Monthly Archives: June 2014

Train2Game News Borderlands The Pre-Sequel release date

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Borderlands The Pre Sequel2K and Gearbox Software announced today that Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, the next standalone game in the wildly popular Borderlands franchise, will be available internationally on October 17, 2014.

Currently in co-development with Gearbox Software and 2K Australia, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is set in between the award-winning Borderlands and Borderlands 2, and brings low-gravity shoot ‘n’ loot mayhem to Pandora’s moon for the first time. Additionally, those who pre-order the game through participating retailers will receive the Shock Drop Slaughter Pit bonus content, which features intense zero-atmosphere combat against the fiercest enemies Pandora’s moon has to offer, and rewards players with unique in-game loot.

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel offers gravity-bending gameplay with oxygen-propelled jetpacks, as well as new weapons, enemies, vehicles, and moon environments. Playing as four all-new character classes with unique skill trees, gamers will contribute to the rise of Handsome Jack and experience his origin story as he transforms into the megalomaniacal tyrant fans loved to hate in Borderlands 2.

“The teams at Gearbox and 2K Australia have combined the best talent from both studios to create a Borderlands experience that we know fans are going to love,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “For those that haven’t played the critically acclaimed franchise, there’s never been a better time to jump in than with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.”

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel continues the franchise’s tradition of industry-leading co-op allowing friends to play together locally via split-screen as well as online with drop-in-drop-out capabilities. With co-op being as seamless as ever, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel remains accessible for gamers and their friends to play alone or together in a variety of configurations.

“It’s incredibly exciting that an all-new Borderlands experience is as close as this October,” added Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “If you’ve played any of the Borderlands games or if you have a friend who hasn’t yet, the opportunity to blast off as a new set of playable characters in a whole new campaign experience, including shooting and looting on the moon, is just around the corner.”

“We are huge fans of the Borderlands franchise and are thrilled to have this opportunity to show what we can bring to the Borderlands universe,” concluded Tony Lawrence, general manager of 2K Australia. “We can’t wait for fans to play as Athena, Wilhelm, Nisha and Claptrap and experience the new low-gravity gunplay with awesome new guns to freeze and smash enemies, all in the name of Handsome Jack.”

You can view the awesome, joy puke inducing trailer below

 

Train2Game News Radius Festival

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RadiusIf you love games then you’ll love the Radius Festival, successor to last year’s hugely successful ‘EToo’ event, founded by The Guardian’s games editor Keith Stuart, game designer and producer Georg Backer, and Loading Bar Manager Jimmy Dance.

The ambition was to create an event where people could discover and explore new and interesting games – and over the course of four days, it attracted over a thousand visitors.

This year EToo has evolved into the more ambitious Radius Festival, which will include several separate events.

The festival kicks off this Monday, June 9th, with “Radius Loading”, a big E3 media briefings party at the new Loading Bar location in Dalston, London, where popular gaming podcast Midnight Resistance and friends will collectively analyse the major press conferences.

Then, between June 19th – 21st, the “Radius Exhibition” will showcase a range of fascinating, exciting and intriguing games, from both well-known studios and new talent. The venue is one of London’s premiere locations, the White Space, seconds away from Leicester Square, right in the heart of London.

“Radius Exhibition is not just for developers; it is for everyone who loves to explore, discover and engage with games and their creators”, game developer and Radius organiser Georg Backer says, “which is why we’re curating the exhibition rather than asking developers to pay for exhibition space, and why the exhibition is free to attend.”

“There are amazing games out there, many unheard of, struggling to be discovered. We want to help them find an audience”, adds Andy Payne, chairman of UKIE, CEO of Mastertronic and co-organiser.

During the evenings, the venue will host the “Radius Show”, a live-streamed Internet show broadcast on Twitch featuring developer interviews, guest stars and many surprises. As with last year’s show there will be amazing games, interesting conversation, fascinating insights, breaking news and controversy.

“Last year we had everyone from comedian and actor Rufus Hound to video game poets and a music group that uses modified Guitar Hero controllers,” says co-founder of Etoo and Radius, Keith Stuart. “We’ll also have some great guest presenters, and I’ll be wearing a new jumper.” 

The full line-up for the “Radius Exhibition” and “Radius Show” will be announced very soon, along with a few surprises.

The Radius Festival is a not-for-profit event supported by sponsors that include Sega, Mastertronic and game designer Mike Bithell, who says “Grass roots events like Radius are the unsung heroes of game devs, bringing exposure to the projects and people that define our medium’s future. I’m excited to do my bit to help the folk at Radius empower new people. Also I’ve been assured that there will be a Volume poster in the bathroom of the event.”

Keith Stuart adds “Radius continues what Etoo started, but one thing won’t change: Radius will maintain the intimate and friendly atmosphere for developers, gamers and everyone who is enthusiastic about technology, creativity and gaming.”

Get your free tickets for “Radius Loading” and “Radius Exhibition” here: http://radiusfestival.eventbrite.co.uk

Train2Game News Operation Supply Drop rewards soldiers

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Operation Supply DropMilitary-themed video game charity Operation Supply Drop proudly announces the first of several new initiatives for 2014, made possible by the overwhelming success of its recent 8-Bit Salute fundraiser: “Thank You Deployment.”

This initiative provides self-sacrificing members of the armed forces an all-expenses-paid VIP trip to select gaming events or tours of game development studios for a rare insider’s look at the video game industry.

U.S. Army Specialist Sean Patton, the inaugural recipient of the Thank You Deployment, will be flown to this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

Specialist Patton was severely injured while his infantry unit provided suppressive fire for a team of Special Operations when a suicide bomber detonated near his vehicle. Severely wounded, Patton continued to lay down covering fire with his vehicle’s .50 caliber machine gun until the insurgent forces were eliminated. Following several reconstructive surgeries, Specialist Patton is 100% mobile, but is in the process of being medically discharged from the U.S. Army. He received a Purple Heart and Silver Star for his heroic actions that day.

“Sean is a lifelong gamer, and we look forward to being able to provide him with this once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy E3,” said Glenn “Commander” Banton, chief marketing officer for Operation Supply Drop. “There is no way that we can take away the traumatic experience suffered by Specialist Patton on behalf of his country, but we hope that sharing with him the joy and passion so many of us feel in making video games will help ease the trauma and showcase the generosity of those within our industry.”

This is a fantastic initiative to help our deserving men and women of the armed forces. Operation Supply drop asks that you share this post to spread the word to help more military personnel.

Train2Game News Endemol Job Opening

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EndemolTrain2Game spoke to Endemol UK on behalf of the students and they are looking to hire Digital Creative’s to help conceptualise and build amazing apps and games.

Endemol UK is one of Britain’s largest independent production companies and is behind some of TV’s biggest hits including Big Brother, Pointless, 8 out of 10 Cats and Ripper Street to name just a few.  Endemol Games have a proven track-record in creating TV show branded games and are building an exciting and original portfolio of products for worldwide distribution.

They are looking to hire two creative individuals who are passionate about games and other forms of digital media to join our digital creative team. The contract will initially be for 3 months. The work is full-time and paid at a monthly rate of £1300 gross income.

What are you looking for in an employee?

We’re looking for friendly individuals who have creative flair but also the technical ability to back it up.

What advice could you give to an applicant?

Any games you can show us that you’ve worked on in the past would be a huge advantage.

Can you tell us anymore about what the successful applicant will be working on?

We have some great IP’s at Endemol, from  Deal or No Deal to Mr.Bean, if you have an idea that fits any of our brands we’d be keen to look at developing it further. That said, we’re also offering the freedom to come up with completely original and unique IP’s. Have an idea for the next Instagram or Candy Crush? We’ll work together to make it happen.

What skills are you looking for?

We’re looking for someone with any level of programming skill, however if you can show us a game or two you’ve made in software such as Construct 2, GameMaker or Stencyl, we’ll be more than happy to consider you for the role!

Where will the job be?

Endemol UK is based in West London

To apply and get further details for this exciting opportunity to further your games career visit https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=YRHOo0wfT6koVipNUDC-8A#

Train2Game News Redkite Games supporting games charities

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Firefly runnerFrom now until Thursday you can help SpecialEffect and GamesAid simply by purchasing a game by Redkite games.

Red Kite Games are proudly supporting GamesAid and SpecialEffect with Firefly Runner and will be donating 15% of the revenue share equally into each charity.

Firefly Runner is an action packed, free-running adventure set on the stunningly beautiful yet treacherous Firefly Island. Join Switch as he takes flight in search of treasured light orbs and magical keys. After lift-off avoid obstacles, collect cherries and perform acrobatic loop-de-loops to gain extra points.

The studio has the following to say about the project; “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has played Firefly Runner and we hope that you are enjoying the game as much as we have enjoyed making it. GamesAid and SpecialEffect do amazing work helping disadvantaged and disabled children and young people, but without your support and the support of the wider games industry this would not be possible.”

Firefly Runner is available now on iOS and Android devices. Download the game now to help SpecialEffect and GamesAid!

Train2Game News New Mortal Kombat announced

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Mortal Kombat XWarner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have announced Mortal Kombat X, NetherRealm Studios’ next highly anticipated installment in its legendary, critically acclaimed fighting game franchise that propels the iconic franchise into a new generation.

Mortal Kombat X is scheduled for release in 2015 for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC. Mortal Kombat X will make its first public appearance at Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2014 in Los Angeles.

“Mortal Kombat is our acclaimed, world-renowned franchise and we are now advancing the fighting genre with Mortal Kombat X,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  “NetherRealm Studios is best in class at delivering games fans love and they are taking their iconic brand to the next level with Mortal Kombat X.”

“Mortal Kombat has always been about over-the-top, visceral fighting and with  Mortal Kombat X  we wanted to utilise the power of new-gen consoles to give players our most intense game yet,” said Ed Boon, Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios.  “The team has worked hard to make sure  Mortal Kombat X  delivers everything fans expect along with new characters, new game modes and an all new graphics engine.”

Mortal Kombat X combines cinematic presentation with all new gameplay to deliver the most brutal Kombat experience ever, offering a new fully-connected experience that launches players into a persistent online contest where every fight matters in a global battle for supremacy.

For the first time, Mortal Kombat X gives players the ability to choose from multiple variations of each character impacting both strategy and fighting style. Players step into an original story showcasing some of the game’s most prolific characters including Scorpion and Sub-Zero, while introducing new challengers that represent the forces of good and evil and tie the tale together.

You can enjoy the announcement trailer below

YOU MUST BE EIGHTEEN TO VIEW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci6lMQNLKZU&oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DCi6lMQNLKZU&has_verified=1

Train2Game News Mobile VR Headset

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Oculus RiftSamsung and Oculus, the firm behind the Rift virtual reality headset, are working together on a new headset, rumours have claimed.

Engadget, citing “sources close to both companies”, reports that the deal will benefit both companies – Oculus will provide Samsung with early access to its mobile software development kit and will help develop the user interface for the headset, while Samsung will provide Oculus with early access to its upcoming high-resolution OLED screens, which the latter firm plans to integrate into its future headset models.

The screens, which provide a resolution higher than that of Full HD 1080p, will also be used in Samsung’s future smartphone models, the sources added.

The sources also teased some details of Samsung’s rumoured VR headset.

The headset is said to require a connection to a smartphone, which doubles as the display for the device.

The device also includes multiple sensors, including an accelerometer, with the processing power for motion tracking provided by the connected smartphone. The headset is said to support use with a game controller, or can be controlled instead using motion tacking and voice recognition. Physical control buttons are included on the outside of the device.

The sources added that the headset’s rear-facing camera supports for video pass-through, meaning that the user can choose to “see through the phone using the rear camera, which shows a video feed of the outside world to your eyes”.

Unlike the Oculus Rift, Samsung’s VR headset is said to be focused on media experiences rather than gaming, but some games are reportedly in development for the platform.

Train2Game News UK Top 20 Games – 02.06.14

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Watch DogsA battle for the top spots was held this week as two highly anticipated games were released. Mario Kart 8 reached number two being held off by Watch_Dogs which had the seventeenth biggest game launch in UK history.

All formats

Week ending 31 May 2014

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 WATCH DOGS UBISOFT –
2 MARIO KART 8 NINTENDO –
3 WOLFENSTEIN: THE NEW ORDER BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 1
4 FIFA 14 EA SPORTS 3
5 MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION 3 EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 2
6 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL EA SPORTS 5
7 TITANFALL EA GAMES 4
8 MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION MICROSOFT 7
9 CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS ACTIVISION 6
10 – THE LEGO MOVIE VIDEOGAME WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 10
11 LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 13
12 – LEGO THE HOBBIT WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 12
13 BATTLEFIELD 4 EA GAMES 9
14 PLANTS VS ZOMBIES: GARDEN WARFARE EA GAMES 11
15 ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG UBISOFT 14
16 – GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 16
17 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 ACTIVISION 8
18 BORDERLANDS 2 2K GAMES –
19 SOUTH PARK: THE STICK OF TRUTH UBISOFT 17
20 SKATE 3 XBOX 360 CLASSICS –
< previous week
Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2014 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.