Category Archives: Games Designer

Train2Game news: Half-Life mod Dear Esther gets trailer ahead of full release

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Train2Game students should be interested in upcoming indie title Dear Esther for two reasons. First of all, it throws the rulebook for traditional game design out the window, and secondly it started life as a mod.

In terms of game design, Dear Esther is a first person ghost story in which you wander an island uncovering the reasons why you’re there and what’s going on as you explore the environment.  There are no guns, no weapons; Dear Esther is all about discovering the narrative, so it might prove to be an interesting experience for Train2Game students who  play it.

While Dear Esther is getting a full release, as mentioned above it started life as a mod built using Half Life-2’s Source engine and originally released in 2008 by Dan Pinchbeck, a researcher based at the University of Portsmouth. However, by 2010 the mod had been given support by Valve for a full, independent release, with a team of six people behind it.

Dear Esther is set for release on 14th February and Train2Game students can watch the trailer below.

You can find out more about Dear Esther on the game’s official website.

Dear Esther isn’t the first mod to get an official release. Heck, it isn’t even the first Valve mod to be officially released with huge titles such as Counter-Strike and Team Fortress starting life as mods.

And in an interview with The Train2Game Blog, Valve’s Chet Faliszek said modding is a great way to break into the games industry.

“It’s a really good way for someone to get noticed because it shows that you’re able” he said.

“Normally modders have to work as a team and that’s important, and they also have to be able to finish something and that’s really important. So those two things together are a really good way to demonstrate that you’re ready to work in the industry.” Faliszek added.

For all the latest news about modding, and how it can be a great benefit to you, keep reading The Train2Game Blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Dear Esther? What does it say about the potential of modding?

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

Train2Game news: LittleBigPlanet passes 6 million community created levels

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LittleBigPlanet 2Train2Game Blog readers may recall that we’re fond of LittleBigPlanet 2, particularly because it allows anyone to build and upload their own levels for other to play.

And as previously reported by The Train2Game Blog, there’s a huge range of creative levels that have been made by the LittleBigPlanet community.

Now Media Molecule has announced that across all of the LittleBigPlanet games, over 6 million levels have been created and uploaded by users.

“6 Million levels! A Year ago this week we launched LBP2, since then you guys have made 2.5m levels – you are amazing! <3” read the Tweet from Media Molecule.

The Train2Game Blog has previously reported that Media Molecule have hired game developers, after being impressed by the levels they’ve made using the community creation tools.

And in an interview with The Train2Game Blog last year, Volition’s Jameson Durrall recommended LittleBigPlanet  and LEGO games as a useful tool for anyone looking to be a game designer.

“But the thing I suggest for people first of all is grab one of the LEGO games, like LEGO Indiana Jones, it has a full level building system built right into it. And LittleBigPlanet, those are things you can get in there, learn to play and just recreate something you experienced to see what goes into that.” he said.

For more news about how creating user-generated content can be a great benefit to you, keep reading The Train2Game Blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts about there now being 6 million community created LittleBigPlanet levels? Have you tried making them yourself?

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

Train2Game news: Minecraft 1.1 update released

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Train2Game forum user favourite Minecraft may have been officially released, but that doesn’t mean game development has stopped, with Mojang releasing update 1.1. for their hugely popular title.

The updates, posted on the Mojang Blog, include improvements to bows, new recipies, and sheep now being able to regrow their wool. Minecraft update 1.1 also fixes a number of bugs. It just goes to show that even when a game is released, the game design process isn’t finished.

Train2Game students can watch the video from Mojang below, which describes all of the new updates.

As previously reported by The Train2Game Blog, Jen Bergensten is now Minecraft lead designer, having taken over from creator Markus ‘Notch’ Persson last month.

For more about the indie sensation that is Minecraft, see the Train2Game blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Minecraft update? How important is it for developers to keep working on games, even after they’re released?

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

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: 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 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: Skyrim mod changes dragons into “Macho Man” Randy Savage

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Train2Game student fans of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim can replace the game’s dragons with the late wrestler, “Macho Man” Randy Savage.

That’s if you install the ‘Macho Dragons’ mod which has been built by a modder going by the handle of FancyPantz. It replaces all dragons’ skins with the man himself, and even changes their shouts to his “Yeah!” catchphrase.

See the ‘Macho Dragon’s mod in action in the video below, right here on The Train2Game Blog.

Like it? You can download the Skyrim Macho Dragon mod here.

Last week, The Train2Game Blog showcased another slightly surreal Skyrim mod, one that allowed you to change Mud Crabs into Futurama’s Doctor Zoidberg.

As previously reported by The Train2Game Blog, official modding tools for Skyrim, featuring Valve integration, are set to be released sometime this month.

Not only is modding an excellent way for those on Train2Game courses to practice their skills, but it can also provide that extra experience needed to get into the games industry.

“It’s a really good way for someone to get noticed because it shows that you’re able” Valve’s Chet Faliszek previously told the Train2Game blog on the subject of modding.

A more realistic depiction of “Macho Man” Randy Savage is available with WWE ’12, you see our interview with Lead Gameplay Designer Brian Williams here on The Train2Game Blog.

So Train2Game, do you use Skyrim mods? Will you make your dragons macho?

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

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]

Train2Game news: Mod adds Futurama’s Doctor Zoidberg to Skyrim

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Train2Game blog readers will know that here, we’re fans of modding, because not only does it allow you to practice your game development skills,  but it gives you a portfolio to show potential employers.

However, it’s also a way to add more silliness and fun to games, and that’s exactly what a modder named Snoopey has done with his Doctor Zoidberg Mudcrab mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It was released was released towards the end of last month.

The mod does exactly what it says it will, replacing the skins and sounds of Skyrim’s mud crabs with the likeness and voice clips of Futurama’s Doctor Zoidberg.  You can see the Zoidberg Mudcrabs in action in the video below, right here on The Train2Game Blog.

Want to use the Doctor Zoidburg Mudcrab mod? Download it here.

As previously reported by The Train2Game Blog, official modding tools for Skyrim, featuring Valve integration, are set to be released sometime this month.

Not only is modding an excellent way for those on Train2Game courses to practice their skills, but it can also provide that extra experience needed to get into the games industry.

“It’s a really good way for someone to get noticed because it shows that you’re able” Valve’s Chet Faliszek previously told the Train2Game blog on the subject of modding.

“Normally modders have to work as a team and that’s important, and they also have to be able to finish something and that’s really important. So those two things together are a really good way to demonstrate that you’re ready to work in the industry.”

Id Software’s Tim Willits has also previously told the Train2Game Blog that modding is a great way to get into the games industry.

So Train2Game, what would you use the Doctor Zoidberg mod? Is modding something you’d like to try in 2012?

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

[Source: Beefjack]