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California Bill Aimed at Ensuring Game Playability Post-Server Shutdown Faces Criticism from ESA for Misunderstanding Game Mechanics

Earlier this month, Stop Killing Games, the campaign group seeking to prevent online games being rendered unplayable when publishers shut down their servers, threw their support behind a Californian bill aiming to put a requirement that studios either take action to keep games running after server shutterings or provide full refunds into law. As said bill – dubbed AB 1921 – continues to meander through the lawmaking process, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) have come out in opposition of it, arguing the proposal “doesn’t reflect how games actually work today”.

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Graduation Speaker Taken Aback by Students’ Boos Aimed at AI

### Graduation Speech Controversy at the University of Central Florida: Examining AI’s Influence on the Workforce Ahead

Graduation ceremonies frequently act as a venue for motivating orations, designed to instill hope and direction in newly minted graduates as they begin their careers. Nonetheless, the address given by Gloria Caulfield, Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Tavistock Development Company, during the University of Central Florida’s spring graduation on May 8, 2023, incited unforeseen criticism, primarily due to her comments regarding artificial intelligence (AI).

#### The Speaker’s Credentials

Although Gloria Caulfield is not a UCF graduate, she possesses significant qualifications and affiliations within the Florida community. She heads the Lake Nona Institute, an organization dedicated to pioneering technologies for healthier communities. Despite her impressive credentials, many questioned her appropriateness in addressing recent graduates, especially in light of the swiftly changing technological environment.

#### The Contentious Address

Caulfield’s address began with customary thanks to the university and encouragement for graduates to fully embrace the occasion. Yet, the atmosphere shifted drastically when she labeled AI as “the next Industrial Revolution.” This remark elicited immediate disapproval from the audience, a response that seemed to surprise her. Her surprise was notably palpable when she turned to her colleagues on stage and asked, “What happened?”

This audience reaction is telling, as Caulfield’s portrayal of AI as a transformative force contrasts sharply with the prevailing concerns regarding its impact on job stability and the workforce. Graduates—many of whom are entering a job market contending with AI’s disruptive prospects—perceived her characterization as misleading and out of touch.

#### Audience Response and Misreading

As Caulfield endeavored to address the unfriendly reception, she remarked that crowds often react to AI with “bipolar” sentiments. This terminology illustrates her misunderstanding of the graduates’ feedback. Disapproving of the possibility of AI taking over jobs while applauding the notion that AI posed no threat just a few years ago reveals a coherent anxiety over job displacement rather than an erratic response.

Caulfield proceeded to promote the idea of perceiving AI’s introduction like the initial reaction to the internet—overwhelming at first but ultimately a gateway to new prospects. However, this rationale fell short as it failed to consider the context of economic struggles and job security fears that new graduates are facing as a result of technological progress.

#### Disconnection and Misinterpretation

The overall vibe during the address underscored a significant disconnection between Caulfield and the audience’s feelings. Many graduates had commenced their university education amidst the escalation of AI, trained in an atmosphere that increasingly analyzes the effects of technology on job prospects. Her disconnection was further highlighted when she described the audience’s apprehensions as “passion,” rather than acknowledging the palpable dread concerning their futures.

In spite of the backlash, Caulfield later expressed her views on social media, calling the graduation an “extraordinary evening” intended to “spark optimism” in emerging leaders. However, this optimism appeared to overlook the graduates’ pressing realities, raising questions about the suitability of her message at such a poignant moment in their lives.

#### Conclusion

The occurrence at the University of Central Florida serves as a crucial reminder of the sensitive equilibrium needed when discussing economic and technological changes, especially in academic contexts. As the workforce continues to transform with innovations such as AI, the necessity of compassionate communication that aligns with the circumstances of graduates cannot be emphasized enough. The negative response to Caulfield’s address underscores the need for university speakers to interact more considerately with pertinent societal concerns, especially those that profoundly impact young professionals poised to enter the labor market.

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This Week in PC Games: Early Access for Subnautica 2, a Battlestar Galactica Roguelite, and Directive 8020 Challenges the Silence of Space

Our infamously workshy news editor Edwin – he only posted barely twice the number of articles last week as I did, the skiver – is off doing something that isn’t the Maw this morning. See? This time he didn’t even have the gumption to hurl his own body into its waiting gullet, where through the pain of cracked bones and ruined ponytail, he’d endure the acidslide down into the Maw’s endlessly cavernous belly before hacking his way out with a crude axe fashioned from the beast’s own ribcage. Honestly, I’m going to have to have a word with him, once I finish this list of imminent PC game releases.

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Discord Nitro Subscribers Receive Complimentary Access to Stardew Valley and Fallout 4 via Game Pass ‘Starter Edition’

**Discord’s Nitro Subscription Program Grows with Added Benefits**

Discord is enhancing its Nitro subscription service by unveiling a variety of new advantages aimed at enriching the experience for its paying members. Traditionally recognized for offering enhanced server features and personalized emoji, Discord’s Nitro now presents increased benefits designed to draw in and retain users.

**New Offerings of Nitro Subscription**

The revamped Nitro subscription, available for $10 per month or $100 for a year, will now feature perks like discounts on gaming equipment and free access to the Game Pass Starter Edition, a streamlined version of Xbox’s well-known game library service. This fresh addition allows Nitro subscribers to enjoy games such as *Stardew Valley* and *Fallout 4* at no extra charge, expanding the attraction of the subscription beyond mere chat and community features.

Reports indicate that the Game Pass Starter Edition will include around 50 games, featuring prominent Xbox first-party titles like *Gears 5* and *The Elder Scrolls Online*, as well as acclaimed indie titles like *Tunic* and *Ori and the Will of the Wisps*. Additionally, Nitro users have the opportunity to earn up to $25 in Microsoft rewards and can stream games through cloud gaming for up to 10 hours per month.

**Further Discounts and Gaming Advantages**

Nitro will also maintain existing features, such as larger file upload limits and HD game streaming. Most notably, subscribers will now receive exclusive discounts on popular gaming gear: 30% off Logitech products and 15% off at SteelSeries. These enhancements are intended to attract a broader gamer demographic, potentially motivating millions of free users to upgrade to the paid subscription.

Lu Zhang, Discord’s product director, affirmed the company’s dedication to providing valuable benefits as part of the Nitro program. In a statement, Zhang highlighted the introduction of “Nitro Rewards,” a new benefits initiative developed alongside major gaming brands tailored to the desires of gamers.

**Strategic Moves in Response to Market Changes**

As Discord celebrates the decade milestone of its Nitro service, conversations about its future are intensifying. Speculation suggests the company may be considering an initial public offering (IPO), while Microsoft aims to broaden the reach of its Game Pass service. The partnership between Discord and Microsoft could act as a strategic effort to strengthen both platforms, although it remains uncertain if this alliance will successfully accomplish these objectives.

With a focus on augmented paid subscription features rather than ad-supported alternatives, Discord seems determined to retain its strong position with free users while also nurturing a lucrative subscription model. This balanced strategy is crucial as the tech landscape evolves, particularly within the gaming sector.

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Former Epic Games Tech Director Unveils The Immense Engine: An AI-Driven European Alternative to Unreal Engine

Guerilla Games co-founder and former Epic Games technical director Arjan Brussee is making what he styles a “European alternative” to US-developed videogame engines like Unreal and Unity (the latter originally conceived in Denmark, to be fair).

In a show of true generosity towards internet wisecrackers, he’s calling his WIP creation “The Immense Engine”. Love to see an entrepreneur just absolutely faceplant any and all Freudian undertones. Brussee is also touting both “full” generative AI integration and possible applications for the defence industry, where game engines have long been used for simulation and training.

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Worries Among Nintendo Shareholders About Switch 2 Costs and Absence of Significant Game Reveals

**Nintendo’s Switch 2 Price Hike and Investor Worries**

Nintendo’s latest notification about a price hike for the Switch 2 seems to have backfired, greatly impacting its stock performance. A report from Reuters indicates that the firm’s share price dropped by 7 percent following this news, as investors voiced increasing concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of the new console due to escalating production expenses and a shortage of significant game launches ahead.

Even with the Switch 2 moving 20 million units and 50 million games in its initial nine months, the expected price increase of $50 has not eased worries about rising costs. It has come to light that this hike does not entirely offset the growing expenses related to hardware manufacturing, especially concerning computer parts affected by supply chain difficulties and the ongoing race in AI technology, as mentioned by Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa.

The company typically refrains from selling its consoles at a deficit, which sharply contrasts with rivals like Sony and Microsoft, who frequently utilize console sales as loss leaders to boost profits from software sales. This strategy places Nintendo at a disadvantage, particularly when combined with investor aspirations influenced by the current gaming ecosystem.

The lack of blockbuster games scheduled for release in 2026 further intensifies these challenges. Although the popularity of titles like *Pokémon Pokopia* has enhanced sales, investors remain fixated on the future, especially with the next significant *Pokémon* release not anticipated until 2027. Other forthcoming titles, such as sequels to *Star Fox*, *Splatoon*, and *Yoshi and the Mysterious Book*, do not possess the widespread appeal needed to satisfy investors looking for notable returns amidst a volatile market.

As investor unease escalates, there is rising pressure on Nintendo to clarify its major franchises. The absence of announcements regarding upcoming key titles—particularly about *Super Mario* or possible new ventures in *The Legend of Zelda* series—has created a gap that investors find concerning. Without meaningful updates, Nintendo risks further undermining its stock value as both consumers and shareholders eagerly await news on forthcoming releases that could boost both hardware and software sales during the vital holiday period.

In summary, the hurdles Nintendo faces regarding the Switch 2’s price hike are intensified by market expectations and an ambiguous future game lineup. For the firm to restore investor trust, prompt announcements concerning new game progress and plans to tackle production costs are crucial. As the gaming sector continues to transform, all attention will be on Nintendo to see how it manages this pivotal moment.