Train2Game News Ni no Kuni 2 Revenant Kingdom announced

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BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc announces Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom for Playstation 4.

Leading interactive entertainment media publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. is pleased to announce that  Ni no Kuni II: REVENANT KINGDOM is in development for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system.

Developed by famed Japanese video game studio, LEVEL-5;  Ni no Kuni II: REVENANT KINGDOM features an all-new cast of charming characters, an emotional storyline, and innovative gameplay design that will delight and challenge players.

“With its emotional storytelling, innovative gameplay, and breathtaking aesthetics, the original  Ni no Kuni broke new ground in the RPG genre and became one of the most beloved and well-received games of 2013,” said Eric Hartness, Vice President of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.

“With   Ni no Kuni II: REVENANT KINGDOM, the artistic visionaries behind the first game are back to take their creative vision of a grand adventure to even higher heights that are sure to delight video game fans.”

Ni no Kuni II: REVENANT KINGDOM  is rated “RP” for Rating Pending by the ESRB. The game will be coming to the Americas for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system.

You can enjoy the trailer below

Train2Game News CrowdCartel

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UK Company to launch first collaborative buying platform for gamers.

CrowdCartel is a collaborative buying platform with a unique distinction: It aims to serve the UK’s ever-growing gaming community.

Gaming products will be offered to members at a discounted rate, assuming that a minimum or qualifying amount of sales are established. After a qualifying amount of sales is reached, members will be able to purchase high-end gaming equipment and accessories at a discounted price.

Sellers benefit from selling in one large and easy transaction and pass on significant discounts to members purchasing through the CrowdCartel platform.

The UK company will also be offering their members the ability to request and vote for items to be featured in the future. Theo Vanezos, one of the platform’s original founders, has stated “By offering members the ability to recommend and vote for items they would like to see featured we are aiming to give the gaming community a new and cheaper way to source the products they want”.

The platform urges users to group up with their friends and join other like-minded members in placing a single larger order, and make a significant saving as a result. Kristian Clerides, the other  original founding member,commented “ It just didn’t make sense to us that all these groups of friends buying the same stuff couldn’t negotiate a better price “.

The website will initially be offering some essential, curated,  gaming products to groups of early members for a heavily discounted price..

As the community grows, users will be able to recommend and vote on which  products they would like to see featured.

If you are interested in getting exclusive early access to the website and the first available products, you can sign up for a limited amount of time here.

Train2Game News FF VII Remake Trailer

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During this past weekend’s PlayStation Experience in San Francisco, SQUARE ENIX® debuted a new trailer for FINAL FANTASY® VII REMAKE, the full remake of the award-winning role-playing game, FINAL FANTASY VII.

The new trailer features the first CG scenes as well as gameplay footage. FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE will be told across a multi-part series, with each entry providing its own unique experience.

SQUARE ENIX also revealed that the original FINAL FANTASY VII is now available on the PlayStation®Store‎ for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system.

For the first time on the new generation of consoles, gamers new and old can experience the unforgettable RPG that shaped the future of the genre. In celebration of its release, the title will be available with a 30% discount for the first week and will then be priced at $15.99 starting December 13. All players who purchase the title will also receive a static custom theme, featuring the cityscape of Midgar from FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE.

The new FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE trailer is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLYyWAqTTAo.

Train2Game News UK Top 20 Games – 07.12.15

FIFA-16FIFA 16 once again takes the number one spot with Just Cause 3 making its debut at number fourand Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege enters the chart at number six.

All formats
Week ending 5 December 2015

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 FIFA 16 EA SPORTS 1
2 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS III ACTIVISION 2
3 STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT EA GAMES 3
4 JUST CAUSE 3 SQUARE ENIX
5 FALLOUT 4 BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 4
6 TOM CLANCY’S RAINBOW 6: SIEGE UBISOFT
7 MINECRAFT: STORY MODE TELLTALE GAMES 7
8 GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 6
9 UNCHARTED: THE NATHAN DRAKE COLLECTION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 5
10 WWE 2K16 2K 14
11 HALO 5: GUARDIANS MICROSOFT 8
12 ASSASSIN’S CREED: SYNDICATE UBISOFT 11
13 LEGO DIMENSIONS LEGO DIMENSIONS 13
14 RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER SQUARE ENIX 9
15 DISNEY INFINITY 3.0 DISNEY INFINITY 12
16 FORZA MOTORSPORT 6 MICROSOFT 10
17 MINECRAFT: XBOX EDITION MICROSOFT 19
18 LEGO JURASSIC WORLD WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 17
19 JUST DANCE 2016 UBISOFT 18
20 NEED FOR SPEED EA GAMES 10
< 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 Warhammer 40,000 Tactical Objectives app gets release date

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Former Train2Game students now professional developers, Derp Studios announce officially licenced Games Workshop app will arrive 18th December 2015

Independent Video Games and Apps developer, Derp Studios, announce official release date for its tactical objectives app created with Games Workshop. Warhammer enthusiasts will be able to add the app to their Christmas wish list, with the release date set to the 18th December 2015.

Independent Video Games and Apps developer, Derp Studios, has created a tactical objectives App to accompany the Warhammer 40,000 board game. The team which includes Train2Game students has been working with Games Workshop to create the app.

The app has been designed to assist in playing the latest version of the popular table top game, offering a digital version of tactical objectives cards which previously were only available on limited edition print runs. This is one of the first ever officially licensed Tactical Objectives apps which supports the Warhammer 40,000 board game.

Chris Ledger, CEO and Lead Designer of Derp Studios, “Derp Studios was formed late 2011 during Make Something Unreal Live 2012 hosted by Train2Game and Epic Games, where we developed a mobile title based on the Fighting Fantasy IP.  Since then we’ve done a couple of self-funded projects and most recently we have become Games Workshop Licensees!”

“The Warhammer 40,000:  Tactical Objectives App is one of the first hobby Apps to directly support the Warhammer 40,000 table-top board game.  The aim of the App is to enable players who don’t have a physical copy of either the regular or faction based Tactical Objectives cards to be able to own their factions deck, since the physical copies are on limited print runs. So the app is fairly niche as it appeals to Warhammer 40,000 table-top players, however that doesn’t mean the target audience is small in any way!”

“Games Workshop are really good work alongside with.  They’ve been really supportive and have provided a lot of assets for us to use.  So far it’s been nothing but positive and a really enjoyable experience!”

“For Derp Studios this app alone is a big milestone in the company!  I’m not sure what the future holds for more hobby apps within the Warhammer 40,000 IP, however if I’m unable to produce another hobby app then I’d happily make a small licensed video game for them.”

Website:  www.derpstudios.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/derpstudios
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/derpstudios

Train2Game, bringing City & Guilds to the Games Industry

Train2Game is a proud supporter of www.plasisgamesportal.com

Train2Game News Telltale Batman game

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Telltale Games, with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment, today announced an interactive episodic game series based on DC Comics’ iconic Batman™ that is set to premiere in 2016.

The official title for the Telltale series is yet to be revealed.

The episodic game series will premiere digitally on home consoles, PC/Mac, and mobile devices. Specific platform details are yet to be announced.

“At Telltale, we’ve been honored to bring our unique approach to interactive storytelling to some of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world, and we’re excited to announce that we’ll soon be exploring what it means to be Batman in an all-new series starting next year,” said Kevin Bruner, Co-Founder and CEO of Telltale Games.

“This iteration of Batman will give fans a first-hand opportunity to dive deeper into the complex life and mind of Bruce Wayne, the duality of his own identity, and the struggle of responsibility in saving a city overcome with corruption and villainy.”

“Telltale has an established track record of creating award-winning content for some of the best properties in the world,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “We look forward to working with the team as they deliver a new interactive way for fans and gamers to experience the rich narrative world of Batman.”

You can enjoy the teaser below

Train2Game News UK Top 20 Games – 03.12.15

FIFA-16No new games this week but in the lead up to Christmas FIFA 16 has retaken the number one spot from Star Wars Battlefront.

All formats
Week ending 28 November 2015

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 FIFA 16 EA SPORTS 4
2 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS III ACTIVISION 2
3 STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT EA GAMES 1
4 FALLOUT 4 BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 3
5 UNCHARTED: THE NATHAN DRAKE COLLECTION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 12
6 GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 12
7 MINECRAFT: STORY MODE TELLTALE GAMES 8
8 HALO 5: GUARDIANS MICROSOFT 11
9 RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER SQUARE ENIX 5
10 FORZA MOTORSPORT 6 MICROSOFT 20
11 ASSASSIN’S CREED: SYNDICATE UBISOFT 7
12 DISNEY INFINITY 3.0 DISNEY INFINITY 19
13 LEGO DIMENSIONS LEGO DIMENSIONS 6
14 WWE 2K16 2K 9
15 LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE
16 SKYLANDERS SUPERCHARGERS SKYLANDERS 16
17 LEGO JURASSIC WORLD WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 14
18 JUST DANCE 2016 UBISOFT
19 MINECRAFT: XBOX EDITION MICROSOFT 13
20 GUITAR HERO LIVE ACTIVISION 17
< 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 Explore Chernobyl from home

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On the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear-power-plant catastrophe – the greatest human-caused industrial and environmental disaster in history – Polish game developer The Farm 51 is developing The Chernobyl VR Project.

A virtual-reality adventure that will put players in the role of a documentary crew sent to uncover secrets surrounding the tragic event. From the comfort of their homes, players will travel to photorealistic recreations of numerous areas in Chernobyl and Pripyat, where they’ll explore the Restricted Zone, seek clues about past events and help an old survivor find his family memoires.

Via its state-of-the-art Reality 51 technology, The Farm 51’s Chernobyl VR Project will offer players unprecedented access to the site of the catastrophe and the nearby city of Pripyat. In addition to the game the team is developing, an educational component is in the works. Since more than 350,000 inhabitants were evacuated in the aftermath of the disaster, access to the area has been highly restricted and closely monitored; the Chernobyl VR Project will break down those barriers in the form of an interactive documentary, compatible with multiple VR headsets, including Oculus, PlayStation VR, Vive or Samsung Gear VR.

Watch a video that provides a brief look at the project and the people and processes behind it.

The team at The Farm 51 was granted special scientific access to areas unavailable to tourists, spending dozens of hours in the area and using its Reality 51 technology to scan locations in Chernobyl and Pripyat in photorealistic detail. Minor details, including paint peeling off the walls, scuffs on an abandoned amusement-park ride, and rust on an old cash register are captured with exceptional accuracy utilizing photogrammetry and stereoscopic, 360-degree camera technology. Players and virtual visitors will be free to explore and engage with places that have hitherto been off limits, losing themselves in a one-of-a-kind, interactive documentary.

For more information on the Chernobyl VR Project, visit:
www.reality51.com
https://www.facebook.com/chernobylvrproject

Train2Game News Team17’s 25th Birthday

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Team17 is preparing to celebrate its 25th birthday! Originally founded in 1990, the award-winning developer and games label will aptly turn 25 on the 7th December.

To celebrate, Team17 have partnered with the Microsoft’s Xbox One Games Store, the Humble Store, the Steam Store, Sony’s PlayStation Store, Apple’s App Store and the Google Play store to deliver a variety of promotions across the month of December. These will range from full game giveaways, money off, free merchandise with discounted purchases, with giveaways of concept art and wallpapers for next year’s products happening during the promotion too.

The promotion will commence from today with Worms Battlegrounds being featured on Xbox One’s Deals with Gold where the game is discounted by 80% and Overruled has 75% off.

The daily promotions will run throughout December until the 25th.  For day to day notifications on what’s happening throughout the month please follow Team17 on Twitter @Team17Ltd.

Here are a few unknown facts about Team17 from the past 25 years… enjoy!

1 – Team17’s first ever game release Full Contact went straight to No.1 in the UK.

2 – Team17’s Worms franchise has sold/dowloaded over 70 million units – despite the original game, Total Wormage not winning the Amiga Format Readers competition before signing with Team17.

3 – The number 7 and 17 are Debbie Bestwick’s  lucking numbers (Team17, Worms launched on 17th November, Team17’s birthday is the 7th , her birthday is also the 7th March– spooky!)

4 – Team17 have released 34 unique titled games (Worms franchise counted as 1)

5 – The Concrete Donkey from the Worms series of videogames actually existed as a garden ornament in the garden of Worms creator Andy Davidson’s parents. As a child the young Andy was afraid of the Concrete Donkey.

6 – Worms was first prototyped on a Texas Instruments calculator during an A-Level maths lesson.

7 – Project X, Team17’s Amiga classic was so difficult most people struggled to get past Level 2/3, so Team17 ended up realising a cheat mode on the cover mount disk of a many Amiga magazines to help struggling players

8 – Alien Breed had 87 cheats and secrets locked in the game. Most of the cheat codes are totally unprintable today!

9 – Alien Breed SE took 6 weeks in development to remix and stayed No1 in the UK for 33 weeks

10 – Team17 partnered with superstar legends (in our opinion) Epic Megagames and Housemarque to publish Silverball and Super Stardust in the 1990s.

Train2Game News iClone

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Reallusion levels up game development with the launch of iClone Game Character Design Platform, the first Lip-Sync Ready 3D Character solution in the market.

This platform takes the 3D character creation process into another generation where the long and arduous 3D character design is no longer necessary.

Designing a high-quality, playable character is a long and difficult process which involves massive amount efforts from multiple professional talents that spent weeks toiling away in front of 3ds Max or Maya. Furthermore, with the market trending towards a more intricate story-driven game design, developers are investing a greater amount of time on optimizing details that deepen immersions such as facial expressions, audio lip-syncing for cut-scenes, NPC interactions and other game-design logic.

This is where iClone Character Creator Platform comes in. The latest Reallusion offering provides developers with access to 3D characters with highly morphable topology, clothing dress-up system that conforms to all body shapes, and facial and body rig that are ready for animation. Developers no longer need to design 3D characters from scratch and worry about any technical details, but can instead concentrate their focus on refining the character’s contour and clothing to generate truly unique characters with shared facial control and motions.

Demo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKaqOOR7Nbk

iClone Game Character Design Platform is Created  for Game Developers

“This is a game changer for developers everywhere using Unity3D, Unreal Engine and Stingray for their game design,” said John Martin, VP Product, Reallusion. “We have worked closely with the game community to create this product platform. Our goal throughout has been to empower developers with a powerful quick-start solution. We understand that with aggressive deadlines to meet, speed and customizability are crucial. That is why all characters created from this platform are pre-rigged and comes with hundreds of motions ready for use. Best of all, these characters are capable of vivid facial expressions and can perform natural lip-sync automatically without painstakingly keying each frame. There is no other solution in the market that can do this.”

“We created and animated every character in our game with iClone,” said Guilherme Ressel, RGBird Games, developer of Mute, the game. “iClone generated 3D characters we customized to the western-themed style and then animated and imported everything to Unity. Between its ease-of-use and its compatibility with Unity3D,  iClone has become a permanent part of our toolbox.”

The Complete 3D Characters Creation Workflow

1.       Design Your Character
Create variety of characters using 3D morphs, texture designs, and clothing options.

2.       Animate in Real-time
Create animation with live motion capture using Kinect for Xbox One.

3.       Add & Edit Motion
Use iClone with HumanIK to refine motion, add lip-sync & facial animation.

4.       Export to Game Engine
Convert your character and animation to any game engine and 3D tools using 3DXchange

Reallusion Offers Free 3D character for Unity 3D

Experience the power of iClone Character Creator with free 3D character downloads for Unity 3D platform. Get 3 fully rigged, lip-sync ready characters in various styles that showcase a wide array of character designs. Visit the iClone website to download. Website: http://www.reallusion.com/iclone/game

Game developers can learn the workflow directly from Reallusion’s website with free video training on how to create animate and export 3D characters for games.