GuardingPearSoftware

The #cybersecurity landscape is rapidly transforming with the integration of AI, but it’s not all good news. Autonomous AI threat actors could change the game entirely. Generative AI, though still in its early stages, is already causing headaches across industries. The overwhelming sentiment is that attackers are reaping more benefits from AI than defenders. One of the most basic examples is phishing attacks, which rely on creating convincing emails, websites, and other mediums to deceive victims into giving up sensitive information. AI has upped the game here. But phishing is just the tip of the iceberg. AI is now assisting attackers in developing malware and creating sophisticated exploits. What once took a lot of skill and time now only requires some creativity and AI assistance. However, AI threats go beyond making it easier for human attackers. Imagine an AI hacker with a singular task to penetrate a specific organization. It wouldn't get tired, frustrated, or bored. Like a real-life version of the Terminator, it would persist until it succeeded. As #AI continues to evolve, so will the threats we face. But the battle is far from over. While attackers may have the upper hand, for now, the race to outsmart them has only just begun.

Creating a perfect dialogue tree (a flowchart of the player’s choices in a conversation) is the key to creating player-driven narratives in games. Even minor adjustments in dialogue can deeply immerse players, making them feel that their decisions truly matter and impact the game world. Here are key tips for designing dialogue trees: 1. Distinguish between choices and hubs Choices move the story forward, while hubs provide information without branching the narrative. Be clear when players are making impactful decisions and when they're gathering information. 2. Not all choices need huge consequences Small decisions can influence the environment or how characters react, even if they don't lead to entirely new paths. 3. Signpost important decisions Let players know when a choice matters by subtly signaling its weight through dialogue or character interactions. 4. Give major choices time to breathe Build up to important decisions gradually so players feel their choices are meaningful and earned over time. 5. Manage branching complexity Too many branches can overwhelm the development process. Limit the number of branching points and dialogue options to avoid exponential growth in your script. 6. Plan with resources in mind Consider your team's size and the game's platform when determining how complex your dialogue tree should be. 7. Visualize your structure Use flowcharts or tools to map out your dialogue paths. Start with the main storyline (the tree's trunk) before designing branches. 8. Create variants, not just branches Instead of multiple endings, focus on subtle variations in dialogue or world-building that make player choices feel impactful without derailing the main plot. 9. Use dialogue locks and keys Certain dialogue options should be unlocked by prior choices, character development, or in-game achievements, adding depth and encouraging replayability. 10. Ensure natural conversation flow To keep dialogue authentic, align dialogue with the game's emotional beats and allow characters to respond naturally to the player's choices.

The release of AntiCheat 2025 is getting closer 🥳

7 Common mistakes indie Game developers Should Avoid 1. Don’t Spend Too Long Perfecting Aiming for a flawless prototype is tempting, but over-focusing on details can mean missing early market feedback. Launch early to refine based on honest feedback 2. Avoid Overstaffing Early More people don't always mean faster progress. Over-hiring complicates management and can stretch resources too thin. Keep your team lean and efficient. 3. Resist Pursuing Every "Cool" Idea Not every idea is worth chasing. Focus on what aligns with your studio’s goals. 4. Don’t Get Stuck in Iteration Cycles Iteration is necessary, but overdoing it can slow momentum. Test small, make incremental changes, and keep moving forward. 5. Avoid Locking Into a Theme Too Soon It’s easy to get attached to the first idea. Instead, test and be open to changes based on feedback rather than gut feelings alone. 6. Never Ignore the Competition Assuming your game is unique can be a costly mistake. Keep an eye on industry trends and competitor moves to ensure relevance. 7. Don’t Micromanage Trust your team. Overseeing every detail can stifle creativity and motivation. Empower your team to bring their best ideas forward. Starting strong means avoiding these mistakes and staying adaptable. #gamedev #gamedesign #indiedev

Tips for outsourcing a dedicated #gamedev team Want to hire developers overseas without risking project success? These tips can guide your outsourcing strategy. But first, let’s clarify what a dedicated team is. A dedicated team consists of experts with the skills you need to work on your project full-time or part-time, as agreed. Platforms such as LinkedIn are good resources for finding suitable candidates. Here are the core areas to focus on: 1. Communication Develop a management process that facilitates seamless communication. Relying solely on email is insufficient; you need tools for group, one-on-one, and company-wide collaboration. Popular choices include Trello, Slack, Dialpad, and Google Docs. 2. Behavioral Interview Assess candidates’ abilities to work remotely. Look for how they handle uncertainty, disagreements, and unclear instructions. You can also use personality assessments to gauge fit. Find people who proactively seek additional tasks and are comfortable working independently. 3. Skills Remote work demands specific skills beyond technical know-how. Candidates should be tech-savvy, organized, and capable of discerning when a quick call is better than a prolonged email chain. Ask about their organizational methods and how they prioritize tasks. 4. Project Tracking Features like time tracking, automatic screenshots, and activity tracking can enhance productivity. Daily check-ins and automated timesheets help maintain accountability in a remote environment. 5. Clear Goals Define clear job descriptions and goals. Conduct a small paid test project to evaluate their capabilities before committing. Use tools like Jira or Trello to organize tasks so everyone knows what to work on without constant oversight. 6. Overcommunicate Set core working hours and have regular check-ins. Show genuine interest in team members’ lives to build rapport. Schedule at least one in-person meeting annually, if possible. Establish a culture where being available is the norm. Avoid hiring candidates who are resistant to feedback. Highly skilled individuals who react defensively to input can create a negative dynamic. Regardless of team skill level, you know your business goals best. You can invest time in sharing your vision and expectations with the team. Well-defined project roles and responsibilities are vital for a successful partnership. #gamedev #indiedev #gamedevelopment #outsourcing

What's the most challenging part of game development for you, and how do you overcome it? #gamedev #indiedev #gamedevelopment

The annual Microsoft Digital Defence Report has shed light on the rising cybersecurity challenges affecting governments, businesses, and individuals. Over 600 million cyberattacks occur daily, equivalent to 19 attacks every second. Key Notes from the Microsoft Digital Defence Report 1. State-Sponsored Threats Attacks from state actors have reached unprecedented levels, with a 40% increase in strikes on infrastructure. Primary targets include energy, healthcare, and government systems. 2. Emerging AI Threats Cybercriminals are rapidly adopting AI for phishing, automating hacking, and creating convincing digital scams. These advancements often outpace defenders’ ability to respond effectively. 3. Regional Attack Patterns Russia: Focused 75% of its attacks on Ukraine and NATO countries. China: Targets Taiwan and South China Sea nations. Iran: Spike in attacks following the Israel-Hamas conflict. North Korea: Over $600 million stolen in cryptocurrency in 2023. 4. Sector Vulnerabilities: IT: 24% of attacks. Education and research: 21%. Governments: 12%. How can governments, companies, and individuals address this rapid evolution of cyber threats? Experts, give your advice. #Cybersecurity #artificialintelligence #Cyberattacks

🔥 Release of 2024.4: Android Security Update - Patch - Patch: Validate Installed Apps - Starting with Android 11 (API Level 30), Google introduced package visibility changes that restrict the ability to query all installed packages. While the ‘QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES’ permission exists (), its use requires explicit justification to Google and may be rejected during app review. With this patch, the packages on the blacklist are queried instead of querying all packages. This approach requires these packages to be added to the Android Manifest, but this is done automatically by AntiCheat. Get it here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ei4sRnp9

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring game developers who are just starting? #gamedev #indiedev #gamedevelopment