Kart around the world!The Nintendo Switch 2 is (finally) coming soon, and with it will be a new installment in the wildly successful Mario Kart series. Mario Kart World is shaping up to be the largest Mario Kart ever made, with new characters, new items, and an entire map that can be explored thanks to new free-roaming mechanics.That being said, there are still "normal" racetracks scattered throughout the map, with the type of classic Mario Kart-style turns, obstacles, and secret paths that fans have loved for decades. Below is a list of all 32 courses that you and up to 23 other racers will be speeding through, from Mario Bros. Circuit to the vaunted Rainbow Road.Mario Kart World launches alongside--and exclusively for--the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5. Preorders for the new console remain sold out for now, but preorders for the new Mario Kart game are still available at multiple retailers. Mario Bros. CircuitThis desert-themed track was the first Mario Kart World track ever shown to the public, as it was teased during the Nintendo Switch 2 teaser trailer in January. Crown CityThis large urban raceway is one of two tracks to appear in multiple Grand Prix cups, with each appearance highlighting a different route around the area. Whistletop SummitMario Kart 64 fans will appreciate the callback to Kalahari Desert here, as Whistletop Summit features a running train that will sometimes pose as an obstacle during a race. DK SpaceportDK Spaceport invokes the classic Donkey Kong 25m stage in its design, with multiple ramps shifting the races left and right as they ascend to the top of a hill. The massive mechanical monkey will follow racers up the structure--and maybe throw a few barrels at them too. Desert HillsDesert Hills is a remake of a track of the same name from Mario Kart DS. Pokeys routinely walk onto the track as an extra hazard, while the Angry Sun sometimes rain snakes down from the sky to force racers off course. Shy Guy BazaarShy Guy Bazaar is another course returning from a previous game, this time coming from Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS. This time, however, Mario Kart World's new free-roam abilities may let us find out what's going on in that palace in the background. Wario StadiumWario Stadium returns for the first time since its debut in Mario Kart 64--up until now, it was the only track from MK64 that had not been used as a classic track in another Mario Kart game. Airship FortressThe race takes to the skies in Airship Fortress, where a fleet of Bowser's flying ships serves as the racetrack. This track is also a returning course, as it debuted in Mario Kart DS. DK PassWhile DK Pass has been around for a while--it's appeared in Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart 7, and Mario Kart Tour on mobile devices--this is the first time the snowy mountain course will appear on a home console version of the game. Starview PeakStarview Peak is a brand-new course debuting in Mario Kart World. It's themed around Rosalina and her Comet Observatory, which players explored in Super Mario Galaxy. Sky-High SundaeThis delicious dessert course made its Mario Kart debut in the Booster Course Pass of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The Mario Kart World version loses the anti-gravity features of the previous game, which results in a new layout closer to its appearance in Mario Kart Tour. Wario ShipyardWario Shipyard takes racers through a pirate ship graveyard in the middle of the ocean, with spooky skeletal fish swimming through the water as racers pass by. The course originally debuted in Mario Kart 7 on 3DS. Koopa Troopa BeachKoopa Troopa Beach hearkens back to Koopa Beach 2 in Mario Kart SNES, with racers driving around the perimeter of a large island. A few new elements and decorations have been added, including a massive Koopa Troopa balloon overlooking the course. Faraway OasisFaraway Oasis is another all-new course in Mario Kart World. This one is themed after an African safari, with zebras, elephants, and other animals roaming the course during each race. Crown City 2Crown City 2 takes an alternate route around the massive urban area seen earlier in the gallery, though the exact route and obstacles have yet to be fully revealed. Peach StadiumPeach Stadium is the second original course in Mario Kart World to have multiple Grand Prix appearances, following Crown City. It's located in the center of the game's map, just south of Moo Moo Meadows. Peach BeachPeach Beach returns from Mario Kart: Double Dash on the GameCube. Players will drive over a large sandbar before the course wraps around a seaside castle, which replaces Delfino Plaza from the GameCube version. Salty Salty SpeedwaySalty Salty Speedway--which makes its series debut in Mario Kart World--features multiple canals running alongside the racetrack. Players will sometimes drive over or even into the canals while running the course. Dino Dino JungleAnother course returning from Mario Kart: Double Dash, Dino Dino Jungle features a giant yellow T-Rex that racers must avoid, as well as multiple geysers that can erupt right while a driver is traveling over it. Great ? Block RuinsGreat ? Block Ruins is a course that takes place in the skies above the map. It features mysterious ruins floating above the clouds, with a giant stone question block sitting prominently at the top of the course. Cheep Cheep FallsThis Japanese-inspired course will see players race through waterfalls and rivers, which run through a village of pagodas and other small buildings. Dandelion DepthsDandelion Depths seems to take much of its inspiration from the Steam Gardens of Super Mario Odyssey, with its mixture of natural and bright red metallic structures intertwining throughout the course. Boo CinemaThis haunted movie theater will send racers into the films themselves, with the surrounding area shifting from full color to a sepia-toned look as players race over massive film strips and through the theater's screen. Dry Bones BurnoutDry Bones Burnout is a volcano-themed course adorned with large bones resembling the titular Dry Bones. The course features a lake of lava that players must glide over or risk falling into the molten muck. Moo Moo MeadowsThe internet's new favorite racer Cow hails from Moo Moo Meadows, which returns as a classic course for the second straight console release. Cows line the track, and racers can crash into them if they're not careful. Choco MountainThough Choco Mountain has appeared a few times in Mario Kart history--debuting in Mario Kart 64 and then appearing in Mario Kart DS and MK8 Deluxe--this new version is now themed around Chargin' Chuck, Mario's football-playing (or is it baseball-playing?) enemy. Toad's FactoryToad's Factory is making a comeback for the first time since Mario Kart Wii, and it's bringing all of its industrial-themed obstacles with it. The course has seen some alternations, however--for one, racers can no longer fall off of the conveyor belts thanks to new fences. Bowser's CastleMario Kart World continues the tradition of naming a course Bowser's Castle, but delivering a completely difference experience from past iterations of the track. This new version has a more high-tech theme than its predecessors. Acorn HeightsAcorn Heights is one of Mario Kart World's new courses, with the racetrack winding around a gigantic tree adorned with acorns. Skeeters--the gliding bug enemies from multiple Mario games--will appear in some of the course's waterways. Mario CircuitMario Kart SNES's Mario Circuit, for many, is the first Mario Kart course they ever raced on. The iconic course returns in Mario Kart World, with this new version combining the SNES's multiple Mario Circuits into one big course. Peach Stadium 2The second Peach Stadium route is slightly different from the previous run, but it will also travel in and out of Peach's Castle, which sits in the center of the track. Rainbow RoadThe Mario Kart World version of Rainbow Road has not been revealed yet--we only know of it thanks to a tease in the Mario Kart World Direct--but it will appear in its usual place as the final course in the main Mario Kart World experience.

Enchant is launching a new zero-equity accelerator for gaming and AI startups, with applications now open for its three-month program. The accelerator is dedicated to early-stage teams at the crossroads of gaming and artificial intelligence. Founded by veterans of Sony, Supercell, EA, Ubisoft and Playrix, the fully remote program gives founders hands-on product sprints, weekly one-on-one sessions with industry leaders and direct access to a global investor network — while letting every startup keep 100 percent of its cap-table. Enchant backs companies building games, gaming-industry tools, AI products and Web3 experiences. By stripping away office requirements and equity grabs, the accelerator concentrates on rapid product iteration, real-world traction and warm introductions to publishers, VCs and strategic partners, said Eugenii Unegovskiy, cofounder of Enchant, in an interview with GamesBeat. Rolling admission, personal start date Enchant is taking applications for its zero-equity accelerator. The program is an intensive 12-week track that begins the day a team is accepted. Founders apply whenever they’re ready; there is no need to wait for fixed cohorts. From day one, each company follows a milestone roadmap that includes product deep-dives, go-to-market workshops and Demo-Day preparation. “Founders shouldn’t have to wait for a calendar slot,” said Unegovskiy. “Acceptance triggers day-one sprints, live play-tests and build reviews shoulder-to-shoulder with veterans from triple-A studios. It’s real co-building, not classroom mentoring, and it means products hit the market in weeks, not months.” “Zero-equity is a strong benefit, with an even bigger advantage being a clean cap table that helps early gaming and AI teams close future rounds faster,” added Aakash Parameswaran, CEO of Fable Fox, a former Game Designer at Electronic Arts and an expert in Enchant, in a statement. “From refining core loops to designing live-service economies, we work in the trenches so founders stay player-first and ship games investors can trust.” Why zero-equity matters Enchant is taking flat fees for its work. Keeping the cap-table clean at the earliest stage helps founders retain control and stay more attractive for future Seed and Series A rounds, when dilution stakes are far larger. It also lets Enchant operate purely on the startup’s success, aligning incentives around product wins and fundraising milestones. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and accepted teams can start immediately. Unegovskiy said that while running demo days for game startups at Subscrible, he realized something crucial: most early-stage founders don’t fail because the product is weak — they fail because the business around it isn’t ready. No go-to-market, no monetization strategy, no clear idea how much money they need — or why. “That’s why I teamed up with folks from Supercell, Ubisoft, Sony, EA, King, Xsolla, and Oracle — many of whom I’m sure you know or have crossed paths with — along with the creators of Tetris, Angry Birds, and Cut the Rope, to launch Enchant, a new kind of accelerator for gaming and AI startups,” Unegovskiy said. Without cohorts or equity, the company will provide focused support that helps founders move forward. “We help with pitch training, fundraising prep, GTM and monetization strategy, grant and UA support, legal and marketing guidance — plus access to tools, credits, and partner services worth over $500,000 (cloud credits, analytics, dev tools, etc.),” Unegovskiy said. “It’s a simple model: small monthly fee + a success fee if we help a team raise or grow — no early dilution.” The team includes Tim Horton, an experienced gaming executive with 16+ years in leadership, business development, and partnerships within the global gaming industry. Horton helps optimize operations, drive growth, and deliver high-quality projects in mobile gaming, triple-A art, console porting, and game development. Sutton Trout specializes in leadership/strategic partnerships/business development/goal attainment and revenue. He is an action-oriented leader with 20 years of experiences in games and entertainment. He has worked at Supercell, Sony and WB Games. And he helped with complex projects and major launches like Hogwarts Legacy. Also on the team is Andrey Feinberg (Kuznetsov), former CIO at GDEV and Nexters. He has more than 10 years of experience in gaming, tech, and internet industries. He helped closed 40+ deals worth over $800 million, and he is now an independent advisor focused on fundraising, M&A, and strategy for gaming and interactive entertainment companies. Unegovskiy is one of the experts, as he is a six-time founder with experience in game development and AI. Other experts include Amir Shaked, Igor Diev, Jun Qian, Oded Lavie, Martin Hoszowski, Kevin Beardslee, Yosef Warburg, Wes Harris, Elvis Fernandes, Han Lee, Faisal Nazir, Tim Gerritsen, Hovav Shoshan, Igor Bazhanov, Cipto Adiguno, Casey Dickinson, Rosario Basilotta, Aakash Parameswaran, Mariam Japaridze and Eugene Volikov. Enchant expert Aakash Parameswaran, CEO of Fable Fox. By not taking a stake in the company, Unegovskiy said the company focuses on working side-by-side with founders to improve everything from pitch to revenue strategy. It takes a flat monthly fee, plus a success fee if it helps a team raise money or grow. The fee is typically 5% to 10% of the raised amount or a share of revenue growth. “We also reserve the right to invest in future rounds on founder-friendly terms — aligned with long-term support, not short-term ownership,” said Unegovskiy. He also said mentors and advisserss are similiarly aligned to the startup’s success.The focus of games and AI at Enchant. The company just opened applications and are starting to see a diverse mix of early-stage founders — from game studios to AI-tool builders, across multiple regions. A significant share of interest is coming from projects working at the intersection of gaming and AI — blending creative ambition with scalable infrastructure. “We’re seeing strong indicators that the next wave of gaming startups will be deeply technical, globally minded, and looking for business-first support without early dilution,” Unegovskiy said. GB Daily Stay in the know! Get the latest news in your inbox daily Read our Privacy Policy Thanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here. An error occured.

Enchant is launching a new zero-equity accelerator for gaming and AI startups, with applications now open for its three-month program. The accelerator is dedicated to early-stage teams at the crossroads of gaming and artificial intelligence. Founded by veterans of Sony, Supercell, EA, Ubisoft and Playrix, the fully remote program gives founders hands-on product sprints, weekly one-on-one sessions with industry leaders and direct access to a global investor network — while letting every startup keep 100 percent of its cap-table. Enchant backs companies building games, gaming-industry tools, AI products and Web3 experiences. By stripping away office requirements and equity grabs, the accelerator concentrates on rapid product iteration, real-world traction and warm introductions to publishers, VCs and strategic partners, said Eugenii Unegovskiy, cofounder of Enchant, in an interview with GamesBeat. Rolling admission, personal start date Enchant is taking applications for its zero-equity accelerator. The program is an intensive 12-week track that begins the day a team is accepted. Founders apply whenever they’re ready; there is no need to wait for fixed cohorts. From day one, each company follows a milestone roadmap that includes product deep-dives, go-to-market workshops and Demo-Day preparation. “Founders shouldn’t have to wait for a calendar slot,” said Unegovskiy. “Acceptance triggers day-one sprints, live play-tests and build reviews shoulder-to-shoulder with veterans from triple-A studios. It’s real co-building, not classroom mentoring, and it means products hit the market in weeks, not months.” “Zero-equity is a strong benefit, with an even bigger advantage being a clean cap table that helps early gaming and AI teams close future rounds faster,” added Aakash Parameswaran, CEO of Fable Fox, a former Game Designer at Electronic Arts and an expert in Enchant, in a statement. “From refining core loops to designing live-service economies, we work in the trenches so founders stay player-first and ship games investors can trust.” Why zero-equity matters Enchant is taking flat fees for its work. Keeping the cap-table clean at the earliest stage helps founders retain control and stay more attractive for future Seed and Series A rounds, when dilution stakes are far larger. It also lets Enchant operate purely on the startup’s success, aligning incentives around product wins and fundraising milestones. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and accepted teams can start immediately. Unegovskiy said that while running demo days for game startups at Subscrible, he realized something crucial: most early-stage founders don’t fail because the product is weak — they fail because the business around it isn’t ready. No go-to-market, no monetization strategy, no clear idea how much money they need — or why. “That’s why I teamed up with folks from Supercell, Ubisoft, Sony, EA, King, Xsolla, and Oracle — many of whom I’m sure you know or have crossed paths with — along with the creators of Tetris, Angry Birds, and Cut the Rope, to launch Enchant, a new kind of accelerator for gaming and AI startups,” Unegovskiy said. Without cohorts or equity, the company will provide focused support that helps founders move forward. “We help with pitch training, fundraising prep, GTM and monetization strategy, grant and UA support, legal and marketing guidance — plus access to tools, credits, and partner services worth over $500,000 (cloud credits, analytics, dev tools, etc.),” Unegovskiy said. “It’s a simple model: small monthly fee + a success fee if we help a team raise or grow — no early dilution.” The team includes Tim Horton, an experienced gaming executive with 16+ years in leadership, business development, and partnerships within the global gaming industry. Horton helps optimize operations, drive growth, and deliver high-quality projects in mobile gaming, triple-A art, console porting, and game development. Sutton Trout specializes in leadership/strategic partnerships/business development/goal attainment and revenue. He is an action-oriented leader with 20 years of experiences in games and entertainment. He has worked at Supercell, Sony and WB Games. And he helped with complex projects and major launches like Hogwarts Legacy. Also on the team is Andrey Feinberg (Kuznetsov), former CIO at GDEV and Nexters. He has more than 10 years of experience in gaming, tech, and internet industries. He helped closed 40+ deals worth over $800 million, and he is now an independent advisor focused on fundraising, M&A, and strategy for gaming and interactive entertainment companies. Unegovskiy is one of the experts, as he is a six-time founder with experience in game development and AI. Other experts include Amir Shaked, Igor Diev, Jun Qian, Oded Lavie, Martin Hoszowski, Kevin Beardslee, Yosef Warburg, Wes Harris, Elvis Fernandes, Han Lee, Faisal Nazir, Tim Gerritsen, Hovav Shoshan, Igor Bazhanov, Cipto Adiguno, Casey Dickinson, Rosario Basilotta, Aakash Parameswaran, Mariam Japaridze and Eugene Volikov. Enchant expert Aakash Parameswaran, CEO of Fable Fox. By not taking a stake in the company, Unegovskiy said the company focuses on working side-by-side with founders to improve everything from pitch to revenue strategy. It takes a flat monthly fee, plus a success fee if it helps a team raise money or grow. The fee is typically 5% to 10% of the raised amount or a share of revenue growth. “We also reserve the right to invest in future rounds on founder-friendly terms — aligned with long-term support, not short-term ownership,” said Unegovskiy. He also said mentors and advisserss are similiarly aligned to the startup’s success.The focus of games and AI at Enchant. The company just opened applications and are starting to see a diverse mix of early-stage founders — from game studios to AI-tool builders, across multiple regions. A significant share of interest is coming from projects working at the intersection of gaming and AI — blending creative ambition with scalable infrastructure. “We’re seeing strong indicators that the next wave of gaming startups will be deeply technical, globally minded, and looking for business-first support without early dilution,” Unegovskiy said. GB Daily Stay in the know! Get the latest news in your inbox daily Read our Privacy Policy Thanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here. An error occured.

Transcreation WriterTechlandWarszawa Województwo mazowieckie pl2 hours agoApplyJob DescriptionJoin our team as a Transcreation Writer and help us create exceptional games that reach players worldwide! If you have excellent language skills and a passion for text adaptation and storytelling, we’re looking for you.Your daily tasks:Translate and adapt texts from Polish to English, considering cultural and linguistic differences.Create additional narrative materials such as descriptions, notes, and audio logs.Support the VO (Voice Over) recording process by collaborating with the Localization team and delivering materials on time.Analyze source texts to identify key contextual and non-textual elements essential for localization.Adapt texts to regional cultural, legal, and societal standards while preserving their original intent and emotional impact.Daily usage of text and dialogue related tools including Google Docs, Google Sheets, Confluence and our in-house Dialogue and Localization ToolsQualificationsNative English language speakerVery good knowledge of Polish – you can fully understand even the most complex texts and their nuances.The ability to work with different language styles and accurately convey intended messages.Excellent understanding of cultural context – history, customs, and linguistic nuances that are key to creating authentic adaptations.Independence and strong organizational skills – you can research needed information and keep your documentation well-structured.What will make you stand out?The ability to craft engaging stories that capture players' attention.Experience in creating characters and narrative scenes that convey emotions, intentions, and conflicts.Additional InformationWhat we can offer:A wide array of benefits: private medical care, life insurance, pro-health campaigns, gifts for different occasions.An outstanding work atmosphere in a highly-skilled team of professionals, with flexible working hours, no dress code, and full support of the dedicated HR Business Partner.A constant stream of company newsletters, PR & project updates so you will always be in the know.Many opportunities for personal development: a dedicated development budget for each employee, extra two paid days for training and CSR, stable career paths, extensive internal and external training, and financing of English and Polish language classes.State-of-the-art offices filled with chillout zones, a fully equipped kitchen, a gym (Wrocław office), and a free car park (Wrocław/Warsaw office).Company DescriptionTechland is one of the biggest video game companies in Poland, with over 30 years of experience in the gaming industry. From our studios in Wroclaw and Warsaw, we’ve built an international team of more than 500 talented professionals, all dedicated to pushing the boundaries of game development. We’re known for creating iconic franchises like Call of Juarez and the zombie genre-defining Dying Light, which has been played by over 45 million players worldwide. With a focus on open-world action, storytelling, and community engagement, we’re committed to delivering unforgettable experiences to our players.We’re constantly striving to improve, innovate, and take on new challenges. With ambitious plans for the future, we’re looking for passionate people to be part of this exciting journey.Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings. Apply

Tech Wheeled, rugged robot dog built for extreme industrial missions New robot to revolutionize industrial inspection and disaster response Published May 22, 2025 6:00am EDT close Wheeled, rugged robot dog built for extreme industrial missions The machine is designed to inspect industrial sites, respond to disasters, carry out logistics operations and support scientific research. Deep Robotics, a company from China, has unveiled a durable four-legged robot built to operate in extreme environments that humans struggle to traverse. It's called the Lynx M20, and it builds upon the agility of its predecessor, the Lynx robot dog.This versatile machine is designed to handle anything from inspecting industrial sites and responding to disasters to carrying out logistics operations and supporting scientific research. Here’s what you need to know.JOIN THE FREE "CYBERGUY REPORT": GET MY EXPERT TECH TIPS, CRITICAL SECURITY ALERTS AND EXCLUSIVE DEALS, PLUS INSTANT ACCESS TO MY FREE "ULTIMATE SCAM SURVIVAL GUIDE" WHEN YOU SIGN UP! Lynx M20 (Deep Robotics)Advanced terrain capabilities set the Lynx M20 apartThe Lynx M20 combines wheels and legs to traverse challenging terrain. It can move at an average speed of 4.5 mph, but in optimal conditions, it can go up to 11 mph. It can also walk and climb obstacles using its independent wheel-locking mechanism. Its impressive traversal makes it able to cross rugged mountain paths, muddy wetlands and urban ruins.The Lynx M20 is also great at navigation and monitoring, with its 96-line lidar system, which gives it 360-degree awareness. It also has a front-facing wide-angle camera capable of livestreaming and bidirectional lighting for venturing into dark environments.AI-powered intelligence for real-world challengesWhat really sets the Lynx M20 apart is its use of advanced artificial intelligence. The robot is equipped with AI motion-control algorithms that allow it to autonomously perceive and adapt to its environment, adjusting its posture and gait to handle everything from rocky trails to debris-strewn ruins.Thanks to reinforcement learning, the Lynx M20 can actually improve its performance over time, learning from experience so that it gets even better at tackling new or unexpected obstacles. This means it's not just following a set of pre-programmed instructions but is actively making decisions and getting smarter with every mission.The robot's dual 96-line lidar sensors and wide-angle cameras feed data into its onboard processors, enabling real-time mapping, omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and autonomous navigation, even in low visibility or completely dark environments.WORLD'S FIRST AI-POWERED INDUSTRIAL SUPER-HUMANOID ROBOT Lynx M20 (Deep Robotics)IP66 rated: Built to be toughThe Lynx M20 features IP66 water and dust resistance and operates in temperatures from minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. This toughness makes it suitable for harsh weather conditions. Weighing 72.8 pounds, it can carry up to a 33-pound payload, climb 31.5-inch obstacles and navigate 45-degree inclines. The robot runs for 2.5 to 3 hours per charge with a hot-swap battery system to keep it going longer. Lynx M20 (Deep Robotics)The pro variant has advanced featuresThe Lynx M20 also has a Pro version, which includes autonomous charging, SLAM-based positioning and advanced navigation tools. It has more connectivity options, like USB and Gigabit Ethernet, to enhance its functionality.PricingThe price of the Lynx M20 is unknown as Deep Robotics has yet to reveal the details. However, its standard Lynx robodog is estimated to cost around $18,000, meaning this could cost more.CHINA'S TRON 1 ROBOT HURDLES OVER OBSTACLES LIKE THEY'RE NOTHING Lynx M20 (Deep Robotics)What does this mean for you?If you work in industries like construction, energy, logistics or emergency response, the Lynx M20 could be a game changer. Its ability to handle rough terrain, carry heavy loads and operate in extreme weather means you can send it into places that are risky or even impossible for people to reach.Whether it is inspecting power lines after a storm, delivering supplies across a muddy worksite or helping out in disaster zones, this robot is designed to keep your team safer and your operations running smoothly. Its hot-swap battery system also means less downtime, so you can rely on it for long shifts without constant recharging interruptions.Kurt's key takeawaysThe Lynx M20 isn't just any robot. It's a tough, smart machine built to handle some of the hardest jobs out there. By combining wheels and legs, it moves in ways that most robots can't, making it perfect for tricky terrain and tough conditions.We don't know the exact price yet, but judging by what it offers, it's clearly designed for serious work. If you're dealing with challenging environments and need a reliable helper, this robot might just be the partner you've been waiting for.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhat are your thoughts on how industrial inspection robots like this might transform workplace safety and efficiency? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Virtual reality (VR) is a game changer, and it’s here to stay. No longer a tech novelty or niche hobby, VR is rapidly shifting how we design, create, and share everything from cars and buildings to games and films.Around the world, industries of all sorts are realizing VR’s potential and creating exciting new career paths for tomorrow’s workforce. In fact, PWC estimates that 23 million jobs will involve AR and VR globally by 2030, augmenting the many roles already available today.As use cases expand, so does demand for VR talent. However, unequal access to equipment and educator training leaves many institutions struggling to prepare students for the VR boom’s emergent careers.This year, Unity and Meta Immersive Learning partnered to help educators and institutions overcome these challenges. Read on to learn more.Virtual reality is predicted to grow 170% globally in the next 10 years, but educators and students eager to dive into VR today can often find it hard to get started.One reason for this is the wide disparity in institutional funding. VR relies on hardware and software that can be prohibitively expensive to acquire. At a time when many secondary and post-secondary institutions are systemically underfunded, students from lower-income backgrounds who attend these schools are less likely to have access to the tools needed to develop their VR skills.Securing the right equipment is only half the battle. In order to provide high-quality VR education, instructors also need access to training and resources so they can teach with confidence. VR is a new frontier for many educators just as it is for their students, so resources need to cater to both types of learners to achieve the best outcomes.To address these barriers, Unity and Meta Immersive Learning worked together to design the Create with VR Grant program, which aims to reduce the VR learning gap by:1. Increasing access to the hardware and software needed to create and consume VR content2. Increasing educator preparation and offering resources for teaching VR creationVR headset distributionThis spring, Meta Quest 2 VR headsets were made available to secondary and post-secondary education institutions that applied to the grant program. Applications were selected based on the applicant institutions’ current and future plans for teaching VR, as well as the demographic makeup of their student bodies and their unique challenges related to accessing funding.Educator trainingIn concert with the distribution of VR headsets, the Create with VR for Educators professional development training opened for registration in April 2022, offering a crash course in technical skills and pedagogical approaches for teaching VR effectively.School representatives, educators, IT administrators, and lab leaders of all skill levels were encouraged to sign up for the training, which consists of live, online sessions supplemented by self-paced learning and virtual office hours.“The Create with VR Grant bridges the digital divide, affording meaningful interactions and experiences with VR for our students. Whether they are creators, gamers, or engaged in immersive learning, the Create with VR Grant allows us to integrate VR/AR/XR lessons across disciplines and programs. This access builds technical literacy and inspires innovation. We are excited about what is now possible.” – Jenny Hanson, Director, Film & New Media and Online and Blended Learning Pedagogies, Augsburg UniversityBy jointly addressing access to hardware and educator preparation, the grant program aims to put high-quality VR education within reach for teachers and students who might otherwise miss out.Seven months after the partnership announcement, the Create with VR Grant program has already helped thousands of learners and educators take their first steps into the exciting world of virtual reality creation – and we’re just getting started. As of November 2022, the program has:Distributed more than 5,300 Meta Quest 2 VR headsets to more than 300 education institutions across the United States, the majority of which teach real-time 3D creation and cater predominantly to underserved students.Provided more than 10,700 students with access to essential VR hardware.Welcomed more than 3,000 secondary and post-secondary educators from around the world into the Create with VR for Educators training program.“The Create with VR program made a tremendous difference in how we approach teaching VR. We used to share one headset in a class of 20 students. Now, each of our students gets to keep a headset for the duration of a semester. This means more opportunities for full immersion in VR and more time spent on creating meaningful experiences.” – Wojciech Lorenc, Chair, Mass Communication Department, Sam Houston State UniversityUnity and Meta are proud to be contributing to a VR-ready workforce. With the right combination of tools, professional development, and teaching content, educators will be able to successfully build their curricula and prepare themselves to empower tomorrow’s creators.“We’re incredibly humbled and excited to hear about the impact that the Create with VR Grant program has had on schools and communities around the country. It has always been our mission to equip educators with the tools needed to prepare students to compete in the job market of tomorrow, and we wholeheartedly believe that when given opportunities like this, we’ll see students flourish.”– Jessica Lindl, Vice President, Social Impact, Unity“My students used to be thrilled to surf on YouTube – now they make videos. They were happy to play Fruit Ninja on their laptops – now they make their own games and animations. They love VR, but never contemplated being able to create in 3D or virtual worlds until now.” – Darlene Bowman, Founder, AusomeTech IndustriesVR and AR have the potential to add $1.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030, and today’s learners deserve access to the training they’ll need to reap the benefits of the immersive technology boom. We encourage you to join Unity and Meta on our shared mission to make VR education accessible to all.Ready to get started? Sign in to Unity Learn to access on-demand Create with VR for Educators sessions that will help you prepare to teach, and dive into our community on Discord to connect with fellow educators leveraging Unity for VR around the world.

The Middle East is pulling in more attention from global tech investors than ever. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are rolling out billions of dollars in deals, working with top US companies, and building the kind of infrastructure needed to run large-scale AI systems.It’s not just about the money. There are new laws, startup activity, and plans for growth that are turning heads in Silicon Valley and beyond.Strategic deals anchor US tech tiesUS President Donald Trump recently visited the region and announced more than $2 trillion in investment agreements. These included major partnerships between Gulf states and American firms in artificial intelligence, cloud services, and defence tech.The UAE said it would build one of the world’s largest AI campuses in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, Saudi Arabia launched an AI company called Humain. Backed by the Public Investment Fund, the firm has already formed deals with Nvidia and AMD to bring in thousands of chips for local use. The idea is to run and train AI models inside the kingdom, cutting the need to rely on overseas services.These deals aren’t one-off events. They point to deeper ties between the Gulf and US tech companies. Gulf leaders want to localise AI development, but US companies see the region as a growing market for cloud, data, and chips. This growing alignment offers both sides an edge in a global race where speed and access matter.Gulf states scale up AI infrastructureAI systems need strong computing power. That means data centres, chips, and networks that can handle constant, heavy demand. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are putting their money behind this need.Saudi Arabia’s Humain is planning to deploy over 18,000 Nvidia chips, some of the most advanced in the market. These will power training clusters that let researchers and firms build new models at home. The UAE, through partnerships with Amazon and OpenAI, is also expanding its local data capacity. One campus in Abu Dhabi will include large-scale AI labs and supercomputers.Running powerful AI models close to home offers more than speed. It helps with data control, lowers costs, and reduces delays. Governments in the region are aware that long-term control over AI infrastructure will play a major role in future national development and influence.These projects are part of each country’s national tech strategy. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes tech among its focus areas. The UAE’s AI strategy aims to be one of the top AI-ready countries in the next five years.Startups are finding momentumInvestment isn’t only flowing to big infrastructure. April 2025 saw MENA startups raise $228.4 million. That’s more than double what they raised in March. Fintech and B2B platforms are leading the charge.Thndr, a Cairo-based investment platform, raised $15.7 million to expand into Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These countries have growing retail investor bases and are looking for tools that make trading and saving more accessible.The Gulf’s young, tech-savvy population and high mobile use make it an ideal testbed for startups. At the same time, government-backed funds are investing in early-stage companies to help grow local talent and reduce dependence on imported services.Governments are also creating more startup-friendly zones. Free economic zones in the UAE and planned innovation hubs in Saudi Arabia offer tax benefits and simplified licensing for tech ventures. Investors say that regulatory support is improving, and founders now have clearer paths to launch and scale.Cloud and data centre expansion gathers paceCloud service demand is rising across the Middle East. Smart city projects, e-government platforms, and AI applications are driving the need for secure, local data storage and processing.Oracle has pledged $14 billion to expand its cloud footprint in Saudi Arabia. Google, AWS, and Microsoft are also investing in regional data hubs. These centres will support everything from banking to logistics.Building out cloud services is key to keeping data local and speeding up online services. It also lowers costs for local firms, which no longer need to rely on foreign servers. The result is a growing tech sector that has the tools to serve customers in real time.Large-scale data operations also open the door for more regional SaaS companies. With cloud capacity in place, local developers can create enterprise tools, AI services, and e-commerce platforms tailored to local needs.Policy reforms drive diversificationBehind these tech moves are changes in policy. Governments are cutting red tape, easing rules for foreign ownership, and offering tax breaks for tech investors. The aim is to reduce the region’s reliance on oil and build a broader economic base.Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes goals for digital infrastructure, education, and innovation. The UAE’s AI strategy is tied to its push to attract top researchers and engineers. These are not just plans on paper. They’re being matched with funding, laws, and global partnerships.There is also a cultural shift underway. Tech is being taught in schools, and universities are opening AI-focused programs. This is helping to build a future workforce that can support local companies and attract international firms.More investors are noting the predictability and speed of doing business. This is especially important for tech startups that need fast feedback and steady support to grow. When rules are clear and approvals are quick, companies are more likely to stay.Balancing growth and geopolitical interestsWith more tech investment comes more attention. The US sees the region as a way to grow its global tech influence, especially as ties with China remain tense. For Middle Eastern nations, working with US companies gives them access to know-how and supply chains that would take years to build from scratch.At the same time, there are concerns about who controls the tech, where data is stored, and how it’s used. Some countries are pushing for data rules that favour local storage. Others want to develop their own large language models and keep training data inside national borders.Some regional leaders are starting to speak more openly about digital independence. They want to be buyers, yes, but also builders. That means investing in chips, software, and talent that can support homegrown tech. A few years ago, that seemed far off. Now, with the right backing, it’s starting to look within reach.Navigating these issues will shape the next phase of tech growth in the Middle East. Governments want to move fast but also retain control over key parts of their digital economy.The Middle East’s role in global tech is shifting. It’s no longer just a market for new gadgets or services. It’s becoming a centre for infrastructure, AI training, startup growth, and cloud services. Countries in the region are investing with a clear goal: to build long-term strength in a sector that shapes how business, education, and even government will work in the years ahead.If current trends continue, the Middle East won’t just be receiving tech. It will be helping shape it.(Photo by Unsplash)See also: Saudi Arabia moves to build its AI future with HUMAIN and NVIDIAWant to learn more about cybersecurity and the cloud from industry leaders? Check out Cyber Security & Cloud Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Digital Transformation Week, IoT Tech Expo, Blockchain Expo, and AI & Big Data Expo.Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.