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Pepe Removed From Steam Emoticons

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(Via Kotaku/Steamed)

If, for some godforsaken reason, you’ve been trying to collect every achievement and emoticon featuring Pepe The Awful Meme Frog on Steam, I’ve got some bad news for you: many of them are gone.

Yesterday, Steam users began to notice something odd. According to a thread on the Steam subreddit, Pepe emoticons began disappearing from inventories and profile showcase boxes. The listings were still there, but the imagery was invisible. Before long, icons stopped showing up in chats and posts, as well. Now Pepe images that players could earn by playing games like Fergus The Fly and, tellingly, Make America Great Again: The Trump Presidency have been replaced with a simple message: “Emoticon art currently unavailable due to DMCA takedown notice submitted on behalf of Matt Furie.”

Pepe the Frog was originally a goofy character in Furie’s comic “Boy’s Club,” but then became a 4chan meme in 2008 that was ultimately co-opted by the alt-right in 2015. Fun fact: white nationalist Richard Spencer was explaining Pepe to a reporter right before he became famous for getting punched in the face. Furie has spent 2017 attempting to reclaim Pepe from Nazis and other awful people through a number of methods ranging from copyright claims against bigoted children’s books to a new crowdfunded comic of his own.

Back in August Louis Tompros, an IP lawyer representing Furie, told Gizmodo that the children’s book copyright claim was intended to reclaim the cartoon frog. “The point we are trying to make with this case is that Pepe the Frog does not belong to the alt-right,” He added: “They thought they could claim him as their symbol. But they can’t.”

I reached out to Tompros to ask why Furie went after Steam specifically, and he explained that they don’t target individual platforms so much as they receive notice that someone is using Pepe in association with hateful speech or content and then take action against that. “That is what happened with Steam,” Tompros told Kotaku in an email. “A Steam user let us know that there were Pepe images being sold on the site, and that they were being used on that site by people in connection with hateful speech. We asked Steam to take those down, and it appears that it has done that.”

On Steam, some developers and users aren’t super pleased to see their precious Pepes go poof.

“Apparently, even though our Rare Deplorable commando frog and Donald Toad emoticon (CLEARLY a toad and not a frog!) are our own original art & characters, just filing the claim means Valve must take them down,” wrote the developer of Make America Great Again in a news post, adding that they’ll be able to put their emoticons back up if they sign “a thing” that says Furie can sue them and not Valve. They do not intend to, because “going to court is… bad even if we’re right.”

Fergus The Fly is ostensibly a game about a puzzle-solving fly, but reviews suggest that people mostly buy it to unlock Pepe emoticons. The game’s Steam discussions section now features a couple threads about it, one of which sports the colorful title “Matt Furie is a dumb♥♥♥♥♥♥.”

Some instances of Pepe on Steam seem to have at least temporarily evaded Valve’s DMCA laser, however. Puzzle game Sweater? OK! prominently displays Pepe (and other meme characters) on its store page, but so far it’s unaffected. Also, user-uploaded images of Pepe continue to be fine, likely because different rules apply to them.

Still, tough times for alt-right tough guys, who are now throwing comment temper tantrums about “snowflakes” because somebody made it so they couldn’t use a cartoon frog in an incredibly specific way. Feels bad, man.

You’re reading Steamed, Kotaku’s page dedicated to all things in and around Valve’s wildly popular PC gaming service. Games, culture, community creations, criticism, guides, videos—everything. If you’ve found anything cool/awful on Steam, send us a message to let us know.

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Politics

Traitor: Mike Pence Unsurprisingly Declines to Endorse President Trump

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Former Vice President Mike Pence, once a stalwart ally of Donald Trump, has found himself at the center of controversy following his recent interview with Martha McCallum on Fox News. In a surprising turn of events, Pence declared that he would not endorse his former boss, Donald Trump, raising eyebrows and stirring speculation about his motives and allegiances.

Pence’s refusal to endorse Trump comes as a shock to many, considering his unwavering support for the former president throughout his tenure. However, the rift between the two men became apparent after Pence’s refusal to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, a move that Trump had vehemently advocated for in the aftermath of his defeat to Joe Biden.

One of the most damning allegations against Pence is his handling of the certification of the electoral college results. Despite pressure from Trump and his supporters to challenge the outcome, Pence upheld his constitutional duty and certified Biden’s victory. This decision, while in line with his obligations as vice president, infuriated Trump and his loyalists, who accused Pence of abandoning them in their quest to overturn the election results.

Furthermore, Pence’s reluctance to empower states to investigate allegations of voter fraud has fueled accusations of betrayal within the Trump camp. By declining to intervene in the electoral process, Pence effectively signaled his unwillingness to endorse baseless claims of widespread fraud, a stance that put him at odds with Trump and his supporters.

In another controversial twist, Pence’s symbolic gesture of accepting silver or gold coins from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and subsequently fist-bumping House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has drawn criticism and raised questions about his impartiality. Some view this act as a betrayal of the Republican Party and an indication of Pence’s willingness to collaborate with political adversaries.

The implications of Pence’s actions have sparked calls for further investigation and potential prosecution if found guilty of treason. While treason is a serious charge that requires substantial evidence, some argue that Pence’s perceived betrayal of Trump and the Republican Party warrants a thorough examination of his conduct during and after his tenure as vice president.

In conclusion, Mike Pence’s recent interview on Fox News and the controversies surrounding his actions have thrust him into the spotlight and raised concerns about his loyalty and integrity. Whether or not Pence will face repercussions for his perceived betrayal remains to be seen, but his actions have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the political landscape and ignited a debate about accountability and responsibility in public office.

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Politics

AG Paxton vs. Porn Hub: ‘Good Riddance’

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Title: Safe Haven

In the heart of Texas, amidst the fervor of legislative changes, a seismic shift rocks the digital landscape. It begins with the click of a button – the withdrawal of Pornhub’s services from the Lone Star State.

As news spreads like rapid gusts across the state, reactions are swift and varied. Some applaud the move, citing the recent law mandating stringent age verification measures for users above 18. Among the chorus of voices is Attorney General Ken Paxton, a staunch advocate for child safety and the architect behind the legislative push.

Paxton, a steadfast figure in Texas politics, doesn’t mince words. “Good riddance,” he declares, his tone resonating with unwavering resolve. For him, it isn’t merely about upholding the law; it’s about safeguarding the innocence of Texas youth.

As the dust settles, Paxton’s efforts garner widespread acclaim. He is hailed as a champion of morality, a beacon in the fight against the proliferation of adult content to minors. His unwavering commitment to protecting children from the perils of online platforms like Pornhub speaks volumes.

But beyond the surface, Paxton’s crusade delves deeper into the murky waters of internet governance. He exposes the inherent contradiction within platforms like Pornhub – professing a commitment to age verification while silently capitalizing on the unchecked access of underage users.

In the wake of Pornhub’s departure, a newfound sense of security permeates the digital realm. Parents breathe easier, knowing that their children are shielded from the explicit content that once lurked just a click away. Paxton’s unwavering stance has ushered in a new era of accountability, one where the well-being of children takes precedence over profit margins.

Yet, amidst the celebrations, a sobering reality lingers. Paxton’s battle is far from over. The war against online exploitation demands constant vigilance, a tireless pursuit of justice in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

As the sun sets over the Texas horizon, Attorney General Ken Paxton remains steadfast in his resolve. With each passing day, he continues to champion the cause of child safety, a beacon of hope in a world fraught with danger. And though the road ahead is fraught with challenges, he marches forward, unwavering in his mission to safeguard the innocence of Texas youth – one victory at a time.

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Business

MAGA: From Shopping Mall to Manufacturing Hub 2.0

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Title: America’s Transition: From Shopping Mall to Manufacturing Hub 2.0

In the past few decades, America has often been described metaphorically as a giant shopping mall or auction house, where consumption and commercialism have dominated the landscape. However, with the rise of the Trump administration and the ambition to “Make America Great Again,” a new vision is emerging—one that aims to transform the nation into the world’s greatest manufacturing hub ever seen, leveraging AI, blue-collar labor, and a combination of innovative technologies.

The shift from a consumer-driven economy to a production powerhouse signifies a strategic move towards self-sufficiency, economic resilience, and global competitiveness. This transformation is not merely about revitalizing industries of the past but embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to redefine the future of manufacturing.

At the heart of this evolution lies the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into manufacturing processes. AI-driven automation streamlines production, enhances efficiency, and reduces costs, enabling American manufacturers to compete on a global scale. By harnessing the power of machine learning and predictive analytics, businesses can optimize supply chains, minimize waste, and customize products to meet diverse consumer demands.

However, the vision for America’s manufacturing renaissance extends beyond technological innovation. It embraces a diverse workforce, blending the traditional blue-collar skillset with the expertise of engineers, data scientists, and software developers. This fusion of talent creates a dynamic ecosystem where creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration drive continuous improvement and sustainable growth.

Moreover, the resurgence of American manufacturing is not confined to a single sector but encompasses a broad spectrum of industries, from automotive and aerospace to electronics and renewable energy. By leveraging cross-disciplinary expertise and fostering strategic partnerships, the United States can position itself as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, setting new standards for quality, innovation, and sustainability.

One of the key strengths of this manufacturing transformation is its adaptability and resilience. In contrast to the volatility of global markets and supply chains, a robust domestic manufacturing base provides stability and security, mitigating risks associated with geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and natural disasters. By decentralizing production and embracing local sourcing, America can reduce its dependence on foreign imports and safeguard its economic sovereignty.

Furthermore, the transition towards a manufacturing-centric economy aligns with broader societal goals, such as job creation, workforce development, and regional revitalization. By investing in vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and re-skilling initiatives, the United States can empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive in the digital age and secure meaningful employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

As America embarks on this journey towards manufacturing excellence, it must also prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. By embracing eco-friendly practices, renewable energy sources, and circular economy principles, manufacturers can minimize their carbon footprint, reduce waste generation, and preserve natural resources for future generations.

In essence, the vision of America as the world’s greatest manufacturing hub represents a paradigm shift—one that transcends partisan politics and embraces a collective aspiration for progress, prosperity, and shared prosperity. By harnessing the transformative power of AI, blue-collar ingenuity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the United States can reclaim its status as an industrial powerhouse and pioneer a new era of manufacturing innovation on the global stage.

As the nation embarks on this ambitious journey, it must remain steadfast in its commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and technological leadership, ensuring that the benefits of the manufacturing renaissance are felt by all Americans and resonate across borders, shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

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