Monthly Archives: September 2011

Train2Game students split on potential of 3D gaming

Posted on by
Reply

 

Train2Game students don’t appear to be fully convinced by comments made by Sony on the potential of 3D in gaming.

As reported by the Train2Game blog,  Sony Group Studio Director Mick Hocking believes the technology means we’re in “one of the most thrilling eras to be a gamer”

And while some Train2Game students on the Train2Game Facebook page believe in the potential of gaming in 3D, some see it as little more than a fad.

“If the 3D is right, I feel it adds to the immersion of the gaming experience” said Train2Game student Richard Meredith

“Maybe not so much in shooter’s as I feel that the screen has too much going on and can cause confusion, don’t get me wrong some areas are of shooters in 3D are great, but I feel 3D works best for racing, sports, and third person perspective games.”

And Train2Game student Danny Goddard believes it definitely has potential.

“Don’t think 3D tech is quite “there” yet.” he wrote on the Train2Game Facebook page

“However, I do consider it a stepping stone to greater things in the future of entertainment/Games industry.” He added.

Meanwhile, some Train2Game students believe 3D is nothing more than a gimmick which will eventually pass.

“3D is a fad the comes around every 10 years or so, sooner the better it goes the same way the HDDVD drive went for the 360” said Mark Byrne, while Louise Grundy believes 3D looks good, but is still just a fad.

“3D on the 3DS looked better than I expected, but it’s just a gimmick and nothing more.” She wrote on the Train2Game Facebook page

There are also those such as Calum Knight who believe 3D has potential, but needs to do more to avoid falling into a failed technology fad.

“If they ever get 3D to work with the gameplay of a game yes, if it’s just for showing off simply no. Current 3D is just a gimmicky fad at the moment.” he said.

And finally, responding to Train2Game via Twitter, Levi Dargue was more than a little cynical about Sony’s enthusiasm for 3D gaming.

“Of course they would say that, those shiny new overpriced 3DTV’s won’t sell themselves” he said.

Where do you stand on 3D?

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

Train2Game news: 3D means we’re in “one of the most thrilling eras to be a gamer” say Sony

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game students will probably be aware that Sony have a strong interested in 3D, with Uncharted 3 being seen as the game that could help bring the technology to the mainstream.

Resistance 3 is another big title that boasts 3D compatibility, which the Train2Game blog reported today debuted at No.4 in the UK Charts.

Sony believe that 3D will eventually enter gamers lives in a big way, but at the moment the technology is only just beginning to show what it’s capable of.

“Looking at the future of 3D, I think we’ve really only just begun to realize its potential as a creative medium.”  Sony Group Studio Director Mick Hocking told Industry Gamers.

“With the combination of 3D and motion control gaming with PlayStation Move, I think titles like Resistance 3 are just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” he argued.

And Hocking believes that the potential of 3D makes it a hugely exciting time to be a video game consumer.

“For those who may have been fans of some of the ‘virtual reality’ projects of the late 1980s and early 1990s, improvements in processing power and 3D screen resolution are creating virtual spaces that are more realistic than ever” he said.

“If you look at what PlayStation is doing now and the innovations that are being worked on in our Studios in 3D gaming, we’re living in one of the most thrilling eras to be a gamer,” the 3D enthusiast concluded.

As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, 3D technology was a huge part of Sony’s E3 press conference. And last month Sony revealed a futuristic 3D headset, which while impressive, at a cost of around £500 is probably a little too expensive for most gamers.

Sony have long been evangelists for 3D gaming, but the technology is also starting to gain interest from their rivals Microsoft. Indeed, the upcoming Halo Anniversary from 343 will feature 3D compatibility.

“With Halo: Anniversary you are able to play the game in stereoscopic 3D and really, the important thing for us was to add features that didn’t impact gameplay but enhanced it, and 3D was a good opportunity to do that”

“So, we were able to add 3D into the game and you can play 3D in re-mastered mode however much you like” Producer Dennis Ries told the Train2Game blog in a recent interview

So Train2Game, what do you think is the potential of 3D technology? Will it enter the gaming mainstream? Or does it feel like a gimmick to you?

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

[Source: Industry Gamers]

Train2Game news: Activision plot ‘methodical’ entry into social & mobile gaming

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game students will be aware that many game developers are moving into digital, social and mobile gaming.

Indeed, as reported by the Train2Game blog, one of the biggest games industry publishers in the form of EA is massively committed to a digital push.

Their biggest rivals however, Activision, have been less keen to embrace digital. The Train2Game blog has previously reported that Activision CEO still sees a big future for traditional bricks and mortar retail rather than an all digital future.

And while Activision have yet to buy into social or mobile gaming in a significant way, their eventual entry will be ‘methodical’ Gamasutra report CFO Thomas Tippl told the Citi 2011 Tech Conference in New York City

We’re methodically investing in social and mobile gaming projects,” he said.

“While our goal is always to be number one in anything we do, even if we only get to half of our fair share in mobile and social over the next three years, it will still represent a significant upside, given that the mobile and social gaming markets have finally reached critical mass. And I expect it to grow at a double-digit clip for the foreseeable future.”

“We are certainly expanding the reach of our franchises through the platforms that are emerging,” the Activision CFO added.

Activision are starting to tip toe into the world of social media with their Call of Duty Elite service which will connect fans of the game with each other via mobile among other things.

As reported by the Train2Game blog, Elite will offer the chance for community game modes to become part of the official game.

And while Activision’s social media and mobile strategy is currently tied to their high profile brands.

“To date, we’ve mostly [explored social and mobile] around our existing franchises” said Tippl

“In the future you will see more activity on our part to broaden our social and mobile parts of the portfolio,” he added.

Of course, Activision isn’t totally foreign to digital markets, with 12 million – including some Train2Game students – people paying a monthly subscription for World of Warcraft.

What are your thoughts on Activisions digital and social strategy? Do they risk falling behind? Or are they wise to play the long game?

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

[Source: Gamasutra]

Train2Game student created multiplayer modes could become part of Modern Warfare 3

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game students will be aware that community created content can provide a way into the games industry. Indeed, the Train2Game blog has previously reported that LittleBigPlanet developers Media Molecule often the best community level creators.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is likely to be the biggest game of the year, it’s a game that’s popular among Train2Game students, and may prove even more so as members of the Call of Duty Elite community will have the chance to create new game modes.

“Community feedback is what drives most of our decision-making for post-launch support especially.”  Infinity Ward’s Rob Bowling told NowGamer.

“Because we want to see what they want more of, what they want tweaks on – be it more Spec Ops Survival, more multiplayer maps, new weapons, new game modes.”

Modern Warfare 3 will feature customisable multiplayer settings,  and it’s possible the most popular could end up as official game modes on official servers.

“Call of Duty: Elite is going be a massive help for us, because now, since you can create your own game modes in [a] private match, you can share those on Elite” said Bowling

“We’re going to be seeing the ones that are voted the highest, and we’ll see if we want to incorporate them into the public playlist,” he added.

Activision say Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will bring ‘the most advanced multiplayer ever’ when it’s released later this year.  See the Modern Warfare 3 trailer here on the Train2Game blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the possibility of community created modes being added to the main game? Would it encourage you to pay for the Call of Duty elite service?

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

[Source: NowGamer]

Train2Game news: THQ say future consoles won’t use discs

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game students who like to collect boxed games may find this a little hard to take, but the future of games consoles won’t involve discs.

That’s according to THQ CEO Brian Farrell who made the prediction during his keynote presentation at Cloud Gaming USA.

But it could be a good thing for Train2Game students, the game developers of the future, because according to Farrell the lack of a disc drive “will result in a lower cost for the hardware manufacturer, which will result in a lower cost to consumers and therefore a lower entry point, thus driving more mass market adoption.”

In addition to allowing more people to play games, the THQ CEO believes that any future consoles with no disc drive will generate more revenue for game developers.

“No physical goods cost for game makers. No inventory, no markdowns, and all the money spent by the consumer would go to the developer or publisher.” said Farrell.

Farrell also believes that cloud gaming will be beneficial for gaming communities

“Our games are always on and our players are always connected….We have the opportunity to interact with players in new ways that can be reactive to their desires, play habits, and buying habits.”

“The box, ship and done model is transitioning to: observe, measure, and modify, a games as a service model where direct consumer feedback allows the ability to operate in this always on, always connected environment.” he told Cloud Gaming USA.

Train2Game students will have the opportunity to try out cloud gaming for themselves at the upcoming Eurogamer Expo. As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, OnLive will be at the event and Train2Game students could get their hands on a free OnLive system to take home.

Of course, Train2Game will be highly visible at the Eurogamer Expo too, and are giving Train2Game students the opportunity to win an iPad 2 complete with an i OS developer account.

So Train2Game, what do you make of Farrell’s predictions? Do you think there will be consoles that don’t use discs in future? Is cloud gaming the way forward?

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

Train2Game’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier interview with Ubisoft

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game was at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany from 17th August to 21st August. While there, we spoke to three members of the Ubisoft Ghost Recon: Future Soldier team. They were Game Director Eric Couzian, Lead Game Designer Roman Campos Oriola and Associate Producer Thomas Leroux-Hugon.

In an in-depth interview with Train2Game they discuss new game design features for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, taking co-op into account during game development and adding Kinect motion controls to the game.

They also reveal how they got into the games industry and suggest how Train2Game students can follow in their footsteps.

Read the Train2Game Ghost Recon: Future Soldier interview below,  here on the Train2Game blog.

Train2Game news: Adding Kinect motion control ”not really difficult’ say Ghost Recon developers

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game students may be split over the potential of Kinect, but developing for the motion controller isn’t difficult…so long you know how you want to use it.

That’s according to the developers of the upcoming Ghost Recon: Future solider. The upcoming tactical squad shooter features Kinect compatibility in its Gunsmith mode, which as reported by the Train2Game blog was first revealed at E3.

The mode allows players to put together and take apart weapons using Kinect hand gestures, while motion control can also be used to test the weapons on an in-game firing range.

And developers Ubisoft say adding these features to Ghost Recon: Future soldier was relatively simple

“I think adding the motion control of Kinect to a game it’s not really difficult when you know what you want to do with it, when you know to add it into the game” Lead Game Designer Roman Campos Oriola told Train2Game at Gamescom.

“So for us Kinect for the gunsmith is there to enact the fantasy that you are really manipulating your weapons and customising them.”

Associate Producer Thomas Leroux-Hugon added that while Gunsmith mode was originally designed with a control pad in mind, its context meant adding Kinect compatibility made things simpler.

“In the very specific context of the gunsmith mode the design existed already as a pad driven design but Kinect added something that made things simpler in a way” said Lerouz-Hugon

“It’s always easier for us to work from a good ground and then something closer to the actual act of manipulating stuff.”

And Ubisoft are convinced they’ve found the right use for the motion controller, without having to think about it too much

“It could be like ‘we need to put some motion control in, what feature will do? Maybe we could have that?’ No. The case was we had a really clear mind about what we wanted to do with It.” added Oriola.

The full interview Ghost Recon: Future Soldier interview with Ubisoft will be published shortly.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Kinect in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier? Have Ubisoft found the right use? Do you have any ideas about how you’d like to use Kinect in games.

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

Train2Game news: Team Meat on how to get your game on Steam

Posted on by
Reply

 

Super Meat Boy developers Team Meat recently featured on the IndieGames.com podcast where they discussed their projects and various aspects of game development.

Perhaps of most interest to Train2Game students is Team Meat’s advice about how to get an indie game onto Steam.

As Train2Game students will know, the Steam digital distribution service can be very beneficial for indie developers, with Frozen Synapse developers Mode 7 Games labelling it as essential.

So how does an indie studio get their game on Steam?

“If you can get a lot of attention, and get people to care about your game, try to do interviews, show what your game’s about”  Edmund McMillen, one half of Team Meat told IndieGames.com

“And if Steam keep saying no, then just release it, and then if it does really well, then show Steam.”

He added that Steam is giving indie games more publicity because it’s been a successful venture for them.

“I think Steam is getting more accepting of indie games because they’re doing really well with indie games. Indie games are doing really fantastic on Steam”

“So yeah, persistence… make the best game you can, and talk about your game.” He added.

McMillen also argued that being prepared to go the extra level to get your game published on Steam, and not giving up at the first hurdle is also very important for indie game developers looking to get their games on the service. Getting there could be tough.

“But don’t give up too — that’s like a big thing. We used to hear of a lot of people saying “I emailed Steam and they didn’t get back to me”, and then they just fucking give up.” he said.

“If we gave up, we wouldn’t be on anything. We had to fucking fight. You have to fight for these things.

“I would say persistence and drive are the two most crucial things about being a successful indie developer.” Added Tommy Refenes, the other half of the two-person Team Meat team.

Last time Team Meat featured on the Train2Game blog, they labelled Kinect ‘garbage.’ The statement was controversial to say the least and drew both support and opposition from Train2Game students.

What are your thoughts on the advice from Team Meat? How important is persistence to game developers? And do you see Steam as an avenue to publish your games through in future?

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

[Source: Gamasutra] 

Train2Game and Epic Games to Host UK’s Biggest Game Jam

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game, has joined forces with Epic Games, developers of cutting-edge games and cross-platform game engine technology, to host the UK’s biggest game jam from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th November 2011.

The 48-hour video game creation marathon will bring together an estimated 150 games enthusiasts at the University of Bedfordshire, where they will go head-to-head to create innovative video games using Epic Games’ Unreal Development Kit (UDK), the free edition of the award-winning Unreal Engine 3.

The Train2Game and Epic Game Jam is open to aspiring games developers, including Train2Game students and hobbyist games developers. On Friday, November 4th, registered competitors will convene at the University of Bedfordshire’s new development lab to form teams and build games around a secret theme, which will be announced on the first evening of the event. The jam concludes on Sunday, November 6th, when three teams will be selected as winners by industry A-listers from some of the UK’s hottest development houses, as well as Epic Games.

Mike Head, marketing director at Train2Game said: “The Train2Game and Epic Game Jam is a great opportunity for students and amateur games developers to create content for their portfolio and rub shoulders with well known developers within the industry. Working with Epic Games also means that we have a unique opportunity to introduce participants to the cutting-edge UDK framework, which will allow them to really bring their games to life and showcase their talents.”

“This game jam offers a valuable creative outlet for anyone looking to make games,” said Mike Gamble, European territory manager of Epic Games. “Participants will have access to excellent tools, members of the Unreal Engine development community and industry veterans, plus there’s potential for the best games to gain additional exposure beyond the event itself.”

As well as creating cutting-edge content for their portfolio, and learning how to use the UDK, Train2Game and Epic Game Jam competitors will be eligible to win prizes for the most innovative new games developed over the weekend. Prizes will be announced closer to the event.

For further information, and to sign-up to the Train2Game and Epic Game Jam please visit http://train2game-jam2.com/, existing students can login intowww.train2game-online.com.

Train2Game students have never had a better chance to compete with big companies

Posted on by
Reply

In what will be music to Train2Game students ears, there’s never been a better time for small developers to be successful.

That’s according to Kristian Segerstrale, the boss of Playfish. As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, Playfish social games are played by 55 million people a month.

“Never before has there been a time where as a small company you have such an unbelievable opportunity to challenge the big giants in any sector.” Segerstrale said while speaking at an event in London.

“And nowhere is there such an opportunity as in mobile.”

As Train2Game students will know, the rise of mobile gaming has made it much simpler for aspiring developers to get their work out there. Indeed, Train2Game student Georgij Cernysiov from the North East of England has released his own iPhone game, Euro Destruction.

And Segerstrale believes the number of smartphone owners could rise from 1.5 billion to 4 billion over the next five years, thanks to the world’s emerging economies.

“There’s an opportunity that big companies can’t do: it’s hard to focus on this platform when you’re big. People are migrating from desktops to mobiles, and big companies won’t do it, you guys will,” said the Playfish boss.

“It is horrible today to be a big company and want to do something new and innovative and different.”

And as reported by the Train2Game blog, UK developer Ninja Theory appear to agree with Segerstrale in that they believe it’s easier to be creative for a mobile or digital device.

Train2Game students can get an insight into life as an indie developer from the Train2Game blog interview with Liverpool based micro studio Hogrocket. The ex-Bizarre team recently released their first iPhone title, Tiny Invaders.

What are your thoughts on Segerstrale’s comments? Does the emergence of mobile really mean that small developers can compete with the established giants? Would you prefer to develop for mobile?

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

[Source: Develop]