Monthly Archives: March 2019

Train2Game News Age Ratings for Games and Netflix to be Improved

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Today the BBFC has launched an innovative new industry collaboration with Netflix to move towards classifying all content on the service using BBFC age ratings.

Netflix will produce BBFC age ratings for content using a manual tagging system along with an automated rating algorithm, with the BBFC taking up an auditing role. Netflix and the BBFC will work together to make sure Netflix’s classification process produces ratings which are consistent with the BBFC’s Classification Guidelines for the UK.

It comes as new research by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and the Video Standards Council Rating Board (VSC) has revealed that almost 80% of parents are concerned about children seeing inappropriate content on video on demand or online games platforms.

The BBFC and the VSC have joined forces to respond to calls from parents and are publishing a joint set of Best Practice Guidelines to help online services deliver what UK consumers want.

The Best Practice Guidelines will help online platforms work towards greater and more consistent use of trusted age ratings online. The move is supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport as part of the Government’s strategy to make the UK the safest place to be online.

This includes recommending the use of consistent and more comprehensive use of BBFC age labelling symbols across all Video On Demand (VOD) services, and PEGI symbols across online games services, including additional ratings info and mapping parental controls to BBFC age ratings and PEGI ratings.

The voluntary Guidelines are aimed at VOD services offering video content to UK consumers via subscription, purchase and rental, but exclude pure catch-up TV services like iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My 5 and UKTV Player.

The research also shows that 90% of parents believe that it is important to display age ratings when downloading or streaming a film online, and 92% of parents think it’s important for video on demand platforms to show the same type of age ratings they would expect at the cinema or on DVD and Blu-ray – confirmed by 94% of parents saying it’s important to have consistent ratings across all video on demand platforms, rather than a variety of bespoke ratings systems.

With nine in 10 (94%) parents believing it is important to have consistent ratings across all online game platforms rather than a variety of bespoke systems, the VSC is encouraging services to join the likes of Microsoft, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo and Google in providing consumers with the nationally recognised PEGI ratings on games – bringing consistency between the offline and online worlds.

The Video Recordings Act requires that the majority of video works and video games released on physical media must be classified by the BBFC or the VSC prior to release. While there is no equivalent legal requirement that online releases must be classified, the BBFC has been working with VOD services since 2008, and the VSC has been working with online games platforms since 2003. The Best Practice Guidelines aim to build on the good work that is already happening, and both authorities are now calling for the online industry to work with them in 2019 and beyond to better protect children.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said: “Our research clearly shows a desire from the public to see the same trusted ratings they expect at the cinema, on DVD and on Blu-ray when they choose to watch material online. We know that it’s not just parents who want age ratings, teenagers want them too. We want to work with the industry to ensure that families are able to make the right decisions for them when watching content online.”

Ian Rice, Director General of the VSC, said: “We have always believed that consumers wanted a clear, consistent and readily recognisable rating system for online video games and this research has certainly confirmed that view. While the vast majority of online game providers are compliant and apply PEGI ratings to their product, it is clear that more can be done to help consumers make an informed purchasing decision. To this end, the best practice recommendations will certainly make a valuable contribution in achieving this aim.”

Digital Minister Margot James said: “Our ambition is for the UK to be the safest place to be online, which means having age ratings parents know and trust applied to all online films and video games. I welcome the innovative collaboration announced today by Netflix and the BBFC, but more needs to be done.

“It is important that more of the industry takes this opportunity for voluntary action, and I encourage all video on demand and games platforms to adopt the new best practice standards set out by the BBFC and Video Standards Council.”

The BBFC is looking at innovative ways to open up access to its classifications to ensure that more online video content goes live with a trusted age rating. Today the BBFC and Netflix announce a year-long self-ratings pilot which will see the online streaming service move towards in-house classification using BBFC age ratings, under licence.

Netflix will use an algorithm to apply BBFC Guideline standards to their own content, with the BBFC setting those standards and auditing ratings to ensure consistency. The goal is to work towards 100% coverage of BBFC age ratings across the platform.

Mike Hastings, Director of Editorial Creative at Netflix, said: “The BBFC is a trusted resource in the UK for providing classification information to parents and consumers and we are excited to expand our partnership with them. Our work with the BBFC allows us to ensure our members always press play on content that is right for them and their families.”

David Austin added: “We are fully committed to helping families chose content that is right for them, and this partnership with Netflix will help us in our goal to do just that. By partnering with the biggest streaming service, we hope that others will follow Netflix’s lead and provide comprehensive, trusted, well understood age ratings and ratings info, consistent with film and DVD, on their UK platforms. The partnership shows how the industry are working with us to find new and innovative ways to deliver 100% age ratings for families.”

Train2Game News Classic Final Fantasy Titles

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SQUARE ENIX® showcased that the FINAL FANTASY series has a game for every individual— with mysterious tales to be told, memorable characters to love, distinct gameplay mechanics to master and so much more.

Upcoming releases in 2019 include FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY X / X-2 HD Remaster, FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE™, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES® Remastered Edition and Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon EVERY BUDDY!™, all available for the first time on new platforms. Within each unique adventure in the series, players can discover for themselves why millions of players worldwide fondly revere each title.

To view the FINAL FANTASY ‘Something for Everyone’ trailer, go to https://youtu.be/tZtWm2Y0teE.

FINAL FANTASY VII
Platform: Nintendo Switch™, Xbox One
Release Date: March 26, 2019
FINAL FANTASY VII, the legendary RPG classic, tells the story of the powerful ex-SOLDIER Cloud as he joins a group of loyal companions in an attempt to save the world from destruction. Using innovative character customisation options to create fun and interesting combinations of their favourite party members, players can fight to save the planet and discover the truth about Cloud’s mysterious past.

FINAL FANTASY IX
Platform: Playstation®4 system, Nintendo Switch™, Xbox One, STEAM®, App Store®, Google Play™, Windows 10
Release Date: Available Now
FINAL FANTASY IX tells a grand story of love, war and betrayal in a world of incredible magic and larger-than-life characters. Zidane and the Tantalus Theater Troupe have kidnapped Princess Garnet, the heir of Alexandria, but to their surprise, the princess herself yearned to escape the castle and see the world for herself. Together, they explore the world and encounter new friends and enemies to make an adventure unlike any other.

FINAL FANTASY X / X-2 HD Remaster
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Release Date: April 16
FINAL FANTASY X / X-2 HD Remaster contains FINAL FANTASY X and its sequel FINAL FANTASY X-2, renowned as some of the most popular titles in the whole FINAL FANTASY series for their emotional stories and stunning graphical quality. In FINAL FANTASY X, star athlete Tidus joins powerful summoner Yuna on her pilgrimage to save the world of Spira. In FINAL FANTASY X-2, Yuna and company travel the world once more and meet friends new and old, overcoming new challenges that threaten the world of Spira.

FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Release Date: April 30, 2019
FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE has re-worked the game’s design and re-mastered the FINAL FANTASY XII visuals in full-HD, making full use of current generation hardware capabilities to improve the graphical and audio quality for the ultimate play experience. Princess Ashe, the lone heir to the Dalmascan throne, has devoted herself to forming a resistance to liberate her homeland. The story begins when Ashe meets Vaan, a young thief who dreams of flying free in the skies, as their adventure changes the destiny of the world’s greatest nations.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®4 system
Release Date: 2019
The classic co-op action RPG FINAL FANTASY Crystal Chronicles has been completely remastered, and now even includes a new online multiplayer mode so that you and up to three friends can adventure together! Playing with friends or solo, explore a stunning fantasy world and make new memories with fantastic characters with fun action-RPG gameplay.

Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon EVERY BUDDY!
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®4 system
Release Date: March 20, 2019
Take one step forward and change the world in this spectacular return to 2007’s FINAL FANTASY FABLES: Chocobo’s Dungeon, specially designed for new gaming systems. The rules to this mysterious dungeon are simple… every time you enter, the world around you changes shape, and enemies only move whenever Chocobo moves, whether Chocobo walks, kicks, or uses an item. The reworking of the 2007 game Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo’s Dungeon is back and better than ever – to be enjoyed by both first-timers and fans of the series. With unique new dungeons, a new buddy system to recruit monsters and other characters as allies, and a local co-op system to play with your friends, you will explore the challenges of randomly generated dungeons as Chocobo.

Train2Game News Armistice raises HUGE money for war suffering children

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The unique Armistice gaming fundraiser from War Child UK and its US partner Children in Conflict raised $380,000 in 2018 to support children whose lives have been torn apart by war, taking the total raised by Armistice since its inception in 2016 to $759,695.

In 2018 the charities for children affected by war worked with 20 heavyweight studios, in the month of November, giving the gaming community a chance to participate in peaceful gameplay through exclusive content, a Steam, Amazon App Store & Google Play sale and live streams to inspire the gaming community to raise vital funds.

Armistice serves to raise awareness of the realities of conflict for children around the world today by creating a conversation about the effects on war at the point of maximum contrast in conflict themed games. Highlights from this year included themed DLC content for World War I title, 11-11: Memories Retold through a series of letters, drawings, and photographs found throughout the narrative adventure inspired by real-life stories from the children supported by War Child, as well as a Peace Stand in Prison Architect, and for the first time a Virtual Reality collaboration with Dick Wilde.

Lionel Lovisa, Producer for 11-11: Memories Retold at Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe said “With 11-11: Memories Retold we wanted to make a game that goes beyond traditional entertainment. With that in mind, working together with War Child UK made a lot of sense.

Bringing more fun to everyone is the mission of Bandai Namco Entertainment but we know that “fun” can be a privilege that many can’t afford. We hope the 11-11: Memories Retold charity DLC will help War Child accomplish more today while it also reminds everyone about the human realities of drowning into conflict. For a better tomorrow, we need to remember the lessons of the past.”

Artiom Muraska, Regional Publishing Director, WoT Europe, which has supported Armistice from the beginning, commented; “We were thrilled and honored for the third consecutive year to once again be part of the Armistice Campaign supporting the incredible and invaluable work that War Child UK do. The response from our amazing World Of Tanks players was overwhelming and a resounding success beating all previous years.

So, from us all at Wargaming, we would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of our dedicated players for their participation and generosity without whom none of this would be possible.”

War Child has innovative fundraising partnerships across the PC, console and mobile industries, as well as through streaming and support from the gaming community and to date have brought in a massive $4.3million in fundraising through gaming. The money raised goes towards funding War Child programmes; from supporting Syrian children to access education, to reintegrating child soldiers in the Central African Republic and promoting justice for young people in detention in Afghanistan.

Wayne Emanuel, Head of Gaming Partnerships, War Child UK, “The gaming sector deserves huge recognition for the backing it has given and the funds it has raised so far on our journey. We intend to continue growing Armistice and working with as many conflict-themed games as possible to raise awareness and support children who have felt the effects of war. With such engagement and a strong sense of community from gamers and willingness to support from developers, publishers, and platforms, there is an enormous opportunity to make gaming a platform for positive change.”

As the global gaming industry goes from strength to strength, War Child hopes to find more innovative and creative ways to create change with support from the industry and community which has already helped children across the world.

In 2019 War Child’s work with gaming will continue with RE-PLAY in April, taking players back to their childhood favorites with downloadable retro-themed games and events all to raise money and awareness for children affected by conflict.

You can view the UK thank you video below

Train2Game News AR Harry Potter Revealed

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WB Games and Niantic are excited to share the first gameplay details for Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, the new augmented reality (AR) mobile game that puts magic in the hands of aspiring wizards and witches worldwide.

Co-published and co-developed by WB Games San Francisco and Niantic, Inc., Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is part of Portkey Games, the games label dedicated to creating new Wizarding World mobile and video game experiences that place the player at the centre of their own adventure, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s original stories.

In Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, the player’s journey begins as a new recruit for the Statute of Secrecy Task Force, with the purpose of investigating and containing a Calamity that has befallen the wizarding world. Witches and wizards from across the globe must come together to cast spells and return Foundables – artefacts, creatures, people, and even memories – trapped by Confoundable magic, to their proper place in an effort to keep magic hidden from Muggle eyes.

As players journey across the world, they’ll discover Inns that replenish their Spell Energy, magical ingredients for brewing special potions, Portkeys that unlock AR portals into iconic wizarding world locations and much more.

Combat skills will be tested when witches and wizards visit real-world locations called Fortresses, key areas that play host to Wizarding Challenges. These real-time multiplayer battles against dangerous foes encourage players to join forces with fellow witches and wizards to take on higher level threats and unlock rare magical rewards.

Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is coming to iOS and Android mobile devices in 2019. Pre-registration is now available on Google Play.

Train2Game News New UK Games Companies Opening

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Games technology company Improbable today announces that it has commenced development of its own online multiplayer games, powered by SpatialOS, with game development in two studio locations.

These and future Improbable studios will create cutting-edge games for release, whilst spearheading major technological advancements that will be fundamental to improving the tools and techniques for our partner network.

Improbable’s game development will be initiated by its internal games studio based in Edmonton, fronted by Aaryn Flynn, former head of studio on BioWare’s Dragon Age, Star Wars: The Old Republic and Mass Effect franchises. Improbable also announces the creation of a London-based games studio, which will be led by new hire John Wasilczyk, previously Executive Producer at Epic Games and EA DICE.

Herman Narula, co-founder and CEO at Improbable, says:

“As our network of partners has grown we’ve come to work with an incredible range of studios and projects. We see our internal studios as a way to further support these partners by pushing technical and creative boundaries and then sharing those learnings with our developer community.

“We look forward to seeing what our highly talented studios – in Edmonton, London and other locations in the future – will bring not only to players but also to the continued growth and development of SpatialOS.”

The SpatialOS platform allows for rapid iteration and the ability to develop beyond a single server to create highly innovative games. The first untitled project is in development at the Edmonton studio, which already has around 50 staff covering art, game design, programming and tool development and is continuing to grow. Meanwhile, Improbable’s London-based game studio is building a team from current Improbable employees and new hires.

Improbable is initially announcing these studios but is also interested in founding or growing other studios in additional locations and supporting remote teams.

Aaryn Flynn, Improbable’s General Manager of North America, comments:

“I was interested in making a game using SpatialOS from the very first time I spoke to Improbable. Building tools and content has been a great way for our Edmonton team to master SpatialOS, but a full game was always an opportunity myself and others had in mind as the Edmonton studio took shape. Now, after a lot of great hires and great progress, we’re going to focus on creating that game using Unreal Engine 4 and building on SpatialOS’ next-generation online games platform.

“We’ve grown fast but we’re still looking for additional team members in Engineering, Art, Design and QA to build out our team further. As things progress, we’re excited to show you more in the future.”

Improbable will be at GDC 2019 to discuss the company’s move into game development, as well as the evolution of SpatialOS and its applications for developers.

It is hosting two panels in which they’ll discuss how developers can leverage SpatialOS to create the next generation of multiplayer games.

How to Build a 200-Person FPS in 20 minutes and Building Unreal Worlds with SpatialOS, are hosted by games industry leaders such as Aaryn Flynn (Mass Effect, Dragon Age) and Josh Holmes (Halo franchise, Def Jam Vendetta) along with Improbable’s own Herman Narula (co-founder & CEO) and Rob Whitehead (co-founder & Chief Product Officer).

Train2Game News Diablo Available… Again!

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Blizzard Entertainment and GOG.COM have teamed up to rerelease select classic Blizzard games, beginning with Diablo®, Blizzard’s legendary 1996 action role-playing game that introduced players to the harsh—and deeply rewarding—world of Sanctuary.

The original Diablo is available now via digital distribution for the first time ever on GOG.COM. Players looking for the authentic Diablo experience can play the game as it was in 1996, with period-appropriate 20 FPS SVGA graphics, and the ability to matchmake through the classic version of Blizzard’s Battle.net® online-gaming service. Blizzard and GOG.COM have collaborated on an updated version of the game, which includes out-of-the-box Windows 10 compatibility, and a host of bug fixes. Players can choose either version of the game from a launcher.

“We were bummed that these iconic games weren’t available to our players, so we‘re very happy to work with the crew at GOG.COM to rectify that,” said Rob Bridenbecker, Vice President and Executive Producer, Blizzard Entertainment. “This has been a long time coming and we hope our players will be excited to jump back into these classic titles.”

In addition to bringing back the first Diablo, Blizzard is planning other GOG.COM re-releases of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II. More information on the return to Azeroth will be revealed soon.

“Crawling through the original Diablo’s dungeons, together with Blizzard, is a feeling of pure excitement,” said Oleg Klapovsky, SVP at GOG. “It’s a personal thing for many of us, and the most wished-for game in our community. Taking the first few steps beneath the Tristram Cathedral, listening to the guidance of Cain the Elder—it’s all coming back, for old souls and newcomers alike.”

Diablo is available now via GOG.COM for Windows at £7.89.

Train2Game News Medical Gaming Gains Atari Alumni

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Level Ex, creators of industry-leading video games for doctors, announced today the hiring of former Atari Chief Operating Officer, Todd Shallbetter, as Senior Vice President, Technology Partnerships.

Shallbetter will be leading strategic partnerships with global platform providers and technology companies, including virtual reality and augmented reality hardware and software manufacturers.

Shallbetter brings to Level Ex decades of operating experience from the business side of entertainment and games, having served at Atari for 14 years—first as Head of Digital Strategy and Distribution, then as the Chief Operating Officer, during which he oversaw business development, marketing, and operations functions. He expanded the brand’s reach to over 160 countries through multi-year distribution and licensing deals and grew Atari’s user base by tens of millions of players through its recent titles. Prior to Atari, Shallbetter worked in live entertainment—managing touring businesses for marquee entertainers, including Tina Turner, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Harlem Globetrotters—then shifted to managing entertainment merchandising entities.

“With his broad relationships across the video games industry, Todd is exceedingly qualified to identify best-in-class game technologies and help Level Ex unleash them onto the field of medicine,” said Sam Glassenberg, Founder and CEO of Level Ex. “Level Ex has consistently attracted top talent from the games industry across a range of disciplines: art, production, game design, and development. With Todd joining, that roster expands to include business and operations leadership.”

Shallbetter echoed Glassenberg’s enthusiasm:

“I had been following Level Ex closely, so when the opportunity came up to work for them, it was a resounding yes. The calibre of the team is incredible, with standout executives and game developers. They make fun video games to improve physician performance, turning entertainment into a credible tool for learning in ways nobody else has done before. I’m thrilled to push this important mission into new markets.”

Shallbetter joins Level Ex on the heels of tremendous growth. As one of the fastest growing independent video game studios, Level Ex is projected to double their employees in 2019; to date, Level Ex has announced $15M in Seed and Series A financing. The company has released three game titles—Airway Ex, Gastro Ex, and Pulm Ex—with a fourth launching later this month: Cardio Ex. Multiple games are currently in development.

Level Ex’s team unites talent from top game studios—including Electronic Arts, Activision, LucasArts, Telltale Games, and Warner Bros Interactive—with expert physicians and surgeons from leading academic hospitals to develop the company’s medical video games.

To learn more about Level Ex’s products, executive team, and career opportunities, visit www.level-ex.com.

Train2Game News EGX 2019 Tickets on Sale Now

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Gamer Network, organisers of the UK’s leading video games events, is excited to announce that tickets are now available to purchase for EGX 2019 which returns to London this year, taking over ExCeL London for 4 days from the 17th to the 20th of October 2019.

Promising to be the best show yet, EGX 2019 – sponsored by Virgin Media – will feature more than 1,500 screens of interactive entertainment with blockbuster triple-A titles from the world’s biggest publishers sitting alongside a huge collection of innovative indie games in the Rezzed Zone. The show will also feature esports, retro gaming and meet and greets with notable personalities from YouTube and Twitch.

Meanwhile, the Developer Sessions and Rezzed Sessions will bring attendees the latest news on some of the world’s most exciting pre-release games and deep dive insights into the game development process.

The GamesIndustry.biz Career Fair will offer invaluable advice to those seeking to begin a career in games and the GamesIndustry.biz Trade Zone will be a vital destination for members of the UK trade looking to network.

David Lilley, EGX Event Director, said, “EGX 2019 is special to us as it marks the year we are returning to our home, London. The new venue is allowing us to grow the favourite elements of the show as well as introduce new ones. With more space, features and games than ever before we’re excited by the prospect of delivering the best show to date”.

This year EGX 2019 will include:

  • A packed show floor featuring the world’s biggest game franchises playable pre-release
  • The incredible Rezzed Zone housing the largest collection of indie games in Europe
  • Globally respected game development talent offering insights into their latest projects in the Developer Sessions
  • Various esports tournaments with some of the best players competing across the weekend
  • Meet and greet sessions with prominent YouTube and Twitch personalities
  • A massive cosplay arena with daily masquerades, competitions, how-to talks and photoshoots
  • A vast retro area with systems spanning 40 years of gaming as well as arcade and pinball machines
  • The return of the Games Library with visitors able to pick and choose from a massive catalogue of games to play with their friends
  • The GamesIndustry.biz Career Fair featuring publishers, developers, recruiters and educators offering guidance on beginning a career in games
  • The GamesIndustry.biz Trade Zone, offering meeting space and networking opportunities to the UK industry
  • Retail stands with limited edition merch and pre-order incentives exclusive to EGX
  • Community parties on Friday and Saturday nights packed with entertainment

The line-up of playable games, speaker schedules and additional features will be announced later in the year.

Tickets for the event can be purchased from the EGX website: https://www.egx.net/egx

Train2Game News Dungeon Defenders Awakened

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Trendy Entertainment, now fully employee owned and operated, announced today that it is rolling out an all-new brand identity as Chromatic Games, and has begun work on a new game title: Dungeon Defenders: Awakened.

Augi Lye, one of the original co-founders of Trendy Entertainment, is now the CEO of Chromatic Games.

Shortly after becoming CEO, Mr Lye and Colin Fisher, a key Dungeon Defenders developer and new Creative Director, established a new vision for the studio and a reinvigoration of their popular Dungeon Defenders franchise.

As part of their new vision, Colin Fisher says: “I want to refocus the franchise on maintaining a player-first mentality and delivering games that we know our audience wants.”

About Dungeon Defenders: Awakened

Dungeon Defenders: Awakened, a complete reimagining of the eight-year-old indie sensation that combined third-person combat, action-RPG mechanics and tower defence strategy to create a charming, addictive blueprint for success.

Made with Unreal Engine 4, Dungeon Defenders: Awakened returns players to the world of Etheria, hot on the trail of the evil Harbinger. Defend the castle against the invading hordes as you revisit familiar locations with terrible new enemies and shocking surprises. Awakened features gorgeous graphics, polished controls, clean menus and a refined core Dungeon Defenders gameplay experience.

To support the development of Dungeon Defenders: Awakened, Chromatic Games has launched a Kickstarter campaign allowing fans to get involved and show their support with exclusive content and early access only available to backers.

Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Dungeon Defenders: Awakened will launch on Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One and PS4 later this year.

For more information, visit kickstarter.dungeondefenders.com

Train2Game News Loading Lock-In

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Wired Productions Ltd., a leading independent video games publisher, is happy to announce that it has teamed up with Loading Bar Shepherd’s Bush in London to host regular monthly Lock-in Community Nights.

Scheduled to run on the second Wednesday of every month, from 7 pm to 10 pm. Kicking off the first lock-in is an exclusive play of the unreleased, up-coming Epic Games Store exclusive, Close to the Sun.

The exclusive partnership with Loading Bar Shepherd’s Bush, not only serves as the perfect forum to engage with Wired’s vibrant community in an informal and friendly way but allows like-minded gamers to get hands-on with all of Wired’s games. There will be competitions, free swag, opportunities to meet – and quiz – the Wired team over a range of topics – not limited to, but including, industry gossip, help and advice!

“The community means everything to us, so this is our way of thanking them for their unswerving commitment and loyalty,” enthused Managing Director, Wired Productions, Leo Zullo. “We think that the partnership with Loading Bar Shepherd’s Bush lays the foundations for a series of memorable nights in which we get to know our growing fan base. There’ll be ample opportunity for the community to provide the kind of ongoing feedback that quite often changes the direction of a game’s development and its subsequent DLC. In short, we can’t wait to kickstart the first Wired Lock-In Community Night on 13th March.”

Wired Lock-In Community Nights are scheduled to run on the second Wednesday of every month, throughout the year, at Loading Bar Shepherd’s Bush in London.

Full details of what can be seen and played on the opening evening can be found below:

March 13th

  • Close to the sun hands on!
  • GRIP fastest Lap comp with swag
  • All wired games playable
  • Exclusive close to the sun Tee for first 20 people
  • Open to all public
  • Free entry
  • Over 18 only and ID may be needed