Microsoft Gaming will lay off approximately 650 employees, or 3% of the Xbox owner's global workforce.

Microsoft Gaming to Lay Off 3% of Global Workforce, About 650 Employees, in Additional Post-Activision Blizzard Cuts

The company has made seven major executive hires since the turn of the year.

Skybound taps former Activision Blizzard exec to lead marketing efforts

Skybound Entertainment has tapped Activision Blizzard vet Kaleb Ruel as vice president of marketing for its in-house video game studio.

Skybound Games Adds Activision Blizzard Vet Kaleb Ruel to Lead Marketing

&quot;While we are disappointed, we believe there is a strong basis for appeal.&quot;

Activision to Pay $23.4M Due to Loss in Patent Infringement Suit

It was first sued by tech incubator Acceleration Bay in 2015.

Activision Blizzard set to cough up $23.4M after losing a 9-year-long patent infringement battle, but claims 'We have never used the patented technologies at issue in our games' | PC Gamer

Activision plans appeal, says it uses different network tech in its games.

Court rules against Activision Blizzard in $23.4M patent dispute | Ars Technica

For Xbox’s hugely expanded gaming division, anything that isn’t Call of Duty is now a failure, and that’s a problem…

How can any Xbox studio trust Microsoft now? | VGC

A jury in federal court rules that Activision Blizzard infringed on patents for multiplayer features in Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.

Activision Blizzard Owes $23 Million Over Multiplayer Patent Infringements For Call Of Duty, WoW - GameSpot

A jury has ruled that Activision Blizzard will pay tech incubator Acceleration Bay $23.4 million for patent infringemen…

Activision to pay $23.4m for patent infringement | GamesIndustry.biz

Activision Blizzard

activisionblizzard

After almost twenty months, the Internet Giant Microsoft has completed its deal to acquire Activision Blizzard for 69 billion dollars. The deal took this long because of the restrictions from the authorities of the Western countries, mainly the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The parliament and lawmakers of these countries were arguing that Microsoft would end the competition in the gaming industries after acquiring one of the most popular game studios, Activision Blizzard. Activision Blizzard is a holding company that owns Activision -the publisher of Call of Duty, - Blizzard Entertainment, and King - the publisher of Candy Crush. The company is based in Santa Monica, United States, and was valued at around 72 billion dollars in 2021. gaming Microsoft completed the deal today, on 13th October 2023, and now owns the rights to titles like Diablo, Call of Duty, Candy Crush Saga, Warcraft, and Spyro the Dragon. The United States and the European Union authorities had already given their approval for the deal long back. The only hurdle was the Competition and Market Authority of the United Kingdom. The Competition and Market Authority argued that Microsoft will make popular Activision titles like Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox, which will affect the market of Sony’s PlayStation. After Microsoft assured the UK regulators that it is not going to make any of the games exclusive to Xbox anytime soon, the Competition And Market Authority gave the clean cheat to the deal on Friday. “ We now have all regulatory approvals necessary to close, and we look forward to bringing joy and connection to even more players around the world,” Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said in a statement to employees. “ ” We delivered a clear message to Microsoft that the deal would be blocked unless they comprehensively addressed our concerns and stuck to our guns on that,” CMA chief Sarah Cardell said. “With the sale of Activision’s cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft, we’ve made sure Microsoft can’t have a stranglehold over this important and rapidly developing market. The gaming industry is valued at around 250 billion US dollars and is expected to reach around 600 billion US dollars by 2023. Microsoft already holds a big share of this market, and along with other big players, the market for small and new game developers is less than 10 percent, which is going to reduce. Activision also made a deal with Ubisoft to sell its cloud gaming rights. Mergers and acquisitions are good, but they usually kill innovations, and there is no chance for new companies. Let us explain it with an example. Take a few companies: A, B, C, and D. All companies make games according to their definite style and suited for their targeted audience. Now, company A acquires company B and company C. Company A will adopt the styles of making games of the other two companies, but it will mostly make games according to its style as the higher ranking employees would usually be from company A. Also, the previous market share was divided equally among the four companies, which is 25% each. Now, company A controls 75% of the market share, so it has a monopoly. Company A can set the prizes of the titles according to its wishes, and the people who play those titles have nothing else to do but buy them. In conclusion, mergers are not a bad thing, but monopoly is. The authorities need to intervene in deals like these as companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft already control almost everything we do on the internet. Also published here

Microsoft Completes $69 Billion Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Amid Regulatory Hurdles

Microsoft, one of the biggest tech giants, announced in January last year that it would acquire Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. Activision Blizzard is the holding company that owns one of the most popular game publishers, Activision, which is the creator of top games like Call of Duty, Candy Crush, World of Warcraft, Diablo, StarCraft and Overwatch. The acquisition - if succeeded, will be the biggest takeover of one company by another in gaming history - is opposed by many governments as they believe that the purchase of Activision will give Microsoft too much power over the gaming industry. The American, UK and Canadian governments have expressed concerns over this deal. Activision is known for making one of the best games played by millions of people, and the company earns billions through in-game purchases. If Microsoft purchases Activision, it can make the future Activision games exclusive to Xbox, which can significantly hurt the market of its competitor Sony. Citing these issues, the UK’s Competition and Market Authority (CMA) has . CMA said it was concerned that the acquisition would offer reduced innovation and fewer choices for gamers in the fast-growing cloud gaming business. blocked the deal in the UK Microsoft and Activision hit out at the decision and said they would appeal. “The CMA’s report contradicts the ambitions of the UK to become an attractive country to build technology businesses,” a spokesperson for Activision said. CMA replied, “We will work aggressively with Microsoft to reverse this on appeal.” Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of Microsoft, said, “The CMA’s decision rejects a pragmatic path to address competition concerns and discourages technology innovation and investment in the United Kingdom.” The company was still committed to the acquisition, he added. Microsoft needs approval from regulatory bodies in the United States, European Union and UK to complete the deal. CMA is the first to block the deal, and its decision can impact the decision of other regulatory bodies in the US and European Union. The UK body said it was not concerned that the deal would distort competition in the console gaming market. The UK is concerned for its people as the country is going through economic instability. It fears that Microsoft could raise the prices of popular titles. Activision Blizzard is based in the US, but it has subsidiaries in Europe and the UK, so Microsoft needs the approval of the regulatory body of the United States along with the bodies in Europe and the UK to complete the acquisition. Microsoft needs the deal to be approved by the regulatory bodies of either the UK or European Union to make its case in the US, where both companies are headquartered. Microsoft has been investing heavily in cloud gaming - seeing its potential in the future - recently. Microsoft sells the subscription service Game Pass which allows players to play the games hosted on servers elsewhere. The players do not need to buy the game as they can stream any game with a monthly subscription, just like Netflix. Microsoft needs a vast catalogue of games for its subscribers. Unfortunately, it does not make high-quality popular games like its rival Sony which is the creator of popular titles like God of War, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima and many more. So, Microsoft needs a game studio that can make these high-quality titles, and one of the best in the market is Activision which Microsoft had been planning to acquire for a long time. Microsoft’s rival Sony is expressing concerns that in the future, Microsoft will not allow the popular Activision games on Sony’s PlayStation. also owns Mojang, the creator of , GitHub, Nuance, Skype and LinkedIn. Microsoft Minecraft Also published here

Microsoft's  Activision Blizzard Acquisition Just Got Blocked by The UK

It has been over a year since Microsoft announced a some-what unexpected decision to buy Activision Blizzard Inc. — the maker of World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, and Diablo — for a whopping $68.7 billion in cash. This would be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, acquisitions in the video gaming industry. And yet, the Windows maker is no closer to actually buying the company because of regulatory hurdles and resistance from gamers and other video game makers, specifically Sony. Until this past week. Microsoft finally got a break on two fronts in its quest to purchase Activision Blizzard Inc., one in the U.S. and another in the UK, which may give it some hope in being able to complete the acquisition. The company was facing a consumer antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. by gamers concerned that the acquisition would lead to "higher prices, less innovation, less creativity, less consumer choice, decreased output, and other potential anticompetitive effects." Unfortunately for them, the judge overseeing the case ruled that said gamers did not provide enough evidence of how that might happen, throwing the lawsuit out. Ouch! However, the biggest win may have come from the UK, where the country's competition authority took a U-turn on whether the purchase would hurt competition. Having initially suggested that the transaction could result in higher prices, fewer choices and less innovation — particularly in the console market — the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) now believes none of that is possible since doing so would only hurt Microsoft. "We have now provisionally concluded that the merger will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in console gaming services because the cost to Microsoft of withholding Call of Duty from PlayStation would outweigh any gains from taking such action," Martin Coleman, who is reviewing the acquisition on behalf of the U.K.'s competition authority, said in a statement. He was referring to concerns that Microsoft would make the Call of Duty games exclusive to its console (the Xbox) following the acquisition and bar Sony's PlayStation from having access to them in the future. Coleman's comment makes sense! Call of Duty is the best-selling first-person shooter video game in the world, and limiting past, current, and future titles from appearing on Sony's PlayStation — which, to be clear, captures 70% of the global console market —  would only hurt Microsoft. For now, investors are happy with what they have, with Activision Blizzard Inc.'s stock price shooting up on Friday: Microsoft is still not out of the weeds, though, since the CMA may change its position again ahead of a final decision expected on April 26. Of concern is also Microsoft's dominance in the "cloud gaming market," i.e. the Xbox Game Pass, which gives gamers access to high-quality games in exchange for a nominal fee every month. "Our provisional view that this deal raises concerns in the cloud gaming market is not affected by today’s announcement. Our investigation remains on course for completion by the end of April," Coleman said. The CMA still believes the deal could harm competition there, perhaps because Microsoft could refuse to allow Call of Duty to appear on Sony's Game Pass competitor PS Plus. Microsoft has, of course, denied such claims and instead suggested entering a deal with Sony that would guarantee that Call of Duty games would appear on its competitor's platforms for a 10-year period — sufficient time for Sony to develop its own shooter, should they deem it necessary to do so. Elsewhere, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is still seeking to block the merger over concerns that the Xbox maker would "would gain control of top video game franchises, enabling it to harm competition in high-performance gaming consoles and subscription services by denying or degrading rivals’ access to its popular content." Microsoft continues steaming ahead. The company ranked #71 on HackerNoon's Tech Company Rankings this week. 👋 You’re reading HackerNoon's Tech Company News Brief, a weekly collection of tech goodness that combines HackerNoon's proprietary data with internet trends to determine which companies are rising and falling in the public consciousness. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter in your inbox every Tuesday! In Other News.. 📰 Elon Musk thinks Twitter, which ranked #17 this week, is worth less than half of what he paid for the social media company.
Microsoft does not want its competitors to use its internet-search data to train their own AI products.
Apple CEO Tim Cook is visiting China, and can't stop saying nice things about the country 🥲. Apple ranked #7 this week.
Intel co-founder Gordon Moore has passed away. 😞 And that's a wrap! Don't forget to share this newsletter with your family and friends! See y'all next week. PEACE! ☮️ — Sheharyar Khan, Editor, Business Tech @ HackerNoon Featured image created using Stable Diffusion 2.1 using the following prompt: “Microsoft's XBox playing on a large screen TV” It has been over a year since Microsoft announced a some-what unexpected decision to buy Activision Blizzard Inc. — the maker of World of Warcraft , Call of Duty , and Diablo — for a whopping $68.7 billion in cash . This would be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, acquisitions in the video gaming industry. And yet, the Windows maker is no closer to actually buying the company because of regulatory hurdles and resistance from gamers and other video game makers, specifically Sony. Microsoft Microsoft World of Warcraft Call of Duty Diablo $68.7 billion in cash $68.7 billion in cash the no closer no closer other Until this past week. Microsoft finally got a break on two fronts in its quest to purchase Activision Blizzard Inc., one in the U.S. and another in the UK, which may give it some hope in being able to complete the acquisition. U.S. U.S. The company was facing a consumer antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. by gamers concerned that the acquisition would lead to "higher prices, less innovation, less creativity, less consumer choice, decreased output, and other potential anticompetitive effects." Unfortunately for them, the judge overseeing the case ruled that said gamers did not provide enough evidence of how that might happen, throwing the lawsuit out. Ouch! throwing throwing However, the biggest win may have come from the UK, where the country's competition authority took a U-turn on whether the purchase would hurt competition. Having initially suggested that the transaction could result in higher prices, fewer choices and less innovation — particularly in the console market — the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) now believes none of that is possible since doing so would only hurt Microsoft. initially suggested initially suggested "We have now provisionally concluded that the merger will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in console gaming services because the cost to Microsoft of withholding Call of Duty from PlayStation would outweigh any gains from taking such action," Martin Coleman, who is reviewing the acquisition on behalf of the U.K.'s competition authority, said in a statement . He was referring to concerns that Microsoft would make the Call of Duty games exclusive to its console (the Xbox) following the acquisition and bar Sony's PlayStation from having access to them in the future. statement statement Call of Duty Coleman's comment makes sense! Call of Duty is the best-selling first-person shooter video game in the world, and limiting past, current, and future titles from appearing on Sony's PlayStation — which, to be clear, captures 70% of the global console market —  would only hurt Microsoft. Call of Duty captures captures For now, investors are happy with what they have, with Activision Blizzard Inc.'s stock price shooting up on Friday: happy happy Microsoft is still not out of the weeds, though, since the CMA may change its position again ahead of a final decision expected on April 26. Of concern is also Microsoft's dominance in the "cloud gaming market," i.e. the Xbox Game Pass, which gives gamers access to high-quality games in exchange for a nominal fee every month. "Our provisional view that this deal raises concerns in the cloud gaming market is not affected by today’s announcement. Our investigation remains on course for completion by the end of April," Coleman said. access access The CMA still believes the deal could harm competition there, perhaps because Microsoft could refuse to allow Call of Duty to appear on Sony's Game Pass competitor PS Plus. Microsoft has, of course, denied such claims and instead suggested entering a deal with Sony that would guarantee that Call of Duty games would appear on its competitor's platforms for a 10-year period — sufficient time for Sony to develop its own shooter, should they deem it necessary to do so . Call of Duty should they deem it necessary to do so should they deem it necessary to do so Elsewhere, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is still seeking to block the merger over concerns that the Xbox maker would "would gain control of top video game franchises, enabling it to harm competition in high-performance gaming consoles and subscription services by denying or degrading rivals’ access to its popular content." block block Microsoft continues steaming ahead. The company ranked #71 on HackerNoon's Tech Company Rankings this week. Tech Company Rankings Tech Company Rankings 👋 You’re reading HackerNoon's Tech Company News Brief, a weekly collection of tech goodness that combines HackerNoon's proprietary data with internet trends to determine which companies are rising and falling in the public consciousness. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter in your inbox every Tuesday! 👋 You’re reading HackerNoon's Tech Company News Brief, a weekly collection of tech goodness that combines HackerNoon's proprietary data with internet trends to determine which companies are rising and falling in the public consciousness. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter in your inbox every Tuesday! You’re reading HackerNoon's Tech Company News Brief, a weekly collection of tech goodness that combines HackerNoon's proprietary data with internet trends to determine which companies are rising and falling in the public consciousness. Subscribe here to receive the newsletter in your inbox every Tuesday! here In Other News.. 📰 In Other News.. 📰 Elon Musk thinks Twitter, which ranked #17 this week, is worth less than half of what he paid for the social media company. Microsoft does not want its competitors to use its internet-search data to train their own AI products. Apple CEO Tim Cook is visiting China, and can't stop saying nice things about the country 🥲. Apple ranked #7 this week. Intel co-founder Gordon Moore has passed away. 😞 Elon Musk thinks Twitter , which ranked #17 this week, is worth less than half of what he paid for the social media company. Twitter Twitter worth worth Microsoft does not want its competitors to use its internet-search data to train their own AI products. use use Apple CEO Tim Cook is visiting China, and can't stop saying nice things about the country 🥲. Apple ranked #7 this week. Apple Apple visiting visiting Intel co-founder Gordon Moore has passed away . 😞 passed away passed away And that's a wrap! Don't forget to share this newsletter with your family and friends! See y'all next week. PEACE! ☮️ — Sheharyar Khan, Editor, Business Tech @ HackerNoon Featured image created using Stable Diffusion 2.1 using the following prompt: “Microsoft's XBox playing on a large screen TV” Featured image created using Stable Diffusion 2.1 using the following prompt: “Microsoft's XBox playing on a large screen TV”

Microsoft Inches Closer to Buying Activision Blizzard

মাইক্রোসফ্ট অ্যাক্টিভিশন ব্লিজার্ড কেনার কাছাকাছি ইঞ্চি

Microsoft ist dem Kauf von Activision Blizzard immer näher gekommen

마이크로소프트, 액티비전 블리자드 인수 임박

Microsoft, Activision Blizzard'ı satın almaya bir adım daha yaklaştı

Building the metaverse ain’t easy. But someone has to do it. Why not Microsoft? On January 18, Microsoft an all-cash deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, the game development and interactive entertainment content publisher. This is a big move for Microsoft. The deal, if it succeeds, would give Microsoft a stronger foundation to build a metaverse that extends across multiple digital worlds. announced The promise of the metaverse is that human beings can use avatars to jump from one immersive environment to the next. Microsoft already owns one of those environments, Minecraft. Activision Blizzard gives Microsoft access to more of them through games such as Overwatch and Call of Duty. In a press release, Microsoft said, “This acquisition will accelerate the growth in Microsoft’s gaming business across mobile, PC, console and cloud and will provide building blocks for the metaverse.” In a call with investors, CEO Satya Nadella said: Our vision is for a river of entertainment where the content and commerce flow freely, driving a renaissance across the entire industry to make games more inclusive and accessible to all. And together with Activision Blizzard, that’s what we will be able to deliver. Removing these barriers will only become more important as the digital and physical worlds come together and the metaverse platforms develops. When we think about our vision for what a metaverse can be, we believe there won’t be a single, centralized metaverse and there shouldn’t be. We need to support many metaverse platforms, as well as a robust ecosystem of content, commerce and applications. In gaming, we see the metaverse as a collection of communities and individual identities anchored in strong content franchises, accessible on every device. And bringing fantastic entertainment together with new technologies, communities and business models is exactly what this transaction is about. His point was that no company will dominate these immersive worlds, but that many software makers will create many different virtual worlds in the future. All that said, though, Microsoft wants to be one of the companies . building and connecting those virtual worlds Microsoft has already made strong inroads into building the business-to-business metaverse by making it possible for digital twins to operate in or virtual representations of real-world places such as factory floors. For example, Anheuser-Busch InBev has used Microsoft’s to create a digital model of their breweries and supply chain. In 2022, Microsoft intends to make virtual communications more of a metaverse-like experience by introducing (a collaborative platform for virtual experiences) to Microsoft Teams. Azure Digital Twins Mesh Consider now how Microsoft could build: A consumer-oriented metaverse (the focus of the Activision Blizzard deal). A business-to-business metaverse (e.g., Azure Digital Twins). Virtual communication and learning (Mesh for Teams), which applies to business-to-business, business-to-employee, and any learning scenario (such as higher education). To pull all this off, Microsoft would need to provide connected content and experiences. We know the company is loading up on content (in particular, gaming content) in the business-to-consumer space. A real proving ground will occur when Microsoft attempts to make Teams a better experience with Mesh – and success here is by no means assured. For Microsoft to truly build a connected metaverse, the company may need to change its practices. For instance, Microsoft sometimes makes its games exclusive to its own devices, such as its Xbox console. Metaverse builders connect, though. They don’t create wedges. In the near term, Microsoft will be busy helping Activision become a better company, beginning with Activision’s culture. Activision is facing a reckoning right now after ongoing reports of sexual misconduct and harassment among the company’s executives led to the . Microsoft needs to proceed carefully and in a mindful manner here. During an investor conference call, Nadell said, “The culture of our organization is my number one priority.” He added that “it’s critical for Activision Blizzard to drive forward on its” commitments to improve its workplace culture. Now Microsoft will be accountable for ensuring that Activision brings real cultural change. dismissal of dozens of employees on January 17 Keep an eye on Microsoft. Note: I invest in Microsoft

Microsoft Makes a Bold Move to Build the Metaverse With the Activision Blizzard Deal

DeepMind, the AI research arm of Google, has introduced Genie 2, an AI model capable of generating endless interactive 3D environments from just a single image or text description. Positioned as the successor to the original Genie model, Genie 2 promises a major leap in AI-driven content creation by simulating immersive, interactive, and visually rich 3D worlds. This article delves into the innovations, implications, and challenges posed by this revolutionary technology. A Vast Diversity of Rich 3D Worlds DeepMind describes Genie 2 as a system that can produce “a vast diversity of rich 3D worlds”. For instance, a user can simply input “a cute humanoid robot in the woods,” and the model generates an interactive scene where the robot can jump, walk, or swim using keyboard inputs. The model doesn’t just create static images—it simulates object physics, reflections, lighting, and even the behavior of non-playable characters (NPCs). DeepMind's official blog post on Genie 2 emphasizes its versatility: “Thanks to Genie 2’s out-of-distribution generalization capabilities, concept art and drawings can be turned into fully interactive environments. By using Genie 2 to create rich and diverse environments for AI agents, our researchers can generate evaluation tasks that agents have not seen during training.” (DeepMind Blog, 2024). This ability to create entirely new scenarios highlights the potential of Genie 2 as a prototyping tool for creatives and a testing ground for AI agents, offering unique environments that are dissimilar to traditional training datasets. The Technology: From Text to Immersive Worlds Genie 2 represents a significant advancement in world modeling AI. Trained on video datasets, it bridges the gap between computer vision, generative modeling, and physics simulation. However, like many advanced models, Genie 2 raises concerns about the source and legality of its training data. DeepMind has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of its data sourcing. Speculations suggest that it may have leveraged YouTube’s vast content library, given Google’s ownership of the platform. This opens up questions about intellectual property (IP), especially considering that many training videos could have originated from copyrighted AAA games. In one controversial example, a Wired investigation into AI models raised a critical question: "If an AI model learns from copyrighted works, is the output an infringement, or does it qualify as fair use?" (Wired, 2024). This remains a gray area in AI development and could become a significant hurdle for DeepMind as its technology matures. Genie 2 vs. Competitors World simulation models are not entirely new. Companies like World Labs and Decart have been developing similar systems. Decart’s Minecraft-inspired simulator, Oasis, for instance, creates low-resolution interactive levels but struggles with coherence and detail. Genie 2, by comparison, stands out for its ability to: Maintain scene memory: Unlike Oasis, Genie 2 remembers hidden or off-screen elements of a simulated world, allowing for seamless rediscovery when they come back into view.


Generate high-quality, interactive environments: Many of its simulations rival modern AAA video games in detail. Applications and Limitations Despite its immense potential, Genie 2 has some practical limitations. Most generated scenes last only 10 to 20 seconds, with some extending to a minute. This temporal constraint limits its viability for full-fledged game development but makes it ideal for rapid prototyping. DeepMind envisions Genie 2 as a creative and research tool rather than a commercial game engine. As the company states: “Genie 2 responds intelligently to actions taken by pressing keys on a keyboard, identifying the character and moving it correctly. For example, our model [can] figure out that arrow keys should move a robot and not trees or clouds.” (DeepMind Blog, 2024). Researchers can use Genie 2 to simulate environments for testing AI agents in novel scenarios. It could also serve as a bridge between concept art and game design, accelerating workflows for developers. Implications for Creatives and IP Challenges For creatives, the implications of Genie 2 are profound. Artists, designers, and game developers could use it to transform sketches into fully interactive 3D worlds in seconds. However, this raises ethical and professional concerns. The gaming industry, for example, has been increasingly relying on AI to automate workflows. A recent Wired investigation highlighted how companies like Activision Blizzard have used AI tools to cut costs—sometimes at the expense of workers. The potential for abuse is clear. Would AI tools like Genie 2 replace human creativity? Or could they complement it by taking over repetitive tasks? The answer likely depends on how companies implement such technologies. The Future of AI World Modeling DeepMind’s Genie 2 is part of a broader push into world-modeling AI. In 2022, the company hired Tim Brooks, a former OpenAI researcher who worked on video generation technologies. Similarly, DeepMind brought in Tim Rocktäschel, known for his work on open-endedness in gaming AI, from Meta. These strategic hires underscore Google’s commitment to making world simulators a cornerstone of future AI development. Academic interest in world models has also grown. A recent paper by Leike et al. (2023) explored the role of world models in AI agent evaluation, noting: “Generative world models provide a unique opportunity to test agents in environments that are not constrained by real-world physics or existing datasets. These models enable researchers to explore novel scenarios and train more adaptable agents.” (Leike et al., 2023, arXiv). This aligns with DeepMind’s stated goal: to use Genie 2 as a tool for creating evaluation environments that agents cannot anticipate during training. Conclusion Genie 2 showcases the growing potential of generative AI to redefine how we create and interact with digital environments. While it is not yet ready to revolutionize game design, its role as a creative and research tool cannot be understated. By enabling quick prototyping and expanding the horizons of AI testing, Genie 2 opens doors to exciting possibilities—but also stirs debates around ethics, IP, and the future of work. As academic and industry interest in world models grows, one thing is clear: Genie 2 is just the beginning. Whether it inspires new forms of creativity or disrupts established industries depends on how it is used—and regulated—in the years to come. DeepMind, the AI research arm of Google, has introduced Genie 2 , an AI model capable of generating endless interactive 3D environments from just a single image or text description. Positioned as the successor to the original Genie model, Genie 2 promises a major leap in AI-driven content creation by simulating immersive, interactive, and visually rich 3D worlds. This article delves into the innovations, implications, and challenges posed by this revolutionary technology. Genie 2 A Vast Diversity of Rich 3D Worlds DeepMind describes Genie 2 as a system that can produce “a vast diversity of rich 3D worlds” . For instance, a user can simply input “a cute humanoid robot in the woods,” and the model generates an interactive scene where the robot can jump, walk, or swim using keyboard inputs. “a vast diversity of rich 3D worlds” The model doesn’t just create static images—it simulates object physics, reflections, lighting, and even the behavior of non-playable characters (NPCs). DeepMind's official blog post on Genie 2 emphasizes its versatility: “Thanks to Genie 2’s out-of-distribution generalization capabilities, concept art and drawings can be turned into fully interactive environments. By using Genie 2 to create rich and diverse environments for AI agents, our researchers can generate evaluation tasks that agents have not seen during training.” (DeepMind Blog, 2024). “Thanks to Genie 2’s out-of-distribution generalization capabilities, concept art and drawings can be turned into fully interactive environments. By using Genie 2 to create rich and diverse environments for AI agents, our researchers can generate evaluation tasks that agents have not seen during training.” (DeepMind Blog, 2024). This ability to create entirely new scenarios highlights the potential of Genie 2 as a prototyping tool for creatives and a testing ground for AI agents , offering unique environments that are dissimilar to traditional training datasets. prototyping tool for creatives testing ground for AI agents The Technology: From Text to Immersive Worlds Genie 2 represents a significant advancement in world modeling AI . Trained on video datasets, it bridges the gap between computer vision, generative modeling, and physics simulation. However, like many advanced models, Genie 2 raises concerns about the source and legality of its training data . world modeling AI source and legality of its training data DeepMind has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of its data sourcing. Speculations suggest that it may have leveraged YouTube’s vast content library, given Google’s ownership of the platform. This opens up questions about intellectual property (IP), especially considering that many training videos could have originated from copyrighted AAA games. In one controversial example, a Wired investigation into AI models raised a critical question: "If an AI model learns from copyrighted works, is the output an infringement, or does it qualify as fair use?" (Wired, 2024). "If an AI model learns from copyrighted works, is the output an infringement, or does it qualify as fair use?" (Wired, 2024). This remains a gray area in AI development and could become a significant hurdle for DeepMind as its technology matures. Genie 2 vs. Competitors World simulation models are not entirely new. Companies like World Labs and Decart have been developing similar systems. Decart’s Minecraft-inspired simulator, Oasis , for instance, creates low-resolution interactive levels but struggles with coherence and detail. Genie 2, by comparison, stands out for its ability to: World Labs Decart Oasis Maintain scene memory: Unlike Oasis, Genie 2 remembers hidden or off-screen elements of a simulated world, allowing for seamless rediscovery when they come back into view. Generate high-quality, interactive environments: Many of its simulations rival modern AAA video games in detail. Maintain scene memory: Unlike Oasis, Genie 2 remembers hidden or off-screen elements of a simulated world, allowing for seamless rediscovery when they come back into view. Maintain scene memory : Unlike Oasis, Genie 2 remembers hidden or off-screen elements of a simulated world, allowing for seamless rediscovery when they come back into view. Maintain scene memory Generate high-quality, interactive environments: Many of its simulations rival modern AAA video games in detail. Generate high-quality, interactive environments : Many of its simulations rival modern AAA video games in detail. Generate high-quality, interactive environments Applications and Limitations Despite its immense potential, Genie 2 has some practical limitations. Most generated scenes last only 10 to 20 seconds , with some extending to a minute. This temporal constraint limits its viability for full-fledged game development but makes it ideal for rapid prototyping . 10 to 20 seconds rapid prototyping DeepMind envisions Genie 2 as a creative and research tool rather than a commercial game engine. As the company states: “Genie 2 responds intelligently to actions taken by pressing keys on a keyboard, identifying the character and moving it correctly. For example, our model [can] figure out that arrow keys should move a robot and not trees or clouds.” (DeepMind Blog, 2024). “Genie 2 responds intelligently to actions taken by pressing keys on a keyboard, identifying the character and moving it correctly. For example, our model [can] figure out that arrow keys should move a robot and not trees or clouds.” (DeepMind Blog, 2024). Researchers can use Genie 2 to simulate environments for testing AI agents in novel scenarios. It could also serve as a bridge between concept art and game design, accelerating workflows for developers. testing AI agents Implications for Creatives and IP Challenges For creatives, the implications of Genie 2 are profound. Artists, designers, and game developers could use it to transform sketches into fully interactive 3D worlds in seconds. However, this raises ethical and professional concerns. The gaming industry, for example, has been increasingly relying on AI to automate workflows. A recent Wired investigation highlighted how companies like Activision Blizzard have used AI tools to cut costs—sometimes at the expense of workers. The potential for abuse is clear. Would AI tools like Genie 2 replace human creativity? Or could they complement it by taking over repetitive tasks? The answer likely depends on how companies implement such technologies. The Future of AI World Modeling DeepMind’s Genie 2 is part of a broader push into world-modeling AI. In 2022, the company hired Tim Brooks , a former OpenAI researcher who worked on video generation technologies. Similarly, DeepMind brought in Tim Rocktäschel , known for his work on open-endedness in gaming AI, from Meta. Tim Brooks Tim Rocktäschel These strategic hires underscore Google’s commitment to making world simulators a cornerstone of future AI development . world simulators a cornerstone of future AI development Academic interest in world models has also grown. A recent paper by Leike et al. (2023) explored the role of world models in AI agent evaluation, noting: “Generative world models provide a unique opportunity to test agents in environments that are not constrained by real-world physics or existing datasets. These models enable researchers to explore novel scenarios and train more adaptable agents.” (Leike et al., 2023, arXiv). “Generative world models provide a unique opportunity to test agents in environments that are not constrained by real-world physics or existing datasets. These models enable researchers to explore novel scenarios and train more adaptable agents.” (Leike et al., 2023, arXiv) . (Leike et al., 2023, arXiv) This aligns with DeepMind’s stated goal: to use Genie 2 as a tool for creating evaluation environments that agents cannot anticipate during training. Conclusion Genie 2 showcases the growing potential of generative AI to redefine how we create and interact with digital environments. While it is not yet ready to revolutionize game design, its role as a creative and research tool cannot be understated. By enabling quick prototyping and expanding the horizons of AI testing, Genie 2 opens doors to exciting possibilities—but also stirs debates around ethics, IP, and the future of work. As academic and industry interest in world models grows, one thing is clear: Genie 2 is just the beginning. Whether it inspires new forms of creativity or disrupts established industries depends on how it is used—and regulated—in the years to come.

DeepMind’s Genie 2: Ushering in the Era of AI-Generated 3D Worlds

Why Composable Culture Might Just Be the Future of Everything You Love

কেন কম্পোজেবল সংস্কৃতি আপনার পছন্দের সবকিছুর ভবিষ্যত হতে পারে

Warum die Composable Culture die Zukunft von allem sein könnte, was Sie lieben

Por qué la cultura componible podría ser el futuro de todo lo que amas

Pourquoi la culture composable pourrait bien être l'avenir de tout ce que vous aimez

क्यों कंपोजेबल कल्चर आपकी हर पसंदीदा चीज़ का भविष्य हो सकता है

なぜコンポーザブル文化があなたが愛するすべてのものの未来になるのか

컴포저블 문화가 당신이 사랑하는 모든 것의 미래가 될 수 있는 이유

Por que a cultura combinável pode ser o futuro de tudo que você ama

Почему составная культура может стать будущим всего, что вы любите

Şekillendirilebilir Kültür Neden Sevdiğiniz Her Şeyin Geleceği Olabilir?

Tại sao văn hóa tổng hợp có thể là tương lai của mọi thứ bạn yêu thích

为什么可组合文化可能就是你所热爱的一切事物的未来

From improbable to inevitable. Nvidia’s emergence as the frontrunner to become the world’s first $4 trillion stock has been sustained by the generative AI boom. With no signs of slowing, NVDA’s potential appears endless. The third quarter of 2024 began with the same level of momentum on display for Nvidia as KeyBanc analyst John Vinh raised his target price on the stock to $180. This boost of 33% from current levels would see the stock surpass the $4 trillion market capitalization mark and become the first company to do so. These lofty expectations encapsulate the meteoric rise of the semiconductor firm. Just two years ago, NVDA was battling a sustained Wall Street decline amid tech stock sell-offs. The prospect of becoming a $1 trillion stock seemed like a pipedream, let alone mounting a challenge to become the world’s most valuable stock. The generative AI boom changed everything. Bloomberg estimates suggest that the generative AI market alone will grow at a CAGR of 42% over the next 10 years into a $1.3 trillion market by 2032. Nvidia’s status as a market leader in providing AI chipsets ensures that the company will be a driving force in this growth. Strength in Fundamentals Although the long-term sustainability of the generative AI frenzy has been called into question, there’s little doubt that Nvidia has showcased tangible fundamentals to support its impressive Wall Street performance in recent months. In May, the semiconductor giant reported revenues that tripled to $26.04 billion year over year, weighing in well above analyst forecasts. Additionally, Nvidia saw net income rise to $14.88 billion, comfortably up from the $2.04 billion reported a year prior. Nvidia’s buoyant outlook is further supported by forecasts for Q2 2024 revenue reaching $28 billion, plus or minus two percent. This would also fall way above analyst expectations. Driving Force in Generative AI The brilliance of Nvidia’s position as a market leader in providing the computer chips that will power the generative AI boom has drawn some impressive comparisons. According to Jim Keller, a former AMD and Tesla engineer and current CEO of AI firm Tenstorrent, Nvidia is becoming the IBM of the AI era. Given the sheer scale of the ongoing AI boom, Nvidia could surpass IBM in terms of performance and make an unprecedented claim to become the cornerstone of generative AI. This claim could be sustained by the launch of Nvidia’s Blackwell computing processors, which were unveiled in spring 2024. The new products will replace the company’s popular H100 chips and facilitate further revenue generation. The arrival of Blackwell processors comes at a time when an increasing number of firms are seeking ways to incorporate generative AI into their operations. This could help drive sales even higher for Nvidia. However, Nvidia isn’t simply driving the future of AI hardware for enterprises. The firm announced in its June 2024 keynote address plans to integrate its AI services into the world of video games through its ACE-powered Convert Protocol to create fresh on-demand interactions between games and gamers. Given that Microsoft opted to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion on the belief that gaming is the future of entertainment and the metaverse, Nvidia’s strides in the landscape could drive its growth further into the future. Is the GenAI Boom Sustainable? Although it appears clear that generative AI will continue its emergence as a disruptive force throughout a vast array of industries, Nvidia’s position as the king of GenAI isn’t necessarily assured. Competition is growing, and more budget-focused firms like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Advanced Micro Devices are names that could position themselves as cheaper alternatives as the technology continues its emergence. Likewise, many of the tech giants that are currently among Nvidia’s list of customers are intent on taking the production of AI chips in-house. These factors could all eat into NVDA’s dominance. “Investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before investing in any field, especially one as dynamic as GenAI,” warns Maxim Manturov, head of investment research at Freedom24. “Success in GenAI depends not only on cutting-edge technology but also on a robust data infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and strategic planning.” While Nvidia’s position as a generative AI market leader appears solid today, there will certainly be challenges to its dominance in the years to come. Should a rival begin generating cheaper AI chipsets, the company’s stock could tumble. Thinking Two Moves Ahead The most important factor in determining Nvidia’s path to $4 trillion is the fact that the company is never content with resting on its laurels. With Nvidia investing billions of dollars into developing leading generative AI computer chips, we’re looking at a company that’s seeking to stay two moves ahead of its rivals. As the market grows, new competitors are likely to emerge, but as one of the world’s largest companies, it’s unlikely that they would have the firepower to go toe-to-toe with Nvidia. With this in mind, Nvidia’s future is in the firm’s hands. If $4 trillion is inevitable, then the likelihood is that CEO Jensen Huang already has $5 trillion and beyond in his sights. From improbable to inevitable. Nvidia’s emergence as the frontrunner to become the world’s first $4 trillion stock has been sustained by the generative AI boom. With no signs of slowing, NVDA’s potential appears endless. The third quarter of 2024 began with the same level of momentum on display for Nvidia as KeyBanc analyst John Vinh raised his target price on the stock to $180 . This boost of 33% from current levels would see the stock surpass the $4 trillion market capitalization mark and become the first company to do so. target price on the stock to $180 target price on the stock to $180 These lofty expectations encapsulate the meteoric rise of the semiconductor firm. Just two years ago, NVDA was battling a sustained Wall Street decline amid tech stock sell-offs. The prospect of becoming a $1 trillion stock seemed like a pipedream, let alone mounting a challenge to become the world’s most valuable stock. The generative AI boom changed everything. Bloomberg estimates suggest that the generative AI market alone will grow at a CAGR of 42% over the next 10 years into a $1.3 trillion market by 2032. Nvidia’s status as a market leader in providing AI chipsets ensures that the company will be a driving force in this growth. CAGR of 42% over the next 10 years CAGR of 42% over the next 10 years Strength in Fundamentals Although the long-term sustainability of the generative AI frenzy has been called into question, there’s little doubt that Nvidia has showcased tangible fundamentals to support its impressive Wall Street performance in recent months. In May, the semiconductor giant reported revenues that tripled to $26.04 billion year over year , weighing in well above analyst forecasts. tripled to $26.04 billion year over year tripled to $26.04 billion year over year Additionally, Nvidia saw net income rise to $14.88 billion, comfortably up from the $2.04 billion reported a year prior. Nvidia’s buoyant outlook is further supported by forecasts for Q2 2024 revenue reaching $28 billion, plus or minus two percent. This would also fall way above analyst expectations. Driving Force in Generative AI The brilliance of Nvidia’s position as a market leader in providing the computer chips that will power the generative AI boom has drawn some impressive comparisons. According to Jim Keller, a former AMD and Tesla engineer and current CEO of AI firm Tenstorrent, Nvidia is becoming the IBM of the AI era . becoming the IBM of the AI era becoming the IBM of the AI era Given the sheer scale of the ongoing AI boom, Nvidia could surpass IBM in terms of performance and make an unprecedented claim to become the cornerstone of generative AI. This claim could be sustained by the launch of Nvidia’s Blackwell computing processors , which were unveiled in spring 2024. The new products will replace the company’s popular H100 chips and facilitate further revenue generation. launch of Nvidia’s Blackwell computing processors launch of Nvidia’s Blackwell computing processors The arrival of Blackwell processors comes at a time when an increasing number of firms are seeking ways to incorporate generative AI into their operations. This could help drive sales even higher for Nvidia. However, Nvidia isn’t simply driving the future of AI hardware for enterprises. The firm announced in its June 2024 keynote address plans to integrate its AI services into the world of video games through its ACE-powered Convert Protocol to create fresh on-demand interactions between games and gamers. fresh on-demand interactions fresh on-demand interactions Given that Microsoft opted to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion on the belief that gaming is the future of entertainment and the metaverse, Nvidia’s strides in the landscape could drive its growth further into the future. future of entertainment future of entertainment Is the GenAI Boom Sustainable? Although it appears clear that generative AI will continue its emergence as a disruptive force throughout a vast array of industries, Nvidia’s position as the king of GenAI isn’t necessarily assured. Competition is growing, and more budget-focused firms like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Advanced Micro Devices are names that could position themselves as cheaper alternatives as the technology continues its emergence. Likewise, many of the tech giants that are currently among Nvidia’s list of customers are intent on taking the production of AI chips in-house . These factors could all eat into NVDA’s dominance. taking the production of AI chips in-house taking the production of AI chips in-house “Investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before investing in any field, especially one as dynamic as GenAI,” warns Maxim Manturov, head of investment research at Freedom24. “Success in GenAI depends not only on cutting-edge technology but also on a robust data infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and strategic planning.” While Nvidia’s position as a generative AI market leader appears solid today, there will certainly be challenges to its dominance in the years to come. Should a rival begin generating cheaper AI chipsets, the company’s stock could tumble. Thinking Two Moves Ahead The most important factor in determining Nvidia’s path to $4 trillion is the fact that the company is never content with resting on its laurels. With Nvidia investing billions of dollars into developing leading generative AI computer chips, we’re looking at a company that’s seeking to stay two moves ahead of its rivals. As the market grows, new competitors are likely to emerge, but as one of the world’s largest companies, it’s unlikely that they would have the firepower to go toe-to-toe with Nvidia. With this in mind, Nvidia’s future is in the firm’s hands. If $4 trillion is inevitable, then the likelihood is that CEO Jensen Huang already has $5 trillion and beyond in his sights.

$4 Trillion Appears Inevitable as Nvidia Remains the Star of the Generative AI Boom

**NEW YORK CITY, New York, June 25th, 2024/GamingWire/--**PlayFi, an AI-powered data network and blockchain tailored for the gaming industry, today announces the launch of the PlayFi Airdrop Platform, which is now officially live. As PlayFi gears up for the launch of its $PLAY token later in 2024, this platform will serve as the primary hub for earning points and engaging with the PlayFi community. “We’re incredibly excited to launch the PlayFi Airdrop Platform as a means to not only reward our community but also provide a comprehensive view of the revolutionary technology we’re building,” said Ben Beath, founder and CEO of PlayFi. “Our goal is to transform the way we interact with live content and streaming, and we want our community to feel this transformation firsthand.” The PlayFi Airdrop Platform offers various ways for the community to engage and earn rewards: Engagement and Rewards: Users can accumulate points by completing tasks, track their progress on a personal tally, and see their rankings on the community leaderboard. This system provides a real-time measure of involvement and influence within the PlayFi community.
Foundational Task Questing: Users complete these tasks to integrate into the PlayFi network and become eligible for the node license sale whitelist giveaway on Discord.
Daily Task Questing: Users can also earn points by sharing tweets, writing threads, or creating memes. New tasks are available daily.
Campaigns: Short-term campaigns offer users boosted points and special edition NFTs.
​​3x airdrop boost: The first 10,000 node licenses purchased will get a 3x boost on the $PLAY airdrop allocation. This boost will immediately populate in your dashboard. There is no limit on the amount of licenses that can be bought to receive this boost. For details on how to get started, visit the PlayFi Airdrop Platform, and join the PlayFi Discord to earn XP through events and interactions, unlocking new roles and tangible rewards. “We encourage everyone to dive in, engage fully, and enjoy the rewards as we grow together. We’re transforming the way you interact with live content forever—and it all starts with $PLAY,” said Beath. The PlayFi team is led by a 6x startup founder alongside builders who have impressive experience at Activision Blizzard, BumbleBear Games (developer of popular arcade game Killer Queen), Meta, BattleFly Game, and more. Follow PlayFi on X or visit PlayFi.ai to join the PlayFi Airdrop Platform and for continued updates. About PlayFi PlayFi is redefining gaming by integrating blockchain technology to enhance gameplay and community engagement. Through its cutting-edge PlayChain technology and AI-powered PlayBase network, PlayFi ensures a fast, secure, and scalable zkEVM blockchain solution, as well as optimal data processing and analysis tailored for the gaming industry. With a commitment to enhancing the gaming experience with web3, PlayFi is empowering developers, players, and studios across the globe to push the boundaries of innovation in an ever-evolving digital landscape and setting new standards in how games are played, developed, and monetized. For more information, visit playfi.ai. Contact Sr. PR Manager Leslie Termuhlen Serotonin leslie@serotonin.co This story was distributed as a release by Gamingwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. **NEW YORK CITY, New York, June 25th, 2024/GamingWire/--**PlayFi, an AI-powered data network and blockchain tailored for the gaming industry, today announces the launch of the PlayFi Airdrop Platform, which is now officially live. As PlayFi gears up for the launch of its $PLAY token later in 2024, this platform will serve as the primary hub for earning points and engaging with the PlayFi community. “We’re incredibly excited to launch the PlayFi Airdrop Platform as a means to not only reward our community but also provide a comprehensive view of the revolutionary technology we’re building,” said Ben Beath, founder and CEO of PlayFi. “Our goal is to transform the way we interact with live content and streaming, and we want our community to feel this transformation firsthand.” “We’re incredibly excited to launch the PlayFi Airdrop Platform as a means to not only reward our community but also provide a comprehensive view of the revolutionary technology we’re building,” said Ben Beath, founder and CEO of PlayFi. “Our goal is to transform the way we interact with live content and streaming, and we want our community to feel this transformation firsthand.” The PlayFi Airdrop Platform offers various ways for the community to engage and earn rewards: Engagement and Rewards: Users can accumulate points by completing tasks, track their progress on a personal tally, and see their rankings on the community leaderboard. This system provides a real-time measure of involvement and influence within the PlayFi community. Foundational Task Questing: Users complete these tasks to integrate into the PlayFi network and become eligible for the node license sale whitelist giveaway on Discord. Daily Task Questing: Users can also earn points by sharing tweets, writing threads, or creating memes. New tasks are available daily. Campaigns: Short-term campaigns offer users boosted points and special edition NFTs. ​​3x airdrop boost: The first 10,000 node licenses purchased will get a 3x boost on the $PLAY airdrop allocation. This boost will immediately populate in your dashboard. There is no limit on the amount of licenses that can be bought to receive this boost. Engagement and Rewards: Users can accumulate points by completing tasks, track their progress on a personal tally, and see their rankings on the community leaderboard. This system provides a real-time measure of involvement and influence within the PlayFi community. Foundational Task Questing: Users complete these tasks to integrate into the PlayFi network and become eligible for the node license sale whitelist giveaway on Discord. Daily Task Questing: Users can also earn points by sharing tweets, writing threads, or creating memes. New tasks are available daily. Campaigns: Short-term campaigns offer users boosted points and special edition NFTs. ​​3x airdrop boost: The first 10,000 node licenses purchased will get a 3x boost on the $PLAY airdrop allocation. This boost will immediately populate in your dashboard. There is no limit on the amount of licenses that can be bought to receive this boost. For details on how to get started, visit the PlayFi Airdrop Platform , and join the PlayFi Discord to earn XP through events and interactions, unlocking new roles and tangible rewards. PlayFi Airdrop Platform PlayFi Airdrop Platform PlayFi Discord PlayFi Discord “We encourage everyone to dive in, engage fully, and enjoy the rewards as we grow together. We’re transforming the way you interact with live content forever—and it all starts with $PLAY,” said Beath. “We encourage everyone to dive in, engage fully, and enjoy the rewards as we grow together. We’re transforming the way you interact with live content forever—and it all starts with $PLAY,” said Beath. The PlayFi team is led by a 6x startup founder alongside builders who have impressive experience at Activision Blizzard, BumbleBear Games (developer of popular arcade game Killer Queen), Meta, BattleFly Game, and more. Follow PlayFi on X or visit PlayFi.ai to join the PlayFi Airdrop Platform and for continued updates. PlayFi on X PlayFi on X PlayFi.ai PlayFi.ai About PlayFi PlayFi is redefining gaming by integrating blockchain technology to enhance gameplay and community engagement. Through its cutting-edge PlayChain technology and AI-powered PlayBase network, PlayFi ensures a fast, secure, and scalable zkEVM blockchain solution, as well as optimal data processing and analysis tailored for the gaming industry. With a commitment to enhancing the gaming experience with web3, PlayFi is empowering developers, players, and studios across the globe to push the boundaries of innovation in an ever-evolving digital landscape and setting new standards in how games are played, developed, and monetized. For more information, visit playfi.ai . playfi.ai playfi.ai Contact Sr. PR Manager Leslie Termuhlen Serotonin leslie@serotonin.co This story was distributed as a release by Gamingwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Gamingwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

PlayFi Launches The PlayFi Airdrop Platform To Enhance Community Engagement

**NEW YORK CITY, United States, June 10th, 2024/Chainwire/--**PlayFi,an AI-powered data network and blockchain tailored for the gaming industry, has announced new engagements with four industry leaders aimed at strengething the gaming ecosystem through enhanced technology integrations. PlayFi, which sits at the intersection of gaming, web3, and AI, will be working alongside Aethir, MultiversX, Squid, and Matter Labs, furthering PlayFi’s commitment to advancing the gaming industry with cutting-edge blockchain solutions. “We are thrilled to be working with industry leaders like Aethir, MultiversX, Squid, and MatterLabs, on a shared mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming,” said Ben Beath, founder and CEO of PlayFi. “Together, we share a goal in creating a more interconnected, efficient, and immersive gaming ecosystem that will benefit developers and players alike. We are grateful for the work we’ve already done as partners and look forward to the milestones we will achieve together.” The goal throughout all of these engagements allows PlayFi to enhance its web3 offerings across verticals by integrating advanced blockchain technology into the gaming ecosystem, enhancing cross-chain interactions, improving data security and accessibility, and providing seamless, cost-efficient experiences for developers and gamers. This will be achieved by: Aethir’s GPU resources: As part of a shared commitment to optimizing GPU cloud computing resource use and enhancing technological capabilities across gaming and AI, PlayFi and Aethir are joining forces to harness this technological expertise and bring mass-market gaming to the blockchain, fostering approaches that support a robust gaming ecosystem and enable developers to build seamless Web3 experiences on top of Web2 IP.
Aethir's expertise in redistributing GPU resources by leveraging decentralized cloud infrastructure is vital to PlayFi, as it aims to enhance the gaming ecosystem and provide gamers worldwide with unparalleled experiences. In addition, PlayFi is also providing all Aethir Checker Node holders guaranteed whitelist access to PlayFi's upcoming node license sale, ensuring they secure the best prices. More information on this integration can be found here.

MultiversX’s secure data storage: Through collaboration with MultiversX, PlayFi will enable the MultiversX ecosystem to leverage the PlayBase network – the AI-driven core of the PlayFi ecosystem – to securely store data from blockchain-powered games and sovereign chains. PlayFi will work with MultiversX on the development of specialized oracles compatible with the MultiversX infrastructure, offering seamless access to PlayBase’s rich data, thus unlocking new possibilities and enriching gaming experiences.


Squid’s SDK integration: PlayFi and Squid have joined forces to boost interactivity and accessibility within the PlayFi ecosystem. Together, this enables seamless token swaps across different blockchains. With Squid's innovative API and SDK integration, PlayFi users can effortlessly swap any token type, connecting diverse blockchain environments such as Ethereum, zkSync, and Polygon.
Thanks to this integration, in-game items, rewards, and other digital assets can now be won in one game and redeemed in another. This integration aims to set new standards in gaming by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and broadening market reach, ultimately expanding gaming possibilities and scaling user experiences at increased ease.

Matter Labs’ ZK Stack: Matter Labs’ ZK Stack is the powerful Layer-2 solution powering PlayFi’s PlayBase blockchain. By incorporating ZK Stack, PlayFi benefits from ultra-low gas fees, combining the efficiencies of ZK Rollups and Validiums, which significantly reduces costs while boosting transaction throughput.
This integration also introduces native account abstraction, making PlayFi accessible to a broader audience by allowing transactions without a crypto wallet. With faster finality times, seamless connectivity, and liquidity access within the ZK Stack network, including zkSync, this integration ensures PlayFi remains at the forefront of blockchain infrastructure, providing a fast, affordable, and interconnected gaming experience. “PlayFi unites AI and gaming, the two key sectors in which Aethir is engaged as a decentralized cloud computing provider. Through our collaboration with PlayFi, we are supporting cutting-edge innovations that leverage the power of AI to enhance Web3 gaming and introduce new, groundbreaking experiences for builders and players alike. Aethir’s DePIN stack is a reliable and highly-scalable ally of AI and gaming platforms, so teaming up with an industry innovator like PlayFi was a natural step for us,” said Daniel Wang, CEO of Aethir. The PlayFi team is led by a 6x startup founder alongside builders who have impressive experience at Activision Blizzard, BumbleBear Games (developer of popular arcade game Killer Queen), Meta, BattleFly Game, and more. Users can follow PlayFi on X or visit PlayFi.ai for continued updates. About PlayFi PlayFi is redefining gaming by integrating blockchain technology to enhance gameplay and community engagement. Through its cutting-edge PlayChain technology and AI-powered PlayBase network, PlayFi ensures a fast, secure, and scalable zkEVM blockchain solution, as well as optimal data processing and analysis tailored for the gaming industry. With a commitment to enhancing the gaming experience with web3, PlayFi is empowering developers, players, and studios across the globe to push the boundaries of innovation in an ever-evolving digital landscape and setting new standards in how games are played, developed, and monetized. For more information, users can visit playfi.ai. Contact Senior PR Manager Leslie Termuhlen Serotonin leslie@serotonin.co This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. **NEW YORK CITY, United States, June 10th, 2024/Chainwire/--**PlayFi,an AI-powered data network and blockchain tailored for the gaming industry, has announced new engagements with four industry leaders aimed at strengething the gaming ecosystem through enhanced technology integrations. PlayFi, which sits at the intersection of gaming, web3, and AI, will be working alongside Aethir , MultiversX , Squid , and Matter Labs , furthering PlayFi’s commitment to advancing the gaming industry with cutting-edge blockchain solutions. Aethir Aethir MultiversX MultiversX Squid Squid Matter Labs Matter Labs “We are thrilled to be working with industry leaders like Aethir, MultiversX, Squid, and MatterLabs, on a shared mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming,” said Ben Beath, founder and CEO of PlayFi. “We are thrilled to be working with industry leaders like Aethir, MultiversX, Squid, and MatterLabs, on a shared mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming,” said Ben Beath, founder and CEO of PlayFi. “Together, we share a goal in creating a more interconnected, efficient, and immersive gaming ecosystem that will benefit developers and players alike. We are grateful for the work we’ve already done as partners and look forward to the milestones we will achieve together.” “Together, we share a goal in creating a more interconnected, efficient, and immersive gaming ecosystem that will benefit developers and players alike. We are grateful for the work we’ve already done as partners and look forward to the milestones we will achieve together.” The goal throughout all of these engagements allows PlayFi to enhance its web3 offerings across verticals by integrating advanced blockchain technology into the gaming ecosystem, enhancing cross-chain interactions, improving data security and accessibility, and providing seamless, cost-efficient experiences for developers and gamers. This will be achieved by: Aethir’s GPU resources: As part of a shared commitment to optimizing GPU cloud computing resource use and enhancing technological capabilities across gaming and AI, PlayFi and Aethir are joining forces to harness this technological expertise and bring mass-market gaming to the blockchain, fostering approaches that support a robust gaming ecosystem and enable developers to build seamless Web3 experiences on top of Web2 IP.
Aethir's expertise in redistributing GPU resources by leveraging decentralized cloud infrastructure is vital to PlayFi, as it aims to enhance the gaming ecosystem and provide gamers worldwide with unparalleled experiences. In addition, PlayFi is also providing all Aethir Checker Node holders guaranteed whitelist access to PlayFi's upcoming node license sale, ensuring they secure the best prices. More information on this integration can be found here. MultiversX’s secure data storage: Through collaboration with MultiversX, PlayFi will enable the MultiversX ecosystem to leverage the PlayBase network – the AI-driven core of the PlayFi ecosystem – to securely store data from blockchain-powered games and sovereign chains. PlayFi will work with MultiversX on the development of specialized oracles compatible with the MultiversX infrastructure, offering seamless access to PlayBase’s rich data, thus unlocking new possibilities and enriching gaming experiences. Squid’s SDK integration: PlayFi and Squid have joined forces to boost interactivity and accessibility within the PlayFi ecosystem. Together, this enables seamless token swaps across different blockchains. With Squid's innovative API and SDK integration, PlayFi users can effortlessly swap any token type, connecting diverse blockchain environments such as Ethereum, zkSync, and Polygon.
Thanks to this integration, in-game items, rewards, and other digital assets can now be won in one game and redeemed in another. This integration aims to set new standards in gaming by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and broadening market reach, ultimately expanding gaming possibilities and scaling user experiences at increased ease. Matter Labs’ ZK Stack: Matter Labs’ ZK Stack is the powerful Layer-2 solution powering PlayFi’s PlayBase blockchain. By incorporating ZK Stack, PlayFi benefits from ultra-low gas fees, combining the efficiencies of ZK Rollups and Validiums, which significantly reduces costs while boosting transaction throughput.
This integration also introduces native account abstraction, making PlayFi accessible to a broader audience by allowing transactions without a crypto wallet. With faster finality times, seamless connectivity, and liquidity access within the ZK Stack network, including zkSync, this integration ensures PlayFi remains at the forefront of blockchain infrastructure, providing a fast, affordable, and interconnected gaming experience. Aethir’s GPU resources: As part of a shared commitment to optimizing GPU cloud computing resource use and enhancing technological capabilities across gaming and AI, PlayFi and Aethir are joining forces to harness this technological expertise and bring mass-market gaming to the blockchain, fostering approaches that support a robust gaming ecosystem and enable developers to build seamless Web3 experiences on top of Web2 IP. Aethir's expertise in redistributing GPU resources by leveraging decentralized cloud infrastructure is vital to PlayFi, as it aims to enhance the gaming ecosystem and provide gamers worldwide with unparalleled experiences. In addition, PlayFi is also providing all Aethir Checker Node holders guaranteed whitelist access to PlayFi's upcoming node license sale, ensuring they secure the best prices. More information on this integration can be found here. Aethir’s GPU resources: As part of a shared commitment to optimizing GPU cloud computing resource use and enhancing technological capabilities across gaming and AI, PlayFi and Aethir are joining forces to harness this technological expertise and bring mass-market gaming to the blockchain, fostering approaches that support a robust gaming ecosystem and enable developers to build seamless Web3 experiences on top of Web2 IP. Aethir Aethir Aethir's expertise in redistributing GPU resources by leveraging decentralized cloud infrastructure is vital to PlayFi, as it aims to enhance the gaming ecosystem and provide gamers worldwide with unparalleled experiences. In addition, PlayFi is also providing all Aethir Checker Node holders guaranteed whitelist access to PlayFi's upcoming node license sale, ensuring they secure the best prices. More information on this integration can be found here . here here MultiversX’s secure data storage: Through collaboration with MultiversX, PlayFi will enable the MultiversX ecosystem to leverage the PlayBase network – the AI-driven core of the PlayFi ecosystem – to securely store data from blockchain-powered games and sovereign chains. PlayFi will work with MultiversX on the development of specialized oracles compatible with the MultiversX infrastructure, offering seamless access to PlayBase’s rich data, thus unlocking new possibilities and enriching gaming experiences. MultiversX’s secure data storage: Through collaboration with MultiversX , PlayFi will enable the MultiversX ecosystem to leverage the PlayBase network – the AI-driven core of the PlayFi ecosystem – to securely store data from blockchain-powered games and sovereign chains. PlayFi will work with MultiversX on the development of specialized oracles compatible with the MultiversX infrastructure, offering seamless access to PlayBase’s rich data, thus unlocking new possibilities and enriching gaming experiences. MultiversX MultiversX Squid’s SDK integration: PlayFi and Squid have joined forces to boost interactivity and accessibility within the PlayFi ecosystem. Together, this enables seamless token swaps across different blockchains. With Squid's innovative API and SDK integration, PlayFi users can effortlessly swap any token type, connecting diverse blockchain environments such as Ethereum, zkSync, and Polygon. Thanks to this integration, in-game items, rewards, and other digital assets can now be won in one game and redeemed in another. This integration aims to set new standards in gaming by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and broadening market reach, ultimately expanding gaming possibilities and scaling user experiences at increased ease. Squid’s SDK integration: PlayFi and Squid have joined forces to boost interactivity and accessibility within the PlayFi ecosystem. Together, this enables seamless token swaps across different blockchains. With Squid's innovative API and SDK integration, PlayFi users can effortlessly swap any token type, connecting diverse blockchain environments such as Ethereum, zkSync, and Polygon. Squid Squid Thanks to this integration, in-game items, rewards, and other digital assets can now be won in one game and redeemed in another. This integration aims to set new standards in gaming by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and broadening market reach, ultimately expanding gaming possibilities and scaling user experiences at increased ease. Matter Labs’ ZK Stack: Matter Labs’ ZK Stack is the powerful Layer-2 solution powering PlayFi’s PlayBase blockchain. By incorporating ZK Stack, PlayFi benefits from ultra-low gas fees, combining the efficiencies of ZK Rollups and Validiums, which significantly reduces costs while boosting transaction throughput. This integration also introduces native account abstraction, making PlayFi accessible to a broader audience by allowing transactions without a crypto wallet. With faster finality times, seamless connectivity, and liquidity access within the ZK Stack network, including zkSync, this integration ensures PlayFi remains at the forefront of blockchain infrastructure, providing a fast, affordable, and interconnected gaming experience. Matter Labs’ ZK Stack: Matter Labs ’ ZK Stack is the powerful Layer-2 solution powering PlayFi’s PlayBase blockchain. By incorporating ZK Stack, PlayFi benefits from ultra-low gas fees, combining the efficiencies of ZK Rollups and Validiums, which significantly reduces costs while boosting transaction throughput. Matter Labs Matter Labs This integration also introduces native account abstraction, making PlayFi accessible to a broader audience by allowing transactions without a crypto wallet. With faster finality times, seamless connectivity, and liquidity access within the ZK Stack network, including zkSync, this integration ensures PlayFi remains at the forefront of blockchain infrastructure, providing a fast, affordable, and interconnected gaming experience. “PlayFi unites AI and gaming, the two key sectors in which Aethir is engaged as a decentralized cloud computing provider. Through our collaboration with PlayFi, we are supporting cutting-edge innovations that leverage the power of AI to enhance Web3 gaming and introduce new, groundbreaking experiences for builders and players alike. Aethir’s DePIN stack is a reliable and highly-scalable ally of AI and gaming platforms, so teaming up with an industry innovator like PlayFi was a natural step for us,” said Daniel Wang, CEO of Aethir. “PlayFi unites AI and gaming, the two key sectors in which Aethir is engaged as a decentralized cloud computing provider. Through our collaboration with PlayFi, we are supporting cutting-edge innovations that leverage the power of AI to enhance Web3 gaming and introduce new, groundbreaking experiences for builders and players alike. Aethir’s DePIN stack is a reliable and highly-scalable ally of AI and gaming platforms, so teaming up with an industry innovator like PlayFi was a natural step for us,” said Daniel Wang, CEO of Aethir. The PlayFi team is led by a 6x startup founder alongside builders who have impressive experience at Activision Blizzard, BumbleBear Games (developer of popular arcade game Killer Queen), Meta, BattleFly Game, and more. Users can follow PlayFi on X or visit PlayFi.ai for continued updates. PlayFi on X PlayFi on X PlayFi.ai PlayFi.ai About PlayFi PlayFi is redefining gaming by integrating blockchain technology to enhance gameplay and community engagement. Through its cutting-edge PlayChain technology and AI-powered PlayBase network, PlayFi ensures a fast, secure, and scalable zkEVM blockchain solution, as well as optimal data processing and analysis tailored for the gaming industry. With a commitment to enhancing the gaming experience with web3, PlayFi is empowering developers, players, and studios across the globe to push the boundaries of innovation in an ever-evolving digital landscape and setting new standards in how games are played, developed, and monetized. For more information, users can visit playfi.ai . playfi.ai playfi.ai Contact Senior PR Manager Leslie Termuhlen Serotonin leslie@serotonin.co This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

PlayFi Partners With Four Industry Leaders To Enhance Gaming Innovation Through AI And Web3

**AMSTERDAM, Noord-Holland, May 24th, 2024/GamingWire/--**Chains of War, an innovative Free-to-Play Fantasy RPG Extraction Looter (FREL) game, can now be wishlisted on the Epic Games Store. Currently in development using Unreal Engine 5 and incorporating blockchain technology, Chains of War© offers a fresh gaming experience by blending fantasy with the popular extraction looter genre. Fusing The Iconic Fantasy Genre With The Hottest Gaming Trend Fans of the iconic 'World of Warcraft' franchise can expect fast-paced, action-packed gameplay with the high-quality graphics of Unreal Engine 5. Meanwhile, players of 'Escape from Tarkov' can experience a fantasy setting enriched with RPG elements. Chains of War© seamlessly combines fantasy RPG elements with the extraction looter genre, offering PVPVE gameplay where players must equip themselves and escape before time runs out. The game emphasizes strategy, skillful combat, and rich storytelling, providing an immersive and thrilling experience for all players. Explore The World of Tyrrha Chains of War© transports players to Tyrrha, a richly crafted fantasy world where Orcs, Elves, and Humans clash for supremacy. Players can choose to fight as an enslaved Urthnaki seeking freedom or a Duxa royal amassing Mira stones. Each decision shapes the course of this epic saga. Welcoming Industry Veteran From Activision Blizzard Chains of War© is thrilled to announce the addition of Michiel Schop, former Head of Trade (Retail) Marketing & Business Development at Activision Blizzard, to the team. Michiel's expertise and industry insights will shape the future direction of Chains of War©. Engagement With Blockchain And NFT Features Is Optional Players can mint digital loot, trade items freely, and convert in-game currency to the cryptocurrency $MIRA, offering real-world earning potential. The Cardano and Midnight blockchain ensures superior privacy and anti-cheat measures. Engagement with blockchain and NFT features is optional, allowing players to enjoy the game without these interactions if they prefer. Discover Tyrrha in Chains of War©: Connect for Updates Players can now add Chains of War© to their wishlist on the Epic Games Store and be among the first to experience the world of Tyrrha upon release. For the latest updates, visit the official Chains of War© website, join the community on Discord, and follow us on Twitter. About Chains of War Chains of War©️, developed by Blue Fork, is a Free-to-Play Fantasy RPG Extraction Looter game set in the expansive world of Tyrrha. Players dive into intense PVPVE gameplay, blending a rich fantasy theme with the extraction looter genre. Choose from factions such as Orcs, Elves, and Humans, and race against time to complete objectives. The game offers optional blockchain features for owning digital assets and real-world earnings with the $MIRA token. Epic Game Store: https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/chains-of-war-bd5b0b X: https://x.com/ChainsofWarGame Website: https://.chainsofwar.io Discord: https://discord.gg/chainsofwar Contact co-founder Joris Gielen Blue Fork bv joris@chainsofwar.io This story was distributed as a release by Gamingwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. **AMSTERDAM, Noord-Holland, May 24th, 2024/GamingWire/--**Chains of War, an innovative Free-to-Play Fantasy RPG Extraction Looter (FREL) game, can now be wishlisted on the Epic Games Store. Currently in development using Unreal Engine 5 and incorporating blockchain technology, Chains of War© offers a fresh gaming experience by blending fantasy with the popular extraction looter genre. Fusing The Iconic Fantasy Genre With The Hottest Gaming Trend Fans of the iconic 'World of Warcraft' franchise can expect fast-paced, action-packed gameplay with the high-quality graphics of Unreal Engine 5. Meanwhile, players of 'Escape from Tarkov' can experience a fantasy setting enriched with RPG elements. Chains of War© seamlessly combines fantasy RPG elements with the extraction looter genre, offering PVPVE gameplay where players must equip themselves and escape before time runs out. The game emphasizes strategy, skillful combat, and rich storytelling, providing an immersive and thrilling experience for all players. Explore The World of Tyrrha Chains of War© transports players to Tyrrha, a richly crafted fantasy world where Orcs, Elves, and Humans clash for supremacy. Players can choose to fight as an enslaved Urthnaki seeking freedom or a Duxa royal amassing Mira stones. Each decision shapes the course of this epic saga. Welcoming Industry Veteran From Activision Blizzard Chains of War© is thrilled to announce the addition of Michiel Schop, former Head of Trade (Retail) Marketing & Business Development at Activision Blizzard, to the team. Michiel's expertise and industry insights will shape the future direction of Chains of War©. Engagement With Blockchain And NFT Features Is Optional Players can mint digital loot, trade items freely, and convert in-game currency to the cryptocurrency $MIRA, offering real-world earning potential. The Cardano and Midnight blockchain ensures superior privacy and anti-cheat measures. Engagement with blockchain and NFT features is optional, allowing players to enjoy the game without these interactions if they prefer. Discover Tyrrha in Chains of War©: Connect for Updates Players can now add Chains of War© to their wishlist on the Epic Games Store and be among the first to experience the world of Tyrrha upon release. For the latest updates, visit the official Chains of War© website, join the community on Discord, and follow us on Twitter. About Chains of War Chains of War©️, developed by Blue Fork, is a Free-to-Play Fantasy RPG Extraction Looter game set in the expansive world of Tyrrha. Players dive into intense PVPVE gameplay, blending a rich fantasy theme with the extraction looter genre. Choose from factions such as Orcs, Elves, and Humans, and race against time to complete objectives. The game offers optional blockchain features for owning digital assets and real-world earnings with the $MIRA token. Epic Game Store: https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/chains-of-war-bd5b0b https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/chains-of-war-bd5b0b https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/chains-of-war-bd5b0b X: https://x.com/ChainsofWarGame https://x.com/ChainsofWarGame https://x.com/ChainsofWarGame Website: https://.chainsofwar.io https://.chainsofwar.io https://.chainsofwar.io Discord: https://discord.gg/chainsofwar https://discord.gg/chainsofwar https://discord.gg/chainsofwar Contact co-founder Joris Gielen Blue Fork bv joris@chainsofwar.io This story was distributed as a release by Gamingwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Gamingwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

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