Okay, so go do some research on your own and get back to us.

Taking into account censorship laws and the cultural significance of the game, I’d say China is likely causing this game to tremendously outperform vs expected metrics. So here’s what I’d like to know:

1. Total cost of the game in China against other common costs. Is it affordable?
2. Has China raised the limitations on time played per day for this game? (that I believe exists)
3. Did the Chinese government help fund ways for this game to reach a wider population? Possibly through a deal to maintain the game’s strong cultural identity?
4. Is it actually a good game?

Answer: Yes, though different in execution than people expected. The reviewers I trust give it a Buy Now IF your system can handle it. Sounds like it’s, excuse me, a beast to run.

4 is easy enough to answer. Off to see some reviews!

Just saying, I had an epic battle against 6 spiders hanging out between my outer screen door and my inner door. I knew they were there. I brought the fight to them.

It was glorious!

I’m arachnophobic.

A couple days later and I’m still feeling anxious.

You know the size of a top of a normal 12oz soda can? Put one on top, spread the fucker out a little and they’d probably touch the rim with their feet.

Someone get me the peppermint oil and the flamethrower.

You’re expecting things to never change, or if they do it’ll be for the worst. I can’t blame you for that. Thing is, there has already been change for the better. This is why we are still here and still fighting. Why we still have hope. If all those just like you joined us, imagine what we could do. All you’d have to do is expend some effort - the very same energy being used to express hate, dislike, and skepticism.

I am sorry you feel this way. It must really not feel great.

No, we aren’t. We’re hoping. Which, much as you might dislike it, is a huge reason why we fight.

Well, at least we know you’re not vegan.

There’s this content creator, Joltzdude139. Does everything Borderlands, with a special focus on the BL2. Super wholesome. Engaging to listen to. Lots of knowledge. Basically a superfan.

Gearbox gave him free tickets.

He FLEW out to see the premiere.

He dropped a review, first half of video no spoilers, and summarized the experience in a couple sentences, which I’ll paraphrase:

“It had some good parts! The Claptrap humor was totally on point! I’m probably never going to watch it again though. I was so excited.”

That alone told me all I needed to know.

Video Link. Spoiler Free until 13:04.

Yes, precisely. Thank you. This is a charged topic and because it’s so culturally brittle, I feel we must be more willing to have these discussions. Even if there is never a good time nor place to do so.

I do this on purpose. Calm and rational people will attend calm and rational debates. I don’t actually expect to receive rational responses in a thread like this. My only goal is to plant the potential for a rational response when the normal reaction is anger.

So if I had to choose one, I’ll go with very stupid. :) I’ve been called worse by those who claim I am in support of the act of pedophillia, when I am in support of treatment of those who have not taken action, and against the label and stigma produced by our society which stops these individuals from coming forward.

As a culture we equate action and desire without action as the same thing in these circumstances. People then who might seek help do not for a very real fear of their life, potentially literally, ending.

I’ll take very stupid in a semi-relevant thread if it helps even one person decide to seek treatment. Because that decision will stop harm for themselves, and importantly stop potential harm to a child in the future. Whether harm was maliciously intentioned or not.

I’m not asking nor defending that in any way. I am challenging the typical way people look at individuals who are attracted to minors. There are people out there who are ashamed and scared. They know it’s wrong. They don’t act, yet the impulse is there, and with it the anxiety. There is a stigma even against them, those who can find help in treatment, but are labeled right alongside those who commit atrocities and act on that desire.

It’s anger. Rightfully so. Often displaced.

Paraphilia is considered a disorder for a reason. It can be treated, and it is important to make the distinction.

I will die on this hill.

Preface: I am not defending any action done, or the people that act on impulse or through desire.

If someone were to come to you and admit that they’re ashamed they like children in a sexually gratifying way, and stated that they never intend to act on those thoughts. How would you react?

I’m expecting kneejerk reactions. Surprise me, Lemmy.

You could too. I’d even bet had this happened to you that there would be a measurable increase in your risk of death.

Sir, you only have $43,000 in your bank account. How about seeing if you get approval for a Chase Sapphire Card?

Whoa hey, we may never know the depths of their anguish. No need to get salty either. Some people just play the game of life with the wrong controller.

Well now that depends: Would being in the VP chair help mould him into someone who can rise to the challenge?

Who knows!

For now let’s not worry about that. Seriously. Trump bad. Beat first. Big unga bunga, big stick, big smack. Don’t let go of that question, just file it away for a bit.

Tbf, we have enough fucking space cadets in politics. Could use some more down to earth candidates.

Rethink this stuff before you put yourself up as a reactionary

immediately reacts

Where companies with monopolies are found to gain that title by ousting competitors and brutal buyouts and tactics literally every time, Valve exists. Literally. They just exist. Big difference between a monopoly and the best.

Other companies also exist. In fact there are several launchers and two other digital distributors, and several websites, where one can purchase games. There are some things Steam is shit on. The still feels old interface as a broad example. Competitors could push in, like Epic. Instead, they manage to create the next step up from a gold-tainted dung pile, shit on their own launcher or store stability and performance, and create an experience so bad that Steam is able, through the fuckups of their rivals, maintain a market majority.

On one hand I reaally want Bernie to call on the old 2016 grassroots crowd. On the other hand I expect that would backfire.

If it didn’t though, the potential wave of support would be tremendous. It’s then reassuring that Harris is showing initiative within the party, something we’ve missed for many years.

Given how his particular base tends to lie, I went and double-checked to make sure it wasn’t some fat white guy being quoted. In a rather shocking turn…it was not a fat white guy, and for that I am rather horrified.