It probably passed you by but Xbox One game Pool Nation FX has, in three months, been downloaded 2.5 million times - a tally any game would be proud of. The handsome pool simulator broke 1 million downloads in only four days.

It launched as a Games with Gold title, which means from 1st April it was available free to anyone with an Xbox Live Gold membership. Today is its last day in the programme.

That means there are two sides to this story. One on hand it's unbelievable exposure for the six person Cherry Pop Games team from Salford, UK. But on the other hand, the vast majority of those downloads were for free.

"The majority unpaid unfortunately," Cherry Pop spokesperson Gemma Jessop told me. "I would like to say that we make a fortune out of it but we won't be driving around in Ferraris any time soon.

"However, the awareness is second to none. It was a great opportunity for an indie. As for all indies these days, it's hard to even get your head above the crowds with a small team and a limited budget. But working with Microsoft all that worry is taken away - you know you will get noticed."

She said there was "a fee paid" by Microsoft to Cherry Pop, but that the real value was in the exposure. Apparently the deal came about at Gamescom last year when Microsoft saw the game and put her in touch with the Games with Gold team. There weren't many requirements beyond the usual submission processes and Microsoft were, she said, "very flexible".

Pool Nation FX recreates pool in 10 rule variants both online and off - with a new offline Career mode due in an upcoming patch. PC and PS4 versions are also planned although there's no word on when.

A 16-bit tech showcase The SNES mini is more than an emulator.

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I've just been sent today's [Microsoft hasn't released the patch yet but should imminently, I'm told -Edit] patch notes. Apparently one big addition is that you cannot quit out of an online game with immunity now. You are penalised with a loss. In AI matches points and coins will be dished out appropriately you cheating swine. Patch notes follow.

General

Improved loading times throughout

Improved, more stable frame rate. Solid 60fps

Improved balls (Shinier)

Updated menu design

New, prettier, less intrusive HUD

Local avatars

Can now purchase in game money

Various room and table visual improvements

Various stability fixes.

Online

In Friendly games, the host is now returned to the lobby if the client disconnects.

Tables are now colour coded depending on the League you are in.

Fixed cash exploit

'Waiting for opponent' message now displayed if waiting for their connection

Various crash fixes

Smoother cue and ball movement when viewing opponents turn.

Gameplay

The power bar has returned! Its opacity/visibility can be changed in settings.

Cue ball no longer sticks to other balls/cushions when moving

New ball marker displayed when you have ball in hand

Aiming aid now stays visible when moving ball

Aiming aid is now the same colour as the balls in Endurance.

Fixed physics bug where balls would roll outside the table as if it was still on the table.

Snooker