Train2Game News: Another Roll7 position available

roll7I get to share some wonderful news with you all this morning! A Train2Game Student named Sam has been employed at Roll7.

Sam obtained his job at the company after reading about the position on the Train2Game blog and we recently received an email from Roll7 detailing how very happy with Sam they are! They reported that he is now basically head of QA.

Roll7 now have another small time position available and have sent this message:

Hi there!

If you haven’t already done testing with us –

Any chance you can make a Testing Session on Friday this week?

We can pay expenses of £15, we only need you in for an hour

Cheers

Simon

This would be a great opportunity for a London based student to meet a well organised team and get to work with them, gaining valuable experience.

If you are interested in the position and you haven’t tested for Roll7 before email Simon at simon@roll7.co.uk with your CV.

Train2Game News: Destiny Beta

DestinyYou can be among the first to blaze a trail through the wild frontiers of Destiny, the next evolution of entertainment from the creators of Halo.

Activision Publishing and Bungie today announced that fans who pre-order the game at participating retailers worldwide will get early access to the Destiny Beta, which will include a diverse sampling of major activities featured in the full game. The Beta will begin in early 2014 on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One and Xbox 360.

To celebrate the announcement, Activision and Bungie have released a new trailer entitled “The Moon,” featuring a highlighted destination in the game and the Hive, one of the four enemy races featured in Destiny.

“We have no doubt Destiny is not only a great action game but also the next great entertainment property,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “That means we’re putting all our creative support and all our expertise in creating blockbuster franchises into a colossal Destiny Beta that we believe will set a new bar for the next generation of games. Fans have a lot to look forward to in 2014.”

“Destiny is the most ambitious game we have ever made and it’s our chance to transform the way you experience a new Bungie universe,” said Harold Ryan, Bungie president. “From day one Destiny has been an incredibly bold vision that Activision shares with Bungie. Destiny is a massive universe that is populated by the players and for that reason we need fans to get their hands on the game, fans all around the world. We can’t wait!”

Destiny Beta Redemption Codes are only available while supplies last. Upon pre-ordering the game at a participating retailer, fans can visit http://bungie.net/beta and follow the instructions on the page to secure their spot in the Beta.

You can view the new trailer below:

For more information visit www.DestinyTheGame.com

Train2Game News: Battlefield 4 Beta

Battlefield 4Get ready to immerse yourself in the chaos of all-out-warfare with the exclusive Battlefield 4 beta available now on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

Developed by DICE and powered by the advanced technology of Frostbite 3, the exclusive Battlefield 4 beta will showcase best-in-class multiplayer, spectacular visuals and massive destruction that is hallmark to the Battlefield series.

The Battlefield 4 beta features the Siege of Shanghai map as well as two game modes including the signature large scale battles found in Conquest and the adrenaline-fueled mayhem of Domination. Fans will also witness the power of Levolution, a new design concept where the environment dynamically reacts to the players every move, both big and small, to ensure that no two games are ever the same.

The exclusive Battlefield 4 beta will also introduce fans to Battlepacks, random combinations of new camos, dog tags and more that gamers will earn by progressing through multiplayer and that add an all-new layer of persistence and chance to the multiplayer experience.

Fans looking to get into the exclusive Battlefield 4 beta before October 4 can do so in three ways:

  • Pre-order the Battlefield 4 PC Digital Deluxe edition
  • Be a Battlefield 3 premium member
  • Be a registered owner of Medal of Honor Warfighter Limited Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition

In addition, Battlefield 4 will be hosting an open beta available to all Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC players starting on October 4. For complete details on the Battlefield 4 beta please visit http://www.battlefield.com/uk/battlefield-4/beta.

Battlefield 4 will be available November 1 for current generation consoles and available at launch for next generation consoles.

Train2Game News: GTA V Online

GTA VToday a small downloadable title update will be released on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. Once installed, you get direct access to begin GTA Online, which will be unlocked in the GTA5 game menu.

It’s set a few months prior to the events of GTA5’s single-player story. To prevent griefing, Rockstar has designed house party invitations specifically to be a friendly social affair where players can visit each other’s houses without fear of having them ruined or losing their vehicles.

“If someone invites you into their property, then it is considered a friendly visit and you will not be able to shoot up their place or steal their cars from their garage,” Rockstar said.

“By the way, in any given lobby, if you and another player own the same piece of property, you will each be able to enter your own personal instance of that property at any given time,” Rockstar continued. “You will also be able to enter each other’s instance of that property if you exchange and accept an invite. This way, multiple instances of ownership of the same property within a lobby can co-exist.”

Rockstar then, again, addressed the thorny issue of GTA Online micro-transactions, which was revealed last week.

“To allay some concerns we’ve heard on this subject, we can assure you that the game is designed such that the option of purchasable GTA$ should not disrupt the playing field – and there are a few mechanics in place to help ensure that,” Rockstar explained.

“All players still have to rank up with Reputation Points (RP) in order to get access to purchase high-end items. No one can begin GTA Online and simply spend a lot of money out of the gate to get a leg up. You will have to earn your stripes and play to unlock access to the aspirational clothes, guns and other items.

“Please also remember that in GTA Online, hustling to afford the finer things by earning GTA$ doing robberies, stick-ups, winning races and other profitable activities is a fun gameplay experience rather than ever being a ‘grind’.”

Rockstar also pledged to tweak all areas of the game to make I fairer and iron out any balancing problems.

You can jump into GTA Online via the fourth (bottom) slot in your GTA5 character wheel right now in the United Kingdom after downloading the small update. You can read more about what is available in GTA V on Rockstar Newswire

Train2Game News: Eurogamer Expo 2013

Eurogamer 2013The past weekend was one I look forward to every year. It was the annual Eurogamer Expo and this year was completely sold out.

I attended the event with a couple of friends of mine, one of whom had never attended a gaming event before so it was nice to see his eyes light up at the sight of the event. There is nothing quite like your first time!

The first game we ended up playing was the new Lego Marvel Super Heroes game from Warner Brothers Interactive. The game was similar to the other Lego games just involving all of your favourite Marvel heroes! The only other Lego game I had played was the Lego Batman game so I was quite shocked when the Lego characters started talking to me. Certainly a fun game to try if you can.

Second one of my friends and I discovered an XBLA game there that we were both interested in which was a game called Foul Play by Medatonic. The game was an entertaining side scrolling hack and slash which has no health bar. The game instead rewards big combos in a similar way to Guitar Hero. I would describe this as Guitar Hero meets Castle Crashers. Foul Play is out now and I will be buying it soon.

Next I decided to start tackling the main objectives I had set myself for the weekend and started with Batman: Arkham Origins. I am a big Batman fan and absolutely loved the other two Arkham games and was a bit worried when I found out that Rocksteady wasn’t going to be doing this game as I imagine most batfans were. My worries were put to rest on playing the game though. It plays exactly like Arkham City, if it ain’t broke – don’t fix it! My other worry was the voice actors for Batman and Joker. Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are the characters I hear when reading them so when they weren’t in this game I worried. I have to say though they both have excellent voices and I could find no fault with the small window of the game that I tried. I will definitely be pre-ordering my copy soon.

I then got two birds with one stone as I tried Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag on a PlayStation 4. The game was absolutely gorgeous and they have really polished up the ship sections from AC3. I enjoyed the quite open sea feel that I got from the game but couldn’t test much more than that in the time I was given.

The PS4 graphics were of course jaw droppingly stunning but what surprised me was how comfortable the joysticks were on the controller. They have just the right amount of indentation on the joysticks so your thumb slots in and is firmly in place for those more frantic moments.

The final game I tried out for the day was Killer Instinct on the Xbox One. I never played one of the  Killer Instinct games before so it was all new to me. I was paired up with a guy I didn’t know to play the game and it turned out we were incredibly evenly matched! We had two and a half games, the first he one with very little health left, the second I one with very little health left and the third one got cut short saw him well in the lead. The game was easy to get on with and just pick up and get to fighting!

Again the graphics of the Xbox One were beautiful with every little detail on display and much like the PS4 the XB1 has an incredibly comfortable joystick for your thumb to fit in to.

It was a great event as it always is but I wish I had more time to get to grips with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. I do certainly advise you to go next year though as in the three years I have been, I have never been disappointed.

You can view all the developer sessions from the weekend at http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/eurogamer-expo-2012-live-developer-sessions

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 30.09.13

FIFA 14I am surprised to announce there is a new number one this week in the game charts. After GTA V made over a billion dollars in just three days it has already been knocked off the top spot by FIFA 14.

All formats

Week ending 28 September 2013

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 FIFA 14 EA SPORTS
2 GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 1
3 MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION MICROSOFT 6
4 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2014 KONAMI 2
5 THE LAST OF US SONY COMPUTER ENT. 3
6 DISNEY INFINITY DISNEY INFINITY 8
7 TOM CLANCY’S SPLINTER CELL: BLACKLIST UBISOFT 5
8 SAINTS ROW IV DEEP SILVER 4
9 DIABLO III BLIZZARD 7
10 RAYMAN LEGENDS UBISOFT 16
11 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II ACTIVISION 12
12 KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 REMIX SQUARE ENIX 10
13 LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 11
14 GRAND THEFT AUTO IV XBOX 360 CLASSICS 13
15 MAX PAYNE 3 ROCKSTAR 15
16 NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED EA GAMES 17
17 SKYLANDERS GIANTS SKYLANDERS
18 ALIENS: COLONIAL MARINES SEGA 9
19 TOMB RAIDER SQUARE ENIX
20 ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW LEAF NINTENDO
< previous week

Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2013 UKIE LtdThese 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 Windows Phone 8 app released

SpecialEffect SpecialEffect, the UK charity that helps people with disabilities to play computer games, have released a free Windows Phone 8 app.

The charity are confident that the app, designed at no charge to the charity by Des Gayle of Altered Gene Studios (http://alteredgenestudios.com), will form a vital part of their communications strategy in spreading the word about how they raise the quality of life for gamers with disabilities.

Des is an ambassador of SpecialEffect and has taken part in many fundraising activities for them, including the British 10K run and several footballing events.

“With gaming getting bad press in some quarters it’s even more important that we can increase our communication channels about how gaming can be a force for good,” said the charity’s Communications Officer Mark Saville. “The app contains news, information and links to many wonderful video case studies that show how we’re bringing families together through video games. It’s targeting something that often gets overlooked – that people with disabilities have lives beyond simply ‘being disabled’ and want to enjoy themselves with everyone else.”

The app can be downloaded at
http://www.windowsphone.com/s?appid=e2802437-3a6c-49b2-91eb-fe5499575b9f

Train2Game News: South Park: The Stick of Truth release date

South Park The Stick of TruthThe release date for South Park: The Stick of Truth has been announced. Many fans have been waiting to hear this date, including my self!

Ubisoft, South Park Digital Studios and Obsidian Entertainment announced South Park: The Stick of Truth, will be available in the UK on the 13th of December for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The Windows PC release date will be shared at a later time.

In addition, the South Park: The Stick of Truth Grand Wizard Edition, a must-have for any self-respecting South Park fan, will also be available on the 13th of December and features a trove of mystical items from the deepest reaches of South Park to aid you in your quest to acquire the Stick of Truth and rid the realm of evil.

In the Grand Wizard Edition you will receive:

-South Park: The Stick of Truth Game
The full game on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.

-Grand Wizard Kidrobot Cartman Figure
Own the Grand Wizard Cartman and his stick of authority with this six-inch replica figure from Kidrobot. The Grand Wizard Cartman figure is not available in stores and can only be found in the Grand Wizard Edition.

-Kingdom of South Park Map
The entire town of South Park has been mapped for the first time in South Park history.

-The Stick of Truth Ultimate Fellowship Pack
Unlock the ultimate fellowship with the one pack to rule them all!  Choose your class and pick your perk with four exclusive Stick of Truth costumes that come equipped with special abilities.  Suit up as the Necromancer Sorcerer to increase your fire damage, earn extra gold by equipping the Rogue Assassin outfit, deal extra weapon damage with the Ranger Elf costume, or raise your defence with the Holy Defender outfit. The choice is yours, New Kid.

You can check out the latest action in South Park: The Stick of Truth by watching the new “Destiny” trailer. In the trailer, the New Kid steps forth and fulfils his…destiny.

YOU MUST BE OVER EIGHTEEN TO WATCH THE TRAILER

Train2Game News: PlayStation Developer Open Days

SONY_logoSony has dated its PlayStation Developer Open Days for October 7 and 8.

The event, the first of a number of developer days planned throughout the next year, is aimed at raising awareness for developing and self-publishing on PlayStation platforms, including the PS4 and PS Vita.

The target audience for the event is new or potentially interested partners from the development community. The event is open to up to 45 developers each day, and is completely free to attend.

Speakers will include SCEE’s developer relations senior account manager Agostino Simonetta, third-party relations VP Michael Pattison and XDev director of product development Pete Smith.

Develop has teamed up with Sony as the media partner for the event, and will be making a presentation on how developers can work with the press, as well as chairing an indie Q&A.

More speakers will be confirmed in the run-up to the developer open days.

“Developing and self-publishing on PlayStation platforms has never been easier for teams of any size,” said third-party relations VP Michael Pattison.

“As part of our continued effort in this area, we are excited to be opening our doors to developers who are interested in exploring PlayStation development and what its like to work with us.”

To declare your interest and register for the event, contact DeveloperEvents@scee.net.

The open days will take place during the afternoon on October 7th and 8th at SCEE’s London office on 10 Great Marlborough Street.

Train2Game News: Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag at Eurogamer

ACIV Ace Of SpadesBe one of the first in the UK to play Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag at the Eurogamer Expo this weekend!

Get hands on with three different demos at the Ubisoft, NVIDIA and Sony stands, and pick up your free exclusive Assassin’s Creed Ace of Spades card, designed by award winning London artist Vic Lee, from stand staff after you have played* (while stocks last).

Fans who pre order Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag from the GAME stand at the Expo will also receive a limited edition artwork print, exclusively designed for Ubisoft by Vic Lee.

Mr Vic Lee – described variously as a storyteller, artist, illustrator, historian, mapper, ragamuffin and vagabond – can been discovered at www.viclee.co.uk

This is only the beginning of your Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag journey. The Ace of Spades is the key, the question is… to what?

The game will be available to play on a Sony PlayStation 4 I have been told. This seems an excellent game to test the new hardware.