An AI that can play Tetris (via Kottke.org). Watching this play is very satisfying, especially when it hits the “kill screen” that takes out the vast majority of human players (about 7 minute in).
But it goes way beyond that. Interesting to watch it run out of numbers to keep score (screen width limits number of digits) and moves on to other characters which, ultimately proves its undoing.
Follow the headline link, check out the teeth on Mickey and Buzz. I’m predicting they will win.
Benjamin Mayo, 9to5Mac:
> Following an Android launch last week, Netflix has now launched its new Games initiative on iOS. Netflix subscribers can now enjoy the following games on iPhone and iPad: Stranger Things 1984, Stranger Things 3, Shooting Hoops, Card Blast, and Teeter (Up!).
Interestingly, the Netflix PR implies that the games will be in the Netflix app itself, as shown in this tweet:
https://twitter.com/netflixgeeked/status/1458132284909883393?s=21
I just updated my iOS Netflix app and still don’t see a built-in Games section. But that said, the Netflix games are individually placed on the App Store, like so:
– Stranger Things 1984
– Stranger Things 3
– Shooting Hoops
– Card Blast
– Teeter (Up!)
The games did not require me to login to Netflix to get started, so guessing they somehow see my Netflix login validation somehow. It’ll be interesting to follow the growth of Netflix games, see how it changes over time.
Netflix blog:
> Starting today, members everywhere can play five mobile games: Stranger Things: 1984 (BonusXP), Stranger Things 3: The Game (BonusXP), Shooting Hoops (Frosty Pop), Card Blast (Amuzo & Rogue Games), and Teeter Up (Frosty Pop). Whether you’re craving a casual game you can start from scratch or an immersive experience that lets you dig deeper into your favorite stories, we want to begin to build a library of games that offers something for everyone.
For everyone? Great, let’s go!
> All you need is a Netflix subscription — there’s no ads, no additional fees and no in-app purchases. (Don’t let the demogorgon tell you otherwise).
Perfect. I’ve got a Netflix subscription. How do I play?
> Our mobile games are currently available on Android devices when you log into your Netflix profile.
Um. OK. So not everyone then.
And I searched the entire release, not a single mention of Apple, iPhone, or iOS. Feh.
PlayStation blog:
> PS5 offers seamless integration with the Apple Music streaming service with background music and music video playback, so players can listen before, during, or after their gameplay session.
How’s it work?
> PS5 users can either start the Apple Music app before hopping into a game, or during gameplay by pressing the PS button on the DualSense wireless controller to access the Control Center and select the Music Function card.
And:
> From there, Apple Music subscribers can find recommendations that match the game they are currently playing, or choose from a playlist in their library or other Apple Music-curated playlists for gaming.
This is far more integration than I was expecting when I first heard about this. What about Xbox?
From Digital Music News:
> You can listen to Spotify, SoundCloud, and Pandora on Xbox using an official app – but not Apple Music. However, that’s not to say you can’t enjoy the service using your Xbox Series X console. A third-party application called “AirServer” hooks into AirPlay and allows Apple Music content to be remotely cast to an Xbox device from an iPhone or iPad.
The PlayStation Apple Music integration is head and shoulders better.