Author Archives: D20Mafia

Ubisoft’s Yasuke Kerfuffle in Assassin’s Creed Shadows – And What Could’ve Been

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Other than Assassin’s Creed Black Flag (pirate vibes, anyone?), I’ve never been a huge fan of the Assassin’s Creed series. But when I heard about a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed Shadows—ninjas! samurai!—I got hyped. It’s totally my alley. Then came the controversy storm over Yasuke, a Black historical figure who rolled with Oda Nobunaga in ancient Japan. Was he a samurai? A retainer? History’s fuzzy on that. Thing is, Shadows already had fan gripes—like that dual-protagonist mechanic—but Yasuke’s inclusion blindsided a lot of gamers. People, especially Japanese fans, were rooting for a homegrown male hero. Rumors flew about why Ubisoft zeroed in on him (George Floyd influence? DEI push?), but it’s all speculation. Still, the noise is loud enough to risk tanking this release—and Ubisoft can’t afford that hit right now.

I’m not deep into Assassin’s Creed to care about the social politics swirling around it. What I see? A missed shot at something epic. Imagine this: a cyberpunk dystopia where megacorps rule the streets. Enter Yasuke, a badass techno-samurai—honor-bound, high-tech, and combat-augmented to the teeth. The story practically writes itself! Option one: Yasuke’s framed by his boss’s enemies, disgraced, and goes full-on quest mode to clear his name and restore his honor. Option two: he’s a top-tier protector, so foes target his family to break him—unleashing a revenge-fueled rampage. These are the tales gamers devour—gritty, gripping, and perfect for late-night grind sessions.

I follow some Black gamers online, and they’re starving for a strong, cool hero like this. Recent releases? They’ve been stuck with stuff like Concord’s Bazz—a goofy, transgender Black female merc with running shoes—or Emari, an overweight tank character whose design screams anything but cool. Where’s the badassery? I asked an AI to whip up some characters, and dude, they’re fire—sleek, powerful, shelf-worthy. I’d snag those action figures from GameStop in a heartbeat. Pair that look with a killer backstory, and you’ve got iconic characters gamers crave. Bonus: mix it up with a female Yasuke—beautiful, fierce, Black, and unstoppable. Diversity done right, not forced.

Here’s the deal: people want fun and cool. No one’s here for activist devs sneaking personal politics into their heroes. Gamers want to be the badass—rock a character’s tee or flex an action figure on their desk. It’s not rocket science. Veer from “cool” to push your beliefs, and you shrink your audience fast. Maybe one day we’ll get that cyber-infused samurai Yasuke—high-tech, honorable, and proud. Maybe one day we’ll go back to cool. Peace out.

From 3D to AI: Why the Genie’s Out and Art’s Still King

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No matter where you stand on AI art, one thing’s clear: the genie’s out of the bottle, and it’s not squeezing back in. As a classically trained artist who’s been around the block, I’m not here to freak out—I see AI art as a rad tool in my creative arsenal, not some big bad wolf.

My 3D Art Days: When Tools Got Me in Trouble

Back in college, I was that guy showing off 3D renders—think alien landscapes and slick mecha—to my drawing class. My classmates were hyped, jaws dropping like it was an 80s anime premiere. Then my drawing teacher swooped in, checked out the buzz, and hit me with, “You didn’t draw these, the computer did.” Okay, half-true, but I was like, “Hold up!” I built those 3D wireframe models, slapped on textures, picked camera angles, and lit the scene like a pro. That’s art, baby! Sure, I’m trained in traditional art, but I saw 3D rendering for what it was: a dope new toy in the toolbox. And guess what? 3D art blew up—movies, animation, ads, you name it. Sound familiar?

AI Art: The Next Big Wave

Fast forward to now, and I can only imagine my prof’s meltdown over the AI art revolution. It’s leveling up fast, popping up everywhere, and yeah, it’s here to stay. The power to create is in everyone’s hands now—AI art tools are like cheat codes for creativity. Some folks get heated over the ethics (is it stealing? Is it lazy?), but me? I see it like memes: fun, fast, and full of potential. For me, AI art is a rapid prototyping beast. I can crank out hundreds of samples in minutes, snag a vibe that clicks, or let it nudge me down a wild new path. Even this blog? I could whip up headline pics in a snap, saving cash and leaving more time for gaming. Who’s mad at that?

Traditional Art’s Still Got Swagger

Here’s the kicker: AI art won’t kill artists. Nah, it might even make traditional art more niche and valuable—think vinyl records in a streaming world. Just the other day, I hired GfxKate, a badass artist, for some streaming logos and assets. Caricatures aren’t my jam, and sure, I could’ve messed with AI, but her style? Pure fire. The work I got felt special, personal, and worth every penny. Traditional art isn’t fading—it’s flexing its staying power.

AI Art: Ally, Not Enemy

In the end, AI art isn’t the Terminator coming for your sketchbook. It’s more like one Voltron lion joining your squad—add it to your traditional art, 3D rendering, and whatever else you’ve got, and you’ve got a mega-ally. The genie’s out, folks. You can fear it or wish on it—your call. Me? I’m wishing for more epic art adventures. Peace out!

The Dark Side of PC Building: How Social Media Turns a Fun Hobby Toxic

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Social media and toxicity,

Social media has revolutionized how we connect, but it’s also opened the door to toxicity in places meant for fun—like the PC building community. What should be a carefree hobby filled with creativity and excitement has been overshadowed by elitism, judgment, and petty arguments. Sure, there’s the classic NVIDIA vs. AMD banter or brand loyalty debates, but the negativity goes deeper than that. It’s time we address this divide and refocus on what unites us as PC enthusiasts.

The Two Sides of the PC Building Spectrum

On one end, you’ve got the elitists who scoff at anyone not splurging on the latest, greatest, and most expensive graphics card. “Why settle for less than a top-tier RTX 4090?” they sneer. On the flip side, there are the budget purists who roll their eyes at high-end builds, calling them wasteful if the owner won’t “max out” every component. “Why spend $1,000 on a GPU for casual gaming?” they argue. Both sides miss the point: PC building isn’t about one-upping each other—it’s about personal enjoyment. My take? Let people build what they love and mind your own business.

A Personal Perspective After 30 Years of PC Building

I’ve been assembling gaming computers for over three decades, and I’ve seen it all. Some years, I had the cash to craft my dream machine—high-end CPUs, RGB galore, the works. Other times, I scraped by with budget parts, tweaking what I could afford into something playable. Through it all, I learned one truth: your gaming experience doesn’t hinge on your wallet size. A $500 rig can bring just as much joy as a $5,000 beast. So why do some PC builders feel entitled to judge others’ choices? We all face different financial realities, and no one should assume they know someone else’s story.

United as the PC Master Race

Here’s the thing: whether you’re rocking a budget PC build or a godlike setup, we’re all part of the PC master race. That’s what makes this hobby special. Console players are stuck with fixed hardware, but we get endless customization—affordable games, unique cases, and the freedom to tweak every detail. Instead of tearing each other down on forums or social media, let’s celebrate that. Ask someone what their favorite part of their build is. Swap stories about the best games to play on it. A little positivity can go a long way in keeping the PC building community thriving.

Final Thoughts: Build, Play, and Stay Rad

PC building should be about passion, not judgment. Next time you’re tempted to critique someone’s GPU or question their spending, pause and remember—we’re in this together. From budget-friendly machines to over-the-top rigs, every build has a story worth sharing. Until next time, keep building, keep gaming, and stay rad.

From Sci-Fi to Reality: How Movies Shape Our AI Future

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As we fully embrace the era of artificial intelligence, we’re shaped by the excitement and cautionary tales from past visionaries. Movies and science fiction have been our guide, preparing us for this pivotal moment. Will our future lean towards utopia or a cyberpunk dystopia? Let’s look at how these films have influenced our understanding and development of AI:

“2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) – HAL 9000, the OG AI Icon

The Movie Vibes: HAL 9000, with its smooth, conversational tone and red eye, became both a helper and a terrifying caution. It showcased AI’s ability to understand humans, make decisions, and even betray them.

Real-Life Impact: HAL inspired natural language processing and autonomous decision-making in AI research. Today’s voice assistants like Siri or Alexa owe much to HAL, though they’re designed without the malevolence. This film also sparked ongoing debates on AI ethics.

“WarGames” (1983) – Hacking and AI Decision-Making

The Movie Vibes: A young hacker interacts with WOPR, a military AI, mistaking a simulation for real war, set against an ’80s tech backdrop.

Real-Life Impact: Highlighted AI’s potential in controlling critical systems and the risks of unchecked automation. It influenced cybersecurity discussions and the necessity of human oversight in AI applications, particularly in defense.

“Blade Runner” (1982) – Replicants and Human-Like AI

The Movie Vibes: In a cyberpunk future, replicants with near-human emotions and intelligence question their existence.

Real-Life Impact: Pushed the boundaries of AI with emotional intelligence, leading to affective computing and robotics research. The film’s aesthetic continues to influence tech design and the concept of AI empathy.

“The Matrix” (1999) – AI Overlords and Virtual Reality

The Movie Vibes: AI agents control a simulated reality, using humans as energy sources, with Neo’s journey questioning reality itself.

Real-Life Impact: Influenced debates on AI control over human life and virtual reality development. It raised questions about AI’s ethical implications in shaping our perception of reality.

“Tron” (1982) – AI in Digital Worlds

The Movie Vibes: A programmer enters a digital world where programs have personalities, showcasing ’80s digital aesthetics.

Real-Life Impact: Pioneered visions of AI in digital ecosystems, influencing concepts like the metaverse and AI-driven simulations in game development and beyond.

“The Terminator” Series – Skynet, the Ultimate AI Nightmare!

The Movie Vibes: Skynet, an AI that turns against humanity, leading to a post-apocalyptic world with time-traveling Terminators.

Real-Life Impact:

  • AI in Defense Systems: Raised concerns about autonomous weapons, echoing in current debates about AI in military tech.
  • AI Ethics and Control: Fostered early fears about AI autonomy, pushing for ethical frameworks and AI safety research.
  • Cybersecurity Fears: Highlighted the potential of AI to disrupt global networks, leading to advanced cybersecurity measures.

Skynet’s narrative reminds us to balance innovation with caution, a theme still relevant today.

These films not only entertained but also sowed the seeds for today’s AI landscape. From voice technology to ethical considerations, they’ve shown us both the promise and peril of AI. The genie is out, and our future hangs in the balance. Will it be doom or a step towards a higher civilization? Let’s hope we have a say in it. -Stay Rad

Backlogs: The Bane of Gamers Everywhere

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If you’re a gamer, you’re likely familiar with the curse of the backlog. I’m no exception; statistics suggest that PC gamers only complete about 35% of the games they own. Those killer Steam sales are just too tempting, adding to the pile of unplayed games. As we age, life’s responsibilities and commitments increasingly chip away at our gaming time, leaving our backlogs to grow.

This year, I’ve decided to tackle my gaming backlog head-on. Here are the first three games on my list:

  • Mirror’s Edge: You play as Faith, a courier who uses parkour to navigate through a futuristic cityscape, delivering data physically across rooftops. Unlike typical shooters or hack-and-slash games, Mirror’s Edge focuses on dexterity and skill. Your only weapons are your fists and well-timed landings. I’ve struggled to find my groove with it; the linear levels can feel restrictive, but the game’s distinctive red and white aesthetic and detailed cityscapes are captivating.
  • Eden Crafters: This is an automation game similar to Satisfactory, though less refined. The mission? To rejuvenate a barren planet. It has an early access feel, yet its charm lies in its designs, particularly the base structures which evoke a retro 70s-80s space vibe. The game’s pace is engaging without being a grind. A highlight was watching the planet come to life as I built seeding and fertilization machines; grass and trees sprouted, transforming the air quality in that area. However, I’m at a crossroads with this game, perhaps due to automation game fatigue.
  • Disco Elysium: This RPG stands out with its deep narrative and decision-driven gameplay. You’re a detective with amnesia, piecing together both a murder case and your own identity in a city that blends new and old aesthetics in a way that’s neither contemporary nor steampunk, but uniquely intriguing. The fully voiced dialogue is top-notch, making every interaction memorable. It also has one groovy soundtrack. I’m committed to finishing this game and will offer a full review soon.

Until the next time I dive back into my backlog, keep gaming happily!

Here’s to gaming in 2025.

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It’s mid-January, and though it’s a bit late, Happy New Year! 2024 was a whirlwind—chaotic yet intriguing. We had an election, a mix of disappointing and stellar game releases, and we watched some game companies push heavily for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) only to falter, while others thrived with their releases. I’m quite content with my current rig, so I haven’t kept up much with new hardware, but I’m eager to see what the next generation of video cards will bring this year.

Here are some games I’ve played extensively, though not all were released in 2024. Satisfactory has been a staple since the pandemic started, offering a factory-building experience that’s now nearly perfect after leaving early access. It’s fully optimized, runs smoothly, and remains incredibly engaging. Kingdom Eighties, released in 2023, captures the essence of the ’80s with its fun storyline, retro aesthetics, and addictive gameplay, giving off a “Stranger Things” vibe. Forza Horizon 5 was another favorite, where I spent much time driving around and customizing liveries in single-player mode. Palworld was a delightful surprise, and Retrowave World with its ’80s-inspired style and gameplay, made me feel nostalgic. Dave the Diver was another enjoyable title.

However, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 stood out for me. It felt like stepping back into the early 2000s with its action, graphics, and fun gameplay. The game did the lore justice, and playing it brought a wave of nostalgia. I’m excited to see what Saber Interactive will develop next.

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, but I aim to tackle my backlog of games this year. While 2024 had its challenges, here’s hoping 2025 will be even better.

New Graphics!

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I’m pretty stoked to share this news. I have been working with the talented graphic designer GFXKATE on X. She has done some amazing work for my friends and I couldn’t be happier with the results I got. She is very professional and listened my needs. What won me over was the way she incorporated my dog. That was a great touch. If you are looking to up your streaming game don’t hesitate, use Kate! Streaming season is about to start and I can’t wait to use these new assets. See you soon!

Rediscovering the passion of video gaming when AAA has lost it’s way.

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Video gaming has lost its way. There was a time not too long ago, when gaming was about the simple things. Getting from point A to point B, solving a puzzle to get to the next level, or winning or losing a match. This was true from the 1970s to the early 2000s. From arcades, to consoles, and PC, games tested dexterity, problem solving skills, and more. Playing video games was a great way to pass the time, or compete with your friends for fun. Back in 2019 I felt a disturbance in the force, but I could not put my finger on it. Unfortunately now I have a better picture of what’s going on.

Classic gaming

Over the years gaming has gained more popularity than the movie and music industry combined. Unfortunately this grabbed the attention of soulless corporations. Game design went from a handful of passionate guys who focused on making the next great thing, to bloated corporate development teams whose focus is to please investors and not the consumer. Large financial institutions are pushing their progressive social agenda in exchange for funding. New developers have replaced the legendary ones who had a passion for making games. Activists and narrative consultants are the new creatives, all pushing “their message” into games. I’ll get more into that in another post, but the rot in the industry runs deep and the only way out of this mess is for a total collapse of the modern AAA gaming industry.

Bad games

It’s no secret modern games are failing, people do not want this garbage. Changing a game’s essence and expecting people to blindly consume it, just doesn’t fly anymore. People recognize that the current trend of gaming narratives and representation feels forced. It stems not from genuine passion, but from imposed ideologies. Games are no longer about getting from point A to point B, they are now about social narratives and checking boxes. Corporations obsessed with the new modern audience, turn their backs on the existing one. But in their effort to court this new audience they have alienated everyone..

What we’re up against

Progressive consultant grifters such as Sweet Baby Inc have convinced corporations there is this whole other audience of consumers out there. They convinced them this customer base exists, and that they are missing out on that untapped revenue. This aligns with the agendas laid out by banking investors like Black Rock. But this new modern audience has not shown up yet. AAA releases are losing massive amounts of money. Tens of thousands of developers have been losing their jobs. Several major releases flopped this year and that trend doesn’t look like it’s going to end, unless there is a huge shake up. I fear these companies are too far gone to be helped.

Good games

How can we make it better

But it’s not all gloom and doom. There are a lot of great games in this sea of soulless corporate cash grabs. Around 10,000 to 12,000 video games are published every year, offering plenty of mainstream choices. The same way the indie scene has saved movies and music, it is also saving gaming. A lot of gamers have extensive backlogs of games they can use to ride out this mess. There are also game developers who haven’t sold there soul and have made hits like Space Marines 2, Black Myth Wukong, and The First Descendant. These titles have been delivering the experiences gamers want, and coincidentally are selling very well.

I on the other hand have been exploring some real obscure indie games. They may be rough around the edges but they make up for it in other ways with heart, passion, and originality, but most of all fun. So I’m going back to 1984 with some Retrowave Racing.

Retro wave racing

Gaming should spark your imagination and be the escape it was meant to be. Video games should be timeless and fun, not a representation of current year politics or propaganda. And don’t let this trend of corpo-gaming get you down, gaming will find it’s way back to its roots. There are plenty of fun and exciting alternatives out there. Explore indie developers on twitter. See what they are creating and get excited again. Until next time, keep having fun and reject corpo-gaming!

PC Gaming is DEAD, Long Live PC Gaming!

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It’s been a fun week for me regarding PC Gaming. First was a text from my daughters friend. She helped my daughter a lot in school and would come over the house a lot to play Overwatch together. She would play on my back up PC. The one in my previous post where I took some unemployed components and put them together and gave them a second life. The kid had it tough regarding having nice things. So I gave the PC to her and she very appreciative. It’s nice to give happiness to someone who deserves it. When I got the text it made me smile. Not only was she still using it, she upgraded it herself! New motherboard, ram, processor, cooler, and graphics card! I’m really proud of her.

The second was upgrading my friend’s son’s computer with components he got for Christmas. We tried to upgrade it on Christmas Eve but we ran into a snag with a bad motherboard. I felt so bad bad this kid was not going to have a working PC for Christmas day. To make matters worse I was going to be out of state for the next week and wouldn’t be able to get to it until I got back.

So when I returned I went to helping them right away. With the new motherboard it was a breeze. Everything went together without a hitch. Hit the power button loaded the drivers and we were ready to go. They came over to pick up the unit and I showed them what to do when it came to driver updates and care for the machine. His son was so happy he gave me a huge hug. The next day when I saw my friend at work he said his son loved it and was playing games all night.

Building PCs is fun and rewarding. Not only for yourself but when you do it for others as well. Sometimes the PC hobby feels like this solitary thing. Like you are the only one into it irl. Sure I’m involved with many groups online and have many friends there. But as much as I like to play the character of the basement dwelling tech recluse, it is fun to interact irl with people who are into the hobby. Knowing I made some ones day a little bit brighter is a reward in itself.