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AFK Gaming
Good Morning! It’s Thursday, May 30. Today, we're tackling how VTubers are taking over streaming culture, and how India is borrowing a page from China’s playbook to curb gaming addiction, and more.
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How VTubers Are Taking Over Streaming
Imagine a world where anime characters come to life, captivating millions and convincing fans to donate big bucks—all while performing jaw-dropping antics. Welcome to the wild and wacky universe of VTubing! These virtual stars are taking the internet by storm, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
VTubers are online creators who use dazzling digital avatars, animated in 2D or 3D, to stream and create content. Thanks to cutting-edge motion capture technology, these creators stay anonymous while projecting mesmerizing personas. From epic gaming sessions to mind-blowing DIY projects, VTubers offer a buffet of irresistible content.
With over 50,000 VTubers now dominating Twitch and YouTube, this isn’t just a quirky niche—it's a booming industry reshaping online entertainment. Powerhouses like Hololive and Nijisanji are also cashing in big time, turning these digital icons into profit machines.
Why are VTubers so addictive? John dives into the world of VTubers and explains how these digital sensations are breaking boundaries and redefining entertainment in our latest feature.
India is Considering New Time and Spending Limits to Curb Online Gaming Addiction
The Indian government is considering imposing time and spending limits on online and real money games to address gaming addiction among children and young adults, as per a news report from The Economic Times(ET). This initiative, similar to measures adopted in China, reportedly emerged during recent meetings of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), where various aspects of the Information Technology Rules of 2021 were discussed.
According to ET, a senior IT ministry official noted that time limits are viewed as a more effective solution than certifying games through self-regulatory organizations (SROs). "Despite claims, it's possible that gaming SROs may be industry-influenced, which is undesirable for policy decisions involving young children," the official said.
Should the new rules be implemented, gaming companies will need to establish mechanisms to enforce time and spending limits which will lead to decreased revenue. These limits could vary based on a player's age and past spending habits.
Quick Bytes
YouTube Introduces Playables: A New Gaming Platform on the Home Page
YouTube has unveiled Playables, a new feature offering users a collection of free games directly on the platform. Initially tested by a limited audience, Playables is now accessible on YouTube’s Home page via desktop and mobile apps. Users can choose from over 75 games, including popular titles like Angry Birds Showdown and Cut the Rope, and share them with friends. The feature allows saving game progress and tracking high scores. YouTube plans to expand Playables to more users in the coming months, inviting feedback to enhance the experience.
New Delhi to Host Grand 'Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!!' Festival in September
New Delhi is set to host the “Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!!” festival, a massive anime event aimed to draw over 10,000 Indian youths. Scheduled for September 28-29, 2024, the festival will feature anime screenings, live concerts by voice actors and anime singers, cosplay events, and workshops on Japanese culture. The event is part of "Japan Month," celebrating the cultural and economic ties between the two nations. The Embassy of Japan in India aims to deepen bilateral relations through this cultural celebration.
New Research: Older Gamers Now Make Up One-Third of Gaming Market
Older gamers are now a significant and growing segment of the gaming market, according to Midia Research. Consumers aged 55 and older account for nearly a third of all gamers, with 23% engaged in PC gaming. This demographic shows a strong preference for single-player games, with 74% of the 55+ group favoring solo play against the computer, compared to just 3% who prefer large team play and 7% who enjoy small team games. In contrast, younger gamers aged 16-34 are more likely to prefer online gaming, highlighting a generational shift in gaming preferences.
Muse Communication to Release Hindi Dubs for Popular Anime Series in India
Muse Communication is set to release Hindi and regional language dubs for popular anime series, including "Spy x Family Season 2" and "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3." Confirming to Animehunch, Muse’s vice general manager Wallace and India operations director Julia Cheng revealed the company’s plans to cater to the Indian market. Hindi dubs of "Fairy Tail" and "Dandadan" are also in production, along with Tamil and Telugu versions. The dubs will be available on Muse India's YouTube channel.
Did You Know?
The first anime to be broadcast in India wasn't Dragon Ball Z or Pokémon. It was a show called Robotech, aired on Star TV in the early 1990s soon after cable television first arrived in the country. Robotech is actually a combination of three different anime series: Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Genesis Climber Mospeada, and Southern Cross. These shows were edited together to form a completely new narrative.
Star TV also introduced other anime classics like Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs, Transformers, and Force Five during this period. Following this, in 1995, Cartoon Network launched in India, bringing popular shows like Speed Racer and Ninja Robots (known as Ninja Senshi Tobikage) to Indian audiences.
Quote of the Day
“Pirates are evil? The Marines are righteous? These terms have always changed throughout the course of history! Kids who have never seen peace and kids who have never seen war have different values! Those who stand at the top determine what's wrong and what's right! This very place is neutral ground! Justice will prevail, you say? But of course it will! Whoever wins this war becomes justice!”- Donquixote Doflamingo, One Piece
