Monthly Archives: February 2012

Riptide Team Meeting February 21: Allison Allain

Every two weeks we have a company meeting to update the team on all things Riptide Games. At the end of each meeting we select one member to present something they’ve found interesting or worthwhile to share with the group.

This week’s presentation was from Allison Allain, our Sr Game Developer. This is what she shared with the team, along with a short explanation:

As much of Riptide knows, I am constantly listening to NPR.  One of my favorite programs is called All Tech Considered.  Recently, I’ve heard two pieces that I thought were really cool.  One about a car that can drive itself, and another about a zombie-themed running app.

Having just released Ultimate Battle Zombies, I’ve had zombies constantly on the brain.  So when I heard a story about an app called “Zombies, RUN!” I was excited.  I like the exercise of running, but I get bored with it really quickly.  This app gives you a way to entertain/scare yourself into a great workout.  No need to be torn between your music and this game either, it’ll work with your normal running tracks.

Release Date: Feb. 27, 2012

NPR article:
http://www.npr.org/2012/02/19/147008041/the-new-running-game-where-zombies-chase-you

More Info about the game:
https://www.zombiesrungame.com/

Who doesn’t want a car that drives itself?  Sure driving can be fun and exciting, but spending an hour in the car every day to commute into the city can be a drag.  Now, the state of Nevada has created a driver’s license just for robotic cars, which takes effect March 1, 2012.  Cool factoid – when the cars are in testing they will have red license plates, and when they are eventually sold, the plates will be neon green.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/02/17/147006012/when-the-car-is-the-driver

I am also completely addicted to hobbies, my newest hobby is creating scenes from Super Mario World with acrylic paint.  I’m still learning to paint and these are my first couple, so be kind and remember I’m a programmer.

 

http://i.imgur.com/l5Tpn.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/O7q1J.jpg

 

Finally, one of my favorite things we did when we were in Orlando (other than going to NASA), was our trip to Medieval Times.  I am a huge fan of jousting.   So here’s to the team! Ah memories.

http://www.history.com/shows/full-metal-jousting/videos/playlists/full-episodes#full-metal-jousting-unhorsed

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Introducing Taco De La Noche

Yes, that’s right folks, the time has finally come!

We are proud to announce the release of our newest Ultimate Battle Zombie, Taco De La Noche!

He is a high flying mexican wrestling machine with crazy moves like the Heado Kicko, Footo Smasho and Flying Furia!

Play Ultimate Battle Zombies today and add him to your roster, but be careful, he’s very dangeroso!

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Riptide team meeting February 7: Jonathan Hartstein

Every two weeks we have a company meeting to update the team on all things Riptide Games. At the end of each meeting we select one member to present something they’ve found interesting or worthwhile to share with the group.

This week’s presentation was from Jonathan Hartstein, one of our Game Developers. This is what he shared with the team, along with a short explanation:

LayerWise’s new Metal Additive Manufacturing techniques have allowed it to create objects incredibly strong and complex, and to be printed directly from CAD models.  Their new 3D Printing process essentially takes powdered metals (titanium, hardened steel, aluminum, etc.) and uses lasers to melt them into extremely thin layers, which are built on top of each other to create complex objects.  One of the promising details about this technique is that it allows LayerWise to create complex shapes that are structurally sound, without the need for gluing, welding, or other fastening methods.  The technology is already being used to create custom moldings used for medical, mechanical, and artistic purposes.  One woman was recently given a titanium replacement lower jaw made with LayerWise technology, customized to fit her body exactly.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57372095-76/3d-printer-produces-new-jaw-for-woman/?tag=mncol;editorPicks

http://www.layerwise.com/

Many iPhone, Android, and other touchscreen device users who live in cold-weather places have experienced it:  You are wearing gloves on that 20-degree day and your phone rings.  Your only options are to ignore the call or take off your gloves, because the touchscreen sensors don’t recognize your fingers inside the glove.  Mujjo has created a solution!  These stretchable winter gloves are made with silver-coated nylon fibers, which makes them conductive and thus compatible with the touchscreen.  Now we can answer calls, text our friends, and play games while waiting outside in the cold for the bus to show up.

http://www.mujjo.com/mujjo-touchscreen-gloves/

In honor of Super Bowl 46, this guy has created a Minecraft world made to simulate Field Goal attempts.  It’s a pretty interesting system:  Stepping on the first plate starts the ball rolling down a track.  Stepping on the 2nd place ignites a fuse for a row of dynamite.  If timed correctly, the dynamite explodes when the ball is in the correct position, and the blast propels the ball through the uprights!

http://www.minecraftforum.net/videos/view-28713-super-bowl-special-minecraft-field-goal-simulator/

Memorializing Riptide’s Orlando retreat and trips to Cape Canaveral:

http://www.theonion.com/articles/nasa-acquires-moon-for-kennedy-space-center-exhibi,26800/

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Ultimate Battle Zombies now available!

Ultimate Battle Zombies is now available. Pit your pet zombie fighters against the rest of the world in a fight to become the Ultimate Battle Zombie!

What are you waiting for? Download Ultimate Battle Zombies now!

Today’s launch is just the beginning for Ultimate Battle Zombies. We have several updates planned, and will be introducing new fighters regularly. The first new fighter should come out next week.

Thanks for playing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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