Category: Gaming

  • Wooting Respawn: Up to 50% Off Refurbished Hall Effect Keyboards

    Wooting Respawn: Up to 50% Off Refurbished Hall Effect Keyboards

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Wooting 80HE is a top gaming keyboard priced between $199.99 to $367, depending on options.
    2. The new Wooting Respawn Store offers refurbished items, products with minor flaws, and older models at discounted prices.
    3. Discounts in the Respawn Store can be up to 50%, with specific examples like a refurbished Wooting 60HE for $122.49.
    4. A two-year warranty is provided on refurbished products, covering the PCB and LEDs, which is shorter than the typical four-year warranty for new keyboards.
    5. The Respawn Store integrates with the main Wooting store for discount codes, combined orders, and shipping discounts.

    As we found in our evaluation, the Wooting 80HE stands out as one of the top gaming keyboards available today. However, it does come with a hefty price tag, starting at $199.99 and going up to $367, depending on the choices you make. Recently, Wooting has rolled out its Respawn Store, a new discount shop that features some of its most popular items at lower prices.

    Great Deals Await

    The Wooting Respawn Store provides refurbished items, products with slight cosmetic flaws, and older models, all of which are in perfect working condition and sold at reduced rates.

    By buying these items, you save money while we save storage space, helping to minimize waste together.

    Products Offered

    The outlet will feature “refurbished products, items with minor cosmetic imperfections, and legacy models,” which includes accessories like the 80HE Zinc Alloy Case and the Alumaze60 case. These items will have discounts of up to 50%. For instance, the Wooting 80HE with a white zinc alloy case is currently discounted by 20% to $231.99, while a refurbished Wooting 60HE is priced at $122.49, down from the regular price of $174.99.

    You can also find the Wooting 80HE Zinc Alloy case at a 50% discount for $54.99, and the concrete grey Alumaze60 case is also discounted by 50%, totaling $59.99. The refurbished keyboards available in the Respawn store come in both ISO and ANSI layouts, showing there is a good amount of stock. Like the standard Wooting ISO layout keyboards, the ISO versions do not come with keycaps, but they’re a bit cheaper, around $7–10 less.

    Warranty and Integration

    Wooting will provide a two-year warranty on these products for the PCB, including the LEDs. This warranty is standard for LEDs but is two years shorter than the four-year warranty usually given by the keyboard manufacturer. The Respawn Store will work with the main Wooting store in terms of discount codes, combining orders, and shipping discounts based on value.

    Wooting

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Free Trial Seen as Battlefield 6 Tactic

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Free Trial Seen as Battlefield 6 Tactic

    Key Takeaways

    1. Free trial for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 runs from October 9th to October 16th, coinciding with Battlefield 6’s release on October 10th.
    2. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to release on November 14th, facing strong competition from Battlefield 6, which has better pre-order sales and player engagement.
    3. The Black Ops 6 free trial includes full access to the single-player mode, which has received positive reviews for its engaging story and varied missions.
    4. Battlefield 6’s single-player gameplay has mixed feedback, with concerns about weak enemy AI and scripted missions, contrasting with Black Ops 6’s campaign.
    5. Activision extended the Black Ops 7 beta by 24 hours to keep players engaged before Battlefield 6’s launch, highlighting a strategic approach to maintain interest.

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has previously held free trials, but the gamers are suspicious about the timing of the next event. Players can try Activision’s 2024 shooter game at no cost from October 9th to October 16th. Coincidentally, Battlefield 6 is set to release on October 10th, right in the middle of that week.

    Release Dates and Competition

    Scheduled for release on November 14th, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 might be losing traction against its competitor. Data from Steam shows that the Battlefield 6 beta pulled in five times more players than Black Ops 7. Moreover, Dice’s game is significantly ahead in pre-order sales. These results are quite surprising, as Call of Duty has traditionally outperformed previous Battlefield games in terms of revenue.

    Free Trial Features

    An interesting aspect of the upcoming Black Ops 6 free trial is that it grants full access to its single-player mode. Treyarch might feel confident about its Black Ops 6 campaign. Reviews from the previous year’s Call of Duty solo experience are mostly positive, noting an engaging story and varied missions.

    However, with Battlefield 2042 lacking any campaign mode, the feedback on Battlefield 6’s single-player gameplay is mixed. Some testers have voiced concerns about the weak enemy AI and scripted missions that limit strategic options. In contrast, early feedback for Black Ops 7 may not be as favorable, with fixed difficulty levels being a frequent complaint.

    Activision’s Strategy

    In what might be a worrying sign from Activision, they chose to prolong the recent Black Ops 7 beta. The test will now last an additional 24 hours, finishing on October 9th. This keeps gamers engaged right up to the day before Battlefield 6’s launch. To maintain player interest, Treyarch plans to unlock more maps, modes, and playlists.

    It’s important to note that Battlefield is not released annually, unlike Call of Duty. There are rumors that EA might change its strategy in the coming six years. Still, Activision’s military shooter game could potentially recover any lost ground by 2026.

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  • Steam’s Final Sentence Playtest: A Writer’s Squid Game Experience

    Steam’s Final Sentence Playtest: A Writer’s Squid Game Experience

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Gameplay Concept: Final Sentence combines battle royale elements with typing skills, where players must type accurately and quickly to survive.

    2. Match Options: Players can engage in larger matches (40-100 participants) or smaller, private matches (4-8 participants) for a more intimate experience.

    3. Statistics and Rankings: The game features a ranked system and metrics to track and compare players’ typing abilities.

    4. Release Information: Final Sentence is expected to launch in Q4 2025, supporting multiple languages and requiring basic PC specifications.

    5. Demo Availability: A demo will be released soon, allowing players to experience the game, though it will lack certain features like leaderboards and rewards.

    Developed by Button Mash and put out by Polden Publishing, Final Sentence is a “Battle Royale on typewriters.” A group of players, ranging from 40 to 100, find themselves confined in a hangar, each seated at a typewriter with a revolver aimed at their heads, containing just one bullet. In this intense setting, accuracy and speed while typing literally determine survival: any mistake could be fatal, and only one player can emerge victorious.

    Smaller Matches Available

    For those who want something more intimate, players can engage in private matches with 4 or 8 participants, allowing for more focused contests. The game also boasts a wealth of statistics, a ranked system, and metrics that enable players to monitor and compare their typing abilities against others in the game.

    Release and Specifications

    Currently, the game is anticipated to launch in Q4 2025 and will support a variety of languages for its interface, audio, and subtitles, including English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Portuguese. The minimum PC requirements are quite reasonable: Windows 10, 8 GB of RAM, and a basic GPU like the GTX 460.

    The unique combination of accessibility—needing just a keyboard and quick reflexes, along with its “type fast or die” mechanics and battle royale elements, places Final Sentence in a compelling category all its own. For those eager to test their skills (and typing speed), Final Sentence is currently allowing players to request access for playtesting through Steam.

    Demo Coming Soon

    If you don’t get to join the playtest, don’t worry; a demo is set to launch shortly. Players can look forward to experiencing the main gameplay, although the demo will not include access to leaderboards, friend statistics, or rewards for completed texts, as noted on the demo’s Steam page. You can also add the demo to your Wishlist to get notified when it becomes available.

    Steam, Youtube.

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  • Embark Studios Responds to Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Censorship

    Embark Studios Responds to Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Censorship

    Key Takeaways

    1. Activision acknowledged and resolved a censorship issue where “Arc Raiders” was mistakenly filtered in Call of Duty Black Ops 7 beta lobbies.
    2. The issue began on October 2, 2025, during the open beta, leading to significant community discussions on platforms like Reddit.
    3. A patch was released allowing mentions of “Arc Raiders,” with Activision explaining the filter mistake resulted from the moderation system misidentifying the term.
    4. Embark Studios humorously responded to the situation, boosting excitement for their upcoming game, Arc Raiders, set to release on October 30, 2025.
    5. Call of Duty Black Ops 7 is scheduled for full launch on November 14, 2025, following an open beta aimed at gathering player feedback.

    Activision has acknowledged the censorship issue regarding “Arc Raiders” in the beta lobbies of Call of Duty Black Ops 7. The issue arose from a mistake in the text filter, which has since been fixed.

    The Start of the Censorship Issue

    This whole Arc Raiders censorship mess kicked off on October 2, 2025, when people who pre-ordered and Game Pass users got to play the open beta for Call of Duty Black Ops 7 on October 5. Gamers were surprised to see that when they typed “Arc Raiders,” it showed up as a series of asterisks. However, typing “Arc” or “Raiders” separately didn’t get censored.

    Community Reaction

    The censorship sparked a lot of conversations on the Arc Raiders subreddit, which received over 1,400 upvotes. Many players started to wonder if there was some corporate competition going on, especially with the fall shooter season heating up.

    Patch and Explanation

    Currently, a patch has been rolled out that allows free mentions of Arc Raiders. Activision’s PR Team explained to Insider Gaming that the issue in Black Ops 7 was due to the moderation system mistakenly identifying “Arc” as part of an inappropriate term, which caused the full phrase to be blocked when paired with “Raiders.”

    A similar situation happened in the EA App chat earlier in August, where “Arc Raiders” was also swapped out for hashtags. This EA censorship lasted until August 6, when they fixed the filter issue. Speculation is rife that both EA and Activision share the same moderation system, which caused the confusion.

    Embark Studios’ Response

    Meanwhile, Embark Studios, created by former DICE developers from the Battlefield series, took advantage of the situation with a humorous post saying, “We’re still on track to release on October 30th!” along with a censored promo page.

    This unexpected publicity has increased excitement for Embark’s Arc Raiders, a third-person sci-fi extraction shooter set to have an Open Beta from October 17 to 20, with a full launch planned for October 30, 2025.

    Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Release Date

    On the other hand, Call of Duty Black Ops 7 is scheduled for a full launch on November 14, 2025. Treyarch has started an open beta to gather player feedback on a new playlist, focusing on reduced skill-based matchmaking. This testing phase will run until October 9 and will introduce a new 6v6 map named Toshin. Recently, Activision proudly reported that its Ricochet Anti-cheat system has banned 97% of cheaters, stating, “This is just the beginning.”

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  • Clair Obscur’s Expedition 33: Grammy Award Nomination Hopes

    Clair Obscur’s Expedition 33: Grammy Award Nomination Hopes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may win one or two Grammy Awards due to its artistic vision and moving narrative.
    2. The game’s soundtrack, created by Lorien Testard, is being promoted for a nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media.
    3. The song Lumière, performed by Lorien Testard and Alice Duport-Percier, is a contender for Best Song Written for Visual Media, a notable achievement for video games since 1988.
    4. Grammy nominations will be announced on November 7, with the awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.
    5. The Grammy Awards continue to showcase unexpected nominations and surprises in the music industry.

    The Grammy Awards have seen many unexpected twists lately, and some nominations can catch people off guard. One such example is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which might just take home one or two trophies.

    Game Impact

    Launched in April 2025, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been a source of inspiration for millions of gamers globally. It’s worth noting that the artistic vision is quite striking, and the narrative is deeply moving.

    Soundtrack Recognition

    Players have a fondness for various aspects of this game, especially the music. Recently, Laced Records initiated an official effort to get this soundtrack, created by Lorien Testard, nominated for the Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media at the upcoming awards.

    Potential Nominations

    In addition to that, the track Lumière is part of this effort. Sung by Lorien Testard and Alice Duport-Percier, it stands a chance to be nominated for the Best Song Written for Visual Media, a feat not seen since 1988 for a video game.

    We will need to be patient, as the nominations are set to be revealed on November 7. Just to remind you, the Grammy Awards celebrate excellence in American music, with the next event scheduled for February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles. Therefore, we should keep an eye on the outcomes, since there could be surprises in store.

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  • Xbox’s Silent Hill F Ad Reveals Buyers Don’t Own Games with DRM

    Xbox’s Silent Hill F Ad Reveals Buyers Don’t Own Games with DRM

    Key Takeaways

    1. Players only hold licenses for digital games, meaning they may lose access if publishers or platforms decide to remove them.
    2. A new California law requires clearer communication about digital ownership, prompting Microsoft to adjust its messaging for all regions.
    3. Digital rights management (DRM) can make games unplayable without notice, raising concerns about the preservation of physical games.
    4. Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass frequently change available titles, leaving players uncertain about long-term access.
    5. Disclaimers about digital ownership are becoming more common, with platforms like Steam highlighting that buyers obtain licenses rather than ownership.

    As digital gaming continues to grow, it’s becoming clearer to players that they only hold licenses to their games. If publishers or platforms decide to take away access, owners may lose their ability to play these titles. Recently, Xbox has not highlighted this issue as much as it should. A new notice under Silent Hill f has gamers questioning why Microsoft has changed its communication.

    Understanding the Change

    With Silent Hill f, buyers now clearly see that “buying or purchasing any digital products is a license.” Many Reddit users think this shift is due to a California law that was enacted in 2024. This law requires marketplaces to clarify that users have permission to access a digital game, but do not own it. It also stops the use of terms like “buy” or “purchase” unless a disclaimer is included.

    Wider Implications

    Rather than limiting this message to just California customers, Microsoft seems to find it easier to apply the text across all regions. However, this move is unlikely to satisfy those who advocate for the preservation of physical games. Titles that utilize DRM need servers for verification, which can lead to them becoming unplayable without any prior notice. Subscription services like Game Pass bring additional worries too.

    The Subscription Landscape

    Currently, this issue does not concern Silent Hill f, but Microsoft frequently adds and removes games from Xbox Game Pass, often with as little as two weeks’ notice. Players may invest considerable bandwidth and storage into games without knowing how long they will be accessible. Recent price hikes for Xbox services also indicate that the cost for continued access can increase significantly.

    Comparing Subscription Models

    Other subscription services, like PlayStation Plus, have some variations. Members of the Essential tier can enjoy their complimentary monthly games or re-download them later as long as their membership is active.

    The Bigger Picture

    Attentive gamers might have already spotted disclaimers similar to the one associated with Silent Hill f. For quite a while, the Steam checkout process has let buyers know they are merely obtaining a license. While Valve allows players to access even delisted games, there are still factors to consider. A number of games may not work without the servers controlled by the publisher. This reality has led many buyers to explore GOG as an option for DRM-free games.

    Xbox subreddit, Polygon

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  • DLsite Uses Digital Banking to Bypass Payment Censorship

    DLsite Uses Digital Banking to Bypass Payment Censorship

    Key Takeaways

    1. DLsite has introduced its own payment system, Minna no Ginko Payment, after facing censorship from payment processors like Visa and Mastercard.
    2. In 2024, DLsite abandoned Visa and Mastercard to continue selling adult content, limiting payment options for users in Japan and complicating access for international buyers.
    3. Steam and itch.io are also experiencing pressure from payment processors, leading to the removal of certain games and changes in payment methods.
    4. An activist group, Collective Shout, is accused of influencing credit card companies to censor mature content, with some critics questioning their true motivations.
    5. Valve discontinued support for Bitcoin in 2017 due to concerns about fraud and instability, and has not yet announced new payment processor options following recent changes.

    Much attention has been directed at platforms like Steam that are banning NSFW games. In contrast, Japanese websites have already faced censorship from payment processors. DLsite, which sells independent games and manga—some containing adult material—has introduced its own payment system after turning down limitations from Visa and Mastercard.

    New Payment Method Introduced

    According to reports from Automaton, the new payment system, Minna no Ginko Payment, links to Minna no Ginko, a local digital bank. Buyers can connect their bank accounts to viviON IDs, a service set up by the parent company of the store. Sadly, while the site is well-known globally, this option is not accessible outside of Japan.

    Changes in Payment Options

    In 2024, DLsite decided to abandon Visa and Mastercard instead of removing digital games, comics, and videos that contain adult content. This left users in Japan with limited payment choices, and those from other countries had to seek even more complex solutions. Subsequently, Steam and itch.io have had to deal with similar challenges after payment processors pressured them, leading to the removal of certain games.

    The issue intensified in August when Steam stopped allowing PayPal in various countries. Valve clarified that the banks associated with PayPal asked for its discontinuation. Consequently, gamers found themselves unable to use numerous currencies for transactions. Valve stated it was looking into other payment processors but hasn’t shared any updates since.

    Activist Group’s Influence

    Critics hold Collective Shout responsible for pushing credit card companies to censor games aimed at mature audiences. This activist group claims to target works that depict the abuse of women. However, some argue that their opposition to the game Detroit: Become Human reflects a more political agenda rather than a genuine concern for illegal content.

    It’s uncertain if Steam and itch.io will take the same direction as DLsite. Valve stopped supporting Bitcoin back in 2017 due to worries about fraud, high transaction fees, and the currency’s instability. Visa and Mastercard are major players in the e-commerce space and have been accused of anti-competitive behavior against rivals that might be more lenient towards censorship.

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    DLsite Uses Digital Banking to Bypass Payment Censorship

     

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  • NVIDIA App 11.0.5 Features and Updates Officially Revealed

    NVIDIA App 11.0.5 Features and Updates Officially Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. New G-Assist Features: App version 11.0.5 introduces new controls for laptop users, including Battery Boost, Whisper Mode, and Optimal Playable Settings management.

    2. Integration of Desktop and Notebook Software: Nvidia is merging its desktop and notebook software for a more streamlined user interface.

    3. Expanded DLSS Override Support: The update adds DLSS Override support for 13 more games, enhancing compatibility for gamers.

    4. One-Click Optimization: Optimal settings support is now available for titles like Borderlands 4, Grounded 2, and Mafia: The Old Country, simplifying performance adjustments.

    5. Focus on User Experience: Nvidia aims to address gamers’ frustrations with performance statistics and optimization tools through these updates, consolidating control into a single hub.

    Nvidia has silently launched app version 11.0.5. Although it might seem like just another normal update, it includes several helpful changes, particularly for laptop users who depend on Nvidia’s G-Assist and DLSS features.

    New Features for Laptops

    According to the release notes, the highlight of app 11.0.5 is G-Assist’s new capability to manage controls specific to notebooks. This means it can now modify Battery Boost, Whisper Mode, and Optimal Playable Settings, allowing users to better manage the balance between performance and battery life on their laptops.

    A Meaningful Change

    While this might seem minor, it is significant for gamers on the move… especially since Nvidia is merging its desktop and notebook software into a more streamlined interface.

    Furthermore, the update increases DLSS Override support to 13 more games, including Gears of War: Reloaded, Borderlands 4, METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER, and Lost Soul Aside.

    Improved Gaming Experience

    This allows players to adjust DLSS settings across a broader range of titles without needing to wait for specific patches or driver updates. Additionally, Nvidia has included optimal settings support for Borderlands 4, Grounded 2, and Mafia: The Old Country—all of which will now appear in the app’s one-click optimization list.

    Nvidia seems to be addressing the common frustrations gamers have expressed—like lacking performance statistics and unreliable optimization tools. The latest features of G-Assist for notebooks especially indicate a clear movement towards consolidating the Nvidia app into a single control hub for both desktop and laptop performance management.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Price Increase Confuses Subscribers with Emails

    Xbox Game Pass Price Increase Confuses Subscribers with Emails

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has raised prices for Game Pass tiers, with the Ultimate tier seeing a 50% increase starting October 1.
    2. Some subscribers in various regions received emails stating their prices would remain the same if they stay on a recurring plan.
    3. Users from countries like Austria, Germany, Italy, India, and South Korea reported similar messages about price stability.
    4. Subscribers from Spain, the UK, and France received notifications about the price increase without the promised 60-day advance notice.
    5. Retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart are still offering subscriptions at the old prices for now.

    Microsoft has faced criticism once again after it raised the prices for its Game Pass tiers starting from October 1, particularly the Ultimate tier, which experienced a significant 50% increase. Nevertheless, it appears that not all subscribers are impacted by these new prices. Users in different regions have reported receiving messages from Microsoft indicating their monthly fees will stay the same unless they choose to cancel their subscriptions.

    Emails from Microsoft

    This information was shared by Pure Xbox, which gathered a range of posts from the XboxGamePass subreddit. A subscriber from Poland mentioned they got an email from Microsoft saying that their pricing would not change if they remain on a recurring plan. However, if they opt to cancel and then re-subscribe, they will have to pay the higher price. The email also clarified that any future price increase would be communicated 60 days ahead of time.

    Mixed Responses from Various Regions

    Responses from users in places like Austria, Germany, Italy, India, and South Korea confirmed they received similar emails. In contrast, subscribers from Spain, the UK, and France noted they got a different kind of email (as reported by Resetera). This email informed them of the price increase for their current subscriptions. A Game Pass Ultimate user from one of these European regions shared their email, which specified that the new pricing would take effect on November 4. Interestingly, these users did not receive the 60-day advance notice.

    Price Changes in Canada

    Additionally, a subscriber located in Canada also received the email about the upcoming price hike for their Game Pass Ultimate plan.

    At the moment, it looks like some areas will be subjected to the price increase while others will not. It is hoped that Microsoft will soon clarify the situation and provide a list of regions that will incur the higher fees starting November 4. Meanwhile, some retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart, are still offering subscriptions at the old prices for the time being.

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  • Baldur’s Gate 3 Director on Elon Musk’s AI Game: Leadership Issues

    Baldur’s Gate 3 Director on Elon Musk’s AI Game: Leadership Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Elon Musk’s company xAI plans to launch an entirely AI-generated video game by 2026.
    2. Industry expert Michael Douse expresses skepticism, believing the gaming industry needs leadership and vision more than new technology.
    3. Douse highlights that while AI can assist in game development, it cannot replace human creativity and the unique ability to craft engaging experiences.
    4. Current gaming approaches often rely on algorithms and data, which may keep players interested but lack meaningful depth.
    5. Douse asserts that AI can help streamline development, but true innovation requires a human touch and cannot solve the industry’s fundamental issues.

    Elon Musk is embarking on a new venture, as he has recently revealed that his company, xAI, is set to launch a completely AI-generated video game by 2026. The goal is to demonstrate that artificial intelligence can independently create a full game, however, not everyone is thrilled about this idea.

    Industry Skepticism

    Michael Douse, the publishing director at Larian Studios, which developed Baldur’s Gate 3, took to social media to express his perspective on Musk’s announcement. Douse feels that the gaming industry does not require more technology. He acknowledges that while AI can be useful as a tool, it won’t address the significant issues related to leadership and vision within the industry.

    “AI has its place as a tool, but we have all the tools in the world and they aren’t compensating for the incredible lack of cogent direction. AI isn’t going to solve the big problem of the industry, which is leadership & vision.”

    The Need for Human Creativity

    Douse went on to mention that many games are currently created using algorithms, data, and various techniques to keep players engaged. While this approach may be effective for maintaining interest, it fails to create meaningful gaming experiences. He emphasized that the key lies in having individuals who can craft immersive worlds that players are eager to discover. Although AI can aid in this process, it cannot substitute for human creativity.

    “Genuinely what this industry needs is not more mathematically produced, psychologically trained gameplay loops, rather more expressions of worlds that folks are engaged with, or want to engage with.”

    The Role of AI in Development

    AI certainly has the potential to help developers streamline their work, but as Douse points out, “There is no craft without the human touch.” It lacks the ability to replace the enthusiasm, vision, and leadership necessary for true innovation, and it will not address the underlying issues that are hindering the industry’s progress.

    Michael Douse via X

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