Tag Archives: Game Development

Train2Game News Resident Evil remake again!

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Resident Evil ChrisCapcom today announced Resident Evil for PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC.

The hugely popular Resident Evil series, having sold over 61 million units to date, returns to its roots with a remastered version of the critically acclaimed masterpiece, Resident Evil. Originally released in 1996, Resident Evil was then “remade” in 2002 from the ground up with new visuals, gameplay elements, environments and story details while retaining the survival horror atmosphere the series had become synonymous for. Both fans of the franchise who want a trip down memory lane and those who have yet to experience the game that coined the term survival horror for the gaming world will appreciate this definitive re-visit of that iconic 2002 Resident Evil title.

Using the latest resolution enhancement and 3D model technology, game resolutions and textures have been significantly upgraded, including 1080p support on next-gen consoles, resulting in characters and backgrounds coming to life in greater detail than ever seen before in Resident Evil. Not only will the graphics impress but the tense sound effects have been fully remastered with 5.1 surround support for a greater gaming atmosphere. Players are now able to choose not only between experiencing the terror at the classic 4:3 ratio or a stunning 16:9 widescreen mode but also the type of control scheme they play with. The classic control scheme remains for fans of the original play style or there’s an alternative scheme where the character moves directly in the direction of the analogue stick, utilizing the standards of the current generation of gaming. Both the control scheme and the display options can be toggled between at any time during gameplay.

The intense horror fans first experienced with the release of the original Resident Evil is back. Taking place in the now notorious Raccoon City, players will choose to take on the role of either S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) team member Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, who have been sent into the city to find the missing Bravo team. When the team is suddenly attacked by a ferocious group of mutated dogs, desperate for an escape they take shelter in the Mansion, but will they ever get out alive again? Players will need to be brave as they adventure through the dark, enclosed spaces searching out the horrors that await them. With limited ammo and survival items available gamers will need to keep their wits about them to survive the various traps and puzzles that greet them at every stage.

Resident Evil will be available to purchase digitally across North America and Europe in Early 2015.

Train2Game News BioShock coming to iOS

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BioShockHavok, a leading provider of 3D interactive game development technology, is providing its industry-leading Havok Physics and Havok Animation Studio technology to 2K Games’ groundbreaking narrative-driven action game, BioShock, which is launching later this summer on the App Store.

Developed by Irrational Games in 2007 with Unreal Engine 3, the original BioShock made extensive use of Havok’s Animation tools, which played an instrumental part in bringing fluidity to the disfigured denizens of Rapture. The game’s liberal use of Havok Physics also brought further immersion into the game world, even becoming a powerful weapon through the use of the in-game Telekinesis Plasmid. After its release, Bioshock quickly became one of the most critically-acclaimed games of all time, garnering universal praise from press and proving to be a huge success with the gaming audience.

The 2K China team has brought this iconic gaming experience to iOS using Havok’s cross-platform toolset to achieve amazing parity between console and mobile versions, including the full dynamic gameplay and character interactions of the classic title from 2007. Seven years after its original implementation, the same robust Physics and Animation technologies ingrained in the original BioShock have seamlessly transitioned onto mobile platforms.

“It’s a true testament to the power and breadth of Havok Physics and Havok Animation Studio that these technologies have seamlessly transitioned from a AAA console title to an amazing mobile experience,” said Brian Waddle, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at Havok. “Just as BioShock redefined the scope of what a game could and should be, the 2K Games team has proven that mobile devices can go beyond simple apps and offer a wholly mature and complete gaming experience akin to those seen on high end gaming platforms.”

BioShock will be available soon via the App Store as a premium title for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

Train2Game News UK Top 20 Games – 04.08.14

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the_last_of_us_remasteredAfter several weeks with no new games we finally have a new number one for the game charts. The Last of Us Remastered has knocked Watch Dogs down to the second spot and sits at number one. At the opposite end of the charts Need For Speed: Rivals has re-entered the charts at number twenty.

All formats

Week ending 2 August 2014

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 THE LAST OF US: REMASTERED SONY COMPUTER ENT. –
2 WATCH DOGS UBISOFT 1
3 FIFA 14 EA SPORTS 2
4 THE LEGO MOVIE VIDEOGAME WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 5
5 MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION MICROSOFT 3
6 – MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION 3 EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 6
7 SNIPER ELITE 3 505 GAMES 4
8 CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS ACTIVISION 9
9 BATTLEFIELD 4 EA GAMES 10
10 GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 7
11 TITANFALL EA GAMES 8
12 TOMODACHI LIFE NINTENDO 11
13 – ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG UBISOFT 13
14 – LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 14
15 – PLANTS VS ZOMBIES: GARDEN WARFARE EA GAMES 15
16 – MARIO KART 8 NINTENDO 16
17 WOLFENSTEIN: THE NEW ORDER BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 12
18 – EA SPORTS UFC EA SPORTS 18
19 – TERRARIA XBOX 360 CLASSICS 19
20 NEED FOR SPEED: RIVALS EA GAMES –
< 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 Magic 2015 review

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Magic 2015I got the pleasure of reviewing Magic 2015 this week and it has certainly made some improvements on past titles.

The Magic card games on consoles, PC and smart devices have always been a good way to introduce the game to new players and teach them the rules and this one is no different allowing you to play with all the latest cards in premade decks.

As you start the game you are taken through a tutorial which is unfortunately unskippable for seasoned players so you just have to grin and bear it whilst the overly chirpy and sometimes patronising tutorial voice tells you all the things you already know.

Once you are through the tutorial though you are let loose on the game which follows the similar formula as the last game. Heading from Island to Island facing the challenging battles along the way. However there is a difference in these places as there are no longer challenges like there have been in previous games, instead there is now explore nodes which you can play a few times with different battles until you are face to face with a planeswalker such as Chandra or Ajani.

Finally the biggest and best difference to previous games is that once again you get random booster packs from completing each match and with the random cards you get from the booster you can either update your premade deck or after playing for a while you can create a deck entirely from scratch if you so choose. This was a feature introduced in the last game but it wasn’t implemented very well as it wasn’t easy to get booster packs without paying out for them. In this game the booster packs are far easier to come by.

I have yet to complete this version as the final boss is proving incredibly difficult for me but it has been an enjoyable evolution on the last game. If you are a Magic fan or are interested in getting involved in the world of Magic the Gathering, give this game a try.

Train2Game News Premade character animations for UE4

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Mixamo CharacterMixamo has made a number of its character animations available free for Unreal Engine 4 subscribers on the UE4 marketplace.

The firm has released 15 ready-to-use characters and seven animations to the store. Available animations include walk, run, shoot, sword, idle, jump and run jump.

“We’re extremely excited to have our animations included in Epic Games’ growing Marketplace,” said Mixamo CEO Stefano Corazza.

“The Unreal Engine exists to speed the process of game development, and we share a similar philosophy for 3D character creation and animation. Now, with built-in access to ready-made animations, UE4 developers can get their characters moving in minutes, rather than spending hours keyframing animations from scratch.”

Source: Develop

Train2Game News Neverwinter coming to Xbox One

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NeverwinterPerfect World Entertainment Inc., a leader and publisher of widely-acclaimed free-to-play MMORPGs, announced today that Cryptic Studios is bringing popular free-to-play MMORPG Neverwinter to consoles.

Available first, free-to-play with Gold on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Neverwinter – set in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe from Wizards of the Coast – is the first free-to-play title from Perfect World Entertainment and Cryptic Studios that will be launched on both PC and console platforms.

Players in North America and Europe can expect Neverwinter for consoles in the first half of 2015.

“Neverwinter is our premier title to bring to console players,” said Perfect World Entertainment CEO, Alan Chen. “Consoles are a perfect fit for action-oriented MMORPGs like Neverwinter, and we are thrilled to be one of the first publishers to bring premium free-to-play titles to leading next-gen platforms. Being able to bring Neverwinter to the Xbox One is a critical achievement for Perfect World. It is our first step taking our games beyond the PC market.”

Entering its fourth module on August 14, 2014 with Tyranny of Dragons, Neverwinter continues to provide authentic Dungeons & Dragons narratives and gameplay opportunities since launching in Summer 2013, and continues to grow with the D&D fan base.

“The addition of the new platforms is another piece of exciting news for Dungeons & Dragons fans in this pivotal year,” said Nathan Stewart, Dungeons & Dragons Brand Director. “We continue to work closely with Perfect World and Cryptic Studios to bring exciting new stories to players around the world.”

Neverwinter is an action MMORPG, set in the Forgotten Realms that features fast-paced combat and epic dungeons. Players explore the vast city of Neverwinter and its surrounding countryside, learning the vivid history of the iconic city and battling its many enemies. In Neverwinter, players can create their own quests and campaigns with the Foundry, a powerful content creation tool that allows players to seamlessly integrate their adventures in to the live game world.

Train2Game News Destiny Beta massive success

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DestinyActivision Publishing, Inc. and Bungie, today confirmed millions of people have played their upcoming and award-winning game Destiny during their beta test to gather vital information in preparation for launch.

The Destiny Beta included a sampling of major activities featured in the full game. The beta began first on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 on July 17 and came to a close Sunday evening, with 4,638,937 unique players participating.

“This is the biggest beta of this console generation by a wide margin and the largest console beta ever for a new video game IP to date,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “Hosting a beta at this scale is an incredible feat, so we’re thrilled to see the phenomenal response. But the beta is just a taste of what’s to come. We’re counting down the days to our launch day, September 9th.”

“We were totally blown away by the number of people who played the beta,” said Pete Parsons, COO of Bungie. “We surpassed even our own goals and the feedback was invaluable. We cannot thank the community enough, the response was humbling and in the weeks ahead we’ll be working hard to ensure that Destiny lives up to the expectations at launch.”

I got the pleasure of trying the beta myself on the Xbox One and I was blown away by the game. It was much more than I was expecting and will hopefully be a day one purchase for myself.

Train2Game News Game Jam 2014 winner released

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Nom Nom, Nom, Nom…

Game jam winning title from Train2Game student studio 1HPLeft soon to be available on: Google Play, Windows and iOS

Touch screen title that has you avoiding getting ‘Nommed’ by other fish will soon be available to buy on all major mobile gaming platforms. ‘Nom’ really impressed at this year’s Train2Game Game Jam and was judged the best game of over twenty submissions. Judges including Jon Hare, gave it the top prize, giving the development team the impetus to get the game out there and make it available for gamers to buy.

The game is beautiful in its simplicity and completely addictive game play. The characters are designed to have instant personality and help to immerse players in a wonderfully playful environment. Much like popular titles currently available, the game drops the player straight into play and challenges the player to hit a high score in never-ending gameplay.

Controlling a fish with a finger using touch screen technology, players pull and push a character around the screen, eating to get bigger and collect points, while avoiding other fish looking to take a bite out of them. The longer you stay alive, the higher your score will be. But beware you will get bigger and more Nom fishes will arrive on screen to take a bite out of you as your score gets higher. Pick up power ups to improve your survive-ability while whizzing your finger around the screen to avoid your attackers.

The team have promised more updates to come and lots more additions to keep improving this wonderfully playable title.

Train2Game News Visual Effects and Animation Festival

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BFXVisual Effects and Animation Festival returns to Bournemouth UK for 2014
The BFX Festival returns to Bournemouth this summer to celebrate British talent and creativity in animation, computer games and visual effects and inspire the next generation of people to enter the booming industries.

Last year’s BFX Festival was a fantastic celebration of visual effects, animation and games and this year’s event is aiming to build that success, with experts and enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond presenting an amazing selection of material and leading a range of Festival activities that will appeal to all.

Tickets are now on sale for the Festival, which will take place across four days from 24-28 September 2014, hosted at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Talks featuring movie titles such as The Lego Movie, Gravity, Maleficent, Godzilla, Guardians of the Galaxy and The Edge of Tomorrow will be on offer, giving delegates an insight into the range and quality of visual effects needed to create such blockbusters. Legendary computer games, such as the new instalment of Elite from Frontier Developments, called Elite: Dangerous will also be presented.

As well as talks from industry experts on some of this year’s best VFX and animation there will also be a large concept art exhibition direct from the vaults of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures; featuring concept artwork from the movies Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent.

A series of workshops will be available for those wishing to explore animation and VFX techniques further and a number of family activities are also on offer, including children’s animation workshops and public cinema screenings. Talks and workshops have been created with all levels of expertise and knowledge in mind, and the Festival is open for all members of the public to attend.

The Festival is being organised by the International VFX Hub; a collaboration between the award-winning National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) at Bournemouth University and the Faculty of Media and Performance at the Arts University Bournemouth (AUB).

Sofronis Efstathiou, Senior Lecturer at Sofronis Efstathiou and the BFX Festival Director said, “We are delighted to be hosting the second BFX Festival this year and to celebrate the best VFX and animation in the world. There is truly something for everyone; from industry experts to hobbyists, animators to technical directors. Come and learn more about this amazing industry and the hard work that goes into creating some of your favourite movies and computer games.”

Companies such as Animal Logic, Framestore, Double Negative, The Mill and MPC will be speaking at the Festival, along with Festival partners The Foundry, Chaos Group, Next Limit and AMD.

At the heart of the Festival is the BFX competition – where students from around the country will be competing to create the best animation and visual effect from a selection of briefs and screenplays given to them. The competition, which is held on Bournemouth University’s and Arts University Bournemouth campus, replicates a film studio with participants working in groups of up to six to create a short visual effects or animation sequence. Teams are mentored throughout by industry practitioners, with a panel of industry judges picking the winning team and awarding prizes.

The competition is currently underway, with teams from 10 higher education institutions taking part, competing for a variety of award and prizes across a number of categories, with winners due to be announced during the Festival itself.

Tickets for the BFX Festival can be purchased on Eventbrite with Early Bird discounts available.

More information about the BFX Festival (including ticketing), and the BFX Competition, can be found at www.bfxfestival.com.

Train2Game News 500 studios in the UK

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Develop has compiled a list of more than 500 British games development studios as part of Game Source 2014, a new directory for the UK’s games agencies.

The list was compiled by the Develop team, and is an updated version of last July’s Develop 100, which ranked to the top 100 UK studios and included a list of hundreds more.

Game Source’s studio directory features the company names and website links for more than 500 studios found throughout the UK, ranging from indie start-ups and one-man studios to publisher-owned behemoths and other triple-A games developers.

You can view the book for free, either in your browser or by downloading the iPad edition.

Presented by MCV, Game Source is the UK directory of leading games industry service companies, featuring creative and promotional agencies, digital distributors, accessory and hardware firms, logistics and payment companies and much more. The guide showcases the leading players across each sector, offering a snapshot of the resources on offer, plus client history and contact details.