Tag Archives: Train2Game

Train2Game

Train2Game News: Cheat Mode author Dan Jacobs on what makes a good QA Tester

Posted on by
Reply

Good QA Testers needs communication skills and an explorative nature. That’s according to industry veteran Dan Jacobs, author of Cheat Mode: The definitive guide for getting into and surviving the industry, who was speaking to The Train2Game Blog as part of a soon to be published interview.

“A good QA Tester has to communicate clearly, concisely and well all the time, and has to keep that level consistent.” said Jacobs.

“They have to have an explorative nature, because I can hire anyone to play a game, but hiring someone to break a game is a subtle but key difference. If all they do is just play the game, they’re not going to find the problems.”

“When you release a piece of software, you end up with millions and millions of possibilities from every position that character is in, and we need to test those possibilities.” the Cheat Mode author added.

Our full interview with Dan Jacobs about Cheat Mode, the industry and QA Testing will be published soon. Meanwhile, keep reading The Train2Game Blog for the latest QA Testing news.

What do you think makes a good QA Tester?

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

Train2Game News: Good game design focuses on the player, not the designer’s mind says Warren Spector

Posted on by
Reply

Good game design focuses on the player, rather than the ideas of the game designer. That’s according to Deus Ex creator and Epic Mickey 2 creative lead Warren Spector.

“A lot of games are all about trying to read the designer’s mind. A designer creates an incredible puzzle and you have to try and solve that puzzle in the one way that the designer lets you,” he told OPM UK.

“I don’t make games like that. The games that I make are about offering problems to players. In Epic Mickey you’re constantly making choices. It’s all about you deciding what’s important.

“It’s not about how clever and creative I am – it’s about how clever and creative you are.” Spector added.

There’s more from Epic Mickey 2 and Warren Spector here on The Train2Game Blog. Meanwhile, keep reading for more behind-the-scenes news on game design.

Do you agree with Spector’s views on game design? Is choice essential for good game design?

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

Train2Game News: End of Nations closed beta details and developer diary released

Posted on by
Reply

Trion Worlds and Petrogylph have released details about the upcoming closed beta for their MMORTS End of Nations, along with a developer diary discussing the key ideas behind the game.

The first End of Nations closed beta event will run from Friday 20th July through to Sunday 22nd July and will feature a variety of large and small maps across several different terrain types.

Those interested in taking part in the End of Nations closed beta can apply to be a part of it here.

Meanwhile, the End of Nations ‘When Titans Join Forces’ developer diary sees staff from both studios involved in producing the game, including Trion Worlds CEO Lars Buttler and Petrogyph president and co-founder Mike Legg, discussing their project.

Subjects covered include include the two studios working together as a team, bringing innovations to real time strategy and online gaming, and how they believe End of Nations is the world’s first AAA quality free-to-play game. Watch the developer diary below, here on The Train2Game Blog.

There’s much more about End of Nations, the importance of a beta to game development and QA Testing in our huge interview with Trion Worlds Senior QA Tester Karl Tars.

And be sure to keep reading The Train2Game Blog for more developer diaries and opportunities to take part in beta tests.

What are your thoughts on End of Nations? Will you be applying to take part in the closed beta?

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

Train2Game News: Legend of Grimrock level editor tools demonstrated in developer video

Posted on by
Reply

Indie RPG Legend of Grimrock will soon introduce a level editor as part of a free update, allowing you to create your own dungeons.

Developers Almost Human have released a video, showing how the Grimrock level editor will work, with the good news being that it looks quite simple to use! Watch the Legend of Grimrock level editor preview below, here on The Train2Game Blog.

Modding and using level creation kits are great ways for Train2Game students to both practice and showcase their abilities. Find out more here on The Train2Game Blog.

Are you a Legend of Grimrock player? Will you be using the level editor?

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

Train2Game News is looking for a full-time blogger!

Posted on by
Reply

We’re sorry to say Train2Game News Editor Danny Palmer is moving on to pastures new as he’s landed himself a staff writer position within a top end publisher – Danny will be leaving us at the end of this month.

However, this also gives us the opportunity to offer the open position of blogger for Train2Game News.  Applicants should be within easy commuting distance of Luton/London, with the successful candidate working from home, with a laptop and mobile provided by the company.

This is a full-time position and you’ll be working as a part of the Head Office Online team which spans many European countries. Full training and guidance will be given and on-going. You’ll need exceptional English and be able to demonstrate you have the experience and skills to write blogs, manage social media, report from event and represent the company in an exemplary way. A passion for the games industry is obviously a bonus.

Other skills you will be taught or ideally should already have some experience with are a flare for audio editing, good writing skills and the ability to be self-motivated.

Interviews will take place in Luton at the online team head office. Interested applicants should send a CV and covering letter explaining why you are the best candidate for the job to recruiting@train2game.com The closing date for applications is 17:00 on Friday 6th July. 

More information is available on the Train2Game forum.

 

 

Train2Game News: BAFTA Games Question Time in Sheffield on Monday 2nd July

Posted on by
Reply

Games Britannia and BAFTA are hosting a special games question time event at Sheffield Hallam University next Monday, giving you the chance to quiz industry experts.

You could ask the panel anything from creating games, the business around games, advice on getting into the industry or what they think the future holds. It’s a great opportunity for any Train2Game students in the Sheffield area.

On the panel are:

Charles Cecil MBE – Creator of the Broken Sword series of adventures, Designer of the BBC Dr Who Adventure Games and founder of Revolution Software

Maria Stukoff – Academic Partnership Manager for SONY Computer Entertainment Europe

Andy Payne OBE – Managing Director of Mastertronic, UKIE Chairman, Just Flight, The Producers, BAFTA, Just Trains, Get Games, GamesAid and AppyNation

Sean Millard – Creative Director at Sheffield’s SUMO Digital – one of the UK’s largest independent videogame development studios

BAFTA Games Question Time takes place on Monday 2nd June at 18:15. Get your free ticket and find out more here.

There’s more BAFA news here on The Train2Game Blog.

Will you attend BAFTA Games Question Time in Sheffield?

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

BAFTA’s public events and online resources bring you closer to the creative talent behind your favourite games, films, and TV shows. Find out more at www.bafta.org/newsletter,www.facebook.com/bafta or twitter.com/baftagames

Train2Game News: Train2Game student developed My Sea Park reaches 250,000 downloads

Posted on by
Reply

 

My Sea Park, a mobile game developed with significant input from Train2Game students has been downloaded over 250,000 times.

The management title, created with help from Train2Game students on work placement at DR Studios, was released worldwide less than two weeks ago.

Seven students worked on the iOS game, with Train2Game game designer Craig Moore serving as design lead.

My Sea Park lets players explore their creativity by building the biggest and best marine-themed amusement park in the world.

Watch the trailer below, here on The Train2Game Blog.

Like it? Then support fellow Train2Game students by downloading My Sea Park from the App Store now!

There’s more on My Sea Park here on The Train2Game Blog, while keep reading for the latest industry experience diaries from Train2Game students on placement at DR Studios.

As usual, leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Train2Game News: Ghost Recon Online and Shootmania developer sessions added to Rezzed line-up

Posted on by
Reply

PC and indie games show Rezzed has revealed more developer sessions for the Brighton event, with Ghost Recon Online and Shootmania developers speaking about their games.

Developers of both of the Ubisoft titles will be talking about their games on the second day of the show, with the Ghost Recon Online developers taking to the stage at .3pm, while the Shootmania team will discuss their title at 5pm.

Peter Molyneux,  Day Z creator Dean “Rocket” Hall, The Indie Stone,  Introversion Software, The Creative Assembly, Splash Damage CEO Paul Wedgwood and Gearbox Software’s Randy Pitchford are among those giving talks during the two day Brighton event, while a variety of games are available to play on the show floor.

Not only that, but everyone who buys a ticket for Rezzed gets a free DOTA 2 beta key. Rezzed takes place in Brighton on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th July, with tickets available here.

We’ll be sure to keep you up to date with the latest news as the show approaches and the final speaker is announced.

Will you be attending these developer sessions?

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

Train2Game News: Watch two Dishonored gameplay videos with developer commentary

Posted on by
Reply

Get an insight into development of Dishonored in not one, but two gameplay demos with commentary from Arkane Studios Co-Creative Directors Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith.

Colantonia spoke to The Train2Game Blog about Dishonored at Gamescom last year.

The two videos show Colantonio and Smith discussing two different playthroughs of ‘The Golden Cat,’ a mission that tasks you with assassinating The Pendleton Brothers, two corrupt aristocrats. The first Dishonored video shows a stealthy approach to the mission, while the second sees the Arkane Studios Co-Creative Directors, commentating on a more action-based style.

Watch both videos, and listen to the commentary on two very different styles of play, below, here on The Train2Game Blog.

Dishonored Golden Cat E3 Gameplay Walkthrough — Part 1

Dishonored Golden Cat E3 Walkthrough — Part 2

Dishonored from Arkane Studios and Bethesda is scheduled for release on 12th October 2012.

There are more developer diaries, giving an insight into development of a wide variety of games, here on The Train2Game Blog.

What are your thoughts on the two different styles shown in the videos? Are you looking forward to Dishonored?

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

Train2Game News: Guild Wars 2 release date and final beta weekend revealed

Posted on by
Reply

Guild Wars 2 will officially launch on Tuesday 28th August, with a final beta test taking place over the weekend of 20th July.  ArenaNet have made the announcement following a Guild Wars 2 server stress test earlier this week.

“This is an incredibly momentous day for the studio and for me personally.” said ArenaNet co-founder Mike O’Brien.

“ This journey began in 2007 when we first announced that we were beginning work on Guild Wars 2 and that you wouldn’t be hearing from us for a while. Then in 2010 we unveiled our manifesto for Guild Wars 2: a living breathing online world that challenges convention, that’s designed for fun instead of grind, and that brings social interaction to a new level in an online world.

“Through all the long hours and hard decisions, we were bolstered by the knowledge that we were not in this alone. All along you’ve been there for us, cheering us on, supporting us when we needed it, testing early versions of the game, and above all, giving us your honest feedback every step of the way. Guild Wars 2 is a better game for all of the work that our community has put in.” he continued, adding remaining development time will focus on QA Testing.

“Now that we’re just two months away from launch, we’ll spend our remaining time optimizing, polishing, and balancing the game, to ensure that we provide you with the best launch-day experience we possibly can.” O’Brien concluded.

ArenaNet recently posted an in-depth blog about the importance of testing in ensuring Guild Wars 2 is fun.

There’s more Guild Wars 2 news here on The Train2Game Blog.

Have you been taking part in the beta weekends? How important do you feel they are to development?

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