Category Archives: Games Developer

Train2Game News Peterborough hosts CityLAN event

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Peterborough is set to be transformed into a mecca for UK gamers this August as 20,000 people descend on the inaugural  CityLAN event in the city, featuring some of the biggest stars in European gaming.

Held at the ABAX Stadium (home to Peterborough Football club) and Future Business Centre the event will feature key players in the European Gaming League (EGL) and UbiSoft Lead Game Designer Tim Browne (currently developing the new Assassin’s Creed Syndicate), who will join via video link from France to deliver a keynote address.

Other attendees include renowned Peterborough e-Gamer Ash Dubh who has close to 500,000 YouTube subscribers and Dr Mata Haggis, Professor of Creative and Entertainment Games at Breda University of Applies Sciences in The Netherlands.

There will also be a strong focus on careers in technology, with an active push to engage with students and younger people. Local organisation Digital People in Peterborough (DPiP) will be using hardware from robotics firm Arduino to teach visitors how to build a robot as part of this section of the event. There will be further talks and Q&As on computing, app design and development and wearable technology.

With a exhibitors, gamers and attendees alike expected to gobble through terabytes of data between August 20th and 23rd, CityLAN is being powered by four dedicated, pure fibre gigabit speed network connections provided by  CityFibre. The connections are part of CityFibre’s recently completed 90km network installation in Peterborough called the Peterborough CORE.

Along with hundreds of gaming demos, live play sessions and high profile exhibits, all reliant on a strong network connection, live gaming sessions, streamed speaker slots and demonstrations will be live-streamed to a big screen in Cathedral Square in Peterborough city centre and around the world.

Both CityLAN and CityFibre have worked in close partnership and consultation to ensure the network is able to support all the demands of running an event that is amongst the most data hungry in the world. An experienced team of engineers will closely monitor the connections throughout the event.

Terry Harris, Director at CityLAN said: “Bringing an event of this size to Peterborough is massively exciting. Some of the names attending are superstars in their own right and there is a huge appetite from the British gaming community to attend.

“Having CityFibre as a partner is something we are most thankful for – as many gamers know exceptional Internet and ultra-low latency is a must and with so many people in attendance a robust connection is one of  the most important ingredient to CityLANs success. We’re confident all our attendees – from gamers to those watching key note addresses from overseas will enjoy a high quality experience throughout.”

CityFibre City Development Manager, Andrew Starnes added: “ We’ve been turning Peterborough into a ‘Gigabit City’ and the response we’ve had from local businesses shows just how digitally focused this region is. We’re very proud to be able to bring these dedicated lines, which will provide some of the fastest speeds in the world, to the CityLAN event to ensure it’s a true Gigabit Games.”

To find out more and book tickets go to http://www.citylan.co.uk/live/

Train2Game News GameSessions teams with SEGA

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The GameSessions service has teamed up with SEGA to bring you some of the biggest games to try before you buy.

SEGA Europe Ltd., a leading video games publisher, today announced that it is partnering with GameSessions, the service which allows users to download full games quickly and play for free before purchasing, by making key titles available for a free trial and for renting.

Critically acclaimed titles, representing a cross-section of SEGA’s diverse portfolio will be eligible, starting with Football Manager 2015, Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault, Sonic Generation and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine. Giving users the opportunity to try for free will allow new players and audiences the opportunity to play these titles first before committing to buy.

As part of the agreement, each title will also be available for rental. Users will be able to utilise an in-game option at any point during their free trial to rent the game, offering more time to try before deciding whether to purchase.

“Partnering with GameSessions gives us access to a delivery mechanism we’ve not previously had access to and allows players the unique opportunity to try SEGA products before purchasing,” said Peter Chan, Business Development Director – Technology and Services at SEGA Europe Ltd. “The partnership will allow SEGA to reach more players in emerging markets such as Brazil and Mexico, where there are a large number of committed PC gamers and this represents a fantastic opportunity to reach new players and audiences.”

“We are delighted to have SEGA on board with such high quality games,” said Ed French, CEO of GameSessions. “GameSessions’ unique technologies let you start playing sooner, benchmark your hardware against available releases, and then let you purchase instantly whilst keeping your saved progress right through to receiving the final Steam copy. Our experience is that quality content like SEGA’s will encourage many trials and subsequently, monetize strongly.”

For more information about GameSessions, visit www.gamesessions.com

Train2Game News Legends of Gaming Live

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Legends of gaming live is being held in London in September giving gamers a chance to meet some of the biggest YouTube stars.

Visitors to Legends of the Gaming Live, London’s biggest gaming event taking place at Alexandra Palace on 4-6 September, will have the chance become Guinness World Records title holders in the newly-announced Syndicate and Ali-A Zones.

The Syndicate Guinness World Records Zone will give visitors the chance to attempt a new world record (title to be announced). Popular YouTuber and Twitch streamer Syndicate will attempt to achieve the minimum score and over the course of the weekend gamers can try and beat this.

Those at the top of the leader board will be invited back at the end of the session to be officially adjudicated by Guinness World Records and possibly walk away as the new world record holder.

Specialising in Call of Duty and Minecraft, Syndicate has 8.5 million subscribers and has racked up over 1.5 billion views to his channel.

The Ali-A Guinness World Records Zone is also offering gamers the chance to take on Ali-A’s new Minecraft record which is one of the ten new and exclusive Minecraft challenges that appear in the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2016 (out September 10).

Visitors can attempt ‘Most wood collected in one minute’ and those who find themselves at the top of the leaderboard will be invited back at the end of each session for an official attempt.

Also specialising in Call of Duty and Minecraft, Ali-A has 5.5 million subscribers and over 1 billion views.

Event organisers will release more details about the challenges ahead closer to the show giving gamers plenty of time to hone their skills. Keep up to date by signing up to the mailing list or keep an eye on the event website: www.legendsofgaming.co.uk

Guinness World Records will also have a stand at the show, letting lucky gamers have a sneak preview of the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2016 and enjoy an exclusive pre-order offer. The world-leading record experts will be on stage at the event, supervising gameplay between YouTube stars to make sure no potential new world records go missed.

“We’re thrilled to be part of a show involving so much awesome talent,” said Stephen Daultrey, Editor of the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition. “On top of that we’re really looking forward to gamers being able to take on their favourite YouTubers and become part of gaming history – anyone can get involved, we welcome all comers to try and claim their place in the next edition of the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition!”

At the inaugural show, top gaming personalities from YouTube including Syndicate, Wroetoshaw, Calfreezy, Dan TDM, AshleyMarieeGaming and Ali-A will be taking each other on in epic head-to-head matchups as well as meeting and greeting fans, all alongside a number of exclusive first plays and special event discounts.

A range of amazing titles will be playable on the show floor, with exhibitors so far including Nintendo, 2K Games, Konami, GAME, Razer, ASUS, YoYo Tech, GT Omega and Turtle Beach. A whole host of awesome giveaways, competitions and tournaments will also be taking place throughout the weekend.

For their chance to be part of gaming history and meet their ultimate YouTube stars, gamers can buy tickets at http://www.legendsofgaming.co.uk/

Train2Game News Terminator joins WWE 2K16

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Hollywood actor, professional body builder, governor of California and now WWE Superstar. The T-800 will be in WWE 2K16.

2K today announced the debut of 2015 WWE Hall of Fame inductee and global action film icon Arnold Schwarzenegger in  WWE 2K16, the forthcoming release in the flagship WWE franchise.

Best known for his acting, bodybuilding and political endeavors, Schwarzenegger, a longtime WWE fan and WWE Hall of Famer, will expand his relationship with WWE through WWE 2K16 with two playable characters – T-800 from The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day films. The playable characters will be available for those who pre-order the game at participating retailers for the PlayStation ® 4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, as well as Xbox One and Xbox 360.  WWE 2K16 is scheduled for release on October 27, 2015 in North America and October 30, 2015 internationally.

“I’ve achieved many things in my life, but I’ve always said success means staying hungry and pushing the limits,” said Schwarzenegger. “I was honored to join the WWE Hall of Fame earlier this year, and now I’ll continue my WWE legacy with one of my biggest film roles immortalized in WWE 2K16. Match the Terminator against Stone Cold Steve Austin, Seth Rollins or Daniel Bryan, and there’s only one possible outcome: Hasta la vista, baby!”

From early childhood in his native Austria to today, Schwarzenegger represents the ultimate renaissance man, taking risks and defying odds through career accomplishments in bodybuilding, acting, politics and more. He won his first of four Mr. Universe titles at the age of 20, earned seven Mr. Olympia titles and since 1989 has hosted worldwide fitness expositions through the Arnold Sports Festival. Schwarzenegger is a fixture in numerous blockbuster action films, including Conan the Barbarian, The Terminator, Predator, Total Recall, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, The Expendables franchise and his most recent release, Terminator Genisys, as well as for his roles in pop-culture favorites Kindergarten Cop and Twins. In addition, Schwarzenegger transcended from Hollywood to the state capitol, serving two consecutive terms as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2010.

“Arnold Schwarzenegger is a living legend with universal appeal, a perseverance for greatness and a strong relationship with WWE, including his recent Hall of Fame induction, all of which make him an incredible fit for WWE 2K16,” said Chris Snyder, Vice President of Marketing at 2K. “He’s a force to be reckoned with and defines what it means to raise some hell. Through his WWE 2K16 pre-order inclusion, fans simply can’t beat the opportunity to play as the Terminator in a WWE ring.”

To see the WWE 2K16 pre-order promotional campaign featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZTSahJxT0Q

Train2Game News Game Music Connect 2015

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If you are interested in music and games this is the event for you which is being held in London in September.

Game Music Connect organizers today revealed new sessions for the third annual international video game music conference which returns to The Purcell Room at London’s Southbank Centre on September 15.

Game Music Connect welcomes Director Of Music for Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) Worldwide Studios, Chuck Doud as opening keynote speaker for 2015. Other new sessions announced include video demonstrations and discussion with Sony’s in-house Project Morpheus music team regarding the aesthetics and functionality of in-game music scores for Virtual Reality (VR). Tickets for Game Music Connect 2015 are available now at http://www.gamemusicconnect.com .

The new sessions to be announced for Game Music Connect 2015 include:

“VISION TALK: EMOTIONAL RESONANCE IN VIDEO GAME MUSIC”
One of the globe’s most important video game music executives, Chuck Doud leverages over two decades of experience in music composition, production, technology and business. His remit includes such beloved PlayStation titles as The Last Of Us, Journey, Uncharted, InFamous, and God Of War – industry-leading in quality and innovation. He brings a unique game music world view to this year’s Game Music Connect keynote as he discusses Sony’s current and future visions for video game scoring and celebrates the vital role music plays in today’s and tomorrow’s interactive entertainment experiences, together with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Speaker: Chuck Doud (Director Of Music for Sony Computer Entertainment America Worldwide Studios)

“VIRTUAL REALITY & THE MEANING OF MUSIC”
Over the last twenty years, rightly or wrongly, many video game creators have sought to apply the grammar and function of film music to an interactive medium somewhat at odds with its linear cousin – with varying degrees of success. Games where the player is active protagonist in a real world gameplay scenario, yet is frequently relegated to passive viewer by cut scenes can be particularly thorny. What is music for; who is music for? And now, the discomfort of linear music concepts which don’t always sit well with interactive experiences is heightened in the brave new world of Virtual Reality. Sony’s in-house Project Morpheus music team started over with a clean slate and have conducted a series of trials regarding the aesthetics and functionality of scores for VR, seeking to design implementation systems which harness the inherent power of music without disturbing user immersion. Using ‘show and tell’ they will demonstrate what they have found to work so far, and explain why.

Speakers:

Alastair Lindsay (Music Production Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Creative Services Group)

Joe Thwaites (Composer & Music Production Assistant, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Creative Services Group)
Chairs: John Broomhall and James Hannigan

More sessions will be announced shortly. Visit www.gamemusicconnect.com for all the latest news.

Train2Game News UK Top 20 – 27.07.15

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Rory McIlroy PGA TourRory McIlroy PGA Tour remains in the number one spot this week with no new games added. Battlefield Hardline has managed to climb back in to the top twenty, landing at number thirteen.

All formats

Week ending 25 July 2015

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 – RORY MCILROY PGA TOUR EA SPORTS 1
2 LEGO JURASSIC WORLD WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 4
3 – BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 3
4 F1 2015 CODEMASTERS 2
5 – GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 5
6 CALL OF DUTY: ADVANCED WARFARE ACTIVISION 7
7 MINECRAFT: XBOX EDITION MICROSOFT 13
8 MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 11
9 THE ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 8
10 FIFA 15 EA SPORTS 12
11 DESTINY ACTIVISION 6
12 THE WITCHER III: WILD HUNT BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT 10
13 BATTLEFIELD HARDLINE EA GAMES –
14 WWE 2K15 2K SPORTS 16
15 GOD OF WAR III: REMASTERED SONY COMPUTER ENT. 9
16 FAR CRY 4 XBOX 360 CLASSICS 14
17 TERRARIA XBOX 360 CLASSICS 19
18 HALO: THE MASTER CHIEF COLLECTION MICROSOFT 15
19 DYING LIGHT WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 18
20 – FARMING SIMULATOR 15 FOCUS HOME INTERACTIVE 20
< previous week
Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2015 UKIE Ltd

These 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 Rise of the Tomb Raider release dates

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Following Rise of the Tomb Raider’s exclusivity to Xbox, Square Enix have announced the release date for PlayStation and PC.

Square Enix today announced its latest title in the critically acclaimed and award-winning Tomb Raider series, Rise of the Tomb Raider, will be available for Windows 10 and Steam in early 2016.

The game will be a console exclusive to Xbox One and Xbox 360 for one year after its initial launch, coming to PlayStation 4 (PS4) in Holiday 2016. Renowned developer Crystal Dynamics, a Square Enix studio, is leading development in the latest entry in the iconic series for additional platforms.

In the critically acclaimed Tomb Raider, Lara Croft survived a harrowing experience only to be discredited as part of a cover up. Now, after uncovering an ancient mystery, Lara must explore the most treacherous and remote regions of Siberia to find the secret of immortality before a ruthless organization known as Trinity. Lara must use her wits and survival skills, form new alliances, and ultimately embrace her destiny as the Tomb Raider.

Experience high-octane action moments, conquer beautifully hostile environments, engage in brutal guerrilla combat, and explore awe-inspiring deadly tombs in the evolution of survival action. In Rise of the Tomb Raider, Lara becomes more than a survivor as she embarks on her first great Tomb Raiding expedition.

Rise of the Tomb Raider will premiere first, exclusively on Xbox One and Xbox 360 on November 10, 2015.

Train2Game News Ubisoft at EGX 2015

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Ubisoft have announced three big games will be playable at the UKs biggest gaming expo in September.

EGX, the UK’s biggest video games event, today announced that Ubisoft titles Tom Clancy’s The Division, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege will all be playable at EGX this September 24-27, including a UK first public hands-on for Tom Clancy’s The Division.

In Tom Clancy’s The Division, a devastating pandemic sweeps through New York City on Black Friday, and one by one, basic services fail. In only days, without food or water, society collapses into chaos. The Division, an autonomous unit of tactical agents, is activated. Leading seemingly ordinary lives among us, these agents are trained to operate independently in order to save society.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate takes the series to a stunning recreation of Nineteenth Century Victorian London at the height of the Industrial Revolution, complete with underground criminal elements and the ongoing struggle between the common poor and rich elite. New Assassins, twins Jacob and Evie Frye, make it their mission to jump in and redress the balance.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege’s take on the tactical shooter has been wowing gamers worldwide since its announcement at E3 2014. This hyper-intense first-person shooter features explosive close quarters combat, high lethality, tactics and team play; all within a highly detailed, fully-destructible environment.

Louise Marchant, Group Marketing Manager at Ubisoft said, “We’re really pleased to be bringing three of our biggest games to EGX in the form of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Rainbow Six Siege and The Division. The show continues to go from strength-to-strength and we’re looking forward to seeing UK gamers get up-close and personal with the first-ever London-based Assassin’s Creed, the long-awaited return of Rainbow Six and the UK premiere of The Division”.

“Ubisoft fans are in for a treat at EGX as three upcoming heavyweight games from the publisher will be playable on the show floor”, said David Lilley, Managing Director of Gamer Events. “Visitors to EGX will have yet more bragging rights as they’ll get their hands on Ubisoft’s The Division before all their mates. Bring on September!”.

For more information about Tom Clancy’s The Division, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege and Ubisoft’s full catalogue of games, please visit www.ubisoft.com .

EGX will take place at the NEC, Birmingham from 24-27 September 2015. For more information about all the activity at the event, including eSports, hundreds of playable games and dozens of exclusive developer announcements, please visit www.egx.net/egx .

Train2Game News Streets of Rage 2 on 3DS

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A SEGA Classic is now available for Nintendo 3DS. See the action pop off the screen as you walk the Streets of Rage.

Relive the 1992 SEGA Mega Drive classic, Streets of Rage II, reworked in glorious stereoscopic 3D for the Nintendo 3DS from today! 3D Streets of Rage II is available to purchase from the Nintendo eShop for €4.99/£4.49/$5.99.

The critically acclaimed, side scrolling beat ‘em up that redefined the genre, sees Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding take to the streets once more to rescue their friend Adam from the clutches of master-criminal, Mr. X.

Take on a multitude of enemies; from bikers and kickboxers to ninjas and robots in this action packed remastering of one of the SEGA Mega Drive’s most cherished games and the latest in a series of 3D re-releases for Nintendo 3DS that have included such classics as 3D Space Harrier II, 3D Outrun and 3D After Burner II.

To check out the all new 3D Streets of Rage II footage click here. For more information on 3D Streets of Rage II, log on to www.sega.com .

Train2Game News Huge eSports prize at EGX

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The biggest eSports prize fund in EGX’s history will be up for grabs this September in Birmingham.

EGX, the UK’s biggest games event, and Gfinity, the leading eSports organisation formed by gamers and with the backing of successful investors, is thrilled to announce they will be hosting two tournaments for more than $100,000 at this year’s EGX, running at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th to 27th September 2015.
 
The Gfinity stand will give EGX attendees a comprehensive eSports experience, allowing them to meet some of the top pro-gamers in the world, plus see them in action competing for more than $100,000 in prize money across Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and StarCraft 2, the largest prize pot in EGX history.
 
The $100,000 Gfinity Champion of Champions event will see the top four teams from previous Gfinity events – fnatic, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Team EnvyUs and Virtus Pro – compete on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th for the coveted title of Gfinity CS:GO Champions 2015. Prior to the weekend, the final Gfinity Summer Masters for StarCraft 2 will see eight of the world’s best players compete live from the show floor.

“We are very excited to announce that we’ll be partnering with EGX to bring elite level eSports to the event for the first time”. Said Martin Wyatt, Head of Partnerships at Gfinity. “Following our successful debut at the show in 2014 we have decided to bring the culmination of our CS:GO and Starcraft 2 seasons to the NEC and 80,000 people. With over $100,000 to play for and the very best playing talent in the world in attendance this is an amazing opportunity for the EGX crowd to witness world class eSports live and in person”.

David Lilley, Managing Director of Gamer Events, added, “eSports is exploding worldwide and we’re delighted to be working more closely with Gfinity to bring the UK’s premier eSports experience to EGX. Visitors will see the world’s finest gaming stars compete at the highest level and may even pick up a trick or two to help them win next year’s prize pot”.

For more information about Gfinity Champion of Champions, Gfinity CS:GO Champions 2015, Gfinity Summer Masters and the full schedule of events please visit www.gfinity.net .
 
EGX will take place at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th to 27th September 2015. For more information about all the activity at the event, including eSports, hundreds of playable games and dozens of exclusive developer announcements, please visit www.egx.net/egx .