Category Archives: Student

Train2Game News Dungeon Hacks book

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A book detailing some early RPGs is being released to give aspiring developers and fans a look at where these games came from.

PressStart Press is proud to announce the release of Dungeon Hacks: How NetHack, Angband, and Other Roguelikes Changed the Course of Video Games in paperback as well as on Kindle, iBooks, and other popular e-reading platforms.
                                                                                            
Written by Stay Awhile and Listen author David L. Craddock, Dungeon Hacks whisks readers back in time to the computer labs where seminal roguelike role-playing games (RPGs) such as Rogue and Moria originated. Roguelikes are beloved among their fans, who tout grueling difficulty, a wide breadth of character types, and procedural algorithms that generate brand new levels every time players begin a new quest as defining characteristics of the genre.

Dungeon Hacks has earned acclaim from visionary game designers like Warren Spector, director of Deus Ex and Disney’s Epic Mickey. “The design of roguelike classics still resonates today, inspiring many modern game designers. Read this book and you’re understand how and why,” Spector said. Torchlight and Rebel Galaxy designer Travis Baldree echoed Spector’s enthusiasm, praising the book for “capturing the human element behind the games—the particulars of the people, the context, and the time period.”

Dungeon Hacks was assembled from years of research and interviews with developers such as Michael Toy, Robert Koeneke, Thomas Biskup, and the architects of NetHack, which TIME magazine commended as one of the best 100 games ever made. Dungeon Hacks is available now in paperback, as well as on popular e-reading platforms. An audio release will be made available later this month.

Alongside Dungeon Hacks, PressStart Press is publishing two additional books. One-Week Dungeons: Diaries of a Seven-Day Roguelike Challenge follows programmers of varying skill levels as they race the clock to design a game in a single week. Angels, Devils, and Boomsticks: The Making of Demons with Shotguns tells the story of an aspiring programmer who must conquer his fear of math if he wishes to realize his dream of making games. Both books are available now on Kindle, iBooks, Nook, and other popular e-reading storefronts.

Train2Game News Autodesk Stingray

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A new games engine was announced from the creators of Maya and 3DS Max.

At the Game Developers Conference (GDC) Europe 2015, Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK) announced that its new Stingray game engine will be available to game developers worldwide beginning August 19, 2015. Later this summer, Autodesk will also offer Autodesk Maya LT Desktop Subscription customers access to Autodesk Stingray as part of their subscription.

Built on the powerful, data-driven architecture of the Bitsquid engine, which Autodesk acquired in 2014, Stingray is a comprehensive new platform for making 3D games. The engine supports a host of industry-standard game development workflows and includes powerful connectivity to Autodesk 3D animation software that simplifies game development across a wide range of platforms.

“Between Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and the proliferation of mobile platforms, the games industry is undergoing a major transition, which poses new complexities for both AAA and indie game developers. Autodesk developed Stingray with these challenges in mind, and we’re excited to share its debut with the game developer community,” said Autodesk senior vice president, Media & Entertainment, Chris Bradshaw. “Stingray makes it easy and intuitive for artists with varying skill sets and programming expertise to create the next generation of 3D blockbuster games, entertainment and even architecture.”

Stingray feature highlights include:

– Seamless Art-to-Engine Workflow: Import, create, iterate, test and review 3D assets and gameplay faster with a one-click workflow and live link between Stingray and Autodesk 3D animation software.

– Modern Data-Driven Architecture: A lightweight code base gives game developers the freedom to make significant changes to the engine and renderer without requiring source code access.

– Advanced Visuals and Rendering: Produce visually stunning games with a powerful rendering pipeline, physically-based shading, advanced particle effects, post processed visual effects, lightmap baking and a high-performance reflection system

– Proven Creative Toolset: Stingray includes proven solutions like Beast, HumanIK, Navigation, Scaleform Studio (UI technology built on Scaleform), FBX, Audiokinetic Wwise and NVIDIA PhysX.

– Versatile Game Logic Creation: Stingray includes a wide range of development tools, making game creation more accessible for game makers with varying levels of experience – including visual node-based-scripting and Lua scripting. C++ source code will also be available as an additional purchase upon request.

– Multiplatform Deployment and Testing: Quickly make and apply changes to gameplay and visuals across supported platforms: Apple iOS, Google Android, Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 8, Oculus Rift DevKit 2, Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One.

Autodesk previewed Stingray at GDC 2015 earlier this year in San Francisco. Since then, game developers around the world have signed up for Autodesk’s beta program, shipped games using this technology and provided feedback including:

“Stingray’s data-driven architecture and flexibility have helped us build a broad portfolio of games, and quick iteration times for both code and content creators has boosted our productivity significantly. The engine has been a key success factor for us because we’re able to produce high quality games in a shortened timeframe. We’re excited to see how Autodesk will continue to evolve the engine,” shared Martin Wahlund, CEO of Fatshark.

“We never know what kind of games we’re going to create, and the engine is good for that. It really allows us to just make anything. We can make an FPS or an RTS, or a top-down shooter, or a role-playing game, or whatever. It’s not tied to a specific genre,” explained Johan Pilestedt, CEO, Arrowhead Game Studios.

The Stingray engine can also be used in design environments and is an informative next step to further understand design data before anything is physically built. The engine’s real-time digital environment, on a powerful, data-driven architecture, is programmed to look and feel like the physical world. Through the high-end development tools and visual scripting system, customers can program objects, light effects, environmental elements, materials, and entourage elements to behave and react as they would in the physical world.

Connected to Autodesk 3ds Max, architecture, engineering and construction customers can import Autodesk Revit data into 3ds Max, add content to the 3ds Max scene and then place that scene in the Stingray engine to explore, animate, and interact in the designed space.

Autodesk Stingray runs on Windows and will be available via Autodesk Subscription starting August 19, 2015 for $30 US MSRP per month.

Later this summer, Autodesk plans to offer Maya LT Desktop Subscription customers access to the engine as part of Maya LT. For more details about Stingray, visit: www.autodesk.com/stingrayengine

Train2Game News Derp Studios developing for Games Workshop

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Train2Game student studio Derp Studios has teamed up with Games Workshop to create a companion app for the popular tabletop game, Warhammer 40k.

Derp Studios Ltd is proud to announce the signing of an agreement with THE revolutionary fantasy and sci-fi tabletop wargaming pioneers, Games Workshop, to develop and launch the Warhammer 40,000 – Tactical Objectives App for Apple, Android and Windows Phone 8 mobile devices.

The Warhammer 40,000 – Tactical Objectives App app is a must have for all fans of ‘Warhammer 40,000’ (7th Edition) and is based upon the tactical objective cards used in the ‘Maelstrom of War Missions’. The app will feature all 36 tactical objective cards, as well as providing support for each of the 6 Maelstrom of War Missions. In addition, users will be offered in-app purchases allowing players to add the faction deck of their choice.

As an added bonus, the new ‘Cities of Death’ tactical objectives and missions that were revealed in issues 47 and 48 of the Warhammer magazine, White Dwarf, will also be included in the App Store price!

The Warhammer 40,000 – Tactical Objectives App will be available for purchase via Apple, Android and Windows 8 mobile app stores in Q3 2015, with an initial SRP of GBP £4.99/EUR €5.99/USD $6.99/CAD $6.99. Additional In-app purchases for faction specific tactical objectives will have an SRP of GBP £2.49/EUR €3.59/ USD $3.99/CAD $3.99 each.

“We are truly thrilled to be an officially licensed Games Workshop developer. We’re a small team with a real passion for Warhammer 40,000. We designed the app so all players can have the chance to own a tactical objectives deck for their faction, without the worry and frustration of them selling out, due to high demand” commented Chris Ledger, CEO and Lead Designer, Derp Studios Ltd.

“We are very excited to have developed the first official Warhammer 40,000 hobby support app!”

To request more information on the Warhammer 40,000 – Tactical Objectives App , please contact Chris Ledger at Derp Studios Ltd (contact@derpstudios.com )

    Website: www.derpstudios.com
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/derpstudios
    Twitter: www.twitter.com/derpstudios
    Tumblr: http://derpstudios.tumblr.com

Train2Game News Uth702 offers aid to studios

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A small company made up of game industry veterans are offering to help up coming studios with promotion and fuctionality.

Uth702, Inc. invites all game developers and companies to partner up in promoting ongoing and upcoming games across all regions.

Uth702 is an outsourcing company specializing in game service for mobile games, online PC games, and other platforms. While the company started only in 2014, the small team consists of experienced specialists in the gaming industry. With a crew of more than 10 years of working experience in game service, the team offers a wide range of services which can be beneficial in the maintenance, management, and marketing of a game.

Uth702 offers a wide range of services, depending on the project’s needs. The company possesses flexibility and personalized plans to maximize results. Services offered include, but are not limited to Viral Marketing Support, Customer Support, Events and Community Management, and Social Media Management.

A spokesperson for the company said “We maintain consumer awareness and satisfaction ahead of anything else. Every project we handle, we make it a priority on consumers to give them the best gaming experience possible.”

For game companies who are interested with the offered services, you may go to the website.

Train2Game News 2015 Women in Games Conference

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The fifth annual European Women in Games (WIG) Conference is to take place on Wednesday 2nd September at the University of Westminster. The conference continues to grow in both size and stature and this year’s event is expected to be the biggest yet.

As in previous years the day’s conference will comprise a mix of keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops and the European Women in Games Hall of Fame Awards. The line-up of speakers and panellists will reflect the diverse talent that exists in the games industry. This year the focus will be on acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to get an entry-level position and for career progression in the games development industry. Speakers confirmed so far include Andy Payne Chairman of Ukie, Vicky Smalley CTO Small Jelly and Claire Tavernier Owner and MD StoryTech Life.

Women in Games is committed to ensuring that the conference is  as accessible as possible and therefore early bird ticket prices have been set at £50 to open it up to as many delegates as possible. Full price tickets will be £95. In addition the organisers are keen to stress that this is an inclusive event and male delegates are equally very welcome.

Women in Games has also had a makeover with a new logo and dropping Jobs from its title.

Announcing the conference details, CEO Jenny Richards-Stewart said “This year’s conference programme is shaping up to be our best yet, in terms of content which will help delegates’ fast track their careers in the games industry. We wanted to focus on practical subjects and have also introduced workshops covering the main disciplines of games development. As always we have tried to keep the ticket prices as low as possible so that it is within the reach of students, entry level delegates and those working for small start-ups and Indies. I am looking forward to revealing more details of the conference programme in due course. We will also be announcing some exciting initiatives from Women in Games over the next few weeks.”

For further details about the conference and to buy tickets please visit www.ewigconf.com

Train2Game News Indie Game Making Contest Celeb Judges

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The Indie Game Making Contest (http://contest.gamedevfort.com), whose prize pool is connected with the Humble Game Making Bundle (www.HumbleBundle.com ) is ready to announce both new products in the bundle and the addition of critically acclaimed Extra Credits (https://t.co/6fxGray4c4) as celebrity judges for the event. So put on your developer hat and enter to win thousands of dollars across 21 or more prizes!

The success of the bundle, which has passed 1 million in gross sales, has unlocked new software including Play Canvas and Pro Motion 6.5. Not only does each bundle purchase help charity, but a percent of the developer cut goes to the contest as well, making the prizes higher every day. The grand prize at the midway point currently stands at over $20,000 USD, in addition to non-cash benefits such as promotional and production aid by Degica, whose sponsoring the event.

In addition to these great prizes and charities, Daniel Emmons joins the panel of guest judges. Daniel is part of the Extra Credits team, focused on the acclaimed Design Club, which hosts a twitch live stream event 4 times a week at http://www.twitch.tv/extracredits in addition to their work on the main Youtube Channel at https://t.co/6fxGray4c4. Daniel joins Ed Greenwood, author of Forgotten Realms, ex-fragdoll Kimberly “Sabre” Weigend, and last year’s winner, Team Isolation, creators of Remnants of Isolation, which is available on Steam at http://store.steampowered.com/app/360010/.

So get involved! Head over to www.HumbleBundle.com , get all the goodies you need, and enter the IGMC at http://contest.gamedevfort.com/ for your chance to win big prizes and free promotion of your games.

Train2Game News Humble Game Maker Bundle

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Axis Game Factory is pleased to announce it’s involvement in this summer’s Humble “Game Maker” Bundle that is currently running and will commence on July 21, 2015.

As a powerful development suite of software, AGFPRO is featured with six of it’s products in this year’s promotion and is participating in the Indie Game Dev Competition that is open to anyone from now until August 7, 2015. The Grand Prize pool continues to grow and is based on the total sales of the Humble “Game Maker” Bundle in addition to many other prizes for a variety of categories and genres.

AGFPRO is the ideal game creation software and is a comprehensive toolset, designed to provide game developers and enthusiasts alike with a powerful and rapid level creation, terrain and vegetation editing, lighting and atmosphere system that puts the power to create in anyone’s hands. AGFPRO is stand-alone, but also works seamlessly with the Unity 5 game engine, to allow developers the ability to sell a commercial product.

The Axis Game Factory products included in this massive promotion include the main application, AGFPRO v3.0, Premium, Voxel Sculpt DLC, Drone Kombat DLC, Zombie FPS DLC and the latest Zombie Survival Pack DLC. All of the add-on products expand the users player experience, allowing the option to either make casual and fun games that users can “Build, Play and Share” with friends or to take their creations into Unity and commercialize on their own.

The Humble “Game Maker” Bundle includes a huge array of products that include game creation software, DLC’s, add-ons, music, games and coupons/credits that total almost $2,000.00 USD in retail product. Gamers are encouraged to “get their gaming on” and make an original product based out of the many tools offered in this “pay what you want” bundle.

The contest can be found at http://www.contest.gamedevfort.com and will be judged by a variety of industry veterans and celebrity judges. Led by game publisher, Degica’s Global Director, Mitchell Scott, he adds, “Last years inaugural Indie Game Making Contest was an incredible success with a grand prize of $10,000 and over 800 entries. This year the prize is even bigger as it’s tied to sales of the Humble Game Making Bundle. It’s currently at $16,500 (and counting). We’re very excited to see what everyone comes up with for this years contest!”

Axis Game Factory’s AGFPRO, it’s suite of seven (7) DLC’s and latest stand alone application, GeoVox, empower developers to rapidly create game maps, sculpt terrain and design levels quickly and easily. With over 500 assets pre-stocked in the warehouse, along with 28 pre-set themes and simple maps, users can begin creating levels in literally minutes, making it the perfect software for any professional or gamer that want to start creating amazing game levels without having to program, model or animate. And by using stand out features such as “Scene-Linking” allow users to connect levels and expand their worlds together, “Co-op Collaboration” for up to 8 users in Premium, and using the “Game Packager” instantly allows users to share their creations as an .exe file and send to anyone to play for free makes this software suite a must-have in this expansive Humble “Game Maker” Bundle!

Train2Game News PLAY it! Manchester 2015

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Get your game face on this summer at the Museum of Science and Industry’s first ever gaming event, featuring some of the most popular video games of the past 30 years.

Running from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 9 August, PLAY it! Manchester – in partnership with leading gaming specialists Replay Events – is a hands-on celebration and immersive gaming experience for fun-loving visitors young and old alike.

From Pong and Pacman to Minecraft and Halo there is a game to suit beginners and experts, dads and daughters, multiplayers, retro fans and everybody else in between. Over 120 games and consoles are available to play during each 90 minute pre-bookable gaming session, which run at set times throughout this family friendly 16 day event.

Split into 6 different zones, featuring the most loved and popular games linked by theme, content and brand – from Minecraft, Atari and Lego to Wii, Megadrive and Nintendo, PLAY it! Manchester offers a unique opportunity to experience the very best in contemporary and retro gaming culture within the museum’s historic Great Western Warehouse, part of the oldest surviving passenger railways station in the world.

PLAY it! Manchester also plays tribute to Ocean Software, one of the most recognisable names in gaming. Established in Manchester in the 1980s, this globally renowned software development company are responsible for some of the world’s most iconic games produced for the Sinclair Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amiga & ST, SNES and Mega Drive. A selection of these family favourites will be available to play throughout the event.

Visitors are also invited to experience life in the 1980s computer room, and take part in fun challenges, from freestyle BASIC programming to classic fondly-remembered educational games such as Granny’s Garden and PODD. Never before has a career in STEM, science technology, engineering and maths, promised so much fun.

Whether you’re a family dropping in for a 90 minute session, a seasoned gamer making the most of PLAY it! Manchester’s full-day pass, or a night owl visiting the twice weekly adult-only evening sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to test your skills, show off to your kids or play something new for the first time. So come along and PLAY it!

PLAY it! Manchester runs from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 9 August at the Museum of Science and Industry as part of the museum’s summer programme.

PLAY it! Manchester is recommended for ages 6 +

Tickets are available to book now via www.mosi.org.uk/playit .

Subject to availability tickets may also be available to buy at the museum on the day.

Train2Game News Interview with resident Iron Man

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In recent weeks Train2Game has been documenting Sheldon Gilman’s pursuit to create the ultimate Iron Man suit.

He’s working on a collection of costumes and hopes to create a pair of Iron Man costumes for next year’s MCM Expo.

This week Train2Game caught up with Sheldon to hear more about the man inside the costume, including his professional and personal ambitions. 

Please tell us about yourself?
“My name is Sheldon Gilman, I am 35 and currently live in a small village called Redbourn in Hertfordshire with my wife and one year old daughter. I was originally born in Jamaica and moved to England with my parents when I was six months old. We lived in south London till I was seven then moved to Luton and now I live in Redbourn with my Wife and daughter.”

“I should also mention it was my very patient, loving and understanding wife who initially got me interested in cosplay and is constantly having to dodge Iron Man parts and tools that are all over the living room.” 

What cosplay does your wife enjoy, do you have photos of you both in cosplay?
I haven’t quite convinced Parveen to dress up yet but that’s soon to change as she’s told me she “MAY” consider dressing as Pocahontas next May. 

What is your regular job?
“I work in the IT department at Aldwyck Housing Group. A housing association.”

How much does the suit cost to create?
“Well I’ve never kept an accurate tally of how much it cost but my last suit was in the region of £200. This current suit, so far has cost me around £400 – £450 and there’s still more things I need to buy like electronics components and paint. However, when it’s completed, I expect it to have cost me £700 – £800.”

Would you ever sell a suit and if so, how much would one cost to buy?
“I definitely would sell my suits. I’d sell them in whole or in part (i.e. just the helmet) Prices would depend on detail. For a raw suit in foam, no paint, animatronics or electronics I’d say around £600 for a fibreglass suit all painted with full animatronics and electronics £1500.”

When will your latest suit be finished?
“I have set my finish date for May next year because I want both the Iron man Mk 20 and the War Machine to be completed for the MCM Expo in London where myself and a few others visit twice a year.”

Do you have a photo in the suit you at MCM Expo last year?
“I attached a pic of me with Rob Ledsom at MCM a few years back. I have to admit I haven’t worn this suit to MCM Expo time. I have also attached a pic of me in my Assassins Creed/ Jango Fett mash-up Costume.”

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What does your daughter understand of what you are doing?
“My Daughter Inara is very curious little monkey and likes to be involved in whatever everyone else is doing. My friends at Armour up have made her first costume to wear at her fancy dress party later this month.”
 

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What do you have planned in the future?
“I plan on getting a large shed built in my back garden this summer so I can create more costumes. I have many in mind like Sam Wilson aka The Falcon from Captain America – The winter Soldier, Heimdall from Thor, Batman – Arkham Knight Armour, Jager Pilot Suits from Pacific Rim and some crossovers too like Iron C3PO and Iron Tron. I will most definitely need help with some of these so I will be working with my younger brother and a very good friend of mine who is starting her own company called Armour Up.”

Would you see costume design as a future career?
“Very much so! The course I’m doing is useful, in that it’s showing me design techniques that speed up my design process greatly. However, as I am pretty much a one-man-band, production would be slow. I’m currently working on Iron Man mark 20 and War Machine simultaneously, and hope to have them finished by May 2016. I also have a Heimdall costume to make by May 2016 so I’m already a very busy bee.”

Which course are you studying with Train2Game?
“I am studying Games Artist and Animator.”

How are you finding the Train2Game course?
“The course is great! I actually started learning 3D animation on my own, watching YouTube videos and playing about with the different options in 3DS max but I thought it was time I got a qualification in the industry. The flexibility of the course has allowed me to continue working full-time, take care of my daughter all whilst studying to change to a career that I’d love.”

What are your thoughts on T2G?
“Train2Game have been a godsend. Courses of this type are very hard to find, As I work full time to support my family, I cannot afford to take three years out to get a bachelor’s degree from a normal university and no other university in this country has a program where you can study 3D animation totally from home, in your own time and get a portfolio as well as a recognised qualification out of it.”

Can you tell me more about your friend’s venture, Armour Up, and how you will be involved?
“I am getting James and Serena to write a few lines about what they do for you, but just briefly, they are both cosplayers. Alongside Serena’s regular job, she is an awesome seamstress and is very good at making period clothing. James and I both work for the same housing association but he is also a part time actor.”

“At the moment we’re just exchanging creative and business ideas and sharing expertise as I know nothing when it comes to cloth and Serena is eager to learn how to use the harder materials. James is the brains behind the operations and has good business head on his shoulders. He’s almost finished putting the Armour Up website together. I’ll update with more shortly.”

Further details of Sheldon’s project will follow on the Train2Game blog
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Train2Game is a proud supporter of www.plasisgamesportal.com

Train2Game News British Academy Games Awards 2016

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The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has today announced the call for entries for the British Academy Games Awards in 2016. The prestigious annual ceremony recognises and rewards the very best in games of the past year.

The 18 categories of the Awards encompass every element of games and highlight the accomplishments of the games industry over the past 12 months. Any game released in the UK is eligible to enter multiple categories within the Awards, a full list of which can be found on the BAFTA website, http://www.bafta.org/games/awards

Ensuring entry to the Awards remains accessible to all, developers and publishers may submit one free entry in the month of the game’s UK release. Games must have a release date between 1 January and 31 December 2015. The entry deadline is 9 December 2015.

Kelly Smith, Head of Television and Games at BAFTA, said: “This year’s British Academy Games Awards, held in March, was a great success. We broadened our categories to include Original Property and Persistent Game and we saw a broader range of winners than ever before. We are committed to celebrating the diversity and creativity of games as an art form, and we are proud to reflect such an innovative and fast-paced industry at our annual Awards. We look forward to the ceremony in 2016.”

The British Academy Games Awards will again be held at Tobacco Dock in 2016 where industry guests will enjoy a number of changes to the format of the evening, including the return to a more formal, sit-down dinner. Information on tickets will be announced at a later date.

For further information on the Awards and its rules and guidelines, visit http://awards.bafta.org/entry. Entries can be submitted here: https://entry.bafta.org