Page 3 - Issue 4 2023

FROM THE
EDITOR'S
DESK

Crypto Miners versus Gamers in Blockchain Games
udging from the number of exhibitions and The Web3 is the idea of a decentralised internet experience created by blockchain
conferences that are appearing on the calendar ownership of virtual spaces, assets, tokens and identities in games. Using
Jit appears that we have finally shaken off our cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and blockchain technology, gamers
pandemic mindset. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying experience more immersive and participative methods of connection and action
that lockdown, sanitising and wearing of masks were mainly through technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality,
the wrong approach. They did have the desired effect allowing for socialising and collective learning in a more natural, potentially three-
but perhaps just were too severe! No doubt the vaccine dimensional, way. However the gaming industry is receiving resistance from casual
also made a major contribution in curbing the scourge. and native gamers regarding blockchain games.
I still don’t understand why the powers in charge This is as a result of multiple factors, mainly a shortage of hardware as
did not foresee that shutting down the supply industry, crypto-mining becomes more intrinsically part of games, and a lack of common
such as components and device manufacturers, would motivations among players. This has seen massive divides between gaming
have major negative outcomes for years to follow. I am communities and crypto communities. Between 2020 and 2022 casual gamers
sure better, yet safe, arrangements could have been experienced shortages of new graphic cards, as miners often bought them with
devised. But I guess I will have to continue to wonder. the intention of making a quick buck, before reselling them to gamers at exorbitant
I just hope that when the next pandemic strikes (and prices. As an industry created for leisure and entertainment, online domains are
scientists say there will be a next one) better options experiencing many clashes between the communities as native miners use the
are considered. platforms with exclusively financial intentions.
Back on the exhibition trail, EngineerIT is joining
forces with the Africa Automation and Technology Open AI Writing Apps and AI Classifiers
Fair (AATF) which will take place at the Gallagher Among educators there is a growing concern regarding Artificial Intelligence writing
Convention Centre from 9 to 11 May 2023. applications. For most, it is a simple as providing a command, word count, a title,
With its theme of ‘For Africa from Africa’ for all and some key words to guide the software in writing your essay. Furthermore, many
things automation and technology, AATF2023 promises are marketing themselves as effectively evading plagiarism detection software.
to be an immersive industrial automation technology There is growing evidence that AI is advancing past even these writing
experience not to be missed! capabilities into even more creative forms of literacy and composition.
AATF, which has been running for 25 years, has During a research project at Japanese Kyoto University it was investigated
been attracting visitors and international exhibitors whether people were able to differentiate between haiku poetry written by people
from across the globe and has earned a solid and by AI. Despite participants’ efforts to identify which is which, exclusively
reputation for being the most comprehensive and human written poetry and AI written poetry were graded equally low, with the
focused automation technology platform in Africa. highest scores being awarded to poetry written by AI with human assistance or
Offering additional product categories and new show Human In The Loop (HITL).
innovations in 2023, AATF remains relevant in an ever- As a result of these applications being used deceptively, ChatCPT has
changing industry, identifying and engaging the latest developed an AI Classifier which is able to identify AI generated content. Although
automation technology developments, inventions and it is not the most reliable classifier yet, it is calling for educators, students and
megatrends. others affected to provide feedback and input data to better train the classifier.
EngineerIT will be publishing a preview of the show,
highlighting the various attractions, helping you to South African Virtual Reality Films at Joburg Film Festival 2023
pre-plan your visit to the show and conference and Joburg Film Festival showcased Virtual Reality (VR) films for the first time! Dylan
make the most of your available time. Exhibitors are Valley’s “Azibuye – The Occupation” debuted during the Sundance Film Festival in
invited to explore how they can benefit by participating 2020. The film uses VR and 360 degree filmography to capture a story of artistic
in the preview guide. Details about the guide can be occupational activism, addressing South Africa’s historical laws of dispossession
found in this edition of Engineer. and contemporary issues of redistribution in a short but participative documentary.
As always, we have put together interesting articles Simon Wood and Meghna Singh’s “Container” aims to “make visible the
covering a wide range of disciplines. Download the PDF invisible bodies enabling our consumer society,” by creating a confrontational story
or read the e-book and enjoy. about contemporary servitude inspired by historical slavery. Using installation
art this VR 180 degree, 3D film shows a collection of contemporary and historical
Greetings stories all set within a shipping container.
These films are some of the first of their kind, and with prices of VR technology
Hans van de Groenendaal dropping it will allow more creatives and film-makers to explore, innovate and
Editor 082 781 4631 create new genres of filmography. VR is also being used more in healthcare,
hansv@nowmedia.co.za mining, advertising and gaming industries.

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