Very cool stuff, I’m interested to see what else is going to come out of the game development for Max Payne.

Check out the great images that we’re used as reference for Max Payne 3.

Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll be offering a glimpse into just some of the behind-the-scenes research and production design done over the course of Max Payne 3′s development, from information and asset-gathering trips down to São Paulo, to local casting for pedestrian types in all the game’s levels, to extensive study of municipal law-enforcement wings, weaponry and much more.

Gathering assets to help accurately inform and create faithful game level environments set in São Paulo, Rockstar game developers and designers took several trips to the area to extensively document everything from the glamour and exclusivity of posh spots like Avenida Morumbi, Avenida Paulista and the Jardins district, to harsh high-crime locales like Favela Japiaçu (Favela do Nove) and the infamous Edificio São Vito (aka Treme Treme or the Vertical Favela). Thousands of pictures were taken for mood and texture, local fashions and outfits were scanned for reference, and a diverse array of Paulistanos from all walks of life — from bossa nova singers to jujitsu champions to favela gang members — were consulted and interviewed to provide thorough background on the dazzling and dangerous world in which the game is set.

[via Rockstar Games]

I love this piece.

photos by Mark Sherwood and Stuart Addelsee

[vaia laughingsquid] Read more

It’s a very special day for Ninjatown fans.

Shawnimals is pleased to announce that the Ninjatown Ninja Builder iPhone App is now available. The freemium app allows users to customize their very own Ninjatown avatar and share it via Facebook and Twitter. It’s super simple – users can choose from different ninja body styles, colors, moods, facial hair, clothing, accessories and background with over 7,000 combinations possible in the free app and over 15 million when you grab the first two content packs only $.99 apiece! There will be free updates to come, as well as other $.99 content packs.

Head to the App Store (direct link: http://bit.ly/sbWAH5) to get rocking with the Ninjatown Ninja Builder for free!  In less time than it takes to bake a batch of Ninja Star cookies, you now have an adorably badass ninja to share. Ninjatown Ninja Builder.

I want!! A release will begin starting January.