Tag Archives: Game Development

Train2Game News EGX 2014

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EGX 2014It has been just over a week since EGX, formerly known as Eurogamer Expo, at Earl’s Court has finished and for those of you who weren’t there I will share my experience.

This is my fourth year at the event and each and every year I am over whelmed with a sense of happiness as I enter the venue and see EGX in front of me. This year was no different from the moment I enter the moment I leave I have a smile plastered on my face.

The first game to catch my eye was Batman Arkham Knight. As I walked towards the area, I noticed a very short line and thought my luck had come in. As I entered the building I realised it wasn’t the game to play but a short video showing off the next game about the caped crusader. I would have rather played the game but the video was still incredible to see. The game has evolved to a new level to make you feel like you are wearing the cowl more than ever before. This is one of my most anticipated games for next year.

The first game I got to play my self was The Evil Within. The horror story from the original creators of the Resident Evil series and you could certainly see the essence of Resident Evil shine through. From the chapter I played through I was stuck in a huge mansion with puzzles and grotesque monsters to battle through. If you are a fan of the original Resident Evil game this should certainly be on your radar.

Speaking of Radars, I then played Alien: Isolation. This was the biggest hit of EGX for me this year. I had heard all the hype for the game which always makes me wary of how a game is. I can happily say though this game delivers on the hype that it has been getting. The atmosphere, the call backs to the original film, the graphics; they all add up to an incredible game which had me jumping more than any game has before. I’m hoping to get my hands on this game as soon as I can.

The Train2Game stand this year was the best it has been in the years I have been attending the event. Following last year where it was difficult to locate, this year it was hard to miss. Once you got to the top of the escalator you were greeted by an enormous booth filled with students working hard on their projects. With the growth in size of the Train2Game area it is a nice reminder that we are constantly growing.

I finished off my day by watching a Killer Instinct competition at the Xbox stand. I got the pleasure of seeing an incredible player, who was picked randomly from the crowd, remain undefeated and achieve a one hundred and ten hit combo. It was an incredible site to behold and you can definitely see why competitive gaming is on the rise. The presenter at the Xbox stand was one of the most charismatic performers I have ever seen.

The final year at Earl’s Court was a good one and hopefully when the event moves to the NEC in Birmingham next year it will be even better. See you all there next year!

Train2Game News UK Top 20 Games – 06.10.14

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Fifa 15Three big new games came out this week and none of them were enough to topple Fifa 15 from the number one spot. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor came in at number two, Forza Horizon came in at number three and Nintendo’s hit franchise Super Smash Bros. came in at number four.

All formats

Week ending 4 October 2014

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 – FIFA 15 EA SPORTS 1
2 MIDDLE EARTH: SHADOW OF MORDOR WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE –
3 FORZA HORIZON 2 MICROSOFT –
4 SUPER SMASH BROS. NINTENDO –
5 DESTINY ACTIVISION 2
6 MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 9
7 DISNEY INFINITY 2.0 DISNEY INFINITY 3
8 MINECRAFT: XBOX EDITION MICROSOFT 4
9 CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS ACTIVISION 5
10 THE SIMS 4 EA GAMES 7
11 WATCH DOGS UBISOFT 6
12 – THE LEGO MOVIE VIDEOGAME WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 12
13 PLANTS VS ZOMBIES: GARDEN WARFARE EA GAMES 10
14 – GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 14
15 THE LAST OF US: REMASTERED SONY COMPUTER ENT. 11
16 – TOMODACHI LIFE NINTENDO 16
17 LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 15
18 TERRARIA XBOX 360 CLASSICS 17
19 FANTASY LIFE NINTENDO 8
20 FROZEN: OLAF’S QUEST GSP/AVANQUEST 19
< 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 Jagex support GameBlast 15

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SpecialEffectJagex Games Studio, makers of the multi-award winning fantasy MMORPG RuneScape and upcoming Transformers Universe, today announced its continuing corporate support of GameBlast, the annual charity games marathon weekend in aid of gamers’ charity SpecialEffect.

Jagex held its own 24-hour games marathon as part of the previous GameBlast weekend in February 2014, which was live-streamed online to 90,000 unique viewers over the course of the event. Both staff and selected members of the RuneScape community played RuneScape and Jagex’s Ace of Spades: Battle Builder throughout the 24 hour period, raising over £48,000 as a result.

Riaan Hodgson, chief operations officer at Jagex, was vocal about the company’s continued support of GameBlast: “It’s great to see our staff get behind such a worthy cause once again, especially one so suited to our core company principles. At Jagex, games are a way of life and if we can have fun while welcoming others into this medium, then that’s definitely a good use of our time and resources.”

GameBlast is the UK’s biggest charity gaming marathon event, and is next scheduled for the weekend of 20-22 February 2015. Hoping to improve on last year’s total of £70,000, SpecialEffect is targeting a figure of £100,000 and is calling upon other games companies to join in and help people with disabilities benefit from the fun, friendship and inclusion of video games. The charity is hoping that other studios recognise the huge internal and external corporate social responsibility benefits from taking part, as well as the ability to directly benefit gamers in the best way possible.

“Jagex’s support was a major part of the success of GameBlast14,” said Dr Mick Donegan, founder and director of SpecialEffect. “We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of its staff and communities, and we’re delighted that they’ll be participating again in 2015. The money they raise will enable even more people, whatever their age or physical disability, to enjoy video games and leisure technology.”

Donegan continued: “We know we can achieve so much more if the rest of the UK games industry follows Jagex’s lead and pledges their support for GameBlast15. There’s a warm welcome awaiting any developers, publishers or gaming communities who want to get involved, whether that’s at a small scale stream or at industry partner level.”

More information about next year’s GameBlast can be found at http://www.specialeffect.org.uk/gameblast

Train2Game News EGX in 2015

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Eurogamer ExpoEGX – the UK’s biggest games event – has struck a multi-year deal to move to Birmingham’s NEC. Next year’s event will be the biggest EGX ever and takes place at the NEC from September 24th-27th 2015.

This announcement comes hot on the heels of the most successful event in EGX’s seven-year history that saw a record 75,000 attendees visit the show over its four days. The show featured over 100 unreleased videogames, presentations from some of the world’s most prestigious game developers and lots more.

EGX is also pleased to confirm that tickets for 2015 will remain frozen at this year’s prices and that it is already working with travel companies to deliver discounted train and coach packages for visitors to the show.

Furthermore, attendees will be able to take advantage of the host of new facilities and attractions currently being built on-site. Opening in spring 2015 and part of the NEC campus, Resorts World Birmingham will be the UK’s first integrated destination leisure and entertainment complex, comprising of a four star hotel, restaurants and bars, multi-screen cinema and casino.

“EGX has experienced amazing growth during our four years at Earl’s Court,” commented co-founder and CEO of Gamer Network, Rupert Loman. “And while we are sad to leave, we see the move to the NEC not only as a real opportunity to continue its success, but also to evolve and improve the experience we offer both attendees and exhibitors.”

Gamer Network’s growth plans for EGX events have already begun with the recent announcement of a partnership between the acclaimed indie, PC and developer-focused show, EGX Rezzed and the prestigious BAFTA Games Awards. EGX Rezzed will take place from March 12th-14th, 2015 at London’s Tobacco Dock, with the BAFTA Games Awards will be held at the venue on the first evening. Tickets for EGX Rezzed go on sale tomorrow morning.

More info on both events can be found at www.egx.net

Train2Game News Windows 10

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MicrosoftMicrosoft Corp. on Tuesday unveiled its next Windows operating system, Windows 10, and gave a first look at an early technical preview for the PC available Oct. 1.

The announcement highlighted advancements designed for business, including an updated user experience and enhanced security and management capabilities. The company also introduced the Windows Insider Program, kicking off its largest-ever open collaborative development effort to change the way Windows is built and delivered to best meet the needs of customers. Program participants will receive the technical preview of Windows 10 and a steady stream of builds through the development cycle to use and give feedback on.

“Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows, unlocking new experiences to give customers new ways to work, play and connect,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Operating Systems group at Microsoft. “This will be our most comprehensive operating system and the best release Microsoft has ever done for our business customers, and we look forward to working together with our broader Windows community to bring Windows 10 to life in the months ahead.”

Windows 10 adapts to the devices customers are using — from Xbox to PCs and phones to tablets and tiny gadgets — and what they’re doing with a consistent, familiar and compatible experience, enabling even greater productivity. Windows 10 will run across the broadest range of devices ever from the Internet of Things to enterprise datacenters worldwide. Microsoft is also delivering a converged application platform for developers on all devices with a unified app store. Developers will be able to write an application once and deploy it easily across multiple device types, making discovery, purchase and updating easier than ever for customers.

Windows 10 builds nearly everything that businesses need right into the core of the product — including enterprise-grade security, identity and information protection features — in ways that can reduce complexities and provide better experiences than other solutions. One area of advancement is in the work Microsoft has done with user identities to improve resistance to breach, theft or phishing. Windows 10 will also help advance data loss prevention by using containers and data separation at the application and file level, enabling protection that follows the data as it goes from a tablet or PC to a USB drive, email or the cloud.

Management and deployment have been simplified to help lower costs, including in-place upgrades from Windows 7 or Windows 8 that are focused on making device wipe-and-reload scenarios obsolete. Businesses will also have the flexibility to choose how quickly they adopt the latest innovations and influence continued improvements. In addition, organizations will be able to customize an app store specific to their needs and environment. The intent is an app store that will allow for volume app licensing, flexible distribution, and the ability for organizations to reclaim or reuse licenses when necessary.

The early technical preview of Windows 10 demonstrates new levels of flexibility, navigation and familiarity through the Windows experience. Features include these:

  • Expanded Start menu. The familiar Start menu is back, providing quick one-click access to the functions and files that people use most, and it includes a new space to personalize with favorite apps, programs, people and websites.
  • Apps that run in a window. Apps from the Windows Store now open in the same format that desktop programs do. They can be resized and moved around, and have title bars at the top allowing users to maximize, minimize and close with a click.
  • Snap enhancements. Working in multiple apps at once is easier and more intuitive with snap improvements. A new quadrant layout allows up to four apps to be snapped on the same screen. Windows will also show other apps and programs running for additional snapping, and it will even make smart suggestions on filling available screen space with other open apps.
  • New Task view button. The new Task view button on the task bar enables one view for all open apps and files, allowing for quick switching and one-touch access to any desktop created.
  • Multiple desktops. Instead of too many apps and files overlapping on a single desktop, it’s easy to create and switch between distinct desktops for different purposes and projects — whether for work or personal use.

The introduction of the Windows Insider Program demonstrates Microsoft’s continued commitment to working closely with customers to help shape the future of Windows. Windows Insiders will be able to give feedback on early builds of the product throughout the development cycle. The program will include various ways for Windows Insiders to engage in a two-way dialogue with Microsoft, including a Windows Feedback app for sharing suggestions and issues and a Windows Technical Preview Forum for interacting with Microsoft engineers and fellow Insiders. More information on the Windows Insider Program and the technical preview can be found at http://preview.windows.com.

Train2Game News Pokémon TCG on iOS

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Pokemon TcgThe Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Online app has launched on the Apple App Store in select markets around the world.

Bringing the online version of the popular trading card game to iPad and iPad mini devices with Retina display, starting with the third generation, in Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The Pokémon TCG Online, available as a downloadable client for PC and Mac and now as an app, allows fans with an Internet connection to play the game whenever they like, wherever Wi-Fi access is available or by using the device’s data plan.

Players can begin downloading the free-to-play Pokémon TCG Online app at www.appstore.com/pokemontcgo for iPad and iPad mini devices. They will also be able to search for the official Pokémon TCG Online app in the Apple App Store. The app launches in additional markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America later this week.

The Pokémon TCG Online app provides iPad and iPad mini users with a similar experience to the one PC and Mac players have enjoyed, and ensures that their digital card collection and game progress follows them across any device they’re playing on. Game features are identical as well, including both player-versus-computer and player-versus-player online battles, deck building, card trading, avatar customisation, a Pokémon TCG tutorial, and more.

All Pokémon TCG Online players receive several free digital Pokémon TCG decks to get started right away and can earn additional cards through both player-versus-computer and online battles. Players who purchase physical theme decks, booster packs, and other Pokémon TCG products will also receive a code card that unlocks digital cards for their Pokémon TCG Online game, enhancing decks and adding cards to their online collection for play or trading.

“The iPad version of the Pokémon TCG Online makes it even easier for fans to pick up the game and begin playing immediately,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing at The Pokémon Company International. “We want to provide players with various access points to play and enjoy the Pokémon TCG, whether it’s the traditional tabletop game, PC and Mac version, or the iPad and iPad mini app.”

For more information about the Pokémon TCG Online, please visit www.Pokemon.co.uk/TCGO. The free-to-play iPad and iPad mini version of the game can be downloaded at www.appstore.com/pokemontcgo.

Train2Game News GamesAid record breaking fund raising year

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PrintGamesAid, the UK video games industry’s charity, distributed the monies raised in 2013-2014 by its members, friends and supporters at a special cheque-giving ceremony during the Eurogamer Expo at London’s Earls Court.

GamesAid also made several announcements about its record fundraising achievements for 2014 as well as unveiling a brand new comedy fundraising event at the Manchester Comedy Store on October 20th.

“2014 has been a massive year for GamesAid,” said GamesAid Chair, Stuart Dinsey “We’ve raised more money, supported more charities and distributed bigger individual cheques than ever before.”

The outgoing Chair continued, “As I step down after my three year tenure as Trustee and Chair I think I can safely say that GamesAid has never been stronger, better supported, or more able to make a real difference to the lives of kids and young people through the charities we support – it’s a great thing to be a part of and I encourage anyone involved in the video games industry to become a member today by signing up at www.gamesaid.org.”

Each year members of GamesAid nominate and vote to decide on the good causes that receive charity funding. Those charities gaining the highest number of votes receive an equal share of all the monies raised. In previous years the organisation has supported four or five charities, but this year GamesAid has expanded its reach with seven supported charities each receiving for £62,571 – the highest individual amounts GamesAid has ever raised.

A total of £438,000 was raised in 2013-4, bringing cumulative funds raised by the charity’s loyal supporters since it was established in 2007 to £1.2 million. The charities receiving the funding during the moving London ceremony were Special Effect, Lifelites, Action for Kids, Jigsaw4U, Safe at Last, Accuro and MAPS.

In addition to meeting the due diligence requirements of GamesAid, this diverse range of charities had two key things in common: they all work tirelessly to support children and young people in the UK, and all struck a nerve with GamesAid Members – who voted in even greater numbers than last year.

GamesAid’s patron, Imran Yusuf stated “Since the voting process closed on Thursday 11th September and the votes were counted, the Trustees have been informing the successful charities about the news. This is one of the most rewarding activities that GamesAid’s trusty volunteers get involved in each year – all the more given we’re supporting seven charities this year.” He added , “Those charities that didn’t quite make the grade shouldn’t be disheartened – it’s worth reapplying and lobbying next year too – the more awareness you can build up, the more likely Members are to vote for you in the future!”

Imran Yusuf’s thoughts have already turned to fundraising efforts for 2015 – and GamesAid also announced today that the successful Comedy Store night, Stand Up for GamesAid will be headed to the Comedy Store in Manchester on October 20th 2014. He asked for people to “save the date and start booking meetings in the North for that Monday as well, more details very soon. “

During the cheque giving ceremony, Stuart Dinsey, GamesAid’s outgoing Chair offered his heartfelt thanks to all the people who supported GamesAid in 2014, and made this the biggest year in the charity’s history. He said that “GamesAid only exists thanks to the energy, passion and fundraising efforts of the games industry. Thank you so much for your support. You are simply amazing.”

Train2Game News Fishinabottle looking for Junior Web Developer

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fishinabottleLeamington Spa based Games Developer on the hunt for Junior team member.
Details of the position copied from the Developer’s website below.

Junior App/Web Developer – Leamington Spa
Position type: Permanent
We’re on the lookout for an enthusiastic and ambitious Junior Web Developer
to join us.

This is a role with involvement in the technical design, development and
delivery of app, websites and server applications. You will enjoy working
with an interesting range of technologies deployed over a wide variety of
innovative projects, from apps through to on demand application and social
media platforms, for our high profile clients including Disney, the BBC and
Channel 4.

Expected technical skills:

. HTML5/Javascript/CSS3
. Apache/PHP/MySQL
. Popular web and mobile frameworks
. Knowledge of iOS or Android app development is an advantage

The ideal applicant will be enthusiastic, efficient, highly organised and
motivated with a solid digital understanding. You will work simultaneously
across a range of projects, many of them fast paced, delivering world class
products.

As an individual you will be solutions-driven, with an eye for detail and
have a natural interest in the latest digital innovations.

We’re one of the UK’s original and most successful digital production
studios that is structured in a way that’s designed to bring out the very
best in the people who work here.

You’ll be working in a relaxed, creative studio environment (a converted
chapel!) with perks including flexible working hours, free drinks and plenty
of social events.

What else can we offer you?

. You can manage your own working hours with our flexitime system
. The Fridge of Dreams provides free drinks – currently Peroni,
various wines, Coke, Diet Coke, Pepsi Max, Dr Pepper and fruit juices
. Free and unlimited posh coffee (Lavazza right now) as well as
speciality coffees and a range of fancy teas
. Personal Development Time and unlimited access to Lynda.com
. Membership to our cinema club in our own cinema with free popcorn
and drinks
. A range of funded social events – theme parks, go karting, superhero
days, bake offs and curry and beer nights etc
. Free fruit
. A cake on your Birthday

We offer a competitive package and a friendly, supportive working
environment.

To apply for this role please click APPLY to submit your CV and covering
letter. Please include links to live examples of your work, without these we
cannot progress your application.

This job is located at a Leamington Spa studio, please consider your ability
to commute or relocate when applying.

We are only able to process applications from candidates who are eligible to
work in the UK

For details of how to apply, visit:
http://www.fishinabottle.com/jobs/junior-appweb-developer

Train2Game News UK Top 20 Games – 29.09.14

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Fifa 15Destiny wasn’t able to withstand the might of Fifa 15 which has taken the number one spot, pushing its predecessor to number two. Further down the chart Nintendos Fantasy Life has entered the chart at number eight and strangely; the 3DS game that ties in with the hit Disney movie Frozen, Frozen: Olaf’s Quest has climbed to number nineteen despite being release in December last year.

All formats

Week ending 27 September 2014

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 FIFA 15 EA SPORTS –
2 DESTINY ACTIVISION 1
3 DISNEY INFINITY 2.0 DISNEY INFINITY 2
4 MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION MICROSOFT 6
5 CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS ACTIVISION 7
6 WATCH DOGS UBISOFT 4
7 THE SIMS 4 EA GAMES 5
8 FANTASY LIFE NINTENDO –
9 MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION 3 EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 8
10 – PLANTS VS ZOMBIES: GARDEN WARFARE EA GAMES 10
11 THE LAST OF US: REMASTERED SONY COMPUTER ENT. 9
12 THE LEGO MOVIE VIDEOGAME WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 11
13 HYRULE WARRIORS NINTENDO 3
14 GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 12
15 LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 19
16 TOMODACHI LIFE NINTENDO 13
17 TERRARIA XBOX 360 CLASSICS 18
18 DIABLO III REAPER OF SOULS ULTIMATE EVIL BLIZZARD 15
19 FROZEN: OLAF’S QUEST GSP/AVANQUEST –
20 ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG UBISOFT 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 GameLoading Rise of the Indies

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GameLoadingGameLoading: Rise of the Indies is a feature documentary exploring the world of indie game developers – their craft, their games, their dreams, and how they have forever changed the landscape of games culture. The project is currently crowdfunding through Kickstarter to help complete post-production.

Filmmakers Lester Francois and Anna Brady have clocked over 100 hours of interviews with both high-profile and up-and-coming indie developers and industry figures from all over the world. The stories that feature in the documentary are only the tip of the iceberg, with the team currently offering an additional 23 videos on youtube, with more scheduled to be released regularly over the next few months. Popular videos include BitSummit in Kyoto, Dutch Game Garden and Mike Bithell – ‘Story and Gameplay’

The exclusive Member’s Section on their website features longer more in-depth interviews available to Backers. The member’s section is a great resource for indie devs and fans. Those wanting to be a member can do so by backing the kickstarter The Final Push.

GameLoading’s Kickstarter, which launched last week is on track to raise the $50,000 needed to fund post production. Featured on the kickstarter page is the new GameLoading trailer, which has been touching the hearts of audiences across the community. It offers a heartwarming and positive message about developer culture, despite the recent negativity in the industry.

GameLoading features interviews with Davey Wreden (The Stanley Parable), John Romero (Doom), Rami Ismail (Vlambeer), Alexander Bruce (Antichamber), Lucas Pope (Papers, Please), Richard Hofmeier (Cart Life), Phil Tibitoski (Octodad), Zoe Quinn (Depression Quest), Steve Gaynor (Gone Home), Christine Love (Analogue), Mike Bithell (Thomas Was Alone) and dozens more.

The film will demystify what goes into making a game, examine the processes of different studios and individuals, capture the excitement of industry events like PAX and GDC, ponder why we play and what success means, and explore where this art form has come from and where it may be going.