🎮✨ The world of gaming is on a thrilling journey toward 2025 and beyond! As we dive into the trends shaping the gaming landscape, get ready to embrace innovation and creativity like never before! 🚀💫 From immersive virtual realities to groundbreaking technologies, the future holds endless possibilities for gamers and creators alike. Let’s stay excited and motivated as we witness the evolution of this vibrant community! Together, we can explore new horizons and make the gaming experience more exhilarating than ever! 🌟💖 So gear up, fellow gamers! The adventure has just begun! 🌈🙌 #GamingTrends2025 #FutureOfGaming #Inspiration #LevelUp #GameOn

The world feels a little darker today. We mourn the loss of Terry Gene Bollea, the man behind the iconic Hulk Hogan, who left us too soon at 71. His powerful presence in the ring brought joy and excitement, but now, all that remains is silence. The echoes of his legendary battles may fade, but the emptiness in our hearts will linger. It's a painful reminder that even the strongest can succumb to life's harsh realities. As we say our prayers for his family and friends, we can't help but feel the weight of this loss. 💔 #HulkHogan #RIP #WrestlingLegend #Heartbreak #GoneTooSoon

In a world where dreams clash with harsh realities, I can't help but feel the weight of despair. سام ألتمان's vision for OpenAI rests on the shoulders of 75 nuclear reactors and trillions of dollars, a daunting reminder of how far ambition can drift from our grasp. Each number feels like a silent scream, echoing the loneliness of chasing unattainable ideals. As I ponder this, I wonder if anyone else feels this heavy burden of longing and disappointment. The hope that once ignited my spirit now flickers dimly, overshadowed by the enormity of what is needed. #OpenAI #Sadness #Loneliness #Dreams #Despair

Ari Aster’s new film 'Eddington' is a glaring indictment of how living in the internet has warped our realities. Written during a time of crisis, the film exposes the explosive consequences of our addiction to conspiracy-fueled social media diets. It’s infuriating to see how we’ve become slaves to our screens, drowning in misinformation while critical issues like the BLM protests get overshadowed. Aster’s critique is not just relevant; it’s a wake-up call! We need to wake up, unplug, and reclaim our lives from this toxic digital landscape. Stop letting algorithms dictate your thoughts and start thinking for yourself! #Eddington #AriAster #SocialMedia #DigitalAddiction #WakeUp

Ah, the wonders of modern gaming! Who would have thought that the secret to uniting a million people would be simply to toss a digital soccer ball around? Enter "Rematch," the latest sensation that has whisked a million souls away from the harsh realities of life into the pixelated perfection of football. It’s like Rocket League had a baby with FIFA, and now we have a game that claims to bring us all together — because who needs genuine human interaction when you can kick a virtual ball? Let’s take a moment to appreciate the brilliance behind this phenomenon. After countless years of research, gaming experts finally discovered that people *actually* enjoy playing football. Shocking, right? It’s not like football has been the most popular sport in the world for, oh, I don’t know, ever. But hey, let’s applaud the genius who looked at Rocket League and thought, "Why don’t we add a ball that actually resembles a soccer ball?" With Rematch, we’ve moved past the days of traditional socializing. Why grab a pint with friends when you can huddle in your living room, staring at a screen, pretending to be David Beckham while never actually getting off the couch? The thrill of the game has never been so… sedentary. And who needs to break a sweat when the only thing you’ll be sweating over is how to outmaneuver your fellow couch potatoes with your fancy footwork? Now, let’s talk about the social implications. One million people have flocked to Rematch, which means that for every goal scored, there’s a lonely soul who just sat through another week of awkward small talk at the office, wishing they too could be playing digital soccer instead of discussing weekend plans. Talk about a win-win! You can bond with your online teammates while simultaneously avoiding real-life conversations. It’s like the ultimate social life hack! But wait, there’s more! The marketing team behind Rematch must be patting themselves on the back for this one. A game that can turn sitting in your pajamas into an epic communal experience? Bravo! It’s almost poetic to think that millions of people are now united over pixelated football matches while ignoring their actual neighbors. Who knew that a digital platform could replace not just a football field but also a community center? In conclusion, as we celebrate the monumental achievement of Rematch bringing together one million players, let’s also take a moment to reflect on what we’ve sacrificed for this pixelated paradise: actual human interaction, the smell of fresh grass, and the sweet sound of a whistle blowing on a real field. But hey, at least we’re saving the planet one digital kick at a time, right? #Rematch #DigitalSoccer #GamingCommunity #PixelatedFootball #SoccerRevolution

Ah, the return of our beloved explorer, Dora, in her latest escapade titled "Dora: Sauvetage en Forêt Tropicale." Because, apparently, nothing says "family-friendly gaming" quite like a young girl wandering through tropical forests, rescuing animals while dodging the existential crises of adulthood. Who needs therapy when you have a backpack and a map? Let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of this revival. Outright Games has effortlessly combined the thrill of adventure with the heart-pounding urgency of saving woodland creatures. After all, what’s more heartwarming than an eight-year-old girl taking on the responsibility of environmental conservation? I mean, forget about global warming or deforestation—Dora’s here with her trusty monkey sidekick Boots, ready to tackle the big issues one rescued parrot at a time. And let’s not overlook the gameplay mechanics! I can only imagine the gripping challenges players face: navigating through dense vegetation, decoding the mysteries of map reading, and, of course, responding to the ever-pressing question, “What’s your favorite color?” Talk about raising the stakes. Who knew that the path to saving the tropical forest could be so exhilarating? It’s like combining Indiana Jones with a kindergarten art class. Now, for those who might be skeptical about the educational value of this game, fear not! Dora is back to teach kids about teamwork, problem-solving, and of course, how to avoid the dreaded “swiper” who’s always lurking around trying to swipe your fun. It’s a metaphor for life, really—because who among us hasn’t faced the looming threat of someone trying to steal our joy? And let’s be honest, in a world where kids are bombarded by screens, what better way to engage them than instructing them on how to save a fictional rainforest? It’s the kind of hands-on experience that’ll surely translate into real-world action—right after they finish their homework, of course. Because nothing inspires a child to care about ecology quite like a virtual rescue mission where they can hit “restart” anytime things go south. In conclusion, "Dora: Sauvetage en Forêt Tropicale" isn’t just a game; it’s an experience that will undoubtedly shape the minds of future environmentalists, one pixel at a time. So gear up, parents! Your children are about to embark on an adventure that will prepare them for the harsh realities of life, or at least until dinner time when they’re suddenly too busy to save any forests. #DoraTheExplorer #FamilyGaming #TropicalAdventure #EcoFriendlyFun #GamingForKids

🚀✨ Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of freelance 3D artistry? 🌟 The possibilities are endless, and I'm here to tell you that this is the perfect time to dive into freelancing! Whether you're coming from animation, video games, architecture, or visual effects, the demand for talented 3D professionals is skyrocketing! 📈💥 Imagine waking up each day to work on projects that ignite your passion and creativity! 💖 Freelancing in the 3D industry allows you to embrace your artistic spirit and transform your visions into stunning visual realities. With studios and agencies increasingly outsourcing production stages, there has never been a better opportunity to carve out your niche in this vibrant field. 🌈 Let’s talk about the **5 essential tools** you can use to kickstart your freelancing career in 3D! 🛠️✨ 1. **Blender**: This powerful and free software is a game-changer! With its comprehensive features, you can create everything from animations to stunning visual effects. 🌌 2. **Autodesk Maya**: Elevate your skills with this industry-standard tool! Perfect for animators and modelers, Maya will help you bring your creations to life with professional finesse. 🎬 3. **Substance Painter**: Don’t underestimate the power of textures! This tool allows you to paint textures directly onto your 3D models, ensuring they look photorealistic and captivating. 🖌️ 4. **Unity**: If you’re interested in gaming or interactive content, Unity is your go-to platform! It lets you bring your 3D models into an interactive environment, giving you the chance to shine in the gaming world. 🎮 5. **Fiverr or Upwork**: These platforms are fantastic for freelancers to showcase their skills and connect with clients. Start building your portfolio and watch your network grow! 🌍 Freelancing isn't just about working independently; it’s about building a community and collaborating with other creatives to achieve greatness! 🤝💫 So, gather your tools, hone your craft, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Every project is an opportunity to learn and grow! 🌱 Remember, the road may have its bumps, but your passion and determination will propel you forward. Keep believing in yourself, and don’t hesitate to take that leap of faith into the freelancing world. Your dream career is within reach! 🚀💖 #Freelance3D #3DArtistry #CreativeJourney #Freelancing #3DModeling

In the quiet corners of my heart, I feel the chill of abandonment as I watch the world move on without me. The news of the Resident Evil Requiem demo, a mere 30 minutes of gameplay, stirs an ache deep within. It’s as if the excitement surrounding the game serves as a painful reminder of the connections I once had, now faded like the colors of a forgotten sunset. I long for the days when gathering with friends was a cherished ritual, where the laughter echoed throughout the room and the thrill of a new game release brought us together. We would spend hours immersed in the terrifying yet exhilarating worlds of survival horror, sharing scares and triumphs. Now, as I sit alone, the demo feels like a cruel tease, a glimpse into a world I can no longer access. Each moment spent on the game reminds me of the void left by those who have drifted away. The darkness of loneliness wraps around me like a heavy blanket, suffocating yet familiar. I find myself scrolling through social media, watching others share their excitement for Resident Evil Requiem, their joy a stark contrast to my sorrow. I feel like a ghost, haunting the edges of their happiness, wishing I could join in the celebration but tethered to this feeling of isolation. 💔 What once brought us together now only deepens my solitude. The thrill of gaming, once a shared passion, has become a painful reminder of what I’ve lost. I long for camaraderie, for the warmth of shared experience, but instead, I sit in silence, burdened by the weight of my own thoughts. The demo, while a promise of adventure, serves as a mirror reflecting my own desolation. As I delve into the world of Resident Evil Requiem, I can't help but feel the sharp pangs of nostalgia. Each eerie sound and haunting image pulls at my heartstrings, igniting memories of battles fought alongside friends, now just shadows of the past. The monsters we faced together seem less daunting compared to the realities of this loneliness that looms over me. I am left with nothing but echoes of laughter and the ghostly remnants of joy that once filled my life. The game may be a thrilling escape for many, but for me, it’s a reminder of the connections that have slipped away, leaving me to wander through the remnants of a once vibrant world, now dimmed by solitude. In the end, I realize that the true horror isn’t in the game itself, but in the hollowness I feel when I look around and see no one beside me. As I prepare to play the demo, I brace myself for the inevitable wave of longing that will follow, knowing that this experience might just amplify the ache in my heart. #Loneliness #GamingLife #ResidentEvilRequiem #Heartbreak #Isolation

Barbara Betlejewska is a PR consultant and manager with extensive experience in architecture and real estate, currently involved with World Visualization Festival, a global event bringing together CGI and digital storytelling professionals for 3 days of presentations, workshops, and networking in Warsaw, Poland, this October. Over the last twenty years, visualization and 3D rendering have evolved from supporting tools to become central pillars of architectural storytelling, design development, and marketing across various industries. As digital technologies have advanced, the landscape of creative work has changed dramatically. Artists can now collaborate with clients worldwide without leaving their homes, and their careers can flourish without ever setting foot in a traditional studio. In this hyper-connected world, where access to knowledge, clients, and inspiration is just a click away, do we still need to gather in person? Do conferences, festivals and meetups in the CGI and architectural visualization world still carry weight? The People Behind the Pixels Professionals from the visualization industry exchanging ideas at WVF 2024. For a growing number of professionals — especially those in creative and tech-driven fields — remote work has become the norm. The shift to digital workflows, accelerated by the pandemic, has brought freedom and flexibility that many are reluctant to give up. It’s easier than ever to work for clients in distant cities or countries, to build a freelance career from a laptop, or to pursue the lifestyle of a digital nomad. On the surface, it is a broadening of horizons. But for many, the freedom of remote work comes with a cost: isolation. For visualization artists, the reality often means spending long hours alone, rarely interacting face-to-face with peers or collaborators. And while there are undeniable advantages to independent work, the lack of human connection can lead to creative stagnation, professional burnout, and a sense of detachment from the industry as a whole. Despite being a highly technical and often solitary craft, visualization and CGI thrive on the exchange of ideas, feedback and inspiration. The tools and techniques evolve rapidly, and staying relevant usually means learning not just from tutorials but from honest conversations with others who understand the nuances of the field. A Community in the Making Professionals from the visualization industry exchanging ideas at WVF 2024. That need for connection is what pushed Michał Nowak, a Polish visualizer and founder of Nowak Studio, to organize Poland’s first-ever architectural visualization meetup in 2017. With no background in event planning, he wasn’t sure where to begin, but he knew something was missing. The Polish Arch Viz scene lacked a shared space for meetings, discussions, and idea exchange. Michał wanted more than screen time; he wanted honest conversations, spontaneous collaboration and a chance to grow alongside others in the field. What began as a modest gathering quickly grew into something much bigger. That original meetup evolved into what is now the World Visualization Festival, an international event that welcomes artists from across Europe and beyond. “I didn’t expect our small gathering to grow into a global festival,” Michał says. “But I knew I wanted a connection. I believed that through sharing ideas and experiences, we could all grow professionally, creatively, and personally. And that we’d enjoy the journey more.” The response was overwhelming. Each year, more artists from across Poland and Europe join the event in Wrocław, located in south-western Poland. Michał also traveled to other festivals in countries like Portugal and Austria, where he observed the same thing: a spirit of openness, generosity, and shared curiosity. No matter the country or the maturity of the market, the needs were the same — people wanted to connect, learn and grow. And beyond the professional side, there was something else: joy. These events were simply fun. They were energizing. They gave people a reason to step away from their desks and remember why they love what they do. The Professional Benefits Hands-on learning at the AI-driven visualization workshop in Warsaw, October 2024. The professional benefits of attending industry events are well documented. These gatherings provide access to mentorship, collaboration and knowledge that can be challenging to find online. Festivals and industry meetups serve as platforms for emerging trends, new tools and fresh workflows — often before they hit the mainstream. They’re places where ideas collide, assumptions are challenged and growth happens. The range of topics covered at such events is broad, encompassing everything from portfolio reviews and in-depth discussions of particular rendering engines to discussions about pricing your work and building a sustainable business. At the 2024 edition of the World Visualization Festival, panels focused on scaling creative businesses and navigating industry rates drew some of the biggest crowds, proving that artists are hungry for both artistic and entrepreneurial insights. Being part of a creative community also shapes professional identity. It’s not just about finding clients — it’s about finding your place. In a field as fast-moving and competitive as Arch Viz, connection and conversation aren’t luxuries. They’re tools for survival. There’s also the matter of building your social capital. Online interactions can only go so far. Meeting someone in person builds relationships that stick. The coffee-break conversations, the spontaneous feedback — these are the moments that cement a community and have the power to spark future projects or long-lasting partnerships. This usually doesn’t happen in Zoom calls. And let’s not forget the symbolic power of events like industry awards, such as the Architizer’s Vision Awards or CGArchitect’s 3D Awards. These aren’t just celebrations of talent; they’re affirmations of the craft itself. They contribute to the growth and cohesion of the industry while helping to establish and promote best practices. These events clearly define the role and significance of CGI and visualization as a distinct profession, positioned at the intersection of architecture, marketing, and sales. They advocate for the field to be recognized on its own terms, not merely as a support service, but as an independent discipline. For its creators, they bring visibility, credit, and recognition — elements that inspire growth and fuel motivation to keep pushing the craft forward. Occasions like these remind us that what we do has actual value, impact and meaning. The Energy We Take Home The WVF 2024 afterparty provided a vibrant space for networking and celebration in Warsaw. Many artists describe the post-event glow: a renewed sense of purpose, a fresh jolt of energy, an eagerness to get back to work. Sometimes, new projects emerge, new clients appear, or long-dormant ideas finally gain momentum. These events aren’t just about learning — they’re about recharging. One of the most potent moments of last year’s WVF was a series of talks focused on mental health and creative well-being. Co-organized by Michał Nowak and the Polish Arch Viz studio ELEMENT, the festival addressed the emotional realities of the profession, including burnout, self-doubt, and the pressure to constantly produce. These conversations resonated deeply because they were real. Seeing that others face the same struggles — and come through them — is profoundly reassuring. Listening to someone share a business strategy that worked, or a failure they learned from, turns competition into camaraderie. Vulnerability becomes strength. Shared experiences become the foundation of resilience. Make a Statement. Show up! Top industry leaders shared insights during presentations at WVF 2024 In an era when nearly everything can be done online, showing up in person is a powerful statement. It says: I want more than just efficiency. I want connection, creativity and conversation. As the CGI and visualization industries continue to evolve, the need for human connection hasn’t disappeared — it’s grown stronger. Conferences, festivals and meetups, such as World Viz Fest, remain vital spaces for knowledge sharing, innovation and community building. They give us a chance to reset, reconnect and remember that we are part of something bigger than our screens. So, yes, despite the tools, the bandwidth, and the ever-faster workflows, we still need to meet in person. Not out of nostalgia, but out of necessity. Because, no matter how far technology takes us, creativity remains a human endeavor. Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry ahead of the Final Entry Deadline on July 11th.  The post Building an Architectural Visualization Community: The Case for Physical Gatherings appeared first on Journal. #building #architectural #visualization #community #case

In a nutshell: As nations set ever more ambitious targets for renewable energy and electrification, the humble high-voltage cable has emerged as a linchpin – and a potential chokepoint – in the race to decarbonize the global economy. A Bloomberg interview with Claes Westerlind, CEO of NKT, a leading cable manufacturer based in Denmark, explains why. A global surge in demand for high-voltage electricity cables is threatening to stall the clean energy revolution, as the world's ability to build new wind farms, solar plants, and cross-border power links increasingly hinges on a supply chain bottleneck few outside the industry have considered. At the center of this challenge is the complex, capital-intensive process of manufacturing the giant cables that transport electricity across hundreds of miles, both over land and under the sea. Despite soaring demand, cable manufacturers remain cautious about expanding capacity, raising questions about whether the pace of electrification can keep up with climate ambitions, geopolitical tensions, and the practical realities of industrial investment. High-voltage cables are the arteries of modern power grids, carrying electrons from remote wind farms or hydroelectric dams to the cities and industries that need them. Unlike the thin wires that run through a home's walls, these cables are engineering marvels – sometimes as thick as a person's torso, armored to withstand the crushing pressure of the ocean floor, and designed to last for decades under extreme electrical and environmental stress. "If you look at the very high voltage direct current cable, able to carry roughly two gigawatts through two pairs of cables – that means that the equivalent of one nuclear power reactor is flowing through one cable," Westerlind told Bloomberg. The process of making these cables is as specialized as it is demanding. At the core is a conductor, typically made of copper or aluminum, twisted together like a rope for flexibility and strength. Around this, manufacturers apply multiple layers of insulation in towering vertical factories to ensure the cable remains perfectly round and can safely contain the immense voltages involved. Any impurity in the insulation, even something as small as an eyelash, can cause catastrophic failure, potentially knocking out power to entire cities. // Related Stories As the world rushes to harness new sources of renewable energy, the demand for high-voltage direct currentcables has skyrocketed. HVDC technology, initially pioneered by NKT in the 1950s, has become the backbone of long-distance power transmission, particularly for offshore wind farms and intercontinental links. In recent years, approximately 80 to 90 percent of new large-scale cable projects have utilized HVDC, reflecting its efficiency in transmitting electricity over vast distances with minimal losses. But this surge in demand has led to a critical bottleneck. Factories that produce these cables are booked out for years, Westerlind reports, and every project requires custom engineering to match the power needs, geography, and environmental conditions of its route. According to the International Energy Agency, meeting global clean energy goals will require building the equivalent of 80 million kilometersof new grid infrastructure by 2040 – essentially doubling what has been constructed over the past century, but in just 15 years. Despite the clear need, cable makers have been slow to add capacity due to reasons that are as much economic and political as technical. Building a new cable factory can cost upwards of a billion euros, and manufacturers are wary of making such investments without long-term commitments from utilities or governments. "For a company like us to do investments in the realm of €1 or 2 billion, it's a massive commitment... but it's also a massive amount of demand that is needed for this investment to actually make financial sense over the next not five years, not 10 years, but over the next 20 to 30 years," Westerlind said. The industry still bears scars from a decade ago, when anticipated demand failed to materialize and expensive new facilities sat underused. Some governments and transmission system operators are trying to break the logjam by making "anticipatory investments" – committing to buy cable capacity even before specific projects are finalized. This approach, backed by regulators, gives manufacturers the confidence to expand, but it remains the exception rather than the rule. Meanwhile, the industry's structure itself creates barriers to rapid expansion, according to Westerlind. The expertise, technology, and infrastructure required to make high-voltage cables are concentrated in a handful of companies, creating what analysts describe as a "deep moat" that is difficult for new entrants to cross. Geopolitical tensions add another layer of complexity. China has built more HVDC lines than any other country, although Western manufacturers, such as NKT, maintain a technical edge in the most advanced cable systems. Still, there is growing concern in Europe and the US about becoming dependent on foreign suppliers for such critical infrastructure, especially in light of recent global conflicts and trade disputes. "Strategic autonomy is very important when it comes to the core parts and the fundamental parts of your society, where the grid backbone is one," Westerlind noted. The stakes are high. Without a rapid and coordinated push to expand cable manufacturing, the world's clean energy transition could be slowed not by a lack of wind or sun but by a shortage of the cables needed to connect them to the grid. As Westerlind put it, "We all know it has to be done... These are large investments. They are very expensive investments. So also the governments have to have a part in enabling these anticipatory investments, and making it possible for the TSOs to actually carry forward with them." #shortage #highvoltage #power #cables #could