nDreams – Page 12 – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

June 18, 2017

The VR Job Hub: After E3 Special

We’ve said farewell to the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), although likely not Los Angeles for another year and the team is presently winging their way home to the UK. It was certainly a busy couple of weeks, including the run up to E3 itself.

However it’s highly likely if you’re interested in virtual reality (VR) in any way you will have seen the titles revealed at this year’s expo and seen something that caught your fancy. And if you haven’t then you should probably check out our Best Games of E3 2017 feature for further insight! But if you liked what you saw you might be interested in working for the developers in question. So we’ve a selection of roles listed down for the developers and, while they aren’t looking for anyone specifically at the moment there’s also contact emails for Polyarc (Moss) and The Secret Location.

Location	Company	Role	Link
McKinney, Texas, US	Playful Corp	Sr Designer	Click Here to apply
McKinney, Texas, US	Playful Corp	Contract Social Media Specialist	Click Here to apply
McKinney, Texas, US	Playful Corp	Senior Producer	Click Here to apply
McKinney, Texas, US	Playful Corp	Technical Designer	Click Here to apply
Farnborough, UK	nDreams	Chief Operating Officer (COO)	Click Here to apply
Farnborough, UK	nDreams	Animator (Contractor)	Click Here to apply
Irvine, California, US	Ready At Dawn	Lead Level Designer	Click Here to apply
Irvine, California, US	Ready At Dawn	Lead Character Artist	Click Here to apply
Irvine, California, US	Ready At Dawn	Character Blendshape Artist	Click Here to apply
Irvine, California, US	Ready At Dawn	Gameplay Programmer	Click Here to apply
Irvine, California, US	Ready At Dawn	Scripter	Click Here to apply
Irvine, California, US	Ready At Dawn	Focus Tester	Click Here to apply
Seattle, US	Polyarc	General Application	jobs@polyarcgames.com
Toronto, Canada / Los Angeles, US	The Secret Location	General Application	jobs@thesecretlocation.com

As always you can look at last week’s offerings for some more job selections and for more news on the VR industry and career opportunities, stay on VRFocus.

June 5, 2017

5 PlayStation VR Games to Watch at E3 2017

The PlayStation VR benefited from a huge swathe of videogame titles at launch, but in the months that followed this barrage slowed to a trickle. The recent releases of the well received Farpoint and Star Trek: Bridge Crew see the first wave of titles announced coming to a close; so what’s next? VRFocus looks at five new titles on the horizon, and why you should be excited for them.

The Persistence

After the success of Playroom VR, UK-based Firesprite are coming back for more virtual reality (VR), this time with a much darker experience. The Persistence is a horror title featuring procedurally generated environments. In a similar fashion to Ubisoft’s Zombi, every time the player dies they become a new character, but in The Persistence the space ship upon which they are based will have changed: a new layout, enemy placement and items.

To connect each attempt, the player can harvest cells which can be used to improve attributes such as speed, health and stealth. If a player dies these are transferred for the next play through, hence that title.

The Persistence was originally expected to launch last month, however there’s no signs of a release date at present. It’s likely we’ll learn more at next week’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Los Angeles.

Bloody Zombies

Another UK studio, nDreams pledged their commitment to the new medium very early in the wave or modern VR. After launching The Assembly last year, the developer/publisher is returning to PlayStation VR with Bloody Zombies: a side-scrolling brawler.

While the genre may not scream ‘VR’, it is actually a perfect combination of technology and action. The 2D characters appear like cardboard cutouts in the virtual environment and the added benefit of a widened viewpoint allows developer Paw Print Games to hide secrets beyond the edge of the traditional 2D screen.

Bloody Zombies has been designed to allow for up to four players to use any combination of VR and non-VR when playing together online, keeping the experience open to all. VRFocus has already been hands-on with Bloody Zombies and will get to experience the title once again at next week’s E3.

Theseus

Recently confirmed for PlayStation VR, Forge Reply’s Theseus proposes an interesting combination of platform challenges and brawling, combined with static and dynamic camera angles, screams ‘God of War’.

According to Samuele Perseo, Producer at Forge Reply: “Theseus is not an ordinary hero; in our game he is the prey, not the hunter. He is “only human” while his enemy, besides being 33 feet tall, has otherworldly strength… and he is invulnerable.

“Theseus cannot just fight the Minotaur head-on: each encounter between the two poses a new challenge. It may be necessary to resort to stealth, or an ancient mechanism could be the key to escape death. The monster is blind, but his hearing and his smell are sharp.”

Theseus is expected to launch on PlayStation VR this summer, and as such will likely make its playable debut at E3 next week.

Tiny Trax

The third UK studio delivering their wares to this list, FuturLab has built a strong audience thanks to the success of the Velocity series. Now however, the developer is turning its attention to VR, with the upcoming Tiny Trax.

Having been compared to Micro Machines with a hint of Off-Road 4×4 thanks to its unique viewpoint, Tiny Trax will follow Codemasters’ Toybox Turbos in delivering an unconventional racing videogame to VR players. Featuring both single player gameplay and an online multiplayer for up to four people, Tiny Trax will include six vehicles to select before heading out onto the track.

No release date has yet been announced for Tiny Trax, however FuturLab has suggested that it will be ‘coming soon’. Of course, VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details.

Sony Santa Monica

So, we don’t actually know what this one is. So why’s it on this list? Because Sony Santa Monica is one of the most highly respected developers on PlayStation hardware. That’s why.

As you will most likely have seen, last month VRFocus reported on an unofficial statement regarding Sony Santa Monica’s continued work in VR, and that after assisting a number of studios with external projects its first title for the PlayStation VR will likely be announced soon. That ‘soon’ may well be at E3 next week.

Whether it will be a part of an existing franchise – Sony Santa Monica has of course championed the God of War series – or a brand new title is yet to be seen, but you can be sure that whatever comes will shoot straight to the top of PlayStation VR owners’ most wanted lists.

May 14, 2017

Watch: ‘Bloody Zombies’ Brings Classic 2D Arcade Brawling to VR

Here’s the launch trailer for newly released zombie-themed brawler ‘Bloody Zombies‘ from developers of ‘The Assembly‘ nDreams and Paw Print Games. But before you roll your eyes at the prospect of yet another undead VR wave shooter, this one’s a little different.

Virtual reality gaming has defied expectations in many ways and its application and enhancement traditional (and not immediately obvious) gaming genres is one of them. You wouldn’t assume that 3rd person platform games would be a great fit for an immersive gaming platform and yet Lucky’s Tale proved that assumption resolutely incorrect.

Now nDreams, the developers who brought the multi-platform made-for-VR adventure ‘The Assembly’, and Paw Print Games have pivoted sharply for their next virtual reality compatible title. Bloody Zombies is a side scrolling beat-’em-up inspired by an era when ‘beat-’em-up’ was still a term in common use. If you’re old enough to recall classic fighting titles, born from arcades gaming stock (think 80s Final Fight and 90s Streets of Rage) then you’ll know what to expect from Bloody Zombies. Scroll from left to right, punching and bludgeoning your way through the zombie hordes all set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic London.

The title features simultaneous four player co-op support, with one of those players able to join the game in VR. nDream’s approach is to the immersive component is to present the gameworld as a diorama to the VR player, allowing them to peer in, over and around the scene to give them the ability to spot hidden loot and, as nDreams put it, “provide tactical support to your friends.” You can see the game in action with VR in the gameplay overview video at the top of this page.

As for the gameplay itself, the developers have tried to infuse Bloody Zombies with an easy to learn yet hard to master ethos, with basic combat leading to more advanced techniques including combos and juggle combos. Of course, this being a zombie title, there’s also an array of weaponry with which to dismember everything in your path too.

All in all, it looks like great and I knwo from experience that ostensibly 2D games can look great in VR, but I’m struggling to see the immersive aspect of Bloody Zombies as anything other than a cleverly integrated ‘nice to have’ bonus for headset owner. We’ll reserve judgement however as the title will be heading to PlayStation VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift later this year.

The post Watch: ‘Bloody Zombies’ Brings Classic 2D Arcade Brawling to VR appeared first on Road to VR.

May 13, 2017

See Zombies Beaten to a Bloody Pulp in New Bloody Zombies Screenshots

In Paw Print Games’ Bloody Zombies, London has been lost to the undead. Overrun by mutated zombies, four outcasts must band together to take on the enemy hordes. In a selection of screenshots from the videogame, you can see just how brutal their methods are.

Bloody Zombies is a co-operative side-scrolling brawler designed to be played with any combination of flatscreen and virtual reality (VR) players. Fight across the ruins of London taking down a variety of undead with an expanding special move-set when the videogame launches on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC later this year.

Set to be published by nDreams, Paw Print Games’ Bloody Zombies will be compatible with PlayStation VR on PlayStation 4, and Oculus Rift or HTC Vive on PC. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on Bloody Zombies and other forthcoming VR titles from nDreams.

May 10, 2017

Watch VRFocus Beat Up Some Bloody Zombies

nDreams and Paw Print Games recently announced a new title coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC later this year: Bloody Zombies. As part of a preview event for the title, VRFocus was able to get hands-on with the videogame and capture a playthrough of a full level.

Bloody Zombies allows for up to four players simultaneously, however for the sake of visual clarity this footage was captured from a two-player playthrough. As can be seen by the VR head-mounted display (HMD) depicted upon Rei’s in-game character, VRFocus played Bloody Zombies in VR while the second character, Teller, played on a traditional 2D television screen. The footage was captured as a direct feed from the 2D version.

In the video below you can watch VRFocus take on one full level set to be featured in the final version of Bloody Zombies, which will be available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC later this year. Be sure to check back soon as VRFocus has yet more coverage of Bloody Zombies on the way.

May 8, 2017

Preview: Bloody Zombies – Beatdown Bloody Zombies on London Bridge

Last year nDreams announced plans to not only continue their efforts to become the largest virtual reality (VR) videogame developer in the UK, but also to expand their repertoire to publish titles from other developers. Paw Print Games’ Bloody Zombies, announced today, is the first such title, coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC later this year.

Bloody Zombies Screenshot A side-scrolling beat-‘em-up, or ‘brawler’, Bloody Zombies sticks rather firmly to many of the traditions of the genre: light and heavy attacks, linked combos, air attacks, collectable/breakable weaponry and health items. It also throws together a selection of more modern mechanics such as a level-up system (unlocking new moves) and juggle bonuses. On the surface, Bloody Zombies looks set to deliver exactly what is promised by that genre label.

Inside however, there’s something much more interesting happening. When played with a VR head-mounted display (HMD), Bloody Zombies opens into a much more progressive experience. The viewpoint significantly changes, bringing with it not just a more interesting visual style, but also new gameplay opportunities.

Compatible with Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR and HTC Vive, Bloody Zombies with added stereoscopy casts a different light on the already interesting art style. Now, the characters appear as 2D cutouts in a 3D world; leaning into the scene allows them to be viewed from an angle where they appear to be paper-thin. Furthermore, you are given a much wider view of the landscape, able to see enemies approaching from a greater distance and even view hidden areas that may not be immediately recognisable when played on a 2D screen.

Bloody Zombies Screenshot You could suggest that this will give a player in VR an advantage over those on a monitor as, indeed; it does appear that way at present. However, Bloody Zombies’ wealth of multiplayer options takes this into account. Up to four players can join in the co-operative gameplay (given individual scores at the end of each level to encourage player rivalry outside of the action) and this can be any combination of local and online players, VR and non-VR. For example, two players could be on one PlayStation 4 system with one wearing a PlayStation VR whilst the other plays on the television screen, with two further players online also wearing a PlayStation VR. Or not.

The interesting camera perspective granted by VR is currently Bloody Zombies’ greatest unique selling point (USP). As an addition to a well worn genre it doesn’t particularly shine; there’s an interesting variety of enemies but the combat feels very rigid. What Bloody Zombies does have going for it is that, in VR, there’s very little competition. Insomniac Games’ Feral Rites felt very flat while Gang Beasts and Kite & Lightning’s forthcoming Bebylon are an altogether different style of brawling. With that, Paw Print Games has an opportunity to set a precedent for the genre when it launches later this year.

May 8, 2017

Paw Print Games Aims to Bring VR and Non-VR Players together in a Shower of Cartoon Zombie Blood

nDreams has today announced a publishing agreement for Paw Print Games’ Bloody Zombies, coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC later this year. The latter two versions of the videogame will include support for virtual reality (VR), through PlayStation VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

Bloody Zombies is a side-scrolling beat-‘em-up designed for multiplayer co-operative gameplay. Up to four players can join a game in any combination of local and online play as they battle through a version of London ravaged by zombie hordes. The videogame promises to delivery all of the usual brawler tropes with the added element of unique gameplay designed for those in VR.

Antony White, Co-Founder and Director at Paw Print Games, said: “Bloody Zombies combines irreverent British humour, exaggerated characterisation with an approach to over-the-top urban violence to create a new style of brawler. Team play is definitely key, but you’ll also need to beat your friends to compete for the highest score.”

In Bloody Zombies, the VR player(s) will benefit from an enhanced viewpoint, allowing them to find in-game secrets. Any combination of VR and non-VR players is allowed, either locally or online.

“Bloody Zombies transforms the classic co-op brawler into an original experience. Players team up to battle the undead in the streets of London, regardless of whether if they are playing in VR with its unique viewpoint or on console or PC,” said David Corless, VP of Publishing, nDreams.

Bloody Zombies Screenshot Set for release later this year, Bloody Zombies will launch on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. VRFocus has already been hands-on with the videogame and will bring you much more coverage soon.

March 26, 2017

The VR Job Hub: Cloudhead Games, nDreams & IrisVR

Whatever it is you do in the computing space, even if it’s currently nothing, you’d be surprised by the variety and number of roles relating to virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) or mixed reality (MR) that appear every week. Roles in programming, engineering, art and design, from all over the world.

View the new listings below for more information:

Location	Company	Role	Link
Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada	Cloudhead Games	Senior Producer	Click Here to Apply
Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada	Cloudhead Games	Project Manager	Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK	nDreams	Backend Server Engineer	Click Here to Apply
New York, USA	IrisVR	DevOps Engineer	Click Here to Apply
New York, USA	IrisVR	Full Stack Developer	Click Here to Apply
New York, USA	IrisVR	UI Designer	Click Here to Apply
New York, USA	IrisVR	Marketing – Demand Generation	Click Here to Apply
New York, USA	IrisVR	Client Experience Associate	Click Here to Apply
New York, USA	IrisVR	Technical Project Manager	Click Here to Apply

As always you can check back at last week’s edition of the Job Hub for additional listings. If you’re an employer and are looking for someone to fill a VR or AR related gap on your workforce and would like your role to feature on next week’s VR Job Hub please send details of the role to either pgraham@vrfocus.com or keva@vrfocus.com.

Check back with VRFocus at the regular time of 3PM GMT every Sunday for the latest positions in this ever growing industry.

March 19, 2017

The VR Job Hub: nDreams, Baobab Studios, Skydance Interactive and more

Whether you’re an experienced designer, programmer, engineer, or maybe you’ve just been inspired after reading VRFocus articles, the jobs listed here are located worldwide, from major game players to humble indie developers – the one thing they all have in common is that they are all jobs in VR.

View the new listings below for more information:

Location	Company	Role	Link
Farnborough, UK	nDreams	Video Editor	Click Here to Apply
Redwood City, CA	Baobab Studios	Gameplay Engineer	Click Here to Apply
Redwood City, CA	Baobab Studios	Junior Game Producer	Click Here to Apply
Marina del Rey, CA	Skydance Interactive	Multiplayer Level Designer	Click Here to Apply
Marina del Rey, CA	Skydance Interactive	VFX Artist	Click Here to Apply
Salt Lake City, UT	RED Games	Lead Engineer – VR & Mobile	Click Here to Apply
Paris, France	Starbreeze Studios	Senior SDK Engineer (Star VR)	Click Here to Apply
Paris, France	Starbreeze Studios	VR Solutions Engineer Star VR	Click Here to Apply

Look back at last week’s post for ongoing listings. If you’re an employer and are looking for someone to fill a VR or AR related gap on your workforce and would like your role to feature on next week’s VR Job Hub please send details of the role to either pgraham@vrfocus.com or keva@vrfocus.com

Check back with VRFocus at the new time of 3pm GMT every Sunday for the latest positions in this ever growing industry.

March 5, 2017

The VR Job Hub: Dreamcraft Attractions, nDreams & Geomagical Labs

There sometimes comes a point in life where you find yourself in need of a change. To develop yourself more. Perhaps you’ve been inspired by the developments in technology you’ve read about on VRFocus, perhaps you’re just keen to enter a growing industry. Whatever the reason, the VR Job Hub has listed some amazing opportunities for jobs in the VR industry.

View the listing below for further information:

Location	Company	Role	Link
Victoria, BC, Canada	Dreamcraft Attractions	Lead Designer	Click Here to Apply
Victoria, BC, Canada	Dreamcraft Attractions	IT Admin	Click Here to Apply
Victoria, BC, Canada	Dreamcraft Attractions	Lead Environment Artist	Click Here to Apply
Mountain View, CA, USA	Geomagical Labs	Augmented Reality SLAM Engineer	Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK	nDreams	Lead VFX Artist	Click Here to Apply

You can of course check back with last week’s post for ongoing listings, and if you’re an employer and are looking for someone to fill a VR or AR related gap on your workforce you can always email us. Just like Dreamcraft Attractions did this week. And we’ll feature your roles on next Sunday’s VR Job Hub. Just send an email with links to/details of the role to myself (keva@vrfocus.com) or Peter pgraham@vrfocus.com.

VRFocus will be back with more jobs at the same time, 3PM (UK) next Sunday for more new opportunities to get ahead in the industry.