Tag Archives: development

Train2Game News Antstream Arcade Adding More Retro Titles

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Leading retro games platform Antstream Arcade is today adding beloved retro classic Star Wars titles to its extensive library of fully licensed games. 

These iconic games will be made available on a single platform for the first time, including the entire Super Star Wars series for the SNES and Star Wars for the NES. Adventure game classics like Grim Fandango, and titles from the Monkey Island series will also be coming to the platform.

Starting today, subscribers to the Antstream service will be able to play the following classic Super Star Wars titles: 

  • Super Star Wars (SNES, 1992)
  • Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (SNES, 1993)
  • Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (SNES, 1994)

All the games available via Antstream Arcade’s cloud-based streaming service are available using any 4G connection or better, and are playable on almost any device for the cost of a single flat monthly subscription. Expanding Antstream Arcade’s library of classics and curios, this will take the total number of licensed games to 3786, with 5-7 new games being added to the platform every week.  

Steve Cottam, CEO of Antstream, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the retro Star Wars series to customers, taking us one step closer to delivering thousands of iconic games to the global gaming community through the power of streaming technology. The fact we’ll be able to play Star Wars for the SNES on their laptop, Grim Fandango on their TV or Day of the Tentacle is a massive win for both existing and new audiences.” 

This latest news follows recent announcements of collaborations with retro gaming giants Taito, Atari and Bandai-Namco – making Antstream Arcade’s library the world’s largest collection of retro games. With playable titles ranging from definitive classics to obscure curios, Antstream Arcade represents the only way that gamers are able to access many classic games of the past. 

Antstream Arcade also provides something new for players, with many games on its platform featuring challenge modes, tournaments and international leader boards, giving retro gamers old and new a modern social aspect to classic games.

Thanks to Antstream Arcade’s streaming technology all these games can be played on TVs, laptops, desktops, tablets and of course mobile phones, bringing more iconic games to a wider audience than any platform ever before.  

Train2Game News Hideo Kojima Honored At NYGAC

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The New York Videogame Critics Circle will honor world-renowned game creator Hideo Kojima, with its Andrew Yoon Legend Award in advance of the 10th Annual New York Game Awards ceremony later this month.

Hideo Kojima is awarded with the Legend Award tomorrow via Twitch and YouTube starting at 8pm ET. The Legend Award recognizes individuals and organizations that exhibit a significant, sustained body of work that shows exceptional achievement and innovation.

Past recipients of the Legend award include Reggie Fils-Aimé, Jade Raymond, Richard Garriott, Todd Howard, Rockstar Games, Ralph Baer and earlier this month, Jerry Lawson, Brenda Romero and John Romero.

“There’s no one like Hideo Kojima; he’s proved that he’s a legend among legends,” said Reggie Fils-Aimé. “In the game industry that has always focused on franchises and marketing, Mr. Kojima has always been honest with us and himself. Yes, Mr. Kojima can market with the best of them, but he knows how to tell a unique, epic story as clearly and robustly as anyone, and he injects you with something brand new every time he releases a game.”

“I’m very thankful for the New York Game Awards Legend Award; it’s a great honor,” said Hideo Kojima. “The word “legend” does kind of suggest someone with one foot in the grave, but I’m not quite a legend yet, so I’ll try my very best to live up to the award.”

“In New York magazine, I wrote that Mr. Kojima’s “intent is for players to find connection and relief through the experience” in DEATH STRANDING; but beyond human connection, his strong writing and thoughtful directing prove he’s a true artist,” said Harold Goldberg, founder and president of the New York Videogame Critics Circle.

Kojima is a writer, director and producer of some of the most celebrated video games; from Metal Gear Solid to DEATH STRANDING, Hideo Kojima’s creations are critically acclaimed for their cinematic presentation, creativity and innovation. With this, he’s regarded as one of the most influential game designers in the world.

Streaming of the Andrew Yoon Legend Award recipients lead up to the New York Game Awards 10th anniversary show on January 26; the previously ticketed and in-person-only event streams free for all to attend via Twitch and YouTube, with pre-show at 7:30pm ET and Awards starting at 8pm ET via Twitch and YouTube.

The annual New York Game Awards, presented by the New York Videogame Critics Circle, goes global with a virtual-only event, allowing for a group of presenters and performers that’s incomparable, including former Legend Award winners, performances by new and returning musical guests and a collection of industry greats.

The Awards celebrate the NYVGCC’s non-profit work in underserved communities, as well as the best games and game developers in the industry.

NYVGCC members are a culturally diverse and passionate group of videogame journalists from media outlets including Tom’s Guide, CNET, Time and The Washington Post; view a full list of members here.

For more information on getting involved through volunteering or fundraising with the NYVGCC, click here.

Train2Game News Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning

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THQ Nordic today confirmed that Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is scheduled for Nintendo Switch release on March 16, 2021!

This release will mark the handheld debut of the RPG franchise long coveted for gameplay that combines might, finesse and sorcery.

The game comes with three DLC’s: The Teeth of Naros, Legend of Dead Kel and Weapons and Armor bundles. Switch™ players will experience an unprecedented amount of gameplay – hundreds of hours of exploration, dynamic combat and adventuring await!

In addition, THQ Nordic confirmed plans for the adventures in Amalur to continue later this year with the brand new Kingdoms of Amalur expansion: Fatesworn.

From the minds of the bestselling author R.A. Salvatore, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion lead designer Ken Rolston, comes Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning.

Remastered with stunning visuals and refined gameplay Re-Reckoning delivers intense, customizable RPG combat inside a sprawling game world. Uncover the secrets of Amalur, from the vibrant city of Rathir to the vast region of Dalentarth to the grim dungeons of the Brigand Hall Caverns. Rescue a world torn apart by a vicious war and control the keys to immortality as the first warrior ever to be resurrected from the grips of death.

  • Build the ideal character for the most intense combat, choosing from a countless combinations of skills, abilities, weapons and pieces of armor
  • The revolutionary Destiny system allows you to continuously evolve your character class to your style of play
  • Seamlessly integrate magical and melee attacks as you take on scores of enemies in grand fight sequences and finish them off with brutal Fateshift kills
  • Extend your experience in Amalur with all DLC from the original release, from Teeth of Naros to Legend of Dead Kel and more!
  • Hundreds of hours of RPG play await! Travel from the vibrant city of Rathir, to the vast region of Dalentarth, and the grim dungeons of the Brigand Hall Caverns as you uncover the secrets of Amalur!
  • Explore deep levels of lore in a universe steeped in 10,000 years of fiction created by New York Times bestselling author R.A. Salvatore
  • Enjoy countless side quests rich in political intrigue, romance, sinister magic, and even whimsy – all central to the primary mission
  • Rescue a world torn apart by a vicious war and control the keys to immortality as the first warrior ever to be resurrected from the grips of death
  • Explore a sprawling game world hailed as having “more content than any single-player game deserves!”
  • Improved graphical fidelity in Re-Reckoning

Enjoy the trailer below…

Train2Game News Power of Audio in Gaming

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Premium audio brand EPOS has revealed its first ever virtual gaming event for media and video game fans everywhere, “The Power of Audio in Gaming.”

The special online broadcast is set to deliver a unique and graphically mesmerizing behind-the-scenes look at the future of gaming audio, told by key representatives from EPOS and others from the video game industry. EPOS’ “The Power of Audio in Gaming” event will commence at 9:00 a.m. GMT or 6:00 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
 

During the event, EPOS fans, press, gamers and audiophiles alike will discover fascinating insights from guest speakers about the importance of lifelike audio in gaming, and how it drives the development of audio equipment. Similarly, attendees will learn about how the brain interprets audio, and how EPOS builds upon over 115 years of experience to use this knowledge to further the audio experience of gaming. A panel of renowned figures from the gaming audio world will also converge to discuss live the future of the industry in 2021 and onwards.
 

A full agenda for “The Power of Audio in Gaming” follows:
 

  • Welcome – Jeppe Dalberg-Larsen, EPOS President
  • 15-Minute Keynote: “Brain Hearing – How the Brain Processes Sound” – Jesper Kock, VP of Research and Development
  • Expert panel: “What Does the Future Hold for Audio in Gaming?” – Five key industry leaders, led by Danish tech journalist David Guldager
  • 15-Minute Keynote, EPOS Products: “Unleashing the Power of Audio in Gaming” – Andreas Jessen, Senior Director, Gaming
  • Conclusion – Maja Sand-Grimnitz, Global Head of Marketing, Gaming

Live interpretations for the event will be provided in French, German and Japanese.

“EPOS is thrilled to welcome media and fellow gaming and audio enthusiasts to our first ever event for EPOS in Gaming,” said Maja Sand-Grimnitz, Head of Global Marketing, Gaming at EPOS. “We look forward to discussing the future of audio in gaming with industry leading experts, sharing our passion, knowledge and exciting new releases with viewers from the comfort and safety of their homes.”

Media and viewers interested in attending can visit the official EPOS landing page to register for access to the event. The event will take place in two sessions, at 9:00 a.m. GMT or 6:00 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, Jan. 27.

More details about “The Power of Audio in Gaming” can be found on the official EPOS website. 

Train2Game News Little Nightmares II Demo Available Now

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Console players can now discover the spooky world of Little Nightmares II and get a glimpse of Mono’s journey discovering the Wilderness level on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

The demo is already available on PC on Steam and GOG.com.

Also starting today, the game is available for pre-order on the Nintendo Store.

Physical pre-orders for the Day One Edition and TV Edition (in Europe) are still available here.

The TV Edition will add, in addition to the Nomes’ Attic DLC and Mokujin mask, the complete soundtrack of the game as well as an exclusive diorama of Mono & Six, an artbook, a steelbook case, an Artbook and stickers for the game.

For players willing to immerse themselves in the Little Nightmares universe, the first game is now available to grab for free on PC from January 13 to 17 on the BNEE store.

The game is also part of Xbox Game with Gold in January, so players with a Xbox Live Gold subscription can jump in the shoes of Six and explore the Maw.

In an effort to continue telling the stories behind the lost children of the Little Nightmares world, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe has worked on a digital comic book, whose first two chapters are available now on Android and iOS. The comic book will go into the story between Little Nightmares and Little Nightmares II.

Train2Game Games for Change 2021

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Today, Games for Change (G4C), the leading advocate of games for social impact began accepting speaker submissions and award nominations for the 2021 Games for Change Festival (July 12-14)—the largest industry-facing event for social impact games in the world.

Major themes of the Festival include a focus on achieving equity and social justice, ensuring a thriving planet, promoting mental health, and regaining a sense of security.  
 
“The issues Games for Change has advocated for years have been accelerated through this time of adversity,” said G4C President, Susanna Pollack.

“We need to continue that momentum by sharing lessons learned and thinking big about the road ahead. We invite developers, researchers, innovators, and changemakers to create this shared vision for our industry and hope to inspire the next generation of media that tackles our world’s most pressing issues.”
 
Through an open call for session submissions, Games for Change is inviting the global gaming community to share the latest thinking around games and immersive media that imagine, inspire, and ignite a future rooted in tangible social impact. Talks, panels, workshops, and demos will be presented across multiple tracks, including but not limited to Civics & Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Games for Learning, and the return of the XR for Change Summit.
 
Given the increased interest from international communities joining the Festival virtually in 2020, Games for Change will feature more sessions and speakers whose work is making an impact outside of the United States. In addition, Games for Change reinforces that the Festival is a platform for all voices and backgrounds, providing the community an opportunity to celebrate and reinforce core values: cross-sector collaboration, innovative and progressive thinking, and diverse perspectives.
 
Nominations have also opened for the 2021 Games for Change Awards, which recognizes and celebrates games in various categories. Games and XR experiences released between January 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 are eligible to apply for one or more of the six award categories, such as Most Innovative, Best Gameplay, and Best Learning Game. Through a rigorous evaluation process by industry professionals, four finalists will be chosen in each category.
 
Submission portals for both speakers and awards open today and close on February 12. More information regarding selection criteria for each can be found on the Games for Change Festival website.

Train2Game News Monster Hunter Rise Demo Available Now

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During the “Monster Hunter Digital Event” today, Capcom shared new details for Monster Hunter Rise, the upcoming entry in the award-winning and top-selling Monster Hunter action RPG series.

Throughout the month of January, a Monster Hunter Rise demo will be available as a free download from the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch™, serving hungry hunters around the world their first taste of the highly-anticipated new entry in the storied franchise.

Also showcased in the livestream event, a brand new trailer introduced the “Wyvern Riding” gameplay mechanic, a new monster, a collection of returning monsters and frosty new hunting grounds that players can explore when the full game launches worldwide for the Nintendo Switch system on March 26, 2021.  

Today’s “Monster Hunter Digital Event” can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/kYnVOrQrsdk

The free limited time Monster Hunter Rise demo launches tomorrow on January 8, CET, and runs through January 31, giving players ample time to enjoy a sampling of this all-new Monster Hunter experience. The demo provides players with numerous hunting options, including offline solo and (up to 4 player) offline* local and online** multiplayer gameplay using all 14 weapon types. The following modes and quests are available in the free demo:

  • Training – Learn the basics of monster hunting, including an introduction to the new Wirebug mechanic and Palamute riding. Solo play only.
  • Wyvern Riding – Enter an arena to experience Wyvern Riding, a new feature that allows hunters to ride and guide monsters for a period of time. Solo play only.
  • Beginner Quest: Great Izuchi – Ideal for first time players or hunters who need a refresher course. Solo play, local multiplayer and online multiplayer.
  • Intermediate Quest: Mizutsune – A fierce challenge for experienced players only. Solo play, local multiplayer and online multiplayer.

*For offline local play, Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership is not required.
**For online play, Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account are required. From now through January 13, Nintendo is offering their NSO service as a free trial to all players on Nintendo Switch.

NOTE: The demo provides hunters with a total of 30 quest attempts, which are shared between both (beginner and intermediate) quests. The Tutorial and Wyvern Riding training do not count against the 30 quest limit, but those modes cannot be accessed after the limit is reached.

Also revealed today, the icy Goss Harag is an entirely new monster that will make its debut in Monster Hunter Rise.

This fanged beast will send a chill down hunters’ spines, as he roams through snowy fields in search of new prey and attacks using blades of ice. Goss Harag is right at home in the Frost Islands, a new snow-capped and windswept locale that was once the nesting grounds for large dragons, who only the bravest hunters would attempt to slay.

Many other classic and fan-favorite monsters will be returning to join the ever-growing roster of foes in Monster Hunter Rise.

In addition to the previously-announced monsters, these seasoned threats will also make their presences known: Lagombi, Khezu, Great Baggi, Barioth, Mizutsune, and Tigrex.

More new and returning monsters will be revealed in the months ahead.

Train2Game News Gods Will Fall Available To Preorder

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Deep Silver is pleased to announce pre-orders are live for Gods Will Fall with the exclusive Hunter’s Head Gear to be bestowed upon those who pre-order the game ahead of its launch on Jan. 29.

The Hunter’s Head Gear is assigned at random in each new game playthrough. The thrill of the hunt runs through the blood of the clan and it is ritual for the trophies seized to be worn proudly and displayed for all to take notice. The hides of five exclusive beasts – a wolf, bear, boar, fox, and badger -are fit to be worn by any warrior and shall act as an emblazoned warning to the gods that the hunt is indeed on.

In addition to the standard edition of Gods Will Fall, fans can also pre-order the Valiant Edition, to receive the Hunter’s Head Gear and Valley of the Dormant Gods DLC.

Details on the Valiant Edition below:

Developed by Manchester-based Clever Beans, Gods Will Fall is a high stakes, dark fantasy action game about the few remaining Celtic warriors of a destroyed army on their way to overthrow the diabolical gods. Gods Will Fall will launch on Jan. 29, 2021 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Google Stadia.

In Gods Will Fall:

You are the last hope for humanity. The gods’ torturous rule over humanity has lasted for millennia. Bent on cruelty and suffering they demand to be served with blind worship through an oath of fealty pledged from every man, woman and child. To those who don’t submit to the will of the gods, a slow and merciless death awaits.   

Experience the brutal trials of a venturous band of warriors in their desperate plight to sever the gods’ callous grip on humanity. Every man and woman who can muster a blade, having suffered the brutality of the gods’ reign for too long, will be called upon to form your clan of eight Celtic survivors to rise up and take on the legions of horrific beasts and minions that dwell in each of the gods’ hellish realms.     

  • Three New Gods – Enter and battle your way through three new infernal god realms. Each of these uncharted hellscapes, inhabited by abominable swarms of minions, will be a grueling test to your mettle.
  • New Weapon Classes – Play as two new barbarous warrior types, each with their own unique death-dealing style of combat.
  • New Items – A windfall of new gear and provisions to aid your clan in battle and turn the tides of war.
  • New Skills – New methods of melee to further expand your warrior’s combat system and ensure the apt champion is chosen for the battle that lies ahead.
  • Overworld Extras – As you traverse the tranquil overworld, keep your eyes peeled and unearth the hidden secrets now spread across the serene landscape.
  • Warriors Garb – Suit up your clan in the finest battle-ready attire and headgear for extra swagger as they enter the fray.

A personal tale emerges with every decision made. Succeed and see legends born. Fail, and watch lives turn to dust.
Features:

  • Iconic Gods & Realms –Unravel the dark secrets of each ancient god as you venture into their elaborate and perilous lairs. Crawling with minions who will stop at nothing to defend their deities, each location will be deadlier than the last.
  • Celtic Warrior Clan –With eight different warriors of every size, each equipped with their own exclusive weapon type, choose your next hero wisely. Success is hard earned and brings unique skills, weapons, and items, but failure will see the challenger imprisoned and screaming for salvation. 
  • Navigate a World of Duality –Savor the calming sights as you explore the stunning and lush terrain of the Overworld. But beyond each ancient doorway lies a god’s realm. Brimming with foul creatures, stalking a world built from human suffering. Each path you tread and each door you open will be different from the last ensuring a brand new tale unfolds every time.
  • A Lesson in Brutality – With a pick up and play combat style that is easy to learn but hard to master, a massive challenge awaits all who venture within. Strengthen your warrior by entering the fray and embracing the berserker within. Defeat is always moments away as the gods await their challenger.

For more information about Gods Will Fall, please visit one of the following official sites:

Website: GodsWillFall.com Twitter: Twitter.com/Gods_Will_Fall Facebook: Facebook.com/GodsWillFallGame Instagram: Instagram.com/GodsWillFallGame

Train2Game News Awesome Games Done Quick 2021 Charity Event

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Games Done Quick, a grassroots organization known for its speedrunning charity events, will host Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2021 Online this weekend, with a thrilling lineup of speedruns taking place on the official Games Done Quick Twitch channel.

Despite moving online amid the COVID-19 pandemic, AGDQ 2021 Online will find the world’s best speed-runners racing through a mixture of modern and classic games, all in the name of charity. The full schedule for the event, which runs from January 3-10, 2021, is now live at https://gamesdonequick.com/schedule

The event will also feature a brand new, virtual interactive crowd experience. GDQ Twitch subscribers can join the crowd on the GDQ website and use various emotes in the Twitch Chat to have the audience of Velocities (GDQ’s mascot) cheer on the runners, viewable by everyone. The interactive crowd experience will be available at GamesDoneQuick.com throughout the event.

AGDQ 2021 Online will be held this year in support of Prevent Cancer Foundation. Donations can be made directly to the charity during the event via the viewing page available at GamesDoneQuick.com. One hundred percent of all AGDQ 2021 Online donations go directly to Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Across the past decade, Games Done Quick has teamed with charities around the world, including Doctors Without Borders, AbleGamers, Organization for Autism Research, and Prevent Cancer Foundation, while bringing gamers together to marvel at the achievements of the most high-level speedrunners out there. To date, Games Done Quick has raised over $28 million for charity.

Last year, more than 2,750 people attended Awesome Games Done Quick 2020 in person, while the Twitch live stream saw a peak of 236,000 concurrent viewers. Through donations made during the event, more than $3.16 million was raised for Prevent Cancer Foundation.

AGDQ 2021 Online will be broadcast live on Twitch at https://www.twitch.tv/gamesdonequick.

The event is sponsored by Twitch, The Yetee, Fangamer, NIS America, and Devolver Digital.

For more information, please visit GamesDoneQuick.com.

Train2Game News UK’s First VR Venue

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Atmos VR has announced plans to open a new multiplayer ‘free roaming’ interactive game which has been developed with post-COVID audiences in mind and will offer restricted numbers of players in socially-distanced entertainment across the one-hour shows.

The new venue in the West Midlands, will be the first of eight planned to be rolled-out across the country over the next five years. As a UK first, the venue will offer free-roaming four-dimensional experiences with senses enhanced on every level. This could include: moving floors, the ability to feel things around you, pick up and touch virtual objects in the game and smell the atmosphere.

Founder, and event technology strategist, Kevin Blair, brings long-term military and commercial expertise in the VR space that he has spent the last three years developing the concept.

Kevin Blair, explains “Atmos VR’s aim is to bring creative content to life using the latest immersive technology, constantly evolving VR and beyond and pushing the experiential boundaries of immersive experiences. According to a recent study, three-quarters (76%) of immersive entertainment companies successfully have attendance up to 10,000 per year, meaning we can provide immersive experiences aimed at smaller audiences who are already seeking a more personal setting. 

The immersive entertainment industry was valued in 2018 at more than $4.5 billion globally. Currently there are around 5,700 locations worldwide where consumers can experience VR outside of their home. This number is expected to rise to 45,700 by the end of 2022.

Bob Clarke, CEO, Samahoma Media Advisors, who negotiated the £1m investment from Insight Media Fund explains: “As part of the Fund’s focus on media investments for a post-COVID world, bringing back live events is very much on its agenda and free-roaming VR provides a genuine antidote to the reasonable lingering fears people may have of being part of an uncontrolled large audience crowd. Atmos VR has developed a cutting-edge proposition with plenty of hooks for repeat visits – with the Fund’s support we believe it can be scaled for a UK-wide rollout and international franchise opportunities.”

There are five million people living in the West Midlands providing a focused audience during Tiered restrictions and Birmingham has been named the most entrepreneurial UK city outside of London with more than 14,500 business start-ups in 2019. Contracts have been finalised for a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse at the Custard Factory in the Digbeth Canal Corridor regeneration zone. Once the first LBE (location based entertainment) venue has been established, Atmos VR will be looking to expand across the country with locations in Tyne & Wear, Yorkshire, Merseyside, Glasgow, Cardiff and the South East being considered.

Atmos VR is set to join the largest regional tech and digital cluster outside of London, with the West Midlands Combined Authority area now home to 66,300 people employed across 12,500 tech and digital companies. The West Midlands Region economy is worth more than £141.4 billion.

Spending in the recreation sector was £10.5 billion in the UK in 2018.  Whilst investment in the public entertainment sector has tended to focus on the heritage and family offering, there is enormous scope within the commercial sector to develop innovative and targeted high tech experiences for gamers and other younger audiences . 

The Fund hopes to help unlock opportunities in this sector.