12 March 2024

Transforming Player Experiences: The New Age of Cross-Platform Gaming


The gaming industry is witnessing a monumental shift that is redefining how games are played, developed, and experienced. Cross-platform gaming stands at the forefront of this transformation, breaking down barriers between different gaming devices and platforms.

This evolution enables gamers to play their favorite titles on PCs, consoles, and mobile devices seamlessly, fostering a more unified and inclusive gaming community. The significance of this shift cannot be overstated, as it marks a new era where the focus is on accessibility, convenience, and bringing players together irrespective of the hardware they own.

 The Genesis of Cross-Platform Play: Understanding the Origins

Cross-platform gaming’s roots can be traced back to early efforts by game developers to bridge the gap between PC gamers and console enthusiasts. Initially, these efforts were limited by technological and platform-specific constraints, making true cross-platform play a challenging feat to achieve.

However, as technology advanced, developers began to see the potential benefits of a unified gaming ecosystem. This realization sparked a movement towards creating games and online environments that could support players from different platforms, playing together in real time.

The Technological Evolution: Breaking Down Technical Barriers

The technological advancements necessary for cross-platform play have been significant. Developers have had to overcome numerous challenges, including differing operating systems, network protocols, and hardware capabilities.

The introduction of cloud computing and more sophisticated game engines has played a pivotal role in this evolution. These technologies have enabled game developers to create flexible and scalable games that can run across multiple platforms without compromising performance or quality.

The Impact on Game Development: A New Approach to Creating Games

Cross-platform gaming has fundamentally changed the game development process. Developers now often design games with cross-platform play in mind from the outset, considering aspects such as scalable graphics, adaptable controls, and unified online services.

This shift requires a more holistic approach to game design and development, prioritizing compatibility and user experience across all platforms. It has led to the emergence of new development tools and platforms that facilitate the creation of cross-platform games.

Enhanced Social Connectivity: Bringing Gamers Together

One of the most significant impacts of cross-platform gaming is its ability to enhance social connectivity. By allowing players on different devices to interact and play together, it breaks down previous social barriers within the gaming community. This integration fosters a more inclusive and expansive online community, where friendships and rivalries are no longer limited by the platform.

This level of integration is akin to how online casino game apps have made it possible for players to switch devices without losing progress or quality of play, setting a new standard for accessibility and convenience in the gaming world.


Major gaming platforms and services have played a crucial role in the adoption and expansion of cross-platform gaming. Companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have gradually embraced cross-platform play, recognizing its benefits for the gaming community and the industry as a whole. This acceptance has been instrumental in accelerating the growth of cross-platform gaming, with major titles and franchises now offering cross-platform capabilities.

The Benefits for Game Publishers: Expanding Market Reach

Cross-platform gaming offers significant benefits for game publishers and developers. By making games accessible across multiple platforms, publishers can reach a wider audience, increasing the potential for higher sales and engagement. This approach also allows for more efficient marketing and distribution strategies, as publishers can target gamers on various devices with a single product.

The Challenges and Solutions: Navigating the Complexities

Despite its many benefits, cross-platform gaming is not without challenges. Issues such as balancing gameplay across different platforms, managing cross-platform progress and purchases, and ensuring fair play and security are significant concerns.

However, the industry is actively working on solutions, such as developing standardized protocols for cross-platform play, enhancing security measures, and creating more sophisticated matchmaking systems to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.

Future Trends and Possibilities: Envisioning the Next Frontier

The future of cross-platform gaming holds exciting possibilities. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more seamless integration between platforms, including virtual reality and augmented reality devices. The ongoing development of cloud gaming services is also likely to play a significant role in the future of cross-platform play, offering gamers unprecedented flexibility and access to a vast library of games across all their devices.

The Impact on Gaming Communities: Fostering a Unified Community

The rise of cross-platform gaming has had a profound impact on gaming communities. It has led to the creation of more unified and diverse communities, where players from different backgrounds and with different preferences can come together. This inclusivity enriches the gaming experience, creating a more vibrant and engaging community culture.

 A Unified Gaming Future: Embracing Cross-Platform Integration


The transformation brought about by cross-platform gaming is reshaping the landscape of the gaming industry. It represents a shift towards a more inclusive, accessible, and connected gaming world. As this new era of gaming continues to evolve, it promises to bring even greater opportunities for players, developers, and the industry as a whole.

The journey towards a fully integrated gaming ecosystem is still underway, but the progress made thus far points towards a future where the lines between different gaming platforms are increasingly blurred, creating a unified gaming experience for all. 

As we look forward, the potential for innovation within cross-platform gaming is boundless. The next steps involve not only refining existing technologies but also exploring new avenues for connectivity and gameplay experiences. Developers and publishers are poised to delve deeper into the realm of AI, leveraging it to enhance matchmaking, in-game interactions, and personalized gaming experiences.

Furthermore, as the global internet infrastructure continues to improve, we can anticipate a reduction in latency issues, making real-time cross-platform play more accessible and enjoyable. This ongoing evolution will likely introduce new genres and gaming experiences, further enriching the gaming landscape.

The future of gaming is not just about playing together; it’s about creating a shared experience that transcends physical and digital boundaries, ushering in an era of gaming without limits.

10 March 2024

About a Planet


We have featured the Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter together in all their shudderingly inconceivable horror but together they certainly explain away why we have never been contacted by intergalactic voyagers.  About a planet by Leonardo Cavaletti shows us this whole concept in a few minutes using through a short and stylised procedural animation.  Yet even if we must not expect a knock on our planetary doorstep, hope springs eternal!

The Sunshine Boy


Can we ever truly know our children? We can only hope so but sometimes parents can get things horribly, terribly wrong.  This animated short, directed by Naaman Azhari takes us in to the thoughts and feelings that a mother has about her child and how unaware – blissfully or otherwise – she had been about the true nature of her offspring.  Inspired by true events, this may well put a tingle down your spine – it is difficult but compulsive watching.

Wakinyan: Thunder Spirit


Wakinyan is a Lakota word meaning thunder, or thunder spirit. The language is one used by native people of the American Great Plains.  Creator Martin Lisius photographed the content during the spring of 2016, mostly in Texas, Colorado and the Nebraska Sandhills. It required thousands of miles driving, and being exposed to “biting flies, gooey mud, blowing dust, and long nights”.  The result though, is superlative: the thunder spirit does indeed persist.

What is a Mermaid's Necklace

If you were wandering along a beach and came across one of these, would you know what it is?  Folklore tells us that it is a mermaid's necklace.  Who knows how she may have lost it and how it came to be on your beach but it is easy to imagine many legends springing up about these peculiar objects.  Of course there is a scientific explanation and the fact that it can be found on our sibling site, The Ark in Space, might suggest that it is a biological one too...  Why not pop over and discover what a mermaid's necklace truly is?

Image Credit Dystopos

Spring!

It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!  ~Mark Twain

Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day.  ~W. Earl Hall

Bastei: Amazing Bridged Bastion of Saxony

Bastei in German translates as bastion and you can easily see why this name was chosen for this towering rock formation, situated on the River Elbe near Dresden in the German Free State of Saxony.  Towering almost 200 meters over the river below, Bastei was formed by water erosion over a million years ago. In recent times it has become such an object of fascination that a bridge linking a number of the rocks was constructed, and is itself something of a marvel of Victorian age engineering.

Although the bridge is a destination in its own right, when you are on it you realize just how high it soars above the Elbe.

Do Now Writing Prompts for English: Free Writing or Exam Style

Presented here is a collection of 40 engaging "Do Now" activities tailored for GCSE English. However, they can be used for any English specification. I designed them to try and combat something very specific. I refer to it as "exam paralysis" – a phenomenon where students find themselves frozen during exams, struggling to write spontaneously within time constraints. This not only squanders precious exam time but also hinders their performance potential in terms of final grades.

To address this issue, I developed a series of prompts and activities aimed at fostering free writing. This approach boosts confidence, encourages honesty in expression, nurtures writing skills and voice, emphasizes the writing process over the final outcome, and aids in overcoming writer's block. These activities are not intended for grading; rather, they serve to empower students to write creatively and authentically. Oh and quickly too, if they stick with it!

Recognizing that this approach may not suit every teacher's preferences, I have also adapted the prompts into exam-style exercises. Here, content, organization, and technical accuracy are assessed. The "free writing" set prioritizes rapid writing development and confidence building, and I will actively engage with students during the process, offering comments and encouragement. The "exam style" set, on the other hand, entails more formal feedback or a focus on achieving specific objectives.

Both sets are customizable to accommodate the needs of your learners. Utilizing a "Do Now" activity can be particularly effective for jumpstarting learning, especially at the outset of a class session or week. It serves as a means to assess prior knowledge and provide instant feedback to students.


8 March 2024

Star Trek: Discovering the TV Series - New Book


How well acquainted are you with Star Trek? A few years ago, Tom Salinsky, a lifelong science fiction enthusiast, podcaster, and author, recognized that his knowledge of the franchise was lacking. Not anymore...

While there are undoubtedly many other sci-fi enthusiasts who share this sentiment, Tom's commitment was unparalleled - he decided to write a book. He embarked on a rigorous two-year mission to watch every episode from the inception of The Original Series to the conclusion of Enterprise, committing to viewing one episode per day without fail, regardless of circumstances.  That's slightly bonkers but it appears to have worked.

After some meticulous planning, Tom calculated that by following the transmission order and treating feature-length episodes later split into two for syndication as one, along with considering each movie as one episode, he would commence on New Year’s Day 2022 and conclude with the final episode of Enterprise on Christmas Day 2023. This ambitious endeavor encompassed a total of 723 episodes, each accompanied by Tom's succinct review.

The resulting book - Star Trek: Discovering the TV Series chronicles the initial phase of this journey, encompassing the 79 television episodes of The Original Series, the animated series revival of the 1970s, the first six original movies, and the entire run of The Next Generation. Additionally, the book features insights from prominent fans, authors, actors, and broadcasters, offering their perspectives on beloved episodes.

Beyond celebrating the series' achievements, acknowledging its missteps, and appreciating its boldness, Star Trek: Discovering the TV Series provides intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes. It also offers a comprehensive overview of the groundbreaking series, unveiling familiar elements at unexpected junctures.

Readers are invited to ponder trivia questions such as the first mention of the Federation, the establishment of Kirk's era in the 23rd century, and the abandonment of money in the future. Moreover, the book sheds light on surprising revelations, like the earliest appearance of a Holodeck in the 1974 episode "The Practical Joker" from the animated series.

Whether you're a devoted aficionado or a casual viewer, this book offers an immersive experience, accompanying Tom on his daily expedition through the highs and lows of one of the most iconic and cherished series in the universe.  The book is available here.

26 February 2024

Powering Through Projects: A Review of Makita Tools in the UK


Makita has long been synonymous with quality, durability, and innovation in the world of power tools. With a wide array of offerings catering to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, Makita has established itself as a go-to brand for those seeking reliability and performance. In the UK market, Makita's presence is robust, with a diverse range of tools available to tackle any project. Let's delve into the assortment of Makita tools available in the UK and explore what makes them stand out.

One of Makita's standout offerings is their cordless power tool range, powered by their renowned LXT battery system. From drills and impact drivers to circular saws and angle grinders, Makita's cordless tools offer the freedom of movement without sacrificing power or performance. The convenience of not being tethered to a power outlet makes these tools ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects, whether you're building a deck or installing kitchen cabinets.

For those who prefer corded tools, Makita offers a comprehensive selection as well. Their corded drills, sanders, and saws are built to deliver consistent power and reliability, making them indispensable in professional workshops and construction sites across the UK. With features such as variable speed control and ergonomic designs, Makita's corded tools are engineered to provide maximum comfort and efficiency during extended use.

In addition to traditional power tools, Makita also offers a range of specialty tools designed for specific tasks. From concrete vibrators and rebar tiers to tile cutters and pipe threaders, Makita's specialty tools cater to professionals working in specialized trades, providing them with the precision and reliability they demand.

What sets Makita apart from the competition is their commitment to innovation and technological advancement. With features such as brushless motors for increased efficiency and longer tool life, as well as smart technology integration for enhanced performance and user experience, Makita continuously pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of power tools.

Furthermore, Makita's dedication to sustainability is evident in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impact. By developing energy-efficient tools and implementing eco-friendly manufacturing practices, Makita is leading the way towards a more sustainable future for the construction and woodworking industries.

The assortment of Makita's tools in UK offers something for everyone, whether you're a professional tradesperson or a weekend warrior tackling home improvement projects. With their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Makita remains a trusted choice for those who demand nothing but the best from their tools.

24 February 2024

The Mysterious Moeraki Boulders


If you go down to Koekohe beach in New Zealand you can be sure of a big surprise. In front of you, scattered like enormous marbles from some long abandoned game between giants, are hundreds of giant spherical rocks. Or are they the egg shells of sea-born dragons? The Moeraki boulders present us with a mystery – what are they and how on earth did they get here?
Image Credit Flickr User Geofftheref
Some are isolated but may occur in clusters. That they are here is the result of three things – erosion, concretion and time. First the waves, inexorable and patient, have pounded the local bedrock for countless millennia. The mudstone on the beach – rock which was originally mud and clay – is slowly but surely eroded. Underneath are the boulders that the mudstone – in its original wet form, helped to form. However, the boulders were not there to begin with – that came later.

Why the Panda is Black and White


This is a superbly created piece of animation which captures the imagination. The world is monochrome until an invisible hand starts to color it in.

Unfortunately, one animal is asleep and misses the chance to be painted...
Surprisingly, this is in fact an advert for French kid’s channel TiJi.

While we normally wouldn’t embed adverts like this in to Kuriositas, our French readers are such a small minority that this could not be mistaken for a plug for the channel, so we let it slip in.

It is such a lovely piece of work, how could we fail to allow it some space? The byline at the end translates as TV and the height of their imagination.

12 February 2024

The Maijishan Grottoes - Artistic Treasure of China’s Past

China has four major Buddhist cave complexes - by far the most visited being the Longmen caves. Less well known are the Maijishan Grottoes. Situated in Gansu Province in the northwest of China, this astonishing example of cave architecture hewn from rock consists of over 7,000 Buddhist sculptures not to mention almost 1000 square meters of murals.

Sweet and Sour


If this doesn’t put a smile on your face, then nothing will.  Sometimes life can be hard and our canine hero of Sweet and Sour is not having a good time of it.  All of that is about to change though when he stumbles across the gateway to Chinatown and the culinary delights it contains. As he passes by the restaurants he can hardly contain himself.

It isn’t long before he has tasted all the delights for himself and has fully immersed himself in the almost orgasmic aspects of Chinese cuisine.  He even buys the t-shirt.  Yet when he discovers an awful truth (much like Charlton Heston in Soylent Green) the dream quickly sours.

With his gruesome discovery, his heaven turns in to his own doggy hell.  Can he find salvation?  Only time will tell.

The film was conceived by Eddie White, such a fan of Chinese Culture that he (with a tongue firmly in cheek we suspect) named his animation studio the People’s Republic of Animation.  The idea quickly took root but White discovered he needed some help.  Enter the Shanghai Animation Studio.

Renowned the world over for their exquisite hand-drawn work, they created the amazing effects work you see in the movie.  Sweet and Sour has the claim, then, of being the very first Chinese-Australian animated co-production.

The Australian team took care of the 3D animation with the Shanghai studio contributing the hand-drawn traditional work.  The combination of the old and new is brought together with stunning effect.  The oldest Australian who worked on the project was, at the time, 26 years old: on the other hand, the youngest Chinese animator was 39.

The success of the collaboration is self evident in the astonishingly beautifully animated final project with the two styles seamless.  The Chinatown itself has something of a retro feel, being reminiscent of the Hollywood films of the thirties.   The character of the dog is familiar without being a repetition of all the Disney pooches we have seen in the past.

Since its premier in 2007 (in Hong Kong) the film has been given approval for mainland Chinese screenings and has been featured in more than a dozen animated film festivals worldwide.

If You Have Never Wanted to Visit Hong Kong, You Will After You Watch This

It’s rare when a few minutes of film footage manage to wholly capture a place, especially a place like Hong Kong which is full of so many contradictory elements.  Director, DP and editor Brandon Li pulls this off spectacularly with Hong Kong Strong.  This is a deep dive in to the many layers of this complex, enigmatic, impossible city.  This was shot in the days leading up to the Chinese New Year which only adds to the interest!

The Portonaccio Sarcophagus - Amazing Relic of Rome

It is strange to think that this sarcophagus is eighteen hundred years old, so vivid are the carvings on its sides.  Who was buried inside is unknown, but there are facts that can be gleaned from the study of the ornate sculpting.  Housed in the National Museum of Rome, the sarcophagus is displayed in a darkened room under spotlights which show its decorative figures beautifully.

It was discovered in 1931 near Via Tiburtina, in the eastern suburbs of Rome. Its front depicts a symbolic picture of a battle which is on two levels.  The carving remains to this day an incredible achievement – the dark and light contrast beautifully to produce a veritable chiaroscuro effect. This skill involved was superlative.

Writing Descriptive Paragraphs for GCSE English


What follows the opening lines of a story? Frequently, the writer shifts focus to describe the setting. This collection of ten picture prompts (tailored for GCSE English but adaptable for any level) serves as a visual cue for students.

Their task is to craft a setting description suitable for a second paragraph in a story, while also incorporating key elements that would enhance their chances of scoring well in an exam.  I have used these in class in a number of ways. I have found them very useful in persuading more relucatant writers to create something small but perfectly formed - they are not overwhelmed by the enormity of writing a complete text.

This exercise encourages students to consider the overall structure of a text. In many GCSE English paper 1 exams (AQA), the second paragraph often features descriptive language, allowing candidates to address the "language question." Moreover, vivid descriptions of the setting aid in immersive "world building."


These ten picture prompts could form the basis of a full lesson, though they were initially designed for use as starters—a "do now" activity. Given the demand for only a single paragraph, this could be completed in around ten minutes, with time allotted for some learners to share their work aloud. Alternatively, it could be adapted into an engaging activity on a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

It's great to hear what students come up with - and this can be incorporated at the end of the "do now". Not only that, I try to incorporate these finished pieces inside longer writing projects.

In a class, these prompts could be displayed on a smartboard sequentially, or students could be assigned a random picture to describe. The versatility of this set of picture prompts allows for various implementation methods—choose the one that best suits your teaching style!

28 January 2024

Villagers - That Golden Time - Watch the Stunning Official Video

 
This really is stunning. The latest single from Villagers, titled 'That Golden Time,' is a poignant and beautiful musical piece that explores the idea of living within a digital bubble, where the constant pursuit of unattainable desires is perpetuated. Lead singer Conor O’Brien provided a detailed brief for the project, including a visual treatment that conveys the essence of the video and explores the concept of "algorithm blues," a line from the track. 

Director Rok Predin of Trunk conceived the idea that, despite our expectations, technology holds a mesmerizing influence over us, akin to a moth being drawn to a flame. Humans, it seems, possess an inherent attraction to technology, from which we find it difficult to disengage, irrespective of the associated consequences, both positive and negative. 

In addition to these themes, the team drew inspiration from a captivating piece of slow-motion footage featuring a Dark Marathyssa moth, filmed by Dr Adrian Smith of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The footage, shot at 6000fps, beautifully captured the delicate nature, strength, and agility of the insect. However, what truly captivated the team were the golden shimmering scales and flecks that adorned the Dark Marathyssa's body and wings. This presented an irresistible opportunity for Director Rok Predin and producer Richard Barnett, who strongly believed that a simple yet meticulously crafted story about a moth could visually complement and poignantly reflect the lyrics of the song.