Monthly Archives: September 2015

Twisted Pixel Is an Indie Studio Again

Twisted Pixel -- the developer of Splosion Man, Comic Jumper, The Gunstringer, Lococyle, and more -- is spinning out of Microsoft to once again become an independent studio.

Microsoft purchased Twisted Pixel in 2011. Since then, Twisted Pixel's Josh Bear added, "we’ve always kept a background dialog open with them about the idea of returning to an independent studio model if the timing made sense for us.”

Twisted Pixel Executive Producer Bill Muehl added, "This transition has been in the works for a few months, with both parties working together to lay the groundwork for us to spin out and become independent again. We’re looking forward to the new relationships and platforms this will open up to us and continuing our strong partnership with Microsoft on future titles for their platforms.”

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Sniper Elite Series Sales Pass 10 Million

Rebellion has announced that the Sniper Elite series has now surpassed 10 million units sold worldwide.

"Whether you've bought one or whether you've bought all of our Sniper Elite products, thank you very much for supporting indie development in the UK," said Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley.

To celebrate 10 years making Sniper Elite and the 10 million units sold, Rebellion has planned a month of special content, including new videos, livestreams, and giveaways.

In addition, this week there is a Steam sale discounting the Sniper Elite Trilogy by 81 percent, and there are also deals on the series on the PlayStation Store in Europe.

In IGN's review of the most recent game in the series, Sniper Elite III, we said that it's a "smart, unexpectedly memorable experience."

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Gran Turismo 6 Is Getting a Course Maker

Nearly two years after the release of Gran Turismo 6, the Course Maker app is being added.

According to GTPlanet, the GT6 Course Maker will be released as a free app on iOS and Android, and should be available by the end of today, September 30.

Four different locations will be available to course creators, including the Eifel, Andalusia, and Death Valley regions. You'll be able to control the shape and layout of the tracks, set the road width, and even change the banking on the corners. There will also be a number of items such as trees, buildings, and grandstands to place around your course.

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Nintendo Reveals Super Mario Maker Sales Numbers

Nintendo has announced Super Mario Maker sales have passed the 1 million mark since its release on September 11.

The global figure was revealed on Nintendo of America's Twitter account, alongside the news that 2.2 million courses have been created thus far and played nearly 75 million times.

The game is getting its own stage in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U this week as well, which suggests Nintendo is well aware of how much fans are enjoying the title.

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BioWare Announces Mass Effect Theme Park Attraction

BioWare has revealed a Mass Effect-themed ride will be opening at California's Great America in 2016. For those not in the know, Great America is in Santa Clara, California.

The ride, which is described as a "dynamic 3D adventure" will be hosted by a live performer and "take guests on a journey to a distant planet, where they will face off against larger-than-life foes and fight to save the day."

Though the Normandy isn't mentioned by name, it does make reference to "Commander Shepard’s favorite ride", so it's likely you'll be boarding the famous vessel, perhaps with Shepherd guiding you through your adventure. With 2016 also when we're expecting to see Mass Effect Andromeda, it's sounding like next year could be a big year for sci-fi fans.

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12-Person Party Chat Available Now on Xbox One

12-person party chat is now available on Xbox One.

Major Nelson confirmed the news via his blog, stating that the feature was implemented by Microsoft after it received 2200 votes on Xbox Feedback.

As the feature will be implemented server-side, you will not be required to update your console and everyone will be able to use it, not just those enrolled in the Xbox preview program. The Xbox App on Windows 10 will also be updated to include the feature.

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This Is Tesla’s Model X, and It Has a Bioweapon Defense Mode

Tesla Motors officially launched its latest electric vehicle, the Model X, during a keynote presentation in California today given by CEO Elon Musk.

The all-wheel drive sport utility vehicle partially trades the souped up performance of the Model S for functionality.

The P90D with Ludicrous mode enabled accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds, has 250 miles of range and a top speed 155 “of miles per hour. The 90D model travels up to 257 miles on its 90 kWh battery, accelerates from zero to 60 MPH in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155 MPH.

Tesla Model X_____

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You Can Now Have Christmas Dinner in Hogwarts Great Hall

Harry Potter fans are being offered the opportunity to have dinner in Hogwarts Great Hall.

Hosted at the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London on December 3, the event kicks off with welcome drinks and canapés, before guests "take their seats on the actual set that was used during filming – finding wands waiting for them at their tables – before enjoying the first two courses of a delicious Christmas dinner with all the trimmings (vegetarian option also available)."

After dinner, you'll be able to drink Butterbeer in the backlot cafe, wander through a snow-covered Diagon Alley, explore the Gryffindor Common Room and the Weasley's kitchen at The Burrow and explore the Hogwarts Express. Dancing and additional drinks will wrap the whole thing off.

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Tesla Officially Reveals Model X SUV

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk officially revealed the company's long-awaited Model S follow-up, the Model X, at an event in Fremont, California near the Tesla Factory on Tuesday night.

Here's Model X VIN #1, belonging to Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk. Here's Model X VIN #1, belonging to Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk.

In a presentation that lasted approximately 30 minutes, Musk touted the car's new features, including front doors that open for you and close for you when the key fob and car sense that you're near and then in the seat; a tinted windshield that slopes all the way up the roof, above the front passengers' heads until it reaches the falcon wing doors, much like a helicopter cockpit; record-breaking crash-test and safety results; a pair of industry leading HEPA cabin air filters that make the car's cabin air as clean as that of a "hospital operating room" at the touch of an actual "bioweapon defense mode" button in the climate control menu (the icon looks like a biohazard icon); and more.

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