#playing with improved fps is a dream

[ragingdumpsterfire]

I saved her

[txttletale]

In response to your overwatch posting but more about competitive games in general, why is it fine and good for certain things to be low or high teir? It's a pipe dream to perfectly balance a game, but isnt the shackling of playstyles, characters, etc to a certain skill group a problem that fucks players at every level?

it's fine and good because it allows for designs that you couldn't make if you really want every character to be equally good. there's a basic expectation from players of competitive games that success should be correlated with skill, that if you play better, if you are better at the things the game asks of you (skillshots, or aiming, or movement tech, or inputs, or whatever) you will see better results. this is what makes a game competitive, right, the ability to get better and see your performance improve as a result.

this means, that, generally speaking, the harder a thing is to do in a game, the more rewarding it will be. this is the logic behind headshots in FPS games, right--it's more difficult to hit a headshot than a bodyshot, so you get rewarded with more damage. better players can hit more headshots, so they'll get more damage (and presumably more kills) in an average round than worse players. so now, let's say you want to introduce some playstyle differentiation into your game, so you add the Scanner, a gun that deals half damage on bodyshots but double damage on headshots.

this is a cool idea! it rewards you even more for showing skill at the game, makes people using it feel really cool when they get that bonus, poses interesting questions to players about trading consistency for volatility. but because it interacts with a skill-based mechanic, its viability is obviously going to be tied to a player's skill--if you're in a pro lobby hitting 60%+ of your headshots, it's an obvious pick. if you've just started playing and you average one headshot a match, it's a total dud.

this is a really on-the-nose example, of course -- but in any kind of competitive game, there are likely going to be far more than just one skill-based mechanic, as well as meta-skills like team communication, positional awareness, understanding matchups, etc. that are going to vary between low and high levels of play. so trying to make a character/weapon/playstyle equally viable at every level of play would mean having to make them essentially agnostic to all those things--which would mean not allowing them to interact with any of the mechanics of the game--which is, practically speaking, impossible.

on the other hand, purposefully designing 'low-tier' or 'high-tier' characters lets you do lots of really useful things! first of all, it lets you make easier characters for beginners, who don't have a huge amount of mechanical complexity to deal with, have some kind of 'training wheel' ability that mitigates a new players' lack of all these game-winning skills. like, say, a gun in that same FPS designed for a 'spray and pray' playstyle, or a character in a fighting game who revolves around one comparatively simple combo. having something like this lets new players onboard to your mechanically complex game without getting overwhelmed or disheartened, by letting them get into a match and feel like they're doing something as soon as possible.

as for 'high-tier' characters, acknowledging that a character will have to be nerfed into unplayability for low ranks lets you actually play with the upper ends of the mechanical complexities you've put into your game. creating characters with extremely complex movement techs that can offer marginal benefits that are game-defining in pro play but basically meaningless in casual play adds a new dimension of depth to high-level play that you can't get if you're too concerned about making every character good at every level.

ultimately, i don't think it fucks players, and i don't think there's any shackling being done--i think it's good to create characters that lean into different parts of a game, for characters to fill different niches in a meta's ecosystem, and for the lists of pro staples and pubstompers to be different.

[cleverhottubmiracle]

[ad_1] Summary Lower the ROG Ally X's display brightness to save battery. Limit the handhelds FPS to improve battery life. Play less demanding games on-the-go for better battery life. I'm a big fan of the ROG Ally X. It's a step above the Steam Deck in terms of power, allowing me to play even recently released AAA games on the go. And now that I have a high-end gaming PC (the ridiculously powerful Asus ROG G700) alongside my Xbox Series X, switching between gaming in my office and wherever I want is a versatile gaming dream come true . But one thing that sucks about the ROG Ally X is how bad its battery life is. To be fair, most dedicated handhelds -- including the Steam Deck -- offer lackluster battery life. Battery life can even get a bit rough with the original Switch, especially if you're playing resource-intensive games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This has led me to use my ROG Ally X often while it's plugged in, but sometimes, that isn't an option. In instances where a plug isn't available or you know it'll be at least a few hours until your next battery life top-up, you can do a few simple things to improve the ROG Ally X's battery life. Related I wasn't expecting the ROG Ally X to outshine the Steam Deck quite this much Both gaming handhelds have specific strengths and weaknesses, but generally, the ROG Ally X reigns supreme. 1 Lower the display's brightness This is one of the simplest things you can do to improve battery life This is a simple trick that works on nearly any device. Still, I've found lowering the brightness to be particularly useful with the 500-nit ROG Ally X, despite it not featuring an LCD screen and not an OLED, especially if I'm away from a plug and looking to get an extra 10-20 minutes out of the battery. To turn the brightness down, tap the Command Center button on the handheld and pull the brightness slider down. I find that the 25-35 percent brightness level offers a good balance between viewing the display (as long as I'm not playing in direct sunlight) and a minor battery life boost, but I've also lowered the brightness to 50 percent in some situations. Related This $35 accessory turned my ROG Ally X into my main gaming device Jsaux's 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station is one of the most full-featured, cost-effective handheld game console docks available 2 Limit the game's FPS Sometimes 60fps isn't the move One of my favorite things about the ROG Ally X is its great-looking 120Hz display. While I strive to get most games to run at a solid 60Hz/60fps with decent-looking graphics, if you're looking to save battery life, dropping that down to 30fps often makes sense. To do this, tap the Command Center button on the console and select FPS Limiter. With this setting, you can lock in whatever frame rate you want, allowing the ROG Ally X's battery to last longer since it doesn't need to use as much power to run whatever you're playing. You can also make this change in-game with most titles if that's easier for you or if you're already running a title. I always have the framerate indicator running in the top corner of the screen, too, so I know I have it locked. You can turn this on by launching the Command Center and selecting Real-time Monitor (I find that Minimal works best for my purposes -- it shows the console's temperature, battery life, power usage, and FPS). Related How I saved $150 this month on games for my ROG Ally X Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has given me a level of cost-effective gaming freedom I didn't expect. 3 Play lower-end games on-the-go More resource-intensive titles require a lot of power If you're headed on a long road trip or are on a flight where you won't have access to a plug, it might not make sense to boot up Cyberpunk 2077. To get decent performance for a high-end game like that, you'll need the ROG Ally X set to Turbo under the Command Center's Operating Mode options. This kicks power consumption up to 25W and can burn through the battery in just over an hour in some cases. The best battery life options are Performance and Silent modes since they send less power to the ROG Ally X's chip. As a trade-off, the handheld's overall performance is very limited, especially in Silent mode. Finding the balance between which mode works for you takes a bit of experimentation, especially if you aim to extend battery life as long as possible. For example, if you're playing Stardew Valley, you definitely don't need Turbo mode engaged and can probably get away with Silent. On the other hand, diving into an older game like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, you could probably get away with Performance mode enabled rather than Turbo. For games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, though, you'll definitely want to turn the ROG Ally X's performance settings up to Turbo. You can customize your own power mode in Asus' Armoury Crate SE app. I've found that navigating to Settings > Performance > Eco Assist to turn CPU boost off can also help with battery life. 4 Change Windows 11 to Hibernate from Sleep mode This simple settings change is extremely useful I only recently discovered this option after frequently getting frustrated with the ROG Ally X's battery continuously draining whenever I tap its power button. To solve this problem, launch the Windows Control Panel and select Hardware and Sound. Next, navigate to Power Options and select Choose What Power Buttons do (it's in the top left corner). Finally, change the power button to Hibernate instead of Sleep when you press it. This means that, similar to the Steam Deck and the Switch, you can now tap the ROG Ally X's power button to put it to sleep and only a small amount of battery is used. It's worth noting that I have run into situations where the handheld didn't properly wake up, and I lost progress in whatever game I was playing, so there's a bit of risk to changing this setting. While I haven't tried this feature, Asus also offers the ability to have the ROG Ally X automatically enter hibernate mode to save power. To do this, head to the Armoury Crate app and navigate to Settings > Operating Mode > Eco Assist, and turn on Modern Standby Assistant and Extreme Standby Mode are enabled. Modern Standby mode will automatically put the handheld in standby after a period, and Extreme Standby Mode turns off several functions to save additional power when the portable is in Hibernation mode. Related Hooking a new PC up to my monitor's HDMI 2.1 port was a nightmare Getting my monitor to output at 4K/144Hz was far more difficult than it should have been. Here's how you can avoid the issues I encountered. [ad_2] Source link

[gaming-table-designs]

Gaming Desk Setup Tips for Australian Gamers

Cramped Setups and Constant Frustration

Many gamers in Australia start with a basic desk setup—small, uncomfortable, cluttered, and not built for long sessions. Cables tangle, monitors wobble, and your accessories barely fit. Over time, the setup feels less like a battlestation and more like a temporary fix. This lack of comfort and space can impact your gameplay, posture, and even motivation to play or stream.

A Gaming Desk That Works for You

Now imagine walking into your room and seeing a clean, organized, and powerful gaming space that feels built just for you. Your monitors are perfectly aligned, lighting is ambient, and every item has its place. A well-designed gaming desk in Australia isn’t just furniture—it’s a performance upgrade. It boosts your focus, improves comfort, and turns every session into an immersive experience.

Build Around Your Space

Start with the room you have. Measure your available space, including wall clearance and depth. Corner desks or L-shaped desks are great for wider rooms. Compact models with vertical storage suit smaller areas. Look for brands that ship locally across Australia to save time and shipping costs. Getting the right size ensures you don’t overcrowd your gaming area while leaving room for airflow and movement.

Choose the Right Desk Features

Today’s best gaming desk options in Australia come with cable cutouts, headset hooks, cup holders, and even built-in RGB lighting. Some high-end models offer height adjustability for comfort and ergonomics. Others come with shelves or raised platforms to support dual or triple monitor setups. Choose features based on how you play—streamers, FPS players, or casual gamers all have different desk needs.

Organize Gear with Purpose

Don’t just place items randomly. Use cable trays, Velcro ties, and mounts to keep your space neat. Invest in a sturdy monitor arm or riser for better screen positioning. Place your mouse and keyboard on a large mousepad that covers the desk surface for smoother control. Keep your console, controllers, and charging docks easily accessible. A clean layout keeps your head in the game. To learn more about choosing an electric desk, please visit this website.

Make It Yours with Style

Add a personal touch. Whether it's LED strips, posters, or themed accessories, your desk should reflect your style. Use smart lighting to match your room’s mood or change it depending on the game. Look for Australian stores offering custom decals, desk mats, or accessories. A dream desk isn’t only about gear—it’s about creating a space that feels like yours.

Conclusion: Ready to Level Up?

Your dream gaming desk in Australia isn’t far off. With the right size, features, and organization, you can build a setup that feels great and plays better. It’s about getting everything where it needs to be—and adding a bit of your own flair. Start simple, think smart, and build a desk that powers your best game yet.

Read more articles about Computer Desk Australia here at - https://blavida.com/build-your-desk-pc-function-meets-design/

[newtras]

The improved version of Sayonara Wild Hearts for PS5 has come out now

My dream about Saionara Wild Hearts The continuation may never be fulfilled, but the sudden arrival of an improved version for PS5 simply filled my heart to a dreary Monday. The publisher of Annapurna Interactive announced the update to play the Rhythm Action 2019 during its The last showcaseField The Edition PS5 includes support for 4K visual effects, the 120 FPS gaming process and the feedback…

[satrthere]

The improved version of Sayonara Wild Hearts for PS5 has come out now

My dream about Saionara Wild Hearts The continuation may never be fulfilled, but the sudden arrival of an improved version for PS5 simply filled my heart to a dreary Monday. The publisher of Annapurna Interactive announced the update to play the Rhythm Action 2019 during its The last showcaseField The Edition PS5 includes support for 4K visual effects, the 120 FPS gaming process and the feedback…

[songvalle]

Upload Your Video on YouTube Music Without a Distributor: The DIY Approach

If you’re an independent artist, you might think you need a distributor to get your music on YouTube Music. But that’s not entirely true. Many artists are now opting to upload your video on YouTube Music without a distributor, taking full control of their content and revenue. The good news is that YouTube provides multiple ways for artists to showcase their work without relying on a third-party service. By using the right strategies, you can upload your music videos, optimize them for better reach, and even monetize them—all without paying extra fees to a distributor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a complete DIY approach to getting your music video on YouTube Music.

Why Skip the Distributor? The Benefits of Uploading Directly

Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s understand why many artists prefer to bypass distributors:

Full Revenue Control – When you upload your content independently, you don’t have to share your earnings with a distributor.

Creative Freedom – You have complete control over how your content is presented, titled, and marketed.

Instant Uploads – You don’t have to wait for a distributor’s approval, which can sometimes take days or even weeks.

Direct Connection with Your Audience – You can engage with your fans directly through comments, live streams, and community posts.

No Hidden Fees – Many distributors charge fees for services like monetization, metadata updates, and platform distribution.

If you’re serious about building your brand independently, uploading your video without a distributor is a smart move.

Step 1: Set Up Your YouTube Channel for Success

Before uploading your video, ensure your YouTube channel is properly set up. Here’s how:

Create a YouTube Artist Channel (Optional but Recommended)

A YouTube Artist Channel (YAC) is a specialized channel for musicians, offering features like an official music section and better content organization. While not mandatory, it can improve your visibility.

To request a YouTube Artist Channel, you need:

An existing YouTube channel with uploaded music videos

A direct partnership with YouTube (or a YouTube Music partner like a record label)

An official website and active social media presence

If you don’t qualify for a YAC, don’t worry! You can still upload your music videos to a regular channel and optimize them effectively.

Optimize Your Channel with Branding

Make sure your channel looks professional by:

Adding a high-quality profile picture (album cover, band logo, or a professional artist photo)

Designing an eye-catching banner image

Writing a compelling About section with links to your website and social media

Organizing your videos into playlists for easier navigation

Step 2: Prepare Your Video for Upload

Once your channel is ready, it’s time to focus on your video file. Here’s what you need to do:

Choose the Right Video Format

YouTube supports several video formats, but MP4 with H.264 compression is the best choice for high quality and compatibility.

Recommended settings:

Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD) or 3840x2160 (4K)

Frame rate: 24, 30, or 60 FPS

Audio bitrate: 128 kbps or higher

Create an Engaging Thumbnail

Your video thumbnail is the first thing viewers see, so make sure it’s visually appealing and reflects your music style. Use high-quality images, bold text, and contrasting colors.

Prepare Metadata (Title, Description, and Tags)

Metadata plays a crucial role in making your video discoverable.

Title – Include your song name and artist name (e.g., "Sunset Dreams – Official Music Video | Your Band Name")

Description – Write a short introduction, include lyrics (if applicable), and add links to your social media

Tags – Use relevant keywords like music video, independent artist, YouTube Music, new song 2025

Step 3: Upload Your Video to YouTube

Now it’s time to upload your video!

Go to YouTube Studio and click Create > Upload Video

Select your video file and wait for it to process

Fill in the metadata (title, description, and tags)

Upload your custom thumbnail

Choose the right visibility setting (Public, Unlisted, or Private)

Enable monetization (if eligible)

Publish your video and share it with your audience

Step 4: Optimize for YouTube Music and SEO

Simply uploading your video isn’t enough—you need to optimize it for YouTube’s algorithm to get maximum exposure.

Use Relevant Keywords

Make sure your title, description, and tags include keywords related to your song and genre.

Example:

Title: "Acoustic Ballad – Official Music Video | Indie Rock 2025"

Description: "Watch the official music video for Acoustic Ballad by [Your Band Name]. Stream now on YouTube Music!"

Tags: #IndieMusic #NewMusic #YouTubeMusic

Enable Closed Captions (CC)

Adding subtitles improves accessibility and can boost engagement. YouTube’s AI also indexes closed captions, improving search rankings.

Use End Screens and Cards

Encourage viewers to watch more of your content by adding end screens (e.g., "Watch next: My Latest Single") and info cards linking to related videos.

Step 5: Promote Your Video Without a Distributor

Without a distributor, promotion is key to getting your video noticed.

Share on Social Media

Post your video link on:

Instagram (Stories, Reels, and Feed)

TikTok (short clips with trending sounds)

Twitter/X (tweet your video with a catchy caption)

Facebook (share in music-related groups)

Engage with Your Audience

Reply to every comment on your video

Host a YouTube Live session to interact with fans

Ask viewers to like, share, and subscribe

Submit to YouTube Playlists and Blogs

Reach out to independent music bloggers for features

Submit your video to user-generated YouTube playlists

Share your video on Reddit music communities

Step 6: Monetize Your Video (If Eligible)

Once your video gains traction, you can earn revenue through:

YouTube Ad Revenue – If you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can enable monetization.

YouTube Premium Revenue – Earn money when Premium users watch your video.

Super Chats and Memberships – Engage fans during live streams for extra income.

Affiliate Links – Promote music gear, merchandise, or concert tickets in your description.

Conclusion

Uploading your video on YouTube Music without a distributor is not only possible but also highly beneficial for independent artists. By following this DIY approach, you can control your content, maximize revenue, and build a direct connection with your fans.

Don’t let the lack of a distributor hold you back—take charge of your music career today! Have you tried uploading independently? Let us know in the comments! 🚀

Related Articles:

For further reading, explore these related articles:

How to Upload Your Video on YouTube Music in 2025

Upload Your Video on YouTube Music and Earn Money

How to Upload Your Video on YouTube Music as an Independent Artist

How to Upload Your Video on YouTube Music Without a Label

For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit DMT Records Private Limited.

[technology-insights]

Top Financial Management Software for 2025: Our Picks

As kids, many of us dreamed of becoming Scrooge McDuck—after all, who wouldn't want to be the wealthiest duck on Earth, living in a giant money bin? But as we grew older, we came to appreciate Scrooge’s financial wisdom. His principles, such as “a fool and his money are soon parted,” still apply today, as businesses continue to fail due to poor financial management (think WeWork, J.Crew, and JCPenney).

In the modern world, Financial Management Software (FMS) plays a pivotal role in helping businesses manage finances, track expenses, and maintain compliance. These tools have evolved from clunky systems to cloud-based platforms, offering seamless integration and scalability across borders, currencies, and languages.

FMS helps automate accounting tasks, streamline cash flow, and improve reporting. When choosing the right FMS for your business, look for tools that offer flexibility, easy integration with existing systems, and robust data security.

Here are the Top 5 Financial Management Software of 2025:

Cube – A cloud-based FP&A platform that integrates with Excel and Google Sheets, ideal for mid-market and enterprise businesses in North America.

Sage Intacct – A comprehensive, cloud-based solution known for scalability and real-time insights, suitable for larger organizations.

Intuit QuickBooks – Perfect for small to medium businesses, offering a user-friendly interface and extensive integrations with over 750 tools.

Xero – A cloud accounting platform ideal for small to mid-sized businesses with a clean interface, strong mobile support, and AI capabilities.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 – A robust FMS designed for large organizations, offering deep integration with Microsoft tools and AI-powered financial insights.

When investing in FMS, prioritize features that align with your business needs, and always ensure data security is a top concern.

[gamechoice]

How to Become a Professional MOBA and FPS Player: Tips & Guide

Introduction

The world of esports has seen tremendous growth over the last decade, with MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) and FPS (First-Person Shooter) games leading the charge. Many gamers dream of becoming professional players, but the journey requires more than just passion. It takes skill, dedication, and a deep understanding of both the games and the competitive environment. So, how do you make it in this highly competitive arena? This guide will walk you through the steps needed to become a professional MOBA and FPS player.

Understanding the Basics of MOBA and FPS Games

Defining MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena)

MOBA games like League of Legends and Dota 2 pit teams of players against each other in a strategy-based battle. Players control individual heroes or champions with unique abilities, and the goal is usually to destroy the opposing team’s base while defending your own. Strategy, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics are crucial.

Understanding FPS (First-Person Shooter)

FPS games, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Call of Duty, focus on fast-paced action where players engage in shootouts, often in team-based settings. FPS games require quick reflexes, precise aiming, and mastery of various weapons and maps to succeed.

Choosing Your Game

One of the first steps toward becoming a pro player is choosing which exciting game to specialize in. Here’s a quick breakdown of some popular games:

Popular MOBA Games

Dota 2: Known for its complex mechanics and steep learning curve.

League of Legends (LoL): A fast-paced MOBA with a massive player base and frequent updates.

Popular FPS Games

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS): A tactical FPS that emphasizes strategy and teamwork.

Call of Duty (CoD): Known for its quick gameplay and various game modes, from battle royales to team-based deathmatches.

Choosing a game you enjoy and are passionate about will keep you motivated during the long hours of practice.

Developing Core Skills for MOBA Players

Map Awareness and Strategy

In MOBA games, understanding the map and where enemy players are is essential. Keeping an eye on the minimap can give you valuable information about enemy movements and help you make strategic decisions.

Understanding Roles and Team Composition

Each MOBA game typically has roles like carry, support, or jungler. Knowing how these roles interact and choosing the right composition for your team is key to winning matches.

Mastering In-Game Mechanics

Mechanics such as last-hitting minions, positioning during team fights, and timing abilities can make a huge difference in MOBA games. A good player knows when to engage, retreat, or bait the enemy team into making mistakes.

Building Core Skills for FPS Players

Aim Precision and Accuracy

For FPS players, aiming is one of the most important skills. You can improve your aim through daily practice, drills, or even aim training software designed to sharpen your shooting accuracy.

Reflexes and Reaction Time

FPS games often come down to milliseconds. Improving your reaction time can be the difference between out-shooting your opponent or being taken down first. Training your reflexes through regular gameplay and drills can significantly improve your chances in gunfights.

Map Control and Positioning

Knowing where to position yourself on the map and how to control key areas is vital in FPS games. Good positioning can allow you to catch enemies off-guard and secure objectives for your team.

Practice Makes Perfect

Importance of Consistent Practice

Becoming a professional player requires hundreds of hours of practice. Set aside time each day for both solo and team play to work on mechanics and coordination.

How to Set Up a Routine for Improvement

Create a practice routine that includes playing matches, watching replays, and reviewing your gameplay to identify areas where you can improve. Focus on one or two specific skills at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Studying Game Meta and Updates

Adapting to Patches and Updates

Games constantly evolve with patches and updates. Staying up-to-date with the latest changes in-game balance and meta (the most effective tactics available) is critical to remaining competitive.

Watching Pro-Level Gameplay for Insights

Learn from the best by watching professional tournaments or streams. Pay attention to how pros play, their strategies, and their decision-making to understand what sets them apart.

Understanding the Importance of Teamwork

Effective Communication with Team Members

Whether you’re playing MOBA or FPS games, communication is key. Callouts, strategies, and quick decision-making need to be coordinated with your team to ensure success.

Synergy and Collaboration in a Competitive Team Environment

Being able to work together with your team harmoniously is essential. Practicing regularly with a consistent group will improve synergy and make it easier to coordinate strategies during matches.

Improving Mental Toughness and Focus

Dealing with Pressure in High-Stakes Matches

Competitive gaming can be mentally taxing. Learning to stay calm and composed under pressure is a valuable skill. Practice mindfulness techniques or breathing exercises to keep your nerves in check during crucial moments.

Building Concentration and Emotional Control

Being able to maintain focus for long periods of time without getting frustrated is an important trait for pro players. Learn to control your emotions and stay focused on improving, even when things don’t go your way.

Investing in Proper Gear

Gaming Equipment for MOBA Players

MOBA games require precision and comfort, so investing in a good mouse and keyboard with programmable buttons can improve your gameplay.

Gaming Equipment for FPS Players

For FPS players, having a high refresh rate monitor, a precise mouse, and a comfortable headset for sound cues is crucial for peak performance.

Improving Physical Health for Better Performance

Exercise and Posture for Gamers

Sitting for long periods can strain your body. Regular exercise, stretching, and maintaining proper posture will help you stay in top form, both mentally and physically.

Eye Health and Hand Coordination

Your eyes and hands are your most important tools in gaming. Take frequent breaks, use eye drops, and do hand stretches to avoid injury.

Participating in Online Tournaments

Building a Competitive Portfolio

Playing in online tournaments will help you gain experience, sharpen your skills, and build a name for yourself in the gaming community.

Networking in the Gaming Community

Connecting with other players, coaches, and teams can open doors to more competitive opportunities. Being part of the community is an excellent way to get noticed.

Streaming and Content Creation

Growing Your Audience with Live Streams

Streaming your gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube can help you build a following and showcase your skills to a broader audience.

Utilizing Social Media and YouTube to Build Your Brand

Content creation, including highlight reels or tutorials, can help you stand out and gain recognition from the gaming community and potential sponsors.

Joining or Forming an Esports Team

The Path to Becoming a Pro Player

Many professional players start by joining amateur teams. Build your resume by winning smaller tournaments or leagues to get the attention of bigger teams.

How to Get Noticed by Teams or Sponsors

Consistently perform well, be active on social media, and develop your personal brand. Professional teams often scout players who show potential in lower-tier competitions.

Conclusion

Becoming a professional MOBA or FPS player is not just about playing games all day. It’s a journey that requires skill development, mental toughness, teamwork, and strategic planning. With dedication, the right mindset, and a solid plan, you can turn your passion into a successful esports career.

[taroris]

after playing cod for a year straight and being so fed up by that kind of player who is jumping and sliding all around like crazy i think that now that i've discovered tarkov i'm not going back there, for me this game is like a dream come true in terms of fps even yet with all its flaws, never thought i would love a "realistic" game so much but i guess it isn't a surprise after not liking titanfall-esque mechanics, i mean i haven't even touched mwiii after hearing they've improved the movement mechanics, like sir they were already good what are you even improving if not making super slides and mega jumps

[criticalopscreditshackgenerator]

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[criticalopscreditsgenerator2024]

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[greeksims3]

I know there's a bunch of these posts on here already, about things to do to fix your game/make it load faster etc. but some of the things I've tried that have worked I haven't been able to find in this sub, so I thought I'd compile an updated list of things to try.

(Disclaimer: I am in no way a computer expert, just a generally good troubleshooter I'd like to think. None of these were my own ideas, they are things other users recommended, I tried, and they ended up working for me. Most of these require you to edit and delete various files and folders, if you're not confident with messing around in your computers files then I'd recommend backing up [copy pasting to desktop or wherever] any files and folders you're about to edit, in case something goes wrong, or to just give yourself piece of mind.)

These links helped me when I had issues with my computer overheating and crashing the game. They helped when I played a save file for so long that it would take up to 30 minutes (no kidding) to load up, or even save. These links have also helped with general lag ingame.

Just for reference I've got a Gigabyte P35W V3 running a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M card. I keep my Sims 3 graphics settings around medium, with texture and sim detail at the highest. I could have them all at maximum if I wanted, but it's a stretch for my laptop.

So first of all I was having issues with the game overheating and crashing, and figured out it was due to the FPS. I also had Vsync in my Nvidia settings turned off. To fix it I first followed [this] (https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/3z1no3/how_to_enable_vsync_and_other_settings_on_a/?ref=share&ref_source=link) guide. It helped, but didn't completely fix the problem.

I then looked for another fix and remembered that in the past I'd gotten FPSlimiter and 3booter off of the [MATY forums] (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php?topic=15585.0). I got it again and my game ran like a dream, my laptop ran much cooler than before. Since that forum isn't very friendly to those seeking troubleshooting tips, I'll also include [this guide] (http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/843035/3booter-and-fpslimiter-what-they-do-and-where-to-obtain) for FPSLimiter and 3booter. So download the files from MATY, but for actual help, refer to the second link.

Okay next what I did was [increase the amount of RAM The Sims 3 has access to] (http://cloudwalkersims.tumblr.com/post/63397207980/if-you-have-more-than-4-gb-of-ram-you-can-give). The default is 2gb RAM, so if you only have 4gb RAM then DON'T BOTHER with this step, as you should only allow the game to use up to 50% of what you have. If you have 8gb available though you can bump it up to 4gb used, or if you have more like 12gb or 16gb you'd change the amount to 50% of that. I have 8gb available and the game was only using 2gb, by bumping up the amount to 4gb it really helped things load quicker ingame, so for example when I went from Map View straight into a house, the furniture would render quicker. Also found more subtle improvements in gameplay.

Next what I did was create a bat file to automatically delete all the safe cache files. [Here] (http://games4theworld.bestgoo.com/t8126-automatic-sims-3-cache-file-deletion#) and [Here] (http://games4theworld.bestgoo.com/t22999-the-sims-3-optimization-guide#) Read from "Step 6 Deleting Cache Files".

These cache files are safe to delete: CasPartCache.package, compositorCache.package, scriptCache.package, simCompositorCache.package, SocialCache.package, UserPresets.package (OPTIONAL, WILL DELETE STYLES), and any World cache files in your folder.

Follow the directions really carefully in this link, you'll need to change the names in the command to what's relevant to your computer. I copied the command from the "Optimisation Guide" link, and used the other link for further assistance. I'll post the command I use in my bat file below, I've linked the launch address at my "3booter.exe" file instead of straight at "ts3.exe" so that I can just use the bat file as an all in one launch button.

forfiles /p "C:\Users\cswar\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3" /m *.package /d -1 /c "cmd /c del /q @path"

forfiles /p "C:\Users\cswar\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\WorldCaches" /m *.package /d -1 /c "cmd /c del /q @path"

start /d "C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin" 3booter.exe

wmic process where name="TSW.exe" CALL setpriority "realtime"

I'd suggest looking through the rest of Games4TheWorld's Optimization guide for further things to try to fix your game up. In the guide they explain and recommend NRaas mods (which I religiously use), the ones listed there genuinely help your save files from becoming laggy, buggy, and even corrupted in the long run.

Next, I have a large Legacy save file in my game, I'm 5 sim weeks into my town, it's a MASSIVE world, I have 180 human residents (not including service/npcs). I've disabled any pets/stray animals so that they don't get stuck and make my game lag. My save game can bloat up to about 120-130mb at times, which makes loading and saving so excruciating to wait for. Before I found this fix I was saving my game then heading off to make dinner, take a shower, even take my dog for a walk. [This fix] (http://nraas.wikispaces.com/Kuree%27s+Save+Cleaner), explained far better in the link provided, brought my 120mb save file back down to 65mb, and cut my loading/saving time down to 4-6 MINUTES. I mean, for a game that's still a lot, but for the Sims 3 that's REALLY GOOD.

That's all from me, if you require further help or just want to ask me something, comment below and I'll get back to you :)

TLDR thanks to /u/Lydocia

[vsync] (http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/317726-33-question-sync#7122931)

[FPSlimiter and 3booter] (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php?topic=15585.0) + [help] (http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/843035/3booter-and-fpslimiter-what-they-do-and-where-to-obtain)

[increase RAM] (http://cloudwalkersims.tumblr.com/post/63397207980/if-you-have-more-than-4-gb-of-ram-you-can-give)

[bat to delete cache files] (http://games4theworld.bestgoo.com/t22999-the-sims-3-optimization-guide#) + [help] (http://games4theworld.bestgoo.com/t8126-automatic-sims-3-cache-file-deletion#)

[save cleaner] (http://nraas.wikispaces.com/Kuree%27s+Save+Cleaner)

Plus additional tip: [merge custom content] (http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/04/tutorial-combine-package-files-to-reduce-lag.html)

[eljackinton]

Jack's End of Year Video Game Round-up.

There were many things I couldn't do this year, being in lockdown and all, which in turn meant I played a hell of a lot more video games than I normally do. Here's a quick rundown of what I thought of them.

Hitman 2

IO have sort of perfected the Hitman formula now, so future entries in the series simply have to ask the question of what new directions you can take that formula. In that regard Hitman 2 is a resounding success, setting sneaking and assassination in scenarios around the world from race tracks to holiday resorts, and thus making it the best entry yet. It's possible one day the Hitman conceit will wear thin, but today is not that day.

Thronebreaker

Most people will go into Thronebreaker just wanting a stand-alone version of the Gwent we played during Witcher 3. Thronebreaker is not that. Indeed, even beyond the changes to the mechanics brought in by the online version, Thronebreaker is more of a puzzle game which uses the mechanics of Gwent to concoct unique scenarios. Still, the story is pretty good and it is fun overall, even if it didn't end up scratching the itch left by Gwent.

Black Mesa (Xen)

I returned to Black Mesa after Xen was finally added, eager to see what the team had come up with. My feelings are complicated. The Xen portions of the game are really well designed, great to play and visually beautiful. However the levels hew so far from the Half-Life originals that it kind of stops feeling like Half-Life. I would have like to have seen a more faithful recreation to be honest.

Neon Struct

If you've been wanting a spiritual sequel to Thief that actually used the mechanics of Thief, here you go. Though low budget, and therefore having somewhat uninspiring visuals based on reused assets, it's still a really impressive game from what the team had to work with, and it's short enough that it doesn't outstay it's welcome.

Acid Spy

I'm generally usually okay at stealth games but this one was well beyond my skill level. Got through the tutorial but just got frustrated and quit on the first mission.

Salting the Earth

A wonderfully put together visual novel about the legacy of war and the nature of national identities. Also you date buff orc women. One of the best VNs I've played, but it does have some pretty bleak potential endings that clash somewhat with the rest of the story's tone.

Hedon

Speaking of buff orc women, Hedon is a vivid, perfectly designed retro-shooter that really uses the most of it's engine to bring it's world to life, with shades of Thief and Strife thrown in there. Wears its hornieness on it's sleeve, but if you can roll with that you'll have nothing but a good time.

The Painscreek Killings

I really really loved this immersive narrative game, where you explore an abandoned town to piece together a series of suspicious deaths. My only gripes are the town looks very British despite being set in the US, and the final confrontation adding a chase scene felt a little over dramatic.

Deus Ex Mankind Divided

There are many problems with Mankind Divided. Trying to find another story to do with Adam Jensen. Making the game more of an open world by taking away the usual Deus Ex globe-trotting. The clumsy use of racial metaphor being applied to cyborgs. All in all the game just didn't really come together, which is a shame, because the DLC showed such promise, and hinted at the real Deus Ex game we could have had.

Warhammer Armageddon DLC

I managed to complete the Salamanders DLC and got stuck near the end of the Blood Angels one. All in all it's simply 'more' of what the base game offered, and I'm not sure it really needed it.

Unavowed

Easily one of the most interesting games I played this year. So good It inspired me to write a cheesy fanfic. Sure the mechanics of applying squad mechanics to a point and click are interesting, but it's the world, the art and the characters themselves that really make this game. Highly recommended.

Devil Daggers

The ultimate distillation of classic shooter mechanics. One platform, one weapon, endless enemies. I didn't get all that far into it and I think most people won't, but I'm not going to complain for the price. Overdue a revisit.

Dream Daddy

A fun and fluffy dating game that actually does a good job of putting you into the mindset of a recently bereaved bisexual dad. Come for the hunks, stay for the really affecting story of a strained relationship between father and daughter.

Greedfall

Greedfall falls short of the mark in most aspects, but I have to give it credit for being one of the few games to give us a Bioware companion-centric adventure during this drought of Bioware games. It lacks the zing of something like Dragon Age, and handles the subject of colonialism really problematically, but if you can get past those issues, it's a fun ride, and a world I'd like to revisit.

Endless Legend

I've been wanting a game to scratch the Alpha Centauri itch for decades now and Endless Legend finally did it. There is a risk of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of unique factions to play, and I know I still haven't really scratched the surface even after 4 full campaigns. Is that a criticism? I suppose it depends if you think you can have too much of a good thing.

Space Hulk Deathwing Enhanced Edition

A valiant effort was put in to make a faithful FPS of the Space Hulk experience, but ultimately it falls far too short. The visuals look great and the game-feel of stomping around as a Space Marine really works, but the game lacks charm and character. Up against Vermintide, there's no comparison.

Sunless Sea

This is a game that feels like a bottomless abyss of secrets and mysteries tied up in a very brutal one-life-only system. I really enjoyed my time with Sunless Seas, with the music calling me like a wailing siren every now and again, yet in many ways I did find it a bit too unforgiving, and it could have benefited from having a bit more of a progression between lives than the almost solid reset it leaves you with.

Age of Empires / 2 / 3 Definitive Editions

The first Age of Empires has an important place in history, but is borderline unplayable by today's standards. Almost every aspect was improved in 2 and going back now feels like trading a car for a horse and cart. It's clear that the game was intending your slow crawl out of the stone age through hunting and gathering to be part of the game in its own right, but today it's just tedious, and the rest of the game is just so slow.

There isn't much to say about Age of Empire 2 that I haven't already said, but I will point out that multiplayer AOE2 has kept me sane over the course of the lockdown, and I'm glad the Definitive Edition enhanced that experience.

Age of Empire 3 tried too hard to reinvent the wheel. Instead of taking 2 and building on it, it instead contorted it around a colonisation theme, and it didn't really work. On top of that, the mechanics really felt they were built more for single-player story missions. The maps are too small, and the expansion factions clash with the rules badly. Still, there is fun to be had, and I'll be checking out the campaigns next year.

Hand of Fate 2

This game takes the original Hand of Fate and adds way, way too much into it. While I appreciate the addition of companions, a longer story mode, and optional side missions, the game is far too experimental with it's formula, and leaves me struggling with complex missions around being lost in a desert or evading barbarian hordes, when all I wanted was a straight forward dungeon crawl. I tapped out two thirds of the way through the campaign.

Wild Guns Reloaded

I love the style and aesthetic, but I just don't have the reflexes (or the gamepad) for these fast paced arcade games.

Vermintide 2 Drakenfels

Fatshark gave us an entire Vermintide campaign for free this year, at the cost of having to be subjected to obnoxious cosmetic micro-tranactions. Hard to say it was worth the price, but Fatshark really do continue to improve, bringing new scope and ideas to every new mission. As good as it gets.

Pendula Swing

A fun little game that apes the visuals of a Baldur's Gate style RPG but the mechanics of a point and click adventure game set in a fantasy version of the roaring twenties. A strong introduction to it's setting but definitely needs building on if we're to see a continuation. A lot of the world-building feels too simple and half-baked at times, and the gameplay feels like too much is going on too fast. Still, a charming story though.

The Shiva / The Blackwell Series

At first I had no idea that Unavowed was connected to a host of other Wadget Eye adventure games, so naturally I had to check them out. I'd known about The Shiva and the Blackwell games for years, but never actually thought about picking them up. Playing them all back to back was a great experience, and almost felt like a prototype to the episodic storytelling many games do today.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light/Temple of Osiris

Guardian of Light is a fun, inventive co-op game for killing some time with a friend. The puzzles are often unique and interesting and get you thinking, and the story, while nothing fantastic, is fun enough to keep you interested and have a laugh about with your co-op partner in a B-Movie kind of way. Temple of Osiris adds way too much to the formula, with more characters, mechanics and more open exploration and it absolutely loses the charm of the first game, and even then it's buggy as hell. Skip the second one.

Command and Conquer Remastered

Big chunks of my childhood are taken up with memories of playing Command and Conquer and Red Alert, so it's difficult to really gauge my thoughts on the remaster. On the one hand the art direction looks great and preserves the feel of the original, and the quality of life improvements to the gameplay help make it more playable. The nostalgia hit is also palpable. That being said, the mechanics have not aged all that well, with much of the game being far, far too hard. Probably the best way to experience the genesis of the RTS genre but just know what you're getting in for.

Superhot Mind Control Delete

I wrote a lot at length about how unsure I was about Mind Control Delete at the time, and that's because it does feel a little unsure about itself. Is it a continuation of the first game? A fun bonus mode? A mediation on the nature of addiction? A critique of video game content? A joke on the player? I don't know, but I do know one thing, and that is that Superhot is still as addictive as hell.

Opus Magnum

Zachtronic's steampunk alchemy game requires far too much maths brain than I am capable of , and so I had to rely on guides a lot of the time, but that being said, it's still amazingly put together and vividly presented. Really feels like a game that could be used in schools.

Necromunda Underhive Wars (Story Mode)

I'll be checking out Underhive's Campaign mode in the new year, but for now I just want to talk about the story mode. Much like Mordheim, this is a game that's not going to work for everyone, but I really dug it and like it's unique take on a squad based TBS. However, in many respects the game does feel like a missed opportunity. The storyline is fun enough, and the arsenal robust, but much of the character of the tabletop game, the weird, chaotic, and sometimes comical things that can happen over the course of a battle seems to have been lost in translation, as has the quirky character to a lot of the gangs.  

Outer Wilds

There is little I can say about Outer Wilds that hasn't already been said by others, particularly that one should go into the game as blind as possible. A beautiful piece of interactive art, words would fail me in describing it anyway.

Life is Strange 2

Fantastically written, amazingly animated, wonderfully acted, and grim and depressing as all hell. I really love Life is Strange 2, but it it a tough game to bare witness to, especially in 2020. It treats it's subject matter with great maturity, but is so dark it's hard to motivate yourself to continue each gruelling episode. Also, I really think it would have fared better if it had not named itself Life is Strange 2, as not following Max and Chloe turned a lot of people away from a game I think they'd have otherwise enjoyed if they'd named it Wolf Brothers or something.

Half Life 2 / Episodes / Portal / 2/ Mel

After playing Black Mesa earlier this year I decided to revisit the entire Half Life 2 and Portal series. What I concluded is that Half Life 2 is not really all that good. A well told story wrapped around weak combat and average encounter design. This much improves across the episodes of course, but in the end I rather feel Half Life 2 is pretty overrated.

Portal, on the other hand, still feels fresh, though I was surprised I'd forgotten just how much was added in Portal 2, to the point Portal feels more like a game demo. That being said, I think the slowly growing mystery and menace of Portal has aged a lot better than the gagfest the series became with 2. Mel, a stand-alone mod that feels like could be a Portal 3 in it's own right, returns to a more serious tone, and feels all the stronger because of it.

Control

Control has gone from a game I didn't really care about all that much to one of my favourites of the year, if not the decade. Sure there are criticisms I could make, but the world has so much depth, the characters so much potential, and the gameplay such perfectly designed chaos, that it wouldn't really matter. A great time was had.

Icewind Dale 2

Finishing Icewind Dale 2 was the final banishing of the old ghosts of Infinity Engine games I never finished as a kid. Sure there was the nostalgia, but Icewind Dale 2 also feels prefect for the Baldurs Gate era's swan song. Beautiful environments, a well written story and great interface and design, only pulled down due to some overly long busywork at various points and the plot being dragged on a little too long. Still, sad to know I have no further Infinity Engine games left to conquer.

Elsinore

The first half of Elsinore is an absolutely great time-loop mystery, which seems to be an interesting interrogation of Shakespearian tropes and asks the question of how much of a Shakespearian tragedy remains the more you change it. The second half, however, quickly devolves into a cosmic horror story that feels a poor fit for the genre and far too grim for the art style, and that's even before it basically devolves into trying to do the same thing Undertale did but worse. A well put together game whose ending did not sit well with me.

Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Since Thronebreaker didn't sate my appetite I started playing competitive Gwent. It is a wholly different game than the one that appears in The Wither 3, but is certainly fascinating in it's own right. After 200 hours I am officially addicted, somebody please send help.

And that's that. Not doing a top 5 games of the year because I played too many this year and I've spent too much time thinking about them already. Here's hoping I play less in 2021 and can get back to a more normal life.

[nickburn]

Things I Enjoyed in 2020 Despite Everything

Seasons Greetings! This year has felt like an eternity for so many reasons, and before it’s over, I’d like to take a look back on the distractions that got me through it. Along the way, I’ll occasionally point out where I was emotionally at the time and whether I got into a particular thing before or after the pandemic hit in mid March. I hope you enjoy this little retrospective of some of my experience during one of the worst years of human history!

Games & Mods

Might & Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven

When I was making my 2020 resolutions list late last year, one of my goals was to play more old games in my backlog and not buy many new games this year. That goal largely went on hold, because, well, I sought out enjoyment wherever I could find it instead of forcing myself to play one thing or another. But before Covid, I was really enjoying my new playthrough of M&M6. I’d made attempts at it before, but it was really GrayFace’s mod that made the game click for me. Modern features like quick saves and mouselook make the game much more accessible, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to try an old-school RPG. It’s a great stepping stone into a mostly-dead genre. I’m hoping to get back to it soon. I just jumped ship to simpler ventures like Doom Eternal after the pandemic hit and haven’t looked back since.

Pathologic 2

I learned about the Pathologic series late last year and have since become a little obsessed with it. Hbomberguy’s lengthy video essay on the original game really intrigued me and lead me to trying the sequel/remake in April via Xbox Game Pass. In a weird way, it was cathartic to be a doctor in an even more dire situation than our current one and still see signs of the townsfolk trying to help each other deal with a supernatural plague and little help from their local government. The game helped me express a lot of what I was feeling at the time, when I was still getting used to working from home and wondering just how long this could go on for. I’ve gone back to it recently, and I’m hoping to finish it someday, if I can find a way to stop dying. Above all, Pathologic 2 teaches you how to make choices in no-win scenarios with little information or resources and still persevere, despite the world going to Hell around you. And that’s maybe the most important thing to practice at the moment.

Overwatch

I’ve continued to look forward to weekly Overwatch nights with my friends every Thursday, and it’s really important to have something like that right now. Even if it’s just a new episode of a show airing, a new video from a favorite YouTuber, or a regular Zoom call with coworkers, it helps so much to have something to anticipate from week to week and month to month. Otherwise, it’s really easy to feel like nothing’s going on besides the entropic deterioration of the universe. Overwatch itself helps with this, because it’s such a positive, bright, and optimistic game, as only Blizzard can create. And it’s improved a ton in the past couple of years, in a lot of ways. If you haven’t played in a while, hop in and check out all the new content with your friends; I think you’ll have a great time. It’s looking more and more like Overwatch 2 is right around the corner, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

Go

I learned how to play Go after watching a documentary released this year about  AlphaGo, the computer that beat the Go world champion, and I have a huge appreciation for the game now. I think it’s even more beautiful than chess, though even more insidious to learn. If you haven’t played before, start with a 9x9 board, teach yourself the basics, and try playing with another beginner friend. I guarantee you’ll be amazed at the amount of strategy and imagination that a game ostensibly about placing black and white stones on a grid can inspire. Go’s one of several new hobbies I’ve picked up this year, and those new hobbies have really helped me pass the time in a way that feels productive as well as take my mind off whatever depressing news just got blasted across Twitter.

Doom 64

Doom Eternal was fine, but Doom 64′s where my heart lies. The PC port on Steam is great, allowing everyone to easily play the game with mouse and keyboard. Its levels are tight and colorful, often asking the player to backtrack multiple times through the same areas to unlock new ones and take on whatever new twists await down each darkened corridor. It’s a surprisingly fresh experience. Unlike many modern Doom mods that strive to be sprawling marathons, 64′s levels are short but memorable, and the game is a great entry point to the series for newcomers because of that. Retro FPS’s continue to inspire and entertain me, and Doom 64 is one of my new favorites.

Golf With Your Friends

I’m not usually that into party games, but Golf With Your Friends strikes the right balance between casual tone and skill-based gameplay. The maps are vibrant and devious, the different modes are creative and often hilarious, and the pacing is near-perfect. If you’ve got a squad itching to play something together for a few nights, I guarantee you’ll have a lot of laughs trying to knock an opponent off the course or turning them into an acorn just as they’re about to attempt a nasty jump.

Quake 1 Mods

I probably sound like a broken record by now to a lot of you, but I won’t rest until I get more people into retro FPS’s. The outdated graphics and simple gameplay can be off-putting at first, but it doesn’t take long at all to get hooked after you’ve played the likes of excellent mods like Ancient Aliens for Doom 2 or Arcane Dimensions for Quake 1. And it’s only getting better, with this year marking probably the best year for Quake releases ever. The industry even seems to be taking notice again, with many talented mappers getting picked up for highly-anticipated, professional indie projects like Graven and Prodeus. And while the marketing around the retro FPS renaissance as the second coming of “boomer shooters” should be much maligned, the actual craft involved in making mods and brand new games in the genre has never been stronger. I even contributed four levels to the cause this year, but you’ll have to play them yourself to decide if they’re any good: https://www.quaddicted.com/reviews/?filtered=burnham.

Streets of Rage 4

I had not tried Steam Remote Play before this year, but it works surprisingly well if you have a decent internet connection. Because of Remote Play, I was able to complete Streets of Rage 4 with my friends, and it was very close to the experiences I had as a kid playing brawlers like Turtles in Time on the Super Nintendo. The game is just hard enough to make you sweat during the boss fights but just easy enough that the average group of gamers can complete it in a night or two, which is ideal for adults with not a lot of free time.

Hard Lads

Hard Lads is a pure delight of a game by Robert Yang about the beauty of a viral video from 2015 called “British lads hit each other with chair,” which is even more ridiculous than it sounds. It made me smile and laugh for a good half hour, and I think it’ll do the same for you.

Commander MtG

The Commander format for Magic: the Gathering is one of my favorite things, and in 2020, I dug into it more than any other year. More so even than playing or watching it being played, I created decklists for hours and hours, dreaming up new, creative strategies for winning games or just surprising my imaginary opponents. I sincerely believe this little ritual of finding a new legendary creature to build around and spending a few days crafting a brew for it got me through the majority of this summer. I didn’t have a lot of creative energy this year, but I was able to channel the little I did have into this hobby. Especially during the longer, more frustrating or depressing days at work when I had nothing else to do or just needed a break, I could often dive back into card databases and lose myself in the process of picking exactly the cards that best expressed what I wanted to do for any given deck. And it’s nice to know I can always fall back on that.

Yu-Gi-Oh!

I played a lot of Yu-Gi-Oh! growing up but never had the cards or the skill to be particularly good at it. I just knew I enjoyed the game and the 4Kids show, but I quickly them behind when I got to high school. Fast forward to 2020, and the game and franchise have evolved substantially, not always for the better. But I do find it so intriguing, with a skeptical kind of adoration. It’s not nearly as well-supported as Magic, but what it does have are gigantic anime monsters on tiny cards with enough lines of text to make your head spin. And it’s so interesting to me that a franchise like that can continue to thrive alongside more elegant games like the Pokemon TCG and Hearthstone. And the further I’ve delved into how the game has changed since I stopped playing, the more invested I’ve become, going so far as to start buying cards again and looking into possible decks I might enjoy playing. An unequivocal win for Yu-Gi-Oh! is Speed Duel, which seeks to bring old players back to the game with a watered-down, nostalgia-laden format with fewer mechanics and a much smaller card pool. So if all you want to do is pit a Blue Eyes White Dragon against a Dark Magician, that’s 100% still there for you, but the competitive scene is still alive, well, and astoundingly complicated. And I think that’s kind of beautiful.

Black Mesa

I wasn’t expecting to have the tech to play Half Life: Alyx this year, so Black Mesa seemed like the next best thing. And it really is a love letter to the first game, even if it’s far from perfect. I even prefer the original, but I did very much enjoy my time with this modern reimagining. If you’ve never played a Half Life game before, I think it’s a great place to start.

VR via the Oculus Quest

Around halfway through this year, I started to get really stir crazy and yeah, pretty depressed. It seemed like I’d be stuck in the same boring cycle forever, and I know for a lot of people, it still feels like that. So VR seemed like the perfect escape from this dubious reality where you can’t even take a safe vacation trip anymore. And you know, I think it works really well for that purpose. The Oculus Quest is especially effective, doing away with cords or cables so you have as much freedom as you have free real estate in your home. I don’t have a lot of space in my studio apartment, but I have enough to see the potential of the medium, which is completely worth it. Next gen consoles are neat and all, but I’ve got my heart set on picking up the Quest 2 as soon as possible.

* Beat Saber

I was most looking forward to trying Beat Saber on the Quest, and I was not disappointed. You’d think rhythm games had reached their peak with Rock Band and DDR, but the genre keeps on giving with gems like this. It’s hard to convey if you’ve never tried it, but the game succeeds so well in getting your entire body into the rhythm of whatever song you’re slashing through.

* Half Life: Alyx

Again, I really did not expect to be able to experience this game as intended this year, and I still don’t think I really have. The Oculus Link for the Quest is admittedly a little janky, and my PC barely meets the minimum specs to even run the game. And yet, despite that, Alyx is one of my top three games of 2020 and maybe one of my all-time favorites. Even as I was losing frames and feeling the game struggle to keep up with all the AI Combine soldiers running around, I was still having a blast. For me, it is one of the best reasons to seek out and own VR and a pinnacle of game design in its own right.

Hades

For me, Hades has mostly been similar to every other Supergiant Game that I’ve played: fun and well-polished but ultimately not engaging enough to play for very long. And there’s always this sheen of trying to be too clever with their dialogue, narration, and music that rubs me the wrong way. But Hades is certainly their best game, and I can’t deny the effect it’s had on people, much like Bastion’s reception back in 2011. And I’m really hoping Hades gets more people into roguelikes, as a more accessible and story-driven approach to the genre. Timing-wise, I wish it hadn’t come out around the same time as Spelunky, because I think it did make some people choose one over the other, when the best choice is to play both and realize they’re going for very different experiences. The precise, unforgiving, arcade-like style of Spelunky isn’t fun for everyone, though, and Hades is thankfully there to fill in that gap. I’m really glad I found more time to play it this year at least to succeed on one escape attempt; it’s a fun game to think about in a game design context. And I do think the game has a lot of merit and is doing some clever things with difficulty that the studio likely could not have honed nearly so well without the help of Early Access. The most impressive part of the game to me is not the story or the music or the combat but the massive amount of contextual dialogue they somehow found time to program, write, and record at a consistently high level. All of this is just to say, Hades is obviously one of the best games of the year, and you should play it if you have any interest in it at all.

Spelunky 2

I’ve spoken a lot about this game on Twitter, so I’m not going to rehash much of that here. For me, it’s been a journey of over 1,000 attempts to learn the intricacies and secrets of a deep and demanding game that’s been as frustrating as it’s been rewarding. But it remains a constant source of learning and discovery as well as mastery and pride for me, and I still have hopes of reaching the Cosmic Ocean and getting all the trophies someday. It’s been a joy to watch other Spelunky players too, even as some fair worse than me and others fair far better. And the Daily challenge keeps me coming back, because seeing my name high up on the leaderboard just makes me feel so damn good (or at least I’ll get a good laugh out of a hilarious death). At its heart, Spelunky is a community endeavor, and I think it succeeds at that better than almost any other game this side of Dark Souls. I think it is my Game of the Year or at least tied with Alyx, I really can’t decide. If you don’t think you’d enjoy it, all I’ll say is, the frustration and difficulty are integral to the experience of discovery and surprise, and your brain is better at video games than you think.

Chess

Okay, yes, I watched and enjoyed The Queen’s Gambit, but I think 2020 had already primed people to get into chess this year regardless. Like Yu-Gi-Oh!, chess was a childhood pastime of mine that I really enjoyed and then quickly left behind as I discovered things like music and the internet. If I had to assign a theme to my 2020, it would be rediscovering old hobbies to remind myself how good life actually is. And now I’m more committed to chess than I ever was before. I’m watching international masters and grand masters on YouTube (as well as the incomparable Northernlion), I’m playing regularly on Chess.com, and I’m even paying for lessons and probably my own theory books soon. Like most fighting games, chess is a complicated form of dueling a single opponent with zero randomness, so mistakes are always on you. And modern chess platforms offer extremely good analysis tools, showing you exactly how, when, and why you screwed up so you can do better next time. Like Hearthstone, it’s a quick, addicting, tense, and rewarding way to train your brain and have fun. And it seems more popular now than ever, in part due to a certain Netflix original TV show...

TV

The Queen’s Gambit

I think a lot of people want to be Beth Harmon, even if they know they shouldn’t. It must feel so good to be the best at something and know you’re the best, even while under the influence of certain substances. It’s what makes characters like Dr. Gregory House so fun to watch, though you’d never want to work with the guy. For me, anyway, I always wanted to be a prodigy at something, and what little success I’ve had made The Queen’s Gambit very relatable to me. More so, it’s easy to relate to growing up in a conservative environment with few real friends and fewer outlets of expression, only to realize you’ve finally found your thing, and that no one can take it from you. That’s mostly what I’m going to take from The Queen’s Gambit anyway, more than chess or the Cold War commentary or the problematic relationships Beth has with her cadre of rivals/boyfriends. The show gets a strong recommendation from me for fans of chess as well as lovers of optimistic coming-of-age stories.

March Comes in Like a Lion

Similarly, March Comes in Like a Lion features a protagonist who is scarily close to a version of myself from like eight years ago. My best friend has been urging me to watch this show for years, and I’m still only a few episodes in. But I love how it portrays a young person who’s moved to a big city away from home for the first time, with nothing more than some meager possessions and the hopes of becoming the best in the world at something. And Rei is not confident in himself or outgoing at all, he’s extremely depressed despite pursuing his dreams and trying to distance himself from his somewhat toxic family. It’s a great reminder that the smallest kindnesses can often change our entire perspective on the world, and that even the people that seem the most well-equipped to handle life often still need help. I’ve been very fortunate to have people like that despite mistakes I’ve made, and I hope to be that person for others too.

Umbrella Academy

I’m pretty burnt out on superheroes, but UA put a good enough spin on them that they felt brand new. The show is rough in places, but it’s surprising in some really clever ways. And the comics are some of the wildest stories I’ve ever read, like Hitchhiker’s Guide meets Watchmen.

HunterXHunter

I binged about 100 of the 148 episodes of HxH this year, which I recognize is not a significant number in the wider world of long-running shounen anime, but it’s quite an undertaking for me to finish a show of this length. The series goes places I never expected and made me care so strongly for characters I thought I’d hate at first. It’s the smartest and most endearing show about a band of misfits going on crazy adventures and punching people for the good of the world that you’re likely to find.

Hannibal

This is the rare show that’s simultaneously comforting and nightmare-inducing if watched for extended periods. I can remember nights after binging a few episodes where I couldn’t get many of the disturbing images out of my head. Fair to say, Hannibal is not for the faint of heart, nor is it without some low points. But for those who enjoy gory thrillers or gritty detective dramas, it’s a must-watch. 

Yu-Gi-Oh! Original Series, English Sub

You can probably imagine my surprise as I discovered this year that the Japanese version of the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime is not only much better than the 4Kids version we got in the States, but it’s actually a decent show. The plot makes much more sense, it’s more interesting, the stakes are higher, the voices are better, and overall it’s just more enjoyable to watch. I don’t know if I’ll stick with it long enough to finish it this time, but this is definitely the way I’d do it and would recommend to others.

Fargo Season 4

It’s a miracle we even got another season of Fargo this year, let alone on time and of the same high quality as the first two seasons. It has a great setting, cast, and conflict. I love Chris Rock, and it was so cool to see him act so well in such a serious role. There’s a Wizard of Oz homage episode that is nearly flawless. And the post-credits scene at the end of the season is just the cherry on top. If you haven’t checked out Fargo by now, you are really missing out on some of the most interesting stuff happening in TV. I can’t wait to see what Noah Hawley does with the Alien franchise.

Movies

Cats

I had to include this one because it was the last full movie I saw in theaters before the pandemic hit. I technically went to Sonic too, but my friends and I walked out after about 30 minutes. The less said about that movie, the better. Cats, though, is a strange and curious beast (pun intended), adapting an already unruly animal (pun intended) to the big screen and yowling to be recognized (pun intended). But for every awkward or embarrassing scene, there’s one of pure joy and magic, like the extended ballet sequence or Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat. The film knows exactly what it is and leans into it hard, like a familiar yet slightly insane feline begging to be stroked, which I imagine is exactly what fans of the musical wanted.

Children of Men

There’s not much I can say about this film that probably hasn’t been said better elsewhere. I was intrigued to watch it when I learned it was one of my friend’s favorite movies. And I have to say, it’s really profound in a prescient way. Clive Owen gives one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. You should watch it, but only when you feel like taking a severe hit to the feels.

Basic Instinct

Vertigo is probably still my favorite film, so when I learned this year that Paul Verhoeven made a bloody, sex romp homage film to it in the 90s with Michael Douglas starring, I simply had to watch it. And you know, it’s not bad. It’s nowhere near as good as Vertigo, and you can see the ending coming a mile away. But what it does have is the immaculate Sharon Stone, who you cannot take your eyes off for the entire movie. And the movie knows it, making her look as alluring and suggestive as her character is to the detective investigating her. You could do worse than to watch it, just don’t expect any of Hitchcock’s subtlety or looming dread to seep into the final product.

Books

Dune

I finally finished Dune this year, and I can genuinely say it lives up to the hype. It’s not the easiest book to get through, but it’s by no means one of the most difficult either. I’m still bummed that the new film was delayed, but it might give me time to read the rest of the original book series.

The Fifth Season

Another fantastic piece of fiction, I cannot recommend this book enough. N.K. Jemisin is one of the best living authors of our time. If you want an original setting with a brilliant magic system and complex, compelling characters, look no further.

Video Content

Northernlion

I’ve been a fan of NL for years, though I’ve never been that into The Binding of Isaac. He just has a charismatic intelligence to him that sets him apart from most “Let’s Play” YouTubers to me, and he’s very funny to boot. I guess I’d say he seems a lot like me or the person I could picture myself being if I were a professional video content creator. So I was really excited for NL’s series of Spelunky 2 videos, and I still watch them every day, months later. And now he’s teaching me how to get better at chess, being a good 600 ELO higher than myself at the moment. His sarcastic and improv-laden banter have withstood the test of years and gave me some much-needed comfort and laughter in 2020. Somehow, the man even found a way to keep up his prolific output this year while raising his firstborn child. There are those who said it couldn’t be done...

The Command Zone - Game Knights

Josh Lee Kwai and the rest of the crew at The Command Zone continue to put out some of the most well-produced tabletop gameplay videos on the internet. It’s perhaps no surprise, seeing as how Lee Kwai created trailers for such blockbuster films as Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World and Jimmy Wong had a supporting role in the live action remake of Disney’s Mulan. But the crew around the two hosts are just as important and talented, and it’s clear that they all share the same singular vision for the channel’s future. They’ve carefully crafted a team of expert editors, animators, cosplayers, and voice actors to deliver one delightful video after the next at a consistently high level. If you’re into Magic: the Gathering at all, you simply need to watch Game Knights.

Cimoooooooo

I found Alex Cimo’s channel shortly after the algorithm learned I was interested in Yu-Gi-Oh! again, and at first, I was less than impressed with him. But it’s clear to me now that he not only loves what he does, he’s an expert Yu-Gi-Oh! player and analyst. Plus, he’s very good at explaining some of the more complex concepts in the game in a way that newcomers can understand. I’ve watched every new episode of The Progression Series and The History of Yu-Gi-Oh! so far, and they’re the best way I’ve found to learn how the game developed and changed over the last 20 years.

Team APS

This is another great Yu-Gi-Oh! channel, focusing more on skits, gimmick videos, and casual games rather than analytical or theoretical content. Mostly, they seem like a really great group of friends that just have a blast playing Yu-Gi-Oh! together, and their love for the game makes me want to play more too.

Tolarian Community College

Somehow, a community college English professor’s channel went from a quirky little deckbox review platform to the most popular Magic: the Gathering channel on YouTube in only a few years. But it’s easy to see why when Brian clearly loves what he’s doing more than most people ever will. He’s not only a fantastic reviewer and MtG scholar, he’s one of the most outspoken voices for positive change in the community and the game. Is he too hard on the Magic team at Wizards of the Coast? Perhaps, but without his measured and well-reasoned takes on all things Magic, I think we’d be much worse off.

IRL

Cooking

Even I get tired of eating the same things every day, so I’ve taken it upon myself to learn how to make more dishes, mostly out of sheer boredom. And I know I’m not alone in that, but I have to say it’s been a rewarding and fun adventure. It’s really surprising what you can throw together with a decent recipe and a little creativity in a modest kitchen when you decide to break away from the microwave for once.

Chinchillin’

Like many people, I felt that I needed a pet to survive this year, and I’ve always wanted a chinchilla. So I took a risk and bought one from a seller on KSL a few months ago, and my life has definitely changed for the better. No longer simply alone with my thoughts all day, I have a furry little companion to commune and bond with. And it’s more difficult to find time to feel sorry for myself when a basically helpless tiny creature depends on me for almost everything. Not to say it’s been a perfect experience however, people don’t say chins are difficult to care for for nothing. And I have learned more about them than perhaps I ever cared to know before, but that’s only made them more interesting to me as a result. Overall, I would recommend them as pets, just be prepared to give them a lot more time and attention than you would to say, a fish or a hamster. I’ve seen the commitment compared to that of a large dog, and I think that’s fair, though chins seem far more difficult to train and are far less cuddly. Basically, imagine a fluffy, super fast squirrel that can jump half your height, shed its fur at will if grabbed too tightly, that sleeps all day and bathes in dust, and that cannot get wet or too hot or eat 99% of human foods without serious complications. And they get lonely, and they all have their own surprisingly distinct personalities, some shy and mischievous, others bright and social, and everything in between. But I’m glad to be part of my little buddy’s life and hope to make it a long and enjoyable one for him. Part of why I wanted a chinchilla so badly is they typically live between 10-20 years, much longer than the average rodent or even many cats and dogs. And they’re sadly endangered in the wild, poached for their incredibly soft fur, which is why I believe it’s critical that we care for and learn more about them now. And above all, I adore my chinchilla’s antics, even when he continually tries to dig up and eat the paper bedding below his cage when I’ve provided perfectly edible hay and pellets for him in much easier to reach locations.

And that’s all, folks...

If you’ve read this far, know that I really appreciate it and hope you learned something new about yourself, art, or the world. And please do let me know what’s kept you going the most this year too, as I suspect I’ll still be searching for new distractions next year, even after I’m able to get a Covid vaccine injection. As Red Green would say, we’re all in this together, and I’m pullin’ for ya. <3