Train2game News Assassin’s Creed Identity

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Ubisoft® announced that Assassin’s Creed® Identity, the franchise’s first Action-RPG, will launch on iOS devices on February 25, 2016. The mobile-exclusive game takes place during a fan-favourite time period, the Italian Renaissance.

Assassin’s Creed Identity challenges players to solve The Mystery of The Crows through a combination of thrilling story missions and countless quests. Players will create and customise their own Assassins and take them through numerous adventures in iconic settings from the Italian Renaissance, such as the Santa Croce area in Florence and the Colosseum in Rome. The Assassins will evolve throughout the game and progress from a novice to a master assassin. Characters can be chosen from four individual classes: Berserker, Shadow Blade, Trickster and Thief.

Assassin’s Creed Identity transports the fun, the freedom of movement and parkour to iOS devices using a variety of different controls: tap-to-move, dual virtual stick controls or with a gamepad. Assassin’s Creed Identity uses the Unity game engine to create stunning graphics never before seen on a mobile device, through amazing custom-made HD textures, shaders and models.

On February 3rd, a Q&A video with the Creative Director of the game will be published on the Ubisoft Youtube channel, giving more details about the game and how Assassin’s Creed was re-imagined on mobile.

Developed by Blue Byte®, a Ubisoft studio, Assassin’s Creed Identity will be available on the App Store for £3.99. The game requires iOS 7 and an iPad 3 or a later model, or an iPhone 5 or a later model.

Train2Game News Mobile game to support LGBTQ

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Atari®, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, today announced the worldwide availability of Pridefest™, an original social-sim game inspired by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community.

Available now on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch as well as on Google Play for Android devices, Pridefest is a free-to-play game designed to emulate the colorful atmosphere and inclusive spirit of the hundreds of real-world Pride parades held annually around the world. In anticipation of the launch, Atari first showcased Pridefest at NYC Pride and Flame Con where members of the LGBTQ community and allies received an exclusive sneak peek of the game. For more on their reactions and excitement, check out the highlight video https://e1.m.tt/a/nrrobhrb.html

To download on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch:
https://e1.m.tt/a/vttkmjzb.html

To download on Google Play for Android devices:
https://e1.m.tt/a/vttkmgbk.html

“Pride is only one small portion of the diverse LGBTQ culture and community, but it is one centered on freedom of expression, the pursuit of equality, and shared celebration. Pridefest was designed to celebrate progress the LGBTQ community has made toward equality while working to emulate the spirited and celebratory atmosphere of today’s real-world parades,” said Fred Chesnais, Chief Executive Officer of Atari. “It was that spirited atmosphere that especially drew us to the idea of Pride as an overarching theme and parades as the core gameplay mechanic. ”

As the new mayor of a city that has seemingly lost its fun and color overnight, Pridefest players are tasked with bringing the city back to its former glory. The mayor must transform buildings from dull to bright by spreading joy throughout the city, acting as the Grand Marshal and restoring pride throughout the city, neighborhood by neighborhood. Players can showcase their personality by customizing avatars, shops and storefronts, and pride flotillas while following an engaging storyline through more than 40 quests to unlock new content. Fill the “Fun Meter” to achieve the city’s optimal happiness and make the citizens cheerful again.

“As Atari’s first game developed in support of LGBTQ equality, Pridefest works to bridge the gap between this underserved community and the gaming industry,” said Chesnais. “While creating a fun, inclusive game members of the community and allies can enjoy was an important goal, we hope that Pridefest also serves as a platform for members of the LGBTQ community to connect in a safe, supportive atmosphere.”

Packed with social features designed to encourage players to connect on a global scale – Pridefest boasts one-to-one chat functionality, options to visit and run pride parades in far-off cities created by other Pridefest players, as well as a “club” system that allows the formation of in-game groups. The various social features can be turned on or off, based on the preferences of players.

Also essential to the Pridefest experienceis the level of personalization, which is incorporated throughout the game. Avatar customization gives players the choice of dozens of body types, hairstyles, clothing, and accessories to personalize. Pride flotillas provide another opportunity for customization, with various themes, mascots, decorations, and more available to incorporate into each parade.  

Pridefest is developed in partnership with Mad Marshmallow. To learn more and download on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch or on Google Play for Android devices, visit PridefestGame.com.

Train2Game News Iron Maiden mobile game

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Roadhouse Interactive, 50cc Games and Metal legends Iron Maiden are pleased to announce that Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast, an action-packed, free-to-play RPG steeped in Iron Maiden mythology, will launch worldwide this summer on iOS and Android platforms.

Following a series of hit action sports titles for Red Bull Media House, Warhammer 40,000: Carnage, a Games Workshop ARPG, and Food Battle: The Game for YouTube sensations SMOSH, Roadhouse Interactive’s development and publishing divisions have been working hand in hand with Iron Maiden and their Phantom Music Management team, who have granted unparalleled access to the vaults in order to create a truly authentic Iron Maiden game.

Developed in close collaboration with Iron Maiden’s management, players take on the role of the band’s iconic mascot, Eddie, in his many forms – each with unique abilities. Players explore new worlds, travel through time, and battle a cast of dramatic and engaging characters drawn from the expansive catalogue of Maiden’s albums and art. Gameplay is enhanced with a soundtrack using songs spanning the band’s entire career, including previously unheard live recordings of Iron Maiden classics adapted for the game by engineer Tony Newton under the close scrutiny of bassist and founding member Steve Harris.

“We always thought Maiden’s music and imagery with Eddie could be perfect for gaming and it’s something we have been looking at doing again since Ed Hunter in 1999. Now in 2016 it can all be done on a smartphone which makes it even more accessible for all our fans and also all the gamers out there,” comments Harris.

Iron Maiden’s latest album, The Book of Souls, was released in September 2015 to popular and critical acclaim, hitting the #1 spot in over 40 countries and reinforcing their position as one of the most relevant and influential bands in music today. This year they will embark on the The Book of Souls World tour and with fan excitement at fever pitch it’s the perfect time to expand Iron Maiden’s legend into gaming.

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast will be available later this year on iOS and Android platforms. See http://www.ironmaidenlegacy.com for ongoing releases about the game.

Train2Game News MU Origin Android Beta

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WEBZEN, a global developer and publisher of free-to-play games, announced today that the first Closed Beta for its mobile MMORPG MU: Origin will start on Google Play on the Android mobile platform on the 25th of January.

MU: Origin is an upcoming mobile MMORPG, successfully transferred Full 3D PC MMORPG MU ONLINE’s enormous amount of contents and applied the latest mobile game trends: the game system and user interface which are optimized to mobile devices, and the splendid graphics. MU: Origin allows players to experience a full 3D PC quality real-time MMORPG on their mobile device.

MU: Origin is a mobile game developed through WEBZEN’s IP franchising business – WEBZEN grants the franchisee the right to use a developed concept, including graphics, trademarks, character and even publishing technologies to create a new game. Along with MU: Origin’s IP franchising alliance, a Chinese partner company launched the game in Chinese market, and WEBZEN lead to its game service in Korea as well as giving them its guidance and support for the entire game development phase.

While mobile game markets have grown rapidly, this business model started from the idea that it would be able to lead even more global gamers to a mobile game by taking advantage of high brand awareness of PC online game MU ONLINE. In fact, the strong performance of IP Franchising was primarily due to mobile game MU: Origin based on the well-known PC online game MU ONLINE.

Since MU: Origin officially launched in Korea, April 2015, the game was ranked on the top 1 game of Korean top-grossing charts in both Google Play and App Store. Furthermore, MU: Origin was ranked on the top 1 game of App Store’s top-grossing charts in China, and the game was ranked in the top 5 games of Google Play’s worldwide top-grossing charts in May 2015.

MU: Origin still has a significant number of registered players, with more than 120 million accounts in China, and 20 million downloads on Google Play Store only in Korea. Amongst many mobile games in the markets, the game has been in the top-tier position in both two countries.

Additionally, WEBZEN has already secured an influential channel ‘WEBZEN.com’ to bring its games to the global market with 60 million players from all over the world. To promote the game in the West, the WEBZEN team is planning to organize cross-promotions with other PC games on it’s the global game portal ‘WEBZEN.com’.

From 12th January through to 31st January, 2016 (PST), any Android phone or tablet user who can access to Google Play and a compatible device in Europe, North and South America can sign-up for early access to try the game during Closed Beta phase on the official MU: Origin website at: http://muorigin.webzen.com/

Just a few thousand players will be selected to take part in the first round of closed beta testing, and participants who receive an invitation letter by e-mail will be able to download the game fully localized into English for free. The Closed Beta will be running from 25th January until 31st January, 2016 (PST).

Full release of the game is currently scheduled for spring 2016, as well as expansion into other platforms including iOS.

Interested players are invited to check out the game’s official forums found at http://forum.webzen.com/forum/en/mu-origin-english more information, and MU: Origin’s news and updates will be available on its official Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MUOriginWEBZEN/

Train2Game News Worms 4 on Android

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Games industry veteran and independent games label Team17 are excited to announce that Worms™ 4 is now available to download for Android via the Google Play Store with a limited time 50% launch discount available.

Worms™ 4 is the definitive handheld Worms™ experience featuring an all new enriched cartoon look and improved design for mobile.

Worms™ 4 features:

·         80 Single Player Missions
·         Synchronous Multiplayer Matches – Battle against opponents from around the world with real time one-on-one online multiplayer matches!
·         Brand New Weapons – Wreak havoc with brand new weapons including Hailey’s Comet!
·         Weapon Upgrades – Players can collect more than a hundred weapon upgrades to make their worms more powerful! Mix and match weapon upgrades to suit your own strategy
·         Five Gorgeous Locations – Do battle in five beautiful hand drawn regions: Middle Turf, Candiville, Wacky-Habara, Tomorrow Islands and the Fro Zone
·         Fantastic Customisation Options – Individually customise each worm and give their team the personal touch!
·         Factions – Choose an allegiance, and fight under the banner of Red or Blue! The daily tug of war competition pits faction against faction, with the winners reaping the benefits of extra in-game rewards!
·         World Events – Each week dynamic events take place around the game’s world map. The player enters into these events and competes against other players, with the aim of representing their faction and earning prizes for fellow faction members
·         Daily Challenges – Partake in fun optional daily challenges to earn yourself and your faction additional rewards!
·         Connect with Friends – Connect your Facebook account to battle your friends in online multiplayer or view your friend’s progress on the world map screen and compete to beat their scores

Worms™ 4 is available to download now for Android from the Google Play Store with a limited 50% launch discount available. Currently £1.99 / $2.49 / 2,49 €, usually £3.99 / $4.99 / 4,99 €.

Train2Game News Mad Catz joined Design for Samsung

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Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ), a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products, announced today that it has joined the Designed for Samsung (DFS) program.

As the first company to offer traditional video game controller hardware for the Designed for Samsung program, Mad Catz will be introducing a range of mobile gaming products from its award-winning GameSmart™ portfolio, optimized for Samsung smartphones and tablets.

With a wide variety of innovative controllers and gamepads, Mad Catz will provide Samsung Mobile consumers the opportunity to enhance their gaming and multi-media experiences with features and functionality that take full advantage of their Samsung smartphone or tablet, as well as other Bluetooth® enabled connected devices and PCs.

Each certified product will also feature the ‘Designed for Samsung Mobile’ logo on packaging, communicating seamless compatibility with Samsung smartphones and tablets.

“We’re excited to join the Designed for Samsung Program and provide Samsung Mobile customers with a range of high-quality mobile gaming products designed to enhance their mobile experience,” said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz.

“Our GameSmart line of mobile gaming controllers and accessories continue to lead the industry in product innovation and through our participation in the DFS program, gamers can be assured of getting the ideal gaming product for their Samsung smartphone or tablet.”

All participating Mad Catz DFS program products will be available to purchase through the Mad Catz Online Store (store.madcatz.com) as well as from other leading retailers. For more information, please visit: http://madcatz.com/

Train2Game News Scribblenauts comes to Android and iOS

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Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces the availability of Scribblenauts™ Unlimited on the App Store and Google Play, bringing its inventive gameplay to fans of word puzzles and creativity.

The most immersive entry in the bestselling, award-winning franchise that challenges players to imagine anything and bring it to life, Scribblenauts Unlimited features gigantic new worlds, seamlessly connected together with hundreds of collectibles, pop-culture references and rewards for playful experimentation.

To view the new Scribblenauts Unlimited  trailer please visit the WB Games Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/7Pj6q7T7CQs

Created and developed by 5TH Cell, Scribblenauts Unlimited fosters unlimited creativity and unbounded exploration with a huge side – scrolling open world where players can help the game’s hero, Maxwell, solve robust puzzles and challenges by summoning and modifying any object they can imagine. For example, players can produce inventive new items such as a “gregarious hipster dolphin,” “robotic angry lumberjack,” and “sad frost-breathing hydra.” Players can store previously summoned objects in Maxwell’s Magic Backpack for easy access and future use. 

The game also reveals the backstory of Maxwell’s parents, 41 siblings, including his twin sister Lily, and how he acquired his magical notepad.

Scribblenauts Unlimited is available now for £3.99 on the App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, £3.69 on Google Play, and coming soon to the Amazon Appstore for Android.

Train2Game News Warhammer 40,000 Tactical Objectives app out now

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Former Train2Game students now professional developers launch official Games Workshop app just in time for Christmas

Independent Video Games and Apps developer, Derp Studios, today release its tactical objectives app created with Games Workshop to accompany the Warhammer 40,000 board game. The team which includes Train2Game students has been working with Games Workshop to create the app.

The app has been designed to assist in playing the latest version of the popular table top game, offering a digital version of tactical objectives cards which previously were only available on limited edition print runs. This is one of the first ever official licensed hobby apps which supports the Warhammer 40,000 table-top game.

Chris Ledger, CEO and Lead Designer of Derp Studios; “The Warhammer 40,000:  Tactical Objectives App is one of the first hobby Apps to directly support the Warhammer 40,000 table-top board game.  The aim of the App is to enable players who don’t have a physical copy of either the regular or faction based Tactical Objectives cards to be able to own their factions deck, since the physical copies are on limited print runs.”

“Players of Warhammer 40,000 (the tabletop wargame) will benefit from the app a lot with this being the digital version. We’ve added a couple of decks.  We’ll be constantly adding decks to the app and we do have a couple of features we want to add later on down the line too.” 

“Things are going well with the folks at Games Workshop.  Everyone’s pretty busy and they have a lot of cool stuff going on, especially on the video game licensing side. Games Workshop are really good work alongside with.  They’ve been really supportive and have provided a lot of assets for us to use.  So far it’s been nothing but positive and a really enjoyable experience!”

“The development process has been very challenging and had its ups and downs but we got there in the end.  For Derp Studios this app alone is a big milestone in the company!  I’m not sure what the future holds for more hobby apps within the Warhammer 40,000 IP, however if I’m unable to produce another hobby app then I’d happily make a small licensed video game for them.”

iOS
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/warhammer-40-000-tactical/id990952051?ls=1&mt=8

Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.derpstudios.GWtacticalObjectives

Comments on the app:

Dale Platt “Most useful 40k gaming APP ever made”

Pork Chop Gaming “5* Tactical Objectives at your fingertips”

Website:  www.derpstudios.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/derpstudios
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/derpstudios

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Train2Game News GTA Liberty City Stories on mobile

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Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is now available on the latest iOS devices, and coming soon for Android and Amazon devices.

In Liberty City Stories, former trusted wise guy for the Leone crime family, Toni Cipriani returns home after spending time in hiding for killing a made man. Now, the streets of Liberty City are in turmoil, as warring families vie for control and the town begins to self-destruct under waves of political corruption, organized crime, drug trafficking and union strikes. Deranged hit men, morally depraved tycoons, cynical politicians and even his own mother stand in the way as Toni tries to bring the city under Leone family control.

Originally designed with mobile gameplay in mind, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories returns with enhancements including real time lighting and shadows, upgraded textures and art, greater draw distance, performance enhancements for touch-based gaming including updated analog steering and rebalanced targeting, cross-platform cloud saves via Social Club, support for Apple’s 3D touch and more.

In addition to cross-platform cloud saves, players who download Liberty City Stories and then sign in to Social Club within the app will unlock the bonus I HEART LC t-shirt with the same account used in Grand Theft Auto Online for PlayStation 4, Xbox One or PC. Once you’ve signed in, the shirt will be available for free at any GTA Online clothing store.

Train2Game News London Mobile Games Week 2016

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The team behind the hugely successful Mobile Games Forum (MGF) today announced that London Mobile Games Week 2016 is now open for registrations.

Repeating the formula of last years inaugural London Games Week, companies of any size in the mobile games sector are once again invited to register and host their own event. The first London Mobile Games Week saw over 3,000 people attending events from seminars and workshops to networking drinks and advice surgeries – all organised and hosted by companies looking to engage with London and the UK’s vibrant mobile games industry.

Any company looking to get involved should go to https://www.londonmobilegamesweek.com/ where they can find full information on how to host and market their event.

Taking place from 18-22 January 2016, London Mobile Games Week is both a celebration of the creative and coding talent which calls the city home, as well as being a shop window for UK companies as they compete for a slice of the growing global market for mobile games. Although mobile gaming is still a relatively young sector it has quickly become a significant slice of the £1.72 billion that the UK games industry contributes to the British economy every year. London Mobile Games Week 2016 will once again be held in partnership with London & Partners, the Mayor’s promotional company for London, and supported by trade bodies UKIE and TIGA.

Gordon Innes, Chief Executive of London & Partners, the Mayor’s official promotional company has said:

“The UK’s games industry is the largest in Europe and London is home to some of the world’s fastest growing games companies. So I’m delighted to welcome Mobile Games Week back to the Capital. London’s tech sector is buzzing and it’s important we support initiatives like this to encourage growth and investment across the sector.”

Industry associations, mobile games studios and companies involved in any aspect of the creation of mobile games will be able to create and host their own independent events under the London Mobile Games Week banner, which will be free to attend and listed on http://www.londonmobilegamesweek.com.

Commenting on the event, Will Robinson of London Mobile Games Week organisers OsneyMedia, said: “The success of the 2015 event really underscored London’s place as a centre of mobile gaming talent. We’re confident that this year’s event will be even bigger as more and more companies in this incredibly vibrant sector embrace the chance to network and share information with fellow professionals.”