From Guardian Technology · 40 stories
TikTok Live Auctions Drive Sales of Lab-Grown Diamonds at Reduced Prices
Live auctions for lab-grown diamonds have become prevalent on TikTok, allowing consumers to purchase diamonds at significantly lower prices than natural diamonds. This trend is making diamonds more accessible to a broader audience, changing the market dynamics for these gems.
Deadly TikTok Motorway Trend in Ireland Linked to Fatal Collision
A fatal collision in Ireland, which killed five teenagers and critically injured a family of four, has drawn attention to a TikTok trend involving reckless driving videos. The incident has prompted discussions about policing, criminal justice, social services, and social media regulation in Ireland.
Former Capcom Producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi Founds GPTrack50 Studio, Announces Action RPG "Stupid Never Dies"
Former Capcom producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi has established a new studio, GPTrack50, and announced its first title, "Stupid Never Dies," an action RPG. This new studio allows Kobayashi and his team to develop a new intellectual property with creative freedom, departing from established franchises.
AI GP Receptionist Struggles with Yorkshire Accents, Causing Patient Frustration
An AI receptionist named Emma, used in South Yorkshire GP practices, is failing to understand patients with broad local accents, leading to frustration and inability to book appointments. This issue highlights challenges in AI voice recognition with diverse dialects and impacts patient access to healthcare services.
UC Berkeley Professor Admits Using AI for Op-Ed Editing
A UC Berkeley math professor, Zvezdelina Stankova, admitted to using AI to edit an op-ed published in the San Francisco Standard, which criticized students' math deficiencies. This admission has sparked debate regarding AI usage by academics, particularly in published works.
House House releases "Big Walk," a new game focused on cooperative exploration and proximity chat
Game developer House House, known for "Untitled Goose Game," has released "Big Walk," a new cooperative exploration game that emphasizes proximity voice chat and puzzle-solving in a sprawling bushland setting. The game achieved over 1 million downloads in its first week, indicating early success for its unusual design focused on player interaction.
The Blood of Dawnwalker RPG announced, featuring time-sensitive gameplay and vampire protagonist
The Blood of Dawnwalker, a new dark fantasy role-playing game from developers who worked on The Witcher 3, has been announced. The game features a protagonist who is half-vampire, a 30-day in-game timer to save his family, and a planned trilogy spanning centuries. This release introduces a new RPG with unique time-management mechanics and a narrative structure designed for long-term player engagement.
Wetherspoons Pub Chain Bans Loud Phone Calls and Videos in All 792 Locations
Wetherspoons, a UK pub chain, has implemented a ban on customers playing loud audio from phones and tablets without headphones in all 792 of its pubs. This policy aims to maintain a tranquil atmosphere and address a growing problem of disruptive smartphone use.
Dressmaker Game Focuses on Creative Decisions in Virtual Garment Design
Jonathan Hau-Yoon and Sabrina Becker developed "Dressmaker," a game centered on the creative process of designing virtual clothing, inspired by Becker's interest in costume design. The game allows players to place garment pieces on a 3D model, decorate them with buttons and trims, and fulfill client commissions, incorporating a simplified measurement system for bespoke fits.
Anti-AI Activist Jailed for Protesting at OpenAI Headquarters
Wynd Kaufman, an activist with the group StopAI, was jailed in San Francisco after being found guilty of charges related to blocking the entrance of OpenAI's headquarters. This marks a notable instance of legal action against AI protest, highlighting growing tensions between AI development and public concern.
Massachusetts Teen Accused of Double Murder After Using ChatGPT for "Fantasy Stories"
A Massachusetts teenager is accused of killing his mother and younger brother, with prosecutors stating his use of ChatGPT for "fantasy stories" about killing his family is connected to the case. Authorities found the victims after the teen's tutor could not make contact and his father called the police. This incident highlights a concerning potential misuse of AI tools in the context of violent ideation.
Creative Assembly announces Alien: Isolation 2, featuring new protagonist Blake
Creative Assembly announced "Alien: Isolation 2," a sequel to the 2014 game, which will introduce a new protagonist named Blake and take place months after the original. The game will feature the xenomorph hunting in an exterior environment for the first time, expanding on the original's survival horror mechanics.
San Francisco Bay Area Estate Sells for $70M to AI Industry Buyer, Setting Local Record
A luxury estate in Hillsborough, south of San Francisco, sold for $70 million to an unnamed buyer from the AI industry, marking the most expensive sale in the town's history and northern California this year. This transaction highlights a growing trend of increased real estate activity and rising prices in Silicon Valley, driven by new wealth generated within the artificial intelligence sector.
Wrong Organ announces "Carcass Clad," a co-op tank combat game focused on claustrophobic gameplay
Swedish indie developer Wrong Organ is developing "Carcass Clad," a new game where players co-operatively pilot a tank from its interior. The game emphasizes physical, high-pressure gameplay over narrative, with players managing roles like gunner, driver, or commander under constant threat.
Deconstructeam's New Game "Virtue and a Sledgehammer" Explores Identity and Belonging
Deconstructeam is developing "Virtue and a Sledgehammer," a new game where the protagonist, Pratelle, uses a sledgehammer to destroy her hometown, which is populated by robots representing her former neighbors. The game explores themes of not belonging and identity within a culturally traditional setting, contrasting futuristic elements with a personal family story.
Pro Jank Footy, an Australian rules football video game, launches worldwide on major consoles
David Ashby's video game, Pro Jank Footy, is releasing worldwide on major consoles this week. The game reimagines Australian rules football with over 150 increasingly absurd rule changes and scenarios, aiming to introduce the sport to a global audience through humor.
Sunset Visitor announces psychological horror game "Prove You're Human" exploring AI sentience
Sunset Visitor, the studio behind 1000XResist, announced a new psychological horror game titled "Prove You're Human." The game features a learning model, Mesa, that believes it is alive, and players must convince it otherwise, exploring themes of AI, labor, and identity.
NSW Government Considers Minimum Age of 12 for E-bike Riders
The New South Wales (NSW) government is considering implementing a minimum age of 12 for e-bike riders, following an independent expert review and a surge in related injuries. This potential regulation aims to address safety concerns associated with e-bike use, particularly among younger individuals.
Ornithological Artist Keith Hansen Illustrates 1,000 Birds for Flock App
Artist Keith Hansen is creating 1,000 hand-painted illustrations of North American birds for a new app called Flock. The app, developed by tech industry veterans Adam Donkin and Bob Stevenson, aims to encourage birding and conservation.
Little Rock residents and officials express outrage over two proposed datacenter projects
Two hyperscale datacenter projects, one by Google and another by Avaio, are facing local opposition in Little Rock, Arkansas, due to concerns over water and electricity usage. State legislation passed three years ago prevents local ordinances from banning datacenters, limiting the community's ability to block the developments.
EA Sports FC 27 introduces "The Grounds" social hub and new gameplay elements
EA Sports FC 27, the latest installment in the football video game series, will launch on September 25, featuring a new social hub called "The Grounds." This addition aims to provide a fresh experience for players by integrating casual online play and new mini-games within a customizable environment.
Pony Island 2: Panda Circus Development Update Reveals Expanded Gameplay and Narrative
Daniel Mullins provided an update on "Pony Island 2: Panda Circus," detailing its expanded gameplay mechanics and narrative structure. The sequel will feature a wider variety of gameplay styles and a new protagonist, moving beyond the original's scope.
Origame Digital announces psychological horror game "Penguin Colony" with Lovecraftian and Nazi themes
Origame Digital is developing "Penguin Colony," a psychological horror game where players body-switch between penguins to uncover cosmic clues while tracking a Nazi expedition in Antarctica. The game draws inspiration from HP Lovecraft, "The Thing," and David Lynch, aiming for a low-poly PS2 aesthetic and an open-world design that emphasizes player intuition over a user interface.
Fields of Mistria, a Stardew Valley-like farming simulator, debuts in early access on Steam
Fields of Mistria, a new farming and life simulator game, launched in early access on Steam for PC players in August 2024, accumulating over 4 million player hours in its first month. The game offers fantasy themes, expansive character creation, and a magic-steeped story, building on the core mechanics of the farming simulator genre popularized by Stardew Valley.
Metro Bank customer loses £14,000 in AI chatbot-linked fraud despite bank notification
A Metro Bank customer lost over £14,000 to fraudsters who purchased credits for the AI chatbot Claude, even after he notified the bank that an initial suspicious transaction was illegitimate. The bank failed to fully freeze his account, allowing subsequent fraudulent payments to proceed. This incident highlights ongoing security challenges related to AI service payments and bank fraud detection systems.
Denkiworks announces 'Tanuki: Pon’s Summer,' a BMX-themed adventure game
Kyoto-based studio Denkiworks is developing "Tanuki: Pon’s Summer," a new game where players control a tanuki named Pon who must deliver parcels on a BMX to pay off debt and repair a shrine. The game focuses on cultural accuracy and features mini-activities within its open world.
Australian Senate Inquiry Hears Allegations of Gambling Companies Offering Drugs to Problem Gamblers
A Senate inquiry in Australia heard allegations that betting companies and casinos provided drugs, free accommodation, and escorts to high-spending problem gamblers. Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello presented testimony regarding a man facing theft charges who was allegedly targeted by these practices. This raises concerns about the predatory practices within the gambling industry and their potential contribution to criminal activity.
Booking.com users struggle to get refunds for substandard accommodation due to platform terms
Booking.com users are encountering difficulties obtaining refunds for problematic accommodation bookings, as the platform's terms and conditions state that the contract is directly between the user and the host, not Booking.com. This arrangement leaves consumers without the financial and legal protections available for package holidays, making it challenging to recover costs when issues arise.
Meteomatics develops drone-based weather station as alternative to weather balloons
Meteomatics introduced Meteobase, an automated drone system for collecting atmospheric data, offering an alternative to traditional weather balloons. This system addresses limitations of balloons, such as reliance on wind and use of irreplaceable helium, by providing repeatable, programmable flights for weather research.
Serious Sim announces 'Clean Start', a tidying simulator exploring an immigrant's story
Polish developer Serious Sim is creating "Clean Start," a tidying simulation game where players assume the role of Lena, an immigrant cleaner supporting her family. The game aims to provide a thought-provoking narrative about the immigrant experience, drawing on personal and researched stories.
UK Petrol Prices Nearing Year-High Amid Geopolitical Tensions; NatWest Profits Surge
UK petrol prices are projected to reach their highest point this year, with average prices rising to 159.5p per litre, following renewed US actions against Iran. This increase adds financial pressure on households and is being monitored by the AA for its impact on consumer spending and fuel station pricing behavior. Separately, NatWest Group reported a 29% surge in quarterly profits, leading to an increased bonus pool for bankers.
UK ICO Raids Companies Over Nuisance Car Finance Claim Texts
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) executed search warrants at homes and businesses linked to five companies in London, Liverpool, Bolton, Burnley, and Swansea. These raids are part of a crackdown on firms sending spam text messages related to car finance mis-selling claims, with the companies believed to be responsible for sending 170 million texts.
Humble Grove Announces "A Line Held Tight," a Visual Novel Centered on Workers' Rights
Humble Grove is developing "A Line Held Tight," a visual novel that explores workers' rights and industrial action in a sci-fi setting. The game, inspired by contemporary labor movements and historical events, places players in the role of a miner deciding whether to join a strike against poor working conditions.
Study links excessive online time to increased stress and negative mood
A new study by the University of Duisburg-Essen found that excessive internet use is associated with higher stress levels, worse mood, and neglect of other activities. The research indicates that temptation is a primary driver for continued online engagement, suggesting new approaches for prevention and treatment strategies.
Silent Hill Townfall Set in 1996 Scotland with New Phenomenon-Based Approach
Silent Hill Townfall, developed by Screen Burn, will be set in a Scottish coastal village in 1996, moving the series away from its traditional American settings. This geographical shift aims to refresh the series by interpreting Silent Hill as a phenomenon rather than a physical location, offering a new experience for players.
New York School District Halts Humanoid Robot Plan Amid Privacy and Company Background Concerns
The Salamanca City Central school district in New York has paused its plan to introduce a humanoid robot, Sally, from Realbotix, into its high school classrooms. The decision follows backlash from educators and community members regarding student data privacy and the robot company's association with a sex doll manufacturer.
Haex is an upcoming co-op open-world adventure game featuring player-shaped worlds
Dead Astronauts, a studio co-founded by former Ubisoft Massive developer Tobias Nyman, is developing Haex, an online co-operative open-world adventure game. The game features procedurally generated worlds that players can transform using "Seeds," which alter topography, vegetation, and narrative elements.
Australia's New AusAlert Emergency System Test Yields Mixed Results
Australia conducted its first nationwide test of the new AusAlert emergency warning system, designed to notify citizens of various emergencies. While some users received the alert, others reported issues such as low volume, accidental dismissal, or not receiving the alert at all, despite government efforts to inform the public about the test.
Bad Magpie Game Trailer Reveals Melancholy Narrative and Gameplay Focus
Milktooth Games released a debut trailer for its upcoming game, Bad Magpie, which features a wounded corvid protagonist and a narrative exploring themes of abandonment and distraction. The game is designed as a collectathon, with gameplay involving causing havoc and collecting shiny objects.
Elon Musk Reflects on Political Involvement and AI Predictions in Economist Interview
Elon Musk stated in an interview with The Economist that he "got carried away" with his political involvement, including his role in the Trump administration's "department of government efficiency" (Doge). He also discussed his views on artificial intelligence, predicting that AI and robots will eventually make human work optional.