Category Archives: Train2Game

Train2Game

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 13.05.13

Posted on by

Dead Island RiptideDead Island: Riptide goes one week better than its predecessor by holding on to number one for a third consecutive week, despite a 55% drop in sales.  Bioshock Infinite is the only other title so far this year to record three consecutive weeks at number one.  Competition for top spot comes in the form of an unexpected familiar face, Call of Duty: Black Ops II which climbs four places to number two, boosted by strong retailer price promotions only two weeks after dropping out of the Top Ten for the first time. The Walking Dead from Telltale Games and Avanquest – now available on disc has entered at number nine and Luigi’s Mansion 2 being at number ten keeps this week’s only other new entry out of the Top Ten with PQube’s critically acclaimed Persona 4 Arena having to settle for a debut at number eleven.

All formats

Week ending 11 May 2013

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 – DEAD ISLAND: RIPTIDE DEEP SILVER 1
2 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II ACTIVISION 6
3 – TOMB RAIDER SQUARE ENIX 3
4 INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 2
5 FIFA 13 EA SPORTS 4
6 BIOSHOCK INFINITE 2K GAMES 7
7 ASSASSIN’S CREED III UBISOFT 11
8 – LEGO CITY UNDERCOVER: THE CHASE BEGINS NINTENDO 8
9 THE WALKING DEAD TELLTALE GAMES –
10 LUIGI’S MANSION 2 NINTENDO 9
11 PERSONA 4 ARENA PQUBE –
12 – FAR CRY 3 UBISOFT 12
13 DRAGON’S DOGMA: DARK ARISEN CAPCOM 5
14 GOD OF WAR: ASCENSION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 16
15 – LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 15
16 DEFIANCE TRION WORLDS 13
17 THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM XBOX 360 CLASSICS 14
18 NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED EA GAMES 17
19 – GRAND THEFT AUTO EPISODES – LIBERTY CITY ROCKSTAR 19
20 – GRAND THEFT AUTO IV XBOX 360 CLASSICS 20
< previous week
Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2013 UKIE Ltd

These charts cannot be reproduced either in print or online without obtaining permission from Ukie. If you wish to reproduce the charts in print or online, please contact david.smith@ukie.org.uk for the appropriate license.

Train2Game News: Games Industry News – 10.05.13

Posted on by

WolfensteinIt is the end of the week so it is the time for the Train2Game industry news round up.

Bethesda Softworks announced a new title, Wolfenstein: The New Order, an action-adventure shooter slated for release in Q4 2013. The game is being developed by MachineGames, a studio comprised of seasoned developers known for creating compelling, critically-acclaimed story-driven games. Wolfenstein has been widely credited for helping establish and popularise the first-person shooter genre, and Wolfenstein: The New Order is a reimagining of this franchise – offering players a gripping and dramatic experience. The official announcement trailer can be seen at GameSpot.com. The game will be released on PlayStation 3, Xbox360 and next generation consoles.

Another new game release, Maxis and Electronic Arts have announced that The Sims 4 is currently in development at The Sims Studio for release on PC and Mac in 2014. The Sims 4 celebrates the heart and soul of the Sims themselves, giving players a deeper connection with the most expressive, surprising and charming Sims ever in this single-player offline experience. The Sims 4 encourages players to personalize their world with new and intuitive tools while offering them the ability to effortlessly share their creativity with friends and fans. To stay up to date with the latest information you can visit www.thesims.com/thesims4

The Closed Beta phase for Infinite Crisis began on Wednesday. Select players chosen from the pool of registrants will get their first chance to dive into the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) PC game from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and developed by Turbine. You can still sign-up for the beta if you want to be part of the fun.

Until May 31, Pokémon Trainers across the country can look to the sky as not one, but two strains of the Mythical DNA Pokémon Deoxys make a rare return trip from outer space to players of both the Pokémon video games and official Trading Card Game (TCG). Players of Pokémon Black 2 or Pokémon White 2 can add Deoxys to their Pokédex in a special distribution event via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, while TCG players and collectors can find the new Pokémon TCG: Black & White — Plasma Freeze expansion, which includes the powerful Deoxys-EX card, at retail stores nationwide.

Finally, Warner Bros. and NetherRealm have unleashed a trailer showing Batgirl pummeling the Joker. This is for the announcement that Batgirl will be the next DLC character for Injustice: Gods Among Us. While there are a lot of Batman characters in Injustice already, if they’re going to include another “Bat” character, it’s only fitting they include Batgirl. Batgirl is available to buy as a standalone character for 400 MS points and £3.99 on PSN. No release date has been announced yet. You can view Batgirls beating on the Man that crippled her in the following trailer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq719Rp17B8

Train2Game News: Details for Magic 2014 – Duels of the Planeswalkers

Posted on by

Magic 2014Wizards of the Coast have announced two exciting new features coming to Magic 2014 – Duels of the Planeswalkers!

Sealed Play and a new take on the popular Slivers creature type will both make their debut in the Duels of the Planeswalkers franchise with Magic 2014.

The addition of Sealed Play will allow players to open booster packs and build decks to play against the AI and other players. Each sealed pool is comprised of 84 cards, mimicking paper TCG booster packs. The PvE experience includes a six-deck ladder where players take on mono-colored Sealed decks each corresponding with a particular Planeswalker, and finally facing a ‘boss’ Sealed deck.

Another feature debuting in Magic 2014 is a new take on the popular Slivers creature type. A fan-favorite, new playable Slivers in Magic 2014 decks. For the Magic fans who know the cards, the decks will include:

−     Sliver Construct

−     Predatory Sliver

−     Groundshaker Sliver

−     Megantic Sliver

−     Blur Sliver

−     Striking Sliver

−     Thorncaster Sliver

−     Battle Sliver

−     Sentinel Sliver

−     Bonescythe Sliver

In addition, Hive Stirrings, a sorcery that creates Sliver tokens, will also be included in Magic 2014.

The Magic 2014 – Duels of the Planeswalkers video game will be available for PC, Xbox Live Arcade, PSN, iPad, and Android tablet for the first time when it launches this summer. The Magic 2014 product line-up also includes the Magic 2014 – Core Set for the paper trading card game and Magic Online.

You can enjoy a gallery of shots from the upcoming game below.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Train2Game News: Sony waiving publishing fee for PlayStation Mobile

Posted on by

PlayStation MobileThis was brought to my attention yesterday and it is amazing news for Train2Game students creating mobile games. Sony have announced they are waiving the publishing fee for PlayStation Mobile.

Those who are developing mobile titles now have a new strong market to publish for, including the hand held Sony device, the PS Vita. The PS Vita has new interesting control functions which opens up a whole new way of thinking of game mechanics using the touch pads on the front and back of the device.

Sony already have a number of popular mobile titles such as Haunt the House: Switch Galaxy and Beats Trellis. A game you are creating can now sit along side these and other great titles.

PS Vita owners can download these games and the new games soon to be arriving from amateur developers from the PlayStation Mobile section of PlayStation Store. Owners of PlayStation certified devices can obtain them through the PlayStation Mobile Store – click here for full instructions.

You can see everything you need to know about PlayStation Mobile on the PlayStation Mobile website which has a key game highlights, a direct link to the Dev Portal, and a link to download the PlayStation Mobile application for Android to your PlayStation certified device.

Sony seem to be strongly embracing the indie market with this and the introduction of an Indie store on the PlayStation 3.

This is a great time to start developing titles and to be a Train2Game student.

Train2Game News: Help SpecialEffect get a charity bucket at Chelsea F.C

Posted on by

SpecialEffect Train2Game’s friends at SpecialEffect have had an amazing opportunity put forward to them. They have the chance of getting a charity bucket at Chelsea F.C’s grounds.

SpecialEffect has been chosen in the Military Charity category for its work with injured military personnel and it would be great if you can donate a few seconds to click and fill in a few basic details to vote for SpecialEffect. The gaming charity is up against some really stiff competition and this sort of cash contribution is exactly what the charity needs.

Excellent causes like Help For Heroes are in the running to receive the opportunity and although equally as deserving, SpecialEffect needs the games industry’s support to make sure its niche area of life changing charity work receives this funding.

To give you an idea of the work SpecialEffect does, SpecialEffect has worked hard to help some of the more unfortunate members of the military such as Lloyd. Lloyd is a young war hero who lost both legs and some of the fingers on his right hand while serving in Afghanistan. One of his passions was playing computer games with his friends, but he found that his injuries had devastated his ability to use a controller.

SpecialEffect loaned him a range of one-handed games controllers to try, and after finding one that’s just right, he’s been back in the game and competing with his mates ever since!

Mark Saville, Communications, SpecialEffect: “We’re dealing with something that’s often overlooked but that’s essential for rehabilitation, the fact that injured service personnel want to enjoy themselves, and in doing so regain the sort of quality of life that we take for granted. Time and time again we’ve seen hardcore-gamer servicemen who are desperate to regain a sense of normality, and regaining the ability to play video games competitively again is one of the very few activities that can absolutely level the playing field. It can be a huge step to increasing self-esteem and inclusion.”

If you would like to help SpecialEffect to get their charity bucket at Chelsea F.C then please click here to cast your vote: Vote for SpecialEfffect

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs – 07.05.13

Posted on by

It is Wednesday so it is time for a job blog in the hopes we can help you get in to the industry we all love!

DEVELOPER

Job Title Gameplay Programmer
Job Category Programming
Skills Required Gameplay, Mobile / iOS / Android, Core Technology, UI / Front End, Flash / Actionscript / HTML5, Mac / OSX
Location warwick, Midlands
Job Description Founded in 1996, Full Fat is an independent company that is proud, passionate and tirelessly dedicated in making innovative, world-class games that surprise, entertain and delight players.

Over the past 15 years, we’ve helped create and build some of the biggest game franchises in games; Harry Potter, The Sims, Spore, Sid Meier’s Pirates, Littlest Pet Shop, Dave Mirra and Sim City.
We’ve developed over 75 games (more than 100 across all formats), and we continue to be an accomplished partner to publishers wishing to build new IP for handheld, mobile and emerging digital markets.

In the last 3 years, we’ve developed and self-published 11 games on the App Store, all brand-new intellectual properties, achieving worldwide Apple features and fantastic chart successes, Metacritic and player ratings. To date, our games have been downloaded by over 25 million people, with repeated success in reaching #1 ‘All Apps’ in multiple territories.

Full Fat is looking for an iphone programmer. Joining the programming team, the candidate must be a team player, with awareness of all aspects of Game related Programming. The candidate will get the opportunity to work in all code disciplines within the Game development environment. The Candidate will be joining our experienced teams and will have the chance to progress and learn within FullFat.

-Objective-C, XCode
-MAC-OS
-C++
-C#

Experience with any of the following iPhone technologies is beneficial:

+Maps and GPS integration
+Push notifications
+Calendar and Contacts integration
+Data Visualisation

If you’re interested in the above position, then please forward your CV’s to Job Enquiries

 

ART

Job Title Game Marketing Artist
Job Category Art / Animation
Skills Required Environment Artist, 2D / Concept / Texture Artist
Location Oxford
Job Description Rebellion Oxford is currently seeking a Marketing Artist who is passionate about creating world-class promotional graphic artwork. The successful applicant will be talented, highly motivated and enthusiastic with a genuine interest in playing games and being part of the games industry.

The marketing artist will work with both the game art team and our marketing team to create stunning artwork for press releases, print & web articles, box art, logos, icons and other supporting artwork. The role will require the creation of both original materials and an ability to work within the existing art style defined by the game. The successful candidate will have a strong creative vision, realized through their outstanding 2d and 3d skills.  This role is full-time based in-house at our Oxford headquarters. We can consider permanent or contract employment but not freelance or agencies. You must be able to legally work in the UK.

*Important* In order to be considered for this role, we require:
– A completed Rebellion application form
– A portfolio or samples of your work – please provide the address of your website/portfolio if applicable

Qualifications & Experience:
A degree-level education would be preferred. Video games industry experience is not essential but you must have experience in producing promotional 2D and 3D artwork in various styles suitable for games.

Responsibilities:
– Working with the Art Director and Marketing team to produce promotional artwork to support our games marketing strategies
– Working closely with the development team in the production of screenshots and promotional video work
– Creating logos and key art for Rebellions forthcoming game titles
– Creating printed materials including final box art

Skills:
– Excellent artistic ability, with an excellent eye for colour and composition
– Ability to take the initiative, be highly disciplined to produce impeccable artwork
– Highly experienced and knowledgeable in Photoshop
– Experience of using other 2d packages such as Illustrator and InDesign
– Experience creating a large variety of online media, including flash banners, HTML email templates and website assets
– Highly experienced in using and rendering from 3d software such as 3dMax/Maya
– A familiarity with animation either independently or working alongside an animation team
– A knowledge of graphic/visual/stylistic trends through art, film, games…
– Additional knowledge of other software – Zbrush, After Effects, video editing, etc – may further support your application, as would any additional knowledge of photography, traditional arts, sculpting, etc.

To Apply:
Our application form is available at our jobs pages www.rebellion.co.uk/jobs/ along with details of other opportunities at our UK offices.

Please apply to vacancies@rebellion.co.uk quoting “Games Marketing Artist GI214CP” – remember to include your CV, completed application form and a link to your portfolio.

Rebellion can only consider applicants who can legally work in the UK. This is a permanent full-time role based in-house at our Oxford headquarters, not open to freelance or agencies.

Join the Rebellion… find out more about us at www.rebellion.co.uk

 

QA

Job Title QA Engineer
Job Category QA / Localisation
Skills Required QA Tester, Lead QA Tester
Location London
Job Description Hello, we’re Mindshapes.

Mindshapes is an award-winning creator of fun mobile learning applications for kids aged 2 to 8, used by more than 400,000 families every month!

Mindshapes creates enhanced storybook experiences for kids, which feature educational learn and play activities, and a reward system.

Mindshapes apps aim to delight, engage and educate kids, while allowing them to engage with their favorite characters from the worlds of illustrated books, TV and film.

The company was founded by veterans of the gaming, entertainment, publishing and mobile industries, and has offices in London, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Description

Mindshapes is a interactive education company, which means we make educational apps that kids actually want to play with. We’re putting the fun into learning, and we like to put the fun into working too! Our passionate, friendly team works out of an open-plan studio in Chelsea with state-of-the-art equipment and software, a well-stocked fridge and snack cupboards, and a delicious team lunch every Friday.We have the opportunity to make a real mark on educational technology – are you in?

Main responsibilities

  • Creation of functionality test plan and test cases.
  • Coordination and execution of thorough functionality testing.
  • Coordination with external test teams when required.
  • Evaluate test coverage with a view to assisting QA Manager in determining and updating test strategy and approach.
  • Clear, concise bug reporting and verification of bug fixes.
  • Validation of bugs entered.
  • Compiling database reports when required.
  • Ability to provide qualitative feedback regarding game content and features.

Skills and experience

  • Experience testing mobile applications on iOS and Android
  • A clear and confident communicator with the ability to perform under own initiative.
  • High IT proficiency with strong knowledge of PC and Mac hardware.
  • Previous experience in a Games QA role.
  • Experience using bug reporting databases (e.g. JIRA, TTP, Devtrack, etc).
  • Experience testing Flash applications and websites an advantage though not essential.
  • Ability to perform to a high standard, especially when under pressure.
  • Ability to adapt to a fast moving development environment.
  • A passion for games and games development.
  • Flexibility to work additional hours when required.

If you’d like to make exceptional kids’ apps, and work with a committed team in a fun, fast-paced environment, send your CV and a covering letter to careers@mindshapes.com

Train2Game News: Modding software on Kickstarter

Posted on by

Game Mod ComicA new Kickstarter campaign has launched which will help the average PC gamer to use Game Mods easier. This is good news for Train2Game students who like to create mods for games.

Olympus Games announced the launch of a new Kickstarter campaign to help fund the development of its upcoming mod management platform, GMOD. Built on powerful new technology, GMOD streamlines the modding experience for hardcore and casual PC gamers, delivering an intuitive platform where mods “just work”. Leveraging this simple and flexible interface, the GMOD team aims to open up the world of modding to mainstream gamers everywhere.

Supporters can learn more about GMOD or help fund the project at the official Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gmod/gmod-0

“Modding has always been a very important part of PC gaming, but there’s a reason why it has failed to reach mainstream gamers – it’s rarely a simple process,” said Skylar Kreisher, CEO of Olympus Games. “Our goal is to make mods so easy to find, play and share, that anyone can become part of the modding community. It’s time for a new generation to re-discover their favorite games with innovative modded content.”

The GMOD client is a mod management platform that’s designed to enable gamers to use mods faster, safer and easier than ever before. Users can quickly install new mods with its drag-and-drop interface, enable and disable mods with just one click, and most importantly, never deal with unzipping, directory-diving, copy-paste-overwrite or mod-based re-installs ever again.

GMOD is pushing the modding scene forward by building a holistic solution where players can use mods from any source or community, discover and share new mods with friends and promote the hard working mod developers that make it all possible. It’s a robust platform that, with fan support, will continue to thrive and improve, eventually incorporate everyone’s favorite games and mods.

For more information about GMOD and Olympic Games:

Visit Kickstarter: http://kck.st/Y0oLhC

Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/gmodsocial

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GMod

Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/gmod

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 07.05.13

Posted on by

Dead Island RiptideThis week, with the bank holiday weekend, was a very quiet week for new games. There isn’t much change in the top 20 and no new games. Dead Island Riptide has kept its number one position as well.

All formats

Week ending 4 May 2013

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 – DEAD ISLAND: RIPTIDE DEEP SILVER 1
2 – INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 2
3 TOMB RAIDER SQUARE ENIX 5
4 FIFA 13 EA SPORTS 7
5 DRAGON’S DOGMA: DARK ARISEN CAPCOM 3
6 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II ACTIVISION 11
7 BIOSHOCK INFINITE 2K GAMES 6
8 – LEGO CITY UNDERCOVER: THE CHASE BEGINS NINTENDO 8
9 LUIGI’S MANSION 2 NINTENDO 10
10 STAR TREK PARAMOUNT 4
11 ASSASSIN’S CREED III UBISOFT 20
12 – FAR CRY 3 UBISOFT 12
13 DEFIANCE TRION WORLDS 9
14 – THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM XBOX 360 CLASSICS 14
15 LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 16
16 GOD OF WAR: ASCENSION SONY COMPUTER ENT. –
17 NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED EA GAMES –
18 SONIC & ALL STARS RACING TRANSFORMED SEGA 15
19 GRAND THEFT AUTO EPISODES – LIBERTY CITY ROCKSTAR –
20 GRAND THEFT AUTO IV XBOX 360 CLASSICS –
< previous week
Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2013 UKIE Ltd

These charts cannot be reproduced either in print or online without obtaining permission from Ukie. If you wish to reproduce the charts in print or online, please contact david.smith@ukie.org.uk for the appropriate license.

Train2Game News: Games Industry News – 03.05.13

Posted on by

GameStickIt’s the end of the week and it is time for the Train2Game news round up!

Playjam, the team behind the much anticipated GameStick have released a new product ´explainer´ video. The product came under attack when people felt it didn’t live up to expectations. The console is not yet released however and only developers have had hands on. You can see their explainer video here: http://youtu.be/QlNjIzNZh4o

Gazillion Entertainment will be kicking off a Marvel Heroes “Iron Man 3” Open Beta Weekend beginning on Saturday, May 4 through to Monday May 6. This is to coincide with the release of the film. As part of the “Iron Man 3” Open Beta Weekend, new players who participate will be able to select an Avenger as their starting hero – including Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America and Black Widow. In order access the Marvel Heroes “Iron Man 3” Open Beta Weekend, players should register now at www.MarvelHeroes.com. As the weekend approaches, an email will be sent with download instructions.

In further Marvel news prepare to Hero Up this autumn, when LEGO Marvel Super Heroes puts players in control of their favourite Super Heroes from the Marvel Universe. With more than one hundred memorable characters to choose from, each with their own unique powers and abilities, players are in for a brick-smashing adventure. In a new video released today, you’ll get a sneak peek at a few members of the Amazing, Mighty and Uncanny (hint) team who join forces to stop an array of Marvel villains. You can enjoy the trailer, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYAXHqCM-b4

Now for further LEGO news, The LEGO Group proudly announce that their latest, action-packed free mobile game LEGO Star Wars The Yoda Chronicles will be available to play on iOS devices as well as on the official LEGO website from May the Fourth 2013. This is of course, unofficially, Star Wars Day. Questing with Yoda or Count Dooku, players can choose to join the Light Side or the Dark Side in this new game. The LEGO Star Wars The Yoda Chronicles story and game intertwines with the 2013 LEGO Star Wars novelty products in a mix of real time laser battles, intricate dungeon crawling, lightsaber duels and tense space combat high above Coruscant.

Finally, Perfect World Entertainment Inc. and Cryptic Studios are proud to announce that one of the most anticipated free MMORPG’s of 2013, Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter, is officially in Open Beta. Free to download and play, Neverwinter is built for gamers who crave more action combat, adventure and glory out of MMOs. The major milestone of Open Beta marks the beginning of unrestricted access to Neverwinter and its content creation system, the Foundry, along with no further character wipes. For more information about Neverwinter and to begin playing the Open Beta now, please visit the official website: www.playneverwinter.com/

Train2Game News: International studios game on Kickstarter

Posted on by

Son of NorStillalive studios is a young independent game development studio who have members all over the world.

They first got together in early 2010 in Innsbruck, Austria as a team of 3. Over time, the team grew due to the ambitious nature of the Son Of Nor project and new members from Switzerland, Germany, Finland, Italy, US, and Ecuador joined the international distributed team of game developers. The core focus of stillalive studios team is to make innovative indie core-games for PC, Mac and Linux with special and unique game mechanics.

Since their small beginnings they have moved on and now have a game on Kickstarter.

The Son of Nor Kickstarter campaign started on 30th April and will run for 30 days and hopes to pique the interest and backing of gamers everywhere to raise the $150k needed to launch this game into the market.

Son of Nor is a 3rd person action adventure game set in a desert world where human kind is on the brink of extinction at the hands of the Sarahul; an evil race of reptilian creatures bent on the destruction of human civilization. Players become humanity’s last hope for survival in an epic struggle to hold back the Sarahul hordes and change the destiny of the entire planet.

In Son of Nor, players command unique force abilities with which they must fight, solve puzzles and ultimately stay alive. These abilities include telekinesis, powerful magic spells and terraforming; manipulation of the game world itself.

Julian Mautner, founder of stillalive studios, said “If you have a specific goal, it will be the player’s choice of how to achieve it. Players can also choose to play in single player mode or enlist their friends to help them. As gamers ourselves we know the co-op in a game is so important and we have had the most amount of fun developing these elements and know, from feedback so far, our backers and gamers alike will find this very appealing.”

The studio released a new video today detailing multiplayer and co-op game elements for their debut title

Co-op is a key motivating factor in the game. Special level sections, in-game rewards and some puzzles will only be achievable and solvable with the help of companions, when playing through the campaign in multiplayer mode.

You can view the trailer for the multiplayer mode below:

A story like this one shows that no matter where you are or what your situation you can make games and get to a successful level. There is nothing stopping you achieving your dream.

To pledge support please visit the Kickstarter page at: http://bit.ly/SonOfNor