Monthly Archives: April 2015

Train2Game News CG Student Awards

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£240,000 worth of prizes and twenty five paid internships available to Train2Game Digital Artists in the CG Student Awards

Train2Game students asked to enter CG Student Awards by co- founder of the industry wide Computer Graphics competition. Interview with co-founder exclusively for Train2Game also tells students more about the competition.

The CG Student Awards are an annual independent event created by Games Developers, which showcase and reward excellence in computer graphics from students and recent graduates.

The Awards strive to create a platform for all aspiring digital artists to launch their careers, network with professionals, and connect with other passionate digital artists from around the world. The Awards are a chance to reward those studying Art while putting them in the spotlight of employers. 

This year there are over £240,000 in prizes available and twenty five paid internships, at companies including: Weta Digital, Epic Games, Moving Picture Company, and Double Negative. All entries to the competition receive an incredible software package worth £65. Entries also receive an industry approved rank for their submission and feedback from judges on their entry.

Train2Game spoke with CG Awards co-founder Alwyn Hunt to get his advice on what Train2Game students can gain from entering the competition.

Alwyn Hunt, co-founder, Sales and New Business:  “The CG Student Awards are a great stage for students to be able to compare themselves with their peers. We have some world class gaming studios involved with the Awards that are looking for students to work for them.”

“We created the awards, because we recognised the fact that there was no stage for student to be able to showcase their work. People are genuinely shocked when they see just how good student work can actually be – even we’re amazed each year with the quality coming through. It’s great to see, and that’s what the awards are all about – just showcasing the different talents from around the world and bringing it onto that global stage via the website, www.cgstudentawards.com.”

“The most important thing that students stand to gain is exposure on a global scale.  On top of that every person that enters gets a 1-month subscription to Digital Tutors, a 6-month Creative Cloud license from Adobe, and a 3-month website hosting package from SiteGround! Goodies worth £65.”

“Having something to work towards helps stop procrastination, and you learn so much in the process of getting your entry ready for competitions.  We put a lot of effort into organizing studios to offer internship to the winners.  We have a lot of big studios looking at the students work during the running of the Awards and we have found in the past that even students that don’t win, often get contacted by studios.”

The competition is now open for 2015, enter at www.cgstudentawards.com

Train2Game News EGX 2015 Tickets Selling Fast

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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 – have smashed through the 20,000 sales milestone.

In just two weeks 20,000 – or one quarter – of all EGX tickets have been sold, including 100% of the Virgin Media Early Entry and Saturday and Sunday Early Entry tickets. Tickets of all types are selling quickly (Friday Early Entry tickets are especially limited), with consumers demonstrating their excitement for EGX 2015; the UK’s biggest ever video games event, with the greatest number of playable pre-release games.

With the huge initial publisher support – 2K, Bandai Namco Games, Bethesda Softworks, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Green Man Loaded, Introversion Software, Nintendo, Oculus VR, PlayStation, SEGA, Square Enix, Team17, Ubisoft, Versus Evil and Xbox – gamers know they’ll be getting their hands on 2015’s best gaming experiences before the general public.

Fans have also fully embraced the new venue. Centrally located just outside Birmingham, with fantastic transport routes to the north and south of the country, the NEC provides the ideal space to support the whole of the UK.

For the small number of Londoners afraid to leave the capital (you know who you are) EGX has partnered with Virgin Trains to offer a 25% discount on rail travel (offer also available nationwide). Visit http://www.egx.net/egx/location for more information and join the rest of us at this year’s massive show.

Frozen at last year’s prices, tickets are available from 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

Stay up-to-date with EGX online, including heads-up on ticket and game giveaways and to purchase tickets visit the  EGX 2015 event website, www.egx.net/egx

Train2Game News UK Top 20 Games – 07.04.15

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battlefield_hardline_3_wmBattlefield Hardline has remained at number one with the only new games entering the charts being extended or alternate versions of existing games. Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the first sin at number eight, The Sims: Get to work at number eighteen and Pokémon White version 2 at number twenty.

All formats

Week ending 4 April 2015

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 – BATTLEFIELD HARDLINE EA GAMES 1
2 GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 4
3 BLOODBORNE SONY COMPUTER ENT. 2
4 FIFA 15 EA SPORTS 5
5 FAR CRY 4 UBISOFT 8
6 CALL OF DUTY: ADVANCED WARFARE ACTIVISION 7
7 BORDERLANDS: THE HANDSOME COLLECTION 2K GAMES 3
8 DARK SOULS II: SCHOLAR OF THE FIRST SIN BANDAI NAMCO GAMES –
9 DYING LIGHT WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 6
10 DESTINY ACTIVISION 20
11 MINECRAFT: XBOX EDITION MICROSOFT 9
12 HALO: THE MASTER CHIEF COLLECTION MICROSOFT 17
13 FORZA HORIZON 2 MICROSOFT 16
14 MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 13
15 WWE 2K15 2K SPORTS 19
16 EVOLVE 2K GAMES 15
17 DISNEY INFINITY 2.0 DISNEY INFINITY 18
18 THE SIMS 4: GET TO WORK EA GAMES –
19 THE ORDER: 1886 SONY COMPUTER ENT. 10
20 POKEMON WHITE VERSION 2 NINTENDO –
< 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 GameLoading Rise of the Indies

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Since its world premiere last month at industry events and select regional screenings, the GameLoading: Rise of the Indies feature documentary film has been generating strong chatter in videogame and online circles.

On April 21, GameLoading: Rise of the Indies will release through Steam, Humble, PlayStation, Xbox, iTunes, VHX and Playism.  Today through Friday April 29, early purchasers can place their orders for the film through VHX at a discount at www.gameloading.tv/pre-purchase/

    Standalone Film:     $8.99 (will be $9.99 after April 29)
    Member’s Bundle:   $14.99 (will be $19.99 after April 29)

Includes the film’s soundtrack, supplementary ebook and access to extra content, along with the film.

GameLoading explores the world of indie developers – their craft, dreams, and the ways they are changing the landscape of games culture. Indie games contribute to advancing the medium through their innovative, varied and personal approach. Small teams of passionate and creative developers offer an alternate voice to players. GameLoading captures this amazing time in the industry, where video games are becoming more personal than ever before.  While sharing a wide snapshot of the subculture, GameLoading focuses on a handful of developers; Davey Wreden (The Stanley Parable), Rami Ismail (Vlambeer), Robin Arnott (SoundSelf), Zoe Quinn (Depression Quest), Tale of Tales (Luxuria Superbia), Trent Kusters (Armello) and Christine Love (Analogue: A Hate Story). 

After an early viewing, Cards Against Humanity’s Max Temkin called the film “an incredible and honest snapshot of the indie scene.”

In addition to these figures, the film also captures a wide variety of indie developers behind some of the most important games of the past few years and highlights this diverse, creative community on an international scale.  The film demystifies what goes into making a game, examines the different processes of developers, captures the excitement of industry events like PAX, GDC, the prestigious Independent Games Festival Awards and Train Jam, examines why we play, what success means, and where this medium has come from and where it may be going. 

By film’s end we get a clear and emotional snapshot of this alternate games industry segment that will inspire audiences to seek out new game experiences – or make games themselves!  While video games often carry perceptions of violence and anti-social settings, GameLoading offers a less publicized spotlight. We see how some indie developers are encouraging a dialogue on human issues such as mental illness, relationships, family grief, poverty and war.

Train2Game News April 2015 Nintendo Direct

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During a Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo revealed brand new details about games in its line-up for 2015 and beyond, plus news about major updates to games that fans are already enjoying, as well as the latest on all things amiibo.

Revealed for the first time, in autumn Animal Crossing fans will be able to put their home-design skills to the test in the newly announced Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer . Meanwhile, a totally new form of amiibo, “amiibo cards”, will also launch in autumn, with the first set of cards featuring Animal Crossing characters. By using the first set of amiibo cards in Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, players can enjoy a whole new Animal Crossing gameplay experience.

The Nintendo Direct once again confirms Nintendo’s commitment to provide premium content updates to players and fans of games already released and being enjoyed by millions. A free update available to every Mario Kart 8 owner brings the brand new 200cc racing class to all courses. The fastest class ever in the history of Mario Kart adds a whole new dimension of challenge to the game, even for the most seasoned series veterans.

Along with major add-on content and updates announced for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS and StreetPass Mii Plaza, players can keep enjoying their favourite games.

The Nintendo Direct is jam packed with additional details on many of Nintendo’s eagerly awaited forthcoming releases, such as confirmed release dates for Splatoon and Yoshi’s Woolly World, more on Mario Maker and the announcement of celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., plus the next Fire Emblem game. New games announced today include BOXBOY! , a charming puzzle-platform game from the creators of Kirby that is available now from Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS , and a new instalment in the chilling and supernatural Project Zero series for Wii U.

To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit http://nintendo.co.uk/nintendodirect or check out the Nintendo UK YouTube channel for even more new videos related to today’s announcements.

Train2Game News BAFTA seeks Breakthrough Brits

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The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has opened applications for BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, in partnership with Burberry. This annual initiative celebrates and supports the UK’s future stars of film, television and games.

To mark this year’s launch, BAFTA and Oscar-nominated director Christopher Nolan spoke to previous Breakthrough Brits and other BAFTA-supported new talent at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. During the event Nolan discussed his own breakthrough moments, and gave insights into his creative process.

Applications are open at http://bit.ly/Breakthrough-Brits  until midday on Wednesday 27 May. A panel of film, television and games professionals will select up to 20 Breakthrough Brits for 2015, who will each receive a bespoke programme of career development support, including mentoring, guidance sessions and networking opportunities, as well as non-voting membership of BAFTA for a year. The selected Breakthrough Brits will be revealed at a reception at the Burberry global flagship, 121 Regent Street, later this year.

‘Friends of BAFTA Breakthrough Brits’, supporters of the initiative, include director Paul Greengrass, actors Douglas Booth, Blake Harrison, Miranda Hart, Toby Jones, Simon Pegg, and Sheridan Smith, presenters Edith Bowman and Emma Freud, and games industry entrepreneurs Ian Livingstone CBE and Fiona Sperry.

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “I am absolutely thrilled by the success of Breakthrough Brits and delighted that, for the third year running, we are partnering with Burberry who share our vision to celebrate emerging British talent. Our ambitions for Breakthrough Brits continue to grow and tonight’s inspirational event with BAFTA-nominated director Christopher Nolan is a brilliant way to launch our search for the Breakthrough Brits of 2015. The calibre of the professionals the Breakthrough Brits meet through the development programme, and the generosity of their support, are what makes this initiative really special.”

Since the launch of the initiative in 2013, three Breakthrough Brits have become BAFTA winners: games producer Daniel Gray and game designer Rex Crowle (as part of the development teams for Monument Valley and Tearaway respectively), and writer Dominic Mitchell (In The Flesh). Two other 2014 honourees, writer Chris Lunt and producer Marc Williamson, are nominated in the Breakthrough Talent category at the British Academy Television Craft Awards, which takes place on Sunday 26 April.

Over the last year, BAFTA has arranged for past Breakthrough Brits to meet industry professionals who can help them develop their career.  Recently producer/directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison met director Danny Boyle and producer Christian Colson on the set of their latest film Steve Jobs. Describing their experience as Breakthrough Brits, Brett and Jamison said: “The word ‘BAFTA’ instantly changes people’s perception of your [professional] pedigree, and also of your future ambitions. That seal of approval has not only allowed us to cement relationships with filmmakers we already knew, but also to forge new connections with people we might otherwise not have been able to meet. To be recognised for having taken that daunting and rewarding first step is one thing, but to be supported as you attempt your subsequent, more ambitious steps is absolutely invaluable.”

Individuals can apply to be a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit at http://bit.ly/Breakthrough-Brits. Industry professionals can nominate someone by contacting breakthrough@bafta.org ; BAFTA will then contact the nominated individual to invite them to submit an application before the Wednesday 27 May deadline.

Proposed candidates for BAFTA Breakthrough Brits must be UK nationals at the start of their career who are making a name for themselves as a performer or in a craft specialism within film, television or games, and have a credit on at least one production with a theatrical release, broadcast or publication in the UK between August 2014 and August 2015. For the full entry criteria go to: http://bit.ly/Breakthrough-Brits.

Train2Game News Insomnia 54 sold out

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Multiplay, organiser of the UK’s biggest gaming festivals, is delighted to announce that Insomnia54 has sold out, and will be attended by more fans than ever before when the show opens April 3rd at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

With support from exhibitors and sponsors, i54 promises the best in entertainment that fans have come to know and love, but still delivers new zones and introduces brand new content to tens of thousands of attendees over the bank Holiday weekend.

For the first time, Sony xdev joins Jagex, Warner Bros, Team17 and many other publishers showing the latest games in the exhibition zone, while indie developers will be highlighted on the Expo stage. Attendees will be able to preview and play upcoming titles such as Carmageddon: Reincarnation, Dark Nexus Arena, Chronicle: RuneScape Legends, LittleBigPlanet 3 and many more.

Insomnia54 also features a huge roster of content creators from the worlds of YouTube and Twitch. Famous faces this event include Syndicate of TheSyndicateProject, Omgitsfirefox, Jericho, The Diamond Minecart, The Sidemen including KSI, Calfreezy, Jo Weller, and many more starring in live shows, Q&A sessions, Meet & Greet sessions and more across all three live days.

Multiplay MD Craig Fletcher said: “The first show of the year is always my favourite, because it’s our first chance to see old friends and meet new members of the community.” He continued, “2015 is going to be a massive year for Insomnia festivals, and we intend to kick it off with a bang on April 3rd.”

For more information on Insomnia54 visit http://insomniagamingfestival.com

Train2Game News Assassin’s Creed Chronicles

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Ubisoft announced the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles trilogy, which will take players to China, India and Russia and follow the stories of three cult Assassins.

The first chronicle, set in China, will be available April 22 in the UK for download on PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China will be followed by Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India and Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia, which will release separately.

Developed by Climax Studios in collaboration with Ubisoft Montreal, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles brings the thrill of being a Master Assassin to 2.5D. Players will journey to three distinct civilisations and time periods throughout history including the Ming dynasty at the start of its downfall, the Sikh Empire as it prepares for war in India and the aftermath of the Red October revolution. Each chronicle stands on its own with a unique setting, art style, story and Assassin, but is tied together narratively.

Players will embody legendary Assassins, including Shao Jun from the animated short Assassin’s Creed Embers, and Arbaaz Mir and Nikolaï Orelov from the Assassin’s Creed graphic novels. Assassinate from the shadows, master the art of parkour and take the leap of faith in a collection of stunning, living paintings. Each chronicle has its own artistic signature, from the beautiful brush paintings of China to the vibrant colors of India and the distinctive propaganda art style of Russia.

You can enjoy the trailer below

For more information on Assassin’s Creed Chronicles, please visit assassinscreed.com and facebook.com/assassinscreed.