Tag Archives: games

Train2Game News PLAY Expo Glasgow

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Replay Events, the team behind PLAY Expo Manchester and PLAY Expo Blackpool, are bringing their fan favourite gaming show to Scotland next year.

PLAY Expo Glasgow will be a celebration of gaming across the ages designed to unite the game community across Scotland in one huge event that will feature a whole host of video gaming related treats.

From hundreds of retro gaming consoles and computers, classic arcade and pinball machines through to some of the best indie and current generation games, PLAY Expo will bring veteran gamers and newcomers together like never before.

One partnership at next year’s show that reflects this idea perfectly is with ‘Versus Scotland’ the Scottish fighting game specialists who will host a number of prize tournaments over the weekend, challenging the very best fighting game competitors in Scotland.

Versus Scotland’s Russell Williamson said “Versus Scotland are delighted to hear that Replay Events will be bringing their fantastic Play Expo event to Scotland. We look forward to working with Replay Events in bringing together our experience, expertise, and passion, to ensure that the first Scottish PLAY Expo becomes a standout event in 2016.”

For more information visit the website here: http://playexpoglasgow.com/

Tickets are now on sale at the following location: http://playexpoglasgow.com/tickets/

Train2Game News New Batman Arkham Knight DLC

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Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment announced the next series of add-ons for Batman™: Arkham Knight.

The latest update includes the free 2016 Batman v Superman Batmobile Pack, and will be available beginning today for fans who have purchased the Batman: Arkham Knight Season Pass for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, or PC, and are connected to the Internet. The content can also be purchased separately beginning today on the PlayStation®Network, Xbox LIVE online entertainment network from Microsoft and STEAM.

Season Pass holders receive early access to the 2016 Batman v. Superman Batmobile Pack, which includes the Batsuit and Batmobile from the highly anticipated Warner Bros. Pictures film “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Owners of the game who do not have the Season Pass can download the pack beginning 1st December.

Also available today are two new Arkham Episodes, which give players the ability to control two of Gotham City’s most well-known characters, Catwoman and Robin.   Catwoman’s Revenge takes place after the events of Batman: Arkham Knight and puts players under the cover of darkness as they seek revenge on the Riddler. Flip of a Coin lets players take control of Robin as he looks to take down Two-Face’s lucrative money laundering operation.  Both Arkham Episodes also include two AR challenge maps.

To view the new Batman: Arkham Knight November Update Trailer, please visit the WB Games UK Youtube Channel at https://youtu.be/NCe-V6Vdf1M

Additional downloadable content available today:
·         Crime Fighter Challenge Pack #4: Get this Crime Fighter Challenge Pack to receive various challenge and invisible predator maps featuring Batman, Nightwing, Robin, Catwoman and Azrael. This expansive challenge pack allows focused training in Freeflow Combat and Invisible Predator stealth incursion.
·         Arkham Episodes AR Challenges: a collection of six new AR challenges including Freeflow Combat and Invisible Predator, taking place in environments from the Arkham Episodes GCPD Lockdown, Catwoman’s Revenge, and Flip of a Coin.
·         WayneTech Track Pack: Test your skills behind the wheel with these two cutting edge WayneTech themed racetracks.
·         Robin and Batmobile Skins Packs: Get this Robin and Batmobile skins pack to don the Original Tim Drake Robin costume and speed through Gotham City with the Robin Themed Batmobile Skin.
·         Riddler Themed Batmobile Skin: Puzzle your enemies with this Riddler themed Batmobile skin.
·         Free Update: Character Selection in AR Invisible Predator Challenges.

Train2Game News Team17 2016 Line Up

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QAward-winning games label Team17 have today released details of its exciting 2016 line-up.

2015 has been quite the year for the games industry veterans who this month have seen its Worms franchise enter its 21st year whilst the company is preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary in December.

Team17 have also released a new video that takes a look ahead at the label’s exciting 2016 releases featuring:

Yooka-Laylee – An all-new 3D platformer from the creative talent behind the  Banjo-Kazooie and  Donkey Kong Country games. Featuring new heroes, Yooka (the green one) and Laylee (the wisecracking bat with big nose) players will be able to utilise an arsenal of special moves like Yooka’s tongue grapple and Laylee’s tactical sonar blast, whilst exploring – and expanding – the gorgeous 3D world.

Worms W.M.D – Worms W.M.D features a fresh, brand new look 2D cartoon-inspired worm as well as gorgeous hand drawn landscapes. For the first time ever players will be able to use exciting new vehicles and even enter buildings which will add new strategic elements of gameplay to the traditional wormy warfare.

Strength of the SWORD: ULTIMATE – A charming yet brutal 3D fighter/brawler. Brimming with old school attitude, Strength of the SWORD: ULTIMATE is the kind of game you BEAT instead of finish. Playing as the mighty War Golem you will engage in tactical and skill based combat as Strength of the SWORD: ULTIMATE pits you against multiple deadly enemies at once and includes epic boss battles!

Sheltered – A post-apocalyptic disaster management game that gives a whole new meaning to the term “nuclear family”.

With all hope lost, how will you cope in this bleak new world? How you handle the many moral choices you’ll encounter on a daily basis could be the difference between your family surviving or dying. Combat claustrophobia, radiation and mental exhaustion as you cling desperately to life in the cramp, cold and scary underground shelter. You’ll have to leave the scant protection the shelter offers behind as you’re forced to venture outside into the dangerous desolate wasteland to scavenge for vital supplies which could ensure your families survival for just one more day.

Allison Road – You wake up one night without any recollection of prior events. Now it is your turn to uncover what happened to your family and face off against the horrors that await in the house…

What would you do if you could feel something stalking you in the dark, in the safety of your own home? If you couldn’t tell what’s real and what’s not?

Allison Road is a narrative-driven survival horror game developed entertainment industry veterans and life-long game enthusiasts Lilith.

To keep up to date with all the information on Team17 please visit www.team17.com , like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Train2Game News EGX Returning in 2016

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Gamer Network, leaders in games media and events, is proud to announce that EGX, the UK’s biggest games event, will return to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on the 22nd-25th September 2016.

Now entering its ninth year, EGX has cemented its status as the number one venue for publishers and developers to exhibit their pre-release games in the UK. In recent years the event has grown to encompass all aspects of gaming culture including eSports, VR, YouTube talent, indie games, cosplay and retro gaming.

Meanwhile the GamesIndustry.biz Career Fair offers advice to students, helping to bring through the next generation of game development talent.

After successfully transitioning to a new venue in the heart of the country in 2015, EGX 2016 is expected to welcome 80,000 attendees, 1,500+ screens of interactive entertainment and many of the world’s leading game developers through its doors. 2016 will see EGX expand to take more floor space within the NEC, offering exhibitors further opportunities and attendees even more content to enjoy.

“In 2015 we established key new features of the show with Gfinity, YouTube and others, broadening the event’s appeal and expanding our consumer offering. EGX 2016 will see us build on this year’s success and grow even further” said David Lilley, Managing Director of Gamer Events. “2016 will be a landmark year for the industry with the next generation of consoles firmly established and virtual reality set to transform the gaming landscape. EGX is perfectly placed to demonstrate the flourishing nature of the industry”.

Tickets for EGX are expected to go on sale during early 2016 and will be available via www.egx.net.

Tickets for EGX’s sister event EGX Rezzed, taking place at Tobacco Dock in London on the 7th-9th April, are available now at https://www.egx.net/rezzed.

Train2Game News Commando Kiwi looking for artists

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Professional Studio wants Train2Game Artists to help complete project.

Studio seeking artists to work on Valour: Shadow of Grimdark
Commando Kiwi is reaching out to the Train2Game student community to help complete its new title set to be released 2016.

The team are close to completing the project and need help to create 3D assets. They are looking for a couple of artists to come on board for the final stages of the build. The Artists chosen will receive a credit on a shipped title, which will be a huge endorsement as they embark on their professional games development careers.

Commando Kiwi is an independent studio and the majority of the members are current or former Train2Game students. They are hugely popular in the Train2Game community and won the Make Something Unreal Live Competition in association with Epic Games a few years ago. The team is relatively large for an Indie studio, with ten team members plus outsourced audio support.

The team want to create a game that all team members can use in their portfolios, showing off their work with a project that out shines the average indie title. The first release will be used to get feedback from community and if it’s a success Commando Kiwi may take the title to Kickstarter to gather funding for a full enhanced version.

The additional team members will not need to be available full time, but enough to make a decent contribution to the project. Commando Kiwi are aware most Train2Gamer’s have other commitments. If the artists that join the team are successful, they could be asked to join the team permanently.

Adam Sherratt, Commando Kiwi, ‘The game is called Valour: Shadow of Grimdark, as the name implies the game Valour could in the future be made up of several chapters, which we have already have back story planned for.’

‘The game is 3D action adventure game with RPG elements and is massively updated version of a project we showed November last year at Apps World and Platform Expo. The player must explore and fight their way through the game world, gaining new weapons, equipment and skills as they go to realise their destiny and save the land from the impending war and destruction.’

‘We are aiming to have the first part completed and on the App Store by the end of the Quarter one of 2016. Of course this really depends on whether we are able to get the help we need on the Art front as the project is being held up by this at the moment. Code wise the game is essentially complete and just requires a little more polish / bug fixes’

‘If the Artists who work with us do well then we would certainly look to integrate them into the team for the foreseeable future. This first release is non-commercial and is designed to be an outstanding portfolio piece for all of us that we can also use to get feedback from the community. If it is well received we plan to go on and seek crowd funding to extend and enhance the game and produce a paid version for the App Store.’

‘I personally have completed all of the T2G Developer course material and just have coursework projects to complete. The knowledge gained from the course has been a huge help getting me this far and all my original contacts were from taking part in the T2G game jams and events. However my current priority is to get the first release of this game completed. We are still doing all our work in our spare time in addition to our main jobs so we don’t require people to be able to put in silly hours just a reasonable contribution.’

Main studio members currently working on the project are:

Adam Sherratt (Originally T2G Developer Course)
Andrew Smallwood (Originally T2G Design Course)
Danny Welch (Originally T2G Developer Course)
Erolle Del Rosario (Originally T2G Art Course)
Martyn Whittel (Originally T2G Design Course)
Malik Razik (Originally T2G Art Course)
Tom Constable (From University background – met at Epic Game Jam)

We are currently also trailing a couple of new Artists:
Liam Sell (From University background – met at Platform Expo)
David Vickery (Originally T2G Art Course)

Adam Sherratt, Commando Kiwi, ‘In additional to this we have an outside company called Undercurrent Audio doing some of the scores and sound effects for us.’

‘If anyone is interested can they please email me at adam.sherratt@commandokiwi.co.uk along with their portfolio or a sample of any work they have done. Obviously once they have signed our NDA we can answer any questions and show them more of the project.’

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Train2Game is a proud supporter of www.plasisgamesportal.com and www.gamatier.com 

Train2Game News BrightLocker funding

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BrightLocker, a revolutionary new crowdpublishing platform created by a diverse group of video game industry veterans, is set to redefine the crowdfunding landscape for videogames with a platform that goes beyond simply allowing backers to fund projects. BrightLocker is the first platform to allow its community to actually participate in the funding, creation, selection and development of games.

Preparing for live launch in early 2016, the BrightLocker platform is now accepting signups for its Closed Beta testing, which will begin in early December.

“In the traditional crowdfunding model for videogames, consumers play the role of a pay-and-pray bystander, often backing games that never get made,” said Ruben Cortez, CEO, BrightLocker, Inc.  “BrightLocker will ensure that every game that gets funded actually gets made and published. We use the power of the crowd to put the ‘fun’ in funding, engaging with users throughout the entire development process, giving gamers the chance to imagine, choose, create, play and even earn money.”

By gamifying the process, BrightLocker rewards gamers at every step of the crowdpublishing process, from game concept through development to launch. For active members of the community, the platform and process are unique opportunities to make their favorite ideas become reality – all while earning rewards, achievements, and currency they can use on the platform and in future games, creating a never-ending virtuous cycle.

In addition to benefits for players, BrightLocker is also attractive for developers. Crowdpublishing on BrightLocker allows developers to work on games ‘pre-approved’ by gamers, reducing user acquisition cost and making development more efficient, dramatically increasing a titles chances of being a hit product. The games on BrightLocker are not limited to any one platform.

BrightLocker is set to officially launch and provide unprecedented power for gamers in early 2016. For more information on BrightLocker, and to sign up for the Closed Beta, please visit www.brightlocker.com.

Train2Game News GAME midnight opening for Battlefront

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Tonight, GAME will be opening over 300 stores at midnight to play host to the UK’s would-be Jedi’s and Rebels wanting to get their hands on the hotly anticipated Star Wars Battlefront.

Fans across the UK will be able to immerse themselves in the world of Star Wars with a nationwide Cosplay competition, only at GAME. So whether you are a Droid or Jedi, a Wookie or Ewok, the gamer with the best costume at each store will be in with the chance to get their hands on some epic prizes including a Limited Edition Star Wars Battlefront PlayStation 4 1TB console, 20 official Sony Star Wars controllers and much more.

What’s more, stores across the country will be getting ready for an evening of inter-galactic entertainment with screenings of the films in Hull and special guest visits from stars of the Preston Comic Con at the Preston store. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on their local store’s Twitter feed for more info.

Fred Prego, Insight & Marketing Director at GAME said: “At GAME we pride ourselves on offering our customers the very best experience for new releases.

“As a franchise, Star Wars opens up a fantastic world of opportunities for Cosplay, so from Aberdeen to Plymouth, we expect Rebels and Jedi’s to be lining the streets in preparation for this exciting launch night. Get your Lightsabres at the ready as this is bound to be an epic night!”

To find out what’s happening in a store near you, visit instore.game.co.uk, or join the conversation at @GAMEdigital.

Train2Game News BioGaming aids home physiotherapy

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BioGaming, the leading developer of virtual reality physiotherapy solutions, has taken computer aided patient recovery to the next level.

For the first time, exercise routines can be created by licensed physiotherapists for patient use at home, using ‘motion capture technology’ to ensure correct rehabilitation, and low cost hardware and mobile apps automatically to connect the physiotherapist with the progress of the patient.

Biogaming allows physiotherapists to create digital personalized exercise plans, which it then automatically converts into games tailored specifically for patients, who are given hardware and instructions to connect with the platform in the cloud. A patented motion detection algorithm powers a Microsoft Kinect 3D motion capture camera which can be connected to Microsoft Windows computers or paired with a provided Xbox One for use with a television. Rich reporting capabilities enable progress automatically digitally.

Says Dudi Klein, founder and CEO of BioGaming;

“We are turning therapy into a game to be won. Patients who use BioGaming tap into something extra within themselves to do better in the virtual world, while getting better in the real world, a win win for patient, provider and payer. We are taking proven physiotherapy routines, real-time biofeedback and personal encouragement of sessions in the hospital or clinic and bringing them home. We are closing the gaps in the current physiotherapy process to boost adherence, transform the therapy cost equation for providers, and empower Physiotherapists to deliver better patient outcomes.”

The innovation is designed to tackle the problem of low compliance with traditional physiotherapy approaches where boring routines often demotivate patients. It also helps to include physiotherapists in the fast moving world of digital and mobile innovation in healthcare.

In a world where telemedicine enables more cost-effective, convenient and connected healthcare, BioGaming is the equivalent for the rehabbing of orthopedic injuries.

Train2Game News Gems of War free to play

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505 Games today announced that Gems of War, the epic, match-3 battle game from the creators of the original Puzzle Quest, is now available to download for PlayStation 4 and XBOX One. Availability on the PlayStation Store in Europe is set for November the 18.

The highly addictive title combines elements from puzzle, RPG and card battle games allowing players to battle foes not just with swords and sorcery, but with a puzzle board. Match gems of many colors to power spells & skulls to smite enemies, then take the spoils of war and forge a mighty empire! It’s completely engrossing, easy-to-learn and filled with incredible strategy.

Gems of War is set in a mystical world filled with powerful heroes where players must successfully complete hundreds of quests across 15 kingdoms. Gamers create a hero, collect new allies for their party, and fight epic battles while attempting to conquer the world of Krystara. Each kingdom captured holds new troops and quests to explore, as players strive to build the mightiest army in the realm. Battle other players in each respective kingdom to defend their titles and battle the greedy masses or opt to join a guild and fight alongside friends:

• Collect and level-up over 130 different troops with unique spells
• Build your hero party to create the ultimate battle warriors
• Over 1200 Missions across 120 Quests
• Includes Arena Mode with unlimited PvP battles
• Unique PS4 Armor Sets: Shadow, Ebon, Obsidian Armor
• Unique XBOX Armor Sets: Savage, Wild and Bestial Armor

“We are excited to bring the Gems of War experience to PlayStation 4 and XBOX One, giving console players to the chance to take the spoils of war and forge their own empires!” said Joel Breton, senior vice president, 505 Games Mobile.

Gems of War is available to download for FREE now from the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live. Availability on the PlayStation Store in Europe is set for November the 18.

Train2Game News UK Games Fund

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The new UK Games Fund, launched last month by Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy Ed Vaizey, is now accepting applications.

The launch round is targeted at the “pent up demand” amongst established companies. It also requires nomination by two industry peers.

“We know from talking to the companies that we supported in the previous fund and from the enquiries we’ve received since our launch, that there’s a terrific need amongst early stage developers, who’ve been running for a couple of years and now have new IP they need to develop” explains Managing Director Paul Durrant.  “We’re reaching out to them first and accelerating the process by seeking recommendations to highlight strong projects from industry peers.”

“We’ve also seen a lot of interest from newcomers to the industry too so we’re designing a second round launching early next year that will cast a wider net” explains Paul.

“We’re incredibly excited about this first round, but it’s just a small first step amongst range of planned funding packages and talent support projects. We’re going to join things up so that there’s a significant overlap between supported companies, the wealth of UK games development talent and experienced mentors with all of those contributing to value growth in the UK games ecosystem” says Paul.

The project is being run by a new, not-for-profit Community Interest Company, UK Games Talent and Finance and the operational team is essentially the same as the one that ran the previous UK Prototype Fund. Paul has been joined on the board by seasoned investor Mark Hogarth as they look to create more co-investment opportunities for the sector. The company operates out of offices in Dundee and through London’s Digital Catapult.

More details can be found at www.ukgamesfund.com
For all the latest news follow @ukgamesfund on Twitter.