Category Archives: Android

Train2Game News Clan of the Cloud

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Clan Of The Cloud has today unveiled its new ‘platform agnostic’ CloudBuilder framework for any developer to incorporate social elements into their app, game or any program they are working on, whether for corporate content to social gaming.

The company is already partnered with and speaking to many indie game developers, medium sized studios and healthcare companies including Pastagames, The Game Bakers, Astraware & Advanced Mobile Applications.

The launch of this new version for the framework sees these libraries come out of Beta and phased into general release and can be accessed here:

https://account.clanofthecloud.com

Clan of Cloud is truly disrupting the social experience – with only one line of code you can add many features such as:

    Social Features – Chat, Twitter & Facebook sharing, Leaderboards, Challenges, Push Notifications, Offer Rewards/Gifts and more.

    Monetisation – IAP, Set your own virtual currency, view sales/ROI, Virtual items on the fly, Rewards & promotions all in real-time.

There’s also a full CRM system, which gives developers complete data collection & control per user in real-time including data export/bulk push notifications.

Whether you’re working on Mobile (Android, iPhone, BB, Windows Phone), web (HTML5) or desktop to third- party middleware including STEAM, Unity3D, Marmalade, all these features are available and cross pollinated seamlessly with all of these platforms.

The features the cloud-based framework offers would usually take developers a minimum of four months to create via dedicated programmers – Clan of the Cloud are already there.

The latest version of the framework is online from today via http://cloudbuilder.clanofthecloud.mobi/

Train2Game News Big Huge Games returns

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DomiNationsBig Huge Games is back from the dead, once again under the helm of its original co-founder Brian Reynolds and on course to publish its first mobile game next year.

In its first life, Big Huge Games faced a series of troubles. The PC developer was acquired by THQ back in 2008 but the publisher decided to sell the studio just over a year later when it first began experiencing financial difficulties.

Big Huge Games was saved by Kingdoms of Amalur dev 38 Studios. Sadly the latter also went bankrupt last year, with its assets – and Big Huge Games – being sold in an auction last November.

It was in that auction that Reynolds purchased the rights to the Big Huge Games name, now revealing that his previously announced studio SecretNewCo is a revival of the fallen developer, according to GameSpot.

Headed up by Reynolds and his fellow Big Huge Games co-founder Tim Train, the new studio will focus on mobile games starting with strategy title DomiNations, due on 2015 for iPhone, iPad and Android. The game marks a return for Big Huge to the strategy genre and will be released through a partnership with Nexon.

“I have had a history of going where I perceive the biggest market to be,” Reynolds told Gamespot. “I certainly perceive mobile, free-to-play as being the biggest market; the opportunity to reach the largest number of players. And so, that’s exciting to me.

“It’s the same reason I went to Facebook games – boy, were a lot of people playing Facebook games. And then even more started playing. It was certainly interesting when I was at Zynga – it really opened my eyes to ‘Wow, how many different kinds of players play games than used to play them when I started in 1991’. I never would have dreamed both the kinds of players and the numbers of players that are out there.”

You can check out the launch trailer for Dominations below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq_rDUGAXjI

This story just goes to show there may be set backs but you are never down and out!

Source: Develop

Train2Game News Live Game Board

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logo_title_wbAfter months of hard work the Live Game Board has been announced, the first Augmented Reality gaming platform, released to both players and developers.

Live game board comes with 5 games you can enjoy playing in Augmented Reality. All are available for free for Android at http://www.livegameboard.com/apps/.

“Live Game Board is a platform for games and educational applications. That means you can play many games and apps on one single board. Augmented reality way of playing games makes things look much more real and part of your real world. Gaming is also more social, similar to classic table games with Live Game Board you can play the games together with your friends or family.” Stan Kuhn, Founder.

Although it is possible to download Live Game Board for free for self printing, it is recommend to order larger and better quality boards at http://www.livegameboard.com/shop/. Boards are available as hard paper or water resistant plastic banners. There are 3 available sizes to maximize AR experience, remember size of the board dictates the size of the game in real world. Smaller boards are better for table play, larger boards are best to use on a floor in your room.

Together with publishing Live Game Board there is also a developer section with tutorials and SDK for Unity3D to help developers to easily add Augmented Reality play mode into their games. All game developers are welcome to get the SDK for free and publish their games for all Live Game Board players. The developer section is available at http://developer.livegameboard.com/

Enjoy the video of the Live Game Board in action below

Train2Game News Google Play Games adds multiplayer

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Google Play GamesGoogle has rolled out an update to its Google Play Games development toolkit that allows for local multiplayer matchmaking. Prior to that, the service supported only online multiplayer.

The toolkit, which offers a raft of services to devs, and to players functions as a game network similar to Xbox Live or Apple’s Game Center, can be implemented in iOS, PC, and Android titles. More info is available at Google’s developer portal, here.

Google Play Games’ Greg Hartrell said earlier this year about the company’s aspirations for the service and tools.

“Our game services are there, and our game network is there, to bring together this concentrated network of people who love playing games — to make it easier for someone who is a game creator to reach that highly valuable audience,”

The Google Play Games service is designed to help developers create mobile games for both Android and iOS devices, as well as browser games.

You can find out more information at Google’s developer page.

Train2Game News Ms PAC-MAN Pink Ribbon Campaign

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BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. has joined forces with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) in the fight against the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women with the launch today of its Ms. PAC-MAN Pink Ribbon Campaign.

Headlined by BANDAI NAMCO’s iconic Ms. PAC-MAN mascot and anchored with new gameplay incentives across the video game publisher’s range of mobile titles, this new effort will raise funds for NBCF to help women now and inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.

“Awareness and early diagnosis are critical in the fight against breast cancer,” said James Kucera, head of Mobile at BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. “We are proud to lend our voice to the fight with Ms. PAC-MAN and BANDAI NAMCO’s Pink Ribbon Campaign.”

“While video games often bring amusement and joy to our lives, this is a chance to bring hope as well.” Senior Producer Ben Acevedo said. “Breast cancer has directly affected my immediate family and it’s a fantastic opportunity for gamers and the industry to get involved. While the mazes we are offering in October are fun, the real challenge is to raise awareness and get players, producers, artists, programmers across the mobile industry to join us and Join the Pac.”

“We are very excited about our new partnership with Bandai Namco and the Ms. PAC-MAN Pink Ribbon Campaign,” says NBCF Founder & CEO, Janelle Hail. “By encouraging their gamers to Join the Pac, we can reach more women than ever with our message of hope. The funds they raise will allow us to provide early detection services for women in need.”

The heart of the Ms. PAC-MAN Pink Ribbon Campaign is an exclusive new maze for sale across a multitude of Ms. PAC-MAN and PAC-MAN iOS and Android titles for $0.99 through October. All proceeds from purchases of this new level will go directly to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The in-game user interface and artwork for these products will change to a new pink ribbon theme for October alongside this new content. In addition, players can share their scores via Facebook and Twitter, inviting friends to meet the challenge with a donation and high score of their own.

The full list of titles the new Ms. PAC-MAN Pink Ribbon Campaign content can be downloaded on includes:

iOS

    PAC-MAN/Ms. PAC-MAN
    PAC-MAN Lite/Ms. PAC-MAN Lite
    Ms. PAC-MAN for iPad/Ms.PAC-MAN for iPad Lite

Android

    Ms. PAC-MAN
    PAC-MAN + Tournaments

Ms. PAC-MAN and PAC-MAN are two of gaming’s most historic characters, the stars of a long series of high score-fueled retro arcade experiences. Players navigate either character through labyrinths of tight corridors, dodging dangerous ghosts while gobbling up points, fruits, power-ups and extra lives.

The Ms. PAC-MAN Pink Ribbon Campaign will run from now until October 31.

Tain2Game News Android Retro Gaming Tablet

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The JXD S7800b has introduced itself as the ultimate Android retro gaming tablet. Capable of playing PS1, Dreamcast, MAME, N64 (and pretty much everything before it) the handheld has quickly become a favourite amongst the retro gaming scene.

Built on the Android operating system, the system is user friendly and intuitive, enabling you to navigate around your favourite retro games with ease using the touch screen or game controllers.

With 8GB internal memory the console is capable of holding thousands of your favourite retro games right out of the box. A Mini-SD slot enables you to expand the memory with up to an additional 64GB.

The HDMI port gives you the option of playing your games on your TV.

    Multiplayer using local Wi-Fi
    Play on your TV using HDMI
    Save and load your progress
    Add your own games via USB or downloading via the web browser
    Assign keys to your favourite touch screen games and use the controller
    Connect a USB controller for even easier use (including Xbox 360 controllers)

The full list of supported consoles/systems currently on the Android platform are: PS1, MAME, Dreamcast, N64, NeoGeo, Atari, NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Colour, Gameboy Advance, SEGA Master System, SEGA Mega Drive, CPS1, CPS2, Amiga, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum and many more!

The JXD S7800b is available now at Europe’s Number One Gaming Destination, Funstock.co.uk.

Train2Game News Game Insight introducing Intel Context SDK

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Intel SoftwareGame Insight, a global game developer, plans to use the new Intel Context Sensing SDK 2014 for Android to roll out context-sensing features across a whole line-up of Android games by the end of the year via integration with Game Insight Center, its player-centric solution that allows players to interact with the brand through in-game forums, help, FAQs, and all the games’ latest news and events.

The Intel Context Sensing Software Development Kit (SDK) enables developers to create or enhance Android applications with context and motion awareness, proximity detection and on-device rules. Sensor solutions can also interact with the Intel Context Sensing Service and Intel Mashery API management to add additional information such as location, events, weather, global time, POIs, traffic and more . Sensor solutions empower mobile developers to create compelling cross-platform, context-aware experiences for apps such as fitness, smarter personal assistants or advanced next generation games.

Intel’s SDK allows Game Insight to tailor and personalize interactions with its games. By sensing the story behind actions that put the device back into the player’s hands, even while playing offline, Game Insight plans to send more relevant and timely push messages, which can otherwise be a distraction while running, sleeping or driving, and deliver the perfect in-game actions at the appropriate time. When players begin using their devices, games can deliver a message where and when it is most convenient, and about what the players care about most in the moment.

“Intel is excited about Game Insight’s adoption of the newly launched Intel Context Sensing SDK,” said Hank Skorny, VP and General Manager for Intel’s Internet Services division. “By using Intel’s new SDK for Android and context sensing cloud service, Game Insight will be able to develop games on Android offering a more personalized experience to users.”

When asked what context-sensing features mean for Game Insight and its games, CEO Anatoly Ropotov explained, “We spend a lot of time focusing on user experience in our products by simplifying UI, improving core game loops and looking for more non-intrusive ways to excite and retain users. Having a way to understand the context of user interactions ultimately lets us bug players less, generate more effective messages and find more appropriate moments to communicate them.”

Looking to the future, context sensing will blend real-life interactions with gaming, allowing players to even interact with friends from inside their games within their local vicinity.

Train2Game News Eleven year old girl releases game

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My Selfie SafariAspiring game developer, eleven year old, Maddie Beal is proud to announce the worldwide release and availability of her debut game, My Selfie Safari.

Available today as a FREE download on the iOS and Google Play digital app stores, this brilliantly designed debut title features John Maddie and her BFF on a Safari Adventure, requesting the aid of players to help Jesse The Giraffe keep his neck out of trouble by avoiding the clouds and flapping birds. You goal is to meet up with his Safari Friends, and if you need help, you can try on a pair of goggles, but use them sparingly, as only 10 are available (additional goggles obtainable through in-app upgrades).

Featuring 20 addictive levels, you can even congratulate yourself by posing for a selfie with your friend as levels are successfully completed. Maddie herself is stuck on level 14! Are you adventurous and talented enough to beat her in her own game?

My Selfie Safari began as a bonding opportunity with her dad, Dan Beal. He had just built a Minecraft server for her brother, Ben, and with this task complete, Maddie felt it was the perfect chance to spend some quality time with her dad. Inspired by her fascination and love for giraffes and self-portraits, My Selfie Safari blends gameplay mechanics from popular predecessors such as Flappy Bird and Defender, and adds its own personal touch to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Featuring an exciting Safari Adventure, crisp colorful graphics, intuitive controls, and 20 challenging levels of fun, My Selfie Safari is a great debut title from Maddie Beal, whom at the age of only 11 undoubtedly has a promising career ahead of her.

Train2Game News New RPG Maker allows mobile ports

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Enterbrain and Degica collaborate on new middleware, which enables first official RPG Maker mobile ports.

Enterbrain recently partnered with Degica to distribute RPG Maker VX Ace, the latest version of the software, outside of Japan. Since teaming up, the pair have developed a new piece of middleware that allows developers to efficiently port RPG Maker games to mobile devices.

The RPG Maker software first emerged back in 1988 and, throughout several iterations, has remained the first choice when it comes to creating both traditional and innovative games in 16-bit.

Degica’s global director of sales and promotion, Mitchell Scott, said: “The RPG Maker software has been a great tool for aspiring and established game developers alike over the past two decades and we’re incredibly proud to be part of that legacy.”

While the majority of projects emulate major franchises such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, numerous teams have capitalised on the flexibility of the engine to create unique experiences.

The likes of To The Moon are widely regarded as genuine indie success stories, with the game receiving numerous awards and praise from established publications and organisations including Gamespot, Wired and the Independent Games Festival.

Earlier this week, Undefeated – the popular RPG Maker title – was unveiled for mobile with a brand new trailer and an iOS/Android release date of 3 October, 2014.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Degica connects the dots between developers, distributors and publishers, and between the Eastern and Western markets. Their recent work with Enterbrain and RPG Maker aims to put the popular development toolkit, and the games it has spawned, firmly on the global map.

Train2Game News Avenged Sevenfolds mobile game release date

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Avenged SevenfoldMulti-platinum hard rock superstars Avenged Sevenfold have pegged October 16, 2014 for the unholy release of their action adventure mobile game, Hail to the King: Deathbat.

Hail to the King: Deathbat is a brutal romp through the darkest depths of the underworld with an epic tale of redemption, devastating melee combat, towering boss fights, 7 hellish landscapes and classic Avenged Sevenfold cuts along with a new and original score composed by the band.

To celebrate the game’s impending release, check out this new teaser showcasing a taste of the action to come:

Hail to the King: Deathbat hits iOS and Android October 16, 2014.