf and he encountered in the Ghost Zone- and had seen Red Robin's face after the man had been sprayed in the face and some of the powder lingered on his mask.

Apparently, Tucker's midnight essay writing had given him a familiar, dazed college look of exhaustion. Still, since he wasn't freaking out at the man eating plants, Red Robin had thought him too gone on whatever Posion Ivy how dosed the crowd of hostages with, to worry about his bare face. He had merely moved Tucker somewhere safe, stabbed him in the thigh with a needle, which had been rude according to Tucker, and run off to fight Ivy.

Red Robin was Tim Drake. Neat.

The two changed the subject to a TV show, but eventually Tucker had to focus on his essay, and they fell silent.

The following morning, Sam reported that she, too, had figured out a Gotham Hero's identity by accident. Her ectoplasim contamination had made her an attractive goth, who was approached by a blushing Damian Wayne to ask her to model her alternative style for his art club.

At the offer of a bit of pocket change, Sam had agreed to follow the art club president to a park where a group of teenagers were setting up canvases and easels. They asked her to sit on the park fountain for a few hours while they tried to capture her likeness in charcoal.

During the session, she noticed a change in Damian's movement as he grew more relaxed and his old habits began to shine through. Princess Dorathea had taught her the dangers of the court and how to notice little changes in body language that could keep her safe.

She thought it was odd that Damian moved like an assassin, reaching for a small knife in the same way he wielded his charcoal. It made sense later when she was rescued by Robin on her walk home from a would-be mugging and noticed the same little habits.

Robin was Damian Wayne. Neat.

If three of the many Bats were Waynes or connected to the famous family, it only logically makes sense that the rest were all Waynes too. Double neat.

The only one who was sincerely shocked by this reveal was Jazz, who had not even a hint of suspicion that Bruce Wayne was Batman.

"This is huge!" Jazz gasps, "Don't you guys realize how crazy this is!?"

"I mean, sure," Tucker slowly responded, sharing a confused glance with Sam and Danny. "But it's not really our business, is it? It's not like Danny is in the hero scene anymore."

"Well, yes but come on it's Batman!"

"I don't think Batman even cares about us, much less his Bruce persona. As someone from the bottom of the first class, trust me, the top of the first class doesn't even notice us taking up space. " Sam laughs, shaking her head. Danny hesitates to mention that Bruce Wayne has stopped by his office multiple times to bring coffee for all his coworkers, but figures the man must do that for all his employees.

Miles and miles away in Wayne Manor, Bruce narrows his eyes at the three screens displaying three newly graduated teens covered in paranormal residue. It's possible that they were all haunted and just didn't know it, which was a common thing, according to the Justice League Dark.

After some digging into their background, he found that companies, summer camps, and internships had all been fabricated by an incredible hacker who provided an oddly convincing cover-up for the various skills the trio possessed. Again, the Justice League Dark also stated that it was common, as that was a tactic the Otherworlders frequently used on humans to leech onto them.

Like a gas station in the middle of nowhere that was there and then it wasn't a few days later.

The three weren't experiencing any negative emotions, which meant whatever was haunting them would soon pass, and it wasn't necessary to intervene. Zatanna promised Bruce that everything was fine.

He had some doubts.

So far, the three have been doing everyday things that first-year college students typically do, and yet, Bruce's children have reported seeing the three often in their civilian lives.

Foley worked out at the same gym Dick did and was often at the ramen shop Jason just helped one of his friends open. Manson began spending time at Cass's favorite café and attended Duke's poetry nights as an observer. Fenton, the male one, was literally working a few floors below Tim.

A coincidence?

Or was it something nefarious at play?

Bruce decided to wait and see what happens.

[prismmultimedia]

Top 10 Creative Skill to learn in 2023

As digital usage has been exponentially increased, creative skills have highly become demand after. Whether you are a recently graduated, professional, or simply someone with a passion for art and design, acquiring creative skills can open plenty of opportunities. In this blog post, we will address the top 10 creative skills to learn in 2023, specifically targeted towards the vibrant Indian market. So, let's dive in and discover the exciting world of multimedia!

1. Graphic Design

Graphic design is an essential skill in the multimedia industry. It involves creating eye catchy content for various platforms, such as websites, social media, advertisements, print and more. Learning graphic design equips you with the ability to communicate visually and effectively convey messages to your target audience.

2. Web Development

With the increasing demand for online presence, web development is a valuable skill to possess. Languages like HTML, CSS, Angular and JavaScript allows you to build stunning websites and interactive user interfaces. By acquiring web development skills, you can enhance your digital presence and create engaging online experiences.

3. Video Editing

Video editing is a crucial skill for aspiring filmmakers, content creators, and multimedia enthusiasts. With the popularity of platforms like YouTube and TikTok, knowing how to edit videos can help you tell compelling stories, enhance visuals, and create professional-looking content.

4. Photography

In the era of Instagram and visual storytelling, photography remains an evergreen creative skill. Learning the fundamentals of composition, lighting, and editing can elevate your photography game and enable you to capture breathtaking moments. From landscapes to portraits, photography is a versatile skill that can be monetized through freelance work or selling your artwork.

5. 3D Animation

Animation is an exciting skill that brings life to static elements. Whether it's 2D or 3D animation, this field offers a vast range of career possibilities. By mastering animation techniques, you can create captivating characters, design stunning visual effects, and even pursue a career in the gaming or film industry.

6. UI/UX Design

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design are very important in executing digital products and services. UI/UX designers focus on enhancing the usability and accessibility of websites, mobile apps, and other digital interfaces. By understanding the principles of design and user behaviour, you can craft seamless and visually appealing experiences for users.

7. Social Media Marketing

In the age of social media dominance, knowing how to effectively market yourself or a brand online is essential. Learning social media marketing skills allows you to strategize, create engaging content, and analyse data to reach your end user necessities. With proper planning and execution, you can create impactful social presence regarding particular brand.

8. Virtual Reality (VR) Development

Virtual Reality is revolutionizing industries like gaming, healthcare, education, and architecture. By training upon VR development, you can create immersive experiences, simulations, and even build virtual reality games. As the demand for VR continues to grow, having this skill set can open doors to exciting opportunities.

9. Sound Design

Sound design plays a crucial role in creating engaging multimedia content. Whether it's films, video games, or animations, the right audio can greatly enhance the overall experience. Gaining knowledge on sound design allows you to create captivating soundscapes, mix audio tunes, and synchronize them with visual media.

10. Motion Graphics Motion graphics is the art of creating animated graphics that are used in video production and digital content. It involves creating animations that are visually appealing and communicate a specific message. To become a motion graphics designer, you will need to learn Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D to create animations. You will also need to understand the principles of animation and how to create fluid and engaging motion graphics.

Conclusion

The creative skills mentioned above offer a wide array of opportunities for individuals looking to enter the dynamic world of multimedia. So, don't hesitate to come into the exciting world of graphic design, web development, animation, and more. Embrace your creativity and unlock your potential in 2023!

[lemon-film]

Raise a Tech Genius: Exploring the Ultimate Coding Schools

🌟 Unlock your child's potential in the world of coding! Let's shape a future generation of tech genius together! #RaiseATechGenius #CodingSchools #TechEducation

In today’s world, coding has become an essential skill for children, providing various advantages like improved creativity, problem-solving skills, and collaboration. However, with many coding classes available, selecting the right one for your child can be daunting. Therefore, I have created a list of the top coding schools that cater to your child’s interests and age group, from robotics,…

[roshni99]

What kind of games are healthy for health and why? #indoorgames #healthylifestyle #games #boardgames

Greetings! Today, we delve into the fascinating world of healthy games and their positive impact on your well-being, offering both entertainment and wellness.

🔸 Physical Engagement: Active games like dance, sports simulations, and virtual reality encourage movement, boosting cardiovascular health.

🔸 Cognitive Challenges: Puzzle-solving games and strategy-based options stimulate brain function, enhancing memory and critical thinking.

🔸 Stress Relief: Relaxing games, such as simulations and nature exploration, provide a calming escape from daily stressors.

🔸 Social Interaction: Multiplayer games foster connections with friends and family, nurturing social bonds and reducing isolation.

🔸 Emotional Wellness: Story-driven games offer emotional engagement, aiding in emotional expression and empathy.

🔸 Mindfulness Promotion: Meditation and mindfulness games cultivate relaxation and focus, supporting mental well-being.

🔸 Lifelong Learning: Educational games enhance knowledge acquisition and skill development in an engaging manner. While these insights lay a foundation, remember that individual preferences vary. Explore games that align with your interests and well-being goals. Celebrate the blend of entertainment and holistic wellness, and explore more insights on mindful gaming at RaphaCure's resources. For professional guidance and tools, download our mobile app: 📱 Android: http://bit.ly/3JACQOb 🍎 Apple: https://apple.co/3I0QKbe #MindfulGaming #HealthyEntertainment #PhysicalActivity #CognitiveStimulation #StressRelief #SocialInteraction #EmotionalWellness #Mindfulness #LifelongLearning #HolisticWellness #WellnessJourney #EmpowerYourHealth #WellnessInsights #NourishYourBody #HealthyHabits #WellnessMotivation #RaphaCure healthy game benefits gaming health benefits healthy eating games healthy vs unhealthy game are games healthy healthy games healthy games for adults healthy games online healthy games for the brain health games health games online health games for the classroom health games for high school health games for middle school health games for the classroom online healthy gamer gg,mental health,health,healthy food,healthy,healthy food for kids,healthy gaming,healthy and unhealthy eating.,healthy habits,mental health awareness,healthy eating,healthy gaming habits,healthy unhealthy foods,healthy vs unhealthy food,eat healthy food song for kids,healthy food names,video games healthy,foods for eye health,health video games,healthy food song for kids,are shrimp healthy,how to be a healthy gamer healthy games for well-being mindful gaming benefits physical activity through games cognitive challenges in gaming stress relief through gaming social interaction in games emotional wellness through gaming mindfulness promotion through games educational games for learning holistic wellness through gaming mindful entertainment empower your health wellness journey holistic health insights entertainment choices

[theblogs2024]

The Benefits of Digital REALITY Schooling

Virtual reality (VR) technological innovation is transforming just how we solution education in different industries.

With its immersive, interactive, and individualized nature, VR training features many Added benefits in comparison to conventional training methods—participating staff, and providing businesses a powerful new schooling modality.

In this particular site, we will examine the advantages of VR teaching and go over its apps.

Benefits of VR Instruction included On this website write-up:

Safe and sound and Controlled Learning Environment VR Training is Charge-Powerful Psychological Realism Greater Education Engagement and Information Retention VR Schooling Can help With Recruiting and Employee Retention Flexible and Scalable Deployment Harmless and Controlled Discovering Setting Certainly one of the key benefits of VR training is it results in a safe and controlled Understanding ecosystem for learners.

VR instruction transports learners into a virtual setting wherever they are free to create errors with out genuine world penalties. You’ll normally hear individuals refer to VR schooling being a “Protected destination to fall short.” That’s because in virtual truth Understanding simulations personnel are totally free to exercise expertise enhancement and find out the result in and influence interactions of their steps, but with no suffering any real world penalties. This kind of scenario-dependent learning assists learners make that means of their instruction encounters, and to become much more knowledgeable about navigating substantial stakes conditions—familiarity that translates to raised overall performance in the actual earth.

Such as: Business leaders can exercise essential communications in VR just before facing the true factor with peers or immediate studies Customer service Reps can practice simulated purchaser conversations previous to talking to genuine consumers in discussions exactly where the stakes are superior Product sales staff members can follow shopper pitches Healthcare specialists can exercise speaking with Digital individuals symbolizing people just before experiencing major discussions with serious patients These are generally only a few examples of scenarios the place training in virtual truth presents gurus threat-cost-free follow repetitions just before carrying out their Employment in the real environment.

Check more info. here: virtual training platforms

[writers-potion]

I'm writing a sci-fi story about a space freight hauler with a heavy focus on the economy. Any tips for writing a complex fictional economy and all of it's intricacies and inner-workings?

Constructing a Fictional Economy

The economy is all about: How is the limited financial/natural/human resources distributed between various parties?

So, the most important question you should be able to answer are:

Who are the "have"s and "have-not"s?

What's "expensive" and what's "commonplace"?

What are the rules(laws, taxes, trade) of this game?

Building Blocks of the Economic System

Type of economic system. Even if your fictional economy is made up, it will need to be based on the existing systems: capitalism, socialism, mixed economies, feudalism, barter, etc.

Currency and monetary systems: the currency can be in various forms like gols, silver, digital, fiat, other commodity, etc. Estalish a central bank (or equivalent) responsible for monetary policy

Exchange rates

Inflation

Domestic and International trade: Trade policies and treaties. Transportation, communication infrastructure

Labour and employment: labor force trends, employment opportunities, workers rights. Consider the role of education, training and skill development in the labour market

The government's role: Fiscal policy(tax rate?), market regulation, social welfare, pension plans, etc.

Impact of Technology: Examine the role of tech in productivity, automation and job displacement. How does the digital economy and e-commerce shape the world?

Economic history: what are some historical events (like The Great Depresion and the 2008 Housing Crisis) that left lasting impacts on the psychologial workings of your economy?

For a comprehensive economic system, you'll need to consider ideally all of the above. However, depending on the characteristics of your country, you will need to concentrate on some more than others. i.e. a country heavily dependent on exports will care a lot more about the exchange rate and how to keep it stable.

For Fantasy Economies:

Social status: The haves and have-nots in fantasy world will be much more clear-cut, often with little room for movement up and down the socioeconoic ladder.

Scaricity. What is a resource that is hard to come by?

Geographical Characteristics: The setting will play a huge role in deciding what your country has and doesn't. Mountains and seas will determine time and cost of trade. Climatic conditions will determine shelf life of food items.

Impact of Magic: Magic can determine the cost of obtaining certain commodities. How does teleportation magic impact trade?

For Sci-Fi Economies Related to Space Exploration

Thankfully, space exploitation is slowly becoming a reality, we can now identify the factors we'll need to consider:

Economics of space waste: How large is the space waste problem? Is it recycled or resold? Any regulations about disposing of space wste?

New Energy: Is there any new clean energy? Is energy scarce?

Investors: Who/which country are the giants of space travel?

Ownership: Who "owns" space? How do you draw the borders between territories in space?

New class of workers: How are people working in space treated? Skilled or unskilled?

Relationship between space and Earth: Are resources mined in space and brought back to Earth, or is there a plan to live in space permanently?

What are some new professional niches?

What's the military implication of space exploitation? What new weapons, networks and spying techniques?

Also, consider:

Impact of space travel on food security, gender equality, racial equality

Impact of space travel on education.

Impact of space travel on the entertainment industry. Perhaps shooting monters in space isn't just a virtual thing anymore?

What are some indsutries that decline due to space travel?

I suggest reading up the Economic Impact Report from NASA, and futuristic reports from business consultants like McKinsey.

If space exploitation is a relatiely new technology that not everyone has access to, the workings of the economy will be skewed to benefit large investors and tech giants. As more regulations appear and prices go down, it will be further be integrated into the various industries, eventually becoming a new style of living.

[tobyisave]

Trust & Insecurity in Kiibo & Miu's relationship

(In response to @strawberrysweater ! Thanks for opening this can of worms and sorry for this huge post lmaooo)

To preface this: I do love them together!! I just enjoy looking for the places they might clash at times if they were actually in a relationship... So this is about the things that keep them from fully understanding/trusting each other. And ofc this is just my interpretation!!

My short answer:

(1) Miu only thinks she is valuable as an inventor and sexual object, (2) Most people only care about Kiibo as a scientific novelty, and (3) they both have JUST enough evidence to convince themselves that this is also how they view each other. Even if deep down they're only playing these roles in an attempt to get closer to another human being.

On top of that, even though they're especially vulnerable with each other, I think there's still a lot of misunderstanding between them that would be difficult for them to reconcile. First because they have some genuine points of conflict, and second because they each have problems communicating and reading people (i.e. reality distorting levels of abandonment issues & obligatory robot autism coding, respectively)

Elaboration under the cut:

PART A - Insecurities

You can see (1) and (2) a bit in their other relationships:

Miu is of course hypersexual at all times, and she gives inventions to Shuichi (FTE) and her fantasy lover (love suite) because, as she confesses herself, inventing stuff is the only way she knows how to show affection for other people besides offering them her body.

Her inventions and hypersexuality are also the only explicit points of connection between her and Kokichi, arguably the only other character she is remotely close to besides Kiibo and Shuichi.

So given that most of her onscreen relationship with Kiibo is sexual or scientific (or both) in nature, it’s easy for her to go on believing these are the only things she has to offer. It’s a bit self-fulfilling of course because she’s arguable the one controlling the direction of their relationship in the first place, and at this point I’m not sure she believes there’s anything else to her.

[Shout out to @cloudysonder for helping develop this take :P]

I get the impression Kiibo has met a lot of people over his life who only want to talk about how cool it is that he’s a robot, even though that’s not a part of his identity he initially likes to bring up.

In his FTE with Shuichi, he goes straight into 'demonstrating my functions' mode as if it's the only way he knows how to talk to people

We see him treated in this fetishized way in-game too: with Kokichi chasing him to be “friends with a robot”; with Kaede’s FTE asking him invasive questions and touching his buttons without asking; and in postgame with Kazuichi basically assaulting him and trying to take him apart out of scientific curiosity --- all of these within just his first or second interactions with these people!

So it's a BIG thing for him to willingly let Miu sit there and take him apart, when he already spends so much time fending off virtual strangers who don't respect his bodily autonomy. And he's not used to people taking a genuine interest in him as a person so he’s hesitant to let himself believe Miu is any different, especially when her interest is so explicitly centered around his biology.

Plus as long as Kiibo is physically dependent on Miu, there's going to be a lot of room for insecurity to fester on BOTH sides:

"Does Kiibo really need me or does he just need my technical skills? Does he want to do these favors for me or does he feel like he has to?"

"Does Miu really care who I am or does she just want to gawk at my body like everyone else does? Does she care who I am or am I just the first boy(?) to give her the time of day? Does she want to help me or does she just know she’s the only one who can?"

This is the biggest hurdle IMO because it's a necessarily unbalanced relationship, and it will have to continue for the foreseeable future, no matter how they feel about each other.

PART B - Respect/communication

Another thing is that I don't think they fully respect each other — kind of for the same reason the rest of the group doesn’t respect them either

Miu might not consider Kiibo a person. We know Kiibo was worried about this; when asking Shuichi to use the electrohammer on him he explains, "The outcome will settle once and for all how Miu perceived me." This, and the fact she says robots aren’t people in trial, make me pretty confident that she has never looked him in the eye and said "I consider you a person."

I think she has a complex relationship with Kiibo’s personhood. On one hand if he’s a thing then it’s much easier for her to control him (esp given what we see of their relationship) and this soothes her anxious heart by ensuring that he can’t abandon her.

At the same time, if this is the case, then his coerced/artificial love isn’t worth as much as it would be if it came from an autonomous human person — to her insecure mind, it becomes Miu alone in her room playing boyfriend girlfriend with a doll, if that makes sense. 

To clarify, I’m not saying she BELIEVES he’s just an object, but it’s an idea that both comforts and torments her.

It's worth noting, too, that Miu doesn't always respect people's consent. This is especially risky when you factor in their mechanic-robot relationship (which already comes with a difficult power dynamic) and Kiibo’s naive/somewhat people-pleasing personality.

On Kiibo’s end: I think it’s safe to say he finds her rude/inappropriate at first (though I think it's really sweet that he uses the much more euphemistic description 'brash and spirited' after getting to know her). They also have some pretty stark moral differences --- Kiibo is distraught to learn that Miu wasn't above murdering their classmates, for example.

More importantly, I headcanon he has a lot of difficulty understanding her at all  – on an emotional level, yes, and and on a literal level he just straight up doesn’t understand many of the sentences she says either

K: “Most of that was unintelligible nonsense, but…” after Miu explains her “secret woman weapon." IMO his decision to phrase this as an insult helps mask the fact he's not familiar with all the lewd references she just made

He also has problems understanding emotions from the start, and Miu is DIFFICULT to track because she cycles through emotions so rapidly.

+ he might find it hard to extrapolate that many of the things she does are part of a facade. The crass egotistical miu who says he’s not a person is equally as real to him as the deeply insecure miu wants to believe he is a person (if not more real…)

PART C

Also these bullets from my personal doc I don't have the willpower to expand on atm:

They are both so prone to misinterpreting people unkindly

They’re also both so misled about how committed a relationship is supposed to be. Like I think Kiibo would consider a confession from literally anyone to be tantamount to a proposal (based on his love suite scene). And Miu wouldn’t be quite so fast but i do think it’d still be a huge deal for her because she falls very hard very easily (based on her FTE). Which is all very cute but being plunged into a big commitment like that can be crazy stressful, esp for two teens who have never dated before (imo) and have no frame of reference. [I was actually just going to post about this part lol]

PART D

All that said... I love them together and I DO think they could make it work without too much heartbreak. A lot of the things I describe as problems here could easily be taken as strengths.

e.g. Their misunderstanding of how relationships work ironically makes them more compatible, since they're both ready to go whole hog (if Kiibo determines that he actually likes her that is). Miu's rapidly fluctuating emotions are confusing, but on some level I think he'd admire how deeply and obviously she is able to feel things. And of course Miu as an inventor has a deep (almost objectum like??) respect for machines that helps Kiibo accept that he can be a robot and a person at the same time, and is probably the only one in the class who understands just how impressive he really is.

Thanks thanks THANKS for reading if you seriously read all that!! Mwah!!!!

I would love to hear anyone's takes on my takes too :P I haven't been rotating them in my head for too long yet so I'm still developing my interpretations...

[ryunumber]

Spooky from Spookys House Of Jumpscares/Spookys Jumpscare Mansion

Spooky has a Ryu Number of 5/4/does not have a Ryu Number.

(update and explanation below)

(UPDATE: Per @penndragon, Cross Impact has hit Early Access.)

(UPDATE 2: Per @mr-self-suck-by-nin, confirmation of the Cooking Companions protagonist identity gives Spooky an unambiguous Ryu Number of 4.)

Look, it's complicated. Things will be more concrete when Cross Impact hits Early Access.

Fair warning: this explanation is a bit more involved than normal, because the research hole this sent me down had me sincerely doubting my own base competence.

So, from the top: Spooky's only eligible appearance is in her own game, Spooky's Jump Scare Mansion née House of Jump Scares, as her only other appearance, period, seems to be as a trophy in Indie Pogo.

Naturally, this makes SJSM's specimens as the only connecting points. I've identified three that could work:

Unknown Specimen 1 is just White Face from IMSCARED.

This seems to be a dead end, as White Face's only other eligible appearance seems to be in the Nightmare Mode of Cooking Companions, as part of a menagerie of other horror game characters, including SJSM's own Specimen 6. But all of those also seem to be dead ends, and Specimen 6 just gets back to where we started, so that's probably no good.

How about Unknown Specimen 5?

Named Lisa. Sure looks quite a bit like Lisa from P.T. and once-prospective Silent Hills. Let's say it's that Lisa. What else has Lisa been in?

Apparently just P.T., which wouldn't be altogether unsurprising given, you know, all that happened with Silent Hills. Even the Lisa decoys for Metal Gear Solid V showcased in the Tokyo Game Show 2014 trailer didn't make it to the final game.

But there are still other P.T. references that did make it. Namely, that pleasant radio transmission, interruptions and all, can be heard from some radios in MGSV.

Now, given that audio-only appearances are broadly eligible, you could make a case that whoever's reading in this transmission is a character themself, which would in turn connect Lisa to The Phantom Pain, at which point calculating the Ryu Number is just a matter of hashing out who exactly is and is not in MGSV. The only issue I have with making this connection is that the audio is basically reused wholesale from P.T., which arguably makes it more in line with an archival recording, which is not eligible, than bespoke radio chatter, which is eligible, but hey, whatever, I've peddled dodgier. Why the hell not.

So in the search of a route with less caveats, let's consider what I've identified as the last possible eligible connection, Specimen 8. This cervine bundle of fun can be seen in Lost in Vivo as part of Lost Tape 3.

It turns out there's another character in Lost in Vivo who's been in something else: Sotiris. It also turns out that the "something else" in question is, uh,

the EEK3 2020 Virtual Show Floor. Which, to the best of my knowledge, is never referred to as a game, so if that matters to you, then we're done, and Spooky either has the aforementioned route through Lisa or nothing.

If you're willing to say that the virtual show floor is a game, which does not seem to be an unpopular opinion, then good news! There's a clear path to Ryu. You just have to go through Skully, who cameos in Toree 3D,

to the titular Toree, who's a guest character in Lunistice,

to Kit, the main character of Lunistice, who cameos in CrossCode,

to Lea, whose Ryu Number of 2 is already established, which gives Spooky a final Ryu Number of I'm sorry, I'm being handed a note.

Oh. Well fuck me, then, for not considering that the realities of game development could lead to a scenario wherein a character from an in-progress game could make cameo appearances in other games, only to be scrapped entirely before their would-be source game is released. Clearly, this is what the kids refer to as a "skill issue".

And the best part? This chain is so long that I'm genuinely expecting to have overlooked something really obvious that gives a shorter number, because the documentation I found on indie-ass indie horror game crossovers is spotty. So if you have any information that could shorten this more substantial than "White Face is graffiti in the full release of FAITH", send it my way. I'd rather be definitely wrong than dubiously correct.

Anyway, Toree's set to be playable in Cross Impact, so when that's released to the wider public most of this nonsense I just spewed at you will actually come into play. Until then, make of all of this what you will. If you'll excuse me, I need to go fucking distort.

[talonabraxas]

“Shapeshifting requires the ability to transcend your attachments, in particular your ego attachments to identity and who you are. If you can get over your attachment to labeling yourself and your cherishing of your identity, you can be virtually anybody. You can slip in and out of different shells, even different animal forms or deity forms.” ― Zeena Schreck

Goddess Hekate ☽◯☾ Talon Abraxas

New Moon in Gemini 2025: Welcome Change

On May 26, 2025, 11:02 PM EST, a New Moon at 6º05’ of Gemini encourages us to welcome change and offers us an opportunity to renovate the way we are used to thinking, speaking, and perceiving our reality. This event emphasizes the power of our thoughts, words, and attention and invites us to notice how the stories we tell ourselves shape our world and our experience of it.

The Gemini New Moon is especially significant for those of us with natal placements in the early degrees of Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces). The individuals personally impacted by this New Moon are being called to embrace a new mindset, see their reality from a new perspective, and discover new avenues for learning.

New Moon in Gemini: Invitation to Welcome Change

Every month, New Moons offer us an opportunity to start fresh: a new lunar cycle is starting to unfold, the energy inspires renewal and change, and the momentum gradually rises for the upcoming two weeks. As the Sun and the Moon meet in the Mutable sign of Gemini, the invitation for us is to stay curious, cultivate versatility, and be open to new perspectives and experiences.

We are entering a lunar month focused on discovering new ways of thinking, communicating, and relating to our environment and other people. The Gemini New Moon encourages us to welcome change, welcome diversity, welcome novelty, and see every experience as an opportunity to learn more about ourselves, the world, and life. This event invites us into a state of openness, challenges us to question outdated assumptions, and reminds us that learning doesn’t only happen in school or in a classroom, that every day is filled with opportunities to learn something new.

Holding the Tension of Duality, Paradox, and Contradiction

The Tarot card associated with Gemini is the Lovers: beyond the romantic symbolism, this card points at the connection of Gemini with the inner marriage, the integration of the masculine and feminine within. Symbolized by the Twins, Gemini correlates to our relationship with both internal and external duality. The dual nature of this sign emphasizes the importance of dialogue and the need to develop an ability to hold and make peace with paradox, duality, and complexity.

This Gemini New Moon is an opportunity to become more aware of our inner dialogue, of how all the different parts of our psyche communicate between them, of the voices that tend to take over and the voices we have silenced, more or less unconsciously. Gemini teaches us that contradiction can become conversation, and that conflict can lead to dialogue and understanding: this event encourages us to listen with curiosity rather than judgment. A core theme of the upcoming lunar cycle will be the integration and reconciliation of contrasting, contradictory energies within ourselves and in our lives.

New Moon conjunct Mercury and Uranus

The Gemini New Moon is conjunct with Mercury, the ruler of Gemini, and, more widely, with Uranus in the late degrees of Taurus. Mercury’s proximity to the Sun and the Moon in its domicile emphasizes the prominence of Gemini’s energy and the invitation to renovate our relationship with our minds and the dualities within and without. These alignments support our adaptability and flexibility, encourage us to think outside the box, and favor the emergence of new ideas, insights, and inventions.

The activation of Mercury is an opportunity to set intentions around expressing ourselves more clearly, refining our communication skills, and beginning new learning journeys. The emphasis on Gemini energy supports our efforts in breaking free from outdated narratives and thinking patterns, and encourages us to explore new mindsets and ways of perceiving reality.

The proximity between the New Moon and Uranus can bring unexpected flashes of insights and sudden shifts in perspective. The planet of innovation and rebellion activates our need to break free from the known and the familiar and explore the unfamiliar, the unconventional, and the unusual. Just weeks before Uranus’ first ingress into Gemini, the invitation for us is to open our minds and reimagine what is possible.

New Moon trine Pluto, sextile Saturn and Neptune

The New Moon, the Sun, and Mercury in Gemini are harmoniously aligned with Pluto in Aquarius and Saturn and Neptune, almost exactly conjunct in Aries. These alignments support our ability to manifest our ideas and visions into form as well as our intuitive and perceptive skills.

The trine between the Moon and Pluto can help us access a deeper emotional intelligence, transform the way we relate to our emotions, and see objectively what is moving within us. Pluto’s activation adds more intensity and depth to the upcoming lunar cycle and allows us to access what is beneath the surface, what is truly driving our actions, and gain an understanding of our unconscious intentions and motivations.

Saturn’s sextile to the New Moon contributes to grounding the abundant Gemini energy, that tends to live in the world of ideas, and motivates us to materialize our visions on the earth plane with commitment and intention. In Aries, Saturn helps us access the courage that takes to embark on a new path, commit to something new, and take responsibility for ourselves and for taking action on our desires.

Meanwhile, Neptune’s alignment with the Sun and the Moon expands our psychic and emotional sensitivity and adds a dreamy, delicate, and poetic energy to our mental landscape. The activation of Neptune reminds us to pay attention to synchronicities, dreams, and subtle cues from the Universe. This is a beautiful aspect for dreamwork, poetic writing, journaling, and visualization. Neptune’s sextile to the New Moon reminds us of the importance of finding harmony between being attuned to our rational mind and tuning into the collective emotional body. This aspect highlights our need to transcend the mundane and rational dimensions of life and connect with higher realms.

New Moon in Gemini: Asking New Questions

The Gemini New Moon begins a lunar month focused on asking new questions and striving to access a new level of understanding. This event invites us to see our reality from a new angle, to establish a new relationship with our minds and with our multidimensional and multifaceted nature. We are being reminded that every new beginning starts with a shift in awareness: around this time, we have an opportunity to question the stories we tell ourselves and explore how changes in the language we use impact our experience of reality.

The New Moon in Gemini helps us access an observational awareness that does not imply judgment but rather invites curiosity. This is a potent time to reflect on the power of language, the power of our minds, and the importance of being conscious of the impact of our self-talk and the ongoing dialogue between our parts. We have an opportunity to rewrite old inner scripts and embrace new perspectives and mindsets.

[simulanissolutions]

As industries evolve, the need for effective training solutions becomes increasingly critical. Traditional training methods often fall short, especially in high-risk environments where practical experience is essential. Enter Simulanis, a pioneering company specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) solutions for industrial training. With its innovative approach, Simulanis is redefining how organizations train their employees, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of their respective fields.

[satoshi-mochida]

FuRyu announces school life RPG VARLET for PS5, Switch, and PC - Gematsu

Publisher FuRyu and developer AQURIA have announced school life RPG VARLET for PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store). It will launch on August 28 worldwide.

In Japan, the PlayStation 5 and Switch versions will be available both physically and digitally for 7,980 yen (8,778 yen after tax). A Limited BOX will also be available for 12,680 yen (13,948 yen after tax), which includes an original box, 80-page creative art book, the special album CDs “Character Vocal Side” and “Original Soundtrack Side,” an A5-size canvas board, a code to download the protagonist outfits from Monark and The Caligula Effect 2, and an original sticker.

Here is an overview of the game, via FuRyu:

VARLET draws upon FuRyu’s experience developing immersive, story-driven games, and will challenge players to explore the duality of their own nature as they navigate the perilous high school halls. Welcome within the halls of Kousei Academy, the first school to implement the cross-reality, virtual reality network known as “Johari,” which is used for everything from finding basic information and making purchases to serving as a social networking and messaging app. The app has resulted in a marked increase in users desire for approval and attention amongst peers, and soon an urban legend begins circulating about users disappearing into otherworldly “Glitches” if those desires grow too strong. And worse yet, monsters inhabiting the “Glitches” are said to replace users in the real world leaving everyone none the wiser.

The protagonist soon discovers that this urban legend is very real and some students have already been replaced by monsters, forcing them to take a stand. As a member of the Student Support Services (SSS), a guild dedicated to solving the academy’s troubles, players must guide their friends, strengthen bonds, and fight to protect the school from impending doom. However, navigating these relationships comes with its own challenges—getting too close to multiple people may lead to unexpected consequences. At the core of VARLET‘s experience is its dynamic Triad Stats system, which shapes character progression based on player choices. These six distinct attributes are divided between Light and Dark Triad traits, influencing dialogue options and passive battle skills. Light Triad stats emphasize morality, sympathy, and altruism, while Dark Triad stats lean into Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. Players will determine their true nature, either as a guiding leader who uplifts and empowers allies in battle or as a ruthless ruler wielding immense power even at a personal cost.

The game’s staff includes:

-Character Theme Song Composers

Daibakuhashin

Hitoshizuki and Yamasankakkei

KANON69

NILFRUITS

OSTER project

Tadano Kede / A4.

wotaku

Yoshida Yasei

-Background Music: Tsukasa Masuko

-Scenario: Gakuto Mikumo, Ryutaro Ito

-Scenario Editing: Kazunari Suzuki

-Series Original Work: Fuyuki Hayashi

-Production: FuRyu

-Development: AQURIA

-Produce and Direction: Hideaki Ito

-Direction: Takashi Muto

An “Announcement Presentation” live stream will premiere on April 25 at 5:00 a.m. PT / 8:00 a.m. ET / 21:00 JST, featuring the premiere of the opening movie and the latest information on the game with the voice cast. You will be able to watch it on YouTube.

Watch the announcement trailer and music sample videos below. View the first screenshots at the gallery. Visit the official website here: English, Japanese.

Announce Trailer

English

Japanese

Theme Song / Soundtrack Sample Video (Special Mini Album CD)

Background Music Sample Video (Special Mini Album CD)

[cheatsru]

PUBG Hacks

Understanding the allure behind PUBG hacks is essential for grasping the evolving landscape of competitive gaming. While some players view these cheats as a shortcut to glory, others argue they disrupt fairness and authenticity in gameplay. However, what if we consider the psychological aspects at play? For many gamers, the desire to win intensifies their connection with the game environment; hacks can often serve as a means of enhancing that experience, pushing boundaries and challenges far beyond normal limitations.

On platforms like CheatRU, where Counter-Strike 2 hacks are also popular, one can delve into an expansive world of digital enhancement. Here, players unlock not just power-ups but also a deeper sense of control over their virtual destinies. Perhaps it’s about escaping reality or simply mastering new skills through non-traditional methods that fuels this fascination. Yet amidst these innovations lies a critical debate: does using such tools undermine personal growth and true skill development? This question invites both seasoned players and curious newcomers to reflect on their own gaming motivations—transforming every match into more than just an attempt at victory but a journey toward self-discovery in a digital arena.

[wanabelsim]

The Sims 4: 12 Must-Have Realistic Mods

The Sims 4 is a highly popular life simulation game that allows players to create and control virtual lives. With extensive customization options, players can create truly unique Sims. Each new update or pack brings more content for players to enjoy, expanding the game further.

12. MC Command Center By Deaderpool

MC Command Center (MCCC) is a mod that offers players extensive control over their Sims' lives. It includes many functions and cheats, allowing players to modify their Sims' jobs, relationships, traits, skills, and more.

11. Child Birth Mod By Pandasama

The Sims 4 offers limited immersive actions for pregnant Sims, such as pregnancy-related moodlets, visual changes, and a few interactions. To enhance the realism of the pregnancy process, the Child Birth Mod provides additional features, including calling an obstetrician and getting ultrasound scans (if players own the Get to Work expansion pack).

10. Have Some Personality Please By LittleMsSam

Have Some Personality Please is a mod that adds more realistic personalities to Sims, making them act according to their traits, age, and relationships with other Sims. This mod is ideal for players who want to create more realistic stories in The Sims 4.

9. Wonderful Whims By Turbodriver

Wonderful Whims is a standalone mod that provides many of the features of the notorious Wicked Whims mod but without any explicit adult content. The addition of Sentiments, Likes, Dislikes, and Sim Profiles to The Sims 4 base game has enhanced its social and romantic aspects.

8. Meaningful Stories By RoBurky

Meaningful Stories is a mod that reimagines how moods and emotions are experienced by Sims. It introduces major and minor changes, enabling Sims to express their humanity better, making life events more impactful and managing their lives more intriguing. This mod is perfect for creating elaborate storylines, dramatic conflicts, and meaningful day-to-day experiences for Sims.

7. Sims Eat And Drink Faster By Bynicol

With The Sims 4 base game now free to play, it has become more accessible to new players. Long-time players know how much time Sims take to complete their meals due to the numerous unnecessary animations designed to make their behavior more realistic.

download:

6. Career Overhaul Suite By Kuttoe

For players seeking a more engaging career experience in The Sims 4, Kuttoe's Career Overhaul suite is worth exploring. While the Growing Together expansion pack introduces features like Work Rivals, Lay-offs, and midlife crises, it doesn't add new careers. Kuttoe's mod, although it doesn't add new careers either, enhances the existing ones, making them more challenging, immersive, and realistic.

5. Slice Of Life By KawaiiStacie

The Slice of Life Mod enriches gameplay by introducing more detailed everyday activities. Players can have their Sims apply skincare and makeup, participate in after-school activities, get sick, and develop varied personalities. The mod also includes the option for Sims to consume alcohol, catering to those who prefer not to use Basemental Mods.

4. Height Slider By Luumia

While The Sims 4 offers extensive customization options for Sims, height adjustment is not included. A mod that allows players to modify their Sims' heights adds a new level of realism, enabling the creation of more diverse and unique Sims. download

3. SNBank By SimRealist

A financial/banking mod aims to mirror reality as closely as possible. It includes features such as owning accounts, transferring Simoleons to other Sims, managing bills and loans, accessing a welfare system, and receiving inheritances.

2. Live in Business By LittleMsSam

Although The Sims 4 offers various ways to earn Simoleons, there is always room for more options. A notable drawback of The Sims 4: Get To Work expansion is that Sims cannot live in their business, and businesses are limited to retail stores. The Live in Business mod solves this by allowing Sims to turn their homes into business hubs, enabling them to run bars, cafés, nightclubs, gyms, daycares, pet daycares, and vet clinics from home.

1. Mortem By SimRealist

The Sims 4 includes the ability to plan and host events like birthdays, weddings, and holiday services, but funeral services are missing. The Mortem mod addresses this gap by allowing players to add meaningful funeral services to their gameplay. It introduces a detailed death experience, where Sims remain dead on the floor until the death is reported, examined, and prepared for burial. Falsely reporting a death results in fines, adding an extra layer of realism.

Note: Just click the name of the mod to download.

[o1kiwi]

SAO Analysis

Despite being an anime with so much controversy that surrounds it, it is still undeniable that Sword Art Online was one of the biggest catalysts and responsible for the popularity of the isekai sub-genre that we know today. The idea where main characters from our world get to experience a fantasy land where the authors have a lot of creative freedom at their disposal was exciting and unheard of when Sword Art Online started airing compared to many other shows. While rewatching the episodes, it was quite clear that I didn’t understand the mirroring of the constructs of society that SAO was trying to show when I was younger. It was quite an interesting point when the game master made it so the avatars of all the players were shown to be accurate to what they looked in real life, to provide a fully immersive experience for everyone involved, but also served as a chilling reminder that the “game world” is no longer a game, but the true reality they now lived in. I would like to take a shot at how I think the concept of Sword Art Online relates back to the definition of a simulation as stated in the text:

1) “It is a reflection of a profound reality” - The virtual reality aspect of the game allows players to participate in first person point of view, and interact with beings and objects the same way anyone would in the real world.

2) “It masks and denatures a profound reality” - Although it is a first person game where the developers aimed to make it as immersive as possible, it still involves fantasy elements and skills you will not be able to achieve or acquire in the real world.

3) “It masks the absence of a profound reality” - Even though this is a pretty extreme example, the game master removing the log out button is a blatant way to force the players into accepting that this world is their new reality, and that the only way to return was near impossible, hence the “absence” of their old lives.

4) “It has no relation to any reality whatsoever: it is own pure simulacrum.” - I find this last part to be more of a combination of all the aspects in Sword Art Online and all the three previous quotes mentioned that make up this fourth point, that Aincrad has its own systems and laws that allow real people to interact with it, it is its own reality with very little to no ties with society in the “real world”, blurring the lines between this new “reality” with the term “simulation”.