Tag Archives: Microsoft

Train2Game News Mojang sale to Microsoft Confirmed

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MojangThe rumours have been confirmed and Mojang is selling to Microsoft for $2.5 Billion. So what does this mean for Minecraft and the company?

In a blog on www.Mojang.com the deal was confirmed today with a few details about the sale and the reasons why.

The main reason Markus “Notch” Persson, the creator of Minecraft and the majority shareholder of Mojang has decided to sell is that he feels that Minecraft and Mojang have become to big on a global scale. He has attempted to make smaller games again to no avail and he feels that is because he has had to spend to much time and energy focused on the global phenomenon that is Minecraft.

There are only a handful of potential buyers with the resources to grow Minecraft and Mojang have worked closely with Microsoft since 2012. They have been impressed by their continued dedication to the game and its development.

The other versions of Minecraft will still continue to run but as for what happens with future multiplatform projects is yet to be seen. That will be down to Microsoft to decide.

The founders: Notch, Carl, and Jakob are leaving Mojang with nothing confirmed of what they are going on to do.

The main points to take from this sale is that Minecraft will continue to evolve and thrive and that small project you are working on may net you $2.5 Billion.

Train2Game News Destiny Fragrance

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Destiny FragranceYou may have seen the new advert showing Destiny as a perfume going around the internet lately. It has emerged Microsoft UK are behind the amusing advertising.

If you head to www.DestinyFragrance.com you’ll be greeted by an advert for “the new fragrance by Xbox”. Click through to the next page and the truth is revealed.

“Okay, so here’s the lowdown. Destiny is actually an epic new first-person shooter, available on Xbox,” the site’s text reads. “Thing is, we didn’t have permission to run adverts for the game. So we didn’t. Thanks for smelling that something was up. Now get the game and become a legend.”

A following page then leads to various Xbox One and Destiny bundles available at third-party retailers, including GAME, Tesco and Amazon.co.uk.

Sony has a close relationship with publisher Activision for the game, which has seen Destiny heavily featured alongside PlayStation 4 in marketing. The game’s PlayStation versions will also get a selection of timed-exclusive content.

A Microsoft UK spokesperson confirmed to Eurogamer that the Destiny Fragrance site was indeed “legitimate”.

Train2Game News 1000+ devs sign anti abuse letter

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Peace GamingSeveral developers have signed a letter in an attempt to put an end to anti social behaviour on social media in gaming communities.

EA, Ubisoft, Microsoft, Guerrilla, Epic, Crystal Dynamics, Deep Silver, Double Fine, Lionhead, Bohemia, Blizzard, Infinity Ward, TellTale, Disney, PopCap, Harmonix, Traveller’s Tales, Sony, 2K, DICE, Google, Riot and Apple – as well as dozens of independent developers – are already signed up in an attempt to make the internet a place where your views can be heard without your personal character being attacked.

“We believe that everyone, no matter what gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion has the right to play games, criticize games and make games without getting harassed or threatened. It is the diversity of our community that allows games to flourish,” the letter reads.

“If you see threats of violence or harm in comments on Steam, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, Facebook or Reddit, please take a minute to report them on the respective sites. If you see hateful, harassing speech, take a public stand against it and make the gaming community a more enjoyable space to be in.”

You can read the full letter and all who have signed it here.

Train2Game News Halo 5 Multiplayer Beta

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343 has announced new details for the Halo 5: Guardians beta, which will launch in December.

The beta will contain three modes, 11 weapons, seven maps and seven armour sets. The focus is apparently on classic 4v4 arena gameplay, and the maps are thus tailored for smallscale infantry combat rather than epic battles. All players will have the same loadouts to begin with.

You’ll be able to carry over certain content from the beta to the final game.

Additionally, the beta will receive dedicated coverage on the newly announced Halo Channel, a dashboard hub for Halo multiplayer, TV programming and community features.

You can enjoy the trailer below

Train2Game News Rise of the Tomb Raider Xbox One Exclusive

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Rise of the Tomb RaiderRise of the Tomb Raider won’t be available on either PS4 or PC, following Microsoft’s deal to sign the game exclusively for Xbox One.

Following a bad reaction from PlayStation and PC users on the Crystal Dynamics forums, head of studio Darrell Gallagher has explained what he presents as the motivation behind the news.

“We consider all of you to be the lifeblood of Tomb Raider and the work we do at Crystal,” he said. “I’d like to give you some insight into this decision, and why we feel this is the very best thing for the Tomb Raider sequel we’re creating at the studio.

“Tomb Raider in 2013 was a success due in large part to your continued support. Our goal has always been to deliver something truly special with Rise of the Tomb Raider. Today’s announcement with Microsoft is one step to help us put Tomb Raider on top of action adventure gaming.

“Our friends at Microsoft have always seen huge potential in Tomb Raider and have believed in our vision since our first unveil with them on their stage at E3 2011. We know they will get behind this game more than any support we have had from them in the past – we believe this will be a step to really forging the Tomb Raider brand as one of the biggest in gaming, with the help, belief and backing of a major partner like Microsoft.”

Gallagher goes on to say that the team is working to make this the biggest and most ambitious Tomb Raider to date.

Train2Game News GameMaker games to Xbox One

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GameMaker StudioYoYo Games have announced GameMaker: Studio support for Xbox One, enhanced support for current Microsoft platforms including Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1, as well as support for future operating system releases.

The GameMaker: Studio export for Xbox One will be available in the fourth quarter of 2014 to members of Microsoft’s licensed Xbox developer programs, including ID@Xbox.

“This is a great day for GameMaker: Studio developers,” said Sandy Duncan, Chief Executive Officer at YoYo Games. “We’re absolutely thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Microsoft and to give our community the ability to publish to Xbox One for the first time. We’re especially excited that this agreement will bring continued and future support for all Microsoft platforms.”

“We’re thrilled that the Xbox developer community now has the ability to use GameMaker,” said Ryan Lowdermilk, Marketing Manager at Microsoft. “With GameMaker already available for Windows Phone and Windows, it gives developers another great way to create games across multiple Microsoft platforms.”

For more information about how to become a licensed Xbox One developer, please visit www.xbox.com/id. An Xbox One developer kit is required to take advantage of the GameMaker: Studio export for Xbox One.

Train2Game News Game partnering with Microsoft

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GAME-store-logoGAME, the specialist video games retailer, is excited to announce that in a UK retail first, GAME will expand its digital gaming offering with a new partnership with Microsoft to bring the best of Xbox digital download content direct to gamers.

From the 15th of August, the process of purchasing new digital Microsoft content from GAME will be easier than ever for our customers. Although still able to purchase Microsoft digital currency, the new offering will allow gamers to directly purchase selected Xbox One and Xbox 360 digital only games and add-on content from GAME’s 320 UK stores, as well as through game.co.uk, enabling them to get gaming quicker.

The expanded offer will be available on both new and previously released Microsoft titles, including season passes for “Forza Motorsport 5,” “Halo 4” and “Gears of War: Judgment,” or digital games, such as “State of Decay” and “Max: The Curse of Brotherhood”. Prices start from £9.99, and customers who have downloaded the GAME app will be able to use their new GAME wallet currency to purchase all products in store, as well as receiving reward points on all transactions.

Charlotte Knight, Category Director at GAME commented: “We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Microsoft to bring a wide range of the best Xbox digital content directly to the UK gaming community. At GAME, our aim is to make digital content as accessible and simple as possible for all our customers, helping them to discover and enjoy the huge range of games available through GAME’s ever increasing digital offering.

“By purchasing through GAME, customers will also be able to earn Reward points on all their purchases, both in-store and online, as well as having the added benefit of paying through trading in, making it even easier for them to get gaming.”

Train2Game News Neverwinter coming to Xbox One

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NeverwinterPerfect World Entertainment Inc., a leader and publisher of widely-acclaimed free-to-play MMORPGs, announced today that Cryptic Studios is bringing popular free-to-play MMORPG Neverwinter to consoles.

Available first, free-to-play with Gold on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Neverwinter – set in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe from Wizards of the Coast – is the first free-to-play title from Perfect World Entertainment and Cryptic Studios that will be launched on both PC and console platforms.

Players in North America and Europe can expect Neverwinter for consoles in the first half of 2015.

“Neverwinter is our premier title to bring to console players,” said Perfect World Entertainment CEO, Alan Chen. “Consoles are a perfect fit for action-oriented MMORPGs like Neverwinter, and we are thrilled to be one of the first publishers to bring premium free-to-play titles to leading next-gen platforms. Being able to bring Neverwinter to the Xbox One is a critical achievement for Perfect World. It is our first step taking our games beyond the PC market.”

Entering its fourth module on August 14, 2014 with Tyranny of Dragons, Neverwinter continues to provide authentic Dungeons & Dragons narratives and gameplay opportunities since launching in Summer 2013, and continues to grow with the D&D fan base.

“The addition of the new platforms is another piece of exciting news for Dungeons & Dragons fans in this pivotal year,” said Nathan Stewart, Dungeons & Dragons Brand Director. “We continue to work closely with Perfect World and Cryptic Studios to bring exciting new stories to players around the world.”

Neverwinter is an action MMORPG, set in the Forgotten Realms that features fast-paced combat and epic dungeons. Players explore the vast city of Neverwinter and its surrounding countryside, learning the vivid history of the iconic city and battling its many enemies. In Neverwinter, players can create their own quests and campaigns with the Foundry, a powerful content creation tool that allows players to seamlessly integrate their adventures in to the live game world.

Train2Game News Destiny Beta now open to all

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DestinyAfter initially requiring a beta code for access, Bungie is opening up the Destiny beta to all gamers on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 3.

Starting today at 4 PM PDT, everyone will be free to play the ongoing beta. The only requirement will be an Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus subscription, depending upon your console of choice. To start playing, check out the dashboard or store on your system for a link to download the beta.

This will ensure everyone who wants to try Destiny has the opportunity to do so before the beta comes to an end on Sunday night. It should also make it easier for those with more than one console to decide which system they want to play the game on when it launches on September 9. But remember, the Xbox One beta doesn’t run at 1080p, but the final game is expected to.

Bungie has had a number of surprises for beta testers since the beta began last week. Before today’s announcement, it offered a limited time Iron Banner event over the weekend and then brought the beta back online early after scheduled maintenance. And, as previously announced, players who sign into the game anytime between 2 PM PDT on Saturday and the end of the beta will receive an exclusive emblem for use in the full game.

After being a pre-order bonus, some of those who have already purchased the game are feeling betrayed by Bungie for allowing the bonus to be used by everyone.

Remember the Beta ends this Sunday for those who want to take part.

Train2Game News Train2Game launch new online radio channel

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Train2GameA new radio channel created by Train2Game is best described as: Inspirational, Informative and Advisory. Train2Game Radio brings you voices from both the Games Industry and it Students.

The new radio station has been created to guide those already on the course and tell others more about the company. The channel hosts material created by the Train2Game team but also other programmes featuring Train2Game from commercial and public radio.

It features radio programmes from many renowned individuals and organisations, shows include: City and Guilds say Train2Game are doing it PROPERLY, CNS Group coaching Train2Game Students LIVE, JuiceFM Mike Gamble from Epic on Train2Game, Microsoft’s Andy McCartney Future of Gaming and shows from the BBC.

Hear more at the newly launched channel at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/train2game-radio

You can view the programmes in the file below

http://www.scribd.com/doc/234771842/Train2Game-Radio-Summer-2014-Highlights