Découvrez Claw, un court de fin d’études de l’ESMA qui s’inspire des codes des films d’horreur pour en proposer une version revisitée. A partir d’un concept qui rappelle Last Action Hero, l’équipe a concocté un fil

The turing test in reverse Real TikTokers are pretending to be Veo 3 AI creations for fun, attention From music videos to "Are you a prompt?" stunts, "real" videos are presenting as AI Kyle Orland – May 31, 2025 7:08 am | 13 Of course I'm an AI creation! Why would you even doubt it? Credit: Getty Images Of course I'm an AI creation! Why would you even doubt it? Credit: Getty Images Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more Since Google released its Veo 3 AI model last week, social media users have been having fun with its ability to quickly generate highly realistic eight-second clips complete with sound and lip-synced dialogue. TikTok's algorithm has been serving me plenty of Veo-generated videos featuring impossible challenges, fake news reports, and even surreal short narrative films, to name just a few popular archetypes. However, among all the AI-generated video experiments spreading around, I've also noticed a surprising counter-trend on my TikTok feed. Amid all the videos of Veo-generated avatars pretending to be real people, there are now also a bunch of videos of real people pretending to be Veo-generated avatars. “This has to be real. There’s no way it's AI.” I stumbled on this trend when the TikTok algorithm fed me this video topped with the extra-large caption "Google VEO 3 THIS IS 100% AI." As I watched and listened to the purported AI-generated band that appeared to be playing in the crowded corner of someone's living room, I read the caption containing the supposed prompt that had generated the clip: "a band of brothers with beards playing rock music in 6/8 with an accordion." @kongosmusicWe are so cooked. This took 3 mins to generate. Simple prompt: “a band of brothers playing rock music in 6/8 with an accordion”♬ original sound - KONGOS After a few seconds of taking those captions at face value, something started to feel a little off. After a few more seconds, I finally noticed the video was posted by Kongos, an indie band that you might recognize from their minor 2012 hit "Come With Me Now." And after a little digging, I discovered the band in the video was actually just Kongos, and the tune was a 9-year-old song that the band had dressed up as an AI creation to get attention. Here's the sad thing: It worked! Without the "Look what Veo 3 did!" hook, I might have quickly scrolled by this video before I took the time to listen to the (pretty good!) song. The novel AI angle made me stop just long enough to pay attention to a Kongos song for the first time in over a decade. Kongos isn't the only musical act trying to grab attention by claiming their real performances are AI creations. Darden Bela posted that Veo 3 had "created a realistic AI music video" over a clip from what is actually a 2-year-old music video with some unremarkable special effects. Rapper GameBoi Pat dressed up an 11-month-old song with a new TikTok clip captioned "Google's Veo 3 created a realistic sounding rapper... This has to be real. There's no way it's AI" (that last part is true, at least). I could go on, but you get the idea. @gameboi_pat This has got to be real. There’s no way it’s AI 😩 #google #veo3 #googleveo3 #AI #prompts #areweprompts? ♬ original sound - GameBoi_pat I know it's tough to get noticed on TikTok, and that creators will go to great lengths to gain attention from the fickle algorithm. Still, there's something more than a little off-putting about flesh-and-blood musicians pretending to be AI creations just to make social media users pause their scrolling for a few extra seconds before they catch on to the joke (or don't, based on some of the comments). The whole thing evokes last year's stunt where a couple of podcast hosts released a posthumous "AI-generated" George Carlin routine before admitting that it had been written by a human after legal threats started flying. As an attention-grabbing stunt, the conceit still works. You want AI-generated content? I can pretend to be that! Are we just prompts? Some of the most existentially troubling Veo-generated videos floating around TikTok these days center around a gag known as "the prompt theory." These clips focus on various AI-generated people reacting to the idea that they are "just prompts" with various levels of skepticism, fear, or even conspiratorial paranoia. On the other side of that gag, some humans are making joke videos playing off the idea that they're merely prompts. RedondoKid used the conceit in a basketball trick shot video, saying "of course I'm going to make this. This is AI, you put that I'm going to make this in the prompt." User thisisamurica thanked his faux prompters for putting him in "a world with such delicious food" before theatrically choking on a forkful of meat. And comedian Drake Cummings developed TikTok skits pretending that it was actually AI video prompts forcing him to indulge in vices like shots of alcohol or online gambling ("Goolgle’s [sic] New A.I. Veo 3 is at it again!! When will the prompts end?!" Cummings jokes in the caption). @justdrakenaround Goolgle’s New A.I. Veo 3 is at it again!! When will the prompts end?! #veo3 #google #ai #aivideo #skit ♬ original sound - Drake Cummings Beyond the obvious jokes, though, I've also seen a growing trend of TikTok creators approaching friends or strangers and asking them to react to the idea that "we're all just prompts." The reactions run the gamut from "get the fuck away from me" to "I blame that [prompter], I now have to pay taxes" to solipsistic philosophical musings from convenience store employees. I'm loath to call this a full-blown TikTok trend based on a few stray examples. Still, these attempts to exploit the confusion between real and AI-generated video are interesting to see. As one commenter on an "Are you a prompt?" ambush video put it: "New trend: Do normal videos and write 'Google Veo 3' on top of the video." Which one is real? The best Veo-related TikTok engagement hack I've stumbled on so far, though, might be the videos that show multiple short clips and ask the viewer to decide which are real and which are fake. One video I stumbled on shows an increasing number of "Veo 3 Goth Girls" across four clips, challenging in the caption that "one of these videos is real... can you guess which one?" In another example, two similar sets of kids are shown hanging out in cars while the caption asks, "Are you able to identify which scene is real and which one is from veo3?" @spongibobbu2 One of these videos is real… can you guess which one? #veo3 ♬ original sound - Jett After watching both of these videos on loop a few times, I'm relatively (but not entirely) convinced that every single clip in them is a Veo creation. The fact that I watched these videos multiple times shows how effective the "Real or Veo" challenge framing is at grabbing my attention. Additionally, I'm still not 100 percent confident in my assessments, which is a testament to just how good Google's new model is at creating convincing videos. There are still some telltale signs for distinguishing a real video from a Veo creation, though. For one, Veo clips are still limited to just eight seconds, so any video that runs longer (without an apparent change in camera angle) is almost certainly not generated by Google's AI. Looking back at a creator's other videos can also provide some clues—if the same person was appearing in "normal" videos two weeks ago, it's unlikely they would be appearing in Veo creations suddenly. There's also a subtle but distinctive style to most Veo creations that can distinguish them from the kind of candid handheld smartphone videos that usually fill TikTok. The lighting in a Veo video tends to be too bright, the camera movements a bit too smooth, and the edges of people and objects a little too polished. After you watch enough "genuine" Veo creations, you can start to pick out the patterns. Regardless, TikTokers trying to pass off real videos as fakes—even as a joke or engagement hack—is a recognition that video sites are now deep in the "deep doubt" era, where you have to be extra skeptical of even legitimate-looking video footage. And the mere existence of convincing AI fakes makes it easier than ever to claim real events captured on video didn't really happen, a problem that political scientists call the liar's dividend. We saw this when then-candidate Trump accused Democratic nominee Kamala Harris of "A.I.'d" crowds in real photos of her Detroit airport rally. For now, TikTokers of all stripes are having fun playing with that idea to gain social media attention. In the long term, though, the implications for discerning truth from reality are more troubling. Kyle Orland Senior Gaming Editor Kyle Orland Senior Gaming Editor Kyle Orland has been the Senior Gaming Editor at Ars Technica since 2012, writing primarily about the business, tech, and culture behind video games. He has journalism and computer science degrees from University of Maryland. He once wrote a whole book about Minesweeper. 13 Comments

Computex 2025 is drawing to a close today, putting a period on a fairly sleepy convention—at least, compared to previous years. But while the big hardware announcements may have left PC building enthusiasts craving more, fun components still could be found around the show. Like PC cases. I haven’t been on the show floor, but I’m still pumped for the news that I’ve been devouring while at home. I wasn’t exactly planning a makeover for my rig just yet, but I’m now awfully tempted by what’s coming down the pipeline. Especially by one case in particular. (It’s not the one all my colleagues want.) Interested in all the best hardware out of Computex? Check out our staff’s picks! InWin ChronoMancy InWin For its 40th anniversary, InWin pulled out all the stops. At Computex, the company unveiled the ChronoMancy, a jaw-dropping piece of spectacle that stands over 3 feet tall (!). This E-ATX case looks like a bit of wizardry with cyberpunk overtones—transparent blue plastic set against a sleek, dark gray aluminum body. When lit in a full build, the shimmering effect of RGB lighting makes the whole array look like a device meant to bring the dead to life. Personally, I dig how the rounded panels curve around to reveal the components inside, which stack like the spine of a mechanical beast. Also, the fact you can open this chassis with the wave of a wand. (You can also press a button, but that’s way more boring.) Sinking money into this likely super-expensive case seems like a good idea. Right? Right. Hyte X50 Air Hyte Call me a curmudgeon, but it feels like every case is a sharp-edged box these days. Don’t get me wrong—when the O11D first appeared on the scene, its clean lines provided a needed break from “gaming” cases that had aggressive ridges, fins, and slanted front panels. I never wanted the whole industry to lean so hard into that single look, though.  Thankfully, Hyte is swimming upstream with delightfully (and literally) bubbly, colorful cases. Its X50 Air has me seriously considering putting cash down to rehome my current desktop build. I adore red PC cases, and they don’t often appear in the wild. But the X50 also sports pink, lime green, and periwinkle options in addition to standard white and black, too. Heck, as hard as I fell for the red color, even the white case could be fun for a project—maybe a “skittles” build? Use the white as a base for color accents from across the rainbow (custom cables, perhaps). Just peeks of color through the mesh panels could be cute, given the rounded, curved shape of the case edges. (Rather than incongruous on a sharp box.) An X50 variant with a glass panel exists as well, but nah. I love the meshy, huggable vibe of the X50 Air. Not for you? Just think of how you could tempt the kids in your life away from their consoles. SilverStone FLP-02 Willis Lai / Foundry I have to be honest—I love to hate this case. Just as with the neon vomit everyone associates with the 1980s, I also want to leave beige cases firmly in the 1990s. Not my coworkers, though. SilverStone made a beige throwback case as a joke awhile back, and the tech media took off with spreading word of it. And now we’re here with the SilverStone FLP-02. In the year of our lord 2025, did I expect a chassis with 5.25-inch bays, a front panel with grills dead center and along its edges, and even a turbo button? And also a lock? Nope. Are we getting one? Yep. Pretty sure my boss is going to be first in line for this ATX case, which he calls a piece of junk debris memorabilia out of a time machine. But one that is fully modern inside, despite its looks. I will grudgingly admit though—you could definitely use this as a sleeper build. Shove a RTX 5090 in it and never worry about it being stolen. You know, like those fake cans of soup you were supposed to hide your money and spare keys in, as seen in ’90s commercials. Yes, I remember. Phanteks Evolv2 Matrix GearSeekers / Phanteks Who really wants gigantic LCD screens inside their PC? Me, actually, but Phanteks showed off a case at Computex that has me potentially reconsidering. Perhaps I should be aiming for something a little more practical (aka visible)–but no less cool. The Evolv X2 Matrix has a fun extra at the bottom of its chassis—a display that shows text in a pixel font. Text that can scroll, to boot, wrapping from front panel to side without a hitch. The look perfectly blends retro vibes with enough modern style to turn my head. Somehow, seeing the sample temperature bars for your CPU and GPU rendered in blocky lines is just so charming. For a closer look, hit up this video from our friends over at GearSeekers. In Nick’s own words? “Huh, that’s pretty cool, I haven’t really seen that before.” Me either, dude—it’s slick. Even more fun? It apparently comes part of a line of Matrix cases.  Also I realized plenty of room still exists for an AIO with a screen, so I’m now asking my future self: ¿Por qué no los dos? Cooler Master MasterFrame 360 Panoramic OC3D TV / Cooler Master Some people have expert-level cable management skills. (I do not.) But we can still aspire to such lofty heights—particularly when you have a good purchase to motivate you to improve. For me, that challenge buy would be the Cooler Master MasterFrame 360 Panoramic, which wraps glass around three sides of the case for a full view of the build. You can’t hide your frustrated attempts to quit cable management early with this chassis. Softening the harsh demand to git gud are the lovely curves on the front panel of the 360 Panoramic—I find the gentler aesthetic less intimidating. Sure, I don’t do custom water cooling (another solid skill to make the most of this look), but you know what? Do I really need to, when there are AIOs with gigantic screens I could feature inside? You may think seeing one fish tank style case means you’ve seen them all, but not anymore. You’ll understand when you take a closer look at the case, courtesy of OC3D TV.

Start SlideshowStart SlideshowImage: Mineralblu / KotakuIl Volta is an event that takes place in Italy, dedicated to the photography of cosplay. It’s not a convention, there’s no show floor—instead it’s about capturing the best cosplay outfits in beautiful locations.So who better than the team at Mineralblu to send? The results are some stunning photos of an array of gaming fits, with a lot of focus on Soulslikes in opulent settings, and Final Fantasy characters out in the wild. Alongside them are some less often seen nods, including Darkstalkers, Fire Emblem and Black★Rock Shooter.Take a look at the video of the occasion below, and then click on to see the best of the best photographs from the event.THIS IS IL VOLTA ITALIA 2025 EUROPE BEST COSPLAY MUSIC VIDEO ITALY ANIME EXPO 2025 COMIC CON COSTUMEPrevious SlideNext Slide2 / 20List slidesShadowheart, Baldur’s Gate 3List slidesShadowheart, Baldur’s Gate 3Photo: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide3 / 20List slidesSophitia Alexandra, SoulcaliburList slidesSophitia Alexandra, SoulcaliburPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide4 / 20List slidesMorrigan / Lilith, DarkstalkersList slidesMorrigan / Lilith, DarkstalkersPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide5 / 20List slidesScarlet / Red Hood, NIKKEList slidesScarlet / Red Hood, NIKKEPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide6 / 20List slidesBlack★Rock ShooterList slidesBlack★Rock ShooterPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide7 / 20List slidesTerra Branford, Final Fantasy VIList slidesTerra Branford, Final Fantasy VIPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide8 / 20List slidesKatarina, League of LegendsList slidesKatarina, League of LegendsPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide9 / 20List slidesMalenia, Elden RingList slidesMalenia, Elden RingPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide10 / 20List slidesClair, Fire EmblemList slidesClair, Fire EmblemPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide11 / 20List slidesKitana, Mortal KombatList slidesKitana, Mortal KombatPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide12 / 20List slidesBlack Swan / Acheron, Honkai Star RailList slidesBlack Swan / Acheron, Honkai Star RailPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide13 / 20List slidesVi, ArcaneList slidesVi, ArcanePhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide14 / 20List slidesThe Doll, BloodborneList slidesThe Doll, BloodbornePhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide15 / 20List slidesLady Maria, BloodborneList slidesLady Maria, BloodbornePhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide16 / 20List slidesD.Va, OverwatchList slidesD.Va, OverwatchPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide17 / 20List slidesXehanort, Kingdom HeartsList slidesXehanort, Kingdom HeartsPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide18 / 20List slidesAerith, Final Fantasy VIIList slidesAerith, Final Fantasy VIIPhoto: MineralbuPrevious SlideNext Slide19 / 20List slidesKefka, Final Fantasy VIList slidesKefka, Final Fantasy VIPhoto: Mineralbu.

Uzzy Gabe’s little helper Member Oct 25, 2017 34,452 Hull, UK More info will be shown on the Warhammer Skulls stream in a moment I'm sure.  Granjinhaa Member Dec 28, 2023 9,642 fuck yes   Count of Monte Sawed-Off Member Oct 27, 2017 5,055 Day 1   Glio Member Oct 27, 2017 27,788 Spain They sold it to me with that Kroot on the thumbnail.   Jubilant Duck Member Oct 21, 2022 9,238 yooooo   Rise2Ragnarok Member Oct 28, 2017 234 Excited for this, I had a pretty fun time with Rogue Trader. Hopefully this is even better then that sort of like how Wrath of the Righteous was better then Kingmaker IMO   hydruxo ▲ Legend ▲ Member Oct 25, 2017 22,729   Burt Fight Sephiroth or end video games Member Oct 28, 2017 9,644 ... still haven't put more than an hour into Rogue Trader...   Saucycarpdog Member Oct 25, 2017 20,315 Might even have full voice acting going by their previous comments   Zebesian-X Member Dec 3, 2018 25,350 fuck man it feels like rogue trader just dropped, I gotta get to that   Glio Member Oct 27, 2017 27,788 Spain Saucycarpdog said: Might even have full voice acting going by their previous comments Click to expand... Click to shrink... Confirmed on the Steam page.   Skittles Member Oct 25, 2017 9,603 Will they put minorities in this one?   SilkySm00th Member Oct 31, 2017 5,188 more inquisition eh? Call me when they make an Ork version of this game! (my SM friend will buy the shit outta this)  General Tso Member Jan 10, 2018 530 crazy how many releases the Warhammer franchise gets every year, very happy for people into these games   Marven Member Oct 25, 2017 708 Northeast Illinois Hell ya! Can't wait. I loved Rogue Trader.   Lord Vatek Avenger Jan 18, 2018 24,740 I hope the romance options here are more varied. Rogue Trader dropped the ball with availability and quality of the same-sex romances compared to Wrath of the Righteous imo.   OP OP Uzzy Gabe’s little helper Member Oct 25, 2017 34,452 Hull, UK Warhammer Skulls stream here.  JoeInky Member Oct 25, 2017 4,058 Doesn't Owlcat have Russian ties? I've been avoiding Rogue Trader and Space Marine 2 because I was under the impression that both developers had ties to Russia, but couldn't remember where I heard it from  Mudcrab Avenger Oct 26, 2017 3,958 Day one baby!   Glio Member Oct 27, 2017 27,788 Spain SilkySm00th said: more inquisition eh? Call me when they make an Ork version of this game! (my SM friend will buy the shit outta this) Click to expand... Click to shrink... Ironically, the Inquisition is one of three viable options for having a party with multiple alien species (Rogue Traders, Tau and the Inquisition).   Lord Vatek Avenger Jan 18, 2018 24,740 JoeInky said: Doesn't Owlcat have Russian ties? I've been avoiding Rogue Trader and Space Marine 2 because I was under the impression that both developers had ties to Russia, but couldn't remember where I heard it from Click to expand... Click to shrink... Owlcat is Russian, yes, but near as far as we can tell they've moved to Cyprus.   Mezoly Jimbo Replacement Member Oct 25, 2017 5,253 Oh we gonna be there. Owlcat games are great. Was worried they won't make a cRPG   GravaGravity Member Oct 27, 2017 4,727 "tough choices" look as far as I can tell the correct choice in everything warhammer is always "KILL EVERYTHING", so I find that hard to believe in a less glib fashion I've been looking forward to playing Rogue Trader once all the DLC and patches are out, if that hits I'll gladly get this as well   Dictator Digital Foundry Verified Oct 26, 2017 5,523 Berlin, 'SCHLAND Lord Vatek said: Owlcat is Russian, yes, but near as far as we can tell they've moved to Cyprus. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Chances are high there is a little Bit of something im Cyprus but actually all dev is in Russia   Gareth Member Oct 25, 2017 6,423 Norn Iron data Member Oct 25, 2017 5,355 Hell yea, looking forward to the inquisitor role   SilkySm00th Member Oct 31, 2017 5,188 Glio said: Ironically, the Inquisition is one of three viable options for having a party with multiple alien species (Rogue Traders, Tau and the Inquisition). Click to expand... Click to shrink... If they did a story with a heavy presence of FreeBootaz i would be there with bells on lol  Cheesetriangles Member Dec 5, 2017 2,504 Can't wait day one.   Aeana Member Oct 25, 2017 7,570 They're doing founder's packs just like Rogue Trader. https://darkheresy.owlcat.games/#founder   CognitiveAtrophy Member Oct 27, 2017 2,522 I love Owlcat, but I can't stand the 40K universe. Wake me up when they announce a new Pathfinder.   Strings Member Oct 27, 2017 34,533 Zebesian-X said: fuck man it feels like rogue trader just dropped, I gotta get to that Click to expand... Click to shrink... It was only a year and a half ago. Crazy fast for a new game announcement. EDIT: Looks like they announced the first about a year and a half before release. Three years is still such a fast turnaround these days.  Kemono ▲ Legend ▲ Member Oct 27, 2017 8,643 Loved rogue trader. Will be there day 1. But likely will wait for a loooooot of patches. Their games are fantastic but they need 6 months of patches.  xyla Member Oct 27, 2017 9,658 Germany So there's definitely Aliens in the party - no idea who the main guy in the trailer is. Owlcat makes good games, I hope they also have something in a fantasy setting cooking though.  Paroni Member Dec 17, 2020 4,809 Put the OG inquisitor in, you cowards.   xyla Member Oct 27, 2017 9,658 Germany Strings said: It was only a year and a half ago. Crazy fast for a new game announcement. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I bet it's gonna be early access for a year or so - they've had success with that on Rogue Trader too. And they've probably been smart when it comes to assets. They've build a lot for Rogue Trader, would be a waste, not to re-use them.  Cheesetriangles Member Dec 5, 2017 2,504 Please don't take the character that will most obviously be desired for romance and make them not romancable again.   Athrum Member Oct 18, 2019 1,827 Was hoping for Pathfinder 3, Wrath of the Righteous is an amazing game, but I'll bite. Rogue Trader was pretty cool (if buggy, really really buggy)   Glio Member Oct 27, 2017 27,788 Spain xyla said: So there's definitely Aliens in the party - no idea who the main guy in the trailer is. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Probably the inquisitor you work for.   Kalor Resettlement Advisor Member Oct 25, 2017 20,921 Been waiting for support to slow down for Rogue Trader before playing it and they've already announced the sequel.   Fawz Member Oct 28, 2017 3,975 Montreal Looks like a Standalone expansion to Rogue Trader, which I'm fine with as that's a good base to start from with lots of good points to expand towards. Not being shackled to the previous game for the base (namely Save file) likely gives them more freedom, as seen by new Races and the like   Count of Monte Sawed-Off Member Oct 27, 2017 5,055 Aeana said: They're doing founder's packs just like Rogue Trader. https://darkheresy.owlcat.games/#founder Click to expand... Click to shrink... Bought, plus the second season pass for Rogue Trader.  IAmFromSpace Member May 11, 2023 501 Rogue Trader was such a fantastic take on 40k, can't wait to see what they do.   OP OP Uzzy Gabe’s little helper Member Oct 25, 2017 34,452 Hull, UK Cheesetriangles said: Please don't take the character that will most obviously be desired for romance and make them not romancable again. Click to expand... Click to shrink... This is inevitable  Tovarisc Member Oct 25, 2017 25,810 FIN Can't recommend Vaults of Terra and Eisenhorn book series enough if looking to get Inquisition and Inquisitor vibe going. Athrum said: Was hoping for Pathfinder 3, Wrath of the Righteous is an amazing game, but I'll bite. Rogue Trader was pretty cool (if buggy, really really buggy) Click to expand... Click to shrink... Owlcat game being extremely buggy and beyond broken for a year after release is just how Owlcat rolls.  Cheesetriangles Member Dec 5, 2017 2,504 Uzzy said: This is inevitable Click to expand... Click to shrink... Someday I will get to kick the football.   LordGorchnik Member Oct 30, 2017 3,672 Day. Fucking. One. I still need to play past the first act of Rogue Trader. Been way too many good games lately.  7thFloor Member Oct 27, 2017 7,330 U.S. Damn I still haven't played Rogue Trader   Dakkon Member Oct 27, 2017 5,244 JoeInky said: Doesn't Owlcat have Russian ties? I've been avoiding Rogue Trader and Space Marine 2 because I was under the impression that both developers had ties to Russia, but couldn't remember where I heard it from Click to expand... Click to shrink... https://www.reddit.com/r/Pathfinder_Kingmaker/comments/ubmo1m/comment/i65mozh/ "Our headquarters had always been in Cyprus, with developers working from multiple countries. A lot of developers were located in Moscow until recently, but now many of us are relocating to Cyprus, Armenia and other places. If there was anything good in the pandemic, it is that it gave us a plenty of experience in coordinating and working on our projects online from multiple locations, so we can continue to create games for you guys." Click to expand... Click to shrink... So headquarters in Cyprus, they have a satellite office in Armenia, and most of them left Russia during the pandemic/Russian invasion of Ukraine it looks like. That said since the headquarters and thus operating country of the actual business is Cyprus, I'm pretty sure the Russian government doesn't directly get profits from the games or anything through taxation etc of the company.  Native_Vel Member Jun 5, 2022 2,041 Day one. Rogue Trader is fantastic but staying within the bounds of the Imperium will be exciting take.  Miracle Ache Member Oct 25, 2017 1,589 That's a shame. Rogue Trader was godawful. Wrath of the Righteous, on the other hand, was quite possibly the best CRPG ever made. 

George Wendt, the comedian-turned-actor best known for his role as “Norm Peterson” on the classic sitcom Cheers, died Tuesday at the age of 76.Wendt died peacefully in his sleep at home, according to The Hollywood Reporter, who received the following statement from a family representative:“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. … He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”The Chicago native began his career as a standup comic in the 1970s with the improv troupe Second City. As an actor, Wendt found fame – and earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for best supporting actor in a comedy series – during his 11 seasons on Cheers. George Wendt as "Norm" on NBC's Cheers.Wendt’s everyman character Norm was a regular at the Boston bar whose entrance (“Norm!!”) became a fan favorite moment of every episode. Along with co-stars Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman, Wendt is the only cast member to have appeared in every episode of Cheers during its 1982-1993 run.Beyond Cheers, Wendt appeared on Saturday Night Live as Chicago Bears mega-fan Bob Swerski in the show’s “Da Bears” skits. (Decades later Wendt’s nephew, Jason Sudeikis, would become a regular on SNL before starring in Ted Lasso.)Wendt also guest-starred on everything from Becker (starring his Cheers pal Danson) to Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Hot in Cleveland.Wendt’s feature film credits include Dreamscape (1984), Fletch (1985), Gung Ho (1986), Guilty by Suspicion (1991), Forever Young (1992) and Spice World (1997).

Posted on : May 19, 2025 By Tech World Times General  Rate this post Bubba Dub is a name many people now know. He became popular through memes and comedy videos. His catchphrase “He funny huh?” went viral across social media. Today, he is more than just a meme. He is a stand-up comedian, content creator, and internet star. His journey from small clips to global fame is inspiring. Let’s take a closer look at his rise. Let’s also explore how the Bubba Dub’s Net Worth grew with time. Who Is Bubba Dub? Bubba Dub is an American comedian and internet personality. He first gained attention on social media. His videos were short, funny, and full of attitude. He often made fun of sports stars, especially during interviews. His roast-style humor became his brand. Many fans found him funny, bold, and real. As his fame grew, he expanded his work. He started performing on stage and even made TV appearances. How Did He Get Famous? Bubba Dub became popular through a few viral videos. These videos were often sports-related. He gave funny reactions to real-life sports events. One of his biggest hits was his roast of NBA player Paul George. The video went viral on TikTok and YouTube. Millions of fans shared and laughed at his take. His “He funny huh?” phrase also became a hit. It turned into a meme, used in many jokes online. This gave him a big push in the internet world. From Online Clips to Stand-Up Comedy Bubba Dub didn’t stop at internet fame. He moved into real comedy shows. He started doing live stand-up events across the country. His shows were filled with laughter and jokes from real life. Fans loved his energy and boldness on stage. Comedy clubs began booking him for shows. He also toured with other famous comedians. This move helped him make more money. It also gave him respect as a real entertainer. Growing on Social Media Social media helped grow the Bubba Dub brand fast. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube played a big role. He posted clips, memes, and skits regularly. His fans shared his content widely. Soon, he reached millions of followers. More followers meant more income. He began to get sponsored content and brand deals. This made his net worth grow even faster. Bubba Dub Net Worth: The Real Numbers As of 2025, Bubba Dub’s Net Worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million. This number includes earnings from live shows, social media, and online ads. He also sells merchandise and earns from brand promotions. Here’s a breakdown of his income sources: Comedy Tours – Ticket sales bring regular income. YouTube Monetization – Ads and video views create passive earnings. Brand Sponsorships – Big companies pay him to promote products. Merchandise Sales – Shirts and caps with his slogans are very popular. TV Appearances – He has appeared on several talk shows and comedy specials. Each stream adds to his growing wealth. What Helped Increase Bubba Dub’s Net Worth? Bubba Dub did not rely on one income stream. He used multiple ways to earn money. Viral Content – Memes gave him fast fame. Live Shows – He turned online fans into ticket buyers. Merchandise – Fans love wearing his famous quotes. Social Media Growth – More views, more followers, more money. Hard Work – He creates new content often. All of this helped raise Bubba Dub’s Net Worth. Brand Collaborations As his fame grew, brands noticed him. They wanted to work with someone real, bold, and funny. He has promoted sports drinks, clothing brands, and even mobile apps. These deals helped him earn big checks. Some of these promotions also boosted his follower count. That brought in more fans and future deals. What Makes Bubba Dub Unique? Many people go viral, but not all stay famous. Bubba Dub did both. He kept creating new, fun, and fresh content. He didn’t copy others. He used his voice, style, and humor. He also stayed connected with fans. He replies to comments, goes live often, and keeps his vibe real. This helped him stay loved by the internet crowd. What’s Next for Bubba Dub? The future looks bright for Bubba Dub. He may start his comedy show. He might even act in movies or launch a podcast. He’s working on growing his YouTube channel more. He also hinted at dropping new merch soon. With his work ethic and fan support, Bubba Dub’s Net Worth is likely to increase. Final Thoughts Bubba Dub went from viral clips to making millions. He built a real brand with humor and honesty. He proved that memes can be powerful. His journey shows how social media can change lives. With smart steps and hard work, he turned laughs into dollars. Today, Bubba Dub’s Net Worth is proof that internet stars can make it big. FAQs 1. What is Bubba Dub famous for? Bubba Dub is known for funny sports-related videos and roast-style comedy. 2. How did Bubba Dub get started? He started by posting short videos online. His unique humor made him go viral. 3. What is the estimated Bubba Dub Net Worth? As of 2025, it is estimated between $1 million and $2 million. 4. Does Bubba Dub do stand-up comedy? Yes, he performs live comedy shows across the U.S. 5. Where can I follow Bubba Dub? He is active on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. Tech World TimesTech World Times (TWT), a global collective focusing on the latest tech news and trends in blockchain, Fintech, Development & Testing, AI and Startups. If you are looking for the guest post then contact at techworldtimes@gmail.com

May 19, 2025Ravie LakshmananRansomware / Malware Several ransomware actors are using a malware called Skitnet as part of their post-exploitation efforts to steal sensitive data and establish remote control over compromised hosts. "Skitnet has been sold on underground forums like RAMP since April 2024," Swiss cybersecurity company PRODAFT told The Hacker News. "However, since early 2025, we have observed multiple ransomware operators using it in real-world attacks." "For example, in April 2025, Black Basta leveraged Skitnet in Teams-themed phishing campaigns targeting enterprise environments. With its stealth features and flexible architecture, Skitnet appears to be gaining traction rapidly within the ransomware ecosystem." Skitnet, also called Bossnet, is a multi-stage malware developed by a threat actor tracked by the company under the name LARVA-306. A notable aspect of the malicious tool is that it uses programming languages like Rust and Nim to launch a reverse shell over DNS and evade detection. It also incorporates persistence mechanisms, remote access tools, commands for data exfiltration, and even download a .NET loader binary that can be used to serve additional payloads, making it a versatile threat. First advertised on April 19, 2024, Skitnet is offered to potential customers as a "compact package" comprising a server component and malware. The initial executable is a Rust binary that decrypts and runs an embedded payload that's compiled in Nim. "The primary function of this Nim binary is to establish a reverse shell connection with the C2 [command-and-control] server via DNS resolution," PRODAFT said. "To evade detection, it employs the GetProcAddress function to dynamically resolve API function addresses rather than using traditional import tables." The Nim-based binary further starts multiple threads to send DNS requests every 10 seconds, read DNS responses and extract commands to be executed on the host, and transmit the results of the execution of the command back to the server. The commands are issued via a C2 panel that's used to manage the infected hosts. Some of the supported PowerShell commands are listed below - Startup, which ensures persistence by creating shortcuts in the Startup directory of the victim's device Screen, which captures a screenshot of the victim's desktop Anydesk/Rutserv, which deploys a legitimate remote desktop software like AnyDesk or Remote Utilities ("rutserv.exe") Shell, to run PowerShell scripts hosted on a remote server and send the results back to the C2 server AV, which gathers a list of installed security products "Skitnet is a multi-stage malware that leverages multiple programming languages, and encryption techniques," PRODAFT said. "By using Rust for payload decryption and manual mapping, followed by a Nim-based reverse shell communicating over DNS, the malware tries to evade traditional security measures." The disclosure comes as Zscaler ThreatLabz detailed another malware loader dubbed TransferLoader that's being used to deliver a ransomware strain called Morpheus targeting an American law firm. Active since at least February 2025, TransferLoader incorporates three components, a downloader, a backdoor, and a specialized loader for the backdoor, enabling the threat actors to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system. While the downloader is designed to fetch and execute a payload from a C2 server and simultaneously run a PDF decoy file, the backdoor is responsible for running commands issued by the server, as well as updating its own configuration. "The backdoor utilizes the decentralized InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) peer-to-peer platform as a fallback channel for updating the command-and-control (C2) server," the cybersecurity company said. "The developers of TransferLoader use obfuscation methods to make the reverse engineering process more tedious." Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post. SHARE    

Control is still the GOAT when it comes to uncanny beauty in video games Unhomely alonely. Image credit: Remedy Entertainment Feature by Christian Donlan Contributing Editor Published on May 18, 2025 Stop me if you've heard this before. We say "uncanny", but in Germany it's "unheimlich". The unheimlich was a big deal for people like Freud, and it's hard not to love the term, just a little bit. Unheimlich means, well, it means uncanny - weird, eerie, unsettling. But more specifically, it translates as "unhomely." Unhomely. Now that is a word that carries a chill, a creep of the flesh, a word that registers an arachnid skittering in the corner of your vision. When something is familiar and unfamiliar all at once! You should feel like you're at home, but... Testify! Rotary telephones with no dials. Bodies suspended in the air with a kind of ballerina poise and elegance. Staff portraits, but they're, like, full-blown oil paintings, dark eyes and unknowable aspects. When it comes to the uncanny, there's one big budget game that really delivers on it for me. It's Control. It's a shooter, I guess, a third-person action game inspired by everything from The X-Files to House of Leaves to tropical Brutalism. There's a splinter of Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy and even Stranglehold in there too. But it's also pure, delicious, slow-dripping uncanniness. It's familiar and unfamiliar. It's... Well... Control is set within a building known as the Oldest House, and here, already, things are getting weird. Lots of games are perfectly house-sized. Edith Finch. Maniac Mansion. But a special few are set within houses that feel much bigger than the game they contain - much bigger than a single imagination could ever understand. Jet Set Willy. Impossible Mission. Control. The Oldest House contains Control, then, but it also feels like it contains so many other things, so many other implausible, improbable, impossible things. This week, for example, Remedy gave us a taste of FBC: Firebreak, a hectic multiplayer action game. Yes, it's set in the world of Control, but more specifically it's set within the Oldest House. Why not? There's plenty of room. Here's Aoife's take on Control from back in the day.Watch on YouTube In Control's fiction, the Oldest House is the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control. This is a government agency that deals with extremely bizarre stuff. But the Bureau's surfaces are beautiful and often quietly elegant. The face the Oldest House presents to the world is one of tastefully curated mid-century modernism. Wood looks like wood. Tile looks like tile. Concrete looks like concrete, and there's lots of it, along with indoor bays for tropical plants and wide staircases and bright overhead lighting that's perfect for giving ghostly shape to cigarette smoke. Players come to the Oldest House as Jesse, a woman searching for her kidnapped brother. That's a straightforward set up, and a game as unmoored as Control needs it, just as it needs the surprisingly strict confines of its third-person combat. Shoot stuff with a gun that can change form. Throw stuff around with your mind. Explore and clear out monsters as you dig for the truth. There's this unexpected core of extreme orderliness at the center of Control, in terms of what you do most of the time and why you've been told you're doing it. In retrospect, I guess the name of the game was a hint. This orderliness allows the designers to then bolt on all kinds of antic zaniness with no danger of the whole thing collapsing into fripperies, and it reminds me a little of the way that even the most extravagant skyscraper begins with the fixed core of its elevator shafts. (In Control, it's the central elevator that often sends you off on missions. It all works!) Control. | Image credit: Remedy Entertainment The plot is really just there to direct you back and forth through the Oldest House itself, though, and like all uncanny things, transformation is always in the air. Sometimes the Oldest House is doing the transforming. Sometimes you're more directly in charge. Both these approaches are brilliant. When it comes to the Oldest House's own tricks, it tends to start with subtlety. Places will take slightly too long to reach. The signage looks weird and announces unusual departments. The technology is of the wrong era - green-screen computers? Bakelite phones? Radio equipment that looked like it may have been of use during the space race? This is all just the prelude, the aura before the migraine. But soon the Old House is revealing itself in full. Rooms telescope or twist, like the architect behind the place was willing to bust out a Spirograph. Smooth surfaces give way to jumbled blocks. In one area, chill infects the corridors and the glass freezes over, and are those tree trunks in the distance? In another, a furnace radiates the full heat of the sun. This is where that splinter of internal order really helps. It helps to orient. Because you know what you're doing and why you're doing it, the building can transform around you in quite wild ways without becoming frustrating. But the Oldest House also has a lovely sense of pace. It will go wild for a few moments and completely transform itself, but then it turns quiet again. Safe? Ah, but now you're left questioning the simplest things - the background hum, the volume of a room. Did I walk this way before? Was this hallway pointed in the same direction? Control. | Image credit: Remedy Entertainment Further on things get really, really weird, but in a way the Oldest House is at its best before it drops too far into sci-fi. It's at its best when it's got something tricksy, something of the funfair to it. There's an incredible sequence towards the end of the adventure when the Oldest House flings everything at you and you're racing through an environment that warps and twists and strobes, an environment that truly contains multitudes. This is fantastic, and feels like the middle-eight in a song, changing things up and leaving them elevated. But it's not the moment people mention the most in my experience when they talk about Control. That moment is an office that is simply overrun with Post-its. Post-its belong in offices, of course, but here they cover absolutely everything. Familiar and unfamiliar. And kind of funny, too. And here's a thing I really admire about Control. It's willing to be very funny, but not in the way that games about hellish offices normally try to be funny. It doesn't take the top-down approach, so often lifted wholesale from Portal's precision wit and cruelty, in which humans are sane lab-rats in an insane hierarchy of faux camaraderie and corporate double-speak, a world in which there are a million euphemisms for dying at work and there's a slice of cake promised if you can survive. Control. | Image credit: Remedy Entertainment No. Control is funny because it looks at the way all offices affect the people who work within them - how the creeping of weird rules and weird ways of being is slow and measured and often hard to spot. The comedy here comes from how that quietly insane hierarchy in turn warps ordinary people. The fact that it relies on the supernatural, in a way, only makes it more relatable. It's the comedy - and horror - of a room in which someone's really busted out the Post-its. It's the comedy of lamping someone with a photocopier. Here's a trailer for FBC: Firebreak. Are you ready to go back in?Watch on YouTube And with that image, we've the other kind of transformation in Control. It's the transformation brought about by the player, as they encounter the Oldest House's many enemies and use gunfire and numerous supernatural abilities to fight back. The gun you're given is pretty great, but Control's really about telekinesis - about picking stuff up with your brain, watching it sway woozily in the air, and then lobbing it somewhere in order to really hurt something. It's the transformation of impact, of violence and splatter. All that concrete is so eager to come apart in gritty chunks. All those office supplies are ready for a second life as a projectile or cudgel. You can take the Oldest House apart just as quickly as it tries to build itself into something monstrous. When I first played Control I would often end action sequences realising I was just firing wildly into the walls. They seemed, I guess, like a viable target. And while Control's mid-century vibes are very pleasant to engage with, it's the violence - this is a very weird thing to say - that's truly beautiful. When I first played the game, I remember chucking stuff at a filing cabinet for hours, just to enjoy the rippling of its drawers caused by the impact. In the moment of connection, it was briefly alive. And after a particularly fraught battle I remember staring at a crater on the wall, made by the impact of some kind of white foam or powder - maybe the aftermath of a fire extinguisher? This crater, this moon landing on a wall, struck me as being one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen in a game. Not least because I suspect if I'd played that encounter slightly differently, I would not have seen it. There's so much more to Control than this, but the uncanny takes strange shapes when it lives in the mind, and this is the shape Control has taken for me. It's not the shape of the Oldest House, because who ever could map such a thing? But it's a shape that clearly fits inside the Oldest House. Deep inside, where it works its strange, dark, endlessly charming magic.

A cat with seasonal allergies tries to scratch his ear.getty Minnesota resident Mary Tan travels frequently with her outgoing “adventure cat,” Franklin, a rescued orange tabby. But a couple of years ago when she was traveling solo and her sister was pet sitting for her, she received a phone call that changed daily life. “My sister called me and said, ‘I think Franklin has ear mites.’ And I’m like, ‘What? There's no way,'” she said. “I was freaking out.” As soon as Tan got home, she rushed her cat to the veterinarian, who determined Franklin didn’t have ear mites: he had severe allergies. The “black crud” in the cat’s ears turned out to be bacteria and yeast. Tan, a longtime animal foster, adopter and founder of Whisker Media, learned through testing that Franklin is allergic to just about everything outdoors — particularly pollen and grass. Though he’s an indoor cat, he does take leashed walks in the neighborhood with Tan and travels to tradeshows as a brand ambassador and to a nursing home to offer comfort to residents. After about six months of trial-and-error treatments with different medications and dosages, Franklin’s veterinarian referred him to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. He’s much better, but he doesn’t take leashed walks in the springtime when pollen levels are high, and his condition will need to be carefully managed for the rest of his life.Franklin Delano Tan, who is named after Franklin Delano Roosevelt “because you have to negotiate ... More with him,” suffers from severe seasonal allergies that affect his skin and ears, according to Mary Tan.Mary Tan Tan is committed to doing whatever it takes to help her cat with his severe seasonal allergies because it was “distressing” to see him so uncomfortable and itchy, often scratching his ears until they turned red. “I had to do something. My pets are my children,” she said. “I’ve never encountered anything like this.” A Veterinarian’s Perspective On Seasonal Allergies In Cats Cats can have mild to severe symptoms from season allergies — just like humans, according to Gary Richter, DVM, owner of Holistic Veterinary Care and Rehabilitation Center in Oakland, California and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide. “With cats, it's either skin or it can also be respiratory,” he said. “Just like with people, cats can be very sensitive in their respiratory tracts. So coughing, wheezing, even asthma, things of that nature.” Cats can react to the common allergens that affect humans, such as pollen, mold and dust, he noted. When allergies affect feline skin, symptoms include scratching at their face and ears, scabs on their skin and fur loss. “Cats being cats, they do a lot of grooming,” he said. “So sometimes what will happen is cats will start overgrooming and licking off fur. It can manifest in any number of ways."Cats fastidiously groom themselves, but they can overdo it when they are itchy from seasonal ... More allergies.getty Prevention Tips For Seasonal Allergies Dr. Richter’s top tip for helping cats with seasonal allergies — and to boost their overall health and longevity — is to keep them indoors. “Statistically speaking, cats live dramatically longer if they’re indoors than if they’re going outside,” he said. “It’s safer for the cat, it’s safer for the environment because cats are sort of relentless predators, so they’re always hunting things like birds and other small animals. It’s not impossible for a cat to have seasonal allergies indoors, but clearly their exposure is going to be dramatically lower if they’re not outside in the grass.” Indoor cats can also benefit from homes that run the air conditioner instead of opening windows. Dr. Richter recommends regularly changing or cleaning the filters in the air conditioner and possibly investing in a HEPA air purifier to help decrease exposure to dust and pollen. Additionally, he feels good nutrition can bolster a cat’s immune system. His preference is to feed pets whole foods, though he noted people concerned about bird flu in cats should avoid feeing them raw poultry. Treatment Options For Cats With Seasonal AllergiesKittens and cats can develop seasonal allergies to common allergens like grass and pollen.getty Treatment options run for cats with seasonal allergies run the gamut depending on the severity of symptoms, according to Dr. Richter. On the mild end of the spectrum, he suggests trying fish oil supplements and natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, such as quercetin and astaxanthin and herbal extracts like nettle extract. (Dr. Richter formulated a combination product called Feline Renew with omega fats and antioxidants.) Zimox, an over-the-counter enzymatic product, can help with some skin and ear infections without the potential side effects of pharmaceutical antibiotics and antifungals, he noted. “My preference as an integrative and holistic doctor is always to try and avoid the really strong immunomodulating immunosuppressive pharmaceuticals if we can get away with it,” he said. But if natural approaches don’t work, he “absolutely” recommends calling your veterinarian. Treatment for more serious allergies includes oral and injectable medications and medicated shampoos. Seeking Help For Seasonal Allergies Based on personal experience, Rachel Geller, Ed.D., founder of the nonprofit All Cats All the Time, recommends calling your veterinarian as soon as you notice any unusual symptoms in cats. Several years ago, she was concerned when her rescue cat, Sosil (a Yiddish word for “sweet"), appeared to have scabs on her face. She initially assumed the Maine Coon mix had tussled with one of her other cats. But when Sosil didn’t seem to be getting better, veterinary testing revealed she didn’t have a skin infection or cancer, but allergies.Sosil experiences severe seasonal allergies marked by itchy skin and lesions. “It’ll be raw, it’ll ... More be a little bloody, the fur will be gone,” says Dr. Rachel Geller. “You can see her skin, but the skin will be red and raw.”Dr. Rachel Geller Prescription food for cats with sensitive skin and stomachs kept symptoms at bay for a couple of years, but one dry winter, “these allergies reared their ugly head again,” according to Dr. Geller. “She will get these skin allergies and it can range from some raw lesions on her face to really bad lesions around her mouth and nose and even on her gums,” she said. “It can very easily become infected, which has happened before. Then it spreads.” During allergy flares, Sosil rubs her face on table corners to try to scratch the itchiness. So now at the first sign of any redness or rawness, Dr. Geller takes her cat straight to the animal hospital for a shot of steroids and the antibiotic injection Convenia. Sosil suffered abuse in her former home and mistrusted people when Dr. Geller adopted her six years ago, but she’s transformed into “the sweetest, wonderful cat" who is now part of the family. So Dr. Geller does whatever she can to help the 12-year-old cat — just as she would for any beloved family member. “She’s worth every penny,” she said. “I would do anything for this little baby to keep her healthy and happy. That’s what we sign up for.”