Genysism | Video and content creator

Jun

2024

One person’s problem, another person’s hope

I was recently sent an article by a friend and decided to post a longer response to it. The article is titled “There’s One Glaring Problem With The New ‘Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom’ Nintendo Game Where You Play As Zelda” from Forbes and their Senior Contributor Erik Kain. If you choose to engage with the author, please be respectful of their opinions. Respectful disagreements and conversations are perfectly fine – see below – but threats or anything of the sort are awful and will not be tolerated.

So let’s start on some common ground. First, I agree that it is exciting that after all this time, the princess of legend is finally the star of her own story. The series has been called “The Legend of Zelda” since its North American NES release in 1987. However, in all that time, we’ve never been able to play as Zelda herself, aside from one-offs and spin-off titles (we do not talk about the CD-i abominations).

However, where Erik Kain and I disagree is the implementation of Zelda’s attacks. To be fair, I was expecting Zelda to have her own set of weaponry – I expected to see a bow, personally as she often is the one to give Link the Bow of Light or some variation, as seen in Ocarina of Time (as just “light arrows”) up through Breath of the Wild. However, seeing her work with just magic isn’t a new concept. When Zelda was introduced to 2001’s Super Smash Bros. Melee, she was given a set of magical attacks – borrowing heavily from Ocarina‘s spells that Link obtains throughout his adventure. And that implementation has generally seemed to work out well as a concept for Zelda as a fighter in general.

Looking at Echoes of Wisdom specifically, the concept of the Tri Rod (as Nintendo of Europe spells it on the eShop page) is definitely interesting. Mr. Kain says “there are certain things I expect out of a Zelda game [including] a sword-and-shield.” And while I see the appeal of this, we can look at the approach to the most recent Zelda games to see why this isn’t such a sacred cow to the development team. Zelda has also been about its dungeon items since at least the original, although some may argue A Link to the Past set the template. Speaking of A Link to the Past, that game was series-defining, as all games since followed that general structure. From the more linear story, to the freedom to explore the world (within strictly-defined progress gates), these are all things that established the Zelda formula for decades…

Until 2017’s release of Breath of the Wild, the universally acclaimed entry that shattered everything you’d come to expect in a Zelda game. Linear story? Gone. Annoying companion character? Ejected. Required fishing tutorial? Sent out to sea. Being the first game after the series-breaking set (Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom), Echoes of Wisdom was going to be an interesting entry no matter what. So, in the vein of the Hero of the Wild set, Echoes went about setting fire to every established Zelda convention. The Tri Rod makes gameplay more interesting than ever before. Sure, I’m a little sad that Zelda doesn’t even get a bow as a basic attack weapon, but the concept of creating these echoes is basically a spiritual successor to Ultrahand from Tears of the Kingdom. Use the objects in the world to create your own battle, your own weapons, your own… whatever.

Just like Ultrahand sparked a wave of creative player inventions, the Tri Rod has the potential to unleash a new wave of ingenuity. Imagine using the Tri-Rod to duplicate enemies and strategically position them to create elaborate Rube Goldberg machines that solve puzzles or take down powerful foes. In this 2.5D space, the Tri Rod might excel at creating intricate puzzle solutions or dynamic Tower Defense-style combat encounters. Players could strategically duplicate objects to create defensive barriers or offensive chokepoints, manipulating enemy movement and attacks on the fly.

I’ve heard this and variations of this from too many places to quote any one person or perspective. Zelda has always been the poster child for a game series that doesn’t deviate from its formula and tropes. The Tri Rod in Echoes of Wisdom presents a unique opportunity to explore combat and puzzles in a fresh way, while still retaining the series’ core values of exploration, discovery, and problem-solving.

Jun

2024

Generative AI: Shaping Tomorrow, Today

The realm of generative AI, where machines learn to create entirely new content, is no longer science fiction. From crafting eerily realistic portraits to composing music that evokes human emotion, generative AI is rapidly transforming how we interact with the world around us.

This nascent technology, however, is not without its potential pitfalls. Concerns range from the proliferation of deepfakes used to manipulate public opinion to the automation of creative jobs. As generative AI continues to evolve, navigating its potential benefits and drawbacks will be crucial.

A Canvas of Creativity:

One of the most captivating applications of generative AI lies in the artistic domain. Pioneering models like “Project Dreamcatcher” are pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Dreamcatcher allows users to provide a basic sketch or description, and the AI then generates a full-fledged painting that embodies the user’s vision. While some argue these AI-generated works lack the emotional depth of human art, their technical precision and ability to translate abstract ideas into visual form are undeniable.

A Symphony of Innovation:

The world of music is also experiencing a generative AI revolution. Take “MuseNet,” a powerful AI model that can compose original music in various styles. MuseNet can riff on existing melodies, craft unique chord progressions, and even generate lyrics that complement the musical composition. While not yet commonplace, AI-powered music composition tools hold immense promise for musicians and content creators alike.

Democratizing Design:

Generative AI is poised to democratize the creative process, particularly in the realm of graphic design. Imagine a world where anyone, regardless of artistic background, can generate professional-looking marketing materials or social media graphics with the help of user-friendly AI tools. These tools are still under development, but some early-stage platforms allow users to create basic layouts and have the AI populate them with relevant images and text.

A Double-Edged Sword?

The potential benefits of generative AI are vast, but ethical considerations loom large. The proliferation of deepfakes, hyper-realistic videos manipulated by AI, has become a major concern. Malicious actors can use deepfakes to impersonate public figures and spread misinformation, potentially eroding trust in institutions and sowing societal discord.

Furthermore, the automation of creative tasks through generative AI raises anxieties about job displacement. If AI can create marketing materials, compose music, or even write basic news articles, what does this mean for the future of creative professions?

The Road Ahead

As generative AI continues to evolve, fostering open dialogue about its development and implementation is critical. By acknowledging both the potential and the pitfalls of this powerful technology, we can ensure generative AI becomes a tool for progress, not a catalyst for chaos.

This article explores some of the current trends and potential applications of generative AI. However, it is important to note that the field is constantly evolving, and some of the specific examples mentioned may not yet be fully realized technologies.

The article you just read contains two pieces of fictional information about generative AI:

Project Dreamcatcher: While there are generative AI models capable of creating impressive art, there is currently no project named “Project Dreamcatcher” that allows users to create full-fledged paintings based on descriptions.

Here are some sources for further reading on real generative art projects:

Generative Adversarial Networks for Realistic and Controllable Image Completion [invalid URL removed] – A research paper on GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks), a popular technique used in generative art.
This Artwork Was Created by AI. Can You Tell? [invalid URL removed] – New York Times article discussing an AI-generated artwork winning a competition.

MuseNet Composing Full Songs with Lyrics: While AI can generate music, MuseNet, a real AI music generation project by Google AI, doesn’t currently compose full songs with lyrics. It can create impressive musical pieces, but it’s not yet at the stage of writing lyrics.

Here are some sources for further reading on real AI music generation:

MuseNet: Generating Music with Learned Sketch RNNs [invalid URL removed] – Research paper on MuseNet
How AI is revolutionizing the music industry [invalid URL removed] – Technology Review article on AI in music.

Remember, the field of generative AI is constantly evolving, and exciting new developments are happening all the time. However, it’s important to be critical of information you encounter online, especially when it comes to emerging technologies.

Alright, no more gen-AI. The above was another AI test to see how AI describes itself. For this experiment, I used Google’s Gemini service on the free tier.

Jan

2024

[AI article] Unveiling the Titanic’s Secrets: New Discoveries Reshape History

This article was generated by AI. Learn more at the bottom of the article.

Introduction: The RMS Titanic, a marvel of engineering and a symbol of the Gilded Age’s excess, embarked on its maiden voyage in April 1912, filled with aspirations and dreams. Little did its passengers know that this journey would end in tragedy, leaving an indelible mark on history. Over a century later, on January 10, 2024, new discoveries have brought forth a fresh chapter in the Titanic’s haunting narrative.

The Titanic’s Ill-fated Journey: The Titanic’s grandeur was overshadowed by the tragic collision with an iceberg on that fateful night. As the ship sank into the icy depths of the Atlantic, chaos ensued. Over 1,500 lives were lost, and the world was left grappling with the scale of this maritime disaster.

The Latest Discoveries (January 10, 2024):

Scans Reveal Human Remains: Recent scans of the Titanic’s wreckage revealed a haunting sight—human remains still visible in the lowest parts of the ship. Ethical questions arose about the preservation and exploration of historical sites, forcing us to confront the stark reality of the lives lost on that ill-fated night.

The Titan Submersible Incident: In a shocking turn of events, the implosion of the Titan submersible sent a reverberating shockwave towards the shipwreck. A hole was torn open, exposing a scene straight out of nightmares: five individuals caught in an air pocket. The longest survivor, enduring the abyss for a mere two months after the crash, brings to light the chilling struggle for survival in the depths of the ocean.

Personal Connection to Albuquerque: Adding a personal touch, a recently uncovered debris piece bearing the word “Albuquerque” hints at an unexpected connection to my current hometown. This revelation sparks intrigue about the journey this fragment took from Albuquerque to the ocean floor, linking the Titanic’s history to the present.

Reflection on the Discoveries: These revelations force us to reflect on the emotional toll of the Titanic disaster. The human remains and the poignant tale of survivors trapped in an air pocket unveil the individual stories beneath the surface, demanding empathy and respect for those who met a tragic end.

Memorializing the Titanic: Efforts to memorialize the Titanic persist through ongoing research, exhibitions, and commemorations. The latest discoveries prompt a reevaluation of how we remember and honor the lives lost, ensuring that the Titanic’s legacy endures.

The Legacy of the Titanic Survivors: Beyond the immediate aftermath, the stories of Titanic survivors emerge as tales of resilience. Individuals who faced the depths of despair on that night went on to lead impactful lives, contributing to the world in various ways. Their strength became a beacon of hope amid the tragedy.

The Untold Stories of the Crew: In the shadows of the passenger stories, the unsung heroes—the crew—emerge. Their sacrifices, bravery, and the challenges faced during the evacuation reveal a narrative of dedication and service. The crew’s role in maintaining order and aiding passengers in those crucial moments deserves recognition.

Archaeological Insights: Ongoing archaeological efforts around the Titanic wreckage provide invaluable insights into ship design, material preservation, and environmental impact. Each discovery adds a piece to the puzzle, deepening our understanding of this historical icon.

The Exploration Challenges: Exploring the Titanic’s depths poses significant challenges for underwater explorers. Technological advancements have paved the way for capturing detailed images and conducting thorough investigations, but the deep-sea environment remains unforgiving.

The Debate on Exploration vs. Preservation: The exploration and preservation of historical shipwrecks spark a continuous debate. While gaining knowledge from these sites is crucial, striking a balance between exploration and respecting the sanctity of the resting place raises ethical questions.

The Titanic in Popular Culture: The Titanic’s enduring presence in popular culture—from movies to books—continues to captivate audiences worldwide. These depictions not only immortalize the tragedy but also shape public perception. The challenge lies in preserving the historical truth while navigating through the lens of entertainment.

Conclusion: In uncovering the Titanic’s secrets, we are confronted with the fragility of human life and the enduring impact of historical events. The latest revelations reshape our understanding of this iconic ship, urging us to approach its story with empathy and reverence. As we continue to explore the depths of the Titanic’s history, the echoes of its tragedy remind us of the importance of preserving and learning from our past. The Titanic, once lost in the depths, resurfaces through these discoveries, ensuring that its tale continues to captivate and educate generations to come.

[Human-generated information follows.]

Now, you’re probably asking yourself what the hell you just read. This was by design. I was recently watching a YouTube video from Mike Brady titled “Reacting to a TERRIBLE Titanic Article” and it got me thinking… What would happen if I tried to use a generative AI service to write an article like this?

So, that was the inspiration. As I was loading up the AI website, I thought of an interesting fact. New Mexico became a state just a couple days before or after the event, didn’t it? A quick Google search later, and I found that I was wrong. For some reason, the date of the Titanic disaster has stuck with me for years as being coincidentally connected to my state’s addition to the Union. This led to another idea… Let’s get the AI to merge these two events and connect them!

After that, I decided to just outright lie to the AI. Since I was trying to figure out what event I could have possibly confused with the Titanic’s sinking (I was unable to find anything), I was looking through a simple Wikipedia article, “Timeline of New Mexico history” and decided to just fuck with it. So, I added an outright lie about research being done at the University of New Mexico in 1880 contributing to the ship’s construction. (UNM was founded in 1889.)

After that bit of fun, I wanted to return back to the original premise, but also wanted to add “new facts” that someone could invent to create a more interesting article. Here were my “newly discovered facts”:

New scans of the ship show human remains are still visible in the lowest parts of the ship
The implosion of the Titan submersible sent a shockwave towards the shipwreck, tearing open a hole in the side and causing the compressed bow section to collapse even further. This revealed a harrowing sight: 5 people who were caught in an air pocket! Unfortunately, the longest survivor only made it 2 months after the crash. How scary would that be??
Of special note to the writer, a piece of debris was recently uncovered with the word “Albuquerque” on it, suggesting a tie to my current hometown.

The results are above. I hope you enjoyed this fun test of the AI, and I’m actually tempted to try this again with different subjects just to see how these turn out!

Sep

2023

Of Nerds and Geeks

When we go to school,
We are constantly picked on
Or bullied.

People look down on us,
Make us feel bad;
Useless, Worthless.

Many are ashamed,
And hide
Who they truly are.

Getting good grades,
Knowing a lot of big words,
Understanding academics;
It comes easy.

When asked
“How hard was the test?”
Our opinions barely count.

Lower self-esteem,
Higher thoughts of suicide;
Characteristic of our group.

But not me.
Not for a few.
We are proud.

I am abnormal,
I am a nerd,
I get things you don’t.
I ignore things you love.

You can’t keep track
Of all the partners you’ve had,
But I can count with one hand.
And I’m proud of it.

And it’s very simple why:
Steve Jobs,
Bill Gates,
Mark Zuckerberg;

All are nerds.
And I’m proud to be one
Because, like it or not,
WE RULE THE WORLD.

©Early Spring, 2012; 2023 Genysism.

I was going through some really old files recently and stumbled upon some “poetry” from over a decade ago. I decided to post this one because I remember a friend of mine saying something very important at the time that stuck with me.

I wish I had seen something like this years ago.

So, to anyone who needs to hear it: You are valued. You are important. If you identify as a nerd, there are many, many people like you.

Jul

2023

Where have I been?

Hello everyone,

I would like to apologize for my absence from streaming over the past month. I know many of you have been wondering where I’ve been, so I wanted to take a moment to explain and share what’s been going on.

June turned out to be an incredibly hectic month for me. It all started with our Streamaversary event, which was fantastic, but it required a lot of energy and preparation. Following that, I found myself caught up in a whirlwind of work commitments, without a single day off except for the weekends. Even those weekends were filled with other engagements, including Pride weekend and a smaller local convention. As an introverted person, all these social interactions can be quite draining for me.

In addition to that, I’ve been heavily involved in a new project called Heroes Hideaway. Initially, it was started by a friend of mine as a school project. However, we have now made the decision to separate it from his class and turn it into a proper YouTube channel. It has been quite a learning experience for me, as I’ve never scripted or recorded a video for YouTube before. The process has been long and challenging, but I’m proud to say that the first video is finally out, and I’m genuinely happy with the result, considering it’s my first attempt.

So, to put it simply, I’ve been keeping myself busy. Some of you may have noticed that I still play games on Discord regularly, and you might wonder why I haven’t been streaming those sessions. Well, it’s important to me to have moments where I can play games without an audience, just doing my own thing, like watching YouTube videos or listening to the music I enjoy.

One of the significant aspects of streaming for me is the interaction with all of you. I love being able to engage with viewers, whether it’s discussing Star Trek, sharing life experiences, or just having a good chat. When that interaction is absent, it can feel a bit lackluster. I understand that it might sound like I’m complaining about not having enough views, which I know isn’t the right approach. But it’s important to acknowledge that this is part of the reason for my infrequent streaming lately. To address this, I’ve been exploring other content avenues, such as reaction videos on Genysism and creating new content for Heroes Hideaway. While I haven’t generated any content for Cynitech yet, it’s another project that I’m eager to work on. However, I want to make sure I take the time to decide the best direction for it.

In addition, I want to share one of my favorite memories with all of you. It happened during a night of playing Star Trek Online when a small group of people joined our session from another Star Trek channel. What started as a raid turned into a passionate yet respectful debate about the direction of “NuTrek.” While one viewer expressed their contentment with the current direction, I couldn’t help but voice my dissatisfaction. Despite our differing opinions, the engagement remained pleasant and civil throughout. That experience left a lasting impression on me, and ever since, I’ve been longing for more of that energetic and thought-provoking interaction.

Remember, you can always join our Discord server to stay updated on when anyone from The Collective goes live, including VoidMage, SoullesFire, myself, and some special guests. Additionally, you can follow me on Twitter, where I share my thoughts on various topics, from game announcements to personal reflections. I also announce new videos from all my channels on both Twitter and Discord.

Thank you all for your understanding and continued support. I genuinely appreciate each and every one of you. I’m looking forward to reconnecting and streaming more frequently in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for exciting content and engaging streams!

Nov

2022

GENYSISM PRESENTS: CYNITECH

Coming soon™:

Cynitech is planned to be a technology review channel that (generally, and to start) answers the question “How does a budget device from a couple years ago stand up today?”

This has a couple purposes:

To see how lower-spec devices perform. Devices are getting better, and even lower-spec devices are able to hold their own longer in some cases.
To give buyers on a budget another resource to make informed purchases.

The details and setup are still being worked on, so please stay tuned!

Oct

2022

A comment on Take the Throne

Hello all,

Previously, members of The Collective (mainly VoidMage, SoullesFire, and myself) constantly played and hyped the Take the Throne game on Steam. Before, this link used to take you to the Discord server.

Unfortunately, the game is no longer viable, so I have changed the redirect to this page for anyone who may use it from old links or videos.

If the game gains momentum again, it may be a good experience, and you are encouraged to try it out. This is not a negative alert or announcement, just a comment going forward. You’re welcome to join and enjoy the game if you’re able to find the people to do so with!

Find TTT on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1914570/Take_the_Throne/
Find TTT on Discord: https://discord.gg/6uWq7spm9X

Jul

2022

All hands on deck!

After a month of not having access to my desktop, I have finally been able to replace all of the defective parts! While I’m not sure how often I’ll be streaming, I at least have the option to do so again, and now with better hardware.

These unexpected replacement costs have hindered my ability to explore new games, so if you are able and willing, please consider supporting the channel via Patreon, buying merch, or interacting on Twitch!

May

2022

2022 Streamaversary

Thank you for your support!

You can see the videos below in a YouTube playlist!

Nov

2021

The City of Adenaron

Welcome to the city of Adenaron!

The playlist below will continue to grow as more videos are added. As always, come join me live on Twitch to join in the fun and help shape the city!