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> March 8, 2007
EA partners with Harmonix
GameTap claims Indie Awards
EA plans Wii assault
EA, MTV AND HARMONIX ANNOUNCE
FIRST-EVER STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AT SAN FRANCISCO PRESS EVENT
Francisco, Calif. – March 7, 2007 –
At an invite-only press event last night during the Game Developers
Conference in San Francisco, EA, the world’s leading interactive
entertainment company, MTV: Music Television, the world's most valuable
media brand and Harmonix, creators of the Guitar Hero series announced a
strategic partnership for an upcoming title, the details of which will be
revealed at a later date. Under the deal, MTV’s Harmonix will develop an
all-new title and EA Partners will oversee worldwide sales, marketing and
distribution.
GameTap Indie Award Winners
ANNOUNCED At 9th ANNUAL INDEPENDENT GAMES FESTIVAL
Everyday Shooter awarded $10,000
distribution deal for achievement in development
ATLANTA – March 8, 2007 - GameTap, the
first-of-its-kind broadband entertainment network from Turner Broadcasting
System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), announced the winners of the GameTap Indie
Awards during a ceremony at the Game Developers Conference’s 9th Annual
Independent Games Festival (IGF) in San Francisco. Queasy Games’ “Everyday
Shooter”, took home the $10,000 distribution deal, with runner-up
distribution deals of $5,000 awarded to both “Roboblitz," an action
game by Naked Sky Entertainment and Cryptic Sea’s “Blast Miner”
puzzle game. Together, the three award winners will kick off GameTap’s
online distribution program for independent games.
“The GameTap Indie Award winners
represent a creativitycreativity and passion for gameplay that in many
ways is unique to games produced outside traditional publishing systems
and will be exciting additions for subscribers of the GameTap network,”
said Ricardo Sanchez, vice president of content, GameTap. “We chose the
winners of the first GameTap Indie Award after a careful evaluation of
over a hundred independently developed games and now welcome them to the
GameTap family.”
Grand prize winner, Everyday Shooter, is
an album of games exploring the expressive power of abstract shooters.
Dissolute sounds of destruction are replaced with guitar riffs harmonizing
over an all-guitar soundtrack, while modulating shapes celebrate the
flowing beauty of geometry. As the grand prize winner, Queasy Games will
receive a $10,000 advance after signing a five year distribution deal for
Everyday Shooter to be a part of the new GameTap Indies label.
Roboblitz and Blast Miner were both
runners up for the GameTap Indies Award and will each receive a $5,000
advance after signing the same five year distribution deal to be part of
the new GameTap Indies label. Roboblitz is a physics-based action game
full of inventive gizmos, weapons, characters, and environments. Players
take on the role of Blitz, a multi-talented robot who must activate an
aging Space Cannon to save his world from a band of maladjusted space
pirates. Blast Miner is a physics-based puzzle game where you use
explosives to blast though the earth in search of gold. Taking the role of
a crazed miner, the player must use TNT, gas cans and stones to set off
chain reactions that rip through the ground exposing and collecting chunks
of gold.
The GameTap Indies program will take
effect immediately, serving as an added distribution channel for creative
developers. By enlisting in the program, GameTap assumes responsibility
for the digital distribution of each selected game. In addition to being
promoted alongside popular GameTap Original titles, such as “Sam &
Max: Season 1” and “Myst Online: Uru Live”, GameTap Indies will be
showcased in a special Independent Games content area within the service.
In addition to GameTap Indies, GameTap
provides subscribers with unlimited access to more than 800 games, along
with over 600 original TV shows and videos that cater to fans of the video
game lifestyle.
To register for GameTap, visit
www.gametap.com and your first month of service is only 99¢.
EA WILL LEAD THE NEXT WAVE ON WII
SSX Blur, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR, The
Godfather Blackhand Edition and Medal of Honor Vanguard, All
Custom-Designed and Coming to the Wii This Spring As Well As Exciting News
about MySims
Redwood City, Calif., – March 7, 2007 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ:
ERTS) plans to lead the next wave on the Wii™ from Nintendo with the
release of SSX™ Blur, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 07, The Godfather®
Blackhand Edition and Medal of Honor Vanguard™ this spring and share
exciting news about MySims™, set to launch in fall of 2007. Each title
remains true to the hallmarks of its franchise but is designed to take
full advantage of the Wii from Nintendo’s one-of-a-kind controller and
the other unique features of this revolutionary gaming platform. The games
will be showcased tonight at EA’s press event in San Francisco, CA.
“The Nintendo Wii has allowed us to explore new and exciting game play
possibilities and attract a whole new audience to EA games,“ said Paul
Lee, President, Worldwide Studios, EA.
“In the upcoming year, we will continue to custom-design our most
popular franchises and develop new EA properties that take full advantage
of this unique gaming platform.”
Building on the excitement surrounding the recent announcement that MySims
is being developed especially for the Wii platform, The Sims Division is
thrilled to unveil a new level in game. Just beyond Town Center lies the
forest—a wild and wondrous world filled with giant trees and hidden
nooks. Explorers can follow winding paths and search dark crannies, never
knowing what surprise lies around the next bend. Perhaps it’s a
mysterious new plant, ripe and ready for harvesting, or maybe they will
encounter a hidden cave. By searching out every corner, players will
expand their MySims world and greatly increase their creative space.
Expect this first game in a revolutionary new line from the developers of
The Sims Division in fall 2007.
SSX Blur is everything you expect from the franchise, delivered in a
totally unexpected way. Revolutionary controls take full advantage of the
potential of the Wii by putting you in total command of your skier or
rider, on-the-ground and in-the-air, by translating every motion you make
into skills that create mountain legends. Tear down the mountain with one
of your hands
and unleash a virtually unlimited array of aerial maneuvers with the other
one. This is the soul of SSX, remixed, re-energized, and fully realized.
Perfect your swing using the Wii Remote as you earn respect and climb the
ranks in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07. The top-selling golf video game
franchise is packed with new content, including 18 championship courses
and 35 pro and fantasy golfers. The power and control of every swing are
literally in your hands. Whether you tilt the Wii Remote to hook and slice
the ball or swing away for a long straight drive, the innovative game
controller provides the most realistic golfing experience that has ever
been felt or seen. The Nunchuk can also be attached for the traditional
analog swing.
The Godfather Blackhand Edition gives an enhanced experience with
motion-based Blackhand Control by integrating Nintendo’s innovative Wii
controller. The Godfather Blackhand Edition for the Wii offer brand new
ways to go from Soldier to Don as you gain control of the streets of New
York. Follow the path of an Enforcer or Operator; each with its own unique
perks and abilities to earn. For improved, hyper-intuitive control in The
Godfather Blackhand Edition, use gestures with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk
to perform true-to-life actions and accuracy.
Join the ranks of the elite 82nd Airborne Division as Corporal Frank
Keegan in Medal of Honor Vanguard. From Operation Husky on the shores of
Sicily to your Operation Varsity airdrop inside Nazi Germany, you’ll
jump behind enemy lines to fight the epic WWII battles that turned America’s
first paratroopers into heroes of WWII. Choose from a variety of
authentic, customizable weapons at your disposal, each with distinct
characteristics. Featuring spectacular graphics and all-out combat
intensity, Medal of Honor Vanguard makes you the driving force in the
struggle to liberate Europe.
SSX Blur, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07,The Godfather Blackhand Edition, and
Medal of Honor Vanguard will all carry an MSRP of $49.99.
> March 7, 2007
Sony unveils Playstation Home service
Game 3.0 details emerge at GDC
Sony's LittleBigPlanet unveiled
Geo Wars arrives on MSN
PQ2 announced for PSP
Eat Electric Death from Shrapnel
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Announces Ground-Breaking,
Next-Generation 3D Online-User Community for PLAYSTATION(R)3 - 'Home'
Free Download to Allow Broad User
Interaction in Highly Detailed Community Environment; Opens Door to
User-Created Content, Collaboration and Commerce
TOKYO and SAN FRANCISCO, March 7 /PRNewswire/
-- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced the unveiling
of a first-of-its-kind 3D online user community service for the
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. The service,
known as "Home," will enable users to create their own avatar
and explore a real-time virtual community, as if they are playing a
detailed 3D game for PS3.
The service will become available
globally beginning in fall 2007. Home will be demonstrated at the Game
Developer's Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, California on March 7 as a
key element of SCEI Worldwide Studios' President Phil Harrison's keynote
presentation titled "Game 3.0: Developing and Creating for the 3rd
Age of Videogames." Home is a real-time online 3D, networked
community available on the PLAYSTATION(R)Network. It allows PS3 users to
interact, communicate, join online games, shop, share private content and
even build and show off their own personal spaces to others in real time.
Home will be available as a free download from the PLAYSTATION(R)Store and
will launch directly from XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar) on PS3.
With an avatar uniquely customized
according to each user's preference, users can explore the 3D community
that is Home -- a sleek, modern environment featuring spacious common
areas; custom spaces dedicated to specific games; and personal apartments.
Each user is assigned an apartment in Home where they can invite others to
join them as they show off their own style in an area they can personalize
themselves with furniture, art and other items -- even a different view
from their windows.
They can also show their personal video,
pictures and other digital media content found on their PS3 hard drives in
their apartments. Very rich interactive communication with others is
achieved through built in text, audio and video chat, along with
sophisticated emotional animations for each character. Sharing continues
in the "Hall of Fame," where users can display new 3D trophies
that will be unlocked through in-game milestones for the games they own as
well viewing the trophies of other users across the PLAYSTATION Network
and for other games they've yet to purchase. "This is a significant
step forward in the area of user community services and emergent
entertainment experiences," said Izumi Kawanishi, Corporate Executive
and CTO Software, SCEI.
"While the 3D graphics demonstrate
the power of PS3 and the PLAYSTATION Network, the most impressive feature
in Home is the variety of ways in which multiple consumers, as well as our
third-party partners, can experience the next generation of communication
by interacting and sharing among each other. I feel strongly that this
unique blend of community, user-generated content, collaboration and
commerce will expand the future of computer entertainment." Home will
go into a closed beta test this spring with a full launch targeted for
later this year. By having a broad range of business partners participate
in Home -- from 3rd party publishers and developers to brands outside
traditional gaming categories -- along with a powerful selection of
upcoming game software titles for PS3, SCEI will continue to expand the
horizons of networked entertainment and vigorously promote PS3 as the next
generation computer entertainment platform.
About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to
redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R)
game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3
(PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. 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 the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2
computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system 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. Visit us on the Web at www.playstation.com.
NOTE: "PLAYSTATION",
"PlayStation", "PSP" and "PS one" are
registered trademarks, and "PS3" and "XMB" are
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment
Unveils Two Innovative User Community Titles - 'Home' and 'LittleBigPlanet(TM)'
- Supporting Its Game 3.0 Vision Announced at GDC 2007
New Developer Tools and Technologies
Also Introduced for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM))
SAN FRANCISCO, March 7 /PRNewswire/ --
At the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco today, Sony Computer
Entertainment (SCE) unveiled two unique PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) titles:
"Home," a real-time, networked 3D avatar- based community that
serves as a meeting place for PS3 users from around the world, and "LittleBigPlanet(TM),"
a community-based game where users play, create and share what they build
with other worldwide PS3 users.
These new networked titles are part of
the "Game 3.0" vision introduced during a keynote by Phil
Harrison, President, Worldwide Studios, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE).
The power of consumer creativity via Game 3.0 leverages trends such as
online collaboration and user-generated content with the goal of creating
an engaging new experience in interactive entertainment and new streams
for creative game development. In contrast to the current game development
and publishing paradigm, Game 3.0 reverses the trend of
"pushing" content dictated solely by the developer, and puts the
spotlight back on the consumer, encouraging them to become part of the
game creation process. What is different is how this can be applied to an
even broader degree creating new business models that expand the audiences
and scope of interactive entertainment.
"Technology innovation is part of
the culture at SCE as evidenced by our influence on real-time 3D computer
graphics and the optical disc format in the 1990's, to the more recent
innovations such as Cell Broadband Engine(TM) computing and the use of Blu-ray
in PS3," said Phil Harrison, president, Worldwide Studios, SCE.
"Our vision for the future, Game 3.0, will continue our track record
of industry advancement by leveraging the convergence of technologies,
from broadband and video chat to supercomputer-speed processors, to make
gaming more interactive and dynamic than ever before." Demonstrating
this vision of Game 3.0, SCE today unveiled a new real-time 3D
avatar-based community and communication service for the PS3 platform. The
new service, Home, puts users into a real-time, networked 3D community,
where they can interact, join online games, communicate, share content and
even build and show off their own personal spaces. Home will be available
this fall as a free download from the PLAYSTATION(R)Store. Other notable
features include:
-- Making your own personalized 3D
character or avatar. These realistic human characters are highly
customizable with different body types, skin tones, ages, clothing and
accessories, creating a unique personality for each user.
-- Exploring the 3D community that
is Home
-- a sleek, modern indoor space
featuring spacious common areas, retail shops, game lobbies and
extensible, customizable personal apartments.
-- Communicating with others
through text, audio and video chat, along with sophisticated emotional
animations for each character.
-- Being assigned an apartment in Home
where others can be invited to join you as you show off your own style in
an area you can personalize yourself with furniture, art and other items.
You can even show your video, pictures and music content stored on your
PS3 hard drive.
-- "Hall of Fame," where
you can display new 3D trophies that will be unlocked through in-game
milestones in PS3 games.
Another innovative example of the Game
3.0 vision is a brand-new community-based world called LittleBigPlanet.
LittleBigPlanet starts with players learning about the powers of their
chosen characters to interact physically with the environment. There are
obstacles to explore, items to collect and puzzles to solve -- requiring
community-based teamwork and brainpower. As players begin to explore,
their creative skills grow and they will be ready to start creating and
modifying their surroundings -- the first step to sharing them with the
whole world. Ultimately, levels of the game will be user generated on a
worldwide scale and will change everyday as players create, publish and
share their own levels. Users have the power to design, shape and build
both objects and entire locations for others to play. Players can make
their world as open or as secretive to explore as they like. When it's
ready, they can invite anyone within the LittleBigPlanet universe to come
and explore their "patch," or they can go and explore everybody
else's. Other notable features and characteristics of the community-based
game include:
-- Players craft their own individual
experience. There's not just one way to play.
-- Unlimited possibilities for
user-created content
-- players can customize everything:
their characters, the landscape around them and their own
"patch" on LittleBigPlanet.
-- Players discover and win new skills
and items to aid them on their creative journey.
-- Online and offline multiplayer modes
-- work as a team or get competitive.
A fully-featured sample version of
LittleBigPlanet is expected on the PLAYSTATION Network this fall, with a
full version expected to be made available in early 2008.
Simplifying Development for PS3 SCE also
introduced advanced graphics tools and technologies for PS3, including
PLAYSTATION(R)Edge -- a new set of cutting edge technologies that will be
released to PS3 developers via the existing developer support network.
Exploiting the technology of its highest performing games, SCE has chosen
to create specialized systems that demonstrate best practices in making
use of the Synergistic Processing Unit (SPU) in the Cell Broadband Engine,
and utilization of the RSX(TM), a graphics chip co-developed by NVIDIA
Corporation and SCE for PS3. With industry-defining features, a tool for
RSX performance analysis, GCMReplay, is used extensively in the tuning of
first-party titles and was also unveiled.
About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R)
and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment
system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the
ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system.
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 the PS one game console,
the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP system 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.
LittleBigPlanet(TM): Explore,
Create, Share.
Be Part of a Global PlayStation(R)3
Community Creating a Brand New Gaming World; Genre-Defying, Astoundingly
Imaginative - It's More Than Just Gaming
SAN FRANCISCO, March 7 /PRNewswire/ --
Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios today revealed a glimpse of
the LittleBigPlanet(TM) -- the first creative gaming experience for
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) -- at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in
San Francisco, California. Developed by Media Molecule, LittleBigPlanet is
a new PS3 community-based game with a hugely innovative concept behind it.
Players meet on a blue and green planet scattered with individual plots --
and use their character's amazing abilities to play, create and share what
they build with other gamers throughout the world via
PLAYSTATION(R)Network.
The LittleBigPlanet experience starts
with players learning about their character's powers to interact
physically with the environment. There are obstacles to explore, bits and
pieces to collect and puzzles to solve -- requiring a combination of
brains and collaborative teamwork. As players begin to explore, their
creative skills will grow and they will be ready to start creating and
modifying their surroundings -- the first step to sharing them with the
whole community. Characters have the power to move anything in this glued
and stitched- together 3D landscape; they have the power to design, shape
and build both objects and entire locations for others to view and
play.
There's no complicated level editor; all
of these skills can be learned by simply playing the game. Creativity is
part of the gameplay experience and playing is part of the creative
experience. Players can make their world as open or as secretive to
explore as they like. When it's ready, they can invite anyone within the
LittleBigPlanet community to come and explore their patch -- or can go and
explore everybody else's. "We were confident that PS3 would be the
platform to lead the way in creative gaming, and LittleBigPlanet brings
this concept to life spectacularly," said Phil Harrison, President of
Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. "By giving players the
power to shape and share an entire virtual world via PLAYSTATION Network,
we've created the space for PS3 owners to realize their creativity and
craft their own unique gameplay experience." So, how does it work?
-- Play the game, learn the skills and
then find your own way to play. There isn't a set solution to anything --
you live LittleBigPlanet however you want to. -- Create your own content
-- customize your character and build your own locations. You have the
power to rearrange anything in this unbelievably tactile landscape. --
Build, move, create, collaborate -- then share content with friends or
publicly by inviting the whole world to come and visit your own location
on LittleBigPlanet.
Key features:
-- There's not just one way to play.
Players craft their own individual experience -- Unlimited possibilities
for user-created content
-- players can customize everything:
their characters, the landscape around them and their own patch on
LittleBigPlanet
-- Players discover and win new skills
and items to aid them on their creative journey -- Initial levels will be
provided
-- endless others will be user-generated
on a global scale. LittleBigPlanet will change every day as players
contribute their own levels
-- Online and offline multiplayer
modes
-- play alone, work as a team or get
competitive
-- LittleBigPlanet global community for
players to get involved with: includes player comments, rankings and easy
communication with new and existing friends
A demo of LittleBigPlanet for PS3 is
slated for the PLAYSTATION Network this fall. The full version will follow
in early 2008.
About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to
redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R)
game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3
(PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. 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 the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2
computer entertainment system and the PSP system 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. Visit us on
the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com.
*All game titles are trademarked by
their respective owners. HDMI cable not included. Additional equipment may
be required to use the HDMI connector. Video output in HD requires cables
and an HD-compatible display, both sold separately. Use of the
PLAYSTATION(R) Network is subject to terms of use: www.us.playstation.com/termsofuse,
and applicable privacy policy. Children under 18 will require parental
consent. Broadband internet service is required (sold separately). Some
broadband services may not work with the PLAYSTATION(R) Network and
performance may vary. PLAYSTATION(R) Network may not be available in all
regions and certain content or services may not be available to children
under 13. Features and offerings of the PLAYSTATION(R) Network may change
without notice. For more information, please visit www.us.playstation.com/termsofuse.
Shrapnel Games Wants You To Eat Electric
Death! New Digital Eel Game Announced, Beta Testers Sought!
Hampstead, NC, 07 March 2007 - Strap an
astronaut diaper on, put Bonzo to bed, and say a prayer 'cos thanks to
Digital Eel and Shrapnel Games you're going to:
EAT ELECTRIC DEATH!!!!
Eat Electric Death? What in the name
Randolph Carter is that? Could it be:
(a) A retro punk band from New York
City? (b) What happens when a cat chews through the Christmas tree lights?
(c) The words of an overachieving state executioner? (d) A shiny new
boardgame of tactical space combat set in the Weird Worlds universe?
While it could easily be "b"
it's pretty doubtful we'd send out a press release about dead cats, so it
must be "d"!
Shrapnel Games is excited to announce
that Digital Eel, developers of the award-winning and critically acclaimed
Weird Worlds: Return to Infinite Space (available for both Windows and
Mac) are taking gamers on a bold new adventure. Just as they distilled the
essence of becoming the Kirk and exploring the realms of space in under
twenty minutes on your computer, Digital Eel is charting a new course in
tactical space combat on your dining room table.
Eat Electric Death! is a fast and
furious boardgame of tactical starship combat for two or more players
(allowing for team play). Set in the Weird Worlds universe of computer
fame, players will immediately recognize the wide variety of starships and
races from the game. Twenty different vessels, from nimble Terran fighters
to dreaded Urluquai capital ships are included. Of course it wouldn't be a
Weird Worlds game without all types of cool weaponry so expect to see
things like nova cannons, micrometorite guns, and the only weapon to be
banned in seven galaxies and denounced by the Evil Empire Dedicated to
Enslaving The 'Verse, the nefarious particle vortex cannon! (Better stock
up on those astro-diapers!)
As you would expect from the masters of
speedy and simple--but not simplistic-- gameplay Eat Electric Death! is
easily learned and played by gamers of all ages. Forget four hundred page
rulebooks and needing a master's degree in speculative starship physics,
Digital Eel puts the fun back in space combat! Bookkeeping is a minimum,
and involves keeping track of a few counters on your ship's data card.
Combat is like shooting wamprats in Beggar's Canyon, with a single die
resolution. There's plenty of chrome included with cloaking devices, point
defense systems, teleportation, and more. Lots of ships, lots of weapons,
and lots of tactical situations to explore. The scenarios are arranged to
introduce players to new concepts as they progress, making the learning
curve quite gentle.
Sounding pretty cool? Want to play it
before anyone else? Right now Shrapnel Games is in need of playtesters as
Eat Electric Death! goes into the beta stage. To become the first kid on
your block to single-handedly defeat the all powerful Yellow Kawangi
destroyer and win the adoration of fembots everywhere you'll need the
ability to print out the playtest kit components and a couple of ten sided
dice. Nerves of steel and a quick wit in the face of danger is optional.
To be considered for beta testing email
Mindi at mindi@shrapnelgames.com with the subject line "Eat Electric
Death Beta Testing". Tell Mindi about your experiences with
boardgaming, space games, and any previous playtesting. Those chosen will
be notified. Actual beta testing will involve playing the game and
actively providing feedback to the developers so be prepared to speak up!
Stay tuned for more information on this
upcoming exciting boardgame in the coming months, and to check out the
computer game that Eat Electric Death! is based upon, please visit
www.shrapnelgames.com/digital_eel/weird_worlds/1.htm You'll find a fully
playable mini-mission demo, and once you've fallen in love with the game
you can order it for only $24.95, either as a CD or as an immediate
download.
To see the complete Shrapnel Games
catalog featuring games of independent excellence that you won't find on
your local retail shelf go to www.shrapnelgames.com. Besides specific game
details you'll find demos, free full games, and even a new program for
college students and American military personnel that will save your money
on each purchase from Shrapnel Games!
For press related information please
contact Scott R. Krol at: skrol@shrapnelgames.com
D3PUBLISHER OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES PQ2:
PRACTICAL INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT™ EXCLUSIVELY FOR PSP® SYSTEM
LOS ANGELES – March 6, 2007 –
Practical Intelligence Quotient is back with more mind bending puzzles and
features than before as D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), a publisher
and developer of interactive entertainment software, today announced that
PQ2: Practical Intelligence Quotient™ will be available exclusively for
the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system this summer. PQ2 will help
players calculate their intelligence by using the PQ scoring system based
on the number of moves and the speed with which they complete more than
250 puzzles. PQ2 players will use the PSP system’s infrastructure mode
to take their score online to measure their brain power against their
friends, their country and even their gender!
“PQ1 resonated exceptionally well with
gamers and we look forward to offering PSP system owners the second
edition to the best-selling brain game on the PSP system”, said Alison
Quirion, vice president of marketing, D3PA. “PQ2 will offer a compelling
and rewarding gameplay session that translates well to portable, on-the-go
gaming.”
Developed by Nowproduction, Inc., and
rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB, PQ2 uses a measuring system that was
created under the guidance of Professor Masuo Koyasu of Kyoto University
in Japan that determines players’ ‘Practical Intelligence Quotient’
or PQ. Players will create their own puzzles and share with friends
utilizing the PSP system’s gamesharing mode or utilize infrastructure
mode to upload puzzles and download new ones. PQ2 allows players the
flexibility to choose which puzzles they want to play first and the
ability to get a preliminary PQ score in roughly 10 minutes or play
through the full puzzle set, including 10 unlockable puzzles, for their
full PQ score.
About D3Publisher of America, Inc
D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a
subsidiary of D3, Inc. with headquarters in Tokyo. D3Publisher of America’s
strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading
third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming
enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and
publishes software for personal computers and the major console platforms
including Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS,
PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system,
PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and the Xbox® video game system from
Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its
products, visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us.
Geo Wars and other Windows
Vista-optimized casual games launch on MSN Games
From puzzle players looking to relieve a
bit of stress to adventure seekers in need of hard-hitting action, there’s
something for everyone on MSN® Games. And now there’s even more to
experience. Already a top seller on Xbox 360, “Geometry Wars: Retro
EvolvedTM” is now available on a Windows PC near you! This Windows Vista™-optimized
title on MSN Games is easy to play, yet nearly impossible to master –
perfect for hardcore gamers looking for a new challenge.
“Bliss Island” and “Crystal Quest,”
also Windows Vista™ titles, are sure to amplify the gameplay experience
for fun-loving casual players and hardcore gamers alike – anyone
currently enjoying online and downloadable titles on MSN Games.
These three new titles join other
recently launched Vista-optimized casual titles including: “Darwinia”,
“Jewel Quest II”, “Luxor 2 for Windows Vista”, and “Spinword for
Windows Vista.” These games range from $7.95 to $19.95 and are available
for download from http://games.msn.com/en/vistagames.
Windows Vista-based titles bring
intensely realistic graphics and enriched gameplay features to casual game
players. All of these titles fully support PC gameplay with both the
keyboard and the Xbox 360™ Wireless Controller for Windows®.
“Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved”
Remaining faithful to the gameplay that
made this “Retro Evolved” shooter an Xbox 360 favorite, the Windows
Vista-optimized version has players navigating their geometric ship
through a retro grid world, facing off against waves of deadly spinners,
snakes and repulsars. Combining mind-blowing 21st-century graphics and
retro-arcade “Asteroids”-like gameplay, “Geometry Wars” is easy to
play yet nearly impossible to master.
Developed by Bizarre Creations Ltd.
“Bliss Island”
Enter the world of “Bliss Island,”
mixing all the fun and addictive action of an arcade-style puzzler with
the frenetic energy of pinball. Help the adorable, furry blue Hoshi the
Zwooph compete in more than 90 mini-game challenges, all requiring player
dexterity and skill. From guiding fruit into hungry mouths to blasting
creatures through an obstacle course, players complete each challenge by
navigating objects and creatures with small blasts of air delivered from
Hoshi’s trunk.
Developed by Codemasters Software
Company Ltd.
“Crystal Quest”
In this action title, players must pilot
their ship through 60 waves of frenzied action, collecting crystals and
evading the ever present, out-to-get-you Nasties. These unique baddies
spawn from portals on each side of the screen; firing the main gun or
deploying a smart bomb quickly vaporizes every Nasty on the screen.
Players must work quickly to grab all the crystals, opening the gateway
that completes each level. Players can also gather up the goodies in each
wave to grab bonus points, extra smart bombs and even an occasional
mega-crystal for massive points.
Developed by Codemasters Software
Company Ltd.
“Darwinia” for Windows Vista
Combining fast-paced action with strategic battle planning, “Darwinia”
features intuitive gameplay and a graphical style ripped from ’80s retro
classics such as “Tron” and “Defender.” It’s a game that can
quickly turn a 10-minute game-playing break into an absorbing 10-hour
experience. “Darwinia” has an easy-to-follow story line concerning a
tribe of nomadic sprites trapped in a modern 3-D world who must be saved
from the threat of extinction. The game’s addictive action is
deceptively simple, providing endless entertainment for novices while
challenging even the most seasoned battle strategist.
Developed by Introversion Software
“Jewel Quest II” for Windows Vista
In the jewel-matching adventure “Jewel Quest II®,” players are
immersed in the wilds of Africa as they solve more than 50 new puzzles to
complete the “jewel quest.” Players must race against the clock as
they rearrange precious relics to create columns or rows of three or more
of the same type, turning tiles into gold as they advance through an
increasingly challenging series of puzzles. As players progress, the
playing fields also take on different shapes, making this puzzler a true
visual adventure.
Developed by iWin Inc.
“LUXOR 2” for Windows Vista The much
anticipated sequel to the No. 1 casual game of 2005, “LUXOR 2” sets a
new standard for action puzzlers. “LUXOR 2” takes players on a
beautiful voyage through 88 all-new, gorgeously rendered levels set amid
the scenery of ancient Egypt. Offering all the brain-teasing fun of the
original and packing more explosive power-ups than ever before, “LUXOR 2”
challenges players to control the mystical winged scarab to shoot and
destroy the approaching magical spheres before they reach the pyramids at
the end of their path.
Developed by MumboJumbo
“Spinword” for Windows Vista “Spinword”
combines puzzles and arcade action in a fun word-making challenge. A mix
of the best of “Scrabble,” “Tetris” and “Bejeweled,” “Spinword”
challenges players with frenetic tests of vocabulary dexterity. The
players’ goal is to make as many words as they can, as fast as they can.
Words are created from a selection of letter cubes and must be at least
three letters long and spelled left to right or top to bottom. “Spinword”
offers more than 60 levels based on word, action and puzzle challenges.
Developed by Slam Games
Coming Soon: “7 Wonders of the Ancient
World” for Windows Vista
The smash-hit match-three game of 2006,
“7 Wonders of the Ancient World™,” is now Windows Vista optimized
with photo-realistic graphics, new levels and enhanced gameplay features.
In this epic puzzle adventure, players travel through ancient lands,
visiting sites such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of
Babylon and the enchanting Mediterranean islands, matching three
same-colored magical runes together to create the game’s ultimate prize:
the seven wonders of the ancient world. It’s history in the making; let
the journey begin!
> March 6, 2007
MotorStorm crashes onto Playstation 3
Classic Turtles Arcade game hits XBL
MotorStorm(TM) Delivers the
Ultimate Brutal Off-Road Racing Experience for PLAYSTATION(R)3 System
Highly Anticipated Racer Harnesses the
Power of the PS3(TM) to Bring Stunning High Definition Graphics and
Lightning-Fast Gameplay Along With All-New Online Racing Functionality
SAN DIEGO, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the North American
release of MotorStorm(TM), available exclusively for the PLAYSTATION(R)3
(PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. Developed by Evolution Studios,
the acclaimed development team renowned for their World Rally Championship
(WRC) game series, MotorStorm introduces players to an alternative and
extreme off-road racing festival where the only rule is to take out the
competition and win at all costs. Recently launched in Japan, MotorStorm
has incorporated numerous graphical and gameplay enhancements for the
North American version, including the addition of a 12-player online mode.
The game also features innovations such as real-time track deformation,
where ruts in the track will remain and cause each lap to be different, an
aggressive artificial intelligence (A.I.) system that scales to the
player's abilities, and spectacular crash sequences that take full
advantage of the PS3 hardware, making MotorStorm one of the most
anticipated next-generation games available.
"MotorStorm showcases the power and
technology of the PS3 with its combination of next-generation online and
offline gameplay functionality and life-like A.I.," said Jeff Reese,
Director, Software Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America.
"With over-the-top action, cinematic crashes, and exhilarating
gameplay, consumer anticipation for the game has been overwhelming. Not
only do we expect thrill seekers to enhance their PS3 library with
MotorStorm, we believe the game will ultimately draw more consumers to the
PS3." In MotorStorm, players descend upon the badlands of Monument
Valley for the MotorStorm Festival to celebrate an alternative racing
culture. The festival is highlighted by a no-holds-barred off-road race
with aggressive and competitive opponents all gunning for the championship
title. Players will cut through mud paths, speed over sand dunes, and
launch across rocky cliffs in an extreme race to the finish line, all of
which is underscored by a rocking soundtrack. The competition is fierce
and it's a survival of the fittest with MotorStorm's combat-like racing.
The physics-based car damage feature heightens the challenge, allowing for
any of the seven vehicle types to break and destroy parts upon collisions
with other racers. \
A real-time track deformation function
has been implemented so that after each lap raced the terrain will look
and handle differently, ensuring players will never face the same lap
twice. Harnessing the power of the PS3, MotorStorm features remarkable
player-centric A.I. that reacts to numerous situations within the game,
such as realistically reacting to player taunts, seeking out the best
routes based on vehicle type used, and changing the level of driving
aggression due to player actions. The advanced cinematic effects such as
motion-blur and slow motion Hollywood style "crash cams" make
wiping out in your vehicle nearly more exciting than finishing the lap.
Featuring a compilation of tracks from some of the most popular rock
bands, the MotorStorm in-game soundtrack accentuates the game's brutal
off-road mayhem, providing players the ideal background music to get in
the mood for complete destruction and cutthroat competition. The
soundtrack features heart-pounding rock anthems sure to raise the game's
intensity level by artists such as Primal Scream, Queens of the Stone Age,
Nirvana, Slipknot, and more. MotorStorm gained critical acclaim at the
2006 E3 show, earning IGN's 2006 E3 award for "Best Racing Game"
and GameSpot's Editor's Choice Award for "Best Racing Game." The
game also earned 1UP's "Best of Show" award from TGS 2006. The
independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates MotorStorm
"T" for "Teen" (Descriptors: Language, Violence). For
more information about the ESRB, visit www.esrb.org . For more information
about MotorStorm, visit www.motorstorm-thegame.com .
About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to
redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R)
game consoles, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the
PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. 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 the PS one game console, the
PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3
system 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.
UBISOFT TO RELEASE CLASSIC TEENAGE
MUTANT NINJA TURTLES® ARCADE GAME ON XBOX LIVE ARCADE
TMNT 2-D Beat 'em Up Action Game Back by
Popular Demand
SAN FRANCISCO – March 6, 2007 –
Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced
that in celebration of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles(TM)(TMNT)
franchise and the launch of its upcoming TMNT(TM) video game March 20, it
is releasing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 classic arcade game on
Xbox LIVE ®Arcade on the Xbox 360(TM). The Classic Arcade game,
originally published by Konami and most recently developed for Xbox LIVE
Arcade by Digital Eclipse, a division of Foundation 9 Entertainment, will
be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade – the premier destination for digitally
distributed, high definition original and classic games – in March.
The TMNT arcade game brings the
nostalgia of the early coin-op arcade days of gaming into the comfort of
the living room through the power of Xbox LIVE® and Xbox LIVE Arcade. The
game will feature the original seven levels, two- to four-player co-op
modes and voice- chat capabilities and be available for download for 400
Microsoft Points ($5 U.S.).
"The release of the TMNT classic
arcade game on Xbox LIVE Arcade is Ubisoft's homage to a world-renowned
franchise that for almost 20 years has captured the hearts of gamers,”
said James Regan, director of new business development at Ubisoft. "Ubisoft
is breathing new life into the video game franchise with the launch of our
downloadable console games while remaining true to the unique core values
that make the Turtles so timeless.”
About Ubisoft's TMNT Video Game
Ubisoft's new TMNT video game uses the same dark and dangerous
environments and adventurous themes featured in the new TMNT CGI film
being developed by Imagi Animation Studios and Mirage Licensing. The TMNT
movie takes place in a New York City plagued by secretive villains and
strange, otherworldly creatures. Faced with these perils, the Turtles will
experience their most trying time as heroes and as a family, as Raphael,
Donatello and Michelangelo lose their focus and struggle to maintain their
unity and ninja discipline. In the movie and in the highly immersive video
game adventure, it's up to Leonardo and the faithful father figure
Splinter to reunite the band of brothers and save New York City from a
monstrous evil that lurks around every corner. Video game players will
engage in over-the-top acrobatic navigation, collaborative combat and
powerful fighting moves.
Ubisoft's TMNT video game is being
created under a licensing agreement with Mirage Licensing, Inc. The
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are represented for merchandising by 4Kids
Entertainment. Please visit www.tmntgame.com to access the official game
Web site and www.tmnt.com for the latest news and information on the new
CGI movie.
Ubisoft's new TMNT video game will be
released for the Xbox 360(TM) PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
system, Windows® PC, Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo DS(TM), Nintendo Game
Cube(TM) and Wii(TM).
> March 5, 2007
Ankama reveals Wakfu MMORPG
NCSoft's Auto Assault updated
Microsoft expands Xbox Live limits
New Spellforce 2 site online
Microsoft recruits Game Developers
Microsoft Unlocks Game Development
and Encourages Everyone to “Dream-Build-Play”
Microsoft challenges developers to bring
ideas to life on the Xbox 360 and Windows platforms.
SAN FRANCISCO — March 4, 2007 —
Providing the opportunity for game developers to create visions in a world
where they make the rules, shape the characters and create the evolution
of the story, Microsoft Corp. today kicked off the Dream-Build-Play game
development contest, offering a $10,000 (U.S.) grand prize and the
opportunity for a winner’s game to be published on Xbox LIVE® Arcade,
the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition
original and classic games. Enabled by its XNA™ developer tools, the
Dream-Build-Play contest was announced at the Game Developers Conference (GDC)
2007 in San Francisco.
Delivering on its commitment to offer
the best and most accessible hardware, software and services for game
developers on the Microsoft® gaming platforms, Microsoft and its partners
also showcased a suite of new products that will help developers of every
level turn their dreams into reality. From the hobbyist to professional
developers in the largest studios, Microsoft’s investments in game
development technologies are helping to spark a new creative era while
ensuring the best games are being built for Microsoft platforms.
Dream-Build-Play XNA Contest Offers
$10,000 Grand Prize
Dream-Build-Play is a global contest
that offers aspiring game developers the opportunity to showcase their
innovation and talent to the world. More than 20 winners will be selected
to win fantastic prizes with a total value of more than $40,000 from
Microsoft, Alienware, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Inc., Autodesk Inc. and
Softimage Co.
The contest will culminate in the
extraordinary grand prize that includes an opportunity for the winner to
receive an Xbox LIVE Arcade publishing contract, providing a chance to
showcase the winner’s game on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Dream-Build-Play is open
to any user of XNA Game Studio Express, including the GarageGames Torque X
platform. No purchase is necessary to compete. The contest ends July 2,
2007, and winners will be announced Aug. 13 at Microsoft Gamefest 2007 in
Seattle. Additional contest details, including detailed eligibility and
entry requirements, are available at http://www.dreambuildplay.com.
Great Games by Great Storytellers Using
Great Tools
Also at GDC this week, Microsoft will
spotlight the ways that some of the most innovative game creators in the
industry are bringing their visions to life on Microsoft gaming platforms.
On Tuesday, March 6, Microsoft Game Studios will present “The Evolution
of RPG Development,” a panel discussion hosted by journalist Geoff
Keighley that will feature Hironobu Sakaguchi of Mistwalker, Peter
Molyneux of Lionhead Studios and Ray Muzyka of BioWare Corp., the creators
of the most highly anticipated role-playing games of the next generation.
In addition, to celebrate the launch of
the Dream-Build-Play global contest, Microsoft will showcase a new era of
game creators through the XNA Game Studio Express Challenge. GDC attendees
will have a chance to see some of the brightest beacons in game
development from around the world gathering at the XNA lobby bar at the
Moscone Center in San Francisco to create four games in four days using
XNA Game Studio Express tools.
The power of the XNA tools is
demonstrated with today’s announcement of “Schizoid™” (Torpex
Games LLC), an upcoming game that will be the first Xbox LIVE Arcade title
built using XNA Game Studio Express. “Schizoid” is a co-op action game
in which teamwork matters like never before, as gamers and their friend or
AI ally protect each other from barrages of glowing enemies. The title is
scheduled to launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade before the end of 2007.
New XNA Tools for Game Developers of All
Levels
In December 2006, Microsoft launched XNA
Game Studio Express, a set of free software tools for use on Windows®
that enables anyone to build, play and share their amazing game creations.
Microsoft simultaneously launched the XNA Creators Club, enabling the
development and playing of XNA Game Studio Express games on the Xbox 360™
system as well. Microsoft today announced new software tools that will
work with XNA Game Studio Express to make game development for Windows and
Xbox 360 even easier.
· GarageGames Torque X Engine. Members
of the XNA Creators Club will receive a license to the Torque X Engine,
including the Torque Game Builder toolset for Torque X, as a free
membership benefit.
· SOFTIMAGE|XSI. Softimage is
developing new 3-D solutions based on its XSI 3-D software for game
creators and exclusive content for members of the XNA Creators Club to
support the XNA platform scheduled for release later this year.
· Allegorithmic ProFX. In addition to
the free MapZone 2-D texture editor released today, Allegorithmic is
developing an enhanced version exclusively for XNA Creators Club members
that will offer support for procedural textures, additional texture
libraries and custom content processors for use with the XNA Framework
Content Pipeline. The enhanced version of MapZone will be made available
to active members of the XNA Creators Club at no additional cost and will
be available later this year.
The XNA Creators Club is available on
Xbox LIVE Marketplace for $49 for a four-month subscription or $99 for an
annual subscription.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game
and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation
of the premier Xbox LIVE online gaming network and unique digital
entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a
catalog of more than 160 high-definition games and is available in 37
countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”)
is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help
people and businesses realize their full potential.
SpellForce 2 - Dragon Storm
website online
Liezen, Austria/Planegg, Germany; March
5th 2007; SpellForce 2 – Dragon Storm, the addon that is much sought
after by Spellforce fans, celebrates the most fascinating race ever!
Dragons enter the beautiful world of the popular genre mix. On
www.spellforce2.com you will find all information, screenshots, trailer
for SpellForce 2 - Dragon Storm.
SpellForce 2 – Dragon Storm will be
available in stores at the end of March 07 for PC DVD !
HONOR THE LEGACY OF OUR BLOOD!
The magical portals, the only links
between the shattered islands of Eo, are losing their powers! On a
dangerous mission to save them, the Shaikan discover the ruins of an
ancient culture that once carried incredible power: The Shapers. Two of
them survived the war, which had brought an end to their dominion, in an
ageless slumber - but now one of them has been awakened! His power, born
of magic believed lost, threatens Eo like no other enemy before… but
there are hints of a lordly race, thought to have died out long ago, and
with these hints comes hope for powerful allies: Dragons!
Seamless blend of role-playing action
& real-time strategy:
Continuation of the legendary story in
an exciting campaign with spectacular new landscapes, with more than 30
hours of playing time!
More RPG-experience through special
hero-quests: the companions of your Avatar open quests that will provide
them with additional abilities.
A consistent world: players will also
visit familiar cities from SpellForce 2, where massive changes are taking
place – never before has an RTS been so capable of telling a continuous
story!
Command the additional Shaikan faction
with its mighty Dragon titan!
An expanded skill tree offers the new
Shaikan section for even more customized hero development.
Units of the Shaikan can choose between
several upgrades allowing you to adapt them to your tactics.
Summoning magic allows you to conjure
loyal companion animals!
Choose from hundreds of new equipment
items, and create powerful crafted set items!
New maps for the free multiplayer mode:
face the most legendary warriors in the Arena Quest!
Measure your group of heroes against
those of other players in skirmish mode in the Fortress of Decision.
EXPERIENCE THE MONUMENTAL CLASH OF
DRAGONS WAGING WAR!
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-qualitiy titles for all existing and future
gaming systems. The JoWooD games are distributed worldwide by an efficient
net of distribution partners. For more information, visit http://corporate.jowood.com
About Deep Silver
Deep Silver is KOCH Media's Premium
Games Label. It was established in 2002 with the goal of publishing games
for gamers. From FPS and Simulations to MMO, Deep Silver offers anything
and everything that a gamer's heart desires. Deep Silver published Singles
®, X2 - The Threat ®, Scrapland ®and many more games. For more
information visit http://www.deepsilver.com
Founded in 1994, KOCH Media develops,
publishes and distributes a diverse mix of titles for personal computers
and home console gaming systems and the Internet. Based in Planegg near
Munich in Germany, KOCH operates a pan-European service, with additional
offices in Austria, Switzerland, Italy and UK. KOCH has distribution
contracts for a number of software publishers including GData, Lexware,
Digital Publishing, Roxio, TVG, Suse, Avanquest and Pinnacle Systems. KOCH
also develops and publishes educational and application software. Since
2003 the publishing of films on DVD is another important branch in KOCH's
business strategy.
Microsoft Announces 512MB Memory
Unit for Xbox 360 and Increased Xbox LIVE Arcade Game Size Limit
512MB Memory Unit enhances storage
capabilities and choice for Xbox 360 gamers; increased Xbox LIVE Arcade
size limit provides additional flexibility for game developers.
SAN FRANCISCO — March 4, 2007 — At
the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2007, Microsoft Corp. today announced
plans to launch a 512MB Memory Unit for the Xbox 360™ video game and
entertainment system and an increase in the official size limit of Xbox
LIVE® Arcade games from 50 MB to 150 MB.
The 512MB Memory Unit, available
worldwide beginning April 3, 2007, will retail for an estimated retail
price of $49.99 (U.S.) in North America.* The 512MB Memory Unit will be
pre-loaded with the hit Xbox LIVE Arcade game “Geometry Wars: Retro
Evolved” from developer Bizarre Creations Ltd. for a limited time. The
original 64MB Memory Unit will simultaneously drop in price from $39.99 to
$29.99 (ERP).*
Eight times larger than the 64MB Memory
Unit, the 512MB Memory Unit will provide Xbox 360 owners with vastly
expanded storage capabilities for gaming on the go, allowing gamers to
easily store and transport their gamer profile and save game data, Xbox
LIVE Arcade games and Xbox LIVE Marketplace content. The 512MB Memory Unit
also gives Xbox 360 owners the ability to download exclusive content from
any of the 45,000 Xbox 360 kiosks accessible at retail outlets worldwide.
Beginning today, the Xbox LIVE Arcade
game size limit has increased from 50 MB to 150 MB, giving developers
greater flexibility in game design and expanding the opportunity to add
advanced game features while still keeping games compact.
“The new size limit offers developers
increased flexibility and continued opportunities for innovative game
development, while also ensuring that the millions of gamers on Xbox LIVE
can continue to easily access, download and play all Xbox LIVE Arcade
games on Xbox 360,” said Chris Early, product unit manager for Xbox LIVE
Arcade and Microsoft Casual Games at Microsoft. “If you take a look at
current games like ‘Roboblitz’ and ‘Small Arms,’ it’s clear that
our developers deliver amazing game experiences within a compact size
limit. Our focus is on continuing to provide developers with an
environment that allows for the creation of cost-efficient games and that
nurtures an artistic and creative approach to game development.”
“As we prepare to launch our first
Xbox LIVE Arcade game, ‘Boom Boom Rocket,’ we’re able to see how
dynamic and creative this platform is,” said Chip Lange, vice president
of Online Commerce for Electronic Arts Inc. (EA). “Having ‘Wing
Commander Arena’ on Xbox LIVE Arcade allows us to take full advantage of
the online play and bring to life a 16-player online arcade experience
that delivers unparalleled arcade action.”
This week at GDC, Microsoft will
showcase forthcoming Xbox LIVE Arcade games from a cross-section of genres
to the game development community:
· “Boom Boom Rocket” (EA and
Bizarre Creations). This eagerly anticipated title from EA and Bizarre
Creations is a hypnotic rhythm music game that will launch on Xbox LIVE
Arcade this spring, priced at 800 Microsoft Points.
· “3D Ultra™ Minigolf Adventures”
(Sierra Online and Wanako Games). The first outdoor sports game on Xbox
LIVE Arcade, “3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures” lets players putt their
way through 36 fun-filled holes on wild courses that include settings such
as the Classic Carnival and the fantastical Outer Space.
· “Eets: Chowdown” (Klei
Entertainment Inc.). A completely revamped version of the popular PC
title, “Eets: Chowdown” offers a fun puzzle game experience unlike
anything else available on Xbox LIVE Arcade, and features new items and
120 new levels.
· “Jetpac Refuelled” (Rare Ltd.).
This is a new take on Rare/Ultimate’s 1983 classic space blaster with
enhanced graphics and Xbox LIVE features; players must clear a path
through hordes of aliens to refuel their ship and amass a fortune over the
course of more than 100 high-definition levels.
· “Pinball FX” (ZEN Studios Ltd.).
“Pinball FX” offers an unparalleled pinball experience that will be
fun for novices and experts alike, with realistic ball physics and
stunning 3-D tables. “Pinball FX” also features real-time,
head-to-head competition over Xbox LIVE and Xbox LIVE Vision camera
support.
About Xbox LIVE Arcade
Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360 is the
premier destination for digitally distributed high-definition games. Xbox
LIVE Arcade is a fast-growing phenomenon with more than 20 million game
downloads and a diverse library of original development and classic titles
from the world’s best independent and established developers and
publishers. With a dynamically updated library and free** trials for every
title, Xbox LIVE Arcade makes it easy for every type of gamer — from
casual to hard-core — to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE
Arcade also lets friends connect and play these incredible games either
from the same room or from around the world via the Xbox LIVE online
entertainment network. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/livearcade.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”)
is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help
people and businesses realize their full potential.
NCsoft's Auto Assault reloads with
explosive content expansion
New auction house, vehicles and system
upgrades featured in the games' fourth free update
AUSTIN, Texas, March 5, 2007 - NCsoft®
today announced the release of the fourth free content expansion of Auto
Assault® which includes the installation of an auction house, the
introduction of new vehicle chassis and a new tournament schedule as well
as several quality of life system improvements. The auction house is one
of the most important additions to Auto Assault since its release, adding
depth to the game while making it easier to profit from the game's
voluminous loot drops.
The auction house, for example, will
enable lower level players to obtain currency by selling material to
higher level players who can then craft more powerful weapons.
Additionally, an email system will allow players, who are in the same
faction, to send messages regarding items up for auction as well as
sending items via email. "Auto Assault is about collecting massive
amounts of loot, and this auction house and mail delivery system will make
it easier to profit from collecting loot," said Andrew Wagner,
NCsoft's producer for Auto Assault. "The auction house and mail
system will add a much needed additional layer of interactivity and item
accessibility for all players and allow players to progress faster and
build bigger, nastier vehicles."
The additional profits made from the
auction house will help Auto Assault players to attain another feature
from the update, two powerful, new epic vehicle chassis. The new chassis,
available at the INC vehicle stores include the Switter, a medium-sized
chassis available for all classes and the Backup, a small chassis usable
by any scout class. Rounding out the features are sweeping changes to the
skills systems. Balance between races will be improved so success in
player-versus-player combat will be based on skill rather than
faction-based advantages. Additionally, skill building is now easier to
manage and understand, allowing new players to create more powerful and
useable skill sets. "Skills will now be more standardized, which will
let players understand better the cost of each skill and how to better
select the right skill for the right level," Wagner said. "This
will bring more balance to the game while making skill sets more fun and
powerful."
Also, responding to player feedback,
tournaments have a new schedule and reward system built in. The new
tournament schedule system is timed to work for players regardless of
their time-zone location. The tournaments have been level-balanced so all
players can enjoy arena carnage. With additional loot and bigger rewards,
arena action will be more profitable for all participants. Auto Assault,
developed by NetDevil®, LTD, is the first multiplayer online (MMO) game
featuring vehicle combat, set in a post-apocalyptic world with fully
destructible environments. Auto Assault is available at retailers in North
America and Europe as well as at the NCsoft online store at www.plaync.com.
The game includes the first month of online game play. After the first
month, players will be charged a monthly subscription fee of US$14.99. For
more information on Auto Assault go to: www.autoassault.com.
About NCsoft NCsoft North America is
headquartered in Austin, Texas and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Korea-based NCsoft Corporation. NCsoft, with its own development and
publishing offices in Texas and California, also works with other NCsoft
subsidiaries and third party developers throughout North America to
develop and publish innovative online entertainment software products. The
company has successfully launched multiple online titles in the last three
years and continues to support its franchises that include
Lineage®/Lineage II, City of Heroes®/City of Villains®, Guild
Wars®/Guild Wars Factions™/Guild Wars Nightfall™ and Auto Assault.
More information about NCsoft can be found at http://www.plaync.com.
About NetDevil, LTD NetDevil was founded
in 1997 under the inspiration of Jumpgate™, the world's first massively
multiplayer space simulator universe. NetDevil is an independent game
development company dedicated to the construction of massively multiplayer
universes. NetDevil is committed to creating immersive, interactive
virtual worlds in unique settings outside the typical fantasy genre. For
more information, please visit http://www.netdevil.com.
Ankama Games unveils its next
MMORPG: Wakfu!
05 March 2007 - In the continuity of the DOFUS phenomenon, Ankama Games
presents the very first pictures and details of its next massively
multiplayer video game on the website: www.wakfu.com.
Ankama Games became internationally
renowned thanks to its main title DOFUS that now counts more than 3
million players worldwide. Within three years, this massively multiplayer
video game won prize after prize in the United States and in France, and
has been the inspiration for mangas (5 volumes) and artbooks (2 volumes).
After such a success, Ankama Games starts a new project: Wakfu. This game
will be sitting right next to DOFUS on the Tactical MMORPG line. The
presentation website of this new game has been launched on Monday 26
February, 2007. New contents will regularly added to it, as the project
progresses.
Wakfu is currently being produced.
Ankama Games relies on its unique know-how to design and produce a quality
title that will meet all the requirements of a vast community of players.
Wakfu will be distributed in Europe, Northern America, and Asia as well as
in other parts of the world requiring its translation (from French) in
English, German, Spanish, Korean and Chinese.
The story of Wakfu takes place a long
time after that of DOFUS. An ogre named Ogrest gathered all the six Dofus
and gained boundless powers. The ogre offered his beloved the dragon eggs.
But she turned down the present though worthy of the gods themselves, and
Ogrest started shedding tears of rage and pique. The tears of the ogre
made the ocean level increase so much that parts of the World are now
submerged to the inhabitants' great displeasure. Now gods and heroes of
the World are starting a new adventure before reaching Ogrest and confront
him in an ultimate fight!
Bright graphics and a fantasy universe
are also part of this project even though the Ankama Games team will be
adding many innovations to the tactical gameplay it's famous for! The very
first trailer of Wakfu, half way between cartoon animation and game demo,
can be viewed on the official website. It gives an idea of the interactive
environment in which players will evolve. In Wakfu, the player will
discover a vast world inhabited by all sorts of surprising creatures. Game
servers will be able to host up to 25,000 players simultaneously.
The first closed beta-tests of Wakfu
will start sometime during 2007. The recruiting campaign for the
beta-testers will be launched within the next days.
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Ankama Games (www.ankama-games.com)
Ankama Games creates and distributes online video games since 2004. It’s
a subsidiary of the ANKAMA group. It’s located in the area of Lille
(North of France) and counts about 50 employees.
DOFUS (www.dofus.com) Half way between
video game and cartoon animation, DOFUS offers a new online game concept.
Its graphics inspired from the manga universe, its tactical gameplay and
its specific humor give DOFUS a special place among the other MMORPGs.
