Latest News
Mudstack makes life better for digital artists and game studios with the launch of its unique new asset management platform
Officially launched today, Mudstack is a first-of-its-kind Digital Asset Management (DAM) system specifically for game studios and digital artists who increasingly need to work collaboratively across multiple projects, locations, and even timezones. The Mudstack platform combines cloud storage, artist-friendly version control, and an integrated review and feedback feature. Itallows art teams to rapidly increase their pace of iteration and progress, wasting less time hunting for files and feedback and wondering which version is the right one for any given file.
Founder Jordan Stevens explained why the team felt there was a need for a platform like Mudstack. “Digital art teams face a unique set of challenges when it comes to producing, managing, and reviewing assets. Their use of multiple tools often results in a disconnect between the various stages of a project, and as companies expand, this situation becomes more complex. Cheaper solutions that once worked fail at scale, leading to significant productivity loss and delayed launches that can cost over six figures.”
Canadian-based VR Vision develops VR-based training solutions for enterprises, and it found that Mudstack made an immediate difference. “We struggled to scale our pipeline once our development team quickly grew from a single developer to ten. Sharing assets on a local network drive or Google Drive can be tedious, especially for iterating and making changes. We needed a version control solution for assets so we could still access the old asset if a change happened accidentally. Mudstack has solved this through its ability to create workspaces per project, isolating the clutter happening in one place with the ability to add tags and libraries that sit on top of folder structures, with non-destructive file-based versioning,” said Karan Sharma, Art Manager at VR Vision.
Mudstack is free for anyone to start using and collaborating across teams, giving unlimited users the ability to collaboratively view files. Paid plans start at $19/mo per admin user and include unlimited artists, 4TB+ cloud storage, and access controls.
Mudstack has been developing its platform in close partnership with both indie and AA game studios, ensuring the tool meets their needs, improves efficiency and productivity, and puts artists’ needs at the forefront of its design. No other platform combines features that allow digital artists to onboard an existing project in a matter of hours, streamline workflows, and easily integrate collaboration. Its key features include:
Centralized cloud storage for source files, so there is no need to use external cloud storage software
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Preview 3D files (FBX, OBJ, GLTF) without downloading and opening
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Tag and filter files for easy searching
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Control access to content to protect IP if working with external vendors
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Group files in multiple collections without duplicating or worrying about folder structures
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Utilize AWS for all systems and storage
Review and provide feedback directly in art files rather than using external workflow tools
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Request reviews by tagging other users directly in the file
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Easily assign change requests and provide approvals on files
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Mark up files with the built-in annotation tool
Version control that doesn’t require locking and branching, so artists don’t have to use developer tools
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File-based versioning rather than product-based, so artists don’t have to deal with irrelevant conflicts
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Roll back to older versions at any time without deleting or overwriting anything
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View the history of each file with a single source of versions kept in the cloud
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Manage versions locally and share only the versions needed
You can find out more, including full feature and pricing information, and book a demo at www.mudstack.com.
Gaming
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
PENN Entertainment Inc. has launched its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania. Built on PENN’s proprietary technology platform, Hollywood Casino offers more than 700 iCasino games, a variety of daily promotions, and exciting jackpots.
Available on Android, iOS and desktop, customers in the Keystone State can access Hollywood Casino through either the ESPN BET app or through the new Hollywood Casino app using their same ESPN BET login credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms. PENN plans to launch Hollywood Casino in additional jurisdictions in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hollywood Casino features a variety of online slots, table games and live dealer content, including bespoke live dealer tables and a dedicated “Casino Floor” lobby that allows users to easily find virtual versions of their favorite slot games from PENN’s retail properties. Hollywood Casino also features original titles from PENN Game Studios, PENN’s in-house casino game development studio that has produced a number of popular online games, including Legendary LarryTM and Wuji MinesTM.
“We’re excited to launch Hollywood Casino as a stand-alone app in Pennsylvania, giving our customers access to their favorite games in a dedicated, casino-first experience. With four Hollywood Casino properties in the state, the app leverages our trusted retail brand and creates a seamless connection between our online and retail gaming experiences. We look forward to bringing this enhanced Hollywood Casino experience to more iCasino markets in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer at PENN Entertainment.
Hollywood Casino is also fully integrated with PENN Play, the Company’s omnichannel loyalty program that allows members to earn and redeem rewards, including PENN Cash, exclusive tier benefits and personalized services.
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