Leaving its home in Austin, Texas, for the first time in its 30+ years history was not an everyday decision. However, it finally happened as the event’s maiden international appearance since its inauguration in 1987 took place in Sydney.

Following the same format as the established North American concept, the inaugural SXSW Sydney edition encompassed over 1,000 performances, panel sessions and screenings throughout Australia’s most populous city.

This extravagant pop culture event, spanning a seven-day period, attracted nearly 100,000 attendees from 41 countries, providing long-term enthusiasts and new gamers with a unique opportunity to experience the future of the fast-developing gaming sector.

The event had a strong focus on the ever-growing interest in gaming and eSports. The Australian gaming audience found SXSW Sydney’s decision to host its own gaming festival particularly appealing.

With the sole purpose of ‘celebrating the future of the industry and embracing the power and potential of games,’ SXSW Sydney set the stage for an unprecedented gaming convention on Australian soil.

In order to live up to its usual high standard, the convention turned to Luke Lancaster, formerly the head of content and partnerships at ReedPop, for help.

Once the mastermind behind Australia’s largest gaming convention, PAX Aus, he’s now at the helm of SXSW Sydney. But entrusting a man of his stature to throw a spectacle comes at a certain price.

Attending SXSW wasn’t cheap by any stretch of the imagination. The Gaming Badge came at a staggering price of $895. This lofty price gave attendees access to industry names they would’ve probably never reached otherwise. It was a primary reason the event drew significant attention from the gambling industry.

Betting on eSports has become a popular trend, especially after the pandemic put the squeeze on traditional sports. A global lockdown created a thriving environment for the gaming industry, one that the industry’s bigwigs have taken full advantage of to promote their products and link with the leading betting companies.

Traditional sports betting is already spreading across the globe faster than the pandemic. People like to win – it’s an essential part of human nature. And it’s also the industry’s single most significant advantage. Leveraging people’s overwhelming desire for a healthy adrenaline rush and ‘easy money’ is the foundation of the industry.

Let’s use football as an example. As the world’s most popular sport, it’s also the betting industry’s central source of profit. It didn’t take long before the leading players in the field started making lucrative sponsorship deals with the most prominent football clubs. But as some leagues have banned such partnerships, the betting industry strives to find a soft landing.

As a result, the fever now translates to eSports. Just look at Topsport Australia – the country’s ‘home of sports and racing betting,’ as they market themselves. Aware of a new world order, the platform has launched its transition from traditional sports to gaming, knowing a stubborn policy would probably leave them behind in the foreseeable future.

The industry is among the most competitive, with bookies using every tool at their disposal to entice existing customers and attract new players. Betting enthusiasts in Australia can scour MyBettingAustralia to find regulated and licensed sportsbooks. One glance at the top websites is enough to realise how horse racing still occupies centre stage.

However, it’s only a matter of time before gaming reaches the heights of its competitors. Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s wealthiest countries, has taken concrete steps towards becoming a gaming hub.

Similar to their world-shattering investment in the Saudi Pro League over the past 12 months, the kingdom is hellbent on ascending to the gaming throne. When there’s money, there’s interest, and the Middle East leaders have lots of it.

Gaming is the world’s next megatrend. It’s already here, and it’s growing at an exponential rate. SXSW Sydney was the latest example of its sterling rise.

Let’s put the unparalleled interest in the convention in context – people were ready to part with $1,295 to get a Platinum Badge. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Platinum Badge is an all-access pass, unlike the aforementioned base-level Gaming Badge.

Proud of the event’s resounding success in 2023, SXSW Sydney will return to Australia in October 2024. Since we’re living in uncertain times of galloping inflation, it’s almost impossible to predict how much money you’ll need to allocate to attend the upcoming convention.

But that’s the thing. Gaming attracts money, and so does the betting industry. It’s a perfect match destined to forge one of the most lucrative partnerships the world has ever seen.

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Indie Triumphs

The night witnessed several stellar moments for indie gaming. Dlala Studios, in collaboration with Disney Games, took home the coveted Game of the Year award for Disney Illusion Island. Not stopping there, Dlala also snagged the Best Small Studio title, while Disney Illusion Island was lauded as the Best Social Game 2023.

Ustwo games bagged double wins with the Diversity award and the Creativity in Games accolade for their creation, Desta: The Memories Between.

Big Wins and New Beginnings

Sumo Digital emerged victoriously as the Best Large Studio, alongside their Sumo Group, securing the Best Talent Development Initiative award. Playground Games was honoured with the brand-new Commitment to Workplace Wellbeing award, while Playground’s HR Director, Geraldine Cross, was named the Outstanding Individual of the Year.

Rocksteady Studios received the inaugural Commitment to ESG award, while Dovetail Games seized the title of Employer of the Year. Also making a splendid debut was the category of Outstanding Leadership, awarded to John Tearle, CEO of Flix Interactive.

The Complete Winners List

The list of winners covers an array of categories and showcases the diversity and innovation within the gaming industry. From audio design to strategy games, legal services to outstanding leadership, the TIGA Awards highlighted excellence across various domains.

Dr Richard Wilson OBE, CEO of TIGA, commented, “Congratulations to all the winners of the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2023! It’s a delight to acknowledge the creativity and commitment that enriches the UK’s gaming landscape. A heartfelt thank you to our finalists, judges, attendees, and our sponsors for supporting TIGA’s mission to celebrate excellence in gaming.”

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At the weekend, I headed to Birmingham for the Insomnia Gaming Festival (i71) at the NEC. This annual event has become a gaming mecca, bringing together gamers, developers, and enthusiasts from all corners of the UK.

Diving into the Gaming Oasis

The atmosphere was electric, and the excitement was palpable. With a lanyard around my neck and my daughter in tow, I was ready to explore the digital wonderland that awaited.

Games Galore: Headbangers, Moving Out 2, and Tekken 8

My first stop was the gaming exhibition area, where some fantastic titles were showcased. One game that immediately caught my eye was “Headbangers” from Team 17. This pigeon-themed, rhythm-based battle royale was a unique and hilarious experience that had everyone in stitches.

Next up was “Moving Out 2,” the sequel to the popular co-op game. It retained all the chaotic fun of its predecessor, and I couldn’t resist jumping in for a quick game with fellow attendees.

But the real highlight was “Tekken 8.” With a big presence at the festival, it was nothing short of amazing. The visuals were stunning, the gameplay was as tight as ever, and the competition was fierce. I spent a while in the Tekken booth, honing my skills and taking on challenges.

eSports Extravaganza

Insomnia has always been a haven for eSports enthusiasts, and this year was no exception. The eSports zone was buzzing with activity, and I couldn’t resist watching some intense Valorant matches with a cold beer in hand. The level of skill on display was mind-blowing, and the crowd’s cheers and gasps added to the excitement.

LAN Party Heaven

As I wandered further into the NEC, I found myself in the darkness that was the LAN party area. Hundreds of gamers were huddled together, their computers linked in a colossal digital network. It was a sight to behold, and the camaraderie among these players was heartwarming. It’s one thing to play games online, but sharing the same physical space with fellow gamers takes the experience to a whole new level.

Cosplay Creativity

Cosplayers added a vibrant and colourful dimension to the festival. Decked out as their favourite characters from video games, anime, and comics, these talented individuals brought fantasy to life. From intricate costumes to elaborate props, the dedication and creativity of cosplayers never cease to amaze me.

Artistic Treasures and Weaponry Galore

The artist’s alley was a treasure trove of gaming-inspired artwork and memorabilia. From posters, mouse mats, and even a Pokémon ball with a little garden inside it, I could have spent a small fortune. As I strolled through the stalls, I noticed many swords, guns and accessories for perfect for adding a touch of gaming flair to one’s home. It was weird going through the heavy security whilst cosplayers walked around with swords, axes and M16’s.

Meet and Greet with Gaming Stars

Another highlight was the meet and greet area. I had the privilege of meeting Ben Star, who voiced Clive Rosfield, the main protagonist of Final Fantasy XVI1, as well as Devora Wilde, who was one of the lead roles in Baldur’s Gate 3, playing the Githyanki fighter Lae’zel. Finally, I saw but not met Neil Newbon known for voicing Karl Heisenberg in Resident Evil Village, Nicholai Ginovaef in Resident Evil, and Elijah Kamski and Gavin Reed in Detroit: Become Human. It was a chance to connect with the voices behind some of my favourite characters and hear their stories.

As the weekend at Insomnia Gaming Festival (i71) came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. COVID really set the world back as gamers content to stay in and play had no reason to meet up with like-minded people. But these events are a great opportunity to hang out in a safe space without judgment, sharing a passion for gaming and anime.

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What to Expect

The Insomnia Gaming Festival is the UK’s biggest gaming event, with over 20 years of history. It offers something for everyone, whether you want to play the latest games, compete in tournaments, watch live shows, meet your favourite guests, or shop for gaming merchandise.

Here are some of the highlights of the festival:

• Intel: Intel is the official partner of the festival, and they will bring a lot of exciting activities to the show floor. You can join mini-tournaments, explore the Intel Arc Zone, build your own PC, race in simulators, and more.
• Tekken 8: Tekken 8 is one of the most anticipated games of the year, and you can play it at Insomnia. You can choose from 16 iconic characters and battle in VS mode. You can also enter just for fun PlayStation tournaments and win some cool prizes.
• The Dark Room: The Dark Room is the world’s only live-action text adventure game, and it is back by popular demand. You can join comedian John Robertson as he guides you through a hilarious and interactive adventure. You can also buy tickets to see his show on Saturday night.
• Indieverse: Indieverse is the place to discover the best in indie gaming. You can play new and upcoming games from independent developers and support their creative vision. You might even find your new favourite game here.
• Lenovo Legion: Lenovo Legion is the headline sponsor of #i71, and they will showcase their latest gaming products and services. You can check out their stand on the show floor and see what they have to offer.
• Splatoon 3: Splatoon 3 is the latest instalment of the colourful and chaotic shooter game from Nintendo. You can compete in the last chance qualifiers for the Splatoon 3 European Championships and show off your skills. You can also play other Nintendo games and have fun with your friends.
• Team17: Team17 is a leading indie publisher and developer, and they will bring two of their new games to Insomnia. You can get hands-on with Moving Out 2, a hilarious co-op game where you have to move furniture and avoid obstacles. You can also rock out with Headbangers, a rhythm game where you have to headbang to the beat.
• Guests: Insomnia Gaming Festival will feature a stellar lineup of guests from the gaming industry and community. You can meet your favourite streamers, youtubers, voice actors, cosplayers, and more. You can also watch them perform on stage or join them for panel talks and Q&A sessions.

Why You Should Go

Insomnia Gaming Festival is more than just a gaming event. It is a celebration of gaming culture and a chance to connect with other gamers. You can make new friends, share your passion, and have a blast.

I’m personally very excited to attend the festival this weekend. I can’t wait to play some games, watch some shows, and meet some guests. I’m especially looking forward to seeing The Dark Room show on Saturday night. I’ve heard it’s hilarious and unpredictable.

If you are interested in joining me and thousands of other gamers at Insomnia Gaming Festival this weekend, you can buy your tickets online through their official website. You can also follow them on social media for updates and announcements.

And don’t forget to look out for the GamingDebugged.com team at the festival. We will be there to cover the event and bring you all the latest news and reviews. We hope to see you there!

https://www.insomniagamingfestival.com/

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Nintendo’s Triumph: The Legend of Zelda Steals the Show

Nintendo proved once again why it’s a titan in the gaming industry, scooping up a staggering five awards. Four of these prestigious accolades were claimed by ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’. The epic journey of Zelda secured victories in the categories of Best Nintendo Switch Game, Best Gameplay, Best Audio, and Most Epic. Additionally, ‘Pikmin 4’ added to Nintendo’s haul by securing the Most Wholesome game award.

Bandai Namco’s Triumph and Payday 3’s Double Win

Bandai Namco had reasons to celebrate as well, clinching three notable awards. ‘Tekken 8’ exhibited its fighting prowess by winning the Best Sony PlayStation Game award, while ‘Little Nightmares 3’ took home the Best Announcement title. Bandai Namco also shone as the Best of Show Floor, showcasing the depth and variety of their lineup. On the other hand, ‘Payday 3’ demonstrated its versatility by walking away with two awards – the Best PC Game and Most Entertaining categories.

Impactful Games: Sky and Games for Impact Category

In the realm of meaningful gaming experiences, ‘Sky: Children of the Light’ by Thatgamecompany stood out, claiming two awards. This heartwarming title secured the titles of Best Mobile Game and Games for Impact. This particular category is reserved for games that leave a significant impact by conveying social, political, or cultural messages, ultimately contributing to positive changes in society.

Awards Reflecting Excellence and Innovation

The diverse array of winners clearly demonstrates the range and innovation within the gaming industry. ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ showcased its stunning visuals, earning the Best Visuals award. Meanwhile, ‘Mortal Kombat 1’ fought its way to victory as the Best Microsoft Xbox Game. ‘Xbox’ itself stood out by receiving Gamescom’s Green Studio of the Year Award, a commendation for its commitment to sustainable values.

As Gamescom 2023 bids us farewell, the Awards Night proved to be the perfect crescendo for the event. From Nintendo’s triumphant success to the unexpected victories, the awards celebrated the diversity and creativity of the gaming landscape. With titles like ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’, ‘Pikmin 4’, and ‘Sky: Children of the Light’ taking center stage, it’s clear that gaming enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to.

As we close the chapter on Gamescom 2023, our anticipation grows for what the future holds in the realm of gaming. With exciting announcements, thrilling gameplay reveals, and the heartwarming recognition of impactful games, we can’t help but look ahead to next year’s Gamescom with eager anticipation.

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Surviving the Shadows: STALKER 2 – Heart of Chernobyl

GSC Game World’s highly anticipated STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl emerged from the shadows, delivering an electrifying trailer powered by Unreal Engine 5. After a decade-long wait since its initial announcement in 2012, this survival horror FPS is finally set to hit shelves in Q1 2024 for Xbox Series X / S and PC.

RoboCop Returns in Style: RoboCop Rogue City

Day 2 showcased a mesmerizing sixteen-minute gameplay of RoboCop Rogue City. This first-person shooter provides a compelling blend of action and humanity, as you step into the role of RoboCop himself, battling through the dystopian Detroit streets. Developer Teyon has crafted a narrative-rich experience that promises a gripping story within this beloved universe.

Project Mugen: A Glimpse of the Future

Project Mugen took the spotlight with a reveal trailer that piqued our curiosity. NetEase Games and Naked Rain Studios have combined Cyberpunk aesthetics with the allure of gacha mechanics, creating an urban open-world RPG. As pre-registrations open, gamers can look forward to a fusion of exciting gameplay and stunning visuals.

Journey to Middle-earth: The Lord of the Rings – Return to Moria

The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria unveiled its release date, setting the stage for an epic survival-crafting adventure. Exploring the rich lore of Middle-earth, this game follows dwarves on their quest to reclaim their homeland. The PlayStation and PC versions are set to release on October 24th, with the Xbox Series X/S version arriving by Q2 2024.

Embark on a Wayfinder’s Journey

Wayfinder, the MMORPG crafted by Airship Syndicate, hit early access, offering players a glimpse of its captivating lore and gameplay. Drawing inspiration from beloved titles like Destiny 2 and League of Legends, Wayfinder promises an enchanting MMO experience that merges fantasy with exhilarating action.

Scaling New Heights: Jusant

Mark your calendars for October 31st as Jusant arrives to challenge your climbing skills. In this meditative climbing game, we’ll explore towering landscapes, unlock unique flora and fauna, and ascend a tower that defies the sky. The gameplay trailer showcased the ways players can navigate this vertical world, promising an engaging and serene experience.

Sea of Thieves x Monkey Island: The Adventure Continues

Sea of Thieves extended its swashbuckling collaboration with Monkey Island in the second of three monthly Tall Tales. Rare’s masterful blend of exploration and adventure brings the beloved world of Mêlée Island to life, capturing the essence of the point-and-click classic in an immersive 3D setting.

Into the Dungeons of Hinterberg

Prepare for a unique adventure in the Austrian Alps with Dungeons of Hinterberg. This action-adventure RPG invites players to take on mythical creatures and monsters in a picturesque landscape. With a blend of swordplay, magic, and puzzles, this game promises a captivating journey through the heart of Hinterberg.

Expanding Cityscapes: Cities – Skylines II

Cities: Skylines II ushers in a new era of city-building, where individual lives intertwine with intricate economic systems. Set against dynamic maps, this title challenges players to create and manage cities that flourish amidst challenges and opportunities. Each choice ripples through the lives of citizens, adding depth and consequence to every strategic decision.

A Zoo of Madness: Party Animals

Party Animals unleashed wild hilarity as adorable animals clashed in arenas. This simple yet chaotic party game captured our attention with its floppy physics and instant appeal. Battle friends online, engage in couch co-op, or enjoy solo play in this frenzy of animal antics.

PAYDAY 3: The Heist Returns

PAYDAY 3 brings high-stakes heists to the forefront, promising a thrilling ride through the criminal underworld. With a release date set for September 21st, Unreal Engine 4 powers this crime-fueled adventure, introducing players to familiar faces and immersive gameplay. This next chapter in the PAYDAY franchise is poised to steal the spotlight.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 – A Mythic Journey

Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 returned with a breathtaking glimpse into a mythic Viking adventure. Set against the backdrop of Iceland, this sequel showcases the power of Unreal Engine 5. The stunning visuals and intense emotional journey promise an unforgettable experience.

Navigating Nightmares: Still Wakes The Deep

STILL WAKES THE DEEP from The Chinese Room plunges players into a narrative-driven horror experience. As an offshore oil rig worker battling both a storm and an unknown horror, you must unravel the mysteries that lurk in the darkness. This first-person horror adventure promises a chilling symphony of action, emotion, and terror.

As Day 2 of Gamescom 2023 draws to a close, the excitement continues to reverberate through the gaming community. New releases, captivating updates, and a diverse range of experiences have left us eager for more. With each revelation, Gamescom 2023 reinforces its role as a premier platform for the gaming world to unite, celebrate, and explore the future of interactive entertainment. Stay tuned for more highlights as the event unfolds!

Missed Opening Night? Check out our coverage here >>

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A Preshow Prelude of Anticipation

The Gamescom 2023 Opening Night Live preshow opened with a flourish, treating us to a cascade of trailers, starting with the tantalizing reveal of Street of Rogue 2, scheduled for launch in 2024. It was just the beginning of a riveting journey.

Horror and Fantasy Collide

Little Nightmares 3, a nightmare fuelled by Supermassive Games, stole the stage, causing shivers to run down my spine. Set to haunt our consoles in 2024, the trailer sent chills down my spine. But that wasn’t all – the Little Nightmares universe extended its reach with The Sounds of Nightmares, a spine-tingling podcast that’s now ready for a listen.

The enchantment continued with Black Myth: Wukong, a game steeped in 16th-century Chinese lore. This captivating tale truly showcased the diversity and creativity that Gamescom never fails to deliver.

A Gamut of Genres

The showcase then shifted gears with Killing Floor 3, displaying its action-packed prowess. As the pace changed, we were treated to the beautifully designed Age of Empires 4: Anniversary Edition, capturing the essence of history.

More Details on Upcoming titles

Then it was time for Payday 3. Introduced by Ice-T, the trailer takes a look at the Port Jersey Heist where he voices one of the characters. Payday 3 is coming to PC and consoles on 21st September 2023.

After this, Assassin’s Creed Mirage took over with a brand-new trailer. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is scheduled for release on 5th October and will be available on consoles and PCs.

Friday The 13th – Lors of the Fallen

Lords of the Fallen was up next with a new story trailer. This dark fantasy re-imagining will be released on Friday 13th October 2023.

Then it was the lush graphics from The First Descendant… Take a peek!

After which, we explored the sea with Under The Waves coming out on 29th August 2023.

Darkness and Discovery

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty unveiled its highly anticipated DLC, promising a wealth of exciting changes and fresh narratives in Night City. A spy thriller-themed adventure that entices us to plunge back into the dystopian universe we all know and love. The announcement left me eagerly counting the days until September 26th.

Too Many to Count

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon looked amazing and is coming out this week.

Then, Ara History Untold, showed a stunning turn-based strategy game where you build a civilisation through an alternative history.

Love the look and vibe of this Dustborn

Dustborn is a single-player story-focused game set in an alternative America. This cel-shaded game looks to have a cool attitude and aesthetic and is coming out in 2024.

A Symphony of Unveilings

With Alan Wake 2, developed by Remedy, a world of dark intrigue beckoned. The titular author’s journey into The Dark Place took center stage, unveiling a new trailer that left me craving more. Though the release date has shifted to October 27th, the wait will surely be worth it.

A Glimpse of the Wonders to Come

Day 1 of Gamescom 2023, with its barrage of gripping trailers and thrilling announcements, was an experience that left gamers like me exhilarated and eager for more. As the curtains fall on this spectacular day, I find myself counting down the hours until the next round of reveals and trailers. Stay tuned for more Gamescom excitement!

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Axiom Verge 2: A Journey into Mystery and Adventure!

First up, we have the long-awaited Axiom Verge 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Axiom Verge. I am a big fan of retro platformers and I’m even working on one myself at the moment. This game takes us to an alternate Earth-like world, filled with the remnants of a high-tech civilization. Prepare to hack machines, battle fearsome monsters, and explore the enigmatic Breach, a parallel reality brimming with its own perils. Fans of the first game won’t want to miss a single hidden item or upgrade as they delve into the mysteries of Axiom Verge 2. The good news… It’s available now on Xbox.

Birth: Crafting a Friend in the City!

Next up, we have Birth, a unique game both visually and conceptually that takes you on a journey through a bustling city. To combat the loneliness that plagues your character, you decide to create a friend from spare bones and organs found in the urban landscape. Solve physics-based puzzles, explore lovingly hand-drawn locations like museums and bookstores, and unravel the secrets of this intriguing world. Birth launches on Xbox on July 28, and I, for one, can’t wait to dive into this weirdly wonderful experience.

Dreamers: Embark on a Captivating Adventure!

I got a little lost and confused by this one, the voice-over talked about what Grandma might do in a bustling city, a mountain town, or island village and then it switched to third person and a young boy got in a boat. After looking up some information about it it said ‘Get ready to be transported to a world of wonder, puzzles, and unforgettable stories with Dreamers!’ Developed by PlaySys, this adventure game invites players to join the journey of three protagonists—a curious boy, a brave girl, and a visionary robot—as they forge unbreakable bonds of friendship. I am still confused but with its visually stunning low-poly 3D graphic style Dreamers might be fun if I ever figure out what it’s all about.

Everspace 2: Soar Through the Stars!

Everspace 2 is set to take the space game genre to new heights. Building upon the success of its predecessor, this spacefaring adventure offers a 30+ hour campaign, over 100 handcrafted locations, 9 ship types, and 7 companions. As a fan of the original Everspace, I can’t wait to experience the expanded gameplay and the engaging narrative that awaits us in this semi-open-world RPG. Whether you’re exploring uncharted space, upgrading your equipment, or battling enemies, Everspace 2 promises an exhilarating adventure.

Hellboy Web of Wyrd: Unleash Your Inner Hero!

This looked amazing! Step into the shoes of the iconic Hellboy himself in Hellboy Web of Wyrd! Developed in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics and series creator Mike Mignola, this action-brawler-roguelite promises intense battles and a gripping storyline. I’m personally thrilled to see Hellboy brought to life in such a captivating way, and I can’t wait to punch, dodge, and blast my way through the mysterious Web of Wyrd. Also, the fact that Hellboy was voiced by the legendary Lance Reddick (who died in March of this year) also makes it one to keep an eye on.

Jackbox Party Pack 10: Bring on the Laughter and Fun!

The Jackbox Party Pack series is back with not one, but two new games in its latest installment! This is a staple at Christmas as these games are guaranteed to bring laughter and entertainment to any party or gathering. The first game, Timejinx, takes trivia night to a whole new level by adding a time-travel twist. It’s a high-stakes trivia game that immerses you in a unique experience hosted by the acerbic Jerri Rigg.

Next up is Hypnotorious, a game where you and your friends participate in a virtual stage show led by a mysterious hypnotist. You’ll each take on different characters and try to deduce each other’s identities. With engaging gameplay and hilarious moments, these new additions to the Jackbox Party Pack series are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Karateka: The Making of a Video Game Legend!

Digital Eclipse is taking us on an extraordinary journey with their Gold Master Series, starting with The Making of Karateka. This self-published game is a true gem, offering an in-depth exploration of the making of a single video game. It includes playable versions of the original game, video interviews, design documents, and even unreleased playable prototypes. As a fan of gaming history, I’m thrilled to see such a comprehensive tribute to a game that changed the industry. The Making of Karateka is an absolute must-play for any gaming enthusiast.

Monolith: Requiem of the Ancients: Prepare for an Epic Adventure!

Adventure awaits in Monolith: Requiem of the Ancients! Immerse yourself in the mystical world of Gliese, where dark forces threaten its very existence. As the chosen hero, Astor, you must unlock the secrets of the past and collect legendary weapons to thwart an unholy ritual. The captivating combat system, featuring combo-based battles and the arcane Runic Swarm, promises thrilling gameplay and epic battles.

MythForce: Join Forces for a Roguelike Adventure!

OMG – This one looked just like the classic cartoons of the 80’s. If you are old enough to remember cartoons like He-Man and Dungeons and Dragons, this roguelike adventure will take you back. MythForce is here to deliver an exhilarating experience with its four-player online cooperative multiplayer. Set in the ever-changing Cursed Lands of Eldryth, this game will put your teamwork to the test as you face perilous foes. Gather your friends, equip yourselves, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. MythForce arrives on Xbox on September 12, 2023, and I, for one, am counting down the days!

Rain World: Downpour – Survive in a Broken Ecosystem!

Prepare to immerse yourself in the atmospheric world of Rain World: Downpour. In this game, you’ll take on the role of a nomadic slugcat, navigating a broken ecosystem while hunting for food and avoiding larger predators. The sequel introduces new slugcats and expands upon the haunting landscape of the original game. Will you survive in this unforgiving food chain? Rain World: Downpour offers a unique and challenging experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Roman Sands RE:Build – Uncover the Truth in a Surreal Adventure!

Roman Sands RE:Build invites you to a surreal and mind-bending adventure set in a decaying zoological research facility. As you navigate this crumbling world, guided by a distant voice on the radio, prepare for your perceptions to be shattered. This genre-blending masterpiece, created by the minds behind the IGF award-winning Paratopic, promises to deliver a captivating narrative filled with adventure, puzzle-solving, horror, and survival simulation. Keep an eye out for this genre-defying gem!

Scarlet Deer Inn: Embark on an Embroidered Narrative!

Get ready for a unique mix of adventure and platforming with Scarlet Deer Inn. This embroidered narrative platformer offers an emotional story, intriguing characters, and challenging gameplay. With its hand-painted backgrounds inspired by Studio Ghibli movies, Slavic folklore, and medieval Europe, Scarlet Deer Inn is a visual delight. Prepare to explore a dark dungeon, encounter monsters, and uncover optional backstories and bonus locations. This game is a true testament to the artistry of indie developers.

Sea of Stars: Embrace the Power of Eclipse Magic!

Sea of Stars, a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics, invites you to embark on a grand adventure as one of the Children of the Solstice. Combining the powers of the sun and moon, you’ll wield Eclipse Magic to fend off the monstrous creations of the evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer. With a demo available now and pre-orders open, this game offers a taste of its dungeon crawling, combat mechanics, and immersive world. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic journey!

Second Wave: Join the Endless War for the Arcane Stone!

Prepare for an easy-to-play but hard-to-master experience with Second Wave, a free-to-play online multiplayer hero-based shooter MOBA set in the world of Armantia. Choose your legendary hero or exile and fight for the powerful Arcane Stone. Domination and 3-Way Battle are just the beginning of the thrilling game modes available. With additional modes in active development, Second Wave promises hours of intense gameplay and strategic battles. Join the war and show off your skills!

Solace State: Unravel a Corporate Biotech Conspiracy!

In Solace State, you’ll step into the shoes of Chloe, a young hacker fighting against a corporate biotech conspiracy. As you navigate political plots and build relationships, your choices will shape the fate of the world and its inhabitants. With its beautifully illustrated characters and immersive narrative, Solace State offers an experience that blends gameplay and storytelling seamlessly. Can you restore hope for the people and retain your humanity in this captivating world?

Stray Souls: A Silent Hill-Inspired Thrill!

Fans of the Silent Hill series, rejoice! Stray Souls captures the essence of the iconic horror franchise and takes it to new heights. With the legendary Akira Yamaoka as a special guest composer, this game promises an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the atmospheric world of Stray Souls and prepare to be thrilled by the chilling soundtrack. This collaboration is a dream come true for horror enthusiasts, and I can’t wait to dive into this spine-tingling adventure!

Stumble Guys: Stumble and Battle with Friends!

Stumble Guys, the worldwide phenomenon on mobile, is making its way to consoles, and Xbox players are in for a treat! This fast-paced, highly social game is known for its accessible and competitive gameplay. With imaginative levels, varied events, and new mechanics, Stumble Guys offers countless ways to battle with friends and be the last Stumbler standing. It’s time to embrace the joy of stumbling and share epic moments with your friends on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: Face Your Nightmares!

Step into the world of the iconic 1974 horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with this third-person asymmetrical horror experience. Play as one of the notorious Slaughter family members or their victims as you navigate the twisted and terrifying world created by Leatherface and his cannibalistic kin. The strategic 3v4 team-based multiplayer gameplay promises a truly immersive experience that fans of the franchise won’t want to miss. Brace yourself for the horror that awaits!

Vampire Survivors – Local Couch Co-op: Unleash Chaos with Friends!

Vampire Survivors knows that everything is better with friends, and that’s why they’re introducing a local 4-player couch co-op mode. Engage in bullet hell chaos alongside your besties as you face challenging levels and test your friendship. Switch seamlessly between single and co-op play, and discover the true meaning of cooperation as you navigate this thrilling game. Get ready for hours of laughter, excitement, and unforgettable moments!

Worldless: Enter a Mind-Bending Adventure!

Worldless takes you on a journey between the physical and astral planes within a shapeless world. With its stylized 2D adventure platforming, turn-based combat, and interpretative narrative, this game offers a unique and immersive experience. Embrace the unknown and unlock infinite possibilities as you explore this mesmerizing world. Get ready for an adventure that will challenge your perception and leave you longing for more!

It’s truly remarkable to see the incredible diversity and creativity in the indie game scene showcased by ID@Xbox. These games, crafted by talented developers, offer unique experiences that immerse players in captivating worlds. I can’t express enough appreciation for ID@Xbox and their commitment to highlighting the amazing work of indie developers.

So, fellow gamers, mark your calendars, prepare your consoles, and get those hard drives ready for an exciting lineup of games that will take you on unforgettable adventures. From thrilling battles in space to heartwarming stories of friendship and discovery, these indie games have something for everyone. Happy gaming!

The post ID@Xbox Digital Showcase Unveils 20 New Games appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Cosmin works out of Bucharest and has worked on many games such as Assassin’s Creed and Watch_dogs. His eye for details and penchant for playing games ‘the wrong way’ (in order to break them and reveal bugs) is second to none.

During the interview, Cosmin discusses the tools of his trade, the process of reporting and some of his favourite ‘features’ (a polite word of bugs).

Cosmin not only has one of the best beards in the industry but is also an all-around ‘nice’ guy. After his presentation at Game Anglia, he also spent hours with visitors, answering questions and directing excited potential game testers as to how to break into the industry.

Other questions asked included:

1. What brought you to where you are now?
2. What tools do game testers use?
3. What is the most fun aspect of your job?
4. What is the worst aspect of your job?
5. What is the strangest or most amusing bug you ever discovered?
6. How many games have you tested and which were the most difficult?
7. How would someone get a job as a video games tester, and what other skills can you bring to the table?
8. What are the most important personal qualities of a good game tester?
9. Where can a career in game testing lead?
10. What does the future hold for Cosmin Burescu?

If you have any other questions for Cosmin, please email the site and I will be sure to pass them on.

The post How to Become a Professional Games Tester | Cosmin Burescu Interview appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

The TI10 Battle Pass: what went wrong?

The TI10 Battle Pass for Dota 2 was Valve’s usual vehicle to boost the prize pool of its annual The International event, with a set of cosmetic content updates bundled together with a crowdfunding portion as we’ve seen before. TI is among the biggest esports events in the world and it’s by far the most popular when it comes to Dota 2 betting based on statistics provided by esports experts at Rivalry.

It should therefore be of no surprise that the TI10 Battle Pass was greeted with insane amounts of hype. Unfortunately, what should have been a great celebration of the Dota 2 community turned sour pretty quickly due to a combination of technical errors and design decisions. Issues with the game coordinator meant that players were having problems trying to find a match in the middle of the most exciting time-limited event of the year. Though Valve confirmed that the pass itself wasn’t the cause of the issue, this still left a sour taste in players’ mouths.

There was also the battle pass itself in terms of its somewhat predatory design. Valve eventually removed the Side Shop in its entirety and removed the ticket requirements for the Gauntlet mode while also making some much-needed adjustments to the leveling system by increasing the rewards made available, which allowed players to make more progress with the battle pass when leveling for free (ie. without buying boosters to reach unlockables far up the leveling chain).

This was meant to mitigate the lower number of treasures and the lack of points offered by the weekly challenge system, but these adjustments for the reward structure only served as a partial solution. It’s also worth mentioning that with TI10 itself getting delayed by a year, the fantasy team cards and prediction element of the battle pass were essentially scuttled, further lowering the points total available to those unwilling to fork out money for boosters. Most of these issues would resurface later with the Nemestice Battle Pass as well.

Nemestice Battle Pass: more of the same issues

Unfortunately, Valve’s latest Battle Pass outing also had its fair share of issues in terms of its rollout and the reception of the community. The Nemestice Battle Pass was headlined by the eponymous new game mode, The Nemestice, with the attached battle pass causing a lot of consternation in the eyes of the loyal Dota 2 community. Valve have highlighted their interest in having more seasonal events with battle passes attached, but any sort of crowdfunding element or esports-related benefit was made conspicuous by its absence for the Nemestice Battle Pass.

The decision to put the Dragon Knight persona and the Spectre Arcana behind a paywall was seen as a betrayal by many fans of the game, breaking the previous precedent, and the insane grind required to clear out the Nemestice Battle Pass levels was also perceived as a greedy move. Not exactly the best run-up to TI10, an event already marred by COVID-induced delays and major scheduling challenges.

TI10 schedule and location – what’s the deal?

The International 10 was always going to be a huge deal, the biggest esport tournament in the world turning ten years old with the largest prize pool yet. The original plans for it, like so many others at the time, were scuttled by the global pandemic, forcing Valve to push it back from its planned August 2020 date by an entire year.

Slated to take place in Stockholm in 2021, the Swedish government proved unwilling to provide exceptions to COVID-related protocols required for the esports athletes and event organizers in question that would have been required for a smoothly-run event. This forced Valve to relocate the tournament to Romania, prompting an additional reschedule from August 5-15, 2021 to October 7-17. On September 3, Valve provided a short update to fans saying that ticket sales would be pushed back to a later date. It remains to be seen whether any further setbacks are in store for Dota 2’s showpiece event: however it may go, it seems like the people behind the game are hellbent on turning the squeeze on their loyal fans.

The post How Valve Annoyed Loyal Gamers With The TI10 Battle Pass appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

This is the first time that The O2 has ever appeared in a videogame and O2 customers have the chance to win exclusive rewards in the Priority app, including tickets to future easy life shows at O2 venues. Players and fans will later this week be able to enjoy tracks from easy life’s debut album ‘life’s a beach’, with the alt-pop quintet performing a unique interactive musical experience inside The O2 in Fortnite Creative.

Constructed entirely from scratch by an incredibly talented team of Fortnite creators – KKslider, DolphinDom and Team Cre8 – The O2 and musical experience has been brought to life inside Fortnite Creative. Within Fortnite Creative, the O2 x easy life partnership will provide players and music lovers with a range of unique and interactive musical experiences.

First is the recreation of The O2 and while from the outside the iconic London landmark is instantly recognisable, users will enjoy several exciting gameplay additions inside the virtual venue, including exploring a vast new space packed with hidden rooms, backstage areas and the O2 Blueroom, where they can unlock the Squeezy Life Spray and a Lobby Track created by Fortnite and easy life just by playing through the experiences.

The interactive music experience itself is much more than just a gig, with the band’s music and lyrics influencing the world around players during the performance. During the show, attendees will be transported to six unique areas, each inspired by a different track from ‘life’s a beach’, pulled straight from the imagination of easy life themselves.

With much of easy life’s headline tour of O2 Academy and other UK venues this coming November already sold out, their performance at The O2 in Fortnite Creative presents music lovers with an early chance to enjoy an exclusive set from the UK’s top up-and-coming band. Beyond their performance in-game, easy life and Fortnite have also created a brand new, in-game-only lobby track that anyone can listen to within Fortnite after attending the experience.

The unmissable mainstage performance itself starts this Thursday, 24^th June at 20:30 BST. Fortnite’s global audience of millions will be able to access and enjoy the gig with friends until 23.59 BST, this Sunday, 27th June, with the full performance posted exclusively to easy life’s YouTube channel from Monday, 28^th June too.

Simon Valcarcel, Head of Brand and Consumer Marcomms at O2, said: “We couldn’t be prouder to work with Epic Games to bring such an incredible experience to O2 customers and music fans all over the world via Fortnite Creative. O2 has a rich heritage in music and we’re committed to providing music fans with unique experiences so it’s only fitting that we’re bringing the world’s most popular entertainment venue into the world’s biggest game. We know how much everyone – us included – has missed going to gigs so we’re excited to bring the UK’s hottest up-and-coming band to gamers globally through Fortnite Creative.”

Nate Nanzer, Head of Global Partnerships at Epic Games, said: “We were thrilled when we were approached with the idea to bring The O2, one of the most iconic entertainment venues on the planet, to Fortnite Creative. We’re always looking for exciting and authentic experiences to bring to our players, and we can’t wait for them to get hands-on with this interactive musical journey. We’re excited to have the UK’s breakout band easy life perform in the game, and we think our players are really going to love exploring all that The O2 has to offer in Fortnite Creative over the next week.”

Murray Matravers, easy life frontman, said: “Being the first UK act to ever perform in Fortnite Creative, and for that performance to take place inside a venue as iconic as The O2, is truly humbling. We’re all huge gamers in the band so getting the chance to appear in a game this popular is a childhood dream come true. We’re so excited for people to experience our music in the game – it promises to be a lot of fun and is just a taste of things to come ahead of our UK tour of O2 Academy venues later this year.”

Wertandrew, Lead Community Creator at Team Cre8 said: “Music was always a passion alongside level design and we are absolutely thrilled to have been involved in a project that combines both. This is the first time that an experience features an iconic venue and interactive show, both built from the ground up by Fortnite creators for players and music fans all around the world to enjoy.”

The post The O2 Comes to Fortnite Creative appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

During this time, popular presenters such as Nintendo, Square Enix, Bethesda Softworks, and Microsoft, among many others, take turns to unveil some of their plans in the short future. This usually means a new trailer, sneak peek, or a new game announcement.

If you’re not into gaming yourself, you may be wondering why a lot of people are looking forward to the reveals. One reason is that PC gamers will want to know the specs of the new games in advance so they have time to prepare or upgrade their gaming rig as needed. Console gamers don’t need to do this since the games are automatically compatible with the devices.

While gaming used to only be for console and PC, the mobile-gaming industry is catching up. The edge with using the PC to play is that the platform has the most selection of games, rife with mods, better backward compatibility, and better graphics. Game companies are using the latest technologies to develop new innovations for all platforms.

Additionally, 2019 marks the return of the PC Gaming Show, which will be live-streamed on Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube a day before the official opening of E3. It is a highly popular segment that raked in millions of viewers who are curious about what more PC gaming has to offer. If you’re more interested in the new games coming on to the PC, check out the list below:

Cyberpunk 2077

From the same indie developer who created the Witcher series, CD Projekt Red is expected to present their latest RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, at E3 2019. Last year, a gameplay demo was released, and fans are excited to see what tidbit will be released. There’s limited information on the game, and CD Projekt Red has reiterated time and time again that they will be releasing new info when it’s ready, including the release date.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a role-playing game (RPG) that takes place in the far future. There is a first-person and third-person shooting perspective, which can mean that players can choose either of the two. The demo revealed a chaotic world riddled with guns and violence. Players can choose one of the interesting characters to play and choose weapons and abilities accordingly.

Additionally, Cyberpunk 2077 is one of those games that have higher-than-normal specs, considering that it’s a highly anticipated AAA title. According to this article, the specs include at least an i7 CPU, 32 GB RAM, GTX 1080 Ti GPU, and a 512 GB SSD, just to name a few. Not everyone can afford machine parts like these, and that is why fans are grateful that they were notified in advance, so they have a chance to save up and upgrade.

Borderlands 3

Gearbox Software is set to present Borderlands 3 at E3 with new information and new gameplay. They plan to reveal a new planet and a new Vault Hunter, new playable character.

According to this article, Randy Pitchford will make E3 one of the biggest stops in promoting Borderlands 3, and one of the highlights will be having a booth where attendees can have a first hands-on try at playing the game as well as a bunch of new surprises. Borderlands 3 is set to be released via the Epic Games Store on September 13 this year.

Fortnite

Epic Games recently announced that they will be heading to E3 this coming June. Fortnite will have a booth on all days of the event and will showcase interactive features for friendly competition among players, including Arcade Modes, PvP stations, and Time Trials.

For those who are old enough to attend, Epic Games will also hold a Summer Block Party for the Fortnite community. Celebrities and guests, including Ninja and Brendon Urie, will be there. Check out this link for more information.

Dying Light 2

Techland announced that they will be revealing new stuff about Dying Light 2 at E3. The trailer that was released last year only showed a little bit of the game, and recently, a new clip showed what the city will be like when it turns to night. It will feature decision-based storylines where your choices will affect the outcome of the game. Hopefully, the release date will be announced soon.

Other PC Games That Will Be Showcased at E3

• Anthem

• FIFA 20

• Halo Infinite

• Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

• Battlewake

• Battlefield VI

• Apex Legends

• Doom Eternal

• Call of Duty 2019

• Tavern Keeper

• Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

• Werewolf: The Apocalypse

• The Walking Dead: Onslaught

• Overpass

What games do you expect to see at E3 2019? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post PC Gaming Titles to Expect at E3 2019 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Halo 6

It has been three long years since the release of Halo 5: Guardians which means it is about time for a new one. Halo 5 was announced three years after Halo 4, so it would make perfect sense. We already know that we are getting an upscaled 4K version of the Master Chief Collection, so the reveal of the next chapter in this epic series will be the icing on the cake. Halo 5 did come under some criticism after over-using the Locke character but it made huge advancements in the multiplayer and Forge side.

Gears of War 5 (and 6)

When Epic Games sold the rights of the Gears of War franchise in 2014, expectations for the new game were lowered. However, The Coalition successfully revived the series in 2016 bringing back Marcus Fenix voiced by the hugely talented John DiMaggio. Microsoft is not only expected to announce details of Gears of War 5 but also announce additions to the series which might include the sixth game and a possible ‘Battle Royale’ style game. We can’t wait!

Mass Effect Andromeda 2

Whilst many critics bashed the new adventures of the Pathfinder crew, the game was being compared to it predecessor which is considered to be one of the greatest games of all time. Since it’s release, Bioware has mentioned that the game was designed to be a trilogy in which the Archon was only a part of. The sheer number of unanswered questions and the intriguing Quarian story arc would definitely suggest that there is more to come from this series. Which the stunning looking Anthem penciled in for release in late 2019, Bioware MUST have the second game in production and E3 2018 Maybe just the time to announce it.

What games are you looking forward to seeing at E3 and do you are new IPs or sequels to the games you love?

The post Three Exciting Announcements Expected at E3 2018 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

This year the show enjoyed clear skies and warm weather, as well as a multitude of games from the weird and the wonderful to AAA racers. In the Leftfield Collection, I found myself playing a game using a yoga ball as a controller and in the retro room I enjoyed a blast from the past helping Indiana Jones decide the fate of Atlantis,

I circumnavigated the indie rooms to find out what games are on the horizon and I wasn’t disappointed. Whilst there was a dedicated ‘Unreal Engine’ room showcasing games made with Unreal, the same could not be said for Unity, Lumberyard, Cryengine or other common tools.

However, as I went from indie dev to indie dev, hearing the positives, asking the questions, I couldn’t help seeing similarities to speed dating. I played the game then took around 5-10 minutes to understand more about the experience. After the first few ‘dates’ I was inspired to create this tinder/speed dating inspired video of some of the best indie games at EGX Rezzed.

Whilst I did play a number of AAA titles such as the fast and furious OnRush and the bullet hell ‘MotherGunship’, I focused on games from smaller studios in the hope that my coverage might help spread the word of many of these unsung heroes.

I have outlined just a handful of the amazing indie games at the show below:

Another Sight

Another Sight is a surreal steampunk adventure set in 1899 towards the end of the Victorian era, in London. Another Sight brings to life our two leading characters: Kit, a refreshingly bold teenager, who loses her sight after the under-construction London Underground tunnel she was exploring collapses, and Hodge – a mysterious red-furred cat – she meets in darkness. Together, they team up for an adventure, with Hodge an essential companion upon whom Kit will come to rely on.

Teaser Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_V330JkadQ

Big Crown: Showdown

Big Crown: Showdown sees friends become foes as they compete for the crown in 4-player local and online multiplayer combat, set over 3 wacky worlds full of medieval shenanigans. Avoid perilous hazards and engage in frantic fights as you attempt to knock your opponents off 15 crazy courses in the ultimate royal battle!

Gameplay Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND6onkGvvJs

Catastronauts

Catastronauts is a four-player party game that sees a crew deal with unrelenting disaster and attempt to hold the ship together long enough to destroy the enemy invaders? Players must repair systems, extinguish fires, arm the torpedoes, avoid deadly solar flares, destroy your friends and clone them back again to defeat the enemy and survive the voyage.

Gameplay Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5j7rmVYwcc

Brawlout

Brawlout is the party fighting game, designed for couch play, online matches and competitive tournaments. Each character in Brawlout has their own unique playstyle, catering to specific character archetypes seen in other fighters. I am really looking forward to seeing this on Xbox One due to the serious lack of any kind of Smash Brothers clone on the console

Gameplay Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKftQt3sux4

Decenders

Descenders is extreme downhill mountain biking for the modern era, with procedurally generated worlds that look simply stunning. Whilst the game wants you to race down the hill performing stunts and drift around corners, it always nice to stop and smell the flowers.

Gameplay Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjDXuUc8vMU

Shift Quantum

Shift Quantum is a cyber-noir action-puzzle platformer with a unique gameplay mechanic in which the player can switch between space and matter to essentially reverse any level. In Shift Quantum you play an avatar controlled by the player inside your own mind, deep inside Axon Vertigo’s brainpower extraction process. The animation looks fantastic and whilst it looks simplistic it was hugely addictive.

Gameplay Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUIS_10sMWk&t=6s

State of Mind

State of Mind is a futuristic thriller written by Martin Ganteföhr, who’s already established as a writer of outstanding games. The dystopian 3D adventure combines two diverse explorable worlds. Various playable characters as well as realistic low poly visuals let players submerge in a gritty but realistic vision of the future.

Gameplay Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0INc_35W6PI

Game of the Show: Steel Rats

Steel Rats is a 2.5D action arcade motorbike game, fusing destructive, high octane combat and death-defying stunt gameplay, set in a visually stylised retro-future world. The game looked beautiful and was a mix of Trials and R-Type. It was well worth keeping on your radar.

Gameplay Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkT2XryBIUU 

The post Indie Game Speed Dating at EGX Rezzed 2018 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Ensemble highlights the significant contribution BAME creatives have made to the UK’s games culture at every level, focusing on up to eight artists and delving into their work.

The London Games Festival has enlisted Sharna Jackson to curate Ensemble. Jackson has a wealth of experience in digital initiatives within arts and culture, and has held roles at Tate, Design Museum, The Broad in LA and the Royal Collection Trust and consulted for National Maritime Museum, Museum of Childhood, V&A and Science Museum. She is a trustee at Sheffield Doc/Fest, New Writing North and Upswing, and a non-exec director at Bright Little Labs.

“Important work is being created by minorities, and it’s imperative to highlight these achievements – especially in this climate – and to encourage and support the next generation of talent as they emerge. The show foregrounds the importance of a diverse industry, by demonstrating its significance in the creation of rich and intoxicating worlds and experiences for everyone,” Jackson says.

A steering group that helps guide the exhibition’s content and ethos includes Jackson plus Shahid Ahmad (Ultimatum Games, formerly Sony), Nainita Desai (leading UK composer for BBC, HBO, ITV and more), Kish Hirani (BAME in Games, formerly Sony), Adrian Hon (Six to Start), Nahrein Kemp (Film London), Dr Mitu Khandaker (Spirit AI, NYU Game Center) and Anisa Sanusi (Hutch Games).

Ensemble is supported by the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

Ensemble will be unveiled during the larger London Games Festival 2018, which runs from 5-15 April 2018 across the capital, before touring key games clusters in the UK. This includes two days at LGF’s HUB event in Bloomsbury on 9 & 10 April, and other activity to be announced.

The London Games Festival is organised by Games London, a partnership between the capital’s screen industries agency Film London and games trade body Ukie, supported by the Mayor of London’s London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP).

If you are interested in submitting your own work for the exhibition – or want to put forward someone for consideration – contact sharna.jackson@games.london or @sharnajackson on Twitter. The deadline for all recommendations and entries is March 6th – more information at www.games.london/ensemble.

For more information on the London Games Festival visit www.games.london. Follow @londongamesfest on Twitter or Instagram for more updates.

The post London Games Festival Unveils New Exhibition by BAME Creatives appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

• What is a Unity Educational Evangelist?
• How can game developers embrace the Unity community?
• Where are the best Unity tools and resources?
• Is Unity in schools?
• What is The Playground Project?
• Game Development and Unity certification tips?
• Unity VR Development

And so much more. Whilst I would love to give you all the answers right here, you have to watch the video to find out. If you would like more information on some of the topics we discuss, we see the links below.

Useful links:

• Follow Liz Mercuri on Twitter (@FragFox)
• Download Unity 3D
• Meet and collaborate at Unity Connect
• Unity Learn Channel
• The Playground Project
• Best Unity Assets Right Now

The post The Power of Unity | Liz Mercuri Interview appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

250 Budding Game Developers Descend on Suffolk Waterfront on November 18th.

Monsters, mining and virtual woodland creatures are all on the agenda on November 18th, as the game development community flock to Ipswich for Game Anglia, the biggest game developer conference to be held in the region.

For almost ten years the University of Suffolk has been nurturing local talent into some of the world’s best game developers. These students have gone on to work for such companies as EA, Sony, Sumo Digital and Playground Games.

According to data from UKIE (The Association of UK Interactive Entertainment), the East of England is said to have over 150 independent games companies, making it one of the fastest growing sectors in the area. Game Anglia aims to bring together aspiring game developers, growing companies and established studios for a day of talks, demonstrations and video gaming fun.

The talks kick off at 10 am with BAFTA award-winning Brenda Romero, game developer and industry pioneer and closes with a friendly question and answer session with John Romero. John was a founding member of ID Software, the creators of such games as Wolfenstein, Doom and Quake. Throughout the day, experts from around the world will cover a range of topics from turning game jam submissions into fully realised games, all the way to final user testing.

Aside from the talks, the conference will also showcase a multitude of indie titles from mobile games to virtual reality. Visitors can play, leave feedback and vote on their favourites from the day, as well as meet local studios and mingle with like-minded gamers. Those interested in attending, showcasing or sponsoring the event can get in touch with the Game Anglia team at http://www.gameanglia.co.uk or email hello@gameanglia.com.

The event will be hosted at the newly refurbished Atrium Building at the University of Suffolk and run until 6 pm on the 18th November. Parking is available at the University of Suffolk car park and will be free to visitors of the event. Prices range from £15 for students to £95 for VIP tickets, that include an after party with many of the gaming legends from the day.

Sketchbook Games director and industry veteran Mark Backler said “There are a lot of game developers in East Anglia but there seem to be lots of disparate groups. We want to try and bring everyone together and help strengthen the games industry and community in the region”.

The post Game Anglia Launches November 18th appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

This year did not disappoint as gamers could experience a myriad of games from some of the most creative indies on the planet. Here are just ten of my favourites.

Forgotten Anne

Forgotten Anne blew me away at EGX, the sheer beauty of the art style, smooth animation and seamless transitions from game to cutscene just made the whole experience feel like being in a beautiful anime cartoon. Set in a magical world where everything that is lost and forgotten goes, you play Anne as she attempts to quash a rebellion that would send her back to the human realm.

Link: https://www.forgottonanne.com/

Claws of Furry

Claws of Furry oozes classic arcade Beat’em up action with a healthy blend of Rogue-like elements. Choose between four fully customisable ninja cats as they punch and claw their way through fifty levels of pure mayhem. Players can hone their Ninja Cat skills, in order to rescue your Master from the evil claws of an unknown enemy. The painted art style and colourful characters are the purrfect accompaniment for the fast-paced co-op action.

Link: http://www.clawsoffurry.com/

Natures Zombie Apocalypse

Animals are the heroes in this quirky zombie shooter. Elephants with miniguns and sloths with flamethrowers are just a few of the crazy combinations available to take on the undead. Gaming with your friends has never been so much fun!

Link: http://aniode.com/

The Occupation

The stunning visuals are what first drew me to The Occupation. But on closer inspection, I became intrigued by the 1980’s setting, the non-violent political narrative and array of voice talent being used. The very British Bioshock focuses on the story of a whistle-blowing journalist as he tackles four hours of real-time action. Based on what you see and decide to print, can sway a new an controversial act in government and change the future of the country.

Link: http://www.occupation-game.com/

Deadbeat Heroes

Deadbeat Heroes is a Movement based 3D brawler set in the 1970’s where you (and a friend) dodge bullets and steal superpowers. As players have no superpowers, they use a special gauntlet to steal the powers from the supervillains. The low poly visuals and eye-bleeding colour palette give this an instant sense of fun and after bashing through baddies at EGX, I am eager for more.

Link: https://www.upstreamarcade.com/

Skye

Skye was the kind of game that instantly hit me as a potential for my yearly Xbox One games for Children feature. Its colourful graphics, relaxing soundtrack and lack of any death state make it perfect for both kids and adults looking to fly around helping people without the stress of difficulty levels or evil enemies to hinder your enjoyment. However, developers told me that due to another studio also calling their game Skye, they are now asking the Twittersphere for new names to avoid copyright issues. Either way, whatever its name turns out to be, it looks and plays really well.

Link: https://www.punyastronaut.com/

Raging Justice

Raging Justice oozed retro charm and gave me tingles of nostalgia. This side-scrolling beat-em-up is an auld to the likes of Final Fight, Mercenary and classic arcade games such as X-Men, Ninja Turtles and The Simpsons. Raging Justice takes it story straight out of those 80’s action movie but adds an element of choice by allowing you to beat the assailants into submission or daze and arrest them adding a new element of strategy. At EGX Raging Justice was mounted inside its very own arcade cabinet where it looked particularly at home. Coming to an arcade near you ‘hopefully’.

Link: http://www.makingames.com/

Lost Words

Just when you think the side-scrolling adventure game has tried it all along comes lost words. Written by Rihanna Pratchett, who wrote the likes of Tomb Raider, this beautiful cartoon adventure sees the protagonist explore pages of a book before jumping into the words content. Puzzles are solved by collecting and using certain words to manipulate the environment from extinguishing fires to building bridges. Definitely, one to watch.

Link: http://lostwordsgame.com/

Phantom Halls

Luigi’s Mansion meets Until Dawn in this 2D ghost hunting game. A group of stereotypical low-poly protagonists roams around a haunted mansion in an attempt to survive the night, rescue lost friends and fight off hordes of monsters. Phantom Halls sees players take on the roles of multiple characters at once – with each character’s actions assigned to a different key. It’s a real-time Worms but with the procedurally generated chaos of Spelunky!

Link: http://www.phantomhalls.com/

Figment

Journey into the mind and stop the nightmares in this psychedelic adventure game set deep within the sub-conscience. The visuals are stunning blending a hand-drawn art with the creativity of Salvador Dali. This game oozes charm out of every pore from the range of cute animations to the detailed boss characters found in each level. Released on Steam in late September, this game should be arriving on consoles some time at the end of November.

Link: https://www.bedtime.io/

Black and White Bushido

Black and White Bushido is really hard to describe but I will give it my best. Bushido merges stealth action with multiplayer mayhem in this single screen puzzle brawler. Players are either light or shadow and are rendered invisible if they are on the same colour background or stand still. The levels have both light and shadow areas and players can either take over the opposing areas by killing players or collecting flags. It took a short time to understand the mechanics but once understood, you couldn’t get me off it.

Link: https://www.goodcatchgames.com/game/black-white-bushido-game/

Falling Sky

This student project looks stunning already with highly detailed scenes, a clutter-free UI and an interesting story to tell. Walking and investigating blends seamlessly with top-down driving

This student project looks stunning already with highly detailed scenes, a clutter-free UI and an interesting story to tell. Walking and investigating blends seamlessly with top-down driving gameplay and the voice acting has me intrigued. I am eager to playtest this game later in its development as the early footage is definitely turning heads.

So there you have it, just a mere smattering of the amazing games on show at EGX 2017. Did you go? What were your most memorable indie games?

The post 13 Indie Games at EGX to get Excited About appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Mega games are like nothing I have experienced before and mixed roleplay, strategy and negotiation all packed into a high-pressure situation.

Throughout the day deals are made, alliances brokered and the city teams fight hard to keep back the Zombie threat. Emails are sent in real time and throughout the day the press team put out a stream of stories from collaborations to slanderous lies.

By the end of the day, the cities were overrun, political candidates changed position and the White House was largely out of the loop.

Eventually, the warring tech firms had finally created the much-needed weapons, but it was too late to make any significant difference. Other teams had developed vital cures and useful preventions, but by this time they had a working prototype, there was little left to save.

Politicians cared more about votes than people, corporations were still demanding money for research and the malitia just caused trouble for everyone.

It was such a busy and chaotic day and working through lunch meant it was hard to think, but all in all, it was great fun and worth recommending.

This global Mega Game was one of the first of its kind and a lot of lessons were learned, but overall it was an interesting experience worth doing again.

If you would like to know more about the various Mega Games that run throughout the year please visit: http://www.megagame-makers.org.uk/

The post Urban Nightmare: State of Chaos | A Mega Game Story appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Ruby Rei

The large cardboard cut out of Ruby drew me in initially and whilst the visual style looked a little retro, the concept is what really stuck with me. A 3D adventure game that teaches players a new language. In this case, it was Spanish. A great concept that I hope takes off.

Ruya

http://www.ruyagame.com/
Ruya is a meditative puzzle game that merges the classic match three games with the strategy of Tetris. In Ruya you visit surrealist dreamlike worlds to help the sleeping God unfold her deepest memories. This hypnotic minimalist experience looked to have lots of depth all played to an other-worldly ethereal soundtrack.

Deckbound Spears

https://www.deckbound.com/spears
Deck bound Spears takes an incredibly simple concept and turns it into a four player fun fest. This top-down multiplayer deathmatch sees each of the four players armed with a spear. These spears can be thrown in a straight line at your enemies. However, if you throw the spear, you then have to fetch the spear leaving you running unarmed across the map. The thrill of both being the hunter and the hunted in rapid succession is strongly addictive and I can’t wait to play it again.

Like a Boss

Like a Boss is an Action RPG where you are the epic Boss, crushing heroes as they come to steal your treasures. It flips the classic boss battles on its head and you have to beat the waves of heroes coming to de-thrown you. Hero AI uses the classic tactics we have all used in the past, from hiding behind pillars, jumping attacks and then striking at the head. Like A Boss had me both intrigued and thirsty for more.

Armoured Engines

http://boundergames.com/armoured-engines/
Armoured Engines is a 2D steampunk western epic following the journey of train conductor Dusty Beats as she drives a train to El Dorado. This simple game entertained me no end as I had to fend off hordes of vibrant enemies, by building up my train using a fully customizable arsenal of gadgets, cargo and armed passengers.

There was so many to play, the above only scratches the surface of the wealth of games coming out over the next 12 months. If this has been helpful, please do not forget to subscribe to the YouTube for more videos and updates.

The post 5 of the Most Interesting Mobile Games at EGX Rezzed appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Yooka Laylee

Starting with an obvious one, it’s Yooka Laylee. I have to admit that I was originally a skeptic. The original Kickstarter footage looked bright and colourful but the levels were sparse and I was worried that it wouldn’t feel like the Banjo Kazooie beater we had hoped. However, after a good few plays, I can safely say that it had a well-considered level structure, colourful characters to interact with, and solid controls. With only a week to release, I have definitely been swayed.

The Adventure Pals

What started as a popular Flash game has been reinvented, rebuilt and reimagined for consoles. Colourful cartoon graphics, off the wall characters, and easy to pick up and play gameplay makes this a sure fire hit in my household. The crazy story, flying giraffe and light RPG elements make it the perfect games for young and old and I have no mouth that this is a contender for my top Xbox One games for Children 2017.

Brawlout

The Super Smash Brothers come to Xbox One in the form of Brawlout. Beautifully animated characters battle it out in multi-tiered arenas. Each of the players I managed to see had vastly different combat styles from grapplers to dive kickers. The low-poly 3D environments all presented different layouts changing how you approach the match. Furious four player action that was great fun with friends.

Battle Chasers: Night War

Battlechasers mixes classic JRPG combat with action-packed dungeon crawling all wrapped up in stylish cartoon visuals. Battlechasers boast randomly generating dungeons with various difficulty levels. After raising over $850,000 this looks pretty special and once the 2D animated cutscenes by Powerhouse Animation Studios are in, this has the potential to be an epic adventure.

Figment

I was a huge fan of Back To Bed on Steam with its surreal levels and humorous puzzles. When I saw Figment running on the big screen, it was like looking at beautiful concept work lovingly brought to life. Bedtime Digital is planning to take us on another mind-bending adventure and explores feelings and emotions in a wonderfully colourful world of floating apples, trumpet flowers and windmills.

Little Nightmares

EGX wasn’t short of eerie games. Little Nightmares follows the escape of Six, a yellow coated girl attempting to escape the Maw, an over-sized and creepy place full of troll-like cooks and a janitor who looks like Mr. Tickle after spending too long in Silent Hill. the harrowingly beautiful game had me grinding meat to create a string of sausages to swing on. Whilst I only had 10 minutes of game time, the nightmares will stay with me for a lot longer.

Town of Light

Another dark and creepy game, this time by LKA. The Town of Light is a psychological adventure told in the first person. The story is set in a real place in Italy that has been meticulously reconstructed for this game. Through the exploration and interaction with the environment, you learn more about the history of the main character through her confused viewpoint. It’s also got a creepy doll in as well just to mess with your head.

World To The West

World to the West is set in the same world as Teslagrad. I was surprised to become so engrossed so quickly and after 20 minutes or so I had to be tapped out in order to let others have a play. I later returned to with wonderful top down adventure eager to explore the various stories and mechanics on offer. World to the West looks to have various intertwining narratives all weaved together with exploration, puzzles and fighting. Definitely, one to watch.

Aaero

Speed through stunning, stylised environments tracing ribbons of light, releasing the energy in the music. Battle strange enemies and fight massively epic bosses battles all driven by an incredible heart-pounding soundtrack. There is currently nothing like this out on Xbox One and it will make a fantastic addition to the catalogue.

Away – Journey to the Unexpected

Away: Journey to the Unexpected is a colourful first-person adventure game that combines action, negotiation and rogue-lite elements. The most unusual aspect of this one was the mix of 2D characters and 3D gameplay. The cartoon style is reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons and in a weirdly wonderful way, it all works really well.

The Sexy Brutal

Groundhog Day meets Cluedo in this puzzle-and-adventure game featuring intrigue, murder and the (quite possibly) occult! You play the elderly priest Lafcadio Boone who is stuck in a time loop whilst guests of the Marquis Masked Ball are all murdered around the mansion. Roam around the house, solve the mystery and maybe, just maybe you can escape the never-ending cycle. Fantastic concept, amazing visuals and great fun to play.

Snake Pass

Whilst I loved the visual style, colourful characters and overall concept of Snake Pass, I really wanted a couple of hours with the game to truly think like a snake. The unique control scheme meant this game was hard to pick up with only a few minutes of play time but I could sense its potential and I was eager to play more.

Rime

Rime is a third-person adventure game by Tequila Works with an eye-blistering colour palette, a serene and peaceful soundtrack and an unusual shouting mechanic. The game involves a boy who is washed ashore a strange island and is searching for someway to escape. The visuals are stunning and with a fully working day and night cycle, it promises different experiences depending on the time of day. Whilst the game looks like an open world, most of the game I played seemed to have a define push towards a certain path. However, this did not detract from the overall enjoyment.

The post My Top 13 Xbox One Games at EGX Rezzed appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Beginning four years ago as an online interactive web game, Australian stand-up comedian John Robertson posted his choose-your-own-adventure-game on YouTube, entitled The Dark Room. In the video, the viewer is told that they have woken up in a dark room, and have to find their way out – accompanied by some less-than-helpful suggestions from Robertson, spot lit by a torch under his chin. The various chapters of The Dark Room have been viewed more than 4,000,000 times on YouTube.  Nobody has yet made it to the final exit. Online, it has been played in every country on earth, being curiously popular in Germany, France and the U.S.

“Unlike anything live I’ve ever witnessed … cruel, well thought out, and hilarious.” ««««« ThreeWeeks

“Brilliance. Innovative, funny, exciting, dark-as-hell brilliance.” «««««Fringe Guru

Inspired by its success, in 2012 John took the premise more than a few steps further, by converting it into a live show at the Edinburgh Festival in which a whole roomful of people AWAKE to FIND themselves… in a DARK… ROOM! The massive success of this show brought it back to the Fringe every year since and he has also played sold old shows from London to Hong Kong.

The Dark Room is cruel, funny, unfair, confusing and unwinnable, but none of that should stop

you taking a screaming jog right into it. You will regret nothing.” ««««« The Skinny

Now he is brining the beloved format back to London, taking this improvised game show, where the player faces a brutal Old Testament God who loves grammar, and hates you. The whole audience joins in to see if they can find their way out of the Dark Room together. And we’ll give you a clue: chances are they can’t.

“Not to Be Missed” The Guardian

“If Franz Kafka was to write a comedy show, this would be it” «««« Steve Bennett, Chortle

“Passion for a near-Kafkaesque form of sadomasochism” «««« The List

“Will have you crying with laughter” ««««« Broadway Baby

“Brutal, poetic, bizarre and hilarious. If your taste runs to the dark you need to see this show.”

«««««British Comedy Guide

Listings

Show: The Dark Room

Venue: Udderbelly Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road Coach Park, London SE1 8XX

Date: 28^th May 2016

Time: 7:45pm

Tickets: £20.50 – £14

Booking: http://www.udderbelly.co.uk/whats-on/the-dark-room#select-a-performance-jump // 0844 545 8282

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Hosted by FamilyGamerTV (http://www.youtube.com/familygamertv), the gaming festival will be an integral part of Kidtropolis; the biggest UK consumer event for ‘all things kids and families’. 

YouTube’s leading UK family gaming outlet (8 million views/month), FamilyGamerTV will be at the heart of Kidtropolis, providing a hub for all the latest games, tech, apps and toys to life products presented by YouTuber and Journalist, Andy Robertson.

Alongside gaming festival exhibitors, the family gaming hub will offer children the opportunity to ‘Become a YouTuber’ with Andy and star in a video. Parents can seek gaming advice and test out games in a Parent’s gaming zone. An Educational zone will enable children to seek career advice for getting into the gaming industry. Additionally, consumers can also tune in to FamilyGamerTV broadcasting highlights of Kidtropolis each day and exclusive looks at the best games.

Kidtropolis is designed to engage children and families with brands and products through play, immersive activities and experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. It will house a spectrum of products from toys to fashion all the way through to science and gaming; all the things that form essential parts of children’s and family lifestyles.

Simon Pilling Managing Director of Kidtropolis said

“Kidtropolis is going to be fantastic and I can’t wait for the doors to open. I’m a kid at heart, but I’m also a parent and I can be sure that within the Family Gaming Festival, the content my children will be exposed to will be appropriate but still very exciting. I’m delighted to be working with Andy.”

Gemma Gallagher Director of Brand Relations said:

“There is a need for a gaming festival for families in the UK and Kidtropolis is the perfect place to host it. Gaming and toys to life products play significant roles in family life and we’re thrilled to be able to offer this unique experience to brands and consumers in the UK. FamilyGamerTV is a hugely successful and well respected YouTube channel and Andy Robertson will bring enormous value to the show”

Andy Robertson, Director of FamilyGamer YouTube channels said

“Families have been crying out for a dedicated video game festival for years. Catering for both children and parents, this is a unique opportunity to engage this huge audience of gamers.The Family Gaming Festival at Kidtropolis will be breakthrough space for families to experience amazing games, get expert advice and discover how to get more from the games they play.”

To get involved in the Family Gaming festival, contact simon@kidtropolis.co.uk or Andy Robertson editor@FamilyGamer.TV.

The post THE UK’S FIRST FAMILY GAMING FESTIVAL AT KIDTROPOLIS appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

For the first month of partnership, we focused on analyzing everything about the game. We looked at the current analytical data and decided on the best form of action. We also played and tested the game as much as we could to find any existing flaws and crush any known bugs. I played the game obsessively and after many hours of Fluff crushing, I can confidently say that I’m the most accomplished Fluff Eaters player in the world at this moment and I dare you to challenge me. (Can you tell I’m a little competitive?)  After much testing and criticism, we crushed the obvious flaws and improved on the game mechanics to make it more enjoyable for users. You can’t fix everything in the game that you would like to. Either you don’t have enough time or you would have to change too much about the game for it to make sense. So, you need to prioritize. We used Trello, a web task management system, to organize and track the progress of improvements for both iOS and Android. When you start working on a game with this much depth, it’s important to find a tool that will help you stay organized.

It was neither building a new world nor fixing flaws that seemed too difficult, but the problems were getting the updates approved by Apple. It was very frustrating. We spent so much time testing, fixing and building a new level that once we finally got everything done and submitted, we got denied from Apple! This was particularly frustrating because Apple was saying that the game was crashing at the menu screen. Neither of our game testers nor us could replicate this issue. After much hair pulling, we resubmitted game again for review and it finally went through. This goes to show you that no matter how hard you work and how well you think your game is running, even if it is ready, there will always be things outside of your control that will slow your progress. This was a really hard blow for us because the update included the seasonal Christmas world, which were approved after a month long delay.

So, we’ve been working months on getting the game up to speed, built a new level and got the update approved and updated by iOS and Android. What now? PAX SOUTH! As a publisher, it is our responsibility to get the game in front of the right audience to gain exposure and start selling it. That’s where we are right now. We’ve spent around $4,500 on marketing for the event; which really isn’t too bad for what we’re getting. A 10’ x 10’ booth at the event with our banner, a full page ad in the brochure, buttons and postcards to hand out to attendees. And now the team is headed to San Antonio Texas on January 28^th. This will be a big opportunity for us to learn as a publisher and hopefully grow as a team. Our goal is to expose Fluff Eaters and discover its target audience. Of course it would be awesome if we could make a million bucks, but our minimum goal is to cover our marketing, travel costs and learn as much as absolutely possible. How will we fair at the end of PAX South? Only time will tell.

Are you an indie Developer or startup Publisher in a new business relationship? What challenges have you had? Or, are you a more established Developer or Publisher with some veteran experience? What advice can you give us???

The post Our Fight and Struggle on our Journey to PAX South 2016 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Below is a video of my opinion on the Rise of the Tomb Raider announcement:

The post Rise of the Tomb Raider: Timed Exclusive | My Thoughts appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Inside – Playdead

Inside from Playdead looks similar to Limbo in style, though with a little more colour. The trailers we have seen to date featured a child running through 2D environments with a lot of movement going on in the background at the same time.  The animations look smooth and you can feel the ambiance even off screen.

#IDARB – Other Ocean

#IDARB is a chaotic 8-player eSport jumping jetpack future arena ball game that is as inspired by Bomberman and Smash Bros. #IDARB is a collaborative work between two distinguished groups: Other Ocean and the people of the Internet.  It is a crowd sourced fighting game that is unlike anything you have seen.

No Time to Explain – TinyBuild

Chase your future self through time and alternate realities while fighting giant monsters, collecting hats, and eating cake! No Time To Explain is a game about Time Paradoxes, Jetpack Guns and Ribs In People’s Eyes. Yes, it is as crazy as it sounds.

Plague Inc: Evolved – Ndemic Creations

Plague Inc: Evolved is a unique mix of high strategy and terrifyingly realistic simulation. Plague Inc: Evolved combines the original critically acclaimed gameplay with significant, all-new features including multiplayer and cooperative modes, build your own virus lab and upgraded graphics for the next generation.

Rivals of Aether – Dan Fornace

Rivals of Aether is an upcoming fighting ‘smash brothers’ style game from indie developers Dan Fornace and flashygoodness. Rivals come from one of four elements: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Each rival can manipulate the battlefield in unique ways.

SlashDash – Nevernaut Games

SlashDash is a cooperative ‘capture the flag’ (CTF) game for four players. Two teams of ninjas slash and teleport their way to flags and glory. SlashDash is a top down, hack and slack multiplayer game that can be played locally or online.

Spectra – Gateway Interactive

Spectra is a fast paced retro style racing game featuring 10 unique music tracks which are used to generate procedural levels. Spectra features only one game-mode, you race against the beat on a procedurally generated track. Players must navigate around obstacles and collect points whilst trying to drive with the best style possible and stay on the road.

Pneuma: Breath of Life – Deco Digital

Pneuma: Breath of Life is a “ontological mystery” where you play as a god wrestling with the nature of reality in a first person puzzler that aims to challenge not only your mind, but your own sense of self. At the moment it looks like an interior design showreel so I am intrigued to know what the final product  will play like.

Threes! – Sirvo

Threes is a puzzle game currently out on mobile devices and is massively addictive. The premise of the game is to match two numbers together (such as 3 + 3). Once matched the double up (to 6) and then you need to match that with another number. It has added features to keep it interesting and is a welcome addition to the Xbox One line up.

Volgarr the Viking – Crazy Viking Studios

Volgarr the Viking touts itself as a hardcore 16-bit style action side-scroller from the golden era of arcade games. The game retains its retro styling but adds additional elements learned over the past 20 years to help reimagine it for today’s audience.

Speed Runners – Tiny Build

Speed runners is fast becoming a huge hit on Steam as it pits 4 players (both locally an online) against each other on a side scrolling race to the finish. Players run, jump, swing and use power ups to knock opponents off the screen.

Superhot – Superhot

Superhot has the industry extremely excited as it builds upon the idea of bullet time. instead of slowing time it actually (almost) stops it until the player moves, which, despite its slowness makes for a fast paced shooting experience. The visuals are clean and simple and we are sure to see a lot more from this game.

The post Gamescom 2014 Round Up | ID@XBox | Part 2 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Blues and Bullets – A Crowd of Monsters

Blues & Bullets is an episodic noir story, where the player will need to survive thrilling shootouts, dark investigations, difficult decisions to make and unexpected story twists in the skin of a former detective who struggles with his own demons trapped in a decadent city.

Cuphead – Studio MDHR

Cuphead is a classic run and gun that centers around 1-on-1 fights (2-on-1 in two player mode) with a retro art style reminiscent of the original Tom and Jerry and classic Americana cartoons.

Dungeons of the Endless – Amplitude Studios

Currently on Steam Early Access, this rogue-Like dungeon defense game mixes top down strategy with pinches of RPG to create an intriguing survival game.

Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 – Halfbrick

Just when you thought the Kinect was dead, a brave studio announced Fruit Ninja Kinect 2. This is a great title and will work great on the new Kinect. Thanks Halfbrick, have my money!

Funk of the Titans  – A Crowd of Monsters

Funk of the Titans follows the exploits of Perseus, the illegitimate son of Zeus has he uses his Funk-Fu across more than 40 levels of platforming action with various bonus stages, an array of weapons  and lots of additional goodies.

Gunscape – Blowfish Studios

Gunscape is a first person shooter (FPS) toolbox that allows players to build their own FPS game. The kit comes with inconic weapons, classic monsters and level elements that act as the foundation for players to build co-op, single-player FPS levels or Multiplayer Arenas in a clear and simple way.

Ghost of a Tale – Seith CG

This one really intrigues me. Lionel Gallat, the man behind has an amazing body of work behind him that include ‘The Lorax’, ‘Despicable Me’, ‘Astro Boy’ and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ to name just a few. Early shots of this game look stunning and the art style has me really excited. Ghost of a Tale is a third-person adventure game where you play a little mouse in a dangerous world that raised nearly $65,000 in funding from IndieGoGo. My hope is this game is snapped up my Microsoft and Gallet given a team of devs and a pile of cash to make this the best game it could be.

Goat Simulator – Coffee Stain Studios/Double 11

You’re a goat and you get points for wrecking stuff… Mad fun from a game that defies all gaming processes.

SMITE – Hi Rez Studios

SMITE is an acclaimed free-to-play 3rd person action MOBA perfectly suited for consoles This online battleground allows players to choose from an array of gods and compete it 5 vs 5 team matches.

Space Engineers – Keen Software House

Space Engineers is a sandbox game about engineering, construction and maintenance of space works. Players build space ships and space stations of various sizes and utilization (civil and military), pilot ships and perform asteroid mining. It was unusual for the Gamescom presentation to focus on this one in particular but refreshing to see something a bit different coming to the platform.

The Escapists – Team 17

The Escapists is an upcoming prison break game developed by Mouldy Toof Studios and published by Worms creator Team17. It was successfully crowd-funded on Kickstarter last year and received a massive £7131 or $11,000, and was also successful on Steam Greenlight.

Massive Chalice – Doublefine

Massive Chalice is an upcoming turn-based strategy video game from Double Fine, the developer of Psychonauts, Brütal Legend, and Costume Quest to name a few. This is their second kickstarter funded game after the fantastic Broken Age.

Knight squad – Chainsawesome Games

Knight Squad is an 8 players top-down Bomberman meets Gauntlet game with hints of Smash TV. The action looks frantic and there are plenty of game modes to keep players busy including death match, capture the flag (or grail), and football. Players also have an array of weapons from simple swords to level destroying lasers. It looks like fun!

Lovers in a dangerous space-time – Asteroid Base

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a frantic 1- or 2-player couch co-op action game. Explore a colourful galaxy in a crazy neon spaceship that you control together by manning turrets, lasers, shields and thrusters. Only through teamwork can you triumph over evil robots, rescue kidnapped space bunnies, and avoid a vacuumy demise.

Many of these games are already out of other platforms but it really doesn’t matter as a large part of the console market don’t have Steam and won’t have heard of games such as Smite and Speed Runners. This same market is sure to be happy that games such as Goat Simulator and Superhot are coming to the Xbox One.

My Biggest Worry

Whilst I love what ID@Xbox are doing in helping developers and bring Indie games to the platform I am worried that the overarching branding is essentially grouping these titles under a new ‘Indie live arcade’ banner that might lessen their impact. With games like Outlast, Contrast, Metro and even Zombie Driver just appearing on the store they feel more like game releases more than ‘indie’ game releases.

If Phil had just walked people through games such as Blues and Bullets, Ghost of a Tale, Smite and Superhot then maybe I might have felt that there were more games on the Horizon than Quantum Break, Halo, sports and Forza.

Part 2 Coming Soon…

The post Gamescom 2014 Round Up | ID@XBox | Part 1 appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Here’s my run through of my top picks at E3, which happened to be the only picks.

Shape Up

Anything that can take your mind off the burn whilst you exercise is good in my book. When I work out I like to use music, audiobooks and movies (if cycling). Shape up by — uses a series of mini games mixed with real world exercises to score points and gain awards. Games include doing push ups with virtual elephants on your back and squat thrusting your way to the moon. All the games has purposely been made outrageous and over the top to distract players as much as possible from the fact they are doing exercise.

Dance Central

This franchise had a huge following on previous generations and prided itself on catering for the ‘serious dancer’. The latest iteration has to be its most ambitious project yet as each song will have 4 distinct routines that increase in difficulty and all it’s previous DLC will also be available and will carry over from the previous game – that’s a lot of content. Dance Central’s digital only strategy aims to release more an more of the latest content faster than ever before meaning chart topping songs will have downloadable routines whilst the song is still popular.

Disney’s Fantasia

This year started with vegetables singing acapella which looked like great fun. The player flapped and waved to conduct an array of different animations across a sprawling cityscape. What started with root vegetables soon progressed into pulling fish from advertising boards and sending them jumping across the city. It can’t be said that this game isn’t imaginative. We also got to see more of the multiplayer experience which sees players create compositions together and change the style of te songs as they went through onto styles from jazz to retro gaming chip tunes. The multiplayer looked more focus on particle effects then the forest, city and under water levels seen in previous announcement. I know my daughter will love this as she is a huge fireworks fan.

Just Dance 2015

This is not to be confused with just dance now which is the mobile streaming version of the game. Just dance 2015 looks and feels just like 2014 but boast additional community features allowing others to score your routines that are recorded via Kinect. I only hope that the ‘all new track list’ is transferable to us 2014 users because I don’t fancy shelling out again just so people can watch my bad dance moves.

The post E3 2014: Round Up | The Kinect Games | Xbox One appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Existing indie titles such as Guacamelee, Forced and Riptide HD which does indicate that their is some wiggle room with their parity clause.

Inside

Playdead Studios, creators of the awesome Limbo surprised the crowd with their announcement that their next game ‘inside’ was going to be an Xbox One exclusive. The new game has many things in common with its predecessor in that you are a small boy trying to escape some sort of prison labor camp. The animations look beautiful and the limited palette and dark atmosphere really create a sense of containment. Unlike Limbo, however there is much more depth and even the colour red.

Cuphead

The visual style of this game really helped stand it out from the crowd as it looked and animated just like an old American cartoon from the 60’s. Cuphead is a side-scrolling platformer/shooter similar to that of Contra and see one or two players battle through an array of retro cartoon inspired levels battling familiar looking characters on their way to battle the devil. The indie game from StudioMDHR is expected next year on Xbox One and Steam.

Ori and the Blind Forest

This 2D platformer has you playing as  a sweet white bunny called Ori who must traverse across the enchanted forest with by a ball of light called Sein. It’s a coming-of-age story about a forest spirit learning his place in the world. It features a artistic style that seamlessly flows between bright and vibrant as well as dark and moody.  It’s a ‘metroidvania’-style game with both an action-platformer and RPG elements. The moving trailer shown at E3 pulled the heart strings of the audience and made the game was a lovely surprise amongst the first person shooters, and high definition racers. Its beautiful aesthetic definitely make it one to watch.

No Mans Sky

Although this game hasn’t been confirmed for Xbox One it was far and away the most impressive footage and possibly the most ambitious game at E3. The game sees the player travelling seamlessly between an infinite number of planets in search of new adventure and worlds to explore. In development from Hello Games, the four man development team behind ‘Joe Danger’ the latest footage had the crowd cheering. Whilst the scale and design of the game can be applauded, we are yet to find out if there will be any story behind it to tie players together. No Man’s Sky is being compared to similar grand endeavours as Elite and Frontier but even these games had a limited field of play. After their success at the show Hello Games increased their staff from four to a more substantial twelve. They obviously have a lot to be getting on with.

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Microsoft got all the Kinect-less Xbox and price drop information out before the conference and so they could concentrate on getting us all excited about upcoming titles, and there was a a lot of them…

Here is my opinions on just some of the announcements:

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

I have mixed feelings about this one as I enjoyed the Halo games at the time but I feel like I have had that experience and that this collection is not really necessary. Ideally I would just like Halo 5 and I feel that this is just a money spinner because they know that people will buy it. I know I will, but somewhere at the back of my mind I will have a nagging feeling that its all part of a bigger strategy to push the TV show and re-introduce our favorite Spartan to a younger audience. However, I’m sure I will buy it, play it and enjoy it.

Assassin’s Creed 5 – Unity

I lost interest in the assassins creed series’s after the sequel but the era of the French Renaissance has a quiet pull on me. Personally I think it is too soon after Black Flag to warrant a sequel. However I am yet to play black flag so I wonder if this would if this has influenced my opinion.

Evolve

For playability, this has to be my game of the show as this game was SO much fun to play. Being both the hunter to the hunted this four player co-op multiplayer definitely had people queuing round the block.

Sunset Overdrive

This game rides a fine line between being awesome and being awful. Initial impressions are positive as the cartoon style, furious action and general sense of fun stand it apart from other shooters but after seeing a standard AK47 machine gun in the gameplay demo a seed of doubt has been planted in my mind. Please don’t disappoint me.

Crackdown

This was the biggest surprise of the for me as I really enjoyed the first crackdown and was sorely disappointed by the sequel. It looks, however, that the game has returned to its roots bringing back the old announcer as well as some of the over the top super cop action. Although it was only a CGI trailer, it hinted at 4 player co-op, a fully destructible city and the same power up mechanics as the original.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

Not much new revealed here but it looks better than ghosts, so that’s a plus. It’s also great to see how Battlefield and COD have chosen different paths this time which is refreshing.

Rise of The Tomb Raider

Not just one sequel announce but two! As the next-gen re-fresh did so well for them it is no wonder they want to continue the momentum. I had a lot of fun with the reboot and look forward to seeing how Lara’s tale unfolds.

The Division

By the time this game comes out it will have seen three E3 events. The initial teaser last year got me very excited and the additional gameplay footage this year helped re-ignite that enthusiasm but can they keep people’s interest for another year?

Mortal Kombat X

This is shaping up to be a very exciting brawler as the E3 gameplay footage not only showed an array of new characters but also introduced us the use of 3 variations for each character, as well as the all new X-ray moves. The animations look fluid and the finishing moves look as gruesome as ever.

Battlefield Hardline

The leaked demo of this game before the show disappointed me somewhat as it looked like a mod but thankfully my woes were quelled after seeing more of the official footage. This exciting new direction is being handled by — whilst Dice concentrate their efforts on Star Wars Battlefront.

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Possibly the best looking game of the show. The visuals looked amazing and despite its delays I think a lot of people will enjoy this. However, after the hundreds of hours I sunk into Oblivion, Skyrim and Dragon Age 2 I am not sure I should go near this one for fear of losing another 100.

Batman: Arkham Knight

I didn’t meet a single person at E3 who wasn’t excited about playing a next-fen Batman. It’s just a shame it will be the last one by Rocksteady. However, they plan to go out with a bang as the bat mobile not only races through the street like a formula one car but also transforms into a pretty mean looking tank.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Another game that feels like it has been around for a little too long. At last years E3 we saw a 45 minute play through and it looked great and then at this years we got yet another 45 minute play through. It still looks good but if it doesn’t come out soon then my ‘fantasy’ game slot might be filled by another title.

What did you think of the E3 mainstream titles announced?

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Held in LA, E3 is one of the most anticipated game shows of the year and is the launchpad for a myriad of titles. Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are all dropping hints about announcements due to be made on the weekend of the 10th and excitement is building.

We have all heard the rumors and already know about titles such as Halo and Gear of War but there is something exciting about knowing that an announcement about them is imminent.

The supposed leak shows the following:

Microsoft E3 Announcements:

• Beyond Good & Evil 2
• Direct X12 Trailer
• Fable Legends – Gameplay
• Forza Horizon 2 – Gameplay
• Gears of War 4 – Gameplay
• Halo 5 – Tech Demo
• Kinect TV & Shows
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare – Gameplay
• Quantum Break – Gameplay
• Star Wars Battlefront III – Gameplay
• Titanfall – DLC – Gameplay

Sony E3 Announcements:

• Destiny – Gameplay
• DriveClub – Trailer
• God of War 4 – CGI
• Indie Games – Trailer
• Infamous: Second Son DLC/Gameplay
• The Order: 1886 – Gameplay
• Uncharted 4: The Sunken Blade – Tech Demo
• Watchdogs – Gameplay

Now personally, I do not think that this is real as it uses a few announcements we already know about and has a lot of holes which include:

• Gears of War 4 has only just started development so gameplay footage would be crazy
• Sony’s line up is dire and has Destiny in which we have just seen a load of gameplay videos and Watchdogs which will already be out.
• The fact they are showing DLC is worrying

Overall, I do not put much stock in it but I am excited nonetheless…

What do you think?

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Microsoft’s unveiling of their new Xbox One was far from a resounding success. It left gamers confused about just what the new console will require. In the midst of an announcement that seemed to repeat the word television over and over, Microsoft revealed that its new system is both a gaming machine and a media center. Some reviewers, however, are worried that this next generation console is too much of the latter.

Microsoft’s Marc Whitten was quoted as saying the biggest advantage of this system is its architecture. Designed to easily transition between games, apps, and live entertainment, the system combines Windows, Xbox, and a third operating system to allow the user to move quickly from one app to another. The company hopes that this will make the Xbox One a console that appeals to the average Joe just as much as to the hard-core gamer.

Whether you’re an avid gamer or a granny who needs a new media console, it’s important to keep in mind that an all-in-one media center has hidden costs. A basic cable and Internet subscription starts at about $60 per month, says Direct-Ticket.net. Pair that with Xbox Live and other service like Hulu and Netflix and the overall monthly cost could be a lot for some consumers to handle.

In addition to hidden fees, several other issues have plagued the system’s release. Gamers were worried that the system will require them to always be connected to the internet. This then changed to daily check-ins, which then changed to one initial update. Furthermore, people were also incredibly worried about how the system will affect their ability to play used or borrowed games. This then changed from digital only games to a more traditional disc based model, however, Microst has stated that they will re-visit the digital download discussion. Microsoft’s May 21 press conference was intended to be a platform for Microsoft to assuage these concerns, but their awkward delivery and vague promises has left gamers wondering what owning this new system will really be like.

When NBC News tried to find about more about the ‘always online’ issue, Paul Erickson from IHS Global Insight asked them to define “always online”. He continued to report that although the system may not always be connected, it must be constantly powered to accept the voice commands that can turn it on. He continued to point out that the console will will use its connection to access cloud-based content and to provide networked playing.

The potential flaws of the Xbox One were simply ambiguities at the beginning and three months later only a handful have bee fully explained and some have been simply retracted. As its release approaches, we hope more of these issues are further explained and hopefully resolved. In the meantime, gamers may be worried about the bigger issue coming out of the announcement — that perhaps the new console is so focused too heavily on the media experience and not enough of the gaming experience. The first ‘NFL – Fantasy Football’ focused advert is testament to that.

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Dead Rising 3

Being shown at the Xbox Gaming Lounge just down the street from the convention, Dead Rising 3 is looking to be a pretty exciting new addition to the franchise. Following the same footsteps, there will be a new protagonist,  Nick Ramos, who is traveling the city of Los Perdidos. Reportedly this open world will be bigger than the last two. This one takes place 10 years after the events in Dead Rising 2, proving that a zombie apocalypse is not something that would be quickly fixed.

Halo: Spartan Assault

An off-shoot if the main stories of Halo, Spartan Assault is a top-down, third-person shooter that is the first from the series meant to be used with touch-screen devices. It’s also being shown at the Xbox Gaming Lounge. So far, people’s hands-on experiences are positive, even if it is a huge change from what fans are used to.

Ryse: Son of Rome

With its own 60-minute panel on Thursday, we got to see more on this new IP with new information revealed. Players will control Marius Titus, a Roman soldier who is looking to avenge his family’s death. Roman Emperor Nero will be in game as well as his two sons, and spirit gods will appear to the main character throughout the game. Microsoft also announced 3 interactive graphic novels coming out before the release of the game.

There were also a few Xbox-related panels that have since passed. The major attraction was Saturday morning,  “The Future of Xbox Gaming Revealed” was hosted by Major Nelson and had some major developers on hand, like Ken Lobb,  Josh Bridge and Nick Burton, just to name a few. There was talk about the new Killer Instinct,  Dead Rising 3, and Ryse. They also talked about facial recognition through the Kinect, allowing players to scan in their face. Cool or creepy? Maybe a little of both.

There’s still another day of Comic Con and more to be discussed and seen, but so far there’s been a really strong presence by Microsoft. Still no word of an Xbox One release date, though.

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Awesomenauts

Forgive me for a lack of a better description, but Awesomenauts is, well, awesome. It certainly lives up to its title, at least. It is a 2D multiplayer online battle arena that was released last year on Steam, PSN and XBLA (though a boxed copy is out on Sunday). You’re super far in the future, the year 3587 to be exact, and there’s a huger war between varying robot armies. The awesomenauts are the team of robots you control. There are several classes, from assassin to healer, tank to brawler, and more. They each give the player a variety of ways to play. The graphics themselves are really awesome; cartoonish but bright and fun, with great backgrounds and interesting level design.

Castle Crashers

Now considered an old one, but still great, Castle Crashers was one of the biggest original hits on Xbox Live, long before it was finally released on PSN. It is set in a fictional medieval universe and four knights can play at the same time, essentially a side scrolling beat ‘em up that is a ton of fun. It even spawned some very awesome plush and other cool merchandise. Each color has a different weapon, sort of reminiscent of the Ninja Turtles, and every player has a favorite.

Angry Birds

Angry Birds is one of those games that blew up so big, so quickly, that you tried to avoid it and got instantly sucked in. The game is simple enough; you use a slingshot to throw birds across a screen and demolish structures in a limited amount of throws to get as many points as possible. Hitting bombs can help destroy things faster; the wrong move and physics might work against you. There have been a ton of iterations since the original, the latest being  Angry Birds Star Wars. It expanded from phones to consoles and PC, so that shows you how great a mobile game can be.

Limbo

Limbo might be one of the most beautifully stylized 2D sidescrollers to ever be released. Set in plack and white, this game has been lauded by most to be considered a work of art. It sets a wonderful mood as you enter limbo as a young boy, looking for his lost sister. The game can be as scary as it can be beautiful, and it definitely has its challenges as well.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to play it, it’s worth it.

The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai:

If you want to talk about a 2D game wit ha weird premise, take an unnamed dishwasher, make him the protagonist, and have him fight through waves of enemies. Add in a guitar minigame and an overall super violent atmosphere, and you’ve got The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai. Oh, and did I mention his mentor is a chef? Naturally. It actually got some great accolades though and the levels are very stylized, dark, shadow-filled and overall very cool.

Hard Corps: Uprising

This was an official prequel to Contra: Hard Corps, and the producer, Yamamoto, said he had the intentions to build it into a brand new franchise. The gameplay had two modes, Rising and Arcade. Rising mode let players collect points that they could use in pop-up shops to buy new weapons, upgrades, armor and more. The arcade mode was harder due to removing these shops. It got decent reviews and was a good release by Konami, with gameplay feeling very much like Contra. There’s been no real word of a sequel since.

Fez

Fez has gained a lot of attention, not only for being a great game but for being featured in Indie Game: The Movie, which was a highly regarded documentary on the process of making indie games. Fez’s gameplay goal is easy, to collect 32 cubes around the world to restore the world of Gomez, the main character, before it is torn apart. The soundtrack is awesome and the game has already sold over 200,000 copies.

Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit

If you want a 2-D game with amazing visuals but kind of crappy controls, this is the one you want to pick up. It’s a shame, because it does have a really fun visual atmosphere about it and a funny plot. Ash, the rabbit you get to play, has inherited ruling Hell from his father. But a photo of him playing with a duck in a bathtub has tarnished his evil name, so he has to kill the 100 monsters who saw the photo. Ridiculous? Yes. But it makes for a really funny experience. It’s a shame, because if the actual controls were better, it’d probably have done very well.

Super Meat Boy

No one would expect a game literally about a piece of meat trying to save his girlfriend from someone named Dr. Fetus. But sure enough, this platformer has done amazingly well. It has been compared in difficulty to the likes of Ghosts’n Goblins or the original Super Mario Bros. in that very quick reflexes are needed to get through levels. It really does live up to all the hype, if you have patience for a game with old-school like difficulty.

Rayman Origins

People were ecstatic with Rayman Origins dropped in 2012 because it was finally back to the old school side-scrolling platformer of the original. It has co-operative gameplay that is comparable to Super Mario Bros Wii, letting the player make their way through levels collecting coins and helping each other out. Not only does it have the typical humor expected in a Rayman game but it is an incredibly solid platformer that really brings about a sense of nostalgia.

Shank 1 and 2

For more side-scrolling beat em’ up goodness, Shank 1 and Shank 2 both delivered with single player and co-op play. It has a really gritty comic book art style that sets it apart from most, and you have to play both single and multiplayer to get the full story as it is told in separate parts. For a game name shank, you better believe there’s a lot of actual stabbing going on and a lot of great, bloody violence.

Hotline Miami

One of the most successful 2D games of recent dates, Hotline Miami is a top down game set in the 1980s as you control a hitman, moving from room to room, clearing out thugs to complete each chapter. It’s not an easy game at all; you have to be quick, smart, and expect to die several times before you pass even a section of a chapter. It also has a very good story, one that is going to be continued since the sequel has just recently been announced.

The post 2D or Not 2D, That is the Question – 12 Recent 2D Games appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

Well, wish no more, because you can experience what E3 is like through E3: The Game. Really. Gamer Talent put together a quick game called E3: The Game in just a week, which replicated everything you could experience in E3 this year. From long lines to dubstep, to conferences and even the lighting, you’ve got the full press experience. Seriously.

It’s actually quite hysterical to play and, according to some of those who actually got to experience E3 2013, a dead-on representation of what they all experience. So maybe you aren’t missing out on too much to begin with, eh? (I think my favorite part is being able to check Twitter while I wait on line.)

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Speaking of sequels, there’s plenty of trilogies (well, and franchises that go even further than that) with interesting third episode entries. Let’s start from the beginning…

The Eighties

Back in the late eighties it was rare to reach a third game due to the fact the games industry was so young. Those that did were born out of franchises that were pretty much made for success, and therefore sequels were distributed quickly.

Mario bros 3

Still hailed as possible one of the top 3 Mario games to come out, Mario Brothers 3 really took the idea of a side scrolling platformer and made it bigger, better and far more fun. With the introduction of the Koopa Kids, awesome power ups that gave Mario cool suits to don (that has been used in games since) and gambling (let’s just be honest), it’s still a great game to play today.

Wonderboy 3

Wonderboy 3, which has the aesthetic style of Zelda II or Ghosts N Goblins, was sort of s surprise in success at the time. The franchise has died out since then, but at the time, it was rated the best game of the year by Electronic Gaming Monthly.

Castlevania 3

Also known as Dracula’s Curse, it is actually a prequel to the first Castlevania starring Simon Belmont’s ancestor, Trevor Belmont. It was the franchise’s return to platforming and away from the RPG style of Simon’s Quest. Companions also showed up in this game, which was pretty awesome.

The Nineties:

The nineties were a great time for consoles and arcades alike. You often had multi-platform games, really great cabinets and overall, some seriously cool third installations of franchises. A lot of franchises had been old enough at this point to reach their number 3, so here are some of the best.

Mortal Kombat 3

The premise of three went away from the plain old tournament idea and into  a story about stopping Shao Khan and his evil wife, Sindel. This was sort of an odd release, as it omitted a lot of major characters. To rectify this, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 was released with the omitted characters and the home console version has even more characters and features.

Wing Commander 3

For space combat simulators, there was nothing cooler than the Wing Commander series. It had interactive conversations that branched out and would change character attitudes and even morale. Think of it as the Bioware conversation tree of the past. And with live actors and movie content, it was a whopping four cd-roms.


Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

A change of pace for the Resident Evil series, Nemesis made things a lot harder when having to constantly worry about a giant mutation the size of the Hulk constantly showing up in game and tracking you down. Some areas he’d show up were scripted, but others were random, and it definitely made for one scary, pressure inducing game.

The Noughties:

Spanning 2000-2010, we saw a huge increase in multi-game franchises. Some older ones were already hitting 5 plus games, but there were some great third editions to otherwise comparably young groups of games.

Tony Hawk 3

Tony Hawk 3 was amazing for one real reason: the introduction of the revert trick, which let people combine vert combos with a manual and therefore creating combos longer than the last two games.  It was also the first to have online capabilities and like all the other games, an amazing soundtrack. For fans of the skateboarding game series, this was probably the best of them all.

Gran Turismo 3

Gran Turismo 3 was a Playstation 2 exclusive and went on to become one of the best selling video games of all time, let alone on the Playstation 2.  The graphics were really improved and there was improvement to physics that made this new installment so great. Gran Turismo has grown since then but at the time, this one was incredibly impressive.

Grand Theft Auto 3

The first 3D title in the Grand Theft Auto series, 3 made one of the biggest impacts on gaming as a whole, never mind the franchise. It is one of the highest-rated Playstation 2 games of all time (tied with previously mentioned Tony Hawk 3, actually) and is lauded by many as a near perfect game. Any and all re-releases of the game have made tons of money and it’s still as talked about as other now classics, like Ocarina of Time.

Halo 3

Halo 3 had a ridiculous amount of hype surrounding it before it was released and all critics agreed that it lived up to it. It’s the game in the series that really put the entire series on the map as one of the best (and highest sold) franchises in the gaming world. It also had some celebrity voices like  Keith David, Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk. It’s probably one of Bungie’s most successful games and is still often talked about as such.

Now

We are truly in a forward thinking, expansive age of gaming. Games are becoming huge epics with great graphics and stories that span multiple games. Here are some great number 3’s that have recently been released.

Assassin’s Creed 3

Although technically the 5th in the series, it’s the true official number “3” of the main story and the third of the ancestors that Desmond experiences through the Animus. It took players into a very different time period of the mid to late 1700s during the Revolutionary War. Conner is thrust in the middle of the events and it makes for some interesting interactions with historical figures.

Mass Effect 3

Although a big war over the ending ensued, it is hard to say that anything else about Mass Effect 3 was a disappointment. It was a vast improvement on the mechanics of 2, an emotional end to an overall epic sci-fi adventure, and ended an excellent run for Commander Shepard.

Gears of War 3

Undoubtedly a fun third person shooter franchise, Gears of War 3 had over a million pre-orders in 2011, making it one of the years most anticipated. The end of the story (as far as we know, considering Cliffy B no longer works for Epic Games) was highly lauded and just over all super exciting to play.

And Finally…

Half Life 3

Half Life 3 will actually be the fifth installment of this massively popular franchise. From the first moment you cruise into Black Mesa on a monorail listening to the safety briefing the the sad demise of Dog, your robotic pal players have been gripped by the alien invaded world created by Valve. Rumors have flown around about this sequel for years and many a writer has been sent on a wild goose chase trying to get the facts. This year at E3 we finally had confirmation on the release of Half Life 3… ‘large exhale‘

The post From E3 to Episode 3 – A look at the Third Game in Franchises appeared first on Gaming Debugged | Gaming Site Covering Xbox, Indies, News, Features and Gaming Tech.

• Cliffy B Opening PAX: Seriously, there’s nothing greater than getting someone awesome for the initial keynote. And Cliffy B, best known for his involvement with the Unreal and Gears of War Franchises. But his departure from Epic Games in December made his being the keynote speaker even more interesting. Speaking on his past with gaming and even his personal encounters with being bullied, it was a much more deeper and open keynote than some may have expected, making it all the better.
• DuckTales Remastered: Nothing garnered as much attention, game wise, as the remastered version of the NES DuckTales, coming to Xbox Live, Playstation Network and Wii U. Capcom is being the new version, which should be out in the summer and is bound to bring back a ton of nostalgia.
• Kris & Scott Panel: Kris Straub & Scott Kurtz, who have rised in popularity through the Penny Arcade website, are always a pleasure to watch together in a panel and this year was no different. The two are hilarious while still really informative about the comic work they do. If you can find this panel on Youtube, watch it and get some belly laughs.
• Mass Effect Will Continue On: Besides having a great panel, looking over the trilogy of a much beloved (as well as full of controversy) franchise, the Bioware team confirmed that we will see more of the Mass Effect universe, if not with Shepard, than in a different light and with a different story.

[Source: The Eggplant]

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