Category Archives: Games Developer

Train2Game news: More to come from current gen consoles says Gears of War 3 designer

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Train2Game students may be eagerly any announcements on the next generation of consoles, but there’s plenty of life in what we already have yet.

That’s according to Epic Games Design Director and the man behind Gears of War 3, Cliff Bleszinski.

“I think if we bring out any more products on the 360 depending on life cycle, we’ll be able to squeeze more water from that stone,” he told The Telegraph.

“That said, I still think there is a huge amount of room for improvement in graphics. We want to get to Avatar-quality and real time and beyond. I think we can absolutely get there, hopefully in the next generation if everybody ponies up and does good hardware.”

And Bleszinski hinted that there are already new consoles in the works, but refused to be drawn on anything. “I could tell you, but I’d violate an NDA.” he said.

Nothing is official, but as the Train2Game blog reported earlier this year, Microsoft were looking for designers to work on the next Xbox console.  Meanwhile, Sony claim they’re in no rush to develop the successor to the PlayStation 3.

There’s no indication of any release dates for the next generation of consoles, but some Train2Game students have speculated that the 2014 release scheduled of the newly announced Homefront 2 sequel could point to it being one of the first next-gen titles.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Cliff Blesinski’s remarks?  How much room for improvement do you think the current generation of consoles has? And when do you think we’ll see new systems released?

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

[Source: The Telegraph]

Train2Game news: Battlefield 3 open beta begins this month

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Train2Game students will no doubt find Beta testing certain games fun, but they’ll also be aware that it’s an important stage of game development.

It’s therefore possible that many Train2Game students are excited that the Battlefield 3 beta will be available later this month on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Those in the PC beta will need to use EA’s Origin digital distribution system.

Those who’ve pre-ordered Battlefield 3 on Origin or bought the Medal of Honor limited edition will gain access to the beta from September 27th. The Battlefield 3 beta will open up to everyone else from 29th September  through to 10th October

The official Battlefield 3 website prominently states that the beta is “Your chance to give feedback.” Train2Game students, especially those on the Games QA Tester course, will know that feedback is an integral part of game development.

Train2Game students who get involved in the Battlefield 3 beta will be set on the Parised ‘Operation Metro’ map while the game mode available is rush.

EA believe that Battlefield is ‘superior’ to Call of Duty, as reported by the Train2Game blog earlier this year.

So Train2Game, will you get involved with the Battlefield 3 Beta? Do you believe it could even help your ability to be an eagle eyed game developer?

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

Train2Game news: Homefront sequel in development at Crytek UK

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Train2Game students may be surprised to hear this, but not only is Homefront getting a sequel, it’s being developed by Crytek.

As reported by ther Train2Game blog, the THQ published Homefront topped the charts back in March despite lucklustre reviews from critics. It stayed there for a week before being dislodged by Crysis 2…from Crytek.

The yet to be named sequel will be produced using Crytek’s impressive CryEngine 3, and according to Develop, it’ll be developed by the studios UK based arm in Nottingham.

“Selecting Crytek to take Homefront forward underscores our strategy of working with the industry’s best talent,” said THQ EVP Danny Bilson

“Homefront’s unique setting and storyline captivated gamers the world over. With Crytek’s industry leading technology and legendary experience in the FPS genre, we’re supremely confident that the next Homefront will deliver that AAA-quality experience that players demand.” he concluded.

“We see Homefront as a really strong universe that has a lot of potential and that has been expertly created and marketed by THQ,” added CEO and President of Crytek Cevat Yerli

“We believe that bringing our level of quality, creativity and production values to the next Homefront title, creates an opportunity for both THQ and Crytek to deliver a truly blockbuster game”

“It’s really important to us that THQ has the faith in giving us a lot of creative freedom over one of its most important properties to allow us to bring the Homefront world to life in a new and innovative way.” he said

The newly announced Homefront title is scheduled for release in 2014 on ‘console and PC platforms’ The non-specific naming of any particular consoles could raise eyebrows amongst Train2Game students, could we be looking at a next-gen title already?

Are you excited by the announcment? Can Crytek make Homefront into an outstanding game? And what are your thoughts on the 2014 release schedule?

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

Train2Game student insight behind the scenes of Borderland 2’s art direction

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Train2Game forum users, at least a significant number of them loved Borderlands. Train2Game Art & Animation students enjoyed its cell shaded art style in particular.

Now, with sequel confirmed last month, Borderlands 2 Art Director Jeramy Cooke has been discussing… art direction with Gamasutra. In particular, he’s keen to point out that Borderlands 2 will not only be a lot more colourful, but how the art style will be an integral part of the game.

“I wanted it to have a richer, larger world” said Cooke. “I felt like we were stuck in the desert a lot, and it got monotonous. It felt like you were seeing the same enemies too often. I mean, that’s my personal experience. And we really wanted to just widen that and give you this sense of a huge space, which is why you can see the other maps from the maps you’re in.

The Borderlands 2 Art Director then described how if the player could see something in the distance, they should be able to travel across the map and see it up close.

“You look over there, and you see this dam off in the distance, and you know “Oh, that’s where I was,” and vice-versa when you’re on top of the dam and you look down into zone 1 and see all of the ice spread out. It’s about that sort of large-scale, large-scope experience” Cooke said.

It’s a view echoed by Far Cry 3 Narrative Director Jason Vandenberghe in last month’s interview with the Train2Game blog.

“Borderlands is not a rail shooter, it’s not a corridor shooter” the Borderlands 2 Art Director continued.

“We want you to explore and have fun and go where you want and do what you want. The world’s job is to be enticing, to convince you to go out there and find cool stuff, to dig around in the corner and find cool loot or a miniboss you didn’t know who was there or whatever.”

So Train2Game, how important do you believe art style can be in making a game fun to play? What are your thoughts on Borderlands 2? Can it improve on the original?

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

[Source: Gamasutra]

Train2Game students get option to use Epic’s UDK on Mac OS

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Train2Game students will be able to use Epic’s Unreal Development Kit on the Mac OS.

The new, completely free update, allows modders to use UDK to create game builds that can be released on both Apple and Windows systems. The latest update also includes support for Apple’s ios platform for smartphones and will be available this month.

According to Epic, using UDK for Mac is “virtually identical” to the Windows system. “Every UDK game’s potential user base has increased dramatically yet again.” the engine provider added.

However, those with ideas of only using UDK for Mac will be disappointed, the platform is only available to those who also have a Windows system.

As reported by the Train2Game blog earlier this year, Epic’s free UDK has been downloaded over 800,000 times and provides excellent game building and modding opportunities.

Of course, Train2Game students will have the opportunity to test their skills with UDK at the Train2Game and Epic Game Jam from 4th-6th November. To find out more visit the official Train2Game and Epic Game Jam website.

What are your thoughts on Epic’s UDK coming to Apple? Have you used the UDK? If so, how have you found it?

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

[Source: Train2Game]

Train2Game news: Single player and MMO game design will converge says id Software Creative Director Tim Willits

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Train2Game Game Designers will build games in which MMO elements form part of the single player narrative.

At least that’ll be the case if the predictions of id Software’s Creative Director Tim Willits come true. In an interview with MCV, he discussed the future of narrative in games and believes social aspects will become an integral part.

“Storytelling is key in open world games, and then just the sheer variety of things you can do.” He told the industry publication.

“We have games like Skyrim, where there’s just SO much you can do: you can develop your character the way you want, you can develop the game the way you want and play it the way you want, and that’s a great trend I hope will continue to grow”

“But it’s the social aspect of games which is hugely important” Willits stated.

“In the future, I believe we will have many more games where the choices that you make in your single player game will affect games that other people play. Yes, we have massively multiplayer games now, but they’re so connected and tied-in and you’ll have a much more social component to many bigger games.”

And when asked if single player and multiplayer MMOs could converge over time, the RAGE Creative Director said he believed they would.”

“Yes. Just think of Fallout” he said. “If you went off to do something and you’re playing through and you made one faction more powerful.”

“Maybe, when your buddy gets there that faction still is. That’d just be cool! If things that you did in your game affected the universe, where you’re not necessarily directly competing, but different people’s outcomes are affected by what you do.”

The Train2Game blog was fortunate enough to speak to Tim Willits at Gamescom last month, and in an in-depth interview he discussed how id Software developed the different aspects of RAGE.

Willits also revealed that he believes modding is an excellent way for Train2Game students to get into the games industry. Train2Game students would therefore be wise to get their hands on the RAGE SDK which as reported by the Train2Game blog will be available following the games release!

Do you agree with Willits? Will single player games include MMO elements? Is it something that you’d like to see? And how will it impact on game design?

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

[Source: MCV]

Train2Game news: Sims Social has ‘redefined’ social games say EA

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Train2Game students will be aware that social gaming has changed the industry and indeed, potentially allows them new ways to get into the business of building games.

Indeed, as the Train2Game blog reported last week, social developer Playfish believe that there hasn’t been a better time for smaller developers to be successful.

Social gaming is still growing and Playfish believe that the fact EA have brought big names like The Sims to Facebook has already fundamentally changed the sector after becoming the No.2 game on the social media platform.

“In bringing one of EA’s most popular game franchises to Facebook, Playfish and The Sims team have redefined the meaning of social in video games,” Playfish founder Kristian Segerstrale told MCV. Playfish are owned by EA.

“By combining Playfish’s expertise and passion for social play with the deep creative heritage of The Sims franchise and the insights of its creators, we feel we’ve brought something very special to life – and tens of millions of players around the world have responded with extraordinary enthusiasm over the last few weeks. “

“We’re looking forward to working with players to evolve the game and its features in new and exciting ways in the coming months and beyond.” Segerstrale added.

EA has previously brought a number of high profile names to the social media scene, including the likes of FIFA and Dragon Age.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on bringing established franchises to Facebook? Has it already fundamentally changed social media gaming? Could it encourage casual gamers to pick up more ‘hardcore’ titles?

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

[Source: MCV]

Train2Game course update from QA Tester student Daniel Parkes

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Train2Game student Daniel Parkes recently began a blog called How Train2Game changed my life. Now Daniel has posted a new blog updating us on his Train2Game QA Tester course progress in achieved 80% in his latest TMA.

Daniel also writes about his visit to GAMEfest in Birmingham at the weekend and some of the discussions he had with game developers. A SEGA game developer told Daniel that many of his colleagues started their careers at video game QA Testers, and it’s certainly a common way into the games industry.

Indeed, during Train2Game‘s time at Gamescom many games industry personnel including UFC Undisputed 3 Producer Neven Dravinski, and WWE’12 Lead Gameplay Designer Brian Williams told us that QA is an excellent way to get into the games industry.

You can see the full update from Train2Game student Daniel Parkes on his blog.

Train2Game game designers could write for the ‘dominant story telling medium’

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Train2Game students could see their future work become part of the chief method of portraying stories. At least that’s the case according to the writer of Gears of War 3.

Video games are going to be the “dominant story telling medium” Karen Traviss told CVG.

And she believes that even if the game doesn’t have the greatest narrative in the world, it’s still the most compelling way of telling the story due to the players’ involvement.

“You get something out of it because you are acting on the story,” said Traviss.

“Even with games that don’t require you to make story choices you still engage with it in a different way so it’s a great stimulus to your mental processes as well. These are not brainless things,” she added.

It isn’t the first time Traviss has spoken about game design, with the Train2Game blog reporting last month that she believed ‘iconic’ games needed good writers. Her words split opinion of Train2Game students on the Train2Game forum.

And the Gears of War 3 writer isn’t the only one who believes storytelling in video games is going to become even more significant in future.

As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, Darkness II Game Director Sheldon Carter believes that game design and narrative are only going to become stronger as video games try to break their “final frontier”

Far Cry 3 Narrative Director Jason Vandenberghe previously told the Train2Game blog that the use of actor and motion capture is also playing an increasingly significant part in video game story telling.

So Train2Game, do you think video games can become the most dominant story telling medium? What is going to help them achieve it?

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

[Source: CVG]

Train2Game news: Sony development kit brings brings Android and PlayStation together

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Train2Game students could use the same development kit to produce games for handhelds and smartphones. That is if during their future careers they ever get their hands on the new SDK from Sony

Dubbed the ‘PlayStation Suite’ the development kit allows developers to produce games for PlayStation handhelds and Android devices including smartphones and tablet computers.

In theory, it’ll allow developers to release a single game across a variety of different mobile and handheld platforms including the PlayStation Vita, which you can read more about here on the Train2Game blog.

Other Sony platforms the Android games can be released on include the Xperia Play smartphone, two Sony tablet computers and any future ‘PlayStation certified’ hardware.

“By supporting development for multiple devices and by adopting libraries to create a variety of content not only limited to games, PS Suite SDK will not only help developers save their cost in creating new content but also allow them to efficiently create their content on one SDK and without having to create on several different SDKs” said Sony.

The PlayStation Suite will begin to be used by selected developers from November, but games developed using the SDK won’t be able to be released until next Spring, when the PlayStation Vita is expected to launch in the West.

Last month the Train2Game blog reported that Sony were handing PlayStation Vita kits to indie developers.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on a combined SDK for PlayStation and Android? Will it encourage developers to produce games for a wider variety of platforms?

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

[Source: Develop]