Category Archives: Train2Game

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Train2Game News: Cheat Mode author Dan Jacobs on what makes a good QA Tester

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Good QA Testers needs communication skills and an explorative nature. That’s according to industry veteran Dan Jacobs, author of Cheat Mode: The definitive guide for getting into and surviving the industry, who was speaking to The Train2Game Blog as part of a soon to be published interview.

“A good QA Tester has to communicate clearly, concisely and well all the time, and has to keep that level consistent.” said Jacobs.

“They have to have an explorative nature, because I can hire anyone to play a game, but hiring someone to break a game is a subtle but key difference. If all they do is just play the game, they’re not going to find the problems.”

“When you release a piece of software, you end up with millions and millions of possibilities from every position that character is in, and we need to test those possibilities.” the Cheat Mode author added.

Our full interview with Dan Jacobs about Cheat Mode, the industry and QA Testing will be published soon. Meanwhile, keep reading The Train2Game Blog for the latest QA Testing news.

What do you think makes a good QA Tester?

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

Train2Game News: Good game design focuses on the player, not the designer’s mind says Warren Spector

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Good game design focuses on the player, rather than the ideas of the game designer. That’s according to Deus Ex creator and Epic Mickey 2 creative lead Warren Spector.

“A lot of games are all about trying to read the designer’s mind. A designer creates an incredible puzzle and you have to try and solve that puzzle in the one way that the designer lets you,” he told OPM UK.

“I don’t make games like that. The games that I make are about offering problems to players. In Epic Mickey you’re constantly making choices. It’s all about you deciding what’s important.

“It’s not about how clever and creative I am – it’s about how clever and creative you are.” Spector added.

There’s more from Epic Mickey 2 and Warren Spector here on The Train2Game Blog. Meanwhile, keep reading for more behind-the-scenes news on game design.

Do you agree with Spector’s views on game design? Is choice essential for good game design?

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

Train2Game News: End of Nations closed beta details and developer diary released

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Trion Worlds and Petrogylph have released details about the upcoming closed beta for their MMORTS End of Nations, along with a developer diary discussing the key ideas behind the game.

The first End of Nations closed beta event will run from Friday 20th July through to Sunday 22nd July and will feature a variety of large and small maps across several different terrain types.

Those interested in taking part in the End of Nations closed beta can apply to be a part of it here.

Meanwhile, the End of Nations ‘When Titans Join Forces’ developer diary sees staff from both studios involved in producing the game, including Trion Worlds CEO Lars Buttler and Petrogyph president and co-founder Mike Legg, discussing their project.

Subjects covered include include the two studios working together as a team, bringing innovations to real time strategy and online gaming, and how they believe End of Nations is the world’s first AAA quality free-to-play game. Watch the developer diary below, here on The Train2Game Blog.

There’s much more about End of Nations, the importance of a beta to game development and QA Testing in our huge interview with Trion Worlds Senior QA Tester Karl Tars.

And be sure to keep reading The Train2Game Blog for more developer diaries and opportunities to take part in beta tests.

What are your thoughts on End of Nations? Will you be applying to take part in the closed beta?

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

Train2Game News: Legend of Grimrock level editor tools demonstrated in developer video

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Indie RPG Legend of Grimrock will soon introduce a level editor as part of a free update, allowing you to create your own dungeons.

Developers Almost Human have released a video, showing how the Grimrock level editor will work, with the good news being that it looks quite simple to use! Watch the Legend of Grimrock level editor preview below, here on The Train2Game Blog.

Modding and using level creation kits are great ways for Train2Game students to both practice and showcase their abilities. Find out more here on The Train2Game Blog.

Are you a Legend of Grimrock player? Will you be using the level editor?

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

Train2Game News: Steam, Amazon, Google, BBC and more added to Develop line-up

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Steam, Amazon, Google and the BBC have been added to at next week’s Develop Conference line-up.

Lionhead Studios and SCEE are also among the final speakers confirmed for the packed schedule of events which take place in Brighton from Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th July.

“We’re very excited to announce speakers from Amazon, Google and BBC Worldwide, which further display both the increasing convergence between games and TV and the rise of digital distribution,” said managing director, Tandem Events managing director Andy Lane.

“The fact that the Develop Conference draws names from global entertainment giants such as these is also testament to the investment we have made over the last seven years to continually evolve this conference to ensure it always meets the knowledge, networking and business requirements of today’s games developers in Europe.” he added.

Other keynote sessions at Develop include talks from games industry veterans David Perry, Ian Livingstone, Philip Oliver and David Braben who’ll all speak as part of the conference’s Visionaries track.

The Train2Game Blog will be at Develop in Brighton bringing you as much news as possible! There’s more about Develop Conference here on The Train2Game Blog.

As usual, leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game News is looking for a full-time blogger!

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We’re sorry to say Train2Game News Editor Danny Palmer is moving on to pastures new as he’s landed himself a staff writer position within a top end publisher – Danny will be leaving us at the end of this month.

However, this also gives us the opportunity to offer the open position of blogger for Train2Game News.  Applicants should be within easy commuting distance of Luton/London, with the successful candidate working from home, with a laptop and mobile provided by the company.

This is a full-time position and you’ll be working as a part of the Head Office Online team which spans many European countries. Full training and guidance will be given and on-going. You’ll need exceptional English and be able to demonstrate you have the experience and skills to write blogs, manage social media, report from event and represent the company in an exemplary way. A passion for the games industry is obviously a bonus.

Other skills you will be taught or ideally should already have some experience with are a flare for audio editing, good writing skills and the ability to be self-motivated.

Interviews will take place in Luton at the online team head office. Interested applicants should send a CV and covering letter explaining why you are the best candidate for the job to recruiting@train2game.com The closing date for applications is 17:00 on Friday 6th July. 

More information is available on the Train2Game forum.

 

 

Train2Game News: UK Charts – Lego Batman 2 beats The Amazing Spider-Man to No.1

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Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes holds off The Amazing Spider-Man to take top spot of the UK charts for the second week running.

Activision’s movie tie-in is one of three new entries to reach the top five 2K’s Spec Ops: The Line debuting at No.3, while SEGA’s London 2012: The Official Video Game reachesNo.4 in its first week on sale.  FIFA 12 slips three places to No.5.

Former No.1 Ghost Recon: Future Soldier also drops three places, settling for No.6 this week.  The Train2Game Blog recently spoke to Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Creative Director Jean-Marc Geoffroy and Ubisoft Development Director Adrian Lacey, with the pair offering advice to Train2Game students on getting into the industry.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim moves up one to No.7 following the release of the new Dawnguard DLC, while Max Payne 3 drops to No.8.  Battlefield 3 slips to No.9 while the launch of Metal Gear Solid HD collection for PlayStation Vita sees it complete the top ten.

PlayStation 3 exclusive Ratchet & Clank Trilogy: Classics HD just misses out on breaking into the top ten, reaching No.11 in its first week on sale.

The UKIE Gfk Chart-Track All Formats Top 10 for the week ending 30th June is therefore as follows:

1. LEGO Batman (Warner)
2. The Amazing Spider-Man (Activision)
3. Spec Ops: The Line (Take-Two)
4. London 2012: The Official Video Game (Sega)
5. FIFA 12 (EA)
6. Ghost Recon: Future Soldier (Ubisoft)
7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Bethesda)
8. Max Payne 3 (Rockstar)
9. Battlefield 3 (EA)
10. Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (Konami)

New releases for the week ahead include Dead Island: Game of the Year Edition and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy.

What are your thoughts on this week’s charts and the new entries into the top five? Can Lego Batman 2 continue to hold No.1 next week?

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

Train2Game News: Worms Revolution developer diary discusses 17 years of Worms

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Get behind the scenes of Worms Revolution in the first of five developer diaries from Team 17.

Worms Revolution developer diary one sees lead game designer Kevin Carthew discussing the 17 year history of the series.

Subjects he covers include how creator Andy Davidson produced the first Worms game while doing his A-Levels, moving from 2D to 3D then back to 3D and developing Worms Revolution as a “next-gen” version of Worms with a brand new engine.

Carthew also discusses his role as game designer on the Worms series. Watch Worms Revolution Developer Diary 1: The History of Worms below, right here on The Train2Game Blog.

There are more developer diaries, giving an insight into development of a wide variety of games, here on The Train2Game Blog. Also, be sure to keep reading for the latest from Team 17 and Worms Revolution.

What are your thoughts on Worms Revolution? Are you a long-term fan of the series?

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

Train2Game News: BAFTA Games Question Time in Sheffield on Monday 2nd July

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Games Britannia and BAFTA are hosting a special games question time event at Sheffield Hallam University next Monday, giving you the chance to quiz industry experts.

You could ask the panel anything from creating games, the business around games, advice on getting into the industry or what they think the future holds. It’s a great opportunity for any Train2Game students in the Sheffield area.

On the panel are:

Charles Cecil MBE – Creator of the Broken Sword series of adventures, Designer of the BBC Dr Who Adventure Games and founder of Revolution Software

Maria Stukoff – Academic Partnership Manager for SONY Computer Entertainment Europe

Andy Payne OBE – Managing Director of Mastertronic, UKIE Chairman, Just Flight, The Producers, BAFTA, Just Trains, Get Games, GamesAid and AppyNation

Sean Millard – Creative Director at Sheffield’s SUMO Digital – one of the UK’s largest independent videogame development studios

BAFTA Games Question Time takes place on Monday 2nd June at 18:15. Get your free ticket and find out more here.

There’s more BAFA news here on The Train2Game Blog.

Will you attend BAFTA Games Question Time in Sheffield?

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

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

Train2Game News: Train2Game student developed My Sea Park reaches 250,000 downloads

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My Sea Park, a mobile game developed with significant input from Train2Game students has been downloaded over 250,000 times.

The management title, created with help from Train2Game students on work placement at DR Studios, was released worldwide less than two weeks ago.

Seven students worked on the iOS game, with Train2Game game designer Craig Moore serving as design lead.

My Sea Park lets players explore their creativity by building the biggest and best marine-themed amusement park in the world.

Watch the trailer below, here on The Train2Game Blog.

Like it? Then support fellow Train2Game students by downloading My Sea Park from the App Store now!

There’s more on My Sea Park here on The Train2Game Blog, while keep reading for the latest industry experience diaries from Train2Game students on placement at DR Studios.

As usual, leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.