GB Studio offers a free Game Boy-inspired way to create 2D games
Right around the 30th anniversary of the release of Nintendo’s iconic handheld, game developer Chris Maltby has released a free tool to create Game Boy-inspired games.
The project is a visual game builder called GB Studio and launched as a free download last week. It’s a project born from a Game Boy-inspired game jam, and one that aims to offer a way for anyone to build playable, 2D adventure games with no programming knowledge what-so-ever.
The tool is a little limited in what it offers and is designed to create top-down 2D JRPG-styled adventure games. Because of that, however, GB Studio is accessible to those with any level of game development experience.
Any project created with the visual game builder can be exported as an HTML5 file, which allows it to be played in a browser or uploaded to sites like itch.io, or a ROM that can then be played through a Game Boy editor or on the actual hardware itself via a flash cart.
More information, including documentation, a download link, and GitHub page, can be found on the GB Studio website.
Creating the Xbox Adaptive Controller required the Microsoft Devices team to reexamine their own practices and ultimately challenge their biases and assumptions to embrace more inclusive design.
In this talk from GDC 2019, Bryce Johnson (Inclusive Lead, Microsoft Devices) and Erin Muston-Firsch (Occupational Therapist, Craig Hospital) discuss the process of designing the Xbox Adaptive Controller and how doing so required them to rethink how they designed and engineered controllers altogether.
The talk offers game developers advice on how to apply those same principles to their own projects, like how to recognize when a design excludes people with limited mobility and how to design control schemes and input with accessibility in mind.
In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault and its accompanying YouTube channel offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers.
Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC or VRDC already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page. Finally, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault technical support.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is Coming Soon to an Xbox One Near You
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, a third-person, single-player action-adventure game by Respawn Entertainment and EA, will give you the chance to follow the journey of a former Padawan named Cal Kestis in the wake of Order 66, giving fans a brand-new story in the Star Wars universe that explore the galaxy during the dark times of the Empire.
After losing everything — his Order, his friends, his Republic — Cal survives by hiding who he is and living a solitary life, but that can only protect him for so long from the Empire’s Jedi-hunting Inquisitors.
Racing across distant worlds, exploring the ruins of a long-lost civilization, and fighting the Empire at every turn, Star Wars fans will experience what it’s like to be a Jedi on the run. To survive, you’ll need to master your Force abilities and learn new ones that will help you keep the Imperial forces at bay while working with a team of unlikely allies, including your droid companion BD-1.
We’ll have more to share about Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order throughout the year here on Xbox Wire.
Cheaper Nintendo Switch Model Coming In June, Report Says
A new, cheaper version of the Nintendo Switch will launch "by the end of June," according to a source speaking to Bloomberg. This is at least the second time this year that we've heard reports about a less expensive Switch model, as The Wall Street Journal reported in March that Nintendo would release a pared-down, less expensive Switch system in 2019.
That report also mentioned a second new Switch model, one that has "enhanced" features that is targeted at "avid" gamers. However, the specs won't match PS4 Pro or Xbox One X, the report said. Bloomberg's sources, meanwhile, suggest that the current Switch model will get a "modest upgrade" in 2019. However, it's unclear what the upgrade will entail. Whatever the case, Bloomberg reported that the more powerful Switch system "is not in the works."
The Wall Street Journal's report suggested that the new, less expensive Switch would cut features like controller vibration to save on costs. Bloomberg's story had no details on that.
It could be a big week for Nintendo news, as the company is holding its next earnings report on April 25. It could be here that Nintendo confirms it's working on new consoles. That also might not happen. We'll have to wait a few days to find out for sure.
Another big news story surrounding Nintendo currently are the rumors and reports about the company launching the Switch in China with the help of Tencent. Nintendo might share more details about this during its earnings report this week.
The new Switch consoles are rumoured to be announced at E3 and then released relatively soon thereafter. Keep checking back with GameSpot for the latest.
It would be no surprise at all to see the Switch get a hardware revision. Historically, Nintendo--along with Microsoft and Sony--have released hardware revisions over time.
Two Shazam! Movie DLC Packs Are Now Available For LEGO DC Super-Villains
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has today released another Shazam! level pack for LEGODC Super-Villains, providing a second dose of content based on the new movie.
Both downloadable packs add new levels and DC characters inspired by the film and are part of the Season Pass (which you can pick up for $14.99 if you don’t already own it). This new second pack adds the villainous Dr. Sivana as well as the entire Shazam family; we’ve got the full details for you below:
The SHAZAM! Movie Level Packs 1 and 2 offer players the chance to master the powers of favorite characters based on the Shazam! film including Billy Batson and Freddy Freeman who can transform into their Super Hero Shazam form, and unlock four characters embodying the sins of man unleashed by Dr. Sivana including Gluttony, Wrath, Pride, and Envy. The second pack adds villainous, Dr. Sivana, and the entire Shazam family to help you defeat him including Pedro, Eugene, Darla, and Mary, alongside the powerful, Wizard Shazam. Both packs expand the main game’s already large roster of over 150 iconic DC characters.
If you’d rather purchase the Shazam! Movie Level Packs without getting a Season Pass, they can now both be purchased together in a bundle for $5.99.
Have you seen Shazam!? Will you be tucking into this new LEGO content? Tell us below.
The retro video game convention Midwest Gaming Classic celebrated its 18th year in Milwaukee, WI a little over a week ago, and we just so happened to have been in attendance! The convention is host to hundreds of pinball and retro arcade games that are all open for free play, a vendor hall where you can buy almost any game you can think of (yes, I found and almost purchased Zelda: Wand of Gamelon) and also features a number of panels hosted by game creators, personalities and other members of the industry.
The convention does a great job of highlighting the best games of the past, but also shows off some pretty important gaming relics too. From the power suits used in the Nintendo World Championships to the unreleased Nintendo Playstation prototype, you’re bound to see some pretty crazy stuff here.
Needless to say, we had a great time playing games, checking out the dealer’s wares and meeting some industry vets. Check out our highlight video of the Midwest Gaming Classic and let us know if you’ll be booking tickets for next years event! Maybe we’ll see you there.
New Avengers: Endgame Teaser Trailer Is A Countdown To The Big Day
Avengers: Endgame is nearly upon us. A whole year after the traumatic events of Infinity War, the next movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe finally releases in theaters this Friday, April 26. Ahead of that, another new TV spot has been released, as has our Endgame review.
The teaser trailer is very short and doesn't offer any footage of Iron Man, Black Widow, and company that we've not already seen in previous teasers, but we do get some new dialogue. It's really just a countdown--both to the movie's release in three days time and the Avengers' mission to save their friends and stop Thanos. We see Earth's Mightiest Heroes gathered and ready for some kind of operation to undo the catastrophic events of Infinity War, seemingly with Bruce Banner counting down to some kind of go signal. Nonetheless, it's all still very exciting--check it out above.
Endgame is reportedly on track for a record-breaking opening. We already knew its first-week pre-sales were very strong, but it could set the all-time record for a movie opening in the US. Given that this is the culmination of 10-plus years of Marvel movies--from the original Iron Man up through more recent movies like Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, and Black Panther--that really is not much of a surprise, especially after Infinity War's strong opening last year.
Avengers: Endgame releases on April 26. It stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Brie Larson, Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Danai Gurira, Paul Rudd, and Josh Brolin.
To coincide with the big release, Marvel appears to be collaborating with Epic Games on another Fortnite-Avengers crossover event. Last year saw a limited-time mode added to the game that allowed players to equip the Infinity Gauntlet and transform into Thanos. This time around, we don't know what to expect, but teasers have suggested you might be able to wield Captain America's shield and Thor's Stormbreaker.
Doraemon Story Of Seasons Heads West On Switch This Autumn
Bandai Namco has announced that Doraemon Story Of Seasons will be launching on Nintendo Switch in North America and Europe in autumn 2019.
You might remember our story from earlier this month, in which we shared all we knew about the upcoming title. Essentially, the game is a crossover game between Story of Seasons (which used to be known as Harvest Moon) and Japanese manga series Doraemon. We’ve got some PR below to give you a little more detail:
The popular anime character – Doraemon meets the hugely popular Story of Seasons series in a brand new game DORAEMON STORY OF SEASONS. Players will be able to enjoy traditional Story of Seasons activities like growing crops, cultivating their farm, exploring, bug hunting and many more.
Nobita and other familiar faces from the Doraemon franchise will take part in a heart-warming journey across the games original town. Players will develop the town and their own farm while interacting and forming bonds with the other inhabitants. Of course, Doraemon’s secret gadgets will be there to help them along the way!
Are you excited to get your hands on this one? Glad that it’s coming to the west? Let us know in the usual spot.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 04-24-2019, 01:43 PM - Forum: Windows
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‘Gears of War’ Esports Pro Circuit to wrap up Season 2 in Boston
After 15 Pro Circuit events and a total prize pool of $3 million, the final Gears Pro Circuit event of Gears of War 4 is here. With $300,000 on the line, the top pro and amateur teams from around the world will gather in Boston on April 26-28 at the Hynes Convention Center to take home the trophy and bragging rights leading into the next season of Gears Esports, set to debut following the launch of Gears 5 later this year.
There is no shortage of storylines coming into this event. Perennial favorites OpTic Gaming are looking to claim their 13th Pro Circuit trophy and further prove why they should be considered the most successful esports team of all time. Team Reciprocity (formerly Denial) is looking to avenge a devastating loss in Mexico City where, despite sending OpTic Gaming to the losers bracket, they couldn’t secure the victory in the grand finals. Rise Nation is full of confidence as they are bringing their complete roster for the first time since they placed 2nd at the Columbus Invitational last fall. Ghost Gaming, the top ranked Latin American team, and Elevate, the top European team, both dominate their regions and want to prove they can compete with their North American counterparts.
In addition to the 5v5 Escalation action, there will be the Gears Pro Circuit 2v2 tournament where 128 top teams can compete for a dedicated prize pool of $20,000. The action kicks off on Saturday, April 27 with key 2v2 matches played on the feature stage. The 2v2 tournament is free to join and open to all attendees. Registration takes place at the venue from Saturday, April 27 from 1:00-3:00 PM EDT.
Watch all the action at http://live.gearsofwar.com starting at 2PM EDT on Friday, April 26 and then again on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM EDT.
Visit www.gears.gg and follow @EsportsGears on Twitter to keep up-to-date with the latest information about Gears Esports and the Gears Pro Circuit Boston Open.
