Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 01.07.13

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

Sony and Naughty Dog’s PS3 exclusive The Last Of Us remains at number one for a third consecutive week and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 edition of Minecraft debuts at number two. There area further 3 new entries within the Top 10 this week: debuting at number five is EA’s ‘The Sims 3: Island Paradise’, the 10th PC Expansion Pack in the series and the second this year, after ‘The Sims 3: University Life’ back in week ten. Right behind and new at number six is Activision/Blizzard’s Marvel Comics ‘Deadpool’ for 360/PS3 (No one tell Deadpool he isn’t number one!) and completing the new releases is Sega’s ‘Company of Heroes 2’ on PC, new at number ten

All formats

Week ending 29 June 2013

POS.		TITLE	PUBLISHER	LAST WEEK
1	–	THE LAST OF US	SONY COMPUTER ENT.	1
2		MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION	MICROSOFT	–
3		ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW LEAF	NINTENDO	2
4		FIFA 13	EA SPORTS	3
5		THE SIMS 3: ISLAND PARADISE	EA GAMES	–
6		DEADPOOL	ACTIVISION	–
7		TOMB RAIDER	SQUARE ENIX	4
8		CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II	ACTIVISION	6
9	–	ASSASSIN’S CREED III	XBOX 360 CLASSICS	9
10		COMPANY OF HEROES 2	SEGA	–
11		INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US	WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE	8
12		FAR CRY 3	UBISOFT	7
13		LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES	WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE	12
14		NEED FOR SPEED MOST WANTED	EA GAMES	18
15		LUIGI’S MANSION 2	NINTENDO	11
16		THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM – LEGENDARY	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS	13
17		GRID 2	CODEMASTERS	10
18		DEAD ISLAND: RIPTIDE	DEEP SILVER	14
19		ALIENS: COLONIAL MARINES	SEGA	–
20		GRAND THEFT AUTO IV	XBOX 360 CLASSICS	16

< previous week

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: Xbox One Launch Games

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

Instead of the normal news round up on a Friday I thought, with the announcement of the Xbox One I would do a round up of the games announced for the next generation machine.

First of is the one that everyone guessed, Call Of Duty: Ghosts. Published by Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, and developed by Infinity Ward, the studio that created the original Call of Duty and the seminal Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series, Call of Duty: Ghosts ushers in the next generation of the franchise. The new title delivers a riveting all-new gameplay experience built on an entirely new story, setting and cast of characters, all powered by a new, next generation Call of Duty engine that redefines the series for the next generation. Call of Duty: Ghosts releases globally on November 5, 2013. You can enjoy the trailer for the game here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4pqW0Mtc9c

For the war game fans that don’t enjoy the Call Of Duty series, Battlefield 4 was also announced. Developed by DICE, an EA owned Studio, the game will be availble this holiday series for Xbox One and PS4. Powered by the advanced Frostbite 3 engine, Battlefield 4 delivers a genre-defining all-out war experience brought to life with unmatched visual and audio fidelity, superior character animations and dynamic destruction that ensures no two matches are alike. Players that pre-order Battlefield 4 will receive the Battlefield 4 China Rising premium digital expansion pack at no additional cost. In this sprawling expansion, players fight for dominance across the vast and majestic Chinese mainland in four massive multiplayer maps, using all-new vehicles and high-tech military equipment. Separately, players that pre-order the Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe exclusively on Origin will receive the base game, bonus in-game digital items, the Battlefield 4 China Rising digital expansion pack and access to the exclusive Battlefield 4 multiplayer beta. More information will be released on the game at E3 in June. You can view the trailer for the game here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y1PhCzUe2w

Electronic Arts Inc. announced that it has developed EA SPORTS IGNITE, a new game engine that will power EA SPORTS games on Xbox One and PS4. One of which being launched with the Xbox One is FIFA 14. Fuelled by EA SPORTS IGNITE, EA SPORTS games will be alive with players who think, move, and behave like real athletes and dynamic living worlds, transforming the way people play and experience games on next gen consoles. With the new engine players are alive with contextual awareness and instincts—thinking, anticipating, and reacting—just like real athletes, and players are conscious of their environment. In FIFA 14, a player’s sense of urgency increases as the match draws on and a goal is needed, rushing to take a free kick, corner, or goal-kick if time is running down. You can enjoy a trailer for the EA SPORTS IGNITE engine here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bexvqjJ9TD4

One of two new IP’s to launch with the Xbox One is the next project from Bungie, Destiny. In the game, you are a Guardian of the last safe city on Earth, able to wield incredible power and have to defend the City and the World. The game features an incredible story set within a newly-imagined, always-connected universe filled with action and adventure where you can create your character. You forge your legend by defeating powerful foes and earn unique, customizable weapons, gear, and vehicles. There is an unprecedented variety of FPS gameplay, including story, cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes combined with public and social activities. You can enjoy a sixty second trailer for the game here, http://www.youtube.com/embed/ChicpIzV5vM?rel=0

Finally, the second new IP to launch with the Xbox One is Quantum Break. Created by Remedy Entertainment, the game will feature live-action videos blended with regular gameplay. A Quantum Break television series is also in production, with Remedy stating that “how you play the game impacts the show, and the show informs how you play the game.” This is the same as how the Defiance game for PC is working. Remedy didn’t reveal more than this teaser trailer, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYcHyOo6AWU&feature=player_embedded You can look forward to more information at E3 on this game and, hopefully, many more.

Train2Game News: EA dropping Online Pass

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

EA have listened to their customers and have decided to stop the Online Pass it releases with most of it’s new games.

The Online Pass was something intended to reward those who purchased new copies of games and punish those who picked up used copies. It was met with disdain by the community and the press as it was needed to enjoy the full game, meaning those who bought a copy and then some how lost their pass were then punished.

Venture Beat have published an article where they talk to EA Senior Director of Corporate Communications, John Reseburg, about EA’s Online Pass program and he confirms that it is gone by saying, “Yes, we’re discontinuing Online Pass. None of our new EA titles will include that feature.”

As to why the Online Pass is being scrapped, Reseburg said “Initially launched as an effort to package a full menu of online content and services, many players didn’t respond to the format. We’ve listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward.”

Whether something else will replace the Online Pass system is yet to be seen, but perhaps EA know something we don’t about the next generation of consoles. We will have to wait and see.

EA isn’t the only company who used this Online Pass program, but for the moment EA is the only one who has said they aren’t going to use it any more. The other publishers and developers that currently use it are: Ubisoft, Activision, 505 Games, SOE and Warner Bros. Interactive.

We can only hope that in this case, EA are trend setters.

Train2Game News: Games Industry News – 10.05.13

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

It 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: Games Industry News – 19.04.13

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

It is the end of the week so it is time for the Train2Game end of week round up!

The first bit of news this weeks come with the release of Injustice: Gods Among Us, the new DC Universe fighting game. Train2Game student Connor Adams did some of the concept art for the game at the company he works at Atomhawk in Newcastle. Congratulations Connor! You can view some of his art work, which I highly suggest, in the following link: http://crayonmechanic.deviantart.com/

The Pokémon Company International recently revealed a mysterious new Pokémon that looks strangely familiar to Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo. Nintendo have now confirmed that this new Pokémon is connect to Mewtwo! How this connection will play out when Pokémon X and Pokémon Y launch in October is still to be confirmed. You can enjoy a short clip, that makes the connection clear, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tSVBVQzNMg&feature=player_embedded

Bethesda have recently uploaded a couple of six second long clips to the video sharing site, Vine. These little teaser clips had the internet buzzing about what could be coming. It has now been announced that it is the new game from Resident Evil creator, Shinji Mikami. Mikami’s studio Tango Gameworks will reveal ‘project Zwei’ via a debut trailer set for release at 5:00 a.m. Pacific / 8:00 a.m Eastern. Mikami has previously described Zwei as “a true survival horror” in which the player “confronts and overcomes fear”. Mikami has also said this will be his last game as director.

Activision social media manager Dan Amrich has said he expects 2013’s entry in the Call of Duty series, which is most likely going to be Modern Warfare 4, to be revealed no later than E3 in early June. Amrich noted that the last two Call of Duty games were revealed in May 2011 and May 2012. It has been rumoured that Microsoft are revealing their next Xbox on May 21 so it is likely the new COD will be announced around the same time.

Finally, Microsoft reports that Xbox Live now has around 46 million members worldwide. This, is according to the firm’s Earnings Release for FY13 Q3. It represents an 18 per cent increase from the prior year period. Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division posted revenue of $2.53 billion, an increase of 56 per cent from the prior year period. Microsoft sold 1.3 million Xbox 360s during the quarter, which is down 9 percent from the same period but it is still impressive that so many consoles are still being sold, even at the end of this generations cycle.

Train2Game News: FIFA 14 revealed

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

EA has revealed details for FIFA 14, including new features and improvements which will allow us to play “just like real footballers”, according to a press release.

Players will now have the ability to adjust their stride before taking on a shot, therefore creating a better angle, with the new ‘Pure Shot’ feature. “Well-hit balls feel more exhilarating and rewarding,” apparently, according to the press release. It continues: “Real Ball Physics now determines the trajectories of balls, enabling players to kick the ball with force from distance, drill low rising shots with accuracy, and blast dipping or turbulent shots, just like real players.”

Teammate intelligence is set to improve, meaning defenders are better able to predict the movements of oncoming strikers. ‘Sprint Dribble Turns’ and ‘Variable Dribble Touches’ will allow for tighter ball control and deft touches, and the ‘Protect the Ball’ feature will allow players the ability to fend off pressuring defenders whilst dribbling at a range of speeds.

The last, and probably most expanded upon feature is the Global Scouting Network – an improvement on the Youth Academy Scout Network from FIFA 13. “Players now develop and refine a scouting network and search for talent year-round. Scouts can evaluate players all over the world to uncover the attributes and traits of every player in the game, in preparation for the transfer windows,” the press release reads.

FIFA 14 will deliver engaging online features and live services that connect fans to the heartbeat of the sport, and to each other, through EA SPORTS Football Club, making FIFA 14 football’s social network, where fans connect, compete and share with millions of others around the world.

The FIFA games have had a gradual evolution and a steady, yet high, popularity amongst online players. The question is though is this game going to change enough to keep it above the ever increasing popularity of PES?

FIFA 14 is in development at EA Canada and will be available in stores world-wide this fall.

Train2Game News: SimCity apology games announced

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

Last week on the Train2Game blog I announced that due to the problems that SimCity have had since launch, EA will be giving away a free game. The company have now announced those games in the following press release:

Our SimCity Mayors are incredibly important to the team at Maxis. We sincerely apologize for the difficulties at launch and hope to make it up to you with a free PC game download from Origin.

Starting today, every player that has activated their copy of SimCity will receive an email that will give directions on how to redeem this offer, and you can also find more information on our FAQ. We’ll be opening up the redemption portal country-by-country so some of you may see it a little sooner than others. The portal will be live worldwide for everyone to select their game by March 22. We don’t want any of you to miss out on your free game, so please note that you must register your copy of SimCity before March 26, 2013 at 06:59 AM GMT and you must claim your free game by March 31, 2013 at 06.59 GMT.

At Maxis, our studio values dictate that we innovate and create something that is quirky, complex and challenging. Sometimes this bites us in the butt, but our servers are green and we’re seeing record numbers of players all online and having a great time.
Here is the list of games that you will be able to choose from once you are able to redeem. It’s a great list of games across the whole EA portfolio, so pick one and add it to your Origin library on us!

Battlefield 3 (Standard Edition)
Bejeweled 3
Dead Space 3 (Standard Edition)
Mass Effect 3 (Standard Edition)
Medal of Honor Warfighter (Standard Edition)
Need For Speed Most Wanted (Standard Edition)
Plants vs. Zombies
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition

We’re getting great feedback from our fans and know that many of you are having fun and exploring this whole new expression of SimCity. We’re humbled by your patience and passion for the game. Thanks for building something very special with us, together.
And now please enjoy a disclaimer from our head legal Llama…

*THIS OFFER DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CREDIT, CHARGE, DEBIT OR GIFT CARD. OFFER EXPIRES MARCH 25, 2013 AT 11:59PM PST. VALID FOR NEW PURCHASES OF SIMCITY (“PRODUCT”) THAT ARE REGISTERED TO YOUR ORIGIN ACCOUNT BY MARCH 25, 2013 AT 11:59PM PST. FREE PC DIGITAL DOWNLOAD GAMES NOT DOWNLOADED FROM ORIGIN.COM BY MARCH 30, 2013 AT 11:59PM PST ARE FORFEIT. ELIGIBLE GAMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. VALID WHEREVER PRODUCT IS SOLD. LIMIT ONE OFFER PER PERSON. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, GIFT CARD, REBATE OR OTHER DISCOUNT COUPONS. OFFER MAY NOT BE SUBSTITUTED, EXCHANGED, SOLD OR REDEEMED FOR CASH OR OTHER GOODS OR SERVICES. RETAILERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND EMPLOYEES OF ELECTRONIC ARTS INC. AND THEIR AGENCIES/AFFILIATES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED, TAXED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. SEE APPLICABLE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND DISCLOSURES ON WWW.EA.COM.

*Users who are beneath the minimum age required to access interactive online services will automatically be granted a copy of SimCity 4: Deluxe Edition and Bejeweled 3 instead. These games will be added directly to your My Games library over the coming days.

Train2Game News: Sim City server issues

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

As you may know if you tried to play the new Sim City game when it first came out it had terribly bad server issues. Train2Game has been sent a press release from EA about the issues:

Here’s a quick update on the problems we were experiencing with SimCity – and a little something extra for people who bought the game.

The server issues which began at launch have improved significantly as we added more capacity. But some people are still experiencing response and stability problems that we’re working fast to address.

So what went wrong? The short answer is: a lot more people logged on than we expected. More people played and played in ways we never saw in the beta.

OK, we agree, that was dumb, but we are committed to fixing it. In the last 48 hours we increased server capacity by 120 percent. It’s working – the number of people who have gotten in and built cities has improved dramatically. The number of disrupted experiences has dropped by roughly 80 percent.

So we’re close to fixed, but not quite there. I’m hoping to post another update this weekend to let everyone know that the launch issues are behind us.

Something Special for Your Trouble

The good news is that SimCity is a solid hit in all major markets. The consensus among critics and players is that this is fundamentally a great game. But this SimCity is made to be played online, and if you can’t get a stable connection, you’re NOT having a good experience. So we’re not going to rest until we’ve fixed the remaining server issues.

And to get us back in your good graces, we’re going to offer you a free PC download game from the EA portfolio. On March 18, SimCity players who have activated their game will receive an email telling them how to redeem their free game.

I know that’s a little contrived – kind of like buying a present for a friend after you did something crummy. But we feel bad about what happened. We’re hoping you won’t stay mad and that we’ll be friends again when SimCity is running at 100 percent.

SimCity is a GREAT game and the people who made it are incredibly proud.

Since sending out this press release the problems seem to have been sorted. Players have been able to connect to their cities in the game for nearly 8 million hours of game play time and game crashes have reduced by 92% from day one.

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: UK Top 20 Games – 04.03.13

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Train2Game Blogger Team

Crysis 3 holds the number 1 crown for a second week while FIFA 13 is up a place to number 2 rounding off a good week for EA. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance slips a spot to number 3 ahead of non-mover Call of Duty: Black Ops II. Sega’s Aliens: Colonial Marines slips down again to number 7 following its number 1 debut 2 weeks ago. It’s a quiet week for new releases with no new entries into the Top 10 and 4 of its occupants being non movers.