Category Archives: Student

Train2Game news: Portal 2 Perpetual Testing Initiative update to add level creation tools

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Train2Game students will soon be able to create and share their own Portal 2 level designs when Valve releases the free Perpetual Testing Initiative DLC next month.

The Perpetual Testing Initiative puzzle maker allows Portal 2 players to publish and download levels directly through Steam Workshop, where players can also rate the designs of others.

The free update comes to PC and Mac on Tuesday 8th May.

In an interview with The Train2Game Blog, Valve’s Chet Faliszek says modding or using community creation tools is a great way for aspiring game developers to show off their skills.

There’s more Portal 2 news right here on The Train2Game Blog.

So, will you be designing Portal 2 puzzles? And what are your thoughts on Valve releasing free content over a year after the game was released?

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

Train2Game news exclusive: Ubisoft senior figures offer advice on getting into the industry

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Train2Game News recently attended the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier game developer Q&A at BAFTA. While there, we were fortunate enough to grab a quick word with Creative Director Jean-Marc Geoffroy and Ubisoft Development Director Adrian Lacey.

They gave us some words of wisdom on how you can secure that first job in the games industry, first of all telling The Train2Game Blog that you need to know what specific area you want to go into.

“There are so many different jobs in the video games industry from coders to designers, to artists; there are so many different things it’s so important to know what you want to do. It’s not ‘I want to do video games,’ because that doesn’t exist.” said Geoffroy, who has over 18 years experience in the industry.

“So if you want to be a game designer it means you want to rules and mechanics, so study game design.” he continued.

“If you want to be an artist, you want to be a modeller, you need to know textures, shadows, 2D art. There’s so much stuff you need to know. Well, not to know, but what you like and what to push into.” said the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier boss.

Ubisoft development director Adrian Lacey added that the variety of platforms available now means aspiring game developers have different options available to them.

“Then push with that experience and from there and there are so many options. Plus I think all the different platforms of video games that are open to you give people ways that they can programme their own game or make their own app, then it’s a starting point.” he said.

Lacey also revealed that a number of Ghost Recon developers started out as modders, and building mods is a great way to show off your ability to a potential employer.

“On Ghost Recon, the amount of modders and stuff like that we ended up hiring. I remember, back in the day [Former Ubisoft designer] Christian Allen was a modder and he got hired because he was doing mods on the original Ghost Recon.” he said.

“We always look at what people are doing, people are making, so if you like to make your own things, it’s always something that’s interesting in the industry.” Lacey added.

Geoffrey added that it’s important for artists and coders to be able to show off their skills too.

“For an artist, making some cool 3D stuff, think about real-time, show that you are creative. Even when you are a coder be creative, because a good creative coder is amazing, like gold-dust!”

There’s much more about the development of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, in The Train2Game Blog interview with Ubisoft at last year’s Gamescom. You can read more advice from industry professionals about getting into the industry here.

What are your thoughts on the advice from Creative Director Jean-Marc Geoffroy and Ubisoft Development Director Adrian Lacey?

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

BAFTA’s public events and online resources bring you closer to the creative talent behind your favourite games, films, and TV shows. Find out more at www.bafta.org/newsletter,www.facebook.com/bafta or twitter.com/baftagames

Train2Game news: Paradox CEO to take questions in Warlock: Master of the Arcane live stream

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Train2Game students can get an insight behind the scenes of Paradox Interactive’s Warlock: Master of the Arcane, when CEO Fredrik Wester hosts a live stream tomorrow.

The Paradox Interactive CEO will also be taking questions from viewers, meaning you could potentially pick up some great advice.

The live stream will begin on Thursday 26th April at 19:00 (20:00 CEST) on Paradox Interactive’s official Twitch.tv channel http://www.twitch.tv/paradoxinteractive

Warlock: Master of the Arcane is described as” a turn based strategy game set in the fantasy world of Ardania, a planet divided between archmages and grand wizards – each convinced that they alone have the power to unite the world under the protection of their mighty spells.”

Players will build cities, research spells of creation, destruction and blessing and build armies to as they attempt to defeat their neighbours.

There’s more about Warlock: Master of the Arcane here on The Train2Game Blog. The PC strategy title is scheduled for release on Tuesday 8th May.

Keep reading The Train2Game Blog for the latest news from Paradox Interactive.

Will you be tuning into the Warlock: Master of the Arcane live stream? What would you ask CEO Fredrik Wester?

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

Train2Game news: Job interview advice from Crytek UK

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Train2Game students often apply for jobs in the industry. So, for those fortunate enough to get interviewed for a full-time position in game development, here’s some excellent advice on echnique from Nottingham based Crytek UK, developers of Crysis 2 and the upcoming Homefront 2.

“Research the company you are applying for, know what business they are in, what games they make and what makes them good at doing this.” Crytek Lead Programmer Richard Semmons told Develop in their April recruitment spotlight, adding that potential employers are impressed if you know the company.

“We’re always impressed by people that have taken the time to understand why they want to get a job with us rather than just because it was a mail shot to every company out there.”

If getting interviewed for a job, Semmons suggests having questions to ask the staff conducting the interview is also helpful.

“Prepare questions. You will most likely be sat in front of leads or directors within the industry, these guys will have a wealth of experience and if nothing else comes of your interview, ask questions to further your development or understanding of the jobs you are going for.”

He added that if the developer has a free engine that’s out there to use, then you should definitely use it, in another example of how modding is great for aspiring game developers.

“The CryEngine Free SDK is out there for people to experiment with. You have a chance to demonstrate your interest in the engine, an insight into how we work and how we utilise our technology; take it!”

Develop’s recruiter hot seat is sure to make interesting reading for Train2Game students looking for a job in the industry; you can read it in full here.

There’s more helpful advice from industry professionals on how to give yourself the best chance of getting that all important first job here on The Train2Game Blog.

What are your thoughts on the advice from Crytek? What interview advice would you give?

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

Train2Game industry experience diaries: Rudi Will – week 9

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Train2Game student  Rudi Will is on a Train2Game work placement. In this industry experience diary, Rudi discusses designing games and meetings with a publisher.

Read what he has to say about his Train2Game work placement  here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game Scribd page.

Read more Train2Game student industry experience diaries here on The Train2Game Blog.

Train2Game news: Dungeon Defenders map contest offers prizes of your creation in game and $1000

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Train2Game students have the opportunity to take part in a map contest from Dungeon Defenders developer Trendy Entertainment, which offers you the chance to see your creation become part of the game.

There’s also $1000 – around £620 – up for grabs for the winner, with second and third placed cash prizes also available. Trendy are encouraging “people of all experience” to enter the contest which provides Train2Game students with a perfect opportunity to showcase their skills.

The Dungeon Defenders development kit required to take part in the contest is downloadable on Steam for free, but you’ll also need a copy of the £9.99 full game. Full rules for the map design competition are available on the Trendy Entertainment forums, while this helpful guide will get you started designing maps.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday 21st June, so there’s plenty of time for Train2Game students new to Dungeon Defenders to get to grips with the development kit.

Modding and map creation is a great way for aspiring developers to practice building games,with Valve’s Chet Faliszek and id Sofware’s Tim Willits have both previously told The Train2Game Blog its a great way to showcase your skills to potential employers.

There’s much more about modding here on The Train2Game Blog.

So, will you enter the Dungeon Defenders contest?

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

Train2Game student industry experience diaries: James Bouckley at Unity – weeks 5-6

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Train2Game student James Bouckley  is on a Train2Game work placement at Unity. In his latest industry experience diaries, he discusses working with pathfinding and more.

Read what he has to say about his Train2Game work placement  here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game Scribd page.

More Train2Game industry experience diaries are right here on The Train2Game Blog. 

Train2Game news: Dead Space story producer Chuck Beaver on getting into the industry

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Dead Space 2 Train2Game blog image

Train2Game students looking to get a job in the industry should regularly practice their skills and take up modding. That’s according to brilliantly named Dead Space story producer Chuck Beaver.

“I would say practice, practice, practice. Write entire stories for mods on any software you can, and implement them using something like Half-Life’s source code.” he said in EA’s latest breaking into the industry feature, echoing what Valve’s Chet Faliszek and id’s Tim Willits have previously told The Train2Game Blog.

“Oh, and buy and devour Robert McKee’s book called Story. It is the fundamental bible on how to write.” he added.

For those who have eyes on becoming a producer, the Dead Space man suggested internships are the best way forward.

“You need to get in the door as a Producer, so take internships as a Production Assistant in game companies. Learn the ropes of project management, working with creatives, and game making in general, so you can apply your writing training appropriately.” he said, before adding that a game design course is valuable for becoming a writer.

“I would also take game design courses, so you can know what you’re talking about, know the medium you’ll be managing, what its limitations are, etc. That is critical.” Beaver concluded.

The full interview with Dead Space story producer Chuck Beaver is over at EA’s The Beat blog.

Kingdoms of Amular: Reckoning Producer Benjamin Smith, Dead Space 2 game designer Brian Bartram, and EA Environment Artist Phillip Simmons are among those that have previously spoken to EA’s The Beat, providing advice on how to get into the industry.

What are your thoughts on Chuck Beaver’s advice on getting into the industry? Do you mod?

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

Train2Game Gadget Show Live interview: Commando Kiwi artist Cat Forsyth

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Train2Game student teams recently took part in Make Something Unreal Live at The Gadget Show, a contest in association with Epic Games that saw winners Commando Kiwi walk away with a fully licensed Unreal Development for Ios. Their winning title was a game based on Fighting Fantasy book The Warlock of Firetop Mountain.

During the course of the show, Train2Game news spoke to art & animation student and Commando Kiwi member Cat Forsyth. In an interview that was recorded before the winners were announced, she told us how she was finding the experience, and even mentions the possibility of a job offer!

Read the interview here, or listen via Train2Game Radio. Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Cat, can you tell me what course you’re on, please?

I’m on the Train2Game Art & Animation course, and I’ve been doing it for about a year.

And how did you get into that?

I was actually a jeweller beforehand by trade, business was beginning to get a bit slow, so I decided to take the opportunity for the Train2Game course advertised, and I applied for the Art & Animation course,  and here I am now.

And how are you finding the course so far?

I’m enjoying the course very much. Unfortunately, because of The Gadget Show, I haven’t actually done anything in several months, but fingers crossed when the dust settles after this event, I’ll get back onto it.

How did Commando Kiwi, the team that you’re on, come about?

We went to the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam in November last year. None of us had met each other before and we got put together as a team, came up with the name Commando Kiwi, and that’s where we started.

What’s your role on the team?

I’m the UI Artist for the team, I’m predominantly doing the user interface, graphics, buttons, things like that.

So what’s been happening over the last few days?

Basically, we’ve sped up out working process; it’s a lot easier to work all together in one room. It’s a culmination of the last three or four months and we’re fine tuning things, tweaking things, making the game run smoother, things like that.

It must have been hard over the last few months, working towards this show and doing your studies at the same time.

A little bit, I think I sit on my computer until about 11 o’clock at night, that’s my life at the moment!

Hopefully this experience will help further your study and career path, do you think that’s going to be the case?

Yes, it’s a massive opportunity and I couldn’t imagine being where I am now six months ago. I’ve learned an awful lot, my skills have improved immeasurably, and I’ve had loads of opportunities meeting people, making contacts, learning. It’s been an invaluable opportunity.

How do you rate your chances here at Make Something Unreal Live?

I think the competition is quite good but I think that we’ve got a fair chance.

And you had an underhand interview happen here at the show?

Yes, I had an interview without knowing it. I got introduced to a gentleman who took my card, and fingers crossed after the event I can keep in contact with the possibility of a job.  It’s been very worthwhile.

Excellent, a fantastic opportunity. Thanks very much Cat.

For more information about Train2Game and Make Something Unreal Live visit www.train2game.com

Train2Game news: Capcom launch Street Fighter 25th anniversary art tribute contest

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Train2Game Art & Animation students have an opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially see their work used by Capcom in a contest launched to celebrate the upcoming 25th Anniversary of Street Fighter.

“Whether you’re a professional or a first-timer, your art is welcome. Throughout the year, we’ll be showcasing our favorite pieces, and we’ll even utilize some of them in our official 25th Anniversary celebration activities. It’s a great opportunity to have your work become a part of history!” read a post on the Street Fighter website.

The Street Fighter artwork can be a traditional pencil or paint piece, digital artwork, or even photography. Two themes Capcom are looking entrants to expand on are ‘Twenty Five years of history’ or ‘I am Street Fighter’  The pieces that the publisher likes the most will be used in their official Street Fighter 25th anniversary material.

Train2Game students wishing to enter the contest have until Friday 4th May to do so. All the information on how to submit work is here.

Will you enter the Street Fighter 25th anniversary art contest?

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