Derezzed Gamer

I reminisced about the 90s and early 2000s gaming era in my previous post (Re-resolution), reflecting on an ad that celebrated the relentless dedication of gamers while capturing the camaraderie and passion of our community. But as I cast my mind back to that era, I realize that wasn’t the only ad campaign  that’s stuck with me all these years. There was another campaign that managed to embed itself in my memory—one that, rather than coming across as a lecture or nag, masterfully blended entertainment with a subtle public service message. The ad revolved around arcade-style racers with the tagline: “Die in your living room, not on the road.” It’s a phrase that lingers in my memory, much like the vivid image it accompanied - a sleek, adrenaline-pumping racing game playing on a CRT TV, the moment frozen mid-crash, as the gamer’s car spirals into oblivion. The implication was clear—yes, you can indulge your need for speed and risk-taking, but do it where the only consequence is a gam...

Where do you stand on the rise of AI in our daily lives? Some fear a Skynet-like future, while others are excited about the endless possibilities. One area that's particularly fascinating is the use of AI in video games, especially for creating more lifelike NPCs (non-player characters). Whether you’re cautious or optimistic about AI, the idea of AI-driven NPCs is intriguing. Unlike main characters, AI-enhanced NPCs can enrich a game without replacing creative storytelling. Imagine NPCs reacting to you in surprising ways, making the game feel more alive. Take Assassin’s Creed Origins, for instance. I've spent hundreds of hours in this game, but hearing the same NPCs repeating lines like "sejeriat", “henheriat” (whatever that means) and "please, we’re innocent!" gets frustrating and breaks immersion. Even in the DLC’s afterlife areas, these voices follow me. My son really enjoyed Dragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen but he was left with a blacksmith’s NPC line living r...