Business owners and football fans are everywhere, but where are the football owners? There are only a handful of them in the United States, and they’re pretty wealthy. If you want to buy the franchise from them, you’ll have to fork up some serious dough. How much does a football team cost? Here’s a guide on how much money you’ll need to buy your favorite National Football League (NFL) teams. 

How Much Does a Football Team Cost in 2024?

Buying a professional sports team requires more than your pocket change. You can’t take a few extra shifts at work and expect to bid for the Atlanta Falcons. You’ll need to win Powerball’s jackpot to be in contention. 

So, how much does a football team cost? Forbes provides valuations for all 32 NFL teams based on revenue and operating income. Their experts say the average NFL team was worth over $5.1 billion entering the 2023-2024 season. Valuations have increased because of media rights deals, team sales and other revenue opportunities. 

How Much Does a Football Team Cost Compared to Other Sports?

It’s hardly a secret how popular the NFL is in the 2020s. In 2023, the professional gridiron sport occupied 93 of the top 100 American broadcasts. Unsurprisingly, the most popular game in the United States helps the NFL dominate the list of franchise valuations worldwide.

When you look at the 50 most valuable teams, you’ll see 30 NFL teams occupying the rankings despite international entries. The New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers and Real Madrid are high on the list, but NFL squads are littered everywhere. You may like other sports more, but it’s hard to deny the NFL is king of professional leagues. 

What Are the Most Expensive NFL Teams?

If your team is among the most valuable in the NFL, your ownership group is doing something right. How much does a football team cost if yours is in the top five? Here are the most-prized franchises.

5. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are an NFL institution because of their long history. While the Bears only have three playoff appearances since their Super Bowl XLI loss, you can’t deny the team is worth a lot of money. The fifth-ranking team had a value of about $6.3 billion entering the 2023 season, a 9% increase over the previous year. 

The Bears have struggled the last few years, but are brighter days on the horizon? Last year’s draft saw Chicago gain Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the first nine picks. Their trajectory is slightly more positive than the next team. 

4. New York Giants

If only one New York team made the top five, you had to figure it would be the Giants. The G-Men battle in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions and have storied rivalries. In fact, all four NFC East teams are in the top 10. The Giants’ 2023 valuation was $6.8 billion, gaining 13% from the previous season. 

The Giants are in a tough spot for the 2024 season as the four-time Super Bowl champs look to return to their glory days. Selecting Malik Nabers could be what the offense needs to generate points, considering last season’s struggles. 

3. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have only been in Los Angeles since 2016, but they’ve risen through the ranks to take the third spot. Stan Kroenke’s Rams have a $6.9 billion value to barely eclipse their New York NFC rival in fourth place. People say Los Angeles is a basketball or baseball town, but football brought in $686 million in revenue for the Rams. 

After winning Super Bowl LVI, the Rams have been in a precarious situation. Their undersized defensive tackle Aaron Donald has retired, opening a hole for their frontline. Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp aren’t getting any younger, but Puka Nacua could be the star they need. 

2. New England Patriots

The glitz and glamor of New York and Los Angeles are the antithesis of the New England Patriots. However, the Foxborough franchise takes the runner-up spot for franchise valuations at $7 billion. Why are the Patriots so valuable? Their success stems from Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. Without him, the Patriots haven’t been as stellar. 

The Patriots are moving to a new era without Brady or former head coach Bill Belichick. Despite their high value, New England’s NFL team only saw a 9% increase in value. Only the Commanders, Packers and Chargers saw lower increases. 

1. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are far and away the most valuable team in the NFL. Jerry Jones’ blue-and-white squad has a $9 billion value, which doubles the value of the bottom 10 teams. ESPN, Fox Sports and other sports media outlets focus heavily on the Cowboys because of their substantial size. 

The Cowboys aren’t just the most expensive team in the NFL— Forbes says they’re the world’s most valuable pro sports franchise. The team has a long history of winning and entertainment, but its recent records don’t show championships. In fact, the Cowboys have only won four playoff games this century. 

How Much Will Football Teams Cost in the Future?

The future of NFL money is bright, so don’t expect the cost of a team to go down. You’ll have a chance at NFL ownership if you strike gold, create a breakthrough invention or get lucky in the stock market. In the meantime, the NFL will continue to make more money. 

The latest indication of football wealth is the salary cap increase. The NFL announced that the maximum salary for any team is $255.4 million, up $30 million from past seasons. Franchises will have more flexibility when paying their star players and finding ones from other teams. 

Another reason for the rise in value is the NFL’s media rights deal. The league will garner about $110 billion through 2033, making it the most coveted ad space in marketing. There’s a reason why Super Bowl commercials are so expensive for companies to buy. 

Watching Money Move on the Field

The NFL occupies your sports schedule at least three times a week in the fall and winter. Its games are must-see TV regardless of who takes the field. The league’s prestige has made it the most valuable sports association worldwide. How much does a football team cost? If you have a billionaire friend, you may have a chance at owning a team. 

The post How Much Does a Football Team Cost in 2024? appeared first on Modded.

Mitsubishi is among the world leaders in producing cars, motorcycles, musical instruments and other hobby objects. The Delica is one of their most popular vehicles because it’s great for road trips and outdoor adventures. However, it’s unavailable in the United States. Could the Momentum 2030 initiative finally bring the big machine to America? Here’s your guide to the future of Mitsubishi North America.  

What Is the Mitsubishi Delica? 

Mitsubishi began Delica production in the late 1960s, following the rise in minibus popularity. These vehicles became prominent because of their versatility for road trips, protests and other cultural movements. While nearly 60 years old, the Delica has received numerous facelifts and upgrades through the years. The machine remains popular with outdoor enthusiasts because it’s durable and great for camping — just not in the United States. 

The Japanese manufacturer once produced the Delica in the United States under the Wagon name. Mitsubishi sent Wagons off production lines between 1987 and 1990 before ceasing sales. Why did the automaker build this minibus in America? Mitsubishi tried to take advantage of Chrysler’s minivan success by sending the Delica under a new name. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long due to poor handling and a lack of crash protection. 

What Is Mitsubishi Momentum 2030?

If you long for the Delica’s return, you may be in luck. Auto industry experts say an American rendezvous could be in store for this classic machine. Why are they enthusiastic? Look no further than Mitsubishi Momentum 2030. This renaissance aims to elevate the company as a top automotive manufacturer by introducing more vehicles by the decade’s end. Mitsubishi only has four machines in its lineup, but the Delica could rejoin it. 

What else does Mitsubishi Momentum 2030 entail? Mitsubishi wants to establish itself as a leader in sustainable machinery, so expect to see all-electric and hybrid options on dealership lots. These vehicles release zero harmful emissions into the atmosphere, so it makes sense for the automaker to focus on efficient cars. Electric vehicles (EVs) are terrific for the outdoors because they care for the environment more than gas-powered cars. 

Will Momentum 2030 Bring the Delica to the States?

Momentum 2030 should feature new cars and revive older models, so a Delica reboot could be in the cards. An Automotive News report says Mitsubishi wants to bring a passenger van to its American lineup. What will the vehicle look like? While it won’t resemble the 1960s versions, this potentially revamped Mitsubishi Delica appears futuristic. The auto industry got its first look at this van when the company unveiled the D:X concept last fall. 

In October 2023, Mitsubishi Motors showed the world its electric crossover with all-wheel control. The automaker didn’t directly name the Delica, but the next model certainly takes inspiration from the older minibus. This multipurpose vehicle (MPV) makes up for the qualities the previous Mitsubishi Delica models lacked. For instance, Mitsubishi prioritizes safety with the D:X by enhancing the body and making it more conducive to off-roading. You also get excellent fenders for improved strength.

What Mitsubishi Cars Can You Drive in the Meantime? 

Mitsubishi Momentum 2030 includes plans for the next six years, so it could be a while before all the automobiles come to fruition. What machines can you drive in the meantime? Here are all three vehicles in the current lineup. 

Eclipse

When you think of the Eclipse, you probably start thinking about family. This car belongs to Brian O’Conner in the Fast and the Furious movies and is integral to the movie’s lore. O’Conner used it in his first street race, setting up the rest of the franchise for epic competition. Celebrate Paul Walker by driving an Eclipse if you want to commemorate his character. While it was out of the lineup for a while, the Eclipse has returned. 

The 2024 Eclipse is now a crossover, as Mitsubishi focuses on the family-friendly side of the vehicle market. Despite having SUV characteristics, the Eclipse packs a punch with its turbocharged engine in the standard package. If you like rally cars, the Eclipse with the RALLIART trim could be up your alley. This edition has an excellent paint scheme with a white diamond finish around the vehicle. The car lets you indulge in luxurious accessories. 

Mirage G4

Unfortunately, 2024 is the last year we’ll see the Mirage. Mitsubishi announced last summer it would discontinue the model due to poor sales. The car’s sales dropped 57% compared to 2022, so the automaker will move on to other priorities. In the meantime, we’ll appreciate the car because it’s a terrific machine. Sedans still have a place in the 2020 automotive market, and the Mirage fills the niche better than other cars on dealership lots. 

Why does the Mirage stand out? Mitsubishi’s last sedan excels in fuel mileage, boasting 39 miles per gallon (mpg) for superb efficiency. Super fuel economy typically requires hybrid technology, but the Mirage nearly reaches 40 mpg without battery technology. Like other sedans, the Mirage has a low profile to aid its fuel economy. If you want enhanced efficiency, you don’t have to look further than the last Mitsubishi Mirage. 

Outlander

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Mitsubishi’s most popular vehicle. The Outlander is the automaker’s flagship machine, selling over 22,000 cars in the third quarter of 2023. You may wonder why Mitsubishi has two SUVs in its lineup, considering it only has three vehicles. A few differences between the Outlander and the Eclipse Cross are worth mentioning. One may be better for families than the other. 

The most significant distinction between the vehicles is the engine displacement. The Outlander has a bigger engine than the Eclipse Cross, thus giving you more horsepower on the open road. Size is another difference, considering the Outlander gives you a little more legroom in the front and back seats. The Eclipse Cross has the upper hand for safety, with a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) compared to four for the Outlander. 

Anticipating Momentum 2030 and Next Mitsubishi Delica

The most prominent automakers in the U.S. include Toyota, Ford and General Motors (GM). Mitsubishi wants to use Momentum 2030 to join the elite group of auto manufacturers. How will they do it? The Japanese manufacturer has teased its fans with the D:X prototype built for road trips and off-roading. If everything goes to plan, Mitsubishi will debut new vehicles and overhaul old models for the American market.

The post Mitsubishi Momentum 2030 Rumors: Is the Delica Finally Coming to the States? appeared first on Modded.

Fuel efficiency is a determining factor for most would-be car owners — and for good reason. You’ll save money at the pump and stay on the road longer without stopping to fill up. Plus, automobiles with outstanding miles per gallon (mpg) are better for the environment. Of course, a hybrid or fully electric vehicle is your best fuel-saving option. But if you’re not ready to make the leap, these are the best cars for gas mileage. 

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 — 39 mpg

At first glance, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is just your regular compact vehicle, but underneath that lightweight design lies an impressive fuel management system. Boasting an EPA-approved 39 mpg rating, the car has the best gas mileage, making it a reliable choice for city commutes and long highway journeys alike. Despite its compact size, the Mirage doesn’t compromise on interior space, offering a surprisingly roomy cabin and adequate cargo capacity for its class.

Hyundai Elantra — 37 mpg

With its sleek design and fuel-sipping capabilities, the Hyundai Elantra earns its spot among the best cars for gas mileage. The 2022 version is rated a combined 37 mpg on the city and highway, which equates to around 2.7 gallons for every 100 miles.  It packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a CVT aspirated inline-four producing 147 hp. Overall, the Elantra delivers a comfortable ride, user-friendly technology and a generous array of standard safety features.

Honda Civic 4Dr — 36 mpg

At an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 2.8 gallons per 100 miles, the Honda Civic 4Dr is a perennial favorite among drivers seeking both reliability and fuel efficiency. The polished, sporty look is a classic head-turner thanks to its advanced aerodynamics and efficient engine. Renowned for its smooth ride, spacious interior and advanced tech features, the Civic combines practicality with sophistication. Whether navigating urban streets or cruising down the highway, this iconic sedan delivers performance and fuel economy.

Kia Forte FE — 35 mpg 

The Kia Forte replaced the Kia Spectra across most automobile markets. It’s not necessarily the most exciting vehicle in its segment, but it stands out with its impressive fuel efficiency and mpg rating of 35. The Kia Forte certainly fits the bill if you want a reasonably priced car that combines sleek styling with a refined driving experience. 

Nissan Versa — 35 mpg

With a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Nissan Versa isn’t the fastest sedan on the market. However, it makes up for it with an EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 2.9 gallons per 100 miles and a combined mpg of 35. Additionally, it comes with an affordable price tag. The 2022 version has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) between $15,580 and $18,990. It also offers ample interior space and a user-friendly infotainment system.

Volkswagen Jetta — 35 mpg

The Volkswagen Jetta is your classic sturdy, reliable sedan. Equipped with a 1.5-liter, turbocharged engine and sleek design, it provides performance and fuel efficiency. It’s one of the best cars for gas mileage, with a rated city and highway mpg of 35. Known for its European-inspired driving dynamics, the Volkswagen Jetta comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 6-speed manual transmission version can be a great selection if you prefer more hands-on driving. 

Toyota Corolla — 33 mpg

The Toyota Corolla and its hatchback variant are among the best-selling cars worldwide. It has been a solid car for decades and continues to impress with its stellar fuel economy. The EPA-estimated 33 mpg rating for the 2022 version equates to 3 gallons per 100 miles. Known for its legendary reliability, the Corolla combines fuel efficiency with a comfortable ride and intuitive technology features. Its bigger cousin, the Toyota Venza, has a 39 mpg rating, making it one of the best SUVs for gas mileage in 2024.

Acura Integra — 33 mpg 

The 2024 Acura Integra is modeled after the current Honda Civic, though you’ll quickly notice Acura’s more sharply styled and luxurious aesthetic. Renowned for its agile handling, the Acura Integra stands out as a sporty yet efficient option in the compact car segment, achieving an mpg rating of 33. It’s powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC® engine and is available in both manual and automatic speed transmissions. 

Nissan Sentra — 33 mpg

The Nissan Sentra proves that fuel-efficient cars don’t have to look elementary. It earns its place among the top contenders for best gas mileage, achieving an impressive 33 mpg rating. When fuel prices surge, the Sentra’s small fuel tank can make filling up less expensive. It also comes with loads of standard safety features wrapped in a simple, elegant design. Ultimately, the Sentra can be a great choice when you need an affordable car that delivers both comfort and economy. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Fuel-Efficient Car

Several factors come into play when selecting a vehicle with the best gas mileage. 

Vehicle Size 

Consider the size and type of vehicle that best suits your lifestyle. Generally, the larger the car, the more gas it guzzles. That means you usually get better fuel savings from compact sedans and hatchbacks than SUVs and trucks. However, advancements in technology have made many crossover SUVs and even some larger vehicles more fuel-efficient than ever before.

Engine Type 

Different engines have varying levels of fuel efficiency. Older technologies typically consume the most fuel. Recent advancements in internal combustion engines have also improved gas mileage through innovations like direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and turbocharging. Some turbocharged engines can increase fuel efficiency by up to 10% and potentially reduce emissions. 

Driving Habits 

Your driving style could directly impact fuel efficiency. Maintaining steady speeds and avoiding sudden stops can help improve gas mileage. You can reduce fuel consumption by 20% by driving at the posted speed limit and dropping your highway cruising speed.

Aerodynamics

Cars with sleek, aerodynamic designs cut through the air with less resistance, reducing the energy required to propel the vehicle forward. In turn, this improves fuel economy. Features like low-rolling-resistance tires and engine start-stop technology can also enhance gas mileage. 

Find the Best Cars for Gas Mileage

Today, everyone is searching for the best cars for gas mileage, and understandably so. Volatile prices have made fuel efficiency a bigger priority than a decade ago. These vehicles give you the most bang for your buck at the pump without compromising on performance or features. Choose the best option for your specific needs and budget.

The post The Best Cars for Gas Mileage That Aren’t Hybrids appeared first on Modded.

The battle for gaming supremacy has raged for nearly three decades as console fans have long debated which machines are better. Whether you’re on team Xbox or PlayStation, the best way to settle the score is by looking at the data. Numbers hardly lie, so let’s look at the best-selling consoles of all time. Gamers have been hitting the D-pad for over 40 years, so there are plenty of sales figures.

8 Best-Selling Consoles of All Time

Americans love their gaming consoles, with millions buying a new system each year. Let’s dive right into the eight best-selling consoles of all time. How many of them have you played?

8. Nintendo Entertainment System

It’s only fitting one of the oldest consoles makes the list. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) wasn’t the first gaming console but it made a significant mark on the industry. Super Mario Bros., Duck Hunt and the Legend of Zelda were only three major titles debuting in the mid-to-late 1980s for the NES. You’ll even find games like Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune and Tecmo Bowl for endless family fun. 

The NES didn’t sell as well as future Nintendo consoles but held its own over the years. Data acquired from the Japanese video game company shows the NES sold about 62 million units over its duration — the best out of any console in this early era. 

7. Xbox 360

If you’re a Millennial or older Generation Z, you might remember the Xbox 360 as integral to your childhood. This system sold about 84 million units in just over a decade of production, making it seventh on the list of best-selling consoles.  

You may know Xbox 360 through its exclusives like Halo, Forza and other fun titles. We even got to mod Grand Theft Auto 5 briefly before the next generation of consoles debuted in 2013. However, the 360 was famous for revolutionizing online play through Xbox Live. Thanks to this innovative feature, you could play games with your friends and stream music.   

6. PlayStation 3

The 360’s counterpart in this mid-to-late 2000s era was the PlayStation 3. Sony’s third iteration of the PlayStation was slightly more successful than Microsoft’s, selling over 87 million units between 2006 and 2016. 

The PS3 was successful because it combined numerous services gamers like to see. Watching Blu-ray movies on the system was a significant success, letting you have an all-in-one device for gaming and movies. The PS3 was also controllable through your PlayStation Portable (PSP), integrating two popular systems. One interesting tactic from Sony was making the PS3 slimmer with its re-releases in 2009 and 2012.

5. Nintendo Wii

Some consoles were just built differently in our childhoods. The Nintendo Wii might be the most influential console ever, even though it lands fifth on the list with 101 million units sold.

Some people associate video games with sedentary lifestyles, but the Wii got us up and moving with physical activity and fun games. Wii Sports was a prime example of the exercise you could get with video games because you could play tennis, boxing, baseball and other fun sports. After a seven-year run, Nintendo discontinued the Wii as it looked toward the Wii U as its successor.

4. PlayStation

Before a PS3 or PS5 existed, we had the original PlayStation. Sony released the console in the United States in 1995, creating millions of PlayStation loyalists through the machine. In the mid-1990s, you hopped on the original PlayStation for Gran Turismo, Resident Evil, Metal Gear and other franchises that still go strong today. 

Many gamers are unaware Sony collaborated with Nintendo to create the first PlayStation. A Sony Entertainment executive wanted to create a gaming system using CD-ROMs instead of floppy disks. The PlayStation was among the first to use circular disks to reduce the bulky size and make production more efficient.

3. PlayStation 4

Time has flown by fast enough to call the PlayStation 4 an old console. Despite being one of the newer systems on the list, the PlayStation 4 is third among best-selling consoles. Sony has sold 117 million units since 2013 and is still going strong. The PS4 is still available despite many gamers moving onto the PS5, so these numbers could still go up. 

The PS3 and the Xbox 360 had fierce competition in the mid-2000s, but Sony pulled away from Microsoft with the PS4. Sony distinguished itself from its primary competition by promoting indie games and not being restrictive with digital rights. Microsoft couldn’t say the same, lending to poor Xbox One numbers compared to the PS4. 

2. Nintendo Switch

Nintendo may have missed the mark with the Wii U, but the company more than made up for its woes by releasing the Switch. This console was released in 2017 and was the first major system to act as a hybrid console. You could play with it while relaxing in bed or connect it to the TV to play with your friends. The flexibility made it an excellent console for any use. Why do you think it has competed in two generations of gaming systems?

The 139 million units sold also come from the excellent titles released in the last decade. Animal Crossing: New Horizons exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic as people wanted a fun and relaxing game to play alone and with friends. However, you also got Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. There’s not much you could ask for from a family-centric gaming system. 

1. PlayStation 2

Imagine it’s 2005, and you just got home from school to start winter break. What’s the first thing you do? Turn on the PlayStation 2 to play WWE! Smackdown vs. Raw 2006. Gamers of all ages shared similar experiences from 2000 until 2013 as the PS2 defined a generation of gamers. There’s a reason why the PS2 sold over 155 million copies in its decade-plus run —- it’s simply the greatest console ever. 

The PS2 was popular because of its affordability and family-friendly services. Like its successor, the PS2 could play movies and video games, rendering the DVD player useless if you wanted to do both. The days of the PS2 saw popular franchises — Grand Theft Auto, Gran Turismo and Final Fantasy — cement their place in the video game world with excellent titles throughout the 2000s. 

What Are the Best-Selling Consoles in the Current Gen?

Will the Nintendo Switch pass the PS2 in units sold? Time will tell over the next couple of years, but let’s check on the other best-selling consoles of the current generation. These systems have some work to do before they enter this list. 

Last holiday season, the PlayStation 5 surpassed 50 million units sold in just over three years. If not for supply chain disruptions, we could’ve seen that number go even higher! Regardless, the PS5 has far surpassed the Xbox Series X, with the Financial Times reporting Sony’s newest system has outpaced Microsoft’s by a factor of three. The numbers don’t lie — 22.5 million is much higher than the 7.6 million consoles sold. 

Ranking the Best-Selling Gaming Consoles of All Time

Video game enthusiasts are among the luckiest cats in the world. We’ve gotten many great systems and titles over the years, so there’s hardly an excuse for boredom. Subjectively ranking every system is challenging, so we used the cold, hard facts. Will we see a new entry on the next list?

The post Generations of Gaming: The 8 Best-Selling Consoles of All Time appeared first on Modded.

Recently, images surfaced on the internet of a concept vehicle from Tesla, the electric vehicle (EV) giant from California. We know this car as the robo taxi Tesla, and company CEO Elon Musk has a distinct fascination with the machine. Will we get a robotaxi from Tesla anytime soon? Who else has created the robotaxi concept? Here’s everything you need to know about this Tesla fascination.

Is There a Robotaxi Tesla Coming?

Let’s start with the origin of the robotaxi Tesla people are talking about. The rumored vehicle stems from Walter Isaacson’s biography of Elon Musk, aptly titled “Elon Musk.” This book sold nearly 100,000 copies in the first week, but the headlines have come from what Isaacson revealed in the book. 

One of the big stories from “Elon Musk” was Musk’s obsession with the Tesla robo taxi concept. In fact, Axios reports the Tesla CEO was so fixated on the robo taxi that he went against the company’s plans to build a $25,000 EV — a more affordable option than the rest of the EVs on the automobile market. However, his fellow executives persuaded him to table the robotaxi concept for now.

The concept vehicle is a two-seater resembling the cybertruck — another highly anticipated machine the auto industry has been waiting on but to no avail. The book contains an image of Franz Van Holzhausen (chief designer at Tesla) standing next to a prototype, resulting in the only photos we know of the existing robo taxi. 

Robotaxi Reality

So, is the robotaxi Tesla coming? Is it even a real car? Currently, there are no concrete plans to begin production on this vehicle. The robotaxi Tesla relies on fully autonomous cars driving nationwide — something the automobile industry has yet to achieve.

According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), there are six levels of autonomy between 0 and 5. The most capable cars currently are those with the Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT feature. With DRIVE PILOT, your vehicle is at level 3 autonomy — meaning you don’t have to be attentive at the wheel when driving unless the car requests you take control.  

One of the vehicle’s most significant features is the absence of a steering wheel. The objective is to take driving entirely out of the owner’s hands, which would cause concerns with federal regulators. If cars didn’t operate autonomously, the robot taxi would have difficulty getting past the Department of Transportation (DOT) and into customer garages. Isaacson’s book says Musk does not want the vehicle to include pedals or a steering wheel, signaling he’s entirely buying into autonomous driving.

What Is the Purpose of the Tesla Robotaxi? 

The robo taxi would serve multiple purposes for the average person. Primarily, you’d use dispatch the vehicle to go to the store for you and run other errands. With online grocery pickup rising worldwide, you could get your supplies without relying on delivery apps with those extra fees. In Musk’s mind, this futuristic vehicle would eliminate the need for people to own cars. Instead, they could send a robo taxi to do their work for them. 

The robotaxi would also serve as a disruption in the rideshare industry. Cities could adopt the robotaxi Tesla and make it widespread across town. You could get in the autonomous vehicle and let it take you wherever you need to go! Plus, you can ensure your ride is environmentally friendly because the car has a minimal carbon footprint. Tesla vehicles have no carbon emissions, making them a more eco-friendly option than your average gas-powered machine.

What Autonomous Taxis Already Exist? 

If you want to ride in an autonomous taxi, the Tesla robo taxi wouldn’t be your first opportunity. This concept has already debuted in some cities worldwide. Take a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco to see the nation’s first self-driving taxis. 

A pair of companies, Waymo and Cruise, have entered cities like San Francisco and Phoenix to carry passengers around town. In August 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to let both companies operate self-driving vehicles inside San Francisco throughout the day. Previously, the city only permitted night driving when there was less traffic — but the concept is seeing a nice boost. 

Cruise (owned by General Motors) and Waymo (Alphabet’s self-driving taxi) also plan to send their vehicles to New York City, Miami, Los Angeles and other large metropolitan areas. The early results from these cars show the future of rideshare in the United States will center around autonomous vehicles. So, what does that mean for Tesla and Musk’s robotaxi dream?

The primary difference between Tesla and the Waymo and Cruise vehicles is the ownership. The average person could buy a robo taxi and keep it for themselves in a garage or driveway. However, the Waymo and Cruise machines are offered as services inside cities where you’re not driving very fast in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Tesla would need to prove to regulators that its self-driving cars are safe to operate and won’t make mistakes on the road. The EV manufacturer is already facing pressure from the U.S. Senate following a Reuters investigation. The news outlet alleges that Tesla has blamed drivers for defective parts despite the ineffectiveness of the initial production. 

What Pros and Cons Do Robo Taxis Bring?

Robo taxis could be a solid addition to the automotive industry, depending on how you look at it. The Tesla version would help people with disabilities as they would rely less on a vehicle to do errands. Plus, it would make the streets slightly safer because robots make fewer mistakes than people. Human error causes wrecks, whether falling asleep at the wheel, texting while driving or operating a car while intoxicated. 

The primary disadvantage would be interfering with emergency response vehicles. People know they must pull over when they hear an ambulance or firetruck. Still, a robo taxi might need help in this situation. Automakers must ensure these vehicles know to pull over and stop because every second matters when lives are on the line. This concern was among the chief arguments against permitting Waymo and Cruise inside San Francisco.

Anticipating the Robo Taxi Tesla 

Imagine going back in time and telling Henry Ford the concept of a self-driving taxi running on electric power. He might say that you’re crazy! However, the future of cars is heading toward electrification and autonomous driving. Will we see this idea pan out with a robotaxi Tesla? The concept is a figment of our imagination now. Still, it could happen in the next decade if technology continues to improve.

The post Direct Look: Is There a Robo Taxi Tesla Coming? appeared first on Modded.

Many parents try to protect their children from the perceived dangers of video games. While some games are violent, plenty of titles are safe to play for all ages. Too much gaming of any kind can be counterproductive to your health. Still, did you know playing a video game benefits your health? From Mario Party to Madden, your brain will thank you for gaming in moderation. Here’s a guide on how video games can benefit your health.

How A Video Game Benefits Your Health

People who look down on video game benefits should look at the science. Research has been kind to the gaming community in the last few years by demonstrating these five advantages.

Staying Active

You don’t normally associate video games with physical activity. However, you can still exercise with video games. Nintendo revolutionized this idea in the mid-2000s when it released the Wii. This console and Wii Sports, the game it comes with, get you off the couch and moving with boxing, baseball, tennis and other sports. An older Ace Fitness study reveals Wii boxing burns about 216 calories every 30 minutes played. At the same time, the other sports provided promising results. 

A 2019 Perspectives on Psychological Science study supports the idea of physical activity from video games. The researchers say including exercise in video games increases your enjoyment and improves your physical health. The Wii and Kinect days are gone, but you can still exercise with the Nintendo Switch and its sports titles. 

Treating ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem you typically see in children because it’s a neurodevelopmental disorder. It often lasts into adulthood, making life harder for a person with the disorder. People with ADHD may show signs like excessive talking, daydreaming, fidgeting and other symptoms. 

Fortunately, research has demonstrated video games can treat ADHD. A 2020 European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry study finds video game therapeutics positively affected children in cognitive areas and eased their ADHD symptoms. 

So, why are video games effective at treating ADHD? Playing video games requires heightened focus, regardless of whether you play Stardew Valley, Call of Duty or The Last of Us. More testing is necessary, and optimized software could help when developers and health care professionals collaborate. 

Boosting Cognitive Performance

Did your parents or grandparents warn you about video games rotting your brain when you were a kid? While too much gaming can negatively impact children, video games have cognitive benefits. We’re not saying 11-year-old children should play Grand Theft Auto, but kids can reap benefits from puzzle and strategy games requiring critical thinking. 

A 2022 study examined over 2,200 children, some playing video games and others not. The researchers looked for how video games affected cognitive performance to see if there was a demonstrable advantage or disadvantage. Ultimately, they concluded the gaming children saw small levels of boosted cognitive performance over their peers. However, the caveat for these kids included attention problems and higher ADHD scores.

Relieving Stress

Imagine getting home after a long day, and the only thing you want to do is turn on the game and find an escape. If you’ve felt like this before, you’re not alone. Video games are popular stress relievers. Blowing off steam can come in different forms, including racing on Mario Kart, winning battle royales on Fortnite and doing heists on Grand Theft Auto. The positive mental impact is hardly a coincidence. 

In 2020, the world reached a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When stuck at home, what else did you have to do besides play video games? A 2021 study examined how playing video games affected those stuck at home due to local regulations or personal choice. As it turns out, video games were a positive factor. Researchers found that 58% of gamers saw a positive impact from playing video games. These subjects stated stress relief and reduced anxiety as a pair of factors. 

Increasing Brain Plasticity

Neuroplasticity likely isn’t a term you hear unless you’re in the medical field. However, it’s essential for humans as we grow into adulthood and our senior years. Neuroplasticity is your brain’s capacity to recognize and adapt based on the environment. For example, learning a new skill utilizes your brain’s plasticity because your mind needs to go down new paths it hasn’t recognized before. 

Video games are another way you can encourage brain plasticity. In fact, a 2020 study examined how the brain reacts to video games regarding its plasticity. The researchers specifically looked at attentional control and reward processing and concluded video games can have a positive correlation with elasticity if developers integrate neurofeedback into their titles. 

Other Video Game Benefits

Video games can be a divisive topic, but they often do more good than harm. Here are a few more video game benefits gamers experience daily. 

Making New Friends

Some titles intend you to play alone, whereas others encourage community and companionship. Video games unite people by letting you make new friends, whether directly through the game, Discord, Reddit or other platforms where people discuss their games.

You never know who you’re going to meet in these games. For example, longtime NASCAR spotter T.J. Majors met Dale Earnhardt Jr. through online racing and became friends. Later, Majors became Earnhardt Jr.’s spotter for long phases of his racing career. You might not meet Dale Jr. on Call of Duty. Still, many professional athletes partake in online video games nowadays. 

Learning Something New

Most video games occur in fantasy worlds, but many titles base themselves on real-world situations. In fact, you may even learn something new in the games you play. The Oregon Trail is one of the earliest educational games, as it became popular in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Players learn about life on the trail as you lead your settlers to the Pacific Ocean in the mid-19th century. 

Another example of education video games is Brothers In Arms: Road to Hill 30. Many games have been based on World War II, but this game digs deeper into actual events. The publisher, Ubisoft, tells the story of the Normandy invasion through Sergeant Matt Baker. They used Harrison Summers, an authentic WWII sergeant, to inspire the game’s main character. In the game, you’ll learn more about what the Allies went through.  

Experiencing Triumph

There’s hardly a better feeling than beating a video game. Some titles require hours, days and weeks of your time to finally overcome the final boss and defeat the campaign. Can you think of that one super hard level you spent so many tries before eventually winning? It’s all worth it once you see the final credits roll. The triumph you experience provides a sense of accomplishment you’ll take with you for the rest of your life.

Ensure a Video Game Benefits You

While video games are beneficial, it’s important to remember they have their limitations. Keep your screen time to just a few hours a day, and remember to balance your games with outside time, household chores and the relationships in your life. Maintaining a balance lets video games benefit you to the maximum.

The post How Playing a Video Game Benefits Your Health appeared first on Modded.

College football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, so why haven’t fans gotten a video game in over a decade? The last title, NCAA Football 14, debuted in July 2013 and has been a football fan favorite since then. EA Sports confirmed they’re making another NCAA college football video game, so what can we expect from this highly anticipated title? Here’s a guide to understand what’s happening.  

NCAA College Football Video Game Expected Release Date

Let’s take a time machine back to February 2021. The Alabama Crimson Tide had just beat Ohio State for another national championship and wrapped up another No. 1 recruiting class. Then, EA Sports dropped a bomb: they’re reviving the college football video game series after seven years in a hiatus.

The college football universe warmly embraced the news because they’ve missed looking forward to a new game each summer. A new season brings new teams, players and coaches to Division I football. Since NCAA Football 14’s release, we’ve seen Appalachian State, James Madison, Old Dominion and other schools join the FBS. In 2023 alone, Sam Houston State and Jacksonville State made the jump, so it’s time for a new game. 

The excitement and anticipation for a new game are still in the air, so when can you expect a release date? The latest reports suggest EA Sports will continue with its release in the summer of 2024, just ahead of the upcoming football season. Some factors have slowed the game’s progress, including name, image and likeness (NIL) for players, coaches, universities and more. However, the show should go on as planned. 

What to Expect From the NCAA College Football Video Game

NCAA college football video games are unique because of their road to glory and dynasty modes. Sure, you can create players and control their careers in NBA 2k, Madden and other sports games. However, they don’t stack up to the college football games. Will these game modes return? Here’s what we can expect from next summer’s anticipated title.

Dynasty Mode’s Return

The most significant development we’ve seen so far is the return of Dynasty Mode. Matt Brown, a noted reporter in the college football world, reported in May that EA Sports is spending a lot of time and resources in its dynasty mode. That’s music to our ears because this game mode is a central focus of the game. 

Dynasty mode might be the most fun part of any NCAA college football video game. You can take the reins of any team in the country and build them into a juggernaut. Imagine becoming the head coach of Georgia Southern and winning the College Football Playoff, defeating teams like Alabama and Michigan along the way. 

Real Players 

One of the biggest obstacles for the NCAA college football video game is incorporating real players. NIL is why EA Sports stopped the video game series after 2013. The 2024 edition of this game will hopefully bring real players’ names. Of course, you can mod NCAA 14 and use community rosters. However, seeing real players receive real compensation for their NIL in the game would be nice. 

What’s the progress on this issue? ESPN reported in May that EA Sports will allow all eligible FBS players to opt into the video game and receive compensation. It’s still up in the air what players will be in the game and how much they’ll get paid. However, the news of actual players in the game is refreshing. 

Missing Players and Teams

As of 2023, there are 133 schools in the FBS. Each team puts 85 players on scholarships, so some student-athletes will unfortunately not receive the full funding. If the next NCAA college football video game puts all scholarship athletes in the game, that means 11,305 players need to opt in for EA Sports to use their NIL. Then, you must get all 133 teams on board, which could be a problem. Ultimately, we could see the next title leave out some players. 

You also need to look out for missing teams. We’d like to believe EA Sports wouldn’t publish its NCAA college football video game without USC, Clemson and Notre Dame. However, the possibility exists. 

The Collegiate Licensing Company has a deal with almost all of FBS schools except for 12. The Trojans, Tigers and Fighting Irish are three of them. Other names include Kentucky, Troy Pittsburgh and the armed forces schools. These schools have separate licensing agreements and will need to make a deal with EA Sports to have their spot in the game. 

Some schools are waiting to see what happens on the NIL front before deciding their fate. For example, Northwestern and Notre Dame want to ensure their student-athletes get fair compensation in the game. The Wildcats and the Fighting Irish are willing to sit out the game if they don’t deem the deal good enough. 

Madden Separation

One fear gamers have with the new game is it’s going to be a cut-and-paste version of Madden. While the NFL game is fun sometimes, players overwhelmingly view the title negatively. Glitching, lagging and weird AI activity are only some of the complaints Madden players have. 

Fortunately, EA Sports has promised a separation from the pro football game, hopefully leading to a better college game experience. In November 2022, Matt Brown reported the next college football video game would be a completely new title and not a reskin of Madden. 

What We’re Still Waiting to See

A lot has changed since the last NCAA college football video game, so there are a few elements EA Sports needs to implement. Unfortunately, we haven’t heard about these two features yet. 

The Transfer Portal

First, the transfer portal. You couldn’t transfer in Road to Glory mode in past NCAA games. Understandably, it would have made the game more complicated. Still, a transfer portal feature is necessary now due to the college football landscape. Imagine you get to Ohio State as a quarterback and don’t see any playing time. Why not transfer to UCF or Mississippi State, where you can get more playing time?

In-Game NIL

NIL is another reality of the college football landscape, so seeing how EA Sports handles it will be interesting. When recruiting, you need to navigate the CPU to lure top prospects to your school. Can you offer them NIL money? Will NIL have any part in the game, or will recruiting keep the same interface as previous games? In these titles, you would call players and talk up your school while putting down the competitors.

The Playoffs

The playoffs have been a college football staple since the 2014-2015 season, so leaving them out would be a travesty. If the playoffs are in the game, how EA Sports will implement them is worth wondering. Will there be a committee you need to impress? Will there only be four teams, or will it expand to 12, 16 or more? We’d love a customized playoff grid with 32 or even 64 teams.

Waiting for the Next NCAA College Football Video Game

In 2024, we’ll have a new college football video game for the first time in over a decade. Gamers worldwide can get their fill by building small schools and turning them into juggernauts. Before the release, read this guide to know what to expect. What players and schools will be missing? Will we get a Road to Glory mode? These inquiries are essential before the next NCAA college football video game.

The post The Next NCAA College Football Video Game: What to Expect appeared first on Modded.

Is anyone jumping up and down and getting excited about paying taxes? These levies and tariffs are a part of life. In fact, they can positively contribute to your community by improving infrastructure and bettering schools. However, some items in your budget face different taxes than others. The highest markups come from the excise tax. What is this fee? What states have the highest? Here’s a guide telling you everything you need to know.

What Is an Excise Tax?

First, let’s discuss what it is. Federal and state governments impose excise taxes on goods. However, these goods aren’t your milk, butter and eggs from the grocery store. Excise taxes typically impact gasoline, alcohol, tobacco and related products. 

Some call it the sin tax because they associate this levy with sinful activities. Governments often implement excise taxes to curb your enthusiasm for particular products. For example, high taxes on alcohol may discourage people from buying it or at least lower their consumption. Excise taxes are also critical for funding state budgets and programs. For example, gas taxes nationwide fund highway and bridge projects. 

Alcohol and gasoline are the most popular forms of this tax. Still, some other goods and commodities fall under this category. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), some of these services include indoor tanning, car tires and airline tickets. 

States With the Highest Excise Tax on Gas

The pain at the pump depends on what state you stop for fuel. The Tax Foundation says these five states are where you’ll find the highest excise tax on gas. 

1. California

Gas is already expensive in California due to high demand, but the state’s excise tax doesn’t help either. California residents and tourists can expect to pay a gas tax rate of 77.9 cents per gallon when they pull up to the pump. During the supply chain disruptions of 2022, gas prices soared to a $6.44 average in the Golden State, making it a pain to fill up the car. 

2. Illinois

Unsurprisingly, the Second City’s state is second on this list. Illinois’ gas tax is about 66.5 cents per gallon because it combines multiple tariffs into one. The Land of Lincoln makes drivers pay the motor fuel excise tax, sales tax and environmental fees. Altogether, the taxes add up to be the second-highest in the country.

3. Pennsylvania

Why do we have gas in the United States? We can partly thank the great state of Pennsylvania, where Edwin Drake struck oil and started the state’s oil rush. If you’re in the Keystone State, expect to pay a gas tax of about 62 cents per gallon. Pennsylvania’s gas tax last increased at the beginning of 2023 to fund state projects on roads and bridges. 

4. Indiana

Fourth place on the gas tax list is Indiana, clocking in with 54.4 cents for every gallon of gas you put in your car. Hoosiers have seen an increase in their gas tax each year since 2017. In 2022, some states decided to suspend their gas tax due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, Indiana chose to keep their levy in place. Some southern Indiana natives benefit from driving to Kentucky for gas, considering the Bluegrass State has the 26th-highest gas tax. 

5. Washington

The fifth-highest gas tax in the United States belongs to the state of Washington. Residents and travelers in the Evergreen state pay about 49.4 cents in gas taxes per gallon. Despite having a high gas tax, some in Washington are ready to phase out this excise tax as fewer passenger cars hit the road. What’s the benefit of this policy? The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) will someday render gas taxes useless nationwide as EVs grow their market share. 

Avoiding the Excise Tax on Gas

Taxes aren’t something we necessarily enjoy paying, especially when the bills get tight. So, is there any way you can legally avoid paying an excise tax on gas? Yes! The best strategy is to buy a fully electric car. EVs avoid excise taxes because they don’t rely on gasoline for their power.

Some states indirectly charge EV owners by increasing their registration fees, ensuring the state still gets revenue. All in all, it’s almost like a car excise tax. Who wants to pay a car tax just to drive? For EVs, it may be worth it because you’ll save money. 

States With the Highest Excise Tax on Spirits

Do you like drinking mint juleps during the Kentucky Derby? The tax you’ll pay for the bourbon depends on your state. The Tax Foundation says these five states have the highest excise tax on spirits. 

1. Washington

While Washington may phase out the gas tax, its excise tax on alcohol is here to stay. Get ready because it’s a big one. States charge levies on a dollar-per-gallon basis for alcohol. The Evergreen State charges about $36.55 for every gallon of vodka, whiskey, tequila and other spirits you buy. Washington has no income tax, creating one of the reasons for a high tax on liquor. 

2. Oregon

Washington residents looking for a reprieve may try to cross the Oregon border for their liquor. However, it won’t do them much good. The Beaver State has the second-highest tax on distilled spirits, charging residents and tourists $22.86 for every gallon of alcohol. Pour one for your Oregon Duck fans watching football with their rum and Coca-Cola because it’s hurting their wallets. 

3. Virginia

Virginia is for lovers as long as these couples are okay with paying a high sin tax on alcohol. Virginians pay $22.06 per gallon of distilled spirits. This state (or commonwealth, as the locals may say) is famous for its Virginia Black bourbon whiskey. In fact, Virginia’s history with whiskey goes all the way back to the colonial days when pilgrims distilled this spirit on the James River. 

4. Alabama

The Yellowhammer State checks in fourth place with a spirit tax of $21.69 per gallon of liquor. This southern state typically boasts low taxes across the board. Still, it has a high spirit levy to fund the Department of Human Resources, the Department of Mental Health, the State General Fund and various localities.

5. North Carolina

Fifth place goes to North Carolina, the Tar Heel State. Residents here pay $16.40 per gallon for their distilled spirits, regardless of whether they attend North Carolina, Duke, North Carolina State or any other school in the Research Triangle. North Carolina says its high alcohol tax generates revenue to fund the state’s health care, education and public safety programs.

Paying the Price With Excise

Taxes are a necessity for keeping government offices and schools open. However, each state’s approach to funding itself significantly differs everywhere you look. Some states enforce high excise taxes on gas, spirits and even indoor tanning! These states top the list for the highest taxes on liquor and gasoline. 

The post What States Charge a High Excise Tax? appeared first on Modded.

When you learn a new programming language, you must understand the shortcuts that can make your work much easier. One of the easiest shortcuts and most valuable tools in programming is knowing how to install modules in Python. 

Python remains to be one of the most desired programming languages, thanks to its applications in back-end development and other fields like data science or analysis. Knowing how to work modules, as well as the shortcuts that can make using them much easier, can transform your entire knowledge of the language. It makes you a more competitive employee or more effective in passion projects or work tasks.

What Is a Python Module?

Though Python looks intimidating to anyone stepping into the world of programming for the first time, it’s actually beginner-friendly thanks to how easy it is to understand and how you can use it for just about anything. Modules can help newbie programmers learn how to group similar things together and work smarter, not harder.

A module helps you work on a longer piece of code or project without going back and working on something all over again. The module itself is just a piece of code that goes into the final project. This file can help you execute a longer code, or it might be just a part you don’t want to work on again, so you need to save it for later. The file name has “.py” at the end of it. When importing modules, you can connect certain pieces to other pieces or even put less significant modules into the main one, whatever you need for your project.

When you import a module, no matter how many times you try to import it, it only loads once. This tactic prevents you from accidentally executing the same code several times. Modules can also make your work easier to understand because it clumps similar attributes together, which can make a difference when your code frustrates you. Knowing how to install modules in Python is a great way to help yourself fully understand the code you’re working on and save you some time and grief.

How to Install Modules in Python With 5 Easy Hacks

Learning how to install modules in Python is easy as long as you understand what you’re looking for and aiming to create. Your file should be saved, and you should have given it a distinctive name to help you differentiate it from the others. From there, you just need to learn how to import and install it.

1. Become Familiar With Pip

Pip, also known as “PIP” or “pip,” is Python’s preferred installer program. It comes pre-installed on Python versions 3.4 and later. With it, you can easily install modules for yourself or the entire system. Simply installing Pip can make the process much smoother and likely eliminate most difficulties you have with importing any given module.

2. Use the Right Command

Programming is all about using the right commands to ensure you organize and get the code right. To import a module through Pip, you only need to type “import module (name of module).” The module’s name should include the suffix “.py” — that suffix indicates that the piece of code is written for Python and can be used in a larger coding project. However, you don’t need to include this suffix when writing in Pip.

Written out, it should look something like this:

• import module

In this example, replace “module” with whatever the module’s unique name is. Then, the entire module should be imported and executed into your project.

3. Know When to Import Only a Bit

Sometimes, you may not need the entire module, but you do want to import a piece of it. In that case, you can use “from” to import only a piece of your piece of code. Just list the name of the attributes you want to bring into your project. You can separate each separate one with a comma, so you don’t have to execute the import several times to bring in different parts of the same module.

When importing several parts of a module, you’ll write something similar to this example:

• from module import section, piece

In this example, you would replace “section” and “piece” with the unique names of the sections or features you want to import. From there, those elements should be replicated and executed, performing the functions you need them to.

4. Understand How to Import as Something Else

Just as you can import something from a specific module, you can also learn how to import something as something else. In this process, you’re assigning an alias to a certain module. The new name can help you denote the module in shorthand, allowing you to access or alter it without taking the time to type everything out. 

You’d write it as the following:

• import example as e

In this case, the word “example” stands in for the module’s name. You can give it any sort of codename or alias you want — but it’s “e” in this example, a way to show how something can be made into shorthand. If you’re working on a time crunch, it might be best to assign aliases to several modules so you can type them out and configure them faster.

5. Know to Avoid Doubling Up

When you try to import a module more than once, the code only executes the first time. Luckily, you don’t have to remember everything off the top of your head. You can command Pip to display a list of the installed Python packages and modules you or someone else has worked with before.

To bring up the display, you’d write out this command:

• pip list

Doing so will bring up information on the latest version of Python you have installed, and it’ll show you all the modules and packages associated with the system or environment. It’s a handy tool to have — especially when you don’t keep track of absolutely everything when coding.

Learn the Ins and Outs of Python

Understanding a programming language can be difficult, but because Python is geared toward beginners and is easy to understand, most people shouldn’t have an issue with learning how to install modules in Python. You might get so deep into coding that you forget to notice the things around you. Some technology, like a coffee cup warmer, can take care of the things around you so you don’t have to break your concentration. Of course, knowing how modules work and learning shortcuts to make your work easier can help you dive into deep work. All you have to do is figure out the shortcuts that work for you and move forward with new knowledge that can carry you to success.

The post How to Install Modules in Python appeared first on Modded.

Video games are one of the most popular forms of entertainment at home. The average person’s favorite titles are probably Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty and Halo — but those are the mainstream games. Do you own any indie games? What are indie games? These games may be lesser known, but they’re just as good.

What Are Indie Games?

Indie games are video games made by individuals or small, independent development teams. These titles are different from most AAA games you see at Gamestop. Indie games don’t come from Activision, Rockstar, Nintendo or Electronic Arts (EA).

Instead, developers of indie games are what you would expect — companies with not as much name recognition. These businesses include Askiisoft, Extremely OK Games, Innersloth and more.

How Are Indie Games Different?

Producing an indie game looks much different than the prominent titles on the shelves. Here are five distinctions with indie games you need to know.

Tight Budgets

The first reason may be the most obvious. Indie games don’t have the same budgets as the best-sellers. A marquee AAA title can easily eclipse $100 million in production costs. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 cost over $300 million for CD Projekt Red to develop. 

Star Citizen has been in the works for a decade and has reportedly crossed the half-billion mark before the game has even finished. That’s more money than we know what to do with. 

Small Teams

Tight budgets mean you can only have so much staff. Your team members will likely take on multiple roles to fill the gaps. You need programmers, graphic designers, story writers and marketing teams to produce the game and get people to buy it. If your budget is small, get ready to brush off that marketing textbook from college to advertise your game.

Risk Taking

Indie game developers go by the beat of their own drum. They’re not beholden to investors or corporate heads watching every move of their production. Therefore, they’re more likely to take risks in game development. They may bring a new take on first-person shooters or other role-playing games (RPGs) you’ve never seen before. 

Digital Downloads

Indie games are unique because you typically only see them in digital formats. These developers don’t have the resources to create physical copies, so letting gamers find them on Steam, Epic Games or the PlayStation Store makes more financial sense. More AAA games are doing digital downloads, but indie games have been following this strategy for a long time.

Price 

Digital distribution and other cost-saving tactics are why indie games are more affordable. Overhead costs lead to $60 or $70 titles, forcing many gamers to wait for a sale or overspend on the release date. However, most indie games are what frugal people dream of because they cost $20 or less. That’s a great deal for a game!

What Are the Most Popular Indie Games?

Tell a guy at the bar your favorite indie game and buy him a beer if he’s played it before. Most indie games are lowkey, but there have been some smash hits over the years. These four titles are the most popular indie games on the market. 

Minecraft

Minecraft is not just the most popular indie game of all time — it’s the most popular video game ever. In April 2021, Microsoft said Minecraft had surpassed 238 million copies sold, far surpassing its competition. The game has only been out since 2011 but has been a staple for video game lovers who mindlessly play the game for hours. 

Markus Persson, a Swedish game developer, created Minecraft in 2009 by himself. The game quickly rose in the indie game ranks, prompting him to sell the game in 2011. Minecraft might not be an indie game by 2023’s standards, but Persson made it himself and sold it without a large distributor. 

Stardew Valley

For an indie game, Stardew Valley has quite a large following. As of 2022, the game has sold over 20 million copies accounting for all platforms. How has this game become so successful? It follows the model that makes indie games popular when they hit the right notes.

Eric Barone, whom you may know as ConcernedApe, created the game in 2016. You start on a farm in Stardew Valley, and you get to build your community by fishing, raising livestock and growing crops. The game takes inspiration from Harvest Moon, one of the most popular games ever. The game was recently released on the Nintendo Switch, so pick up a copy if you want the indie game feel on a new device. 

Stardew Valley may be an outlier, but this example shows what indie games can do with enough creativity and devotion to the title. If not for Minecraft, Stardew Valley would be the best indie game ever. 

Rocket League

You may raise your eyebrows at the thought of Rocket League being an indie game. Rocket League might not be an indie game by today’s standards, but take a second to consider the game. 

Rocket League came onto the scene in 2015 after Psyonix created the game. Psyonix was an independent game studio that made Rocket League with the indie game touch we know and love. For the time, it was creative and innovative and stole the hearts of many gamers. Epic Games acquired Psyonix later in 2015, so it no longer counts as an indie game. However, it started out as an indie game, so it makes the list. 

Among Us

Remember the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic? We couldn’t safely go out to the bars or beaches without worrying about the virus, so we had to entertain ourselves with virtual fun. Online co-op games took off in 2020, and of them was Among Us. 

Among Us comes from Innersloth, an independent game developer. Only three people made the game on a small budget, and the developer published it themselves. 

Since 2020, Among Us has become a gigantic success. Millions of people play the game, peaking at 500 million active users in November 2020. You can still find a very active community in 2023, and the indie game will likely remain popular for years. 

What Are Indie Games? The Most Fun You’ll Have

Video games are about immersive experiences in fantasy lands. You control the protagonist as they defeat evil, explore mysterious lands and become legends in their own right. Who says these games have to come from the major companies? You can find terrific titles within the indie game community. 

Indie games are what you value in a title — just like what you love in indie films. We’re not saying Minecraft and “The Blair Witch Project” are the same. Still, they’re examples of what happens when independent developers can do with limited resources.

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