Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 11.03.13

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

Train2Game brings you the games chart again this week with 4 new games sitting right on the top! Tomb Raider has taken the number 1 spot and has become the best selling game of 2013 to date. In second place, despite its server issues, is the new Sim City game. Third place has gone to a new Naruto game and fourth place is a new Sims 3 expansion. EA has two brand new games in the new top four.

All Formats

Week ending 9 March 2013

POS.	TITLE	PUBLISHER	LAST WEEK
1	TOMB RAIDER	SQUARE ENIX	–
2	SIMCITY	EA GAMES	–
3	NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM 3	NAMCO BANDAI GAMES	–
4	THE SIMS 3: UNIVERSITY LIFE	EA GAMES	–
5	FIFA 13	EA SPORTS	2
6	CRYSIS 3	EA GAMES	1
7	CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II	ACTIVISION	4
8	FAR CRY 3	UBISOFT	5
9	METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE	KONAMI	3
10	THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS	11
11	ASSASSIN’S CREED III	UBISOFT	9
12	NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED	EA GAMES	6
13	SKYLANDERS GIANTS	SKYLANDERS	12
14	HITMAN ABSOLUTION	SQUARE ENIX	10
15	ALIENS: COLONIAL MARINES	SEGA	7
16	LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES	WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE	15
17	HALO 4	MICROSOFT	13
18	GRAND THEFT AUTO IV	XBOX 360 CLASSICS	17
19	DEAD SPACE 3	EA GAMES	8
20	FORZA HORIZON	MICROSOFT	–

Train2Game News: Games Industry News – 08.03.13

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

It’s the end of the week so it is time for another Train2Game News round up.

Epic announced earlier this week that the Unreal Engine 4 is available for PlayStation 4. In addition to showcasing the new Unreal Engine 4 “Elemental” demo running live and in real time on PlayStation 4 at the PlayStation Meeting 2013, Epic is providing the resources PlayStation 4 developers need to harness the full power of its Unreal Engine 4 technology and realize all facets of their creativity using Epic’s revolutionary new toolset now and in the future.

Multiplay, a leading provider of community gaming, game server hosting, events management and broadcast services, is pleased to announce Insomnia 48. Taking place on 22nd-25^th March at the Telford International Centre, i48 pits 1,000 of the best gamers against each other to compete for prize funds of up to £10,000 per tournament. The event will give UK gamers their first hands on experience with Injustice: Gods Among Us. Find out more about the event by going to http://iseries.multiplay.co.uk/

High Moon studio and Marvel have released a new trailer for the upcoming game featuring every bodies favourite “Merc with a mouth”, Deadpool. If you know the insane Marvel character, you will know what to expect. If you don’t know him, prepare for a shock! If you are over 18, you can watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaCBD7NPhCQ&feature=player_embedded

Sony Computer Entertainment UK MD Fergal Gara announced that PlayStation VITA sales absolutely exploded over the holiday period. When asked how he rated the handheld’s performance in its first year on the market, the executive said: “Vita really, really responded as we went into Christmas. We had a pre-Christmas lull where sales were quite low. But that absolutely exploded 20-fold from that low-point into the peak of Christmas. That’s very encouraging and shows that with the right promotion and software we can light that fire.” Mr Gara also admitted that the system’s software release schedule currently appears light, but promised: “It looks bare in terms of what we have announced. The cupboard won’t be bare.”

Finally Eidos Montreal have confirmed they are working on a reboot of Thief. The game is scheduled for a 2014 release and will be coming to PC and Next Gen consoles. The official blurb for the game is “Series hero Garrett returns to the Gothic, industrial metropolis known simply as the City to steal any and everything that will make him richer. Unfortunately, the City is broiling with social tension as it is ravaged by a plague and lorded over by a political tyrant known as the Baron. In order to survive his adventures, Garrett will have to pay attention to his environment and make use of the many possible paths through each of the game’s levels.” Sound familiar?

Train2Game News: Superman: Red Son

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

If you have been Train2Game News recently you may have noticed I have been putting out the results for a battle arena that has been taking place in the new game, Injustice: Gods Among Us.

This week will be no different! Instead of posting a video from the battle arena however this week I will be showing you a developer diary for the DLC for the game. This DLC is based on the Red Son Superman story which asks the question, what if Superman had landed in soviet Russia instead of the small USA country town of Smallville.

You can enjoy the developer diary below:

The Red Son DLC is free if you order the special edition of Injustice: Gods Among us.

Train2Game Student Radio Featured Programmes

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

Train2Game student radio has gone LIVE! This service will play all the best Train2Game interviews around on a loop so you never miss anything good.

The schedule for the interviews the service plays is as follows:

Phil Cross Audience Marketing Manager at Microsoft UK Mentors Train2Game Students: Phil answers questions from students and explains how Train2Game students can gain many areas of on-going support free from Microsoft.

On BBC Oxford Mike Gamble from Epic advises Parents: Mike shares how parents can help youngsters wanting a career in the gaming industry.

BBC Radio Derby talks to Train2Game Student Daniel Gent: An inspirational interview with Daniel who following a car accident is now Quadriplegic, Daniel says if he can do a Train2Game course anyone can.

On Juice FM Mike Gamble from Epic advises Parents: Mike gives further advice to parents and would be students.

Steve Lindsay from the Princes’ Trust: shares how Train2Game often mirrors the aims of the Princes’ Trust with young people.

Train2Game Student Amy Methven from Scotland: explains how she has already started working with a student studio group.

Train2Game Student Dan Rutter explains: how Train2Game has given him the skills to become a published games studio and start his own games company with his wife.

Train2game student Gareth Brook shares: how an ex-Army communication technician has now joined a games studio.

Train2Game Student Neil Gorman details:how he has already gained work from Microsoft and further his Train2Game course has inspired him to now take a Masters Degree in games. Neil said of the course and the Train2game academic team “it’s been great, it’s been fantastic”.

Ken Gains from City and Guilds shares: how Train2Game works with City and Guilds.

Tune in via Train2Game Student Radio or more information via www.train2game.com

Train2Game News: 2013 BAFTA Video Game Awards

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

The video game BAFTAs were held earlier this week and Train2Game has the results for you. It was an excellent night for PlayStation exclusive, Journey, in particular.

The list of winners is as follows:

Audio Achievement – Journey

Steve Johnson, Austin Wintory, Keith Leary

Best Action Game 2013 – Far Cry 3

Dan Hay, Patrick Plourde, Patrik Methe

Best Game – Dishonored

Arkane Studios/Bethesda Softworks

British Game – The Room

Fireproof Games/Fireproof Games

Debut Game – The Unfinished Swan

Ian Dallas, Nathan Gary
Giant Sparrow/Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

Family – LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes

Jon Burton, Jonathan Smith, John Hodskinson
TT Games/Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment

Game Design – Journey

That Game Company/Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

Game Innovation – The Unfinished Swan

Ian Dallas, Nathan Gary
Giant Sparrow/Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

Mobile & Handheld – The Walking Dead

Dan Connors, Kevin Bruner, Kevin Boyle
Telltale Games/Telltale

Online (Browser) – SongPop

Olivier Michon, Thibaut Crenn, Daouna Jeong
FreshPlanet/FreshPlanet

Online-Multiplayer – Journey

That Game Company/Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

Original Music – Journey

Austin Wintory, Keith Leary, Mony Mudd
That Game Company/Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

Performer – Danny Wallace

(The Narrator) Thomas Was Alone

Sports/Fitness – New Star Soccer

Simon Read
New Star Games/New Star Games

Story – The Walking Dead

Telltale Games/Telltale

Strategy – XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Firaxis/2K Games

BAFTA Ones to Watch Award in association with Dare to Be Digital

Starcrossed
Kimi Sulopuisto, Vili Viitaniemi, Minttu Meriläinen, Petri Liuska, Andrew MacLean

At the end of the event Valve CEO and BAFTA Fellowship winner, Gabe Newell, come to the stage with a standing ovation and said “On behalf of everyone at Valve, and all of the gamers who have gone with us on this adventure over the last few years – thank you very much,”

If you want to watch the event you can do so here: http://www.bafta.org/games/awards/watch-live,3664,BA.html

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs – 06.03.13

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

It’s the time of the week again for Train2Game to post some entry level jobs in the hope that it will help get you in to the games industry!

Art

Job Title	2D Flash Artist
Job Category	Art / Animation
Skills Required	Art / Animation
Location	South
Job Description	2D Flash Artist Stainless Games requires a 2D Flash artist with a wide range of skills at our studio on the South Coast of England to work on high-profile projects. We offer excellent conditions and a competitive package in a fun working environment. Role and responsibilities: Work closely with Art, Design and Programming to concept and then create compelling user interface experiences. Create artwork and animations for the HUD/UI. Prototype interface functionality and aesthetics. Create high quality 2D game art assets using industry standard packages such as Adobe Photoshop and Flash. Fast turnaround of 2D look and feel concepts using Photoshop and Flash. Skills Required: Passionate about art for games with a strong appreciation of graphic design in games. Good eye for graphic and interface design Professional attitude and work ethic. Good written and verbal communication skills. Self-motivation and organised Desirable: Formal qualifications in related fields such as graphic design, visual communication or multimedia design. Traditional art skills Basic scripting

You can apply by emailing : jobs@stainlessgames.com

Developer

Job Title	Tools Programmer – Runescape MMO
Job Category	Programming
Skills Required	Tools
Location	Cambridge, UK & Europe
Job Description	Jagex Ltd, the UK’s leading independent online games studio, is looking for bright and passionate programmers who want to work with cutting edge technology to join our Tools Department. Joining the Jagex Technologies team, you would be developing new in-house tools to support our content development and graphics teams while also working with our code libraries, scripting language and game engine. Key Duties Include: Develop and maintain bespoke content creation tools using Java to the highest standards Enhance and improve the game engine Research new technology, platforms, techniques and ideas Enhance both the tools team libraries and the game engine libraries Act as lead on project, overseeing design and development Essential Requirements: High level knowledge of Java, C++ and object orientated programming techniques Strong understanding of computer graphics or computer animation technologies Strong understanding and appreciation of code design philosophies Strong academic background at degree level or equivalent Good industry track record, which may include previously published products, or tools development experience The ability to think creatively to solve coding problems and to demonstrate a high degree of initiative, determination and flexibility Desirable Requirements: Knowledge of other platforms including, but not limited to, Mac OS, Linux, WII, PS3 and Xbox Good understanding of GUIs and tools Experience of working on network and MMO games Experience as a lead programmer

You can apply here.

Design

Job Title	MMO Game Designer – Celtic Heroes – Groundbreaking MMORPG !
Job Category	Game Design
Skills Required	Games Designer, Level Designer, Graduate Game Designer
Location	Glasgow
Job Description	The team behind ‘Celtic Heroes’ are looking for a creative MMO Game Designer to join their team. As MMO Game Designer you will have the responsibility of designing and evolving the very experiences our players engage in. You must have massive passion in the MMORPG genre and fully understand the successful game mechanics and quest design that equally challenges and rewards the player. You must be a creative thinker with the ability to rationalise your ideas into practical game play experiences. You must be a strong communicator at ease working within a development team. A strong portfolio of game design examples in the same genre of ‘Celtic Heroes’ is a MUST! If you have the skills, qualifications, experience and a passion for playing our kind of games, we would love to hear from you. To APPLY direct online simply follow this link http://bit.ly/joinourclan Set in an exciting medieval Celtic world of combat, magic and mythology, ‘Celtic Heroes’ is a fully 3D MMORPG available for iPhone, iPod and iPad. Play as a customisable warrior, mage, rogue, ranger or druid. Gain powerful new weapons, armour and items as you explore the vast world of castles, dungeons and outdoor environments. Battle fearsome enemies and complete heroic quests! NOTE: Must be able to demonstrate eligibility and VALID WORKING VISA to work in the United Kingdom and be willing to relocate / commute to the Glasgow area

Area:: South East
Location:: Oxford
Start Date:: ASAP
Recruiter:: NaturalMotion Games

Role Summary:
NaturalMotion is looking for a tester to work on its upcoming mobile platform titles. This is a full time, contract position with an expected minimum duration of 3 months.

Daily duties will include testing and reporting issues discovered, working to use and improve test cases and working with small, project-based teams to ensure efficient testing throughout a project’s life.

While extensive testing experience is ideal, it is not strictly necessary and a little testing experience combined with enthusiasm and additional transferable skills is welcome and there will be a chance to learn and train with the testing team.

Testing will cover such areas as the user interface, menu items, inspecting the 3D assets for errors, gameplay, progression, and all other non-gameplay areas in addition to the game itself. Diligence and the ability to commit to repetitive tasks will be required in these roles.

Requirements:
– Excellent verbal and written English skills as you will be required to communicate with staff from all disciplines (both technical and non-technical) and to write clear bug reports.
– Self-motivation and enthusiasm.
– Diligence in conducting sometimes-repetitive tests and bug isolation.
– Ability to quickly learn new software tools.
– Knowledge of current generation games and hardware.
– Knowledge and use of mobile platforms (such as iOS and Android)
– Previous experience of software testing (including mobile and/or social games)

Desirable additional Skills/Experience:
– Experience of software testing on several different titles.
– Familiarity with testing on the iOS and Android platforms.
– Experience in using bug-tracking and test management tools.
– Experience testing in an Agile environment.
– Understanding of and design of Test Cases.
-Working knowledge of a programming or scripting language.

You can apply here.

Train2Game News: Train2Game radio talks to Neil Gorman

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

Last week I got to talk to Train2Game student, Neil Gorman. Neil is a full time plumber who has had an incredibly busy games industry career so far and his hard work has paid off! Neil is now on his way to Birmingham University to do a Masters degree in Games Development.

You can listen to part 1 of the interview here: http://audioboo.fm/boos/1249949-train2game-student-neil-gorman-talks-to-t2g-radio-part-1

and part 2 here: http://audioboo.fm/boos/1249947-train2game-student-neil-gorman-talks-to-t2g-radio-part-2

Or you can read the transcript below:

Hi, I’m Neil Gorman, I’m from Worcester and I am on the Art & Animation course.

Hi Neil, how you doing mate?

Not so bad Mark, how are you?

I’m very well ta buddy! So we’ve got quite a bit to cover with you haven’t we?

Oh right! I do try to keep me hand in!

So tell me about all the stuff you’ve been up to lately.

Lately? Uh, well. Over Christmas I did a couple of weeks for Lightwood Studios and Microsoft, doing a little bit of illustration but it was for fifty apps, so I got a bit of a sweat on with that! I had a word with Myra Smallman and she got Cat Forsyth and a lad called Malik involved as well. We managed to plough through them, it went really well, it was a good experience. Before that we did a Game Jam which was a World Record which was really good. I’m doing a little bit for Team Dart, done a little bit of work for Derp, as you know and I’ve just been accepted to Birmingham University on a Masters Games Development course as well.

And I also do life drawing on a Tuesday!

Just to add that little bit extra because you weren’t busy enough!

Yeah that’s right, yeah! Oh I also work full time!

That it now, you sure?

Yeah!

What do you do full time?

I’m a plumber.

How long you been doing that for?

I’ve been doing it for… Well a bit too long really! I’ve been doing it for twenty years.

What made you go from Plumbing to Game Design and Art instead?

Well I’ve always been in to games, since I was about 4 years old when my Uncle got an Intellivision with Pong and all that on it. I always used to go down the arcades and play 1942. I’ve basically seen the games change through to all the console like the Commodore 64, Sinclair Spectrum and all that. Then a few years ago I got a card through the door for Train2Game, it was just a post card saying what Train2Game did and I think it was just a time in my life where I thought, “yeah I’m going to do this! I’m going to try this course out and see how I do.” Before that I never even dreamed about trying to design assets or anything like that, when I first fired up 3DS Max I couldn’t even model a box! So it’s how it came about really and it’s the best thing I ever did.

Excellent! So the Train2Game course has certainly helped you a lot if you are now going for a Masters degree?

It’s been absolutely unbelievable really. The people I met along the way, including yourself and all the lads at Derp, everyone I’ve met along the way. I’ve made so many friends it’s great, it’s been fantastic!

How did the Masters Degree come about, how did you end up going for that?

Well it was just a punt really! When I finish work, I do my coursework and subsidise with digital tutors and other game stuff and I just love it! It’s my hobby as well as my love. So I saw this advertised on the internet and I also saw at Eurogamer for Gamer Camp. I filled it all in, put my details in for what I’ve done in the past, I’ve done BTEC in Engineering and NVQ’s and what not, told them I was with Train2Game, I sent them an email as well and they got back in touch with me and gave me an art test.

Very nice and I assume you passed that with flying colours?

Yeah, it was a bit of a stretch but it was over 2 weeks and you had so many Polygons you had to adhere too and do textures and what not. So I sent it in and then I had an interview, so I had an interview at Birmingham University. So I went and the lecturer got snowed in so I had to do It over Skype. It went really well and a few days later he sent me an email saying I was accepted, unconditionally!

Excellent! So when do you start doing the course or have you started already?

No I start in September for a year, it’s full time.

For a year full time is it? So I imagine you’ll have to give the plumbing up a bit then will you?

A little bit yeah! I’ll still do a little bit, I’ve still got to pay the bills at the end of the day.

So what other things are you doing, you said you were also working with Derp Studios as well at the minute?

Yeah, ever since the Make Something Unreal and the first Game Jam we did I’ve always loved the lads from Derp as they’re a really good laugh and they really get their heads down and work. I went to Nigel’s 30^th birthday and I got talking to Chris and he said “Do I fancy doing some Animation and Modelling for him” and I said “Yeah, no problem!”. I’d give up any time for the Derp lads.

So you really just don’t like sleep any more, you just have to do everything don’t you?

I’m just trying to learn as much as I can really!

Yeah, you also said you are doing a life drawing course, is that helping you a lot?

Oh it is! It really is. It’s all naked models, one week it’s a woman and one week it’s a fella and for anatomy and getting the light and the forms and everything it’s just really good. I suggest any artist to go on a life drawing course, it really helps.

What would be your biggest ambition for your career?

For my career? I would love to work for a big AAA company, possibly as a Technical Artist or Rigger or along those lines and just being involved in the games industry as a whole. Early last week I went to the Animex Festival in Middlesbrough and you just get an energy off of people in the games industry, they’re so enthusiastic, it’s addictive!

Yeah I definitely know what you mean there! It does the same for me. What about your own studio, would you ever be interested in making up your own one?

I think when I’ve got more experience, I know there are lads who have started their own studio but I want to get to a point where I am happy with what I am doing with my art and be at a certain level. At the moment I’m still just learning and that’s why I do so much, just trying to learn as much as I can. When I get to a certain level, I might contemplate it but if someone came alone and said “Hey Neil, how would you fancy starting out our own studio” yeah, I would always give it a go because I just love it!

So if a new student came up to you and asked you what your best bit of advice would be, what would you say?

If you’re going to go in to Games Development or Art or Design or anything like that, don’t go in to it half cocked. If you’re going to do it you have got to be 100% focused because there is so many people out there, if you look on the forums or on polycount, there are so many people out there who are good competition, if you really want to do this you have to get your head down and work! But enjoy it! It is great, there is nothing better than getting home from work, getting on the PC and doing any Art & Animation but to do it as a career, that’s what I am really aiming for!

That’s perfect! I think that’s all we’ve got time for today Neil, thank you very much buddy!

No problem Mark, I’ll talk to you soon!

Talk to you soon mate, bye!

Ok, bye!

Train2Game News: Jonathan Ross’s game coming to Android

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

The wait for the Android version of Jonathan Ross’s critically acclaimed “Catcha Catcha Aliens!” is over as it will be released on Google Play for Android on March 7. The game will be free to play and the iOS version will follow suit the same day.

Alien catchers who have already purchased the iOS App will be credited with 20,000 Zhillings, the virtual currency of the game, if they have the initial version installed on the device when they update their game.

“Catcha Catcha Aliens!” was originally released on December 3 for iOS and is the first title from Hotsauce interactive, a new development studio set up by TV personality, Jonathan Ross.

The game, which is a mission based catching game, has received plaudits for its high quality distinctive graphics, quirky humour, level based mini-challenges, original sound-track as well as its take on a popular genre. It has also been voiced by Stephen Fry and Jonathan himself.

Commenting on the Android launch and iOS update Jonathan Ross said “We’re quietly pleased with how our first game turned out. An Android version was always in the works but having made the decision to go free to play on iOS devices we decided to wait until we could launch both together.

To ensure that everyone who has already purchased the App won’t lose out, we are giving free in-game money to everyone who has already bought Catcha Catcha. Two new levels are nearly finished, and we are working on more characters as well as more games. Being involved in this process is even more exciting than I imagined it to be, and I hope that at least some of this excitement comes across in the finished game”.

For further information on “Catcha Catcha Aliens!” you can log on to http://hotsauceinteractive.co.uk/ follow on twitter @HotsauceTV or visit http://www.facebook.com/HotsauceInteractive

Train2Game News: Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

Today, Ubisoft announced Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, the next installment in the company’s best-selling franchise. Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag introduces an all new hero and setting, and will feature the most diverse and seamless Assassin’s Creed world ever created.

In development for nearly two years, the game is being spearheaded by one of the veteran Assassin’s Creed teams in Ubisoft Montreal with support from Ubisoft studios in Annecy, Bucharest, Kiev, Quebec, Singapore and Sofia. Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag will be released on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation4, Nintendo’s Wii U, Windows PC and other next generation consoles. The game will be available on 1^st November, 2013 in the UK. No date has been confirmed for PS4 launch as of yet.

“With the new hero and new setting we are creating the boldest and most unique Assassin’s Creed game yet, while still respecting the pillars of the franchise that have made it such a fan favorite,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft.

“Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag is based on a true, harsh and exciting part of a legendary era and will thrill longtime fans and newcomers alike.”

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag tells the story of Edward Kenway, a young British man with a thirst for danger and adventure, who falls from privateering for the Royal Navy into piracy as the war between the major Empires comes to an end. Edward is a fierce pirate and seasoned fighter who soon finds himself embroiled in the ancient war between Assassins and Templars. Set at the dawn of the 18th Century, the game features some of the most infamous pirates in history, such as Blackbeard and Charles Vane, and takes players on a journey throughout the West Indies during a turbulent and violent period of time later to become known as the Golden Age of Pirates.

Gameplay in Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag is based upon the franchise’s proven tenets. Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag features a vast open world with more than 50 navigable locations. Combat combines the weaponry of the Assassin’s Order with armaments of the era, and rewards both daring and stealth. And the series’ acclaimed multiplayer experience is more varied and ruthless than ever in Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag.

Customers who purchase Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag on PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4 can download 60 minutes of additional gameplay via the PlayStation Network after the game’s launch.

Collector’s Editions of Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag will be available in the EMEA region. More details will be unveiled by the end of March.

You can enjoy the first trailer below

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag can be pre-ordered at Uplay shop by visiting: http://shop.ubi.com/AC4BF

For more information on Assassin’s Creed, please visit: assassinscreed.com and facebook.com/assassinscreed.

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 04.03.13