Tag Archives: Game Development

Train2Game News Batman Arkham Origins Story DLC

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Batman Arkham Origins DLCWarner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today unveiled the first details for Cold, Cold Heart; the action-packed story add-on for Batman: Arkham Origins.

In this extensive story add-on, players will unearth the tragic origin story of Mr.Freeze and learn how he earned his role as one of Batman’s arch nemeses. Cold, Cold Heart will be available for purchase on the PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE online entertainment network from Microsoft and Steam beginning April 22. This add-on pack will be available to players who have purchased the Batman: Arkham Origins Season Pass and are connected to the Internet, or it can be purchased separately.

Unfolding across iconic Gotham City locations, including Wayne Manor, Cold, Cold Heart equips players with the powerful Batman Extreme Environment (XE) suit and new gadgets including the Thermal Gloves and Thermocharged Batarangs. The game introduces several hours of all-new content in which players will battle through punishing, icy landscapes to witness Mr. Freeze’s heart-pumping first encounter with the Dark Knight.

Developed by WB Games Montréal, Batman: Arkham Origins is based on DC Comics’ core Batman license and introduces an original prequel storyline set several years before the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City.  Taking place before the rise of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals, the game features an expanded Gotham City and showcases a young and unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, players will meet many important characters for the first time and forge key relationships.  The online multiplayer mode is developed by Splash Damage.

Batman: Arkham Origins is the next installment in the blockbuster Batman: Arkham videogame franchise and is available now for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii U system and Windows PC.  The game is now available worldwide along with Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate for the PlayStationVita handheld entertainment system and Nintendo 3DS handheld system.

Watch the launch trailer here: http://youtu.be/m4F7XLHefzQ

Train2Game News Twitch dated for Xbox One

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Xbox OneAs of 11th March, the Xbox One’s Twitch app will finally support livestreaming. What’s more, it’ll allow you to join a broadcaster’s Xbox Live party while watching their stream.

Livestreaming was originally planned for launch, but was delayed “to ensure that the Twitch broadcasting experience meets all of your expectations”. Microsoft and Twitch now claim that the Xbox One Twitch app is the most “complete” you’ll find on a console.

“It’s complete integration,” Twitch CEO Emmett Shear said yesterday. “It’s exciting because we’ve never had the ability to broadcast from a console like this with such a deep level of integration. The concept of being able to join a broadcasters’ party is really cool, and it’s another step in the direction of interacting more closely with broadcasters.”

The PS4’s Twitch app has supported livestreaming since launch but it doesn’t allow you to join the broadcaster’s party, however. “That’s a very certain type of experience,” Xbox vice president of marketing and strategy Yusuf Mehdi observed of Sony’s offering. “For us, we thought that was too limiting for what our fans would want. Our fans really want the full next-gen service, so that’s why we decided to take our time, do it right and have it come out in this fashion.”

“This will open up the social aspect of Xbox One in a new way,” he added. “The community of Twitch is huge, and this allows us to type into that, and frankly do something that’s never been done before on consoles. You’ll be able to broadcast to any device and consume anyone’s broadcast from any device. It’s a console experience unique to the Xbox One.”

There’s Kinect support, of course. You’ll be able to start a broadcast by saying “Xbox, broadcast”. To stop, say “Xbox, stop broadcast”.

Train2Game News Sandbox Game Maker

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Sandbox ChurchPlatinum Arts Sandbox Game Maker is now on Steam Greenlight and needs your positive votes to become available for all.

The game maker features in game editing, coop editing, dynamic lighting, crossplatform support and advanced networking with the goal of adding visual scripting and many more features. Users will be able to rapidly create games of many different genres and require little to no prior coding experience. Sandbox is available for Windows, Linux and Mac and is based on the Cube 2 Engine.

The developer, Mike, originally started the Project in 2007 because he wanted the kids in his before and afterschool program to be able to create more than just 2D art on the computers, he wanted them to be able to create worlds and stories. He wanted them to be able to unleash their imaginations and walk around in what they created. Mike ended up releasing the project online and it ended up taking off and now is being used worldwide.

Mike said “The project is free and open source and will always have a free and open source version but to help fund the development and new features a Kickstarter and Steam Greenlight Project has been started to help fund a commercial version. The commercial version would be too intensive graphically for schools but I’m hoping to port over a lot of the core features so that everyone can benefit if the commercial version is a success.”

You can view a whole list of the features at http://www.sandboxgamemaker.com/

To support the project on Greenlight visit http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=229323214

Train2Game News New head of Devices at Microsoft

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Xbox OneThe former Nokia CEO is taking over the Devices and Studios division, as Julie Larson-Green moves into a new role within the company.

With Microsoft acquiring Nokia’s device and services division, Stephen Elop, who had been a candidate to take over for Steve Ballmer (Satya Nadella got the job), is now about to lead Microsoft’s Devices and Studios division, which is home to entertainment, games, Xbox, and Surface.

Julie Larson-Green revealed that she’s taking up a new role to lead the My Life & Work team in the Applications and Services Group, serving as Chief Experience Officer.

“As hard as it is for me to leave Devices & Studios, I’m thrilled about this opportunity… I want to thank each and every one of you for welcoming me and supporting me as the leader of Devices & Studios over the past 7 months. I’m very proud of what we have accomplished during such a short timeframe. We launched Xbox One, Surface 2 & Pro 2, blockbuster games like Forza and Ryse, a brand new Xbox Music and Video service, PPI, and some amazing unannounced innovations just to name a few – incredibly impressive!” she wrote.

Larson-Green added that she’s looking to make the transition in the Xbox group as smooth as possible.

“I’ll remain in role leading the DnS organization in the interim until the Nokia deal closes and Stephen Elop makes his transition to Microsoft. We’ve been meeting regularly throughout and are making a lot of progress, ensuring our teams are ready for the Day 1 close and beyond,” she said. “You are all in great hands with Stephen and already we’ve shared a lot with him and his LT from Nokia regarding all of the fantastic people, teams and products in DnS. I also know many of you are looking forward to welcoming the Nokia team and working more closely with them.”

Ironically, back in November when Elop was still in the running for the Microsoft CEO position, it was reported that he would consider selling off the Xbox business, and now he’s going to be overseeing it.

Source: Games Industry.biz

Train2game News Microsoft cuts Xbox One Price

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Xbox OneMicrosoft have cut Xbox One prices down to £399.99 permanently with a new bundle including a free copy of Titanfall.

The Xbox One price cut comes into effect this coming Friday, the 28th February. Microsoft are trying to boost the sales of their console ready for Titanfall being released a fortnight later.

Xbox’s UK Marketing Director Harvey Eagle said in an interview this morning “It’s about giving gamers in the UK the best possible value that we can,

“We feel the time is right now to do this because Titanfall is coming out. It’s the game that most gamers are looking forward to playing, and we think that this is a great time to offer this new price point moving forwards, and include the game while stocks last.

“Titanfall is a game that has won more than 80 awards so far, it’s incredibly hotly anticipated, and I believe it’s a game that people will buy an Xbox One in order to play. But moving forwards if you think about what I think are the three hottest games of the year to come, Titanfall, Watch Dogs and Destiny, the only place you’re going to be able to play all three of those games is on Xbox One.”

The price drop and new Titanfall bundle are very welcome but they still can’t compare with the PlayStation 4’s price of £349.99. Time will tell how this will affect console sales.

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 24.02.14

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The_LEGO_Movie_VideogameA quiet week this week in the charts with only one new game entering. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze makes its debut at number nine with The Lego Movie Video Game retaining its number one position.

All formats
Week ending 22 February 2014

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 – THE LEGO MOVIE VIDEOGAME WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 1
2 FIFA 14 EA SPORTS 4
3 CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS ACTIVISION 2
4 BATTLEFIELD 4 EA GAMES 7
5 LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 6
6 MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION MICROSOFT 9
7 GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 5
8 – ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG UBISOFT 8
9 DONKEY KONG COUNTRY: TROPICAL FREEZE NINTENDO –
10 RAYMAN LEGENDS UBISOFT –
11 LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII SQUARE ENIX 3
12 – NEED FOR SPEED: RIVALS EA GAMES 12
13 NBA 2K14 2K SPORTS 17
14 WWE 2K14 2K SPORTS 16
15 TOMB RAIDER: DEFINITIVE EDITION SQUARE ENIX 11
16 GRAN TURISMO 6 SONY COMPUTER ENT. 15
17 LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 19
18 LEGO STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA XBOX 360 CLASSICS –
19 ALIENS: COLONIAL MARINES SEGA 14
20 KILLZONE: SHADOW FALL SONY COMPUTER ENT. 13
< 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: Xbox One update beta testers

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Xbox OneSome lucky Xbox One users may have the chance to beta test future updates. This would be incredibly helpful for Train2Game students on the QA Course.

The Xbox NewsWire states “Beginning today, Xbox is inviting select Xbox Live members to preview new features coming to Xbox One in a March system update and future system updates as they become available, asking them to provide valuable feedback before the updates are implemented worldwide. Selected participants will receive an Xbox Live message with a token to register. The next system update will begin rolling out next week to those who will preview the new features.

Once registered, participants will be able to test the early features included in the update and provide feedback on a private forum and can opt out of future waves.””

The next Xbox one update will improve multiplayer and party features ready for the release of the highly anticipated Titanfall.

So if you own an Xbox One keep an eye on your Xbox Live messages as you might just be lucky enough to be a part of the Xbox One’s future!

Train2Game News: Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate – Deluxe Edition

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B AO BlackgateWarner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today announced Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate – Deluxe Edition will be available in April

Developed by Armature Studio, the same team behind Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate for handheld, the game delivers the same dynamic story and gameplay, now in high-definition. Fans will be able to purchase the game from 2nd April on the PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE  Marketplace, Nintendo eShop and Steam for £15.99.

Previously available only for PlayStation Vita handheld entertainment system and Nintendo 3DS handheld system, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate – Deluxe Edition brings the content of Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate to console and PC with enhanced high-definition 2.5-D graphics, a new map & hint system for improved navigation and objective tracking, 5.1 surround sound, a fully voiced narrative and a captivating storyline. In addition to all previous released suits, players will be able to unlock the exclusive Zero Year Batsuit skin by registering for or signing into a Warner Bros. ID (WBID) account.

After gang-fueled uprisings occur within the walls of Blackgate Prison, Batman is called in to restore order and put an end to the rebellion before the chaos implodes. As the story progresses, players will explore deep inside the bowels of this remote island penitentiary and discover what happened after the events of Batman: Arkham Origins and learn more details of the Dark Knight’s past.

You can enjoy the trailer for the game below

Train2Game News: Student featured in Bristol Post

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Bristol PostTrain2Game student Sara Thornhill has been featured in the Bristol Post about what it’s like being a female in the games industry.

Congratulations Sara.

You can read the post below

Train2Game News: UKIE and Nesta mentoring

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UKIE LogoUkie, who bring games industry expertise and Nesta, who have years of experience of running successful creative industry mentoring schemes, have partnered to develop a mentoring scheme designed specifically for UK games businesses.

Building on the success of Nesta’s wider creative Business Mentor Network, the Video Game Mentoring Network has been set up by Ukie and Nesta to advise and nurture games businesses with an appetite for growth.

The scheme will be officially launched in April but games businesses are being invited to express their interest in being mentored now by contacting mentoring@ukie.org.uk

Businesses joining the games mentoring network will receive:

  • One-to-one business mentoring in the form of 10 two-hour sessions over a 6-12 month period

  • An induction workshop at the start of the programme to get the most out of your mentoring sessions

  • Workshops and events designed to meet other members of the wider Network

  • Coaching support – in addition to mentoring

Ukie and Nesta want businesses of all sizes to apply to be mentored, from start-ups who have been established for less than two years, to established and high growth potential business who are looking to scale. They are also calling on potential mentors to express and interest in being part of the scheme. The minimum criteria for applying are simply that you must be a registered business that:

  • Has made or sold a game in the UK in the last 12 months or have a game ready to bring to market in the next six months.

  • Or you can also be a business that has launched a product or service in the UK that supports the creation and selling of games within the last 12 months.

  • Being a Ukie member automatically qualifies you to apply.

Ukie CEO, Dr Jo Twist said: “This partnership with Nesta gives games businesses an amazing opportunity to get first hand expert advice from people with proven track records in the games industry. Mentoring is invaluable both for mentees and for mentors. Our industry is especially good at collaborating and sharing stories and experiences so we encourage all businesses to apply and be part of the network.”

Mentors for the programme are being selected from successful leaders in the games industry, with experience of working in a variety of businesses from creating their own successful independent development studios and publishing companies, to working at senior levels for multinational games businesses. Individuals can express interest in becoming a mentor by contacting mentoring@ukie.org.uk.