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The Beautiful Simplicity of Journey and Proteus
Almost two years have passed since thatgamecompany released its most successful game, Journey. One year now distances us from the release of Proteus by Ed Key and David Kanaga. Both are indie games, both can be finished in less than two hours, and both challenge the assumption of what a video game should be, look like, and play as. In Journey, only two buttons are used in addition to the analog sticks. In Proteus, no buttons are used at all. Neither has dialogue or an explicit story. The vast majority of the gameplay revolves around one simple action: walking.
Compared to the fast-paced and explosively exciting games that are so popular now, Proteus and Journey sound absurdly abstracted from any traditional interactivity. But the final products are anything but boring. Instead, they both delivered to me the most profound emotional experiences I have ever had playing video games. They incited feelings within me that nothing else, not even a cinematic masterpiece like the Last of Us, ever has achieved. But it seemed so counterintuitive at the time. Why should these small, unassuming games have such a huge impact on me?
It all comes down to wandering in unknown and unexplained worlds.
In Journey, the player assumes control of a figure whose only humanoid traits are two legs and a head. Otherwise, the shrouded character lacks any discernible characteristics beyond its brown robe and flowing, orange scarf. Without any prompt or dialogue, the player is then introduced to a beautiful desert of whistling wind and whipping sand. The camera swings forward and far in the distance, a mountain rises. A beam of light shines from the peak.
That is it. Nothing else is told to the player. The destination is obvious, but the journey is what the game is about—hence the title. And throughout this game, the player explores desert ruins, some of which vaguely allude to an ancient civilization, others which could be interpreted to be cemeteries. Huge, mysterious, monolithic structures rise from the sand. Nothing is known of them.
There is multiplayer in this game. Occasionally, without warning, the player will encounter another player, and their two figures can work together to accomplish the environmental puzzles. But, vitally to the game, there is no way of communicating beyond jumps and one sound. Every interaction with the other person is purely physical.
Everything about this game is abstract and ill-defined. Nothing but the destination is truly ever known about this world. The game never reveals the character’s motivation for going there. Who the character is, and why he seems to be so alone so much of the time in a deserted landscape, is left to mystery as well.
All this mystery may seem infuriating, but in fact it is exactly this that makes this game so effective. Instead of imparting a story onto the player, the game allows the player to impart a story onto it. When I was playing, I found myself making up backstories for the character, explaining why anyone would embark on such a long trek to an unknown peak, making up a reason for why the world seems abandoned. And it became my story. It became my world that I trekked through, a world that I helped create. Even when I wasn’t consciously thinking about the story I was making up, my connection with the character grew just because I began to feel the need to progress within myself. No other game has come close to inspiring that level of true motivation to complete a task. I didn’t want to finish the game. I wanted to get to the light on the mountain.
Journey, throughout its meandering two hours, becomes a visible representation of sorts for an internal journey of the player. It is meant to inspire feelings, not to give them. It is meant to bring the player to a deep, personal understanding, not to tell him what to understand. It is a story of life and death, birth and rebirth, and in that moment of death, I felt the loss deep within me. I felt the struggle, the desperation, and the eventual fall. But then, I felt the pure joy of rebirth.
And this is all because there is nothing: no guidance, no text, no speech. It is left up to the player to find his way to the mountaintop. Journey is the personal search of the player for understanding as much as it is the character’s quest for transcendence.
Proteus takes Journey’s concept one step further. Although Journey tells nothing, it still has an obvious goal. Proteus, on the other hand, pulls back even further from the conventions of video game design and has no discernible point whatsoever. It also does away with any character action at all besides walking, and even the character itself is left completely up to the imagination.
Throughout the day, therefore, Proteus is entirely about the wandering. The player walks silently around an island full of life. Birds chirp, frogs croak, wind blows. Vague structures may or may not hint at some past inhabitance of this island. Ambient music swells as the pixel-art plants move in the wind. Bumping into a tree will make a unique noise, as will scaring a chicken, crossing a lake, hitting a post, or walking across different grasses. This is all about exploration, finding the secrets of the island (which is different for everyone due to procedural generation) and, just like in Journey, coming to one’s own conclusions about the story behind the island.
Perhaps my favorite moment during my entire playthrough of Proteus was when I first climbed a mountain. The steep side of the cliff changed from grass to snow, and the cheerful music softened until it was nearly silent, replaced by the rushing sound of wind over a barren peak. At the top, a circle of objects stood. They looked figure-like, and so I decided that they were convening for a religious or spiritual ceremony at the top of this mountain. I decided not to disturb them (even though they do not move) and walked down the opposite cliff face. The music swelled again, and the harsh sounds of the elements were replaced with the melodies of spring.
I was very surprised when I realized that Proteus does have a point, and an end. And throughout the exploration of the island and the progression of the seasons, this end becomes just as much an allegory for life and death as Journey’s. By letting myself become immersed in the world and drawn to the landscape, this end was intensely emotional and personal. It allowed me to make my own story, and as a result I was personally affected by the result of it. I had never experienced anything like it, besides while playing Journey.
For a while, I did not understand the connection between the two games. But it is obvious—what makes Journey and Proteus so unbelievably effective is that they leave the level of investment up to the player. Everything is on the shoulders of the person controlling the character. In a game like The Last of Us, the emotional impact is wrought by the writers. In Journey and Proteus, it is made by the player. Each step becomes a step in a journey created by the player, for the purpose of understanding something for the sake of knowledge. There is no metagame in these games, no achievements or leaderboards or score. There is no dialogue or text. Nothing is explicit. As a result, more often than in any other type of game, the player is motivated to finish the journey for the sake of the journey itself. The character’s experience with the world is the player’s as well, because the player is responsible for every bit of meaning that the world has. It is an incredible accomplishment, and one that is done purely through the beautiful simplicity of wandering.
More developers should take note of these achievements. Simplicity can bring wonder to a game by allowing the player room to imagine. Although explicit stories are often incredible, there is so much room for purely environmental storytelling, and the kind of storytelling that, like Journey’s, encourages the player to write his own explanations. Mystery inspires the player to imagine, which in turn leads to engagement and interest. It is this capacity for player creativity that truly allows Proteus and Journey to shine, and it is this concept that should be explored by many more developers in the future.
Razer Gold is a virtual currency that is offered by the Razer company. You can use Razer Gold to purchase new games and in-game content. Usage Razer Gold gift cards give you a better bang for your buck and when you top up your Razer Gold, you get Razer Silver in return which you can exchange for even more rewards.
Every buyer loves a good discount no matter what product it is you’re buying. The same goes for buying discounted Razer Gold gift cards. Gamers tend to rely on gift cards a lot to make their gaming purchases. By using discounted gift cards, you can not only make your transaction almost instantly but also do it cost-effectively.
In this article, we’ll tell you all about buying discounted Razer Gold gift cards and how to utilize them in order to reap the maximum profits possible as well as addressing some common concerns and providing tips to make a smooth transaction.
Understanding Razer Gold and BuySellVouchers
Razer Gold is your all-in-one currency to purchase various games and in-game content from the Razer website. Razer Gold can be obtained by purchasing it directly or redeeming Razer Gold gift cards. Using Razer Gold vouchers is a much cheaper and convenient way to carry out all your gaming transactions.
Buying Razer Gold gift cards through BuySellVouchers
If you want to top up your Razer account, you can simply purchase a Razer Gold gift card. The smart choice would be to get a discounted Razer Gold gift card but where can a person get one? BuySellVouchers of course. BuySellVouchers has a huge category of discounted Razer Gold gift cards so you can browse and buy the one you deem best.
Discounted gift cards obviously save you money. So why not use them? By using discounted gift cards, you can purchase any game you want at a much cheaper price than buying it directly from official stores.
Why Choose BuySellVouchers for Razer Gold PINs?
Discounted Gift Cards
There are many reasons to choose BuySellVouchers for buying and selling gift cards over other platforms. One of the main reasons is discounts, which can reach up to 35% of the gift card’s nominal value. It has the best prices and special discounts across most of its products which makes BuySellVouchers a no-brainer if you want to purchase cheap gift cards. BuySellVouchers also has support for various payment methods including crypto such as USDT, BTC, USDC, and e-wallets like Maya and GrabPay (at the Official Store).
Razer Gold gift card giveaways
Every other week, BuySellVouchers provides gift card giveaways. Since users have the opportunity to select their preferred gift card platform for the giveaways, Razer Gold gift cards are frequently chosen. Each giveaway typically offers 10 gift cards, each valued at $10.
Comparison with other platforms offering Razer Gold gift cards
If we compare the price of the cheapest 10 USD Razer Gold gift card among some other popular marketplaces, we can see that BuySellVouchers offers the lowest price of 9.06 USD.
Kinguin.net has a price of 11.75 USD:
G2A.com has a price of 10.19 USD:
User reviews highlighting positive experiences with BuySellVouchers
If you’re concerned about the legitness of the BuySellVouchers platform, then you can look at the response of past customers of the platform to determine its legitness. A few reviews about the Buysellvouchers marketplace on Trustpilot.com are included below.
Insider Tips for Maximizing Savings
Tip #1: Timing is Key
If you want to obtain the best deals and discounts on BuySellVouchers, then timing is everything. Sellers may offer big discounts during special promotional events or during holidays. During these times, be sure to check prices regularly.
Tip #2: Explore Different Sellers
When you want to buy a gift card, be sure to explore different sellers and compare the prices among them. Your sentence is mostly correct, but it can be improved for clarity and consistency. Choose the seller that offers the lowest price and has a good reputation (high seller rating). You can evaluate a seller’s performance by looking at his reviews and successful sales history.
Tip #3: Take Advantage of Promotions
From time to time, there may be ongoing promotions on the BuySellVouchers or Razer platform. During these events, you can generally save even more money due to bigger discounts.
Tip #4: Bundle Deals
Some sellers on the platform also offer discounts for bulk purchases. These packages will save you more money than if you buy gift cards one by one. The bigger your order is, the more you can save. There are sellers who sell gift cards in bulk at very good prices.
Tip #5: Monitor Price Trends
Gift card prices can fluctuate from time to time. The product that you want to buy today may not be offered at the same price tomorrow. In such an event, your best option would be to wait for the price to go down again. To monitor the prices, you should be kept updated on the BuySellVouchers platform whenever you can.
Ensuring a Smooth Transaction
Account setup
To create an account on BuySellVouchers, click on the Register button at the top.
After that, you can either Sign Up using your existing Google gmail account or alternatively create your own unique BuySellVouchers account by entering a valid e-mail address, a username and password.
After you input your details and click on the Sign Up button, you will then be asked to verify your e-mail by clicking on the link you just received in your e-mail address. Do that and you’re all good to go.
A step-by-step guide to purchasing Razer Gold gift cards on BuySellVouchers
To browse all available Razer Gold gift cards on BuySellVouchers, you can either use the search function or browse the Razor Gold category.
Choose the product that you want to buy and then after that, click on the Buy Now button. Select your desired payment method, enter your email address where you want to receive your product and then click on the Buy button.
Wait for your order to be processed. After that, the gift card code will be delivered to you.
Tips for verifying the authenticity and value of gift card listings
To verify the authenticity and value of gift card listings, you can look at the seller’s reviews and feedback to determine if he’s a legit seller or not. If the reviews are generally positive, then you can go ahead and buy from him. If reviews are negative, you should tend to avoid him.Safety measures and precautions for buyers to avoid scams or fraud
To find the sellers with the most positive feedback, you can use the filter function on BuySellVouchers which will bring the sellers with the best feedback in descending order. Each seller has a seller level that determines their success with the platform. By buying from the top-rated sellers, there is nearly zero chance for you to get scammed. If you want 100% risk free purchases you can buy your gift cards from the Official BuySellVouchers Store where every product is offered by the official seller of the platform.Real-Life Success StoriesTestimonials from gamers who have purchased Razor Gold gift cards from BuySellVouchersBelow, you’ll find the feedback of a few people who have successfully purchased a $100 Razer Gold gift card from BuySellVouchers.
How buying and using discounted gift cards has helped people with financial concerns
Buying discounted Razer Gold gift cards allow people to purchase games that they weren’t able to previously due to financial issues. Using discounted Razer Gold gift cards allows you to buy games at a very cheap price and also get Razer Silver in return which you can redeem for even more rewards.
Addressing Common Concerns
Addressing skepticism or doubts about the legitimacy of discounted gift cards
Before anyone buys a discounted gift card for the first time, they have many doubts in mind. They wonder about the possibility of being scammed, but we can assure you that if you buy your discounted gift cards from BuySellVouchers Official Store, you will never face such a problem.
Clarifying buyer protection measures and recourse in case of issues
In case you face issues with your seller regarding your purchases, you can either contact him to discuss your issue and get it resolved. If the seller doesn’t reply or refuses to resolve your issue, you can contact the BuySellVouchers customer support. If you haven’t received your product, you might be able to get a refund as well.
Providing guidance on compliance with terms of use for Razer Gold gift cards
To prevent any future issues or misconceptions. Be sure to fully comply with the Razer Gold terms of service. Upon redeeming a Razor Gold gift card, the gift card balance will be added to your account and it must be used within one year. However, you are exempt from this if you live in certain areas where this is prevented by law.
Conclusion
Razer Gold gift cards allow you to top up your account and purchase games and in-game content in a fast and convenient way. If you look for cheap Razer Gold gift cards, then BuySellVouchers marketplace is the right place to go. So, if your budget is the main factor stopping you from buying gift cards, visit BuySellVouchers to get the most out of your budget.
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Promotions And Bonuses On Shazam Casino: A Review Of The Promotions, Bonuses, And Loyalty Programmes Offered By Shazam
Many players don’t think about how much bonuses can bring them. If you sign up at Shazam Casino, you can get a lot of benefits and save a lot of money. For example, there are rare and no-deposit bonuses here, which are not so common on betting sites. Now let’s tell you about all the bonus offers you can come across at Shazam.
No Deposit Bonus
No deposit bonus is a very favourable offer from Shazam online casino, which will allow you to get money immediately after registration without additional spending. All you need to do is create a new account, log in and enter the special promo code at the cashier. After that you will get $35 or $40 as a gift, which you can use in any game!
Freespins In The Casino
Shazam is not only a casino but also a sports betting site. However, if you are more attracted to slot machines and other games, then don’t forget to pick up the bonuses that will give you freespins. You will be able to use them in the Dreamcatcher or Wild Wild Safari games. To get this gift, you just need to register on the site and then go to the cashback section and specify the promo code.
Bonus For First Deposit
As you can see, just enter your Shazam casino login and you’ll get access to lucrative offers without even having to fund your account. But the site’s rewards don’t end there. When you first make a deposit, there are three bonuses waiting for you! You will be rewarded for your first, second and third deposit. In total, you can get up to 7500 Australian dollars! The bonuses are as follows:
- 250% up to AU$3,000;
- 200% up to AU$3,000;
- 150% up to AU$1,500.
You can use the money you receive in slot machines, table games and other casino entertainment. However, you should know that this bonus is not gratuitous. At first, the money will come to a separate account, and to transfer it to the main account, you will need to wager the reward. You will need to spend 35 times more than you received playing the games.
Daily Bonuses
The nice thing is that you can get Shazam casino bonus just by logging in every day. Each new visit to the site can bring you a great reward if you fulfil the conditions:
- Monday. On this day, you can claim a 135% or 260% bonus if you make a deposit of $25 and $200 respectively. Amounts over $50 will also earn you 50 freespins in the Achilles Deluxe game. Wagering with a 30x wager will be required to claim the reward.
- Tuesday. Deposit $25 on this day and get 100 freespins for Diamond Fiesta. You will need to wagering with a wager of 20x.
- Wednesday. On this day you will have access to a 200% bonus for deposits of $100 or more. You will also be able to get 50 freespins for Cash Bandits 2 game. The wagering condition is a 30x wager.
- Thursday. Fund your account and get a 210% reward on your deposit. The amount of $100 or more is taken into account. You will also receive 35 freespins for Vegas Lux. The cash bonus is wagered with a 30x wager and the freespins are 40x.
Don’t forget to get these rewards to make your stay on the site as rewarding as possible!
What Other Rewards To Look Forward To For Players
But that’s not all that awaits you at Shazam. Be sure to pick up these gifts:
- Holiday Enchantments. This is a special bonus that you can get during the weekend. It can be either a deposit reward or freespins.
- New Game Bonuses. Shazam casino is constantly adding to its range, and players can rejoice not only with new entertainment, but also with the bonuses that will accompany it.
- Cryptocurrency bonuses. If you are a cryptocurrency enthusiast and want to use bitcoin to fund your account on the site, you can get a 20% bonus!
- Login Rewards. During the week, you will be able to receive free login rewards and get 200 freespins. For this you will need to deposit at least once every 3 days. After that, freespins are waiting for you for Witchy Wins, Achilles Deluxe and other games.
How To Open The Opportunity To Receive Bonuses
However, keep in mind that you will not be able to start receiving rewards immediately. To do this, be sure to provide full information about yourself in your profile and provide photos of documents that can confirm it. This way you will pass the account verification and you will be able not only to collect cash prizes, but also to withdraw your winnings.
What To Do If I Didn’t Receive The Bonus
Very rarely there is a situation when players are unable to collect the gift. First, check if you have fulfilled all the conditions. If everything was done correctly, then you can contact the support team, where friendly staff will definitely help you. They will sort out why you have not received the reward and you will receive it as soon as possible.
As you can see, this site offers really a lot of interesting prizes, each of which you want to take away. You will save a lot if you take advantage of the offers of this casino. And, of course, you can register here with confidence, as more than one player from Australia has left a positive Shazam casino review. Good luck!
Welcome to the thrilling world of poker, where strategy, skill, and a dash of luck converge to create one of the most captivating card games ever devised. Whether you’re a seasoned player seeking to refine your tactics or a casual enthusiast eager to dive into the world of poker, this guide serves as your gateway to the essentials of the game.
We’ll embark on a journey through the diverse landscape of poker variants, exploring the nuances that make each game unique. Additionally, we’ll provide invaluable tips for establishing a rock-solid foundation, laying the groundwork for success at the tables. And of course, no poker guide would be complete without delving into the art of bluffing, where we unravel the psychological intricacies that elevate poker from a mere game of chance to a skillful dance of wits.
The Different Variants of Poker: Exploring Popular Games
Poker is a multifaceted world with a myriad of variants that cater to different player preferences and styles. Let’s delve into some of the most popular poker games, each with its own set of rules, strategies, and unique charm.
Texas Hold’em: Undoubtedly the titan of the poker world, Texas Hold’em has achieved global fame, thanks to its prominence in televised tournaments and high-stakes cash games. Players are dealt two private cards and combine them with five community cards to create the best possible hand. The strategic use of community cards and calculated betting define this game’s appeal.
Omaha: A close cousin to Texas Hold’em, Omaha introduces a thrilling twist by dealing four private cards to each player. However, participants can only use two of their private cards in combination with three community cards. This variation adds complexity and demands a nuanced approach to hand selection and strategic planning.
Seven Card Stud: Steeped in tradition, Seven Card Stud was once the go-to poker game before the rise of community card games. Here, players receive seven cards, three face-down and four face-up, with multiple betting rounds. Understanding the exposed cards of opponents becomes crucial in making informed decisions, making it a game that rewards observation and memory.
Pineapple Poker: A delightful variation of Texas Hold’em, Pineapple spices things up by dealing three hole cards to each player instead of the usual two. The catch? Before the flop, players must discard one of their hole cards, adding an extra layer of strategy and unpredictability to the game.
Draw Poker: In this classic variant, players are dealt a complete hand, followed by an opportunity to exchange some or all of their cards for new ones. The objective is to improve the hand through strategic draws. While not as prevalent in modern poker rooms, Draw Poker remains a nostalgic nod to the roots of the game.
Tips for Building a Solid Poker Foundation
Mastering poker requires more than just knowing the rules of the game; it demands a solid foundation built on strategic thinking, disciplined decision-making, and a keen understanding of human psychology. Here are some key tips to fortify your poker fundamentals.
Observe Your Opponents:
Pay Attention: Actively observe the playing styles of your opponents. Look for patterns, tendencies, and deviations in their behavior. This information is a powerful tool in decision-making.
Adaptability: Be ready to adjust your strategy based on your opponents’ actions. A successful poker player is one who can read the table and make informed decisions accordingly.
Patience and Discipline:
Avoid Tilt: Emotional reactions have no place in poker. If you suffer a setback, maintain composure and stick to your strategic plan. Avoid playing impulsively to recover losses.
Selective Aggression: While aggression is a valuable tool, using it indiscriminately can be detrimental. Be aggressive when the situation calls for it, but exercise restraint when needed.
Learn from Experience:
Review Hands: Regularly review your played hands. Analyzing both successful and unsuccessful decisions helps identify areas for improvement.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on poker strategy through books, online resources, and discussions with experienced players. The poker landscape is dynamic, and a commitment to ongoing learning is essential.
Practice Bankroll Management:
Stakes Selection: Play at stakes that align with your bankroll. Avoid the temptation to play at higher stakes than you can comfortably afford.
Disciplined Withdrawals: If you experience a significant upswing, consider withdrawing a portion of your winnings to celebrate small victories and reinforce a sense of accomplishment.
The Art of Bluffing: Mastering the Psychological Aspect of Poker
Mastering the art of bluffing is an essential skill for any poker player looking to ascend to the upper echelons of the game. While a well-timed bluff can turn the tides of a hand in your favor, executing it successfully requires a deep understanding of the psychological aspects inherent in poker.
Table Image: Your table image, or the perception other players have of your playing style, plays a crucial role in bluffing. If you’ve been playing conservatively and suddenly become more aggressive, opponents may be more likely to believe your bluff. Conversely, a player with a reputation for frequent bluffs can use this to their advantage by occasionally playing strong hands straightforwardly.
Board Texture: The community cards on the board influence the feasibility of a successful bluff. A coordinated and connected board is less favorable for bluffing, as it increases the likelihood that opponents have strong hands. Conversely, a fragmented or uncoordinated board may provide an opportunity to bluff, especially if your opponents appear hesitant.
Sizing Your Bets: The size of your bet can convey valuable information to your opponents. A well-calculated, consistent betting pattern is crucial. A large bet may intimidate opponents, making them more likely to fold, while a smaller bet might invite calls. Varying your bet sizes strategically can keep opponents guessing about the strength of your hand.
Balancing Your Range: Effective bluffing involves balancing your range of hands to keep opponents uncertain about the strength of your holdings. If your bluffs are too predictable, observant opponents may catch on and exploit your strategy. Mix in bluffs with strong hands to maintain an element of unpredictability.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling Texas Hold’em showdowns, strategic Omaha battles, or the classic charm of Seven Card Stud, the poker landscape offers a game for every enthusiast. To further hone your skills and experience the excitement of competitive play, consider joining the vibrant community at GG Poker. With a commitment to providing a top-notch online poker experience, GG Poker offers a platform where strategy meets adrenaline, creating an ideal environment for players of all levels.
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