Train2Game News Personal Pokémon Gyms

Pokemon Secret BasePokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire players will be able to create their very own Secret Base, a customisable area that will allow them to show off their individuality by setting up mazes or traps for visitors to encounter, and even creating Pokémon battle rules, transforming their Secret Base into their own Pokémon Gym!

Players will be able to share their Secret Base with other Trainers around the world using StreetPass functionality of the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS systems, or they can create a QR Code for their unique Secret Base, enabling friends to visit it with ease.

When visiting other Secret Bases, players can meet other Trainers in the same base and invite them back to their own Secret Base as Secret Pals. Players can interact and battle with Secret Pals, who have special skills that can support players in their adventures, such as sharing new Decorations, making a Pokémon Egg hatch faster, or raising the level of a select Pokémon by one.

The more Secret Pals players have in their Secret Base, the more special skills will be available to help them in their adventures.

Players can also capture flags while visiting other players’ Secret Bases. Flags are located beside the Secret PC in each Secret Base. The more flags a player collects, the higher the rank earned, which brings rewards like improving the skills of a player’s Secret Pals.

Train2Game News Creative England offering investment

Creative EnglandCreative England and SCEE have announced a new £250,000 fund to accelerate and incubate five UK games companies.

The organisation’s will invest £50,000 into each of the selected five developers to support the development of new titles for PS3, PS4 and PlayStation Vita. The studios will also receive business support, dev kits for the three PlayStation platforms and other technical and fringe benefits.

The partnership is part of a new incubator and accelerator programme called GamesLab Campus. Information on how to apply will be made available soon at www.creativeengland.co.uk/games.

The partnership was announced by SCEE’s senior account manager for publisher and developer relations Agostino Simonetta during the Develop Conference in Brighton today.

“We are delighted to work with Creative England on this program,” he said. “We believe this to be a great partnership and an opportunity to illustrate our continuous support and commitment to the independent development community.”

Jaspal Sohal, head of games and digital media at Creative England, added: “At Creative England, we are always looking to support new game development talent and opening doors to help ndie studios grow and achieve commercial success. It’s fantastic to have PlayStation on board and together we’ve designed GamesLab Campus to be a complete investment and support package.

“Whether you’re a start-up or an experienced developer, we’re looking for exciting and innovative projects to invest in.”

Train2Game News The Witcher Mobile Battle Arena

The Witcher Battle ArenaCD PROJEKT RED, creators of the critically acclaimed Witcher franchise of games, and Fuero Games are proud to announce The Witcher Battle Arena, a bold extension of the series into the realm of mobile entertainment.

“With mobile devices as powerful as they are and the graphics they offer being so beautiful, we can finally plunge into mobile gaming and deliver our take on free gaming to gamers worldwide,” said Adam Badowski, Head of Studio, CD PROJEKT RED.

The Witcher Battle Arena is a fast, fun and accessible MOBA game based in the Witcher universe. Designed with mobile devices in mind, Battle Arena combines great accessibility and a balanced learning curve with complex tactics and a limitless array of skill-based strategies gamers can deploy during each battle. Designed with fairness in mind, the game features no pay-to-win elements and allows players to unlock every piece of in-game content entirely via gameplay.

In the Arena, six heroes battle it out to the death, trying to capture and hold three conquest points in short, intense and action-packed skirmishes. The intuitive system of character progression allows you to create player-tailored character builds and unique item configurations to surprise your friends and stagger your foes. Become legendary characters such as the witcher Letho of Gulet, dwarven adventurer Zoltan Chivay or the mighty sorceress Philippa Eilhart and use their diverse skills to gain the advantage and crush those foolish enough to cross your path.

“In a world full of enter-your-PIN-number-to-win mechanics, what we value above all is well-balanced and honest gameplay,” said Tadek Zieliński, Creative Analyst, CD PROJEKT RED. “Battle Arena is all about skill and dedication, and we’ve spent hundreds of hours planning to make it a paragon of fairness in mobile gaming,” Zieliński added.

Designed by CD PROJEKT RED and developed by Fuero Games, The Witcher Battle Arena is scheduled to launch sometime in Q4 2014 on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Windows (Tablets), with free future updates planned to expand the game both in terms of number of characters, gameplay modes and more.

“The whole team here at Fuero Games is really excited at the prospect of developing a game for such a big and engaged community as that of The Witcher. I’m convinced that our skill in mobile multiplayer game development, combined with the creative flair of CD PROJEKT RED, will produce an experience Witcher fans will want to come back to again and again,” said Stanisław Fiedor, CEO, Fuero Games.

You can enjoy the teaser trailer below

Train2Game News UK Top 20 Games – 07.07.14

Sniper Elite 3The charts this week are incredibly quiet with not a single new game entering the top twenty. Sniper Elite 3 holds the number one spot for a second week running.

All formats

Week ending 5 July 2014

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 SNIPER ELITE 3 505 GAMES 1
2 WATCH DOGS UBISOFT 2
3 FIFA 14 EA SPORTS 6
4 TITANFALL EA GAMES 4
5 WOLFENSTEIN: THE NEW ORDER BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 5
6 CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS ACTIVISION 8
7 EA SPORTS UFC EA SPORTS 3
8 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL EA SPORTS 11
9 MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION 3 EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 10
10 MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION MICROSOFT 9
11 TOMODACHI LIFE NINTENDO 16
12 MARIO KART 8 NINTENDO 13
13 GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 14
14 ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG UBISOFT 19
15 BATTLEFIELD 4 EA GAMES 15
16 GRID AUTOSPORT CODEMASTERS 7
17 THE LEGO MOVIE VIDEOGAME WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 18
18 TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE DARK SPARK ACTIVISION 12
19 LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 17
20 PLANTS VS ZOMBIES: GARDEN WARFARE EA GAMES 20
< 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 Develop 100 Tech List

Develop 100Develop have recently put together a list of the top one hundred bits of tech in the games industry today.

It is full of everything from Game Engines to Consoles to peripherals.

This list is definitely a required read for anyone even remotely interested in the games industry to know what is used to make all the games you adore and enjoy.

You can view the full magazine of the Top 100 Tech from develop below:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/232466314/Develop-100-Tech-List

 

Train2Game News UK Top 20 Games – 03.07.14

Sniper Elite 3The charts are late this week but there is a new number one with 505 Games Sniper Elite 3 shooting to number one in its debut. Grid Autosport from Codemasters enters the chart at number seven and further down Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark comes in at number twelve.

All formats

Week ending 28 June 2014

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 SNIPER ELITE 3 505 GAMES
2 WATCH DOGS UBISOFT 2
3 EA SPORTS UFC EA SPORTS 1
4 TITANFALL EA GAMES 3
5 WOLFENSTEIN: THE NEW ORDER BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 4
6 FIFA 14 EA SPORTS 5
7 GRID AUTOSPORT CODEMASTERS
8 CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS ACTIVISION 8
9 MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION MICROSOFT 10
10 MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION 3 EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 9
11 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL EA SPORTS 6
12 TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE DARK SPARK ACTIVISION
13 MARIO KART 8 NINTENDO 7
14 GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 11
15 BATTLEFIELD 4 EA GAMES 12
16 TOMODACHI LIFE NINTENDO 19
17 LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 16
18 THE LEGO MOVIE VIDEOGAME WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 17
19 ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG UBISOFT 15
20 PLANTS VS ZOMBIES: GARDEN WARFARE EA GAMES 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 12 Year Old launches successful game

image

Spacepants, the hit iPhone and iPad game developed by 12-year-old Sam Smith, is now available for Android devices on the Google Play store.

Spacepants was named one of the “Best Apps of the Week” in  The Guardian on its original release, and was featured by Apple on the front page of the UK App Store. Since then, it has received acclaim from players and critics across the world for its “Easy to play, hard to master”, “just-one-more-go” gameplay.

“Spacepants are the future of trousers,” explained Sam. “In the game they give our hero, Guy, the ability to walk up walls and along ceilings. But when his Spacepants malfunction and cannot be stopped, Guy’s survival skills will be tested to the limit. And beyond. And, incredibly, beyond even that.”

The objective is to survive for as long as possible against hordes of deadly aliens, and to compete against other players for the highest score possible.

Its young creator has been delighted by the game’s success. Despite his age, Sam has been making games for some time, having been taken out of school and home educated from the age of nine.

“School just didn’t work for me,” he said. “I’ve learned much more through game development than I ever could in the classroom. I couldn’t be happier to see so many people play and enjoy Spacepants, and I’m thrilled to bring it to Android devices.”

Sam has received tremendous support from the game development community. Thomas Was Alone creator Mike Bithell helped Sam to launch his Twitter presence @boxfacegames, and gave Spacepants breakthrough coverage. Gaming radio show One Life Left and the Indie Haven podcast had Sam as a guest – and Spacepants has been used as an outstanding example of British creativity in presentations to teachers, students and even to government.

Sam is now hard at work on his next game. At this stage, he will only reveal that “it’s about a robot”.

Spacpants costs 99p from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Train2Game News Organic Motion improves MoCap Market

Organic MotionOrganic Motion has taken another giant step forward in the motion capture market with their release of OpenStage 2.4.

In addition to multiple usability features added to the product, OpenStage 2.4 boasts a real-time frame capture rate of 120fps; double its previous mark of 60fps. The increase in frame rate means a substantial increase in tracking quality for users of OpenStage 2.4. Quicker character actions, such as kicking, punching or swinging a golf club now track better than ever. Brent George, professional animator and beta tester of OpenStage 2.4, has already recognized a noticeable improvement.

“At 60fps, OpenStage drastically improved the efficiency of my motion capture pipeline. The increase in frame rate opens up even more possibilities to further leverage OpenStage to save money and improve overall animation quality.”

In addition to animation, the upgrade also substantially impacts the system’s versatility within life sciences.  Dynamic Athletics, an Organic Motion partner and the leader in the application of 3D motion capture in human performance and musculoskeletal health, is excited at the possibilities that exist with OpenStage 2.4.
“The advancements that Organic Motion has made with version 2.4 allows the applications of motion capture to expand into new arenas.” explained Patrick Moodie, Chief of Science and Co-Founder of Dynamic Athletics. “At DARI, collections start with simple movements and progress to the more complex. From golf swings to pitching motions, the possibilities with OpenStage 2.4 are now endless.”

In an effort to allow everyone to witness the new features of OpenStage 2.4 live, Organic Motion will be hosting an online live demonstration from their headquarters in Manhattan on July 15th at 2pm ET. Those interested may register via the following link – Organic Motion Live Online Demo Registration.

Train2Game News Eurogamer 2014

EurogamerGamer Network, in partnership with Virgin Media, is delighted to reveal a small selection of the huge number of games that will available to play at EGX London 2014 this September.

Battlefield Hardline, Sunset Overdrive and Alien: Isolation are just some of the games headlining this year’s show, with other titles already confirmed from the likes of 2K Games, Electronic Arts, Activision and SEGA, as well as the console platform holders Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo, and VR powerhouse Oculus.

EGX London 2014 takes place at Earls Court, London, from Thursday 25th September to Sunday 28th September, and is expected to attract 80,000 gamers. For the first time in its history the event will occupy two full floors of Earl’s Court One, packing the space with hundreds of playable pre-release games, along with exclusive developer session presentations on the hour every day and a host of other attractions.

Other playable games include Evolve and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel from 2K Games and the aforementioned Destiny from Activision and Battlefield Hardline from Electronic Arts. SEGA’s Alien: Isolation, voted game of the show at this year’s EGX Rezzed, will also feature in a big way.

Visitors to EGX London will also have the opportunity to experience Oculus Rift, the cutting-edge VR headset, on its own dedicated stand. It’s another chance for attendees to enjoy what many people consider to be the future of gaming.

Gamer Network is also pleased to confirm that SEGA will continue to sponsor the Leftfield Collection (formerly Indie Games Arcade), offering indie developers the opportunity to showcase innovative projects free of charge to thousands of gamers.

Ticket sales have been very strong with super passes, early-entry tickets and Saturday day passes already sold out. Remaining tickets can be purchased via the EGX London website: http://www.egxlondon.net/tickets

Train2Game News Mytho Games looking for Designer

Mytho GamesTrain2Game student studio, Mytho Games, is looking for a designer to join the team to work on a few projects they have going.

The team already have a current designer but he is busy with life at the moment and unable to devote his time to the team so a second designer is needed to keep the projects rolling along at a good speed.

The company asks “We are looking for an individual that really wants to put their ideas forward into a game. We are big believers in creative freedom so providing your ideas are now so crazy and impossible to do its likely we will use it. Anyone who is a good story teller and excellent level designer will be the best pick.

Only real requirement is you have Facebook and enough enthusiasm to oil the rusted wheels of progress that have coursed our team to a slow to a crawl.”

To register your interest for the position or to find out more contact The Warrior of Jupiter on the Train2Game Forum.