Category Archives: Developer

Train2Game news: Concept art is “base of all gaming production” says Jagex Art Director

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Train2Game Art & Animation students who find work in the industry will see their concept art become an essential base to the whole game development process.

That can be taken from comments made by Jagex Art Director Pascal Blanche in an interview with Develop Online. Cambridge based Jagex are the studio behind browser based MMO RuneScape.

“I saw the role of concept art growing up during all those years, and becoming the base of all gaming production. It has become essential for game design, art design and production design as well.” he replied about the evolution of concept art’s role in game development.

Blanche also said the role of a game artist has evolved.

“Most concept artists now are used to creating speed-paintings and thumbnails to get a rough idea pretty fast.” he said.

“The needs of the production to an extent created the hybrid artists they’ve now become. Some concept artists are even good at storyboarding or illustrations, using other tools to create better and faster results such as Sketchup and Zbrush.” Blanche added.

The full interview with the Jagex Art Director is here on Develop Online, and it makes an interesting read for Train2Game Artist & Animators. It’s also accompanied by some fantastic concept art.

Click here for more information about the Train2Game Art & Animation course.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Blanche’s comments? Is concept art the base game development?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Develop]

Train2Game news: Dead Space 2 designer offers advice on getting into the industry

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Dead Space 2 Train2Game blog imageTrain2Game game designers should definitely be interested in this, as Dead Space 2 Combat & Control Designer Brian Bartram offers advice on how to get into the industry.

In an EA feature titled Breaking into the Industry, the Visceral Games man says experimenting with game engines and modding are great ways for aspiring game designers – such as Train2Game students – to practice their skills.

The Train2Game Blog regularly posts about the benefits of modding.

“The best advice is to give it a try. Download a game engine and try building your own levels, modifying existing games, and creating original content.” Bartram told EA’s The Beat.

“There are many communities online for people who are creating games of all types. Game engines like Unity, Unreal, Torque, and Panda3D all make good starting places.”

It was the Unreal Development Kit that Train2Game students used to produced games at last November’s Train2Game & Epic Game Jam.

The Dead Space 2 Combat & Control Designer added that creating user generated content – in using games such as Team Fortress 2, LittleBigPlanet 2  or Infamous 2 for example – is also a great way to gain experience with game design.

“Creating multi-player maps for games is another channel. Some games allow you to create “user generated content,” and I advise aspiring designers to give them a try.” Said Bartram, who also suggested designing board games is a good idea.

“ Another thing that many System Designers do in their spare time is create board games, card games, and other “analog games.” I highly recommend Stone Librande’s speech from GDC entitled “15 Games In 15 Years.” (Which you can read here)

Bartam’s advice is similar to that given to The Train2Game Blog by Red Faction: Armageddon game designer Jameson Durall in an interview last year.

It might be lengthy, but EA’s interview with The Dead Space 2 Combat & Control Designer provides an excellent behind the scenes insight into the industry. You can read it in full here.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Bartram’s advice? Do you produce your own user-generated content?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: EA]

Train2Game news: Free-to-play Ghost Recon Online will be AAA quality say Ubisoft

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Train2Game students will be aware that some see free-to-play games as somewhat controversial, or perhaps not as well developed as AAA titles.

However, Ubisoft believe that their upcoming free-to-play title Ghost Recon Online will change these perceptions. Train2Game students can apply to be part of the beta test here.

“As a player, it’s difficult for me to accept that business models are relevant criteria to judge the quality of a video game.” Ubisoft’s Thomas Seris told [a]list.

“Some MMOs switched from a subscription to a free-to-play model, so it’s purely a perception issue. Because of this, Free is sometimes synonymous with low quality products, games that publishers cannot charge for.” he said

“The real question is to understand how the free-to-play model is impacting gameplay. The development philosophy behind Ghost Recon Online is to ensure payers are not given a specific advantage over players. This is great, because the game is all about competition, and it requires fairness. As a consequence, Ubisoft Singapore is focusing on providing players with a great AAA Ghost Recon game, regardless of the way it generates revenue.”

“We simply won’t hide from our free-to-play nature and this message will be prominent in our campaign.” Seris continued.

He added that Ghost Recon Online would get the same PR push as any other title in the series.

“We’re also looking forward to leveraging a franchise history made of various memorable extremely well-reviewed games. Ultimately, the promotional support behind the game, the quality of PR and advertising assets, or just simply the type of campaign behind Ghost Recon Online will definitely be on par with a AAA boxed product campaign.” said Seris.

The Train2Game Blog spoke to Ubisoft about their upcoming title Ghost Recon: Future Solder at GamesCom last year. Find out more about it here on The Train2Game Blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Ghost Recon Online? Will it be able to match the experience of a AAA title? And what are your thoughts on free-to-play in general?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Industry Gamers]

Train2Game news: Two UK studios nominated for Writers Guild of America awards

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Train2Game blog Brink imageTrain2Game students may be pleased to learn that two UK developed video games are among this year’s nominees for the annual Writers Guild of America Awards. As the name suggests, the awards are usually dominated by American games, but not this year.

Splash Damage Lead Writer Ed Stern is nominated for his work on Brink. You can find out how he wrote Brink in last November’s huge interview, right here on The Train2Game Blog. You can also listen to Stern speaking about games writing as part of a BAFTA panel here.

London based Rocksteady Studios win a nomination for their work on writing Batman: Arkham City, while Canadian studio Ubisoft Montreal is nominated for Assassin’s Creed: Revelations.

Mortal Kombat and Uncharted 3 complete the list of nominees for the awards which take place in Los Angeles on 19th February. The full list of nominations is below.

  • Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, Story by Alexandre Amancio, Jean Guesdon, Corey May, Darby McDevitt; Multiplayer Story by Stéphane Blais, Richard Farrese, Jeffrey Yohalem; Lead Script Writer Darby McDevitt; Script Writers Richard Farrese, Nicholas Grimwood, Corey May, Jeffrey Yohalem; Greek and Turkish Ambient Dialogue Writer Vincenzo Beretta; Ubisoft
  • Batman: Arkham City, Lead Narrative Designer Paul Crocker; Story Written by Paul Dini, Paul Crocker and Sefton Hill; Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
  • Brink, Lead Writer Edward Stern; Bethesda Softworks
  • Mortal Kombat, Story by John Vogel, Brian Chard, Dominic Cianciolo, Alexander Barrentine, Jon Greenberg; Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
  • Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, Written by Amy Hennig; Sony Computer Entertainment

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the WGA nominations? What does it say about British games writing?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or here on the Train2Game forum.


Train2Game news: Your chance to join The Settlers Online open beta

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Train2Game students have the opportunity to join the open beta for Ubisoft’s The Settlers Online, a browser based free-to-play strategy game set in the Settlers Universe.

The Settlers Online combines the game design of The Settlers franchise with new features designed specifically for a web based browser game.

The English language version of The Settlers Online European beta is now open, and interested Train2Game students can sign up via the game’s official website.

The Settlers is a beloved, enduring franchise which strategy players from all over the world enjoy and it’s exciting to be able to offer those fans a new way to interact with the Settlers Universe,” said Publishing Director Thomas Paincon.

“The success of the free-to-play model is very encouraging and with the rollout of the English language European Open Beta beginning today, we are very optimistic about the future of the Settlers Brand.”

Beta testing is an excellent way for Train2Game students, especially those on the Games QA Tester course to practice their bug hunting skills. Not only that, but in an interview with the Train2Game blog, Trion Worlds Senior QA Tester Karl Tars said that beta testing is potentially a way to get into the industry.

The Train2Game Blog will be sure to keep you up to date with the latest beta testing opportunities.

So Train2Game, is The Settlers Online beta something you’ll be getting involved with?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on The Train2Game Forum.

Train2Game news: Bioshock Infinite creator Ken Levine on cutscenes in video game narrative

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Bioshock Infinite will be PS Move compatibleTrain2Game game designers in particular will know that sometimes, telling a story in a video game can be tough.

Many developers get around this with the use of cutscenes, but according to Bioshock: Infinite creator Ken Levine, if you need one to push the narrative of your game forward, then maybe you shouldn’t be telling the story at all.

“I don’t believe there’s any medium that doesn’t have its advantages and disadvantages relative to other media. You just have to play to the strengths of the medium as best as you can,” Levine told Gamasutra when asked about drama in first person games.

As previously reported by The Train2Game Blog, the Bioshock creator has previously described first person games as the most immersive.

“I think what you lose in being able to pull the camera and show emotion, you gain in immersion, and you gain in mood”

“What you’re left with at that point is to then figure out what your strengths are in the medium, and making sure you leverage those strengths, and wherever you have to tell a story you say, ‘Okay, here’s a beat of story I need to tell. Here are the 15 tools I have to tell it, whether it’s animation, whether it’s something you write on the wall as graffiti, whether it’s a piece of art in the world, whether it’s A.I. talking to you in your ear, or it’s Elizabeth, those are the tools. What’s the best way to tell this piece of story?’

The Irrational Games boss added that game designers can’t make a game when they’re fighting against their toolset.

“And you sift through your toolbox and then find the best tool. And sometimes you go ‘Well, there’s no good way to tell that story. Maybe I should tell a different story.’ Then you change the story so it fits your toolset better. Whenever you find yourself fighting against your toolset, you’re not going to win that fight.”

Levine was speaking to Gamasutra as part of a huge interview about Bioshock: Infinite which many Train2Game students are sure to find fascinating.

There’s plenty more news about Bioshock: Infinite right here on The Train2Game Blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Levine’s comments about narrative in video games? Is he underestimating the power of a cutscene?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Gamasutra]

Train2Game student reaction to next-gen Xbox ‘tablet’ rumour

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Kinect for Xbox 360 Train2Game blog imageTrain2Game students didn’t see rumours a about a tablet based next-generation Xbox reveal at CES come true in yesterday’s Microsoft presentation,

That’s possibly a good thing, because when the rumours were posted on the Train2Game Facebook page, Train2Game students were lukewarm about the prospect at best.

“We are at least one generation away from a tablet based console that would be designated an Xbox replacement or successor. Otherwise being a massive and unduly risk for Microsoft. Any dedicated gaming device by Microsoft would be an addition to their arsenal and not to take the role of the Xbox, which may be the case.” replied Train2Game student Simon Anderton

Meanwhile, Train2Game student James Pottinger thinks Microsoft should be focusing their attentions on improving Kinect integration when the next Xbox consoles appears.

“Why bother with any tablet based console add-ons. Microsoft should just combine Augmented Reality with improved Kinect software to create a brand new, fully interactive 3D experience. I’d sure buy it” he said.

However, Train2Game student Jasmine Jackson pointed to the fact that if such a thing did occur, it’d mark a new trend set by Nintendo.

All I’ve got to say on the matter is that Nintendo are trend setters, obviously. It’ll be interesting to see Microsoft’s take on the idea of a tablet controller.” she said.

There were many more responses on the Train2Game Facebook page, and you get involved with the discussion there, or leave your comments right here on The Train2Game Blog.

Train2Game news: Rockstar show extensive research behind development of Max Payne 3

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Train2Game students should find this interesting, Rockstar Games have given us a behind the scenes look at the development of Max Payne 3.

The first in what Rockstar say will be a series of posts looks at the work going into research for the development of Max Payne 3, with developers going to visit various locations around the game’s setting of São Paulo.

“Gathering assets to help accurately inform and create faithful game level environments set in São Paulo, Rockstar game developers and designers took several trips to the area to extensively document everything from the glamour and exclusivity of posh spots like Avenida Morumbi, Avenida Paulista and the Jardins district, to harsh high-crime locales like Favela Japiaçu (Favela do Nove) and the infamous Edificio São Vito (aka Treme Treme or the Vertical Favela).” said the post from Rockstar.

“Thousands of pictures were taken for mood and texture, local fashions and outfits were scanned for reference, and a diverse array of Paulistanos from all walks of life — from bossa nova singers to jujitsu champions to favela gang members — were consulted and interviewed to provide thorough background on the dazzling and dangerous world in which the game is set.”

Train2Game students can feel the post in full, here on the Rockstar Newswire. You can also find out more about the development of Max Payne 3 here on The Train2Game Blog.

And stay tuned to The Train2Game Blog for all the latest Rockstar news.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts about the effort going into researching Max Payne 3? How important do you feel good research is to the game development process?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: Rumours suggest next Xbox will be tablet based

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Kinect for Xbox 360 Train2Game blog imageTrain2Game blog readers could see the next-gen Xbox feature tablet based components. At least that’s according to rumours from GameSpot.

“Given Microsoft’s recent efforts at unification across its Windows, Mobile, and Xbox product lines, it seems clear that the 720 or whatever they end up calling it (surely not that) will be the ultimate personification of that strategy.” suggest GameSpot.

“There are strong signs suggesting that, like with Nintendo’s Wii U, a tablet component figures heavily into the new design. That saucy Windows 8 Metro interface (now also seen on the Xbox Dashboard) just begs to be touched.”

“Speculation as to the form it will take has been rife for the past few months, with some even suggesting that the core of the new platform will be akin to a tablet PC that wirelessly connects to a base station, which in turn plugs into your TV.”

“If this is the case, a premium Xbox Next setup could feasibly include a base station, a tablet, a conventional controller of some kind, and the recently discussed high-def evolution of the Kinect.”

GameSpot claim that Microsoft will make their first announcement regarding the Xbox 720…or whatever it’s going to be called…at this week’s Consumer Electronics show.

If Microsoft are going to be including a tablet with their next Xbox, they’re not the only console producers following that path. As reported by the Train2Game blog last year, Nintendo’s Wii U features a tablet based controller.

The Train2Game Blog has previously brought you suggestions that the next Xbox console will be launched next year.

Whenever the next generation of consoles eventually appears, Epic Games Cliff Blezsinski wants them to be capable of graphics at the same level as the movie Avatar.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the rumours about the next Xbox being tablet based? Could it happen? If so, what does it say about the direction of Microsoft?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: GameSpot]

Train2Game news: Shooters have “biggest window of entry” says Binary Domain producer

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Train2Game blog readers would’ve seen this recent post which reported Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima believes the success of shooters means there isn’t much demand of other types of games.

It’s a view that ultimately wasn’t shared by Train2Game students, with many responding on the Train2Game Facebook page.

However, appeals of shooters include the fact they’re popular and relatively simple to jump in and play, and according to the producer of SEGA’s upcoming title Binary Domain, that’s the studio decided to develop the game.

“The genre was chosen to have the biggest window of entry for as many gamers as possible. Yes it’s the studio’s first shooter and there’s a lot of challenges. Within the studio there are so many who are total enthusiasts and who play a range of western titles.” Binary Domain producer Masayoshi Kikuchi told CVG.

However, he explained that SEGA also want to bring something new to the table with Binary Domian which features voice commands and an in-game consequences system.

“I’ve looked at a lot of shooters for good references. But also there’s a good point of comparison: identifying where the genre lacked and trying to bring something new to it. We wanted to contribute to the ‘gap’, and this is where having robotic enemies comes in. It ties heavily into the gameplay and with the very detailed procedural damage, giving you a different sense of feeling.” said Kikuchi.

And he added that SEGA have used both Japanese and English speaking writers to aid with the appeal of Binary Domain.

“For Binary Domain a Japanese and UK writer collaborated on the story and all the little dialogues, Subtle differences were discussed so as not to alienate anyone despite where they’re from.” Kikuch said.

Binary Domain from SEGA “puts players in the middle of a fast paced and intense battle for humanity in a robot-invaded 2080 Tokyo” It’s scheduled for release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on 17th February.

So Train2Game, do shooters have the biggest window of entry? And what are your thoughts on Japanese and English speaking writers working together to smooth out dialogue?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: CVG]