Latest news with #gaming
Phone Arena
4 hours ago
- Phone Arena
You won't believe what the Atari 2600 from 1977 did to ChatGPT, and Copilot while scaring Gemini
If you could place a bet on a chess match-up between the Atari 2600 and ChatGPT, which technology would you put your money on? The Atari 2600 is a game console released in 1977, 48 years ago. It features an 8-bit processor running at a clock speed of 1.19MHz. That's megahertz, folks, not gigahertz. The Atari machine carries 128 bytes of RAM. According to infrastructure architect Robert Caruso, who posted the results back in June, had you bet on ChatGPT, you would have lost. Caruso wrote that "ChatGPT got absolutely wrecked on the beginner level." He also explained how this apparent upset could take place. "Despite being given a baseline board layout to identify pieces, ChatGPT confused rooks for bishops, missed pawn forks, and repeatedly lost track of where pieces were," he stated. ChatGPT recognized that its loss was an upset and blamed it on the abstract icons used by Atari to represent chess pieces. However, even after changing to standard chess notation, the chatbot "made enough blunders to get laughed out of a 3rd grade chess club." The underpowered Atari 2600 is a chess master when playing AI opponents. | Image credit-Amazon Caruso said that during an hour and a half, he had to stop ChatGPT from making bad moves and help it understand where the pieces belonging to both sides were located. Several times per turn ChatGPT had to have its awareness of the board reset. The AI chatbot promised multiple times that its playing would improve if the game started over from the beginning. Finally, ChatGPT conceded the match. Interestingly, it was ChatGPT that suggested the contest. During a conversation about chess, ChatGPT said that it was a strong player and could easily beat Atari Video Chess, which thinks only 1-2 moves ahead. ChatGPT was curious about how fast it could win. Instead, we know it lost. At the start of this month, the Atari 2600 game console took on another modern AI powerhouse in a game of chess. Microsoft's Copilot thought that the Atari 2600 was no match for it. Even though it said that it could think 10-15 moves ahead of the Atari, Copilot said that it would stick to thinking 3-5 moves ahead because the Atari console makes "suboptimal moves. Copilot also said that, unlike ChatGPT, "I make a strong effort to remember previous moves and maintain continuity in gameplay, so our match should be much smoother." As it turned out, Caruso had to send Copilot a screenshot of the board after every move the Atari 2600 made. The Microsoft AI chatbot admitted that it had the same spatial memory gaps as ChatGPT. Despite this shortcoming, Copilot said that it could still analyze the board and make good moves. Well, apparently it couldn't as the Atari 2600 made it two straight victories against an AI opponent. Caruso then spoke with Gemini to set up a match. The Google-developed AI, like ChatGPT and Copilot, thought it had an easy victory in the bag. However, Gemini then admitted that it had hallucinated its chess-playing abilities. That left Gemini to make the only correct decision it could in light of its admission. "Canceling the match is likely the most time-efficient and sensible decision," said Gemini. While Gemini never did get a chance to take on the Atari 2600, Caruso was impressed with how the chatbot had the insight to know its own limitations. It seems incredible that a game console 48 years old using woefully underpowered technology, could beat two AI chatbots with cutting-edge tech and scare a third one into cancelling a match. But this is not really the upset that you might think it is. Senior Software Engineer Kyle Witeck wrote, " comparing language models to a chess bot that was designed to play is not intelligent and not AI. It patterns and guesses from a system designed on language. Token-driven guesses." Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
The Verge
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
The Switch 2's latest update brings support for two great games.
The Switch 2 is here: everything you need to know about Nintendo's new console See all Stories Posted Jul 15, 2025 at 11:18 PM UTC
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Beloved game Uno is set to debut in one Las Vegas casinos with plans for more, but there's a catch
The stakes have well and truly been raised for a simple game of Uno. The popular family game played by people as young as seven will make its controversial debut in Sin City on Friday in a wild shift from the dining table to the dealer's circle. Game owners Mattel have given the green light to a 'Uno Social Club' above the gaming floors at The Palms Casino in Las Vegas off the Nevada strip, with plans to expand to more gambling locations. Slamming down the cards in frustration after copping a draw four won't exactly be the classiest move at the decked out venue, with players treated to dedicated game hosts shuffling the decks — ensuring no cheating. The room will also feature a private bowling alley, pool table and plush lounges. Different variations of the classic game will be on offer on different tables from July 18-20 and there'll be no children in sight at the exclusive event, with only participants over 21 allowed. But there's a catch. Guests wanting to gamble on the games, despite the venue, won't be allowed. The decision is part of Mattel's main objective to provide an 'elevated social experience' at casinos instead of real money games. 'We created Uno Social Clubs to reimagine what game night can be—bringing people together for real-world fun, connection, and a bit of friendly competition,' said Ray Adler, Vice President and Global Head of Games at Mattel. 'The Uno Social Club in Las Vegas is just the beginning, and we're excited to see how these new experiences inspire players to show up, play hard, and make unforgettable memories.' Uno is also not an approved game at gaming venues and any gambling would be considered a violation in the eyes of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Entry to the event was based on the winners of a social media hashtag competition run by Mattel earlier in the year. Influencers were invited to test out the space recently, but as per the casino rules were not allowed to place bets on games. '(G)ood thing there was no betting,' influencer itszuose, who boasts 134,000 Instagram followers said, 'bc I would've lost a lot of money.' The thought of the wildly popular game enjoyed by children and adults alike arriving at casinos is a scary thought for some. Despite a strict ban on betting on the games, there are fears it's now just one step away. 'Vegas just trying to ruin lives,' one Instagram user said. 'Losin 500k cz u (sic) forgot to say Uno.' 'If y'all thought gambling addiction was bad now, when this is official gambling rate might go up especially for average people,' another said. 'What's next? Coin toss?' Earlier this year Yaamava Resort and Casino in California duped users online as part of an April fool's joke by announcing a real-money Uno table game at their venue, with tongue-in-cheek warnings to 'please use Draw 4's responsibly.' But the main question on everyone's mind: 'Can you stack +4 on +4?' One thing for sure, some clarity on the hugely divisive rules will be much needed ahead of play.
CNET
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
The Best Co-op Games to Play With Your Friends
Playing with friends is an essential aspect of gaming, so it's no wonder games like Split Fiction and It Takes Two from Hazelight Studios were recent hits. Some of my best memories are of marathon gaming sessions with friends, either shoulder to shoulder on a couch or logging in online from across the country. Despite how gaming has changed over the years, one thing remains the same -- people love playing games together. So, whether you're looking for a split-screen experience or just want something to hop into for a few hours with your friends, these are some of the best co-op games available right now. Best co-op games right now Best co-op games for two players These games are best experienced with one other person, so grab a friend and get to work. A few in this section, like Split Fiction, It Takes Two and Cuphead, only require one copy of the game, which makes it even easier to play. Hazelight Studios/EA Games A Way Out $30 at Steam $30 at Sony Ever wanted to break out of prison with a partner? So have Vincent and Leo. Set in the 1970s, you'll uncover the protagonists' motivations for needing to escape and why they ended up in the slammer in the first place. Over the course of the game, you'll work together to enact your plan and stay ahead of the law. Number of players: 2 Platform: PC, Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5 Genre: Action/adventure Co-op style: Split screen or online $30 at Steam $30 at Sony Valve Portal 2 $13 at Amazon Arguably one of the most popular (and most quoted) games of all time, 14 years later, Portal 2's co-op campaign is still worth a playthrough. Armed with portal guns, players take control of robots Atlas and P-Body as they solve puzzles and uncover dark secrets hidden within Aperture Science Laboratories. With legendary voice acting and some of the best game writing that still holds up to this day, Portal 2 is a co-op adventure you shouldn't miss. Number of players: 1-2 Platform: PC Genre: First-person, action/adventure puzzler Co-op style: Online or split screen $13 at Amazon FromSoft Elden Ring Nightreign $55 at Amazon FromSoftware's Elden Ring Nightreign is the studio's first game with a multiplayer focus. You drop in to Limgrave, a well-known location to those who've played Elden Ring, with two other players. And while you can play with two people, the game is really tuned around having a full squad of three players. Nightreign borrows aspects from battle royale games, like an ever-closing circle that forces you to move as you scavange items along the way. There are three levels, or nights, that you progress through as one of eight characters. At the end of each night, you'll fight bosses from across FromSoft's impressive repertoire with the build you've been able to put together, before culminating in a final battle with the Nightlord. It's an interesting spin on one of the best games that has been released in the last decade. Number of players: 1-3 Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5 Genre: Roguelike Co-op style: Online $55 at Amazon Best co-op games for four players These games are better experienced with a crew at your back. Squad up with three friends and get ready to squash alien bugs, hunt monsters or battle waves of demons. Arrowhead Game Studios Helldivers 2 $35 at Amazon $35 at Target Imagine being shot from your spaceship in a bullet-shaped Hellpod, hurtling down through an alien planet's atmosphere and plunging into the hard earth. You pop up, call in your weapons, and make your stand against an army of giant, democracy-destroying bugs, robots or space zombies called illuminates -- with three of your friends by your side. You will undoubtedly die, but that's a sacrifice Super Earth is willing to make. The high-octane, third-person shooter gameplay Helldivers 2 delivers is truly unique. It's hard to beat the rush of calling down massive napalm strikes and giant orbital lasers as your friends provide covering fire against the hordes of enemies threatening to overtake you at any moment. Number of players: 1-4 Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S (starting Aug. 26) Genre: Third-person shooter Co-op style: Online $35 at Amazon $35 at Target Klei Entertainment Don't Starve Together $15 at Steam This spooky, hand-drawn title drops you and up to three friends into procedurally generated maps (that means each map is uniquely generated when you start a new game) filled with monsters. You're goal is to survive through the four seasons, each bringing different gameplay elements -- like temperature -- for players to contend with. You can choose from an eclectic character roster, each with their own unique abilities. The game has you scrounging for resources in swamps, deserts and forests, building your base and tools, and fighting off monsters and the weather while doing your best not to starve. If you've ever wondered how you and your friends would fare in a survival situation, this one's for you. Number of players: 1-4 Platform: PC, Xbox Series and S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch Genre: Survival crafting Co-op style: Online or local $15 at Steam Kinetic Games Phasmophobia $20 at Steam Ever wanted to be a ghost hunter? Phasmophobia lets you and up to three friends investigate haunted locales, following clues and dealing with truly terrifying paranormal activity. Your job is to use all the ghost-hunting equipment at your disposal to collect as much evidence as possible and make it out alive. Horror games can be fun alone, but they're a blast to play with friends. Try it in VR for a horrifyingly immersive experience. Number of players: 1-4 Platform: PC, Xbox Series and S, PlayStation 5, VR Genre: First-person horror Co-op style: Online $20 at Steam Anegar Games Chained Together $5 at Steam Do you and your buddies have the communication skills needed to break out of hell? Now's your chance to test your theory. The only hitch is that all four of you are chained together and must synchronize your movements to climb higher and higher through challenging obstacles. One wrong move and you'll plummet back to the start. While you can play with up to four people, you can also do it with just one other person. Number of players: 2-4 Platform: PC Genre: Platformer Co-op style: Online $5 at Steam Best single-player games with co-op These games are primarily single-player adventures, but they do support bringing along a friend or three. Whether you're passing the controller back and forth or dropping in and out, try these games solo or with friends. Larian Studios Baldur's Gate 3 $60 at Steam $70 at Sony Arguably one of the best RPGs ever made, with incredible emphasis on player choice. If you've ever wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons but could never find a Dungeon Master to run a campaign for you, Baldur's Gate 3 can fill that void. And with drop-in, drop-out co-op with up to four people, you can start a campaign alone and finish it with friends or vice versa. It's one of the best games made in recent years and certainly worth your time if you like fantasy RPGs. Patch 8 -- the game's final content patch -- was released in April, which added 12 new subclasses to the game, so it's a great time to jump back in or pick it up for the first time. Players: 1-4 Platform: PC, Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5 Genre: Turn-based strategy RPG Co-op style: Online $60 at Steam $70 at Sony 343 Industries/Splash Damage/Ruffian Games/Bungie/Saber Interactive/Xbox Game Studios Halo: Master Chief Collection $55 at Amazon Staying up way too late and playing Halo: Combat Evolved with friends might be my first co-op game memory. Whether you're tearing through the campaign or playing online, the Master Chief collection can give you the co-op hit you're looking for. It contains six Halo games, more than enough to keep you and your friends entertained for a while. Snipers and swords, anyone? Number of players: 1-4 Platform: PC and Xbox Series X and S. (Available on GamePass.) Genre: First-person shooter Co-op style: Online or split screen $55 at Amazon Iron Gate AB/Coffee Stain Publishing Valheim $20 at Steam A Norse-inspired survival crafting game of the highest tier. Face off against monsters and collect resources to build weapons, bases and armor to surpass increasingly difficult biomes and bosses. And you don't have to go it alone, you can bring up to 10 friends in a lobby. It offers some of the best crafting, survival gameplay I've experienced, and building a whole settlement with friends is a blast. Number of players: 1-10 Platform: PC, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S Genre: Survival crafting Co-op style: Online $20 at Steam Ballistic Moon/PlayStation Publishing LLC Until Dawn Remastered $40 at Amazon $48 at Best Buy While not technically a co-op game, it's a single-player experience that's just as fun with your friends. If you've ever watched a horror movie and thought, I wouldn't make that choice, this game is your chance to prove it. It's a different style of game than others on the list; you'll essentially take part in scenes in a movie, making split-second decisions and participating in quick-time events. It was recently remastered for current-generation consoles, making it a good time to pick this one up if you didn't when it was initially released. It's also been made into a movie, though it only shares a name -- the story is entirely different. Number of players: 1 Platform: PC, PlayStation 5 Genre: Horror Co-op style: Pass the controller $40 at Amazon $48 at Best Buy Best free co-op games You don't always have to shell out to play with friends. Here are a few free options. Mediatonic Limited/Epic Games Fall Guys See at Fall Guys A wacky game that has you and your friends take control of clumsy, cartoonish characters. The goal is to avoid being knocked off of zany obstacle courses. That's really all there is to it. It's fun with friends and free to play, so it's worth a shot if you're looking for something to get into together. Number of players: 1-60 Platform: PC, Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch Genre: Battle royale, Platformer Co-op style: Online See at Fall Guys Total Mayhem Games We Were Here See at Steam This game puts you and a friend in control of an explorer and a librarian lost in a castle. Your task is to solve the puzzles you encounter. You'll be separated from each other, so use your walkie-talkies to work together to solve the problems you encounter. You'll need to describe the solutions over voice chat to one another, which can lead to some funny situations. This one is free, so give it a shot. There are two other We Were Here titles, but you'll have to pay for those. Number of players: 2 Platform: PC, Mac, Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch Genre: First-person puzzle solver Co-op style: Online See at Steam Digital Extremes Warframe See at Steam Warframe is a long-running, third-person action game. You take control of a Warframe -- a bio-mechanical suit of armor -- which offers various combat functions and roles like your tank, damage or support class. There are over 100 warframes to choose from, each with its own unique abilities. The game was released in 2013 and has received numerous content and gameplay updates. While free to play, an in-game cash shop offers both gameplay advancements and cosmetics. Number of players: 1-4 Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5 Genre: Third-person shooter Co-op style: Online See at Steam
CNET
7 hours ago
- CNET
The New LG OLED TV Has the Brightest Screen I've Ever Tested
CNET's key takeaways The LG G5 series is the best and brightest OLED I've ever tested in the CNET Labs. At $3,400 for the 65-inch size, it's expensive compared to some of the competition. The G5's best-in-class brightness made gaming easier and more enjoyable than I expected. As a Call of Duty player, I know that quick responses can be the difference between clinching victory and languishing at the bottom of the leaderboard. But until I played Call of Duty Black Ops 6 on the new LG G5 OLED, I didn't know there was something else just as crucial. I've tested dozens of the best TVs over the years. My CoD session helped cement my opinion of the G5 as the best OLED I've ever tested. Why? One reason is this model's best-in-class brightness: It's the brightest OLED I've ever seen in the CNET TV lab. Its clarity ensured I was able to see both the bright and dark parts of the screen -- in a way the other TVs I've tested couldn't reproduce. For instance, it was harder for enemies to hide in murky doorways because the TV rendered shadows more crisply. Brightness for the win. My experience with LG G5 Evo AI OLED Carly Marsh/CNET Picture quality is so important when it comes to gaming because some of the latest advances, such as HDR10 and Dolby Vision, help to elevate the gaming experience in a meaningful way, and the G5 can take full advantage of these. Zooming around the Protocol map from Black Ops 6, I found out it was the clarity of the G5's images that really struck me. I toured the grounds of this map's old naval fort -- the sky was a brilliant blue and the buildings popped up out of the sea -- everything looked more lifelike, like in the way it would if you were actually wandering here on a fall afternoon. But in the middle of my reverie, I found that people were shooting at me. Like, a whole lot. Now Playing: LG C5 vs. LG G5: Which OLED Gives the Most for Your Money 03:03 As part of my testing, I compared the LG G5 against four other TVs, including the new Samsung S95F, the LG C5 and two LCDs, all connected to the same Xbox. (With five screens playing at once, it felt like I was starring in my own personal esports event.) I played several different games, including Doom, Ori and the Blind Forest, but Call of Duty was where I saw the biggest improvements. The thing that immediately stood out about the G5 when playing games was how bright it was. When combined with the TV's deep contrast, the G5's picture popped in a way that the competition didn't. The LG G5 is the best TV I've reviewed yet Ty Pendlebury/CNET That brightness I saw on the G5? That's thanks to LG's new four-stack panel, which literally stacks two blue OLEDS (and a red and a green) on top of each other for its dazzling light output. This is a technology that seems to be unique to the G5 for now, but it's not the only advantage it has over the slightly cheaper -- and slightly dimmer -- Samsung S95F. Unless something changes, a Samsung TV will never tick the Dolby Vision check box -- it's HDR10 only. So if you're an Xbox completionist, then the LG G5 (and others) will help you max out the Xbox 4K compatibility test. (Profile & system > Settings > General > TV & display options > 4K TV details). The specs Available screen sizes: 55-, 65-, 77-, 83- and 97-inch Screen type: OLED Native refresh rate 120Hz (165Hz variable refresh rate) HDMI ports: 4 Weight: 48.5 pounds without its stand (65-inch) CNET's buying advice YMMV Carly Marsh/CNET I can't say playing on the G5 in the CNET lab made me a better player -- there are other crucial factors, including networking, that can decrease lag -- but I had a blast revisiting old maps and new ones on this fantastic television. It's definitely a "must-see" for serious gamers. If you simply want a good TV for gaming, you don't need to spend $3,000; there are plenty of great budget TVs under a grand, and most of them will give you an enjoyable gaming experience. Even so, if you're looking for your ultimate gaming setup, then the LG G5 has everything you need.
