Scott Ertz - Staff

Garry's Mod, the popular game design workshop available through Steam, has begun removing content containing anything Nintendo-related. This comes following a takedown notice from Nintendo, as confirmed by the Garry's Mod team. The Steam Workshop contains user-made content spanning 2 decades, making this a long and arduous process.

Garry's Mod: A Playful Canvas for Digital Architects

Garry's Mod, often abbreviated as GMod, is a sandbox game developed by Facepunch Studios and published by Valve. Originally created as a mod for Valve's Source game engine in December 2004, it later expanded into a standalone release in November 2006. The game's base mode has no predefined objectives, allowing players to freely manipulate objects within a virtual world. Using tools like the physics gun and the tool gun, players can spawn non-player characters, ragdolls, and props, and interact with them in various ways.

Garry's Mod also supports user-created content through Lua scripting, enabling mods and custom game modes. Notable game modes include Trouble in Terrorist Town, Prop Hunt, and DarkRP. The game's versatility and creativity have made it a popular platform for experimentation, machinima, and player-generated content. As of September 2021, Garry's Mod has sold over 20 million copies.

In Garry's Mod, players can unleash their creativity by building, experimenting, and creating custom experiences. Whether it's constructing elaborate structures, staging scenes, or inventing unique game modes, GMod provides a canvas for imagination. The game's community-driven content includes mods, maps, and add-ons, all accessible through the Steam Workshop. From manipulating physics to role-playing in custom scenarios, Garry's Mod continues to captivate players with its open-ended possibilities and collaborative spirit.

User-generated content increased scrutiny

Increased copyright scrutiny in user-generated content has become a contentious issue, particularly on digital media platforms. These platforms, such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming, host a vast array of content created by users, from gaming streams to podcasts and music performances. However, the tension arises from conflicting interests: copyright holders demand better protection of their intellectual property rights, while content creators and their fans argue for more leniency in applying copyright regulations.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) plays a central role in this debate. While it aims to prevent unauthorized access and copying of copyrighted works, it also allows for "fair use" of such materials. Fair use permits content creators to reproduce copyrighted material for purposes like commentary, criticism, and parody. However, the application of these rules has become increasingly restrictive. Platforms face pressure from copyright holders and employ aggressive algorithms to flag potential infringements. As a result, they often take down content even before infringement is proven. This cautious approach, driven by the fear of fines, can stifle creativity, limit free speech, and hinder innovation. For instance, Twitch reported a significant increase in copyright claims, potentially resulting in substantial penalties if moderation is deemed inadequate.

Takedown notices in gaming

One of the companies in the gaming world that issues a lot of copyright takedown notices is Nintendo. The company is infamous for issuing DMCA takedowns or cease-and-desist notices for anything they believe comes close to infringing on their IP, including fan art. And that is exactly what has happened here. Nintendo went after another source of fan-made art claiming violation of IP.

However, this is obviously different than a local artist creating t-shirts or posters featuring Link. These were whole games made using Nintendo's characters - literally the thing that Nintendo does themselves. Plus, the games often included aspects of gameplay that are outside of the Nintendo realm, such as Mario with guns. Not only does this compete with Nintendo using their own characters, it potentially damages the family-friendly brand image that the company has worked so hard to build.

For their part, Facepunch Studios confirmed the request and said that they were complying.

Some of you may have noticed that certain Nintendo related workshop items have recently been taken down. This is not a mistake, the takedowns came from Nintendo.

Honestly, this is fair enough. This is Nintendo's content and what they allow and don't allow is up to them. They don't want you playing with that stuff in Garry's Mod - that's their decision, we have to respect that and take down as much as we can.

This is an ongoing process, as we have 20 years of uploads to go through. If you want to help us by deleting your Nintendo related uploads and never uploading them again, that would help us a lot.

20 years worth of content is a lot to have to go through. Dedicated members of the community should help by removing any infringing content to make it easier on the GMod team.

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When Apple announced its ambitious Vision Pro headset, reactions were mixed, to say the least. Apple envisioned people using the product similarly to an iPhone, wearing these dystopian isolation headsets all day Potential users, on the other hand, saw them as an occasional toy. Because of that disparity, it appears that Apple had ordered too many devices for the demand, and that is being corrected.

What is the Apple Vision Pro?

The Apple Vision Pro is a wearable device developed by Apple that pushes the boundaries of traditional technology. Designed to seamlessly integrate into users' lives, this semi-compact device offers a host of features - some of which are new, and some have been on comparable hardware for years.

The Apple Vision Pro has a semi-novel approach to app interaction. Users can arrange apps on an "infinite canvas," scaling them to their preferred size. This unique feature allows for multitasking while staying aware of the surroundings. Additionally, the device wirelessly connects to Mac workflows through Mac Virtual Display, enhancing productivity for professionals and creatives alike.

As a personal entertainment hub, the Vision Pro tries to transform movies, shows, and games into an immersive experience. Its expansive display and Spatial Audio create a virtual theater. Notably, the Vision Pro houses Apple's first 3D camera, enabling users to capture spatial photos and videos. Whether reliving cherished memories or exploring new vistas, this device bridges technology and emotion.

The public reaction to Vision Pro

Since the release of the Apple Vision Pro last week, public reaction has been a fascinating blend of awe, curiosity, and skepticism. The device has ignited conversations across tech circles and beyond. Although not the first headset to employ mixed reality (XR) technology, the Vision Pro stands out with its futuristic design and unique take on XR features.

As people encountered the Vision Pro in real-world scenarios, their initial responses ranged from wide-eyed wonder to cautious intrigue. The internet buzzed with memes, jokes, and tough choices - like deciding between buying a car or this $3,500 headset. Whether it's a game-changer or a niche luxury, the Vision Pro has undeniably sparked conversations about the future of wearable tech.

Overall, while Apple had hoped that people would be engaged by the device, the overall sentiment has been one of apathy. While people find the concept to be intriguing, most do not find it to be something for long-term or regular usage. This puts the device in the same category as a Meta Quest, while the price is around 10 times that of the Quest.

The future of Vision Pro

The ambitious nature of Apple seems to have faded, as the company has reportedly lowered its shipments for the future. What was once the company's future of computing seems to be on its way to the same fate as the Microsoft HoloLens or even Apple's own Newton. In 5 years, we will likely be discussing the Vision Pro as one of Apple's 10 biggest device failures. But, for now, the company continues to march forward, albeit far slower than before.

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Over the past few years, Star Trek has seen a renaissance of sorts. This has been the first time since the late 1990s that there have been so many active projects within the Star Trek Universe. But, there has been a fear that, like any bubble, it would eventually pop. The past year has seen the end of several projects, and confusion over one, leading to fears that the burst might happen soon. This week, during Paramount's CinemaCon presentation, it was revealed that fan-favorite Star Trek: Lower Decks will end after its upcoming 5th season.

Star Trek: Lower Decks reception

Before the launch of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the series was met with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. The show was announced as an animated comedy, a departure from the traditional Star Trek format, which led to some uncertainty among the franchise's fanbase. Despite this, the series built a strong fan loyalty during its streaming of the fourth season. The creator, Mike McMahan, even called on fans to help keep the show from facing the same fate as Prodigy, another Star Trek series. The announcement of a fifth season, six months before the fourth season debuted, was met with enthusiasm.

After its premiere, Star Trek: Lower Decks received mixed reviews. While some critics praised its light but faithful take on Gene Roddenberry's mythos, others felt that some of the humor didn't quite land. However, most negative reviews did not call the series a total bomb. Over time, the series became a beloved favorite among franchise fans. Despite the mixed initial reception, the series was successful enough to run for five seasons. The announcement of its conclusion after the fifth season was met with disappointment by the fans. McMahan said to fans,

We wanted to let you know that this fall will be the fifth and final season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. While five seasons of any series these days seems like a miracle, it's no exaggeration to say that every second we've spent making this show has been a dream come true. Our incredible cast, crew and artists have given you everything they have because they love the characters they play, they love the world we've built, and more than anything we all love love love Star Trek. We're excited for the world to see our hilarious fifth season which we're working on right now, and the good news is that all previous episodes will remain on Paramount+ so there is still so much to look forward to as we celebrate the Cerritos crew with a big send-off.

I was among the many skeptics of the series before it premiered. Star Trek animation did not have a strong history at the time, and the premise had a lot of possibility for failure. I had also been a critic of the first resurgence series, Star Trek: Discovery. However, within the first few episodes, I became a believer - the comedy was what I had hoped for, and the series showcased an aspect of the ships that, outside of Star Trek: Voyager's few episodes, we've never really gotten a good view of - the junior officers and their activities keeping the ship running.

The end of the road?

There was once a time, within the past 18 months, where Star Trek content was unstoppable. However, with this cancelation, the Star Trek Universe has shrunk back down. Star Trek: Picard is over. Star Trek: Discovery is over. Star Trek: Lower Decks is coming to an end. Star Trek: Prodigy is in a nebulous state. This leaves us with Star Trek: Strange New World in active production, and the possibility of the Starfleet Academy-based series in the future, plus a few movies theoretically in development.

If this presentation is to be believed, there could be a new generation of exciting new Star Trek in our future. However, if this was an advertisement for Paramount's IP with the goal of a corporate sale, which some speculate that it was, then this could possibly be the end of the Star Trek renaissance.

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If you're anything like I am, you've had the same internet service provider (ISP) for years. Sure, I've upgraded plans in that time - 100 Mbps was the maximum you could get when I signed up - but the provider has always been the same. This has been, in large part, because it's a massive challenge to wade through the details of ISP plans when everyone uses marketing terms rather than industry terms to describe their services. At least with the same provider, you know what the words mean. Now Broadband Labels are here to make that comparison between services easier with consistent naming and descriptions - just like the panel on the side of your favorite cereal.

What are Broadband Labels?

Broadband Labels, also known as Broadband Consumer Labels, are designed to provide clear, easy-to-understand, and accurate information about the cost and performance of high-speed internet services. They are modeled after the FDA nutrition labels and are intended to help consumers comparison shop for the internet service plan that will best meet their needs and budget. Internet service providers that offer home, fixed internet services, or mobile broadband plans are required to have a label for each service plan they offer. Beginning April 10, 2024, consumers should look for broadband labels at any point of sale, including online and in stores. The labels must disclose important information about broadband prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and broadband speeds.

The goal of these labels is to give people accurate information for comparing plans. The labels are being mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) after more than a decade of lobbying by Consumer Reports and other advocacy groups. A rule requiring these labels was first adopted by the FCC in 2016 but was never implemented. Large internet service providers - those with at least 100,000 subscribers - are required to implement the new labels starting April 10. Smaller ISPs have until Oct. 10, 2024, to comply. The rule applies to all internet services, including the 5G wireless home internet now offered by T-Mobile and other companies.

How do the Broadband Labels work?

If you have ever looked at the Nutrition Label on the side of a food package, you already know how the Broadband Labels work - at least in concept. All of the information about your internet service plan are provided in a consistent and easy to read way. Starting at the top you'll see the name of your ISP and that name of the plan.

Below that in large print is the most important part - the monthly price for the service. That is followed by the breakdown of that price and how it might vary. This includes any carrier service fees, local, state, or federal fees, and taxes. It also breaks down what a contract looks like and any financial hit you might have for breaking that contract.

Next up is the speeds for the plan. These are the expected speeds, not necessarily guaranteed speeds. However, with the new rules, these speeds must be reasonably expected, not hypothetical speeds if no one else in the world is using the internet at the same time. It shows down speed, up speed, and even expected latency. It is important to note that things on your internal network might change your local speeds, so these numbers are between the modem and the network itself.

Next, you'll find details about bandwidth limitations. We know that several big carriers, including Comcast, have begun implementing bandwidth data caps on their home internet plans. If your carrier is one of them, you'll see that spelled out in this section. It will also have the fees or other scenarios for going over that number.

Finally, you'll find important company information, including customer service phone numbers, privacy policies, and even the unique plan code registered with the FCC. This gives a quick way to reference the details of the plan in the future, as well as a way to make a complain if you do not receive the features you are paying for.

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In the world of Pokémon, one of the most popular parts of the game is collecting the full Pokedex. However, anyone who has regularly played any of the games in the series knows that it can be a challenge. There are rare creatures that are hard to find. In some games, like Pokémon GO, some creatures are location-locked, meaning you have to go to another country or continent to find them. This creates a scenario for people to obtain these creatures through illicit means, and that could land you in prison, as it might for one Japanese man.

What is the Unfair Competition Prevention Act?

The Unfair Competition Prevention Act, enacted in 1993 and subsequently amended, serves as a legal framework in Japan to combat unfair business practices and protect intellectual property rights. Its primary objectives are to ensure fair competition among companies and facilitate the proper implementation of international agreements related to trade and commerce. The Act addresses various aspects of unfair competition.

In 2018, the Act was revised to enhance the utilization of "data" as a valuable resource for company growth. The revision introduced provisions related to "shared data with limited access," aiming for efficient data provision and utilization. In the case of videogames, the data protections provided for in this law extend to game save data. As such, tampering with game save data to do something that is not legitimate is a direct violation.

Arrested for fake save data

According to a report from NHK, a 36-year-old man was arrested by Japanese police after a "police cyber patrol" encountered the man creating and reselling falsified Pokémon Violet save data. The data gave Pokémon in the file moves that they are either not supposed to have, or that are not common for their type. This data tampering violates the Unfair Competition Prevention Act, or more specifically, the 2018 amendment.

According to the report, the man was creating the fake data specifically to sell. He made these files available for users on a particular digital marketplace for 13,000 yen, or around $84 USD each. If you wanted 6, you could buy them as a package for $30 each, working out to about $180, which was a decent deal comparative. The orders for rare Pokémon and move sets took place between December 2022 and March 2023 and netted him a decent amount of sales. Enough, at least, to attract the attention of the police. The man has allegedly admitted to the crimes, leaving only sentencing. The sentence could involve up to 5 years in prison, as well as up to 5 million yen ($32,600 USD) in fines.

The latest Pokémon crime

Japan has seen a number of high profile crimes surrounding the Pokémon franchise. In 2021, a man tried to scale a 6 story building in order to steal a large collection of Pokémon cards. In 2022, a series of Pokémon heists took place across the country. In one instance, thieves got away with over $60,000 worth of Pokémon cards from a collection. Any time a property becomes this popular, it will inevitably create a black market around it. This could include stolen in-game items, real world items, hacked game data, and even counterfeit products.

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