Train2Game News Student in Wales on Sunday

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A few days ago a story was posted about Train2Game student, Sean Kelly, who studies whilst protecting ships from Pirates. This story had now been picked up and published in the Wales on Sunday Newspaper.

You can view the newspaper article in the link below

Wales on Sunday T2G 2015 March

VIP passes available for Train2Game students to attend Cloud Expo Europe this week!

Train2Game Students are invited to attend Cloud Expo Europe and FIVE LUCKY WINNERS will get free VIP tickets

Cloud Expo Europe takes place this week at London Excel on the 11th and 12th March. Train2Game students have been invited to apply for free passes and five lucky students will be granted VIP access. It’s a great chance to see how your Train2Game qualification qualifies you for other sectors, network with potential employers and interact with the wider Games Industry. Also, there’s an area dedicated to cloud Video Games Development and a Double Decker bus containing a Hackathon.

Cloud Expo Europe is the biggest and best attended cloud event in the world. Key sponsors at the event include IBM, Cisco, ScanDisk, Telefonica and Vodaphone. There’s a record 300+ cutting-edge suppliers, plus 300 global expert speakers in a conference and seminar programme covering all the key issues and the opportunity to network with the entire industry. Showcasing the latest technology solutions and services, including number one rated CIOs, Acclaimed Global Cloud Leaders, Cloud Gurus – all speaking in a compelling conference and seminar programme, which covers all the major technology and business issues. Cloud Expo Europe is the place to discover the industry’s newest and upcoming technologies and business solutions.

The event takes place at London Excel Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL. Simply apply for a ticket to Cloud Expo Europe this week and the first FIVE to email the Train2Game team will gain a FREE VIP upgrade.

Register for the event at http://closerstill.circdata-solutions.co.uk/Microsites/RFG/publish/CEE15/?source=train2game and email harry@swanpr.co.uk for your ticket to be bumped up to VIP

Train2Game www.train2game.com

Excel Website http://www.excel-london.co.uk/

Cloud Expo Europe Website www.cloudexpoeurope.com

Train2Game News EGX 2015 Tickets

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Gamer Network, the world’s leading network of independent video games websites and producer of the UK’s premiere video games events, today announced that tickets for this year’s EGX – powered by Virgin Media – will go on sale at 11:00 GMT (12:00 CET) on Friday 20th March.

Now in its 8th year, EGX 2015 – held at the NEC from 24-27th September – will be the UK’s largest ever games event with upwards of 80,000 attendees expected. A cornerstone of the video games calendar, EGX features high profile game announcements, playable PC, console and indie games, developer sessions from leading industry spokespeople, and the GamesIndustry Fair – where the next-generation of games industry professionals can find a career in this highly successful industry.

EGX is working closely with Yogscast in 2015. The famous YouTube creators will be bringing their signature personality to the event. In addition to meeting fans and producing EGX content, Yogscast will also be teaching budding YouTube creators the tricks-of-the-trade.

“We’re thrilled to be supporting the UK’s number one games event”,  said Mark Turpin, CEO of Yogscast. “This year at EGX the Yogscast team will be producing extensive content, meeting fans and passing on our YouTube skill and knowledge”.

David Lilley, Managing Director of Gamer Events, added; “This year’s EGX will be the biggest games event in UK history, both in terms of scale and scope. For consumers this means over 1000 screens of playable games, a boatload of insightful developer sessions, upwards of 10 headline features such as Yogscast’s showing, eSports, cosplay and more. For exhibitors, EGX offers the perfect platform to engage with customers, announce products and showcase the latest game developments. We’re very excited about our new home at the NEC, which means EGX is now in the perfect location; the heart of the UK”.

Tickets will go on sale on the EGX website (www.egx.net ) at 11:00 GMT (12:00 CET) on Friday 20th March.

For the latest information and exclusive content and giveaway please visit, follow, like and subscribe to our channels:

EGX 2015 event website: www.egx.net

Train2Game News FaceFX

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OC3 Entertainment, the leader in audio-based facial animation technology for the gaming industry, announces an integration of the FaceFX Runtime with Unreal Engine 4.

The combined solution will create a streamlined process for creating talking characters in Epic Games’ award winning engine and will be available free of charge for non-commercial projects and indie games. Interested developers can sign up at https://unreal.facefx.com to get additional information.

The FaceFX Runtime is an optimized playback engine for facial animation data and is currently in-use by several high-profile UE4 games. The integration, developed in cooperation with YAGER embeds compressed facial animation data generated by FaceFX Studio into the Unreal package system and plays it back in synchronization with recorded audio files.

The FaceFX Runtime will be available free of charge to non-commercial projects and commercial projects earning less than $500,000. A license to FaceFX Studio Professional ($899) will be required to generate the facial animation data.

“Some of the best developers in the world are using the FaceFX Runtime with Unreal Engine 4.” Says Jamie Redmond, CTO of OC3 Entertainment. “We are very excited that the same technology will be available to all UE4 developers regardless of size.”

Train2Game News Unreal Engine 4 Free

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Epic Games announces that Unreal Engine 4 is now available to everyone for free, and all future updates will be free.

Anyone can download the engine and use it for everything from game development, education, architecture, and visualization to VR, film and animation. When shipping a game or application, developers pay a 5% royalty on gross revenue after the first $3,000 per product, per quarter. Epic succeeds only when creators succeed.

This is the complete technology Epic uses to build their own games. Unreal Engine 4 scales from indie projects to high-end blockbusters; it supports major platforms; and, it includes 100% of the C++ source code. Epic’s goal is to give developers everything, so they can do anything and be in control of their own schedule and their own destiny. Whatever is required to build and ship a game can be found in UE4, sourced in the Marketplace, or built and shared it with others.

Epic’s founder and CEO Tim Sweeney elaborates on the Unreal Engine blog:

“In early 2014, we took the step of making Unreal Engine 4 available to everyone by subscription for $19 per month. We put all of our source code online, available to all who signed up. We flipped the switch and crossed our fingers.

The past year has been a whirlwind for everyone at Epic Games. Our community has grown massively. The quality and variety of creative work being done has been breathtaking. When we asked people to submit their projects to be shown this year at GDC, we had the challenge of picking just eight from over 100 finalists that were all good enough to show.

The state of Unreal is strong, and we’ve realized that as we take away barriers, more people are able to fulfill their creative visions and shape the future of the medium we love. That’s why we’re taking away the last barrier to entry, and going free.

In Epic’s 25 years as an independent company, we have seen no time of greater opportunity for developers than today.  Whatever your development aspirations, Epic stands with you, both as a technology provider, and as a fellow game developer counting on UE4 to power our own games.”

Read the full blog post here:
www.unrealengine.com/blog/ue4-is-free

Train2Game News Studying with Dyslexia

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Ritchie Demicol is a 29 year old from Hertfordshire who has Dyslexia. He’s studying the Games QA Tester and Level Design course with Train2Game.

Dyslexia is a common learning condition which affects a person’s ability to read and write but has no affect on a person’s general intelligence.

“From a very young age my dyslexia affected me but over the years I’ve improved with certain things like reading, spelling, etc. I still struggle with certain things but I don’t let it stop me doing anything!”

“Because of my dyslexia I can forget certain things very quick but I always ask again when I get stuck. Other than that it isn’t too bad. My condition does not affect me studying, whether with Train2Game or at another full time educational institution. I’ve not had any problems with my learning disability within my Train2Game course.”

“I started Train2Game back in Feb 2014, so far I’m finding it really good and enjoying it. I struggled a little bit at the beginning but I‘m getting there. My experience has been positive and has taught me a lot with how games are tested and created. I’ve now seen all the hard work that’s put in! The tutors have been helpful and I do a little research on Google whenever I get stuck!”

“It’s different studying from home, but it’s easier, as I can still work full time and study on my days off or when I finish work some nights. I’m in good stead on paying for the course and hopefully within the next year I should be finished making payments.”

“I’m currently working on my own little studio which I started a Facebook page for in February. I will have my first game idea up and running sometime this year. The name of the studio is called Bad Bug Studio.”

“There are many things with Train2Game that I’ve found positive. One thing I love about Train2Game is they always post job positions and information about certain companies looking for students studying with Train2Game, helping us get into the industry.”

“I’ve recommended Train2Game to another friend who is now studying the design side of gaming. I’d recommend to others who suffer with dyslexia. I would say Train2Game has helped with my condition and I expect to pass the course with flying colours.”

“My dream is hopefully getting my studio up and running, designing my own games for the Andriod and iOS operating systems, while getting my name out there. My advice to anyone with a condition such as mine is, don’t let anything or anyone stop you. People with dyslexia always bring something different to the work place. We are good at being creative. The main thing is don’t use dyslexia as an excuse to do anything in life!”

Train2Game News Infinario Funding

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Aspiring game studios now have the opportunity to set themselves apart from the crowd and get funding for their game from INFINARIO, the first player analytics platform for game designers.

More than 100,000 EUR is waiting to be awarded to the most promising games in early stages of development from all around the world. All eligible projects can win either (or both!) of the two prizes – one picked by a jury of experts and the other one awarded in a public voting.

All that’s needed is to start tracking the game in INFIARIO by the end of April and get crazy with dashboards, segmentations, funnels and other useful analyses for 30 days. Moreover, developers who register and start to track their games early, INFINARIO will provide valuable feedback to boost their chances to secure the funding.

Using INFINARIO during the Get Funded campaign is absolutely free for all, with no strings attached and definitely no credit card needed. Find out more at http://infinario.com/getfunded

The grand launch of INFINARIO is going to take place at this year’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Don’t miss the chance to meet INFINARIO’s team of game experts, learn why you need player analytics and get in touch with the latest trends in game design.

To learn more visit www.infinario.com , check out the blog and follow INFINARIO on Facebook and Twitter.

Train2Game News Babcock Vacancies

Babcock-logoSkills2Learn, a Babcock International Group Company, is a dynamic company based in Milton Keynes specialising in cutting edge e-learning and games-based (‘Serious Games’) learning solutions.
Job Description
Lead 3D Generalist/Artist
South East – Milton Keynes
FTC – 12 Months

Skills2Learn, a Babcock International Group Company, is a dynamic company based in Milton Keynes specialising in cutting edge, game-based e-learning (‘Serious Games’) solutions. We are looking for a 3D Lead 3D Generalist / Artist to join our growing 3D team and be part of one the driving forces behind Skills2Learn’s success. The lead 3D artist will be overseeing a team of 3D modellers & animators that will be producing renders for e-learning programmes.
Using the latest online technologies, we develop engaging, fully interactive, award winning virtual reality computer based training programmes that are used by a wide range of commercial companies around the world, such (British Gas, Centrica, National Grid, Saudi Aramco) and educational establishments all over the UK.

Responsibilities
Lead, Manage & Mentor and 3D Artist’s.
Resolve problems and find solutions to technical 3D challenges
Lead production and team meetings.
Implement constructive feedback and art direction effectively.
Strong ability to model/texture/animate/light
Highly proficient in 3D Studio Max and Photoshop.
Protecting assets from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference
Comply with the Data Protection Act 1998

Advantage to have knowledge of:
o Unity 3D or similar games engine.
o Creating characters using DAZ 3D.
o Video editing using Camtasia/After effects/Premiere.
o Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Qualifications & Requirements
Strong technical and creative 3D background with ability to grasp new programs and systems quickly.
Technical minded individual with an interest in engineering / Hard surface modelling.
Understanding of Hard surface modelling techniques, with an interest in vehicles and Mechanical based assets.
Proven leader teams including 3D artists and animators
Strong communication and time management skills.
Problem solving abilities.
Ability to adapt and strengthen workflows if required.
Be creative and have an eye for detail.
Show initiative and be able to develop ideas.
Work effectively as part of a team or individually.

Security
Offers of employment are normally subject to satisfactory references and any other required pre-employment checks. In certain circumstances, successful applicants will need to satisfy security clearance requirements

Description of Location
South East – Milton Keynes

Company Information
Babcock is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Application Information
Send us a cover letter that includes full contact information, reasons for application, travel considerations and salary expectations. An up-to-date CV and evidence of work (3D modelling and texturing showing mesh detail).
Please Note: Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

APPLY HERE

Job Description
3D Animator/Artist
South East – Milton Keynes
FTC – 12 Months

Skills2Learn, a Babcock International Group Company, is a dynamic company based in Milton Keynes specialising in cutting edge, game-based e-learning (‘Serious Games’) solutions. We are looking for a 3D Animator / Artist to join our growing 3D team and be part of one the driving forces behind Skills2Learn’s success. The 3D animator will be animating 3D models to producing render sequences for e-learning programmes.

Using the latest online technologies, we develop engaging, fully interactive, award winning virtual reality computer based training programmes that are used by a wide range of commercial companies around the world, such (British Gas, Centrica, National Grid, Saudi Aramco) and educational establishments all over the UK.

Responsibilities
Animate realistic objects using 3D Studio Max.
Proficient using animation tools in 3D Studio Max.
Basic modelling & texturing using 3D Studio Max.

Advantage to have knowledge of:
o Character animation – bvh, skin modifier, skin weighting.
o Unity 3D or similar games engine.
o Creating characters using DAZ 3D.
o Video editing using Camtasia/After effects/Premiere.
o Understand the FBX export restrictions for game engines.
o Lighting principles & rendering

Qualifications & Requirements
Technically minded individual with interest in engineering.
Interest in vehicles and mechanical animation.
Knowledge of animation for game engines.
Problem solving abilities.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Be creative and have an eye for detail.
Show initiative and be able to develop ideas.
Work effectively as part of a team or individually.
Good communication skills.

Security
Offers of employment are normally subject to satisfactory references and any other required pre-employment checks. In certain circumstances, successful applicants will need to satisfy security clearance requirements

Description of Location
South East – Milton Keynes

Company Information
Babcock is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Application Information
Send us a cover letter that includes full contact information, reasons for application, travel considerations and salary expectations. An up-to-date CV and evidence of work (3D modelling and texturing showing mesh detail).
Please Note: Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

APPLY HERE

Job Description
3D Modeller/Artist
South East – Milton Keynes
FTC – 12 Months

Skills2Learn, a Babcock International Group Company, is a dynamic company based in Milton Keynes specialising in cutting edge, game-based e-learning (‘Serious Games’) solutions. We are looking for a 3D Modeller / Artist to join our growing 3D team and be part of one the driving forces behind Skills2Learn’s success. The 3D modeller will be modelling objects in 3D and producing renders for e-learning programmes.

Using the latest online technologies, we develop engaging, fully interactive, award winning virtual reality computer based training programmes that are used by a wide range of commercial companies around the world, such (British Gas, Centrica, National Grid, Saudi Aramco) and educational establishments all over the UK.

Responsibilities
Model and texture 3D objects assets and environments.
Proficient using 3D Studio Max.
Proficient using Photoshop.
Light scenes & rendering using Mental Ray.
Produce high quality / photorealistic renders.
Advantage to have knowledge of:
Basic animation principles
Unity 3D or similar games engine.
3D Asset optimisation for Game Engines.
Creating characters using DAZ 3D.
Video editing using Camtasia/After effects/Premiere.

Qualifications & Requirements
Ability to create realistic based assets via photographic reference with correct Scales/dimensions.
Technically minded individual with interest in Engineering based design.
Understanding of Hard surface modelling techniques, with an interest in vehicles and Mechanical based assets.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Problem solving abilities.
Be creative and have an eye for detail.
Show initiative and be able to develop ideas.
Work effectively as part of a team or individually.
Good communication skills.

Security
Offers of employment are normally subject to satisfactory references and any other required pre-employment checks. In certain circumstances, successful applicants will need to satisfy security clearance requirements

Description of Location
South East – Milton Keynes

Company Information
Babcock is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Application Information
Send us a cover letter that includes full contact information, reasons for application, travel considerations and salary expectations. An up-to-date CV and evidence of work (3D modelling and texturing showing mesh detail).
Please Note: Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

APPLY HERE

Project Manager
South East – Milton Keynes
FTC – 12 Months

Skills2Learn, a Babcock International Group Company, is a dynamic business based in Milton Keynes specialising in cutting edge e-learning and games-based, e-learning (‘Serious Games’) and Virtual Reality solutions.
We have an exciting opportunity for a project manager / co-ordinator to oversee resource and project planning, manage projects and ensure that they are delivered on time and on budget.

Responsibilities:
Monitoring, planning. scheduling and reporting on projects
Project management of e-learning and 3D/VR training & assessment based programmes
Liaising with suppliers, internal and external stakeholders
Managing the review & sign off process required to move projects forward on schedule
Tracking of project spend and maintaining tight control of the budget
Working closely with clients to request, review and provide feedback on project information
Co-ordinating development team members
Define and schedule of tasks of the project and produces Project Plan
Identify issues and resolve by implementing counter measures as appropriate
Ensure quality of project deliverables
Protecting assets from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference
Comply with the Data Protection Act 1998

Qualifications & Requirements:
Experience in project management / co-ordination of e-learning or software development
Relevant Qualification or training
Experience of managing a team
Experience of project co-ordination in e-learning, software development or similar field is very beneficial
Excellent organisational skills
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Project)
Ability to multi-task and prioritise
Adaptable to project requirements
Exceptional written and communication skills.
People skills to lead, direct and motivate team members

Security:
Offers of employment are normally subject to satisfactory references and any other required pre-employment checks. In certain circumstances, successful applicants will need to satisfy security clearance requirements

Description of Location:
South East – Milton Keynes

Company Information:
Babcock is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Application Information:
Please include a detailed CV with a full work history. Please also ensure you provide an explanation for any gaps in employment.

APPLY HERE

Job Description
Graphic/Multimedia Developer
South East – Milton Keynes
FTC – 12 Months

Skills2Learn, a Babcock International Group Company, is a dynamic company based in Milton Keynes specialising in cutting edge e-learning and games-based (‘Serious Games’) learning solutions.
We are looking for a Graphic/Multimedia Developer to join the multimedia team and get involved in creating the dynamic and innovative e-learning. You will develop a range of creative e-learning solutions for multiple platforms and delivery channels.

Responsibilities
Creating e-learning content using a range of tools
Create and animate graphics.
Design and develop highly interactive learning content.
Adapting and modifying existing project code.
Work alongside development teams.
Work to deadlines and budgets.
Research new technologies and methods.
Protecting assets from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference
Comply with the Data Protection Act 1998

Qualifications & Requirements
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite software such as Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver.
Good graphical design skills.
Knowledge of rapid e-learning tools such as Articulate Captivate is very desirable
Experience of Actionscript/JavaScript programming is desirable
Web design experience desirable (HTML/Javascript/CSS)
Problem solving abilities.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Be creative and have an eye for detail.
Show initiative and be able to develop ideas.
Work effectively as part of a team or individually.
Good communication skills.

Security
Offers of employment are normally subject to satisfactory references and any other required pre-employment checks. In certain circumstances, successful applicants will need to satisfy security clearance requirements

Description of Location
South East – Milton Keynes

Company Information
Babcock is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Application Information
Cover letter that includes full contact information, reasons for application, travel considerations and salary expectations.

An up-to-date CV and portfolio of work (personal or professional images or showreel).
Please Note: Applications without a portfolio will not be considered

APPLY HERE

Job Description
Instructional Designer
South East – Milton Keynes
FTC – 12 Month

Skills2Learn, a Babcock International Group Company, is a dynamic company based in Milton Keynes specialising in cutting edge e-learning and games-based (‘Serious Games’) learning solutions.

We are looking for a talented Instructional Designer to fill a key role in a creative team. You will design inventive e-learning and simulation/scenario based learning experiences that push the boundaries of digital training.
The role requires a technically oriented, creative and motivated individual with an e-learning background.

Responsibilities
Create engaging e-learning scripts and simulation/scenario storyboards.
Author assessment questions for course materials.
Training Needs Analysis and development of learning objectives where required.
Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts, clients and the development team.
Review scripts to ensure quality and consistency throughout.
Work co-operatively with all levels in the organisation to ensure instructional design standards are maintained.
Work to deadlines and budgets.
Protecting assets from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference
Comply with the Data Protection Act 1998

Qualifications & Requirements
A strong understanding of and a passion for eLearning and Learning Technologies
Proven track record of designing and delivering e-learning.
Strong technical and creative design knowledge.
Experience of instructional design for technical subjects is desirable
Excellent written and spoken English.
Excellent communication and client facing skills.
Understanding of e-learning development tools and delivery.
Ability to script e-learning in varying styles appropriate to the subject, target audience and technical constraints.
Accuracy and attention to detail (excellent quality assurance).
Show initiative and be able to develop ideas.
Superior time management and multi-tasking skills.
Ability to understand and work within technical constraints.

Security
Offers of employment are normally subject to satisfactory references and any other required pre-employment checks. In certain circumstances, successful applicants will need to satisfy security clearance requirements.

Description of Location
South East – Milton Keynes

Company Information
Babcock is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Application Information
Send a cover letter that includes full contact information, reasons for application, travel considerations and salary expectations.

An up-to-date CV and evidence of work (personal or professional scripts or storyboards).
Due to the high level of response we normally receive, if you have not heard from us within 6 weeks please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

APPLY HERE

Job Description
Lead ELearning/Multimedia Developer
South East – Milton Keynes
FTC – 12 Months

We are looking for an experienced Lead E-Learning/Multimedia Developer to join the multimedia team and get involved in creating the dynamic and highly innovative e-learning. You will lead the development of a range of creative e-learning solutions for multiple platforms and delivery channels.

Responsibilities
Creating e-learning content using a range of tools
Create and animate graphics.
Lead the design and development highly interactive learning content.
Adapting and modifying existing project code.
Co-ordinate with other team members and managers
Work to deadlines and budgets.
Research new technologies and methods.
Oversee and manage other team members
Ensure high production values are maintained
Protecting assets from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference
Comply with the Data Protection Act 1998

Qualifications & Requirements
Knowledge of rapid e-learning tools such as Articulate Captivate / Articulate Storyline
Understanding of good instruction design principles
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite software such as Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver.
Good graphical design skills.
Experience of Actionscript/JavaScript programming is desirable
Team leadership skills
Problem solving abilities.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Be creative and have an eye for detail.
Show initiative and be able to develop ideas.
Work effectively as part of a team or individually.
Good communication skills.

Security
Offers of employment are normally subject to satisfactory references and any other required pre-employment checks. In certain circumstances, successful applicants will need to satisfy security clearance requirements

Description of Location
South East – Milton Keynes

Company Information
Babcock is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Application Information
Send us a cover letter that includes full contact information, reasons for application, travel considerations and salary expectations.

An up-to-date CV and portfolio of work (personal or professional images or showreel).
Please Note: Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

APPLY HERE

Train2Game News EGX Rezzed Game Jam

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Creative Assembly, one of the oldest and largest UK development studios, will once again bring their Creative Assembly Game Jam game development competition to video games event EGX Rezzed on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th March.
  
The Game Jam will reside in the GamesIndustry Fair, which brings educators, employers and recruiters together to inspire the next generation of budding games industry professionals – whether they be students, graduates or those already in employment – towards a highly rewarding career in the games industry.
    
Partnering with leading media the Guardian for the first time, the Creative Assembly Game Jam is an opportunity for game developers, whether amateur or professional, to spend a day making a game to help inspire and educate the highly engaged and motivated GamesIndustry Fair visitors. Final games will be presented to a panel of prestigious judges from the games industry – including Creative Assembly and the Guardian – and will also be streamed across the Internet via the EGX Rezzed Twitch channel. Following a day of development on Friday, all teams will demonstrate their games in the GamesIndustry Fair area on Saturday 14th March.
  
In recognition of their achievement, winners will take away some fantastic prizes. One previous success story is Tango Fiesta, a PC/Mac game which grew to life in the first EGX Rezzed Creative Assembly Game Jam and has since gone on to become a critical and commercial success.
    
“We’re partnering with Guardian to elevate the profile of the Game Jam among developers and the public alike”, commented Sophie Malik, HR Business Partner from Creative Assembly. “We want to show their massive global audience how games can not only be entertaining, but a powerful creative force in the world”.
    
Guardian Games Editor Keith Stuart added, “The Game Jam at EGX Rezzed represents a fascinating chance to explore the possibilities of games as a medium for news. I think interactive journalism will be as important in the future as data journalism is right now – a revolutionary way to process big stories. This should be fascinating”.
  
The Creative Assembly Game Jam is intended for individuals and teams who wish to create a game in a day and have it reviewed by a panel of respected games industry professionals. Successful individual applicants will be placed within a team for the Game Jam. Entrants should be over 18 and have some knowledge of making games. Applications to the Creative Assembly Game Jam are open now until midnight on Tuesday 3rd March, with the selected teams being announced the following Friday 6th March. Successful entrants will each receive a complimentary all-show ticket for EGX Rezzed, which includes access to the GamesIndustry Fair.
   
If you would like to enter as an individual or team of up to five, please register your application here.
   
If you have further questions about the Creative Assembly Game Jam please contact Sophie Malik (sophie.malik@creative-assembly.com) at Creative Assembly.
   
For more information about the Creative Assembly Game Jam, the GamesIndustry Fair and EGX Rezzed please visit: www.egx.net/rezzed.

Train2Game News Build mobile games faster

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npnf, inc., a company funded by SK Planet, Korea’s leading mobile content and services provider, released a platform to help developers build mobile games faster.

According to the Developer Economics Report for Q3 2014 from Vision Mobile, 57% of games are below the “app poverty level”, generating less than $500 per month. The report concludes: The more games a developer ships, the more likely they are to be financially successful. Yet, 70% of game developers have shipped less than 4 titles in the lifetime of their business.

The npnf platform was built to help developers quickly solve recurring gaming problems so they can focus on what makes their game fun. By integrating the platform, npnf’s internal first party team was able to reduce development time by two full months. The platform separates configuration from implementation, which means configuration changes have no impact on the client code. Even better, it means that developers don’t need to resubmit their app to the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store when they tweak a configuration.

Chris Lee, CSO, explains: “It’s critical for first party studios, like us, to build as many quality games as quickly as possible. To do that, you’ve got to have a better starting point when you set out to build a new title- and that’s where our platform plays such a crucial role. It lays down a foundation so that we don’t have to start from scratch every time.”

The npnf platform supports user management, player inventory, virtual currency, and energy. The latest version, released this month, adds support for loot tables, gacha, fusion, evolution, and crafting. For those building a Games as a Service (GaaS), the platform supports seamless expansion of game content, versioning of your configurations on a per release basis, and (coming soon) a portal for your operations team to support your players.

For more information about the npnf platform, see https://developer.npnf.com.