In 2021, Netflix announced that they would be taking gaming very seriously. They ventured into a new business, with hopes of dominating the mobile market. At the time, the mobile market was saturated with titles that were either ad-supported or pay-to-play.

Netflix wanted to change the game by making their titles free to play, without any advertisements or options for in-app purchases. The gamble may finally be paying off, as at the end of 2023, they announced that gaming downloads were up 180%. 81.2 million downloads have been initiated across the world, with the fourth quarter of 2023 accounting for over 53%.

Netflix began with making a small catalogue of casual games, based on some of their many hit shows and originals. They then began to acquire game studios, including Night School Studios in 2021. They then acquired Next Games from Finland and Spry Fox. They aimed to develop a strong portfolio of content that catered to both different tastes and genre preferences.

The Advancement of Smartphone Technology

One driving factor behind Netflix’s success would be the advancement of smartphone technology. Casino gaming in particular has benefited from this, with it being on the rise across the world.

Players can now access their favourite games on the go while taking advantage of unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Canada in particular is experiencing huge growth right now, with the live casino Canada market set to reach US$2.61bn in 2024. The strong gaming market has led to Netflix testing their program in Canada, as well as the UK.

The streaming giant is also working on game mirroring so that their titles can be played both on TVs and PCs.  As the company looks to cloud gaming as being its next frontier, they are gaining a huge amount of traction. Their recent announcements have helped to bolster their game downloads, encouraging them to adopt more popular titles.

Netflix Subscriptions and Game Access

Netflix’s move into the gaming sector is also helping to support their streaming numbers. As the gaming platform is tied in with the subscription, month-over-month downloads tripled.

Those who had a subscription already had access to the latest games and gamers had access to a wide range of originals and shows.  Right now, action is the top gaming genre for Netflix, with the second being lifestyle gaming. Puzzle comes in at number 3, with game rotations set to happen throughout the year.

Netflix is also working on making games based on the shows that they have created, with licensing acquired for titles that do not relate to Netflix programming.

One thing to take note of is that Netflix’s boom in gaming came after months of stagnation. This could indicate that Netflix has to keep releasing regular titles so that it can keep its momentum.

Last year, they released 40 games, while testing gameplay on TVs across the UK, US and Canada. This year, personalisation looks to be the main focus, with suggestions being made based on previous gaming preferences. This feature will become more prominent, as more titles are added.

In today’s digital era, the allure and potential profitability of cryptocurrency have garnered significant interest, particularly among college students. With its complex terminology and innovative technology, the realm of crypto mining often seems intimidating to those just starting.

However, it’s a field ripe with opportunities for learning, earning, and applying theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. For students balancing the demands of studying, assignments, and perhaps even a part-time job, the prospect of adding crypto mining to their plate might seem daunting.

Adopting the correct strategy can turn it into a valuable experience that enhances their educational path.

Among the plethora of information sources, students often seek reliable guidance on managing their academic workload effectively, sometimes resorting to article review writing service that writes my essay to free up time for other pursuits like crypto mining.

This transition from purely academic activities to integrating practical, income-generating projects like crypto mining can provide invaluable hands-on experience and financial literacy, crucial skills in today’s world.

Understanding Crypto Mining

What is Crypto Mining?

Crypto mining serves as the method for validating and incorporating transactions of various cryptocurrencies into the blockchain’s digital ledger. This task demands the resolution of intricate mathematical problems using cryptographic hash functions associated with a block of transaction data.

The premier miner to crack these puzzles is permitted to append the block to the blockchain, earning a reward in the form of newly created cryptocurrency. This endeavor necessitates significant computational resources and energy. It is a critical component of maintaining the integrity and security of the blockchain network, ensuring transactions are validated and the network remains decentralized.

The Hardware and Software

For college students interested in starting small, understanding the hardware and software requirements is crucial. Originally, personal computers sufficed for mining activities. Yet, with escalating mining challenges, the need for more specialized apparatus has arisen.

For novices, robust GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) are now prerequisites for efficient mining operations. Alongside the hardware, choosing the right mining software that connects you to the blockchain and mining pool is essential.

Options like CGMiner, BFGMiner, or EasyMiner are user-friendly and ideal for beginners. It’s important for students to research and invest in hardware that not only meets their current mining needs but also offers scalability for future growth.

Energy Consumption and Sustainability

A paramount concern in crypto mining is the substantial energy demand it entails. For students, this translates into not only an ethical consideration but also a practical one, as the cost of electricity can significantly impact the feasibility of mining projects.

Exploring renewable energy sources or participating in mining pools can mitigate some of these concerns, allowing for more sustainable mining practices. Miners should assess the ecological repercussions of their mining pursuits and explore creative strategies to minimize their environmental footprint while still achieving profitability.

Practical Tips for Starting Small

Start with a Mining Pool

For college students keen on embarking on crypto mining, joining a mining pool presents an ideal starting point. These pools consist of collective groups of miners who pool their computational strength, augmenting their likelihood of decrypting cryptographic challenges and securing rewards.

While this means sharing the rewards, it also significantly reduces the entry barriers, both in terms of the initial financial outlay for equipment and the ongoing electricity costs. It’s a smart strategy for students to pool resources and collaborate with others to overcome the challenges of solo mining.

Budgeting and Managing Expenses

Effective budgeting is crucial for students venturing into crypto mining. Balancing the costs of equipment, electricity, and potential dormitory restrictions with the potential earnings from mining requires careful planning and management.

Employing budgeting tools or spreadsheets for monitoring expenditures and revenue is instrumental in sustaining a lucrative mining venture. Students should also consider the potential tax implications of their mining activities and plan accordingly to ensure compliance with local tax laws.

Learning and Staying Informed

The crypto universe is dynamic and continually transforming. Remaining abreast of the newest developments, technologies, and regulatory adjustments is pivotal for triumph. Additionally, leveraging academic resources, participating in forums, and joining student-led blockchain clubs can enhance understanding and provide support.

Engaging with the crypto community and continuing education in blockchain technology can empower students to make informed decisions and stay ahead in the competitive mining landscape.

Conclusion

For college students curious about the world of cryptocurrency, starting small with crypto mining can be a rewarding venture that offers practical experience alongside academic pursuits. Balancing the demands of school, homework, part-time employment, and mining requires careful planning but is entirely feasible with the right approach.

As students navigate this exciting field, they not only gain financial literacy and technical skills but also prepare themselves for a future where digital currencies and blockchain technology play a significant role.

Emotional support animals can change the way you approach a mental health disorder. Instead of relying on medications or other coping mechanisms to deal with mental health problems, you can welcome a support animal into your home. These animals can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.

While emotional support animals are efficient, that doesn’t mean they’re always easy to get. You can’t just say your pet is an emotional support animal without supporting evidence, you can get into trouble that way. Thankfully, getting an animal support certificate is a breeze when you know where to start.

Read on to learn more below.

What Is a Support Animal?

Before we cover what a support animal certificate is, it’s important to understand what a support animal is. A support animal, or emotional support animal (ESA), is a type of animal that’s there to provide emotional support for mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and loneliness. An emotional support animal can be any companion animal as long as they’re friendly, respectful of property, and don’t bother others.

Most people get emotional support animals that remain with them in their homes, even if the home is not pet-friendly. However, you’ll need a support animal certificate if you want to live in a home that’s otherwise non-pet-friendly.

What’s the Difference Between a Support Animal and a Service Animal?

Emotional support animals and service animals are not the same thing. Service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They can accompany people in non-pet-friendly housing, on airlines, and out in public. However, to meet these requirements, they must have service dog training and help someone with a disability with a specific task or tasks.

On the other hand, support animals are handled more like pets except in housing situations. For example, they can’t come with you in public or on airlines, but they are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This means that they can live in otherwise non-pet-friendly housing if they have a support animal certificate.

What Is a Support Animal Certificate?

A support animal certificate is an official document provided by a licenced mental health professional. These certificates, formally known as ESA letters, are essential if you want to live in housing that is otherwise not pet-friendly. You can get these certificates by visiting your licensed mental health professional or therapist, but it’s also possible to apply online. Plus, it’s usually a faster and more affordable process when you apply online.

How to Apply for a Support Animal Certificate Online

The best way to apply online is to work with a reputable organization like US Service Animals, especially if you want a legitimate ESA certification. They can connect you with a licensed therapist who will evaluate your situation to determine if you qualify for a support animal. To apply for an ESA letter, follow the steps below.

1. Navigate to US Service Animal’s ESA certification page.
2. Read the guidelines for registering your support animal.
3. Provide details about yourself.
4. Provide details about the animal, including its breed, weight, and height.
5. Schedule a call with a licensed mental health professional.

Once you speak with a licensed mental health professional, they will determine if you’re eligible for a support dog. Once approved, all you have to do is wait for your letter to arrive in the mail. If time is of the essence, you may be able to expedite the process or download a PDF file.

How to Apply for a Support Animal Certificate in Person

Applying for a support animal certificate in person can be challenging.  Finding the right mental health professional can be tricky, and going to an in-person session can take up way more time when compared to a telehealth meeting.

However, there is something to be said for the personal connection made face-to-face. All told, it can take longer and cost more, but it’s still as simple as meeting with a mental health professional capable of diagnosing you and providing a support animal certificate.

Get an Animal Support Certificate Today!

An animal support certificate is the only thing standing in the way of you enjoying the benefits of an emotional support animal in your home. Once you have an ESA letter, you don’t have to worry about being evicted from your home, even if your landlord enacts non-pet-friendly housing rules. We always recommend filling out an online application to save time and money.