Category Archives: Games Designer

Train2Game at EuroGamer 2011 with Charles Cecil MBE Managing Director of Revolution Software

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Train2Game at EuroGamer 2011 with Charles Cecil MBE Managing Director of Revolution Software

Charles Cecil MBE has worked in the interactive entertainment industry for 25 years. He is currently Managing Director of Revolution Software which has released such hits as Beneath a Steel Sky and the Broken Sword series. Mr. Cecil is on the advisory panel of the Edinburgh Interactive Entertainment Festival, and Develop Conference and regularly talks at events and to mainstream press about creative and commercial aspects of the video games industry. He is also a co-founder and remains a Director of Game Republic, an alliance of game developers, and is a Board member of Screen Yorkshire, a regional agency that supports film, television and interactive entertainment in Yorkshire. In 2006, Mr. Cecil was awarded the status of ‘industry legend’ by Develop, Europe’s leading development magazine

Train2Game & Epic Game Jam interview: The A-Team’s Jonny Robinson on winning

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Train2Game & Epic Games gave Train2Game student teams the opportunity to win one of four places at The Gadget Show Live and compete for the chance to walk away with a fully licence Unreal Development Kit.  

Train2Game Game Designer Jonny Robinson is one of ‘The A-Team’ one of the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam teams that’ll be heading to ‘Make Something Unreal Live’ at The Gadget Show. Train2Game caught up with him to find out how it felt to win, how the game jam went, and if he’d recommend taking part in one.

Read the interview here, on the Train2Game Scribd page, or listen on the Train2Game Audioboo site.

Congratulations Jonny, your team, the A-Team are one of the winners of the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam, how does that make you feel?

I just love it when a plan comes together. [Laughs] As crazy as that seems I’m over the moon. I was saying to the team there’s a good chance we’re not going to win, but I said to every single one that we’re going to have as much fun as possible, we’re going to get along and we’re going to make friends. Don’t aim to win, aim to have as much fun as possible was my advice.

What does it mean to you to go onto The Gadget Show Live, to Make Something Unreal Live, and have the chance of walking away with a UDK development kit?

Nervous, maybe? I remember speaking to you earlier about this, saying I didn’t want to win because I was so petrified that there was a chance that I might win, there’s such pressure on you. Obviously as a team, the team felt the pressure in the 48 hours. But My God, you don’t realise that absolutely everyone who went to the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam, the amount of pressure there was. Believe it or not our game actually broke an hour before it was going to be shown to the judges, and the team bundled together and managed to build it again which is amazing.

The pressure of going to The Gadget Show Live is amazing, it’s a real win and I’m glad not for me, but the team, they’ve really earned it. I’ve not really put any visual input into the actual UDK engine but more direction for them and they’ve gone with it and it’s worked so…win! And congratulations to The A-Team, not just me but everyone, they all deserved it.

Tell us a bit about your Guy Fawkes themed game

Believe it or not it took us 4 hours to decide on a theme for the game. The team wasn’t really getting along together because 10 people into one idea isn’t really a good idea in itself. The thing to be a good game designer is to take everybody’s opinion into account to make a game everybody wants to make and not just that one person. I’m not a power hungry person so I don’t really say ‘I want to make a game about me, or what I want’ I say ‘I want to make a game that’ll make you feel happy.’

This is a game we’ve all had input on and I said ‘We’ve got this vision, lets drive it’ And everybody’s been fantastic, the team are dead proud of themselves and I’m happy for them more than me if anything.

And they’ll need to go through the process of thinking of a game again with the genre you’ve picked for The Gadget Show Live. Tell us about the genre and your initial thoughts on it.

I kind of messed up the announcement at the presentation! I said ‘3 R D’ kind of announcing how tired I am. I meant 3rd person and I wish I’d cottoned on sooner! With 3rd Person Action I feel more confident a lot more than any of the others actually. I know FPS is the general given with the UDK engine. UDK I know, I’ve watched tonnes of tutorials. I want to give a shout out to two guys from 3D Buzz and The New Boston. These guys have really helped me, I spent hours learning their tutorials. I’ve learned the UDK engine within the space of 4 months. That’s a lot of hard work, I’ve been doing 3 hours of work a day to learn the engine, so yeah, it showed!

Despite your tiredness, you’ve enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to others?

Oh definitely. We got to this point where we had the pessimistic and the optimistic. I was kind of the optimistic, trying to push people forward. There were a few team members who were negative but that just balanced it out. All together we’ve made a great game development team. I’d recommend anybody going to a Game Jam, especially a Train2Game Game Jam.

Thanks for your time Jonny, and best of luck.

Thanks very much.

 

 

Train2Game & Epic Game Jam winners “Over the moon”

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Train2Game & Epic Game Jam winners will wake up today in the knowledge that they’ve secured a place at ‘Make Something Unreal Live’ at The Gadget Show Live and have the opportunity to walk away with an UDK iOS development kit

The winning teams were announced after a panel of judges including Epic Games Mike Gamble, and industry veteran Jon Hare saw every game developed by Train2Game students in the 48 hour period.

“This is a landmark for us.” said Train2Game student Nick Stones, Team B team leader. “Everyone who has participated in the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam, we can always say we have won a game jam and there’s nothing that can change that.”

“It’s such a fantastic opportunity and we’re definitely going to make every effort to make 100% of that. I’m over the moon at the moment. I came here, this is my first game jam, I didn’t know what to expect and it’s gone all in our favour.” he said immediately after winning the 48 hour event.

Train2Game student Craig Moore, team leader of team G also said that winning the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam and going onto The Gadget Show Live is a great reward for his team.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity, we couldn’t have asked for anything better. It’s such a hard thing to get into, but this should really help us get into careers” Moore added that he felt “A bit dumbstruck but absolutely over the moon!”

“Going to The Gadget Show Live is amazing, it’s a real win and I’m glad not for me, but the team, they’ve really earned it.” said Team A’s Jonny Robinson, after staying awake for almost the entire Train2Game & Epic Game Jam.

“I just love it when a plan comes together.” he added. “As crazy as that seems I’m over the moon”

“The Train2Game & Epic Game Jam has been fantastic, a little tiring, but fantastic.” said Train2Game course leader Tony Bickley.

“It’s been a very good event and I’m proud at what the Train2Game students have been able to achieve, and even more proud of their dedication and passion.”

The Train2Game & Epic Game Jam winners will take part in ‘Make Something Unreal Live’ in the Birmingham NEC at The Gadget Show Live in April next year.

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game & Epic Game Jam winners announced!

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UDK Train2Game blog imageThe Train2Game & Epic Game Jam is over and the winning teams are:

  • Team A (The A-Team)
  • Team B (Nova Eye)
  • Team G (Team Gandalf)

A fourth team has also been made up from individual students picked from the remaining seven participating in the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam

Each of them produced a game based around the theme of Guy Fawkes using Epic’s Unreal Engine.

These Train2Game student teams will ‘Make something Unreal Live’ at The Gadget Show Live 2012. The development teams will benefit from a six-month incubation period in which a range of senior industry veterans will nurture projects by reviewing key milestones, providing guidance and shaping scope.

During this time, talent will prepare for the final showdown at the Gadget Show Live, where more than 100,000 attendees will watch them bring to life Unreal Engine 3-powered creations in real time.

The winner of that will see their game get a full release.

Well done to the winning Train2Game & Epic Game Jam teams, and good luck preparing for ‘Make Something Unreal Live’ at the Gadget Show next year. Good luck!

And thank you to every one of the ten Train2Game student teams that took part. Stay tuned to the Train2Game blog for more reaction.

Train2Game students, a timely reminder for you on the benefits of game jamming

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The Train2Game & Epic Game Jam begins today and gives the Train2Game students in attendance a great opportunity to build a complete, working game in just 48 hours.

Before the previous Train2Game Game Jam earlier this year, the Train2Game blog spoke to Mediatonic Director of Games Paul Croft about the benefits of game jams. Mediatonic themselves use them internally to create ideas for new games.

“I think it’s really good as it shows that you’re passionate and want to go beyond, and you’re actually genuinely enthusiastic and enjoy what you’re doing.” said Croft on the subject of Train2Game students participating in Game Jams.

“ It shows that it’s more than a job for you and you do it to have fun, you do it because you like it and that’s really the best indication that someone is going to good at their job is if they like it, so I’d say it can definitely help you from that regard. They might not be great portfolio pieces, because they’re kind of hacked together, but I guess with a 48 hour Game Jam you can get something pretty decent together in that time.”

He added that taking part in a Game Jam is also just a lot of fun.

“I encourage people to do Game Jams, I think it’s a great way to – of you’re in the industry or not in the industry – to break out, have fun. I personally like to do Game Jams because I get to do programming again. Just get involved and do it!”

Read the full interview with Mediatonic Director of Games Paul Croft here on the Train2Game blog.

The Train2Game & Epic Game Jam starts today and runs through until Sunday. The winners will get the opportunity to ‘Make Something Unreal Live’ at The Gadget Show Live.

Those Train2Game students attending the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam should check out advice from Train2Game student Fiona Stewart.

Stay tuned to the Train2Game blog for updates throughout the weekend.

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: Clue to the future is in Game Dev Story – Brink writer

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Brink Train2Game blog imageTrain2Game students should learn alternative game development disciplines in addition to their chosen field to increase their chances of finding work in the industry.

That’s according to Splash Damage’s Ed Stern, writer of Brink, who likened hiring employees in the industry to mobile title Game Dev Story.

“Learn to code, learn Unity, learn Flash, be able to make a game. Because even if you’re not great a graphics or great at sound you’ll understand what the issues are.” Stern told the Train2Game blog when asked advice he’d give a game designer looking to break into the industry.

“You know that game Game Dev Story? You want to have at least a couple of stats in the other disciplines. Even if you’re never going to be hired to do sound, have some idea what the issues are with sound.”

The Splash Damage Creative Director used an example of a game designer knowing what game artists are capable of as an example.

“If you’re a writer have some idea what the graphic issues are so you don’t inadvertently end up writing a cheque that no one else can cash.”

He also told the Train2Game blog what he looks for when hiring a new employee, and that’s to have completed projects.

“It’s always more important to finish something than to start something, that’s what we look for when we’re hiring,” he said.  What people finish in their portfolio, not what they start then kind of get a bit bored with and give up on”

Of course, Train2Game students have the opportunity to complete projects and the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam this weekend.

Stern’s comments echo those of ID Software’s Tim Willits, who in an interview with the Train2Game blog, said that completing a mod is a great way to get noticed.

“Lots of times we have people who send resumes’ in with 20 half completed mods; we don’t want that, we want a handful of one’s that are actually done, and that’s really important” he said.

Ed Stern was speaking to the Train2Game blog in an interview about Brink, games writing and how to get into the industry. It’ll be published on the Train2Game blog in full on Monday.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Brink Creative Director’s advice? Have you been looking into learning other disciplines? Do you already have skills in other areas?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: GTA V Rockstar’s ‘largest and most ambitious game’ so far

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Train2Game students saw the much anticipated Grand Theft Auto 5 trailer revealed yesterday (which can be seen here on the Train2Game blog) and Rockstar have dubbed it their most ambitious game ever.

“Developed by series creator Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto V heads to the city of Los Santos and surrounding hills, countryside and beaches in the largest and most ambitious game Rockstar has yet created.” said the developer and publisher.

“Grand Theft Auto V is another radical reinvention of the Grand Theft Auto universe,” added Founder of Rockstar Games Sam Houser, “We are incredibly excited to share our new vision with our fans.”

Last month, the Train2Game blog reported that Rockstar’s Dan Houser believes Grand Theft Auto is only beginging to scratch the surface of open world game design.

Rockstar claim Grand Theft Auto V will see “A bold new direction in open-world freedom, storytelling, mission-based gameplay and online multiplayer,” which “focuses on the pursuit of the almighty dollar in a re-imagined, present-day Southern California.”

The press release from Rockstar makes no mention of Grand Theft Auto V’s release date or what platforms the title will feature on.

Earlier this year, the Train2Game blog reported that the original Grand Theft Auto was “almost canned” before being saved by a bug. That’s something for Train2Game QA Testers to keep in mind, not all bugs are bad things!

What are your thoughts on the comments from Rockstar about Grand Theft Auto V? Can it live up to the hype? How will they change the game design?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Rockstar]

Train2Game Design Constructor #1 winner revealed!

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Train2Game are pleased to announce the winner of Design Constructor #1, a competition for those on the Train2Game Game Designer course.

The winner is Train2Game Game Designer Chris Robinson, known as Shadows on the Train2Game forum.

His entry was chosen for its close adherence to the brief, solid character development and the effort he put into creating diagrams to effectively communicate his concept.

Chris wins an Apple iPod touch 8GB – 4th Generation, plus a Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus iPod/iPhone speaker dock.

All entrants can now talk about the competition, on the Train2Game forum.

Thanks to everyone for taking part, and be sure to look out for more competitions from Train2Game in future.

Train2Game & Epic Game Jam tips from Train2Game student Fee Stewart

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Train2Game students are gearing up for the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam which begins tomorrow. Train2Game student Fee Stewart, who’s previously told the Train2Game blog about her experience with game jams, has posted some tips for those new to Game Jamming on the Train2Game forum. She’s kindly allowed the Train2Game blog to repost her advice in full. (You can find out more about Fee in her interview with the Train2Game blog)

1.Take with you wash stuff (no one likes BO!) a pillow if you can, a light weight fleece cover, one change of clothes or two and some money for food ( which is cheap at the uni)… Optional…some monster or Relentless or a drink of some sorts .. you seriously do not need any more then this! You have no access to showers unless you book a hotel that you really won’t have time to go to, so it is a bit of a waste of money.

2. When you find out what the theme is or what you are meant to produce spend a good few hours brainstorming with your team. Don’t rush into your 1st idea as it is quite often the 3rd or 4th idea that makes the most sense.

3. Allocate a team leader! This person is GOD! If they say go get some sleep GO! This is a team event and there are certain crucial points in the 48hours that you need to have your game at a certain stage of development if you hope to have at least 3 working levels (which is what you should be aiming for) by the end of the 48hrs. It is therefore imperative that people have some sleep in shifts and not leave it till 40 hours into the dev before you go regardless of how you feel at the time go get some sleep so you are there for when your team needs you! Do expect to only get 2 to 4hrs per 24hrs.

4. Set out what you are doing and stick to it as much as possible but do NOT be over ambitious if you have time to add extras at the end then do it but leave things like splash screens, credits, music even till AFTER you have 3 working levels. The MOST important thing is for your team to have a working game!

5. Have team breakfasts! This is important!!…. Take an hour out to ALL go get some food and a walk away from the labs for a while.

6. Allocate a good speaker in your team! This person should be responsible for talking to the judges and getting over as much information about your game in the short time you have… have team member two playing the game at the time so the speaker can explain and the judges can also see the game and offer for them to play it if they want to.

7. There should be a lead artist and programmer! This person makes sure everything is to style, allocates who does what in the art team/program team and talks to the other leads. Remember this is not an I AM event this is a team event there is no room for egos. You pick the best person for each role and you work as a team to produce some amazing stuff!

8. Have fun! Remember this is an incredible learning experience 48 hours does go VERY fast! Remember why you are there and try not to fall out with your team members.Sleep deprivation can do some weird things again why it is good to have a team leader who makes sure everyone gets some sleep at appropriate times.

9. Remember you will have been up probably over 50 hours with only a few hours sleep in that time. PLEASE do NOT drive home after the event.. book a cheap hotel or go home via public transport or something.

And finally GOOD LUCK! I am really going to miss you all this time!



For more information about the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam, see the official website.  And remember, the will appear at the Gadget Show Live 2012 as part of ‘Make Something Unreal Live’


Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.


 


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Train2Game news: Grand Theft Auto V trailer

			
						

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Train2Game blog readers, the first Grand Theft Auto V trailer has hit the internet and you can see it here on the Train2Game blog.


The much anticipated trailer reveals that Grand Theft Auto V goes back to San Andreas, and features improved graphics.




When the Train2Game blog reported that Grand Theft Auto V had been officially announced, Train2Game students flooded the Train2Game Facebook page and Train2Game forum with what they want to see in the game.


Last month, the Train2Game blog reported that Rockstar believe they’re only “scraping the surface” of game design when it comes to Grand Theft Auto.


So Train2Game, After watching the Grand Theft Auto V trailer, do you think you’ve got what you wanted? What are your initial impressions of Grand Theft Auto V?


Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.