2 weeks after Kylie Jenner disses Snapchat, Snap lays off 120 engineers

Never underestimate the power of the Kardashian-Jenner clan. It’s been only two weeks since Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the reality television bunch, sent the tweet heard around the Snapchat world, and now, parent company Snap is laying off around 120 employees. And not just any employees — engineers — you know, the folks generally considered most critical to the success of a tech company. While Jenner’s proclamation that Snapchat is dead likely wasn’t really the reason that Snap was forced to reduce the size of its workforce, it’s yet another concerning sign that the company once thought to be the future of social media may be fizzling.

In fact, it’s the second time in 2018 alone that Snap is laying off employees. In an email to employees reviewed by Recode, Vice President of Engineering Jerry Hunter told team members that 120 engineers, or about 4 percent of the company’s total workforce, will soon be out of a job. “We want to unleash speed and productivity in our organization, while keeping a high technical bar,” Hunter wrote. “That required us to think carefully about the shape of the organization, and where each member of our team fits.”

This layoff is said to be the largest in the company’s history — previously, Snap has only laid off a few dozen employees at a time. Last year, a few employees from the company’s hardware unit were let go (unsurprising, given that Snapchat Spectacles were not the resounding success the company hoped they would be), and earlier this year, around 24 individuals were released from the company. There has been trouble brewing at Snap for at least the last several months, as Bloomberg previously reported that the social media giant did not award end-of-year bonuses in 2017 because employees “didn’t beat internal goals.”

We should note that the layoffs come after a period of extremely aggressive hiring. Over the course of the last two years, Snap has hired a total of around 2,400 people, or about 100 per month. But now, it seems as though some of that growth may have been excessive. As Hunter wrote in his email, the goal of the “restructuring” is to “unify the entire engineering organization as a single, powerful and diverse team that is highly productive, extremely innovative, and technically excellent.” Moreover, the executive wrote that the organization would rally “around our key priorities, specifically, addressing the technical debt that we have accrued over the years so that we can develop a product that engages customers and drives Snap forward.” And finally, moving forward, Snap will “deploy an organizational structure that aligns top talent with the most critical priorities, creates clarity around our mission, drives accountability, and rewards technical excellence in product development.”

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‘Crash Bandicoot’ remastered trilogy coming to the Nintendo Switch

In the middle of last year, Naughty Dog released a remake triple-feature — the first three Crash Bandicoot games arduously redone for current consoles and sold as the N. Sane Trilogy. But rumors started surfacing that the redux would be coming to another platform, and during a Nintendo Direct today, the console maker confirmed it: Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is coming to the Switch.

Spin…jump…and wump through remastered versions of all three original @CrashBandicoot games, debuting on a Nintendo system for the very first time! #CrashBandicoot N. Sane Trilogy for #NintendoSwitch launches 7/10. pic.twitter.com/Fgcmbcjekm

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 8, 2018

That brings all three titles that first launched on the original PlayStation to Nintendo’s leading platform, something unthinkable when Crash Bandicoot debuted two decades ago as a platforming rival for Mario. Hopefully the Switch version will also include the difficult DLC that was later added to the N. Sane Trilogy.

Ideally, this would be the first of many company-exclusive characters ports to the Switch — like, say, the PaRappa The Rapper remaster released for PS4 last year. Maybe then I would have a reason to include this incredible 90s commercial:

Nintendo is bringing ‘Super Smash Bros.’ to the Switch this year

During today’s Nintendo Direct stream, the company closed it out by using Splatoon characters to reveal that a version of Super Smash Bros. will come out for Nintendo Switch in 2018. The year and the title, plus glimpses of Mario and Link are all we have to go on for now, but that should be enough for fans of the star-studded brawler to start making their holiday plans.

Super #SmashBros is coming to #NintendoSwitch in 2018! pic.twitter.com/S6WOSuR8rL

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 8, 2018

Source: Nintendo (YouTube)

‘Okami HD’ arrives on Nintendo Switch July 10th

The gorgeous Zelda-style adventure game Okami originally debuted on the PlayStation 2 in 2006, but its paintbrush gameplay came alive with the Wii’s controls in a version released the next year. On today’s Nintendo Direct, the company announced that an HD edition of the divine wolf’s classic journey is coming to the Switch.

The gorgeous remaster of the classic action-adventure game, #okami HD, is coming to #NintendoSwitch #eShop this summer! pic.twitter.com/khKOCMYyWe

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 8, 2018

Switch owners get the HD remastered version, which was released for the Xbox One, PC and PS4 last September — hopefully at the same $20 price. But thankfully Nintendo’s console will let you handle those troublesome brush controls either on the touchscreen or using the Joy-Con’s motion controls. Those who breezed through Breath of the Wild and yearn for another Zelda adventure should definitely pick up the beautiful game when it’s added to the Nintendo eShop on July 10th.

Source: Nintendo (Twitter), Nintendo Direct (YouTube)

The first ‘WarioWare’ game in five years comes to 3DS in August

We last saw a new WarioWare title, Game & Wario, way back in 2013 on the Wii U. During today’s Nintendo Direct the company finally ended that drought and announced WarioWare Gold for the 3DS. Yes, you read that right — it’s heading to Nintendo’s eight-year-old handheld, which is still going strong even as the Wii U has been replaced by the Switch.

The company touts WarioWare Gold as the largest collection in the series, with 300 zany micro-games to play. The quick reflex actions range from old classics like the nose picking challenge, to one where Wario does his best Vitruvian Man impression to knock away watermelons. The title looks to take advantage of the 3DS’s wide range of inputs: you’ll push buttons, use the touchscreen, tilt the system and blow into the microphone. Favorite characters from past titles will be back with new character designs, including Ashley, Kat and Ana.

While it’s disappointing that this isn’t being released for the Switch, last year’s 1-2 Switch did share a lot of DNA with the WarioWare series, thanks to its range of weird mini-games that took advantage of the Joy-Cons’ motion controls. But Nintendo hasn’t added anything to the title’s roster of 28 games since release. It also never had any of the things that make WarioWare games distinctive, like crazy characters, scenarios and great music. If you’ve missed any of those and still rock a 3DS, WarioWare Gold will hit shelves August 3rd.

‘Mario Tennis Aces’ hits the Nintendo Switch on June 22nd

Nintendo said that we’d get Mario Tennis Aces on the Switch this Spring, and now it looks like the company is stretching that deadline a bit. The game will actually land on June 22nd, one day after the season officially ends. We won’t hold that against Nintendo too much though, because it looks to be a unique entry in the Mario Tennis franchise.

It’ll feature more than 15 characters, and, of course, you’ll be able to play it with multiple Switch controller configurations with four players. In addition to the basic swing types, Nintendo is also introducing Zone Shot, a special move that lets you use motion controls to aim your shot precisely. Those moves are also powerful enough to damage your opponent’s racket, and instantly knock them out after taking three. As a countermeasure, there’s a new blocking move that lets opponents hit Zone Shots without hurting their rackets, it just requires precise timing.

The new Zone Speed move lets you run quickly around the court while slowing down the world around you. Even better, the Trick Shot move practically teleports you around the court. It’s also the fastest way to charge up your energy meter, which powers all of these special moves. If all this sounds too much, there’s also a classic mode that lets you play without these powers.

Judge suggests Trump should mute followers instead of block them

Last year, the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University sued Donald Trump, then White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer and White House Director of Social Media Daniel Scavino claiming that the president’s blocking of individuals on Twitter is a violation of their First Amendment rights. The group argues that Trump’s account constitutes a public forum and therefore, blocking US citizens from accessing it is unconstitutional.

“Because of the way in which President Trump uses @realDonaldTrump, the account has become an important channel for news about the presidency and the US government,” the complaint states. “Those who are blocked from the account are impeded in their ability to learn information that is shared only through that account.” Today, a judge suggested the two parties settle and offered muting as a way to appease both sides.

As the Associated Press reports, US District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald told the court during a hearing today, “Isn’t the answer he just mutes the person he finds personally offensive? He can avoid hearing them by muting them.” Both parties’ attorneys said they would need to bring the idea to their clients, but Katherine Fallow, a Knight Institute lawyer said, “It’s not a perfect solution, but certainly, it is a pretty good one.”

Additionally, Judge Buchwald warned that if the two can’t agree to a settlement, they would have to rely on her decision and it could set a precedent that one or both parties may not like. “Like with every case, there is always a risk you can lose,” she said. “If there’s a settlement that serves the interests of all parties, it’s often considered the wisest way to go.”

Source: Associated Press

‘Fortnite Battle Royale’ is coming to phones and tablets soon

Fortnite has rapidly gained ground on the battle royale-style champ, PUBG, and now Epic Games has announced it will launch a mobile version on iOS and Android. Amazingly, it’s supposed to be the same 100-player PvP game we’ve seen on other platforms, and there’s even a promise to support cross-play and cross-progression with the PC and PS4 versions.

Unfortunately, the Android version is coming “in the next few months,” but sign-ups to play on iOS will open Monday with invites to play rolling out soon after. Compatible iOS devices include iPhone 6S/SE, iPad Mini 4, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and iPad 2017 running iOS 11.

Surprise! https://t.co/AXOXkhfriX

— Wes Phillips (@WesPhillips) March 9, 2018

Source: Fortnite

Love TV shows? Try these games inspired by popular series

Do you ever feel sad and empty after you finish binge-watching a great TV series? Do you find yourself actually missing the characters from the show?

The good news is that you might able to bring them back to your Android smartphone and tablet in a form of game characters. And this time around, you won’t be just a spectator, you’ll be allowed to get into the action too.

Below we’ve rounded up some of the best Android games out there that were inspired by popular TV shows. Hopefully, they will help you keep the post-binge-watching blues away.

Desperate Housewives

What it is:

A game inspired by ABC’s drama series that follows the story of neighbors Bree, Lynette, Gabrielle, and Susan, who appear to live a postcard-perfect suburban existence. But it doesn’t take long before viewers realize things aren’t what they seem. 

Why you might want to try it:

• As the player, you’ll be thrown in the intricate universe of suburbia as the newest resident of Wisteria Lane. Team up with your favorite characters from the show in order to solve a dark murder case, but also to build a life for yourself.
• The app lets you create your own story. You can decorate your house, expand your wardrobe and collect items.
• The game also has a romantic component that allows gamers to mastermind their own fairytale relationship.

Install Desperate Housewives

Narcos: Cartel Wars

What it is:

Narcos represents a major achievement for Netflix in its endeavor to produce original content. The show is based on the life of larger-than-life drug lord Pablo Escobar whose criminal career continues to amaze to this day. And now there’s also an Android game inspired by Escobar’s tumultuous life. 

Why you might want to try it:

• Think you have what it takes to become a powerful Capo? Inspired by the award-winning TV show, Narcos: Cartel Wars challenges gamers to develop a successful operation on their mobile.
• Create your empire by taking over rival cartels or teaming up with other players to form alliances.
• Develop your operations in the jungle, while building defenses and hiring sicarios.

Install Narcos: Cartel Wars

CSI: Hidden Crimes

What it is:

The app is based on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation which is part of the CSI franchise. The show follows a team of crime-scene investigators, employed by the Las Vegas Police Department, who use physical evidence to solve murders.

Why you might want to try it:

• CSI: Hidden Crimes has you playing detective, as you try to solve intricate murder mysteries.
• This is a hidden object game in which you find clues and interrogate suspects to get to the truth.
• The app lets you customize your avatar, and as you progress through the game unlock all sorts of achievements and bonuses.
• The game is perfect if you’re looking to develop your logic and observational skills.

Install CSI: Hidden Crimes

Doctor Who: Legacy

What it is:

A game inspired by the iconic Doctor Who television show. The story follows The Doctor, an interstellar time traveler, who always seems to get into trouble.

Why you might want to try it:

• Are you a huge fan of the longest-running Sci-Fi TV Series on TV? Then installing this app on your Android is a must. It’s a gem-match game, but you won’t be simply swapping gems here, there’s a backstory too.
• You are tasked to create a party of characters and match gems to help them fight Daleks and Weeping Angels.
• You level up characters as you go and earn points which you can be put into one of the three states: attack, health or healing for countless hours of fun.

Install Doctor Who: Legacy

Fear the Walking Dead: Dead Run

What it is:

Fear the Walking Dead is a companion series to The Walking Dead. It follows a dysfunctional family who is living Los Angeles when the zombie apocalypse begins.

Why you might want to try it:

• Inspired by the Walking Dead spin-off set in Los Angeles, the game lets you play alongside your favorite character from the show.
• Your goal is to stay alive by using your extensive weapon arsenal (up to 50 different arms).
• The game gives you access to levels that expend the TV shows’ storyline.
• Dark gloomy atmosphere and graphics, so gamers can easily immerse themselves in the apocalyptic scenario.

Side note: The Walking Dead has been turned into a game a few times too. If you want to check out the best The Walking Dead-inspired games for Android check out our earlier piece on the topic.

Install Fear the Walking Dead: Dead Run

X-Files

What it is:

A game inspired by the popular 90s show which stars agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who are always investigating unexplained and mysterious cases classified as “X-Files”.

Why you might want to try it:

• It’s a hidden object game placed in the X-Files universe in which you uncover clues, collect and process new evidence in order to solve cases.
• The app lets you use your moral compass to determine the outcome of the case.
• Players can customize their appearance and unlock achievements as they play.

South Park: Phone Destroyer

What it is:

The app brings the big world of South Park to your Android device. Developed by Ubisoft, it’s a free-to-play collectible card game with a focus on PvP gameplay.

Why you might want to try it:

• Players have to assemble a card deck that features their favorite South Park characters and face their opponents in PvP matches.
• Cowboys and Indians are the stars of the game, but other characters such as cyborgs and wizards are also part of the package. Oh, and you get the ability to kill Kenny too!
• South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone are voicing their characters, along with another member of the TV show’s voice cast.

Did we miss something?

Know any TV shows that has been turned into a fun Android game? Can’t find it on our list? Share it us in the comment section below!

Netflix lands ‘Deadpool’ creator’s comic universe

Netflix is pushing hard to stay relevant in the comic-based movie business, especially after Disney announced plans to shun the streaming service and make its own. Now, just a few months after Netflix’s big acquisition of Mark Millar’s comic publisher, Millarworld, the streaming company has landed a big splashy deal for Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld’s Extreme Universe set of comic book characters.

According to Deadline, the rights deal is seven-figures, and will allow producer Akiva Goldsman (Batman & Robin, I Am Legend, A Beautiful Mind) to oversee the planning and writing of several movies based on the comics universe for Netflix. The deal covers six Extreme Universe books and include more than 50 characters, all of which tend to the edgy, extreme style of comic character Deadpool. The deal gives Netflix quite a leg up in the world of comic book IP, of course, with high-profile names attached to it.

“Rob Liefeld’s Extreme Universe features gritty stories and distinctive characters,” said Netflix’s Scott Stuber in a statement to Deadline. “Akiva’s creative voice has been behind some of the largest movie franchises, making him uniquely capable of helping bring these superheroes from the Extreme Universe to life for Netflix.”

Source: Deadline