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LinkedIn Dives into Gaming: A Bold New Direction for the Professional Network

LinkedIn Dives into Gaming: A Bold New Direction for the Professional Network

In an unexpected but interesting move, LinkedIn, the world’s leading professional networking platform, has announced plans to integrate gaming elements into its service. The initiative marks a significant pivot from LinkedIn’s traditional focus on career development, job search and professional networking, aiming to blend entertainment with professional engagement.

The Genesis of LinkedIn Gaming

A Strategic Shift

LinkedIn Dives into Gaming: A Bold New Direction for the Professional Network

Image Source: theasiantribune.com

LinkedIn’s decision to introduce gaming is part of a broader strategy to increase user engagement and provide a more diverse range of activities on the platform. The company believes that the inclusion of gaming will not only make the platform more attractive to its existing user base but will also attract a new demographic of users.

Bridging Professional and Personal Interests

LinkedIn aims to create games that are not only entertaining but also enrich professional skills and knowledge. This innovative approach attempts to blur the lines between leisure and learning, offering games that can help users enhance their professional abilities in a fun and engaging way.

The Mechanics of LinkedIn Gaming

Skill-Based Challenges

The platform plans to offer a variety of games, ranging from skill-based challenges to general knowledge quizzes related to different industries. These games are designed to test and improve users’ professional knowledge and skills, providing a new way to learn and grow in one’s career.

Networking Through Play

Additionally, LinkedIn Gaming will encourage networking through games. Users will have the opportunity to connect with others in their region by competing in games, participating in leaderboards, and even collaborating in team-based challenges. This aspect is intended to foster a sense of community and facilitate networking in a more casual and enjoyable setting.

Future Prospects and Potential Impact

Reinventing Professional Networking

LinkedIn’s foray into gaming has the potential to revolutionize the way professionals interact with each other and connect on the platform. By introducing elements of gaming, LinkedIn is set to provide a more dynamic and versatile user experience that goes beyond traditional networking and job searching.

Challenges and Opportunities

Although the initiative is ambitious, LinkedIn faces the challenge of integrating gaming in a way that resonates with its professional audience. The success of this venture will depend on the company’s ability to create games that are both relevant and attractive to professionals looking to advance their careers.

Conclusion

LinkedIn’s plan to add gaming to its platform represents a bold leap into uncharted territory. By combining the worlds of professional development and gaming, LinkedIn is not only expanding its service offerings but also redefining the boundaries of professional networking. As the platform prepares to launch its gaming features, the professional community watches with anticipation, ready to embrace the new way of learning, networking, and engaging in the professional world.

How to Pair an Xbox Controller with Your Xbox

How to Pair an Xbox Controller with Your Xbox

How to Pair an Xbox Controller with Your Xbox

Image Source: polygon.com

Connecting your Xbox controller to your Xbox console is a straightforward process that allows you to seamlessly dive into your favorite games with precision control. Whether you’re setting up a new controller or reconnecting an existing one, follow these simple steps to ensure a hassle-free gaming experience.

Wired Connection:

1. Gather Your Equipment: Ensure you have your Xbox controller and a micro-USB cable ready. The micro-USB cable is typically included with the Xbox controller or can be purchased separately.

2. Locate the USB Port: On your Xbox console, locate the USB port. Depending on the model of your Xbox, the USB port may be located on the front, back, or side of the console.

3. Connect the Controller: Plug one end of the micro-USB cable into the controller and the other end into the USB port on your Xbox console.

4. Power On Your Xbox: Press the Xbox button on your controller to power on the console. Your Xbox should recognize the controller automatically, and you’re ready to start gaming.

Wireless Connection:

1. Prepare Your Controller: If you haven’t already done so, insert batteries into your Xbox controller. Alternatively, you can use a rechargeable battery pack.

2. Turn on Your Xbox: Press the power button on your Xbox console to turn it on.

3. Activate Pairing Mode: Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller until the Xbox button begins to flash rapidly. This indicates that the controller is in pairing mode.

4. Sync with Xbox: On your Xbox console, press the pairing button. The location of the pairing button varies depending on the model of your Xbox. Refer to your Xbox’s user manual for specific instructions.

5. Wait for Connection: Allow a few moments for the controller and console to sync. Once synced, the Xbox button on the controller will remain lit, indicating a successful connection.

6. Test the Connection: Press buttons on the controller to ensure it’s responding correctly. You’re now ready to enjoy wireless gaming on your Xbox.

Additional Tips:

Firmware Updates: Occasionally, Microsoft releases firmware updates for Xbox controllers to improve performance and add features. Keep your controller up-to-date by connecting it to your Xbox console or PC and following the on-screen prompts to install any available updates.

Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues during the connection process, such as the controller not syncing or responding properly, try restarting your Xbox console and repeating the steps. If problems persist, consult the Xbox support website or contact customer service for assistance.

By following these simple steps, you can easily connect your Xbox controller to your Xbox console, whether you prefer a wired or wireless connection. Now, immerse yourself in the world of gaming and enjoy countless hours of entertainment.

How to Start Streaming on Twitch: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Start Streaming on Twitch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you ready to start your streaming journey on Twitch? Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, a creative artist, or just someone with a story to tell, Twitch offers a platform to share your passions with the world. Let’s dive into how you can start streaming on Twitch with ease.

What is Twitch?

How to Start Streaming on Twitch: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Twitch is a popular live-streaming platform that has become the central hub of online entertainment, especially for gamers. It allows users to broadcast themselves playing video games, creating art, cooking, or engaging in various other activities while interacting with a live audience via chat. Originally focused on video game live streaming, Twitch has expanded to include streams dedicated to music, talk shows, and even TV series watch-alongs. The platform is known for its community-driven approach, enabling viewers to support their favorite streamers through subscriptions, donations, and interactive chat features. 

Create a Twitch Account

Creating a Twitch account is a straightforward process, allowing you to step into the world of live streaming and community interaction. Here’s how you can get started:

  • Go to Twitch.tv.

  • Click the “Sign Up” button, usually located at the top right corner of the page.

  • Fill in the required fields including username, password, date of birth, and email address.

  • Password: Use a strong password for security.

  • Check your email inbox and click the verification link to activate your account.

Essential Equipment for Streaming

To start streaming on Twitch, it is important to have the right equipment to ensure a smooth and engaging streaming experience. Here is a list of what you will need:

  1. Computer: A reliable and powerful computer is fundamental.

  2. High-Quality Webcam: A good webcam is important for visual interaction. This helps you personalize your stream and connect with your audience.

  3. Microphone: Audio clarity is essential. A high-quality microphone can significantly improve the audience experience.

  4. Headphones: Good headphones are important for monitoring audio and clear communication, especially in multiplayer games.

  5. Lighting: Proper lighting is important for visibility. Ring lights or softbox lights can help eliminate shadows and illuminate your face evenly.

  6. Internet Connection: A stable and fast internet connection is important for streaming. Wired connections (Ethernet) are generally more reliable than wireless connections.

  7. Streaming Software: Broadcasting your gameplay requires software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, or Xsplit.

  8. Green Screen (optional):Green screen can be used to overlay different backgrounds, making your stream more attractive.

Building Your Twitch Community

Building a Twitch community involves creating a welcoming and engaging environment where regular interactions and high-quality content encourage viewer participation and loyalty. Consistency in streaming, active engagement with the audience, and leveraging social media for promotion are key elements. Collaborating with other streamers and fostering a positive, inclusive environment also plays an important role in developing and maintaining a vibrant community on Twitch.

Monetizing Your Twitch Stream

Monetizing your Twitch stream involves taking advantage of various revenue streams such as viewer subscriptions, advertising, donations, and sponsorships. Twitch affiliates and partners can earn through subscriptions and Bits, while integrating external services like PayPal for direct donations. Engaging content and a dedicated audience base are key to attracting sponsorship and advertising revenue, with monetization becoming a mix of consistent streaming, community building, and strategic marketing.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, streaming on Twitch is an exciting venture that blends creativity, community engagement, and technical know-how. With the right equipment, a consistent streaming schedule, and a focus on creating engaging content, anyone can embark on this rewarding journey. Building a community and potentially monetizing your channel are achievable goals, making Twitch streaming a gratifying experience for both hobbyists and aspiring professionals.

Armored Core 6

Is Armored Core 6 coming to Xbox Game Pass?

Armored Core fans have been eagerly anticipating the next installment in the iconic mech combat series, and the recent buzz surrounding Armored Core 6 has only fueled their excitement.

Developed by FromSoftware, the studio renowned for its Soulsborne games, Armored Core holds a special place in the gaming community as it marks the studio’s earliest heritage dating back to 1997. With the studio’s current reputation for consistently delivering hits, the anticipation for Armored Core 6 has reached new heights.

Armored Core 6
Image Source: dexerto.com

The allure of Armored Core 6 lies in its promise of a return to the franchise’s roots with high-octane mech customization, intense fast-paced battles, and colossal metallic titans clashing in epic showdowns.

Such enticing features have left fans wondering whether the game will make its way to Xbox Game Pass, the popular subscription service offering access to a vast library of games.

Unfortunately for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, Armored Core 6 will not be available at launch, and the chances of it joining the service in the near future remain slim. FromSoftware has not yet made any of its games accessible through Xbox Game Pass, keeping its titles exclusive to other platforms.

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Moreover, FromSoftware’s longstanding relationship with Sony, the Japanese publisher and console manufacturer, further complicates the possibility of Armored Core 6 coming to Xbox Game Pass. Historically, many of FromSoftware’s earliest games, including the original Armored Core, were exclusive to PlayStation consoles.

Even the critically acclaimed title “Bloodborne” remains a PlayStation exclusive, and there are no indications of it leaving the platform anytime soon.

Although PlayStation Plus subscribers may hold a faint glimmer of hope, the likelihood of Armored Core 6 being made available there is also relatively low. The game’s exclusive association with Sony, coupled with the studio’s consistent loyalty to the brand, suggests that it is more likely to be offered through PlayStation Plus, if at all.

While the news might disappoint Xbox gamers hoping for an Armored Core 6 experience on Game Pass, it is essential to remember that the gaming landscape is constantly evolving. Developers and publishers may make unexpected decisions, leading to surprising outcomes.

In the world of gaming, nothing is entirely off the table, and fans might see future collaborations or agreements that could change the current scenario.

For now, enthusiasts of the Armored Core series can look forward to the upcoming release and immerse themselves in the thrilling mech combat once it hits the shelves.

As From Software continues to cultivate its reputation for crafting captivating gaming experiences, the anticipation surrounding this game is a testament to the studio’s enduring legacy and the enduring appeal of the franchise.

Call of Duty

Microsoft signs agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation

Microsoft stated on Sunday that Sony and Microsoft have reached a legally enforceable agreement that would keep Call of Duty available on PlayStation gaming platforms when the Activision Blizzard purchase is completed.

“We are pleased to announce that Microsoft and PlayStation have signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard,” Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said on Twitter Sunday.

Source: cnbc.com

The Call of Duty series, which is the most popular, is produced by Activision. If an Activision merger was authorized, regulators from every corner of the world have raised serious concerns about Microsoft’s potential dominance of the gaming industry.

Call of Duty
Image Source: whatifgaming.com

Concerns that Microsoft might be allowed to develop games “private” to its systems and eliminate Sony from rivalry arose from the simple fact that Microsoft produces the Xbox, which is directly competing with Sony’s PlayStation.

Even though Microsoft and Sony aren’t specifying the term of the arrangement, the pact helps to some extent to allay such worries. A Microsoft representative said the agreement was set up for the long haul. Similar agreements have already been made by the business.

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Jim Ryan, the chief executive officer of Sony’s interactive entertainment section, has expressed worries about anti-competitive conduct. Ryan, whose holdings comprise PlayStation, stated he believed that the suggested Activision Blizzard purchase would hurt competitiveness in the videogame industry recorded in a videotape in June.

Brad Smith, vice president of Microsoft, stated on Twitter on Sunday that regardless of when a prospective merger closes,

Microsoft “will remain focused on ensuring that Call of Duty remains available on more platforms and for more consumers than ever before.”

Source: cnbc.com

The merger may not go through, but Microsoft and Activision’s chances are much stronger now that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) won’t be able to temporarily postpone the transaction. In July, the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit in the federal court of San Francisco to block the transaction but was unable to persuade the jury that the merger would represent a significant anti-competitive threat.

The agreement was approved by the European Union’s regulatory bodies in May. The UK’s Competition and Markets Agency, which is which has compelled divestitures and halted other tech transactions, declared on Wednesday that it was ready to speak with Microsoft about the conditions of the transaction.

Xbox

Has Xbox really lost the console wars?

Microsoft recently made statements in a legal filing indicating that it believes “Xbox has lost the console wars” and that Sony and Nintendo are poised to continue dominating the gaming market for years to come.

These remarks were presented as part of Microsoft’s defense in an ongoing trial with regulators in the United States, following the FTC’s lawsuit to block Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard in December.

Image Source: nypost.com

The proposed $69 billion buyout of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft would be the largest acquisition in gaming industry history, surpassing Take-Two’s purchase of Zynga by $57 billion.

However, Sony and regulators have consistently voiced concerns about the potential concentration of power in the gaming industry if the acquisition were to proceed. In response, Microsoft has argued that the move would actually level the playing field rather than consolidate power.

Microsoft’s legal filing reveals that Xbox currently holds only 16% of console sales and a slightly higher share of the global console install base as of 2021. The company admits that it has been the least successful console manufacturer in terms of sales for the majority of the past 22 years.

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Microsoft even acknowledges that Sony’s gamer base in the US is currently larger than its own, although the exact difference has been redacted from the court documents.

The filing goes on to state that Microsoft believes aggressive acquisition strategies, such as the proposed Activision Blizzard deal, are necessary for Xbox to effectively compete with its Japanese rivals.

It specifically points to Sony and Nintendo’s ability to leverage exclusive content as a key factor in their ongoing dominance of the global gaming market. Microsoft previously made a similar argument to UK regulators in late 2022, conceding that PlayStation has better exclusives than Xbox.

While the outcome of the ongoing trial with the FTC remains uncertain, it is worth noting that the agency does not have the authority to outright block the Activision Blizzard acquisition. The UK’s rejection of the proposed deal, which Microsoft is currently appealing, poses a more substantial obstacle to the acquisition.

In summary, Microsoft’s legal argument in the ongoing trial suggests a recognition of the current state of the console market and the challenges Xbox faces in competing with Sony and Nintendo.

The company acknowledges its lower market share and emphasizes the importance of strategic acquisitions to level the playing field. Whether these arguments will be successful in the trial and ultimately impact the Activision Blizzard acquisition remains to be seen.