Olha Semykina 🔜 GamesForum Barcelona’s Post

So, been a while since I've been on this platform! Been very busy with the usual venue management and event operations tasks, but I wanted to take a moment to speak to everyone about another project I've been working on: The re-launch of Cultural Combos as an episodic audio podcast! For those who don't know, Cultural Combos (2018) was my undergraduate senior thesis, an ethnographic narrative covering the competitive fighting game community (FGC) as both a digital landscape and unique cultural experience and in social gaming. With an overarching narrative of "arcades to prime-time" and a new, unprecedented level of visibility (Top 8 of Street Fighter V at EVO 2016 on ESPN2, Capcom Pro Tour, Mortal Kombat's Fatal 8, ELeague on TBS/TNT), I explored the ins-and-outs of digital fighting games, the people who play them, and the events that feature them. With anthropological, cultural, and social theory interspersed throughout the paper, Cultural Combos (2018) lived as an attempt to further investigate and hopefully flesh out a genre of games, and community that'd largely been unexplored by academia proper. In December of 2023, rather than write a second thesis and embark on another 65-page behemoth, (which folks did assure me was a good read!) I opted to sit down and have long conversations with folks in the FGC about their experiences, personal journeys, and evolution of the community and its events. While I'm very much a student of the new media, the art of participant-observation speaks to the classic anthropologist in me. So what better way to make a deep-dive into fighting games, community and culture than through conversation? If you're into long-form content about gaming, culture, and the intersection of the two...then I think this is something you'll enjoy sinking your teeth (and ears) into. Folks, I'm pleased to present my latest endeavor, the Cultural Combos podcast, available on Acast for your listening pleasure. Please note as our format is semi-structured and rather relaxed, there is some strong language in a few of the episodes, so listener discretion is advised: https://lnkd.in/e6SYhQ_c

Time, time and time again, the same tale Time that decides, who gets to prevail The clock ticks on, as we plot our fate But let's be real, time's just a game, where some get to participate Who do you think gets to take the stage? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #TimeIsTheGame #FateIsUnfair

💡 Here at Fancensus, we'll be exploring when, within the Summer Game Fest livestream, is the optimal time to be featured! 📣 Plus lots more consumer insights into SGF and other industry livestream events. More details here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/etj2w8uA #VideoGames #MarketResearch #VideoGameIndustry

Tomorrow the game is changed forever! Hurry and grab your free ticket before it’s too late!! ⬇️ https://buff.ly/3yJG92f What Tony and Dean are planning to reveal over the next 3 days, at their Game Has Changed Live Event, is going to help take the vision you have for your life and your future ... and give you the roadmap to make it reality. (You know I love Roadmaps!😊) Whether that means earning more, impacting more, having more freedom or control over your time … in just over 24 hours, you will learn how to get it done faster and with more confidence than ever before. If you don’t think one event can have that big an impact … just wait until you see what they have planned. I got a glimpse behind the scenes and it blew my mind! I promise, whatever you’re expecting, this is better.  You need to be there to experience it live though because Tony and Dean won’t be sharing this anywhere else. You’re in the room, or you miss out unfortunately.  Obviously I don’t want you to miss out - so I’m giving this another shot!  Go here to confirm your seat for The Game Has Changed Virtual Live Event ⬇️ https://buff.ly/3yJG92f What do you have to lose?  That’s not a rhetorical question. I want you to really think about it. What are you risking versus what you’re gaining.  It’s a few hours of your time in exchange for a proven blueprint that will give you the greatest gift of all - the freedom to CHOOSE the work you do, the income you earn and the way you live your life for years to come.  Isn’t that worth it? I certainly think so, and I'm not giving up on you! Confirm your seat before it's too late, and see you there. #thegamehaschanged

The UPPER BOUND schedule is about 70% confirmed, with new sessions added to the schedule every day. Some of the can’t-miss sessions include: 🕹️AI & Games Research Demo Showcase 🏆AI Themes & Trends in AAA Games 👾Beyond Chat Bots: Exploring Generative AI & Behaviour in the Future of Gaming Check out the schedule here: https://hubs.la/Q02wT2Bx0

Starting in 20 minutes  Leveling Up Society: The Transformative Power of Games  Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3W4SLdU

🚨 New AI builds Indie-to-AAA props and characters 🚨 See the demo : https://bit.ly/m/Kaedim Also: all your regular analysis of a real busy game schedule... ⭐ The world's best game studios ship 7x faster | Learn more at 🚨 New AI builds AAA characters 🚨 See the demo : https://bit.ly/m/Kaedim - try it today to turn sketches into game assets in minutes. #gdc #gamedev #gdc2024 #kaedim3d #IndieGames #GameIndustryUpdates #GameDevStudio #GamingUpdates

Ready for change in the new year? Check out this playlist of #TEDTalks for How to Be a Better You. We ❤️ that the #SuperBetter talk by Jane McGonigal is in the mix. Find the full list here: https://lnkd.in/dAYdags

Introducing TOP 5 Alpha! 🎲 A brand new twist on the classic game, where strategy meets excitement. Select your 5 chips, roll the dice, and battle it out to be the first to complete your TOP 5! Get ready for fast-paced action, surprises, and endless fun with friends and family. Are you ready to claim victory in this ultimate showdown? Stay tuned for updates on how to get your hands on TOP 5 Alpha! #Top5Alpha #GameNight #ChallengeAccepted"

Want to discover how a former programmer turned his passion for space into ad adventure that connects gamers and makes a difference? 🚀✨ Come read how we are cultivating a garden made of innovation, diversity and dedication. Every beat is a heartbeat! ❤️🕹️ Read the full article in the link in the description or in the blog section of overthegame.com #overthegame #playerheartbits #gamingforfuture