Civilization 7 made a splash at Gamescom with a new gameplay trailer that revealed a February 11, 2025 release. You still have some time to kill before you can dive into the long-awaited sequel--and if you're looking for something to make the wait a bit easier, we recommend reading Sid Meier's Memoir: A Life in Computer Games. Written by the Civilization creator and author Jennifer Noonan, the memoir is a fantastic read, especially for Civ fans (unsurprisingly). Sid Meier's Memoir: A Life in Computer Games Published in 2020 by W.W. Norton, Sid Meier's Memoir is a 304-page book that chronicles the Civilization creator's four-decade career in video games. From the creation of his studio, MicroProse, to the development of classics like Pirates, Railroad Tycoon, and Civilization, it touches on all aspects of his illustrious career. Sid Meier's Memoir is available in four formats: hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook.Sid Meier's MemoirHardcover -- $20.80 ($28)Paperback -- $15 ($17)Kindle -- $10 ($17)Audiobook -- $15 ($17) See at Amazon Along with details of his life, the book gives Meier's perspective on "the history of the industry, the psychology of gamers," and plenty of other insights.If you prefer physical books, the hardcover is available for a great price, though you can save five bucks by opting for the paperback. Those who favor ebooks can grab a copy for only $10, while readers who like to listen to books on their morning and afternoon commutes (or while playing games), may want to check out the audiobook version.Continue Reading at GameSpot

The recently concluded Ultra Unlock event in Pokemon GO drew a lot of flak from the community, and it seems like Niantic might be on its way to making some changes to it in its upcoming iteration next year. The Ultra Unlock event is one of the oldest annual events in Pokemon GO and players are always eagerly looking forward to it as it gives them a chance to get some extremely rare Pokemon.

I'm working on a C++ game engine as a hobby project and one of my goals is to be able to make games 100% script-driven with Lua I've decided to go with sol2 for bindings and the part I'm confused with now is what should I bind? For example input I want to do something similar to Roblox Studio since I've used it in the past I'm quite a fan of their api which looks like this

Developers of generative AI typically face a tradeoff between model size and accuracy. But a new language model released by NVIDIA delivers the best of both, providing state-of-the-art accuracy in a compact form factor.Mistral-NeMo-Minitron 8B a miniaturized version of the open Mistral NeMo 12B model released by Mistral AI and NVIDIA last month is small enough to run on an NVIDIA RTX-powered workstation while still excelling across multiple benchmarks for AI-powered chatbots, virtual assistants, content generators and educational tools. Minitron models are distilled by NVIDIA using NVIDIA NeMo, an end-to-end platform for developing custom generative AI.We combined two different AI optimization methods pruning to shrink Mistral NeMos 12 billion parameters into 8 billion, and distillation to improve accuracy, said Bryan Catanzaro, vice president of applied deep learning research at NVIDIA. By doing so, Mistral-NeMo-Minitron 8B delivers comparable accuracy to the original model at lower computational cost.Unlike their larger counterparts, small language models can run in real time on workstations and laptops. This makes it easier for organizations with limited resources to deploy generative AI capabilities across their infrastructure while optimizing for cost, operational efficiency and energy use. Running language models locally on edge devices also delivers security benefits, since data doesnt need to be passed to a server from an edge device.Developers can get started with Mistral-NeMo-Minitron 8B packaged as an NVIDIA NIM microservice with a standard application programming interface (API) or they can download the model from Hugging Face. A downloadable NVIDIA NIM, which can be deployed on any GPU-accelerated system in minutes, will be available soon.State-of-the-Art for 8 Billion ParametersFor a model of its size, Mistral-NeMo-Minitron 8B leads on nine popular benchmarks for language models. These benchmarks cover a variety of tasks including language understanding, common sense reasoning, mathematical reasoning, summarization, coding and ability to generate truthful answers.Packaged as an NVIDIA NIM microservice, the model is optimized for low latency, which means faster responses for users, and high throughput, which corresponds to higher computational efficiency in production.In some cases, developers may want an even smaller version of the model to run on a smartphone or an embedded device like a robot. To do so, they can download the 8-billion-parameter model and, using NVIDIA AI Foundry, prune and distill it into a smaller, optimized neural network customized for enterprise-specific applications.The AI Foundry platform and service offers developers a full-stack solution for creating a customized foundation model packaged as a NIM microservice. It includes popular foundation models, the NVIDIA NeMo platform and dedicated capacity on NVIDIA DGX Cloud. Developers using NVIDIA AI Foundry can also access NVIDIA AI Enterprise, a software platform that provides security, stability and support for production deployments.Since the original Mistral-NeMo-Minitron 8B model starts with a baseline of state-of-the-art accuracy, versions downsized using AI Foundry would still offer users high accuracy with a fraction of the training data and compute infrastructure.Harnessing the Perks of Pruning and DistillationTo achieve high accuracy with a smaller model, the team used a process that combines pruning and distillation. Pruning downsizes a neural network by removing model weights that contribute the least to accuracy. During distillation, the team retrained this pruned model on a small dataset to significantly boost accuracy, which had decreased through the pruning process.The end result is a smaller, more efficient model with the predictive accuracy of its larger counterpart.This technique means that a fraction of the original dataset is required to train each additional model within a family of related models, saving up to 40x the compute cost when pruning and distilling a larger model compared to training a smaller model from scratch.Read the NVIDIA Technical Blog and a technical report for details.NVIDIA also announced this week Nemotron-Mini-4B-Instruct, another small language model optimized for low memory usage and faster response times on NVIDIA GeForce RTX AI PCs and laptops. The model is available as an NVIDIA NIM microservice for cloud and on-device deployment and is part of NVIDIA ACE, a suite of digital human technologies that provide speech, intelligence and animation powered by generative AI.Experience both models as NIM microservices from a browser or an API at ai.nvidia.com.See notice regarding software product information.

Hello, PlayStation community! Im Zane, the Lead Game Designer of Floatopia. Today, were thrilled to show you the World Premiere trailer for a new life simulation game where you travel in a superpowered world and meet new friends. We look forward to bringing Floatopia to the PlayStation community and joining you on your journey above the clouds.Play VideoEmbark on a journey in the cloudsOur story is set in a fantastical world filled with superpowers that can be acquired through just a phone call. Unfortunately as the protagonist, you find that all the best superpowers in the world have already been taken, leaving you with well, frankly, the much less impressive ones. This situation has led you into a dead end job, and you feel marginalized and underappreciated. But, by chance, you come across a floating island and there, you join others with similarly useless superpowers. Together, you embark on a healing journey, exploring the new chapters of your lives.This world is made up of unique miniature toys with an art style that is bright, fresh, and full of fantasy. It feels as if you handcrafted it piece by piece. Here, you will see residents that look like figurines, houses made from milk cartons, and stations seemingly crafted from clouds. We have put a great deal of effort into the details of this magical world, utilizing high-quality rendering techniques, exquisite material details, and delicate lighting These elements work together to showcase the games unique miniature world, creating a believable and immersive experience.In Floatopia, you can travel with your own island to explore various fantastical realms. We integrate fantasy elements based on different regional cultures and natural landscapes, and plan to regularly update the game with new realms for a rich and novel experience.Lets build a beautiful life togetherWe hope that beyond traveling, you can truly live in Floatopia. Here, you can meet residents with unique superpowers and personalities, and share in the joy of becoming friends! The game also features whimsical fauna and flora, magical crops with superpowers, and much more. As long as you keep exploring, youll encounter countless wonders and adventures.We want you to unleash your creativity. Our diverse themed decorations offer a high degree of freedom in gameplay, allowing you to build an island thats uniquely yours.Weve designed numerous natural opportunities in Floatopia for you to connect with strangers and build friendships. Of course, you can also invite your friends to throw a party and fully enjoy your time together!A delightful and healing journeyOur vision is to create a whimsical, heartwarming, and fantastical world through the continuous release of engaging, high-quality, and cross-platform content. We aim to provide you with a relaxing and joyful dream vacation in Floatopia. Lets embark on this journey together!Floatopia will be arriving on PS5 in 2025, and we cant wait to share more exciting news with you! Thank you for your support. See you then.

Team17 is a publisher with a long history of putting out strange, fun, and beautiful independent games. While the British publisher is perhaps best known for its work with the Worms franchise (a personal favorite), theyre also responsible for a litany of other excellent games worth playing. If youd like to get better acquainted with Team17 and its associated independent projects, you should definitely check out the Team17 publisher sale happening at GOG right now. Dozens of excellent games, including Dredge, Blasphemous, Narita Boy, and more are discounted by as much as 70%, with many on sale for their lowest price ever.There are plenty of games on sale, but weve picked out a handful of our favorites for you to check out below.The eldritch fishing simulator Dredge recently received a new piece of DLC: The Iron Rig expansion. While this latest addition isnt discounted, you can pick up the base game for $14.99 (was $24.99) and its first expansion, The Pale Reach for $4.79 (was $5.99). This is the lowest price weve seen for the Steam Deck-verified title and is even cheaper than Steams current discounted price.The Blasphemous franchise is a true labor of love from Spanish developers The Game Kitchen. Both entries are brutal, pixelated Metroidvanias inspired by the works of surrealist painter Hieronymous Bosch. A gore-heavy platformer that will absolutely chew you up if youre unprepared, you can pick up the original Blasphemous for $6.24 at GOG (was $24.99). Its sequel, Blasphemous 2, is also on sale for $19.99 (was $39.99).Narita Boy is a neon-tinted platformer about a boy that gets sucked into a video game with an absolutely killer soundtrack. The perfect title to tide over Hyper Light Drifter fans while they wait for the inevitable launch of Hyper Light Breaker, Narita Boy is currently discounted to its lowest price ever on GOG, just $2.49 (was $24.99). If youre looking for a modern analog to the classic supernatural FPS F.E.A.R. look no further than Trepang2. A fast-paced and fluid shooter accented with harsh shadows, Trepang2 empowers you with awesome abilities to handle enemies of both the paramilitary and otherworldly variety. You can currently pick up Trepang2 for just $17.99 at GOG (was $29.99).The space-based city-builder Aven Colony puts you in charge as the superintendent of Earths first extrasolar colony. Meet the needs of your citizens while negotiating the hostile flora and fauna to create a thriving and sustainable colony. If youd like to try your hand at settling a new world, you can pick up Aven Colony for just $2.99 at GOG (was $29.99).

In its post-Civil War evolution, Atlanta was something of a phoenix rising from the ashes. This now booming metropolis was one of the first in the Reconstruction era to embrace the New South model, favoring more modern and industrialized development over an adherence to the agricultural system that had long dominated the South Eastern region of the United States. Because of its status as a railroad hub, the city became the state capital of Georgia in 1868 and has since seen a steady rate of growth and expanded cultural influence, especially during the Civil Rights Movement of the early 1960s. However, like most developed urban centers in the Western world, Atlanta experienced a level of postindustrial decline in the latter half of the 20th century. Neighborhoods like the historic Old Fourth Ward District became largely derelict.Urban renewal and eventual gentrification began in the late 1980s and today, the area is yet again a thriving commercial and residential core with an eclectic array of hospitality and retail lining main BeltLine thoroughfare. Adding to this illustrious mix is the new 16-story FORTH Hotel; a new monumental beacon for the area that pays homage to its resilience.A keen proponent of site-responsive design elements, all while bypassing the pitfalls of kitschy reconstitution, prolific architect Morris Adjmi sought to distill this complex history in the complete ground-up and interior outfit of the destination. Past projects that demonstrate this approach include Williamsburg, Brooklyns Wythe Hotel and Charlestons The Pinch; like FORTH, developed by Method Co.Its exposed concrete diagrid facade casts a striking figure against the Old Fourth Wards ever-changing Ponce City Market. The diagonal columns not only contribute to the aesthetics of the new building, but also serve a structural purpose, Adjmi says. Behind the cast-in-place exterior is a window wall, adding surprising depth and transparency to the facade. From inside, the diagrid creates unique silhouettes over each guest room window. Below the tower, a three-story gray brick podium features corbelling that artfully frames each window opening. While the tower portion stands out, this anchor component is more nuanced and reflective of its surroundings in both scale and material.Opting for a sophisticated late mid-century modern, 1970s visual vocabulary, he and his team imbued the 196-guest room property and many of its public-facing amenity spaces with a moody, cinematic aesthetic. FORTH incorporates a massive 2,300-square-foot rooftop pool, state-of-the art fitness center, co-working space, and a 350-seat events space. The soon-to-be-unveiled members club is set to not only bring visitors in but also the ever-popular neighborhoods illustrious crop of young creative professionals. The hotels four restaurants includes the ground-floor Italian steakhouse Il Premio and the rooftop cocktail lounge Moonlight. The latter features zebra-print upholstered sofas and full moon mural-adorned marble fireplace evocative of the large public works that line the nearby Eastside Trail.For the lobby and concierge desk, Adjmi double downed on mid-century modern details. A dense forest landscape painting by Jack Spencer sits atop dark-stained walnut wood wall paneling and geometric screens reflective of the buildings triangulated shell. The mise-en-scene is accentuated by a large wall-mounted mountain scape tapestry furnished by Philadelphia-based bespoke producer BDDW. A mix of sourced vintage and custom contemporary furnishings and luminaires fill out the space as do wilderness-themed elements like taxidermied foxes, pinned butterflies, and natural foliage, all part of Becca Barnets concierge desk-topped diorama. Wood burning fireplaces can be found throughout the property.The 157 guest rooms are suffused with Southern hospitality characteristics. The aforementioned floor-to-ceiling windows flood these rooms with ample amounts of natural light and frame unobstructed views of verdant parks in the vicinity. Oak flooring plays host to hand-knotted antique rugs while floral wallcoverings provide additional visual depth. Bathrooms feature travertine-topped vanities and three-tone pattern tile surfaces. Hinoki-scented toiletries and diffusers emitting Le Labo perfume offer a finishing touch.We took a minimalist approach to the design of the 39 apartment-style suites, allowing them to feel like a home away from home, Adjmi concludes. Earth tones are continued throughout the color palette in the separate living space, while the kitchens boast lacquered brass hardware, sage green cabinetry, and farmhouse sinks, recalling a Southern aesthetic.What: FORTH HotelWhere: Atlanta, GeorgiaHow much: Guest rooms starting from $290Design draw: Hidden behind an exposed concrete facade, the structure boasts a sophisticated, late mid-century modern interior with contemporary references to 1970s style. Be it a guest room or public-facing amenity, the spaces exude a moody, cinematic aesthetic. Of note is the hotels rooftop cocktail lounge Moonlight. It features zebra-print upholstered sofas and a full moon mural-adorned marble fireplace evocative of the large public works that line the nearby Eastside Trail.Book it: FORTH HotelGo virtually on vacation withmore design destinations right here.Photography by Matthew Williams.

How sociology could broaden the perspective on digital design that today's psychology centric approach doesnt fullycover.Photo by Kaleb Nimz onUnsplashIn the fast-paced world of digital design, UX, and service design, psychology often takes center stage. The disciplines focus on understanding the individualhow people think, feel, and behavemakes it an obvious choice for those looking to create user-centric experiences. However, while psychology offers valuable insights, it tends to be overly focused on the individual. Even in social psychology, the lens remains largely fixed on how individuals within a group behave rather than on the broader societal forces at play. But what if we could widen that lens? What if we began to consider not just the user, but the society the user inhabits?Enter sociology.Traditionally, the field of sociology has been seen as the study of society, social institutions, and social relationships. Its a discipline that asks different questions than psychologyquestions that are perhaps equally, if not more, relevant to the work we do as designers. Yet, despite the clear value that sociology can bring to the table, it remains underutilized in ourfield.So, why arent there more UX sociologists outthere?The limitations of a psychological approachPsychologys dominance in UX and service design is understandable. After all, if youre designing a product or service, understanding how the end user thinks and behaves is crucial. Cognitive psychology, behavioral psychology, and even neuroscience provide frameworks and tools that help us predict how users will interact with a design, enabling us to create experiences that are intuitive, engaging, and satisfying.But heres the rub: psychologys focus on the individual often means that the larger social context is ignored or oversimplified. When we design solely from a psychological perspective, we risk creating products that are hyper-individualized, perhaps even detached from the social realities in which they will beused.Consider the rise of social media platforms. These products were designed with a deep understanding of individual psychologydopamine loops, the need for social validation, the power of habit formation. Yet, the societal implications of these designs, such as their role in spreading misinformation or contributing to social polarization, were largely unforeseen. This isnt just a failure of imagination; its a failure to consider the broader social forces atplay.Sociology: A wider lens for digitaldesignSociology, on the other hand, takes a step back to examine how individuals fit into larger social structures. It asks how cultural norms, social inequalities, and institutional power dynamics shape behavior and influence how people interact with products and services.One of sociologys strengths lies in its dual focus: both macro and micro perspectives. On the macro level, sociology looks at large-scale social phenomena, such as societal norms, institutional power, and systemic inequalities. These factors can significantly shape how different user groups interact with a digital product or service. For example, how does a platform designed for financial services perform in regions with significant income inequality? How do social hierarchies influence who has access to and benefits from new technology?On the micro level, sociology explores more immediate social interactions and how individuals navigate their roles within society. This micro perspective is equally valuable in UX and service design, as it delves into the nuanced social contexts that influence user behavior. It can help us understand how group dynamics, peer influence, or even familial roles impact how a product isused.Together, these macro and micro perspectives provide a broader understanding of the complex context that always surrounds the interaction between a digital service or product and its users, whether we are considering a single user or multiple users within a network. By incorporating sociological insights, designers can move beyond merely optimizing for usability or engagement and start designing for the intricate, multi-layered realities of human sociallife.Balancing the disciplines: a holisticapproachSo how can we integrate sociology into our work without losing the valuable insights psychology provides? The key is balance. We need to start by acknowledging that every design decision has both individual and social implications. From there, we can draw on the strengths of both disciplines to inform ourwork.For instance, when conducting user research, why not include questions that explore not just individual preferences, but also social influences? When developing personas, consider not only the users goals and pain points but also the social contexts they navigate daily. When evaluating a designs success, measure not just engagement metrics but also socialimpact.This balanced approach allows us to design products and services that are not only effective on an individual level but also meaningful within a broader societal context. It pushes us to think beyond the immediate user experience and consider the long-term social consequences of ourdesigns.The case for UX sociologistsIn a world where digital products increasingly shape social behavior, the need for a sociological perspective in design has never been greater. While psychology will always be a cornerstone of UX and service design, its time to make room for sociology as well. By doing so, we can create designs that not only meet individual needs but also contribute to a healthier, more equitable society.So, why arent there more UX sociologists out there? Perhaps because weve been too focused on the individual to see the larger picture. But as the impact of digital design on society becomes ever more apparent, its clear that we need both perspectives. After all, were not just designing for users; were designing for the world they livein.Some have already pointed the value of that particular sociological lense when shaping digital products and services, but are there really any ux sociologists outthere?Related articles for furtherreading:Putting Users in Context: How Sociology Enhances our UX PracticeMaximizing User Experience through Multidisciplinary Research: The benefits of incorporatingWhy we need design sociologyI am one of three company mothers of One Day Interact. As a digital design agency, we seek to contribute to a positive development in a larger sensefor the individual, for humanity, the environment and theplanet.LinkedInWhy arent there more UX sociologists out there? was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Somewhere along the line, we got downright judgmental about canned food. Protein-rich SPAM is frowned upon, the convenient canned potato has been widely dismissed, and the lovable canned mushroom is ignored, at best. In fact, thats why I brought you all here today. Friends, we need to talk about the humble canned mushroom. Its the versatile and cheap pantry hero we all deserve.Canned mushrooms are here to helpCanned mushrooms are something I always keep on hand for a few reasons: Theyre cheap, they taste great, they add incredible texture to dishes, and by golly, theyre convenient. I use a fair amount of fresh mushrooms in my meals, but a tub of creminis can be hit or miss after a week in the fridge. Im convinced (possibly delusionaly) that Ill open a container after just buying them, and one out of 10 times, the batch will have gone slimy.Not canned mushrooms though. They are reliable, and compared to fresh, theyre dirt cheap (See what I did there?), clocking in at about a dollar for a four-ounce can. Mushrooms are canned in liquid brine as a preservation method. Just like with jarred food, this means you can keep a few cans in your cupboard ready to be used this week or next year, basically whenever an ingredient emergency strikes.Theyre already cookedLets address the giant fungi in the room, shall we? Canned mushrooms are wet and slimy. But consider thisthats a good thing. These mushrooms are cooked (steamed or blanched) during the canning process, so as long as youre using them in a cooked dish, youve basically skipped a step, and maybe even two. Canned mushrooms are full of moisture from the liquid they've been stored in, and often that includes a bit of salt, which means you can toss them into a dish at almost any stage of a recipe. That means zero prep (you can buy them sliced), and the freedom to add them on a whim, even when youre almost done cooking.How do you use canned mushrooms?I think the only time I would refrain from using canned mushrooms is anywhere youd eat them raw, like in salads. Theyre not trying to fool anyone into thinking theyre fresh mushrooms anyway. Canned whole mushrooms are what I add to chowders and any dish that finishes with a brown or white gravy, like beef stew or meatballs in gravy. Ill add canned straw mushrooms or button mushrooms to Chinese or Thai dishes that use a mix of vegetables.Whole mushrooms can also be tossed with olive oil and herbs to boost your antipasti or charcuterie platter.More often, though, Im grabbing canned sliced mushrooms at the supermarket. Theyre slightly more versatile and can fit right at home in a simmering pot of sausage and peppers, stirred into a cheesy risotto, layered into a vegetable lasagna, or added to your cheesesteak sandwich.My very favorite way to use canned mushrooms is for quick homemade pan pizza. Its my favorite topping, and the fact is, canned mushrooms are even better than freshly sliced mushrooms on pizza. Pizzas cook fast and at high temperatures and unfortunately fresh shrooms become dry and leathery under those conditions. Juicy canned mushrooms, however, come out of the oven delivering top notch texture and flavor. So on your next grocery run, add a couple cans to your haul. Theyll come in handy sooner than youd expect.

Google has reached a deal with California lawmakers to fund local news in the state after previously protesting a proposed law that would have required it to pay media outlets. Under the terms of the deal, Google will commit tens of millions of dollars to a fund supporting local news as well as an AI accelerator program in the state.The agreement ends a months-long dispute between lawmakers and Google over the California Journalism Preservation Act, a bill that would have required Google, Meta and other large platforms to pay California publishers in exchange for linking to their websites. Google strongly opposed the measure, which was similar to laws passed in Canada and Australia.Earlier this year, Google began a short-term test in the state that removed links to local news for some users in California. The company also halted some of its own spending on local news in the state.Now, under the new agreement, Google will direct at least $55 million to a nonprofit public charity housed at UC Berkeleys journalism school, Politico reports. The university will distribute the fund, which also includes at least $70 million from the state of California. Google will also commit $50 million over five years to unspecified existing journalism programs.The agreement also includes funding for a National AI Innovation Accelerator. Details of that program are unclear, but Cal Matters reports that Google will dedicate at least $17.5 million to the effort, which will fund AI experiments for local businesses and other organizations, including newsrooms. That aspect of the deal, which is so far unique to Google's agreement in California, could end up being more controversial as it could exacerbate existing tensions between publishers and AI companies.In a statement, Alphabets President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, credited the thoughtful leadership of California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state officials in reaching the agreement. California lawmakers have worked with the tech and news sectors to develop a collaborative framework to accelerate AI innovation and support local and national businesses and nonprofit organizations, he said. This public-private partnership builds on our long history of working with journalism and the local news ecosystem in our home state, while developing a national center of excellence on AI policy.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-strikes-a-deal-with-california-lawmakers-to-fund-local-news-000522484.html?src=rss