Tag Archives: QA Tester

Train2Game News: Search for a Star, last chance to sign up!

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Aardvark Swift’s Search For A Star 2013 set to be the biggest year in the competition’s history

Students looking to showcase their work to the industry are joining Search For A Star competition in record numbers as registration closing date (the first of March) approaches.

Search For A Star the nationwide competition for student games developers and programmers will soon reach the final stages of its registration process. With 100 entries so far, this year will set the record for the most entries to the competition and is set to be the biggest year in the competition’s history. The final opportunity to register for the competition is the first of March.

Search for a Star is a nationwide competition designed to highlight and reward the UK’s most promising video games students. The competition spans the UK’s leading areas of higher education (universities, blended learning courses and colleges) and is an excellent chance to shine the spotlight on students studying video games related subjects (including computer science and computer games programming) and also highlight the UK’s leading courses.

The register and find out more about the competition go to www.aswift.com/searchforastar/

Daniel Collinson, last year’s Search For A Star Winner and now an employee at Sony Evolution, said: “I’m happy to hear that more and more people are interested in the Search for a Star competition. People who are passionate about getting into the industry MUST take part as it makes such a huge difference.

Even just taking part looks good on your CV as you are keen to try other things outside of your University modules. Employers want people that not only study hard, but demonstrate that they really are passionate and keen to get into the industry, this is done by doing personal projects in their spare time, taking part in game jams and of course competitions such as Search for a Star.

The competition will teach candidates the type of interviewing processes that real studios do. I personally never had a real interview before so the skills I learnt from the competition helped me land my dream job working for Sony Evolution. I will be following this year’s competition and can’t wait to see the games from stage 2, good luck to all, it’s a very nerve wrecking and exciting process.”

Created by Aardvark Swift the competition is contributed to by some of the UK Games Industry’s most respected video games developers. Included in the judging panel are representatives from: The Blast Furnace, Headstrong Games, Rockstar Leeds, Microsoft, Sony Evolution and many more.

All entrants receive CV and Portfolio advice from Aardvark Swift, up for grabs for the winners will not only be physical prizes provided by Microsoft but also internships at some of the most prestigious games developers in the UK, including: Sony Evolution, Exient and Boss Alien.

The register for the competition and find out more about the competition go to www.aswift.com/searchforastar/

Train2Game News: SimCity Closed Beta

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SimCityFan excitement for the release of SimCity has been growing. In order to give even more fans a taste of the game before its March launch, Maxis is proud to announce that it will be holding a second SimCity Closed Beta.

The franchise that laid the foundations of the city building simulation genre is back, empowering players to create the world of their imagination! Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that SimCity is breaking new ground in 2013. SimCity for PC, a brand new entry in the franchise is currently in development at Maxis Emeryville, and was revealed at GDC early last year.

Lucy Bradshaw, Senior Vice President of EA’s Maxis Label said “We’d like to thank the millions of fans who have helped make SimCity synonymous with the city-building genre. This is a franchise that means the world to us at Maxis and we’re happy to be bringing it back home where we are re-imagining it for an entirely new generation of players. Using our proprietary GlassBox Engine, SimCity for PC will equip players with the tools to play the most sophisticated simulation of its kind. We are dedicated to making sure the experience – no matter the platform – has the fun, flavor and playability that has been intrinsic to the franchise since its birth.”

The second SimCity Closed Beta will be running from 1400GMT on February 16 to 1400GMT on February 17 and will feature an enhanced version of the one-hour slice of gameplay that delighted fans in January. Fans who haven’t already signed up for the beta can do so at www.SimCity.com/beta. Hurry, sign-ups end at 1400GMT on February 11.

To whet fan appetites even more, Maxis today unveiled a new trailer showing off the Limited Edition exclusive content, which can be seen below

SimCity has been rated PEGI 7. To stay up-to-date on the latest regarding SimCity, and to pre-order now, please visit www.SimCity.com.

For a full list of conditions, please visit www.SimCity.com/betadisclaimer

Train2Game News: New Facebook video channel for Developers

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Facebook Developers LiveFacebook have launched a new video channel which could be incredibly useful for Train2Game students.

Facebook has launched a video channel, known as Developers Live, to help developers stay up to date with the latest technology news and tutorials. The curated channel features live, recorded and interactive broadcasts.

Through this new channel, Facebook aims to give developers a central place to learn about the latest tools and to give them access to the product managers and engineers who created them.

Initially, Developers Live will cover:

• Mobile development – how to go deeper and grow your apps with Facebook

• Game development – how to build better games across web and mobile

• Websites and publishing – how to use Facebook to drive traffic

The first Developers Live event is schedule for February 19th and will feature Facebook’s director of product, Doug Purdy. Mr Purdy will discuss the top three things every mobile developer needs to know in 2013.

This could prove to be incredibly valuable for Train2Game students and give them insight in to what other Developers are thinking and working towards. I advice all Train2Game students to get involved with this new initiative.

If you would like to find out more you can visit Developers Live on Facebook

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs – 06.02.13

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Train2Game news is bringing you more jobs to try and help you make that all important first step in to the gaming industry.

DEVELOPER

Job Title Programmer – Hello Games
Job Category Programming
Skills Required Gameplay, Graphics / Engine
Location Guildford, UK & Europe

 
Job Description Hello Games, the bright new star of the indie scene, is hiring. It’s pretty awesome. Here’s the “job description” – make fun games, drink tea, win awards and talk nonsense. You can have total creative freedom too, if you want.

Hello Games is a tiny team and it’s going to stay that way. It’d be nice to become the next big thing though, which is going to take at least a couple more friends. This is your chance to become a big part of a small team with big ideas.

We’re looking for anyone who likes making games, and is awesome. Specifically we’re really interested in new fresh talent to fill the role below.

Programmers
We’re looking for enthusiastic programmers interested in owning a project from start to finish. Here’s some things we think you should have:

  • Examples of some previous games and side projects.
  • Good academic record, especially Maths.
  • Experienced in C++ and 3D programming.
  • A love of playing and making games
  • An interest in bringing existing games to new platforms

About Hello Games
Hello Games wants to make games that will put a stoopid grin on your face. They have set forth on a brave journey of discovery and adventure to bring some new, funky coloured pixels to the world.

Joe Danger was their first title, a triple A game developed by the talented team of four for XBLA and PSN. Since then they have been joined by some more talented people from around the globe. Together they will all unleash the charm and creativity that has been stopping them from sleeping at night.

And it’s only just begun. Drop what you’re doing and come join them!

Application Instructions
Please send CVs and portfolios to:
jobs@hellogames.co.uk

ART

Job Title Cinematic Animator – On-site or Remote – up to 220 EURO a day – Games
Job Category Art / Animation
Skills Required Animator
Location Germany
Job Description  

Location: On-site Frankfurt or Remote from home
Salary: Up to 220 EURO a day
Job Type: Contract from 10th Feb to 20th Feb 2013
Project: 1st Person Video Game Cinematic

My client is a specialist visual outsourcer to mainstream game developers as well the broadcast and feature film industry. As a result of a video game contract they are now looking to hire a Freelance Cinematic Animator to work either on-site in their Frankfurt studio or remotely from home. It is a short contract but an awesome project and there might be chance to work on future projects for the studio.

REQUIREMENTS / RESPONSIBILITIES:
You will be need to have experience of MotionBuilder and be responsible for layout of some cutscenes (prior to mocap). The cutscenes are first-person and the task is to block out the scenes and roughly animate the camera (which is supposed to be the head of the player).

A competitive day rate is on offer and the potential for work on other projects.

To ensure a speedy application please email your up to date CV in MS WORD FORMAT and Show Reel to officemanager@opmjobs.com or call me Jon direct on +44 (0) 1206 214425 if you have any queries.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

DESIGN

Game Designer

London

11 Month Contract

Start ASAP

£200 to £250 per day
STR are working closely with an award winning studio who are leading the way with interactive entertainment. Following this success and due to new exciting projects an excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Games Designer to join their team starting as soon as possible within a long term contract.
Game Designers are expected to bring their creative skills to bear in a team environment to delight customers and raise the quality of the features and products they are working on. Ideally we are looking for experience across multiple platforms and Apps, able to translate high level vision into quality designs and prototypes. Previous work with sports apps is an advantage. You must be comfortable working within a fast paced, busy team who rapidly produce prototypes and deliver high quality work as expected.

You will be focused on creating and implementing detailed interactive design mechanics that are fun and innovative and deliver highly engaging consumer experiences.

Responsibilities will also require collaboration creatively with external partners, brands and content providers
Key skills and experience required:

Proven ability to design detailed mechanics from concept and prototype to production
To develop workable product designs from high level creative direction
To work as part of a team, with artists and programmers, to fine tune interactive mechanics
A deep understanding of production pipelines and experience with in-development tool-sets
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
High attention to detail
Knowledge of scripting or programming languages such as LUA, Kismet or XML and visualisation packages such as Visio or In Design
Passion for sports and interactive entertainment

On offer is a long term contract starting ASAP, full time Monday to Friday based on-site with our clients studios in London, easily commutable from many surrounding areas.

To apply please send your CV and Portfolio to cjacques@strgroup.co.uk or call Charlene Jacques on 02392 322362

QA

Job Title Embedded Tester
Job Category QA / Localisation
Skills Required QA Tester
Location Guildford
Job Description This is an excellent opportunity for a future high flying individual to join the 22cans team. We are seeking an embedded tester to work closely with our Development team on the production of Godus.

Key accountabilities
-Testing of games features in full partnership with the development team.
-Working closely with design and code to highlight weaknesses and areas for improvement during feature testing.
-Ensure the build remains stable, reporting of issues by verification testing and automated smoke testing.
– Meticulous logging and organisation of bugs .
– Generation of multiple test and bug reports.

Success Criteria
At least 1 game shipped in a similar role

Understanding of the software development process

Good understanding of mobile devices

Technical understanding of game features

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

Self-starter

Desired
Previous experience in QA is an advantage

Familiar with bug tracking software

Attitude and desire ‘to go far’ in the games industry

You can apply here.

Train2Game News: Train2Game reaches over 6000 fans

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Train2Game FBTrain2Game are very proud to announce that the official Train2Game Facebook page has now over 6000 fans!

This is an excellent indication of the rise of Train2Game and its continued recognition in the gaming industry.

A Train2Game spokesman said, “It’s an incredible day for Train2Game reaching 6,000 fans on Facebook.

“The growth is testament to two things; one being the amazing student community of Train2Game and the second the great news supplied to the Facebook fan page from www.train2game-news.co.uk. “

Train2Game would like to thank all of their fans, students and staff for this great success. They look forward to welcoming many more in to the Train2Game family with the continued rise of Train2Game and the gaming industry.

Train2Game News: Games Industry Jobs

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Train2Game is bringing you more industry jobs this week across all industry sections.

DEVELOPER

Job Title Programmers wanted for a AAA Game Studio – Multiple roles!
Job Category Programming
Skills Required Gameplay, Audio Programmer, Animation Programmer, Graduate Programmer
Location North West, UK & Europe
Job Description Do you want to work with a AAA Game studio that makes multiplatform games!?  This is your chance to work with a Studio that has been making great AAA games for the last 15 years!  It is an Award winning studio that has a great Location in the North West! The Studio is mainly looking for gameplay programmers however experience in other types of programming is a massive bonus.

They are looking for someone that has:

–          Excellent C++ programming skills
–          Must have Strong Mathematical ability
–          Familiarity with programming test code
–          Excellent oral and written communication skill in English
–          Must adhere to schedules and work well under pressure
–          Self-motivated

Team player with a very strong work ethic and cooperative attitude Previous professional experience with 3D action game development is also a big plus! The studio offers a very competitive salary with paid overtime as well as a bonus scheme!  If you or anyone you know is interested and would like further information or wish to apply please contact me Richard Balding via email: richard.balding@amiqus.com.

DESIGN

Job Title Technical Designer London – Contract until Sep’ 13
Job Category Game Design
Skills Required Game Design
Location South East
Job Description Location – London
Contract until September 2013
Day rates between £225 to £250

OPM are pleased to be offering an excellent opportunity to join one of the most successful international development and publishing houses at their London studio.
The company is looking for a Technical Designer to join their Central London studio.

The Task
To have a key role in integrating content from various disciplines creating gameplay based on design documentation and helping to improve the toolsets and pipelines.

Responsibilities
• Create gameplay based on design documentation.
• Work with creative designers and programmer to help tweak gameplay systems.
• Integrate a variety of content from various disciplines.
• Analyse and assess potential risk factors in the design documentation.
• Act as a communication point between creative designers programmers and technical artists.
• Identify bottlenecks or improvements to the tool-chain and workflow.
• Documenting technical systems

Key Skills
• Analytical skills
• Methodical working practice
• A good understanding of technical design and game structure
• Experience using Photoshop 3DS Max or Maya
• Experience using visual design editors (Unreal Unity Hammer etc)
• Experience with scripting systems and/or state machine editors
• Experience with the Lua scripting language
• Experience with motion controllers and augmented reality systems

Catherine Cope| Design Consultant
Direct Line: + 44 (0) 1206 214416 | Email: catherine@opmjobs.com | Skype: catherine.cope.opm
LinkedIn – http://uk.linkedin.com/in/catherinecopeopm
Twitter – gamesdesignjobs

ART

Job Title Environment Artist
Job Category Art / Animation
Skills Required Environment Artist
Location Brighton
Job Description We are a small talented team of game developers based in the Brighton area. Our recent work includes Monkey Slam on iOS and converting CSR Racing to the Mac.

We are growing our studio to work on an exciting AAA mobile game with a well known publisher and are looking for a talented Environment Artist to come and work with us!

If you can prove the following we’d love to hear from you:

  • An excellent understanding of form, structure and silhouette in regard to modelling and composition.
  • Easy going attitude – being flexible with new ideas and most importantly open to direction and iteration.
  • Ability to communicate and work with coders, game and audio designers in a dynamic team environment.
  • Willing to help others and ask for help where needed.
  • Prepared to learn new tools during production.
  • Proactive in sharing info and assets.
  • A keen gamer and an appreciation of the visuals and user experience on all platforms from mobile to consoles.

Experience:

  • Ideally you’ll have at least 2 years game development experience in modelling and texturing environments although we would consider graduates with outstanding portfolios.
  • Strong artistic ability to visualise entire levels and detail with minimal concept art and direction.
  • Solid technical skills to manage assets that fit memory, design, and frame rate limitations.
  • Excellent polygonal modelling skills – able to generate clean and efficient models.
  • We make AAA quality games that have to be intuitive and slick. You would need to be hungry to make them even better!

Software:

  • Super skills in any of the following 3d apps – Maya, Max, XSI, Modo.
  • Excellent Photoshop skills.

Advantageous:

  • Knowledge of ZBrush or Mudbox.
  • Knowledge of Unity.

Applying:

All applicants will be asked to produce a portfolio. This role is for a short term contract initially between 5-6 months. We offer a competitive rate and an exciting, tight-knit working environment.

You can apply here.

QA

Capcom, Beeline is currently seeking a motivated QA Tester to join our London studio.The successful candidate will work with the QA team and the development team to ensure high quality bug free releases of our market leading games.

Required Skills:

  • Excellent attention to details, highly analytical
  • Self motivated with a professional work ethic
  • An excellent communicator both orally and written
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Flexible (in regard to hours of work)
  • Proven decision making ability under pressure
  • Good understanding of business software applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)Familiarity with bug tracking software
  • Good command of the English language
  • Interest in games is essential

    Desired Skills:

  • Previous experience in gaming QA whether console or mobile phones is desirable but not essential

    Applicants must be able to start ASAP and will work from our studio in Hammersmith.

    Please send applications with your CV to jobs@capcom.com

 

Train2Game News: Exciting iOS beta test for T2G students

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ImpPairedTrain2Game students invited to work with developers of puzzle title Imp Paired

Take part in the Train2Game exclusive beta, plus a chance to become part of professional development team

Casual puzzle title Imp Paired is offering Train2Game students exclusive access to a specially determined period of its beta test. In exchange for their time and expertise, students will receive a host of supporting and background information and the opportunity to engage the developers in conversation about the beta test from a developer’s point-of-view. As well as helping to test the game for bugs as part of the beta team, the Imp Paired developers are also looking for assistance with on-going development and managers to interact with the Imp Paired community. There is a genuine opportunity that the students who excel in this stage of Imp Paired’s development could continue to contribute to the ongoing development of this title and future releases from the studio.

Sign up for the Beta by emailing: nicholas@imppaired.com

Beta testers

The Imp Paired beta test is aimed at bringing the game up to release quality over the next few months. Testers will be given a copy of Imp Paired to install on their iOS devices and will be asked to give their feedback on new builds as they arrive throughout the test period.

The first builds are bound to be a little rough around the edges, but the developers behind Imp Paired are looking for the sort of people who like finding out where rough edges lie because it will be their feedback that drives the development process during the beta period.

As a beta tester you will be instrumental to the development process and you will be able to add the experience to your CV and portfolio.

Community managers

Community managers will be asked to field questions from and join in with the growing community through the Imp Paired website and social media channels, relaying information and questions between developer and audience. As part of the community team students will manage hubs like the Imp Paired Facebook page, contributing posts that offer opportunities for engagement.

Imp Paired

This puzzle title is best described as a cross between Pairs and Tetris. Where in traditional Pairs games you start with a full board and attempt to empty it, in Imp Paired you start with a half empty board and attempt to prevent it from filling. The task the player is presented with is to keep on top of their workload on a package sorting production line by revealing and matching pairs and sets of patterns on the packages’ reverse sides. New packages keep arriving all the time and the player must prevent their board from filling up or it’s game over.

The player is taken through the game by a pair of imp characters who pop-up between levels to instruct, encourage, insult and infuriate the player. The imps seem to be in charge, but as the player gains mastery of the increasing challenge the relationship between the player and the imps begins to unfold.

Imp Paired has both single and multiplayer modes and a range of difficulties. It sits together as a smart, humorous and fun experience, which lets newcomers and experts alike enjoy an exciting and challenging puzzle game.

To find out more about Imp Paired go to:

Website: imppaired.com

Facebook: facebook.com/imppaired

Twitter: twitter.com/imppaired (@imppaired)

YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvNFTGwmKf3nhX_aluHatJA

Imp Paired will be released for iOS in 2013, with a planned release for Android at a later stage.

To sign up for the Imp Paired beta or to join as a community manager email the team at the contact email address below.

nicholas@imppaired.com

Train2Game News: Rapid2D Competition

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Rapid2DRapid2D Launches TEN THOUSAND POUND App Competition!

But that’s not all; there will also be runners up prizes of Xbox 360 consoles and bundles taking the total prize fund way beyond £10,000

Windows 8, has teamed up with industry sponsor Microsoft Corp. to launch an app competition with a first prize of £10,000.

Aimed at start-ups and student studios, while being open to anyone to enter, teams will be required to submit apps to the Windows  Store. The judging will be based on overall app quality submitted by a studio/team.

Myra Smallman, of Rapid2D, also announced, “To create a level playing field for those who are just starting out in the industry, Rapid2D has produced a range of templates for use with our exciting new engine, all available for free to competition entrants.”

Anand Krishnan, Senior Director, Developer and Platform Group, Microsoft UK, added, “We are proud to support and sponsor this amazing initiative. It offers opportunities for hobby builders, students and startups to bring their ideas to life. We are excited to see what the next generation of developers, designers, artists and coders can do with the Rapid2D game engine.”

The competition will launch at 15.00pm (UK) on Wednesday 23rd January 2013 via the Rapid2D web site. The first of the 10 templates will also be made available at the same time as will the latest version of the Rapid2D engine, Rapid2D V1.2.

Registration via the Rapid2D website also opens 23rd January. The closing date for the collections of apps being published is 2nd April 2013.  All Apps which are to be considered for the competition must be submitted to the Windows Store for approval by 12 midnight on 2nd April 2013.

Rapid2D competition more

It is not a prerequisite of entry to use the Rapid2D engine – entrants can develop a Windows 8 game with any language or middleware platform, whilst we recommend the Rapid 2D engine to utilize the templates and accelerate the game app development.

Individuals can enter, but obviously teams can share the demanding workload

Full terms and conditions available via www.rapid2d.com , however entry is restricted to the UK.

Train2Game News: Student Studio forum page

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T2G ForumStudent studios invited to share experiences and advice in new group created on the Train2Game forum

Train2Game students who have created or joined indie studios are invited to join a specific student studios group and all students will be able to read contributions to this new forum page

The group has been designed for student studios to share experiences and advice on operating small independent studios. Train2Game will also work with the group to encourage discussions and pass on information about the work Train2Game does with start-up studios.

Train2Game will work to create PR for the studios based around projects they are working on, with press releases and  interviews on Train2Game Radio to coincide with when their games coming out, where it will be listened to by hundreds of thousands of listeners.

All students will be encouraged to follow the group but contributions will only be accepted after an approval process. This is to maintain the group as specifically for student studios, though all students can read and therefore benefit from the discussions.

To qualify as a student studio you will need to be a registered company, with a website. Individuals and groups are both welcome to apply. All applications will be considered, so feel free to get in touch,

If you are not in a studio and would like to create or join one, you can visit the forum groups: student project recruitment and student project showcase. Here you will be able to find others who are in similar situation, and once you are part of a studio you  can join the student studio group.

The group will be maintained by student administrator Lee Sainsbury and Train2Game PR Harry Cole. If you would like to join the group or discuss anything about the group, please feel free to contact either of the guys through the forum, contact names: Calibur and harrycole

Train2Game students invited to take part in Tamarex Beta

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TamarexStudents studying with Train2Game are invited to troubleshoot title created by student studio Icey Monty.

Remember the Tamagotchi? Well Train2Game student studio Icey Monty are inviting you to try there take on the classic virtual pet, only this time the pet isn’t so cute and cuddly. On this title which is soon to be available on iOS, you take care of a hungry T-Rex; feeding, playing and also cleaning up after it, as it grows! Train2Game students will be the first to play the game in an online version which will be available to all students who register an interest and are kind enough to give the team feedback on what they think.

The Beta

The Beta testing stage will be the final step towards releasing the game on to iOS and will be open to students for around two weeks. Those who sign up for the Beta will be asked to create their own pet dinosaur and reply to the Icey Monty team with their feedback over the period.

This is a great chance to see what students on the course are producing and also to take part in a closed preview where you can contribute to a game soon to hit the market.

To sign up to the Beta, contact: beta@iceymonty.com

Tamarex

  • Tamarex is a fresh new take on the Tamagotchi games, combining enticing 3D environments with an engaging and unique pet dinosaur.
  • Bring your Tamarex to life through feeding, various forms of play, and even cleaning up after it!
  • Customisation options! Choose the name, and unique colour of your Tamarex.
  • Your Tamarex lives persistently, even while you are offline.

Icey Monty

The team is made up of three Train2Game students: Lee Sainsbury, Nick Walker and John Esslemont.

To find out more about Tamarex go to:

Website: www.iceymonty.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iceymonty

Tamarex will be released for iOS early in 2013