Gizmag: Games

Programmer nails real-time rendering of ultra-realistic human skin

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:53:37 -0600

Graphics researcher Jorge Jimenez has cracked the problem of rendering what he calls "ultra realistic skin" in real-time with consumer-level computer and graphics hardware. It's a breakthrough made possible by the process of separable subsurface scattering (SSS) which quickly renders the translucent properties of skin and its effect on light in two post-processing passes. The code is based wholly on original research using DirectX 10. Jimenez describes the achievement as the result of hours of "research, desperation, excitement, happiness, pride, sadness and extreme dedication.".. Continue Reading Programmer nails real-time rendering of ultra-realistic human skin

Section: Games

Tags: Graphics, Research, Skin

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South Korea opens a Kinect-powered theme park

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:14 -0600

New media entertainment company, d'strict, is pushing the concept of virtual reality to a new level with the "Live Park 4D World Tour," a new theme park that recently opened in South Korea. The park is comprised of 65 different attractions over a 10,000 sq. foot (929 sq m) space, which houses several large interactive displays as well as some installation art pieces. Visitors wear RFID wristbands that allow the displays to identify them, while Kinect sensors detect their movements, voices, and faces. Many of the attractions center around having users create an avatar of themselves that they can interact with and take on a virtual adventure, which is portrayed using 3D video, holograms, and augmented reality technology. .. Continue Reading South Korea opens a Kinect-powered theme park

Section: Games

Tags: Augmented Reality, Kinect, RFID, Theme Parks, Virtual Reality

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Do you recognize the playing pieces in NEXT's Modern Architecture Boardgame?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:25:25 -0600

"Which Catalan postmodernist architect, known for his monumental buildings, said: 'Through my buildings, I want to receive the kind of adulation usually reserved for pop stars?'" If a night in round the kitchen table with five architecture enthusiasts answering questions like this doesn't appeal, you may wish to read no further. This is just one question from the Modern Architecture Boardgame from NEXT Architects, which pits fans of all things built and beautiful against one another, as they take it in turns to don the iconic round spectacles of Le Corbusier in the ultimate architectural trivia nerd-off. But which buildings do its six iconic playing pieces represent? Inquiring minds want to know... Continue Reading Do you recognize the playing pieces in NEXT's Modern Architecture Boardgame?

Section: Games

Tags: Architecture, Building, Games

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Review: OnLive Android app - the future of video games?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:18:18 -0600

A while back, OnLive released an app that allows its on-demand video game service to function through any Android device. While the service has been around awhile for use with computers and TVs, what makes the app unique is its ability to deliver games usually reserved for consoles and gaming PCs to many tablets and smartphones. The app could effectively turn any smart device into a portable game console that streams games like Netflix streams movies. That's all great as a concept, but the big question is how well it actually works. After spending some time with OnLive's app, it's clear that it isn't going to replace your console or gaming PC anytime soon, but it does offer a glimpse at the possible future of video games... Continue Reading Review: OnLive Android app - the future of video games?

Section: Games

Tags: Android, Review, Smartphone, Tablet, Video Games

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Insiders suggest XBox 720 will have six times the power, play Blu-Ray discs

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:59:39 -0600

The rumor mill has been spinning about the next-generation XBox for some time, but Tuesday and Wednesday of this week saw first IGN, and then Kotaku, reveal what appears to be the first non-gaseous (if not concrete-solid) information from inside sources as to the machine's spec. It seems that the console (not officially called the 720, but the placeholder is convenient) will, IGN reports, be approximately six times as powerful as the current generation of consoles. Kotaku says the device will play Blu-Ray discs, and herald the arrival of Kinect 2. Worryingly, it also reports that there's a possibility that the machine will prevent owners from playing pre-owned games... Continue Reading Insiders suggest XBox 720 will have six times the power, play Blu-Ray discs

Section: Games

Tags: Games, Microsoft, Xbox

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The vibration-sensing, head-tracking Fit Freeway "exergaming" app

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:53:21 -0600

As evidenced by the popularity of motion controlled fitness games ushered in by the Wii and followed by the PlayStation Move and Kinect, so called "exergaming" - the combining of exercise and video games - is a field that has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years. But if you don't want to shell out for a new console and already have an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, as well as a treadmill, elliptical machine or exercise bike laying about, then the new Fit Freeway app is designed to make working up a sweat a bit more fun... Continue Reading The vibration-sensing, head-tracking Fit Freeway "exergaming" app

Section: Games

Tags: App, Exercise, Fitness, iOS, Motion Controller, Video Games

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GAEMS G155 case keeps your console protected and ready to play

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:31:06 -0600

Home video game consoles can provide endless entertainment, but sadly aren't the most portable of devices and can be fairly fragile to boot. Traveling gamers know what a pain it can be to try and haul gaming equipment around for long trips, and that's without trying to find a TV to use wherever they go. GAEMS, Inc. may have a solution, though, with its rugged G155 case that can secure an Xbox 360 or PS3 along with the provided HD LED screen in one tidy, portable package... Continue Reading GAEMS G155 case keeps your console protected and ready to play

Section: Games

Tags: CES 2012, PlayStation 3, Video Games, Xbox 360

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SteelSeries pocket-sized Ion Bluetooth controller for tablets and smartphones

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:32:58 -0600

Every CES puts the most prominent tech trends on show, and this year was no exception, though some were a bit more visible than others. After the unveiling of arcade-style attachments for smartphones and tablets, a no-glasses 3D tablet with an attachable controller, and a tablet aimed at the hardcore gaming crowd, it became pretty clear that one of these trends is to bridge the gap between high-quality console games and smart devices. However, none of these new devices have appeared quite as portable as the Ion Controller from SteelSeries, which connects through Bluetooth and is about the size of a deck of cards... Continue Reading SteelSeries pocket-sized Ion Bluetooth controller for tablets and smartphones

Section: Games

Tags: CES 2012, Controller, Smartphone, Tablet, Video Games

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WikiPad first glasses-free 3D Android tablet with attachable game controller

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:35:02 -0600

Ever since the Nintendo 3DS proved that you don't need bulky glasses to watch video in 3D, smartphone and tablet makers have been systematically releasing their own glasses-free 3D devices with varying results. None of these however have incorporated the experience with console-like controls to play casual apps or streamed video games. That's where the WikiPad comes in, with its no-glasses 3D screen and attachable gamepad to give a more immersive gaming experience... Continue Reading WikiPad first glasses-free 3D Android tablet with attachable game controller

Section: Games

Tags: 3D, Android, CES 2012, Tablet, Video Games

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Razer's tablet concept plays current games like a high-end PC

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:36:18 -0600

Tablets may be the hot tech right now, but you wouldn't know it looking at the PC gaming sector. An iPad may be good for playing Angry Birds or any other casual app, but doesn't exactly have the horsepower to run the most recent, graphics-heavy titles. For that reason, Razer, the video game hardware developer, has designed a new concept tablet, unveiled at CES 2012, built expressly to play current PC games like a buffed out gaming rig... Continue Reading Razer's tablet concept plays current games like a high-end PC

Section: Games

Tags: CES 2012, Razer, Tablet, Video Games

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gAtari 2600 turns game console into a handheld instrument

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:50:27 -0600

Taking an old computer or game console and modifying it for music isn't very new; it's even spawned its own style of music called "chiptunes." But most artists that do this end up standing behind a table while they perform, since that gear can take up quite a bit of room. So, like the keyboard player who looked at the guitarist and said, "Hey! I want to do that!" one musician has created a handheld musical instrument out of a 1970's game console. Australian chiptune artist, cTrix, crafted together an Atari 2600, some custom software, and various musical modifiers to build a standalone instrument that he calls the "gAtari 2600.".. Continue Reading gAtari 2600 turns game console into a handheld instrument

Section: Games

Tags: Instrument, Music, Video Games

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60beat GamePad brings console-like controls to iDevices

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:34:46 -0600

While the success of Apple’s iDevices has prompted a swathe of games perfectly suited to a touchscreen interface, many types of games suffer when making the transition from a controller-based interface. As a result we’ve seen a number of peripherals designed to add a physical controller to iOS devices, such as the GameBone Pro, iControlPad and low-tech JOYSTICK-IT. Those looking for a slightly more traditional input device for their mobile gaming needs now have another product to consider in the form of the 60beat GamePad... Continue Reading 60beat GamePad brings console-like controls to iDevices

Section: Games

Tags: Controller, Games, Input Device, iOS

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Embattled Sony denies PlayStation Vita launch issues

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:10:10 -0600

Four days on from Saturday's PlayStation Vita launch, a murky picture is emerging in the press of an embattled Sony eager to make amends for technical difficulties with their next generation handheld games console, including inoperative touch-screens and system crashes. However, Sony today denies widespread technical issues. .. Continue Reading Embattled Sony denies PlayStation Vita launch issues

Section: Games

Tags: PlayStation Vita, Sony, Video Games

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Louvre will use the Nintendo 3DS as a tour guide

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:58:50 -0600

Let's face it, the audio tours in museums could use a technology upgrade. While listening to the facts and stories behind each exhibit read by a D-list celebrity is still a mainstay of any noteworthy museum or art gallery, the average cell phone today has more features than most of the audio devices visitors are given to carry around. It makes sense then that the Louvre in France, the world's most visited museum, is replacing its usual audio guides with a decidedly 21st-century gadget: the Nintendo 3DS. .. Continue Reading Louvre will use the Nintendo 3DS as a tour guide

Section: Games

Tags: 3DS, Art, Museum, Nintendo

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Google engineer builds ultimate LAN party house

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:59:12 -0600

Anyone who has a attended a LAN party - where people connect their computers on one network in one location to play multiplayer games together - can tell you that they can be both very fun but also kind of a hassle. Playing games with your friends all in the same room: fun. Having to organize all your friends to each haul their usually-oversized gaming rigs to one person's house, ensuring they all have the same software, and inevitably dealing with one or more people having trouble connecting: not fun. With that in mind, it makes sense that one Google employee decided to bypass all that inconvenience and just build a house specifically for LAN parties, complete with multiple networked computers and TVs connected to game consoles. .. Continue Reading Google engineer builds ultimate LAN party house

Section: Games

Tags: Google, House, Video Games

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OnLive app brings high-end PC and console games to tablets

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:21:14 -0600

Tablets and smartphones may now be cemented as a solid platform for games, but there's still a big difference between the mostly casual games available in the Apple and Android markets and the titles aimed squarely at the hardcore gaming crowd. A large part of the issue is the hardware, since even the iPad 2 can barely hold a candle to the processing power of the Xbox 360 or PS3; and that's without even bringing up the capabilities of a modern gaming rig. The video game service, OnLive, however has found a way to bridge the two with its new app that delivers console and PC titles to portable devices and, more importantly, makes them playable... Continue Reading OnLive app brings high-end PC and console games to tablets

Section: Games

Tags: App, Games, Smartphone, Tablet

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Nextpeer can add multiplayer to any iOS game

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:56:28 -0600

A new service called Nextpeer has just become available for any iOS developer wishing to add multiplayer features to their single player game. Typically, when a mobile game developer wants social or multiplayer elements in its games - leaderboards, achievements, tournaments, etc. - it has to build them itself. Nextpeer eliminates this hassle by offering a free SDK that can bring these features and more into any game that uses it... Continue Reading Nextpeer can add multiplayer to any iOS game

Section: Games

Tags: iOS, iPhone Apps, Nextpeer, Video Games

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Skyrim devs releasing Creation Engine with new features for the modding community

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:33:48 -0600

With Bethesda's latest game - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - still garnering a lot of buzz and racking up "Game of the Year" nominations less than a month after release, one might expect the video game developer to happily rest on its laurels for a moment. Luckily for the modding community, Bethesda is instead releasing its brand new Creation Engine for free to have the public do with as they wish. While it's not uncommon for a video game developer to give out its development tools, it is a little less common for those tools to be packed with a platform for distributing, rating, and even installing mods with a smartphone... Continue Reading Skyrim devs releasing Creation Engine with new features for the modding community

Section: Games

Tags: Modding, PC, Video Games

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Octane 120 Pro Beer Arcade combines beer and gaming together

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:19:29 -0600

What could be better than having your own arcade-style racing game? How about having your own arcade-style racing game with its own beer tap? The Octane 120 Pro Beer Arcade includes a wireless arcade control panel and 200 different games to satisfy all your gaming desires, along with a built-in keg to keep you hydrated. The arcade has a fully-adjustable steering wheel and seat, dual-motor force feedback, a 2-player control panel with built-in trackball, and a high-output HD projector. .. Continue Reading Octane 120 Pro Beer Arcade combines beer and gaming together

Section: Games

Tags: Beer, Drinking, Video Games

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Turning a sandbox into an ecosystem with the Xbox Kinect

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:48:57 -0600

The Xbox Kinect has certainly become a useful tool for innovation, with modders finding applications in medical imaging, robotics, and even aids for the visually impaired, to name just a few. Now it looks like you can add "topography" to that list with the development of the SandyStation. Created by two students in the Czech Republic, the SandyStation projects a realistic ecosystem over an ordinary sandbox, which can be altered in real-time. .. Continue Reading Turning a sandbox into an ecosystem with the Xbox Kinect

Section: Games

Tags: Ecosystem, Environment, Kinect, Projector, Xbox

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SteelSeries creates a pedal-free controller for PC racing games

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:09:26 -0600

When it comes to hardcore racing games, the trend seems to rest more on authenticity than portability, with controls ranging from a separate wheel and pedals to one arcade game in Japan that is literally a full-sized car. Hoping to offer a more compact alternative, SteelSeries has teamed up with game developer, Ignite Technologies, to create the Simraceway SRW-S1 Steering Wheel... Continue Reading SteelSeries creates a pedal-free controller for PC racing games

Section: Games

Tags: Controller, Steelseries

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Gamers don't need to be a whiz to play new video game system

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:36:44 -0600

As any barkeep will tell you, the bar/pub industry is a very competitive one, with business owners taking every opportunity they can to attract clientele to their establishments. If the usual approaches such as cheap drinks aren't doing enough on their own, however, now there's something else that may help draw the customers in ... or at least, into the men's washroom. It's called Captive Media, and it consists of urinal-mounted video game systems, where men control the gameplay by changing the trajectory of their urine stream from side to side. Hey, whatever it takes to make your watering hole Number 1, right?.. Continue Reading Gamers don't need to be a whiz to play new video game system

Section: Games

Tags: Bathroom, Pubs, Urinals, Video Games

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Tobii EyeAsteroids puts a modern spin on classic arcade game

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:52:54 -0600

When I was a good bit younger, I wasted far too much of my spare time blowing up wave after wave of space rocks - and the occasional flying saucer - trying to get to the flip-over. Atari's most successful game, Asteroids, has now been given a futuristic make-over by eye-tracking and eye control specialist Tobii, developers of the impressive laptop prototype and the stand-alone PCEye system for Windows PCs. Built as a free-standing arcade game, EyeAsteroids players use only their eyes to aim and fire a laser at flying rocks and save the world from impending pulverization... Continue Reading Tobii EyeAsteroids puts a modern spin on classic arcade game

Section: Games

Tags: Eye-tracking, Retro, Video Games

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OVO-4 brings full-motion flight simulation to your rec room

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:38:13 -0600

Chances are, you will never get to try out the new 3D MiG flight simulator. If you have almost US$60,000 that has nothing better to do, however, you can now buy something almost as impressive – the OVO-4 Home Flight Simulator. The egg-shaped capsule contains a full simulated light aircraft cockpit, with three linked 24-inch monitors displaying the output of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator X. Best of all, however, the capsule pitches and rolls according to what’s happening in the simulation – users presumably have to supply their own barf bags... Continue Reading OVO-4 brings full-motion flight simulation to your rec room

Section: Games

Tags: Aircraft, Flight simulator, Flying

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Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about Rock 'n' Roll

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:04:43 -0600

Despite the bad press that gaming often gets, there is increasing evidence that it can have positive effects. We've already seen studies suggesting that video games improve decision making and put players in a more relaxed frame of mind, now there's more good news for parents whose offspring are video game junkies. Research out of Michigan State University suggests that 12 year olds who play video games tend to be more creative ... and the more they play the more creative they are. .. Continue Reading Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about Rock 'n' Roll

Section: Games

Tags: Kids, Michigan State University, Psychology, Video Games

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