#seanstogner

Fortnite’s Marshmello concert was a bizarre and exciting glimpse of the future

“Even if you’re not a huge fan of electronic music or have never heard of the EDM producer Marshmello, Fortnite’s live in-game concert was still a shockingly stunning sight to behold — it was also an unprecedented moment in gaming. It truly felt like a glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment, where the worlds of gaming, music, and celebrity combined to create a virtual experience we’ve never quite seen before.“

The US Army wants to attract more soldiers by fielding a Fortnite team

The most well known branch of the military is launching eSports teams to help with recruitment. This one is for your teacher or parent who told you you couldn’t get a career through video games. Now it seems the Army is saying “About that…” It could backfire if the Army teams lose more often than regular citizens. But even more interesting is how video games act as an internal community building tool for servicemen those awaiting deployment.

India’s new movie-theater-on-demand model feels like the future

Similar to brands like Betabrand that crowdfund before production, Cinema in India is picking up the idea. Digital films will have the potential to be screened based on demand for the film/ On one hand, smaller films can jockey for attention and distribution without having a large studio backing them, but it creates additional weight on marketing dollars being needed to make.a film successful. The question also becomes “Will this work elsewhere?” As the theatrical experience for American movie theaters becomes more luxury can smaller films use this model to find success?

Burger King’s ‘AI-written’ ads show we’re still very confused about artificial intelligence

EU approves controversial Copyright Directive, including internet ‘link tax’ and ‘upload filter’

A social network for the cannabis community on the blockchain.

Blockchain is making its way to all kinds of industries. Enter Smoke Network:  the world's first blockchain social network for cannabis users. “ The Smoke Network application rewards users in cryptocurrency for creating and curating high-quality cannabis related content including pictures, articles, dispensary, and cannabis strain reviews.” It mixes the millennial aesthetic sizzle reel while promoting a very niche product.

Bully Hunters organizers shut down campaign after disastrous first stream

YouTubers look to new platforms after viewer suppression, demonetization issues