Train2Game Student Richard Scott-Jones has been featured in the Redhill and Reigate Life. Richard talks to the paper about attending the Game Jam world record attempt this weekend.
You can read the article here:
http://www.redhillandreigatelife.co.uk/news/localnews/9920979.Redhill_games_industry_student_s_world_record_attempt/
I am looking forward to seeing you all there.
The Apple iPhone 5 is expected to be released next wednesday.
For gaming and games development this means a more powerful platform to work with.
The invitation to the launch event in San Francisco was a bit special – it had a twelve casting the shadow of a five and the words “its almost here”.
The new iPhone release is the first big advance by Apple since the death of Steve Jobs and it seems to be a big step forward from the 4S.
Leaked photos from some of Apples Chinese manufacturers show the device to have a bigger 4.2 inch screen and a slimmer body. It is expected to support the awaited 4G high speed wireless broadband. The mobile network Orange hopes to set up 4G for the UK the day before the launch of the iPhone 5, according to Ofcom.
4G gives the added bonus of downloading the games you want faster.
Phil Schiller, head of marketing for Apple, testified in court during the legal battle with Samsung, said: “Each new generation of iPhone sold approximately equal to all previous generations combined.”
If this keeps up it means that the market for games on iOS will rise to even greater heights.
Of course the most exciting thing coming next week is the Train2Game Game Jam which starts on the 14th. If you do get an iPhone 5 on release day there is just enough time to get it charged and ready before the weekends fun begins.
May we introduce an extra special lady who will be filming at the Gameathon, WELCOME Juliette.
Juliette’s credits include the Spirit of London Awards, YES Program (kids education) and even RARE, yes that RARE of Xbox fame. Her credits also span: Saatchi & Saatchi, San Miguel, Vivienne Westwood, Bloodhound (the car that goes 1000mph), Rimmel and Sky TV.
So if you would like to be considered so that Juliette can film your good side get in touch with Harry via BaseCamp.
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.”
Train2Game Web Site FaceBook Train2Game Page
twitter.com/train2game FaceBook Gameathon Page
More soon as we add them
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 students were among the winners at The Scottish Game Jam last weekend. The Scottish Game Jam is part of Global Game Jam 2012, the world’s largest game jam event which took place across the world last weekend.
And as revealed by Train2Game’s Dave Sharp on the Train2Game forum, Train2Game Art & Animation students Fiona Stewart and Corinna Bruce were winners of the Best Art Award at the Scottish Game Jam.
The Train2Game Blog spoke to Scottish Game Jam organiser Romana Khan last year, ahead of the first Train2Game Game Jam. The second Train2Game Game Jam, in association with Epic Games, took place in November.
Train2Game Blog readers may recall that Train2Game Art & Animation student Fiona Stewart is on a work placement at Radiation Burn, and recently spoke in depth to RTI FM about her experiences with Train2Game.
Train2Game Art & Animation student Robert Ramsey also took part in the Scottish Game Jam, he’s previously given a huge interview to The Train2Game Blog about his experiences of the course.
The Train2Game Blog would like to congratulate all Train2Game students who took part in the Scottish Game Jam on their efforts. Keep an eye on The Train2Game Forum, for posts from Fiona, Corinna, and Robert about how they found the event.
Of course, you can leave your comments and congratulations here on the Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.
Train2Game are pleased to announce a new addition to our media network in the form of Train2Game TV.
Train2Game TV features every Train2Game video to date, divided into three separate categories for viewer convenience.
‘What The Experts Say’ features advice from industry professionals on how to get into the games industry, and their views on current industry trends. ‘Putting Skills To The Test’ features footage and interviews from the Train2Game Gam Jams, and shows Train2Game students using the abilities they’ve learned on Train2Game courses to develop games. Meanwhile, ‘Student Diaries’ features Train2Game students talking about their experience on Train2Game courses.
Check out the brand new Train2Game TV website here.
Remember, you can also listen to interviews with industry experts and Train2Game students on Train2Game Radio.
Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.
The Train2Game & Epic Game Jam is over and the winning teams are:
A fourth team has also been made up from individual students picked from the remaining seven participating in the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam
Each of them produced a game based around the theme of Guy Fawkes using Epic’s Unreal Engine.
These Train2Game student teams will ‘Make something Unreal Live’ at The Gadget Show Live 2012. The development teams will benefit from a six-month incubation period in which a range of senior industry veterans will nurture projects by reviewing key milestones, providing guidance and shaping scope.
During this time, talent will prepare for the final showdown at the Gadget Show Live, where more than 100,000 attendees will watch them bring to life Unreal Engine 3-powered creations in real time.
The winner of that will see their game get a full release.
Well done to the winning Train2Game & Epic Game Jam teams, and good luck preparing for ‘Make Something Unreal Live’ at the Gadget Show next year. Good luck!
And thank you to every one of the ten Train2Game student teams that took part. Stay tuned to the Train2Game blog for more reaction.
The Train2Game & Epic Game Jam begins today and gives the Train2Game students in attendance a great opportunity to build a complete, working game in just 48 hours.
Before the previous Train2Game Game Jam earlier this year, the Train2Game blog spoke to Mediatonic Director of Games Paul Croft about the benefits of game jams. Mediatonic themselves use them internally to create ideas for new games.
“I think it’s really good as it shows that you’re passionate and want to go beyond, and you’re actually genuinely enthusiastic and enjoy what you’re doing.” said Croft on the subject of Train2Game students participating in Game Jams.
“ It shows that it’s more than a job for you and you do it to have fun, you do it because you like it and that’s really the best indication that someone is going to good at their job is if they like it, so I’d say it can definitely help you from that regard. They might not be great portfolio pieces, because they’re kind of hacked together, but I guess with a 48 hour Game Jam you can get something pretty decent together in that time.”
He added that taking part in a Game Jam is also just a lot of fun.
“I encourage people to do Game Jams, I think it’s a great way to – of you’re in the industry or not in the industry – to break out, have fun. I personally like to do Game Jams because I get to do programming again. Just get involved and do it!”
Read the full interview with Mediatonic Director of Games Paul Croft here on the Train2Game blog.
The Train2Game & Epic Game Jam starts today and runs through until Sunday. The winners will get the opportunity to ‘Make Something Unreal Live’ at The Gadget Show Live.
Those Train2Game students attending the Train2Game & Epic Game Jam should check out advice from Train2Game student Fiona Stewart.
Stay tuned to the Train2Game blog for updates throughout the weekend.
Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.
The Train2Game Blog 