Administrator – Spinleader

Dutch publisher Mystic Forge nets €2 million to help indies get to market

Administrator — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 13:23:49 +0000

Mystic Forge, a self-styled boutique publisher based in the Netherlands, has secured €2 million ($2.1 million) in funding.

The investment round was led by ForsVS and ROM Utrecht Region and will enable the publisher to expand its portfolio.

Mystic Forge was founded by Good Shepherd Entertainment vets Paul Hanraets, Randy Greenback, and Vernon Vrolijk, and wants to make and impact within the indie game market by deploying an “innovative collaboration model.”

“Specializing in strategy, simulation, and RPG games for PC, Mystic Forge adopts a proactive approach, selecting projects meticulously but also initiating collaborations by connecting developers within its extensive network,” reads a press release.

“This strategy allows the company to dedicate substantial resources and focused attention to each game, ensuring personalized support from the early stages of development and extending well beyond game launch.”

Mystic Forge co-founder Paul Hanraets said the company will use the money to sign new projects and intends to make some announcements later this year.

ForsVC venture partner Eric Diepeveen added the investment can help revitalise a publishing market calling out for change. “Mystic Forge’s unique approach positions them perfectly to seize this moment,” he continued. “We believe they will become a major player, delivering exceptional and engaging games.”

New Resident Evil game confirmed, with the director of Resi 7 at the helm

Administrator — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 13:23:31 +0000

Capcom spat a little squirt of news bile on us yesterday, like a hideous zombie vomiting up demos and release dates. One of the smaller chunks was a brief comment by Resident Evil 7 director Koshi Nakanishi, who confirmed that a new Resident Evil game is in the works. That’s not too much of a surprise – big franchise gonna franchise – but still, it’s nice to hear. “It was really difficult to figure out what to do after [Resident Evil] 7,” he said, “but I found it. And to be honest it feels substantial.”

We did not get more information than that, unfortunately. The quick and easy assumption to make is that this will be Resident Evil 9, or whatever the developers decide to call it. But Nakanishi stops short of saying this outright. Considering there are unconfirmed rumours that claim both Resident Evil 0 and Resident Evil – Code: Veronica will be getting remakes, I feel iffy about jumping to conclusions about exactly which Resi this heavyweight director will be lending his overseership to. It probably is number 9, which has seen its own leaks and is reportedly called Resident Evil 9: Revenant Shadows. But still, no official confirmation of that.

Elsewhere in the Capcom Next broadcast, Nakanishi reminisced about Resident Evil 7’s shift away from action and back to horror.

“When we first started development [on Resi 7], Resident Evil was… well, if I’m being honest, as a brand we were off-track. The action element had been expanded and fans reacted much more negatively than expected. In the end an RE game has to be scary… the general consensus from fans of the series was that a Resident Evil game is one that should scare the hell out of you. That was the starting point for Resident Evil 7.”

If Nakanishi is heading development of Resident Evil 9, my hope is that he continues to push the team back into the dark realm of horror. Resident Evil Village was interesting, but I found it much more shooty than expected, especially after the seventh game’s hobbled houseboundness. Then again, I like my horror slow and creepy. I’d be happy if a Resi game came out with, like, three monsters in it. So long as it was dark and tense.

PC-loyal Resi fans desirous of the classics have seen some good news recently, now that the original 1996 Resident Evil is available to download on PC for the first time. And ye olde Resi 2 and 3 are coming soon, according to placeholder pages at GOG. No word on Resident Evil – Code: Veronica though, which holds the distinguished honour of being the only Resident Evil game with my granny’s name in the title.

The Red Car Theory

Administrator — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:44:17 +0000

This is a short blog with a simple message: Opportunities are all around you, but you have to be looking for them in order to take advantage of them. Here is a 30-second video that illustrates this point.

Joe’s Perspective: I can’t state it any better than she did. “That’s how opportunities work. When you go through life and you are not looking and you are not aware, opportunities just pass you by and you don’t even notice. Anything can turn into an opportunity, but you have to be aware and you have to keep looking.” So, keep your eyes open and be open to new opportunities. This reminds me of a great quote, “Instead of waiting for your boat to come in, swim out to it.” No line is going to form in front of you that says, “Opportunities here, come and get it.” If you want to be successful, you have to be your own advocate. Be willing to take the bull by the horns. Seize the day. Take some risks.

Your Turn: What are your thoughts on today’s blog and how can it positively impact your life?

7 way to build confidence and cultivate resilience

Administrator — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:00:56 +0000

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!

Audrey Hepburn

I found myself needing to stop at a local mall. And I didn’t expect to hear someone shouting in such a hostile manner.

I heard the awful words and felt the sting in them before I even rounded the corner. When I turned to see what was happening, and saw her crying, I wasn’t sure what to do or say. Before I could react, she muttered to herself. Straining to hear, I picked up on the fact that she was repeating those awful words to herself.

I thought….“You are not those words. I don’t even know you, but I can see that it’s not true. Don’t give him your power.”

She somehow managed a smile before her friend showed up a moment later, and they embraced as she broke down again. Once I could tell she was in great hands, I was able to continue with my day.

One of Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous quotes is “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Sounds easy, but…it isn’t, especially in the moment.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Eleanor Roosevelt

In these simple words, she conveyed a profound truth about personal power, resilience, and self-confidence.

This tells us that the power to influence our feelings and self-perception resides within us, not in the words of others. It means that we control the narrative about our worth, value, and abilities. When we give others the authority to make us feel less than, we surrender our personal power.

So, what should we do when someone tries to make us feel inferior? Here’s a roadmap to build confidence, cultivate resilience, and reclaim personal power:

Understand your triggers: Identify situations or comments that make you feel inferior. Understanding these triggers can help you better prepare and react to them.

Remember: Triggers are not a sign of weakness; they are a part of being human. Awareness of them is the first step towards control.

2. Foster a Positive Self-Image

Embrace your strengths: Recognize your unique abilities and the areas where you can improve. Having a balanced perspective on your abilities fosters self-esteem.

Remember: You are a work-in-progress, and it’s perfectly okay. Embracing your weaknesses as areas for growth will make you unstoppable.

Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.

Marilyn Monroe

3. Develop Emotional Intelligence

Control your reaction: When someone tries to belittle you, remember you have the power to control your emotional response.

Remember: Not every negative comment deserves your energy. Be selective with your emotional investments.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

Les Brown

4. Set Personal Boundaries

Communicate your limits: It’s important to let people know what is and isn’t acceptable behavior towards you.

Remember: Setting boundaries is a sign of self-respect. You are teaching others how you want to be treated.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

Arthur Ashe

5. Practice Self-Affirmation

Boost your confidence with positive affirmations: Remind yourself daily of your worth, capabilities, and achievements.

Remember: Positive self-talk can change your outlook on life. Make it a daily ritual.

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

6. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Choose your company wisely: Surround yourself with people who inspire, encourage, and respect you.

Remember: You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

7. Seek Professional Help When Necessary

Reach out to a professional if feelings of inferiority persist: There’s no shame in seeking help from psychologists or coaches to help you navigate your feelings and develop coping strategies.

Remember: Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to your strength and commitment to personal growth.

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.

Dale Carnegie

Do not let anyone undermine your worth or potential. Instead, embrace the powerful words of Eleanor Roosevelt, and realize that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Image Credit: Alex Shute

3 Most Important Attributes in a Teammate

Administrator — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:56:54 +0000

I have to be honest. I have no idea who this guy is. My guess is he is a special forces guy in the military. My guess is he is part of an elite fighting force. My guess is he has had more training and leadership development than any of us will ever receive.

Given all that, he says there are three things that he looks for in a teammate. 1) Dependability – be where you say you are going to be when you say you are going to be, 2) Skilled – that you are very good at completing the task that you are charged to do, & 3) Selflessness – making sure the needs of others are taken care of before you take care of your own.

And, the one he says is the hardest to do and the most important to do is selflessness. Putting the needs of others before yourself – not once in a while or when it is convenient, but when it matters.

Your Turn: On a scale of 1-10, how selfless are you? How well and how often do you put the needs of your teammates/classmates/friends/family ahead of your own?

Add Psychometric Assessments to Your Hiring Checklist for Outstanding Results

Administrator — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:52:25 +0000

The pendulum in the job market has swung from the prospective employees’ side to the hiring managers’ side. But it’s still not easy to find the right team members. That’s why you need to develop a hiring checklist.

Like many managers, you may already use an informal list to track your hiring process. You know it’s critical to post an accurate job description and title. You may also maintain a list of internal team members who will assist with interviewing.

Before interviews start, you’ll need to sort through a huge volume of candidates. In the tightening job market, more managers are using automated tools to quickly screen out nonqualified candidates.

On the other side of the fence, job seekers are using similar tools to swamp online application systems. Some organizations no longer post positions and are instead returning to old practices. They are tapping into networks and employee referral systems, and that practice could lead to trouble.

All About Referrals

Using a referral system as part of your hiring checklist can generate great results – especially for candidates. Job seekers with connections have a better chance of getting hired under this kind of system.

A study by Greenhouse found that “applicants with referrals had a 50% chance of advancing past an initial résumé review…compared with 12% odds for other external candidates.”

While this practice may make your job as a hiring manager slightly easier, you’ll encounter challenges. Most employee referral systems put forth candidates who look and act like your current employees. This situation will limit your progress toward any lofty DEI goals you’ve committed to.

The Halo Effect

Another major flaw with a candidate referral system is the “halo effect.” If someone you respect or admire recommends a candidate, you naturally expect the individual will have positive attributes. Hiring managers don’t want to insult the referrer so they grant the candidate an interview.

They may even hire the candidate based on the connection to the referring individual. The problem with this approach is that emotion has the search for a new employee. Emotions do not belong on a hiring checklist.

To hire the best candidate for your position, you should rely on an unbiased data set. This kind of information is available through TeamTrait, which offers a comprehensive psychometric assessment.

The Resume Versus the Assessment

A detailed resume check usually holds a prominent spot on the hiring checklist. But the resume serves as another way for the candidate to position themselves in the best light. Research shows that 70% of individuals enhance the information on their resumes.

With the job market suddenly being a bit tighter, candidates will adjust strengths and skill sets to match your requirements. And during an interview, they’ll tell you what they think you want to know.

All this work on the candidate’s part can put you at a disadvantage. But you can level the playing field by requiring candidates to take an assessment before an interview.

Psychometric assessment results provide useful information when it comes to understanding workplace behavior. A candidate with strong technical and soft skills may also tend to be a job protector. Knowing this in advance allows you to ask questions about that tendency.

If the candidate also scores well on coachability, you may be able to help them adjust their workplace behavior.

Interview Preparation

With assessment results in hand, you can be better prepared for the interview. As part of your hiring checklist, commit to asking the right questions during the interview.

To determine whether you have a potential star applying for your job, ask personalized questions based on assessment results. If their profile indicates they have trouble with decisions, you can dig into that topic. Ask how they’d handle a problem you give them.

Remember this: They may not have work experience to draw on, but they can answer based on personal experience.

Hiring a new employee involves significant expense and investment of resources in training. To get it right, you need data that indicates how well an individual will fit with your existing team. Be sure to add psychometric assessments to your hiring checklist.

Photo by RDNE Stockphoto on Pexels.

How Leaders Handle the Smallest Threats

Administrator — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:49:52 +0000

In leadership, the focus often gravitates towards grand visions and sweeping changes. The big stuff.

But my experience is that it’s usually the small, seemingly insignificant threats that can derail organizations.

We think that lions and sharks are scary, and we dismiss the tiny mosquito. But the mosquito is far riskier to humans.

Tiny challenges can accumulate and become critical if ignored. Understanding how successful leaders manage these small threats provides valuable insights for all of us.

Attention to Detail

Leaders who excel are often distinguished by their attention to detail. They recognize that in the minutiae lies potential danger. Consider a leader navigating a company through a period of rapid technological change. While major projects capture the spotlight, this leader knows that the outdated software in one department may seem minor today but could cause serious security risks if not dealt with quickly. A proactive approach in upgrading systems, even when they appear secondary, safeguards the company’s future.

Great leaders know: It’s not the noise of the threats, but the silence of vulnerabilities that requires attention.

Consistency in Small Practices

Athletic coaches provide a clear example of managing small threats through consistent practices. Legendary basketball coach John Wooden didn’t just focus on game-winning strategies. He began each season teaching players how to properly put on their socks and lace their shoes. How would you feel if you were on that team? But this small lesson was critical—preventing blisters and sprains that could sideline his players during crucial moments. And teaching players that the small things matter. Wooden’s meticulousness exemplifies how managing small details can contribute to big successes.

Perspectives on Vigilance

Historically, leaders who anticipated and mitigated minor threats often led their nations through tumultuous times successfully. Winston Churchill, during the early days of World War II, focused not only on massive military strategies but also on bolstering morale among British civilians, a smaller, softer aspect of the war effort. But this played a major role in sustaining the nation’s spirit.

Churchill showed us: The strength of a nation lies not just in the might of its guns, but in the resilience of its people.

Innovation from Small Beginnings

In the corporate world, leaders like Steve Jobs exemplified the importance of addressing small innovations that signal larger industry shifts. Jobs’ focus on the aesthetic details of Apple products, such as the tactile feel of the keyboard or the color of an iPhone, seemed minor. It seemed insignificant. But this often shaped market trends and increased customer loyalty. His ability to treat these small elements with importance paved the way for Apple’s dominance.

Leveraging Technology

Today’s leaders have at their disposal an array of technological tools to monitor and manage small threats. Data analytics, for example, can highlight slight shifts in customer behavior or minor increases in operational costs that might indicate larger issues. A leader’s ability to integrate this data into daily decision-making processes can prevent small threats from becoming larger crises.

In data lies the detail; in detail, the defense against disaster.

Emotional Intelligence

Beyond technology and tactics, emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing these threats. Leaders like Nelson Mandela utilized emotional intelligence to perceive undercurrents of dissent. That let him address a small issue before they escalated. His approach to engaging and making minor adjustments in policies helped maintain a delicate balance during South Africa’s transition period.

Strategic Rest

Sometimes, the small threat isn’t something that needs to be done, but something that needs to be avoided. Think burnout. Rest is important. Jeff Bezos is known to only make high-stakes decisions after sufficient sleep. Seems silly to some to delay a decision, but it works.

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”

Mother Teresa

Through understanding how successful leaders handle the small threats—by being vigilant, detailed, consistent, and strategic—we can gather insights into the art and science of leadership. It’s a continuous balancing act, where the smallest details can have the most significant impacts.

So, whether you’re in the Boardroom or on a Safari, remember: it’s not just the big stuff. The small stuff is often more important than it appears.

Image Credit: erik karits