Tag Archives: PlayStatioN 3

Train2Game news: Uncharted 3 – ‘we do make up a lot of it as we go along’ reveals lead designer

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Train2Game students will no doubt be familiar with the highly successful Uncharted series for PlayStation 3.

Now, with game number three on the horizon, Naughty Dog look to be pushing towards the release of yet another technically impressive and critically acclaimed game.

And while Train2Game students may expect the Uncharted 3 to have been meticulously planned before development starts, it appears it isn’t the case.

“We start with a short description, but then we do make up a lot of it as we go along. I think that’s very important.” Uncharted 3 Lead Game Designer Richard Lemarchand told GamesIndustry.biz during an in-depth interview.

He revealed that Uncharted 3 uses a storyboarding technique similar to Toy Story and Cars creators Pixar, which doesn’t begin with a script, but animation.

“I attended a story seminar by one of the story artists at Pixar last year, and he told us that Pixar make their films in the same way: they don’t have a script when they start; they do lots of brainstorming, and they work up ideas, and they do lots of drawing, and they start to make animatics, which are like little rough-cut movies.” said Lemarchand.

The Naughty Dog game designer explained that the story evolves from this system, which is flexible enough for things to change if needed.

“So they discover the key moments of their movies that way, and over time the detailed structure of what they’re making emerges.”

“It kind of appears by them working at it and working at it. That’s good, because it means you don’t over commit to something that might be wrong, or not entertaining or interesting enough.” he said.

Train2Game students interested in how Uncharted 3’s script is written  and performed should check out this behind the scenes look on the Train2Game blog.

Uncharted 3 for PlayStation 3 is set for release on 2nd November, with the Train2Game blog previously reporting that Sony believe it’ll ‘show a new level in 3D gaming’

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the production behind Uncharted 3? Are you surprised it isn’t precisely planned? And how do you go about planning to build games?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: GamesIndustry.biz]

Train2Game news: Sony development kit brings brings Android and PlayStation together

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Train2Game students could use the same development kit to produce games for handhelds and smartphones. That is if during their future careers they ever get their hands on the new SDK from Sony

Dubbed the ‘PlayStation Suite’ the development kit allows developers to produce games for PlayStation handhelds and Android devices including smartphones and tablet computers.

In theory, it’ll allow developers to release a single game across a variety of different mobile and handheld platforms including the PlayStation Vita, which you can read more about here on the Train2Game blog.

Other Sony platforms the Android games can be released on include the Xperia Play smartphone, two Sony tablet computers and any future ‘PlayStation certified’ hardware.

“By supporting development for multiple devices and by adopting libraries to create a variety of content not only limited to games, PS Suite SDK will not only help developers save their cost in creating new content but also allow them to efficiently create their content on one SDK and without having to create on several different SDKs” said Sony.

The PlayStation Suite will begin to be used by selected developers from November, but games developed using the SDK won’t be able to be released until next Spring, when the PlayStation Vita is expected to launch in the West.

Last month the Train2Game blog reported that Sony were handing PlayStation Vita kits to indie developers.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on a combined SDK for PlayStation and Android? Will it encourage developers to produce games for a wider variety of platforms?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Develop]

Train2Game students split on potential of 3D gaming

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Train2Game students don’t appear to be fully convinced by comments made by Sony on the potential of 3D in gaming.

As reported by the Train2Game blog,  Sony Group Studio Director Mick Hocking believes the technology means we’re in “one of the most thrilling eras to be a gamer”

And while some Train2Game students on the Train2Game Facebook page believe in the potential of gaming in 3D, some see it as little more than a fad.

“If the 3D is right, I feel it adds to the immersion of the gaming experience” said Train2Game student Richard Meredith

“Maybe not so much in shooter’s as I feel that the screen has too much going on and can cause confusion, don’t get me wrong some areas are of shooters in 3D are great, but I feel 3D works best for racing, sports, and third person perspective games.”

And Train2Game student Danny Goddard believes it definitely has potential.

“Don’t think 3D tech is quite “there” yet.” he wrote on the Train2Game Facebook page

“However, I do consider it a stepping stone to greater things in the future of entertainment/Games industry.” He added.

Meanwhile, some Train2Game students believe 3D is nothing more than a gimmick which will eventually pass.

“3D is a fad the comes around every 10 years or so, sooner the better it goes the same way the HDDVD drive went for the 360” said Mark Byrne, while Louise Grundy believes 3D looks good, but is still just a fad.

“3D on the 3DS looked better than I expected, but it’s just a gimmick and nothing more.” She wrote on the Train2Game Facebook page

There are also those such as Calum Knight who believe 3D has potential, but needs to do more to avoid falling into a failed technology fad.

“If they ever get 3D to work with the gameplay of a game yes, if it’s just for showing off simply no. Current 3D is just a gimmicky fad at the moment.” he said.

And finally, responding to Train2Game via Twitter, Levi Dargue was more than a little cynical about Sony’s enthusiasm for 3D gaming.

“Of course they would say that, those shiny new overpriced 3DTV’s won’t sell themselves” he said.

Where do you stand on 3D?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game student lesson for the future? id Software’s fans ‘sometimes drive them nuts’

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All Train2Game students are gamers, and they’ll all have different ideas about various games with some even voicing opinions on the Train2Game forum.

Of course, not all comments about games are positive with gamers demanding various things that for one reason or another won’t be in a particular game.

The upcoming RAGE from ID Software contains shooting, driving and RPG elements, but creative director Tim Willits believes that fans of the game will still find problems with it, things that they believe should be added.

“The worst thing is that everyone wants the kitchen sink and everything else too,” he told Xbox World 360 Magazine.

“For Rage, we’re doing all these things and yet people are like ‘Well I can’t blow up these boxes’, and I’m like ‘Are you serious? We have driving, racing and all these cool characters!’ ‘But in this other game I can blow up boxes’, and I’m like, ‘This other game doesn’t have any racing in it!’

“It’s crazy. Fans: I love them but sometimes they drive us nuts!” he concluded.

Train2Game students probably have criticised certain games, and they may even find fans demanding things from their own games in future!

As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, RAGE will be released with mod tools potentially allowing the community to add the things they believe should be in the game.

As Train2Game students will know, modding is also a great potential path to a full-time role in the games industry.

Rage is scheduled for release on October 7th for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC

So Train2Game, how important is fan input into game development? Would you accept it for your games?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: CVG]

Train2Game hands it to Sony over Vita development gifts for indies

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It’s entirely possible that some Train2Game students could end up developing games for the upcoming PlayStation Vita in future.

At least that’s the case if one or more students end up working for an indie studio looking to develop on the handheld console.

Indie studio Rubicon has confirmed to Gamasutra that Sony are handing PlayStation Vita dev kits to small game developers.

“I can confirm that Sony was generous enough to loan us some kit, and that’s one of the many reasons why I big them up every opportunity I get.” said Managing Director Paul Johnson.

“They really do seem to have gotten behind smaller developers, based on my own experience and from talking with other small devs, and I think they should be saluted for it.”

“We’re entering a new era in which digital downloads can be translated into mass market sales for smaller operators – once only the preserve of the big boys.”

Johnson noted that the PlayStation Vita dev kits aren’t for keeps but “are just loaners – we have to give them back when we’re done.”

Last month the Train2Game blog reported that Sony wanted to see more support for indie developers.

As an industry, we have to support those smaller teams, and let them try out their ideas, without doing so, the whole industry will stall, in terms of innovation.” Said Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida.

The PlayStation Vita – previously known to Train2Game blog readers as the NGP – featured prominently in Sony’s E3 conference.

“PlayStation Vita will revolutionise the portable entertainment experience,” said Sony CEO and Exeuctive Vice President Kaz Hirai  “It gives you the most complete entertainment package in the palm of your hands.”

For more information about the PlayStation Vita, see the full report on the Train2Game blog.

So Train2Game, is it a positive move that Sony are loaning dev kits to indies? Would you like to develop for a handheld such as the PlayStation Vita in future?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Gamasutra]

Train2Game E3 news: Sony offer the hardcore

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PlayStation VitaWhile the Train2Game blog reported that Microsoft’s conference focused on Kinect and the more casual audience, Sony very much focused on the core audience.

The biggest news to come from the event – despite the being leaked beforehand – were details on Sony’s new handheld, the PlayStation Vita, previously known to Train2Game blog readers at the NGP.

The news was confirmed by Sony CEO and Exeuctive Vice President Kaz Hirai who not only revealed the official name for the PS Vita, but also that the handheld console will launch in time for Christmas.  Two models will be available, a Wi-Fi only version of PS Vita for €249, while a Wi-Fi and 3G version will retail for €299. There are no UK specific prices as of yet.

“PlayStation Vita will revolutionise the portable entertainment experience,” said Hirai. “It gives you the most complete entertainment package in the palm of your hands.”

Sony confirmed that there are ‘more than 80 titles’ in development for the PS Vita, with big name titles including Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Bioshock and a handheld version of Street Fighter vs. Tekken. Train2Game students may very well be excited by the hardcore nature of games for Sony’s handheld.

The Sony E3 conference also saw the company push their other new technology: 3D Television and specifically 3D gaming.  The company revealed a (relatively when compared to others) low cost PlayStation branded 3D TV with a 24 inch monitor. The PlayStation TV will allow two players to see separate images on a full screen.

The PlayStation branded 3D TV will cost $499, with the price including cables, 3D glasses and Resistance 3.  Sony obviously have a vested interested in 3D – given that they produce the televisions! – but earlier this month proclaimed that Uncharted 3 will be a huge step towards gaming becoming mainstream, as reported by the Train2Game blog.

Bioshock Infinite will be PS Move compatible

Uncharted 3 was one of a number of PlayStation exclusive titles that was demonstrated during the Sony show.  God of War and Team Ico HD collections were dated for later this year, while Sly Cooper will also return after a seven year absence.

Sony’s conference however wasn’t completely free of motion control news, with PlayStation Move implementation being announced for a number of titles.  Perhaps most sensationally, Irrational Games KenLevine himself revealed that Bioshock: Infinite will be PlayStation Move compatible.

The development came after Levine had previously criticised motion control. Unfortunately, there are no details as of yet how Bioshock: Infinite will use PlayStation Move.

Sony also revealed that LittleBigPlanet 2 – a game that many Train2Game students should be familiar with – will receive ‘deeper integration’ for PlayStation Move later this year.  SCEA boss Jack Tretton said that the Move controller will be able to be used to both create and play LittleBigPlanet 2 levels, but didn’t reveal how this would be done.

And in other Sony news, it’s been revealed that in a world first, Eve-connected shooter Dust 514 will be a download only PlayStation 3 exclusive that’s free to play.  The Triple-A title will be connected to PC game Eve in real time and it’ll be supported by a microtransaction based system.

“The ability for Sony Computer Entertainment to partner with a developer like CCP, known for pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the MMO genre, holds tremendous potential for the PlayStation 3 community,” said SCEA SVP Rob Dyer.

“We anticipate that Dust 514 will transform the landscape across PlayStation 3 and the PC, ushering in a new era of shared cross platform gaming.”

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Sony conference? Are you pleased with the focus on the hardcore? Are you impressed by the PlayStation Vita or PlayStation monitor? How do you think Bioshock: Infinite will implement move? And are you interested by the free Dust 514?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Sony reveal gun attachment for PlayStation Move

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PlayStation sharp shooter

Many Train2Game students have already welcome motion controllers into their homes with open arms, but a new attachment from Sony could help swing some of those who remain unconvinced.

The Sharp Shooter will allow Train2Game students to use their PlayStation Move controllers in the fashion of a real gun when playing shooters. The new device will be compatible with the upcoming Killzone 3, along with other games including Time Crisis: Razing Storm, Socom 4 and Dead Space Extraction.

The official blurb about the PlayStation Move Sharp Shooter on the PlayStation Blog says:

“The PlayStation Move sharp shooter houses both the motion controller and navigation controller, giving you complete control over aiming, movement and interaction within the game. It will truly offer the most intuitive and immersive control experience ever found in a shooter game.

It was designed for both comfort and precision, including easily accessible buttons, a responsive digital trigger, adjustable shoulder stock and convenient access to the navigation controller.

In addition, the sharp shooter has incorporated a firing mode selector, realistic pump-action and a reload button that allow for new ways of engagement.”

Train2Game students can see a video of the PlayStation Move Sharp Shooter,  thanks to the European PlayStation blog below

The Sharp Shooter doesn’t have a yet fixed release date, but it’ll be available in time for Killzone 3 in February 2011. The US price is $39.99, with no signs of a UK price as of yet.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Sharp Shooter? Is it something you’d like to use to play first person shooters? Do you think it’ll work? Would it encourage you to get a PlayStation Move controller if you don’t already have one?

As usual, you can leave your thoughts here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Kinect can’t do a good lightsaber game says Sony engineer

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Lightsaber battle

The man behind the PlayStation Eye thinks the upcoming Star Wars game for Kinect won’t be up to much.

SCEE Software Engineer Anton Mikhailov told Eurogamer that “There’s no way Kinect can do a good lightsaber game”.

And while Sony and Lucasarts have yet to announce a Star Wars compatable game for the PlayStation move, Mikhailov boldly claims “It’ll be damn better than Kinect’s.”

When asked about the possibility of a PlayStation Move Star Wars game, the SCEE Software Engineer replied: “I’m not in the product planning division so unfortunately I can’t tell you much more about that, but technologically it’s 100 per cent feasible.

“We can overlay objects over the controller in AR. You’ve seen that in Start the Party, and swords are a really popular one. The fidelity is certainly there to do all sorts of Star Wars kid-style action. You can very well do the lightsaber.”

He went on:

I’m usually not very aggressive, but I will say it’ll [Move’s Star Wars game] be damn better than Kinect could ever do.

“There’s no way Kinect can do a good lightsaber game. Just never. Unless they give you a stick. If they give you a stick then they can do OK, but then they’re going to ruin their whole no controller motto.

“I’ve seen the demo but it’s so scripted, and wasn’t it like, faked?

“Technologically I find it hard how you can do a lightsaber, because there are so many ambiguities, and it’s nearly impossible to track the angles of your wrists.

“I can sort of see them doing it, like hold your hands together and move like this [holds them out in front of his body], and then from the x, y, position and for the angle. If anyone’s listening, you guys should try that. That would probably work all right.”

Earlier this month, Sony said that the PlayStation Move has greatly exceeded expectations.

So Train2Game, what do you think about the Sony mans comments? Is he right? Is the PlayStation Move naturally more suited to the motion control required for swinging a lightsaber around? Or is this just pure trolling of Microsoft and the Xbox 360?

You can leave your thoughts on a PlayStation Move Star Wars game here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

LittleBigPlanet 2 Controlinator Featurette

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LittleBigPlanet 2

Media Molecule has released another trailer for LittleBigPlanet 2, and once again it introduces a new feature.

This latest trailer introduces The Controlinator, which is arguably looks like the most important new feature in LittleBigPlanet 2. It’s a new gadget that lets Sackboy steer and control any new creation or mechanical object in a variety of different ways. In LittleBigPlanet 2, the controlinator will let sackboy drive, race, dig and fly any creation. The controlinator looks to be a key feature not just in the creation of levels, but in making whole new games.

You can check out the 1960’s style science programme controlinator featurette below.


The controlinator is just one of many new features that has been added to LittleBigPlanet 2. Previously we’ve seen how the Creatinator will allow Sackboy to shoot or spawn any item, while Bounce Pads give him a whole new way to move around levels.

LittleBigPlanet 2 will also see the introduction of Sackbots, which can be used to help or hinder the player in community created levels.  The game is truly shaping up to offer players plenty of scope for creating not only unique levels, but whole new games.

Interesting creations we’ve seen during the LittleBigPlanet 2 beta test include re-imaginings of games from classics like Dogfight and Street Fighter, but also more recent titles including Portal.

Train2Game students would be well advised to pick up a copy of LittleBigPlanet 2, not only to help their creative juices flow, but because Media Molecule have a record of hiring community designers who’ve made outstanding levels.

You can get an insight into what working for LittleBigPlanet 2 creators Media Molecule is like, by taking a look at the development of Sackboy.

LittleBigPlanet 2 is scheduled for release on January 18th and will be PlayStation Move compatible.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the controlinator? Do you think it’s the biggest new addition (so far…) to LittleBigPlanet 2? How do you think you’ll use it?

You can leave your thoughts about LittleBigPlanet 2 here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Gran Turismo 5 ‘can’t match adrenaline rush of F1 2010’ say Codemasters

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Gran Turismo 5

You may have noticed that Gran Turismo 5 has finally been released today, but Codemasters say it can’t match up to the adrenaline rush of their own F1 2010.

Codemasters CEO Rod Cousens told CVG that while Gran Turismo 5 is a “phenomenal product” the realism could take away from the excitement of the game.

“GT5 is going to be a phenomenal product, with the time and investment Sony have made in it, You can have a technically phenomenal game, but you can also have a game concept that doesn’t really appeal [to some racing fans] and could be accused of – and you have to be careful how you write this – of being boring.”

“We don’t have that problem. We feel the adrenaline rush that we’ll always provide in F1 will not be matched by anyone else. You’re going to have all the cars, all the tracks and all the worldwide locations – not to mention the best strategy, and the best damage, as far as we can. If you’re an F1 fan, you don’t need to go anywhere else for that.”

HMV are currently offering Gran Turismo 5 for just £4.99 if you trade in a copy of F1 2010, could this be an attempt and trying to stop gamers trading Codemasters product in for one of their rivals?

F1 2010 took the top spot in the UK Charts when it was released towards the end of September.

So Train2Game, do you think Cousens comments are true? Has too much effort been put into making Gran Turismo 5 a simulation, and therefore making it less fun?

Can passing a faceless driver in a Nissan be as thrilling as overtaking Michael Schumacher or Fernando Alonso at one of the famous F1 circuits? And are you still playing F1 2010?

You can leave your thoughts about Gran Turismo 5 and F1 2010 here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum