Dublin-based studio behind world’s first 3D printable game

A Dublin-based studio has launched a Kickstarter campaign to create the world's first 3D printable video game.

Daniele Frau, an Italian born 3D artist and developer who has been living in Ireland since 2014, has created XModule, a video game that not only allows players to race highly customisable cars but also to 3D print a version of them.

As players progress through the game they unlock more car parts that can be downloaded and added to the 3D model they have printed.

The game, which will be available for Windows and Mac in early 2017, comes from G21 Studio, a company set up by Frau and his wife Marina Pisu. It was recently showcased at the Sega-sponsored PC Gamer Weekender event in London.

As most gamers may not have a 3D printer yet, G21 Studio has partnered with 3DHubs so that players can send parts to their local printing service to be produced.

The Kickstarter campaign is looking to raise €36,000 to turn the game into a reality.

Having previously studied programming and 3D graphics, and being a keen gamer, Frau said bringing all his interests together was a dream.

"To bring something to life that has been created on a computer is something that I love and we think others will like it too," Frau told The Irish Times.

“Of course, the 3D print element to the game is something unique about XModule but it wouldn’t be enough in itself to make it popular. The game itself has to be something special and we think it is,” he added.

Separately, Dublin will host a video game music show this weekend, with Video Games Live returning to the city.

The show is part of the three-day Dublin International Game (iDig) Music Festival, which will include seminars, demonstrations of the technology behind creating video game music, and live performances. The festival, which gets underway on Friday at the Convention Centre, culminates on Sunday with the Video Game Live concert, led by Eimear Noone. XModule Kickstarter campaign: http://iti.ms/1MZhPuR