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Steve Bannon Used To Run a World of Warcraft Gold Farming Company

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Steve Bannon appears to have walked a different life before joining Trump’s administration as a member of the National Security Council. True to his reputation of being shady and horrible, Bannon previously served as CEO of a World of Warcraft gold farming company. This might not seem so bad at first glance, but WoW gold farmers are often from third world countries and are paid slave wages (think, 50 cents an hour) to grind currency to sell to lazy players that want new gear without the grind. Gold farmers are also often associated with horrible practices like account hacking in order to make amassing sellable gold that much easier.

The gold farming industry is universally frowned upon by game developers as well as the vast majority of players and often violates the terms of service of many online games. This doesn’t keep business from booming, however, as many gamers who desire a shortcut disregard the risks and make the purchase anyway. Games like World of Warcraft have done their best to curb the growth of the industry by banning players associated with gold farming and adding the “legal” way to buy gold via the WoW token, but it still doesn’t stop the companies that are able to offer more gold for less money due to the abysmal treatment of their workers.

Steve Bannon became involved in the practice when he was recruited by IGE, one of the largest players in the industry. Bannon was hired to convince his friends at Goldman Sachs to invest in the company, which they did to the tune of 60 million dollars. He served as CEO until 2011 when he joined the alt-right news site, Breitbart.

 

As Editor here at GeekReply, I'm a big fan of all things Geeky. Most of my contributions to the site are technology related, but I'm also a big fan of video games. My genres of choice include RPGs, MMOs, Grand Strategy, and Simulation. If I'm not chasing after the latest gear on my MMO of choice, I'm here at GeekReply reporting on the latest in Geek culture.

Gaming

TopSpin 2K25 appears to be a standout title in the recent PS5 and PS4 gameplay showcase

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This author has consistently praised the realistic portrayal of tennis in TopSpin 4. After more than a decade, we are thrilled to witness the release of TopSpin 2K25, which expands upon the success of its renowned predecessor. This gameplay video provides a comprehensive overview of the features discussed in our recent preview while also incorporating relevant footage to enhance understanding.

The series’ swing system sets it apart from arcade-style games like Virtua Tennis, as it requires players to charge up their shots in a different way. In order to succeed, timing is crucial, and fortunately, a new meter above your player will assist you in achieving that. Surfaces have their own distinct characteristics, such as clay, where you’ll experience a noticeable amount of sliding.

The game ensures that every player has a distinct set of animations, adding a touch of individuality to each competitor. The courts, found in all Grand Slams, possess a remarkable amount of individuality and charm. It is mentioned in the video that with each in-game season, players can expect a plethora of additional content, such as animation packs. This indicates that there will be plenty to anticipate even after the game’s initial release.

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Gaming

Developers are reportedly questioning the purpose behind Sony’s PS5 Pro upgrade

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Two major stories have emerged at GDC this year: the decline of Xbox’s brand and the speculation surrounding the purpose of the PS5 Pro. During a podcast discussion, Christopher Dring, a prominent reporter from GamesIndustry.biz, expressed his observations about the lack of understanding surrounding Sony’s rumored mid-gen upgrade. Dring claims that he came across a lot of people at the show who were confused about its purpose.

He made it clear that he anticipates “PS5 fans” upgrading, which gives Sony certain advantages. However, game developers are finding it difficult to generate enthusiasm for the system. “Developers don’t seem to see the necessity for it, based on my conversations with them,” he disclosed. Some people believe they aren’t fully maximizing the potential of the PS5 from the start.

With the lingering effects of the pandemic and the lengthy development cycles, the PlayStation 5 has yet to showcase a substantial lineup of exclusive blockbuster titles. “Some companies expressed skepticism about the potential for growth and impact,” Dring nonchalantly remarked. This current generation of consoles appears to have barely begun, with no apparent demand for a mid-generation update. How about we focus on developing fresh, cutting-edge software?

The journalist later explained that Sony likely has realistic expectations for the refresh, understanding that it will likely have limited appeal to a specific audience. As we’ve mentioned before, the introduction of PlayStation Spectral Resolution and other innovative features is aimed at enhancing the performance modes in games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Thus, if such an experience resonates with your preferences, you likely fall into the niche audience that PlayStation aims to cater to.

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Gaming

Bend Studio, the development team behind Days Gone, is expanding their staff for an exciting new project in the world of AAA live service gaming

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Sony’s Bend Studios is expanding its team for another high-profile game, signaling PlayStation’s ongoing pursuit of the live service trend. When we last heard from the Oregan-based developer of Days Gone, Bend expressed their anticipation and confidence in their upcoming project, suggesting that it would propel the studio to new heights.

By way of Eurogamer, the studio has alerted us to this most recent update. It appears that a recruitment ad has been recently posted on the company’s website. Bend is looking for a lead project manager who can effectively manage project scope based on current team velocities and milestone schedules. The role requires hands-on game development experience in leadership roles, specifically in shipping AAA live-service games. Specifically, the ideal candidate should possess a proven ability to transform game development studios from a traditional focus on boxed products to dynamic live service development, all while holding a key leadership position.

It’s worth noting that while a service game out of Bend has the potential to be great, it’s important to acknowledge the numerous failed attempts in recent history. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve reported on a cancelled Spider-Man game, rumors of an online Twisted Metal project, and a fantasy co-op game that got axed when London Studio shut down. And mind you, that’s just scratching the surface of what Sony has been up to. Choosing to take a chance with a studio that specializes in single-player games seems questionable, to say the least.

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