Monthly Archives: February 2013

Train2Game News: J.J Abrams and Gabe Newell could collaborate

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Valve logoValve CEO, Gabe Newell and top film director, J.J Abrams hit the stage at the DICE summit in Las Vegas and announced they had been talking about working together.

After a back-and-forth about player agency and storytelling, Newell revealed that the duo had been “recapitulating a series of conversations going on,” and that they’re now ready to “do more than talk”: Newell suggested “either a Portal movie or a Half-Life movie,” and Abrams said he’d like to make a game with Valve.

Valve are one of the top games developers with games such as Half Life and Portal under their belts which have incredible game play mechanics that make them fan favourites.

J.J Abrams on the other hand is one of the best directors at the moment, responsible for the reboot of the Star Trek films and is taking the helm on the new Star Wars films. Abrams has also worked on TV Series such as Lost and Fringe.

The two men working together could bring forth incredible games with the mechanics of Valve and storytelling of Abrams. In addition, in my opinion, there would be no man better to direct a Portal or Half Life movie than Mr Abrams.

In 2010, Newell said that if Valve were to make a Half-Life movie, it wouldn’t hand over control to any Hollywood studio, saying:

“There was a whole bunch of meetings with people from Hollywood. Directors down there wanted to make a Half-Life movie and stuff, so they’d bring in a writer or some talent agency would bring in writers, and they would pitch us on their story. And their stories were just so bad. I mean, brutally, the worst. Not understanding what made the game a good game, or what made the property an interesting thing for people to be a fan of.

“That’s when we started saying ‘Wow, the best thing we could ever do is to just not do this as a movie, or we’d have to make it ourselves.’”

There are no details on Newell and Abrams’ project—be it game, film, or both—outside of the tease that they’re talking. They are talking and I am sure that can only mean good things.

Train2Game News: New Facebook video channel for Developers

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Facebook Developers LiveFacebook have launched a new video channel which could be incredibly useful for Train2Game students.

Facebook has launched a video channel, known as Developers Live, to help developers stay up to date with the latest technology news and tutorials. The curated channel features live, recorded and interactive broadcasts.

Through this new channel, Facebook aims to give developers a central place to learn about the latest tools and to give them access to the product managers and engineers who created them.

Initially, Developers Live will cover:

• Mobile development – how to go deeper and grow your apps with Facebook

• Game development – how to build better games across web and mobile

• Websites and publishing – how to use Facebook to drive traffic

The first Developers Live event is schedule for February 19th and will feature Facebook’s director of product, Doug Purdy. Mr Purdy will discuss the top three things every mobile developer needs to know in 2013.

This could prove to be incredibly valuable for Train2Game students and give them insight in to what other Developers are thinking and working towards. I advice all Train2Game students to get involved with this new initiative.

If you would like to find out more you can visit Developers Live on Facebook

Train2Game News: Next Xbox could eliminate pre-owned games

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XBOX720One of the latest reports to come out in regards to the next Xbox suggests that you will need a constant internet connection to play games.

The report announces that Microsoft will move to make Xbox Live an integral rather than optional feature of the next Xbox, with retail games being made available for download. Physical boxed titles will remain on sale in shops via 50GB Blu-ray discs, but “activation codes” will require verification online, the report adds. Once verified, discs will have no function beyond the initial users – effectively eliminating the second-hand games market as it’s currently known.

The information is said to come from sources with first-hand experience of Microsoft’s next generation console.

“Given its experience with 70 million-plus 360 console stats, Microsoft has accumulated enough user data to make the decision to go online-only with its successive hardware one that adds up,” the report states.

“Microsoft’s hand has been guided by the PC gaming landscape, and viewed through a particular lens it makes sense, even if unbelievers will take some convincing.

“Ultimately, Microsoft has asked itself a simple question: who wants to play games on a next-generation Xbox and yet doesn’t have access to the internet? The answer: not enough to make a considerable difference.”

The next Xbox, codename Durango, is said to utilise an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics solution and 8GB of DDR3 RAM but to date the consoles hard drive capacity is said to be undecided.

Both next-gen consoles are said to be set for release before this Christmas, although PS4 is unlikely to launch in Europe until “early 2014”.

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs – 06.02.13

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Train2Game news is bringing you more jobs to try and help you make that all important first step in to the gaming industry.

DEVELOPER

Job Title Programmer – Hello Games
Job Category Programming
Skills Required Gameplay, Graphics / Engine
Location Guildford, UK & Europe

 
Job Description Hello Games, the bright new star of the indie scene, is hiring. It’s pretty awesome. Here’s the “job description” – make fun games, drink tea, win awards and talk nonsense. You can have total creative freedom too, if you want.

Hello Games is a tiny team and it’s going to stay that way. It’d be nice to become the next big thing though, which is going to take at least a couple more friends. This is your chance to become a big part of a small team with big ideas.

We’re looking for anyone who likes making games, and is awesome. Specifically we’re really interested in new fresh talent to fill the role below.

Programmers
We’re looking for enthusiastic programmers interested in owning a project from start to finish. Here’s some things we think you should have:

  • Examples of some previous games and side projects.
  • Good academic record, especially Maths.
  • Experienced in C++ and 3D programming.
  • A love of playing and making games
  • An interest in bringing existing games to new platforms

About Hello Games
Hello Games wants to make games that will put a stoopid grin on your face. They have set forth on a brave journey of discovery and adventure to bring some new, funky coloured pixels to the world.

Joe Danger was their first title, a triple A game developed by the talented team of four for XBLA and PSN. Since then they have been joined by some more talented people from around the globe. Together they will all unleash the charm and creativity that has been stopping them from sleeping at night.

And it’s only just begun. Drop what you’re doing and come join them!

Application Instructions
Please send CVs and portfolios to:
jobs@hellogames.co.uk

ART

Job Title Cinematic Animator – On-site or Remote – up to 220 EURO a day – Games
Job Category Art / Animation
Skills Required Animator
Location Germany
Job Description  

Location: On-site Frankfurt or Remote from home
Salary: Up to 220 EURO a day
Job Type: Contract from 10th Feb to 20th Feb 2013
Project: 1st Person Video Game Cinematic

My client is a specialist visual outsourcer to mainstream game developers as well the broadcast and feature film industry. As a result of a video game contract they are now looking to hire a Freelance Cinematic Animator to work either on-site in their Frankfurt studio or remotely from home. It is a short contract but an awesome project and there might be chance to work on future projects for the studio.

REQUIREMENTS / RESPONSIBILITIES:
You will be need to have experience of MotionBuilder and be responsible for layout of some cutscenes (prior to mocap). The cutscenes are first-person and the task is to block out the scenes and roughly animate the camera (which is supposed to be the head of the player).

A competitive day rate is on offer and the potential for work on other projects.

To ensure a speedy application please email your up to date CV in MS WORD FORMAT and Show Reel to officemanager@opmjobs.com or call me Jon direct on +44 (0) 1206 214425 if you have any queries.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

DESIGN

Game Designer

London

11 Month Contract

Start ASAP

£200 to £250 per day
STR are working closely with an award winning studio who are leading the way with interactive entertainment. Following this success and due to new exciting projects an excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Games Designer to join their team starting as soon as possible within a long term contract.
Game Designers are expected to bring their creative skills to bear in a team environment to delight customers and raise the quality of the features and products they are working on. Ideally we are looking for experience across multiple platforms and Apps, able to translate high level vision into quality designs and prototypes. Previous work with sports apps is an advantage. You must be comfortable working within a fast paced, busy team who rapidly produce prototypes and deliver high quality work as expected.

You will be focused on creating and implementing detailed interactive design mechanics that are fun and innovative and deliver highly engaging consumer experiences.

Responsibilities will also require collaboration creatively with external partners, brands and content providers
Key skills and experience required:

Proven ability to design detailed mechanics from concept and prototype to production
To develop workable product designs from high level creative direction
To work as part of a team, with artists and programmers, to fine tune interactive mechanics
A deep understanding of production pipelines and experience with in-development tool-sets
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
High attention to detail
Knowledge of scripting or programming languages such as LUA, Kismet or XML and visualisation packages such as Visio or In Design
Passion for sports and interactive entertainment

On offer is a long term contract starting ASAP, full time Monday to Friday based on-site with our clients studios in London, easily commutable from many surrounding areas.

To apply please send your CV and Portfolio to cjacques@strgroup.co.uk or call Charlene Jacques on 02392 322362

QA

Job Title Embedded Tester
Job Category QA / Localisation
Skills Required QA Tester
Location Guildford
Job Description This is an excellent opportunity for a future high flying individual to join the 22cans team. We are seeking an embedded tester to work closely with our Development team on the production of Godus.

Key accountabilities
-Testing of games features in full partnership with the development team.
-Working closely with design and code to highlight weaknesses and areas for improvement during feature testing.
-Ensure the build remains stable, reporting of issues by verification testing and automated smoke testing.
– Meticulous logging and organisation of bugs .
– Generation of multiple test and bug reports.

Success Criteria
At least 1 game shipped in a similar role

Understanding of the software development process

Good understanding of mobile devices

Technical understanding of game features

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

Self-starter

Desired
Previous experience in QA is an advantage

Familiar with bug tracking software

Attitude and desire ‘to go far’ in the games industry

You can apply here.

Train2Game News: Train2Game reaches over 6000 fans

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Train2Game FBTrain2Game are very proud to announce that the official Train2Game Facebook page has now over 6000 fans!

This is an excellent indication of the rise of Train2Game and its continued recognition in the gaming industry.

A Train2Game spokesman said, “It’s an incredible day for Train2Game reaching 6,000 fans on Facebook.

“The growth is testament to two things; one being the amazing student community of Train2Game and the second the great news supplied to the Facebook fan page from www.train2game-news.co.uk. “

Train2Game would like to thank all of their fans, students and staff for this great success. They look forward to welcoming many more in to the Train2Game family with the continued rise of Train2Game and the gaming industry.

Train2Game News: Cheap(er) Raspberry Pi now available

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Raspberry Pi Model B

Raspberry Pi Model B

The Train2Game News team is a big fan of the Raspberry Pi computer and now the cheapest computer on the market has an even cheaper version.

A new lite version has released and will cost £16. The Model A is a stripped-down version of the Model B Raspberry Pi, which launched late last year. The lite version has no Ethernet, one USB port and 256MB RAM.

As well as being cheaper than the Model B, the Model A consumes roughly a third of the power of the B, which is useful for those wanting to run projects from a battery or solar power, such as robots, sensor platforms, Wi-Fi repeaters and so on. The Raspberry Pi Foundation is already working on software to get its power consumption even lower.

The microcomputer is getting its general roll out this year, following a well-received reception from early adaptors.

The Model A will only be available in Europe for now, and can be purchase from suppliers RS Components and Farnell. This restriction is due to be lift soon so the rest of the world can order it as well.

RS customers outside Europe can order a Model A now, but there will be a short delay in processing orders, while paperwork is sorted before the devices can be shipped. Farnell customers outside Europe will see the Model A appear on their local sites when this paperwork has been filled.

The Raspberry Pi can be purchased here.

Train2Game News: GameStick Kickstarter earns over $600k

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GameStickThe Android based GameStick has now finished its Kickstarter and it has made over 6 times more than it needed.

The GameStick is a new portable console that runs the android operating system. It is a very small stick, similar to that of a USB stick, with a HDMI connection so it can plug straight in to your HD TV. The stick can be stored inside of it’s specially made Bluetooth controller to keep it safe and compact. The GameStick will also work with other Bluetooth controllers.

GameStick´s purpose-built game store will be powered by PlayJam´s built-for-TV technology enabling users to browse, download content and interact with the wider GameStick community.

The campaign to fund the production of GameStick, which is set to ship in April 2013, closed on Friday with pledges coming in right up to the last second finishing at 648% of the original target with a total of $648k. Those that missed out on the Kickstarter campaign will be able to pre-order via the GameStick website at www.gamestick.tv.

Anthony Johnson, CMO, PlayJam said “We are overwhelmed, excited, grateful, thrilled and everything in between. The campaign has been an incredible success with support from thousands of backers worldwide but this is just the beginning. The feedback from the Kickstarter community has been invaluable in shaping the final product and we will continue to seek input from those that supported us to ensure continued innovation ahead of a global retail launch.”

Throughout the campaign the team responded to thousands of comments and suggestions from Kickstarter backers that saw the product evolve in real-time as the team scrambled to incorporate a number of requested features from additional memory capacity to support for peripheral hardware via a docking station.

GameStick, described as ‘The Most Portable TV games Console Ever Created’ has been hailed by many supporters as the console to disrupt the games industry. The device has gathered high profile supporters throughout the campaign such as; Jason Kingsley, (Founder of Rebellion), Jason Bradbury (Gadget Show host) Jermaine Dupri (Record producer) and Shaquille O’Neal (Basketball Legend).

You can download a SDK for the new device at www.gamestick.tv and start developing for a new consoling experience.

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 – 04.02.13

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Ni No KuniThis week has a brand new game at number 1 knocking Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2 down to third. The new number one is Ni No Kuni. A new game from Namco Bandai games. The Hitman HD Triology also came out this week and has hit the charts at number 5.

Week ending 2 February 2013
POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 NI NO KUNI: WRATH OF THE WHITE WITCH NAMCO BANDAI GAMES –
2 – FIFA 13 EA SPORTS 2
3 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II ACTIVISION 1
4 FAR CRY 3 UBISOFT 3
5 HITMAN: HD TRILOGY SQUARE ENIX –
6 ASSASSIN’S CREED III UBISOFT 5
7 NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED EA GAMES 6
8 JUST DANCE 4 UBISOFT 7
9 HITMAN ABSOLUTION SQUARE ENIX 10
10 THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 9
11 DMC CAPCOM 4
12 FOOTBALL MANAGER 2013 SEGA 8
13 – HALO 4 MICROSOFT 13
14 FORZA HORIZON MICROSOFT 19
15 – SKYLANDERS GIANTS SKYLANDERS 15
16 LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 11
17 LEGO THE LORD OF THE RINGS WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 12
18 SONIC & ALL STARS RACING TRANSFORMED SEGA 14
19 WWE ’13 THQ 16
20 SLEEPING DOGS SQUARE ENIX –

Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2013 UKIE Ltd

Train2Game News: Bioshock Infinite trailer

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Bioshock InfiniteAs it is Friday afternoon Train2Game news has decided to treat you all to a new trailer for the hugely anticipated Bioshock Infinite.

The trailer packs together grand vistas of the soaring city of Columbia, insight into its fire-and-brimstone ruler Zachary Comstock, and plenty of explosive combat against men and monstrosities. Keep an eye out for a special guest appearance from an American President as well.

The trailer is for mature audiences only and is made using only in game footage.

Train2Game News: PlayStation 4 announcement coming soon?

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PS TeaseA post and video on the PlayStation firm’s official blog invites fans to “see the future” at an event set for February 20 at 6pm EST. Sony has also launched a countdown website with the tagline “be the first to know”.

A report suggest that invites have been sent to media and investors for a ‘PlayStation Meeting’ in New York City on the same date.

The Wall Street Journal reports that people “familiar with the matter” have confirmed the event will indeed be an unveiling of the PlayStation 4.

The ‘Orbis’, which is the PlayStation 4 code name, has been the subject of an increasing number of high profile ‘leaks’ in recent weeks, including more than one alleged system specifications dossier. In January senior games studio sources announced the next PlayStation will utilise a brand new controller and that versions featuring a biometric sensor and LCD touch screen have been tested.

Sony has publicly suggested that the next PlayStation will not go on sale before Microsoft’s Xbox 360 successor. Whether this is a good plan is yet to be seen.

There have been rumours that the next Xbox will also be announced in some form before E3, but further leaks of information are not likely.