Curated Collection

Here’s What I Wrote in June 2023

A summary of my stories published last month on Medium for new readers

As a relatively new writer and editor on Medium, I have found immense joy in crafting my own stories and supporting the works of fellow writers. Over the past 18 months, I have had the privilege of exploring hundreds of captivating stories that have left a lasting impact on me.

In this post, I am excited to share a summary and the links to the stories I published in June 2023. If you miss any relevant tales, fret not, for you can easily find them through the provided links.

It’s disheartening to admit that my stories receive limited views from our internal readership. However, I remain optimistic and see these monthly newsletters as a means of reaching out to a broader audience within our community. I genuinely hope these newsletters catch the attention of more internal readers who might otherwise have missed my work.

My writing focuses primarily on gaming, movies, social media, virtual reality, and technology news. Above all, my passion lies in supporting Illumination and the two publications I own, one dedicated to gaming and the other to videos/podcasts.

Thank you for taking the time to explore these stories. I sincerely appreciate your support as I continue to grow and contribute to the world of writing on Medium. I am grateful for your support and looking forward to your precious feedback.

The Much-Anticipated Release of Ratchet & Clank on PC Is Set to Happen This Summer

Ratchet & Clank is a fantastic video game franchise that has entertained gamers for years. It’s all about the adventures of a Lombax named Ratchet and his robotic sidekick, Clank. Together, they embark on exciting missions across different planets in a colorful, action-packed universe.

Human Trials for Elon Musk’s Neuralink Gets the Green Light from the FDA

Neuralink is this super cool company founded by Elon Musk, the same guy behind Tesla, SpaceX, and a bunch of other futuristic ventures. Basically, Neuralink aims to develop and create brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that connect our brains with computers.

Why Are the Spider-Man Movies Very Popular?

Spider-Man is a wicked cool superhero who swings around the city, saving the day in a red and blue spandex suit. He’s not your average superhero, though. Peter Parker, the guy behind the mask, is just a regular dude like you and me.

The Meta Quest 3 Has Officially Been Announced

The Meta Quest is a VR headset, which is like strapping a mind-blowing virtual reality wonderland right onto your face! It’s a high-tech gadget that takes gaming and immersive experiences to a whole new level.

A Sequel to the Popular “Hot Wheels Unleashed” Is Set to Launch Later This Year

Hot Wheels are awesome little toy cars that have been around for ages and continue to be a huge hit with kids and even some adults (because let’s be honest, they’re pretty darn cool). They’re like the rock stars of the toy car world.

The Moto Razr 40 Ultra Might Impress You

Motorola is known for being a total legend in the tech world. They’ve been around for ages, making waves and creating some seriously awesome stuff. When you think of Motorola, you can’t help but think of innovation and game-changing devices.

The Writers’ Strike Shakes Things Up for Spider-Man 4, as Tom Holland Reveals

Alright, let’s talk about Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, the coolest web-slinging hero in town! This dude burst onto the scene in 2016, swinging his way into our hearts as the youngest Spidey to grace the big screen.

Multiplayer’s Future in Call of Duty Sparks Worries Among Players

The multiplayer experience in Call of Duty is packed with action, excitement, and lots of fun. There’s a lot to dive into. So let me break it down for you. First of all, it has various game modes. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fan of classic team deathmatch, objective-based modes, or fast-paced battles in Free-for-All. There will always be something for you.

Major Workforce Downsizing at EA Racing Studio

Firemonkeys is a game development studio based in Melbourne, Australia, where I live. They make mobile games that you can play on your smartphone or tablet. They’re famous for their racing games. This includes the “Real Racing” series, which is super realistic and has tons of licensed cars and tracks.

Thor’s Return: Chris Hemsworth Sets One Firm Rule

Alright, so Thor is this Nordic god dude, the son of Odin and the crown prince of Asgard. He’s got the looks, the muscles, and that killer hair that makes you want to run your fingers through it. Played by Chris Hemsworth, Thor is a total powerhouse and a fan favorite.

Unveiling Apple’s 2023 Flagship

The iPhone is like a rockstar in the smartphone world. It’s insanely popular, and there are some legit reasons why people go nuts over it. Let me break it down for you in an informal way.

A Breakdown of Ezra Miller’s Unique Running Style in the Flash Movie

Let me tell you about Ezra Miller as The Flash! This guy has brought some serious energy and humor to the character, and I absolutely love it. From the moment he first appeared on screen as Barry Allen, I knew we were in for a wild ride.

Apple’s Exciting AR Headset Has Finally Been Revealed

So, you know how virtual reality (VR) takes you to a whole new world, immersing you in a completely digital experience? Well, augmented reality (AR) headsets are kinda like that, but with a twist. AR headsets are these nifty gadgets that let you see and interact with virtual elements in the real world.

Major Pre-Showcase Leak Hits Ubisoft’s Big New Game

“The Crew” is a kickass racing game that lets you dive into a gigantic, open-world recreation of the United States. Yeah, you heard me right — it’s like a virtual road trip across the whole freakin’ country! From the bustling streets of New York City to the sun-kissed beaches of Miami, and the picturesque mountains of Colorado to the iconic landmarks of Los Angeles, this game has got it all.

Give Your Steam Deck a Nostalgic Game Boy Color Look with This New Accessory

The Steam Deck is blowing up right now, and there are a bunch of reasons why it’s so freaking popular. It’s the hottest topic in the gaming community, and everyone’s losing their minds over it. So, buckle up and get ready for the lowdown on why this bad boy is causing such a ruckus.

This Month, Ubisoft Will Unveil Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Avatar, and the Crew Motorfest for All to See

Ubisoft Forward is this exciting event put together by the guys at Ubisoft, the gaming powerhouse we all know and love. It’s like their very own party where they invite gamers from all around the world to join in on the fun.

Farming Simulator 22 Got a Free PvP Gamemode

Farming Simulator is a game that lets you step into the shoes of a modern-day farmer. But hold your horses, it’s not your average run-of-the-mill farming experience. This game takes it to a whole new level of realism and excitement. It’s like being a farmer without actually getting your hands dirty. How cool is that?

These Feature Are Coming to Your iPhone with iOS 17

First things first, iOS is smooth as butter. Like, seriously, it’s so freaking smooth that you can glide through your apps and menus without a hitch. It’s like a seamless dance between your fingers and the screen. Android users might argue, but iOS just has this magical touch that makes everything feel polished and refined.

The Trails and Tales Update for Minecraft Is Officially Out

So, let me tell you all about Minecraft. It’s a super popular sandbox game that’s taken the world by storm. Picture this: you’re dropped into a virtual world made up of blocks, just like a digital LEGO set. And guess what? You can build anything your imagination desires!

OnePlus Could Be Coming Out with Foldable Phone

Alright, buckle up, ’cause I’m about to blow your mind with this awesome tech gadget called a foldable phone! So, picture this: you know how regular smartphones have a solid, unchangeable shape, right? Well, imagine if you could magically fold that bad boy in half like a super-sleek piece of origami. Mind-blowing, isn’t it?

We Have More News on the Nothing Phone (2)

Alright, let me tell you about this interesting company called “Nothing” and their phone game. They’re not your ordinary smartphone makers, nope. They’re all about shaking things up and bringing a fresh perspective to the tech world.

Black Mirror Is Coming Back with a Sixth Season

Black Mirror is a wickedly cool TV series that messes with your mind and makes you question everything about our technology-obsessed world. It’s like a modern-day Twilight Zone, but on steroids and with a huge dose of dark humor.

The Volvo EX30 Is a Small and Fast EV SUV

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of transportation, and let me tell you why. Picture this: you’re cruising down the road, the wind in your hair, and not a worry in the world about polluting the air or guzzling expensive fossil fuels. That’s the beauty of electric vehicles!

Black Desert Online Has an Interesting New Expansion Incoming

Black Desert Online is a super cool MMORPG that’s got everything you could ever want in a game. It’s like this vast virtual world where you can be whoever you want to be and do whatever you want to do. It’s all about freedom, adventure, and getting lost in a world of endless possibilities.

Prescription Inserts Are Rumored to Be Fairly Expensive for the Apple Vision Pro

You may ask what it is. So, here’s the deal with Apple’s Vision Pro. They say it’s an absolute game-changer, giving you this crazy infinite canvas for apps that goes way beyond your regular old screen. And get this, you can control it with your voice, hands, and even your eyes! No clunky controllers are needed, folks.

The Nitro Deck Apparently Solves the Nintendo Switch Stick Drift Issue

Alright, so let me break it down for you. Stick drift on the Nintendo Switch is basically a common and frustrating issue that many users have encountered with their Joy-Con controllers. It refers to the problem where the analog sticks on the Joy-Con start moving or registering input on their own, even when you’re not touching them. It’s like having a ghost in your controller!

Trucking Companies Are Buying Billboards in American Truck Simulator

Alright, buckle up, my friend, because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through the virtual highways of the American Truck Simulator!

Picture this: you’re sitting in the driver’s seat of a big rig, your hands gripping the steering wheel, and the open road stretching out before you. You’re the king of the asphalt, cruising through the vast landscapes of the good ol’ US of A.

You Can Now Preorder the Upcoming MacBook Air

Let’s talk about the design. The MacBook Air is slim, lightweight, and oh-so-portable. It’s like the supermodel of laptops, strutting its stuff with confidence.

It’s perfect for those of us who are always on the go, whether we’re heading to class, coffee shops, or jet-setting across the globe. I mean, who wants to lug around a bulky, heavy laptop when you can have a feather-light beauty like the MacBook Air?

The Upcoming Forza Motorsport Game Is Almost Here

Forza Motorsport is an absolute beast of a racing video game series that’s guaranteed to get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping. It’s a franchise that’s all about the thrill of high-speed racing and the joy of owning and customizing some of the sickest cars on the planet.

A Bunch of Details Were Revealed About Playday 3

So, let me break it down for you. Payday is a popular video game that puts you in the shoes of a professional criminal. It’s all about pulling off thrilling heists, robbing banks, and scoring big money. If you’ve ever fantasized about being a mastermind thief, this game gives you a taste of that adrenaline rush.

Reddit Is Undergoing a Blackout, with Thousands of Subreddits Going Private in Protest over API Changes

An API, short for application programming interface, is a fancy way of saying it’s a set of rules and tools that let different software programs talk to each other.

So why should you care about APIs? Well, they make your life easier when it comes to building and connecting software.

If You Wanna Keep Story Missions in Overwatch 2, You’ll Have to Pay for It

Aaron Keller, the big shot game director of Overwatch 2, dropped a blog post that left fans feeling totally disappointed and frustrated. Blizzard just went and canceled the highly anticipated PvE “Hero mode” in Overwatch 2. Ouch, right?

The Apple Watch Series 9 Was Announced and Is Expected to Be Released Later This Year

Let me tell you why the Apple Watch is totally rocking the world and why everyone and their grandma wants to get their hands, well, wrists on it. First of all, this thing is like a mini supercomputer right on your arm. It’s not just a watch, my friend, it’s a whole damn lifestyle accessory.

Zazie Beetz, an Actor in Joker: Folie a Deux, Talks About the Musical Aspect of the Film

So, what’s up with Arthur Fleck after the first movie? Did all that crazy stuff actually happen, or was it just made up by the Joker himself? Let’s dig into the scoop on Joker: Folie à Deux.

So, Phillips spilled the beans that the sequel’s subtitle would be “Folie à Deux,” which is basically about two people sharing mental disorders in close relationships.

We Got a Gameplay Demonstration for Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed is like this epic video game franchise that’ll blow your mind! It’s all about badass assassins, historical settings, and a whole lot of action.

Imagine being able to travel back in time and relive these crazy historical events, but with a hidden agenda to take down the bad guys. That’s what Assassin’s Creed is all about!

Phasmophobia Is Coming to Consoles

So, in Phasmophobia, you basically become a ghost hunter. You team up with your buddies, and together, you enter these creepy haunted locations. And let me tell you, they’re not your average run-down houses. We’re talking about abandoned asylums, creaky old mansions, and all sorts of spooky places that will give you the heebie-jeebies.

The Sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 Is CD Projekts Next Focus

Alright, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride, because I’m about to give you the lowdown on Cyberpunk 2077! This game is the ultimate fusion of futuristic awesomeness, high-tech chaos, and a whole lot of neon-lit mayhem.

Exciting Changes Are Coming to Career Mode and AI in the Next Forza Motorsport Game.

Forza Motorsport is a kick-ass racing video game series. That’ll make your heart race faster than a souped-up sports car! It’s like a turbo-charged adrenaline rush for gamers who love burning rubber, screeching tires, and pushing their driving skills to the limit.

Scarlett Johansson Has a Secret Marvel Project

Let me tell you about Scarlett Johansson and her significance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). She’s a total badass and one of the most important characters in the whole franchise!

Firstly, Scarlett plays the role of Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow. She made her first appearance in the MCU way back in “Iron Man 2” (2010), and since then, she’s become a fan favorite.

Kick Offered Streamer xQc a Ridiculous $100 Million Deal to Stream on Their Platform

Kick is this new streaming platform that’s giving Twitch, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live a run for their money. You can subscribe to your favorite creators, give them tips, and enjoy awesome HD live streams.

Here’s the thing that sets Kick apart from Twitch: it’s all about being “creator-friendly.” That means they take less money from creators, they’re more laid-back about explicit content, and they try to be super clear about their rules. Basically, Kick is all about making things fair for streamers.

Intel Is Developing Their Latest Silicon-Based Quantum Processor

Quantum computing is like the wild child of the computing world. It’s this mind-boggling, mind-bending, mind-expanding technology that has the potential to revolutionize how we solve complex problems. So, picture a regular computer, right? It’s got bits, those tiny little things that can either be a 0 or a 1. Simple, binary, yes or no.

Toyota Claims Their EVs Will Have a Range of 900 Miles in the Future

EVs are all the rage these days. They’ve come a long way. They are now making quite a splash in the automotive world.

In a nutshell, EVs run on electricity instead of traditional fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel. They’re clean, green, and oh-so futuristic.

Stampede: Racing Royale Is a 60-Player Mario Kart Style Racing Game for PC

Stampede: Racing Royale is the game that brings together the excitement of Mario Kart with the chaotic energy of Fall Guys. Imagine a race where you have to outpace your opponents and strategically eliminate them from the competition.

Twitch Is Implementing a New Partner Plus Program

Twitch streamers have long complained about Twitch taking a big chunk of their earnings. Unlike YouTube’s 70/30 split, Twitch takes a whopping 50%.

This has caused a lot of tension, and things reached a boiling point when Twitch proposed changes to ad embedding, leading to outrage and a backtrack. Now, it seems Twitch wants to make amends, but with some conditions.

The Progression System in Valorant Is About to Change

Valorant is an incredibly popular and addictive online video game that has taken the gaming community by storm. Developed by Riot Games, the same folks behind League of Legends, it’s a first-person shooter (FPS) game that combines elements from classic tactical shooters with unique character abilities and a vibrant, futuristic aesthetic.

Ark, a New Car Company, Makes Very Cheap Electrical Vehicles

Check out this cool electric car called the Ark Zero! It’s made by a London-based EV start-up called Ark Motors. The best part? It only costs £5995 (US$7,624), making it the most affordable electric car in the UK, according to British media.

The Developers of Grand Theft Auto Figuratively Committed Grand Theft Auto

Grand Theft Auto Online, often referred to as GTA Online, is the online multiplayer component of the wildly popular Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) game developed by Rockstar Games.

It’s like a virtual playground that drops you into a sprawling, open-world environment where you can wreak havoc, make friends, and live out your criminal fantasies with a massive online community.

Ark, a New Car Company, Makes Very Cheap Electrical Vehicles

Check out this cool electric car called the Ark Zero! It’s made by a London-based EV start-up called Ark Motors. The best part? It only costs £5995 (US$7,624), making it the most affordable electric car in the UK, according to British media.

There May Be Some Big Changes Coming to Overwatch 2 Ultimate Abilities

Let me spill the beans on Overwatch 2, the sequel we’ve all been itching for! It’s like the original Overwatch but with more firepower, more heroes, and more epicness. Blizzard Entertainment went all out to give us the ultimate gaming experience, so buckle up and get ready to dive in!

With a Bunch of Streamers Leaving Twitch for Kick, Pokimane Decides She Won’t

Pokimane is a total legend in the online gaming and streaming world. Her real name is Imane Anys, is a Moroccan-Canadian Twitch streamer and YouTuber.

She burst onto the scene and quickly stole the hearts of millions of viewers with her infectious personality and genuine love for gaming. You can think of her as the Internet queen, ruling a kingdom of loyal fans.

Following His Migration to Kick, Streamer xQc Is Already Getting Himself in Trouble on the Platform

xQc, the famous streamer also known as Felix Lengyel, just hit the jackpot with Kick, a rival platform to Twitch. The deal he scored is absolutely insane, worth a mind-blowing $70 million spread over two years. And wait for it, with extra perks, it could even go up to a whopping $100 million!

Nintendo Switch Players Will Be Able to Play the Batman Arkham Trilogy Very Soon

The Batman Arkham trilogy consists of three games: “Batman: Arkham Asylum,” “Batman: Arkham City,” and “Batman: Arkham Knight.” Developed by Rocksteady Studios, these games redefined what it means to be a superhero in the gaming world.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Reportedly Has More Than One Version in Theaters

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is an animated superhero film that serves as a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2018 film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”

It is part of the larger Spider-Man franchise and is set in a multiverse where multiple versions of Spider-Man from different dimensions coexist.

The First Two Forza Horizon Games Will Have Their Servers Shut Down in August

Alright, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride because I’m about to introduce you to Forza Horizon, the ultimate racing extravaganza!

Imagine a world where you can unleash your inner speed demon, push the limits of your driving skills, and experience the thrill of high-octane races. That’s what Forza Horizon is all about.

Blizzard Has Made Some Tweaks to Competitive Play in Overwatch 2

First off, the competition! Ranked mode brings out the competitive spirit in gamers like nothing else. Everyone wants to climb the ladder, show off their skills, and be recognized as the top dog.

It’s a chance to prove yourself and flex your gaming muscles. People love the challenge, the intensity, and the adrenaline rush that comes with every match.

Following the Termination of Google Stadia, YouTube Is Testing a New Online Gaming Service

Google Stadia was a gaming platform that let you play your favorite video games without needing a fancy console or a powerful gaming PC. It was like having a virtual gaming console in the cloud. All you needed was a compatible device, a decent internet connection, and a love for gaming.

One of the most significant advantages of Stadia was that you could play games on almost any device with a screen and an internet connection.

There Have Been Some Rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch is the coolest thing since sliced bread! This little gadget has taken the gaming world by storm and for good reason. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of gaming consoles, offering a whole new level of versatility and fun. So, why is the Nintendo Switch so popular? Well, grab a seat and let me break it down for you.

MultiVersus Is Shutting Down Until 2024

MultiVersus is the new cool thing in the fighting game world ever since it launched its free-to-play open beta on July 26. It’s a mega-crossover game that brings together characters from various Warner Bros. properties. You’ll find iconic figures like Bugs Bunny, Arya Stark, and even LeBron James from Space Jam: A New Legacy.

The Specs of the Nothing Phone (2) Might Have Just Been Leaked

So, Pei just spilled the beans in an interview with Inverse. Get ready, ’cause Phone (2) is gonna hit the market soon, probably later this year. He basically said that his previous tweet was all about how important it is to launch products steadily and keep ’em updated with software stuff.

Red Dead Redemption Could Finally Be Getting a Remaster

Ah, Red Dead Redemption! Now that’s a game that’ll make you feel like a true gunslingin’, horse-ridin’, Wild West outlaw. It’s an open-world action-adventure game that takes you back to the days of the American frontier, where the law was loose and the land was wild.

League of Legends Is Getting a 2v2 Arena Game Mode

Alright, so let me break it down for you. League of Legends, also known as LoL, is like this massive online video game that’s taken the world by storm. It’s kind of a big deal.

Imagine you’re dropped into this fantasy world called Runeterra, and you get to choose this cool champion to play as. These champions are like these super-powered characters with their own unique abilities and personalities.

There Is an Animated Among Us TV Show in the Works

Alright, buckle up and get ready for some interstellar fun! Among Us is an insanely popular online multiplayer game that took the gaming world by storm. Developed by InnerSloth, it quickly became a sensation, turning friends against each other and igniting countless arguments about who’s trustworthy and who’s a sneaky imposter.

Thank you for reading my stories. I’d appreciate your feedback and sharing them with interested readers in your circles.

If you missed the previous summaries, here are the links.

Acknowledgment

Many thanks Dr Mehmet Yildiz (chief editor of Illumination Integrated Publications), who mentors and inspires me to create my monthly newsletter. You may also check his collections for June and May.

I want to share an inspiring story from a new writer and editor, Mike Broadly - Healthier Lifestyle on Medium who shared his stats to inspire new writers planning to join the Medium Partner Program needing 100 followers.

About Me

I write articles in my field covering gaming, film-making, social media, and design. I am also a YouTuber. Thank you for subscribing to my account to get notifications when I post on Medium. I also created a new website to share my content for free and promote stories of writers contributing to my publications on Medium. I also have a Substack newsletter. Let’s connect on Twitter and LinkedIn.

I own two publications on Medium. One for video gamers and another for YouTubers and Podcasters. I also support Illumination Integrated Publications as a volunteer editor and participate in collaborative activities in the Slack Workspace. Writer applications for my publications can be sent via this weblink. Please add your Medium ID.

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