Tag Archives: game

Train2Game News “Spotify of gaming” in closed beta

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Utomik, the new ‘unlimited gaming’ subscription service launches its eagerly awaited Closed Beta today.

The start-up company, dubbed ‘the Spotify of gaming’ by the media, is sending out beta activation keys to lucky gamers around the world as we speak. They are the first to try out this exciting new service.

Utomik announced their service last February, offering unlimited gaming for $9.99 per month, which resulted in overwhelming community response and media attention. Utomik’s unique take on streaming lets gamers play the  real game (not a video stream like OnLive) up to a 100 times faster without lag.

Utomik has secured the first publishing contracts totaling over 400 games and is rapidly expanding its library further. During the closed beta, gamers can play a selection of games from the entire library. Games include Darksiders II, Broken Age, King Arthur II and Torchlight.

Utomik successfully wrapped up a first alpha phase last month and surveyed the participants to back up its claims. Gamers responded positively about the Utomik experience so far:

“Color me amazed how it just works”,
“No lag as promised” and “Fantastic service”
are just a few of the responses.

“Gamers love to play many games for a monthly fee. Their first reactions are fantastic, now we look to expand that success with the Closed Beta.” says CEO Doki Tops.

You can still sign up on the company website:  Sign up to participate

Train2Game News Humble Game Maker Bundle

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Axis Game Factory is pleased to announce it’s involvement in this summer’s Humble “Game Maker” Bundle that is currently running and will commence on July 21, 2015.

As a powerful development suite of software, AGFPRO is featured with six of it’s products in this year’s promotion and is participating in the Indie Game Dev Competition that is open to anyone from now until August 7, 2015. The Grand Prize pool continues to grow and is based on the total sales of the Humble “Game Maker” Bundle in addition to many other prizes for a variety of categories and genres.

AGFPRO is the ideal game creation software and is a comprehensive toolset, designed to provide game developers and enthusiasts alike with a powerful and rapid level creation, terrain and vegetation editing, lighting and atmosphere system that puts the power to create in anyone’s hands. AGFPRO is stand-alone, but also works seamlessly with the Unity 5 game engine, to allow developers the ability to sell a commercial product.

The Axis Game Factory products included in this massive promotion include the main application, AGFPRO v3.0, Premium, Voxel Sculpt DLC, Drone Kombat DLC, Zombie FPS DLC and the latest Zombie Survival Pack DLC. All of the add-on products expand the users player experience, allowing the option to either make casual and fun games that users can “Build, Play and Share” with friends or to take their creations into Unity and commercialize on their own.

The Humble “Game Maker” Bundle includes a huge array of products that include game creation software, DLC’s, add-ons, music, games and coupons/credits that total almost $2,000.00 USD in retail product. Gamers are encouraged to “get their gaming on” and make an original product based out of the many tools offered in this “pay what you want” bundle.

The contest can be found at http://www.contest.gamedevfort.com and will be judged by a variety of industry veterans and celebrity judges. Led by game publisher, Degica’s Global Director, Mitchell Scott, he adds, “Last years inaugural Indie Game Making Contest was an incredible success with a grand prize of $10,000 and over 800 entries. This year the prize is even bigger as it’s tied to sales of the Humble Game Making Bundle. It’s currently at $16,500 (and counting). We’re very excited to see what everyone comes up with for this years contest!”

Axis Game Factory’s AGFPRO, it’s suite of seven (7) DLC’s and latest stand alone application, GeoVox, empower developers to rapidly create game maps, sculpt terrain and design levels quickly and easily. With over 500 assets pre-stocked in the warehouse, along with 28 pre-set themes and simple maps, users can begin creating levels in literally minutes, making it the perfect software for any professional or gamer that want to start creating amazing game levels without having to program, model or animate. And by using stand out features such as “Scene-Linking” allow users to connect levels and expand their worlds together, “Co-op Collaboration” for up to 8 users in Premium, and using the “Game Packager” instantly allows users to share their creations as an .exe file and send to anyone to play for free makes this software suite a must-have in this expansive Humble “Game Maker” Bundle!

Train2Game News PLAY it! Manchester 2015

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Get your game face on this summer at the Museum of Science and Industry’s first ever gaming event, featuring some of the most popular video games of the past 30 years.

Running from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 9 August, PLAY it! Manchester – in partnership with leading gaming specialists Replay Events – is a hands-on celebration and immersive gaming experience for fun-loving visitors young and old alike.

From Pong and Pacman to Minecraft and Halo there is a game to suit beginners and experts, dads and daughters, multiplayers, retro fans and everybody else in between. Over 120 games and consoles are available to play during each 90 minute pre-bookable gaming session, which run at set times throughout this family friendly 16 day event.

Split into 6 different zones, featuring the most loved and popular games linked by theme, content and brand – from Minecraft, Atari and Lego to Wii, Megadrive and Nintendo, PLAY it! Manchester offers a unique opportunity to experience the very best in contemporary and retro gaming culture within the museum’s historic Great Western Warehouse, part of the oldest surviving passenger railways station in the world.

PLAY it! Manchester also plays tribute to Ocean Software, one of the most recognisable names in gaming. Established in Manchester in the 1980s, this globally renowned software development company are responsible for some of the world’s most iconic games produced for the Sinclair Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amiga & ST, SNES and Mega Drive. A selection of these family favourites will be available to play throughout the event.

Visitors are also invited to experience life in the 1980s computer room, and take part in fun challenges, from freestyle BASIC programming to classic fondly-remembered educational games such as Granny’s Garden and PODD. Never before has a career in STEM, science technology, engineering and maths, promised so much fun.

Whether you’re a family dropping in for a 90 minute session, a seasoned gamer making the most of PLAY it! Manchester’s full-day pass, or a night owl visiting the twice weekly adult-only evening sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to test your skills, show off to your kids or play something new for the first time. So come along and PLAY it!

PLAY it! Manchester runs from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 9 August at the Museum of Science and Industry as part of the museum’s summer programme.

PLAY it! Manchester is recommended for ages 6 +

Tickets are available to book now via www.mosi.org.uk/playit .

Subject to availability tickets may also be available to buy at the museum on the day.

Train2Game News Gamepedia shows huge PC growth

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The Gamepedia website has become home to a bastion of information for all types of games, including several blossoming Kickstarter titles.

With over half a billion people playing games on a daily basis and over three billion hours of video games being played every week—it’s no surprise that Gamepedia has over 20 million unique visitors each month.

Diehard PC fans want to show their passion for titles like Minecraft and creating online wikis help them reach that larger target audience of dedicated gamers. Minecraft has not only claimed the title of one of the most popular PC game available to date-but done so with no money spent on advertising or backing from a publisher. The popular sandbox title has now sold over 20 million copies worldwide and that number continues to grow steadily each day.

Ben Robinson, Wiki Director for Curse stated, “The great thing about the PC market is the accessibility for developers. Anyone with a PC and some free software can create a game and share it. While Sony and Microsoft are making strides to change this in the console sphere—they are still years behind. This accessibility allows for extremely innovative and unique creations.” 

As PC gaming continues to flourish, Gamepedia’s Wiki Directory becomes more expansive. For example, Blizzard’s World of Warcraft expansion Warlords of Draenor increased the game’s subscriber base to 7.4 million, and the World of Warcraft Wiki has grown to over include 317,106 articles on game features, lore, and in-game item information. With Minecraft’s rapid growth, there are over 38,866 articles on the Gamepedia Minecraft Wiki. What does this mean? That PC games continue to see explosive growth which is evident by the rapid increase in the number of wiki pages on Curse’s Gamepedia.

In addition to gaming news and information, Gamepedia hosts exciting contests, promotions, and giveaways. This week, the introduction of the Official Mad Max Wiki is being celebrated with a pre-order giveaway on social media, where Mad Max fans using the hashtag #MadMaxGame will have a chance to win one of three game pre-orders. To stay up-to-date on future giveaways, as well as the latest wikis and gaming news, visit  the official Gamepedia website.

Train2Game News Interview with resident Iron Man

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In recent weeks Train2Game has been documenting Sheldon Gilman’s pursuit to create the ultimate Iron Man suit.

He’s working on a collection of costumes and hopes to create a pair of Iron Man costumes for next year’s MCM Expo.

This week Train2Game caught up with Sheldon to hear more about the man inside the costume, including his professional and personal ambitions. 

Please tell us about yourself?
“My name is Sheldon Gilman, I am 35 and currently live in a small village called Redbourn in Hertfordshire with my wife and one year old daughter. I was originally born in Jamaica and moved to England with my parents when I was six months old. We lived in south London till I was seven then moved to Luton and now I live in Redbourn with my Wife and daughter.”

“I should also mention it was my very patient, loving and understanding wife who initially got me interested in cosplay and is constantly having to dodge Iron Man parts and tools that are all over the living room.” 

What cosplay does your wife enjoy, do you have photos of you both in cosplay?
I haven’t quite convinced Parveen to dress up yet but that’s soon to change as she’s told me she “MAY” consider dressing as Pocahontas next May. 

What is your regular job?
“I work in the IT department at Aldwyck Housing Group. A housing association.”

How much does the suit cost to create?
“Well I’ve never kept an accurate tally of how much it cost but my last suit was in the region of £200. This current suit, so far has cost me around £400 – £450 and there’s still more things I need to buy like electronics components and paint. However, when it’s completed, I expect it to have cost me £700 – £800.”

Would you ever sell a suit and if so, how much would one cost to buy?
“I definitely would sell my suits. I’d sell them in whole or in part (i.e. just the helmet) Prices would depend on detail. For a raw suit in foam, no paint, animatronics or electronics I’d say around £600 for a fibreglass suit all painted with full animatronics and electronics £1500.”

When will your latest suit be finished?
“I have set my finish date for May next year because I want both the Iron man Mk 20 and the War Machine to be completed for the MCM Expo in London where myself and a few others visit twice a year.”

Do you have a photo in the suit you at MCM Expo last year?
“I attached a pic of me with Rob Ledsom at MCM a few years back. I have to admit I haven’t worn this suit to MCM Expo time. I have also attached a pic of me in my Assassins Creed/ Jango Fett mash-up Costume.”

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What does your daughter understand of what you are doing?
“My Daughter Inara is very curious little monkey and likes to be involved in whatever everyone else is doing. My friends at Armour up have made her first costume to wear at her fancy dress party later this month.”
 

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What do you have planned in the future?
“I plan on getting a large shed built in my back garden this summer so I can create more costumes. I have many in mind like Sam Wilson aka The Falcon from Captain America – The winter Soldier, Heimdall from Thor, Batman – Arkham Knight Armour, Jager Pilot Suits from Pacific Rim and some crossovers too like Iron C3PO and Iron Tron. I will most definitely need help with some of these so I will be working with my younger brother and a very good friend of mine who is starting her own company called Armour Up.”

Would you see costume design as a future career?
“Very much so! The course I’m doing is useful, in that it’s showing me design techniques that speed up my design process greatly. However, as I am pretty much a one-man-band, production would be slow. I’m currently working on Iron Man mark 20 and War Machine simultaneously, and hope to have them finished by May 2016. I also have a Heimdall costume to make by May 2016 so I’m already a very busy bee.”

Which course are you studying with Train2Game?
“I am studying Games Artist and Animator.”

How are you finding the Train2Game course?
“The course is great! I actually started learning 3D animation on my own, watching YouTube videos and playing about with the different options in 3DS max but I thought it was time I got a qualification in the industry. The flexibility of the course has allowed me to continue working full-time, take care of my daughter all whilst studying to change to a career that I’d love.”

What are your thoughts on T2G?
“Train2Game have been a godsend. Courses of this type are very hard to find, As I work full time to support my family, I cannot afford to take three years out to get a bachelor’s degree from a normal university and no other university in this country has a program where you can study 3D animation totally from home, in your own time and get a portfolio as well as a recognised qualification out of it.”

Can you tell me more about your friend’s venture, Armour Up, and how you will be involved?
“I am getting James and Serena to write a few lines about what they do for you, but just briefly, they are both cosplayers. Alongside Serena’s regular job, she is an awesome seamstress and is very good at making period clothing. James and I both work for the same housing association but he is also a part time actor.”

“At the moment we’re just exchanging creative and business ideas and sharing expertise as I know nothing when it comes to cloth and Serena is eager to learn how to use the harder materials. James is the brains behind the operations and has good business head on his shoulders. He’s almost finished putting the Armour Up website together. I’ll update with more shortly.”

Further details of Sheldon’s project will follow on the Train2Game blog
Train2Game, bringing City & Guilds to the Games Industry

Train2Game is a proud supporter of www.plasisgamesportal.com

Train2Game News British Academy Games Awards 2016

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The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has today announced the call for entries for the British Academy Games Awards in 2016. The prestigious annual ceremony recognises and rewards the very best in games of the past year.

The 18 categories of the Awards encompass every element of games and highlight the accomplishments of the games industry over the past 12 months. Any game released in the UK is eligible to enter multiple categories within the Awards, a full list of which can be found on the BAFTA website, http://www.bafta.org/games/awards

Ensuring entry to the Awards remains accessible to all, developers and publishers may submit one free entry in the month of the game’s UK release. Games must have a release date between 1 January and 31 December 2015. The entry deadline is 9 December 2015.

Kelly Smith, Head of Television and Games at BAFTA, said: “This year’s British Academy Games Awards, held in March, was a great success. We broadened our categories to include Original Property and Persistent Game and we saw a broader range of winners than ever before. We are committed to celebrating the diversity and creativity of games as an art form, and we are proud to reflect such an innovative and fast-paced industry at our annual Awards. We look forward to the ceremony in 2016.”

The British Academy Games Awards will again be held at Tobacco Dock in 2016 where industry guests will enjoy a number of changes to the format of the evening, including the return to a more formal, sit-down dinner. Information on tickets will be announced at a later date.

For further information on the Awards and its rules and guidelines, visit http://awards.bafta.org/entry. Entries can be submitted here: https://entry.bafta.org

Train2Game News Q2 2015 Games Industry Report

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The games industry’s structure now looks a lot like it did 10 years ago, with a handful of companies dominating the top grossing charts (although different sectors and companies to back then).

While Digi-Capital’s new Games Report Q2 2015 forecasts games software revenue growing from $88 billion in 2015 to $110 billion by 2018 , that is just 8% growth per year – low by tech standards (although AR/VR could break out next year). This dynamic has had a dramatic impact on games deals so far this year.

Last year’s record $24 billion of games M&As and IPOs was always going to be tough to match. There were 5 mega-deals that took $8.1 billion, King went IPO, as well as major deals in Asia. Games investment had already narrowed to a handful of VCs and strategic investors, down 25% on the previous high in 2011.

Games deals in the first half of 2015 fell 89% compared to 2014. Investments were down 48%, M&As down 87%, with a quiet games IPO market. Those deals that are happening centered on mobile and tech, although at much lower levels than 2014. If the second half of 2015 looks like the first half, Digi-Capital projects $800 million of investments and $2 billion of M&As for the full year. The last time games deals were at this level, folks listened to Daniel Powter and James Blunt on iPods because there were no iPhones – it was 2006.

Deal making is a game of two halves. When times are good for entrepreneurs and investors, they are hard for corporate acquirers. The go-go years of games deals between 2011 and 2014 were exceedingly kind to sellers, but now the buyers have smiles on their faces at the end of valuation negotiations. For games market leaders with strong IPs, cashflows and balance sheets, it doesn’t get much better than this.

However supply and demand don’t always meet in the middle, which explains why deal volumes are also much lower than last year. Some games companies decided to hold off on an exit when times were good, so are now sitting tight to see what happens. They might be waiting a while, as the last time the games deal market dipped (due to the global financial crisis) it took 4 years to recover. So for corporate buyers, knowing who is ready to sell and why is going to be crucial for taking advantage of market conditions.

Train2Game News UK Top 20 – 13.07.15

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F1_2015A surprising chart this week as petrol heads nation wide have dethroned the dark knight. F1 2015 is number one with Batman: Arkham City at number two. Lower down the charts is Disney Infinity 2.0 which debuts at number thirteen.

All formats
Week ending 11 July 2015

POS.  TITLE  PUBLISHER  LAST
WEEK 
1 F1 2015 CODEMASTERS –
2 BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 1
3 LEGO JURASSIC WORLD WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 2
4 THE ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE BETHESDA SOFTWORKS 3
5 – GRAND THEFT AUTO V ROCKSTAR 5
6 THE WITCHER III: WILD HUNT BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT 4
7 – MINECRAFT: XBOX EDITION MICROSOFT 7
8 MINECRAFT: PLAYSTATION EDITION SONY COMPUTER ENT. 10
9 – CALL OF DUTY: ADVANCED WARFARE ACTIVISION 9
10 DESTINY ACTIVISION 11
11 FIFA 15 EA SPORTS 8
12 – DYING LIGHT WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE 12
13 DISNEY INFINITY 2.0 DISNEY INFINITY –
14 – FARMING SIMULATOR 15 FOCUS HOME INTERACTIVE 14
15 HALO: THE MASTER CHIEF COLLECTION MICROSOFT 16
16 PAYDAY 2: CRIMEWAVE EDITION 505 GAMES 13
17 SPLATOON NINTENDO 15
18 YOSHI’S WOOLLY WORLD NINTENDO 6
19 – WWE 2K15 2K SPORTS 19
20 TERRARIA XBOX 360 CLASSICS 19
< previous week

Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2015 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 Tony Hawk Pro Skater 5 at NASS

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Tony Hawk fans will be able to play Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5, due to be released later this year.

For the first time ever this weekend, the up coming game will be playable when Tony Hawk and his Birdhouse Skateboards team stop by the NASS Festival, Somerset on Saturday 11th July as part of their Birdhouse European Vacation Tour.

The tour kicks off this Saturday at the NASS Festival near Bristol, UK, before traveling on to Copenhagen, Paris, Malaga, Munich and Prague. The annual Birdhouse Summer tour gives fans a great opportunity to come out and see some of the best that skateboarding has to offer at some great locations across Europe, and drop by the Activision booth at each stop on the tour to play the game for the first time.

This year’s Birdhouse Tour line-up includes skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, Aaron “Jaws” Homoki, Ben Raybourn, Clint Walker, David Loy, Clive Dixon, Mike Davis, Shawn Hale, Kevin Staab, and Lizzie Armanto. In the UK, there will be a special Tony Hawk and Friends vert demo at the NASS Festival as well featuring Tony Hawk, Kevin Staab, Lizzie Armanto and many special guests.

“I’m excited to hit the road with the Birdhouse team, and to skate some of the best parks in Europe along the way,” said Tony Hawk of the tour. “Hope to see you there!”

For ongoing details and updates, go to http://birdhouseskateboards.com

Train2Game News Passport X for Xbox One

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GAME is giving Xbox One gamers the chance to get their hands on a My Passport X exclusive, in store or online at game.co.uk for £94.99.

With the national release of My Passport X not until 15th July, GAME customers will be amongst the first to snap up the new portable Xbox One hard drive.

With 2TB space, My Passport X immediately adds storage capacity to the Xbox One system so customers will no longer have to delete files to make room for new games. Built around a high-quality WD drive, with easy set-up and a stylish compact design, the device is built to deliver a great gaming experience for Xbox One or PC gamers.

Rachel Dearsley, Microsoft Category Manager at GAME, comments: “We want to ensure that our customers are on the frontline and amongst the first to have access to all the latest gaming products.

“Not only will My Passport X improve the gaming experience in the home but also on the move as gamers can take the drive with them wherever they go.

“With this added space and the reward points earned when purchasing through GAME, there’s no excuse not to treat yourself to a new game too!”

To find out more about My Passport X visit your local GAME store or game.co.uk.