Monthly Archives: April 2013

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 15.04.13

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BioShock Infinite Very little action this week in the Train2Game charts brought to you by Ukie. BioShock Infinite continues to fly high above the rest of the charts.

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Week ending 13 April 2013

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 – BIOSHOCK INFINITE 2K GAMES 1
2 – TOMB RAIDER SQUARE ENIX 2
3 FIFA 13 EA SPORTS 4
4 DEFIANCE TRION WORLDS 3
5 – LUIGI’S MANSION 2 NINTENDO 5
6 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II ACTIVISION 7
7 ASSASSIN’S CREED III UBISOFT 8
8 GEARS OF WAR: JUDGMENT MICROSOFT 6
9 LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 13
10 FAR CRY 3 UBISOFT 12
11 NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED EA GAMES 10
12 TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 14 EA SPORTS 17
13 LEGO THE LORD OF THE RINGS WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 16
14 THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM BETHESDA SOFTWORKS –
15 SKYLANDERS GIANTS SKYLANDERS 9
16 HALO 4 MICROSOFT 14
17 SONIC & ALL STARS RACING TRANSFORMED SEGA 20
18 JUST DANCE 4 UBISOFT –
19 SIMCITY EA GAMES 18
20 SNIPER: GHOST WARRIOR 2 CITY INTERACTIVE 19
Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2013 UKIE Ltd
These charts cannot be reproduced either in print or online without obtaining permission from Ukie. If you wish to reproduce the charts in print or online, please contact david.smith@ukie.org.uk for the appropriate license.

Train2Game News: Games Industry News – 12.04.13

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Dishonored Knife of DunwallIt is the end of the week which means its time for the Train2Game news round up. There are many trailers for you this week!

Arkane studios has just released a new gameplay trailer for Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall, the second add-on pack for Arkane Studios’ critically-acclaimed first-person action game. In The Knife of Dunwall you take on the role of Daud, the legendary assassin who killed the Empress, and access his weapons, gadgets, allies and supernatural abilities. After assassinating the Empress, and forever changing the fate of Dunwall, you embark on a search for redemption. You can enjoy the trailer here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHV4R3cseVE

Independent developers and wannabe videogame musicians will be able to quickly and easily create authentic chiptunes when eJay Pure hits iOS and Android later this year –with your help. The 1,000 strong sample pack will mark the first time the eJay series has catered for this booming genre – and illustrates the breadth that Wired Productions is bringing to the core eJay experience. You can support the release of eJay by giving to their Kickstarter at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wiredproductions/ejay-pure

Pokémon X and Pokémon Y launches worldwide in October. Today, the mysteries of the newest Pokémon titles continue to grow with the unveiling of a Pokémon that is strangely familiar to Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo! What is this new Pokémon? How will you encounter it in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y? When will you know more? So many questions! You can see this new Pokémon in the following video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-k1E83_nnU

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment released an all-new trailer for the upcoming DC Comics fighter Injustice: Gods Among Us – set to launch next week on 19th April – which focuses on the Green Lantern’s role within the game’s story and his struggle to defeat his ultimate foe. A sworn intergalactic defender of the innocent, within the story of Injustice: Gods Among Us, Hal Jordan is forced to clash with a carbon copy of himself. As he summarizes in the trailer, “My oath says that no evil shall escape my sight. So what happens when that evil is me?” You can enjoy the footage of GL here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6jrq2I8OKc

Having just released the amusingly fun BattleBlock Theater, The Behemoth revealed that they’re already working on their fourth game creatively titled Game 4. The studio are also talking about whether or not they would make sequels to any of their games such as Castle Crashers. While there are no details regarding Game 4, Behemoth expressed interest in making fighting and MOBA games. They also have “no problem” making another game similar to CC if “we feel we can make a beat-em-up that’ll take the genre somewhere else,” said Behemoth’s co-founder and art director Dan Paladin.

Train2Game News: New Batman Arkham game announced

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Batman Arkham OriginsGood news for Train2Game Bat-Fans! WB Games have announced the next game in the Batman Arkham Universe.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today announced Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, the next instalments of the blockbuster Batman: Arkham videogame franchise. Batman: Arkham Origins will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 system, the Wii U system, and Windows PC.  Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate will be available for the Nintendo 3DS handheld system, and PlayStation Vita handheld entertainment system.  Both titles are scheduled to release worldwide 25 October, 2013.

Developed by WB Games Montréal, Batman: Arkham Origins features an expanded Gotham City and introduces an original prequel storyline set several years before the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, the first two critically acclaimed games of the franchise.  Taking place before the rise of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals, the game showcases a young and unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, players will meet many important characters for the first time and forge key relationships.

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a 2.5-D game developed by Armature Studio that brings the Batman Arkham experience for the first time to Nintendo and Sony handheld systems.  A companion game to Batman: Arkham Origins, players can continue the storyline of the console version and discover more details of the Dark Knight’s past.

“Batman: Arkham is a huge triple-A videogame franchise and we are delighted to expand the experience with Batman: Arkham Origins,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  “WB Games Montréal has an incredibly talented team building upon Rocksteady’s award-winning gameplay and technology to deliver a deep, immersive, quality experience fans will love.”

“WB Games Montréal is honoured to have the opportunity to create Batman: Arkham Origins, a new chapter in this amazing franchise” said Reid Schneider, Vice President and Executive Producer, WB Games Montréal.  “We are huge fans of the franchise and are committed to creating an experience that offers players more of what they love, as well as the chance to play as a younger Batman within a fresh storyline and expanded world.”

Fans can visit www.batmanarkhamorigins.com for more information about the game.

Train2Game News: Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon release date

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Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon

What some thought to have been an April Fools joke has now been confirmed as reality. Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is being released next month.

The game is set in a dystopian 2007 and Ubisoft describes the game as “an ’80s VHS vision of the future where you must get the girl, kill the baddies, and save the world”. The game will star Terminator and Aliens actor Michael Biehn who will likely voice the game’s eye-patched protagonist Sargent Rex Colt, whose mission it is to defeat a rogue cyborg army.

The title is set to be a stand alone title, you will not need Far Cry 3 to play the game. It is set to be released on Xbox Live Arcade, PC and PSN on May 1 according to previous leaks.

In addition Melbourne electronic music duo Power Glove has posted a series of new tracks that claim to be the Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon official soundtrack.

Far Cry 3’s lead writer Jeffrey Yohalem said earlier this year “I’m working on something now that will be surprising, I think, when it’s announced, but it definitely is a ‘strike while the iron’s hot’ thing, and we’ll see.”

You can enjoy a teaser trailer below, ready for the games imminent release:

You can find out more about the game by going to www.fc3blooddragon.com

Train2Game News: Virgin gaming coming to Xbox Live

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virgin gamingGamers already competing against players worldwide with Virgin Gaming, the premier online destination for competitive console gaming, now have a new way to challenge competitors as Virgin Gaming and Microsoft Corp. team up to launch Xbox Tournaments on Xbox LIVE.

This exclusive entertainment application, powered by Virgin Gaming, launches today and allows Xbox LIVE Gold members to seamlessly browse, enter, play in and track tournaments for their favorite games directly from the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. Gamers can register an account at http://virgingaming.com/xbox and download the app from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

“Competitive online gaming is increasingly becoming an important component of the video games industry, and the Xbox Tournaments app allows us to bring engaging tournaments to a large and lively community,” said Billy Levy, president and co-founder of Virgin Gaming.

“The new app on Xbox LIVE delivers unparalleled accessibility for gamers to compete in their favorite games like never before.”

The Xbox Tournaments app makes its debut in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom with launch titles that include EA SPORTS Madden NFL 13, FIFA 13, NHL 13 and NBA2K13.

Virgin Gaming offers numerous proprietary features; including in-game reporting of match results, a skill ranking system, secure payment facilities, and strong customer support, making it the platform of choice for competitive gamers.

Additional territories, titles and features will be added in the coming months, but at launch, players will be able to compete in three-round, free-entry tournaments designed for gamers of all skill levels. They will also have the opportunity to participate in free head-to-head challenges to hone their skills for upcoming cash-play.

To celebrate the launch of the app, Virgin Gaming is hosting a $100,000 tournament and leaderboard challenge between April 9 and May 6, 2013. During that time, all players that participate in and win all three tournament rounds or that climb the ranks of the leaderboard will win a portion of the cash prize pool. Details can be found at www.virgingaming.com/xbox.

“Virgin Gaming is a proven leader when it comes to online video game competitions, and we believe Xbox Tournaments will deliver a wide variety of competitive and casual tournament options that will add an exciting new dimension to game play,” said Matthew Bencke, general manager Xbox LIVE, Microsoft.

“From the beginning, we’ve wanted to create amazing and accessible gaming experiences for our members and Xbox Tournaments give our customers a new way to play.”

With a community of more than two million gamers and top partners, Virgin Gaming offers a strong network for sponsors, such as NOS Energy Drink, Ford, Kia and Dr Pepper, looking to reach the coveted gamer audience.

Train2Game News: Ouya developers respond to negativity

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OUYA ConsoleThe upcoming Android console, the Ouya, has received some negative reviews recently. The console developers commented on the negativity.

Backers of the Ouya Kickstarter started to receive early versions of the console last month. Since then, a handful of negative reviews have appeared online claiming that it isn’t ready for retail.

In a statement sent to Games Industry International, Ouya said the console sent out was not a review unit, and therefore “not ready for review.” The units were sent out for a “preview period” to test, in order for Ouya to make improvements based on feedback before the product’s official retail launch.

The early shipping was also an opportunity for supporters of the Kickstarter campaign to get their hands on the hardware.

An Ouya representative explained that “we will be making Ouya review units available in early to mid-May so that you are able to review the more complete consumer experience and prepare your coverage in time for the June 4th retail launch.”

Ouya stressed that the company “has sent no review units out to press. Any reviews you have seen online are a result from individuals who received early backer units from supporting our Kickstarter.”

Ouya is already working on several updates, including external storage support, more payment options and a simpler game install process.

I, personally, have been looking forward to what the Ouya has to offer and how it will fair in the games market but this has made me think that this is an entirely new endeavours by a fairly small company.

Will the Android console be able to compete in today’s console market against the seasoned veterans with its cheap price tag or will it fall flat and be a forgotten adventure?

Train2Game News: Microsoft analyst comments on next Xbox

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XboxPreviously, on the Train2Game blog, we reported rumours, that the next Xbox may have to always be connected to the internet. It seems, as time goes on, those rumours may be true.

Microsoft analyst Paul Thurrot has revealed that Microsoft will reveal its next-generation Xbox at an event on 21st May and the console will launch in early November.

Thurrot reiterated what was rumoured already – that previous Microsoft design documents have mentioned the “always internet connected” feature.

Thurrot claims “Looking at some of the stuff I got a long time ago, it actually says ‘must be internet-connected to use’ in the notes. That’s all I have, but it does say that.”

Mr Thurrot also revealed the console will be named just “Xbox” and the Microsoft’s machine will be “expensive”. He estimated they will cost around $500 (roughly £326, although likely higher in the UK) but a lower price $300 (£195) model will also be available with some form of subscription.

He also mentioned two other unannounced Xbox-branded machines. One, code-named “Yumo”, was to be an Xbox device purely for entertainment apps, rather than games. The product has seemingly been abandoned to avoid confusing consumers.

The other machine is a new budget-priced Xbox 360 model, code-named “Stingray” which is due for release later this year and the device will cost just $99 (£65). Thurrot suggested this may mean Microsoft’s new Xbox would not play Xbox 360 games.

I would speculate, the choice to create a cheap 360 model would be there way of competing with Android consoles such as the Ouya and Gamestick.

All eyes now look to May 21 in hopes of learning more about Microsoft’s next generation console.

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 08.04.13

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Bioshock InfiniteFollowing last weeks busy charts that was posted on Train2Game news, this week is a bit more quiet. The only new entry this week is Defiance, the game based on the up coming TV series which will be aired on SyFy later this month. The game enters the charts at number 3, unable to move Tomb Raider or the epic BioShock Infinite.

All formats

Week ending 6 April 2013

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 – BIOSHOCK INFINITE 2K GAMES 1
2 – TOMB RAIDER SQUARE ENIX 2
3 DEFIANCE TRION WORLDS –
4 – FIFA 13 EA SPORTS 4
5 – LUIGI’S MANSION 2 NINTENDO 5
6 GEARS OF WAR: JUDGMENT MICROSOFT 3
7 – CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II ACTIVISION 7
8 ASSASSIN’S CREED III UBISOFT 9
9 SKYLANDERS GIANTS SKYLANDERS 15
10 NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED EA GAMES 17
11 CRYSIS 3 EA GAMES 10
12 FAR CRY 3 UBISOFT 11
13 LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 19
14 HALO 4 MICROSOFT 18
15 ARMY OF TWO: THE DEVIL’S CARTEL EA GAMES 6
16 LEGO THE LORD OF THE RINGS WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE –
17 TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 14 EA SPORTS 8
18 SIMCITY EA GAMES 16
19 SNIPER: GHOST WARRIOR 2 CITY INTERACTIVE 13
20 SONIC & ALL STARS RACING TRANSFORMED SEGA –

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

Train2Game News: Rapid2D £10,000 competition winner announced!

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Rapid2DValca Entertainment announced as the winners of the Rapid 2D app design competition

Today lives changed for the team at development company Valca Entertainment as they were granted £10,000 as the winners of the Rapid 2D app development competition 2013. In this exciting competition entrants were tasked to develop Windows 8 apps but it was all about quality and quantity with developers entered into a draw with each game they produced. The winner was announced on www.rti.fm at 3.00pm adding kudos to this already life changing prize.

Myra Smallman, Director of Rapid 2D, said about the games engine “What we have tried to do with Rapid2D is to make it available to everyone and anyone who wants to make games. So, we have a free basic version on the Rapid2D website and very little coding knowledge is needed to be able to operate that. The novice that wants to be games designer can produce a game from the free version.”

On working in the mobile industry, Rik Alexander managing Director at AppCrowd, said “With a smaller company you can turn around apps a lot faster in the mobile market and it is a lot more enjoyable. You don’t need as many overheads and you don’t need as many people, you can be much more nimble as a team. A smaller team can communicate easier which means you make less mistakes.”

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Myra Smallman and Rik Alexander

For more information visit http://www.rapid2d.com

Train2Game News: Games Industry News – 05.04.13

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lucasartsIt is Friday so it is time for another Train2Game game industry news round up.

The saddest bit of news this week was that the new owners of LucasArts, Disney, has shut down the company. LucasArts were responsible for making many of the Star Wars licensed games as well as other games such as Monkey Island. A LucasFilm representative suggested that properties such as 1313 and Star Wars: First Assault could still find a home via a third party.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment announced that the Injustice: Gods Among Us game is now available on the App Store. Developed from the ground up by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, this free-to-play mobile game delivers stunning graphics and a completely unique fighting gameplay experience. The mobile game features a collectible card mechanic and engages players in 3-on-3 tag team combat that pits many of DC Comics most popular icons such as Batman, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Aquaman and more against one another. Fans who also own the forthcoming Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 versions will be able to unlock content in the console versions that will be available in the mobile game, and vice versa, by registering for a Warner Bros. ID (WBID) account and playing the game.

Perfect World Entertainment Inc. and Cryptic Studios are pleased to announce that on April 30, 2013, the free-to-play action MMORPG Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter is heading into Open Beta, allowing millions of players unrestricted access to the game world. Neverwinter is Cryptic and Perfect World’s proof that Western free-to-play games, when built from the ground up, can compete with even the biggest boxed subscription titles. On April 30, the companies invite all gamers to put that claim to the test. There will be no character wipes or restricted access after the start of Open Beta. Players can still become Founders through Neverwinter’s Founder’s Pack Program. Benefits include exclusive access to Beta Weekend 4, permanent in-game items that are unique to Founders, early access to Open Beta, and VIP perks. To take advantage of these benefits and to gain exclusive access to Neverwinter’s Beta Weekend 4, players may visit: http://nw.perfectworld.com/founderspack/

The latest set of downloadable content for Treyarch’s Call of Duty: Black Ops II has been confirmed for an April 16th launch on Xbox Live. The pack will include four new maps as well as a new zombie mode, available for 1200 Microsoft points or free to existing season pass holders. The four new maps are: Magma, a modern Japanese village featuring volcanic eruptions; Encore, taking place in the aftermath of a London music festival; Vertigo, a futuristic high rise building in India and Studio, a Hollywood movie back lot which describes itself as a “contemporary remake of Firing Range” which was found in the original Black Ops. By far the most intriguing addition to the newest DLC is the new Mob of the Dead mode, which sounds interesting enough to breathe life into the unspectacular collection of zombie content available currently. In it you play as a prohibition-era mobster locked up in Alcatraz whose attempts to escape are “foiled by the rise of the undead.”

Finally, creators of the hit game Castle Crashers, have released a new game. Blocks, Cats, Hats, Betrayal! This is how The Behemoth have described their new game, Battleblock Theatre. This newly released game, that is currently only for XBLA, is all about platforming, a “story of geometric proportions”, several modes of online gameplay and a massive amount of replayability. It has over 450 levels, hundreds of unlockables to find, over 300 prisoners to free and The Behemoth is calling it their largest game to date. The Behemoth said they are considering future ports, just like they did with Castle Crashers, but since they are a small studio it would take them quite some time to port if they do decide to bring the game to PC or PS3.