Category Archives: Developer

Train2Game News The Gamers Brain

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Game User Experience (UX) expert Celia Hodent is not surprised by the global success of Fortnite as this week brings together the top Fortnite players for the finals of the Fortnite World Cup Tournament.

With a total of $30 million in prize money at stake, the wildly popular video game earned over $1.8 billion in 2018 alone, and has 250 million players worldwide.

With a PhD in psychology, Hodent has worked extensively with some of the world’s most successful titles, including Fortnite (Epic Games), Rainbow 6 franchise (Ubisoft), and Star Wars games (LucasArts). Drawing on her vast experience, she is also the author of the critically acclaimed book, ” The Gamer’s Brain: How Neuroscience and UX Can Impact Video Game Design. ”

Experiencing a game happens in the player’s mind. The Gamer’s Brain thus provides readers with insight into how the human brain learns and processes information, while demonstrating how that plays out in the context of creating potentially multi-million dollar video games.

By distilling psychology and cognitive science research, as well as employing real-life industry examples, Celia breaks down the ingredients for successful and engaging video games, empowering game makers to develop their own unique game recipe.

You can read more in her recent article Understanding the Success of Fortnite: A UX & Psychology Perspective published on Gamasutra.

“No one could have predicted the sheer impact Fortnite would have on the game industry. From a UX perspective it shows that applying psychology and developing a UX strategy can resonate to engage and delight players. The Gamer’s Brain outlines this UX mindset by understanding how players experience games and by providing actionable insights that work across a wide range of industries.” said Celia Hodent.

As a UX expert and consultant, Celia currently travels the globe meeting with clients, speaking at events and presenting her sought-after Master classes on Game UX, Unconscious Bias & Inclusion, and Ethics. Celia provides clarity into the role UX plays in creating video games that are not only entertaining but also have the potential to become transformative cultural experiences.

The Gamer’s Brain is available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, (French coming soon), and can be ordered via: https://www.crcpress.com/The-Gamers-Brain-How-Neuroscience-and-UX-Can-Impact-Video-Game-Design/Hodent/p/book/9781498775502

Additional information on The Gamer’s Brain book, along with videos of Celia’s talks on the UX of Fortnite and about UX, AI, & dark patterns at UNESCO can all be found at thegamersbrain.com.

Train2Game News Pokémon Masters Pre-Registration

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DeNA Co., Ltd., in partnership
with The Pokémon Company, began opening pre-registration today for
Pokémon Masters on Google Play and the App Store.

Pokémon Masters is a strategy and battling game where players form teams of sync pairs (the combination of a Trainer and their partner Pokémon) to engage in 3-on-3
real-time battles against AI opponents.

The game takes place in an
all-new location – the island of Pasio, where Trainers and their partner
Pokémon from every known Pokémon region will gather to compete.

Players who pre-register for the game will receive a notification when it
launches later this summer.

A new series of six gameplay trailers was also released today on the official Pokémon Masters YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/PokemonMastersGame) to provide fans with a deeper look into the world of Pokémon Masters and its major gameplay features.

These trailers include:

  • An overview of the game’s battle and progression systems
  • A preview of the Story Mode, including a look at the Pokémon Masters League (PML), a tournament that takes place only on the island of Pasio
  • How to evolve Pokémon in this game and the special powers that come with evolution
  • A look at the unique features of cooperative play, such as the ability to switch between sync pairs during battle
  • How to build the perfect team based on each sync pair’s strengths and specific role (Strike, Support, Tech), as well as how to add new sync pairs to your team

In addition, a preview version of
Pokémon Masters will launch on supported Android devices in Singapore starting tomorrow and will be coming soon to Canada.

In the preview version, players in these regions will be able to enjoy select content from the game before it launches worldwide without needing to pre-register on Google Play. All player progress during this time period
will be saved and carried forward to the final version of the game.

Pokémon Masters will be available worldwide as a free-to-start game with in-app purchases on compatible Android and iOS devices, with release planned for summer 2019.

To pre-register go to:

The game will be available in English, French, German,
Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese. Fans can
learn more about Pokémon Masters at https://pokemonmasters-game.com/en-US.

They can also stay tuned to the official social media channels on Twitter (https://twitter.com/PokemonMasters), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PokemonMastersGame), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pokemonmastersgame), as well as the official YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/PokemonMastersGame) for upcoming news about the game.

Train2Game News N64 Goes Modern

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The EON Super 64, the first-of-its-kind, plug-and-play solution connecting the Nintendo64 with modern televisions and monitors, is available now at CastleMania Games, Amazon, and other retail partners.
EON, the creators of the acclaimed GCHD and GCHD Mk-II,
upscales N64 classics by delivering gorgeous 480p — double the N64’s
native resolution — and truly lagless input with the EON Super 64. The
optional “Slick Mode” even smooths jagged edges, making classics look
sharper than ever. EON delivers the first device that respects the
original hardware without risky modifications and external power
sources.
Connect the N64 to a high-definition TV via HDMI and forego heavy CRT televisions and risky console modifications, unlocking a pure retro experience.

EON’s attention to detail provides an elegant, modern solution for the
32.9 million N64s sold that are unable to play on today’s displays.

With reverence for the Nintendo hardware legacy, EON designed the Super 64 as a natural extension of the console itself by following the N64’s
design aesthetic.

The Super 64 looks like it was always meant to be
there.

“Because the Nintendo 64 impacted our lives and the lives of so many others, honoring the original hardware with a look and quality level to match was crucial,” said Justin Chou, Justin Scerbo, and Allan Chou, founders of EON.

“We designed the Super 64 to bring our favorite games to modern
TVs, and not just be playable, but beautiful. We hope our device lives
up to your memories.”

The EON Super 64 is now available in North America for $149.99 USD on Amazon, CastleMania Games, and other EON retail partners. Check out EON’s mission and quality standards on their website and celebrate the N64 with them on Twitter.

Train2Game News Netflix’s The Witcher Trailer

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San Diego hosted their annual Comic-Con over the weekend and fans were treated to a trailer of the highly anticipated The Witcher Netflix series.

The show stars Superman actor, Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia and this is the first chance that fans have got a live-action look at the fantasy adventure.

Enjoy the trailer below:

The show doesn’t have a release date yet but is coming soon.

Train2Game News Gamer Goo

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Gamer Goo®, makers of the world’s only dedicated gaming lotion, today announced the launch of three all-new scents to its range of uniquely innovative products.

Joining the already popular Orange, Peppermint and Cinnamon varieties, are the sweet summer smell of Vanilla Sugar, the enticing allure of Teakwood and the captivating fragrance of Cherry Blossom.

The new scents are all available to purchase now, shipping worldwide via the Gamer Goo website.

An innovation in gaming skincare and the only product of its type dedicated to enhancing the performance of gamers, Gamer Goo is designed to improve the gamers’ grip, as well as increasing accuracy and dexterity by reducing sweat and clammy hands forever.

The unique Gamer Goo formula leaves behind no greasy or damaging residue and won’t damage controllers, keyboards, mice or accessories.

Professional gamers and participants in esports will be all too familiar with the debilitating symptoms which can result from intense gaming, namely a rapid build-up of sweat during heated play.

The special formulation only offered by Gamer Goo keeps hands dry, cool and sweat-free, allowing the gamer to perform at their best for hours on end.

A simple pea-sized application is all that’s needed to keep fresh and one-step-ahead of the competition.

Used by many professional gamers, Gamer Goo is the secret weapon to ensuring an edge over the competition, getting to work instantly, drying almost instantly and leaving a layer of protection to blocks sweat and moisture.

“Gamers around the globe are fast discovering the benefits that Gamer Goo provides to performance. Our community has welcomed our unique range with open (and sweat-free!) hands and love the distinct fragrances our products offer,” said Justin Clark, Co-Founder of Gamer Goo.

“We’re excited to bring three new scents to our product portfolio, further enhancing choice and allowing gamers to express themselves further while adding a very real competitive advantage during play. With our range shipping worldwide, we look forward to bringing Gamer Goo to more gamers than ever before in the year ahead.”

For more information on Gamer Goo and its range of gaming lotions, please visit www.gamergoo.com.

Follow Gamer Goo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Train2Game News Nintendo Switch Lite

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Nintendo have introduced Nintendo Switch Lite, a device designed specifically to play Nintendo Switch games in handheld mode.

The Nintendo Switch Lite system launches Sept. 20 at a suggested retail price of $199.99 and will be available in three different colors: yellow, gray and turquoise. A carrying case and screen protector set for Nintendo Switch Lite will also be available.

“Adding Nintendo Switch Lite to the lineup gives gamers more color and price point options,” said Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser. “Now consumers can choose the system that best suits how they like to play their favorite Nintendo Switch games.”

The flagship Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 and offers three different play modes: playing in TV mode by placing the system into a Nintendo Switch dock, playing cooperatively or competitively in tabletop mode by sharing Joy-Con controllers and playing in handheld mode. The system comes with either Gray Joy-Con controllers or Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con controllers.

Nintendo Switch Lite has integrated controls and is smaller than the flagship version of Nintendo Switch. It has no kickstand and, as a dedicated handheld gaming device, does not support video output to a TV. Therefore, it does not come with a dock or HDMI cable. For a full list of the differences between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/compare.

The new device can play all games in the robust Nintendo Switch library that support handheld mode, although some games will have restrictions.

Compatible game modes will be listed on the back of game packaging and in Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite owners can get together to enjoy compatible multiplayer titles like Super Mario Maker 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate together via Nintendo Switch Online or local wireless multiplayer.

For additional information about Nintendo Switch Lite, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/lite/

Train2Game News Zordix Games Publishing

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Zordix is starting a new chapter with a publishing division called Zordix Publishing.

The company is now able to publish titles for all major platforms on the global market. In addition to their own games, Zordix Publishing will focus on establishing titles with great potential from independent studios on the global markets.

Zordix now has capabilities to publish games on all major consoles.

The Zordix Publishing division will focus on smaller titles developed by independent studios, where Zordix can contribute with expertise, marketing and publishing.

The company is in a good position to do this, with established contacts and channels to all markets.

“ We are happy and proud to be able to present our next venture in Zordix Publishing. This venture will allow us to reinvest our earnings into new exciting game developers where we see a lot of potential, while also giving back to the industry. Zordix Publishing will be a key strategic move for us, and we look forward with great excitement” – Matti Larsson, CEO Zordix

Independent studios who are looking for publishing should head over to Zordix website, and go to the publishing part of the website.

Train2Game News Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U & U

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Gearbox Publishing and Gearbox Software today launched Penn & Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded (Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U, & U) for PlayStation® VR.

Available now on the PlayStation Store for $19.99, the comedic social VR experience presents fourteen magical tricks and pranks to pull on family and friends.

Using PlayStation® Move controllers, legendary entertainers Penn & Teller teach players how to pull off every magical performance before they trick others in VR. Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U, & U is also available Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive.

Watch the reveal trailer here:

youtube.com/watch?v=yCuzu7Zso48

By integrating both VR technology and human deception, Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U, & U allows players to fool unsuspecting friends and family for their own enjoyment. With performances ranging from awe-inspiring card tricks to supernatural telekinetic powers, players will learn how to deliver each magical bit to unsuspecting participants.

For players interested in single-player content, Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U, & U includes the chance to become a ‘willing’ volunteer in magical acts. Try to escape Houdini’s infamous Water Torture Cell before drowning, or uncover a mystery while window-washing atop a Las Vegas skyscraper!

For a more relaxed experience, join Penn Jillette as he reads the entirety of 1851 novel Moby Dick, teased within today’s Cancelled Bits launch trailer.

Visit the official website for more information.

Train2Game News Pokémon Gigantamaxing

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The Pokémon Company International revealed details today about the Gigantamax phenomenon in the highly anticipated upcoming video games Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.

Newly discovered Pokémon, details about the Galar Pokémon League, and more were also revealed.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield launch November 15, 2019, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch™ system.

Gigantamax Pokémon
The previously discovered phenomenon known as Dynamaxing can only occur in specific areas of the Galar region.

While Dynamaxing seems to be a phenomenon common to Pokémon from Galar, it’s been discovered that there’s a special phenomenon known as Gigantamaxing. Not only do Gigantamax Pokémon become bigger, but their appearance also changes.

Like normal Dynamaxing, Gigantamaxing boosts the power of the Pokémon—and it also allows each Gigantamax Pokémon to use a unique move known as a G-Max Move. Each G-Max Move is particular to a specific species of Gigantamax Pokémon, and regular Dynamax Pokémon are not able to use G-Max Moves.

Only certain species of Pokémon can Gigantamax—and even among such species, only rare specimens will be able to Gigantamax. The majority of Pokémon will keep their usual appearance when they Dynamax.

Two Pokémon species revealed to have Gigantamaxing capabilities today are Drednaw and Corviknight.

Gigantamax Drednaw
Type: Water/Rock
Height: 78′9″+
Weight: Unknown
Ability: Strong Jaw / Shell Armor

The power of Gigantamaxing has allowed Drednaw to stand on its hind legs and become bipedal. From its standing position, it can come crashing down on opposing Pokémon and crush them with its massive body. Drednaw normally keeps its neck retracted within its shell, but when it attacks, it can rapidly shoot its neck out. Its jaws are also incredibly strong and can easily bite through huge metal towers. The strength of its jaws combined with the force of its neck gives Drednaw the power to punch a hole through a rocky mountain in a single strike. Water-type moves used by Gigantamax Drednaw will change to G-Max Stonesurge. G-Max Stonesurge doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent—it will scatter sharp rocks around the opponent and cause Pokémon entering the battlefield to take damage.

Gigantamax Corviknight
Type: Flying/Steel
Height: 45′11″+
Weight: Unknown
Ability: Pressure/Unnerve

Corviknight uses its massive wings to catch updrafts created by Gigantamax energy to hover in the air while it battles. The armor on its body has been reinforced, so attacks from Pokémon on the ground barely have any effect. Gigantamax energy has caused the armor covering Corviknight’s wings to separate and become blade birds, capable of flying independently. Flying-type moves used by Gigantamax Corviknight will change to G-Max Wind Rage, which removes any effects of moves like Reflect, Light Screen, Spikes, and Electric Terrain that the opponents may have.

For more information about Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, visit http://www.Pokemon.co.uk/SwordShield

Train2Game News Pawsome Players Helps Cats In Care

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Cats Protection has launched Pawsome Players to help gamers to raise funds for unwanted and abandoned cats in the charity’s care.

Players who sign up can get ideas of online activities to support the cat charity – such as streaming marathons or gaming tournaments – and source logos, social media images and other materials to promote themselves as a Pawsome Player.

“Whether it’s a solo Fortnite stream or a Super Smash Bros tournament, we can help you make the most of it, says Donna Forster, the charity’s Digital Marketing Officer.

“A survey among gamers shows that 58% are interested in donating money to charity and 67% would join other gamers to raise funds for charity. As cats are one of the nation’s most favourite pets, gamers could attract a substantial following by raising money for us.

“Funds help Cats Protection to provide food, shelter and veterinary care for thousands of unwanted and abandoned cats while they await new homes so gamers have the confidence of supporting a very worthy cause.”

For more details and a fundraising pack, please visit https://www.cats.org.uk/get-involved/support-us/pawsome-players

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and helps over 200,000 cats through a national network of 250 volunteer-run branches and 36 adoption centres.

The charity’s vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.