Gaming

Artificial Agency raises $16M to use AI to make NPCs feel more realistic in video games

Gaming /

A group of former Google DeepMind researchers have created an AI behavior engine that aims to transform traditional video games into a more dynamic experience by improving how non-playable characters (NPCs) behave and interact with gamers. There’s no shortage of companies using AI to generate NPCs that feel more realistic, but Canada-based Artificial Agency, fresh […]

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A company building Wordle for chess raises money from a16z Speedrun, Mark Pincus and Eric Wu

Gaming /

Echo Chunk, a company that is building Wordle-styled daily chess puzzle game Echo Chess, has raised $1.4 million in pre-seed from a16z Speedrun (Andreessen Horowitz’s early stage games accelerator), founder of Zyanga Mark Pincus, South Park Commons (SPC), Opendoor founder and CEO Eric Wu and Stef Corazza, the Head of Generative AI at Roblox. Sami

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Indian game firms want to distance themselves from fantasy sports

Gaming /

For over a decade, real-money gaming companies and fantasy sports startups have marketed themselves as video game companies. But as these businesses face increasing regulatory scrutiny, a coalition of more than 70 video game companies in India is urging the government to create a clear distinction between their industries. In a letter to Prime Minister

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k-ID wins $45M to help game devs speedrun the child safety compliance puzzle

Gaming /

For an indie developer building a game on their own, compliance with regulations is likely the last thing on their list of priorities — they first have to finish writing the code, designing the mechanics, and run endless rounds of tests to make sure the game is actually fun to play. But compliance is often

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Fitbit’s new kid smartwatch is a little Wiimote, a little Tamagotchi

Gaming /

In 2018, Fitbit launched Ace, a wearable tracker for kids. On Wednesday, it’s adding Ace LTE to the line, a device aimed at the same demographic that borrows heavily from its smartwatch, Versa. The Google-owned wearable firm is targeting the 7+ crowd with this one, focusing on gaming with Wii-style motion control, along with location

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Apple’s Design Awards nominees highlight indies and startups, largely ignore AI (except for Arc)

Gaming /

With its list of Apple Design Awards finalists, Apple is celebrating indie apps and startups over bigger tech firms — including those offering AI chatbots. At a time when its App Store model has been called into question by legislators and regulators alike, Apple’s annual list of what it considers the best and most technically

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