Monthly Archives: March 2015

Train2Game News Meta 3D joins AR Consortium

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Interactive industry veteran Meta 3D Studios, founded in 2005, has expanded their custom application and game development capabilities to include cutting-edge augmented and virtual reality technologies, and is announcing that it has joined the Augmented Reality Consortium (“AR Consortium”).

The AR Consortium is an exclusive group of industry leaders and executives actively involved in commercializing augmented reality technologies, defining best-practices, and continuously pushing the envelope of innovation in what AR can do.

“We are excited to join the Consortium and share over 37 years of experience in the interactive gaming industry with our peers,” Says Billy Joe Cain, Business Development Director for Meta 3D Studios. “We believe that our background in telling engaging interactive stories and crafting amazing experiences will take full advantage of the incredible potential of augmented reality.”

“When we designed and assisted in the development of a custom branded Augmented Reality marketing application for the launch of a SyFy channel program, everyone’s eyes lit up and they had such a good time. That was like watching people become kids again,” says Randy Polk, President of Meta 3D Studios. “Your imagination can truly come to life with AR; this is the technology of the future that we have been waiting for. Joining the Consortium gives us the chance to share ideas and collaborate, as well as bring new capabilities to interactive applications we develop and customize for our clients.”

Meta 3D Studios was welcomed into the AR Consortium by Robert A. Rice, the Founder and Chairman of the industry group. The AR Consortium was founded in 2009 to promote best practices and share information in the burgeoning field.

“The team at Meta 3D Studios has an amazing background in developing interactive media and experiences with legendary companies and games.” said Robert Rice, Chairman of the Consortium. “Augmented Reality is so much more than just overlaying 3D images on the real world through smartphones and other devices. Meta 3D Studios has a wealth of talent and expertise to really push the limit of AR and create experiences that are amazing, meaningful, and engaging to users. I’m looking forward to what they are going to do next.”

Train2Game News From Bedrooms to Billions out now

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“From Bedrooms To Billions” – a movie documenting the history of the UK games industry is OUT NOW exclusively at Europe’s Number One Retro Gaming Destination, Funstock.co.uk

After being successfully funded via Kickstarter the creators went on to develop a fascinating 150 minute in-depth journey told through interviews and archive footage featuring industry legends including Peter Molyneux, Ian Livingstone, David Perry, David Braben, Ben Daglish, Oliver Frey, Miles Jacobson, Jeff Minter and many more.

The movie tells the story of how the creativity and vision of a relatively small number of individuals allowed the UK to play a key, pioneering role in shaping the billion dollar video games industry.

In addition to the original 150min documentary the Special Edition version (available on Blu-Ray and DVD) features over 150min of additional content, numerous game ‘making of’ features, industry stories and ‘making music on the C64’ features with Rob Hubbard and Fred Gray.

General Manager of Funstock.co.uk, Andy Pearson quoted:

“From Bedrooms to Billions is the definitive documentary on the UK video games industry. It features virtually every personality you can imagine from the golden age of gaming, with exclusive interviews shot for this movie. It is expertly crafted by veteran film makers with a strong passion for the games industry – and this passion shines through. It is an absolute MUST see for anyone with even the slightest interest in gaming. It’s a fascinating story, told by fascinating people.” Andy Pearson, General Manager, Funstock.co.uk

Visit here for more information:  http://www.funstock.co.uk/from-bedrooms-to-billions-home

Train2Game News UK Top 20 Games – 23.03.15

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battlefield_hardline_3_wmThe charts have had a shake up this week with Battlefield Hardline taking the number one spot and Final Fantasy Type-0 HD hitting second place. Slightly further down the charts Mario Party 10 is at number six with Resident Evil Revelations 2 just behind in number seven. It’s about time we see some new blood in the charts.

All formats

Week ending 21 March 2015

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 BATTLEFIELD HARDLINE EA GAMES –
2 FINAL FANTASY TYPE-0 HD SQUARE ENIX –
3 GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 1
4 DYING LIGHT WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 2
5 FIFA 15 EA SPORTS 3
6 MARIO PARTY 10 NINTENDO –
7 RESIDENT EVIL: REVELATIONS 2 CAPCOM –
8 CALL OF DUTY: ADVANCED WARFARE ACTIVISION 6
9 MINECRAFT: XBOX EDITION MICROSOFT 4
10 MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 7
11 DISNEY INFINITY 2.0 DISNEY INFINITY 17
12 – WWE 2K15 2K SPORTS 12
13 HALO: THE MASTER CHIEF COLLECTION MICROSOFT –
14 TERRARIA XBOX 360 CLASSICS 13
15 THE ORDER: 1886 SONY COMPUTER ENT. 7
16 FORZA HORIZON 2 MICROSOFT 14
17 DESTINY ACTIVISION 18
18 FAR CRY 4 UBISOFT 15
19 EVOLVE 2K GAMES 8
20 THE CREW UBISOFT 16
< previous week
Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2015 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 SpecialEffect raise money at Twickenham

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A fundraising lunch, with rugby legends Paul Wallace, Simon Shaw and Zinzan Brooke, raised £22,484 on the day through donations, raffles and auctions for the gamers’ charity, SpecialEffect.

The three former International players were the guests of honor at the inaugural Legends Lunch in aid of SpecialEffect, held at Twickenham Stadium last month, and they entertained an audience of 120 guests with tales of sporting and not-so-sporting experiences on and off the rugby field.

Paul (former Ireland International and British & Irish Lion), Simon (former England International and British & Irish Lion) and Zinzan (former All Black International) were delighted to be able to assist the charity which provides life changing support through the use of leisure technology, to enhance the quality of life for people with severe physical disabilities. 

“We’re honored that Paul, Simon and Zinzan have made such a difference to our fundraising,” said SpecialEffect Fundraiser Nick Streeter. “The money raised from this superb event will help us meet the growing demand for our specialist services including our video games loan library and our StarGaze project, that provides the loan and support of eye controlled technology to those that really need it “

Matt Hampson, a former England International and Patron of SpecialEffect, suffered a major spinal injury while training with England in 2005 and is the inspiration for the StarGaze project;

“When I regained consciousness I couldn’t move and I couldn’t speak – all I could do was move my eyes. It’s impossible to explain the fear, desperation and helplessness you feel when you are totally unable to communicate.”

“SpecialEffect were there for me with an eye-controlled computer that allowed me to speak using an artificial voice. I know first-hand the difference that SpecialEffect can make”

The event was organised by Limelight Interactive, and it is hoped to be an annual event.

Train2Game News EGX 2015 Tickets On Sale

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Gamer Network, the world’s leading network of independent video games websites and producer of the UK’s premiere video games events, today announced that tickets for this year’s EGX – powered by Virgin Media – are now on sale.

Running from 24-27th September at the NEC in Birmingham, this year’s event will not only be the largest in EGX history but the largest gaming event ever held in the UK. With over 80,000 members of the gaming community, thousands of screens of playable PC, console, mobile and indie games, plus the largest number of gaming culture features – cosplay, eSports, retro gaming, merchandise and more – EGX 2015 will be a massive festival of video games and gamer culture.

Playing exclusive, pre-release games is the very core of the EGX experience. This year, more leading publishers than ever have already confirmed their support for the show, including 2K, Bandai Namco Games, Bethesda Softworks, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Introversion Software, Nintendo, PlayStation, SEGA, Square Enix, Team17, Ubisoft, Versus Evil and Xbox. Virtual Reality also returns to EGX, with Oculus VR the first company to confirm its attendance.

EGX 2015 is the best platform for indulging a passion for video games. Throughout the four days of the show, visitors can meet games industry legends – such as developers, pro-gamers and press – discover how to get a job in the games industry at the careers-focussed GamesIndustry Fair and watch their games development heroes in the Developer Sessions.

EGX 2015 will have an extra focus on YouTube channels and creators this year. Through a partnership with famous YouTube network Yogscast, visitors to the show will learn how to become the next YouTube sensation, plus gamers will be able to meet many Internet stars in person.

“Taking EGX to the NEC gives us a great opportunity to reach a broader audience in the UK and we’re supremely confident that we’ll kick-off strongly today”, said David Lilley, Managing Director of Gamer Events. “We’re very excited about our new home at the NEC”.

It’s now easier and cheaper than ever for gamers to travel to and stay at the event. Gamer Network is partnering with key travel and accommodation partners to offer exclusive discounts to EGX 2015 ticket holders. First to announce is Virgin Trains, who is offering a 25% discount on national train ticket prices when purchased with an EGX 2015 ticket. Additional partner announcements are to follow. All information on travel and accommodation is listed in the Location section of the EGX 2015 website.

Frozen at last year’s prices, tickets are now on sale on the EGX website (www.egx.net/egx/tickets ), with a variety of day and full event passes available:

●        Day ticket – £17.50
●        Early entry ticket – £20
●        Four day Super Pass – £60

For the latest information please visit, the EGX 2015 event website: www.egx.net/egx

Train2Game News Tester Job Available

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A new job is available for Train2Game students who are interested in games testing.

F2P GAMES QA TESTER – Based in Milton Keynes

Games tester required to join a proven industry leading mobile games
developer. We need a few pragmatic and self-motivated individuals who can
work on their own initiative and function well within a team.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

   – _ Write and run custom and bespoke test routines as required
   – _ Compile games test results and data into concise bug reports
   – _ Complete test report tickets

OUR REQUIREMENTS

   – _ 1+ years experience, preferably in games or related field
   – _ Strong team player, eager to learn and share with others
   – _ Bright, flexible and able to work to deadlines and under pressure
   – _ Tech savvy with an interest in F2P game on mobile and console
   – _ Strong written and oral communication skills
   – _ Excellent attention to detail
   – _ Ability to follow processes and suggest improvements
   – _ A good understanding of the software development and testing
   lifecycle

EXTRA KUDOS FOR

   – _ Professional development experience of mobile and console platforms
   – _ An understanding of the F2P games market
   – _ A passion for playing games, particularly on mobile
   – _ Initiative and drive for problem solving

Please send job applications to jobs@train2game.com

Train2Game News Creative Industries responds to budget

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Creative Media businesses welcomed the Government’s Budget announcement today that it will continue to contribute to Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Fund , (SIF) for another two years.

The Government will provide £4 million to co-invest with industries, matching pound for pound support  for training and development in film, high- end TV, visual effects, video games and animation.

Creative Skillset welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement of children’s television tax relief from April 2015 and look forward to discussing the establishment of appropriate mechanisms for ensuring they also contribute to enjoy co-investment in training and skills and support industry sustainability.

Josh Berger CBE, President & Managing Director, Warner Bros. Entertainment UK & Ireland , said:

“As we produce more and more world-class content in the UK, it is crucial that we continue to invest in the next generation of talent. The Skills Investment Fund is a key part of that and we welcome this further Government support.”

Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive of Pinewood Group said: “Growth in the creative sectors has been much faster and more impressive than forecast and industry needs to scale up and skill up quickly to meet that need. This support to training and skills is what we need to help to deliver that.”

Ian Livingstone, CBE- Chair of Playdemic, Midoki and Playmob and Creative Industries Champion for the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills said: “Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Fund has been a massive success story for industries that must address talent development to keep pace with global competition and drive growth. Today’s commitment from the Chancellor is both vital and very welcome.”

Dinah Caine CBE, Chief Executive of Creative Skillset said:
“Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Fund has been a game changer for our industries. We have invested directly in companies, over 1,000 new entrant trainees have been placed in the tax break industries, 376 companies have benefitted and over 10,000 training opportunities have been made available. With the additional support announced by the Chancellor today, we can continue to invest in training that will help deliver growth in these sectors and we thank him for that.”

The investment will be available from April 2015.

Train2Game News Gamer Network reviews EGX Rezzed

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Gamer Network, the world’s leading network of independent video games websites and producer of the UK’s premiere video games events, takes a rosy look back at last week’s EGX Rezzed.

Freshly relocated to Tobacco Dock in London’s East End, EGX Rezzed 2015 cemented itself as the premier platform for independent developers to showcase their latest projects, as well as larger publishers to highlight their latest game updates. With the return of established features such as the Developer Sessions, Leftfield Collection and BAFTA Inside Games Arcade, plus the inclusion of new features like the GamesIndustry Fair and Rezzed Sessions, this year’s EGX Rezzed was the best yet for both consumers and exhibitors.

As is tradition, Gamer Network asked visitors to let them know their personal Game of the Show. ArenaNet arrived in force to EGX Rezzed with their newly announced first expansion for Guild Wars 2. With a packed booth for the entire event and a very warm reception from fans, Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns wins the EGX Rezzed 2015 Game of the Show.

In celebration of a successful event, the Gamer Network data kings have been gathering numbers:

●        Over 12,000 attendees arrived to play this year’s best games
●        110 exhibitors, from indie developers to AAA publishers, retailers, universities, trade bodies and beyond
●        Over 150 playable games across PC, console, browser and mobile
●        Over 300 screens of gaming
●        20+ VR games and experiences wowed the crowds
●        Xbox attended with 22 playable games in its ID@Xbox range
●        In addition to Game of the Show second place winner Bloodborne, Sony demoed 8 new indie games including Gang Beasts, which placed third
●        BAFTA’s Inside Games Arcade showcased 16 British-developed games
●        More than 300 games were submitted for the Leftfield Collection, of which 24 winning games were selected
●        15 tabletop games featured in the packed Esdevium Games area
●        10 Developer Sessions including Valve’s Vive VR and ex-Rare devs Playtonic’s new platformer
●        More than 60,000 viewers watched the sessions on the EGX Twitch and YouTube channels
●        Over 800 people attended Valve’s Virtual Reality in 2015 session – the largest in EGX history
●        Rezzed Sessions featured 10 informal dev talks including an Alien: Isolation post-mortem
●        8 games industry execs gave careers insight in the BAFTA & Ukie Careers Bar talks, including 3 BAFTA Breakthrough Brits and 1 British Academy Games Awards winner
●        49 Ukie Video Games Ambassadors and BAFTA Crew Games members advised the next generation of games industry professionals on how to land a career in games
●        6 teams competed in the Creative Assembly Game Jam, each given 8 hours to make a game from scratch based on Guardian news stories. Congratulations to Ultra Testibus!
●        The newly released EGX mobile app featured 17,715 game views and features a Google Play rating of 4.4

“This year’s EGX Rezzed provided the most positive feedback of any show in the EGX family. Consumers enjoyed the discovery of a new and fascinating venue and developers enjoyed the opportunity to either take their own space or throw themselves together”, said David Lilley, Managing Director of Gamer Events. “Last week’s show provides the perfect springboard for this September’s EGX, the largest gaming event in UK history”.

Here’s the full top 10 EGX Rezzed 2015 Games of the Show:

1.       Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns
2.       Bloodborne
3.       Gang Beasts
4.       Titan Souls
5.       Life is Strange
6.       Beyond Eyes
7.       Not a Hero
8.       Ratz Instagib
9.       Broforce
10.   Big Pharma

All eyes are now on EGX 2015, with ticket sales kicking off at 11:00 GMT (12:00 CET) this Friday 20th March. Set to be the largest UK gaming event ever, EGX 2015 runs from 24th-27th September.

Train2Game News PEGI rating comes to mobile

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PEGI announced today the expansion of its rating system to mobile and digital storefronts in Europe, as part of a global initiative with other classification authorities from around the world.

The International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) was recently established to streamline the process for assigning age and content ratings to the high volume of digitally delivered games and mobile apps coming into the market today. The IARC.system is currently adopted for use in Google Play and Firefox Marketplace, and Microsoft’s Xbox Live Store, Nintendo eShop and the Sony PlayStation Store are expected to do so at a later date. 

Founded in late 2013, the IARC system represents the first time international ratings organisations have joined forces to agree on a unified process that simultaneously generates ratings for multiple territories while preserving each of their distinct cultural standards. Currently, the IARC process assigns the familiar and trusted content rating icons from PEGI (Europe), ESRB (North America), ClassInd (Brazil), USK (Germany) and the Classification Board in Australia, with more rating authorities expected to join in the future. All publishers on the participating platforms will be required to use the IARC procedure during the on-boarding process. There is no cost to publishers to obtain ratings via IARC and the process is designed to be fast and easy.

“I really applaud this responsible move”, says Robert Madelin, Director General of DG CONNECT, European Commission. “Age-rating apps in a way that is generally applicable, transparent, and consistent and that is familiar and understandable to users is an important step in making the internet a better place for children.”

“The market for digital games and mobile apps is exploding across the globe.  With a single click, developers can publish their games and apps on digital storefronts reaching a worldwide audience. These realities have created regulatory and cultural challenges that call for an innovative solution like IARC to help developers and storefronts provide consumers with culturally relevant, legally compliant and reliable guidance about the age appropriateness of the content in games and apps they may be considering for download,” said Dirk Bosmans, Communication Manager of PEGI S.A.. “It is encouraging that digital storefronts recognise the benefits of this groundbreaking initiative.”

The IARC system assigns age ratings, content descriptors and interactive elements for digitally delivered games and apps.  Developers can only access the system and use IARC ratings on digital storefronts that have licensed and integrated the system into their on-boarding process.  There is no cost for developers to use the system, which features a single questionnaire that once completed immediately assigns different ratings for various territories around the world.  Those IARC-certified ratings are then ingested by the storefront and mapped to their respective regions.  IARC and its participating rating authorities are responsible for monitoring and ensuring the accuracy of ratings assigned by the system. The fundamental goal is to enable digital consumers, especially parents, to have broad access to established, credible and locally relevant ratings for interactive entertainment products, regardless of the device on which they consume them. 

The initial five IARC rating authority participants, which collectively represent regions serving approximately 1.5 billion people, include:

    Pan European Game Information (PEGI) – Europe
    Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK) – Germany
    Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) – North America
    Classificação Indicativa (ClassInd) – Brazil
    Classification Board – Australia

For more information about IARC, please visit www.globalratings.com

Train2Game News Student artwork gallery

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Dan CableDan Cable is coming to the end of his course with Train2Game and we have every confidence he’ll go on to do some incredible things in the gaming world.

We’ve highlighted some of our favourite pieces of his work, but if you’d like to see more art and 3D Gifs then visit his work thread on the forum.
http://forum.train2game.com/showthread.php/14286-Wyldeone1978-s-Work-Thread/page6

In a post Dan wrote on the Train2Game forum and said of the course: “I gotta say, I’m partly sad it’s over (or nearly) but it’s been a long road to get here. I’m a little disappointed I took so long (3 Years) as I think I committed too much time to things like BF3/4 and iRacing rather than get my head down with this. For the money spent I think I’ve got a great value education and a great understanding of the core principles involved in game art.”

We’ve approached Dan for an interview and he’ll be getting back to us as soon as he finishes his course work!

You can view some of Dans artwork in the gallery below

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