Scouted: Hate Running? This Treadmill Turns Exercise Into a Game

A Unique Approach to Fitness

For those who are serious about running, the Aviron Victory treadmill might not be the best choice. However, if you're looking for creative ways to stay motivated and push through your workouts, this treadmill offers a fresh and engaging approach that can help you stay committed to your fitness goals.

Design and Features

The Aviron Victory treadmill is designed with practicality in mind. It has a low deck that sits just four inches tall at its highest point, making it feel more like running outdoors. The treadmill comes with a 22-inch touchscreen monitor that provides a variety of entertainment options. In addition to standard streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, the Aviron Victory includes apps such as Kindle and TikTok, allowing users to continue their reading or scrolling without interrupting their workout.

The treadmill also supports native music streaming from Spotify and Apple Music, offering a seamless experience for users who want to enjoy their favorite tunes while exercising. But what truly sets the Aviron Victory apart is its integration of games that make working out more enjoyable.

Gamification of Workouts

One of the standout features of the Aviron Victory is its gamified approach to exercise. The treadmill includes brightly colored, addictive games that encourage users to push their limits. For instance, one game involves using speed and incline to control a fire hose and put out fires in an endless row of burning buildings. Increasing the pace boosts water pressure, while adjusting the incline allows users to aim at different levels of the building.

Another game transforms running into a thrilling adventure, where users navigate a flying car around an illustrated lava lake, collecting points by passing through Sonic-style rings. This kind of interactive gameplay makes even the most mundane workouts exciting and engaging.

Personalization and Competition

The Aviron Victory allows users to create unique profiles for each member of the household. This feature enables friendly competition, as users can challenge each other for high scores. If you have friends who also own an Aviron treadmill, you can host real-time competitions. For those seeking more motivation, there are global leaderboards where users can compete against others worldwide. Additionally, the treadmill allows users to compare their current performance with their past runs, providing a sense of progress and achievement.

Virtual Environments and Training

For those who prefer a more relaxing workout, the Aviron Victory offers virtual environments that transport users to scenic locations. Imagine walking through the winding streets of Ribeauvillé, France, or exploring the sweeping mountains of Oregon’s Lewis and Clark National Park. These videos include ambient sounds that enhance the immersive experience, and the video speeds up to match the user's pace, creating a natural and enjoyable workout environment.

Trainer-led classes are also available for those who want to push their limits and improve their performance. Whether you're looking to stay motivated, relax, or challenge yourself, the Aviron Victory offers a variety of options to suit different preferences.

A New Perspective on Fitness

While there are many treadmills on the market that promise to help users run faster, farther, and with better form, the Aviron Victory takes a different approach. Instead of focusing solely on physical performance, it emphasizes making the workout experience fun and engaging. This shift in focus can be incredibly beneficial for those who struggle with staying motivated.

Although the Aviron Victory may not have made me look forward to jogging, it has successfully distracted me during my workouts. By taking my attention away from the clock, I've found that time passes more quickly, and I'm able to complete my sessions without feeling like I'm stuck on a treadmill. Plus, the possibility of earning a spot on the monthly leaderboard adds an extra layer of excitement.

Ultimately, the Aviron Victory treadmill is a great option for anyone looking to make their workouts more enjoyable and effective. With its combination of technology, gamification, and virtual environments, it offers a unique and compelling way to stay active and engaged.

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Game Devs' Playful Jabs: A Tribute to In-Game Laughs

The Joy of In-Game Humor

When you're deep in a virtual adventure, your fingers dancing across the controls in rhythm, have you ever stumbled upon an achievement that feels like a playful jab from the game developers? It's not uncommon for players to pause, chuckle, and wonder, “Did they really just make fun of me?” The answer is often yes, and many players find this kind of humor endearing.

Unlocking In-Game Humor

There’s something particularly charming when game designers infuse their games with humor, especially at the player's expense. This kind of humor suggests a mutual understanding between the developer and the player, highlighting the shared experience of gaming. For example, in "Rise of the Tomb Raider," there's an achievement titled “Was that really necessary?” which players earn by using an explosive to kill an animal. Many players relate to this after moments of overkill during intense gameplay.

Similarly, the platinum medal in "Undertale" features the message, “Don’t you have anything better to do?” This lighthearted comment acknowledges the dedication or obsession some players have towards completing a game. Such achievements foster a sense of community, reminding players that the creators are also gamers who understand the quirks and excesses of the gaming culture.

Why In-Game Jokes Matter

Why do these humorous achievements resonate so well with players? Perhaps it's a subtle reminder that games are meant to be enjoyable. They offer a space where absurdity is celebrated, and players can escape the seriousness of real life. When a game winks at you, it turns what might seem like silly behavior into a badge of honor, much like a shared inside joke among friends.

These jokes also reflect the creativity and attentiveness of developers. Crafting a game involves significant time and effort, and when developers add humor, it shows they want players to have a memorable experience, not just a product. By acknowledging players' behaviors, feelings, and surroundings, they create a more engaging and personal connection.

Self-Referential Humor and Meta-Commentary

Many of these humorous elements involve self-referential humor, offering meta-commentary on gaming itself. Developers can break the fourth wall without breaking immersion, making the humor feel spontaneous and impactful. A clever aside can catch players off guard and add a personal touch to otherwise serious narratives.

In addition, some humor comes from developers laughing along with players. For instance, CD Projekt Red's CEO jokingly responded to Ubisoft's game title "Skull and Bones" by saying their games would be "AAAAAA." This light-hearted moment highlights the industry's self-awareness and the occasional absurdity of video game promotions.

Building Connections Between Developers and Gamers

These lighthearted elements enhance the appeal and charm of games, creating a bond between players and the game itself. They reinforce the idea that while we're all on heroic adventures, we're also here to enjoy ourselves. The next time an achievement seems to mock you, take a moment to smile back—it's all part of the fun.

The joy of game development extends beyond just the final product. Designing games is an art form that allows passionate individuals to turn their ideas into interactive experiences. From concept creation to level planning and balance, the process offers a range of delights. Even tedious tasks like font optimization and documentation contribute to the final product that can bring joy to millions.

However, the experience can vary depending on the project and studio. Crunch time may be exciting initially but can become grueling. The type of game, platform, business model, and project stage all influence the enjoyment a designer may have. Working on a genre or title that doesn't resonate can be challenging, but when everything comes together, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Team Dynamics and Studio Culture

The enjoyment of game design is also influenced by team dynamics and studio culture. Finding a group of coworkers who share a good rapport and can exchange memes and GIFs long after a project ends can make a big difference. People are as important as the projects themselves.

One game designer recalled how, during long strategy meetings, an executive at Disney Interactive reminded the team that they weren't curing cancer—they were working on an internet game about farting cartoons. This lighthearted reminder helped keep things in perspective, especially in a competitive field.

Whether it's the satisfaction of seeing someone love something you helped build or the stress of meeting financial targets, the field combines the ephemeral nature of digital works with real-world fulfillment. It's about making a difference in players’ lives, even if it's just through a funny in-game joke.

The Power of Comedy in Games

What makes gaming humor so effective? If treated as an art form, it goes beyond a few witty achievements. It creates an atmosphere where players are participants in a light-hearted conversation, sharing inside jokes. Well-crafted humor can elevate a game from entertaining to truly memorable, though it requires careful balancing.

Valve’s "Portal" is a prime example, with its iconic meme “the cake is a lie.” This darkly comical phrase became a cultural staple, showing how efficient comedy can be in games. The game's self-aware, subversive storytelling added another layer of depth.

Comedy isn't limited to dialogue or achievements; it can also be embedded in game mechanics. "Goat Simulator" parodies the simulation genre by turning an innocuous goat into a source of chaos. The humor stems from the absurdity of the situations it throws at players.

Another aspect of gaming humor is its ability to comment on the business or culture of gaming. "The Stanley Parable" offers a satirical look at the illusion of choice in video games, providing both entertainment and intellectual critique.

For many developers, humor serves as a coping mechanism in the high-pressure environment of game development. Light-hearted jokes on social media or hidden Easter eggs in games remind everyone that behind every game is a team of passionate individuals.

Balancing Humor and Respect

While humor can be a powerful tool, it's essential to tread carefully. What one player finds funny, another may find offensive or tedious. Developers must understand their audience and be open to feedback. The goal is to create a shared experience, where players can smile and wink at the absurdity of gaming.

So, the next time a funny moment in a game catches your attention, take a moment to appreciate the craft. It means the developers are committed to making the experience enjoyable in every way possible, not just as a game.

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Stardock's Elemental: Reforged Seeks to Complete Its 2008 Vision

A New Chapter for Stardock’s Fantasy 4X Vision

Stardock has once again set its sights on delivering an ambitious fantasy 4X experience with the release of Elemental: Reforged. This latest iteration is a complete rebuild and reimagining of the long-running series, which was first conceived in 2008 following the studio's success with titles like Galactic Civilizations II and Sins of a Solar Empire. The original vision for the Elemental series was to create the ultimate fantasy civilization experience. However, the technological limitations of the late 2000s—particularly the constraints of 32-bit computing—forced Stardock to scale back its initial ambitions.

The result was the 2010 launch of Elemental: War of Magic, a game that received praise for its innovative ideas but was plagued by technical issues and a reduced scope compared to what had been originally planned. Despite these challenges, the game laid the groundwork for future developments within the series.

Evolution Through Iteration

Learning from the struggles of Elemental, Stardock continued to refine its approach with subsequent titles such as Fallen Enchantress and Sorcerer King. These games introduced more robust questing and crafting systems, helping to move the series forward in meaningful ways. However, they still fell short of the original vision due to ongoing hardware constraints.

Now, with the advantage of a modern 64-bit engine and significant advancements in PC performance, Stardock claims that Elemental: Reforged will finally realize the full potential of the original concept. Brad Wardell, CEO of Stardock Entertainment and lead designer of the Elemental franchise, emphasized this point: “With Elemental: Reforged, we’re finally able to deliver the original design we wanted.”

Wardell described the iterative process that led to this moment: “As we developed Elemental, we realized that the design wouldn’t fit in a 32-bit game and pared it down into Elemental: War of Magic, which still had challenges fitting into a 32-bit memory space. So then we made Elemental: Fallen Enchantress, which did much better but was still a shadow of what we had designed. Then we made Elemental: Sorcerer King, where we focused on the crafting and quest elements of the original design. Now, thanks to remastering the engine to 64-bit, we can actually make the full game we originally envisioned in 2008.”

Features and Innovations

Elemental: Reforged is set to integrate the best elements from each previous release while introducing all-new features. Players can expect dynamic procedural worlds, RPG-inspired unit customization, intricate narrative quests, and more. The game allows players to craft heroes and factions with unique backgrounds, witness environments shift in response to magic, and engage in detailed tactical combat. The AI system offers flexibility, either streamlining or deepening empire management based on player preferences.

From early previews, the game looks stunning. As someone who loves fantasy and strategy games, the evolution of the Elemental series with this new iteration is genuinely exciting.

A Unique Blend of Strategy and RPG

“What makes Elemental unique is that it’s a strategy game in an RPG world,” Wardell added. “The world really is your sandbox. You can create your own character and even your own faction to bring into this world.”

In addition to gameplay features, Stardock is promising a modern visual overhaul powered by DirectX 11. The game will also offer seamless strategic and tactical views, a rebuilt user interface, and deeply integrated modding tools—complete with Steam Workshop support. For fans of the series, these renewed efforts go beyond what many may have expected and appear poised to deliver a game that surpasses the original vision.

Stardock’s Legacy in Strategy Gaming

Stardock Entertainment, based in Plymouth, Michigan, has a long legacy in strategy and simulation gaming. The studio began in 1993 with Galactic Civilizations and has since continued with genre staples such as Sins of a Solar Empire and Ashes of the Singularity. While no firm release date has been announced, fans eager to experience Elemental: Reforged can head over to Steam to add it to their wishlist.

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How to Play Soulframe Preludes: Alpha Launch Begins Now

Introducing Soulframe: A New Dark Fantasy MMO from Digital Extremes

For fans of sci-fi RPGs like Warframe or those who enjoy the intense challenges of Elden Ring, Digital Extremes is set to release a new title that might capture your interest. Soulframe is an upcoming dark fantasy massively multiplayer online (MMO) game where players take on the role of powerful characters known as Envoys, tasked with purifying the land of Midrath from evil forces. Unlike Warframe, which is set in a futuristic world, Soulframe explores themes of human connection with nature through a richly imagined world of living fables.

The game features third-person hack-and-slash combat, along with magic and ranged weaponry. The developers have put a lot of attention into the variety of weapons available, ensuring that the arsenal will grow and evolve alongside the game itself.

What Is Soulframe Preludes?

Soulframe is the largest project developed by Digital Extremes since the release of Warframe in 2013. Although the names are similar, Soulframe is not a prequel to Warframe. The two games exist in entirely separate worlds with distinct narratives and gameplay mechanics. This new title is ideal for players looking for something fresh and different.

Soulframe Preludes is the closed alpha version of the game, which means there could be changes before the final release. The latest update, Soulframe Preludes 10, was released on May 27. In this version, players can battle corrupted enemies such as the Will-o-wings and Mendicant King, wield powerful weapons and sidearms, and even form alliances with factions to befriend their very own fearsome wolf pup.

Soulframe Preludes serves as a way for the development team to continue refining the game while gathering feedback from early testers. By obtaining a key to the closed alpha, you gain access to a special Discord server and will receive the Alca's Eye item in-game upon the full release as a token of appreciation for your input.

How to Access Soulframe Preludes During TennoCon 2025

Soulframe Preludes is currently available only to PC gamers, as it is a limited alpha launch focused on community testing and development. Anyone who creates a Soulframe account during TennoCon 2025 will be able to access Soulframe Preludes 10 for the duration of the pre-alpha phase. You have until July 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET to secure access to the alpha version.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

• Visit Soulframe's online home page.
• Click the "join us" button.
• Fill out an email address, password, and envoy name (this will become your in-game name, so choose wisely).
• Accept the privacy policy and participation agreement.
• Click "join us" and check your email for a verification link.
• Optionally, link a Twitch account to earn Soulframe Twitch drops for the full release.
• Download the Soulframe Preludes build from the website's home page.

Can I Play Soulframe Preludes After TennoCon?

If you sign up for Soulframe now, you will still be able to play Soulframe Preludes after TennoCon 2025 ends. Players who claim their access during the event will be able to explore all the content and adventures that Soulframe currently offers, and they can continue to access Soulframe Preludes until the game's full launch.

Everyone who wants to play Soulframe Preludes is guaranteed access until July 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET. After this time, you will need to wait to unlock access to the alpha again. However, it is simple and straightforward to enter the pool for an alpha key. All you need to do is create a Soulframe account and verify your email. Once verified, you just need to wait for a Soulframe Preludes key, which is released in weekly waves and includes keys for friends as well. If you have co-op buddies, they might be able to help you gain access more quickly.

Correction Notice

A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that access to Soulframe Preludes would expire for TennoCon 2025 players after the weekend of July 19. Players who sign up during the TennoCon 2025 timeframe will retain access to the pre-alpha version of the game until Soulframe's full launch.

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