Tag Archives: Game Development

Train2Game News: Insomnia50 Indie Gaming showcase

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InsomniaMultiplay, organiser of the Insomnia series of gaming festivals, the largest gaming festivals in the United Kingdom are pleased to announce a series of initiatives designed to showcase the best UK talent from the indie scene at Insomnia50.

The Indie Zone, sponsored by GAMDIAS, is a new addition for Insomnia events and is an open invitation to the unique and wonderful games being created across the country by independent developers.

Each developer has access to a top-of-the-range PC station, dedicated time on the Indie stage which will have prime position in the exhibition hall; featuring some of the industry leading retailers, manufacturers and development studios.

This provides the perfect opportunity to connect directly with the gaming community and interact with other developers such as Hypersloth Games (Dream), Dead Shark Triple Punch (Epigenesis), Pumpkin Games (Doppelganger) and many more.

Supporting creativity further is Global GameCraft, who organise game jam events designed to allow game-makers to meet, share ideas, have fun, compete for prizes and most importantly make games! Each day, participants will be set a task, having as little as ten hours to complete, with a judging panel demoing stand-out entries on stage and awarding prizes to the best submissions.

To take part, you must have a ticket to Insomnia so you can reserve your complimentary space for the GameCraft Game Jam. In order to purchase a ticket or reserve your space you can do so at www.insomnia50.evenbrite.co.uk

“Indie games are fast becoming the most original sector in gaming, giving us new ways of playing videogames”, said Craig Fletcher, Multiplay CEO. “We want to support the UK industry and enable developers to show their products off to as large an audience as possible, and to invite future designers to get involved with their peers through initiatives like the Indie GameCraft. Insomnia50 will be the most diverse festival we’ve ever held, in part due to the brilliant response we’ve had from indie developers, and we hope to continue to bring events like this, that support our industry and its talent to future Insomnia gaming festivals.”

If you are a game developer and would like to take full advantage of a free PC ‘station’ and a 45 minute live demo and talk on the Indie Stage at Insomnia50, please register your interest at www.multiplay.com/indie-games

The Insomnia Gaming Festival is not to be missed, with spaces still available and more announcements to follow, head to http://insomniagamingfestival.com/ for the latest event news and up-to-date line-up.

Train2Game News: Kinect 2 Camera cover

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Kinect coverInterWorks Unlimited, leading multi-platform gaming accessory developer, today announced the InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover accessory for the Kinect 2.

The designer’s first peripheral in a line up for Xbox One, the InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover features a sturdy design that installs around the embodiment of the Kinect 2 Camera providing a lens cover for quick access to motion gaming or privacy protection whenever you need it.

Throughout the development of the InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover, InterWorks Unlimited engineers worked closely with Microsoft specifications to ensure 100% compatibility with the Kinect 2. The result is a fine crafted accessory that does not hinder your Kinect 2 operation, but instead enhances it. Using the exclusive lens cover technology, the InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover puts the user in control, giving the gamer the power to change from motion control gaming to private use and back with the swipe of your finger. Definitely easier than unplugging the Kinect power cable everyday.

In addition to privacy protection, the InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover also provides protection for your Kinect 2. With the high cost of new consoles, one can never be too careful with protecting that investment. The InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover provides needed protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches.

The InterWorks Unlimited Xbox One Privacy Cover is available now at select National Retailers and online outlets, with an MSRP of $19.99. Gamers who want to get the product early, well before the console launch, Order on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Privacy-Cover-XBOX-ONE/dp/B00GK3CL26

Train2Game News: Star Trek Online Season 8 update

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STO_F2P_LogoPerfect World Entertainment Inc. and Cryptic Studios are pleased to announce that Star Trek Online, the award-winning free-to-play MMORPG, is launching its latest content update Season 8: The Sphere today.

In this latest season, players will explore the inside of a massive Dyson sphere, face off in new battle zones, receive new end-game gear, and combat a new ancient alien species. Free to all players, Season 8: The Sphere takes players to newer and deeper parts of the Star Trek universe.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Season 8: The Sphere is ready for you to explore,” said Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl. “With massive new events and our first ever battle zone, The Sphere introduces new types of missions that emphasize strategic thinking and effective coordination. Inside The Sphere you’ll face the Voth with their massive capital ships and mechanized troops, providing significant challenges for even the most experienced Admirals. Season 8: The Sphere is just the latest in a long line of free content updates and players can expect many more exciting seasons to come.”

Star Trek Online is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game where players can pioneer their own destiny as Captain of a Federation starship. Or they can become a Klingon Warlord and expand the Empire to the far reaches of the galaxy. With its latest expansion, Legacy of Romulus, players can work to rebuild the Romulan legacy as a member of the Romulan Republic. In Star Trek Online players have the opportunity to visit iconic locations from the popular Star Trek fiction, reach out to unexplored star systems and make contact with new alien species.

For more information and to download and play Star Trek Online for free, please visit the official website at: www.startrekonline.com

Train2Game News: Unity 4.3 released

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unity-logoUnity Technologies have released version 4.3 of the Unity multi-platform engine and development tools.

The important update includes the highly anticipated dedicated 2D development tools, huge additions to the Mecanim animation system, an upgrade to the re-written Umbra 3 occlusion culling, and much more.

While Unity has been used to create thousands of excellent 2D games, Unity 4.3 introduces new 2D development tools and metaphors specifically designed to streamline 2D workflow. Manipulating and optimizing 2D assets is made easier with the addition of a new Sprite Texture import mode, automated atlasing, an optimized 2D rendering, and drag-and-drop functionality for scene creation. Box2D physics have been integrated into Unity for better performance, stability, and smaller game builds. Additionally, polygon collider generation from sprite textures means quicker creation of accurate, but fully editable, physical collider meshes for refined physical response between objects in a scene.

In addition Unity’s signature character animation suite becomes more powerful with support for Blend Shapes, used to accurately and realistically blend complex geometry between model states, giving animators the ability to create, among other things, believable emotional facial animation.

On top of high-end improvements to character animation, Mecanim is now fully integrated with the Animation Window and its new dopesheet functionality. Support for animating simple scene elements, 2D sprite animations, camera settings, and more to make Mecanim an all-purpose animation solution.

The final big update for Unity is that Occlusion Culling in Unity has been rewritten for the upgrade to Umbra 3. Among other benefits, baking is much faster and generates much more accurate and better performing results. Rapid iteration allows for much more sophisticated environments containing highly detailed graphical content.

“4.3 is a huge update in the history of Unity,” said David Helgason, CEO, Unity Technologies. “The addition of 2D tools is an important milestone that will help developers make incredible 2D games, and with major improvements to Mecanim and greatly increased performance, this is a weighty, productive update that we’re thrilled to release.”

You can download Unity 4.3 and start creating games straight away from http://unity3d.com/unity/download

Train2Game News: SpecialEffect GameBlast weekend

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SpecialEffectGamer’s charity SpecialEffect have announced their GameBlast weekend, where people of all ages across the UK are invited to be involved with video game marathons to help people with disabilities benefit from the fun and inclusion of games.

The charity is calling for teams of friends, family members or work colleagues to sign up to undertake their own sponsored marathons, which can last up to 24 hours, anytime during the weekend of 21-23 February 2014.

“It’s an opportunity for people to do what they love best, and level the playing field for people with disabilities at the same time,” said Mark Saville, the charity’s Communications Officer.

“Playing for 24 hours is a pretty big challenge, but we’re asking people to attempt it to help the thousands of people who want to share their passion, but can’t join in because of a disability.

“People like Sam (http://bit.ly/19dEyIR), who could only watch his friends and family enjoy the Xbox because his cerebral palsy prevented him from using a controller. The sponsorship raised through the GameBlast marathons will change the lives of many more people like Sam through the gift of gaming fun and inclusivity.

“It’s going to be an incredible weekend. They’ll be incentives and giveaways, and every team who registers will be entered into a complimentary draw for gaming goodies. We’ll also be running our own marathon from Gameblast HQ, and keeping the world updated with progress from all the teams.”

Teams and individuals can sign up for the Gameblast weekend at http://www.specialeffect.org.uk/gameblast

Good luck to all those who decide to enter and let us know!

Train2Game News: UK Top 20 Games – 12.11.13

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Call of Duty GhostsIt’s no surprise to see the new Call of Duty: Ghosts sitting on top of the charts this week. After its one billion dollar sales day one it was always going to take the spot. The question now is how long will it stay there and what will knock it off? Further down the chart the only other new addition is the new Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy at number thirteen from Nintendo.

All formats

Week ending 9 November 2013

POS.  TITLE 

PUBLISHER

 LAST
WEEK 

1

 CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS

ACTIVISION

–

2

BATTLEFIELD 4

EA GAMES

2

3

ASSASSIN’S CREED IV: BLACK FLAG

UBISOFT

1

4

FIFA 14

EA SPORTS

3

5

GRAND THEFT AUTO V

ROCKSTAR

4

6

BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS

WARNER BROS INTERACTIVE

5

7

–

 WWE 2K14

2K SPORTS

7

8

–

 MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION

MICROSOFT

8

9

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2014

SEGA

4

10

SKYLANDERS SWAP FORCE

SKYLANDERS

9

11

JUST DANCE 2014

UBISOFT

12

12

DISNEY INFINITY

DISNEY INFINITY

13

13

 PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE AZRAN LEGACY

NINTENDO

–

14

POKEMON X

NINTENDO

11

15

POKEMON Y

NINTENDO

10

16

TOMB RAIDER

SQUARE ENIX

17

17

SAINTS ROW IV

DEEP SILVER

19

18

LEGO BATMAN 2: DC SUPER HEROES

WARNER BROS INTERACTIVE

14

19

F1 2013

CODEMASTERS

15

20

 

 ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW LEAF

NINTENDO

22
< previous week

Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2013 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: WWE 2K14 Review

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ultimate-warrior-wwe2k14The people at 2K very kindly sent me a copy off WWE 2K14 to review. This was 2K’s first wrestling game since obtaining the license from THQ.

There couldn’t have been a better developer to take over the WWE wrestling game franchise than 2K. They already had great sports game experience with their NHL, NFL and NBA series. So how did they do with their new IP?

Following on with the popularity of the Attitude Era storyline in WWE ’13 it was a smart move to keep the single player in a similar style. This years game saw the player run through the 30 years of Wrestlemania mode. Starting back at Wrestlemania number one with the $15,000 body slam challenge between Big John Studd and the late, great André the Giant all the way up to Wrestlemania twenty nine with the rematch of John Cena and The Rock for the WWE championship.

It was a pleasure reliving all the great Wrestlemania moments through the years and it was a brilliant excuse to play as several of the biggest Superstars through the events history including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, HBK and of course the Undertaker.

The gameplay and graphics in the game are pretty much the same as they have always been however just with a few rough edges tidied up.

For example when doing The People’s Elbow or the Five Knuckle Shuffle, the superstar on the floor won’t float across the ring to be in the correct position. Much like a real wrestler he will shuffle himself to the right angle for the move and if he is too close to the ropes the wrestler doing the move just simply won’t try and jump over him.

Overall the AI seems to be a bit more intelligent. Previous games have had bad trouble with targeting which can be utterly match changing in some situations, in the new game that happens a lot less but will still occur occasionally.

There are a few more little features included this year such as corner finishers. This makes finishing moves like HBK’s Sweet Chin Music and Edge’s Spear much simpler to do.

My final conclusion for 2K’s venture in to the Wrestling world is that they have smoothed down some rough edges but there isn’t anything particularly new in the game apart from a different enjoyable single player campaign and the updated roster.

Train2Game News: New World of Warcraft expansion announced

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wow_wod_logo_hires_m03At Blizzcon this past weekend, Blizzard announced the next expansion for World of Warcraft, Warlords of Draenor.

The fifth expansion to Blizzard Entertainment’s acclaimed massively multiplayer online role-playing game, sends players to the world of Draenor at a pivotal moment in history to fight against and alongside legends from Warcraft’s brutal past.

Across Draenor’s savage jungles and battle-scarred plains, Azeroth’s heroes will engage in a mythic conflict involving mystical draenei champions and mighty orc clans, and cross axes with the likes of Grommash Hellscream, Blackhand, and Ner’zhul at the height of their primal power. Players will need to scour this unwelcoming land in search of allies to help build a desperate defense against the old Horde’s formidable engine of conquest—or else watch their own world’s bloody, war-torn history repeat itself.

“Warlords of Draenor gives players a chance to take a commanding role in one of the Warcraft series’ most crucial conflicts,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “This expansion also includes features that make it easy for anyone to jump right into the action, whether they’ve played WoW at some point in the past or are just setting foot in Azeroth for the first time.”

To help new and returning players answer the call to arms on Draenor, the expansion will enable anyone to instantly boost one character to level 90, including a newly created character, quickly getting them up to speed and ready to enjoy the latest content with their friends.

To establish a foothold on Draenor once they’ve arrived, the displaced champions of the Horde and Alliance will be able to construct their own Garrison, an expandable, customizable stronghold that will serve as each player’s personal base of operations throughout the course of the expansion. As the Garrison grows, players will be able to recruit NPC allies and followers to take up residence, gathering resources and embarking on missions on the player’s orders.

Warlords of Draenor will also introduce fully revamped player character models and animations for many of World of Warcraft’s existing playable races, bringing the orcs, humans, and several other longtime residents of Azeroth up to the visual standards of newer races while still maintaining their iconic style and identity.

Along with these new features, World of Warcraft players will enjoy a wide array of new content on their way to the new level cap of 100, including new Zones, Dungeons, Raids, Scenarios, Battlegrounds, and more. Warlords of Draenor will also introduce questing improvements designed to encourage exploration and add unpredictability to players’ ongoing adventures.

Train2Game News: Xbox One Launch Apps

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Xbox OneMicrosoft have announced the apps that will be available for Gold subcribers from Xbox One’s launch.

This first wave of third-party apps will be joined by Microsoft’s Xbox Fitness, Xbox Video, Xbox Music, Internet Explorer, Skype, SkyDrive and Upload services on the Xbox One release date of November 22, 2013.

The list of apps for the United Kingdom are as follows:

4oD
Amazon\LOVEFiLM
blinkbox
Crackle
Demand 5
Eurosport
Machinima
MUZU TV
Netflix
NOW TV
TED
Twitch
Wuaki.tv

There are a few differences in the launch apps for different countries.

This will of course be along side the many Windows 8 apps that are becoming more and more available.

Train2Game News: Call of Duty: Ghosts day one sales

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Call of Duty GhostsActivision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc., announced that the company sold more than $1 billion of Call of Duty: Ghosts into shops worldwide as of day one.

“Call of Duty is by far the largest console franchise of this generation,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. “More people have played Call of Duty this year than ever before, logging four billion hours of gameplay. And in the last 12 months, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, including its digital content, generated more revenues than any other console game ever has in a single year. Although it is too early to assess sell-through for Call of Duty: Ghosts, it’s launching at a time when the franchise has never been more popular.”

Millions of people are already playing Call of Duty: Ghosts online. Since its release yesterday, Call of Duty: Ghosts has moved to the number one spot as the most played game on Xbox Live, according to Microsoft. Additionally, Activision confirmed that on the Xbox 360 videogames and entertainment system from Microsoft, average player sessions for Ghosts have been longer than either Black Ops II or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, during the same time period.

Call of Duty: Ghosts launched at fifteen thousand midnight openings around the world. Fans around the world shared their excitement in social media, with Call of Duty-related terms trending an astounding 20 times globally on Twitter in the last 24 hours.

“Ghosts is an amazing game which ushers in the next generation of Call of Duty. The team at Infinity Ward has delivered yet another epic thrill ride in the campaign, and what I think is our best multiplayer game yet,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “This is the must have launch title for the next generation of consoles, and we expect Call of Duty: Ghosts to be the most successful launch title for the Xbox One and PS4 by a wide margin. In fact, according to GameStop, Call of Duty: Ghosts is their most pre-reserved next gen title.”