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Nexon respond to claims they're using AI-generated Tiktok streamers to advertise The First Descendant
Game Updates

Nexon respond to claims they’re using AI-generated Tiktok streamers to advertise The First Descendant

by admin August 19, 2025


South Korean publishers Nexon are investigating a recent bit of TikTok marketing for their free-to-play shooter The First Descendant, after players spotted some ads that feature AI-generated ‘human’ streamers bigging up the game. Well, we at least have to assume it’s following that, as Nexon’s statement omits mentioning AI in favour of the wonderfully nebulous phrase “certain irregularities”.

If you’ve not seen one of these ads that look to have been posted by The First Descendant’s official account, allow me to show you, because you’ll see right quick why folks have been asking questions. Boom. There are further booms compiled into one Reddit post by user iHardlyTriHard down below.

As you can see, them be some weird renderings of streamy blokes, especially the one who says Nier: Automata in a fashion that’d be hilarious if this wasn’t terrible AI sloppage. Seriously, he pronounces it NEER (pause for ten seconds) audomada. He also gets points for doubling up on his use of free-to-play in his attempt to get you hyped about an F2P update to the F2P looter shooter, which has launched F2Ply.

Anyway, in addition to the more obviously not-streamers, it appears the first one in the compilation below may be based on the likeness of streamer DanieltheDemon. He’s since taken to the comments section of a TikTok about the clips to make clear he didn’t agree to any of this. “I have no affiliation nor contract with The First Descendant,” the streamer wrote. “They stole my face/reactions from my most viral video and used AI to change what my mouth says and a voice that isn’t mine. I did not consent for my likeness to be used…”

While you can’t find these full ads if you go to The First Descendant’s official TikTok account, you can see some of the gameplay clips the AI streamers have been paired with to deliver their samey sales pitches.

What do Nexon have to say about this? The following:

We would like to inform you of certain irregularities identified in the operation of our TikTok Creative Challenge for creators. As a part of our marketing campaign for Season 3: Breakthrough, we recently ran a Creative Challenge program for TikTok creators, which allows creators to voluntarily submit their content to be used as advertising materials. All submitted videos are verified through TikTok’s system to check copyright violations before they are approved as advertising content.

However, we have become aware of cases where the circumstances surrounding the production of certain submitted videos appear inappropriate. Thus, we are conducting a thorough joint investigation with TikTok to determine the facts. We sincerely apologize for the delay in providing this notice as the review is taking longer than expected. Once the verification is complete, we will promptly share an update through an official notice.

So, the company ran a competition of sorts that let anyone create ads for the game, which is a strange example of outsourcing at the very least, then seemingly left final approval for publication to TikTok’s copyright checker, which merrily waved this dodgy stuff through. Either that or Nexon potentially gave it all the green light themselves. Either way, oof.

We’ll have to see what the company say once that investigation’s concluded, but here’s hoping the next statement’s a bit more like the easier-to-parse response offered when Nexon were accused of taking a bit too much inspiration from some Destiny 2 icons.





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August 19, 2025 0 comments
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Nobody Likes Zuckerberg's Glitchy AI App
Product Reviews

Nobody Likes Zuckerberg’s Glitchy AI App

by admin August 19, 2025


Clearly, throwing billions of dollars at a problem can’t solve everything.

Nearly six months after its debut, Meta’s consumer-facing AI app still struggles with inconsistencies and persistent shortcomings, casting doubt on the company’s lofty ambitions for artificial intelligence.

It has been a rough learning curve for Mark Zuckerberg’s efforts to join the AI race after lagging behind an already-crowded field and spending tens of billions of dollars on catching up. So far, the most Meta has to show for it is a glitchy chatbot, a growing chorus of irritated users, and frustrated shareholders who would like to have something to show for that kind of capital outlay.

Now, market watchers and consumers alike are wondering what exactly Meta can deliver if its flagship AI offering remains uneven.

Launched in April 2025, the standalone app was a late entry into the AI space, arriving roughly two and a half years after OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, Meta’s biggest competitor in the space and by far the most commercially recognizable brand for AI currently.

Meta AI also took a different approach: Its AI bot attempts to combine chat, image creation, and a public feed showcasing user-generated content.

Hit or Miss Has Been Mostly Miss

That tack appears to be failing. Users across the internet have expressed frustration with its unpredictability and limited relevance, saying it feels less like a polished product and more like an early prototype struggling to live up to Meta’s new AI-driven vision.

Since its launch, critics and users alike have voiced concerns on social media, highlighting bugs, odd interactions, and a lack of personalization.

The app’s Discover feed, intended to inspire conversations and showcase creative uses of the AI, often displays outdated user-generated images, diminishing its appeal as a dynamic social hub.

Meanwhile, its chat feature, which purportedly learns about user preferences, frequently makes up false information—an issue known as “hallucination” in AI lingo—that calls into question its reliability.

The reception has been lukewarm at best.

A Reddit post titled “Who hates Meta AI?” has garnered thousands of upvotes, with commentators dismissing it as “here anyway,” and “nobody ever asked for it.”

In the company’s own words, the app is still in its infancy. “This is just the first of many steps,” a Meta spokesperson told Bloomberg, promising ongoing updates as the company invests heavily in AI talent and infrastructure.

The success of the program and its importance to Meta’s future cannot be overstated.

Zuckerberg has made AI a cornerstone of Meta’s future, pledging hundreds of billions of dollars toward development, and actively recruiting top researchers from rivals like Apple and OpenAI. Meta even open-sourced its large language model, Llama, positioning itself as a leader in AI research, but its consumer tools, including the Meta AI app, are still far from polished.

Meta’s aspirations go beyond simple chatbot interactions

Zuckerberg has said he thinks of AI as a “personal superintelligence” that empowers individual users, not just a tool for entertainment. The company has said it wants to eventually embed AI across its portfolio of apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, and hardware.

But the current experience falls short of that vision, because the way Meta is slicing and dicing the data it receives is stymying internal efforts to advance its AI program. Conversations with the AI are siloed across apps, and it doesn’t retain memory or context from previous chats unless explicitly programmed to do so, limiting its usefulness and personalization.

More worryingly, the AI sometimes hallucinates, fabricating details that users may believe to be true. It can also get pretty weird, with many of the AI-generated images and text snippets that it uses to flood feeds with user-generated content ranging from inappropriate to the outright bizarre.

This has been worsened by Meta’s grappling with balancing automation and moderation.

Meta’s goal of harnessing the potential in AI applications for productivity and entertainment remains largely aspirational. For now, the company’s most visible consumer product remains a work in progress, far from fulfilling Zuckerberg’s lofty promises of an AI-powered future designed for “individual empowerment.”

As Meta continues to develop its AI technology, it remains to be seen whether the company can transform this nascent app into a truly useful and trustworthy personal assistant, or if it will continue to flunk its real-time tests and become a cautionary tale of moving too fast.



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August 19, 2025 0 comments
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A dog looks at something off-screen.
Game Reviews

Dog-Led Horror Movie Good Boy Gets First Trailer

by admin August 19, 2025


I like horror movies okay, but I need a good concept to draw me in. Good Boy certainly has one of those, but the concept that makes it compelling is also one that taps into my most deep seated fears, and I don’t know if I can handle it. As the name suggests, Good Boy is a spooky movie whose events are viewed from the perspective of a dog. Aren’t we as humans subjected to the horrors enough? Do we need to bring our canine companions into the pain and suffering?

Good Boy premiered at South by Southwest way back in March, and the reception to the supernatural horror movie has been really strong so far, with early reviews calling it one of the best in the genre this year. Though I don’t know where it all ends up, several reviews call out that it’s very emotional and heartbreaking—which could mean anything, really—so if you’re looking for a straightforward scare, be aware that Good Boy might have a bit more going on. The film stars Indy as a dog whose owner has suffered a death in the family and who moves into a haunted house. Ever the watchful companion, Indy notices that something is amiss and he and his owner are not alone. Now, he has to do what he can to save his owner from the dangers lurking in their new home. 

Y’all, I’mma throw up. There’s a reason Does the Dog Die?, an entire website dedicated to asking if a dog you see in movie trailers is going to die, exists, and it’s for people like me who can’t handle that shit. There’s already a page for Good Boy on that website and I saw it as I was grabbing the link. I can barely handle seeing a dog be in distress under normal circumstances, much less supernatural ones. Whether Indy makes it out or not, he’s about to have a bad night. I guess I’ve got some time to figure out if I want to see Good Boy, as the movie is coming to theaters on October 3.



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August 19, 2025 0 comments
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NFT Gaming

Solana Handles 100K Transactions Per Second in Test Run: Here’s Why It Matters

by admin August 19, 2025



In brief

  • A Solana validator processed blocks with greater than 100,000 transactions per second in an experiment.
  • The performance improvement was more than 25x the typical throughput of the Solana mainnet.
  • Key Solana backers suggest that it means the network is ready for much more.

The Solana network briefly processed more than 100,000 transactions per second (TPS) in an on-chain experiment Sunday. That’s more than 25 times the network’s typical throughput, according to data gathered by the network’s explorer.

Solana already massively outpaces O.G. blockchain networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum on that front, but the Sunday peak beats Visa’s own high mark of handling up to 65,000 transactions per second.

The Solana validator operator behind the feat said that it showcases what’s possible if continued technical developments and efficiency improvements make their way to the popular layer-1 blockchain.

“The main point I want to get across is that Solana needs more efficient programs and an efficient token standard,” pseudonymous validator Dr. Cavey PHD told Decrypt. 

The rest of the network struggled very little to replay these blocks, and the subsequent leader produced their blocks normally.

This is a significant milestone not only for the network of over 1000 validators, but for distributed systems.

— dr cavey phd ⏳ (@cavemanloverboy) August 17, 2025

Cavey’s validator achieved a peak of 104,529 TPS on Sunday in what they called an experiment conducted on a “whim.” 

However, unlike a typical Solana block filled with transactions like token swaps or meme coin launches, the experimental blocks instead were filled with “votes, a few normal transactions, and a significant number of ‘no-op’ transactions,” or those that don’t require much computation. 

Nevertheless, if extrapolated out and handled with more efficient programs and token standards, Cavey believes the network could process approximately 100,000 token transfers per second—or 10,000-20,000 swaps in its current state. 



With such programs and token standards in place, they said, Solana can become the foundational infrastructure for on-chain markets that it aims to be. 

“High capacity enables the world’s markets to all be on-chain,” said Cavey. “Without the capacity, we can only ever hope to support a handful.” 

Solana’s real-time throughput is around 3,600 TPS at present time, according to the block explorer on Solana.com. For comparison, competing network Ethereum’s real-time mark is around 20.7 TPS, according to data from Etherscan—around 170 times slower than Solana. 

Why is it so important that Solana can achieve 100,000 TPS?

“It’s important insofar as it demonstrates that the network can clearly scale over an order of magnitude more than the current utilization, which is already several orders of magnitude over most blockchains,” Multicoin Capital Managing Partner Kyle Samani told Decrypt. “It means that Solana is ready to support web-scale applications today.” 

“This enables more activity to come on-chain,” Mert Mumtax, CEO of Solana infrastructure firm Helius Labs, told Decrypt. “More finance, more oracle updates, more market-making, etc. And of course: lower fees for users.”

Developers too stand to gain, according to Samani, who added that major throughput gains “opens up an entirely new design space for transaction-heavy applications.”

In July, a blog post authored by leading Solana stakeholders (including Samani) outlined a technical roadmap designed to make Solana the home of the world’s best financial markets, with improvements scheduled regularly for the next few years. 

But according to Cavey, major throughput improvements like those showcased in their experiment could be here even sooner.

“Three months at best,” the validator said, “six months at worst.” 

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NFL Power Rankings 2025: Who is under the most pressure?
Esports

NFL Power Rankings 2025: Who is under the most pressure?

by admin August 19, 2025



Aug 18, 2025, 06:15 AM ET

The 2025 NFL season is just around the corner, which means it’s time to reevaluate the outlooks for all 32 teams. Check out how holdouts, breakouts and injuries have impacted our rankings since our postdraft list.

Preseason games conclude Saturday and cut-down day is Aug. 27, so this is the last offseason edition of Power Rankings.

In addition to our 1-32 ranking, NFL Nation reporters named one coach, player or executive on each team who is under the most pressure this season. Let’s start with the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Our power panel of more than 30 writers and editors evaluates how NFL teams stack up against one another, ranking them from 1 to 32.

Previous rankings: Post-Super Bowl, Post-free-agency, Postdraft

Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Postdraft ranking: 2

Who’s under the most pressure: Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo

The Eagles are well-established, coming off a Super Bowl. But one significant change came at offensive coordinator, where Patullo replaced Kellen Moore and will serve as a full-time playcaller for the first time in his career. Patullo has been coach Nick Sirianni’s right-hand man since 2021, and the offense isn’t expected to change much, making for a smooth transition. But with so much offensive talent, the bar is high, and Patullo will absorb some of the heat if the unit doesn’t operate as expected. — Tim McManus

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Postdraft ranking: 1

Who’s under the most pressure: Wide receiver Rashee Rice

Although he is no longer expected to be suspended for the first four games of the season, Rice will still be under pressure to show he can once again be the No. 1 receiver. In training camp, Rice showed his explosiveness and ability to get yards after the catch. If he excels in September, the Chiefs could have another hot start. If Rice struggles, Kansas City will have to place much of the passing attack on the shoulders of 35-year-old Travis Kelce. — Nate Taylor

Postdraft ranking: 3

Who’s under the most pressure: Defensive end Joey Bosa

This is a big season for the pass rusher, who signed a one-year, $12.6 million deal with the Bills in the offseason after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Chargers. Bosa, 30, is on a bit of a prove-it deal after missing a substantial amount of time over the past three seasons due to injuries. If he can stay healthy and put together a strong season, a significant contract could await. — Alaina Getzenberg

Postdraft ranking: 5

Who’s under the most pressure: Tight end Mark Andrews

He is entering the final season of his four-year, $56 million contract after dropping a critical two-point conversion in a 27-25 division round loss to Buffalo. Andrews led all TEs with 11 touchdowns last season, but he averaged 39.6 receiving yards per game in 2024, his worst total since his 2018 rookie season. — Jamison Hensley

Postdraft ranking: 4

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Jared Goff

It appears every season is “make or break” for Goff if he doesn’t lead this team to the Super Bowl. He delivered an MVP-caliber 2024 season, but the Lions fell short in the NFC divisional round against Washington when Goff struggled and finished with four turnovers. Goff and the Lions will try to put last year’s playoff dud behind them. As the face of the team, the veteran QB again has high expectations to keep the momentum growing. — Eric Woodyard

Postdraft ranking: 6

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Marshon Lattimore

Washington traded multiple picks for him at the deadline last season, and a hamstring injury limited Lattimore to two regular-season games (and three in the postseason). He has played in only 26 games the past three seasons combined. Lattimore has looked better this offseason but needs to be durable and productive to earn a contract extension. — John Keim

Postdraft ranking: 8

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Keisean Nixon

He said after last season that he wanted to be a No. 1 CB. Now that Jaire Alexander is gone, Nixon might get that chance. Sure, the Packers signed Nate Hobbs in free agency, and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley plays a high amount of zone coverage, but Nixon will be counted on to shut down opposing receivers. The question is, can he deliver? — Rob Demovsky

play

1:38

Stephen A.: Jordan Love needs to step up come playoff time

Stephen A. Smith discusses Jordan Love’s ability as a quarterback and challenges him to show his full potential in playoff games.

Postdraft ranking: 7

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Darious Williams

Williams has two seasons remaining on the three-year, $22.5 million contract he signed in 2024. The veteran cornerback, in his second stint in Los Angeles, is scheduled to count $8.6 million against the cap in 2026 but has no guaranteed money due after this season. The Rams have a young cornerback room and might opt to save money at the position after 2025. — Sarah Barshop

Postdraft ranking: 10

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Zac Taylor

The Bengals missed the playoffs last season despite career years from QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja’Marr Chase and DE Trey Hendrickson. Taylor has proved to be a coach capable of leading the Bengals to a Super Bowl. It’s time for Cincinnati to show that potential once again. — Ben Baby

Postdraft ranking: 9

Who’s under the most pressure: Vikings’ draft process

After signing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell to contract extensions and assembling a roster of proven veterans, the team doesn’t have anyone prominent on the hot seat. But it might need to overhaul its draft process in 2026 if it doesn’t see more production from recent picks. WR Jordan Addison was the only starter last season who was drafted between 2022 and 2024. The Vikings need big contributions from QB J.J. McCarthy (2024), LB Dallas Turner (2024) and G Donovan Jackson (2025), at least, to validate their current process. — Kevin Seifert

Postdraft ranking: 14

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Sean Payton

He has rock-solid job security, a deep-pocketed ownership group to support him and a proven personnel department to build a roster. But Payton has been the most vocal throughout training camp about his team’s Super Bowl worthiness. He believes the Broncos are good enough — if they do the work — to play for the Lombardi Trophy. It makes for good conversation now, but he could be at risk if the Broncos have any significant stumbles or injuries in 2025. — Jeff Legwold

Postdraft ranking: 13

Who’s under the most pressure: Linebacker Christian Harris

He is going into the final year of his rookie contract and flashes good potential — he showcased that when he caught a pick-six in the 2023 wild-card win over the Browns. But Harris hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and he also hasn’t practiced in training camp. If that continues, he might be on the outside when 2026 comes around. — DJ Bien-Aime

Breaking News from Adam Schefter

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Postdraft ranking: 12

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Jamel Dean

He counts $15 million against the salary cap in 2025 and nearly $16 million in 2026. The Bucs drafted two cornerbacks in Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish in 2025. Dean has struggled to stay on the field due to injuries, missing 18 games in six seasons, including nine in the past two. — Jenna Laine

Postdraft ranking: 11

Who’s under the most pressure: Offensive coordinator Greg Roman

Roman is known for designing some of the most creative and dominant rushing offenses in league history, but his critics have questioned his playcalling and passing concepts. Roman’s offense didn’t look promising last season. The Chargers consistently sputtered in the second half, ultimately ending the 2024 season in the first round of the playoffs. With upgrades all over Los Angeles’ offense, all eyes will be on Roman’s group to produce in 2025. — Kris Rhim

Postdraft ranking: 15

Who’s under the most pressure: Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk

The trade rumors surrounding Aiyuk started more than two years ago and seem to never dissipate despite his signing a massive contract extension in 2024. Aiyuk is expected to return from his knee injury at some point this season, and his future in San Francisco will likely be determined by how it goes from there. The Niners would have to eat significant money with little return to part ways with him during or after this season, but if he can’t return to health and productivity, they might decide it’s time to move on and reallocate resources. — Nick Wagoner

Postdraft ranking: 17

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Mike Tomlin

For the second season in a row, Tomlin was the driving force in bringing in a veteran quarterback to lead the franchise. This time, he courted Aaron Rodgers. Tomlin is putting his trust in Rodgers and the rest of his offense that they can expedite the gelling process and produce early in 2025. Realistically, Tomlin, under contract through the 2027 season, isn’t going anywhere no matter the outcome of this season. But the fan base will undoubtedly grow restless if another season passes without a playoff win. — Brooke Pryor

Postdraft ranking: 16

Who’s under the most pressure: Running back Kenneth Walker III

He is among six starters from the Seahawks’ 2022 draft class who are playing for a new contract in 2025, and like many of them, he still has something to prove. When healthy, he’s a tough runner. But Walker has missed 10 games in three seasons and chunks of this offseason with ankle and foot injuries. The ever-reliable Zach Charbonnet has impressed the Seahawks in his absence, giving the organization a pivot if Walker can’t stay healthy and produce in 2025. — Brady Henderson

Postdraft ranking: 19

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Brian Schottenheimer

Now, this doesn’t mean the coach will be one-and-done at all. It’s just that there is a lot for a first-time coach to deal with for any job but especially with the Cowboys. Schottenheimer has the players buying into his message at the moment, but what happens if they lose a few games in a row? Will they continue to believe? They play in the same division as the two NFC finalists (Eagles and Commanders). They have a difficult schedule to close the season. All of it makes a fast start a must. — Todd Archer

play

2:18

Why Stephen A. dislikes Jerry Jones’ negotiating tactics

Stephen A. Smith and Damien Woody explain why Jerry Jones’ negotiating tactics aren’t effective in today’s NFL.

Postdraft ranking: 18

Who’s under the most pressure: Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.

It’s a contract year for Pitts, who is auditioning for big money if he can return to a semblance of his rookie form four seasons ago: 1,026 yards on 68 catches and the first rookie Pro Bowl selection by a tight end since 2002. Pitts’ future with the Falcons and how much he would get as a free agent is dependent on how the 2021 No. 4 pick performs this season. — Marc Raimondi

Postdraft ranking: 20

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Mike McDaniel

The fourth-year coach has made the playoffs in two of his first three seasons, but Miami still hasn’t won a playoff game in a quarter of a century. Owner Stephen Ross said last season that he was not satisfied with the status quo, and the locker room underwent a self-proclaimed cultural reset this offseason. But with a roster curated for its coach, the onus will fall on McDaniel to succeed. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Postdraft ranking: 21

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Caleb Williams

It’s hard to believe that a second-year quarterback learning a new offense is under the most pressure, but Williams needs to perform well while making weekly strides in mastering coach Ben Johnson’s scheme. The 2024 No. 1 pick likely will experience growing pains, but for a franchise that might have the answer at quarterback after decades of searching, the pressure is on Williams to prove the team right. — Courtney Cronin

Postdraft ranking: 22

Who’s under the most pressure: General manager Monti Ossenfort

Entering his third season with the Cardinals, Ossenfort completed his three-year rebuild of the roster. Now, it’s time for that roster to win. He rebuilt the defensive front but hardly touched the offense, a move that could be risky. If the defense doesn’t live up to expectations or the offense has holes that he could’ve addressed, Ossenfort’s seat will start warming up. — Josh Weinfuss

Postdraft ranking: 23

Who’s under the most pressure: Left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson

The rookies are projected starters. According to ESPN Research and Elias, the Patriots will become the second team in the past 25 years to have two rookies starting on opening day on the left side of the offensive line (the 2016 Ravens are the other team). — Mike Reiss

Your League, Your Rules

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Postdraft ranking: 25

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence

He is entering his fifth season with his third coach. Lawrence has yet to play consistently well over a full season, and injuries marred his past two years. New coach Liam Coen is changing his footwork, and the Jaguars upgraded the interior offensive line and added a playmaker in WR/CB Travis Hunter. Lawrence has the players to help him surge, and the hope is for Coen to do for Lawrence what he did for Baker Mayfield last season. — Mike DiRocco

Postdraft ranking: 26

Who’s under the most pressure: Defensive end Tyree Wilson

The 2023 first-round pick made strides last season with 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble, but it’s time for him to be an integral player in the trenches. With Christian Wilkins no longer on the team, Wilson’s versatility to play defensive line and edge rusher allows him to do so. — Ryan McFadden

Postdraft ranking: 24

Who’s under the most pressure: General manager Chris Ballard

He is entering his ninth season and has just two playoff appearances and one postseason victory. The Colts have never won the AFC South under his guidance. Much of Ballard’s tenure was upended by the sudden retirement of franchise quarterback Andrew Luck in 2019, but the botched QB moves after Luck’s departure have hurt the franchise. Is it playoffs or bust for Ballard? — Stephen Holder

Postdraft ranking: 27

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Bryce Young

The top pick of the 2023 draft has to build off the final three games of last season and produce wins. The Panthers selected elite receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the first round to help Young take the next step, and they didn’t lose a starting offensive lineman in the offseason. Young has to show the organization didn’t make a mistake when it made that memorable trade with Chicago for the No. 1 pick in 2023. Young is 6-22, and more of that won’t cut it. — David Newton

Postdraft ranking: 30

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Justin Fields

This is his third team in three seasons and probably his last real shot to be a long-term starting quarterback. The Jets are all-in on Fields, giving him $30 million guaranteed, but they can go in a different direction after a year. If the 2021 first-round pick fails, he’ll probably be in a Daniel Jones-like situation — having to compete for a job. — Rich Cimini

Postdraft ranking: 32

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen

The Giants went 6-11 in 2023 and 3-14 last season. Drafting a promising young quarterback in Jaxson Dart is nice, but they must win games. It’s a results-oriented business, and owner John Mara wants to see progress and improved results this season. And that’s a big reason Russell Wilson is the starting quarterback to begin the season. — Jordan Raanan

Postdraft ranking: 29

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry

Owner Jimmy Haslam has preached patience and has said he’ll give his coach-GM pairing time to turn things around after a 3-14 season. But Haslam also said the team needs marked improvement in 2025. For the Browns, that means not only fielding a much more competitive team but possibly finding a long-term answer at quarterback. — Daniel Oyefusi

play

0:44

Does injury derail Shedeur Sanders’ chance at QB1?

Domonique Foxworth weighs in on how an oblique injury could affect Shedeur Sanders’ position on the depth chart.

Postdraft ranking: 28

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Kellen Moore

The first-year coach has a big task of turning things around and getting the Saints to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. That’s no small feat, especially considering he’ll be starting a young quarterback in either Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough this season. — Katherine Terrell

Postdraft ranking: 31

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Brian Callahan

He is known for his work with Joe Burrow, who was the No.1 pick by the Bengals in 2020. The Titans are relying on Callahan to help resurrect their franchise and re-create his previous success with this year’s No.1 pick, Cameron Ward. The past two coaches for teams that selected quarterbacks first didn’t make it to their second season. Will Callahan? — Turron Davenport



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August 19, 2025 0 comments
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U.s. Treasury Seeks Public Input On Genius Stablecoin Bill
GameFi Guides

U.S. Treasury Seeks Public Input on GENIUS Stablecoin Bill

by admin August 19, 2025



The U.S. Treasury has launched a public consultation on the GENIUS Act, a new law that aims to regulate stablecoins, digital dollars with a fixed value, and improve the role of America in global digital finance.

The Treasury is seeking the input of citizens, businesses, and professionals regarding the regulation of stablecoins, including the use of artificial intelligence, blockchain surveillance, digital identity verification, and application programming interfaces (APIs).

Today, Treasury issued a Request for Comment required by the GENIUS Act, which furthers the Administration’s policy of supporting the responsible growth and use of digital assets, as outlined in President Trump’s Executive Order on “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital…

— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) August 18, 2025

These inputs will assist in evaluating the advantages, expenses, privacy threats, and cybersecurity issues of these technologies. The deadline to submit is October 17, 2025, and submissions will be published on regulations.gov.

The GENIUS Act, signed earlier this year on July 18, 2025, creates a clear framework for U.S.-based stablecoin issuers. It builds on the U.S. President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14178, which also allowed crypto investments in 401(k) retirement plans. 

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the law a “win-win-win” for users, issuers, and the government, saying it will expand global access to the U.S. dollar and boost demand for U.S. Treasuries, the bonds backing stablecoins.

Implementing the GENIUS Act is essential to securing American leadership in digital assets.

Stablecoins will expand dollar access for billions across the globe and lead to a surge in demand for U.S. Treasuries, which back stablecoins.

It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved:… https://t.co/p5nRQpBfnw

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) August 18, 2025

Industry leaders have praised the move. Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, a major stablecoin issuer, called it “more than financial legislation,” emphasizing that it shows the U.S. is ready to embrace innovations that make finance safer, more transparent, and inclusive. 

He credited policymakers, developers, and Circle’s team for driving the effort and described the law as the “starting gun” for a new era in financial technology.

The GENIUS Act signals that the U.S. is serious about leading in digital assets. By regulating stablecoins, the law aims to make digital dollars secure for billions worldwide while encouraging technological innovation in the financial system. 

Public participation now will shape how the law is implemented and how stablecoins grow globally.

Also Read: Banks call for action on GENIUS Act stablecoin yield loophole





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Home Depot Promo Codes & Coupons: 50% Off
Product Reviews

AT&T Promo Code: Get Up to $300 in August

by admin August 19, 2025


Major wireless carriers: A necessary evil if you travel a lot, have a family, or are just interested in coverage that’s reliably consistent and widespread. AT&T is the third-largest provider in the US (first for 5G), with the largest coverage map. I’ve had various AT&T plans for more than a decade, first for just myself and now for my whole family, even though I only get one cell bar at my house and have to stand in one 5-square-foot patch of yard to make a phone call. And have lost entire days of my life to fighting unexpected random charges and upsells. (Verizon is somehow worse.) But anyway! AT&T is fine, it has all the latest phones, and there are some legitimately good perks, like no roaming in Canada or Mexico with select plans. If you know you’re going to have to go with one of the big guys, don’t sign up without checking out the below discounts first.

Sign Up for AT&T Fiber and Get Up to $300 With These Promo Codes

If you were already thinking of switching to fiber internet, this is definitely the time and the place. Right now, you can earn a Visa Rewards Card worth up to $150 when you sign up for A&T Fiber ($50 for 300 mbps, $100 for 500 mbps, and $150 for 1 GIG), plus you can score an additional $50 when you enter code SUMMER50 at checkout (through September 30). On top of that, you can get an additional $100 rewards card with code EXTRA100 (through August 20). Altogether, it’s more than enough cash for a year’s worth of a couple of your favorite streaming services, plus enough Robux/V-Bucks to keep your kids occupied with video games while you enjoy said streaming services. Note: These deals are only available at att.com for new eligible residential AT&T fiber customers. (Residents of select multi-dwelling units are not eligible.)

Are There AT&T Promos for Existing Customers?

But I already have AT&T, you might be saying—new deals never apply to me. Do you have AT&T internet, though? If, like me, you have AT&T for your phone plan and Xfinity or CenturyLink for internet, did you know you can save 20% off your AT&T bill every single month if you bundle your internet service with unlimited wireless? This applies to both current phone customers and current internet customers who don’t have both plans.

AT&T Discounts for Professionals and Students

One of the reasons I went with AT&T in the first place is because my husband is a college professor and we get a generous 25% off our bill. This 25% discount applies for all teachers, as well as active military, veterans, first responders, and many medical professionals. Not one of the above? Students and union members can save $10 per line per month, and union members can also score 20% off accessories like cases, and stuff you used to be able to get with your phones, like chargers and cords.

How Can I Make My AT&T Plan Cheaper?

Not a new customer; not in a place to bundle; and not a teacher/first responder, in the military, or a student? All is not lost on the discount front. You can save over $800 a year on AT&T Wireless when you bundle four unlimited wireless plans with your current internet plan. (Savings based on 20% discount on four voice lines with eligible internet service, plus $10/month discount with eligible AutoPay & paperless bill, which starts within two bills.)

Don’t need four unlimited wireless plans? Check out if your employer offers a discount—a couple of mine have in the past, and you can save $10 per month per line on the unlimited plan. Check here to see if your workplace qualifies.

You can also get a discount on a new phone with an eligible trade-in, but the best deal yet may be the fact AT&T lets you try its wireless free for 30 days. Keep your current service and phone number while trying out AT&T’s network from your device—no catches or commitments. You don’t even need a credit card. It’s a great way to see if you get good service where you’ll be using the phone most.

Lastly, if none of these deals apply to you, you can wait for Cyber Monday later this year, on December 1), when AT&T is known to have some of its best deals on phones, watches, tablets, and accessories. No codes or coupons required.



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Palia Botanical Bliss update patch notes
Game Reviews

Palia Botanical Bliss update patch notes

by admin August 19, 2025


Screenshot via Singularity 6

|

Published: Aug 18, 2025 12:30 pm

Palia‘s next big update, Botanical Bliss, is now live on all available platforms, and there’s plenty in-store for the players to enjoy and explore.

The latest update gives us new ways to explore the magical world and deck out our housing plots. Additionally, 1st and 2nd Anniversary Plushies are also available to all as part of a limited-time login campaign.

All major Palia Botanical Bliss features

The new update has plenty of events to engage in. Completing the events will allow us to win special rewards.

Flower Bloom Event

This event will be available to all players at 12pm game time in Palia. You will have to take part in a co-op-focused flower-filled challenge to complete the tasks and unlock the rewards. You can also attempt to go solo, but it could be slightly tricky.

The event will be available to beginners and veterans alike. If you’re just starting in Palia, complete the tutorial to gain access to the event. You might be missing the watering can, but you can still enjoy the remaining content that the event has to offer.

To make matters easier, a new Bulletin Board is available for all. You can use the board to explore seasonal themes, take part in limited-time activities, and win various rewards. You can also find mini narrative-driven objectives to win even more rewards.

New decor items

If you’re looking to add more color and style to your house in Palia, make sure to explore the eight flower-themed nameplates. The nameplates are available from Flower Bloom Event rewards and Bulletin Board quests.

You can find more options in the Premium Store, which also gets new updates. Fresh items like the Beastslayer and Yacht Club outfit collections, Torocat Pet and Glider, and the Beastslayer Tool Skin will be available as part of Botanical Bliss.

You can also find new Plushes like the Floatfish Toadstool, Piksii, and Floatfish Midnight during the event.

New flora

Sticking true to the theme of the event, you will find ten new floras to explore, combined with nine stylish planters.

Here’s the complete list of all flora items/recipes and how to acquire them.

Item How to AcquireGreenhome Clay PotPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventGreenhome BasketPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventGreenhome Wall PotPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventGreenhome Stone UrnPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventGreenhome Wood PotPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventGreenhome Terracotta PotPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventGreenhome Burlap SackPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventGreenhome Metal PotPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventGreenhome Flower BoxPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventFlowering Orange BushPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventFlowering Pink BushPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventFlowering Black BushPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventFlowering Blue BushPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventFlowering Yellow BushPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventFlowering Red BushPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventFlowering Purple BushPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventCoastal BushPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventCypress TreePotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic EventFernPotential Drop from Kilima Dynamic Event

Additionally, the update continues to bring plenty of bug fixes and solutions to some pesky glitches that have been found in Palia so far.

Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy



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CoinDesk News Image
NFT Gaming

Figure Joins Crypto IPO Rush With Nasdaq Listing Bid Under FIGR

by admin August 19, 2025



Figure, the blockchain-powered lender founded by SoFi co-founder Mike Cagney, has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering as the latest entrant in a growing crypto IPO wave.

The company plans to list its Class A shares on the Nasdaq under the ticker FIGR, with Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and BofA Securities serving as lead underwriters.

Figure’s path to public markets has been years in the making. In 2021, it launched a special purpose acquisition company, Figure Acquisition Corp. I, with a $250 million raise aimed at acquiring growth-stage businesses using Provenance as an efficiency layer, however in the end this SPAC did not bring Figure to market.

A friendlier regulatory stance under the Trump administration and buoyant crypto and stock markets have set the stage for a surge of digital asset firms tapping the equity markets, including crypto exchange Bullish which is the owner of CoinDesk.

The company last month merged with Figure Markets, a blockchain marketplace also launched by Cagney that issues YDLS, a yield-bearing stablecoin structured as a tokenized money market fund.

Financials disclosed in the S-1 show revenue up 22.4% in the first half of 2025 to $190.6 million, with net income of $29 million compared with a $13 million loss a year earlier.

According to the filing with the SEC, proceeds from the IPO will fund working capital and potential acquisitions, with no dividends planned.



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Michael Saylor’s Strategy loosens stock sale limits to sustain Bitcoin strategy
Crypto Trends

Michael Saylor’s Strategy loosens stock issuance limits

by admin August 19, 2025



Michael Saylor’s Strategy Inc. is adjusting its financing playbook, easing restrictions on stock sales just weeks after pledging tighter rules.

Summary

  • Strategy Inc. eased its self-imposed limit on stock issuance, allowing sales even when its shares trade below the 2.5x Bitcoin holdings threshold.
  • The company added 430 BTC last week, bringing total holdings to 629,376 BTC with more than $26 billion in unrealized gains.
  • Despite strong Bitcoin reserves, Strategy’s stock is down 22% since November, raising concerns over dilution and demand for its preferred equity program.

According to an Aug. 18 report by Bloomberg, the change gives the Bitcoin-heavy company greater flexibility to raise funds as its share premium over Bitcoin (BTC) holdings narrows.

Strategy’s stock issuance rules shift

Previously, the company had promised not to issue new shares if its stock traded at less than 2.5 times the value of its Bitcoin holdings, a buffer Saylor termed the “mNAV premium.” That limit was intended to reassure investors concerned about dilution. Exceptions were only allowed to cover debt interest or preferred equity dividends.

Under the updated policy, Strategy will permit stock issuance below the 2.5x threshold “when otherwise deemed advantageous to the company.” Analysts like Brian Dobson of Clear Street said the additional language allows Saylor to be more opportunistic in financing Bitcoin purchases.

The shift comes as demand for the firm’s preferred stock program, a novel perpetual equity product Saylor unveiled in July, faces uncertainty. Investor appetite has been tested by falling premiums on Strategy’s shares and increasing competition from Bitcoin ETFs and other crypto-treasury firms.

Slower purchases, strong holdings

Strategy’s pace of Bitcoin accumulation has moderated. The company disclosed on Aug. 18 that it bought 430 Bitcoin for $51.4 million in the prior week, following a 155 BTC purchase the week before. In total, Strategy now holds 629,376 BTC, acquired at an average price of $73,320. With Bitcoin trading near all-time highs around $119,666, the firm sits on more than $26 billion in unrealized gains.

Despite these gains, Strategy’s stock has fallen 22% since reaching a record in November, lagging Bitcoin’s 23% rally over the same period. Short sellers like Jim Chanos have questioned whether the firm’s four series of preferred stock offerings can offset reduced at-the-market equity sales.

The latest revision shows how quickly Saylor’s bold financing strategy is being tested. While easing restrictions may reassure the company’s ability to keep building its Bitcoin reserves, it also highlights investor concerns about dilution and long-term sustainability.



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