Tag Archives: Xbox 360

Train2Game news: Former Sony Exec Phil Harrison joins Microsoft

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Train2Game Blog readers will have seen that Peter Molyneux left his positions at Microsoft last week, but the Xbox 360 manufacturers have moved quickly to announce a new employee,  former Sony Executive Phil Harrison.

Harrison has over 25 years worth of experience in the games industry, who has spent a large portion of his career with Sony. Among other things, it was Harrison who discovered Media Molecule, this securing LittleBigPlanet as a PlayStation exclusive title. He also championed Killzone, SingStar and EyeToy.

His new role will involve mobile and social elements and growing Xbox developments in Europe, in addition to overseeing UK developers Lionhead, Soho Productions and Rare.

“I am excited to be joining the senior team at Microsoft at a pivotal time for our industry,” said Harrison. “

I am really impressed with the company’s long-term vision for growing the market for interactive entertainment globally and also with the incredible wealth of talent, technology and resources the company has available to succeed.”

President of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Businesses, Don Mattrick, welcomed Harrison on board.

“Phil has played an instrumental role in shaping modern console history through his keen insights into both hardware and software strategy,” he said.

His addition to our leadership team will impact our global business in innumerable ways, as he aligns our studio development and growing portfolio of entertainment experiences in Europe to drive our continued growth worldwide.” Mattrick added.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on former Sony executive Phil Harrison joining Microsoft?

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

[Source: Major Nelson]

Train2Game news: Bungie co-founder “a little nervous” about Microsoft developing Halo 4

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Train2Game Blog readers will probably be aware that Bungie, developers of Halo, have stepped away from shooter.

The series is now in the hands of Microsoft studio 343. They produced last year Halo Anniversary, which you can read more about in this Train2Game Blog interview producers Dan Ayoub and Producer Dennis Ries.

It’s 343 who’ll be developing Halo 4, but Bungie co-founder Alex Seropian – now working on mobile games – is confident with Microsoft, Halo 4 is in safe hands.

“It’s so crazy in an interesting way. I’ve been an observer for a while now. So much has gone on with the franchise. I will say the encouraging thing is that I know a lot of the folks at Microsoft working on it and they are great people,” he told GameSpot.

“I’m very hopeful that the team there is very fantastic. They are certainly treating it with a lot of care and respect. And applying the resources you’d like to see applied to a franchise like that. I’m hopeful that it will continue to bring the high production value and cool experiences it’s known for.”

However, Seropian added that even though he was “a little nervous” with what 343 could do with Halo 4, he’d be surprised if wasn’t a success.

“I don’t think I can be anything other than hopeful that it will be great. We’ll see. Halo is one of the crown jewels in the Microsoft gaming IP, if not the crown jewel, so you would expect nothing less than for them to take the time needed and apply the resources needed to make it great. I would be pretty surprised if they wiffed it.” he said.

“Maybe it will bring a fresh perspective, and that’s so hard because there’s so many fans that are used to a particular thing that bringing something new is often…it’s hard to bring something new to a franchise that’s so established. I’m looking forward to it.” the Halo creator concluded.

The full interview in-which the Bungie co-founder discusses his new mobile studio and much more can be read on GameSpot.

What are your thoughts on Halo being under the stewardship of a new developer? And what are your hopes for the series?

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

Train2Game news: Consoles will continue to be the ‘gold standard’

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Train2Game students will be aware about the huge increase in digital gaming over the last few years, with smartphones, Steam and as seen at the Eurogamer Expo, OnLive, all giving consumers ways of downloading or streaming games.

And as reported by the Train2Game blog, some have even speculated that there will eventually be no place for traditional consoles.

However, retailer GameStop believes that consoles are very much here to stay and for a long while yet.

“We continue to believe that the console is a strong platform and will continue to be the gold standard” GameStop President Tony Bartel told Industry Gamers

And he believes that digital content will become an increasingly important area for consoles.

“People will begin to digitally download first a lot more downloadable content. Eventually, full games will become more relevant to some consumers who want to do that”

“Then we think that streaming will continue to grow. As you get additional bandwidth, we think that it’s going to become more prevalent over time, which is why we’ve invested in it.” Bartel concluded.

The increasing importance of digital to consoles echoes comments made by THQ CEO Brian Farrell. As reported by the Train2Game blog, he believes future consoles won’t use discs and this will only be a good thing for game developers.

Meanwhile, Crytek believe that the games industry isn’t quite ready for an all digital cloud gaming way of working.

So Train2Game, do you believe consoles will always be a part of gaming? Or does the rise of digital mean that they have limited time left in the spotlight?

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

[Source: Industry Gamers]

Train2Game news: Adding Kinect motion control ”not really difficult’ say Ghost Recon developers

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Train2Game students may be split over the potential of Kinect, but developing for the motion controller isn’t difficult…so long you know how you want to use it.

That’s according to the developers of the upcoming Ghost Recon: Future solider. The upcoming tactical squad shooter features Kinect compatibility in its Gunsmith mode, which as reported by the Train2Game blog was first revealed at E3.

The mode allows players to put together and take apart weapons using Kinect hand gestures, while motion control can also be used to test the weapons on an in-game firing range.

And developers Ubisoft say adding these features to Ghost Recon: Future soldier was relatively simple

“I think adding the motion control of Kinect to a game it’s not really difficult when you know what you want to do with it, when you know to add it into the game” Lead Game Designer Roman Campos Oriola told Train2Game at Gamescom.

“So for us Kinect for the gunsmith is there to enact the fantasy that you are really manipulating your weapons and customising them.”

Associate Producer Thomas Leroux-Hugon added that while Gunsmith mode was originally designed with a control pad in mind, its context meant adding Kinect compatibility made things simpler.

“In the very specific context of the gunsmith mode the design existed already as a pad driven design but Kinect added something that made things simpler in a way” said Lerouz-Hugon

“It’s always easier for us to work from a good ground and then something closer to the actual act of manipulating stuff.”

And Ubisoft are convinced they’ve found the right use for the motion controller, without having to think about it too much

“It could be like ‘we need to put some motion control in, what feature will do? Maybe we could have that?’ No. The case was we had a really clear mind about what we wanted to do with It.” added Oriola.

The full interview Ghost Recon: Future Soldier interview with Ubisoft will be published shortly.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Kinect in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier? Have Ubisoft found the right use? Do you have any ideas about how you’d like to use Kinect in games.

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

Train2Game students on ‘garbage’ Kinect comments of Super Meat Boy dev

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As reported by the Train2Game blog on Friday, Super Meat Boy developer Edmund McMillen labelled Kinect for the Xbox 360 as ‘garbage’ and that it’s ruining game design.

As you might expect from such a controversial comment – and the manner in with was said – it’s split opinion amongst Train2Game students

A number of Train2Game students made their voices heard on the Kinect issue on both the Train2Game Facebook page and the Train2Game forum; here’s a selection of some of their comments.

“He is right though they are bringing out all this stuff when there is no need” said Ian Casper Dale on the Train2Game Facebook page. “For the Kinect you have no controllers and the only games for it is things I can do in real life like running, fighting etc it’s a load of BS if you ask me and I agree with Super Meat Boy”

“I have to agree people are worrying too much about Kinect and losing the TRUE meaning and game play of what thay started out as”  Darren Williams agreed on Facebook.

“I couldn’t agree more with Edmund McMillen” added Steven Brashaw “Motion control is unnecessary, why do you think games like Mario Kart Wii & Smash Bros Brawl have Gamecube controller compatibility? I’ll stick to pads thank you & have a nice day”

However, not all Train2Game students see Kinect as a novelty, and some have very positive to say about the Xbox 360 motion controller.

“I suppose aiming for the casual gaming Market ( as they seem to be ) is always a safe bet. After all they are biggest spenders. Give it time am sure something good/better will rear its head and if not it’s at least a good direction for gaming in the future.”  Brian Malm replied on the Train2Game Facebook page.

Catriona Smith also praised Kinect on the Train2Game Facebook page, adding that it’s great for her child.

“I have the Kinect and I love it and my 3 year old loves it as well the games that you can get for the Kinect all good and fund to play plus you have the star wars game for it as well and it is a good way to get fit if you don’t have time to go to the gym” she said.

Meanwhile, on the Train2Game forum, Vampire Duck agreed that Kinect is great for fitness, and no one is forcing the Super Meat Boy developers to use Kinect.

“Well I’ve lost half a stone or more playing Kinect Adventures, so I don’t think I could agree. I like losing half a stone or more. 

“As for the rest, it is an option, no one is forcing him to use it, it’s not even as if all or the majority of Xbox games use it, and nothing can get sold without it. I think he may still be a little pissed with Microsoft’s broken promises on Super Meat Boy promotion, which is fair enough.”

So there you have it, a little insight into what you, the Train2Game students think about Kinect. But what are your thoughts on the matter?

You can get involved in the discussion on here on the Train2Game blog, on the Train2Game Facebook page, or on the Train2Game forum.

Kinect is ‘garbage’ and Game Design is what matters says Super Meat Boy dev

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Train2Game students may be split on the impact Kinect will have on the industry, but Super Meat Boy developer Edmund McMillen hates it. Absolutely hates it with a passion.

Unfortunately for him, and as reported by the Train2Game blog, Kinect featured heavily in the Microsoft E3 presentation.

McMillen believes that more focus should be put on Game Design, rather than creating peripherals such as Kinect. He passionately believes it…in a very sweary fashion.

“Gameplay is what matters. Good game design” McMillen told Eurogamer.  “It’s almost as if they thought developers said ‘s**t, we’ve hit a wall and we can’t design fun games anymore, and can’t innovate through game design itself, we need all these crazy-ass peripherals that are going to help break through barriers and find new uncharted territory”

“No, just f***ing sit down and come up with a new genre. Chris Hecker came up with a new genre – Spy Party – so I guarantee other people can too. Minecraft – a creative MMO. And Katamari too. We don’t need peripherals.”

Speaking about Kinect specially, McMillen was just as ‘passionate’ in his views.

“That thing is a piece of garbage. There is absolutely nothing good for it. It’s a joke. It’s a f***ing joke. It doesn’t make any f***ing sense. It’s painful because they justify it by saying ‘a lot of people bought it’, but that’s just marketing.”

As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, Kinect has been a success in that over 10 million units have been sold.

“I’m telling you, there’s not going to be anything for it that’s so compelling that 10 years from now you’ll tell your friends ‘wow, I really want to break out the Kinect and play this’. It’s just not going to happen.” McMillen said of Kinect games.

Microsoft have previously stated that all their future first party games will come with Kinect support.

“Buttons. Buttons and game pads. Just give me my f***ing game pad back.” He replied when asked what he wanted from the next generation of consoles.

So Train2Game, do you agree with the Super Meat Boy devs comments? Should the industry focus more on games then things like motion control?

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

[Source: Eurogamer]

Train2Game news: Games industry should adopt one console as standard says Bethesda Exec

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The games industry should move towards adopting a single console.

That’s according to Bethesda Softworks game director Todd Howard whose view is likely to split Train2Game students.

“I’d like there to be only one platform. It’s a lot of work to make the games look good on ever platform you’re on,” said Howard told PSM3.

He compared it to being able to use DVDs and Blu-Rays with multiple outlets.

“I often equate it to DVD or Blu-Rays. Once I’ve bought a DVD I can use it in my TV, in my computer, in my car, here, whatever. And I think it would be good for gaming if it was like that,” he said.

However, Howard admits his wish is rather unlikely.

“They spend billions of dollars selling consoles at a loss for years, but then make the money back with games,” he commented. “It’s not like the industry is hurting, we’re doing really well. But if I had one wish, you know, we would have better games for a single platform.”

The idea of one console certainly raises an interesting prospect, and not just because it’d mean the death of console exclusive titles! But it could potentially make games easier to develop and allow them to get to a wider audience; both are things Train2Game students are likely to approve of!

On the other hand, the idea of a single console does seem to overlook the PC, which as the Train2Game blog reported last month, has ‘shot by’ consoles according to Epic.

“We’re at the stage in the life of the consoles where the PC has shot by them in terms of capabilities.”  said Epic Games VP Mark Rein

“With the PC you can simulate the future – you can put enough hardware in a PC to show you what a future console will look like.” he added.

The Train2Game blog has previously lavished praise on the PC for being the best platform for Train2Game students.

So Train2Game, is the idea of a single gaming device too farfetched? Or could you see it happening in future? How could it benefit developers?

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

[Source: CVG]

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]

Microsoft: Kinect becoming ‘super-responsive’

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As reported by the Train2Game blog, Microsoft gave Kinect a huge push during their E3 press conference, with developers getting better at using the technology.

Now  Kinect developers are starting to unlock “a whole bunch of new stuff” with their “super-responsive” titles. At least that’s according to Kinect’s Microsoft creative director, Kudo Tsunoda.

“I think the great thing about Kinect, and you saw so many new types of experience at the E3 keynote, is it’s all being down with the same hardware and development tools that have been available for a while – it’s just us as developers getting better at using the technology,” he said.

“You could see that in Kinect Star Wars: we’ve got the responsiveness down now where you could be blocking laser shots coming in with the lightsaber, which obviously needs to be very responsive to be able to do that.”

“It’s super-responsive, and that’s certainly unlocking a whole bunch of new stuff.” He added.

Microsoft has already stated that all first Xbox 360 titles will come with Kinect support in future, and you can find out more here on the Train2Game blog.

And as also previously reported by the Train2Game blog, Minecraft for the Xbox 360 will also come with Kinect support.

Only yesterday the Train2Game blog reported that while Peter Molyneux is a huge fan of Kinect, he believes the lack of buttons leads to interface control issues.

So Train2Game, how do you see Kinect technology developing? How much will it improve in future? And to what extent could it change Game Design as we know it?

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

[Source: CVG]