This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/arts/video-games-alternatives-coronavirus-covid-virus.html

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Some Alternatives for the Bored Gamer Some Alternatives for the Bored Gamer
(2 days later)
With so many of us stuck at home, gamers included, there is bound to be burnout. For those players who are over their usual go-to’s, here are some alternatives in the major gaming genres, suggested by New York Times editors and reporters.With so many of us stuck at home, gamers included, there is bound to be burnout. For those players who are over their usual go-to’s, here are some alternatives in the major gaming genres, suggested by New York Times editors and reporters.
Every so often, videos gain steam on Reddit and Twitter that show Mario in seemingly impossible situations. The required precision needed to clear some levels built in Mario Maker 2 can be about as intimidating as Minecraft videos of elaborate, finely crafted creations like a space shuttle or a working recreation of an entirely different video game.Every so often, videos gain steam on Reddit and Twitter that show Mario in seemingly impossible situations. The required precision needed to clear some levels built in Mario Maker 2 can be about as intimidating as Minecraft videos of elaborate, finely crafted creations like a space shuttle or a working recreation of an entirely different video game.
Actually getting started on Mario Maker 2, though, is far less frightening. The sandbox tools are simpler than those in Minecraft, and there are more items, themes and variations than the first Mario Maker, allowing for more creativity. Those who prefer side-scrolling platformers can ignore level creation entirely and instead pick from countless user-uploaded stages, which have the look and feel of games from throughout the Super Mario Bros. franchise.Actually getting started on Mario Maker 2, though, is far less frightening. The sandbox tools are simpler than those in Minecraft, and there are more items, themes and variations than the first Mario Maker, allowing for more creativity. Those who prefer side-scrolling platformers can ignore level creation entirely and instead pick from countless user-uploaded stages, which have the look and feel of games from throughout the Super Mario Bros. franchise.
Nostalgia and brief levels make for an easy draw. But consider them an entrance to a much richer, colorful subculture of speedrunning, modified Mario games and Twitch-friendly tests of patience and skill. — Oskar Garcia, Deputy Editor, SportsNostalgia and brief levels make for an easy draw. But consider them an entrance to a much richer, colorful subculture of speedrunning, modified Mario games and Twitch-friendly tests of patience and skill. — Oskar Garcia, Deputy Editor, Sports
I love Battle Royale in Fortnite the way that an 11-year-old loves … hmm, also Fortnite. It is the perfect game and right about now, the only place where I can’t feel the sweaty cold hand of anxiety gripping my heart. Fortnite has just enough emotional candy, enough threat balanced with hilarity; it’s sometimes really hard and sometimes easy; it has goals that you can take very seriously or not at all.I love Battle Royale in Fortnite the way that an 11-year-old loves … hmm, also Fortnite. It is the perfect game and right about now, the only place where I can’t feel the sweaty cold hand of anxiety gripping my heart. Fortnite has just enough emotional candy, enough threat balanced with hilarity; it’s sometimes really hard and sometimes easy; it has goals that you can take very seriously or not at all.
But everyone who likes a battle royale format eventually has to try other games in the genre. For people who don’t play games, “battle royale” means, basically, a big, sprawling Thunderdome-style brawl. Twenty or 100 or whatever people enter some land mass, either on teams or alone, and then kill everyone else — or do other stuff (like run around as a snowman, or catch fish) while everyone kills everyone else.But everyone who likes a battle royale format eventually has to try other games in the genre. For people who don’t play games, “battle royale” means, basically, a big, sprawling Thunderdome-style brawl. Twenty or 100 or whatever people enter some land mass, either on teams or alone, and then kill everyone else — or do other stuff (like run around as a snowman, or catch fish) while everyone kills everyone else.
I really wanted to be a Call of Duty: Warzone kind of person. That’s got slick, militaristic, shoot-em-in-the-face mayhem. My male friends all like it, shouting and grunting into their slippery little gamer headsets. But it makes me feel bad and I’m not good at it.I really wanted to be a Call of Duty: Warzone kind of person. That’s got slick, militaristic, shoot-em-in-the-face mayhem. My male friends all like it, shouting and grunting into their slippery little gamer headsets. But it makes me feel bad and I’m not good at it.
Truth be told, I’m way more Realm Royale. It’s not really clear how many people play this game, but as long as the realm’s lights are on, its weird, clunky, magical, cartooney universe can be very comforting. You drop into some sort of messed up and badly drawn Earthsea island, looting chests (and shoving things into some incomprehensible inventory system) and then beat up your fellow elves or paladins or whatever. Maybe they’re all bots! Who knows! (The color palette is a bit diseased; so many purples and greens!) It’s familiar enough for Fortnite players while having a cute and chunky cadence all its own, and a nice long learning curve to keep your messed-up mind occupied.Truth be told, I’m way more Realm Royale. It’s not really clear how many people play this game, but as long as the realm’s lights are on, its weird, clunky, magical, cartooney universe can be very comforting. You drop into some sort of messed up and badly drawn Earthsea island, looting chests (and shoving things into some incomprehensible inventory system) and then beat up your fellow elves or paladins or whatever. Maybe they’re all bots! Who knows! (The color palette is a bit diseased; so many purples and greens!) It’s familiar enough for Fortnite players while having a cute and chunky cadence all its own, and a nice long learning curve to keep your messed-up mind occupied.
The best part about Realm Royale: When you die, you turn into a white-flag-waving chicken. If you survive long enough as that chicken, you’re reborn. That keeps it sweet. I just can’t deal with anything more stressful than that right now. — Choire Sicha, Editor, StylesThe best part about Realm Royale: When you die, you turn into a white-flag-waving chicken. If you survive long enough as that chicken, you’re reborn. That keeps it sweet. I just can’t deal with anything more stressful than that right now. — Choire Sicha, Editor, Styles
With Major League Baseball’s opening day, originally scheduled for March 26, postponed indefinitely, fans may be seeking a replacement for the daily television broadcasts and box scores. The search for this season’s rare baseball cards is probably on hiatus, too.With Major League Baseball’s opening day, originally scheduled for March 26, postponed indefinitely, fans may be seeking a replacement for the daily television broadcasts and box scores. The search for this season’s rare baseball cards is probably on hiatus, too.
MLB The Show 20 replicates both in video game form. Like NBA 2K20’s MyTeam feature, the PlayStation-exclusive baseball title focuses on digital card collecting in its fantasy team-building mode, Diamond Dynasty. Players earn athletes’ cards to improve their teams by completing on-field activities like multiplayer contests and “Moments,” challenges that recreate highlights like Tom Glavine’s dominating 1995 World Series performance. Even the unveiling of digital card packs can end up with many thousands of views on streaming platforms.MLB The Show 20 replicates both in video game form. Like NBA 2K20’s MyTeam feature, the PlayStation-exclusive baseball title focuses on digital card collecting in its fantasy team-building mode, Diamond Dynasty. Players earn athletes’ cards to improve their teams by completing on-field activities like multiplayer contests and “Moments,” challenges that recreate highlights like Tom Glavine’s dominating 1995 World Series performance. Even the unveiling of digital card packs can end up with many thousands of views on streaming platforms.
Fans looking to recreate opening day may also choose to let the computer play both teams and simply observe a game with the full broadcast presentation or even simulate an entire decade. — Brian Hoerst, Senior Staff Editor, News TechnologyFans looking to recreate opening day may also choose to let the computer play both teams and simply observe a game with the full broadcast presentation or even simulate an entire decade. — Brian Hoerst, Senior Staff Editor, News Technology
Since its initial release in 2005, Resident Evil 4 has been republished on nearly a dozen platforms, most recently on the Nintendo Switch. Resident Evil games can be extremely scary, yet they have become a sort of comfort food for me.Since its initial release in 2005, Resident Evil 4 has been republished on nearly a dozen platforms, most recently on the Nintendo Switch. Resident Evil games can be extremely scary, yet they have become a sort of comfort food for me.
Survival horror games may not seem like a relaxing way to pass the time during a pandemic, but they’re ultimately about learning to control your environment — something that is in short supply for most people at the moment. As you master a game’s mechanics, what was once stressful becomes satisfyingly manageable. Suddenly, you’re not trapped in a world full of monsters; they’re trapped in there with you.Survival horror games may not seem like a relaxing way to pass the time during a pandemic, but they’re ultimately about learning to control your environment — something that is in short supply for most people at the moment. As you master a game’s mechanics, what was once stressful becomes satisfyingly manageable. Suddenly, you’re not trapped in a world full of monsters; they’re trapped in there with you.
The Evil Within 2, released in 2017, is a spiritual successor to Resident Evil 4. It drops you into the doomed small town of Union, full of zombies ready to rip you apart. I’m slowly learning enemy patterns, upgrading my weapons, getting stronger. I can’t control what’s happening outside my home, but I can help clean up Union. — Renan Borelli, Senior Editor, Digital StorytellingThe Evil Within 2, released in 2017, is a spiritual successor to Resident Evil 4. It drops you into the doomed small town of Union, full of zombies ready to rip you apart. I’m slowly learning enemy patterns, upgrading my weapons, getting stronger. I can’t control what’s happening outside my home, but I can help clean up Union. — Renan Borelli, Senior Editor, Digital Storytelling
Like over a million other people, I fell in love with the quirky, deceptively simple premise of Untitled Goose Game when it waddled into the scene last fall: “It’s a lovely morning in the village, and you play a horrible goose,” the game’s tagline reads.Like over a million other people, I fell in love with the quirky, deceptively simple premise of Untitled Goose Game when it waddled into the scene last fall: “It’s a lovely morning in the village, and you play a horrible goose,” the game’s tagline reads.
If, like me, you feel the need to move on from mischievous waterfowl, turn to food, with the older but equally oddball I Am Bread ($5 to $13; for PS4, iPad, PC and Mac), in which you play a heat-seeking slice on a determined mission to get toasted. You must flip, grip and nudge yourself around various rooms as you scout for available toasting surfaces to give you that golden-brown transformation, all while avoiding the dirty, disqualifying floor.If, like me, you feel the need to move on from mischievous waterfowl, turn to food, with the older but equally oddball I Am Bread ($5 to $13; for PS4, iPad, PC and Mac), in which you play a heat-seeking slice on a determined mission to get toasted. You must flip, grip and nudge yourself around various rooms as you scout for available toasting surfaces to give you that golden-brown transformation, all while avoiding the dirty, disqualifying floor.
Updated June 2, 2020 Updated June 5, 2020
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
While I Am Bread may not get you out of the house to an expansive fantasy world, it’s definitely an alternative way to manage your #StayHome carbs. — J.D. Biersdorfer, production editor, Book Review, and Tech Tip columnistWhile I Am Bread may not get you out of the house to an expansive fantasy world, it’s definitely an alternative way to manage your #StayHome carbs. — J.D. Biersdorfer, production editor, Book Review, and Tech Tip columnist
You’ve fought redcoats during the Revolutionary War and plundered treasure chests in the Caribbean Sea in the Assassin’s Creed series. But at some point, action role-playing games start to feel eerily similar: Punch baddies. Solve challenges. Fight a boss. Repeat.You’ve fought redcoats during the Revolutionary War and plundered treasure chests in the Caribbean Sea in the Assassin’s Creed series. But at some point, action role-playing games start to feel eerily similar: Punch baddies. Solve challenges. Fight a boss. Repeat.
If you’re longing for an adventure with a twist, consider Alien: Isolation, a survival horror game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega in 2014. You are Amanda Ripley, who is investigating the disappearance of her mother, Ellen Ripley, the defiant protagonist from the “Alien” movie series (Sigourney Weaver even reprises her role in the game in a voiced cameo). In Isolation, your main defense is not to fight, but to hide.If you’re longing for an adventure with a twist, consider Alien: Isolation, a survival horror game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega in 2014. You are Amanda Ripley, who is investigating the disappearance of her mother, Ellen Ripley, the defiant protagonist from the “Alien” movie series (Sigourney Weaver even reprises her role in the game in a voiced cameo). In Isolation, your main defense is not to fight, but to hide.
Finding yourself trapped on a crumbling space station, your goal is to find a way off before it falls apart while avoiding the creature stalking you in the shadows. The bleak design replicates Ridley Scott’s grim vision in “Alien”: dimly lit corridors, hissing valves, coiled tubing, chittering computers and suffocating crawl spaces.Finding yourself trapped on a crumbling space station, your goal is to find a way off before it falls apart while avoiding the creature stalking you in the shadows. The bleak design replicates Ridley Scott’s grim vision in “Alien”: dimly lit corridors, hissing valves, coiled tubing, chittering computers and suffocating crawl spaces.
When the creature is near, your goal is to find desks to slide under, lockers to pop inside and boxes to duck behind. Stay silent (there is an option to hold your breath when the alien is near), but don’t linger. The creature may pass by, but it will find you eventually, so it’s best to keep moving.When the creature is near, your goal is to find desks to slide under, lockers to pop inside and boxes to duck behind. Stay silent (there is an option to hold your breath when the alien is near), but don’t linger. The creature may pass by, but it will find you eventually, so it’s best to keep moving.
As you tiptoe around the space station, you can craft some makeshift weapons, which will help as you encounter other people who may be friendly or hostile. You will have to decide whom to trust and whom to kill. And keep an eye on roaming androids. Most are busy with their assigned tasks, but some don’t like human interference and will calmly choke you to death.As you tiptoe around the space station, you can craft some makeshift weapons, which will help as you encounter other people who may be friendly or hostile. You will have to decide whom to trust and whom to kill. And keep an eye on roaming androids. Most are busy with their assigned tasks, but some don’t like human interference and will calmly choke you to death.
Because the game has no side quests to grind through, the play time is short, about 20 hours. Play it at night, when every creak and thump from the overhead air ducts will scare the bejesus out of you. Just remember to save often, because you will die. A lot. — Gregory Schmidt, Senior Staff Editor, BusinessBecause the game has no side quests to grind through, the play time is short, about 20 hours. Play it at night, when every creak and thump from the overhead air ducts will scare the bejesus out of you. Just remember to save often, because you will die. A lot. — Gregory Schmidt, Senior Staff Editor, Business