Category Archives: Student

Train2game News MG Games looking for new team members

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Student Games Developers looking for applications to grow studio
Michael McGurk from Northern Ireland seeks new members to join his team, which has released three titles and has another on the way.

This student team is rapidly releasing titles, which are great for portfolios and they could make the next big hit.

The team is looking for new members to expand MG Games and release more titles. It’s looking for an artist and someone to help them build titles in Construct. It’s a two man team at the moment and Michael’s father is the third voluntary member.

The team has released three games already, working on its next bigger one, which is why they need additional support. MG Games plans to expand to make larger games in the future, the next release is coming in two months’ time, with support from new team members.

Michael is a Train2Game student and enjoying the course. He’s balanced creating games alongside his studies. The team likes working on its own titles as means it can deliver the game it wants to, retaining control of what they produce and their production timeline. The benefits for new joiners will be experience and work for portfolio content, and who knows in the future.

Michael is based in Northern Ireland but happy for team members from anywhere in the world.

Michael McGurk, Student Train2Game and head of MG Games, ‘My experience with Train2Game has most definitely been worthwhile and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It has helped me bring my ideas to life and put them into games. Games are my passion and without Train2game I would not have the knowledge I do have in game making. To have created and put my first game out there live, watch the number of plays grow is an indescribable feeling.’

‘I am currently on module D4 lesson 4. The course is slowly coming along, I say slowly because I am taking my time doing the course as I am currently making my fourth game. Its a larger game compared to the other arcade games I have made on the side and is taking a bit of time to do.’

‘I work from home I started MG games so I could build my own gaming company and make my own games I have started MG Games off from scratch. I want to further the company and I would like to give others a chance to use and combine their game ideas and bring them to life.

Currently on the team is myself as the games designer and my dad helps me out with the the art work and the animations. Currently we are making games for browser and mobile devices. Small games such as arcade etc. But in the near future I would like to make bigger games with storylines.’

‘As MG Games expands, I would like to start making bigger and better games with every team member having a say in the games we make. I would like MG games to become a known company, with a large team who is willing to work as a team and express their ideas openly. I would like to have an official studio where all the works will take place as a professional company.’

‘I have worked on four games that are now live on mg-games.itch.io if you would like to take a look and I two more games are in the works. One of which is a larger game and has so far taken me almost seven months to get as far as I have within the game. I’m hoping for this game to go live within the next month or two.’

‘The benefits of working on our own games are that we get to see our games ideas come to life and when the games are done we have the joy of saying we made that. Also we can spend as much time as we want in the making of the games and we are not under any pressure in having the games done for a certain time. No pressure means no mistakes.’

‘I am looking for new members to join MG Games as I said its really only me and more team members will result in better games more games ideas and more fun in making the games and it will help MG Games grow as a company. I would like someone who can do the art work for the games and someone that could work with me building them on construct.’

‘I would like commitment, flexibility and members that are here for the games and the fun of making them and not just for money. The new team members will gain the experience from working in a team, games that they can use on their portfolios and there game ideas being heard and brought to life.’

‘I would like the applicants to show examples of their work, note their strongest and weakest points in game making and what area do they mainly specialise in. I would also like their contact details and to tell me a bit about themselves, why they are applying and what is it that has them interested in this field of work.’

‘If anyone is interested they can email me at mggames0@hotmail.com or messages me over our Facebook page which you can find at this link https://www.facebook.com/MG.Games1/?ref=hl‘

For more information contact mark@train2game.com
Train2Game, bringing City & Guilds to the Games Industry

Train2Game is a proud supporter of  www.gamatier.com

Train2game News WG Labs Dev Contest

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WG Labs has put the call out for development teams to show off their awesome projects and enter the WG Labs Dev Contest.

If you and your friends are aspiring designers then this contest could be just what you need to take your game or service to the next level. The WG Labs Teams is looking for unreleased multiplayer games on PC or mobile platforms, in alpha or higher, that have what it takes to stand out from the crowd, with the chance to win $10,000 in prize money.

The WG Labs Dev Contest is a fantastic opportunity to discover just how strong your team and project are, as well as hear feedback from game industry veterans who have worked on a range of hugely successful titles.

“One of the goals of WG Labs is to help nurture passionate teams with great ideas,” said Maxim Matveyko, Publishing Product Director at WG Labs. “The WG Labs Dev Contest is our way of reaching out to teams across the world and letting them showcase their talent, with the potential to win a cash prize.”

So what are you waiting for? The contest starts today and is open to all those in Europe, the Americas, the CIS, and Asia. It will run until May 30, with the submissions period closing a month before, on April 30. The winners will be announced at the end of May. To discover more about the contest criteria and WG Labs, visit the official portal: WG Labs Dev Contest

Train2game News Student working with Theory Studios

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Ezekiel Morris gaining valuable experience by volunteering with studio and working on film projects.

Student Ezekiel Morris is working with animation collective Theory Studios to gain valuable experience as he embarks on his games making journey.

Ezekiel is working as a concept artist for the US team and not currently employed. He has been working on film projects and hopes the experience will be another string to his bow as he looks to gain full time employment in the future.

Theory Studios is an award-winning studio with a team based around the world, producing: commercials, cartoons, and high-quality visual effects.

Ezekiel Morris, Train2Game student: ‘I’m working as a Concept Artist for the Theory Studios but not employed at this time. I am finding it alright actually.  The people are friendly, down to earth; they have a lot of passion and respect. I’m learning some new stuff, it’s a new opportunities with new people.’

‘I’m experiencing good things. My ambition is to break my own records to outpace my yesterday by being better today, to do my work with more force and power now more than ever. I got the position by networking and volunteering. My advice for others is start networking, volunteering and collaborating on small projects.’

‘Studying with Train2Game I’ve learnt how to use different modelling techniques in 3Ds max to speed up my workflow. I am concentrating on other projects at the moment so my work on the course has slown down.’

‘I’m not working on any games at the moment just Film Animation. But I can’t tell you what the projects are, watch this space.’

http://theorystudios.com

www.train2game.com

For more information contact mark@train2game.com
Train2Game, bringing City & Guilds to the Games Industry

Train2Game is a proud supporter of www.plasisgamesportal.com and www.gamatier.com

Train2Game News Scottish Games Industry Growth

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The SNP has today pledged to support the continued growth of the computer games industry after five ‘exceptional’ years for the industry.

The number of computer games companies operating in Scotland has increased from 15 in 2010 to 100 in 2015, with 95 of those businesses registered in Scotland – an increase of over 600% in five years.

Between 2010 and 2013, the last year for which figures are available, turnover increased from £38.1m to £67.6m.

Scottish computer games companies include Rock Star North, producers of the Grand Theft Auto series, and 4J Studios, involved in the production of Minecraft.

Previous SNP action to support the industry includes:

    Successfully lobbied the UK Government to introduce tax incentives for the computer games industry

    Funding 40 post-graduate places for a new masters programme in Computer Games Development at the University of Abertay Skillset Media Academy

    Financial support for Scotland’s first digital skills academy CodeClan

Commenting, SNP MSP Joe Fitzpatrick said:

“Computer games are a massive success story for Scotland and the growth since 2010, both in terms of established companies and in turnover, has been exceptional.

“This is an industry that drives exports and makes a huge cultural and economic contribution to Scottish life.

“The SNP want to ensure that this sector continues to grow as a key part of Scotland’s creative industries.”

Train2Game News Ukie Careers Bar Returning

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Ukie Careers Bar returns as part of the GamesIndustry.biz Career Fair at EGX Rezzed in April 2016

Ukie and GamesIndustry.biz, the world’s leading games trade website, are teaming up once again to bring the Ukie Careers Bar to the GamesIndustry.biz Career Fair. The long-running partnership will return to EGX Rezzed on 7-9 April 2016 at London’s Tobacco Dock to provide the future generations of games industry talent a valuable insight into how to break into this competitive industry.

Ukie’s popular Careers Bar will feature talks from some of the biggest names in the games industry from their Video Games Ambassador Scheme. The talks will provide expert insight from all areas of the games industry, from games art, programming and design, to publishing careers in PR, marketing and community management. The speaker schedule for the Careers Bar will be announced soon here.

Ukie’s expert Video Games Ambassadors will also be present throughout the Career Fair to provide one-to-one career and portfolio advice on a casual drop-in basis.

The GamesIndustry.biz Career Fair is the unique careers and education area at EGX Rezzed. Featuring a range of careers and education exhibitors, accessible advice from developers and educators, and unique networking opportunities, the Career Fair gives everyone a chance to get closer to the games industry.

EGX Rezzed, and the GamesIndustry.biz Career Fair and Ukie Careers Bar within it, feature as part of the London Games Festiva l, a new international celebration of UK games between 1-10 April 2016.

CEO of Ukie, Dr Jo Twist, said: “The Ukie Careers Bar is the best way for the next generation of games talent to explore what options they have to break into this competitive industry. The unique chance to gain personalised one-to-one career guidance from the biggest names already working in the games industry is an opportunity that we’re really proud to be able offer people who want to enter the industry. The games industry in the UK is a hotbed of creative and technical talent and we’re looking forward to meeting some more of this untapped, diverse talent and finding them their place in this great sector.”

European Editor of GamesIndustry.biz, Dan Pearson, said: “GamesIndustry.biz has really valued the contribution Ukie has made over the last 3 years by running their popular Careers Bar at our GamesIndustry.biz Career Fair. The Careers Bar has proved itself to be a core feature of the Career Fair, and it is great to see it back for another show. Also, the fact EGX Rezzed is set to play a role in the wider London Games Festival this year is a tribute to our longstanding focus on supporting careers and education within the games industry.”

Tickets for EGX Rezzed are available now.

Train2Game News Train2Game student creating Harry Potter character

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Murthy Upadhyayula has designed his own Dobby the House Elf for his wife.

Former student from India who studied the Art and Animation course with Train2Game is working on his portfolio and creating his favourite characters to show off his work.

Murthy enjoyed the course and said it gave him a base of knowledge to build upon.  He studied alongside both of his brothers and they have created games together. His brother Srinath is now studying at a prestigious university in the US. Murthy is currently working in customer services but gaming is still his dream.

Murthy is working on the VFX Model of Dobby the House Elf from the Harry Potter films,  he’s also creating other pieces for a demo reel. Murthy’s dream is to work in the games industry and he says a strong portfolio is essential in getting recognised.

He told Train2Game that he created the character as it is a favourite of his and his wife told him to! When we asked if he wanted his own house elf, he said ‘A that is really handy but unethical. I’d rather have a house-elf as a friend.’ Which we agree with and we promised EA and JK Rowling about his project.

Murthy Upadhyayula , Train2Game student: ‘My Name is Murthy Upadhyayula (Rambo 85 on the forums). I am from India, currently living in Luton. I am studying the art and animation course.’

‘The course is quite good for beginners trying to understand how the game pipleline works. It gives students a solid foundation which they can use to build upon. I have discontinued the course half-way through. But it must be noted that I had to do it because of reasons beyond my control. After a long gap, I am now back into the scheme of things, and somewhere down the line I may try and finish the course if the opportunity presents itself.’

‘The knowledge I gained from the first two sections of the course proved to be very useful in some of my personal projects as well as making an android games with my brothers titled “Chimping”.’

‘Both my Bros (Bhanu and Srinath) had signed up for the developer course. Srinath was forced to leave the country mid-way through his course as his Visa expired, and he didn’t have enough investment to apply for a Business Visa which was the only option given to him at the time. Thankfully, he got accepted in a prestigious university in United States (Texas), and his experience with Train2Game had played a big part in it. Bhanu continues to study at his own pace.’

‘For the past couple of months I have been working on a VFX model, Dobby from the Harry Potter films. I am also doing some motion graphics, and character animations, all to be compiled into a demo reel.’

‘I simply wanted to create a VFX character that would fit well into modern games as well as film and TV. I thought it is best to show as many skills as I can in one project rather than creating separate portfolios for Games and Film/TV. This way, I can diversify my portfolio.’

‘When I said I was going to create an elf-like character, my wife suggested Dobby as its one of her favourite characters. I jumped on the idea, as I too love the character in the books and in the movies. Besides, anyone who’s married knows that you never say no to your missus.’

‘I have learnt a great deal with this one project. I have been able touch several aspects of the pipeline: sculpting, re-topologising, texturing, shading, compositing, rigging, posing, storytelling, and animation.  I have also researched and came across some useful shortcuts that speed up the creation workflow.’

‘A strong portfolio is the single most important thing according to many of the experts in the industry. I have never heard anyone saying they got a job because a great reading CV. As an artist you are judged based on your portfolio and if you have one that stands out, nothing else really matters.’

‘I would love a full-time position at a games studio. I have tried and failed a lot in the past couple of years, but I am looking forward to another push this year, and hopefully someone notices my latest demo reel and offers me a position. Fingers crossed. I will be updating the website with Dobby images and latest demo reel once it’s ready.’

You will find some of Murthy’s work at http://murthy85.wix.com/artbymurthy

For more information contact mark@train2game.com

Train2Game, bringing City & Guilds to the Games Industry

Train2Game is a proud supporter of www.plasisgamesportal.com and www.gamatier.com

Train2Game News Student creates Tie Fighter

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Train2Game student 3D models what could be the next Star Wars Tie Fighter

Michael Bird working with US creative Michael Stribling to realise concepts of Star Wars spacecraft

Freelancer and Train2Game graduate Michael Bird is working with US based Creative to create incredible Star Wars 3D spacecraft.  The latest project created is a 3D Tie-Fighter based on the US Designer’s concept of what could be the next Tie Interceptor.

Michael found the original design’s creator on LinkedIn, before contacting him to get permission to develop his concept. Michael added in detail and has made the design game ready.

Michael is a Train2Game graduate who had a positive experience on the course; he’s worked with student studio Derp Studios and is now doing some freelance work.

Michael Bird, Freelance Animator and Designer:  ‘The project that I have just finished was a realised version on the Tie-Fighter from Star Wars films. That honour of the original concept goes to a man called Michael Stribling from the San Francisco Bay Area. I happened upon his concept art on LinkedIn and asked if could maybe build it in 3D and I was lucky enough to get a yes.’

‘I loved the concept and I saw it as a challenge to see if I could build it following someone else’s concept work but using my ideas as to the amount of detail, poly counts and texturing that would make it look like the concept but also to make it efficient for a game engine.’
‘I wouldn’t say spacecraft are a speciality even though I have two in my portfolio, I really want to specialise in asset/prop and environment work but it does show that I can do hard surface work. In truth if someone asks me to build something or if I ask if I can build it then I’ll try it no matter what it is. Every piece is a challenge that I relish.’

‘I am a big Star Wars fan. Always have been and always will be I grew up with Star Wars I think I saw the first film when I was about 9 or 10 and they have been a part of my life ever since to the point that know it word for word.’

‘In regards to the new film, I’m in two minds with it to tell you the truth I think I need to watch it again. It looks beautiful the way they have gone back to the old way of creating the beings that populate the Star Wars world instead of all CGI gives it a more realistic look. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this story goes.’

‘I think the reason Star Wars is so inspiring could be because the underlining story is about good vs evil, Black vs white, that’s something everyone can connect to in their life. Just the thought of having the Force powers or flying the ships it something that I would say everyone would want to do and have in their lifetime at least once.’

‘On the whole I would say the Train2Game experience has been positive, without the guidance that they offer I would never have been able to complete the course the way I did. There were time when I just couldn’t get my head around the lessons but they are always positive with their help they don’t tell you the answers they lead you onto the right path until you figure it out yourself. I would recommend the courses to anyone who is interested in getting into the industry.’

‘I finished the Art & Animation course in 2014, since then I work for a while at Derp Studios a micro online studio that helped me better my skills doing all sorts of 3D art for them, character creation and animation asset/prop creation as well as environment work. I left last year and since then I have been working for myself creating personal work and a bit of freelance when asked.’

‘I always have other ideas that I want to work on. I see my next project as an old graveyard with a small church with mist creeping between the headstone and trees all light in moonlight. I am at the concept stage at the moment but as I create I post WIP screen shot onto my website.’

‘Because the design was for my own personal pleasure it will go onto my website for the world to see www.michaelbird74.com’
 
For more information contact mark@train2game.com

Train2Game, bringing City & Guilds to the Games Industry

Train2Game is a proud supporter of www.plasisgamesportal.com and www.gamatier.com

Train2Game News Student creating studio for kids games

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Train2Game pupil creating cartoon games for kids wants students to join his team and get hands on experience making games

James Mahon, 25, from Birmingham wants students to join him in making awesome games for kids. James is on the Games Design course, is coming to the end of his studies and has so far created two games. The latest title he’s working on is a traditional platform game, with cartoon style graphics and comic book sequences. He’s specifically looking for is looking for level design and QA.

James Mahon, Train2Game student: ‘I am studying Game Designer course and enjoying it, I have almost finished it. I’m using everything I have learned and have created two games in the last year.’

‘I am looking for team members that enjoy working in a team and can work towards a common goal. I hope to make good connections with other designers and create some team spirit to help make better games. I am looking for a level designer to work with as a team. I am just a designer that can conceptualize art and implement features. Unfortunately, designing levels is outside of my area of study.’

‘I have finished prototyping a simple platform game and looking for a QA Level Designer to help design linear levels and test that they are fun to play. I have concept art of the two heroic characters and the villain.  The aim is to create a game with mass appeal in its characters and long-lasting value as a sustainable franchise.’

‘This is a traditional 2D platformer featuring lovable characters that will appeal to boys and girls. This children’s game features, a rice grain on a mission to find the lost rice grains with the aid of his companion, a pixie. Their ultimate objective is to defeat the mutant bug that terrorized the rice grains into fleeing their home.’

‘Another, concept on paper is an educational game featuring a ‘cool’ narrative character on duty to teach kids the importance of safety. This game will be created for school kids and in web browser for accessibility.’

‘Both of these concepts will have HUGE levels to design. That’s what I want help with. Above all, these concepts need some team spirit to help make a better game.’

‘Having played many kids games when I was younger, I still can understand what makes them fun to play for kids. I was a kid once and some kids have negative influences so the aim would be to create a positive influence through entertainment in a video game.’

‘I plan on making video games for kids/teenagers from 7 to 18. I have a few concepts on paper that are perfectly viable. Kids games aren’t as mainstream as adult games i.e Grand Theft Auto, but games don’t have to involve gratuitous violence to be fun – cartoon violence can still be fun, or even, no violence.’

‘I plan to start of small and grow big in the future with better games. I have big plans for my team to create big games that have a lot of value. I enjoy playing hardcore video games the most. Ubisoft inspire me.’

For more information contact mark@train2game.com

Train2Game, bringing City & Guilds to the Games Industry

Train2Game is a proud supporter of www.plasisgamesportal.com  and www.gamatier.com

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

Train2Game, bringing City & Guilds to the Games Industry
Train2Game is a proud supporter of www.plasisgamesportal.com and www.gamatier.com

Train2Game News Search for a Star 2016

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The Search For A Star & Rising Star student competitions are back for 2016, now open to both games coders and games artists.

Take part in one of the biggest industry-supported game dev competitions in the UK, showcasing your work in front of leading studios and getting a boost towards a career in games.

In 2015, 80% of students who qualified for the second round were able to get a games industry job on graduation. The competitions have a proven track record of improving the employability of those who enter, with the second stage development project even adding a published product to your portfolio.

The tests and challenges are tough, designed by industry professionals to mirror actual studio hiring processes, testing your talents while honing and developing your existing skills.

Prizes include opportunities for internships and jobs at leading UK games studios.

Learn more about the competitions, what to expect in each round, and enter at www.GradsInGames.com/competitions

Registrations are open from now until Wednesday 20th January 2016.