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June 22, 2024
Issue No. 109
CURATOR:
Welcome to this week's AtherXplorer, covering the latest in gaming, blockchain, and everything in between.
This week’s top picks include:
Artificial Intelligence
Runway Unveils New Video-Generating AI ‘Gen-3’
Runway introduced an updated video generation model called Gen-3 Alpha. The company claimed it offered major improvements in speed, quality and control over prior models.
Gen-3 Alpha can generate expressive characters with gestures and emotions across various styles. It enables precise framing and transitions over 10-second clips within 90 seconds. However, longer and complex scenes remain challenging.
The model was trained on vast private datasets, whose details Runway did not disclose. Training data sources are a competitive advantage and legal issue if copyrighted material was used.
Runway worked with artists and implemented safeguards like moderation and C2PA watermarking. It also created custom versions for media clients ensuring coherent character styles.
In a second paragraph, Runway's founder explained Gen-3 could generate 5-second clips in 45 seconds and 10-second clips in 90 seconds, a notable speed improvement over prior models. However, the technology still struggles with complex interactions and obeying physics precisely. Protections aim to block copyrighted content and filter inappropriate outputs aligned with terms of service.
Anthropic Launches Claude 3.5 Sonnet
Anthropic launched an improved AI model called Claude 3.5 Sonnet and new interaction features.
Claude 3.5 Sonnet outperforms previous models like GPT-4o and Gemini across tasks according to Anthropic's benchmarks. It is focused on code, workflows, charts, and text recognition. The model is also twice as fast as prior versions.
Along with the new model, Anthropic introduced Artifacts. This allows users to see, edit and interact with results generated by Claude directly in the app, such as documents and emails. Artifacts hints that Anthropic aims to develop Claude beyond chatbots into a shared workspace for companies.
In a second paragraph, the article notes that AI benchmark comparisons should be interpreted cautiously given changing capabilities. However, Claude 3.5 Sonnet appears to be a legitimate competitor to other major models based on its scores across categories. The pace of advancement in AI is rapid, with each company continually striving to outperform rivals.
TikTok Introduces Symphony Digital Avatars, Enabling Companies to Breathe Life into their Branded Content
TikTok introduced new AI-powered tools through its Symphony suite to help brands and creators.
Digital Avatars allow companies to engage followers using generated avatar personas. Businesses can choose from stock avatars featuring diverse actors or customize their own to represent brands. Stock avatars are specified by demographics and environment.
Digital Avatars aim to localize content for wider reach. They could generate a single video with localized versions, helping individual creators and brands without needing different spokespeople. However, only stock avatars are currently available to select brands through TikTok's beta program.
The avatars are labeled as synthetic to identify them. This differs from emotive avatars previously used for self-expression. The new avatars target professional branded content.
In a second paragraph, Symphony will also provide AI Dubbing to automatically translate and dub videos into ten languages, giving global reach without language barriers. While the tools start basic, TikTok may expand their capabilities over time to remain competitive.
In Other AI News…
Gaming
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Launch Considered Monumental
Bandai Namco sees Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion as a monumental launch, marketing it with the same vigor as a new title due to its standalone game-sized scope and quality. The publisher allocated substantial budget for an "unparalleled" marketing campaign.
Both physical and digital editions were prepared, including a collector's edition, to make an impact at retail alongside the digital expansion. Bandai Namco expects Shadow of the Erdtree will significantly boost Elden Ring sales further and its active player count is at new highs.
While less than half of Steam players beat the prerequisite boss, the publisher notes Elden Ring sold over 25 million copies so even a fraction of players is a large audience. The marketing aims to effectively engage this substantial segment.
Bandai Namco believes the expansion's release will motivate more players to finish the required parts of the base game, considering the journey to unlock DLC content part of the full experience. It's excited to see players rise to the challenge of Shadow of the Erdtree.
The publisher's premium handling of the expansion reflects high hopes for the financial and player engagement impact of FromSoftware's largest expansion yet for the wildly popular Elden Ring.
A Quiet Place Videogame Adaptation Revealed with Trailer
The first trailer was revealed for the A Quiet Place video game adaptation titled A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead. It will be a first-person adventure starring a young woman traveling across the post-apocalyptic landscape for undisclosed family reasons.
Stealth is emphasized, with players needing to carefully observe environments and avoid making noise using tools like a custom microphone to monitor sound levels. While combat was not shown, guns are likely present based on the films.
The game has changed developers, now being made by Stormind Games known for horror games like the Remothered series, rather than initial developer Illogika.
Originally planned for 2022, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is now targeting a release this year to capitalize on momentum from the new A Quiet Place: Day One film premiere. It will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
The revealing of the first trailer provided gameplay and plot details for the adaptation after years without updates, showing a focus on stealth gameplay mirroring the films' tension around creating noise.
Summer Games Fest 2024 Brought a Plethora of Big Reveals
This year's summer showcases set the stage for significant releases ahead. Nintendo provided thrilling morsels for loyal fans at their Direct event. A first look at Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom suggested a fresh perspective with Zelda herself in the starring role. Metroid Prime 4 also resurfaced with the title "Beyond" and a 2025 launch window.
The indie sphere shone brightly at Day of the Devs and Wholesome Direct. Titles like Littlelands and Drawn After Dark represented the eclectic creativity independence affords. Larger publishers also made waves, such as Ubisoft sharing the first details about the Assassin's Creed franchise's foray into Feudal Japan.
Select press got their hands on highly anticipated games behind closed doors. Previews of Souls-like horror Black Myth: Wukong and expansive hunting adventure Monster Hunter Wilds praised their lush visuals and gripping mechanics. Interviews with Sonic team members shed light on the spin-off Sonic X Shadow Generations.
Xbox and Bethesda provided new context for long-teased projects as well. Updates included raucous co-op shooter Cooking Simulator: Pizza Party and narrative stealth game Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn. Fable and State of Decay 3 resurfaced with 2023-2025 windows.
Even PlayStation got in on the action. Bluepoint Games' Shadow of the Colossus successor was one of State of Play's highlights. Indie darlings like stellar platformer Astro Bot also gained new sequel traction.
In Other Gaming News…
Web3, Metaverse, and NFTs
LayerZero Launches & Distributes ZRO Token, Gets Backlash for Requiring Users to Donate Before Claiming
The newly launched ZRO token from LayerZero saw early price volatility, surging 15% upon launch then falling 22% amid controversy over its "donation" mechanism for claiming tokens. Some viewed this as an "airdrop tax" versus a donation.
LayerZero stated the $0.10 USDC donation per ZRO token would raise $18.5M for developers. However, critics argued this changes the nature of an airdrop to an ICO. LayerZero reiterated ZRO's distribution was "not an airdrop."
Co-founder Bryan Pellegrino defended the approach, noting no one is entitled to free tokens and those unwilling to donate should simply not claim them. The process generated intense online debate and exhaustion for Pellegrino.
Some argue donations could improve airdrop quality by reducing "farming" and "Sybil" entities claiming multiple tokens with no intent to support the project. ZRO's user experience was also praised.
Despite the mixed reactions, proponents see donations as potentially establishing early token value and supporting the ecosystem, compared to typical airdrop dumping. ZRO has since lost 17% of its value following the controversy.
Konami to Launch NFT Plaftorm on Avalanche
Gaming giant Konami revealed plans to launch an NFT platform called Resella that will operate on the Avalanche blockchain. Resella aims to make it easier for companies to integrate blockchain and issue NFTs for games and other apps.
The platform promises a user-friendly marketplace where transactions can be made in yen initially for domestic Japanese users, with intentions to support global users as well. Operating on an Avalanche subnet provides additional customization.
Resella aims to democratize access to Web3 technologies by enabling digital experiences like using in-game NFTs as event tickets or unlocking exclusive content across platforms, without users needing crypto wallets or handling cryptocurrency.
Other major game publishers have also entered the blockchain space, with Ubisoft set to release its first original blockchain game this year on Oasys, and Square Enix launching a narrative game on Ethereum while pursuing other efforts. Sega has also brought some IP to Web3 through partnerships.
Konami's Resella launch represents its entrance into the growing arena of NFT integration efforts within the gaming industry. The Avalanche-backed platform could open opportunities for both Konami games and third-party studios.
Ronin Network Introduces Ronin zkEVM
The Ronin gaming network, home to popular games like Axie Infinity and Pixels Online, announced plans to launch dedicated layer-2 sidechains using Polygon's zkEVM technology. This would allow game developers to deploy their own dedicated chains with more customizable control and scale.
The first Ronin zkEVM chains could emerge in early 2025. The goal is to facilitate seamless asset transfers and trading across layer 1 and 2 games while providing low fees. Ronin believes this could help onboard billions of gamers by removing scalability constraints.
Ronin currently powers games like Axie Infinity, Pixels, and Ragnarok: Monster World amongst others. It sees over 1.4 million daily users. Like Avalanche, Ronin will allow game teams to run their own "subnets" through the new zkEVM functionality.
Developers must stake a minimum of 250,000 RON tokens worth around $568,000 currently to operate a validator node. Economic activity on layer 2s could boost delegation rewards on Ronin. Ronin may also transition to being its own zkEVM layer 2 on Ethereum.
In Other Web3 & Metaverse News…
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