Friday, July 10, 2020 Dhul-Qa’da 19, 1441 AH

Doha today: 310 - 400

COVER STORY Sense of purpose Kicking racists off social media doesn’t threaten free speech. It protects it. P2-3

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Froyo Summer. The challenges of updating of Page 6 the world’s most loved games. Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Friday, July 10, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Reining in the racism monster PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.21am Internet has been forced to acknowledge what the “Wild Shorooq (sunrise) 4.52am Zuhr (noon) 11.41am Asr (afternoon) 3.05pm West” label really means: a mythology of individualism, Maghreb (sunset) 6.29pm Isha (night) 7.59pm iconoclasm and opportunity that almost always veils — USEFUL NUMBERS and often encourages — racism, bigotry, chicanery and abuse, writes Mary McNamara

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ote Unquo Qu te “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” Kicking a few people off YouTube — Dalai Lama is not going to end racism any more than toppling a few statues will. But applying universal social standards to the social media posts and videos that Community Editor make many people a great deal Kamran Rehmat ‘ e-mail: [email protected] of money certainly will Telephone: 44466405 Fax: 44350474 — Mary McNamara, LAT columnist ’ Friday, July 10, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

or years, people have of his terrible fi nal minutes to claimed that the circulate to millions. Social media taming of the Internet has become a very eff ective tool was nigh. Whether of social policing, especially of Fcause for lamentation the police. It’s our smartphones or celebration, the Wild West that give citizens the capability of content that stretched, of documenting everything from unhampered by natural boundaries Costco Karen to police fi ring tear of river, mountain or sea, would gas at clearly peaceful protesters. be increasingly carved up and It’s social media that allows those tied down by capitalism, privacy videos to go viral. concerns, and technological reality. But as the Mueller report Soon the gold rush of freedom, of revealed, the lack of even basic instant fame and fortune, would be gate-keeping can backfi re and over — co-opted by corporations, cause serious personal and societal governmental regulation and way damage. Whatever you believe too many cosmetic lines. about the president’s involvement, But not until recently did we there is incontrovertible evidence consider the basic metaphorical that Russian operatives used issue. In the last few months, Facebook and Twitter in an attempt indeed the last few days, the to manipulate the 2016 election. Internet has been forced to Last month, Twitter, bowing acknowledge what that “Wild to pressure over the spread of West” label really means: a misinformation and hate speech, mythology of individualism, began adding labels to tweets iconoclasm and opportunity that it considered inaccurate or almost always veils — and often particularly incendiary, including encourages — racism, bigotry, several issued by the president. In chicanery and abuse. response, many Trump supporters For many who lived through it, TESTIMONY: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before the Senate judiciary and commerce committees on are turning to a new platform, there was nothing romantic about Capitol Hill on April 10, 2018, in Washington, DC. Parler, which has no such labels. the “taming” of the American Facebook has refused to initiate West, with its obliteration part of the announcement that also recently apologised for racist banal that I cannot bear to explain, any similar labels, though it does and “relocation” of Native professional racists like Duke and humour or insensitivity. even if I were able; Jezebel had a go, have a 27-page “community Americans, its spread of white Spencer were being kicked off Increasingly, problematic however.) standards” guideline that prohibits Christian authority, its reliance YouTube was the revelation that old posts are being resurfaced, This time, however, an apology the use of hate speech, incitement on immigrants, including Black they were still on YouTube — the with new or rekindled outrage. video proved to be the opposite of to violence and the spread of Southerners, fl eeing oppression platform had vowed to ban white Controversy and “authenticity” enough. A video in which Dawson misinformation (although staff only to be met with similar bigotry. supremacists and practitioners of drive the infl uencer marketplace, mimed an inappropriate act to a members recently protested CEO The Civil War was fought, in hate speech last June. particularly on YouTube, where photo of then-11-year-old Willow Mark Zuckerberg’s seeming refusal part, to keep Western states from But taken as a pattern, it seems feuds result in a reconciliation, Smith shocked many, and prompted to apply these to President Trump). becoming slave states; even so the barons of the Internet are mistakes in public apologies, with angry reactions from mother Jada In response to the advertising the beauty and possibilities of the fi nally acknowledging that they do dizzying regularity and are often Pinkett Smith and brother Jaden boycott, the site says many accounts “new” land were regularly blighted not exist in an alternate universe, naked bids for attention and more Smith. breaking that policy have already by the same systems that marred outside standard rules and followers, which, as in all media, Dawson’s use of blackface and been shut down. Zuckerberg has the old. regulations. can translate into profi t. racist humour also was, by his said he will meet with Stop Hate And so it has been with the In many ways, Dawson’s censure Dawson’s multimillion-dollar own admission, too frequent to be for Profi t leaders, but that his Internet, as a fl urry of corrective may turn out to be the biggest success was based, in part, on considered “a mistake,” especially opposition to tightening restrictions actions have shown. news, with a much broader impact his ability to rebound from each to a world grown weary of similar remains: The advertisers will be In the last week alone: on the YouTube and infl uencer controversy with “authenticity,” apologies. back, he has said, and the site The Google-owned platform communities and their young which often involved a long video Social media has, for many, will not change because it is not YouTube fi nally banned six white audiences. As Dawson said in his or social media post from him become a replacement for Facebook’s business to fact-check or supremacist channels, including apology, his racism was even more about the “toxic” atmosphere that traditional media, news and police its patrons. those belonging to former KKK toxic because it was not couched hangs over social platforms that entertainment, in part because It is true that under Section 230 leader David Duke and Richard in white supremacy but in humour are fuelled by gossip (or “tea”), platforms like Twitter were seen as of the Communications Decency Spencer, and demonetised and drama aimed at young people judgement and cancel culture. democratic; accessible by all and Act, made law 25 years ago, no longtime platform star Shane looking for an alternative to legacy In fact, Dawson’s racist past was gate-kept by none, they were the social media platforms can be held Dawson after he acknowledged media. revisited as he tried to extricate ultimate expression of free speech. liable for any statements made on that he had often used blackface, And he is not the only one being himself from another drama. (This Indeed, the protests over George the platform, or any subsequent racist humour and inappropriate re-evaluated through the lens of one involved YouTube beauty Floyd’s death might not have actions taken because of those commentary. Reddit, which is current events. David Dobrik, Liza mavens Jeff ree Star and James expanded so widely if not for social statements. But the law also allows owned by Condé Nast’s parent Koshy and other YouTubers have Charles, so complicated and yet media, which allowed the video those platforms to institute their company, Advance Publications, own set of rules. banned thousands of communities Social media platforms are all that violated the company’s hate businesses, owned and operated speech policies, including “The by people who often make quite a Donald,” a subreddit devoted to bit of money doing so. “Freedom” boosting support for President is something these companies Trump through a panoply of sell; free speech is a guaranteed racism, sexism, manipulated news constitutional right, but Facebook, and conspiracy theories. More than like Costco, is private property — 500 companies, including Coca- you can be told to take your speech Cola, Microsoft, Hershey, Adidas, elsewhere at any time. Clorox and Ford, pulled their And slowly, fi nally, that is what advertising from Facebook and is beginning to happen. Kicking Instagram as part of the Stop Hate a few people off YouTube is not for Profi t initiative, demanding that going to end racism any more than the platforms tighten restrictions toppling a few statues will. But re- on misinformation and bigotry. examining America’s mythologies, Individually, each action could be around the Founding Fathers, the construed as an inevitable, and Confederacy or the “settling of the even in some cases conservative, West” just might — and applying response to the Black Lives universal social standards to the Matter movement which, after social media posts and videos that the police killing of George Floyd make many people a great deal of in Minneapolis, sent millions money certainly will. protesting across every state of the Free speech only works if union and around the world. BOTTOMLINE: Social media platforms are all businesses, owned and operated by people who often make quite a bit everyone is actually free. Indeed, the most shocking of money doing so. —Los Angeles Times/TNS 4 GULF TIMES Friday, July 10, 2020 COMMUNITY BODY & MIND Constantly distracted? Here’s how to wrangle ‘21st-century syndrome’ It’s easier than ever to slip into a vortex of YouTube or meaningless e-mail, but if you reflect on why you’re distracted, you might discover something deeper, writes Jenny Valentish

nce upon a time, the subtasks is triggering the fear. smoking at your desk “Then ask yourself, ‘What is the was practically a sign fear about? Is it real, or is it just an of productivity. I’m old story of mine – such as believing Onot suggesting you I’m bad at something – trying to rush out and blow a week’s salary scare me?’ Sharing that fear with on a pack, but I am about to plot a someone is a great way of disarming path from the ashed keyboards of it.” yesteryear to our current problem A good test of whether it is the of being hopelessly distracted by task that’s the problem or whether technology. the emotion is related to another The Internet constantly cops issue is to see if you’re able to sit the blame for diverting us from our down and calmly read a book, he labour, to the point that there are says. If it’s not task-specifi c, the apps – the irony! – to help us resist next step is to dig deeper into that its pull, from growing a virtual non-descript “argh” feeling by tree to locking us out of social really trying to identify the specifi c media. Obviously social media is emotion. “Name it, and then ask engineered to hook our attention, yourself: what does that say I need?” but perhaps there’s something Berry says. “Do I need to talk to deeper afoot. someone, for instance?” The book Indistractable: How to According to Eyal, practising Control Your Attention and Choose abstinence by locking yourself out Your Life by Nir Eyal attempts to of your favourite social-validation answer that. Eyal himself tried feedback loop won’t work, because every trick to keep focused on his banning yourself from doing writing, such as using a 1990s something only makes you want to word processor without an Internet do it more (you might have heard connection, before realising that of the pop-psychology experiment tech is not the problem. in which participants are asked to He argues that distraction arises absolutely not think about polar from emotions we’re trying to bears). avoid. Scrolling brings instant THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUE: Melbourne psychologist Dr Matthew Berry thinks distraction has become the Eyal suggests making an “identity relief from intrusive thoughts, number one avoidance technique for pain. He says our brains aren’t evolved enough to handle what some researchers pact” by giving yourself a moniker. just as I would say that lighting a call “supernormal stimuli”. These include social media, gaming, which highly activate our reward system. Just as you might say “I am sober” or cigarette quelled the same sense of “I am a non-smoker”, you say “I am restlessness. Only, smoking didn’t Esther Coleman-Hawkins anxious, it would absolutely be fear the laundry, but in the background indistractable”. drag us away from our work and into works from home, dividing her day of failure. Fear of not knowing the you’re also problem-solving.” “I’m down with that,” says a YouTube vortex. between multiple tasks: developing answers. Fear of fucking up.” It’s when we allow technology Coleman-Hawkins. “I have a Why is it that when we’re trying TV programmes, recording At home, these feelings can be to be the distraction that too much narrative of myself as somebody who to work, psychological discomfort workshops for her company Media harder to handle. “In an offi ce your time can get frittered away. And as can be really focused in the morning, makes itself heard? It could be that Mentors and creating social media brain gets downtime when you go to Eyal says, “if distraction costs us and the more I tell myself that, the the task itself is causing anxiety – content. the kitchen and talk to somebody. time, then time management is pain more it’s turned out to be true.” like fear of failure – or it could be “I get most distracted when If you’re working from home, your management”. Eyal has some tech tips, too: to we’re so bored that our emotions I don’t know the answer to brain doesn’t get that space. So I Berry recommends his clients receive fewer e-mails, you must send have the space to emerge. (You’re something,” she tells me. “If I had think distractions can be useful – it break their task down into subtasks fewer e-mails. Further, even if you unlikely to get an existential crisis in to identify what was making me might feel like you’re just doing to try and narrow down which of want to respond while a thought the middle of a Netfl ix binge.) takes you, use a program such as Melbourne psychologist Dr Mixmax6 for Gmail to delay delivery Matthew Berry thinks distraction and thus give the recipient less time has become our number one to engage in a back and forth. avoidance technique for pain – When you go back to work in more so than drowning it with the offi ce, opt out of time-drainers drugs. He says our brains aren’t like Slack or WhatsApp that have evolved enough to handle what connected you with your co-workers some researchers call “supernormal during lockdown. You could also stimuli”. These include social media, try what Eyal’s wife does to deter gaming, which highly activate our their young daughter from chatting: reward system. fashion yourself a “concentration “I call it 21st-century syndrome crown” (hers is made out of a cheap and it’s a two-part process,” he headpiece with LED lights) to signal says. “It’s diffi culty sitting with that you are not to be interrupted. feelings – many of which are caused If you’re distracting yourself right by unprocessed emotions and-or now by reading this, take a moment social disconnection – coupled to rate your current crisis, from with the overabundance of shiny aimless antsiness to Munch’s Scream. dopamine-y things that we can use Chances are you’ve been distracting to drown out those feelings. We yourself from the meaningful then get over-attuned to one thing messages your own emotions have – like porn or Instagram – and then RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended to break your tasks down into subtasks to try and narrow down which of been trying to communicate. under-attuned to anything else.” the subtasks is triggering the fear. — The Guardian Friday, July 10, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 BODY & MIND COMMUNITY

DIAGNOSING COVID: The FDA approved two types of tests for diagnosing Covid-19 — molecular and antigen. How do Covid-19 antibody tests diff er from diagnostic tests?

ou’ve heard about the rapid test appears to miss some to someone with Covid-19. To get new antibody testing cases. The FDA also approved antibody testing, you have to be fully for Covid-19. What is certain Covid-19 at-home test kits, recovered from Covid-19. But in a antibody testing? Is it available only with doctor approval: limited number of communities, Ythe same as testing to A nasal swab kit and a saliva kit. people who never had symptoms diagnose Covid-19? The sample is mailed to a lab for of Covid-19 are included in testing. With all the talk about testing. The FDA warns consumers Some have positive results, meaning coronavirus testing in the news, against buying unapproved they likely were infected by the it’s not surprising that there’s home tests, because they may be Covid-19 virus at some time. confusion about tests and how they inaccurate and unsafe. Access to either test depends on diff er. Antibody testing determines where you live, test availability and whether you had Covid-19 in the Antigen test: whether you’re viewed as eligible. In past and now have antibodies This newer Covid-19 test detects the US, collaborative eff orts to make against the virus. A test to diagnose certain proteins that are part of the more tests available are ongoing. Covid-19 determines if you virus. Using a nasal or throat swab The nationwide goal is to test currently have the disease. Here’s to get a fl uid sample, antigen tests more people as more tests become what you need to know about can produce results in minutes. available. testing. Because these tests are faster and less expensive than molecular tests How can diagnostic and When is antibody testing are, some experts consider antigen antibody testing help reduce the done and why is it important? tests more practical to use for large spread of Covid-19? Antibody testing, also known numbers of people. A positive When more Covid-19 diagnostic as serology testing, is done after antigen test result is considered tests are available, people who test full recovery from Covid-19. POST RECOVERY: Antibody testing, also known as serology testing, is done very accurate, but there’s an positive and have symptoms can get Eligibility may vary, depending after full recovery from Covid-19. increased chance of false negative care earlier. Contacts can be traced on the availability of tests. A results — meaning it’s possible to and self-isolation or quarantine healthcare professional takes a The timing and type of antibody participants for this promising be infected with the virus but have started sooner to help stop the blood sample, usually by a fi nger test aff ects accuracy. If you have treatment study, already used negative antigen test results. So spread of the virus. prick or by drawing blood from a testing too early in the course in some severe cases on an antigen tests aren’t as sensitive But no Covid-19 test is 100% vein in the arm. Then the sample is of infection, when the immune experimental basis. as molecular tests are. Depending accurate. It’s possible to test tested to determine whether you’ve response is still building up in on the situation, the doctor may negative yet actually be infected developed antibodies against your body, the test may not detect What tests are used to recommend a molecular test to (false-negative result). So it’s vital the virus. The immune system antibodies, so you may have to wait diagnose Covid-19? confi rm a negative antigen test to continue to follow Covid-19 produces these antibodies — several days to get tested. Also, the The FDA approved two types of result. guidelines from the Centers for proteins that are critical for fi ghting US Food and Drug Administration tests for diagnosing Covid-19 — What do I do if I’m interested Disease Control and Prevention, and clearing out the virus. (FDA) authorised and verifi ed molecular and antigen. in a Covid-19 diagnostic test or such as social distancing, until If test results show that you have certain antibody tests, but many an antibody test? further notice. antibodies, it indicates that you tests with questionable accuracy Molecular test: Contact your doctor or other When accurate antibody tests were likely infected with Covid-19 are now on the market. This test detects genetic material healthcare professional to discuss become widely available, results at some time in the past. It may Another benefi t of accurate of the virus using a lab technique your situation and whether he or will indicate how many people had also mean that you have some antibody testing is that people called polymerase chain reaction she thinks you need a Covid-19 Covid-19 and recovered, including immunity. But the World Health who’ve recovered from Covid-19 (PCR). Also called a PCR test, a diagnostic test or an antibody test. those who didn’t have symptoms. Organisation cautions that there’s a may be eligible to donate plasma, health care worker collects fl uid Before seeking a Covid-19 test This aids in determining who might lack of evidence on whether having a part of their blood. This plasma from a nasal or throat swab or from in person, contact your doctor to have immunity. It can also help in antibodies means you’re protected could be used to treat others saliva. Results may be available in discuss your situation and describe contact tracing to assess who else is against reinfection with Covid-19. with severe disease and boost the minutes if analysed onsite or one to any symptoms. at risk of infection and how far the The level of immunity and how long ability to fi ght the virus. Doctors two days if sent to an outside lab. Typically at this time, most disease spread. All of this data will immunity lasts are not yet known. call this convalescent plasma. In Molecular tests are considered very doctors only suggest a test to help improve strategies to curb the Ongoing studies will eventually the US, the Covid-19 expanded accurate when properly performed diagnose Covid-19 if you have Covid-19 pandemic. — Mayo Clinic reveal more data on this. access programme is recruiting by a healthcare professional, but symptoms or you’ve had exposure News Network/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Friday, July 10, 2020 COMMUNITY CUISINE

yoghurt market is getting tougher day by day. With the introduction of many new players in the market, the competition is getting stiff er and that brings in the innovation in the food the item which is, in turn, better for consumers as they get better products at competitive prices. Scoop to soft-serve: In 1980 an Arkansans based company took froyo to another dimension and transitioned from the scoop and serve to soft-serve machines making it more popular than ever. It was like the icing on the cake.

Chocolate Chip and Coconut Froyo

Ingredients Full-fat Greek 1 cup Whole milk ½ cup Honey 2 tbsp. Vanilla extracts 1 tsp Vegetable gelatin 1 tbsp Coconut shavings 4 tbsp. Chocolate chips ½ cups

Method: 1: In a medium bowl combine Greek yoghurt, vanilla extracts and milk 2. Mix well together until well blended 3: In a saucepan warm honey over low heat and pour into the yoghurt mixture POPULAR: This dessert became popular because it was seen as reduced-fat alternative ice cream. Photo by the author 4: In a small separate dish dissolve the vegetable gelatin in 1tsp warm water and add to the yoghurt mixture 5: Toast the grated coconut over slow heat (150 degree Celsius) in over until light brown and crispy Froyo Summer 5: Stir in chocolate chips and put into an airtight container for 2 hours rozen products like ice New England by H.P Hoods. serve bars with an array of toppings national ice cream month. This 6: Take out the bowl and churn cream, frozen yoghurts, It wasn’t long after the frozen and all you can eat options. The day is celebrated by almost all the the mixture using a spatula and sorbets, gelato, parfaits, yoghurt was marketed by big following fun facts about this new frozen yoghurt shops and off er freeze for another hour and semifreddo are ice cream manufacturers like dessert will surely give enough to discounts and free froyo on this day. 7: Remove from freezer and again Falways in demand during Humphreys and Dannon. However, talk about while you savour it with You can buy it dry: Originally, churn using a spatula and freeze the summer season. Last week I the popularity of the product did friends and family. frozen yoghurt was made using the again for 2 hours was carving for froyo and thought not take off until the 1980s because It is the new kid on the block: real yoghurt base, but these days, it 8: Scoop out the froyo as required it would be nice to share about ironically the main consumer This is a very new dessert as is available in the powdered form, and serve garnished with choice of this summer delicacy with all the complaint about the frozen product compared to the rest of the classical which is then mixed with water or toppings and garnish readers. Froyo is a new word that was that it tasted too much like desserts which have been around hydrated with some other specifi c combines Frozen and yoghurt. yoghurt. The popularity of frozen for so long as compared to only liquid and then poured into a soft- Note: You can also use coconut Frozen yoghurt has always been yoghurt began to increase with three decades for froyo. serve machine. It is quite possible milk, soy milk, almond milk to a bit of a boutique product and the awareness of the healthy It didn’t take long to that you must have consumed froyo substitute the milk. You can has been sold in parlours just ingredients and by 1990 frozen commercialise it – Yoghurt giant thinking of it like ice cream. use agar-agar if you do not get like ice cream because it requires yoghurt was ten per cent of the Dannon was among the fi rst to It may or may not contain vegetable gelatin. You can add your special equipment to produce. It frozen dessert market. The key jump on the blossoming trend and yoghurt: The FDA (The Food and choice of fl avours or fresh available is available with the name “FroYo” selling point of this dessert was the released “Danny” a packaged, fruit Drug Administration) guidelines fruits to your yoghurt to make your and “Frogurt”. healthy aspect and it was an instant fl avoured frozen yoghurt pop on a covers the unfrozen yoghurt and own fl avour profi le. This dessert became popular hit with the healthy Americans who stick with a chocolate coating. It does not require yoghurt cultures during the fi tness craze of the 1970s were thrilled to have a lower fat became the fi rst perishable frozen in the frozen product. So your next because it was seen as reduced-fat alternative to ice cream. treat to be distributed nationwide. froyo cone may or may not contain alternative ice cream which was, in Even though its popularity Its own month-long celebration: yoghurt and you might want to z Chef Tarun Kapoor, fact, good for your overall health. chilled out in the ’80s, frozen Since 1993 June is celebrated as the refer to label for more accurate Culinary Mastermind, This delicious dessert was fi rst yoghurt returned to the limelight a national frozen yoghurt month in details. USA. He may be contacted at introduced as a soft-serve treat in few years back in the form of soft- the United States and July is the Tough competition: The frozen [email protected] Friday, July 10, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 FASHION COMMUNITY Haute couture can thrive online Chanel’s Virginie Viard’s strong designs in chic colours shine despite digital showcase’s subdued vibe

By Lauren Cochrane

re-pandemic, Chanel’s show would be a highlight of any Paris couture schedule – with Pa set worthy of a movie. Highlights from previous years have included a replica Eiff el Tower, an abandoned theatre and, last season, a library with books lining the walls. By contrast, the brand’s contribution to the fi rst digital couture fashion week was a little lower-key. Debuted on Tuesday morning on its website was a one- minute-22-second fi lm with models Rianne van Rompaey and Adut Akech wearing 30 outfi ts from the house’s most elite collection. The coronavirus crisis has forced fashion labels to move from physical events to online showcases, as the industry navigates the new normal. This video was showcasing creative director Virginie Viard’s designs to the couture customers who might be tuning in. It contrasted with other brands’ take on going digital, such as CHIC: A series of tiered gowns in taff eta and velvet, and beaded and Schiaparelli’s fi lm of designer Daniel embroidered pieces, were particularly sumptuous and ready for black-tie Roseberry sketching his collection or events whenever they might return to social diaries. Christian Dior’s narrative of mythical creatures being coaxed into couture diaries. Bruno Pavlovsky is Chanel’s including a mohican, added interest. dresses. While the latter fi lm was excellently titled president of fashion Acclaimed art director Fabien let down by its lack of diversity in activities and president of the Chanel Baron, speaking to WWD about the casting, it was probably the most SAS group. Speaking on video cruise show and fashion fi lm, said a imaginative take on digital couture conference, he said a female designer “straight” approach is less engaging. this week. at the helm of Chanel – the most “Let’s remember that fi lm is about The Chanel collection was inspired famous fashion house founded by a image and storytelling, otherwise it by the life of the late Karl Lagerfeld, woman – provided another point of can be very fl at and an easy medium with whom Viard worked for over view. “She is a woman designing for to lose an audience,” he said. 30 years at Chanel, before becoming women,” he said. “[Customers feel] The fi gures, however, may suggest creative director after his death in very comfortable and very happy otherwise. Pavlovsky said the 2019. In a press release, Viard wrote with this product, which I believe is engagement rate – a measure of how that she was thinking of “punk very important.” much consumers are interacting princesses”. “Karl would go to ‘Le This is the second video Chanel with content online – had risen Palace’,” wrote Viard. “He would has released since the pandemic. from 7.2% for last year’s physical accompany these very sophisticated The fi rst, for the “cruise collection”, cruise show to 8.5% for this year’s and very dressed-up women, who was released on 8 June. The seven digital one, perhaps demonstrating were very eccentric too.” minutes of models standing in that consumers appreciate a If the presentation perhaps lacked front of imagined seascapes and straightforward approach to fashion the wow factor of the physical on elegant balconies was criticised presentations. shows, the clothes were strong and as not reading the room while the Asked about the issue of diversity looked like the serious luxury that news cycle focused on the emerging in fashion, Pavlovsky said it was a the couture client is looking for. protests around George Floyd’s priority across Chanel’s business, Tweed pieces utilised yarn by Vimar, death and cities emerging from which was refl ected in the diversity the high-end thread company that lockdown. It was also seen as a bit of of staff in its boutiques across the Chanel acquired this month. Jewel- an anticlimax after the razzmatazz of world. He said this was important like pinks and greens mixed with Chanel’s physical shows. for reaching a diverse and LOW KEY: silver and inky blue – a colour palette “We feel like it wasn’t enough international customer base. “Our Chanel revealed that felt chic but also very wearable, there [with the cruise show],” customers are from everywhere its latest should one have the required budget. conceded Pavlovsky. Arguably, – all cultures, all skin colours … haute couture A series of tiered gowns in taff eta and though, Tuesday’s haute couture As a brand, I believe we need to collection in a velvet, and beaded and embroidered video takes up where the cruise show continue to be very engaged,” he short, low-key pieces, were particularly sumptuous left off . The clothes were the focus said. “The best team is a diverse video on its and ready for black-tie events, in both. However, the shorter length team.” website. whenever they might return to social and eye-catching makeup and hair, — The Guardian 8 GULF TIMES Friday, July 10, 2020 COMMUNITY INFOGR Friday, July 10, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 RAPHIC COMMUNITY 10 GULF TIMES Friday, July 10, 2020 COMMUNITY TECH ‘Being online helped us survive’ Many SMEs have had to ramp up their digital activity in response to the challenges of Covid-19, learning as they go. Here, three businesses share what they’ve discovered

tarting a business and planning for its future once involved bricks and mortar, shelves, tills and customers walking through your door. Not so Stoday. Even before the coronavirus lockdown limited people’s trips to retailers in the fl esh, online shopping was fl ying high. According to the Global Ecommerce Market Ranking 2019, the UK has the world’s fourth largest e-commerce market in revenue terms, and the third highest percentage of online shoppers, at almost 80%. And it’s set to continue. Research by the analysts Retail Economics last year found that 53% of retail sales were expected to be online by 2028. In the wake of lockdown, it seems likely this trend will only accelerate. Given the way that we shop is changing, it has never been more important for retailers to get online. In a survey for the website builder GoDaddy, a fi fth of micro businesses said they had gone online for the fi rst time during lockdown and nearly half that their use of digital and social media tools had increased. For some, e-commerce has always been part of the plan. The artisan hot chocolate company Knoops opened its fi rst store in Rye, East Sussex, in 2013, and went on to open a London store in February this year, with more planned. But head of marketing Anna Chapman says that having an online presence ONLINE: With traditional retail channels closed to many small businesses, taking business online has been the only source of revenue for many. was always a key part of the company’s strategy. “Chocolate has a broad appeal, and and now we’ve suddenly realised its we wanted to be able to reach people in their potential.” Similarly, Chris Fryer, founder homes, especially those who didn’t live near of the vegan pie business Magpye, hadn’t our stores,” she says. really explored e-commerce, instead selling The company’s website centres around its pies from his converted horse box at events hot chocolate maker, the Knoopifi er, with and supplying local pubs in the north of owners getting access to online subscriptions England. “We had a full calendar of events for pouches of “Knoopifi er” chocolate booked. We were supplying pubs with pies buttons delivered to their home. The website and had just expanded, dropping off to four has always been an important part of the or five pubs twice a week. Then our income company’s strategy, but Chapman says that stopped – it was a cliff-edge.” lockdown emphasised this further. Like Wilson at Toast Ale, Fryer realised “While our doors were closed, it was quickly that he would have to shift to obviously the only way we could take any e-commerce and has been similarly amazed revenue at all, and we were able to focus our by the eff ect it has had. eff orts entirely on our website and social “At the moment we’re just doing local media channels,” she says. “This importance deliveries across the north east but we’re will remain – the majority of retailers now looking into expanding. Our plan potentially accept that an omnichannel approach is vital. is to sell our horsebox and become a web- Our current situation has been an extremely based pie shop,” he says. stark reminder of its importance.” When it comes to setting up an For other SMEs, while a website may have e-commerce site, there is an increasingly been part of their business, using it to sell is a wide range of tools available to business recent addition. Rob Wilson, “chief toaster” owners from a range of sources. They include at Toast Ale, a craft beer brewer that uses web hosting companies such as GoDaddy, bread which would otherwise be wasted, says which has created Open We Stand – a portal that despite having an online presence, it of resources for small businesses during wasn’t really part of the business’s strategy. lockdown. Fryer says that while he has some “We very much focused on building our experience building websites, it was quicker brand online but our routes to market were and easier to turn to readymade tools with bars, pubs, restaurants and retail – 70% of GoDaddy. our business was on-trade, about 30% was “I had the domain registered with GoDaddy in conventional retail environments, and a but had done nothing with it. Once it became fraction of a percent was online,” he says. clear we would have to move online I started But when those sales channels were looking into it. I could have gone down the cut off during lockdown, Toast Ale, route of coding it from scratch but it would USEFUL TOOLS: Online tools make it easy to create a web store and process orders. which donates its profits to sustainability have taken a week or two, especially things charities, was forced to shift its sales like payment options. With the GoDaddy The admin side, monitoring it, doing the “amazing opportunity”, not just now but, he online. “We started to rebuild our website tools it took half a day, then I spent a day or orders is all quite simple, so even if you’ve believes, in the future. “I would say that at and have far more focus on a more two testing and it was ready to go. Although got no skills whatsoever I don’t think many current rates we’re looking at probably half a functional online shop. It has massively we didn’t use the option, I knew GoDaddy people would struggle with it.” million pounds of revenue coming from our transformed our business and helped us would build the site for you for free if you At Toast Ale, the switch was led by COO online shop. Last year as a business we took survive – it’s become a huge opportunity needed,” he says. Louisa Ziane, who has experience of managing around £1m in total, so that shows that it is to reach a whole new audience. We just “They do a free three-month trial, so websites. Wilson is adamant that the work very quickly becoming a signifi cant part of our hadn’t thought about it as a sales channel there’s really nothing to lose by having a go. has paid off , with e-commerce proving an business.” — The Guardian Friday, July 10, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LEISURE COMMUNITY

Colour by choice

Maze Connect the dots Picture crossword 12 GULF TIMES Friday, July 10, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOON Friday, July 10, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 LEISURE COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Wordwatch

eutrapely throw). Earliest documented use: 1623. of obscure origin. Earliest documented (yoo-TRAP-uh-lee) USAGE: use: 1886. MEANING: “She did not show any great jactancy. USAGE: noun: Liveliness and ease of Rather, she was somewhat reluctant to “She had evidently been a big, conversation. show her ability.” bouncing, bright gaminesque girl at ETYMOLOGY: fifteen, and very amusing and very From Greek (pleasantness in oryzivorous much admired.” conversation), from eu- (well) + trapely (oh-ri-ZIV-uhr-uhs) (to turn). Earliest documented use: MEANING: twiforked or twi-forked 1596. adjective: Rice-eating. (TWAI-forkt) NOTES: ETYMOLOGY: MEANING: Can you talk to anyone on any topic From Latin oryza (rice) + -vorous adjective: Divided in two; two-pronged. with ease? If so, you have the gift of (feeding). Earliest documented use: USAGE: eutrapely, also known as eutrapelia. It 1857. “The evening before the serpent came, was one of Aristotle’s dozen virtues. USAGE: Just at the first hour of the night, USAGE: “China is an oryzivorous country.” She reached a flagon* of crystal bright, “All of whom defend that virtuous, Sweet Eve, Young Eve, urbane wit which is eutrapely.” gaminesque Snow-white, rose-red, a twi-forked (gam-uh-NESK) flame, jactancy MEANING: The evening before the serpent came, (JAK-tuhn-see) adjective: Playfully impudent or Kindled and burnt in the heart of Eve.” MEANING: mischievous. Susan Sutton Smith (ed.); Complete noun: Boasting or boastfulness. ETYMOLOGY: Poems and Collected Letters of ETYMOLOGY: From French gamine (a pert, Adelaide Crapsey; State University of From Latin jactantia, from jactantem, impudent, or mischievous girl), New York Press; 1977. present participle of jactare (to throw feminine of gamin (a young boy about), frequentative of jacere (to working as a glassblower’s assistant), — wordsmith.org Sudoku Solution

Across Down 1 After drink, sat and thought (8) 1 This is almost some fibre (5) 5 Misfortunes in the ‘ighlands (4) 2 Record turning up beneath 8 Arab from the capital of Syria sack (7) getting German car (5) 3 Name of female oil producer 9 Oppose meeting of nobleman (5) and queen (7) 4 Tax cut (6) 11 Shelves about right for 6 Rest from dispute, leading account books (7) retreat (3-2) 12 Policemen heard in thicket (5) 7 A snake makes an unusual 13 Stumbling at rear, making present (7) mistakes (6) 10 Difficult clue about northern 15 Overthrow of French kinsman (5) achievement (6) 13 Tried, for example, scattering 18 Talk with Spanish leader at seed around (7) summit (5) 14 A Kent resort is captured (5) 20 Silly Hector beginning to see 16 Improve quality. Hence an Sudoku is a puzzle based lights (7) improvement? (7) on a 9x9 grid. The 23 The vowel sounds we make? 17 Conflict on street - widespread grid is also divided into (3,3,1) (6) nine (3x3) boxes. You 24 Interior covering for ship (5) 19 Furnish egghead with clever are given a selection of 25 Princess has second thoughts remark (5) values and to complete - and goes down (4) 21 Some are licensed to provide the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that 26 School staff trained cats here a souvenir (5) every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 and none (8) 22 Fathers rage when boarding is repeated. steamship (5)

Solution SERIES TO BINGE WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME 14 GULF TIMES Friday, July 10, 2020 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Insuff icient sleep could harm your child’s mental health: Study

ear parents, if you recorded how children responded want your child to be on multiple levels. mentally fi t, Read on. In addition to subjective ratings Inadequate nighttime of emotion, researchers collected Dsleep alters several respiratory sinus arrhythmias (a aspects of children’s emotional non-invasive index of cardiac- health, warn researchers. linked emotion regulation) and For the study, published in the objective facial expressions. The Journal of Child Psychology and researchers pointed out the novelty Psychiatry, the research team of these data. studied 53 children ages 7-11 over “Studies based on subjective more than a week. The children reports of emotion are critically completed an in-lab emotional important, but they don’t tell assessment twice, once after a us much about the specifi c night of healthy sleep and again mechanisms through which after two nights where their sleep insuffi cient sleep elevates children’s was restricted by several psychiatric risk,” Alfano said. “After sleep restriction, we The research team highlights observed changes in the way the implications of the fi ndings children experience, regulate for understanding how poor sleep and express their emotions,” said might “spill over” into children’s study lead author Candice Alfano, everyday social and emotional lives. Professor at the University of The experience and expression Houston in the US. of positive emotions are essential The multi-method assessment for children’s friendships, healthy problems,” the study authors said. children with greater pre-existing potential need to assess and had children view a range of social interactions and eff ective Another important fi nding from anxiety symptoms showed the most prioritise healthy sleep habits in pictures and movie clips eliciting coping. “Our fi ndings might explain the study is that the impact of sleep dramatic alterations in emotional emotionally vulnerable children,” both positive and negative why children who sleep less on loss on emotion was not uniform responding after sleep restriction. the study researchers noted. – emotions while the researchers average have more peer-related across all children. Specifi cally, “These results emphasise a IANS

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Today you might hear about opportunities to increase your income, All your relationships could be enhanced today by your increased Expect to find yourself ministering to the needs of colleagues and Aries, either through your current employment, a new job, or sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others, Taurus. You may family members today, Gemini. People around you might need to perhaps a project of your own. You’re likely to channel a great deal provide a sympathetic ear to melancholy friends, help someone draw upon your insights into human nature in order to understand of energy and inspiration to this end. Others may want to pitch in resolve problems, or both. Whatever it is, rest assured that your themselves and others. Your common sense could prove valuable to and help you. You’re liable to feel energetic and optimistic. This, in eff orts won’t go unappreciated. You’ll probably grow closer to the them. In the process of sharing your wisdom with others, you might turn, can help you attract more opportunities. Go for it! ones who mean the most to you now, including a significant other. also shed some light on emotional situations of your own. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Today you might feel especially intellectually and creatively inspired, A close friend or member of your household could be having money Heightened intuition and ESP could lead to some interesting and you could discuss your ideas with others. The process of problems, Leo, and want to draw on your good business sense in conversations with others who are blown away by your insights into communication could open new doors in your mind and result in some order to understand the situation and find ways to put it right. As their thoughts, feelings, and desires. You could also be feeling more fascinating insights concerning whatever you’re pursuing at this time. you’re likely to be feeling especially sensitive to the needs of others expressive than usual, Virgo. You might want to channel some of Sometime in the course of your conversations, don’t be surprised if you today, you could be of valuable help to this person and anyone else that inspiration into writing, speaking, or some other form of self- find that one of your friends needs a sympathetic ear. who might need some insights. expression. Reading may also prove especially valuable at this time. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

A higher level of intuition and inspiration than is usual for you could Moving ahead is today’s key phrase, Scorpio. You should be feeling Inspiration is the keyword for the day, Sagittarius. You may be feeling enhance your artistic talents, Libra. A powerful drive to express the very optimistic and excited about goals that you’ve set for yourself. highly motivated to move on with what others consider impossible stories, pictures, or music that may be flooding your mind could You’re probably confident that you’ll reach them, and all will go well. dreams. “Impossible” has never stopped you before, and you aren’t result in your spending as much of the day as possible in seclusion, This positive attitude spills over into your relationships. You should likely to let it stop you today. You’re more likely to consider all jotting down thoughts and ideas. By day’s end, you might have spent be in just the right frame of mind to encourage friends to go for their contingencies carefully in order to make them work. Friends could be most of your free time alone yet be very satisfied with the results. dreams and give them any assistance they need. inspired by your vision and determination and follow your example. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

An increased understanding of distant cultures as well as curiosity The opportunity to increase your income could spur you to channel The desire for travel might hit you today, perhaps to visit a friend who about the people who live there could spur you on to further learning more energy and inspiration into career and business matters, lives far away, and you could set the wheels in motion to make it happen about those places, Capricorn. Friends or groups with which you’re Aquarius. Some vivid, intense dreams might reveal a lot about you and at some point in the future. Socialising could take up your evening, if aff iliated could be involved in some way. You’re likely to channel a lot your motivations, which could increase your self-awareness and make possible, and you might talk to some interesting people. A friend may of energy into intellectual activities today and inspire others to do the everything easier for you. The drive to succeed in material and spiritual need a sympathetic ear. As you’re especially sensitive to others right same. Take a walk at some point during the day to clear your head. matters is likely to play a powerful role in everything you do today. now, you’re prepared to hear a sad story. Friday, July 10, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

TV industry normalised my eat and be swollen the next day,” she message. And I want a long-lasting eating disorder: Lovato added. career that I don’t have to change After her fi rst stint in rehab in myself for,” Lovato said, adding: Singer-actress Demi Lovato says 2010, Lovato decided not to return “Music brought me so much joy when the television industry normalised to Disney Channel as she was scared I was younger, and I lost that joy her eating disorder, sharing that her that she would be silenced from throughout the hustle and bustle of previous team used to monitor her sharing her challenges. the music industry. I got miserable. weight before any photo shoot. “I came out of the experience And I don’t ever want it to be like that In an interview with Bustle, Lovato with the choice of talking about again,” said Lovato, adding that she opened up about growing up as a my struggles or my journey with loves her new management team. Disney star, including how her old the possibility of helping people, or “Before quarantine, it was management team normalised her keeping my mouth shut and going very difficult for me to cry. I had eating disorder, reports variety.com. back to Disney Channel. And I was programmed the thought into “I kind of looked around and had like that doesn’t feel authentic to me. my head when I was 16 that I’m a moment where I was like, ‘Wow. So I chose to tell my story,” Lovato only going to cry if people pay me This is so terrifyingly normalised’,” said. to. I started doing all this work, Lovato said, detailing that she used to Lovato’s eating disorder persisted, allowing myself to feel the pains be given “watermelon with fat-free along with her opioid addiction that of all the losses that I’ve had or whipped cream” in place of a birthday eventually led to a near-fatal overdose the adversities or traumas that cake each year. in 2018, resulting in a return to rehab. I’ve faced. I think my ability to be “I used to have people watching “I want a career that has nothing vulnerable and be more intimate me the night before a photo shoot to do with my body. I want it to be with people has really heightened,” MEANINGFUL: Lovato says she wants a career that is all about to make sure that I didn’t binge or about my music and my lyrics and my Lovato said. – IANS her music, lyrics and her message. Bollywood pays tribute to ‘Soorma Bhopali’ Jagdeep

ollywood celebrities Anil Kapoor: “Jagdeep Saab that will be cherished for a including Amitabh was one of the greatest actors lifetime. Rest In peace Sir. Deepest Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, of India...I was his huge fan Condolences to the family, friends Anil Kapoor and and was lucky enough to have and millions of his fans(just like BShabana Azmi mourned worked with him in Ek Baar Kaho me).” the death of veteran comedian and many more fi lms...he was Genelia Deshmukh: “RIP Jagdeep Jagdeep, who passed away aged 81 always extremely supportive and Sahab ... Remember shooting on Wednesday due to age-related encouraging...sending my heartfelt with you during Life Partner and health problems. condolences and prayers to my cracking up with laughter all Born on March 29, 1939 as Syed friend Javed and family.” through the scene.. I consider Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri in Amritsar, Ayushmann Khurrana: “RIP myself extremely fortunate to have Jagdeep acted in over 400 fi lms. #Jagdeep sir! Your contribution got that chance to work with you.. He is best known for his role of to the industry will always be All my condolences to the family.” Soorma Bhopali in Ramesh Sippy’s remembered. Thank you for Esha Gupta: “You’ve taught us blockbuster Sholay (1975). New- the laughs. Thank you for the what comedy is, and we still look up generation Bollywood buff s would memories.” to you. We knew the the moment recall him as Salman Khan’s father Shabana Azmi: “Deepest you’ll appear on screen that it’ll be a in Rajkumar Santoshi’s Andaaz condolences to @jaavedjaaferi @ laugh riot, but you always left your Apna Apna (1994). NavedJafri_BOO and the entire audience with a lot of emotions. Here’s what the celebrities have family on the passing away of #RestInPeace Jagdeep sir no one written on their social media: #JagdeepSahab.” like you, Soorma Bhopali.” Amitabh Bachchan: “Jagdeep... Javed Akhtar: “Jagdeep saheb Ashutosh Gowariker: “Paise? the actor of exceptional comedic had fi rst appeared on the screen Aise kaise paise maang rahe ho!” repertoire, passed away. He had as a winsome child Artiste in fi lms #Jagdeep ji’s THIS line from crafted a unique individual style like Do bigha Zameen. As a young Sholay, is one of his many, that I of his own and I had the honour of man he played highly emotional n use even today, in his inimitable working with him in several fi lms dramatic roles in fi lms like Bhabi, style! King of COMIC TIMING and .. the more prominent ones in the patang. Comedy was his second VOICE MODULATION! RIP Sir! eyes of the audience being Sholay successful inning. Great talent, Deepest condolences to Javed- and Shahenshah. He had even underused. Good bye sir.” Naved and fam!” requested me to do a small guest Madhuri Dixit: “Jagdeep sahab Sonali Bendre: “One of the role in a fi lm he was producing, was an actor par excellence and his hardest things to do is to be able which I did. on-screen presence is unmatched. to make people laugh and you did “A humble human. Loved by He was a gentle soul and he told us it with such ease. RIP #JagdeepJi millions... Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed lovely stories of the black and white My condolences to@jaavedjaaferi Jafri .. his real name, adopted era. Thank you for the decades of @NavedJafri_BOO and the entire Jagdeep as his fi lm name and gave laughter and entertainment. My family.” the fi lm fraternity such memorable heartfelt condolences to Jaaved and Farhan Akhtar: “RIP Jagdeep performances that brought so much your family. #RIPJagdeepJi.” Sahab .. thank you for the years of joy and happiness all around.” John Abraham: “Always made us entertainment and laughs. Deepest Ajay Devgn was among the smile. Rest In Peace. #Jagdeep” condolences to Javed, Naved and fi rst to tweet the news. He Abhishek Bachchan: “May you the family.” wrote: “Heard the sad news of rest in peace Jagdeep sahab. Thank Shilpa Shetty Kundra: IN REMEMBRANCE: Veteran Bollywood comedian Jagdeep has passed Jagdeep Saab’s demise. Always you for fi lling our lives with smiles.” “Extremely saddened by the away owing to age-related health problems at the age of 81. enjoyed watching him on screen. Randeep Hooda: “Rest in peace news of Jagdeep ji’s demise.I had He brought so much joy to the #Jagdeep saab .. thank you for all the good fortune to share screen Kunal Kemmu: “Thank you the few names that brought smiles audience. My deepest condolences the entertainment.” space with him in ‘Rishtey’, such for the decades of giggles tickles to faces just by the very mention of to Jaaved and all members of the Riteish Deshmukh: “Thank you wonderful comic timing, in his laughter and entertainment your name. Love and prayers to the family. Prayers for Jagdeep Saab’s #Jagdeep sahab for enriching our inimitable style and an even more #Jagdeep sir. You will always be family.” soul.” lives with laughter and happiness wonderful human being.” missed and remembered. One of – IANS 16 GULF TIMES Friday, July 10, 2020 COMMUNITY The challenges of updating one of the world’s most-loved games Producer Yoshinori Kitase and co-director Naoki Hamaguchi describe the responsibilities and opportunities of recreating a stone-cold classic

guesses of what the ending means. By Steve Boxer We wanted the fans to keep the discussion going on social media and keep their excitement high as quare Enix’s modern we head towards the next game. transformation of the 1997 classic Final What was your approach to Fantasy VII had players remaking the game’s iconic Smarvelling earlier this cutscenes? year. In addition to the graphical Hamaguchi: There were various glow-up and modern-feeling hardware limitations on the changes to the game’s systems, original Final Fantasy VII, meaning Final Fantasy VII Remake added that the way the characters substance and emotional depth expressed themselves had to be to much-loved characters such as stylised and overexaggerated Cloud, Tifa and Aerith, and left in order to communicate their fans puzzling over the meanings of emotions. With the remake there protagonist Cloud’s cryptic visions is naturally a voice-over for the and the game’s thoroughly baffl ing dialogue, and we are able to portray ending. characters’ emotions in a more All will hopefully become clearer realistic manner, allowing us to when the next episode of the communicate without resorting to Remake project arrives – for despite dialogue. lasting a good 30-40 hours, April’s [But] portraying character instalment covers just a small emotions through cutscenes section of the original game, and SPELL-BOUNDING: Final Fantasy VII Remake’s reimagined Midgar. is already done in fi lm, and the Square Enix still hasn’t specifi ed biggest new challenge that we took just how many instalments are still allows you to experience the feeling of rebounding basketballs really important role over the whole of the on with Final Fantasy VII Remake to come. But while we wait, Final that the slum-dwellers get from did not work with the atmosphere Remake project. Sephiroth plays was to foreshadow and frame the Fantasy VII Remake’s co-director living there fi rst-hand. at that point in the story, when a major part in the ongoing story protagonists’ emotional states Naoki Hamaguchi and producer the team were moving covertly in of the next game, so I am unable through the gameplay experience as Yoshinori Kitase answer some Were there any new ideas the dead of night, so we removed to reveal any more information well. For example, the depiction of burning questions about their for Midgar that you tried, but it. We still wanted to leave a little about him here. However, seeing the devastation in Sector 8 after the approach to the remake, conveying eventually rejected? homage in there though, so we left this kind of lively debate between Mako Reactor 1 bombing mission emotion through gameplay, and Hamaguchi: Final Fantasy VII an abandoned basketball. fans on social media gives us huge was important in conveying the unexpectedly releasing the game Remake contains many mini-games motivation for the next instalment. internal strife that the characters into a global pandemic. that pay homage to the original, and There has been much were experiencing towards their there was one that I really wanted speculation about the On the ending: will future actions, and all the dialogue spoken What did you hope to achieve to include, but ultimately I was not signifi cance of Cloud’s visions instalments veer away from by NPCs [non-player characters] by expanding the city of Midgar able to do so. Fans might remember of Sephiroth. What can you say the original Final Fantasy VII’s in that section served to create the for the remake? the basketball shooting mini-game about their relationship? story? right atmosphere for later story Kitase: When we began working in the Gold Saucer, but we also Kitase: In the original game, Kitase: I am not able to tell developments. on the Remake project, I went back put a basketball hoop in the park Sephiroth did not make an you the answer to that now. I to the original game and played it that you fi nd on the way to Jesse’s appearance in the section of the understand that there is a lot of How has the Covid-19 again, and the sections of Midgar family home in the slums, and I story told here, but we changed it speculation among the fans; that pandemic aff ected the were far shorter than I remembered wanted to make it playable there, to have him appear from the start, is what we wanted and we’ve really game’s release and ongoing from memory. I did feel that the too. However, we felt that the noise in order to position him playing an enjoyed seeing these theories and development? Shinra company executives and Kitase: I am pained and saddened the Turks who will appear again in to see so many people around the later parts of the story needed to world suff ering with the virus and be portrayed in greater detail, the even losing their lives. When we same way as the three members of set the release date for the game, Avalanche. nobody could have predicted a Our vision was to dive much global pandemic like this, and the deeper into the world and its release of the game happening characters than ever before. In during this unprecedented doing this we have expanded upon situation has blindsided us. the eclectic city of Midgar, building At this current time, the team upon the structure of the city, and are still making the next game via showing the lives of the residents remote working. Our performance in greater detail ... I loved being will temporarily drop below 100% able to show the city of Midgar and effi ciency because of this, but I its unique structure in full 3D. The do not think there should be a big technical limits of the original game impact in the long term. I sincerely fi xed the camera to a top-down hope that Final Fantasy VII Remake view, but in the remake you can can provide those who are forced move through it like never before. to endure the stress of living under The sense of immense weight lockdown a moment of relief and and oppression that you get when enjoyment in these trying times. looking up from the slums really THE MASTERMINDS: Final Fantasy VII Remake’s Naoki Hamaguchi, left, and Yoshinori Kitase. —The Guardian