Train2Game News Derp Studios update by Chris Ledger

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This year’s been really busy, but we have achieved many things! 

We’ve managed to sign a contract to create a licensed app for a well known company.  We are delighted to be given this opportunity!

We’ve also got another contract going in creating a social game with for a local business.

Unfortunately we cannot disclose any information at this time about either of those projects but you can stay up to date with us at www.derpstudios.com or www.facebook.com/derpstudios, where we will announce it sooner or later (those blasted non disclosures eh!?).

As some of you may be aware, a few months ago we announced that we were rebooting and re-branding Dire Consequences!

We do have a tech demo, which we scraped together in a month long game jam using Unreal Engine 4. The tech demo itself is only a taster of what’s in store for you guys, it can be located at our website http://derpstudios.com/games/dire_consequences/.  We do like to show as much of our developments as possible without spoiling the game and I can certainly say we have a lot of confidence in the title!

So why did we choose to reboot Dire Consequences?

Good question.  It was one of the first, first person, magic and melee action games of its kind on mobile and was quite well received.  We also had some previous marketing done with it for Make Something Unreal Live 2012.

Since MSUL 2012 we’ve had a good number of projects on our plate, but none of them has compared to the sheer awesomeness of Dire Consequences. 

Unfortunately due to licensing issues, the original MSUL 2012 Dire Consequences candidate was taken off the iOS market after a month or so, which left all of us at Derp Studios feeling very emotional.

A lot of hours, or should I say months were put into the game and the fact we couldn’t release our hard work and for a lot of us, our first game onto the mobile marketplaces…well it was heartbreaking to say the least.  Especially since we were the only teams in the competition at the time to successfully ship their game.

To show you can’t keep a good man/woman down, we are re-branding Dire Consequences and making it bigger and better than ever before.  We are currently targeting the PC market, however there will be a time in the future where we will look into getting some “Classic Consequences” (our nickname for the original Make Something Unreal Live 2012 candidate) on to mobile, however the PC version comes first.

Also I’d like to take the chance to say a massive thank you to all of those who have contributed to making Derp Studios the way it is today.  I would list you all in here but I think it would be best to throw a link in so I don’t take up too much precious screen revenue! http://derpstudios.com/about/derp-team-members/

So without further ado, here is some of the artwork (some of which is work in progress) that has been produced by our amazing artists Nicole Nixon and Gabi Schultz, who have helped shape the games design tremendously!

Train2Game News Motivation by Muir Halleron

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Muir HalleronIt is, once again, that wonderful time of the year.
A time of peace, giving, and holiday cheer
when you hang up the stockings, put on your cap,
then eat loads of food ’til you take a long nap.

The children are happy, with all of their toys
whilst the adults wear earplugs because of the noise.
Your schedule is hectic, your waistline is tragic
with all the food arriving as if by magic.

Some alone time is highly improbable,
As for your coursework, well, it’s impossible
to get anything done this time of year.
Put it aside and be of good cheer.

After the hustle and bustle is done
you can sit yourself down and continue the fun
of modules and TMAs,
and lessons plans on dreary days.

Getting back into things may seem a chore,
but plough on through despite the bore
of sitting and reading, not getting much done.
Try to remember the past battles you’ve won.

The challenges you’ve faced, the pits you’ve hurdled,
while staring at the screen until your sight curdled.
Remember the feeling when completing a task
that you had thought was too much to ask?

Hold on to that hope, that joyful soul stirring,
the feeling of pride and know that you’re winning.
You’re one step closer than you’ve ever been,
So open that book and let the games begin!

Train2Game News UK Top 20 – 22.12.14

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Call of Duty Advanced WarfighterIt is the final chart of the year and Call of Duty Advanced Warfare has retaken the number one spot before Christmas. It has been a quiet year this year as it was the first year of the next generation consoles but with many new exciting games scheduled in 2015 I am sure things will get shaken up a bit!

All formats

Week ending 20 December 2014

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 CALL OF DUTY: ADVANCED WARFARE ACTIVISION 2
2 FIFA 15 EA SPORTS 1
3 – GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 3
4 – FAR CRY 4 UBISOFT 4
5 ASSASSIN’S CREED: UNITY UBISOFT 10
6 THE CREW UBISOFT 11
7 DESTINY ACTIVISION 9
8 MINECRAFT: XBOX EDITION MICROSOFT 7
9 MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 8
10 LEGO BATMAN 3: BEYOND GOTHAM WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 5
11 JUST DANCE 2015 UBISOFT 6
12 DRIVECLUB SONY COMPUTER ENT. 13
13 WWE 2K15 2K SPORTS 12
14 THE EVIL WITHIN BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 16
15 ASSASSIN’S CREED: ROGUE UBISOFT –
16 SUPER SMASH BROS. NINTENDO 15
17 MIDDLE EARTH: SHADOW OF MORDOR WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 20
18 DRAGON AGE: INQUISITION EA GAMES 17
19 ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG UBISOFT 20
20 LITTLEBIGPLANET 3 SONY COMPUTER ENT. 18
< previous week
Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2014 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 WeWanaPlay Game Jam

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Gaming industry professionals and students from across the West Midlands will be heading to Birmingham City University on 23 January to make new computer games – in just one weekend.

Hosted by the University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment and co-organised with Birmingham gaming app-makers WewanaPlay, the event forms part of the Global Game Jam (GGJ) – the world’s largest game jam event which last year saw almost 3000 games created.

Taking place at Birmingham City University’s City Centre Campus, participants from the West Midlands will join more than 7,000 people worldwide as they compete to make the best computer games in 48 hours.

“Computer games are of growing importance to our regional economy and we are very fortunate to have so many great innovative indie game studios so close to our City Centre Campus. Our highly respected computer games technology course is leading the way in providing exceptional young talent to these companies”, said Andrew Wilson, Programme Leader for Computer Games Technology at Birmingham City University.

“This event will emphasize both the regional and global importance that computer games play and it’s an amazing opportunity to network with industry professionals, learn new skills and share best practice.”

On arrival at the event, a secret theme will be announced which must form part of all of the games created. Attendees will be invited to explore new technology tools, take on new roles in games development and test their skills as they design, develop, create and test new games over two days.

To find out more visit http://www.blog.wewanaplay.com/

Train2Game News Minecraft Story Mode

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As 2014 comes to a close, Telltale are delighted to confirm the partnership with Mojang to create a new episodic game series based on one of the most popular video games in history – Minecraft.

Minecraft: Story Mode will be an all-new narrative-driven game series developed by Telltale in collaboration with Mojang. Set in the world of Minecraft, the series will feature an original story, driven by player choice. It will not be an add-on for Minecraft, but rather a separate stand-alone product that will premiere in 2015 on consoles, computers and mobile devices.

Telltale’s game series will mix new characters with familiar themes, in an entirely original Minecraft experience, inspired by the Minecraft community and the game that continues to inspire a generation.

2014 is Telltale’s tenth anniversary year; seeing in the climactic finales of the critically acclaimed and best-selling The Wolf Among Us and The Walking Dead: Season Two. With the recent premieres of both Game of Thrones and Tales from the Borderlands, their 2015 lineup will include the remainder of both of those new series, and now it will also include the premiere of Minecraft: Story Mode.

After ten years of making games, Telltale is JUST getting started!

Train2Game News Game of Thrones Episode one review

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Game of ThronesTelltale have been very lovely people again and they sent me the first episode of the Game of Thrones episodic to play through.

The first thing I have to mention is that Telltale are true experts at catching the feel of an IP. Borderlands, The Walking Dead and now Game of Thrones have the exact feel as they show, comic, game or book it represents.

The art style is beautiful and slightly different to the normal comic book style we see from Telltale. This has been done more in an oil painting style which suits the game. I played the game on Xbox One and as you’d expect it is a crystal clear image.

The choices you have to make through the game are very Game of Thrones style and are incredibly difficult to make, you often move on wondering if you have made the right choice and questioning, what if?

As with the Borderlands game this can be played if you have never seen the show or read the books as the story stands on it’s own. However if you are a fan of the series the inclusion of characters from the show will increase your enjoyment, or fear in some cases.

I highly recommend picking this up and look forward to playing through the rest of the Game of Thrones series.

Winter should definitely come to your console!

Train2Game News Xbox Game Streaming

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Arcadia is the name of Microsoft’s in-development streaming games tech.

That’s according to ZDNet, which says Arcadia is being developed by a new streaming team in Microsoft’s Operating Systems Group and is designed to replace the ‘Rio’ streaming tech demonstrated last year.

Arcadia, which is being built around Microsoft’s existing Azure cloud network, will not just stream games but also apps – the site even says that the company at one stage saw Arcadia as a way for Windows users to access Android content. This idea has now apparently been put on hold, although recent job ads for the Arcadia team do ask for candidates with experience with iOS and Android.

ZDNet doesn’t believe Arcadia will be demonstrated at the upcoming Windows 10 reveal next month, although Xbox boss Phil Spencer will be talking.

Sony became the first console platform holder to branch out into game streaming. It acquired streaming firm Gaikai in 2012 and this year launched its PS Now service in North America. Other streaming games firms, such as OnLive, have struggled to gain traction.

Train2Game News Deep Silver charity money raised

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Deep Silver’s Humble Bundle sales have totaled a sensational 1.89 Million US-Dollar for charity since the start of the co-operation between the publisher and Humble Bundle, Inc, in July 2013. Both partners are proud and thankful for the continuous support and the strong commitment to donate.

With brands like Saints Row and Metro being part of the offers, Deep Silver has become one of Humble Bundle’s biggest partners. With its unique approach, Humble Bundle offers a package of games. The price is up to the client, in the same way he or she can choose how much of the money goes to the publisher, Humble Bundle itself or to charity.

“We are stunned by the huge number that our buyers have donated over the last year,” says Dr. Klemens Kundratitz, CEO of Deep Silver/Koch Media. “This success is a clear sign to keep investing in the strong relationship with Humble Bundle and continue to offer attractive packages in the future.”

“Teaming up with Deep Silver to delight millions of gamers around the world while raising nearly 2 million dollars for charity has been absolutely awesome,” said John Graham, co-founder and COO of Humble Bundle. “Deep Silver is one of our favorite publishers to work with and we are excited by what might be possible in the future.”

Top five beneficiaries are Child’s Play ($530,000 reiceved), American Red Cross ($520,000), Charity: Water ($320,000), Save the Children ($300,000) and World Vision ($84,000).

Train2Game News Race to Elite

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Frontier Developments plc today launched Elite: Dangerous, the fourth game in the groundbreaking, genre-defining Elite series.

Elite: Dangerous is the fourth in the Elite series of games, following on from the seminal 1984 Elite, developed by David Braben and Ian Bell, 1993’s Frontier: Elite 2, and 1995’s Frontier: First Encounters.

Elite: Dangerous was crowdfunded via Kickstarter and Frontier Developments’ own website, beginning in November 2012. Throughout 2014, backers have had access to the game’s Alpha, Beta and Gamma stages.

The story begins today with the Empire in disarray. The Emperor is sick and a bitter fight for succession has already begun. The Federation has a weak President, and some frontier States are looking to leave it.

Players are free to throw themselves into the story wholeheartedly, participate a little, or not at all. How players choose to respond will directly affect the outcome of the current events, and the unfolding story beyond.

Since 1984, players have aspired to be called Elite. In 1984 only the greatest combat pilots were known by the prestigious title.

Today in Elite: Dangerous, Elite status is awarded as recognition for total mastery in either combat, trading or exploration, with the best of the best aspiring to become Elite in all three.

For most, the journey to Elite will be a long one. For some, it will become a race.

Frontier Developments is offering a separate £1,000 cash prize to the first player who attains Elite status for each of combat, trading and exploration, and a further £10,000 prize for the first player to attain the coveted Triple Elite status for total mastery of all three. Player’s choosing to claim one of the £1,000 cash prizes will make them ineligible for the ‘triple’ prize, though one player could get more than one of the £1,000 prizes.

For further details and rules of the competition, visit the Elite: Dangerous forum thread on the competition here

Train2Game News Final Symphony

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Final SymphonyFollowing the unprecedented, sell-out success of its FINAL FANTASY video game concert series, Final Symphony, production company Merregnon Studios is pleased to announce that it is working with celebrated composer Nobuo Uematsu and the world-famous London Symphony Orchestra on a brand new digital album recording of the concert for release in early 2015.

Published by leading digital music distributor, X5 Music Group, Final Symphony the album represents a new benchmark in video game music production. Befitting both the composer and orchestra behind the album, Final Symphony will be completely recorded, mixed and mastered at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, with Nobuo Uematsu on hand to personally supervise the album’s production. Also featuring the talents of conductor Eckehard Stier and solo pianist Katharina Treutler, both of whom delighted audiences during the award-winning tour, Final Symphony is sure to enchant music fans when it launches globally next year.

In another exciting announcement that continues to reinforce video game music as one the most electrifying and fastest growing genres of classical music, UK radio station Classic FM, the biggest classical music radio station in the world, will exclusively broadcast part of the Final Symphony recording as a world-premiere before the album’s launch next year.

“It is always an honour to hear my work being performed live on stage, but in bringing Final Symphony to Abbey Road Studios I hope that many more people will now be able to enjoy the outstanding arrangements that Merregnon Studios has become famous for,” said Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu. “To work with the London Symphony Orchestra in a studio that has played host to many of my own personal, musical heroes will be a very special experience.”

“For me, this album marks the ultimate video game music production,” commented Merregnon Studios’ Thomas Böcker, producer of Final Symphony. “It was an absolute musical privilege to work with the London Symphony Orchestra on Final Symphony last year – the orchestra’s first ever live performance of music from a video game – and to have them back in the same room as Nobuo Uematsu at Abbey Road Studios is like hitting the video game music jackpot. This album will showcase video game music at its very highest quality and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”

Final Symphony is an officially licensed series of concerts featuring symphonic music from the video games Final Fantasy VI, VII and X, with exclusive arrangements penned by Masashi Hamauzu, Jonne Valtonen and Roger Wanamo. First performed in May 2013, Final Symphony has enjoyed sell-out success in Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, featuring the virtuoso talents of some of the world’s leading orchestras and soloists.

The album also marks the second collaboration between Merregnon Studios and X5 Music Group, following the recent digital launch of Symphonic Fantasies Tokyo, a concert featuring music from Final Fantasy, Secret of Mana, Kingdom Hearts and Chrono Trigger/Chrono Cross and is available to purchase now from all leading digital music retailers.