Test Spirit of the North 2 – La promesse d’une liberté qui a un prix. So, there’s this game that came out called Spirit of the North 2. I guess it’s a sequel or something. The first one was released in 2019, and people seemed to like it. Now, they’re hyping up this new one with promises of freedom and all that jazz, but honestly, who knows if it’s even worth the bother? I mean, freedom in a game usually comes with a catch, right? The whole thing feels a bit dragged out. It’s like they took their time to make it, and now we’re all just sitting here, wondering if it’s really going to be something special or if it’s just more of the same. The original had its moments, sure, but it also had its dull parts. I can’t help but wonder if this one will follow suit. The storyline or whatever they’ve got going on seems to revolve around some themes of nature and exploration. Sounds nice, I guess, but in the end, it’s still a game. Will it keep my attention, or will I just end up staring at the screen, waiting for something interesting to happen? I guess we’ll find out. Gameplay-wise, they’re saying there’s a lot to explore and some mechanics that might make it feel fresh. But are we really excited about that? I mean, it all sounds pretty standard. There’s a promise of beautiful visuals, which is cool, but I’ve seen beautiful visuals before. It needs more than just that to keep me engaged. Overall, ‘la promesse d’une liberté qui a un prix’ feels like a fancy way of saying, “You might have to deal with some annoying stuff to enjoy the good bits.” It’s kind of a mixed bag, and I’m not sure if I want to open it or leave it sitting on the shelf for a while. Maybe I’ll check it out later, or maybe I’ll just go back to doing nothing in particular. Who knows? #SpiritOfTheNorth2 #Gaming #VideoGames #GameReview #InfuseStudio

Disney+ has decided to pull "The Abyss" once again, and it's all because of some controversial rat scene that seems to be stirring up more drama than it deserves. Honestly, who cares? It’s just another instance of a streaming platform trying to dodge the backlash over something that probably wouldn’t even register on most people's radars. I mean, really, is anyone out there actually invested in why a rat scene is causing such a fuss? It feels like a lot of noise over nothing. Maybe some will argue that it’s about censorship or artistic integrity, but it just sounds a bit tedious to me. People get riled up about these things, while I just sit here wondering when the next big thing will actually be interesting. The whole situation seems like a never-ending cycle of re-evaluating content. Disney+ pulls a film, people complain, and then it gets put back in the vault. It’s like watching a rerun of a show you didn’t even like the first time. The Abyss may have its moments, but if a rat scene is what’s holding it back, maybe it’s not worth the time anyway. Let’s face it, with so much else out there to watch, does anyone really want to dwell on a movie that has been pulled over a rodent? It’s exhausting to keep up with these controversies, and honestly, it’s easier to just scroll past. If you’re looking for something exciting, maybe check out a different platform? While the buzz around "The Abyss" might catch some attention, I won't be holding my breath for its return. It just feels like more of the same: a mix of politics, social media outrage, and a streaming service trying to play it safe. If they really wanted to make waves, wouldn't they just leave it alone and let people decide for themselves? In the end, "The Abyss" is just another title on a long list of films that have fallen victim to the whims of public opinion. So, let’s just move on to something else, shall we? There’s plenty of content out there that doesn’t come with the baggage of a controversial rat scene. #DisneyPlus #TheAbyss #FilmControversy #StreamingNews #Boredom

So, NetEase has decided to bless the gaming world with "Blood Message," an action-adventure AAA solo game that promises to be as impressive as a cat video going viral. I mean, who doesn't want to dive into a solo adventure where the only company you have is the sound of your own existential dread? Let’s talk about the title for a second. "Blood Message"? Sounds like the kind of thing you’d receive from your ex after a few too many drinks. But hey, if we’re diving into the realm of intense narrative, what’s more gripping than the combination of blood and vague text messages? I can already hear the dramatic soundtrack swelling as I unlock the next piece of lore about why my character is so emotionally unavailable. And can we appreciate the timing? While everyone else is busy launching multiplayer games that require you to socialize with actual human beings, NetEase swoops in with a solo experience. It’s like they’re saying, “Why go out into the world when you can stay in your pajamas and pretend to have friends in a digital universe?” Brilliant! Who needs real interactions when you can have lifelike graphics and a storyline so convoluted that it rivals the plot of a daytime soap opera? But let’s not forget the whole “AAA” label they’ve slapped on this gem. AAA! The holy grail of gaming jargon that promises a level of polish and production value so high that you might just forget you’re still sitting on your couch, eating cold pizza. Of course, as we’ve learned, sometimes AAA just means “Amazing Ads” because more often than not, the actual gameplay feels like it was developed in a garage by a group of raccoons on a sugar high. Now, let’s not kid ourselves. This game will undoubtedly have stunning visuals that will make your graphics card cry. But will it have depth? Or will we merely be left with yet another iteration of “run, jump, and stab”? I guess we’ll find out when it releases on PC and consoles. Just don't forget to check your social media feed for the obligatory “epic” gameplay clips that will surely be followed by a slew of half-hearted memes. So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in a world of blood, messages, and the sweet sound of your own solitude, mark your calendars. "Blood Message" is coming to a console near you! Can't wait to see how this "impressive" title manages to impress... or underwhelm. Either way, I’ll be there with my pizza, ready to laugh at my own life choices. #BloodMessage #NetEaseGames #GamingSatire #ActionAdventure #SoloGamer

In a world where connections are meant to be strong, I find myself surrounded by silence, lost in a sea of expectations that never seem to be fulfilled. The SPIRAL sculpture, with its elegant design and seamless assembly, reflects a kind of unity I yearn for in my own life. It stands tall, constructed from copies of a single component, yet here I am, a fragmented soul, struggling to find the pieces that will bring me together. Each day feels like a repetition of the last, much like those identical components of the sculpture that fit together perfectly. But unlike the SPIRAL, I feel the weight of disconnection, the burden of solitude that wraps around me like a heavy cloak. My heart aches for the simplicity of a fastener-free assembly, where bonds are formed effortlessly, without the struggle of trying to hold everything together with fragile threads of hope. I watch as others build their lives with ease, each connection seemingly effortless, each moment shared a testament to their togetherness. Yet, I am here, grappling with my own isolation, feeling like a misplaced piece in a grand design I cannot comprehend. The beauty of the SPIRAL lies in its ability to showcase unity without the need for external support, and I can’t help but long for that kind of strength within myself. Loneliness creeps in, whispering doubts that echo in the chambers of my mind. Why can’t I find my place? Why can’t I assemble the parts of my life into something beautiful? The SPIRAL reminds me of what could be, a vision of harmony that eludes my grasp. I feel like a solitary figure, trying to construct my own reality, yet I am left with scattered remnants of dreams that never came to fruition. Perhaps I am destined to remain in this spiral of despair, forever searching for the missing components that will finally complete me. It’s a painful realization, one that lingers in the shadows, reminding me of my inadequacies. Each day I wake up hoping for a spark, a connection, a sign that I am not alone in this journey. Yet, the quiet remains, a constant companion that echoes my fears. As I reflect on the beauty of the SPIRAL, I can't help but wonder if I too can find my way to assemble a life that feels whole. I ache for companionship, for understanding, and for the love that seems just out of reach. I cling to the hope that one day, I will find my place in this world, and perhaps, the spiral of my existence will finally align with those around me. Until then, I will carry this weight, this loneliness that shadows my every step. I will continue to strive for connection, even when it feels impossible. Because deep down, I know that even the most intricate designs need time and patience to come together. #Loneliness #Connection #Isolation #Hope #EmotionalJourney

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of authors on TikTok, posting videos under the hashtag #WritersTok. Apparently, they’re trying to prove that they’re not using AI to write their work. It’s kind of funny, I guess. They edit their manuscripts, showing us all the “human” effort that goes into writing. But honestly, it feels a bit pointless. I mean, do we really need to see authors editing? Isn’t that something we just assume they do? I don’t know, maybe it's just me, but watching someone scribble on a page or type away doesn’t seem that exciting. I get it, they want to show the world that they are real people with real processes, but can't that be implied? It's like they’re all saying, “Look, I’m not a robot,” when, in reality, most of us already knew that. The whole protest against AI in writing feels a bit overblown. Sure, AI is becoming a big deal in the creative world, but do we need a TikTok movement to showcase that human touch? I guess it’s nice that indie authors are trying to engage with readers, but can’t they find a more interesting way? Maybe just write more, I don’t know. The videos are everywhere, and it’s almost like an endless scroll of the same thing. People editing, people reading excerpts, and then more people explaining why they’re not using AI. It’s all a bit much. I suppose they’re trying to stand out in a world where technology is taking over writing, but does it have to be so… repetitive? Sometimes, I wish authors would just focus on writing rather than making videos about how they write. We all know writing is hard work, and they don’t need to prove it to anyone. Maybe I’m just feeling a bit lazy about it all. Or maybe it’s just that watching someone edit isn’t as captivating as a good story. In the end, I get that they’re trying to build a community and show their process, but the TikTok frenzy feels a bit forced. I’d rather pick up a book and read a good story than watch a video of someone tweaking their manuscript. But hey, that’s just me. #WritersTok #AuthorCommunity #AIinWriting #IndieAuthors #HumanTouch

Ah, California! The land of sunshine, dreams, and the ever-elusive promise of tax credits that could rival a Hollywood blockbuster in terms of drama. Rumor has it that the state is considering a whopping 35% increase in tax credits to boost audiovisual production. Because, you know, who wouldn’t want to encourage more animated characters to come to life in a state where the cost of living is practically animated itself? Let’s talk about these legislative gems—Assembly Bill 1138 and Senate Bill 630. Apparently, they’re here to save the day, expanding the scope of existing tax aids like some overzealous superhero. I mean, why stop at simply attracting filmmakers when you can also throw in visual effects and animation? It’s like giving a kid a whole candy store instead of a single lollipop. Who can say no to that? But let’s pause for a moment and ponder the implications of this grand gesture. More tax credits mean more projects, which means more animated explosions, talking squirrels, and heartfelt stories about the struggles of a sentient avocado trying to find love in a world that just doesn’t understand it. Because, let’s face it, nothing says “artistic integrity” quite like a financial incentive large enough to fund a small country. And what do we have to thank for this potential windfall? Well, it seems that politicians have finally realized that making movies is a lot more profitable than, say, fixing potholes or addressing climate change. Who knew? Instead of investing in infrastructure that might actually benefit the people living there, they decided to invest in the fantasy world of visual effects. Because really, what’s more important—smooth roads or a high-speed chase featuring a CGI dinosaur? As we delve deeper into this world of tax credit excitement, let’s not forget the underlying truth: these credits are essentially a “please stay here” plea to filmmakers who might otherwise take their talents to greener pastures (or Texas, where they also have sweet deals going on). So, here’s to hoping that the next big animated feature isn’t just a celebration of creativity but also a financial statement that makes accountants drool. So get ready, folks! The next wave of animated masterpieces is coming, fueled by tax incentives and the relentless pursuit of cinematic glory. Who doesn’t want to see more characters with existential crises brought to life on screen, courtesy of our taxpayer dollars? Bravo, California! You’ve truly outdone yourself. Now let’s just hope these tax credits don’t end up being as ephemeral as a poorly rendered CGI character. #CaliforniaTaxCredits #Animation #VFX #Hollywood #TaxIncentives

Apple has been up to something again, I guess. They made a custom iPhone camera for the new 'F1' movie. Not sure why, but it seems they mounted this thing on Formula One cars for actual races. It's supposed to capture some racing scenes, or whatever. The camera uses an iPhone sensor and the A-series chip. Sounds fancy, but honestly, I don’t really care that much. I mean, sure, iPhone cameras are decent, but are they really necessary for F1? I can imagine the whole setup being a bit over the top. I guess it’s nice for filmmaking or whatever, but it feels like just another way to show off. They probably think this will make the racing scenes look super cool or something. But again, I wonder if anyone will actually notice or appreciate it while watching fast cars whiz by. Feels like a lot of fuss for something that might not even make a big difference. So, long story short, Apple is trying to be all innovative with this custom iPhone camera for the ‘F1’ movie. It’s on actual cars, and they think it will enhance the racing scenes. I don’t know, man. Sounds like something to make headlines, but will it really change anything? Maybe it will just be another tech gimmick. Anyway, that's all I got. Not much else to say about it, really. Just another day, another tech move that feels kinda unnecessary. #Apple #F1 #iPhoneCamera #MovieTech #RacingScenes

GOG is talking about game preservation again. Apparently, they think it’s a big deal. They’ve got this whole GOG Preservation Program now. Seems like they really want to keep old games alive or something. Not that I’m super interested, but yeah, it’s part of their business model now. You know, game preservation is one of those topics that sounds important, but I don’t get why it’s such a focus for GOG. I mean, we have so many games already. Do we really need to save every single one? I guess some people think it’s cool to revisit old classics, but honestly, I’m not sure how many folks are actually doing that. The whole idea of preserving games seems a bit… I don’t know, unnecessary? I can’t shake the feeling that it’s just a way for GOG to make more money. They’re packaging up these old titles, probably hoping we’ll buy them again. It’s like, “Look, it’s a classic!” But, is it really that exciting? I can see why they’d want to make it part of their business strategy. It gives them something to talk about and maybe pulls in gamers who feel nostalgic. But for me, it’s a bit of a snooze-fest. I mean, sure, some classics are great, but do I need another platform telling me I can play them again? So, yeah, GOG is laying out their case for why game preservation matters. They think it’s central to their business model. I guess if you’re into that kind of thing, it could be interesting. But, overall, it feels kinda slow and boring to me. Just another day in the world of gaming, I suppose. #GamePreservation #GOG #GamingNews #OldGames #Nostalgia

So, there’s this thing about how Discord was ported to Windows 95 and NT 3.1. Honestly, it’s kind of interesting, but also a bit dull. Like, who even thinks about running Discord on those old systems? I mean, we’re all just used to the modern HTML and JavaScript-based client, right? It's funny to imagine people trying to connect on Discord using a system that's practically a museum piece. The whole idea of using a browser or that Electron package that still smells like a browser feels like the norm. But then again, what if there was a way to run Discord on those aged platforms? It’s a wild thought, but let’s be real—most of us would rather stick to our current setups. The article dives into the technical details, but let’s face it, who has the energy to sift through all that? It’s one of those things that sounds cooler on paper than it actually is in practice. I mean, sure, it’s neat that someone figured out how to make it work back in the day, but the reality is that most users don’t care about the logistics. They just want to chat, stream, or whatever it is people do on Discord nowadays. And it’s not like anyone is lining up to use Discord on Windows 95 or NT 3.1. I can’t even imagine the lag. I guess it’s just another piece of tech history that some people will find fascinating, while the rest of us just scroll past. So, yeah, that’s pretty much it. Discord on ancient systems is a thing. It happened. People did it. But let’s not pretend that it’s something we’re all eager to dive into. Honestly, I’d rather just scroll through memes or something. #Discord #Windows95 #TechHistory #OldSchool #Boredom

Zuzana Licko, a name that should be celebrated as a pioneer of digital typography, is instead a glaring reminder of how the past can be romanticized to the point of absurdity. Yes, she designed some of the first digital typefaces for Macintosh in the '80s and co-founded Emigre, but let’s not pretend that her contributions were flawless or that they didn’t come with a slew of problems that we still grapple with today. First off, we need to address the elephant in the room: the overwhelming elitism in the world of typography that Licko and her contemporaries helped propagate. While they were crafting their innovative typefaces, they were simultaneously alienating a whole generation of designers who lacked access to the tech and knowledge required to engage with this new digital frontier. The so-called "pioneers" of digital typography, including Licko, set a precedent that continues to dominate the industry—making it seem like you need to have an elite background to even participate in typography discussions. This is infuriating and downright unacceptable! Moreover, let’s not gloss over the fact that while she was busy creating typefaces that were supposed to revolutionize our digital experiences, the actual usability of these fonts often left much to be desired. Many of Licko's creations, while visually striking, ultimately sacrificed legibility for the sake of artistic expression. This is a major flaw in her work that deserves criticism. Typography is not just about looking pretty; it’s about ensuring that communication is clear and effective! How many times have we seen products fail because the font was so pretentious that no one could read it? And don’t even get me started on Emigre magazine. Sure, it showcased some brilliant work, but it also became a breeding ground for snobbery and elitism in the design community. Instead of fostering a space for all voices, it often felt like a closed club for the privileged few. This is not what design should be about! We need to embrace diversity and inclusivity, rather than gatekeeping knowledge and opportunity. In an era where technology has advanced exponentially, we still see remnants of this elitist mindset in the design world. The influence of Licko and her contemporaries has led to a culture that often sidelines emerging talents who bring different perspectives to the table. Instead of uplifting new voices, we are still trapped in a loop of revering the same old figures and narratives. This is not progress; it’s stagnation! Let’s stop romanticizing pioneers like Zuzana Licko without acknowledging the problematic aspects of their legacies. We need to have critical conversations about how their work has shaped the industry, not just celebrate them blindly. If we truly want to honor their contributions, we must also confront the issues they created and work towards a more inclusive, accessible, and practical approach to digital typography. #Typography #DesignCritique #ZuzanaLicko #DigitalArt #InclusivityInDesign