In this week's edition, we take a look at a new headset from OSVR, Google's DeepMind playing Montezuma's Revenge for rewards, and two new games out for Linux.
Open gaming roundup for June 12-18, 2016
Razer announces HDK2 VR headset supporting OSVR
OSVR is an open source ecosystem supporting multiple hardware brands. HDK stands for Hacker Development Kit, but Razer claims the new headset is for developers and gamers alike.
Featuring 2160x1200 dual-display technology (1080x1200 per eye) running at 90fps, HDK2 is designed for maximum virtual reality immersion combined with custom designed optics for vibrant, clear visuals that will blow you away at every turn. HDK2 will support both OSVR and SteamVR, which means it will play Steam games that support VR with normal controllers.
Google DeepMind plays Montezuma's Revenge
Google DeepMind, the AI firm behind famous projects like AlphaGo that beat Go champion Lee Sedol, has succeeded in building a program that associates motivation with reward. Researchers at Cornell University were able to get DeepMind to play a game called Montezuma's Revenge.
Early attempts resulted in the AI giving up easily and scoring no points, but after teaching the AI a sense of reward for curiosity, it became "interested" in seeing what was in the next room. DeepMind is based on TensorFlow, Google's open source machine learning system.
New games out for Linux
Transmissions Element 120
Transmissions Element 120 is a short single-player experience set in the Half-Life universe. The game features a unique gravity-defying weapon that allows you to jump over buildings and sustain large falls. The story takes place at a mysterious date and location. Here's what Gaming on Linux has to say about the game:
I have to say, I thought it was excellent. I really like the mysterious setting, the performance even at 4K resolution is pretty decent too. It feels a little bit like the start of Portal 2, as you don’t really know what’s going on, but it’s very intriguing. I didn’t have too much trouble figuring anything out, so it’s not overly challenging, but it was a really nice experience.
SuperTuxKart
Classic open source racer SuperTuxKart has a brand new release with new tracks. This is the first RC release that will become a major new release. Here's what Gaming on Linux has to say about the game:
The new release features three new tracks, and a new audio track, recording your times and playing against ghost replays. Font handling now supports TTF fonts and they also added in AI for the 3 strikes battle and soccer modes.
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