Guides
Gaming with the Big B
It is, without a doubt, one of the body’s most complicated organs.
Made up of billions of neurons, with each electrical pulse traveling at 268 miles per hour, our brains have seemingly unlimited storage capacity.
That mass of pink, crinkly, blobby stuff hidden in our skull controls thought, memory, temperature, movement, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, hunger and pretty much every process that regulates our body.
It’s a marvelous evolutionary piece of engineering or a miracle from God, depending on which side of the creationist/evolutionary fence you sit on.
But what happens to our brains when we play computer games? Does it, as some studies suggest, increase our cognitive ability or does it, as my mum would say, “turn you into a dribbling wreck with square eyes!”.
Let’s take a deeper look at how gaming affects the pink stuff.
Scientists writing for Frontiers in Human Neuroscience reviewed and summarized 116 scientific studies and found that not only does our brain perform differently when playing video games, but it also changes the structure!
Attention, for instance, is much more efficient in gamers than in non-gamers.
The research also showed that playing video games increases the size of the brain that deals with visuospatial skills – a person’s ability to identify visual and spatial relationships among objects. These are needed for movement, depth and distance perception. Poor driving, for instance, can be a result of impaired visuospatial skills.
But what happens to our brains at a chemical level when playing video games?
The two most popular chemicals released when we play are Dopamine and Oxytocin, both created and released in the brain.
Dopamine creates a sense of joyfulness and pleasure, whilst Oxytocin is known as the love hormone; it plays a key role in social bonding.
Dopamine release is one of the main reasons gaming is considered addictive. You play, you get excited, Dopamine gets released, and you want to feel that “pleasure” feeling time and again.
It’s not the only drawback of too much gaming; sitting behind a screen for too long and not moving can cause obesity, loneliness, isolation, neck and back problems and depression.
Telltale signs of gaming addiction can include intense urges to play, buying games you really can’t afford, neglecting your appearance and lying to yourself and others about how much you play.
These symptoms are very similar to those suffering from gambling addictions, and if you are experiencing any of them, please reach out and talk to someone.
That’s because Dopamine is also released when gambling; every time you hit a spin win, jackpot or win on the roulette table, Dopamine is released.
The problem with Dopamine is that your body develops a tolerance to it. The more you play, the more you build tolerance, causing players to seek out that rush by betting or playing more often.
And that’s only half of the problem. Scientists have found that people with gambling problems have increased connectivity to the Dopamine reward system of the brain PLUS reduced connectivity to the prefrontal cortex. This front portion of the brain controls planning, personality and the ability to process consequences.
In other words, the brain is going, “wooo Dopamine, I don’t care if I lose money I can’t afford to”.
Why does all this matter? Well, both playing games and gambling have become intertwined in recent years. Online casinos have developed interactive gambling and ever more realistic video-style slots to play.
They also constantly use gambling and gaming interchangeably when promoting their products and brands.
Gaming and gambling are becoming more connected than ever. And perhaps, that’s understandable, not just because of the technological developments but also because of the age demographic of those playing. Video games are no longer the preserve of teenagers!
More than 215 million people play video games in the USA, with the average age of gamers being 33 years old. It’s a global industry worth $220 BILLION!
And that’s just video games. Online casino gambling is estimated to have a global worth of $145 BILLION.
And let’s be honest, online casinos want people to bet more and more because they want more and more money.
Making and designing games that appeal to video game players and demarking the industry as more of a gaming environment than a gambling environment are two strategies that have been employed by online casinos for quite some time because they’re looking to tap into the gaming market and attract more and more customers from it.
And informing all of their thinking is how the brain reacts when playing games or gambling.
For instance, gameplay is a classic way to encourage gamers to gamble. Years ago, an online slot machine was similar to those you’d find in a land-based casino, consisting of three reels, probably fruit icons for win lines and three bells for a jackpot.
These days video slots can have detailed animations as introductions, realistic high-end graphics, and interactive characters distributing an array of special features such as sticky wilds, stacked wilds and random win features.
Online casinos have also taken a leaf out of the gaming world when it comes to the sounds and lights of a slot. Not only do catchy tunes and bright flashing lights make it a more immersive experience. Bright lights and sounds are extremely powerful when combined with reward uncertainty. If your looking for an online casino that fits your style, have a look at the selection at casinos.win, each is thoroughly researched and reviewed.
Take Mario, for instance, one of the pioneers of the gaming world; even back then, in the 80s, the repetitive soundtrack pulsed and got louder as the action got wilder, evoking an ever greater thrill and expectation.
Imagine then that you have two bonuses already on your slot and the last reel is spinning faster and faster, the sound getting louder and louder and your expectation of landing that final bonus to get you on the bonus feature gets bigger and bigger. You are about to win big, or so you think.
But it doesn’t stick, and instead of calling it a day, you want to gamble more because you were ‘soooo’ close to getting on the bonus feature. Special sound cues like this when you’re on the verge of thinking you’re about to win increases excitement and your probability to carry on betting. Those electronic impulses in your brain just went into overdrive.
Another type of gambling strategy based on gaming is proving skill. Many new games now evoke games by making them look like games of skill rather than games of chance. There’s been an explosion in the gambling world of battle-style/tribal-style slots where the perception of the game is that there is some skill involved in winning rather than being the game of chance it really is.
But it isn’t all one-way traffic.
Over the years, the gaming world has also lifted some pretty nifty ideas from the online gambling world.
Loot boxes are a classic example. Paying to open a box of treasure, spinning a prize wheel or spinning to win a prize to open a box has long been a staple of online casinos.
Loot boxes, where gamers use actual money to purchase keys to open the loot boxes, chests, cases, crates, or bundles to receive a virtual item and enhance the game play are now a common occurrence in gaming; as is paying to upgrade levels, buy specific items or new download packs.
eSports is another area where the gaming and gambling markets have become indelibly linked with gamblers now able to bet on competitive video game playing.
Social Casinos are also on the rise and once again blur the lines. Normally produced by online casinos, they offer everything a normal casino offers without the wagering requirement. Obviously, the hope from the casino is that you will enjoy yourself and go on to play at a real money casino.
Both the gaming and gambling markets are so successful because they spend vast amounts of time and money understanding every nuance of their target audiences and how their brains tick. They investigate how their audience will think, how they will react, what excites them, what will continue to excite them and so on.
Nothing is left to chance for these global markets; that’s why they are global markets.
So, if you think you’re developing a gaming or gambling problem, please reach out and speak to someone.
There are numerous strategies that can help, including reducing screen time, not playing when under the influence, setting yourself time and deposit limits and many more.
If you don’t want to speak to someone, check out one of the many gambling or gaming support websites that are only a Google click away.
But remember this key point. When things stop being fun, when you are consumed by one thing, when you put it above all else, including health and wealth, then you do have a problem. Seek help and advice at the earliest opportunity, don’t simply ignore it.
Guides
Maximizing Your Connectivity: A Guide to LPB Piso WiFi 10.0.0.1 Pause Time Login Process
In today’s digital age, affordable internet access has become a fundamental necessity. LPB Piso WiFi emerges as a revolutionary solution, particularly in the Philippines, where it has transformed how people connect to the internet. This pay-per-use system introduces an innovative “Pause Time” feature, accessible through the 10.0.0.1 portal, allowing users to maximize their internet investment by paying only for their actual usage time.
Understanding LPB Piso WiFi
LPB Piso WiFi represents a democratized approach to internet connectivity, operating on a coin-operated or prepaid basis. This system has gained widespread adoption, especially in areas where traditional internet subscriptions may be cost-prohibitive or impractical. By providing internet access in small, affordable increments, LPB Piso WiFi ensures that users from all economic backgrounds can stay connected without the burden of monthly commitments.
The system’s popularity stems from its perfect balance of accessibility and affordability, making it an ideal solution for students, small business owners, and casual users who need flexible internet access options.
The 10.0.0.1 Portal
The 10.0.0.1 IP address serves as the gateway to the LPB Piso WiFi management interface. This portal is essential for users to manage their internet sessions and access various features, including the crucial Pause Time function.
To access the portal, users must:
- Connect their device to the LPB Piso WiFi network
- Open any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
- Enter “10.0.0.1” in the address bar
- Wait for the login page to load
Navigating the User Interface
Upon successful login, users are greeted with an intuitive dashboard that displays essential information and controls. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, featuring clearly labeled sections for different functions.
Key elements of the dashboard include:
- Time balance indicator showing remaining minutes
- Account top-up options
- Session management controls
- Pause Time feature access
- Connection status information
Utilizing the Pause Time Feature
The Pause Time function stands out as one of the most valuable features of the LPB Piso WiFi system. This innovative capability allows users to temporarily halt their session timer, ensuring that no purchased time is wasted during periods of inactivity.
To use the Pause Time feature:
- Log into the 10.0.0.1 portal
- Locate the Pause Time button on the dashboard
- Click to suspend your session
- When ready to resume, return to the portal
- Select the resume option to continue your session
Advantages of the Pause Time Function
The Pause Time feature offers numerous benefits that enhance the user experience and provide better value for money:
Cost Efficiency: Users only consume their purchased time during active usage, eliminating waste during breaks or interruptions. This feature is particularly valuable for students who might need to pause their connection during classes or workers during meetings.
Flexibility: The ability to pause and resume sessions provides unprecedented control over internet usage. Users can maintain their connection status while temporarily stepping away from their devices without losing valuable minutes.
Usage Optimization: By maximizing the utility of purchased time, users can better manage their internet budget and ensure they get the most value from their investment.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the LPB Piso WiFi system is designed for reliability, users might occasionally encounter technical difficulties. Here are solutions to common issues:
Portal Access Problems:
- Verify your connection to the correct network
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies
- Try accessing the portal using a different browser
- Ensure your device’s network settings are properly configured
If problems persist, contact the local LPB Piso WiFi administrator or support team for assistance.
Security Considerations
Maintaining the security of your LPB Piso WiFi account is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring uninterrupted service. Consider these security best practices:
- Use strong, unique passwords for your account
- Never share your login credentials
- Log out after each session
- Regularly check your account activity
- Report any suspicious behavior to system administrators
Conclusion
LPB Piso WiFi’s 10.0.0.1 portal and its Pause Time feature represent a significant advancement in accessible internet connectivity. By understanding and effectively utilizing these tools, users can maximize their internet experience while maintaining control over their usage and expenses.
The system’s user-friendly interface, combined with the practical Pause Time function, ensures that users get the most value from their internet investment. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, mastering these features will enhance your connectivity experience and help you manage your internet resources more efficiently.
Remember that the key to maximizing your LPB Piso WiFi experience lies in actively utilizing the Pause Time feature and maintaining good security practices. With these tools at your disposal, you can enjoy flexible, cost-effective internet access that adapts to your specific needs and schedule.
Guides
Is ROMSFun Safe? – (Safety and User Experience)
Video games have evolved drastically over the years. What started with similar gameplay on the consoles is now available on smartphones. However, despite it all, people are still nostalgic for old-school games.
This is where platforms like ROMSFun come into the picture. This is a free game library website where you can download free video game ROMs. The perk? These ROMs allow you to find and play old games on computer devices called emulators.
If you are curious about using ROMSFun and have been wondering if it is safe, this guide will explore all the relevant details.
What is ROMSFun?
Before we discuss details about user experience and safety further, let’s first address the basics.
As previously mentioned, ROMSFun is a free website for hosting ROMs. On this platform, you can access download links to a variety of games from retro consoles, such as the GBA, Nintendo 64, PSP, Saga Master System, Super Nintendo, Xbox, PS4, and more.
The main reason behind the growing popularity of ROMSFun is its accessibility. Users don’t have to register, create an account, or worry about paying anything to access the extensive library of ROM files, which is quite convenient. Since the platform runs advertisements, they don’t charge anything from the users.
With ROMSFun, the main objective is to keep old games accessible to gamers interested in playing them. However, several gaming development companies have highlighted how sharing ROM files infringes on the copyright of the game, making ROMSFun a platform worth questioning.
What kind of ROM Files are Available on ROMSFun?
Now, the main attraction of any free ROM files library website is the kind of games you will get access to. Since ROMSFun is one of the largest platforms, there are numerous games that you can indulge yourself in.
Some of these include:
- Super Mario Bros
- The Legend of Zelda
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Pokemon Ultra Sun
- Pokemon Alpha Sapphire
- Pokémon Omega Ruby
- New Super Mario Bros. 2
- Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
- Final Fantasy VII
- Pokemon Red and Blue
- Super Smash Bros
- Mortal Kombat
- Pokemon Omega Paradox
- Pokémon X & Y’s
What’s excellent about ROMSFun is that its game library is constantly expanding. Numerous other games are available on the platform, and they keep on adding more. Although the source of the game files isn’t specified on their platform, it is safe to assume they are extracted from original cartridges or illegal sources.
How to Download ROMs from ROMSFun?
Despite everything, if you are desperate to play certain old-school games that aren’t available anywhere else, you can consider downloading the ROM files from ROMSFun. The process is pretty simple, and here’s what you need to do:
If you have a specific game in mind that you wish to download, you can search for it on the website or browse through the options on the homepage.
Once you find the game, click on it and then click on “Download Now.”
As a side note, if your device has ad blockers, you’ll have to disable them for some time until the download is completed.
Once you click the download button, the download process starts without any waiting time, which is quite amazing. The overall user interface is quite simple and not filled with ads.
Note: You don’t need to sign up or register, so don’t bother with that. You can directly download the ROM files.
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Is Downloading ROMs from ROMSFun Legal?
The short answer is no. Downloading ROM files from third-party sources is never legal. In fact, there are reports that Nintendo has sued ROMSFun multiple times.
The majority of games made by big game-developing companies have been copyrighted for 50+ years, meaning that their distribution by third-party platforms like ROMSFun violates those copyright issues.
You can consider keeping a backup of the game you are playing, just to be on the safe side in case you lose your progress. When it comes to using emulators, games that are no longer copyrighted are usually safer to play on such devices or platforms.
While using ROMSFun is not necessarily legal, it is also understandable that gamers don’t want to lose touch with playing old-school games. When you download ROM files from third-party websites like ROMSFun, you have to be careful about the files you download and access.
Is ROMSFun Safe to Use?
Beyond the legality, the next thing to consider is the safety factors. Is ROMSFun safe to use? The majority of people who have used this platform have mentioned that there are no issues with the download process.
Not only that, but the prominent concern people have regarding using third-party ROM platforms is whether the downloaded file is safe for the device. With ROMSFun, you don’t necessarily have to worry about that.
The only thing you have to be a little cautious about is the pop-up ads that appear on the website. Although not always, clicking on such pop-ups can lead you to malicious websites, hampering the authenticity of the user experience.
ROMSFun is more or less safe to use, and there have been no significant complaints from users. However, there always remains a lingering risk, which you must be mindful of at every step.
How do you detect malware in downloads from ROMSFun?
The biggest danger people experience when downloading files from ROMSFun is being worried about malware in the downloaded files. Harmful codes can be inserted into the ROM files that you download.
To avoid that and detect malware before downloads, keep the following in mind:
- Look out for suspicious file names of the downloaded files.
- ROMs that are downloaded from unauthorized sources.
- Too big file download size.
- Additional files are downloaded alongside the actual ROM file.
- Anti-virus updates or alerts are sent from the built-in antivirus software in the system.
If any of these red flags pop up while you are downloading files from ROMSFun, it is a sign that you need to stop the download process immediately. Downloading malware-infested files can steal data or provide the hacker with access to sensitive data.
Is Using VPN Better While Using ROMSFun?
With the lingering malware threats while using ROMSFun, one common question that most people have is about using a VPN.
Usually, if you want to take extra precautions to safeguard your personal information, it is better to use a VPN when using ROMSFun. This minimizes the risks of spyware and malware significantly. Enabling a VPN essentially encrypts your web traffic and conceals your IP address, ensuring fewer chances of malware threats.
You do want to rely on paid VPNs for optimal functioning, though, because free VPNs often jeopardize users’ safety. With the paid versions, you get access to privacy and speed, which always comes in handy.
Final Words
The popularity of ROMSFun explains why people are often curious to learn more about the website and how you can use it to your benefit. If you are considering downloading ROM files from ROMSFun and have been looking into ways to navigate the download process, this guide explains all that in detail. Ensure that you follow the download process to the T and keep your system free of malware threats while downloading files.
Guides
How Many People Are on Fortnite Right Now?
Fortnite has established itself as one of the most popular online games globally, with millions of players engaging daily. From casual gamers to competitive esports players, Fortnite’s appeal spans across diverse audiences. A frequent question among fans and analysts alike is, “How many people are on Fortnite right now?” This article explores the importance of tracking player counts, how data is measured, current trends, and the challenges in obtaining precise numbers.
Why Player Count Matters
- For Gamers Knowing how many people are currently playing Fortnite provides insight into the game’s popularity and matchmaking efficiency. High player activity ensures shorter matchmaking times and more vibrant in-game interactions.
- For Developers Epic Games relies on player count data to monitor server performance and scale infrastructure accordingly. Additionally, understanding player trends helps the development team optimize updates and features.
- For Analysts and Media Analysts use player data to track Fortnite’s standing in the competitive gaming industry. It’s a key metric for evaluating trends in player engagement and the game’s cultural impact.
How Player Data is Measured
- Epic Games’ Official Data Epic Games monitors Fortnite’s player count internally using sophisticated analytics. While the company occasionally shares milestone numbers, real-time player statistics are rarely disclosed.
- Third-Party Tracking Tools Some platforms and apps estimate Fortnite’s player count by analyzing activity metrics like active servers or online players. However, these tools often lack accuracy due to limited access to Epic Games’ internal data.
- Community Insights Fortnite communities on social media and forums frequently discuss player activity. Though anecdotal, these observations often provide a sense of the game’s overall activity levels.
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Current Trends in Fortnite Player Base
- Seasonal Variations Fortnite’s player base typically surges during new season launches, updates, and special events. The introduction of fresh content like new maps, skins, and challenges keeps players engaged.
- Global Events In-game concerts, collaborations with major franchises, and competitive tournaments draw massive crowds, temporarily boosting the player count.
- Competitor Games The gaming industry’s dynamic nature means Fortnite’s activity can fluctuate based on new game releases. Competitor titles sometimes attract Fortnite’s players temporarily, though many return for updates.
How to Check Fortnite’s Current Player Count
- In-Game Indicators Matchmaking times and the size of lobbies can indirectly hint at the number of active players. Short wait times and full lobbies often signify high activity levels.
- Using Online Tools Platforms like PlayerCounter or SteamCharts (though not specific to Fortnite) provide real-time estimates. While useful, these tools should be approached with caution as they often extrapolate data rather than using direct metrics.
- Official Updates Epic Games occasionally reveals player milestones through social media and blog posts. Following Fortnite’s official channels ensures access to the most reliable information.
Challenges in Determining Player Count
- Dynamic Nature of Online Games Player activity varies significantly depending on time zones, regions, and game modes. Capturing a real-time global count is inherently complex.
- Data Privacy Epic Games prioritizes data security and user privacy, limiting public access to granular player statistics.
- Reliability of Sources Many third-party reports on player counts are speculative or outdated. Differentiating between credible and inaccurate sources remains a challenge for those seeking real-time data.
Conclusion
Understanding how many people are playing Fortnite at any given moment provides valuable insights for gamers, developers, and analysts. While real-time player counts are challenging to pinpoint due to privacy and data variability, tools and community discussions offer rough estimates. Staying engaged with Fortnite’s updates and official announcements ensures you remain informed about this ever-evolving gaming phenomenon.
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