Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)It's a story you've probably heard before: there's a detective, a rich, old heiress with an amended will, and an assembled group of people all hoping to benefit from it. And then, as these stories usually do, it ends in murder. On a train! But don't be fooled by the plentiful Agatha Christie-isms: this work of whodunnitry is wholly unique while paying tribute to its influences, and may even be one of our favourite modern point-and-clicks.In the astoundingly well-named Loco Motive, you play as three separate characters Arthur, a paperwork-loving estate attorney; Herman Merman, a crime novel-author-turned-detective; and Diana, a spy and bounty hunter working for the Inland Revenue Service, which we really hope isn't a real thing. These three are your guides as you try to piece together the mysterious and sudden murder of a rich matriarch on a train through a series of goofy, absurd item combinations, interspersed with plot twists, reveals, and comedic cutscenes.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)In case you can't already tell, Loco Motive absolutely knows where its inspirations lie: the twistiness of Christie, the delightful unseriousness of Monkey Island et al., and the stunningly lifelike art of Ghost Trick are all worn proudly on its sleeve. But instead of just haphazardly glueing these disparate elements together like... well, like the solution to an extremely abstract point-and-click puzzle, Loco Motive manages to create something entirely its own, positioning itself alongside all of its forebears without looking like some unqualified upstart.Much like Ghost Trick, the pixel animations are genuinely jaw-dropping with the amount of detail, fluidity, and thought that has gone into each one every single item combination has its own animation, for goodness' sake and the distinct characterisation of each person that you meet and play as is achieved with simple, but cleverly applied, movements. A bartender wiggles an eyebrow to display confidence in his skills; two squabbling twins fight dynamically over a briefcase until it breaks; and did we mention that the entire game is lip-synced? We're not sure if we've ever seen lip sync applied to a pixel-based game, and up until Loco Motive, we wouldn't have believed it could be done so well. It's a real shame that we can't show off the animations in these screenshots, because they're truly something special to witness.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)The writing more than holds its own, too. Taking cues from Monkey Island's beloved dialogue is daunting, but Loco Motive manages to be funny without being cringe, helpful without being patronising, and provides a unique voice for each character to make the entire cast shine, even the extremely minor ones. A murder-mystery game like this relies on its colourful cast, after all, and Loco Motive doesn't disappoint in that regard, with some excellent voice-acting provided by an impressive haul of actors, including the wonderful Samantha Bart (Karlach! From Baldur's Gate 3!) as April, comedian Alasdair Beckett-King as basically himself, and a spot-on drunken Orson Welles caricature from acting veteran Jim Meskimen.And, oh, the cleverness that this game has in spades! Let's be real: point-and-clicks are a little played out by this point, and it takes some real work to bake in something novel. Loco Motive achieves this by minor spoilers, sorry giving you three characters to play as, each with their own timeline, intersecting and swapping items in ways that don't become clear until much later in the story. Right near the end, this swapping becomes a mechanic in itself, and there's a particularly cool moment where your inventories get confiscated, and you have to make do with items that you've nicked instead. It's all just very smart.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)Of course, it's a point-and-click game, so there's bound to be some frustrations, and yes, some of the puzzle solutions feel arbitrary and/or obtuse, even if that's sort of the whole point of point-and-clicks. Largely, the game's signposting is pretty good, and the hint line does a lot of the heavy lifting there, but there were times when even the hint line didn't have anything for the exact situations we were in. We ended up relying on a walkthrough provided by the devs, but there are walkthroughs on the internet that you can use, too. It's up to you whether you think walkthroughs are part and parcel of the joy of point-and-clicks.Adding to that frustration are the bugs, unfortunately. In many ways, this game is as slick as a greased-up train track, but that just makes the bumps even more obvious like when we got stuck because our save game had reverted us to an earlier chapter with all the items from the chapter after it. We had to restart the whole game to fix that one, which was not fun, although it did highlight the usefulness of the cutscene skip and dialogue skip features. There was another bug that made our character immediately leave a room we needed to go through, which stymied our progress for a good long while, because we thought it was part of the puzzle. Nope! 'Twas a bug.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)As it stands, then, Loco Motive is a truly incredible and worthy member of the point-and-click comedy murder-mystery genre that we just can't fully recommend until a couple more patches have gone out. We really don't have many problems with the game itself we loved the characters, loved the art, and even loved the puzzles as we banged our heads against them but those bugs cost us hours of progress, and it sucks to have to put on the brakes just as you're gaining momentum. Every time we had to reboot the game, the studio's logo ROBUST GAMES felt like an ironic taunt. But given that this is the dev's debut game, and given that the team has the support of indie titans Chucklefish, we have every confidence that there's light at the end of this tunnel, and those bugs will get squashed like a penny on a railway track in no time.

In June, Google announced the Google Developer Program, a free program to give devs access to resources designed to help them build applications using Google services. Now that millions of devs have signed up (according to Google), the company is introducing a second, paid tier to commercialize the program.On Monday, Google launched the Google Developer Program premium membership, a $299-per-year upgrade from the standard Google Developer Program. It adds several benefits, including one-on-one consultations with Google Cloud experts and access to e-learning programs in Googles on-demand training program, Google Cloud Skills Boost.Beyond consultations and online courses, the Google Developer Program premium membership includes $500 in annual Google Cloud credits, a certification voucher, and bonus Google Cloud credits for devs who pass an annual Google Cloud certification. Thats in addition to all the resources in the standard, free Google Developer Program, including AI-powered documentation and coding tools, early access to new products, and workspaces in Googles IDX app development platform.The new offering stands out because neither of Googles major cloud rivals, Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Azure, have a developer plan quite like it. Microsoft offers paid alternatives to its free Microsoft 365 Developer Program, the companys rough equivalent to the Google Developer Program, but theyre geared mainly toward business users. AWS provides premium support programs, but theyre more focused on architectural guidance and technical assistance.Curiously, for customers in the European Economic Region, the U.K., and Switzerland, the Google Developer Program premium membership is restricted to business or professional use, according to the fine print. That suggests that itsnotallowed for personal use in those countries; weve reached out to Google for clarification.Assuming one takes advantage of all the benefits, the Google Developer Program premium membership could pay for itself rather quickly. But I have to imagine that some devs will be disheartened to see new features gated behind a paid tier, given that Google gave no indication it planned to charge for future enhancements to the original program.In the coming months, the Google Developer Program will unlock new tools and resources to help you on your development journey such as additional training resources and more ways to connect with the community, Google wrote in a blog post in June. To access these benefits, youll just need to sign up to the Google Developer Program. Devs may grumble but theyre also voting for Google with their wallets, it seems. In the companys most recent fiscal quarter (Q3 2024), Googles cloud business, which includes infrastructure as well as software subscriptions, grew 35% year-over-year to $11.35 billion. Its growth outpaced Amazon and Microsofts cloud divisions, both of which are significantly larger by market share.

In BriefPosted:4:15 PM PST November 25, 2024Image Credits:Patrick McDermott / Contributor / Getty ImagesAnother star athlete is making his way into venture capitalGiannis Antetokounmpo, a player for the Milwaukee Bucks, launched a venture capital firm called Build Your Legacy Ventures that will focus on sports and entertainment investing, according to Bleacher Report. Antetokounmpo will serve as general partner. The fund was not just about capital; its about forging partnerships and opening my network to accelerate the growth trajectory for companies, he said in a press release. I want to help other entrepreneurs, especially those who have faced barriers, to grow and succeed.Antetokounmpo has become the latest sports figure to enter the venture capital world. Serena Williams notably has Serena Ventures, Kevin Durant has Thirty Five Ventures, Stephen Curry has Penny Jar Capital, and even the Atlanta Hawks has its own VC fund to target consumer startups.These big names dont even include all of the celebs who are entering venture capital, such as filmmaker Olivia Wilde. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, Sara and Erin Foster discussed how celebrity venture funds can offer founders and investors the benefit of having a big name and a big business supporting them. Its clear that for many celebrities, being seen as an investor is now the next big act.Topics

The original sci-fi/horror series set in the Alien universe from executive producer Noah Hawley hits Hulu in Summer 2025.

A superpowered villain - Keanu Reeves Shadow - appears, forcing Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails to reunite with an all new, highly unlikely alliance - dare we say the name, Dr. Robotnik!; the animated/live-action feature hits theaters December 20.

Movie & Games TrailersLilo & StitchBy Vincent Frei - 25/11/2024 Lilo & Stitch is backthis time, in breathtaking live action! Join Lilo, a spirited Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, a chaotic alien fugitive, on a wild journey filled with laughter, love, and family!The VFX are made by:ILM (VFX Supervisors: Will Reichelt, Bruno Baron)MPCLuma PicturesCrafty ApesThe Production VFX Supervisor is Craig Hammack.Director: Dean Fleischer CampRelease Date: May 23, 2025 (USA) Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024

Cranfield University spin-out WAAM3D has unveiled its new large-format RoboWAAM XP system at Formnext 2024.Equipped with Cranfield Universitys patented Cold-Wire Gas Metal Arc (CWGMA) process, this novel system achieves deposition rates of up to 15kg/hr, meeting the precision demands of high-performance materials. Designed for large-scale manufacturing, RoboWAAM XP supports alloys including iron, aluminum, nickel, and copper.Dr. Jialuo Ding, CTO of WAAM3D highlighted that the new system, offers users higher productivity, whilst maintaining precision and control. It is a testament to the partnership between WAAM3D and Cranfield University and our teams commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of additive manufacturing.WAAM3D CEO Filomeno Martina showcasing large scale part created using RoboWAAM XP. Photo via 3D Printing Industry.Validated through industrial testingDevelopment efforts since 2018 have included two years of rigorous industrial testing with WAAM3Ds trusted partners from sectors including the likes of energy, marine, mining, and space. These trials demonstrated the systems ability to meet complex manufacturing requirements across sectors.Key specifications highlight the systems industrial-grade capabilities. RoboWAAM XP achieves robotic motion repeatability of 0.05 mm and offers dimensions of 5.8 x 5.2 x 4.3 meters, with robust monitoring tools tracking current, voltage, and melt pool dynamics through a vision system.Optional features enhance functionality further, including a fume management system for improved workplace safety, pyrometry for consistent thermal control, and laser interferometry for real-time adjustments to layer height and error correction.Offering a spacious build envelope of 2 x 2 x 2 meters and a payload capacity of 2.1 tonnes, RoboWAAM XP addresses the need for large-scale spare parts with rapid turnaround times.Eight-axis motion capabilities, combining a six-axis robotic arm with a two-axis part rotator, enable the production of complex geometries without compromising payload versatility. Enhanced by welding technologies from Fronius, including MIG, MAG, and CMT processes, the system is positioned to deliver significant value in demanding industrial environments.Cranfield Universitys CWGMA process serves as a cornerstone of RoboWAAM XP, boosting process efficiency by achieving high deposition rates with consistent energy input. Production speeds are significantly improved while maintaining stringent quality standards.Integration with WAAM3Ds proprietary software tools, WAAMPlanner and WAAMCtrl, ensures streamlined workflows. WAAMPlanner facilitates tool path planning and parameter allocation, while WAAMCtrl enables real-time process monitoring, data logging, and visualization, providing users with a cohesive operational experience.With these advanced features, RoboWAAM XP will help broaden WAAM3Ds solutions for industries prioritizing precision and scale in additive manufacturing.Technical specifications and pricingCustomers seeking further details on RoboWAAM XPs features or pricing can contact WAAM3D directly.Machine size5.8m (width) x 5.2m (depth) x 4.3m (height)Print envelope2m x 2m x 2m (configuration dependent)Control systemSiemens PLCAxes6 (robotic arm) + 2 (servopositioner)WAAM variantsCWGMA, MIG, MAG, CMTRepeatability 0.05 mmRobotic architectureKukaMaterialsAlloys of iron, aluminium, nickel, copper, and othersPower source and wire feedersFronius, Abicor BinzelRotational table (default)500 kg payloadRotational table (optional)2,100 kg payload in continuous rotationOther optional equipmentFume management system, pyrometry pack, ShapeTech for layer height measurement and correction.Catch up on all the news fromFormnext 2024.Voting is now open for the2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows WAAM3D CEO Filomeno Martina showcasing large scale part created using RoboWAAM XP. Photo via 3D Printing Industry.

1000 Kelvin, a company specializing in AI-driven additive manufacturing solutions, introduced AMAIZE 2.0, an advanced AI-automated build preparation workflow for metal 3D printing, at Formnext 2024. Presented at Hall 11.1, D39, AMAIZE 2.0 represents a significant enhancement in the metal laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process, aiming to improve reliability, efficiency, and scalability for manufacturers across various sectors.AMAIZE 2.0 expands the functionalities of 1000 Kelvins AI co-pilot beyond simple toolpath automation. The latest version integrates a range of automation tools designed to address persistent challenges in additive manufacturing. The Printability Checker automatically validates and optimizes designs, reducing redesign cycles by 40%. The Cost Estimator provides accurate upfront cost estimations, increasing quotation accuracy by 30%. Additionally, Automated Support Structures utilize physics-based build preparation to decrease material costs by up to 20%, enabling successful print preparations without specialized expertise. Exposure Strategy Optimization fine-tunes printing parameters using AI, lowering failure rates by 50%. These features collectively enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and boost yield by applying AI-driven insights throughout the printing workflow.Resolve printability challenges at the design level with AMAIZE 2.0s AI-driven analysis. Image via 1000 Kelvin.Dr. Omar Fergani, PhD, Co-founder and CEO of 1000 Kelvin, commented, Our mission is to make additive manufacturing simpler, more accurate, and more predictable. With AMAIZE 2.0, our customers can achieve consistent, first-time-right results with greater confidence and speed. Were unlocking the true value of the 3D printing industry.The implementation of AMAIZE 2.0 has already yielded positive results for 1000 Kelvins clients in key industries. Companies such as EMERSON, HENNgineered, FKM, A*Star, and Ultimetal have reported notable improvements in both operational efficiency and the quality of their 3D printed outputs. These advancements demonstrate the practical benefits of integrating comprehensive AI-driven tools into existing metal 3D printing workflows, enabling manufacturers to meet the increasing demands for precision and scalability.AMAIZE 2.0 platform showcases build preparation insights with a macro-scale temperature map. Photo via 1000 Kelvin.AI in Additive ManufacturingThe introduction of AMAIZE 2.0 reflects a broader trend of integrating artificial intelligence into additive manufacturing. Authentise, a software firm focused on data-driven workflow solutions, recently launched ThreadsDoc and ThreadsAPI. ThreadsDoc automates the creation of technical documents by consolidating data from engineering projects, significantly reducing the time required for detailed report generation. Boeing, a key collaborator, has experienced a reduction of up to 150 hours per project in generating Technical Data Packages.Similarly, Dyndrite, a developer of 3D printing software, unveiled the SMART Python script designed to automate compliance with ASTM/ISO standards in additive manufacturing. This script works with Dyndrites LPBF Pro software to create 3D printing layouts that meet industry requirements, achieving up to 99% labor savings and minimizing human errors. Tasks that previously took over a week can now be completed in minutes.Dyndrite SMART Script in LPBF Pro software. Image via Dyndrite.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows the AMAIZE 2.0 platform. Image via 1000 Kelvin.

Hi all! Ive been lurking around the forum for a while and seeing some amazing stuff, but now Ive finally plucked up the courage to start my own sketchbook and post my progress as I grow my skills and understanding of real-time VFX. I have a degree in games art and design, but only in my final year did I decide Real-time VFX would be my niche so my skills are still beginner. Im currently learning through VFX Apprentice courses for the next year to see how far I get. Cant wait to grow with you guys!After a lot of tutorials, Im stepping out of my own (a bit) to test what Ive learned. So, Ive started a block-in version of the magical trails from Darin Aranda substance designer course on VFXA. Its not been as straight forward as I thought, but Im happy with todays progress.All of the movement is in the rotate around point module. to distribute the two particles evenly, I changed the rotation phase to return normalized Exec Index (thanks to CGHow for that) and unchecked normalized index included. Set rotation rate to above 1 to get them going.To get the orbs to fly in a up and down a bit, I went into the rotate around point module, made the x-axis into a vector and animated the z-axis with a sine-wave. I tried a lot of different things and this was the most straight forward in the end.However, there are a few things Id like some insight on. Firstly, the sine wave works, but when the system restarts its loop, the wave kind of restarts, as in theres a jitter when it restarts. In the level its fine but Im wondering if there is a simpler more seamless way to get them to move up and down.Second, I see this at the start of the system:Which makes me think the orbs spawn in the middle and quickly move out and the trail follows. It doesnt look very clean, so again Im wondering if theres a better way. Can I delay the trail spawning in by a bit so that this doesnt happen?Feedback welcome!

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