Zero The Ermine (Pngtuber/envtuber)

Pragmata launched with Denuvo, and many legitimate buyers on Linux and Steam Deck cannot play the game they paid for. The problem is Denuvo’s strict 5-machine activation limit per 24 hours. Every time you change Proton version, enable a launch option, or tweak settings like DLSS or ray tracing, it registers as a new PC and quickly locks you out. “Currently your game purchase cannot be re-validated successfully, please wait 24 hours and try again.” Users who tested different Protons on launch day are now stuck for a full day. One review: preordered months ago, but on release day the limit hit while trying to get the game running. Pirates played the full version days before buyers. The same Denuvo that failed to stop early cracks is now blocking paying customers who simply wanted to optimize performance. Windows users with stable setups report fewer problems, but Linux/Proton users are heavily affected. If you are on Linux: choose one Proton version and do not switch.

Linux superiority. And beauty.

Meld Studio has finally announced its new feature, Spark, and after spending some time with it... I understand why the lead-up to its announcement was kept a secret. It's generative AI. That's the big reveal. They have created a way to destroy the creative ecosystem. Not only that, but like all generative AI, it is trained on IP that it does not have the rights to. How do I know this? Well, I've recorded a few examples found above: First, a Sub Overlay (Sound Element was created in Meld by Spark) Second, a Chat Widget (sound element was corrupted. Added my own) Third, a Follow Overlay (sound element was corrupted. Added my own) The prompt was to create these three elements using a classic Final Fantasy 7 aesthetic, both in sound and visuals. Each fully formed element was created in 30-40 seconds. Full disclosure: the Chat Widget sound and the Follow Sound were implemented by me because the sound they produced was unusable. However, the Sub Overlay Sound is what I want you to really pay attention to. Now, if Spark is not trained on or pulling from an IP that it does not have the rights to, how does it generate this? Sure, the leveling fanfare with the Sub Overlay isn't the exact composition, but it clearly knows the correct fanfare in order to change the notes to protect against copyright while still giving you the feel of Final Fantasy fanfare. Is it easy to use? Yes. Is it soulless? Also, yes. Meld Studio's Spark is a feature designed for people who don't want to put in the work of being a Content Creator and feel completely okay stepping on the backs of countless artists in this industry... that it clearly has been trained on. (There are pre-loaded chat widgets that look incredibly similar to popular widgets sold on Etsy.) That's not what being a creator is. Sure, you can have overlays and cool effects play during events, but Spark is not going to teach you comedic timing. Spark is not going to give you the gift of gab and hold the attention of a large group of people for 5+ hours. You're just playing dress-up and wearing the uniform of a creator expecting success. They say that Spark is going to change the game, but in reality, all it really does is separate the true creators and artists who work with them from the pretenders who feel like they don't need to pay their dues. Still, I'd like to thank Meld Studio for giving me an early preview of the feature. As disappointing as it was, it was eye-opening to see an open disregard for the ecosystem of streaming in exchange for personal profit.