Category Archives: Games Developer

Train2Game news: Double Fine turns to crowd funding for new project, reaches $400,000 goal in hours

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game students should find this news very interesting. Double Fine, the studio of adventure game veteran Tim Schafer have turned to Kickstarter – the crowd funding service for creative projects – in order to develop a brand new game.

The adventure game from the man behind the Monkey Island series, has reached the $400,000 needed to fund the project in just a matter of hours.

Members of the public can use Kickstarter to fund indie game projects, with studios, including Double Fine, offering incentives to those who pledge certain amounts.

“Crowd-sourced fundraising sites like Kickstarter have been an incredible boon to the independent development community,” said Schafer.

“They democratize the process by allowing consumers to support the games they want to see developed and give the developers the freedom to experiment, take risks, and design without anyone else compromising their vision.”

“It’s the kind of creative luxury that most major, established studios simply can’t afford. At least, not until now.”

What Train2Game student may be particularly interested in is that Schafer has committed to using the funds not only to make a brand new, old school adventure game, but also to make monthly behind the scenes documentaries showcasing the game development process.

“There’s an unprecedented opportunity to show the public what game development of this calibre looks like from the inside,” he said

“This documentary series will strive to make the viewer as much a part of the process as possible by showing a game grow from start to finish, with all the passion, humour, and heartbreak that happens along the way.”

“Double Fine is committed to total transparency with this project, ensuring it is one of the most honest depictions of game development ever conceived.” Schafter added.

For more information about the Double Fine project, and the awards available to backers, visit the Double Fine adventure Kickstarter project page.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Double Fine turning to Kickstarter? Would you consider using the model? Will you donate to Double Fine?

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

Train2Game news: Hawken closed beta open for registration

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game students have the opportunity to be a part of the closed beta for Hawken, the upcoming multiplayer mech combat FPS from indie studio Adhesive Games.

Hawken isn’t going to be released until 12th December 2012, but Train2Game students can sign up to be a part of the closed beta by registering details at https://playhawken.com/.

Adhesive Games have also announced that Hawken will be free-to-play. Want to know more about Hawken? Watch the trailer below.

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.

And in a recent interview with The Train2Game Blog, Brawl Busters developers Rock Hippo told us that beta testing is “crucial” to the game development process.

For more on beta testing, how it’s useful for Train2Game students, and opportunities to get involved with it, see the Train2Game blog.

So Train2Game, what are your initial thoughts on Hawken? Will you be applying for a place in the closed beta?

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

[Source: PC Gamer]

Train2Game news: Volition designer speaks out against pre-owned game sales

Posted on by
2

Train2Game students may already be aware of the methods game developers are using to encourage consumers to buy new copies of their games, rather than second hand versions that are available at retail.

Some include bonus content when the game is bought new, others require a code to play online which comes with a brand new version of the game. Some even believe digital distribution is the way forward.

However, recent rumours suggest that the next generation Xbox console won’t play second hand games at all, and that’s welcomed by Volition Game Designer Jamson Durall.

“Personally I think this would be a fantastic change for our business and even though the consumers would be up in arms about it at first they will grow to understand why and that it won’t kill them,” he wrote on AltDevBlogADay.

“The used games market is significantly impacting the revenue we receive. I think what most consumers don’t realize is that every time they buy a used game, there is ZERO money making it back to the Game Developers. All of those profits are going directly to the re-seller and making it more and more difficult for us to continue making higher quality products.”

 “People often don’t understand the cost that goes into creating these huge experiences that we put on the shelves for only $60. They also don’t seem to realize how much they are hurting us when they buy a used game and how pirating a copy is just plain stealing.” Durall continued, before adding that if something isn’t done to combat the sales of second hand games the games industry “is going to fall apart”.

Train2Game students can read Durall’s AltDevBlogADay post in full here.

His name may be familiar to Train2Game students, as he spoke to us in a massive interview about Red Faction: Armageddon last year. Durall also revealed some excellent advice about how to get into the games industry.

But what are your thoughts on his views on second hand games? Do you understand his concerns as future game developers? Or do you believe that the industry just needs to adapt to second hand sales?

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

[Source: AltDevBlogADay]

Train2Game news: Wii U hardware “constantly changing” say Team Ninja

Posted on by
Reply

Wii U controllerTrain2Game students haven’t heard much about Nintendo’s Wii U since it was revealed at E3 last year, but one developer has broken the industry silence and discussed the upcoming console.

Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive developers Team Ninja have spoken about the Wii U, and say it’s “very easy” to develop for, despite the constantly changing hardware.

“Nintendo asked us what we would want from the hardware. And when we gave them our feedback, we could see that they really listened and made changes. The hardware is currently changing constantly.” Ninja’s Yasuda Fumihiko told Gamefront.

He described the Nintendo Wii U’s touch screen control pad to their handheld console, the Nintendo DS.

“The control via a touch screen is like the Nintendo DS, we worked on the NDS with Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword, and we would like to take some elements from it and install them in the U Wii version of Ninja Gaiden 3.” said Fumihiko.

The Train2Game Blog has previously reported that Nintendo believe the Wii U’s audience will be different to that of the current Wii console.

Wired Productions Senior Producer Kevin Leathers discussed the Nintendo Wii U in an interview with The Train2Game Blog towards the end of last year.

There’s no specific release date for the Nintendo Wii U as of yet, but reports suggest it’ll be here before the end of 2012.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Team Ninja’s comments about the Wii U? Is the fact it’s apparently easy to develop for something that’s encouraging for you?

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

[Source: GoNintendo]

Train2Game industry experience diary from game developer Darren Price

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game Game Developer Darren Price is on a Train2Game work placement at Double Eleven, a studio that has been named by Industry Gamers as one to keep an eye on this year. The studio is currently developing LittleBigPlanet for the PlayStation Vita.

In his latest Train2Game industry experience diary, Darren writes the less serious side of the industry after his experiences at the Double Eleven Christmas Party.

Read it right here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game Scribd page.

You can also read more Train2Game industry experience diaries from Darren Price here on The Train2Game Blog.

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

Train2Game news: Gotham City Imposters open beta goes live

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game students have the opportunity to get involved with the beta for Warner Bros. Gotham City Imposters, which is now open to anyone.

All Train2Game students need to do to be part of the Gotham City Imposters beta is download it for free from the PlayStation Store. The Gotham City Imposters beta runs from now through until 6th February 2012.

Gotham City Imposters is a download only FPS that pits vigilantes dressed as Batman against criminal gangs dressed up as The Joker. It’s a light-hearted multiplayer shooter that boasts massive customisation and plenty of unlockables.

Train2Game students who take part in the Gotham City Imposters beta participants are encouraged to leave feedback on the Warner Bros. forum.

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.

For more on beta testing and opportunities to get involved in it, see the Train2Game blog.

So Train2Game, will you be getting involved with the Gotham City Imposters beta? What are your impressions of the game?

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

Train2Game news: Notch: “It’s easier to be an indie game developer these days”

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game forum users are familiar with the success of Minecraft, the indie game that brought huge success for its creator Markus ‘Notch’ Persson and his studio Mojang.

And while it’s unlikely that all indie titles will match the huge success of Minecraft, Notch believes it’s easier to be an indie developer now than ever before, which is potentially good news for Train2Game students!

“I think it’s easier to be an indie game developer these days because back in the day it wasn’t called being an “indie developer” but a “garage programmer.” You weren’t expected to charge for your game so you couldn’t do it. People never charged. It was just a hobby.” he told PC Gamer.

“I think it’s much easier these days, but there’s still no guarantee you’ll make a profit. If you’re doing it out of passion and just want to get some money back it’s definitely doable.” the Minecraft creator added.

Notch also discussed whether after selling almost 5 million copies of Minecraft, Mojang still count as “indie” developers.

“I don’t think [Mojang] are indie in the sense of how I used to work anymore, because we have a payroll to worry about and we need to do stuff to ensure the company lasts,” he said.

“We have other stuff which influences what we do other than trying to focus on the games. We make sure me and Jacob are only focusing on game development so the founders are still developing” Notch continued.

“But as a company, I don’t think we are indie in the sense that I used to mean it. But in the other sense of indie – as in we make games we want to play without having any external dependencies – then yeah, we’re indie.” The Minecraft creator concluded.

As previously reported by The Train2Game Blog, Notch has stepped down as lead developer of Minecraft in order to concentrate on other projects.

Keep reading The Train2Game Blog for the latest Minecraft news.

So Train2Game, do you agree that it’s easier to be an indie developer nowadays? And  what’s your definition of an “indie” studio or game?

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

[Source: PC Gamer]

Train2Game news: Guild Wars 2 beta scheduled for March

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game students will have the opportunity to take part in a Guild Wars 2 beta later this year. That’s at least if they successfully apply for a place in ArenaNet’s testing programme.

The news came as part of a blog post celebrating the new Chinese Year of the Dragon, and revealed that the MMO is on schedule for release later this year.

“Today is Lunar New Year’s Day, and according to the Asian zodiac system, the first day of the Year of the Dragon. It’s an auspicious omen for all of us at ArenaNet, as we get ready to make this our own Year of the Dragon.” wrote ArenaNet Founder and President Mike O’Brien.

“According to tradition, the dragon embodies passion, independence, and ambition. We think it’s a perfect analogy for what we’re trying to accomplish with Guild Wars 2. We’re a company full of MMO and RPG fans, and we’ve set out to fundamentally rethink how you deliver an RPG experience online. So this year, the Year of the Dragon, let’s usher out old thinking – the tired old quest model, stiff repetitive combat, and monthly fees – and usher in the new.”

And the ArenaNet President added they will be rolling out a huge Guild Wars 2 beta in order to test the MMO in action.

“We recently finished our first closed beta test, and we’re now ready to hold progressively larger events. In February we’ll invite select press to participate in beta testing, and in March and April we’ll aggressively ramp up the size of our beta test events so that many of you will have a chance to participate.” said O’Brien

“And of course, this all leads to the release of Guild Wars 2 later this year.” He concluded.

The Train2Game Blog will be sure to bring you the latest news on the Guild Wars 2 beta, but Train2Game students can also keep an eye on the ArenaNet blog.

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, are you looking forward to Guild Wars 2? Will you be attempting to get a place in beta later this year?

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

Train2Game news: Skyrim mod turns dragons into My Little Pony

Posted on by
2

Train2Game student fans of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim can now replace its dragons with My Little Pony.

That’s if you install the Pony Dragon mod which changes the dragons into a My Little Pony, Fluttershy if we’re being precise about these things. The mod even alters the dragons sound to sound more like a Pony’s neigh.

At the time of writing on The Train2Game Blog, The Pony Dragon mod has been downloaded over 450 times. You can see the mod in action in the video below.

Like what you see? Then you can download it from Skyrim Nexus here.  However, you’ll have to choose between this, or the “Macho Man” Dragon mod which has previously appeared on The Train2Game Blog. That changes Skyrim’s dragons into the late, great, wrester “Macho Man” Randy Savage.

And if changing your dragons into a Macho Man or a Pony isn’t enough, then as previously reported on The Train2Game Blog, there’s a mod which changes 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.

Keep reading The Train2Game Blog for the latest news about modding and how it could benefit you.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the My Little Pony mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim? Will you be installing it? Or is it a bit silly?

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

[Source: VG247]

Train2Game news: Star Trek Online is the latest MMO to go free-to-play

Posted on by

Train2Game Blog readers may have read this piece earlier this week which argued that free-to-play games gives gamers a better experience than a subscription based MMO.

It’s timely then that now Star Trek Online from Cryptic Studios is the latest MMO to switch to the free-to-play model.

“We couldn’t be more excited,” said Cryptic Studios CEO “Anyone can download and play Star Trek Online at no cost. There’s no better way to see how sitting in the captain’s chair feels.”

Train2Game students who want to check out Star Treck Online now it’s free-to-play can do so here.

Dungeons and Dragons Online, Lord of the Rings Online and DC Universe Online are among a number of previously subscription based titles that have made a leap to free-to-play.

Last week, the Train2Game Blog reported that Ubisoft believe their upcoming free-to-play title Ghost Recon online will be AAA quality.

For the latest news about industry trends, including free-to-play, keep reading The Train2Game Blog.

So Train2Game, will you be giving Star Trek Online a go? Or are too many MMOs going free-to-play?

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