News Patch v7.14

D2R: Alpha Test Beans [Link]

Blizzard has been listening to player feedback to preserve the classic nature and spirit of the game. “There are so many unique quirks and systems in this game that, if modernized, would ultimately sabotage the original experience we adore. So, we’ve exercised restraint to protect the authentic experience”

VFX, QoL, Accessibility, Interface (like auto gold pickup), shared stash, ‘compare’ tooltips, automap visualization enhancements, a clock (LOL), Loading Screen: Character Vulnerability & Time (no more getting 1 shot before you even load)

For a limited time in August, players who pre-ordered D2R will be able to step into Sanctuary in an early access beta. “Soon after,” all players (on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation) will have the chance to play in the open beta. We’ll be able to play the Amazon, Barbarian, Paladin, Sorceress, and Druid. No assassin or necro mentions yet! Party with up to 8 players.

Discord Goes Artificial [Link]

Discord has purchased AI ant- harassment company Sentropy.

Sentropy’s product-in-mention, Sentropy Protect, monitors networks for abuse/harassment, then offers users a way to block problematic people and filter out messages they don’t want to see. The product was initially focused on helping people clean up their Twitter feeds and to create tools for companies to support moderation.

As of now, Discord has a huge network of more than 150 million monthly users! The userbase is currently made up of more than 19 million communities and requires the work of both volunteers and teams within Discord to properly moderate.

I’m sure a LOT of testing and “retrofitting” of Sentropy’s algorithms will have to take place before we see it in action.

Mega Sega-suit [Link]

Sega is catching some heat right now under a lawsuit claiming that one of its arcade games, Key Master, is actually rigged! ..and this isn't the first time the game has come under fire..

The plaintiff, Marcelo Muto, is suing the company for $5 million

Key Master, which is found in arcades and malls across the US, has players use a joystick and button to maneuver a key into a specific hole where winners are awarded with prizes: such as earbuds, video games and even GoPros. If a player gets the key into the correct position to win, but not within the predetermined time, the machine will overshoot, causing a loss. Pretty simple, right?

Each machine, the lawsuit says, is programmed to only allow a win after a certain number of losses, 700 by default. This denies players from winning with actual skill.

That’s a lot of Pipe [Link]
An anonymous bidder purchased a copy of Mario 64 for 1.56 million (Valarie McLeckie told NPR)

This was a high value sale due to nostalgia of Nintendo’s iconic mascot. Also, unexpectedly raising speculation and prices during the pandemic

Broke a previous record two days prior held by 1987 Legend of Zelda that sold for $870,000

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