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The Burden of Combat

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“The problem isn’t just the violence, it’s the lack of everything else,” Former Grasshopper studio head Massino Guarini said when discussing the prevalence of violence in video games.

Violence and video games have walked hand in hand since SpaceWar came out in 1961. The strength of video games lies in its inherent interactivity, but that strength is a double edged sword. If we peel back the pretty graphics and the edgy gameplay, we come away with two key issues.

Today’s games have devolved into endless pools of blood, death, and destruction, all in the name of fun. There are more experiences to be had than shooting someone in the head for the sake of having a good time, but since that’s what sells, that’s what the industry caters to, and because that’s just how it’s always been.

space war

Most video games, with the obvious exception of sports, music, and puzzle games have some form of combat in them. Even games that are not notorious for its degree of murder simulation like Mario. We might not process the act of jumping on an enemy’s head as a form of combat or violence, indeed we may not even think about it at all. It’s an extreme example yes, but one that illustrates the issue at hand. The act itself is violent but not graphic, so we don’t conceive of it as violence.

That violence is a byproduct of combat. Ever since the very first bored scientists figured out how to control a flashing light on a xoetrope, the inherent interactive nature wasn’t enough. Early gaming technology didn’t allow for vast, complex stories, pretty graphics, or even deep gameplay. Instead, they had to rely on testing the gamers reaction and comprehension skill. That kind of challenge came in the form of defeating enemies, and that evolved into combat.

Shooting an enemy in the head and watching the blood splatter creates an instant visceral satisfaction; you’ve seen your actions have an immediate impact in the game world, and you’ve beaten someone who was likely trying to kill you, the player. It’s an easy scenario to create, and it’s one that’s withstood the test of time.

But the technology used to make games has evolved over the years, and thus, so too have games. We now have the machines that can show near photo-realistic graphics, the capability to tell complex and morally challenging stories, and can have breed as much depth in gameplay as we want. The fact of the matter is we don’t need to put combat in every game anymore but we still do, all because we don’t know anything else.

For example, did the shooting sections in L.A. Noire make it any better? No, it only took away from the overall experience of solving puzzles and interrogating suspects and exploring the world. As it stands, the combat in fact feels like something tacked on just to please publishers, or the gamers with low attention spans.

Telltale Walking Dead

Don’t take this the wrong way though; violence and death can be used to create an excellent narrative. In the world of video games it can be used to put the player in an intense situation, one in which they have to question their very ideals. Early in Telltale’s The Walking Dead, the farm comes under attack from zombies and the player must quickly choose between two people being attacked, and only one of which can be saved. Who would you choose? Why did you choose them? Could you have saved them both? It’s a situation made even grimmer by how fast you’re expected to make your decision.

The Walking Dead is a perfect example of a game that uses violence and combat to its advantage in terms of creating an engaging narrative structure.  Look at another game in the survival horror genre, Doom 3, for example. There, the game uses violence and combat as a way to entertain the player. A monster pops out from the shadows, the player shoots it down, and gets satisfaction from the quick, violent response. But overall there’s nothing really memorable from the experience, nothing that holds the player’s attention for a few minutes before they move on to something else.

Gone_Home

But things are changing. Today we have games like Gone Home, that show combat is necessary, and Spec Ops The Line that shows that the traditional sense of challenge isn’t necessary. Instead, we can have “slower paced” games that allow us to see the world unfold around us. We can have games that challenge us morally and intellectually with an engaging story.

The video game industry is at a crossroads of sorts, the old school AAA industry constantly trying to limit the consumer with DRM and overpriced DLC and endless sequel after sequel too afraid to try something new. On the other hand we have the indie developers who are trying something new and different but don’t have the funding or reach of the AAA industry.

Regardless, not much has changed about the structure of video games since the early days. I truly believe that the next step forward is to make more games like Gone Home, but in other genre’s and other methods.

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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Oscar M. Matumbo

    February 7, 2014 at 11:17 pm

    “Even games that are not notorious for its degree of murder simulation like Mario”

    I am glad that you are shedding light on the fact that “kid’s games” such as Mario, Donkey Kong, etc. are, in fact, riddled with full blown violence.

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Razer Gold for Less: Insider Tips for Buying Discounted Gift Cards on BuySellVouchers

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Razer Gold for Less: Insider Tips for Buying Discounted Gift Cards on BuySellVouchers

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

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Tuesday. Deposit $25 on this day and get 100 freespins for Diamond Fiesta. You will need to wagering with a wager of 20x.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. Holiday Enchantments. This is a special bonus that you can get during the weekend. It can be either a deposit reward or freespins.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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!

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The Ultimate Guide to Poker: A Comprehensive Introduction for Casual Players

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The Ultimate Guide to Poker: A Comprehensive Introduction for Casual Players

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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