The Sims might have another competitor from XCOM’s designer
Firaxis veteran Jake Solomon is starting his own studio, and looking to do something different with it
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Firaxis veteran Jake Solomon is starting his own studio, and looking to do something different with it
As it turns out, HBO’s The Last of Us TV series is connected–in a way–to the popular The Lord of the Rings series. The connection doesn’t stem from an in-game Easter egg or anything like that. But it’s come to light that one of the main designers of Gollum from The Lord of the Rings, Gino Acevedo, designed the Bloater from The Last of Us. This story contains spoilers for The Last of Us.
Speaking to Comicbook.com, Weta FX supervisor Simon Jung said Acevedo was “heavily involved” in bringing the Bloater to life. “He figured out all the proportions and some of the growths,” Jung said.
Acevedo worked off reference materials from the video game and elements from the prosthetic suit that the actor who played the Bloater was wearing. Naughty Dog also shared previously unreleased concept art with Weta VFX, Jung said.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run is one of the most beloved Simpsons video games of all time, and among the most highly rated based on review scores. Given the rise in remakes and re-releases of video games in recent times, some are wondering if the 2003 game might be next in line. It’s too soon to say, but lead designer Joe McGinn is a fan of the idea of bringing it back.
“I would love to see it,” McGinn told GamesRadar about a potential Hit & Run remake.
The game’s original developer, Radical Entertainment, and publisher, Vivendi Universal Games, have both closed up shop. So any remake would seemingly have to come from a different developer and publisher. It’s not immediately clear who owns the video game rights to The Simpsons franchise.
One of the game industry’s better-known figures is moving on from the studio he created. Bethesda has confirmed that Tango Gameworks founder and CEO Shinji Mikami is leaving his company in the “coming months.” The designer hasn’t provided reasons for his departure, or said where he’s going next. We’ve asked Bethesda and Tango for comment.
Mikami has been one of the most influential game developers in his 33-year career. He’s best-known for directing and producing early Resident Evil games, but has also played a key role in other Capcom series like Devil May Cry, Dino Crisis and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. He had a brief stint at PlatinumGames, only to found Tango Gameworks in 2010. His studio has enjoyed success with the Evil Within series and Ghostwire: Tokyo. Tango’s most recent project is the surprise-release rhythm brawlerHi-Fi Rush.
— Bethesda (@bethesda) February 23, 2023
Tango wasn’t independent for long. Bethesda had its parent company, ZeniMax, acquire Mikami’s studio in October 2010 after it ran into financial trouble. Microsoft bought ZeniMax in 2021.
This doesn’t necessarily mean Tango is in trouble. Mikami executive produced the company’s three most recent games, and Bethesda notes he’s a “supportive mentor” to younger developers. However, this still amounts to an industry legend leaving the studio that’s supposed to reflect his vision.
CHANGING up your home is the best way to rejuvenate your space but sometimes it can put a hurting on your wallet.
But you don’t always have to break the bank, according to experts, who have revealed the top areas of your home that can make or break the chic look everyone strives for.
The experts at Homes and Gardens have revealed the 11 ways you can make your home look more expensive.
“Making a home look expensive primarily comes down to the materials you use and how you dress your space,” the experts advised.
Before carrying out any of the recommended 11 steps, the professionals suggested decluttering your home as this will ensure you are “starting with a clean slate.”
For their first tip, the interior design pros told homeowners to invest in furniture with character.
“Decorating with antiques, especially wooden pieces, is a great way to make a house look expensive,” they said.
The experts also recommended using paneling throughout your home to add texture.
The surprisingly cheap feature can be utilized on ceilings as well as walls.
The pros explained: “It adds architectural interest to what can be an overlooked part of your interior design and will also emphasize the height of the space.”
Also on your ceiling, you can elevate the look of your home with statement lighting.
Chandeliers are referred to as the “jewelry of the interior,” and can be added to both older and more modern homes.
“A bold pendant light will also draw the eye upwards, emphasizing the height of the room, which in turn makes the space feel bigger and brighter,” the Homes and Gardens pros said.
For their next suggestion, the interior designers said: “A new or refinished banister or balustrade or smartly painted risers, can transform the way in which people perceive your home.”
Paneling on your walls can add texture and create a classy look[/caption]
They continued: “A staircase is an integral part to the structure of any home and is the first thing that yourself and guests see when walking inside, so guaranteeing your entryway is impactful is key.”
For the next recommendation, the founder of Kristina Phillips Design said: “It may seem obvious, but having fresh flowers on the counter is an instant color burst to add endless decorative value.”
The experts also suggested homeowners invest in art to elevate the look of a room.
“Taking time to invest in pieces you genuinely like, that also fit your space will make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of any room,” said Sam Greig, senior designer at Swoon.
Statement lighting such as chandeliers can be used to elevate your home, as well as wooden flooring[/caption]
Replacing carpets with wooden flooring is a key element to classy interior design, according to experts.
“‘Flooring is the key element when it comes to setting the tone for any interior. Get this right and all the other details will fall into place,’ said Darwyn Ker from Woodpecker Flooring.
Incorporating luxury materials into your home can help to elevate the overall look of the space.
Whether it’s investing in a marble bathroom or simply adding marble pieces such as coasters, vases, and coffee tables, your home will look instantly more classy.
Freshly cut flowers displayed throughout your home can add a pop of color and create a classy look[/caption]
It’s also important to hide any visible wires in your home, say the interior design experts.
They explained: “Even the most elegant room will be brought down by a tangle of stray cables.”
The next tip involves adding rugs to shared living spaces such as your living room.
“Luxurious rugs can make a home look and feel more expensive,’ said the founder of Jessica Nelson Design.
And finally, experts emphasized the importance of the small details when it comes to interior design.
“Light switches are the most interactive part of your interior and should be an integral part of the design,” said Howard Solomons, head of design at Wandsworth Electrical.
He explained: “Anything handled so frequently must reflect quality, not only in its look but also in its touch.”
Your staircase is a key feature when it comes to elevating the look of your home[/caption]
A PLUS-SIZED vlogger tried on dozens of bathing suits and swim accessories in a recent video posted to Youtube.
Fashion and lifestyle influencer, Alexandra Rodriguez, embraced her curves in a series of sultry swimsuits.
Youtube vlogger, Alexandra Rodriguez, tried on multiple baiting suits ahead of her trip to Florida[/caption]
She claimed that one baiting suit nearly gave her a uni-boob[/caption]
The young woman, who has over 480,000 YouTube subscribers, regularly posts try-on hauls, beauty advice, and travel content.
Rodriguez explained that most of the swimwear she purchased came from Target, but she also tried on some sandals, coverups, and dresses from Amazon.
The vlogger was looking to revamp her style in preparation for a vacation she had coming up in Florida.
“Finding cute plus-sized swim that also doesn’t break the bank is like chef’s kiss, necessary, the key,” she exclaimed.
“This is a judge-free zone when it comes to bodies, so no body shaming allowed here.”
Rodriguez began by showing off a flattering purple one-piece. She suggested styling the suit with a pair of jean shorts or wide pants.
The influencer then tried on a couple of different bright-colored bikinis.
She was quick to point out that comfort is just as important as aesthetics.
“This top is really cute in theory, but it absolutely feels like I am choking,” she noted.
She was thoroughly impressed with a crochet striped bikini from Wild Fable until she realized that it did not flatter her chest the way she desired.
“It goes from almost a uni-boob situation to like this thin band,” she explained. “It’s just not comfortable.”
The young woman then turned to some of her other fashion picks.
She was particularly impressed with a black one-shoulder dress and romper with slits on the sides.
“I’m in love with this,” she said. “I’m so glad I got this.”
Rodriguez’s viewers were quick to compliment the fashion guru in the comments section.
“I cannot imagine the bravery to upload something like this to the internet. Regardless of body type, opening yourself up to the world’s opinions is so brave,” one person wrote.
Many people were eager to steal some inspiration for their upcoming travel plans.
“I’m going on a cruise in 5 days so I needed this video! I will for sure be checking out these for my next trip!!” another commented.
Other people offered their personal recommendations for other stores to shop at as summer gets closer.
“Old Navy has a ton of cute suits too!” one person added.
Nearer the end of the video, Alexandra showed off a pair of beach slides that she said were “giving designer dupe.”
The tan shoes that she called “essentials” were similar to a pair of Hermes sandals, but for just $24.
The fashion-guru expressed that some of the suits were not very comfortable[/caption]