u/ComfortableEmu3622

Just wanted to share my experience from the pre rift event, I had a really great time.

As someone pretty new to TCGs, I expected it to feel intimidating, but lollll it was actually the opposite. Ngl the whole pre release felt more like a celebration than a competition. The store atmosphere was welcoming and people were genuinely friendly and helpful.

What stood out the most was how community driven it felt. Players were helping each other, talking through plays and just enjoying the game together. It made everything easier to pick up and boosted my confidence a lot.

If this is how Riftbound handles pre release events, I think they’re doing something right. It’s a really good way for new players like me to get into the game without feeling overwhelmed.

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u/ComfortableEmu3622 — 17 days ago

In 2025, Huawei posted its largest revenue year at around $127B and also overtook Apple as the top smartphone brand in China. For a company that was expected to be heavily constrained by sanctions and export controls, that’s a notable result.

It raises a bigger question: is the current strategy working as intended?

Instead of weakening Chinese tech firms over the long term, the restrictions may be accelerating domestic alternatives. Companies are being pushed to develop their own chips, operating systems, supply chains, cloud infrastructure and AI ecosystem faster than they otherwise would have.

This goes beyond smartphones. If Chinese firms become increasingly self sufficient across semiconductors, devices and AI infrastructure, the world could eventually have a credible alternative tech stack outside US ecosystem.

If America wants to preserve its AI lead, relying only on more layers of export controls may not be enough. Long term leadership usually comes from faster innovation, stronger execution, attracting talent, and remaining the most competitive platform globally.

Right now, it can look like restrictions are buying time while also motivating rivals to move faster.

Are sanctions containing competitors or helping build stronger ones?

u/ComfortableEmu3622 — 24 days ago