Train2Game News: Audio editing Kickstarter

eJayThere is a new interesting Kickstarter to support for an audio editing kit that you can use on your mobile phone.

This Kickstarter project is a perfect example of how Kickstarter can be utilised to get your project out to the masses and offer special rewards to those who invest. If you are thinking of using Kickstarter to fund your own game this is certainly a good template to work from.

The software, eJay Pure, is being developed by Wired Productions and it will be free for everyone to download and create your music, using preloaded samples. You can be a DJ from your own mobile.

You will get the full eJay experience from the first moment. If you enjoy what you create, you will be able to further your experience by purchasing additional features and buying many thousands of samples which will be constantly created.

eJay Pure is being developed from the ground up for touch screens so that the user interface is intuitive and the experience is fast and seamless.

Wired have been working on eJay Pure for 9 months, and have completed pre-production, technology tests, R&D, and have even started making some of the cutting edge samples that defined the eJay experience.

The reason the company has chosen Kickstarter is because they have spent months working on this project and are now moving to the final push.

The software could also be very helpful to Train2Game students who are looking to making music for their own games whilst on the move. This can be done on the train with headphones giving you more time to work on getting the core mechanics of the game when at a PC.

If you are thinking of using Kickstarter to fund your game then get in touch with the Train2Game PR Team through the Train2Game forum. You will be advised the best way to display your game on Kickstarter to get the most from the service.

If you want to find out more about this project and support the Kickstarter go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wiredproductions/ejay-pure

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs – 27.03.13

The Train2Game jobs this week is another Aardvark Swift special!

C++ Developer

Manchester

£Competitive

Our client is looking for a C++ Developer. This is an exciting opportunity that has arisen for a market-focused game software developer. This role is key to the production of a continuous pipeline of quality games to our networked digital estates. The successful developers will need to quickly understand the markets and territories in which we operate and adapt their methods accordingly.

The candidate will develop games content for video slot machines in a variety of markets including the UK, Italy and Latin America. Content is written using C++ so creating new content using simple, modular coding style and good C++ practices is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Writing high quality, maintainable, game content software.
• Diagnosing and problem solving discovered issues
• Communicating and working with the design, art and test departments.
• Producing and analysing game data to prove stability and fairness.
• Inputting into game design where appropriate
• Adhering to agreed designs
• Follow source control processes to ensure stability and security of work
• Rigorously adhere to deadlines agreed with line manager
• Following processes and procedures as defined to successful task conclusion
• Deciding what and when to escalate to the manager
• Adhering to the procedures and work instructions of Inspired where they relate to the job.
• Working effectively as a member of an individual team as well as Inspired as a whole.
• Ensuring you report for work on time and are prepared to work.
• Assisting with mentoring of new and/or less experienced staff as required.

Requirements:

• Highly proficient knowledge of C++
• Experienced in Visual Studio 2010
• Be able to apply themselves to a wide and unpredictable range of software tasks.
• Be able to manage and switch between several concurrently active jobs.
• A good understanding of Subversion.
• Relevant degree e.g. Computer software, programming.
• An understanding of DirectX
• Must be a highly motivated individual.
• Must be able to perform well under strict deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to pioneer new techniques

Further details are available by contacting Mark Hope at: Mark@aswift.com

Apply now

 

C++ Programmer All Levels

Bristol and Dublin

£Excellent + Benefits

C++ programmers – Bristol and Dublin

Our Client is part of a Global companies R&D team creating the technology game developers use to make great video games. They have created the programming tools used to develop on some of the world’s most popular gaming platforms. The company has built a reputation for understanding and meeting the needs of game developers, by creating innovative software and providing first-class support.

If you join as a new graduate you will initially spend time developing tests to ensure you get to know our products and code base. This is a great entry point for starting your career as a developer, working alongside talented, experienced engineers.
If you join us with some experience you will primarily spend your time developing new features and maintaining the current product range.

In addition you will be required to:
• Provide estimates for tasks
• Develop and deliver work to schedule
• Provide input to technical writers working for product documentation
• Work with support engineers on customer issues
• Participate in code and documentation reviews

Occasionally there are opportunities to attend conferences in the US/Europe and to visit customers to demonstrate products. Some travel between SN Systems’ offices is also likely.

Qualifications and experience:
• Computer Science related degree or similar.
• Graduates will need to demonstrate strong C++ ability gained through their studies or similar.
• Experienced candidates will be required to demonstrate 2-5 years C++ experience in a commercial environment.

Skills required:
All candidates will be required to demonstrate an understanding of SN Systems products, and a genuine desire to work on them.

Experienced candidates will be required to demonstrate the following skills:
Essential
• Strong C++ and STL development skills.
• Demonstrable OO (Object Orientated) design skills.
• MFC 9.0 (VS C++ 2008) and practical experience of developing Microsoft Windows applications with graphical user interfaces (for example GDI).

Desirable
Knowledge and experience of:
• Visual C++ frameworks including ATL/WTL.
• Debugger internals.
• Debugging file formats.
• Developing debuggers.
• MIPS, PowerPC or ARM architectures.
• Multi-threaded experience.
• Presentation skills.
• Team leadership/mentoring experience.
• Knowledge of MSBuild.

If you are interested in this position and would like to apply, please contact Mark Hope: mark@aswift.com or 01709 834 777

Apply now

 

Tools Programmer and Graduate Tools Programmer

North West, UK

£Neg + Bonus

Our client has been making games for more than 15 years. They now employ more than 150 people and have released games on major platforms like PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and Nintendo DS. They also work with some Great IP’s and a variety of game types.

They are seeking a Tools Programmer or Graduate Tools Programmer to join their team developing technology at the core of all their productions, from AAA games on every major console and handheld device (over 100 million units sold to date), to their award-winning TV shows, broadcast around the world.

If successful, you will play a significant part in shaping the way art, animation and designs are produced across new projects, as well as keeping our technology up to date with the state of the art in the industry.

They are looking for candidates with:

• A good degree in Computer Science, Maths or Physics or related subject (2.i or above)
• Fluent in C++ and object oriented programming
• Experience of Direct X, OpenGL or similar graphics APIs Experience of writing user interfaces using one or more common UI libraries (Win32 GDI/wxWindows/Qt/…)
• Ability to interact with non-technical disciplines (such as artists and designers), understand their needs, deliver solutions they find intuitive and helpful
• A real desire to make users’ day-to-day work easier, simpler and more productive

A strong candidate will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience of writing plugins for common 3D and 2D packages (Autodesk Maya and Adobe Photoshop preferably)
• A confident grasp of the mathematics involved in CG rendering and animation
• The ability to analyse and optimise algorithms for efficiency
• Experience developing products for one or more non-PC gaming devices

For more information or to apply for the role, please contact Mark Hope at Aardvark Swift on +44 (0) 1709 834777 or e-mail mark@aswift.com

Apply now

 

Game Programmer

South East

£Excellent + Benefits

My client is an energetic and enthusiastic company of experienced video game developers with offices based in Brighton, UK.
They are a growing company working on projects with small team sizes. They are looking for a Game programmer that is happy to work in whatever area is required of them – this could change on a daily basis!

*Junior/Graduate Programmers with relevant demos and a positive attitude are encouraged to apply!*

Required
• 2.1 degree in Maths, Physics, Computer Science or related, or equivalent industry experience
• Excellent knowledge of C# or C++
• Excellent knowledge of algorithms and data structures
• Experience of creating games on desktop or mobile platforms
• Desire to make great games
• Great communication skills (verbal and written)
• Happy to work as part of a team
• Demonstrable love for some area of game technology
• A passion for playing games and solving problems
• Flexible and keen to learn new skills

Desired
• Knowledge of two or more other programming languages (for example Java, Python, PHP, Clojure)
• 1 or more years of games industry experience
• 1 or more shipped titles on console, desktop or mobile platforms
• Strong knowledge of console, desktop and mobile architectures
• Knowledge of asynchronous engineering techniques
• Experience of Unity, Unreal or XNA
• SQL
• Experience using digital content creation tools (for example Max, Maya, Photoshop)

In return the company offer an excellent Salary and Benefits.

More details are available by contacting Mark Hope at Aardvark Swift via email: mark@aswift.com

Apply now

Train2Game News: Borderlands 2 additions on additions!

Borderlands-2-KriegExciting news for all you Train2Game Vault hunters out there! 2K and Gearbox have announced a new Downloadable character for Borderlands 2.

The new character is based on one of the in game Psychos! The character, Krieg, rewards players for high-risk behaviour such as running into crowds, with skills allowing him to, among other things, regain health while attacking enemies.

The new character will be available in May for 800 Microsoft points or $9.99

In addition to the new character, on April 2 the level cap will be raised from 50 up to 61. This is the same level rise the original game saw. This addition will cost $4.99 for console and PC but those with the season pass will get the level rise for free.

That’s not all however! A new level of gun rarity is being introduced. Pearlescent gun’s will be added making them the rarest loot in the game to date.

Finally, in a free update, an Ultimate Vault Hunter mode will be added which will be playable by anyone who has completed the True Vault Hunter mode. Giving you plenty of time to rise those extra 11 levels. In simple terms this game now has a Game Plus Plus!

With this plethora of additions it will give you another game play experience for a very low price.

Gearbox confirmed that a fourth DLC campaign is still set to arrive before the end of June.

You can enjoy Krieg’s reveal trailer from PAX below (Mature audiences only):

Train2Game News: BOOMBA! launches like a three pronged bazooka with the help of Train2Game

Boomba LogoTrain2Game helps to achieve national and international coverage for student’s studio’s title with the support of Train2Game’s PR team.

Student Fee Stewart has been working with Train2Game internal PR team to deliver worldwide coverage for Radiation Burn’s latest title Boomba! Fee, who is an Artist and Project manager at the studio, took advantage of the additional support Train2Game offer and coordinated withTrain2Game’s PR team to draft and distribute a press release on behalf of the studio.

Coverage was achieved on sites in the US, Spain, France and of course the UK. Highlights include Nintendo Everything and Develop Online

Nintendo EverythingDevelopThis support is available to all students commercially releasing games, whether they be independent student studios or working at organisations outside of Train2Game. Train2Game love to support the successes of its students and the student body love to hear about them, so make sure to keep us informed of everything you are working on.

You can see some of the international articles in the links below, including sites from Spain, France and Brazil.

Blogocio_Train2Game_students_Fee_Stewart_is_awarded_free_PR_for_her_first_game_release_by_Train2Gam1

Espal3ds_Train2Game_students_Fee_Stewart_is_awarded_free_PR_for_her_first_game_release_by_Train2Gam1

Wiiz_Train2Game_students_Fee_Stewart_is_awarded_free_PR_for_her_first_game_release_by_Train2Game

Well done Fee!

Train2Game News: Mass Effect 3 infographic

Mass Effect 3 With the close of Commander Shepards story, Bioware have released an infographic detailing everyone’s choices in Mass Effect 3.

The graphic shows that despite the vocal popularity of the female Commander Shepard only 18% actually played as her and the most popular character is Liara.

The info-graphic was released on Bioware’s Facebook page and obviously contains some spoilers.

Mass effect 3 info-graphic

Train2Game News: Final Fantasy X and X-2 remastered

Final-Fantasy-XGood news for Train2Game students who are fans of the Final Fantasy games! Final Fantasy X and X-2 are being remastered.

The games are being remastered and made high definition to be released in Europe this year. The games will be released bundled on a disc together called FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster. It will be released on PlayStation 3 and PS VITA separately.

Final Fantasy fans will be excited to know that they’re not just getting a mind-blowingly beautifully HD version of the game that they love. Both games are based on the International version, which is the most complete, feature-heavy iteration of each game to release. The International version of FINAL FANTASY X-2 never made it to European shores before, so there’s quite a chunk of additional content for you to enjoy.

The International version of FINAL FANTASY X introduces an Expert version of the Sphere Grid in which all the characters start in the middle and you can choose any path but there are fewer nodes and therefore a decrease in the number of upgrades available. This edition also includes new abilities, new super-bosses and more.

FINAL FANTASY X-2 is also getting the International treatment, high definition graphics and more content that has not yet but announced.

Enjoy the trailer!

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 25.03.13

Gears of War JudgmentTrain2Game brings you the top 20 games in the UK this week with Gears of War: Judgment debuts this week at number 1 pushing Tomb Raider down a place. The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct also debuted this week, coming in at number 3 and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate saw it’s first week in at number 7.

All formats

Week ending 23 March 2013

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 GEARS OF WAR: JUDGMENT MICROSOFT
2 TOMB RAIDER SQUARE ENIX 1
3 THE WALKING DEAD: SURVIVAL INSTINCT ACTIVISION
4 FIFA 13 EA SPORTS 6
5 SNIPER: GHOST WARRIOR 2 CITY INTERACTIVE 4
6 GOD OF WAR: ASCENSION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 2
7 MONSTER HUNTER 3 ULTIMATE CAPCOM
8 SIMCITY EA GAMES 5
9 FAR CRY 3 UBISOFT 7
10 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II ACTIVISION 9
11 METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE KONAMI 19
12 CRYSIS 3 EA GAMES 8
13 ASSASSIN’S CREED III UBISOFT 11
14 SKYLANDERS GIANTS SKYLANDERS 13
15 NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED EA GAMES 14
16 ALIENS: COLONIAL MARINES SEGA
17 THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 16
18 SONIC & ALL STARS RACING TRANSFORMED SEGA
19 HITMAN ABSOLUTION SQUARE ENIX 12
20 LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 17

Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2013 UKIE Ltd

Train2Game News: Train2Game student releasing Boomba!

Boomba LogoTrain2Game Student, Fee Stewart, has been working with Radiation Burn LTD to create a new exciting game called, Boomba!

In the game you get to play as punks, rockers, emos, soldiers, cops and many more characters in an exciting and enjoyable turn based strategy game that is based described as Angry Birds meets Worms.

This turn based physics shooter is completely unique and plays like no other. There are over 50 different teams to choose from, with more to follow. Aimed at aged 7+ casual to medium game players, this title really is open to everyone. The accuracy of your shooting is combined with a range of exciting weaponry to be victorious; use chainsaw missiles, boxing glove bazookas and metal anvils to defeat your opponents.

Boomba

Boomba will be available on: Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Windows 8 and Windows Phone, Kindle, Blackberry, Andoid, PC and Mac next month.

RadiationBurn Ltd. strives to provide fun and original IP for your enjoyment. The studio, founded in Middlesbrough 2010, creates fun and original titles of all sizes. The company was founded through winning the Microsoft Dream.Build.Play Challenge, Old Spice competition. A worldwide competition in which RadiationBurn Ltd. were voted winners, by a panel of judges and the gaming public.

Fee joined the company in October 2011 after finishing a Train2Game student placement at the company.

When asked her opinion of the game she said “Boomba! is something I thought I would be doing only once. It soon became a daily habit to both create the game and play it!”

You can find out more about the game by going to www.boombagame.com

Train2Game News: Games Industry News – 22.03.13

StarCraft 2 It is the end of the week so it is time for the Train2Game games industry news round up!

Today is the start of the Insomnia48 convention. Gamers are flocking to the gaming festival, for a weekend of gaming highlights including the ESET UK Masters StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm grand finals. With some of the best competitive gamers in the world vying for a share of the £10,000 prize pot, the tournament represents the pinnacle of the UK eSports scene. Jetting in from countries such as South Korea, Romania, Switzerland and Germany, the 12 gamers that have qualified over the last few weeks represent the cream of the international eSports crop and will provide some of the most exciting competitive StarCraft entertainment possible!

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today announced a Season Pass for the upcoming DC Comics fighting game, Injustice: Gods Among Us. The Injustice: Gods Among Us Season Pass grants purchasers access to four of the game’s upcoming downloadable characters for the price of three.

In further Injustice: Gods Among Us news, the developers are giving comic book and beat-‘em-up fans the opportunity to settle the age-old-question of “who will win?” in person at special Injustice: Gods Among Us tournaments being held in GAME stores around the UK during the month of April. The Injustice: Gods Among Us Tournament UK Final is in London and the International Final is in Paris.

Kickstarter has now had over $107 million dollars pledged to games with over $22 million of that just this year alone. Kickstarter cites the Double Fine Adventure Kickstarter in February 2012 as the game project that really got everyone’s attention. While there are plenty of success stories on Kickstarter, it glosses over the fact that not all of these games are successfully produced. This proves that everyone can have trouble with developing a game, it is not an easy task and it shouldn’t be taken lightly!

Finally a different way to play some of your favourite PC games has surfaced. Peripheral company Stelulu Technologies have developed a controller that can use with your feet. The interestingly named, Stinky Board, has four buttons underneath that can be pressed when you lean your foot on them. The buttons can be mapped to any key on your keyboard and “in-game modifiers” are supported like Alt, Ctrl and Shift. That means up to 16 actions can performed and the device can automatically detect and load saved profiles. Additionally, the tension of the board can be adjusted and the board itself is made out of steel, aluminium and “heavy duty plastics” to withstand the kind of foot-related abuse you might expect when someone keeps dying over and over again in their favourite FPS.

Train2Game News: Magic 2014 – Duels of the Planeswalkers announced

Magic 2014Wizards of the Coast today announced the product lineup for Magic 2014 this summer, which includes the Magic 2014 – Duels of the Planeswalkers video game.

This is the first game of the Trading Card Game series that will be available on Android devices. It will still be available on iPad, Xbox LIVE Arcade, Steam and PlayStation Network.

Magic: The Gathering is the first and most widely played trading card game. Players take on the role of Planeswalkers – powerful mages who battle others for glory, knowledge and conquest. Their weapons include spells, creatures, and artifacts gathered from a vast Multiverse of unique fantasy worlds. With more than 12 million players and fans worldwide, Magic is printed in 11 languages and played in more than 70 countries.

Duels of the Planeswalkers will offer players exciting new features as they partner with the fire Planeswalker, Chandra Nalaar to track down a manipulative and dangerous Planeswalker foe. An immersive storyline and strong integration with the Magic 2014 Core Set ties the experience together for players.

Worth Wollpert, Executive Producer of Magic: The Gathering at Wizards of the Coast said “The Magic: The Gathering – Duels of the Planeswalkers franchise has been engaging and exciting gamers since we launched in 2009 and continues to be the best way for new players to learn how to play Magic.

“This year, with the addition of a fifth platform – Android – along with new features and a more focused integration between online and offline play, we continue to deliver a best-in-class gaming experience.”

Magic 2014 – Duels of the Planeswalkers builds on the success of previous games in the franchise and adds all new features including an immersive storyline, 10 brand new decks, 15 new encounters, 10 new puzzle challenges and an all-new unannounced play mode in addition to other exciting features. Magic 2014 players will get the first look at cards from the Magic 2014 Core Set in Duels of the Planeswalkers, creating even more seamless integration between the online and offline games.

For more information about Magic 2014, visit www.magicthegathering.com