Tag Archives: Microsoft

Train2Game Gaming record attempt

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Gaming record attempt

The University of Bedfordshire will host a world record attempt next month when a computing giant and an online college try to hold the largest game jam held in a single location.

Experts from Microsoft will team up with students from Train2Game which runs from September 14-16 at the university’s three computer labs at the Park Street campus.

They will form development teams and create Metro style videogames in 48 hours for Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system, which is scheduled for release on October 26.

The world record will be set with a target of 301 or more participants and representatives from The Guinness Book of World Records will be present to adjudicate the event.

Games completed during the record attempt deemed suitable for release will be available through the Windows Store. A judging process will then take place with gaming industry representatives choosing the best game of the show.

Carsten Maple, the university’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, said: “The university works closely with the games industry and is delighted to host this exciting, record breaking event.”

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Train2Game teams with Microsoft to set game jam world record

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The Guinness Book of World Records (for largest game jam in a single location) to be set at event organised by Microsoft and Train2Game

Luton, 01 August 2012: Microsoft Corp. will collaborate with online blended learning service Train2Game to set the world record for the largest game jam held in a single location, at the Microsoft and Train2Game Gameathon 2012.

Students on Train2Game courses will gather at the University of Bedfordshire from 14th September to 16th September 2012, forming development teams and creating Metro style videogames for Windows 8 in 48 hours. The world record will be set with a target of 301 or more participants. Representatives from The Guinness Book of World Records will adjudicate the event.

Microsoft experts will be on hand and the contestants will use Windows 8 software. Games completed during the record attempt deemed suitable for release will be available through the Windows Store. A judging process will take place with gaming industry representatives choosing a best game of the show.

“We’re teaming with Train2Game not only to set a world record, but also to support gaming development in the UK,” said John Richards, senior director, Windows Partners and Developers at Microsoft Corp.  “We’re working with the students developing for Windows 8, as they are the future of the industry.”

Myra Smallman, Course Director, Train2Game: “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students to work with one of the most respected technology companies in the world. Microsoft is a major player in the video games industry globally and being part of this relationship will be incredibly positive for Train2Game students when they look for employment in the future. The students taking part will also be world record holders, a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Train2Game News: Microsoft hiring developer for next-gen Halo

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Microsoft appears to be hiring for a next-gen addition to the Halo series. An advert on their careers website states that Halo 4 producers 343 Studios are looking for an experienced graphics developer.

“Microsoft Studios 343 Industries is looking for an experienced graphics developer to help create the current and next generation of game visuals in the Halo universe. Work on one of the most exciting and creative properties in the industry; Work with the incredible 343 team to help drive the future of Halo.” reads the job advert.

“We are looking for an experienced graphics developer to help us deliver cutting edge graphics technologies for AAA experiences. Candidates should understand and have experience with how to bring great graphics to life.”

While it’s entirely possible that Microsoft may have a nex-gen Xbox console in development, the company says there won’t be any reveal this year.

Microsoft studio 343 are currently working on Halo 4, so be sure to keep reading The Train2Game Blog for the latest news on its development.

Halo 4 isn’t the first title in the series from 343, who produced last year’s Halo: Anniversary, which you can find out about the development of in this Train2Game Blog interview with producers Dan Ayoub and Dennis Ries.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of a next-gen Halo?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game News: When and where to watch Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo E3 conferences

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Train2Game News won’t be updating over the Bank Holiday, as we’ll be enjoying the extended weekend like many of you. However, the games industry won’t be stopping, with E3, the biggest event in the video games calendar beginning at the start of next week.

Many of the large publishers and hardware developers will be streaming their conferences live from Los Angeles, allowing you to watch them as they happen, or in the case of some, watch them you’re willing to stay up until the early hours here in the UK!

Microsoft are the first of the console manufactures to give their E3 presentation on Monday 4th June at 17:15 British time, which you can watch live on the Xbox website, or through your Xbox console if you’re an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.

Sony’s E3 press conference in which they’ll run through their latest plans for PlayStation, takes place on Tuesday 5th June at 02:00 British time, and will be available to watch through the Sony E3 2012 website.

Nintendo have three separate live streams planned, but all of them are likely to follow the same theme; their next console, Wii U. Their main conference takes place on Tuesday 5th June at 17:00, a Developer discussion, perhaps the most interesting part for Train2Game students, bright and early on Wednesday 6th June at 07:30a.m. Nintendo’s Software Showcase is on Thursday at 02:00a.m. All three Nintendo presentations can be seen on their official E3 website.

Of course, The Train2Game Blog will be back on Wednesday, ready to bring you all the big news that comes out of E3.

What are you most looking forward to about E3 2012?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: Former Sony Exec Phil Harrison joins Microsoft

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Train2Game Blog readers will have seen that Peter Molyneux left his positions at Microsoft last week, but the Xbox 360 manufacturers have moved quickly to announce a new employee,  former Sony Executive Phil Harrison.

Harrison has over 25 years worth of experience in the games industry, who has spent a large portion of his career with Sony. Among other things, it was Harrison who discovered Media Molecule, this securing LittleBigPlanet as a PlayStation exclusive title. He also championed Killzone, SingStar and EyeToy.

His new role will involve mobile and social elements and growing Xbox developments in Europe, in addition to overseeing UK developers Lionhead, Soho Productions and Rare.

“I am excited to be joining the senior team at Microsoft at a pivotal time for our industry,” said Harrison. “

I am really impressed with the company’s long-term vision for growing the market for interactive entertainment globally and also with the incredible wealth of talent, technology and resources the company has available to succeed.”

President of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Businesses, Don Mattrick, welcomed Harrison on board.

“Phil has played an instrumental role in shaping modern console history through his keen insights into both hardware and software strategy,” he said.

His addition to our leadership team will impact our global business in innumerable ways, as he aligns our studio development and growing portfolio of entertainment experiences in Europe to drive our continued growth worldwide.” Mattrick added.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on former Sony executive Phil Harrison joining Microsoft?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Major Nelson]

Train2Game news: Peter Molyneux leaving Lionhead and Microsoft

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peter-molyneux-train2game-blog-imageTrain2Game students will be aware that Peter Molyneux is one of the most respected figures in the industry…and he’s just announced he’s leaving Lionhead of Microsoft.

Despite leaving the studio he co-founded and parting ways with Microsoft, Molyneux will still finish his upcoming Kinect title Fable: Journey.

“It is with mixed emotions that I made the decision to leave Microsoft and Lionhead Studios, the company that I co-founded in 1997, at the conclusion of development of Fable: The Journey” Molyneux told Kotaku.

“I remain extremely passionate and proud of the people, products and experiences that we created from Black and White to Fable to our pioneering work with Milo and Kate for the Kinect platform.

“However, I felt the time was right to pursue a new independent venture. I’d like to thank the team at Lionhead, as well as our partners at Microsoft Studios for their support, dedication and incredible work over the years.”  said the influential game developer.

Molyneux is to set up a new company, 22 Cans, alongside former Lionhead CTO Tim Rance. Lionhead will now be run by Molyneux’s fellow studio co-founder Mark Webley.

“As co-founder of Lionhead and an integral part of Microsoft Studios, Peter was the creative visionary behind the blockbuster Fable franchise, and one of our most passionate and influential developers for the Xbox 360 platform.” said a statement from Microsoft.

“He has made an indelible mark on the games industry and we wish him all the best of luck in his future endeavours.” it added.

The Train2Game Blog has previously reported that Peter Molyneux belives the industry should put more focus on up and coming talent. There’s more wisdom from the now former Lionhead man, right here.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Peter Molyneux leaving Lionhead and Microsoft? What are your favourite Molyneux moments?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game news: Bungie co-founder “a little nervous” about Microsoft developing Halo 4

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Train2Game Blog readers will probably be aware that Bungie, developers of Halo, have stepped away from shooter.

The series is now in the hands of Microsoft studio 343. They produced last year Halo Anniversary, which you can read more about in this Train2Game Blog interview producers Dan Ayoub and Producer Dennis Ries.

It’s 343 who’ll be developing Halo 4, but Bungie co-founder Alex Seropian – now working on mobile games – is confident with Microsoft, Halo 4 is in safe hands.

“It’s so crazy in an interesting way. I’ve been an observer for a while now. So much has gone on with the franchise. I will say the encouraging thing is that I know a lot of the folks at Microsoft working on it and they are great people,” he told GameSpot.

“I’m very hopeful that the team there is very fantastic. They are certainly treating it with a lot of care and respect. And applying the resources you’d like to see applied to a franchise like that. I’m hopeful that it will continue to bring the high production value and cool experiences it’s known for.”

However, Seropian added that even though he was “a little nervous” with what 343 could do with Halo 4, he’d be surprised if wasn’t a success.

“I don’t think I can be anything other than hopeful that it will be great. We’ll see. Halo is one of the crown jewels in the Microsoft gaming IP, if not the crown jewel, so you would expect nothing less than for them to take the time needed and apply the resources needed to make it great. I would be pretty surprised if they wiffed it.” he said.

“Maybe it will bring a fresh perspective, and that’s so hard because there’s so many fans that are used to a particular thing that bringing something new is often…it’s hard to bring something new to a franchise that’s so established. I’m looking forward to it.” the Halo creator concluded.

The full interview in-which the Bungie co-founder discusses his new mobile studio and much more can be read on GameSpot.

What are your thoughts on Halo being under the stewardship of a new developer? And what are your hopes for the series?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game student reaction to next-gen Xbox ‘tablet’ rumour

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Kinect for Xbox 360 Train2Game blog imageTrain2Game students didn’t see rumours a about a tablet based next-generation Xbox reveal at CES come true in yesterday’s Microsoft presentation,

That’s possibly a good thing, because when the rumours were posted on the Train2Game Facebook page, Train2Game students were lukewarm about the prospect at best.

“We are at least one generation away from a tablet based console that would be designated an Xbox replacement or successor. Otherwise being a massive and unduly risk for Microsoft. Any dedicated gaming device by Microsoft would be an addition to their arsenal and not to take the role of the Xbox, which may be the case.” replied Train2Game student Simon Anderton

Meanwhile, Train2Game student James Pottinger thinks Microsoft should be focusing their attentions on improving Kinect integration when the next Xbox consoles appears.

“Why bother with any tablet based console add-ons. Microsoft should just combine Augmented Reality with improved Kinect software to create a brand new, fully interactive 3D experience. I’d sure buy it” he said.

However, Train2Game student Jasmine Jackson pointed to the fact that if such a thing did occur, it’d mark a new trend set by Nintendo.

All I’ve got to say on the matter is that Nintendo are trend setters, obviously. It’ll be interesting to see Microsoft’s take on the idea of a tablet controller.” she said.

There were many more responses on the Train2Game Facebook page, and you get involved with the discussion there, or leave your comments right here on The Train2Game Blog.

Train2Game news: Rumours suggest next Xbox will be tablet based

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Kinect for Xbox 360 Train2Game blog imageTrain2Game blog readers could see the next-gen Xbox feature tablet based components. At least that’s according to rumours from GameSpot.

“Given Microsoft’s recent efforts at unification across its Windows, Mobile, and Xbox product lines, it seems clear that the 720 or whatever they end up calling it (surely not that) will be the ultimate personification of that strategy.” suggest GameSpot.

“There are strong signs suggesting that, like with Nintendo’s Wii U, a tablet component figures heavily into the new design. That saucy Windows 8 Metro interface (now also seen on the Xbox Dashboard) just begs to be touched.”

“Speculation as to the form it will take has been rife for the past few months, with some even suggesting that the core of the new platform will be akin to a tablet PC that wirelessly connects to a base station, which in turn plugs into your TV.”

“If this is the case, a premium Xbox Next setup could feasibly include a base station, a tablet, a conventional controller of some kind, and the recently discussed high-def evolution of the Kinect.”

GameSpot claim that Microsoft will make their first announcement regarding the Xbox 720…or whatever it’s going to be called…at this week’s Consumer Electronics show.

If Microsoft are going to be including a tablet with their next Xbox, they’re not the only console producers following that path. As reported by the Train2Game blog last year, Nintendo’s Wii U features a tablet based controller.

The Train2Game Blog has previously brought you suggestions that the next Xbox console will be launched next year.

Whenever the next generation of consoles eventually appears, Epic Games Cliff Blezsinski wants them to be capable of graphics at the same level as the movie Avatar.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the rumours about the next Xbox being tablet based? Could it happen? If so, what does it say about the direction of Microsoft?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: GameSpot]