Monthly Archives: June 2011

Bobby Kotick believes traditional retail crucial for games industry future

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While some publishers – which as the Train2Game blog previously reported includes EA – believe digital is the future of the industry, Activision don’t agree.  They believe traditional retail still has a huge part to play in selling games.

“Retail is going to play a critically important role in the future success of entertainment,” Activision CEO Bobby Kotick told CNBC.

“When you see people lined up at store before a launch, that in itself creates the popular cultural awareness,” he added.

“I don’t think the theatre experience you have in a store is going away anytime.”

Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that Kotick revealed that special editions of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be available. The trailer for the next Call of Duty title was revealed last month, and can be seen on the Train2Game blog.

Activision are still hesitating to enter the social and mobile market, but see it as “an opportunity” said Kotick.

OnLive see mobiles as more than just an opportunity, with the Train2Game blog reporting earlier that their service will be available on them this year.

So Train2Game, do you…agree with Kotick? Is there still a strong future for traditional retail? Or will digital take over in the near future?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum

[Source: MCV]

Train2Game E3 News: Miyamoto – Apple & Nintendo in ‘very different areas’

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As reported by the Train2Game blog, Nintendo revealed their new console – the Wii U – during their E3 press conference.

The Wii U’s touchscreen controller certainly raised eyebrows on the Train2Game forum, but some have noticed that it looks just a bit like an iPad. Nintendo are however playing down this observation.

“I have to be honest, I don’t really know everything that Apple is planning right now, so it’s hard to say,” Shigeri Miyamoto replied when asked by CNET to compare the Wii U and the iPad.

Last month the Train2Game blog reported on what the Nintendo legend belives it takes to become a Game Designer.

“When I look at things, I feel that Nintendo is looking at video games, and how we make the most compelling and fun video game experience. And then, within that framework, how can we use that to create new and fun entertainment within the living room setting

“So we’re really looking at it strictly from an entertainment perspective, and when I think about the things that Apple is talking about in terms of cloud computing and things like that, I’d say that they’re just two very different areas that we’re both looking at.”

Earlier today the Train2Game bog revealed that Triple A games will soon be available on the likes of the iPad thanks to a cloud service from OnLive. The device will also be able to be used as a controller in a similar fashion to the Wii U.

Smartphones and tablets aren’t just for playing games anymore, with the Train2Game blog reporting earlier this week that one new app allows game developers to produce games using the iPad.

Regular Train2Game blog readers are also well aware of how valuable developing mobile games can be for an aspiring game developer. Indeed, Train2Game students on work placement at DR Studios helped develop newly releases iPhone and iPad title Bug Wings.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the similarities? Are there any? What does it say about the games industry? Or is it all just a coincidence?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: CNET]

Train2Game E3 news: OnLive brings Triple A to tablets and smartphones

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OnLive tablets

In a mobile gaming development that could very much be of interest to Train2Game students, OnLive has launched an Android and Apple app that brings cloud gaming to the mobile market.

As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, OnLive allows streaming of Triple A titles to computers or other system that wouldn’t be advanced enough to run them. This process is done via running the games on computers on OnLive servers then transferring the visuals to the users monitor via the internet.

The certainly adds something to the mobile gaming market, something Train2Game students will know is fast growing industry.

And OnLive Founder and CEO Steve Perlman belives cloud gaming is the future of the industry.

“The power of the cloud is definitely the theme this week, displacing what had been assumed to be platforms that could never be displaced,” he said as the App was launched at E3.

“The OnLive Player App for iPad and Android shows how with the power of the cloud, the question is not whether cloud gaming will be able to catch up to consoles, it will be whether consoles will be able to catch up to cloud gaming.”

The Onlive App reportedly works with most games already available on the service, and both smartphones and tablets will be able to become advanced gaming devices. A control will also become available to play games in the more ‘traditional’ way.

OnLive is expected to launch in the UK later this year.

Smartphones and tablets aren’t just for playing games anymore, with the Train2Game blog reporting earlier this week that one new app allows game developers to produce games using the iPad.

Regular Train2Game blog readers are also well aware of how valuable developing mobile games can be for an aspiring game developer. Indeed, Train2Game students on work placement at DR Studios helped develop newly releases iPhone and iPad title Bug Wings.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the OnLive app? Can smartphones and tablet computers compete with consoles? Is the future of gaming cloud based?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: PCR-Online]

Train2Game E3 news: Nintendo reveal Wii U

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Wii U controller

While yesterday the Train2Game blog reported that Microsoft’s E3 presentation seemed to focus on bringing the Xbox 360 to a wider audience, and Sony focused on its core market, Nintendo E3 conference revealed how they want to incorporate both markets with a new console – the Wii U.

As reported by the Train2Game blog in the run up to E3, the new consoles controller does indeed feature a touchscreen control pad, which as demonstrated by Nintendo, will be integrated into many aspects of gaming and other activities.

Will U will be equally satisfying to all. No machine has done that before,” Satoru Iwatatold the E3 audience. “It will offer deeper and wider experiences than any gamer has realised before. It will let everyone see games in a different way and represents a major step toward reaching our goal.”

Nintendo do indeed look to be providing deeper experiences for the core gamer, with the Wii U reportedly supporting the same level of graphical prowless as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. And while we’ve yet to see what it looks like, the Wii U is a new console designed to compete with Sony and Microsoft for the core audience with HD graphics.

That isn’t to say Nintendo are abandoning the casual audience picked up via the Nintendo Wii. Far from it in fact, with the new touch screen controller designed for use with much more than just games.

Demos demonstrated how the controller will be usable with functions such as video calls, compatibility with current Wii peripherals and even use of the 6.2 inch screen to play games. Nintendo were keen to point out however that the Wii U isn’t a handheld, and the console needs to be turned on in order to play games through the controller screen.

And the Wii U will have plenty of games, with various Triple-A titles coming to the console, including Batman: Arkham Asylum.  A range of developers including EA and Ubisoft will be bringing titles to the new console – something that may convince Train2Game students that Nintendo really is looking at re-establishing its core audience.

The Wii U is set for release next year with no price confirmed as of yet.

In a further step that may convince Train2Game students that Nintendo is keen to focus on the hardcore, a range of new titles were announced for the 3DS handheld console. Core titles including Mario Kart 3DS, Starfox 3DS, Super Smash Bros and Luigi’s Mansion 2 were all revealed during the presentation.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Nintendo’s E3 conference? What do you think about the Wii U? Will Nintendo once again revolutionise the game industry? And can the newly announced 3DS titles revive the handheld console?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game Student Adam Gulliver – Industry Experience Diary No.3

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Train2Game Game Designer Adam Gulliver writes about his experiences on a Train2Game student work placement at DR Studios. You read can part 3 here on the Train2Game blog, or on the official Train2Game industry experiences website.  Both Part 1 and Part 2 as also available on the Train2Game blog.

World of StarCraft’ mod popularity means StarCraft MMO “likely”

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StarCraft 2 Train2Game blog image

Earlier this year, the Train2Game blog reported that a budding game developer had caught the eye of studios with a ‘World of StarCraft’ MMO mod for StarCraft II.

Then as also seen on the Train2Game blog, modder Ryan Winzen was invited to Blizzard to discuss potential employment. While there hasn’t been any news of Winzen in a job, rumours of a Starcraft MMO have surfaced.

That’s according to a report by GameFront which suggests Blizzard are “committed to enhancing shareholder value through residual monthly fees,” with StarCraft

“Given the popularity of the StarCraft universe, the immediate reaction to the World of StarCraft mod, and factoring in an aging World of Warcraft, Blizzard has been put into a position where an SC MMO would be too financially lucrative to pass up.” The report states, with an update adding “Our source asserted that there will be a StarCraft MMO.”

While there isn’t a guarantee anything from the independent ‘World of StarCraft’ mod will be in any new MMO, it’s still a good reminder to Train2Game students about the impact modding can have.

For a reminder of how beneficial modding can be, see this Train2Game blog post from earlier in the year.

And it isn’t just the Train2Game blog that stresses the importance of modding to the game developers of the future. In a recent interview with the Train2Game blog, Red Faction: Armageddon Lead Level Designer Jameson Durall said modding is a great way for aspiring game developers to practice their skills.

“One thing I would say is for people who are even interested in it is to start modding. Find your favourite game, download their tools and start learning what it is to actually create content for this.

That gives you real practical knowledge of how making games works, even if it’s just in a small capacity.” he replied when asked what advice he’d give to those looking to be a Game Designer.

“Grab one of the LEGO games, like LEGO Indiana Jones, it has a full level building system built right into it. And LittleBigPlanet, those are things you can get in there, learn to play and just recreate something you experienced to see what goes into that” the Level Designer added.

He also recommended UDK as a great modding tool, and as reported by the Train2Game blog it recently passed 800,000 downloads.

It’s also worth adding that infamous 2 is released this week, and as previously mentioned by the Train2Game blog, it’ll feature a level creator with the best becoming easily accessible to every player.

So Train2Game, there’s not really any excuse not to start modding or at least building levels using in-game tools!

What are your thoughts on the prospects of a StarCraft MMO?  Would it be a successful MMO? Could the fact it exists be purely down to the mod before it?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: GameFront via VG247]

Train2Game E3 news: Sony offer the hardcore

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PlayStation VitaWhile the Train2Game blog reported that Microsoft’s conference focused on Kinect and the more casual audience, Sony very much focused on the core audience.

The biggest news to come from the event – despite the being leaked beforehand – were details on Sony’s new handheld, the PlayStation Vita, previously known to Train2Game blog readers at the NGP.

The news was confirmed by Sony CEO and Exeuctive Vice President Kaz Hirai who not only revealed the official name for the PS Vita, but also that the handheld console will launch in time for Christmas.  Two models will be available, a Wi-Fi only version of PS Vita for €249, while a Wi-Fi and 3G version will retail for €299. There are no UK specific prices as of yet.

“PlayStation Vita will revolutionise the portable entertainment experience,” said Hirai. “It gives you the most complete entertainment package in the palm of your hands.”

Sony confirmed that there are ‘more than 80 titles’ in development for the PS Vita, with big name titles including Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Bioshock and a handheld version of Street Fighter vs. Tekken. Train2Game students may very well be excited by the hardcore nature of games for Sony’s handheld.

The Sony E3 conference also saw the company push their other new technology: 3D Television and specifically 3D gaming.  The company revealed a (relatively when compared to others) low cost PlayStation branded 3D TV with a 24 inch monitor. The PlayStation TV will allow two players to see separate images on a full screen.

The PlayStation branded 3D TV will cost $499, with the price including cables, 3D glasses and Resistance 3.  Sony obviously have a vested interested in 3D – given that they produce the televisions! – but earlier this month proclaimed that Uncharted 3 will be a huge step towards gaming becoming mainstream, as reported by the Train2Game blog.

Bioshock Infinite will be PS Move compatible

Uncharted 3 was one of a number of PlayStation exclusive titles that was demonstrated during the Sony show.  God of War and Team Ico HD collections were dated for later this year, while Sly Cooper will also return after a seven year absence.

Sony’s conference however wasn’t completely free of motion control news, with PlayStation Move implementation being announced for a number of titles.  Perhaps most sensationally, Irrational Games KenLevine himself revealed that Bioshock: Infinite will be PlayStation Move compatible.

The development came after Levine had previously criticised motion control. Unfortunately, there are no details as of yet how Bioshock: Infinite will use PlayStation Move.

Sony also revealed that LittleBigPlanet 2 – a game that many Train2Game students should be familiar with – will receive ‘deeper integration’ for PlayStation Move later this year.  SCEA boss Jack Tretton said that the Move controller will be able to be used to both create and play LittleBigPlanet 2 levels, but didn’t reveal how this would be done.

And in other Sony news, it’s been revealed that in a world first, Eve-connected shooter Dust 514 will be a download only PlayStation 3 exclusive that’s free to play.  The Triple-A title will be connected to PC game Eve in real time and it’ll be supported by a microtransaction based system.

“The ability for Sony Computer Entertainment to partner with a developer like CCP, known for pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the MMO genre, holds tremendous potential for the PlayStation 3 community,” said SCEA SVP Rob Dyer.

“We anticipate that Dust 514 will transform the landscape across PlayStation 3 and the PC, ushering in a new era of shared cross platform gaming.”

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Sony conference? Are you pleased with the focus on the hardcore? Are you impressed by the PlayStation Vita or PlayStation monitor? How do you think Bioshock: Infinite will implement move? And are you interested by the free Dust 514?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game E3 news: Microsoft goes Kinect heavy

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Mass Effect 3 will have Kinect support

Microsoft’s two hour E3 presentation focused on a range of improvements and new uses for Kinect.

As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, the hands free motion controller broke the 10 million sales barriers in March.  Microsoft’s E3 conference shows their looking to both consolidate and increase this market with Kinect news for both hardcore games and more casual applications.

Massive upcoming titles including Mass Effect 3 will see Kinect integrated into gameplay with the use of voice recognition technology.  It’ll mostly be used for selecting dialogue during conversations, with the option of commanding squad mates too. Of course, Mass Effect 3 will still feature regular control.

The introduction of Kinect compatibility for Mass Effect 3 does two things; firstly it allows Microsoft to take a step towards bringing Kinect to a hardcore audience – the Bioware title is highly anticipated by Train2Game forum users – while the voice commands are step towards making gaming a more interactive experience.

Interestingly, the Train2Game blog reported in April that Kinect developer Rare believe that voice commands are the future. The future may be here with Mass Effect 3 is released next year.

Microsoft’s E3 conference also revealed that Ghost Recon: Future Soldier will be adding Kinect compatibility. Players will be using it to customise weapons and then test them on a virtual shooting range. It’ll be interesting to see how it works first hand, and then to see if’s implemented for the full-game. Again, it’s evidence of Microsoft attempting to bring Kinect to the hardcore.

Kinect Star Wars

However, in what may be disappointing news for Train2Game students, the Kinect Star Wars demo showed that it appears to be an on the rails game with a lightsaber instead of a gun – not the hardcore title many were looking for.

The press event also demonstrated that Microsoft are very much attempting to use Kinect to tap into the casual market that the Nintendo Wii has held for some time.  Kinect Disneyland Adventures, Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster, and Kinect Fun Labs all demonstrated a family friendly direction for Kinect. We also got more casual titles in the form of Kinect Sports 2 and Dance Central 2.

At least when it came to non-Kinect titles there was something for the hardcore gamer, with live demos of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Tomb Raider looking very impressive. It very much looks like the Train2Game blog is justified in listing Tomb Raider as one of the most anticipated games of the year. (That is, if it’s released this year. There’s no date yet)

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Kinect heavy nature of the Microsoft presentation? Does it demonstrate Kinect is the future of the industry? Or are Microsoft just attempting to force it into as many titles as possible? How would you implement it into ‘hardcore’ games?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game Student Adam Gulliver – Industry Experience Diary No.2

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Train2Game Game Designer Adam Gulliver writes about his experiences on a Train2Game student work placement at DR Studios. You read can part 2 here on the Train2Game blog, or on the official Train2Game industry experiences website.   Part 1 is also available on the Train2Game blog.

 

 

Report suggests Nintendo ‘Project Cafe’ features touchscreen controller

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What's reported to be a Project Cafe concept image

Its E3 week, and many Train2Game students will have their eyes glued to the various presentations and conferences that’ll be happening throughout this week.

Nintendo’s big keynote isn’t happening until tomorrow, but already rumours suggest that the Nintendo Wii’s successor – known currently as Project Café – will feature a new type of controller with a touch screen.

That’s what a report in Japanese mainstream newspaper Nikkei details according to a translation by Andriasang.

It suggests that the next Nintendo console will feature a six inch touch screen for the controller which can not only be used to control games, but also used as a handheld separate from the console.

The controller also reportedly features a camera that can be used for in-game functions and rechargeable batteries. Nikkei say the next Nintendo Console will be released in mid 2012.

Many Train2Game students will no doubt be tuning into the presentation tomorrow to see what’s going to be revealed!

But first there’s the Microsoft presentation, which starts this afternoon.

What are your thoughts on the report? Will you be watching the Nintendo conference? What do you want from their next console?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Andriasang via GamesIndustry.biz]