Monthly Archives: August 2010

UK charts: Toy Story 3 reclaims Number 1

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Toy Story 3 has reclaimed top spot in the GFK Chart Track All formats chart in its forth week of release. It’s the second time the Disney title has been number one, dislodging last week’s top title Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty which drops down to forth following a very successful release.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 makes a surprising jump from eighth to second place to achieve its highest chart position since January. The FPS looks set to replace DS title ‘Dr Kawashima’ as the UK’s biggest seller and this could happen next week.

Ubisoft’s Dance on Broadway raises one place to third while Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption drops to fifth – its lowest ever position after 12 weeks in the all-formats chart.

Just Dance and Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels Starry Skies are both non-movers holding onto sixth and seventh spots respectively.

Meanwhile the magic of Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 seems to be wearing off with the Warner Brothers title dropping three places from fifth to eighth position. Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Battlefield: Bad Company 2 round out the top ten in the same positions they occupied last week.

There were no new entries into the top ten this week with only two new releases – Art Academy and Hidden Mysteries: Titanic – entering the top 40 in 28th and 32nd. The full top 10 is below:

1. Toy Story 3 (Disney)
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Activision)
3. Dance on Broadway (Ubisoft)
4. Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty (Blizzard)
5. Red Dead Redemption (Take Two)
6. Just Dance (Ubisoft)
7. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Sky (Square Enix)
8. LEGO Harry Potter: Years 104 (Warner Bros)
9. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Nintendo)
10. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (EA)

So Train2Game, what do you think about the latest charts? Why do you think Modern Warfare 2 still remains so popular? Will Starcraft II suffer a drop like Crackdown 2 (Now in 25th) has previously? Or do you think Red Dead Redemption will be the next to fall?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

‘Operation Flashpoint: Red River’ reports for duty

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Operation Flashpoint: Red River has officially been announced by Codemasters and is set to be deployed during 2011.

The game is set in the near future and “depicts a fictional conflict with contemporary geopolitical themes, which will unfold over three distinct acts in both single player and drop-in-drop-out co-operative play for up to four players online.”

Codemasters say improvements over previous iterations in the series will include deeper narrative-led campaign, streamlined inventory and control system, a refined enemy and squad AI system, , close-quarters combat,  and new air support options.

Red River also looks set to push co-operative play as one of its biggest features with Codemasters stating ‘players will be able to team up with their friends to play through additional co-operative game modes.’

New player class roles mean that gamers can play the way they want, honing skills in their chosen fields as they rank up through the new XP reward system and customise their equipment with numerous upgrades.

Creative Director Sion Lenton keenly pushes the multiplayer elements of the upcoming title:

“Operation Flashpoint: Red River is being built around four player co-op online play, complete with a strong narrative, new enemies and combat scenarios to deliver gameplay that immerses players in the reality of war like never before.

“The new setting of Tajikistan is a diverse and exciting backdrop for the wide range of military challenges the US Marines face around the world in real life. We’re excited to push the series in new directions while staying true to the core tactical combat that is the hallmark of Operation Flashpoint,”

Operation Flashpoint: Red River arrives in 2011 on the Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 and PC.

So Train2Game, what do you think about this news? Does the prospect of proper co-operative play sound good? Is it a Modern Warfare 2 beater? Or are you just tired of the seemingly endless supply of war themed first person shooters?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

PC gaming hardware sells double that of consoles

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Reports of PC gaming’s demise have been greatly exaggerated, and it is in fact stronger than every current console combined. That’s according to a report by the PC Gaming Alliance

Among the key findings of the Horizons Hardware research report, was that volumes for the PC Gaming hardware market in 2009 were over two times larger than the combined Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 console units shipped in the same period.  Revenue from ‘PC’s capable of gaming’ totalled $54.6 billion during last year, and the alliance expected this to grow to $61.3 billion by 2014.

The report also estimates the worldwide number of consumers gaming  on their PCs – which includes both Desktop and Notebooks – to be 212.6 million for 2009 and expects this to grow to about 322 million by 2014.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the Asia Pacific region which has the highest percentage of PC gamers with 33% using desktops or laptops.

PCGA Research Committee Chairman Matt Ployhar says gamers are moving away from bulky desktops and towards more mobile laptop systems.

“One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in the 2009 Horizon’s hardware report indicates a strong demand for more capable mobile based systems by PC Gamers.”

“PC Gamers are playing a central role in fuelling healthier margins, and driving innovation in this space worldwide”.

Meanwhile, research manager at IDC covering PCs Richard Shims says PC gamers are more willing to spend large amounts on their systems than console owners.

“PC gaming is the highest profile and most mature example of a new era of computing systems based on usage”

“These new usage-based systems are hardware configurations optimized for an improved user experience. Consumers are often willing to pay more for such an experience. In the case of gaming PCs, up to 25% more as compared to a mainstream system.”

Of course, saying PC gamers are more mature than other gamers won’t start a flame war at all. There’s also no mention in the report of gaming on Macs, with Valve in particular pushing more games onto the Apple system. Of course, if you’re unfamiliar with PC gaming, you can read how it could be the ideal platform for Train2Game students in this blog from the archives.

So Train2Game, are any of you PC gamers? Do you think the PC is a stronger system than consoles? Or do you think the PC Gaming Alliance might just be trying to push their vested interested in the system?

As usual, you can leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

New LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer released…and it looks adorable.

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Sony has revealed a new LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer on the PlayStation Blog, and it looks very promising indeed.

The Adventure trailer – for that is its name – shows some of the new tools and abilities at Sackboy’s disposal which includes commanding Sackbots, flying a spaceship, throwing enemies and using bouncy jump pads. You’ll need to use them all as you play through 50 levels in order to save Craftworld from the evil Negativitron.

Of course, the customisation tools available meant, LittleBigPlanet was more than just a platformer, and Media Molecule’s sequel just gives players even more options in this area. Not only can you create your own levels, you can create your own games. It’s something that every PlayStation 3 owning Train2Game student – especially the Games Designers – really should be looking into.

LittleBigPlanet 2 is due for release in the USA on November 16th, with a European release date rumoured to be coming at the upcoming GamesCom.

Still not convinced by it? Then check out the LittleBigPlanet 2: Adventure Trailer here below. If you don’t feel all warm inside then you probably have a heart made of stone.

So Train2Game, what do you think of the video? Of course, you like what you see, but what is your favourite new feature? And do you have any ideas for LittleBigPlanet2 levels or games?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

Batman: Arkham City coming Autumn 2011

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The much anticipated sequel to critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum will be called Batman: Arkham City. The bad news for excited fans of The Dark Knight is that it won’t be released until autumn 2011.

Players will enter Arkham City, the new maximum security home for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. It’ll introduce new characters from the DC Comics series into the Arkham universe, with Game Informer revealing on its latest cover that Catwoman will be one of these. Will she be an ally or an enemy?

It’s rumoured that Mr Freeze, Talia Al Ghul and Two Face will all feature, with a figure that looks an awful lot like the latter appearing on a poster behind Batman and Catwoman in this image. The previously released teaser trailer shows that The Joker and Harley Quinn will both be making a return.

Batman: Arkham City will be available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC, with publishers Warner Brothers promising an array of new and enhanced gameplay features “to deliver the ultimate experience as the Dark Knight.”

The Batman: Arkham City website is now live.

So Train2Game, how many of you played the original Batman: Arkham Asylum and what did you think? How excited are you about Batman: Arkham City? What heroes and villains would you like to see make an appearance?

And from a Games Designer, Games Developer or Games Artist & Animator perspective, is there any particular franchise, be it comic book or not, that you’d like to work on in future?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.

DJ Hero 2 Multiplayer Developer Diary

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Here’s another little developer diary that Train2Game students may find interesting. This one is from Freestyle Games, and features Creative Director Jamie Jackson talking about their upcoming title DJ Hero 2.

During the two and a half minute video, he speaks about DJ Hero 2’s six new multiplayer modes. These include Party Play, which lets you and friends freestyle through continuously running mixes at will, and Streak, a battle game that also let’s a vocalist join in on the action.

The other modes are DJ battle, head to head, Accumulator and Checkpoint challenge which are all explained in a bit more detail in the developer diary.

Jamie Jackson says the main idea behind the multiplayer modes of DJ Hero 2 is to ‘inspire a party in your living room.’ He also adds that the bars gone up and claims the games multiplayer modes have something for everyone. Reckon he’s right, Train2Game? Why don’t you tell us after watching the Developer Diary from Freestyle Games below? (Careful now, it contains ‘Mild Suggestive Themes!’)

So, have you thought about designing multiplayer games? Do you think it’s more difficult than doing it for a single player game? And do you like what you’ve seen of DJ Hero 2?

The game is released this autumn.

As usual, leave your comments here or on the Train2Game forum.

Kaka the face of FIFA 11 – How important is cover art Train2Game?

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Brazilian superstar Kaka will be the worldwide cover star of FIFA 11, while Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney also appears on the UK packaging. It’s the sixth year in a row the England forward has been FIFA’s man on the box.

However, it’s Real Madrid’s Kaka who’ll be EA’s centre-piece of global advertising, with the midfielder joining 16 other footballers in regional specific packaging. Kaka says he’s pleased to be joining other illustrious footballing superstars who’ve featured on previous FIFA front covers.

“I’ve always been a fan of EA SPORTS and especially the FIFA series.”

“Being on the FIFA 11 cover is a great honour for me since very few players have this opportunity, and there have been some great footballers featured on the cover of this truly amazing football game.”

“Reinvention of player authenticity”  is boasted as FIFA 11’s main new feature. The idea being that players will react more realistically like their real life counterparts with, for example, skilful midfielders touching the ball more often than centre backs when dribbling the ball.

It’ll also introduces new Pro Passing where pass accuracy is determined by a gamers’ ability on the control pad, and player skill, situation and urgency on the pitch.

FIFA 11 is released in the UK on October 1st.

So, Train2Game what do you think of the FIFA 11 box art? Do you think someone else should have been on it? How important do you believe a cover illustration is when trying to promote games?

Have you thought about packaging for your games yet, and if so, how many times have you decided to change it?

As usual, leave your comments here, or discuss it on the Train2Game forum.

Rare Golden Wrenches to be destroyed for charity

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The Golden Wrench is one of the rarest items in online gaming, with just 100 being randomly distributed to Team Fortress 2 players during the Engineer Update. Now the owner of Golden Wrench #31, a fellow who goes by the name of WiNG will be destroying his wrench, and all in the name of charity. He explains on the Golden Charity website:

“I’ve decided that perhaps Golden Wrench #31 is better served destroyed than remaining to exist. I also decided that, if I were to destroy it, why shouldn’t I try to make something good come of the situation? To create something positive of this utterly divisive, bitter issue? And for that reason, I’ve chosen to run a fundraiser to benefit the Child’s Play Charity, culminating in the destruction of the Golden Wrench. So far, this movement has gained the support of thousands, including 7 other Golden Wrench owners who have chosen to join me and delete their gold-plated play things for charity.”

The top 20 highest individual donators will be invited to watch the destruction ceremony take place on August 31st, and see some of gaming’s most sought after items reduced to nothingness in the name of charity. There’s still a lot of time before the August 23rd deadline for donations, but already the Golden Wrench campaign has raised over $6000, or almost £4000, to provide sick children with toys, books and games. If any Train2Game students wish to donate yourself, you can find out how on WiNG’s  Golden Charity page. Do you think more Golden Wrench owners will join in?

If you want to know a bit more about what’s going on, you can watch the video below. As usual, you can discuss this news on the Train2Game forum.

Xbox Live & PSN the ‘perfect platform’ for risky games

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The PlayStation Network and Xbox Live are the ideal platforms for publishing creative or risky games, according to Another World creator Eric Chahi.  Speaking  to GamesIndustry.biz about the decision to release upcoming game Project Dust by digital means only, he said:

“There’s no distribution or retail to worry about – no manufacture or production costs, so it’s less risky for a publisher to sign an original game. I think it’s the perfect platform for this kind of game that’s not really mainstream.”

Chaci also added that the lower price of digitally distributed games is also an advantage “At retail games are more expensive, whereas on XBLA and PSN they’re cheaper, so you can reach more people.”

Recent Indie hits such as Joe Danger and Limbo seem to support the theory that the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live are great platforms for smaller developers – like Train2Game students – to publish games. This is even if a recent report suggests that most games are bought on discs.

So Train2Game, do you think it releasing a game on the PlayStation Network or Xbox Live is the way forward? Or are you looking at other ways to publish games? Also, what do you think of Project Dust? The trailer is below.

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forums.

Virgin & Ubisoft form tag-team

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Virgin Gaming has partnered with Ubisoft to be the online tournament provider for some of the publisher’s most anticipated multiplayer console releases. Upcoming titles include Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. CEO of Virgin Gaming, Rob Segal, is pleased with the new deal.

“Ubisoft is one of the leading video game publishers in the world and we are thrilled to offer our members the opportunity to compete in some of their best multiplayer console games,”

“Virgin Gaming is a unique convergence of social networking, video games and competitive gaming, and we are excited that Ubisoft shares our vision for the platform and its potential.”

Ubisoft President of North America, Laurent Detoc, also spoke positively of the partnership.

“Ubisoft is thrilled to be partnering with Virgin Gaming on its new venture. We have an exciting line-up of multiplayer titles this year that we believe will be a perfect fit for gamers to play and compete against each other in a tournament setting.”

Sir Richard Branson unveiled Virgin Gaming to at E3 with an announcement that they would give away over $1 million in cash and prizes over its first 12 months.

Apparently we’ll get more information about Virgin Gaming’s other partnerships in the coming months.

So Train2Game, what do you think of this new partnership? Will it work? And do you think you’ll try and enter any of their online competitions?

As usual, leave your thoughts here or on the Train2Game forum.