NEWS: Peter Molyneux Discusses Indie Games

Industry veteran has shared his thoughts on the indie gaming scene.

Perhaps most famous for creating the Fable and Populous games, legendary games developer Peter Molyneux believes the indie gaming phenomenon won't last very long.

Speaking with Computer and Video Games at this year's Game Developers Conference, Molyneux firstly compares indie gaming to the music industry:

"Don't think we're going to be all indies for the next five years - these things go in cycles, just like in the music business. You have a time where punk is big, and then you have times like now where everything is manufactured."

"Enjoy this time, because inevitably it will only last a short period."

He then goes on to discuss indie developers teaming up with potential investors, saying:

"Here's the thing: walk through any hotel lobby at GDC and look at people's name badges. This morning at breakfast I saw three angel investors talking to indies. They're saying, 'take my money! I want to invest in your company!'

"But what those indie companies don't realise is that they'll then have to have board meetings, and in those meetings they'll be told, 'no, you shouldn't do that - look a this game that's making money'."

Molyneux isn't against the idea of indie gaming, in fact he praises those who have "no sense of fear" when creating and distributing their games, much like developers during the 80s, and how modern developers can relate to that particular era:

"Back then anybody could create a game that could be hugely successful. There were no formulas or anything cast in stone."

"Now it's all about invention, creativity and not having any fear."

NEWS: First Self-Publishing Xbox One Games Revealed

Worms Battlegrounds and Nutjitsu are to be the first two games published as part of Microsoft's ID@Xbox program.

Although not officially confirmed, Microsoft Studios corporate VP Phil Spencer tweeted details regarding the games he had been playing that have been created for the ID@Xbox program.

The first game; Nutjitsu was previously an exclusive for Windows Phone - now it will be making its way to Xbox One. The game features a ninja Squirrel who has to gather nuts whilst avoiding numerous enemies placed around the level, much like Pac-Man.

Secondly, we have Worms Battleground - not much is known regarding this game but we can expect similar turn-based battles just like previous installments. A PS4 release is also scheduled for this year with no specific date as of yet.

For a list of known developers who are taking part in the program, take a look HERE.

NEWS: Octodad Dadliest Catch Release Date Announced

One of the more bizarre games of late has been given an official release date alongside a new trailer.

Octodad Dadliest Catch developers Young Horses has given the game a release date of January 30, which will be available through Good Old Games, Steam and the Humble Bundle store.

A newly released trailer (see below) also reveals the PS4 version is set for March, but with no specific date yet known.

The video's blurb says the game is "about destruction, deception, and fartherhood.", and that Octodad's existence "is a constant struggle, as he must master mundane tasks with his unwiedly boneless tentacles while simultaneously keeping his cephalopodan nature a secret from his human family."

NEWS: Nidhogg Set For January 13 Release

First shown in 2010, the indie game has finally been given an official release date.

Boasting multiple awards including 'Rock Paper Shotgun Indie Game of the Show' at Eurogamer Expo in 2010 and winner of the best 'Game Design' at Indicade 2013, among others - Nidhogg has accumulated quite the following since it was first revealed.

And now it actually has a stable release date of January 13 - the game pits players in various fencing competitions across numerous levels and relies of both intelligence and speed to overcome opponents. 

Nidhogg sports an Atari-2600 look, further reminding gamers its not all about the graphics. The game will be available on Steam only at the moment, with no mention of future releases. Check out the trailer below.

PREVIEW: Octodad: Dadliest Catch - "Wedding Bells" Gameplay

After receiving well more funding than needed back in 2011, Young Horses Inc. have released brand new gameplay.

The funding for third-person interactive adventure Octodad: Dadliest Catch ended in August 2011, with the developers receiving $24,320 - surpassing the goal of $20,000. It's known as one of the first games to take part in the Steam Greenlight programme, enabling huge promotion opportunities.

The video shows main character Octodad attempting to get ready for his wedding (this game already got weird) - the player must perform certain tasks from first-person view using the mouse as his arms movements.

You might notice moving around the place proves very difficult to Octodad - constantly knocking stuff over and bumping into his surroundings, but it proves for interesting gameplay.

Unique is the best way to describe this game so far, and it looks a lot of fun. Expect a PS4, Mac, and PC release in 2014 - no specific date quite yet. Check out the gameplay below, as well as other videos on the channel.

FEATURE: The Games I'm Currently Playing - Volume 5!

Gaming Till Dawn breaks into Grand Theft Auto V, whilst revisiting Halo Reach's multiplayer, and more.

Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online

System: PS3

It's a safe assumption to make that this game is on everyone's now playing list at the moment - I've been incredibly busy as of late so I've not actually had that much time to play games in general, I'm around the 35% completion point, and still finding new things to do in the incredible world of Los Santos.

It seems when I go to do a storyline mission, other side-missions or activities will pop up most of the time, this isn't something to complain about though, it's a fantastic experience to interact with the game differently almost every time it's played. 

I've only briefly played Grand Theft Auto Online - creating a character, finishing the initial tutorial missions, and done an occasional playlist match, I know there's so much more to do but getting 100% in the actual game is first priority. Incredible game - review coming soon.

Eufloria

System: PSN

Fun Fact: Euflroria was created by just three developers.

I'm in the process of writing an indie gaming article for a local magazine, and one of the games that really stood out was Eufloria, offering one of the most unique gaming experiences I've had, whilst the game looks incredibly simple, it actually has a lot to offer in terms of diverse gameplay, strategic mehtods of playing each level, and so fourth. 

If you're into indie games, this is a must - if you're into gaming - this is a must. I've finished the first few initial levels and each step further into the game constantly suprises me with new mechanics and gameplay. Awesome well-thought out game.

Halo Reach

System: Xbox 360

I finished the game years ago, and recently on legendary-solo difficulty, but the multiplayer has always brought me back in some way or another, a lot of people dislike the direction Bungie took the multiplayer, and whilst I agree that loadouts shouldn't be a part of the Halo series, I've more than often always enjoyed playing with other virtual spartans in the various gametypes the game has to offer. 

I'm just two ranks from reaching Inheritor status, which I know a lot of people have already got to, but it's something I want to eventually get to as well. Feature1