This Week in Tech, AI, and Gaming: RAM Scams, Cloudflare Chaos, and Game Awards Surprises – December | DogHouse 33
This week’s roundup covers wild hardware mishaps, AI disruptions, and gaming surprises. Gamers faced RAM scams, while Cloudflare battled massive AI bot traffic and Microsoft scaled back Copilot. Disney partnered with OpenAI, Paramount moved on Warner Bros, and Fortnite wowed with celebrity skins and Percy Jackson island. Roblox 2025 Replay and The Game Awards 2025 brought viral moments and controversy with Clair Obscur’s rescinded award. Stay up to date on the headlines shaping gaming, tech, and entertainment.
Wanna listen to our takes on all the articles? Check out: The DogHouse 33 | Weekly Tech & Gaming Roundup: RAM Scams, Cloudflare Glitches, and Game Awards Highlights
Bark Bits
The RAMpocalypse Hits Amazon Buyers
One unlucky gamer bought a sealed box of DDR5 memory from Amazon only to discover it contained two sticks of DDR2, highlighting a bizarre twist in the ongoing “RAMpocalypse.” Enthusiasts are already struggling with skyrocketing RAM prices, and this incident underscores the challenges of sourcing reliable components. With AI data centers consuming massive amounts of memory, supply is tight and mistakes can be costly. Gamers are left questioning how to safely buy hardware amid price surges and scams. The incident has sparked widespread conversation across social media and PC forums.
Merriam-Webster Calls Out Junk AI Content
LINK: Merriam-Webster’s word of the year delivers a dismissive verdict on junk AI content – Ars Technica
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year delivers a clear verdict on the rise of low-quality AI-generated content. The dictionary’s choice reflects growing frustration with AI output that is often repetitive, misleading, or nonsensical. As AI continues to infiltrate writing, social media, and marketing, concerns over authenticity are escalating. The selection acts as both cultural commentary and a warning about the limits of generative tools. Readers are taking the verdict seriously, sparking discussions on responsible AI use.
Microsoft Scales Back AI Ambitions
LINK: Microsoft scales back AI goals because almost nobody is using Copilot
Microsoft has reportedly dialed back some of its AI goals due to minimal user adoption of Copilot. The software giant had hoped AI assistance would revolutionize productivity, but engagement metrics fell short of expectations. This adjustment signals that even major tech players must contend with slow adoption cycles. Analysts note that scaling AI responsibly requires both technical improvements and clear communication of value. Microsoft’s pivot underscores the gap between AI potential and everyday user behavior.
Cloudflare Fends Off 416 Billion AI Bot Requests
Cloudflare CEO reports the company has blocked 416 billion AI bot scraping requests in just five months, highlighting a dramatic shift in internet traffic patterns. The massive number of automated requests demonstrates how generative AI is altering the web ecosystem. Companies are now reconsidering traditional business models in light of these AI-driven disruptions. The surge in scraping activity also raises new security and infrastructure challenges. Internet businesses may need to innovate rapidly to remain profitable and secure.
Disney Partners with OpenAI for Sora Characters
LINK: The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI Reach Agreement to Bring Disney Characters to Sora
The Walt Disney Company has reached an agreement with OpenAI to bring Disney characters to the Sora AI platform. This collaboration combines Disney’s iconic IP with cutting-edge AI technology. Fans can expect new interactive experiences featuring familiar characters. The partnership is part of a broader trend of entertainment companies exploring AI-driven content. It raises questions about how classic characters will be represented in digital spaces.
Paramount Strengthens Bid for Warner Bros Discovery
LINK: Paramount beefs up its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery with new Larry Ellison guarantee
Paramount is intensifying its pursuit of Warner Bros Discovery with a new guarantee from Larry Ellison. The move strengthens their financial position in the ongoing media consolidation battle. Analysts see this as a strategic play to secure more content and streaming leverage. The deal could reshape the entertainment landscape, influencing both competition and consumer choice. Mergers like this underscore the growing complexity of media company negotiations.
YouTube Will Exclusively Host the Oscars by 2029
YouTube will reportedly become the exclusive streaming home of the Academy Awards starting in 2029. This decision highlights the ongoing shift from traditional television to online platforms for major events. Industry insiders see it as a sign of YouTube’s continued dominance in entertainment streaming. It also opens new opportunities for interactivity and digital engagement. Fans are anticipating how the Oscars experience will evolve in a fully online format.
Meta Clarifies DM Privacy Changes
LINK: No, Meta Won’t Read Your IG or Facebook DMs. Here’s What’s Actually Changing | PCMag
Meta has clarified that it will not read Instagram or Facebook DMs, countering widespread misconceptions. The company is updating some backend policies, but direct message content remains private. This update aims to reassure users while maintaining transparency. Privacy concerns remain high, especially for younger users and political activists. Meta’s statement reflects ongoing scrutiny of social media platforms and data handling.
Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban
Australia has enacted a ban on social media use for users under 16, raising concerns over privacy and political expression. Critics argue the law may unintentionally restrict legitimate civic participation by minors. Social media platforms are now tasked with enforcing age restrictions more strictly. Parents and advocacy groups remain divided over the law’s effectiveness. The debate continues over how best to protect young users while respecting rights.
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Fortnite’s Kim Kardashian Skins Prove Popular
LINK: Why are Fortnite’s Kim Kardashian skins so good?
Fortnite’s celebrity skins, including Kim Kardashian’s, have gained massive popularity among players. The skins are praised for their detail, polish, and integration into the Fortnite universe. Celebrity collaborations are becoming a key driver of engagement and in-game purchases. Fortnite continues to blend gaming with pop culture, keeping its content fresh. Fans are eagerly anticipating future crossovers and events.
Fortnite’s Percy Jackson Island Is a Standalone Experience
LINK: Fortnite’s Percy Jackson island is practically a standalone game
Fortnite’s new Percy Jackson island is so expansive it feels like a separate game within the platform. Players explore mythological environments and interact with characters in immersive ways. The island demonstrates Epic Games’ ability to create narrative-rich, event-driven content. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, noting depth and replayability. This approach reflects Fortnite’s continued innovation in live-service gaming.
Roblox’s 2025 Replay Highlights Gen Z Obsession
LINK: Roblox’s 2025 Replay shows just how obsessed Gen Z is with the game | Mashable
Roblox’s 2025 Replay showcases the platform’s deep engagement among Gen Z players. The replay emphasizes how young audiences invest time, creativity, and social energy into the game. It also highlights trends in virtual collaboration and digital economies. Analysts note that Roblox’s cultural impact is stronger than ever. Parents and educators are watching closely as gaming habits evolve.
GameStop’s Wild ‘Trade Anything Day’
GameStop’s “Trade Anything Day” led to unexpected items being brought in, from a goose to a bobcat and even a Wii Netflix disc. The promotion demonstrates GameStop’s creative approach to customer engagement. While some trades were humorous, the event also sparked discussions about limits and safety. The viral coverage reflects the blend of gaming culture with social media attention. Fans and participants are already speculating about next year’s event.
The Game Awards 2025: Winners and Highlights
LINK: Winners | The Game Awards
Divinity Dev Confirms Its A Turn-Based RPG With Big Ambitions
Flute Guy Shows Off Legendary Collection Of Flutes He Played At The Game Awards – GameSpot
Half-Life 3 Fans Losing Their Minds Over Game Awards Announcement
Indie Game Awards rescinds Clair Obscur’s GOTY wins over use of generative AI
The 2025 Game Awards celebrated the year’s top games, featuring memorable moments and surprise announcements. Fans were particularly excited by Half-Life 3 speculation and Divinity’s new turn-based RPG confirmation. A viral performance by the “Flute Guy” added unexpected charm to the ceremony. Meanwhile, controversy arose as the Indie Game Awards rescinded Clair Obscur’s GOTY wins over AI use. The show underscored how gaming continues to balance innovation, spectacle, and ethical debate.
Tech Treat Games & Entertainment
Epic’s got free mystery games every day. Check out the latest free game: EPIC GAMES STORE
Steam is currently having their Winter Sale going on. Check out all the discounter games: STEAM WINTER SALE
Pack Talk
This week, we share all of our favorite games, and tech!
- Elder Ring: Nightreign
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Final Fantasy IIV: Rebirth
- Minecraft
- Craft Control
- Kindle
- Pinecil Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron
- Radeon RX 9070 XT
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Tags: RAM scam Amazon, DDR5 memory issue, AI bot traffic, Microsoft Copilot, Cloudflare AI scraping, Disney OpenAI Sora, Warner Bros Discovery acquisition, YouTube Oscars streaming, Fortnite skins, Percy Jackson island Fortnite, Roblox 2025 engagement, GameStop Trade Anything Day, Game Awards 2025, Half-Life 3 announcement, Divinity RPG, Clair Obscur AI controversy, PC hardware scams, DDR5 vs DDR2 memory, AI-generated content, Microsoft AI adoption, AI security risks, streaming platform updates, media consolidation news, viral gaming moments, celebrity in-game content, event-driven gaming, online community engagement, indie game ethics, gaming awards reactions, social media platform changes, youth privacy laws, influencer social media trends, tech and gaming news, PC building trends, video game culture, online content moderation.
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