>
January 6, 2008
Playstation sales leap
Skype calls for PSP
New PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
Expands Its Entertainment Experience by
Introducing Skype(TM)
TOKYO, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)
today announced that it would introduce Skype(TM) features to the new slim
and
light PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system
(PSP-2000
series). More than 246 million members are registered for the use of this
communications software, which enables users to communicate with other
Skype
users around the world over the Internet. Calls between Skype users are
free
of charge.
By introducing Skype on PSP, the following features and services will be
made available to PSP users (*1) (*2):
-- Free voice calls between Skype users
-- Skype contact list management (view existing contacts, add new ones)
-- Skype presence (see which friends are online and available to talk)
-- SkypeOut(TM) calls to make calls to landlines and mobile phones
anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of Skype credit)
-- Optional SkypeIn(TM) number that lets users receive calls on Skype from
landlines and mobiles anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of
Skype credit)
-- View and modify Skype settings and account details (including username
creation, SkypeOut settings, voicemail settings and call forwarding)
PSP users worldwide will be able to
start using Skype features and
services through a simple system software update scheduled in late
January.
After updating the PSP system software, a Skype icon will be added to the
Network category in the home menu. PSP users who do not yet have a Skype
username can register by clicking the icon and following the instructions.
PSP users who already have a Skype username can immediately sign in by
clicking the Skype icon and entering their username and password.
SCEI will deploy various measures to meet users' demand and vigorously
promote the expansion of the PSP platform as a handheld entertainment
system
to enjoy a variety of interactive digital entertainment.
* For more information on Skype, please
visit www.skype.com
(*1) To enjoy Skype features on PSP,
users will need Memory Stick Duo(TM),
a wireless Internet connection and a Skype-compatible audio input
device.
(*2) In order to receive calls, users must be connected to the Internet
and signed in through the Skype screen on PSP.
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the
progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the
PlayStation(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment
system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system
and
the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home
entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and
PlayStation 2
further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked
entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows
users
to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity
stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the
state-of-
the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with
its
subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony
Computer
Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc.
develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the
third
party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets
worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
is
an independent business unit of the Sony Group.
PlayStation and PSP are registered
trademarks of Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Skype, SkypeOut and SkypeIn are trademarks of Skype Technologies S.A. All
other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Sony Computer Entertainment
America Announces PlayStation(R) Hardware Sales Exceeding 3.9 Million
During Holiday Sales Window
1.2 Million Consumers Join
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) Family since Black Friday
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/
-- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced
PlayStation(R) hardware retail sales reached more than 3.9 million units
in North America during the critical holiday sales window (Friday,
November 23, 2007 to December 31, 2007). This accounts for SCEA's three
systems currently in the market PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)), PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
and PlayStation(R)2 (PS2). PS3 retail sales reached 1.2 million hardware
units during this holiday timeframe.
"The PlayStation brand ended the
year in a very strong position and clearly indicates more positive
momentum going into 2008. We are particularly pleased to have sold through
1.2 million units of PS3 during the holiday selling season," said
Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "The strong PS3 sales also
further establish Blu-ray's dominant position as the high-definition
medium of choice for games and movies. Consumers are clearly responding to
the expanding multimedia capabilities and a great line-up of over 200
games." Sales of PSP reached 1.4 million units during this same
timeframe. The success of the recently introduced Daxter(TM) PSP(R)
Entertainment Pack and Star Wars Battlefront(R) PSP Entertainment Pack
have continued to swell the PSP install base. Upcoming platform defining
software such as God of War(R): Chains of Olympus and Final Fantasy:
Crisis Core will further increase PSP momentum in 2008. PS2 sales exceeded
1.3 million units during its eighth holiday season. The industry's most
successful platform is poised for another great year in 2008 with the
continued success of the critically-acclaimed Buzz(TM) and SingStar(R)
franchises.
About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to
redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) brand,
including the PlayStation(R)2 (PS2(TM)) computer entertainment system, the
PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) entertainment system, the ground-breaking
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its online and
network services PLAYSTATION(R)Network and PLAYSTATION(R)Store. Recognized
as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America
Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes,
markets and distributes software for PS2, PSP, PS3 and PLAYSTATION Network
for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American
operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment
Inc.
"PlayStation", "PSP",
"PLAYSTATION" and "PS one" are registered trademarks
and "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
> January 4, 2008
New Spaceforce Captains trailer
Far Cry 2 heads to 360 & PS3
SPACEFORCE CAPTAINS – NEW
TRAILER AVAILABLE
Spaceforce Captains – classic-styled
turn-based strategy – new trailer onlineLiezen, Austria, January 4th
2007; JoWooD Productions is happy to release a new trailer for Spaceforce
Captains. Be prepared to conquer space with your Captains and have a look
at our new video:
Download Trailer lowQ Download Trailer
highQ
About Spaceforce Captains Control the
fate of the galaxy in the classic-styled turn-based strategy game
Spaceforce -Captains that invites you to explore and conquer an entirely
new space.
The game features several distinct forms
of game play, including gathering resources, role-playing, and strategy.
The basic elements of the game involve
developing a space station (space building structures that produce
resources, captains or ships) and conquering the space with a captain
leading a large fleet.
Features 3 campaigns with 24 missions
Includes adventure, management, action,
RPG and tactic elements
Find your resources in asteroid mines
and use them to build up your captains and their fleets.
There are more than 120 individual
captains with unique available.
develop over 200 cutting-edge
technologies and upgrade your fleet
3D animated world with crisp graphics
and storyline with side quests
unique features of each race
addictive RPG elements
multiplayer and map editor provided
Developer: Dreamatrix PEGI: 12+ UK Release: December 14th 2007
About JoWooD Productions Software AG
JoWooD Productions Software AG (ATXPrime: JWD) is listed in the Prime
Market segment of the Vienna stock exchange. JoWooD is a leading publisher
of computer- and videogames, releasing international acclaimed,
high-quality titles for all existing and future gaming systems. JoWooD
games are distributed worldwide by an efficient net of distribution
partners.
UBISOFT ANNOUNCES FAR CRY® 2 FOR
XBOX 360® AND PLAYSTATION®3 SYSTEM
San Francisco – January 3, 2008 –
Today, Ubisoft announced that Far Cry® 2 is being developed for the Xbox
360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the
PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Far Cry 2 is a
next-generation first-person shooter being created by Ubisoft's Montreal
development studio.
More than just a visual and
technological achievement, Far Cry 2 immerses players in an entirely new
kind of gaming experience, featuring a custom-made video game engine built
from the ground up. Players will discover a true open world gameplay set
in one of the most beautiful environments in the world, Africa, brought to
life by high-definition next-gen technology. Far Cry 2 is scheduled to
ship fiscal 2008–2009.
Far Cry 2 is featured as the cover story
in the March issue of PlayStation®:The Official Magazine, available on
newsstands in North America on February 12, 2008.
About Ubisoft Ubisoft is a leading
producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products
worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified
lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries
and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to
delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers.
Ubisoft generated sales of 680 million Euros for the 2006-07 fiscal year.
To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
© 2008 Ubisoft Entertainment. All
Rights Reserved. Far Cry, Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are
trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Based on Crytek's original Far Cry directed by Cevat Yerli. Microsoft,
Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the
Microsoft group of companies. "PlayStation”, "PLAYSTATION”
and "PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc.
> January 3, 2008
Dragon's Lair seeks publisher
Playstation Store adds content
PlayStation Store Update - January
3, 2008
Add-on Game Content
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock For all
song credits please visit www.redoctane.com
Die Fantastischen Vier “Ernten Was Wir
Säen” - Single Track ($2.49) “Ernten Was Wir Säen” as performed by
Ernten Was Wir Säen. File size: 27.7 MB Trust “Antisocial” - Single
Track ($2.49) “Antisocial” as performed by Trust File size: 17.8 MB
Extremoduro “So Payaso” - Single Track ($2.49) “So Payaso” as
performed by Extremoduro. File size: 27.6MB Warner/Reprise Track Pack
($6.25) “No More Sorrow” as performed by Linkin Park , “Sleeping
Giant” as performed by Mastodon, “Pretty Handsome Awkward” as
performed by The Used. File size: 45.1 MB Rock Band Build your Rock Band
library by purchasing these song game tracks. Please note: you need to
actually own Rock Band in order to play these tracks:
“Attack” – 30 Seconds to Mars
($0.99) “The Kill” – 30 Seconds to Mars ($0.99) “Dirty Little
Secret” - All-American Rejects ($0.99) “Move Along” - All-American
Rejects ($0.99) “Song With a Mission” – The Sounds ($0.99) “Limelight”
– Rush ($1.99) “Hard to Handle” – The Black Crowes ($1.99) “Gimme
Three Steps” – Lynyrd Skynyrd ($1.99) File sizes: 19.3 MB – 37.8 MB
Need for Speed ProStreet Unlock vehicles
for immediate use. These cars can be achieved without purchase by
progressing through Career.
Shelby GT500 ($1.99) File size: 100 KB
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ($2.49) File size: 100 KB Lancer Evolution ($2.49)
File size: 100 KB BMW M3 E92 ($2.49) File size: 100 KB Ford GT ($2.49)
File size: 100 KB Chevrolet Camaro Concept ($2.49) File size: 100 KB Dodge
Viper SRT10 ($2.99) File size: 100 KB Demos
NFL Tour ‘09 Network Demo You are the
star of the NFL’s traveling road show in NFL Tour! This is a
hard-hitting, pulse-pounding game of 7-on-7 football. NFL Tour is football
the way you always wanted to play it. File size: 990 MB
Game Videos
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Japanese Launch
Trailer (free) The real driving simulator returns with the highly
anticipated precursor to Gran Turismo 5, featuring 50 cars from world wide
auto makers including Ferrari, Ford, and Audi. With an all-new interior
dash view, online racing mode, and more, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue unveils
revolutionary advancements that blur the distinction between simulation
and reality. Download the official Japanese trailer from the December 13
launch of the game in Japan. File size: 83 MB (1080)
DRAGON’S LAIR® UP FOR GRABS ON
SONY PSP - LEGENDARY ARCADE GAME SEEKING PUBLISHER
Dragon's Lair®, the world's first
full-animation laser disc video game - debuted in 1983. The game features
Dirk the Daring, a rather clumsy knight that must make his way through the
castle of an evil wizard to save the beautiful Princess Daphne. The game's
visionary team of creators (Don Bluth, Rick Dyer, Gary Goldman, John
Pomeroy and Chris Stone) was astounded by the public's overwhelming
enthusiasm and witnessed lines as long as several city blocks as people of
all ages waited to play the game. Currently, Dragon's Lair® is one of
only three games on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution (the
other two are Pac Man and Pong).
United Coders, developers of the
Nintendo DS version of the game, are currently putting the final touches
to the Nintendo DS version, and is currently seeking a publisher for a
version of the game on the Sony PSP. In exchange for funding the
development and intellectual property cost of Dragon’s Lair® for Sony
PSP, the publisher will be granted the global publishing rights for the
format. United Coders expect to begin development of Dragon’s Lair® for
Sony PSP in February with a release date of Christmas 2008 on the
platform.
The story of Dragon’s Lair® is
classic: “Dragon’s Lair®: The fantasy adventure where you become a
valiant knight, on a quest to rescue the fair princess from the clutches
of an evil dragon. You control the actions of a daring adventurer, finding
his way through the castle of a dark wizard, who has enchanted it with
treacherous monsters and obstacles. In the mysterious caverns below the
castle, your odyssey continues against the awesome forces that oppose your
efforts to reach the Dragon's Lair. Lead on, adventurer. Your quest
awaits!”
According to Hans Olsen, the Executive
Producer and Lead Programmer on Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, the PSP version
will feature – like the Nintendo DS version, two distinct modes of play:
“From a players perspective you can
choose to play an arcade accurate version simply called Arcade mode, or
you can opt to play the more unique Director’s Cut mode. The Arcade mode
is exactly what its name implies; a genuine arcade accurate version of the
1983 arcade game with LEDs for scores, featuring the same semi-randomness
of the scenes being played. The Arcade mode was implemented to maintain
the current hardcore fan base of Dragon’s Lair®, which is quite large
in numbers, and naturally also because never before has there been an
arcade accurate version on any handheld. The Director’s Cut mode is very
different. One difference is that the Director’s Cut mode features 5
lives instead of the typical 3 lives for Arcade mode. Another difference
is that Director’s Cut mode features extra scenes, such as a scene where
Dirk the daring has to cross a drawbridge and avoid getting killed by
tentacles. This video footage existed in 1983 but was never used in the
North American version, only in the European version of the arcade. In
Director’s Cut mode, this is always the very first scene you play, as it
gives a nice introduction to the player beginning the adventure. The
laserdisc from 1983 had a lot of video footage that was never made
available to the player in 1983.
All this extra footage is now available
in Director’s Cut mode, and the amount is quite substantial. Another
important difference is that back in 1983, the game played somewhat “semi-random”;
some scenes, such as the falling platform, was played no less than 4 times
during a single game play session! To new players who has never played
Dragon’s Lair® before, it’s highly confusing that you need to play
the same sequence over and over again, and unlike Arcade mode, the
Director’s Cut mode is based on a more linear adventure approach where
the scenes are not really played semi-random, but rather in a specific
sequence carefully conceived and invented by our Technical Producer, Dave
Hallock, who is, without doubt, the worlds leading expert on Dragon’s
Lair®. Dave Hallock is also one of the few people who has ever reversed
engineered the original ROMs, and improved flaws in the original game from
1983. But this is only the beginning! In addition to an extra scene, more
video footage, more lives, and more logical scene sequencing, the Director’s
Cut mode also features a unique scrolling castle showing new players how
they are currently progressing throughout the adventure to save princess
Daphne. In Director’s Cut mode, you don't play to achieve the highest
score; scores doesn’t exist in Director’s Cut mode! You play to save
the princess, and the game play experience for a player who has never
played Dragon’s Lair® before will love the unique Director’s Cut
mode. In Arcade mode you have the old-school audio effects, while in
Director’s Cut mode we have added more “modern” audio effects to the
game. Director’s Cut mode is also the only mode featuring the unique
Sony PSP features. To summarize, the Arcade mode is for the hardcore fan
who wants to play the game from 1983 – unedited from 1983. Director’s
Cut mode is aimed at new players more familiar with the Sony PSP as a
handheld, but no prior experience to Dragon’s Lair®, who seeks an
arcade adventure experience featuring fantastic visuals and unique
controlling mechanisms “, Olsen concludes.
The origins of Dragon’s Lair
Dragon's Lair® was one of the first laserdisc video games, released in
June 1983 by Cinematronics. It featured polished Disney-like animation
created by former Disney animator Don Bluth, and for the first time
allowed players to control a fully realized character. Most other games of
the era represented the character as a sprite, which consisted of a series
of bitmaps animated by playing them in succession. However due to hardware
limitations of the era, artists were greatly restricted in the detail they
could achieve using that technique; the resolution, frame rate and number
of frames were severely constrained. Dragon's Lair® overcame those
limitations by tapping into the vast storage potential of laserdisc, which
completely freed the artist, but imposed other limitations on the actual
game play. Even by today's standards, Dragon's Lair's® graphics are good.
The game's enormous contrast with other arcade games of the time created a
sensation when it appeared, and was played so heavily that many machines
often broke due to the strain of overuse. It was also arguably the most
successful game on this medium and is aggressively sought after by
collectors. To this day, the Dragon’s Lair® game has sold more than
1,000,000 units across multiple platforms including but not limited to
Commodore 64, SNES, Atari ST, Amiga, Mac, PC (floppy, CD, DVD), 3DO, DVD,
Atari Jaguar and most recently a Blu-ray version compatible with the
PlayStation 3.
About United Coders
Founded by Hans F. Olsen, United Coders
began its activities in 1987. In the beginning, the company was simply a
gathering of enthusiastic hardcore programmers and pixel pushers, who
developed games and multimedia applications for the Amstrad CPC, Commodore
64, and the Amiga platform. In 1993, United Coders officially registered
as a company. During 1993-1995, United Coders developed and marketed a
number of software applications for the Amiga - amongst these the highly
acclaimed Amiga First Aid series of applications. By the end of 1995,
United Coders achieved certification as official member of the exclusive
Amiga Developers Support Program Europe (A.D.S.P.E). During the first
quarter of year 2000, United Coders changed focus and transitioned itself
into a highly specialized PR-agency focusing on servicing developers,
publishers and distributors within the games and multimedia industry.
United Coders offered services such as media contact, press releases,
newsletters, articles, company profiles, advertisements, localization and
product evaluation. By the end of year 2003 United Coders had an extensive
network of industry contacts throughout Europe (Nordic in particular), and
it is safe to say that United Coders had successfully become the leading
games industry PR-agency in the Nordic region. In April of 2004, United
Coders relocated to San Francisco and returned to its roots, and immersed
itself into a privately owned third party contract game development studio
committed to design, create and develop state-of-the-art computer games.
Since relocating to San Francisco, United Coders has worked on a number of
titles on PC, X-Box Live Arcade, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS and
Nintendo Wii. Most recently, United Coders has completed work on the world
famous Dragon's Lair franchise on the Nintendo DS, with a Sony PSP version
to follow in 2008.
About Dragon's Lair LLC Based in San
Diego, California, Dragon's Lair LLC is a joint venture between Digital
Leisure and the original creators of the 1983 arcade smash hit Dragon's
Lair®. Dragon's Lair LLC is comprised of legendary animation
professionals Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and John Pomeroy, as well as veteran
video game creator Rick Dyer. Rounding out the partnership is multimedia
industry veteran David Foster, president of Digital Leisure Inc. and the
publisher of the Dragon's Lair 2D versions. Dragon's Lair LLC is committed
to creating state-of-the-art interactive titles that are supported by
motion picture, broadcast and toy ventures.
> January 2, 2008
Bubble Bobble joins Wii classics
OGDC renamed ION conference
Extreme Wrestling 2008 announced
Bubble Bobble, Light Crusader
& Top Hunter Now Available on Wii Shop Channel!
What are you doing New Year's Eve? Thanks to the Wii™ Shop Channel,
you've got some outrageous new options. This week's classic game additions
offer brilliant fantasy and crackling action to help you ring in '08. So
if you haven't made any New Year's resolutions yet, allow us to suggest a
few: pop more bubbles, battle more medieval beasts and try to save the
universe a little more often.
Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new
games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed
Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii
Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This
week's new games are:
BUBBLE BOBBLE (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points):
BUBBLE BOBBLE's release in 1986 introduced the two bubble dragons, Bub and
Bob, and brand new play mechanics, with players defeating enemies by
trapping them in bubbles and then popping them. Although the puzzle-action
game can be beaten by clearing all 100 rounds, it also contains secret
elements such as not being able to get the "true ending" in
single-player mode; hidden commands that lead to secret rounds; and a ton
of different items. These elements are some of the game's most memorable
and important features. Each round even has different air currents that
are not visible, so bubbles rise in unpredictable patterns. Aspects like
forcing players to understand and utilize these different patterns while
playing help make this a revolutionary game that is fun to play anytime.
Light Crusader (Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Animated Violence,
800 Wii Points): Each day, more good townspeople of Green Row have been
mysteriously disappearing, and beleaguered King Weeden summons the knight
Sir David to investigate. Armed with his wits and his sword, Sir David
must find the cause of this strange evil and save the citizens of Green
Row before things get any worse. Take the role of the brave knight in this
action RPG and get to the bottom of the mysteries of Green Row as you
fight enemies, solve puzzles and use your best combination of brains and
brawn to save the kingdom.
TOP HUNTER (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and
older-Cartoon Violence, 900 Wii Points): Take on the role of either Roddy
or Cathy, bounty hunters in this side-scrolling action game set far in the
future when humans have colonized space. But all is not well: Space
pirates called the Klaptons are making their way through the galaxies,
wiping out peaceful settlements along their path. This disgraceful
behavior leads to them having a price on their heads, so now Roddy and
Cathy must travel through four distinct worlds on a mission to defeat
their leader, Captain Klapton. Both characters have retractable arms-used
to grab enemies or other objects in the scenery-that can then be thrown at
others to destroy them. Also, be on the lookout for rings or levers to
pull, as this might reveal special bonuses. Further adding to the mix, the
game uses a unique system where the action happens on two planes, with the
player switching between them at will. Can you prove yourself worthy of
the Top Hunter name and help save the universe?
For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.
OGDC Renamed to the ION Game
Conference New ION Game Conference Identity Supercharges Unique Qualities
of this Premier Interactive Entertainment Industry Event
SEATTLE, Washington, January 2, 2008 –
With the start of a fresh new year, Evergreen Events announces the new ION
Game Conference identity for the game industry conference formerly known
as “OGDC”. Empowered with a new name, logo and website, the identity
and schedule for ION is not only on track but infused with an even
stronger focus. The ION Game Conference will take place at the
well-appointed Seattle Waterfront Marriott Hotel in the picturesque
waterfront district, from May 13 to May 15, 2008. The ION Game Conference
will feature a broad array of expert-level lectures and panels, networking
events and an expo area exhibiting cutting-edge technology and games for
2008 and beyond.
The new ION Game Conference identity and
logo reinforces the global reach of a game industry event that remains
focused on top-quality networking and online game development. Last year,
the conference drew nearly 20% of attendees outside the United States,
such as from Korea, Germany, Japan and Australia.
“At Evergreen Events, we wanted a new
identity that represented what we offer with our conference: unsurpassed
networking opportunities and unique sessions and panels you cannot find
anywhere else, among hundreds of like-minded online game industry veterans
from around the world,” declared Peter Freese, Conference Director for
the ION Game Conference. “’ION’ best symbolizes these qualities.”
The tagline for ION 2008 remains “redefining
online”, which couples perfectly with the newly reinforced international
feel of this conference. Redefining what “online” gaming is, means the
business is more than massively multiplayer online games. Social
networking, virtual worlds, multiple platforms beyond the PC are a
significant and growing part of the more inclusive online gaming world.
With some analyst’s predictions estimating continued worldwide growth
over the next several years to $10 billion in overall revenue in online
gaming, knowing the best way to approach markets and game development is
critical for the success of any interactive entertainment company. These
challenging questions are a core focus for the ION Game Conference.
The current deadlines for ION remain on
schedule. The call for speakers, open since late November, will close on
January 21st. For more details about how to submit a speaking topic and
suggested topics, visit http://www.ionconference.com/submissions.html.
Last year, speakers discussed vital and exceptional topics to the business
and development of online games such as “Automating Online Game Balance”,
“The Chinese Game Market: Latest Developments and Trends”, and “Secrets
and Challenges of Localizing and Monetizing Different IP: Real World Cases”.
Speakers included such game industry luminaries as:
Erik Bethke -- Founder & CEO, GoPets
Ltd. Tony Park -- Vice President, The9 Brett Close -- President & CEO,
38 Studios Alan Crosby -- Director, Global Community Relations Sony Online
Entertainment Mike Goslin -- Vice President, Virtual Reality Studio Disney
Online Early registration, with discounted attendee rates, will open
January 28th. Compared to most other game industry events, attendee
pricing for the ION Game Conference will be aggressively positioned
without compromising the event’s superlative reputation for overall high
quality, superlative content and first-rate attendees.
A wide variety of attractive,
price-conscious sponsorships are currently being offered for the ION Game
Conference. For more details about sponsorships, visit http://www.ionconference.com/sponsorship.html.
Previous sponsors have included IBM, Cryptic Studios, GoPets, Ltd.,
Comcast, Silicon Mechanics and many other companies.
The ION Game Conference is an annual
game industry event designed for an international attendee audience, for
those who strive to network and learn about new online game development
and business trends, at the highest level. Visit the official website
http://www.ionconference.com for the latest news and information about the
ION Game Conference. To review the global and diversified advisory board
supporting the ION Game Conference, click this link here: http://www.ionconference.com/advisors.html.
To keep informed about the latest news about ION and the online game
industry, sent straight to your e-mail inbox, sign up for the "ION
Connection" newsletter here: http://www.ionconference.com/signup.html.
About Evergreen Events Evergreen Events,
Inc., (http://www.evergreenevents.org/), is a Seattle area-based producer
of conferences and events for the interactive entertainment industry.
Evergreen Events is dedicated to the enrichment of both established and
aspiring professionals through innovative first-class events offering
exceptional content that is compelling, educational, and cogent. Our
directors and advisors bring over a century of collective successful
experience and involvement in the game industry.
Grey Dog Software Announces Total Extreme Wrestling 2008
Phoenix, AZ January 01, 2008 - Grey Dog
Software, a Phoenix based developer of sports management simulation
software for personal computers, today announces Total Extreme Wrestling
2008 to be released June, 2008. Total Extreme Wrestling 2008 is a sequel
to Adam Ryland's extremely popular Total Extreme Wrestling series, and is
scheduled to be available for digital download exclusively through Grey
Dog Software for U.S. $34.95.
Total Extreme Wrestling 2008 allows
players to take on the role of a wrestling promoter, where it is up to you
to try and steer your chosen company to the top of the industry, along the
way dealing with prima donna superstars, wars and alliances with other
wrestling companies, and the demands of TV corporations!
Along with several brand new features
and improvements, TEW2008 will include several additions suggested by fans
of the series. As well, TEW08 comes complete with an in-built
TEW07->TEW08 database converter. Therefore, when the game is released,
you can literally plug your favorite TEW07 database in and have it
converted in a matter of seconds in to a new TEW08 game.
For more information on Total Extreme
Wrestling 2008 please visit Grey Dog’s official website at http://www.greydogsoftware.com.
Additional information will be released in the coming days.
To check out TEW2008's FAQ, visit our
forums at http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/
The Extreme Warfare series of games has
been considered the premier brand of wrestling simulators for many years,
having built up a huge fan base through word-of-mouth. Since its original
release in 1995, including the award-winning Extreme Warfare Revenge title
released in 2003, the popular Total Extreme Wrestling series, and the
off-shoot games Wrestling Spirit: Rookie to Legend in 2004 and its sequel
WreSpi2 in 2006, fans have come to expect the most accurate portrayal of
the wrestling world from Adam Ryland games.
About Grey Dog Software
Grey Dog Software, LLC an Arizona based,
privately-held company, is a leading developer of sports management
simulations for the PC. Grey Dog Software strives to provide
ground-breaking features, enormous depth, and endless replayability with
each game.
