Posted by: xSicKxBot - 04-28-2019, 12:56 AM - Forum: Lounge
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Respawn Delays Titanfall Plans To Focus On Apex Legends
It appears Respawn's current Titanfall project and plans on all future Titanfall games have been delayed. Previously scheduled for later this year, Apex Legends executive producer Drew McCoy announced plans for all future Titanfall games have been delayed so that Respawn can better focus on future seasons for Apex Legends.
"[Regarding] other games in development at Respawn, it is important to understand that there are entirely separate development teams working on Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order," McCoy wrote in a blog post. "Additionally, in order to fully support Apex Legends, we are pushing out plans for future Titanfall games. No resources from the Apex Legends team are being shifted to other titles in development here at the studio, nor are we pulling resources from the team working on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order."
Not many details about this upcoming Titanfall project have been revealed, but Respawn CEO Vince Zampella has clarified that it is not Titanfall 3. "We love being able to experiment in this crazy universe!" he said. On Twitter, Zampella also shot down the theory that the Titanfall project would be a VR game. In an earnings call, EA described the project as a "premium" title but suggested the game would not be a typical Titanfall sequel.
In this regard, the Titanfall project sounds like it could be similar to Apex Legends, Respawn's battle royale game set within the Titanfall universe years after the events of Titanfall 2. This upcoming game could just be set within the same setting as the original first person shooters, but doesn't quite follow the same mixture of fast-paced, wall-running gameplay and slower, mech-based combat.
Respawn is set to announce the details concerning Apex Legends Season 2 during EA Play in June. "For Season 2 you can expect a Battle Pass with more meaningful content, the introduction of a new Legend, the debut of a new weapon...and you didn't expect Kings Canyon to stay the same forever, did you?" McCoy wrote. Following the start of Season 2, Respawn is scheduled to release Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order on November 15 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. The Star Wars game is set after the events of Revenge of the Sith and sees you play as Jedi padawan Cal Kestis.
We’ve just shipped the official version of the SignalR Service SDK for ASP.NET support:
Azure SignalR Service is a fully managed Azure service for real-time messaging. It is a preferred way for scaling ASP.NET Core SignalR application. However, SignalR Service is based on SignalR for ASP.NET Core 2.0, which is not 100% compatible with ASP.NET SignalR. Some code changes and proper version of dependent libraries are needed to make ASP.NET SignalR application work with SignalR Service.
We have received many usage feedbacks from customers since we announced the preview support for ASP.NET, at Microsoft Ignite 2018. Today, we are excited to announce that we have released the generally available version 1.0.0 of ASP.NET support SDK for Azure SignalR Service!
This diagram shows the typical architecture to use Azure SignalR Service with application server either written in ASP.NET Core, or now, in ASP.NET.
For self-hosted SignalR application, the application server listens to and serves client connections directly. With SignalR Service, the application server will only respond to clients’ negotiate requests, and redirect clients to SignalR Service to establish the persistent client-server connections.
Using the ASP.NET support for Azure SignalR Service you will be able to:
Continue to keep SignalR application using ASP.NET, but work with fully managed ASP.NET Core based SignalR Service.
Change a few lines of SignalR API codes, to switch to use SignalR Service instead of self-hosted SignalR Hubs.
Leverage Azure SignalR Service’s built-in features and tools to help operate the SignalR application, with guaranteed SLA.
To receive the full benefit from the new ASP.NET support feature, please download and upgrade your SDKs to the latest supported versions:
Many factors, including non-technical ones, make the web application migrate from ASP.NET to ASP.NET Core difficult.
The ASP.NET support for Azure SignalR Service is to enable ASP.NET SignalR application developers to easily switch to use SignalR Service with minimal code change.
Some APIs and features are no longer supported:
Automatic reconnects
Forever Frame transport
HubState
PersistentConnection class
GlobalHost object
HubPipeline module
Client side Internet Explorer support before Microsoft Internet Explorer 11
ASP.NET support is focus on compatibility, so not all ASP.NET Core SignalR new features are supported. To name a few: MessagePack, Streaming, etc., are only available for ASP.NET Core SignalR applications.
SignalR Service can be configured for different service mode: Classic/Default/Serverless. For ASP.NET support, the Serverless mode is not supported.
For a complete list of feature comparison between ASP.NET SignalR and ASP.NET Core SignalR, the proper version of SDKs to use in each case, and what are the recommended alternatives to use for features discontinued in ASP.NET Core SignalR, please refer to doc here.
We’d like to hear about your feedback and comments. You can reach the product team at the GitHub repo, or by email.
Epic Games is facing yet another lawsuit over a Fortnite emote
Epic Games has been hit with a number of lawsuits at this point over several of the emotes featured in its free-to-play battle royale game Fortnite, but the latest person to accuse Epic Games of using their likeness or dance moves without permission is taking a slightly different legal approach.
According to the Verge, the musician Leo Pellegrino has filed a lawsuit against Epic Games that accuses the company of misappropriating his likeness for the game’s “Phone It In” emote.
Pellegrino is represented by the same law firm representing many of the other artists that have taken a legal stab at Epic Games since Fortnite rose to popularity. While those past cases focused on copyright infringement over the use of certain dance moves, Pellegrino is arguing that Epic’s use of his “trademark moves [that] have become inseparable from his persona and his life story” makes this a case of using his likeness without permission or compensation rather than copyright infringement.
As the Verge points out, it’s likely a legal strategy intended to get around some of the roadblocks faced by the murky business of copywriting dance moves that have held up similar cases filed by Alfonso Ribeiro, 2 Milly, and others.
Fortnite's Avengers: Endgame Black Widow Skin Gets An Extension
Fortnite's 8.50 update is now live across PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, and mobile devices, kicking off the game's highly anticipated Avengers: Endgame limited-time event. That isn't the extent of the crossover, however. Epic has also introduced an assortment of new Avengers-inspired cosmetics to the battle royale game, including a cool skin based on Black Widow.
The Black Widow outfit, which you can see below, is available for purchase now from Fortnite's in-game store. It costs 1,500 V-Bucks and comes in two variants: one with red hair, and one with blonde. It also includes a matching Back Bling. On top of that, Epic is selling a Widow's Bite harvesting tool skin for 800 V-Bucks, as well as a Widow's Pirouette emote for 200.
The Black Widow skin had been listed as a limited-time offer, to expire on the same day of its release at 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET. A day later, though, the skin is still available and the countdown has reset. That gives you at least a few more hours to grab it. There's no telling when or if it will cycle back again, but Epic has said another Avengers outfit will be going on sale "early next week."
Meanwhile, the Fortnite Endgame LTM will run through to the end of Season 8. This special mode has players either siding with Thanos and his Chitauri Invaders or the Heroes trying to stop them. Those on Team Thanos must find the six Infinity Stones scattered around the island in order to power up the mad titan, while players on the Heroes' side will need to find the Avengers' iconic weapons and wield them against the villains. There's also a set of Fortnite Endgame challenges to complete, which will unlock more Avengers-inspired cosmetics.
Epic has already issued a hotfix to the LTM, which buffs many of Thor's moves, nerfs Iron Man's gauntlet blast, and awards a little less health for gathering the infinity stones.
On top of all that, Week 9's challenges are also live in Fortnite, which means we're quickly nearing the end of Season 8. That also means you only have a little more time to complete any outstanding challenges from this season and unlock the remaining Battle Pass rewards. If you need any help, we've rounded up tips for the trickier tasks in our complete Season 8 challenges guide.
First Images Of Cartridge-Based Retro Console The Evercade Revealed
The first pictures of the Evercade, a retro-oriented handheld console, have been released showing off the cartridges the system will use and announcing the first publisher to jump on board: Atari.
As you can see, the system features a traditional control template with the face buttons adopting the Xbox layout (or Dreamcast, if you prefer). It has a 4.3-inch screen and the ability to output to a TV via HDMI. We quite like the detailing and colouring of these renders and it’ll be intriguing to see how the finished product compares.
The first multi-game cartridge to be released will feature 20 classic Atari games including Centipede, Tempest and Missile Command, with further announcements of upcoming cartridges expected soon.
Prices for the console are split between the Standard edition which bundles one cart for £59.99 / €69.99 / $79.99, or the Premium version with three carts for £79.99 / €89.99 / $99.99. That’s a significant chunk of money to play some old Atari games, but may be attractive if the console performs well from an emulation perspective and feels comfortable to use.
Beyond the renders and the Atari announcement, the system’s vital stats remain as previously reported earlier this month. While its ability to connect to a TV might position it as a Switch rival, this is really a much smaller project with more humble – specifically retro – ambitions. While Atari’s endorsement is hardly a seal of quality, it’s admirable that the makers of the Evercade are eager to attract big names and we’re interested to see what other publishers they’ve got lined up.
Fans of old games will want to keep an eye on its progress, and purists will want to disable that ‘stretched’ 16:9 mode immediately. Our biggest criticism (well, our only criticism really) of the brilliant GBA SP is how easy it is to hit ‘L’ by accident and stretch GB or GBC games horribly to fill the entire screen. Frightful.
How does the Evercade look to you? Do you think these renders will reflect the final product? Share your thoughts below.
Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland Will Have Key New Battle Features
Koei Tecmo has released some brand new details for Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland, the latest entry in the Atelier series which is landing on Switch next month.
You can see some of the game’s combat in action for yourself thanks to a newly released trailer (we’ve shared that for you above) but we also have some written info directly from the publisher. If you want to learn all about the game’s turn-based battle system, read on:
Alchemists exploring Arland for raw materials should always be prepared for battle — these beautiful lands are not only home to important resources but dangerous creatures waiting to attack. Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland features a turn-based battle system where players can form a party consisting of five members: three attackers and two taking a supportive role. Support members automatically perform Assist Attacks to compliment the attacker’s actions, and aiming to trigger these regularly will ensure that maximum damage is dealt to enemies.
Attackers have an arsenal of unique skills they can use to strike enemy weaknesses. For example, the talented Eva can use the Range Shift skill; expanding her area of attack for a few rounds. These abilities can also aid in the decryption of the Alchemy Riddle, helping players unlock new synthesis recipes and further skills. Depending on the formation of attackers at the start of an encounter, a special dormant ability known as a Primal Art can also be awakened. These arts automatically activate to offer the party support through their battle in the form of increasing Item Damage, or even increasing Attack Damage, for the entirety of the fight.
In Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland, alchemists are able to utilize the new Interrupt ability, offering the chance for them to perform a special Interrupt Skill and use a pre-equipped item, outside of their turn. Once the gauge is full from performing attacks, the skill can be triggered and the pre-equipped item will not be consumed when used – giving the attacking team the upper hand against powerful foes.
That’s not all, though, as Koei Tecmo America has also shared details regarding early purchase DLC bonuses and a Limited Edition version of the game. If you pick up the game either digitally or physically within the first month of launch, you’ll receive the ‘Innocent Fairy’ and ‘Fish Girl’ costumes for Lulua via exclusive DLC.
A Limited Edition version of the game will also be exclusively available through the NISA Online Store, including a physical version of the game, a hardcover art book, the Sound Archives official soundtrack, keychains of Lulua & Rorona, and a deluxe cloth poster.
Are you an Atelier fan? Looking forward to this one? Remember, Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland launches on 21st May.
Red Faction Guerrilla Switch Release Date Confirmed
A year after THQ Nordic handled development of the remaster, Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered Edition is making its way to the Nintendo Switch. The game initially launched in 2009, before seeing a current-gen remaster last year, and the open-world shooter will land on Nintendo's portable handheld on July 2.
It will feature everything that came with the remaster and will retail for $29.99 / €29.99 / £26.99. THQ has also confirmed that there will be a physical release with an appropriately-colored red spine.
Germany-based studio Kaiko Games, the developers who ported games like Darksiders Warmastered Edition and Legend of Kay Anniversary Edition, is in charge of the remastered Nintendo Switch port. Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered Edition will feature the choice between Performance and Quality modes, full reworked graphics and textures, improved lighting and shadow rendering, and reworked shaders and prostprocessing effects. The game will be on the Nintendo Switch, so it'll also come with the option of motion control activiation.
Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered Edition is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Video: BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! Is Out Now, Here’s A Launch Trailer To Celebrate
BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! is the latest Nintendo-published title to fly on to the Switch’s digital shelves, puzzling its way to a hybrid console near you today.
The 2D puzzle-platformer features a trio of quadratic characters – Qbby, Qucy and Qudy. The latter of these – the tall one – stars in this new launch trailer, tackling puzzles which force players to think outside the rectangle. You’ll also get a quick look at the new outfits available to customise your characters.
The game features 270 stages, which just so happens to be the most in the series to date, and for the first time, two players can work together to solve puzzles. We’ll have a full review of the game for you in the near future, but if you can’t wait until then, you can always try out the demo that’s available right now on the eShop. If you’re intrigued, it’s probably worth giving it a go.
The full game can be purchased from the Switch eShop from today for $9.99 / £8.99.
Mario Tennis Aces Gets Free Week-Long Demo, 7-Day Online Subscription Included
If you still haven’t got round to picking up a copy of Mario Tennis Aces yet, you may want to head to the eShop and download this brand new demo which has appeared today.
The Mario Tennis Aces: Special Demo – to give it its full name – is available to download as we speak and runs for a full week until 10am CEST on Friday 3rd May. Grabbing the demo gives you the chance to take to the court and experience a variety of game modes, and will also let you reap some special rewards that can then be carried over into the full game, should you decide to pick it up at a later date.
Playing just one match in this week-long tournament unlocks an outfit for Mario that decks him out in classic overalls, and you can also collect points in the demo’s Co-op Challenge mode, giving you the chance to unlock blue, red and yellow Yoshi that can also be used right away in the demo or in the full version of the game.
That’s not all, though, as anyone who downloads the demo will also receive an email with a Nintendo eShop code to activate a seven-day free trial for Nintendo Switch Online, perfect for trying all the features of this membership service. Players can use this code even if they’ve taken part in a previous free trial.
Will you be checking out this demo today? Do you already own the full game? Let us know if you’ll be taking to the court in the comments.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 04-27-2019, 12:26 PM - Forum: Windows
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Introducing the 2019 Imagine Cup Americas Regional Final judges
Our 12 recently announced Imagine Cup Americas Regional Finalists are advancing to the in-person Regional Final in just less than a week to compete for over USD20,000 in prizes and the last spot in the 2019 World Championship.
Student teams will travel to Seattle, Washington and present a live demo of their projects in front of a panel of four expert judges. Coming from varied backgrounds in technology, industry, and management, judges’ professional experience will allow them to evaluate if a team’s solution uses innovative technology and presents an original idea built on Azure.
Judges for each Regional Final have the opportunity to ask questions and review each project hands-on before ultimately deciding who will move forward. Each team is judged on the same criteria: project technology, innovation, feasibility to take to market, and concept. The Americas Regional winner will advance to compete against teams Caeli from Asia and Finderr from the UK at the 2019 World Championship at Microsoft Build on May 6. Follow the action live on Twitter and Instagram as our Americas regional finalists and judges head to Seattle!
Meet our Americas Regional Final Judges
Donovan Brown Principal Cloud Advocate, Microsoft
Donovan Brown is the Principal DevOps Manager of the League. The League is a team of Cloud Developer Advocates, focusing on Azure and DevOps. Before joining Microsoft, Donovan spent seven years as a Process Consultant and a Certified Scrum Master. Donovan has traveled the globe helping companies develop solutions using agile practices in many industries. Donovan is an avid programmer, often finding ways to integrate software into his other hobbies and activities.
Rebecca Lovell Director at Create33
Mission-driven leader with over 20 years of operating and management experience in public and private sectors, within for-profit and non-profit organizations. Experienced in strategy and program development and implementation, mentorship, and team-building. Accomplished public speaker committed to race and social justice, gender equity, education, and entrepreneurship.
Paul Maher GM Industry Experiences, Microsoft
Paul has over 20 years in the IT industry across a variety of technology focused roles. He was asked to return to Microsoft by Scott Guthrie to build a new team in Azure engineering called Industry Experiences. The team is focused on helping industry customers and partners with their move to the cloud. Paul lives with his wife and two children in Seattle and holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Sheffield University.
Shana Matthews Program Manager, Microsoft
Shana Matthews is a Program Manager at Microsoft focused on learning content, strategies, and tools for student developers. She strives to make cloud computing intuitive for young programmers through improving products, documentation, and learning resources. Previously, Shana was a software engineer on the Windows Mixed Reality team where she created geospatial APIs for 3rd party developers. Shana holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Iowa State University.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see which student developer team will take home USD100,000 and a mentoring session with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Save the date for May 6 at 8:00am PT to watch the 2019 Imagine Cup World Championship live at Microsoft Build.
