The high cost of EV (electric vehicle) chargers may lead you to believe that they’re complex systems. But with the exception of Tesla’s Supercharger, that isn’t true. They’re actually quite simple — basically just glorified switches. All of the nitty gritty charging details are the responsibility of the car’s onboard circuitry. With that in mind, EV owners may want to follow Pedro Neves’ guide on building an affordable Arduino-based EV charging station.
Because the car deals with all of the particulars of charging, the only purpose of the “charger” is to provide a connection to the electrical grid. “Charger” isn’t even the right word, as this is more accurately EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment). For safety reasons, the car and the EVSE communicate with each other. The car can tell the EVSE when it is safe to provide power and the EVSE will then connect a switch between the charging plug and the electrical grid. It really isn’t any more complex than a $15 smart outlet and most of the cost of an EVSE is the heavy-gauge wiring.
Here, Neves proves that with a DIY EVSE designed around an Arduino UNO Rev3 board. It has a custom shield with relays for switching power and to power the Arduino itself with mains voltage. A few LEDs act as status indicators. EVSE protocols are standardized, so Neves was able to program the Arduino to communicate with any connected car. Once the Arduino receives permission from the car, it switches the relays to provide mains voltage. A heavy-duty 3D-printed enclosure contains those components, with a breaker switch and weatherproofing.
Captivating adventure inspired by Studio Ghibli, featuring vibrant landscapes and intricate puzzles.
Diverse environments, and engaging puzzles in a mystical realm.
Breathtaking visuals and immersive gameplay for all ages.
Hey there, gamers! Let’s delve into something truly exciting: the unveiling of Lost Twins II, a highly anticipated puzzle platformer from Playdew, an innovative indie game developer based in Pakistan. This momentous occasion represents the culmination of seven years of hard work and dedication, promising players an extraordinary gaming experience that transcends the ordinary. Step into the whimsical realm of Lost Twins II, where you’ll guide the titular lost twins, Abi and Ben, through a mesmerizing adventure filled with intricate puzzles and unexpected twists. With its focus on exploration and discovery, rather than conflict, Lost Twins II invites players to unravel the mysteries of its dualistic-inspired narrative, where seemingly opposing forces merge to create a harmonious and enchanting journey.
Embark on a Mystical Adventure
Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Lost Twins II, where wonder and adventure await at every turn. In the mystical realm of Phoenix, a radiant community of sibling phoenixes once flourished, their existence a testament to the eternal dance of life and rebirth. But fate had other plans. A mighty storm, born of unseen forces, tore through their world, leaving devastation in its wake. The once-vibrant phoenixes were frozen in time, transformed into statues of stone, their essence scattered to the winds.
Our story begins amidst this chaos. Twin siblings, Abi & Ben, stumble upon the remains of one such phoenix, hidden within the halls of their parents’ museum. Drawn by a mysterious light, they follow its ethereal trail, leading to the stone phoenix and a portal beyond imagining.
With a burst of radiant energy, you are whisked away to the shattered remnants of the phoenixes’ homeland, where a grand adventure awaits. Joined by the phoenix, now in a transformed state, you’ll embark on a quest to reunite him with his scattered essence and breathe life back into the world of Phoenix.
Discover Vibrant Worlds and Engaging Puzzles
The game unfolds across three primary zones, each offering a distinct environment inspired by the vivid imagination of the twins. From lush forests to majestic castles, players will explore beautifully crafted landscapes while solving puzzles in each zone.
As you progress, you’ll collect feathers to unlock new areas, unveiling the secrets of this enchanting world one puzzle at a time.
Dive into Captivating Features
As you guide the twin siblings through dynamic environments, you’ll encounter a myriad of challenges and delights along the way. With the ability to control both siblings, you’ll navigate through enchanted forests, traverse frozen castles, and explore the whimsical realm of Toyland, all inspired by the captivating worlds of Studio Ghibli. Immerse yourself in the beauty of each landscape with an atmospheric soundtrack that sets the tone for your adventure, while unlocking achievements hidden throughout the game. Solve a variety of puzzles, from logic challenges to spatial conundrums, each offering multiple solutions to spark your creativity. With privacy and offline play guaranteed, Lost Twins II invites you to delve into a world of magic, mystery, and endless exploration.
Featuring stunning visuals reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic style and meticulously designed puzzles, Lost Twins II guarantees an unforgettable experience brimming with wonder and delight for players of all ages. With Lost Twins II, you are invited into a world where curiosity and creativity reign supreme. So, are you ready to embark on this enchanting journey and reunite the lost twins? Wishlist now, and get ready for the release later this year on Xbox.
Wishlist now to be the first to embark on this thrilling journey!
Lost Twins 2
Playdew
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Lost Twins 2 is an incredibly cute puzzle adventure that will challenge, entertain and maybe even inspire you. Guide Abi and Ben on their journey to find a way back home across a whimsical polygonal playground crafted with an enormous amount of care. Is the mystical Fenghuang leading them home or steering them down a rabbit hole? Inspired by Miyazaki, the art style merges soft, painterly backgrounds with simplified, memorable characters and fluid animations. Each frame is crafted meticulously with pride – specific lighting techniques, thoughtful composition, and immense attention to detail mean that every single moment you’ll spend playing Lost Twins 2 will be a feast for the eyes. The original musical score is atmospheric, soothing, and thematic to complement the art style. The puzzles in Lost Twins 2 are painstakingly designed, with elegant solutions that make you feel, momentarily, like a genius. They are hard enough to present a challenge but logical enough that you’ll be able to solve them within a few attempts. There is a joy to be discovered in every level in Lost Twins 2. A signature sliding puzzle mechanic forms the core complemented by mechanics such as pressure switches, water gates, breakable domes, lifts, elevators, and more to ensure that the pace of the game never falters. There’s no repetition in the puzzles, each new puzzle will feel interesting and unique. The goal is to delight both children and adults with a gameplay experience that is based on discovery, tinkering, and exploration–not on conflict and threat. There are no timers, no enemies, no deaths, not even any dialogues to read – just a poetic, visually breathtaking world full of puzzles challenging your wits. A cerebral and pleasant experience for everyone, never frustrating without proper reward, never dull or monotonous.
“Wir von Rabbit & Bear haben kürzlich unseren neuen Titel “Eiyuden Chronicle” angekündigt. Ein Spiel, in das das Team sein Herz und seine Seele gesteckt hat. Im Grunde war es eine Herausforderung an uns selbst – “Können wir das aufregendste Spiel unseres Lebens machen? Keine Grenzen. Wir folgen einfach unseren kreativen Pfaden, so wie sie sind.“
In all den Jahren, in denen ich Spiele entwickelt habe, hat es mich immer am meisten gefreut, wenn ein Fan seine*ihre Freude am Spielen meiner Spiele zum Ausdruck gebracht hat.
Das ist es also, was ich mit “Eiyuden Chronicle” erreichen möchte – ich möchte so viele Fans wie möglich glücklich machen. Aber wir können das nicht allein schaffen. Um erfolgreich zu sein, brauchen wir eure Stärke, Unterstützung und Hoffnung. Gerade jetzt brauchen wir mehr denn je Helden, um diesen Traum zu verwirklichen.
Wir hoffen, dass ihr euch uns anschließen werdet!“
Yoshitaka Murayama
Ab heute können Spieler*innen in die Welt von “Hundred Heroes” eintauchen und die Tradition und das Vermächtnis der JRPGs spüren, die unter der Leitung des verstorbenen Yoshitaka Murayama und seines Teams von Rabbit & Bear Studios vereint wurden. Das Kickstarter-Projekt begann im Jahr 2020 und insgesamt kamen 46.307 Unterstützer*innen zusammen, die sich nach weiteren Murayama-esken Spielerlebnissen sehnten.
Anlässlich der Veröffentlichung fand am 10. April eine Veranstaltung in den Büros von 505 Games Japan, dem Publisher von “Hundred Heroes”, statt. Neben einer Hands-On-Session bot die Veranstaltung auch Xbox Wire Japan und Xbox DACH die Gelegenheit, mit dem Team der Rabbit & Bear Studios zu sprechen.
Schauen wir gemeinsam auf die Vision des Teams rund um Schöpfer Murayama, “das aufregendste Spiel [ihres] Lebens zu machen”.
Junko Kawano: Head of Rabbit & Bear Studios, Illustrator
Junichi Murakami: Producer, Art Director
Osamu Komuta: Director
Das Kickstarter-Projekt begann im Juli 2020, und Hundred Heroes steht kurz vor dem Launch. Wie fühlen Sie sich jetzt, so kurz vor dem Start?
Murakami: Eigentlich habe ich mich noch gar nicht richtig beruhigt. Es ist ein Gefühl der Erleichterung, dass wir das Spiel endlich an alle Fans ausliefern können, aber es gibt immer noch einige Dinge, die wir nicht kalkulieren können, bis es in den Verkauf geht. Obwohl ich in gewisser Weise ängstlich bin, ist es trotzdem auch ein Gefühl der Erfüllung zu wissen, dass wir endlich so weit gekommen sind, nachdem wir lange Zeit hart zusammengearbeitet haben.
Komuta: Wir arbeiten jetzt seit etwa dreieinhalb Jahren an diesem Spiel. Das ganze Team ist ohne Pause auf Hochtouren gelaufen, sodass wir alle jetzt ziemlich erschöpft sind (lacht). Wir als Team haben hart daran gearbeitet, das Spiel auszubessern und jetzt nähern wir uns der Veröffentlichung. Einerseits bin ich ein wenig erleichtert, andererseits warte ich, wie Murakami schon sagte, gespannt auf die Reaktionen aus der Community.
Kawano: Mir geht es ziemlich genau so wie den beiden. Es ist zu lange her, dass ich an einem solchen Titel gearbeitet habe. Ich habe das Gefühl, dass heutzutage fast jeder schon an Patches arbeitet, also muss ich wirklich bis zur letzten Minute durchhalten.
Was sind Ihrer Ansicht nach die Highlights von Hundred Heroes, die Sie den Leuten ans Herz legen möchten?
Kawano: Es gibt so viele Charaktere im Spiel, die ich den Spieler*innen gerne vorstellen würde. Wir möchten, dass mit den Charakteren herumprobiert wird.
Komuta: Wie der Titel Hundred Heroes schon andeutet, gibt es eine Menge Charaktere. Wir wollen, dass die Spielerinnen und Spieler mit ihrer Lieblingsgruppe Abenteuer erleben und sich mit ihnen auf Kämpfe vorbereiten. Wir wollen, dass sie Charaktere ausprobieren, die sie unterwegs treffen, und Spaß daran haben, die Charaktere auch mal zu wechseln. In den meisten Rollenspielen trainiert man die Fähigkeiten einzelner Charaktere, aber in Hundred Heroes liegt der Spaß in der Vielfalt der Crew. Die Tiefe des Spiels hängt von der Anzahl der Charaktere ab.
Murakami: Was das Design angeht, haben wir uns viele Gedanken über die einzelnen Charaktere gemacht und dafür gesorgt, dass jede*r eine eigene Persönlichkeit hat. Sogar für ein einzelnes Minispiel haben wir verschiedene Looks entwickelt. Wenn man das Spiel also gründlich erkundet, wird es viel zu entdecken geben.
Gibt es Figuren, die aufgrund der Geschichte geboren wurde? Umgekehrt, haben Sie jemals eine Geschichte entwickelt, die auf der Kreation einer Figur basierte?
Kawano: Was die Denkweise von Murayama angeht, so kam die Geschichte im Grunde zuerst. Die Charaktere, die für die Geschichte notwendig waren, wurden zuerst gezeichnet und bildeten den Hauptfokus. Im Laufe der Zeit entstanden weitere Figuren, die wir an bestimmten Stellen in der Geschichte platzieren wollten, aber in diesen Fällen wurden ihre Persönlichkeiten zwangsläufig stark.
Komuta: Die Hauptcharaktere, die Hauptfiguren der Geschichte und die Charaktere, die sie umgeben, standen schon lange vorher fest.
Komuta: Da wir gerade von Geschichten sprechen, die aus Charakteren entstanden sind: Ein Handlungsstrang wurde komplett aus einem Charakter namens Marcus geboren.
Kawano: Er ist der König der Untoten.
Komuta: Wir hatten beschlossen, einen untoten Charakter zu designen, nachdem wir zuvor eine Umfrage durchgeführt hatten, aber wir hatten uns noch nicht für die Art des Untoten entschieden. In einer weiteren Umfrage haben wir die Kickstarter-Nutzer*innen gebeten, aus vier verschiedenen Typen auszuwählen, wie der Charakter aussehen sollte.
Kawano: Die Fans sagten alle: Knochen
Das System der Festungen, Einzelkämpfe und Kriege gab es auch in “Genso Suikoden”. Hatten Sie die Absicht, diese Systeme von Anfang an in das Projekt aufzunehmen?
Murakami: Alle diese Elemente waren im Kickstarter-Stretch-Goal enthalten, einschließlich des Krieges, des Einzelkampfes und der Festungsstadt.
Kawano: Das gilt auch für die Kochduelle.
Murakami: Die Kickstarter Support sind Fans von Murayamas Spielen, daher waren diese Elemente erforderlich. Alle waren realistische Ziele, wenn wir das Budget und den Zeitrahmen richtig einschätzten, also haben wir sie aufgenommen. Was wir im Kickstarter-Programm versprochen haben, haben wir umgesetzt.
Komuta: Von Beginn des Projekts an wollten wir den Aspekt der Festungsstadt im Spiel entwickeln. Wir sprachen nicht von einer Burg, in der sich alle versammeln können, sondern eher von einer Stadt, in der die Fans ihre eigene Stadt bauen können.
Komuta: Es stimmt, als wir anfingen, uns die Festungsstadt auszudenken, war das keine leichte Aufgabe. Es wäre denkbar besser gewesen, dass es sich um eine automatische Entwicklung von Elementen gehandelt hätte, wie z. B. das Wachsen der Stadt mit steigendem Level. Aber dieses Mal wollten wir Elemente wie den Bau von Strukturen nach eigener Wahl und das Heranziehen von Leuten, die für den Bau und die Instandhaltung benötigt werden, einbeziehen. Einige Leute sagten mir, ich würde ein weiteres Spiel im Spiel entwickeln (lacht).
Murakami: Sobald man in diese Phase kommt, wird Hundred Heroes immer interessanter.
Ab dem ersten Tag seiner Veröffentlichung wird Hundred Heroes im Xbox Game Pass verfügbar sein. Welchen Eindruck haben Sie von diesem Abo-Service?
Murakami: Als die Idee aufkam, Hundred Heroes über den Xbox Game Pass zu vertreiben, hat mich das zum Nachdenken gebracht, weil ich diese Option bis zu dem Zeitpunkt gar nicht in Betracht gezogen hatte. Ich habe beschlossen, dass unsere Priorität darin liegen sollte, Hundred Heroes bekannt zu machen. Als wir uns für diese Richtung entschieden, stellten wir fest, dass unsere Kernfans bereits auf uns aufmerksam geworden waren. Die Unterstützer*innen von Hundred Heroes sind das Wichtigste, und wir werden die Arbeit leisten, die sie sich wünschen. Aber ich hatte das Gefühl, dass ihre Unterstützung allein nicht ausreichen würde, um die Serie fortzusetzen. Was ich als Produzent tun musste, war, die Basis der Fangemeinde zu erweitern. Ich fand, dass der Xbox Game Pass der beste Weg wäre, um Spieler*innen, die dieses Genre noch nie gespielt haben, die Möglichkeit zu geben, es auszuprobieren.
Kawano: Wir möchten, dass so viele Menschen wie möglich die Welt von Hundred Heroes erleben können.
Murakami: Mir gefällt die Tatsache, dass Abonnement-Dienste mit vielen erstmaligen Erfahrungen einhergehen. Es gibt Filme, die man nur sehen kann, weil der Abodienst sie einem zugänglich macht, und von da an mag man vielleicht das Franchise oder den Regisseur. In diesem Sinne bin ich froh, dass es einen solchen Ort auch für uns gibt.
Können Sie uns etwas über einige der denkwürdigen Episoden in der Entwicklung von HH erzählen?
Murakami: Da habe ich viele Erinnerungen (lacht). Was für uns alle neu war, war die Abriegelung während der Entwicklung durch Corona. Ich erinnere mich an diese besondere Umgebung, in der wir von Anfang an mit Leuten zusammenarbeiten mussten, die wir nicht kannten und nie persönlich getroffen haben.
Komuta: Etwa die Hälfte der Leute in meinem Team hat mich noch nie persönlich getroffen.
Kawano: Alles wurde online erledigt, meistens von zu Hause aus.
Murakami: Natürlich habe ich ihre Gesichter auf meinem Bildschirm gesehen, aber viele von ihnen nie persönlich getroffen. Es gibt viele solcher Geschichten. Aber die denkwürdigste war, als Murayama und ich das Kickstarter-Projekt gestartet haben.
Kawano: Damals war ich so aufgeregt, dass mich das Fieber ein bisschen mitgerissen hat.
Komuta: Nachdem wir die Kickstarter-Aktion gestartet hatten, erreichten wir unser Ziel in kürzester Zeit. In dem Moment sind wir alle ein bisschen ausgerastet.
Haben Sie Tipps für Xbox-Spieler*innen, die neu im JRPG-Genre sind?
Kawano: Wir hoffen, dass sie das Spiel genießen werden, denn wir haben ein Spiel geschaffen, das man auf jede beliebige Art und Weise spielen kann und das Spaß macht, egal, an welcher Stelle man die Figuren mit ins Abenteuer nimmt.
Komuta: Wenn du das Spiel normal spielst, denkst du vielleicht: “Oh, das ist nur ein normales JRPG”, aber wenn du Variationen magst, wie z. B. Abstecher zu machen, auf Abwege zu geraten, Freund*innen zu versammeln und die Parteien zu wechseln, denke ich, dass du „Hyaku Hero Den“ sehr aufregend finden wirst. Ich hoffe, dass du Spaß an „Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes“ haben wirst.
Murakami: Es ist schwer, sich vorzustellen, wie ein JRPG-Neuling ein Spiel wie unseres erlebt. Aber ich denke, dass sie in einem JRPG alles als neu empfinden. Dass Leute, die noch nie ein Spiel gespielt haben oder in eine virtuelle Welt gereist sind, die sie noch nie zuvor erlebt haben, „Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes“ genießen werden. Wir haben für alle Charaktere verschiedene Synchronsprecher*innen eingesetzt. Alle Charaktere haben unterschiedliche Bewegungen und Effekte, und jeder Charakter hat sein eigenes Szenario. Alles in allem denke ich, dass man das Spiel genießen kann, ohne darüber nachzudenken. In diesem Sinne hoffe ich, dass Neulinge das Spiel einfach mal ausprobieren können.
Und schließlich: Was ist Ihre Botschaft an unsere Leser*innen in Deutschland und Europa?
Murakami: Wir drei lieben Europa. Wir würden dort gern mal wieder reisen.
Komuta: Obwohl wir Hundred Heroes als JRPG bezeichnen, hat es keine geographische Ausrichtung. In Hundred Heroes gibt es viele verschiedene Völker und Charaktere und viele verschiedene Länder. Japan ist ein Inselstaat, also haben wir nicht die Erfahrung, Grenzen auf dem Landweg zu überqueren. Das ist ein bisschen vom Thema abgekommen, aber als ich zum ersten Mal als Reiseliebhaber nach Europa kam, weiß ich noch, wie beeindruckt ich war, als ich mit dem Zug die Grenze von Deutschland nach Italien überquerte. Nun, dies ist eine mittelalterliche Fantasie, die von einem Japaner geschrieben wurde und in der der Protagonist Abenteuer in einer Welt mit vielen verschiedenen Nationalitäten und Ethnien erlebt, und ich hoffe, es wird euch gefallen.
Kawano: Ich denke, dass es ein wenig von der europäischen Vorstellung abweicht, aber ich hoffe, dass die Fans die Unterschiede zu schätzen wissen.
Murakami: Auf jeden Fall in Bezug auf das Design. Ich verwende die Kultur und den Hintergrund der oben genannten Länder auf verschiedene Weise als Referenz. Ich verwende sie nur als Referenzen, aber ich mische japanische und asiatische Qualitäten und viele andere Dinge, so dass ich denke, dass Sie sich mit ihnen vertraut fühlen können, aber auch eine andere Weltsicht spüren werden.
Xbox Wire Japan recently had a chance to speak with Studio Head and Illustrator Junko Kawano, Producer and Art Director Junichi Murakami, and Director Osamu Komuta at Rabbit & Bear Studios.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes was funded via Kickstarter with a total of 46,307 backers that were eager for a new game from the creator of the Suikoden series, the late Yoshitaka Murayama.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is available now for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and with Game Pass.
Starting today, players can immerse themselves in the world of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, which continues a rich legacy of memorable JRPGs guided by the stewardship of the late Yoshitaka Murayama and his team at Rabbit & Bear Studios.
Funded via Kickstarter back in 2020, with a total of 46,307 backers that were hungry for more Murayama-esque game experiences like Suikoden, Eiyuden Chroncole: Hundred Heroes is now available for players on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, as well as with Game Pass.
Producer and Art Director Junichi Murakami
Studio Head and Illustrator Junko Kawano
Director Osamu Komuta
To commemorate its launch, Xbox Wire Japan recently had a chance to speak with Studio Head and Illustrator Junko Kawano, Producer and Art Director Junichi Murakami, and Director Osamu Komuta at Rabbit & Bear Studios, where the team’s sincere responses conveyed how much Hundred Heroes embodies the vision of Murayama, with a team that was built around the desire to make “the most interesting game of [their] lives”.
The Kickstarter launched back in July 2020, and now Hundred Heroes is nearly here. How are you feeling?
Producer and Art Director Junichi Murakami: Actually, I haven’t settled down emotionally at all yet. There is a sense of relief that we can finally deliver the product to everyone, but there are still some things that we won’t know until it goes on sale. Although I am anxious in some ways, there is a sense of accomplishment in knowing that we have finally come this far after working hard together for a long period of time.
Director Osamu Komuta : We have been working on this game for about three and a half years now, so we are all exhausted (laughs). We have been working hard as a team to patch the game, but now we are closing into the release of the game. On one hand, I am a bit relieved, but on the other hand, as Murakami mentioned, I am also excitedly waiting to hear the reactions of the players as the game goes on sale in two weeks’ time.
Studio Head and Illustrator Junko Kawano: I feel pretty much the same way as those two do, so they’ve done most of the talking. It’s been too long since I’ve worked on a consumer title, and I feel like, “Well, nowadays pretty much everyone is already working on patches”, so I really have to keep going until the very last minute… I wonder if I’ll feel done once it’s released and everyone has played it.
What are the highlights of Hundred Heroes, from your perspective, especially the parts you would like people to pay attention to?
Komuta: As the title suggests, there are a lot of characters. We want players to go on adventures with their favorite party and prepare for battles with them. We also want them to try using characters they meet along the way, and hopefully enjoy switching characters around. In most RPGs, you would train the skills of, or you explore the power of individual characters, but in HH, the fun is rooted in the variety of characters. The depth of the game becomes based on the number of characters that you have trained and brought up.
Murakami: In terms of design, we have put a lot of thought into each of the characters and made sure that each had a distinct personality. Even for a single mini game, the characters have different looks prepared just for that game. Basically, I don’t think we have cut any corners, so if you play through the game thoroughly, I think you will see many good things that you expected when starting to play the game.
What are some of the aspects of Hundred Heroes that you focused on from a JRPG standpoint?
Murakami: I’m sure each of us has our own thoughts on various things and what we were particular about, but I believe JRPGs are unique in the way they portray the nature of the story and the characters. There is always an added element where “anything goes in a JRPG.” RPGs from overseas pursue reality, but in the case of JRPGs, after an intense battle, the players are suddenly spending time in a hot spring (laughs). I think the beauty of JRPGs is that they contain a flexible mindset where fun is hybrid, allowing players to start playing with cards regardless of location. I feel that Hundred Heroes has been able to bring that essence out very well.
Komuta: Murayama always talked about the makunouchi bento when explaining RPGs. He would say that “RPGs had a variety of side dishes, and every one of them is delicious”. Surely, there is a storyline that runs through the richness of variation and variety like a makunouchi bento. But if you take a side trip for a break, you can soak in a hot spring, play a card game, get into the theater…… and have fun. There are many variations in the story.
We were particularly careful about making sure that when the player goes off on a tangent, the game will have a proper reaction to whatever he or she does. Even a single line of dialogue may change depending on the party you have formed, so I believe that players will enjoy the abundance of options and the development the game provides in response to their choices.
The pixel art of the characters in Hundred Heroes is extremely detailed, which seems to be a rare direction to take these days. How did you decide on this?
Murakami: When we first started planning the game, we had already decided to make it an evolution of pixel art, or dots. When we began to consider what kind of resolution we wanted to use, we started with a size that was familiar from old games, but we realized that if we continued in this manner, it would be difficult to distinguish the individuality of the more than 100 characters Kawano had created, and it would also be difficult to express the individuality of the characters themselves.
In addition, the expressions themselves seemed a bit old-fashioned, so we decided to increase the resolution. However, increasing the resolution would inevitably increase the number of dots, so the amount of work increased. Furthermore, if the resolution is increased too far, the pixel art may end up becoming more like an illustration.
After trying various methods, we decided that the current size would require more technique, but would allow us to properly express the detailed design and accessories that adorn the characters Kawano has created. The size and feel of the design matched the sense of expression that we were looking for.
There are several battles available: normal battles (with a party of 6), boss battles, duels (1 vs. 1), and wars. What are the highlights and key points of each?Also, was the decision to use random encounters based on the feel of old JRPGs?
Komuta: The adoption of random encounters was based on the premise that this game was a JRPG. In addition to this, Murayama’s idea of RPGs was to make it possible for anyone to complete the game, even if may the first time in their lives that they have played such game. So long as you know the basic rules, anyone can advance and complete the story in HH.
At first, we considered using symbolic encounters, but we decided to use random encounters for this game, as we thought it would be easier for players to understand (the game). We also wanted to respect the initial concept of clearly separating between the scenes, namely when the games switch between normality and battle.
In the very early stages of planning, we had two ideas, and one of them was to have the battle transition occur on the spot, which is very common these days. The idea also came up during the planning stage, but since we wanted to express the transition properly, we decided to use random encounters with clear transitions, that would set the tone and mood and prepare the player for battle. The battles themselves are rather simple command battles; even if you are new to the JPRG genre, once you get used to it and start leveling up, you will be able to move on within the story.
Of course, there is an element of challenge in the game. The higher you set the difficulty within the game, the more you will have to play around the attributes and the order of actions. There are plenty of challenging battles waiting for you, and we hope players will have a great time strategizing and overcoming.
The system of strongholds, one-on-one battles, wars, etc. were also seen in Gensou Suikoden. Did you intend to include these systems from the beginning of the project? Is there a reason why you decided to use it again in “Hyaku Eiyouden”?Also, what did you change from the past games to better suit today’s game experience?
Murakami: All of these elements were included in the Kickstarter stretch goal, including war, single combat, and the Fortress Town.
Kawano: Including the cook-offs, too.
Murakami: The backers are fans of Murayama’s games, so it seems that those elements were required. All of them were realistic targets if we got the budget and time frame right, so we included them as items, but we’ve already accomplished all of them. We started from the point where we had to aim to include all the elements we promised in the Kickstarter program.
Komuta: From the very beginning of the project, we wanted to develop the Fortress Town aspect of the game. We were not talking about a castle where everyone could gather, but rather a town where people could build their own town, as if we were putting in a whole other game where people could build their own town.
Murakami: It was borderline crazy to think of such thing (laughs).
Komuta: It is true that when we started imagining the Fortress Town, it was not an easy task. It may have been better if it was just an automatic progression of elements, such as the city growing as it levels up, but this time, we wanted to includes elements such as building structures of your own choosing, and calling in the people needed to build and maintain them. Some people told me that I was making another game within the game (laughs).
Murakami: Once you get into that phase, HH gets more and more interesting. In the beginning, you don’t even have the Fortress Town.
What kind of response did you receive from overseas players (after Kickstarter)? Were there any regions where the response was particularly strong?
Murakami: Originally, HH started with the fact that Murayama had many fans overseas, since Kickstarter and crowdfunding in general has not been too familiar within Japan. That’s why we didn’t include Japan in our crowdfunding activities at first. When the crowdfunding started, we came to think, “No, there are definitely Murayama fans in Japan as well,” so we decided to approach them too, and thus the order was first overseas and then domestic. The game itself is developed by Japanese people with Japanese sensibilities, so it will have a JRPG-like finish. We have been trying to create something that is uniquely Japanese, rather than focusing on foreign countries.
Kawano: In terms of the response from people overseas, we received support for “making a game that Murayama likes,” and we expected that there would be many fans around the world. In fact, when we launched the crowdfunding, the largest number of support came from the U.S., and the second largest was from Japan. Besides that, we also have received support from France and the Asian region, but also from Brazil, and really from all over the world. We didn’t really prepare anything special for any one place, but unlike Japanese fans, we received requests from American fans that are a bit more hardcore, such as wanting a mode with a higher level of difficulty.
Eiyden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes will be available on day one with Game Pass. What is your impression of the subscription service?
Murakami: When the idea of distributing Hundred Heroes through Game Pass first came up, It got me thinking since I was yet to consider it as an option. I thought it over very well and decided that our priority should be to spread awareness of Hundred Heroes rather than to aim for the stars with the first game.
When we settled on this direction, we realized that our core fans had already turned their attention to us. The backers of Hundred Heroes are the most important, and we will produce the work they wish, but I felt that their support alone would not be enough to continue the series — if that was the only way to continue the series, it would not last.
What I had to do as a producer was to increase the number of people who could play Hundred Heroes and broaden the base of the fan community. I thought that Xbox Game Pass would be the best way to increase opportunities for people who have never played this genre to pick up the game and see it. After considering these ideas, we decided that we should go for it.
Can you tell us about some of the memorable events in the development of Hundred Heroes?
Murakami: Memories abound (laughs). One of the things that was unprecedented was the (COVID) lockdown during development. I have very fond memories of that special environment, where we had to team up with people we didn’t know and had never met face-to-face from the beginning of development to create the game.
Komuta: About half of the people on my team have never met me face-to-face.
Kawano: Everything was done online, mostly from home.
Murakami: There are many such episodes. But the most memorable one was when Murayama and I launched the Kickstarter project.
Komuta: After we launched the Kickstarter, we reached our goal in an instant. We all went a little crazy at that moment.
Murakami: If it were a lottery ticket or something, I would simply be happy, but in the case of crowdfunding, the more it goes up, the more I got worried.
Kawano: Yes, you feel the sense of responsibility building up (laughs).
Komuta: I couldn’t believe our dream would gather so much support.
Murakami: I got the feeling that the expectations were being taken on board in a new way.
Komuta: I felt like I was taking on something great.
Kawano: While I felt grateful, it also came with a feeling of heavy commitments being placed on my shoulders.
Murakami: I had the feeling that there was no way I could escape from this (laughs).
Komuta: I had a lot of mixed feelings running through me, but above all, I was happy. Even now, I can’t forget what Murayama said at that moment. He said something along the lines of, “I can’t stop my hands from shaking”.
Kawano: It was like that from the beginning, and it was a special kind of game production right up to the end.
Lastly, what is your message to Xbox players who are new to the JRPG genre?
Kawano: We have created a place where people can play in a variety of ways. We hope you will enjoy the game, because we have created a game that can be played in any way you like and can be fun no matter where you pick up the pieces.
Komuta: If you play the game normally, you may get the feeling that “It’s just a regular JRPG”, but if you enjoy the deep variations, such as taking side trips, going off to the side, gathering your friends and changing to a different party, I think you will find HH very interesting. If you enjoy these side contents, I can guarantee you will feel the fun of HH.
Murakami: It is difficult to imagine what kind of person might experience a JRPG for the first time. But one thing I am sure of is that whoever experiences JRPGs through HH for the first time will find everything new and fresh. I think they will be able to enjoy a game they have never played before, a type of worldview they have never traveled in, and a feeling they have never had before. We have used different voice actors for all the characters. All characters have their movements and effects changed in detail, and there are also scenarios for each of them. Overall, I think you can enjoy the game without thinking too hard about it. There is not a single difficult thing to do, so in that sense, I hope that newcomers will feel free to give it a try.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes – Digital Deluxe Edition
505 Games
☆☆☆☆☆69
★★★★★
$79.99
Get the most out of your adventure with the Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes the following content: • Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes full game
• 1x Easy Journey Pack: (6x Healing Herb, 4x Healing Incense, 2x Revive Medicine. 3x Runeshard of Return, 1x Gold Coin)
• 1x Headquarters Custom Object • Season Pass: [3x Original Wallpapers by Junko Kawano, Story Expansion: The Chapter of Seign, Story Expansion: The Chapter of Marisa, Story Expansion: The Chapter of Markus and HQ Makeover Pack (Golden & Pink Headquarters Exterior Paint)]
• Digital Mini Artbook • Digital Soundtrack Our story begins in one corner of Allraan, a tapestry of nations with diverse cultures and values. By dint of sword, and by way of magical objects known as “rune-lenses,” the land’s history has been shaped by the alliances and aggressions of the humans, beastmen, elves, and desert people who live there. The Galdean Empire has edged out other nations and discovered a technology that amplifies the rune-lenses’ magic. Now, the Empire is scouring the continent for an artifact that will expand their power even further. It is on one such expedition that Seign Kesling, a young and gifted imperial officer, and Nowa, a boy from a remote village, meet each other and become friends. However, a twist of fate will soon drag them into the fires of war, and force them both to reexamine everything they believe to be right and true. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes became the #1 funded Kickstarter video game of 2020 thanks to phenomenal support from the community. 505 Games is truly honored to publish Eiyuden Chronicle and work with Rabbit & Bear to help deliver a memorable gaming experience to fans. The goal of Rabbit & Bear and 505 Games is to make sure Eiyuden Chronicle reaches its true potential and delivers a worthwhile JRPG the community will enjoy.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
505 Games
☆☆☆☆☆68
★★★★★
$49.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Our story begins in one corner of Allraan, a tapestry of nations with diverse cultures and values. By dint of sword, and by way of magical objects known as “rune-lenses,” the land’s history has been shaped by the alliances and aggressions of the humans, beastmen, elves, and desert people who live there. The Galdean Empire has edged out other nations and discovered a technology that amplifies the rune-lenses’ magic. Now, the Empire is scouring the continent for an artifact that will expand their power even further. It is on one such expedition that Seign Kesling, a young and gifted imperial officer, and Nowa, a boy from a remote village, meet each other and become friends. However, a twist of fate will soon drag them into the fires of war, and force them both to reexamine everything they believe to be right and true. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes became the #1 funded Kickstarter video game of 2020 thanks to phenomenal support from the community. 505 Games is truly honored to publish Eiyuden Chronicle and work with Rabbit & Bear to help deliver a memorable gaming experience to fans. The goal of Rabbit & Bear and 505 Games is to make sure Eiyuden Chronicle reaches its true potential and delivers a worthwhile JRPG the community will enjoy.
Xbox and Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ’97” have united to bring fans an extraordinary collaboration – the “X-Men ’97” Xbox Series X, wrapped in an exclusive comic by Marvel’s Rich Douek and Paco Diaz.
Immerse yourself further with Xbox Design Lab’s X-Men character controllers. Each inspired by your favorites, they come in nostalgic blister packs.
Enter our limited-time sweepstakes for a chance to win this ultimate collector’s bundle! Don’t miss your shot at this iconic piece of mutant history.
Calling all Xbox and X-Men enthusiasts! We’re ecstatic to announce an incredible collaboration between Xbox and Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ’97,” now streaming on Disney+. Prepare to immerse yourself in the world of mutants like never before.
Xbox and “X-Men ’97” have come together to bring you a very special Xbox Series X wrapped in a limited-edition comic inspired by the all-new series and created by Marvel writer Rich Douek and artist Paco Diaz. This thrilling 2-page story with full page cover is exclusive to the Xbox Series X, and features Cyclops leading the X-Men in a battle against Sentinels and Master Mold, with an Xbox Series X console making a special appearance in the Danger Room.
Marking the first time an Xbox Series X has been wrapped by a comic book, this collaboration promises to immerse fans in a nostalgic journey through the world of the “X-Men ’97.”
In addition, Xbox Design Lab created a set of controllers inspired by you the colorways of your favorite X-Men characters from the show: Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, Morph, Magneto, Jubilee, Gambit, Jean Grey, Cyclops, Beast, and Bishop. Each character comes to life through unique controller designs, and comes in a 90’s inspired blister pack that makes for the ultimate collector item.
Fans eager to get their hands on the “X-Men ’97”-inspired Xbox Series X and one of the Xbox Design Lab character controllers will have the opportunity to enter the sweepstakes hosted on Xbox Twitter.
By following Xbox on X (formerly Twitter) and retweeting the official Xbox sweepstakes tweet ( #XMen97XboxSweepstakes) during the Entry Period, fans can secure their chance to win a Xbox Series X Console inspired by X-Men ’97, Xbox Wireless Controller (this comes with the console but will not be customized), and a Xbox Design Lab Controller inspired by X-Men ’97 Wolverine . The sweepstakes will run exclusively from Monday, April 22, 6:00am PST through Sunday, May 19, 8:00pm PST, offering participants ample time to join in on the excitement.
Get ready to unleash your mutant powers with this Xbox and “X-Men ‘97” team-up and don’t forget to catch the latest episodes of “X-Men ’97” on Disney+, available on your Xbox!
About Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ‘97”
Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ’97” revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.
The all-new series features 10 episodes. The voice cast includes Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, JP Karliak as Morph, Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, AJ LoCascio as Gambit, Holly Chou as Jubilee, Isaac Robinson-Smith as Bishop, Matthew Waterson as Magneto, and Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler. Beau DeMayo served as head writer; episodes are directed by Jake Castorena, Chase Conley and Emi-Emmett Yonemura, and the series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and DeMayo. Featuring music by the Newton Brothers, Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ’97” is now streaming on Disney+
Der ID@Xbox Digital Showcase wird am 29. April 2024 um 19.00 Uhr eröffnet.
Entdecke die neuesten Updates zu Vampire Survivors, Dungeons of Hinterberg, 33 Immortals, Lost Records Bloom & Rage und mehr!
Für den Fall, dass es nicht schaffst, wird IGN den ID@Xbox Digital Showcase auf seinem Kanal zur Verfügung stellen, sobald die Show vorbei ist.
Letztes Jahr haben wir beim ersten IGN x ID@Xbox Digital Showcase einen Blick auf Karateka, Axiom Verge 2, Sea of Stars und viele andere großartige Spiele geworfen. Heute freuen wir uns bekanntzugeben, dass die Show am 29. April 2024 mit einer weiteren Auswahl brandneuer Indie-Spiele für Xbox und PC zurückkehrt.
Neben epischen Trailern, frischem Gameplay und neuen Enthüllungen wird die Show auch weitere Details zu kommenden Spielen wie Dungeons of Hinterberg, 33 Immortals, Lost Records Bloom & Rage und vielen mehr präsentieren.
Der ID@Xbox Showcase feiert am 29. April 2024 um 19.00 Uhr Premiere − und Du kannst auf allen IGN-Plattformen dabei sein!
Wir hoffen, dass Du dabei bist, wenn wir Dir jede Menge Indie-Highlights präsentieren. Falls Du es nicht schaffst, wird der Showcase nach der Premiere auf den IGN-Kanälen verfügbar sein. Und natürlich fassen wir alles auf Xbox Wire zusammen!
Arcade machines are a dying breed and that’s a shame, because their purpose-built approach to gaming is so wholesome. There is something intrinsically satisfying about a device that does one thing and does it well. If you want to bring that beauty into your own home, Migi has a great Instructables tutorial that will walk you through building your own arcade cabinet with custom Arduino-based controls.
Migi’s cabinet design is inspired by Capcom’s Mini Cute line, which was a series of small arcade machines popular in Japanese cafes. But while it is smaller than standard arcade cabinets, it is still big enough to feel substantial. An old laptop runs MAME or whatever other emulation software the user desires. Because a CRT (cathode-ray tube) display is a must for an arcade cabinet, Migi used a 14” Sony PVM (Professional Video Monitor). Those tend to be pretty pricey these days, so anyone replicating this build may want to entertain other CRT options.
Arcade games need rock-solid controls, so Migi designed this to utilize Sanwa buttons and sticks. The cabinet has controls for two players, with an Arduino UNO Rev3 dedicated to each set of controls. Migi set it up that way to make the software setup easier, as each Arduino will appear as its own gamepad in the emulation software.
Migi constructed the cabinet itself using a combination of MDF and acrylic. A big laser cutter made that fabrication a snap, but less well-equipped hobbyists may have to utilize alternative tools like handheld routers. With a coat of paint and some printed graphics, it looks fantastic. And the Sanwa controls should hold up to decades of heavy use.
It’s funny. There’s a radio station back in Atlanta who does like “soft rock” stuff, which I don’t even know if that’s a genre anymore. But their tagline when I was growing up was, “The 80s, 90s, and Now!” and when I was back home recently, I was scrolling through and it’s somehow still their slogan. Like, “Now” is suddenly almost 25 years of music, y’all need a better word.
During a recent livestream, Atlus showed a brand-new trailer for the upcoming Metaphor: ReFantanzio.
Get a first look at gameplay, with developer commentary, as segments of the game are explored.
Metaphor: ReFantanzio is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S on October 11, 2024.
A special developer livestream, titled “Atlus Exclusive,” took place today for Metaphor: ReFantazio, revealing brand new details about the upcoming RPG. Studio Zero Director Katsura Hashino, who you might know from Shin Megami Tensei III — Nocturne, Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 — introduced the first hands-on gameplay for the title with a 30-minute livestream (dubbed and subbed in English), discussing his development vision and creative inspirations as he explored various segments from the game.
During the livestream, Hashino-san started by introducing viewers to the premise of the story and acquainting them with the protagonist, and his fairy companion Gallica. The game is filled with interesting allies, rivals, and terrifying monsters that will come across his journey.
After displaying some of the introductory parts of the game, the first stop of the journey is shown with the Royal Capital Grand Trad. This is where you can start getting a sense of scale of the game as you walk through the city and view the maps. Fans were also given a first look at another local, Martira, a town that hasn’t been shown before.
As Hashino-san moves through dungeons and locations, he dives deeper into the gameplay systems and the journey the game takes you through. At the heart of it is the Gauntlet Runner, a fun and cool vehicle that can travel safely across wastelands, that also doubles up as your home base and HQ. The Gauntlet Runner is quite spacious with numerous functions, so use your time as you please!
Another important element of the game is Archetypes, which lies in the job system. The Archetypes are a special power that can awaken in various forms. A few Hashino-san highlights are the Seeker, the Mage, and the Thief, which were put on display in a dungeon. Archetypes can be used by your other party members, giving countless options in forming your party.
Throughout the livestream, Hashino-san also shared interesting information about the music, concepts behind the art and design, and teased some of the story, as well as insights into combat strategy, enemy analysis and more!
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a massive game, with much more to share throughout the coming months. Notably, one of the most exciting news from the livestream: we have a launch date to share! Metaphor: ReFantazio will launch on October 11, 2024 on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Physical pre-orders for the title are now open at participating retailers, with a special physical Collector’s Edition for those looking to commemorate this exciting launch. To accompany this exciting announcement, the team shared a new trailer, The King’s Trial, for Metaphor: ReFantazio highlighting much of what is to come – you can watch it below!
Since it’s been 35 years since Atlus released its first title, we see Metaphor: ReFantazio as a culmination of everything that makes Atlus what it is — distinctive style & UI, cutting-edge combat, engaging characters and legendary stories. We can think of no better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than releasing Metaphor: ReFantazio for all the old and new Atlus fans alike.
If you want to learn more, please watch the full livestream on the Atlus YouTube channel or wish list the game here on Xbox. That’s all the team has to share for now but please keep an eye out for more information and reveals as we start the countdown to October 11! Also stay tuned to the ATLUS West official channels Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
SEGA
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantasy RPG that takes players on a thrilling adventure in a world where eight tribes live in strife and the throne sits empty after the king’s assassination. With no heirs to wear the crown, the will of the late king decrees that the kingdom’s next monarch will be elected by the people, and thus begins your fight for the throne… and the future. Featuring an epic storyline with fierce turn-based battles against powerful foes and other candidates vying for the crown, you’ll customize your party from endless combinations of classes, dive into the deepest dungeons, and come face to face with this world’s greatest threats – humans. From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy world, where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince. Control your destiny, face your fears and awaken magical „Archetype“ powers that lie dormant in your heart. By awakening to an “Archetype,” you will unlock the power to channel and combine the abilities of unique job classes. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature.
The critically acclaimed action-adventure game from Respawn Entertainment – in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games – is coming to the Play List on April 25, 2024, for all EA Play members. PC Game Pass and Ultimate Game Pass members can start their adventures this week as a part of their membership to experience the next chapter in Cal Kestis’ saga.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has earned top accolades and awards – including IGN’s Best Action Game of 2023, PC Gamer’s Best Adventure Game of 2023, and a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media.
The game follows Cal Kestis as he explores an untamed galaxy while carrying its hopes for the future on his shoulders. Members can look forward to discovering new planets and revisiting familiar frontiers in the Star Wars galaxy, each with unique biomes, challenges, and enemies. All the while, they’ll be mastering new skills, equipment, and abilities as they traverse the grandiose landscapes.
EA Play also offers members regular in-game rewards. Here are the latest items, coins, and boosts, all claimable now:
Apex Legends Apex Logo (Precious Peaks) Weapon Charm – Now to April 30
Battlefield 2042 Brigade Buster – Now to April 30
EA Sports FC 24 Clubs FC Pro Black Glasses – Now to April 25
EA Sports FC 24 VOLTA FC Pro Neck Tattoo and COINS – Now to April 25
EA Sports FC 24 Ultimate Team Draft Token – Now to May 14
Madden NFL 24 MUT April Pack – Now to April 30
WRCSeason 4 Rewards – Now to June 3
NHL 24 Super Hero Set – Now to May 22
NHL 24 WOC Coins – Now to May 22
NHL 24 WOC Battle Pass XP Modifier – Now to May 22
Game Pass Ultimate members can claim more member benefits in the Xbox Perks section in the Game Pass App or on console. This month’s perks include:
F1 23 24,000 PitCoin – Now to April 29
NHL 24 Mega Players Pack – April 18 to May 9
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass PC members receive EA Play with their Game Pass subscription. Members enjoy great player benefits, including in-game challenges and rewards, special member-only content, trials of select new games such as EA Sports FC 24 and access to a collection of EA’s best-loved series and top titles, including the recently added EA Sports PGA Tour and EA Sports NHL 24. In addition, all members get 10% off purchases of Electronic Arts digital content.
Visit the EA Play page for more details, and to stay up to date on the latest from EA Play, follow EA Play on, Instagram, or X. Please see EA.com/EA-Play/Terms for terms and conditions.
The ID@Xbox Digital Showcase will premiere on April 29, 2024, at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST.
Get the latest updates on games like Vampire Survivors, Dungeons of Hinterberg, 33 Immortals, Lost Records Bloom & Rage, and more!
If you miss out, IGN will have the ID@Xbox Digital Showcase archived on their channel after the show concludes.
Last year, you got a first-hand look at Karateka, Axiom Verge 2,Sea of Stars, and many other incredible games during the first IGN x ID@Xbox Digital Showcase. Today, we’re excited to announce that the show is returning on April 29, 2024, with another batch of hotly anticipated indies for you to play across Xbox and PC.
On top of epic trailers, fresh gameplay, and new reveals, the show will feature new details on upcoming games like Dungeons of Hinterberg, 33 Immortals, Lost Records Bloom & Rage, and many others.
The ID@Xbox Showcase will premiere on April 29, 2024, at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST and you can tune in across all IGN Platforms.
We are also proud to share that the ID@Xbox Digital Showcase will also be available in American Sign Language (ASL): Stream the ID@Xbox Digital Showcase in ASL. We hope you’ll join us for lots of indie goodness, but if you cannot watch live, the showcase will be available on demand post-premiere on IGN’s channels, and of course, we’ll have a recap of everything showcased on Xbox Wire!
Entdecke Spiele, die es möglich machen, die Natur zu erforschen und sich mit ihr auseinanderzusetzen.
Hilf Duriel aus Diablo IV, seine Horde zu opfern und spende eimerweise Maden an Tiggywinkles Tierrettungsstation.
Erfahre mehr über das neue LEED Gold zertifizierte Gebäude für die Spieleentwickler*innen vom Xbox Studio Rare in Großbritannien.
Wir bei Microsoft haben uns ehrgeizige Ziele gesetzt, um die Umweltauswirkungen unseres Unternehmens deutlich zu reduzieren. Aus diesem Grund hat Xbox strategische, innovative und bedeutende Investitionen getätigt, die sich auf die gesamte Spieleindustrie auswirken:
Unsere Updates zum Herunterfahren (Energiesparmodus), zur Aktive Stunden-Option und zum Kohlenstoffbewusstsein haben den Stromverbrauch unserer Konsolen reduziert.
Das Xbox Sustainability Toolkit ermöglicht es Spieleentwickler*innen die Emissionen ihrer Spiele zu optimieren, um den Energieverbrauch von Xbox-Konsolen und darüber hinaus zu reduzieren.
Neben diesen Software-Innovationen machen wir auch Fortschritte in den Bereichen Hardware und Infrastruktur:
Wir unterstützen die Reduzierung der Umweltbelastung durch unsere Büros, indem wir ein neues LEED Gold-zertifiziertes Gebäude auf unserem britischen Campus einweihen − das erste Massivholzgebäude in Europa für die Xbox Game Studios.
So wichtig diese Veränderungen auch sind, einer der großen Vorteile, den Spiele für die Umwelt haben können, wird oft übersehen! Diejenigen, die keinen direkten Zugang zur Natur haben, bekommen durch Spiele die Möglichkeit, die Welt zu erkunden. Es fördert auch das Denken über den Tellerrand, Einfühlungsvermögen und Teamarbeit − alles notwendige Skills, um Umweltprobleme zu lösen. Spiele können Welten eröffnen, die Grenzen des Möglichen verschieben und Generationen zum Handeln für die Umwelt inspirieren.
Erfahre mehr über Spiele rund um den ökologischen Wandel und wie Xbox den Earth Day feiert.
SPIELEN
Erwecke die wissenschaftliche Themen Klima und Nachhaltigkeit mit faszinierenden Tieren zum Leben. Minecraft Education Planet Earth III, das in Zusammenarbeit mit BBC Earth entwickelt wurde, bietet Schüler*innen einen kostenlosen Lehrplan mit Unterrichtsplänen und Diskussionsleitfäden. Erforsche das Leben dieser Tiere, indem Du mal als Raubtier und Beute, Elternteil und Nachwuchs oder Freund*in und Verbündete*r spielst und entdecke das prekäre Gleichgewicht des Überlebens.
Erforsche den Klimawandel und entdecke gleichzeitig die Grundlagen der künstlichen Intelligenz. Mit Minecraft Education AI for Earth lernen die Schüler*innen die Grundlagen der KI kennen und machen gleichzeitig ihre ersten Schritte in diesem spannenden Bereich der Informatik. Die Lernenden nutzen die Macht der KI in einer Reihe von spannenden realen Szenarien, darunter der Schutz von Wildtieren und Ökosystemen, die Unterstützung von Menschen in abgelegenen Gebieten und die Erforschung des Klimawandels.
Entdecke Spiele mit Umweltthemen im Game Pass
Simulationsspiele bieten die einzigartige Möglichkeit, Umgebungen zu erforschen und zu vergrößern und gleichzeitig natürliche Ressourcen zu verwalten und zu regenerieren. Entdecke Spiele, die diese Themen in ihren Spielmechaniken und Geschichten aufgreifen:
Lightyear Frontier (Game Preview) (Erhältlich im Xbox Game Pass auf Xbox Series X|S, PC und Cloud) − Baue in diesem friedlichen Open-World-Farming-Abenteuer auf einem Planeten am äußersten Rand der Galaxie eine nachhaltige Öko-Farm auf und achte dabei auf Deine Beziehung zum Ökosystem. Du sorgst für Nachhaltigkeit, indem Du Bäume pflanzt, um gefällte Bäume zu ersetzen und die Umweltverschmutzung zu reduzieren. Lade bis zu drei Freund*innen ein und errichte eine erfolgreiche Farm.
Coral Island (Erhältlich im Xbox Game Pass auf Xbox Series X|S, PC und Cloud) − In diesem familienfreundlichen, von Südostasien inspirierten Landwirtschaftssimulator kannst Du zum Schutz der einheimischen Flora und Fauna beitragen. Tauche im Meer, säubere das Korallenriff und sammle auf der ganzen Insel auf. Das Team der Entwickler*innen aus Indonesien hat das Thema Naturschutz in die Spielmechanik integriert, wodurch die Spieler*innen dazu ermutigt werden, eine Bindung zur Natur aufzubauen, während sie das Ökosystem der Insel erhalten müssen.
Stardew Valley (Erhältlich im Xbox Game Pass auf Konsole, PC und Cloud) − Du hast die heruntergekommene Farm Deines Großvaters geerbt. Mit ein wenig Hingabe kannst Du Stardew Valley zu neuem Leben erwecken! Mit einem Anti-Konsum-Komplott gegen die JoJa Corporation und jede Menge Land, das es zu erkunden gilt, verkörpert Stardew Valley die Liebe zur Natur und die Freude an den einfachen Dingen des Lebens.
GEBEN
Das Seattle Aquarium erforscht mit Xbox-Controllern die Tiefen der lokalen Gewässer
Xbox ist stolz darauf, das beeindruckende Forschungsprojekt mit ferngesteuerten Unterwasser-Fahrzeugen (Remotely Operated Vehicles, ROV) des Seattle Aquarium zu unterstützen − ein Programm, das zur Wiederherstellung der Lebensräume in der Region beitragen und den Rückgang der lokalen Seetangwälder aufhalten soll. ROV Nereo, benannt nach dem wissenschaftlichen Namen des Bullentangs (Nereocystis luetkeana), ist ein kleines, anpassungsfähiges und leicht zu manövrierendes Gerät, das bis zu 100 Meter tief tauchen sowie Live-Videos und Daten an die Oberfläche übertragen kann. Was uns daran besonders gefällt? Die Forscher*innen steuern das ROV Nereo mit Xbox-Controllern durch die dichten Seetangwälder der Elliott Bay, der Wasserstraße, die das Aquarium umgibt.
Seetang bietet nicht nur Hunderten von Meerestieren Nahrung und Schutz, sondern bindet auch Kohlenstoff aus dem Wasser und mildert so die Auswirkungen der Ozeanversauerung. In einigen Regionen der Salish Sea gedeihen die Seetangwälder prächtig, während sie in anderen Regionen um bis zu 95 Prozent zurückgehen, ohne dass die Forscher*innen genau wissen, warum. Die ROV-Einsätze des Aquariums helfen den Forscher*innen, die schwindenden Algen-Ökosysteme und die Faktoren, die sich auf ihre Gesundheit auswirken, zu untersuchen. So können die Washingtoner Organisationen an dem Schutz, der Wiederherstellung und dem Management der Seetangwälder arbeiten.
Um die Forschungen auszuweiten, arbeitet das Aquarium mit dem Tulalip Tribes Natural Resources Shellfish Program zusammen, um sie beim Aufbau eines eigenen ROV-Programms zu unterstützen. Das Aquarium arbeitet auch mit Regierungsbehörden und Reef Check zusammen, um ROV und Tauchen als Datenerfassungsmethoden zu vergleichen und die Effektivität verschiedener Umweltüberwachungsstrategien zu bewerten. Durch den Einsatz von Xbox-Controllern zur Steuerung des ROV macht das Aquarium nicht nur die Forschung für zukünftige Generationen von Meeresschützer*innen interessanter und zugänglicher, sondern demonstriert auch die Macht von Technologie für Umweltschutz und Bildung. Das Aquarium hofft, dass dieses Programm durch Bildungs- und Aufklärungsveranstaltungen mit verschiedenen lokalen Organisationen mehr Menschen dazu inspirieren wird, die Algenwälder und die darin lebenden Meeresbewohner zu schätzen und zu schützen.
Duriel, der König der Maden, hat die Fans von Diablo® IV dazu aufgerufen, ihm dabei zu helfen, seine Horde zu opfern. Für jeweils 25 Likes auf den Earth Day Post von Diablos X-Account spendet Blizzard bis zu 666 Eimer Maden an Tiggywinkles, um die Vogelaufzuchtstation zu unterstützen. Mit jedem Eimer mit ungefähr 45.000 Maden, hilfst Du Blizzard dabei, das Rehabilitationsprogramm für Vögel von Tiggywinkles für mehr als zwei Jahre zu finanzieren. Like dafür einfach den Beitrag!
Tiggywinkles ist eine spezialisierte Tierklinik und Rettungstation in Großbritannien, die sich der Rettung und Rehabilitation aller Arten von einheimischen Wildtieren widmet. Jedes Tier, das in die Klinik gebracht wird, bekommt die bestmögliche Pflege. Alle Tiere oder Vögel, die nicht wieder ausgewildert werden können, werden in der Klinik unter möglichst natürlichen Bedingungen gehalten. Besuche den Diablo X-Account und hilf dabei, Likes in Maden für die Vögel zu verwandeln.
Xbox hat sein erstes Massivholzgebäude in Europa für das Xbox Game Studio Rare, dem Entwickler von Sea of Thieves, errichtet. Das neue solarbetriebene Studio inspiriert Spieleentwickler*innen bereits jetzt dazu, einzigartige Erlebnisse für Spieler*innen zu schaffen.
Das neue Gebäude von Rare in Twycross, Leicestershire, mit dem Namen ‘Barn X‘ wurde Anfang 2023 auf dem Rare-Campus eröffnet, der mitten in der englischen Natur liegt.
Craig Duncan, Studioleiter von Rare: „‘Barn X‘ steht für modernste Nachhaltigkeit und Umweltgestaltung, die einen vorbildlichen grünen Arbeitsplatz schafft. Die Möglichkeit, unseren Campus durch den Bau einer hochmodernen Umgebung für unsere Teams zu erweitern und gleichzeitig Microsoft bei der Erreichung seiner Nachhaltigkeitsziele zu unterstützen, hat sich wirklich gelohnt. Das neue Raumdesign fördert Zusammenarbeit, Kreativität und Wohlbefinden, was für ein Team unerlässlich ist, um großartige Erlebnisse für Spieler*innen weltweit zu kreieren.“
‘Barn X‘ wurde vor kurzem mit dem LEED GOLD-Zertifikat ausgezeichnet − ein weltweit anerkanntes Symbol für Nachhaltigkeit und Führungsqualitäten. Es ist ein Beispiel dafür, wie Microsoft auf dem Weg zu seinem Ziel, bis 2030 CO2-neutral zu sein, nachhaltige Lösungen für die Zukunft umsetzt. Mehr über das neue Gebäude und wie es Kreativität und Wohlbefinden fördert, erfährst Du hier.
Jährlicher Impact Report von Playing for the Planet
Als Gründungsmitglied der Playing 4 The Planet Alliance freuen wir uns, den Annual Impact Report 2023 vorzustellen. Der Bericht enthält:
Die Messung des Fortschritts bei der Umsetzung der strategischen Ziele von Playing 4 the Planet.
Updates zu Schwerpunktthemen wie Dekarbonisierung, The Green Game Jam und mehr.
Eine Übersicht über das Nachhaltigkeitsengagement der Mitglieder.
Xbox wurde auf der gamescom Opening Night Live 2023 als „Green Studio of the Year“ ausgezeichnet. Wir danken der Branche für die Anerkennung unserer Bemühungen um „grüne“ Spiele, aber wir können noch mehr erreichen, wenn wir mit anderen zusammenarbeiten. Deshalb freuen wir uns, Activision Blizzard, eines der nachhaltigsten Unternehmen Amerikas 2024, im Team Xbox begrüßen zu dürfen. Wir freuen uns auf die Zusammenarbeit mit unseren neuen Teamkolleg*innen von Activision Blizzard und King, die bereits dabei sind, die Auswirkungen des Spielens zu verbessern.
Und noch mehr vom Team Microsoft: Entdecke auf Microsoft Unlocked weitere Innovationen von Microsoft-Produkten, -Partner*innen und -Kund*innen, die dazu beitragen, unsere CO2-Ziele zu erreichen!
Conserving energy is something every animal does, and we humans are no exception.
Especially when energy costs are high — something many of us have been uncomfortably aware of in recent years — figuring out ways to live life without burning through excess fuel (and polluting the environment) is a serious priority.
Technology has promised many solutions here, with all kinds of energy-saving products on the market claiming to cut energy bills in half while saving the planet. But how many of these gadgets actually work? And could it be better to make your own?
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common energy-saving devices and some examples of homemade alternatives from Arduino users.
Why is energy saving important?
There are several good reasons to focus on saving energy, both for your own benefit and to help others. These include:
It saves money. Energy costs are still high around the world, and being careful about managing your energy usage can have a significant impact on your energy bill.
It helps save the planet. The burning of fossil fuels contributes to climate change, and wasting less energy means your personal impact on this will be lower.
It’s healthier. Carbon emissions and other fuels can pollute the environment and negatively impact our collective health. According to one report, cutting energy consumption by 15% for one year could save six lives and save up to 20 billion US dollars in health costs.
What are energy-saving devices?
Energy-saving devices are products designed to help you cut down on your energy usage, and they can approach this task from many different angles. Here are a few of the most common examples:
LED light bulbs that use significantly less electricity than their traditional incandescent counterparts.
Smart energy meters that keep track of your usage, suggest adjustments when energy is being wasted, and help you make more efficient and informed choices.
Energy-efficient appliances like washing machines and AC units, designed to use minimal energy with no waste.
Do energy-saving devices really work?
So, do these devices really work, or is it just hype and marketing?
The (perhaps unsatisfying) answer is… sometimes. Some energy-saving devices like LED bulbs and highly rated efficient appliances can have a tremendous impact on your usage and save you noticeable amounts of money.
Others — especially more complicated-sounding devices that don’t come with official accreditation — may end up being a waste of money.
The third category here is devices that can work as long as you use them correctly. This applies to tools like smart meters, which can help you make extremely useful changes to your energy usage as long as you pay attention to them and act on the insights they provide.
3 ways to save energy with Arduino
You don’t have to buy your energy-saving devices from the store, of course. With some basic coding knowledge and a few simple components, you can put together your very own projects at home. Many Arduino users have done exactly that, with impressive results.
Let’s check some out!
Smart energy meters
One Redditor and Arduino user decided to develop their own version of a smart meter to help monitor energy usage and save costs.
The device monitors amp, watt, and unit energy and allows you to view this data from your Android phone. Even more impressively, you can also turn devices on or off from your phone, managing your home’s energy usage from wherever you are. On top of that, if your devices consume more than 500W, the tool will turn them off automatically.
This Arduino IoT-based energy meter is another great example of how to carefully track your energy usage through the Arduino Cloud.
Glasses that save power
If your eyes are closed, do you even need the lights to be on?
That’s the idea behind a pair of glasses that automatically turn off the lights in your home whenever you close your eyes, helping you save on your electricity bill.
To add some extra spice, you can even add a TENS unit to make the glasses physically shock you into keeping your eyes closed longer. Evil, perhaps. Hilarious — definitely. Check out the video here.
Snap circuits – energy saving
The best way to build lifelong good habits around energy saving is to start young.
EDUcentrum’s snap circuits project is designed to introduce kids to the world of circuitry and electronic prototyping, while also teaching them about energy saving.
The project teaches kids how to assemble their own snap circuits while learning about key topics like home automation and energy saving.
Share your own Earth Day projects!
Have you made any energy-saving devices or projects of your own? If so, we’d love to hear about them. Share the details in the comments below!
Psst! For a limited time, we’re offering a special opportunity to create your own sustainable smart project with the Arduino Cloud, an all-in-one IoT solution to visualize your sensor data with stunning dashboards. Follow these three steps to give it a try:
2. Enter code EARTHDAY during checkout, valid between April 19th and April 30th, 2024.
3. Unlock access to all advanced features, including over-the-air updates, unlimited shareable dashboards, data retention, real-time alerts and much more.
Whether you’re passionate about conservation or simply curious about the possibilities, now is your chance to join the community and make a difference. This offer is exclusively for new users not currently on any paid plan. You will have the flexibility to cancel at any time.
Don’t miss out — embrace innovation while honoring our planet.
Explore games that allow players to explore and engage with the natural world
Help Duriel sacrifice his horde as they donate buckets of maggots to Tiggywinkles animal rescue hospital
Learn about a new building at Rare, which has sustainability at its heart
At Microsoft we have made bold commitments to improve the impact of our business on the environment. Consequently, Xbox has made strategic, innovative and meaningful investments that scale up across the gaming industry:
Our Shutdown (Energy Saving) power mode, Active Hours and Carbon Aware console updates have made the use of our consoles more energy and emissions efficient.
The Xbox Sustainability Toolkit has empowered game developers to optimize their game code for energy efficiency on Xbox consoles and beyond.
In addition to these software innovations, we are making advancements in hardware and infrastructure spaces as well:
We are supporting impact reductions in-office, with Rare unveiling a new LEED Gold accredited building on its UK campus — Xbox’s first mass timber building in Europe for Xbox Game Studios.
As important as it is that we make these material changes, one of the great benefits gaming can have on environmental issues is often overlooked! The medium of gaming can act as a tool which provides world exploration for those that may not easily access the natural environment. It also fosters outside of the box thinking, empathy, and team action – all necessary ingredients to solve environmental issues. Gaming can unlock the world, break the barriers of what is possible and inspire environmental action for generations to come.
Read on to learn more about gaming as a medium for environmental change and how Xbox is celebrating Earth Day.
Bring climate and sustainability science to life with incredible animals. Minecraft Education Planet Earth III created in partnership with BBC Earth engages students with a free curriculum that includes lesson plans and discussion guides. Explore the way these animals’ lives are intertwined by playing as both predator and prey, parent and offspring, friend and ally, and discover the precarious balance of survival.
Research climate change while learning the principles of AI. With Minecraft Education AI for Earth students will learn principles of AI while taking their first steps into this exciting realm of computer science. Learners will use the power of AI in a range of exciting real-world scenarios, including preservation of wildlife and ecosystems, helping people in remote areas, and research on climate change.
Explore games with environmental themes on Game Pass
Simulation games provide a unique ability to explore and grow environments while also managing and regenerating natural resources. Check out these games that highlight these themes within their mechanics and stories:
Lightyear Frontier (Game Preview) (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud) – Build a sustainable ecofarm and carefully manage your relationship with the ecosystem in this peaceful open-world farming adventure on a planet at the far edge of the galaxy. This game encourages sustainability efforts, including planting trees to replace those you harvest and cleaning up pollution. Invite up to three friends to create a flourishing homestead.
Coral Island (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud) – Play a part in conserving native flora and fauna, dive into the seas to clean up the coral reef, and pick up trash all around the island in this family-friendly farming simulator inspired by Southeast Asia. The development team from Indonesia included themes of conservation in the way players must maintain the island’s ecosystem all while encouraging you to form a bond with nature.
Stardew Valley (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – You’ve inherited your grandfather’s overgrown farm plot and with a little dedication, you might be able to restore Stardew Valley to greatness! With an anti-consumerism plot against the JoJa Corporation and a whole lot of land to explore, Stardew Valley showcases love of nature and focuses on life’s simple pleasures.
Give
The Seattle Aquarium uses Xbox Controllers to research the depths of local waterways
Xbox is excited to spotlight and support the incredible underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) research work of the Seattle Aquarium—a program designed to inform habitat restoration efforts throughout the region and reverse the decline of local kelp forests. The aquarium’s ROV Nereo, named after the scientific name for bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana), is a small, customizable, and easily maneuverable device that can dive up to 100 meters deep and transmit live video and data to the surface. Our favorite part? The researchers use Xbox controllers to pilot the ROV Nereo and navigate through the dense and dynamic kelp forests in Elliott Bay, the waterway surrounding the aquarium.
In addition to providing food and shelter for hundreds of marine animals, bull kelp also sequesters carbon from the water and locally mitigates the effects of ocean acidification. While some regions in the Salish Sea have thriving kelp forests, other regions are seeing up to a 95% decline, and researchers aren’t always sure why. The aquarium’s ROV work helps researchers survey declining kelp ecosystems and the factors that impact their health so the broader Washington kelp conservation, restoration, and management community can work towards restoration.
To expand the scope and scale of this work, the aquarium is collaborating with the Tulalip Tribes Natural Resources Shellfish Program to help them get their own ROV program up and running. The aquarium is also partnering with state agencies and Reef Check to compare ROV and scuba diving as methods for collecting data, and to evaluate the effectiveness of different environmental monitoring strategies. By using Xbox controllers to operate the ROV, the aquarium is not only making research more fun and accessible to future generations of marine conservationists, but also demonstrating the power of technology for environmental conservation and education. Through education and outreach events with a variety of local organizations, the aquarium hopes this program will inspire more people to appreciate and protect the kelp forests and the marine life they support.
Duriel the Maggot King has enlisted Diablo IV fans to help sacrifice his horde. For every 25 likes on the Earth Day post from Diablo’s X account, Blizzard will be donating a bucket of Maggots to Tiggywinkles, up to 666 buckets of maggots, to help feed their bird nursery. With each bucket containing roughly 45,000 maggots, you could help Blizzard fund Tiggywinkle’s bird rehabilitation program for more than two years by simply liking their post.
Tiggywinkles is a specialist animal rescue hospital in the UK. They are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating all species of local wildlife. Every animal brought to the hospital is given a chance and treated with the best available care. Any animal or bird unable to be released back to the wild is maintained at the Hospital, in as natural conditions as possible. Head to the Diablo X account to help turn likes into buckets of maggots for the birds.
Engage
Barn X on the Rare Campus
Xbox has constructed its first mass timber building in Europe at Rare, the Xbox Game Studio and creator of Sea of Thieves. The new solar-powered studio is already inspiring game developers to create unique shared experiences for players.
Located in Twycross, Leicestershire, Rare’s new building – called ‘Barn X’ – was opened in early 2023 on the Rare campus, which is surrounded by nature in the heart of the English countryside.
Rare’s Studio Head, Craig Duncan, said: “Our new barn is a demonstration of leading-edge sustainability and environmental design, creating a model green workplace. The opportunity to expand our campus by building a state-of-the-art environment for our teams while supporting Microsoft to achieve its sustainability goals has been genuinely rewarding. The new space design promotes collaboration, creativity and wellbeing, which are essential ingredients for a team to create fun experiences for players everywhere.”
Barn X has recently been certified LEED GOLD for its design and construction – a worldwide-recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. It is one example of how Microsoft is implementing sustainable solutions for the future as it pursues its goal to be carbon negative by 2030.
You can read more about the new building and how it is enabling creativity and enhancing wellbeing here.
Playing for the Planet Annual Impact Report
As a founding member of the Playing 4 The Planet Alliance, we are excited to share the 2023 Annual Impact Report. The report includes:
A measure of progress towards Playing 4 the Planet’s strategic goals.
Updates on focus areas, such as decarbonization, The Green Game Jam, and more.
A review of members’ commitments towards sustainability.
And even more from Team Microsoft: Visit Microsoft Unlocked to explore innovations across Microsoft products, partners and customers that are helping to achieve our carbon goals!
Young people taking part in the European Astro Pi Challenge are about to have their computer programs sent to the International Space Station (ISS). Astro Pi is run annually in collaboration by us and ESA Education, and offers two ways to get involved: Mission Zero and Mission Space Lab.
This year, over 25,000 young people from across Europe and eligible ESA Member States are getting their programs ‘uplinked’ to the Astro Pi computers aboard the ISS, where they will be running over the next few weeks.
Mission Zero teams send their art into space
Mission Zero is an exciting activity for kids with little or no experience with coding. We invite young people to create a Python program that displays an 8×8 pixel image or animation. This program then gets sent to the ISS, and each pixel art piece is displayed for 30 seconds on the LED matrix display of the Astro Pi computers on the ISS.
Astro Pis on the ISS
We picked the theme ‘fauna and flora’ as the inspiration for young people’s pixel art, as it proved so popular last year, and we weren’t disappointed: this year, 24,378 young people submitted 16,039 Mission Zero creations!
We’ve tested every program and are pleased to announce that 15,942 Mission Zero programs will be sent to run on the ISS from mid May.
Once again, we have been amazed at the wonderful images and animations that young people have created. Seeing all the images that have been submitted is one of the most enjoyable and inspiring things to do as we work on the Astro Pi Challenge. Here is a little selection of some of our favourites submitted this year:
A selection of Mission Zero submissions
Varied approaches: How different teams calculate ISS speed
For Mission Space Lab, we invite more experienced young coders to take on a scientific challenge: to calculate the speed that the ISS orbits Earth.
Teams are tasked with writing a program that uses the Astro Pis’ sensors and visible light camera to capture data for their calculations, and we have really enjoyed seeing the different approaches the teams have taken.
Some teams decided to calculate the distance between two points in photos of the Earth’s surface and combine this with how long it took for the ISS to pass over the points to find the speed. This particular method uses feature extraction and needs to account for ground sampling distance — how many square metres are represented in one pixel in an image of the ground taken from above — to get an accurate output.
We’ve also seen teams use data from the gyroscope to calculate the speed using the angle readings and photos to get their outputs. Yet other teams have derived the speed using equations of motion and sampling from the accelerometer.
Feature extraction example taken from images captured by the Astro Pis
All teams that took multiple samples from the Astro Pi sensors, or multiple images, had to decide how to output a final estimate for the speed of the ISS. Most teams opted to use the mean average. But a few teams chose to filter their samples to choose only the ‘best’ ones based on prior knowledge (Bayesian filtering), and some used a machine learning model and the Astro Pi’s machine learning dongle to select which images or data samples to use. Some teams even provided a certainty score along with their final estimate.
236 Mission Space Lab teams awarded flight status
However the team choses to approach the challenge, before their program can run on the ISS, we need to make sure of a few things. For a start, we check that they’ve followed the challenge rules and meet the ISS security requirements. Next, we check that the program can run without errors on the Astro Pis as the astronauts on board the ISS can’t stop what they’re doing to fix any problems.
So, all programs submitted to us must pass a rigorous testing process before they can be sent into space. We run each program on several replica Astro Pis, then run all the programs sequentially, to ensure there’s no problems. If the program passes testing, it’s awarded ‘flight status’ and can be sent to run in space.
This year, 236 teams have been awarded flight status. These teams represent 889 young people from 22 countries in Europe and ESA member states. The average age of these young people is 15, and 27% of them are girls. The UK has the most teams achieving flight status (61), followed by the Czech Republic (23) and Romania (22). You can see how this compares to last year and explore other breakdowns of participant data in the annual Astro Pi impact report.
Our congratulations to all the Mission Space Lab teams who’ve been awarded flight status: it is a great achievement. All these teams will be invited to join a live online Q&A with an ESA astronaut in June. We can’t wait to see what questions you send us for the astronaut.
A pause to recharge the ISS batteries
Normally, the Astro Pi programs run continuously from the end of April until the end of May. However, this year, there is an interesting event happening in the skies above us that means that programs will pause for a few days. The ISS will be moving its position on the ‘beta angle’ and pivoting its orientation to maximise the sunlight that it can capture with its solar panels.
The International Space Station
The ISS normally takes 90 minutes to complete its orbit, 45 minutes of which is in sunlight, and 45 minutes in darkness. When it moves along the beta angle, it will be in continual sunlight, allowing it to capture lots of solar energy and recharge its batteries. While in its new orientation, the ISS is exposed to increased heat from the sun so the window shutters must be closed to help the astronauts stay cool. That means taking photos of the Earth’s surface won’t be possible for a few days.
What next?
Once all of the programs have run, we will send the Mission Space Lab teams the data collected during their experiments. All successful Mission Zero and Mission Space Lab teams and mentors will also receive personal certificates to recognise their mission completion.
Congratulations to all of this year’s Astro Pi Challenge participants, and especially to all successful teams.
For those who own a pet with the freedom to move between the house and the yard, keeping tabs on where they are can be a challenge, especially if there’s a pet flap involved. Instructables member “madmcu” wanted to know where their cat was whilst away from the house on vacation, so they came up with an AI-driven solution that could log entrances and exits automatically.
Because a closing flap will induce vibrations, madmcu started the project by adding a three-axis accelerometer just above the pet door’s hinge. The IMU was then connected to an Arduino UNO R4 WiFi in order to collect many data samples of a pet going through the flap. Every loop of the data collection program caused the three axes to be printed out over USB serial and sent to STMicroelectronics’s NanoEdge AI Studio application. It was in this app that madmcu set up and trained a classification model on the dataset using the two labels of either “inside” or “outside.”
Once exported, the model was deployed back onto the UNO R4 WiFi along with an updated sketch that continuously classifies new accelerometer readings and prints the result if there is any. At the end of their project write-up, madmcu provides a couple ideas for adding alerts and even a dashboard thanks to the UNO R4’s built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
Science Buddies had a problem: their tiny little pug loves eating their cat’s poop. Because the pug is smaller than the cat, they couldn’t simply put the litter box behind a tiny cat door. So they came up with a more sophisticated solution: a motorized door triggered by a magnetic collar.
Riley the pug’s responses to poop access prevention are awfully pugnacious, but she is also pretty skittish. Science Buddies surmised that a cardboard door would be enough to stop her. But that would also stop Trouble the cat, so the door needed to remain open for Trouble and only close when Riley tried to enter the area with the litter box. After experimenting with a few different solutions, Science Buddies landed on servo-actuated cardboard doors that close in the presence of a strong magnetic field.
That magnetic field comes from a permanent magnet dangling from Riley’s collar. An Arduino UNO Rev3 board detects that magnet using several Reed switches arranged along the bottom edge of the door frame. When the magnet causes the Reed switches to close, the Arduino knows that Riley is trying to get to the cat poop. In then closes two cardboard doors using small hobby servo motors.
It took some tinkering to position the Reed switches in a way that they’d trigger consistently, but Science Buddies found a reliable setup in the end. Now whenever Riley attempts to get to the litter box, the cardboard doors slam in her adorable pug snoot and she abandons her quest.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to enjoy a 3-month free trial of Apple TV+ on your Xbox. Whether you’re a sports fan, an action lover, or a comedy enthusiast, you’ll find something to suit your taste on Apple TV+. But hurry, this offer ends on July 7, 2024, so act now and claim your 3 months of unlimited streaming.
Imagine watching the thrilling adventures of “Argylle”, the world’s greatest spy, as he travels across the globe with a star-studded cast. Or cheering for Aaron Judge and the Yankees as they face their rivals on “Friday Night Baseball” from MLB. Or diving into the history and heroism of “Masters of the Air”, the Apple Original series that follows the lives of American bomber pilots in World War II.
Not fully intrigued? How about the chance to catch the GOAT, Lionel Messi, play with his former FC Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, as they lead Inter Miami CF through the MLS gauntlet this season?
This is just some of the amazing content you can watch on Apple TV+, along with countless other movies and shows. You can also enjoy award-winning documentaries, kids’ entertainment, dramas, and more, all in stunning 4K HDR quality. And with the Apple TV app on your Xbox, you can easily browse and access all your favorite content in one place.
But don’t take our word for it. Try it for yourself and see why Apple TV+ is the ultimate streaming service for Xbox users. All you need to do is sign up for a new or qualified returning Apple TV+ subscription on your Xbox before July 7, 2024, and you’ll get 3 months of Apple TV+ for free. No strings attached, no hidden fees, just unlimited entertainment at your fingertips.
Don’t wait, this offer won’t last forever. Grab your Xbox controller and start your free trial of Apple TV+ today. You’ll be glad you did. Terms apply, visit the website to learn more.
Du möchtest kostenlos drei Monate lang in den Genuss von Apple TV+ kommen? Dann bietet sich jetzt mit Xbox die perfekte Gelegenheit dazu! Egal, ob Du Sportfan, Actionliebhaber*in oder Comedy-Fan bist, auf Apple TV+ ist für jeden Geschmack etwas dabei. Aber beeil Dich, das Angebot endet am 7. Juli 2024, also hol Dir jetzt 3 Monate unbegrenztes Streaming.
Verfolge die spannenden Abenteuer von Argylle, dem größten Spion der Welt, der mit einem Team von Stars um die Welt reist. Oder feuere Aaron Judge und die Yankees an, wenn sie beim Friday Night Baseball der MLB gegen ihre Rivalen antreten. Oder tauche ein in die heldenhafte Geschichte von Masters of the Air, der Apple Original-Serie, die das Leben amerikanischer Bomberpiloten im Zweiten Weltkrieg nachzeichnet.
Noch nicht überzeugt? Wie wäre es mit der Chance, Lionel Messi mit seinen ehemaligen Teamkollegen Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba und Sergio Busquets vom FC Barcelona spielen zu sehen, wenn sie in dieser Saison Inter Miami durch die MLS führen?
Das sind nur einige der großartigen Inhalte, die Dir Apple TV+ ins Wohnzimmer bringt, zusammen mit unzähligen anderen Filmen und Serien. Außerdem kannst Du preisgekrönte Dokumentationen, Entertainment für Kinder, Dramen und vieles mehr genießen − und das alles in atemberaubender 4K HDR-Qualität. Und mit der Apple TV-App auf Deiner Xbox kannst Du all Deine Lieblingsinhalte ganz einfach an einem Ort durchsuchen und abrufen.
Teste es selbst und finde heraus, warum Apple TV+ der ultimative Streamingdienst für Xbox-Nutzer*innen ist. Alles, was Du tun musst, ist Dich vor dem 7. Juli 2024 für ein neues oder qualifiziertes Apple TV+ Abonnement auf Deiner Xbox anzumelden und Du erhältst 3 Monate Apple TV+ kostenlos. Keine Bedingungen, keine versteckten Kosten, nur unbegrenzte Unterhaltung auf Knopfdruck.
Warte nicht zu lange, denn dieses Angebot gilt nicht ewig. Schnapp Dir Deinen Xbox Controller und starte noch heute Deine kostenlose Testversion von Apple TV+.
Willkommen bei Next Week on Xbox! Wie immer stellen wir Dir alle neuen Spiele vor, die bald für Xbox Series X|S und Xbox One, Windows und im Game Pass erhältlich sind. Klick Dich einfach durch die Spiel-Details, um mehr zu möglichen Vorbestellungen zu erfahren (Änderungen vorbehalten).
Ab dem ersten Tag im Game Pass! Versammle Deine Verbündeten für Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, das große JRPG-Abenteuer. Stelle Dein 6-Parteien-Team aus über hundert Held*innen zusammen und gestalte Dein Schicksal in dieser prächtigen, handgemachten 2,5D-Welt voller Krieg, Intrigen und Magie. Verwalte Deine Stadt mit lebendigen Charakteren, spiele unterhaltsame Minispiele und bereite Dich auf eine unvergessliche Geschichte mit grenzenlosem Charme vor.
Smart Delivery
Versammle Deine Held*innen und brich aus dem Verlies von Schloss Hammerwatch aus, um eine einzigartige Pixelwelt zu erkunden. Erlebe das Abenteuer allein oder mit Deiner Gruppe, um König Rolands Widerstand zu unterstützen, während Du den Dorfbewohner*innen auf ihrem Weg hilfst. Kämpfe gegen Bestien, vernichte Horden von Untoten und stelle Dich den Mächten des Bösen in dieser epischen Hommage an klassische Action-RPGs.
Optimiert für Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Als neu ernannter Kapitän der Pegasus Corporation musst Du eine Gruppe von Pilot*innen, vielseitigen Berater*innen und hochmodernen Landefahrzeugen durch eine Reihe von anspruchsvollen Missionen führen. Liefere Fracht aus, sammle Ressourcen und rette gestrandete Pilot*innen, während Du durch ein mysteriöses Universum voller Monde und Planeten navigierst.
Optimiert für Xbox Series X|S
Schlüpfe in die Rolle von Zau, einem jungen Schamanen, der mit dem Gott des Todes verhandelt, um seinen Vater aus der Dunkelheit zurückzuholen. Erlebe die schönen und tückischen Landschaften von Kenzera. Mit Deinen kosmischen Kräften und Deinem unerschrockenen Mut wirst Du in diesem Metroidvania-Titel in unbekannte mythologische Gefilde vordringen. Lässt Du Dich auf den Tanz des Schamanen ein?
Optimiert für Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere
Erlebe den Arcade-Klassiker von 2017 mit drei zusätzlichen Stages und sechs weiteren Bosskämpfen! Übernimm die Kontrolle über Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello oder Raphael in diesem klassischen Beat ’em Up, das vom Kultfilm Turtles in Time inspiriert wurde. Spiele mit Deinen Freund*innen im lokalen Koop-Modus und beherrsche den Foot Clan, um den wahnsinnigen Plan des Shredders zu verhindern.
Xbox One X Enhanced
Schlüpfe in die Rolle eines kleinen Vogels auf der Suche nach einem Zuhause, nachdem er seinen geliebten Freund verloren hat. Entdecke unbekannte, weitläufige und faszinierende Umgebungen und genieße das Gefühl des Fliegens, während Du eine ganze Welt voller Schönheit und kleiner Geheimnisse erkundest.
Optimiert für Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Baue Deine Farm aus, produziere zu günstigen und verkaufe Deine Produkte zu hohen Preisen. Kontrolliere die Landbewirtschaftung, wähle die besten Mitarbeiter*innen aus, kaufe die geeignetsten landwirtschaftlichen Geräte, züchte Vieh und verwerte die geernteten Pflanzen. Verwalte Deinen eigenen Bauernhof in Farm Tycoon!
Besuche den berühmten Big Apple für ein brandneues Katzen-Spotting-Abenteuer! Schau Dich in der Stadt um und finde mit etwas Geduld über 700 Katzenfreunde! Je mehr Katzen Du findest, desto lebendiger wird die Stadt!
Optimiert für Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Ein Abenteuer-Roguelike mit Permadeath, bei dem Du riesige Berge bezwingen muss. Dank der prozedural erstellten Umgebung gleicht keine Kletterpartie der anderen. Halte Deine*n Bergsteiger*in am Leben, indem Du stets darauf achtest, dass Deine Vitalwerte nicht in den kritischen Bereich fallen. Erschwert wird das Ganze durch ein dynamisches Wettersystem, den Wechsel von Tag und Nacht und eine Vielzahl zufallsgenerierter Ereignisse.
Ein einzigartiges Spiel mit realistischer Zugsteuerung, das die Moskauer Metro nachbildet, inklusive 24 Stationen und verschiedene Tunnel mit versteckten Objekten. Das Spiel nutzt moderne Technologien, um das volle Erlebnis der U-Bahn der russischen Hauptstadt zu veranschaulichen − die Stationen entlang der Strecke spiegeln die Veränderungen ihrer Zeit wider.
Optimiert für Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Schlüpfe in die Rolle eines flinken Nagers, der von seiner Familie getrennt wurde und sich in einem gruseligen Wald voller furchterregender Feind*innen verirrt hat! Ratyrinth ist ein Side-Scrolling-Präzisions-Platformer mit kniffligem Leveldesign und Retro-Präsentation. Du rennst, springst, hangelst Dich an Wänden entlang, schwimmst und kletterst durch labyrinthartige Abschnitte, die im minimalistischen 2-Ton-Stil mit fließenden Pixelanimationen präsentiert werden.
Game Pass / Xbox Play Anywhere
Ab dem ersten Tag im Game Pass! Ein Soulslike-Abenteuer, das in einer zerfallenden Unterwasserwelt spielt. Als Kril, der Einsiedlerkrebs, musst Du den Müll um Dich herum als Panzer tragen, um gegen die Angriffe von Feind*innen zu bestehen, die um ein Vielfaches größer sind als Du. Begib Dich auf eine epische Schatzsuche, um Deine beschlagnahmte Muschel zurückzubekommen und die dunklen Geheimnisse hinter dem verschmutzten Ozean zu enthüllen.
Das Roboter-Actionspiel wurde 1997 von Masaya entwickelt. Es erlangte damals dank seiner anpassbaren Funktionen, seiner innovativen Roboter und seiner fesselnden Geschichte große Popularität. Die Saturn Tribute-Version enthält neue Funktionen wie Zurückspulen, schnelles Speichern und Laden sowie Tipps für ein flüssigeres Gameplay. Außerdem gibt es Power-Ups für den Assault Suit.
Ab dem ersten Tag im Game Pass! Manor Lords ist ein mittelalterliches Strategiespiel mit detailliertem Städtebau, großen taktischen Schlachten und komplexe Simulation der Wirtschaft und des Soziallebens.. Herrsche als mittelalterlicher Lord über Dein Land − die Jahreszeiten vergehen, das Wetter ändert sich, Städte entstehen und fallen.
Optimiert für Xbox Series X|S
Dieses Action-RPG entführt Dich in die nostalgische und herzerwärmende Welt von Akira Toriyama. Hier triffst Du den Teufelsprinzen Beelzebub, seinen Anstandswauwau Thief und den furchtlosen Sheriff Rao. Mit ihnen begibst Du Dich auf ein außergewöhnliches Abenteuer auf der Suche nach der legendären Quelle, die in der Wüste verborgen ist. Doch das Ende ist erst der Anfang, denn jenseits des kargen Bodens wartet ein neues Reich darauf, erforscht zu werden.
Optimiert für Xbox Series X|S
Reise als aufstrebender Profi um die Welt, tritt gegen die größten Namen der Tenniswelt an und erobere die Courts in Wimbledon, Roland-Garros, den US Open und den Australian Open, während Du im MyCareer-Modus versuchst, ein Grand-Slam-Champion zu werden. Oder wähle aus über 24 spielbaren Profis: Entfessle ihre explosive Kraft und clevere Finesse gegen andere Spieler*innen lokal oder online.
Optimiert für Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery
Außerirdische haben die Erde angegriffen und verwandeln unschuldige Menschen in hirnlose Zombies. Es wird nicht lange dauern, bis die Invasoren den Planeten zerstört haben… es sei denn, jemand mit Waffen stellt sich ihnen in den Weg. Und hier kommst Du ins Spiel! Du führst eine Gruppe von Soldat*innen an, die bereit sind, alles auszuschalten, was sich ihnen in den Weg stellt.
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! This weekly feature highlights all the games arriving soon on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass. Discover more about these forthcoming titles below and explore their profiles for additional information (note that release dates are subject to change). Let’s dive in!
Available on day one with Game Pass! Gather your allies for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the grand JRPG adventure. Assemble your 6-party team from a cast of over a hundred heroes and shape your destiny in this lush, hand-crafted 2.5D world brimming with war, intrigue, and magic. Manage your town of vibrant characters, play delightful mini-games, and prepare for an unforgettable narrative of boundless charm.
Gather your heroes and journey beyond the dungeons of Castle Hammerwatch to explore a pixelated world like never before. Adventure alone or gather your party to aid King Roland’s resistance, all while helping villagers along the way. Battle beasts, finish off hordes of the undead, and face the forces of evil in this epic ode to classic ARPGs.
As a newly appointed captain of the Pegasus corporation, you must guide a roster of colorful pilots, eclectic advisors, and state-of-the-art landers through a taxing series of missions. Deliver cargo, retrieve resources, and rescue stranded pilots as you navigate a mysterious universe of moons and planets.
Adventure into the beautiful and treacherous lands of Kenzera as Zau, a young shaman who bargains with the God of death to bring his Baba back from darkness. With your cosmic powers and untried courage, advance into unknown mythological lands in this metroidvania title. Will you embrace the dance of the shaman?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants
Re-experience the 2017 arcade classic with three additional stages and six additional boss battles! Take control of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael in this classic beat ‘em up inspired by the cult favorite Turtles in Time. Play with your friends through local co-op and dominate the Foot Clan to foil the Shredder’s maniacal plan.
Play a little bird on its journey to find a home after losing its dear friend. You will discover unknown, giant, and beautiful environments and you will be able to enjoy the feeling of flying while exploring a whole world filled with beauty and little secrets.
Expand your farm business, produce cheap and sell your products at high prices. Control the land cultivation process, select the best employees, buy the most appropriate farm equipment, raise livestock, and process the harvested crops. Manage your own farm in the game Farm Tycoon!
Come and visit the famous Big Apple for a brand new cat-spotting adventure! Relax and look around the city, and with enough patience, find over 700 feline friends! The city only gets more vibrant the more cats you find!
An adventure roguelike with permadeath where you must overcome huge mountains. Thanks to the procedurally created environment, no two climbs are the same. Keep your climber alive by always making sure that your vital values don’t get into the critical range. This is made more difficult by a dynamic weather system, day/night changes, and a multitude of randomly generated events.
A distinctive game that recreates Moscow Metro and authentic train controls. 24 stations, various tunnels, and items within them. The game uses modern technologies to show the full experience of Russian capital’s subway — stations on this line will reflect the changes of their era.
Take the role of a nimble rodent separated from his family and lost in a frightening forest filled with fearsome foes! Ratyrinth is a side-scrolling precision platformer with brainteasing level design and retro presentation. Run, jump, cling to walls, swim and climb through mazelike stages presented in minimalistic 2-tone style with fluid pixel art animation.
Available on day one with Game Pass! A soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to withstand attacks from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.
Developed by Masaya in 1997, this robot action game gained popularity at the time thanks to its customizable features, incredible robots, engaging storyline, and its position as the next installment in the Leynos series. The Saturn Tribute version includes new features like Rewind, Quick Save & Load, and Tips functions for smoother gameplay. You can also get power-ups with your Assault Suit.
Available on day one with Game Pass! Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord — the seasons pass, the weather changes and cities rise and fall.
In this action RPG, players will find a nostalgic and heartwarming world created by Akira Toriyama where you’ll meet the Fiend Prince Beelzebub, his chaperone Thief, and the fearless Sheriff Rao, and follow the team on an extraordinary adventure in search of the Legendary Spring hidden in the desert. The end is only the beginning, as beyond this arid ground lies a new realm to explore.
Travel the world as an up-and-coming pro, go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in tennis, and take Centre Court at Wimbledon, Roland-Garros, the US Open, and the Australian Open as you strive to become a Grand Slam Champion in the MyCareer mode. Or choose from over 24 playable pros and unleash their explosive power and clever finesse against other players locally or online.
Aliens have attacked the planet, and they’re turning innocent people into mindless zombies. It won’t be long before the invaders have destroyed the planet unless somebody with guns stands in their way. That’s where you come in! Lead a cadre of soldiers who are ready to take down every last enemy in their path.
The easiest way to program Raspberry Pi Pico is with MicroPython, a Python-compatible programming language developed to run on microcontrollers. With Pico connected to Raspberry Pi 5 via USB, you can use the Thonny IDE (integrated development environment) application to write MicroPython programs and run them on Pico. Packed with features, Thonny is very user-friendly and its ‘Shell’ pane will show you any output from the running Pico program, or error messages if something goes wrong. It also features a built-in debugger which lets you walk through a program step by step to show what’s happening at each stage, helping you to find bugs.
Programming Pico
We’ll connect Pico to Raspberry Pi 5 and write a MicroPython program to blink its on-board LED.
1. To program Pico using MicroPython, we’ll use the Thonny IDE. With Raspberry Pi 5 connected to a monitor, open Thonny – found in (top left) Menu > Programming.
2. Connect the larger end of the cable to any free USB Type A port on Raspberry Pi 5. While holding Pico’s BOOTSEL button, connect the other end of the cable to Pico’s micro-USB port to mount it as a drive.
3. We need to install the MicroPython firmware on Pico. In Thonny, click ‘Local Python 3’ at the bottom right of the window. Select ‘Install MicroPython’ from the pop-up menu.
4. In the next menu, click the ‘variant’ drop-down and select your Pico model type to get the correct version. Finally, click the ‘Install’ button to flash the MicroPython firmware to Pico.
5. A message in the Shell pane will confirm the version of MicroPython installed on the connected Pico. You are now ready to start programming it.
6. To use Pico’s GPIO pins, we need to import the Pin class of the
machine
MicroPython module. Add this code to Thonny’s main pane:
from machine import Pin
7. Next, we assign a variable (we’ve named it
led
) to the LED’s GPIO pin on Pico and set it as an output:
led = Pin(“LED”, Pin.OUT)
8. To toggle the LED on/off, we add the line:
led.toggle()
Click Thonny’s Run button to run the program and turn Pico’s LED on. Run it again to turn it off.
9. To save your program, click Thonny’s Save button and name the file with a .py suffix – we called ours blink.py – and opt to save it on Raspberry Pi Pico.
10. To toggle the LED at regular intervals, we’ll alter the code. Under line 1, add the following to import the
time
module’s sleep class:
from time import sleep
11. Before
led.toggle
, add a new line to create an infinite loop:
while True:
Indent
led.toggle
by four spaces (so it becomes part of the loop).
12. Add another indented line to the loop to add a one-second time delay each time:
sleep(1)
Now run the code and the LED should toggle on and off every second.
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