Archive for May 15th, 2008|Daily archive page
Silent Hill: Homecoming – new screens from xbox360 and ps3 versions
Leave a CommentThe sixth installment in the classic video games series, Silent Hill: Homecoming introduces another protagonist to the mythos. The story follows Alex Shepherd, returning to his hometown of Shepherd’s Glen to investigate the sudden disappearance of his brother. From Shepherd’s Glen to Silent Hill, Alex must face the darkest of horrors in order to find his brother. Struggling with his own grip on reality, Alex must unravel the mystery behind his nightmares, discover the truth behind his brother’s disappearance, and confront the evil lurks in the seemingly empty streets of Silent Hill.
Homecoming is the first Silent Hill title for the new wave of ‘next generation’ consoles, featuring all-new graphics that bring the fear and terror of Silent Hill alive like never before. Alex must survive attacks from the misshapen denizens of the town using an all-new enhanced combat system that provides a wide array of attacks and counters. Along the way, Alex will encounter a variety of weapons to battle these horrific monsters and must also solve deadly puzzles as he uncovers the darkest secrets of Silent Hill.
Silent Hill: Homecoming also features an all-new soundtrack by acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka.
Sega announces partnership with Platinum Games
Leave a CommentFamed Developers Confirm Exclusive Four-Game Deal with SEGA
LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (May 15, 2008) – SEGA Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced a worldwide partnership with PlatinumGames Inc., the development studio recently formed by the team behind some of the most successful franchises in the video game industry. Under the agreement, PlatinumGames will develop three ground-breaking new SEGA titles – MADWORLD™, Infinite Line™ and Bayonetta™ – covering a variety of game genres with innovative design concepts that explore the depths of today’s best-selling platforms. A soon-to-be-announced fourth title, being directed by legendary gaming icon Shinji Mikami, is also part of the agreement.
“The creative forces at PlatinumGames bring a new level of imagination into the SEGA family at a pivotal time in the video game industry when the demand for quality, originality and fun has never been greater,” said Tatsuya Minami, President and CEO, PlatinumGames. “These new titles will contribute meaningfully to SEGA’s brand, while adding a new level of depth to the strategic portfolio of games in our library.”
“We are thrilled to have forged this new relationship with such a talented team of individuals and we are understandably excited about the titles that they are producing for us,” commented Mike Hayes President and COO of SEGA Europe Ltd. “SEGA continually strives to release games for all consumers that are of the highest quality, working with Platinum Games further enhances that strategy.”
MADWORLD, the first title set for release in Q1 2009, is an inventive third-person action game exclusively for Wii™. Produced by Atsushi Inaba, MADWORLD has a unique black and white style, depicting an incredibly sharp backdrop that straddles graphic novels and 3D worlds. As players battle opponents, they must master the use of various weapons and items found within their environment, such as chainsaws and street signs, while entertaining sports commentary adds to the third-person gameplay. With its irreverent humour and over-the-top violence, MADWORLD will deliver a unique core gaming experience currently missing on the Wii system.
Infinite Line (working title), a role playing game exclusively for the Nintendo DS™ portable handheld system, takes place in outer space and gives players the ability to control, build, outfit and customise more than 150 spaceships. Infinite Line stretches the DS hardware to the limit, offering over 200 characters and the ability to control multiple spaceships at any one time. Releasing in 2009 and currently being produced by Atsushi Inaba and directed by Hifumi Kouno (from developer Nude Maker), Infinite Line is one of the most complex RPG titles developed for the DS to date.
Bayonetta is a stylish and cinematic action game, directed by creator Hideki Kamiya and set for release in 2009 on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. A witch with powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals, Bayonetta faces-off against countless angelic enemies, many reaching epic proportions, in a game of 100% pure, unadulterated all-out action. Outlandish finishing moves are performed with balletic grace as Bayonetta flows from one fight to another. With magnificent over-the-top action taking place in stages that are a veritable theme park of exciting attractions, Bayonetta pushes the limits of the action genre, bringing to life its fast-paced, dynamic climax combat.
Torque 360 engine to power Penny Arcade Adventures
Comments (1)Eugene, OR, May 15, 2008 – Torque 360, GarageGames’ game engine for the Xbox 360, has been selected by Hothead Games for Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-slick Precipice of Darkness. Penny Arcade Adventures is a 3D cell-shaded RPG-Adventure game set in a deranged comic-book-meets-pulp-horror universe. Armed with unconventional weaponry, players join forces with the Startling Developments Detective Agency to make war on bizarre enemies and solve the mysteries hidden deep in the sinister heart of New Arcadia.
Hothead Games chose Torque to develop Penny Arcade Adventures – a game that will appear on PC, Mac, and Xbox 360 – in part for it’s cross-platform support. “Using Torque in development of Penny Arcade Adventures really helped us get up to speed quickly and has helped us bring the game to more gamers,” said Vlad Ceraldi of Hothead Games. “Our first title, On the Rain-slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 1 will be fully cross platform (Windows, Mac and Linux), and of course the game launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade in just a few days. Rather than building platform code from from the ground up, using Torque gave us far more time to hone the actual game.”
Penny Arcade Adventures is just the most recent in a long line of successful titles made with Torque on Xbox LIVE Arcade. GarageGames’ own Marble Blast Ultra is one of the platform’s all-time top ten and more than a dozen other titles using Torque have been published on Xbox LIVE Arcade to date.
“Torque keeps improving with every trial. The Hothead team took Torque in a unique rendering direction and we learned a lot from that. To Hothead’s huge credit, the results are awesome,” said Brett Seyler, VP Business Development at GarageGames. “Looking at the game now, it’s a blast to play and definitely faithful to the Penny Arcade Comic’s style and humor.”
GarageGames provides Torque 360 licensing for developers with no term limits on development and a zero-royalty, flat-fee structure. Heavily discounted license pricing is available for games targeting the Xbox LIVE Arcade downloadable service, versus those aiming for disc-based retail delivery. GarageGames claims Torque is the most widely used engine middleware for XBLA development.
Sims 2 IKEA addon
this isn’t a joke…..
Whether you want to create a trendy, spacious home office, a chic living room, or a cozy and inviting bedroom, with the new The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff, you can make your Sims’ dream home truly special. Design your Sims’ rooms to fit their personalities with all-new sofas, beds, tables, a TV unit, shelving and more in a variety of colors and patterns for a truly customized look. You can even add the finishing touches with popular IKEA wall art, mirrors, lighting options and vases. Be your Sims’ interior designer with inspiring, contemporary styles from IKEA!
“The Sims is thrilled to collaborate with IKEA for more customization of your Sims’ homes, adding fun and inspirational design options for the bedroom, living room and home office,” said Rod Humble, Head of The Sims Studio. “This new content will certainly contribute to the players’ ability to make their Sims’ dream home. The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff will expand creative opportunities and that is what The Sims is all about. Home is central to the experience of your Sims and with IKEA additions, it’s sure to be the most inviting place in the neighborhood.”
Turn your Sims’ living room into a haven of comfort and relaxation with a plush EKTORP sofa, a unique EXPEDIT TV unit, a complementing LEKSVIK coffee table and chic décor like the VÄNNA mirror. Create a revitalizing space in the bedroom, your Sims’ most intimate place at home with a new MALM bed, matching chest of drawers, a shapely Storm floor lamp and a bright red IKEA PS rug.
For those Sims who might work at home, indulge them with an office that is sure to promote an environment dedicated to productivity. Decorate with an elegant VIKA HYTTAN table, inspiring KILA lamp, bold HELMER drawer unit and LACK zigzag wallshelf.
These are just a few of the items from The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff that can be integrated into your Sims’ living space.
“Players of The Sims have asked for IKEA by name, and if you look at the living spaces they design, it reflects the style of IKEA,” said Steve Seabolt, Vice President Global Brand Development for The Sims. “We are pleased to collaborate with IKEA and we know players of The Sims will be excited to add IKEA content for their Sims’ homes.”
Seabolt added, “The IKEA collaboration with The Sims echoes the desire of players to see real-world brands and products for which they have affinity integrated into gameplay. The Sims’ successful collaborations with Ford and H&M prove this to be a great and enjoyable experience for the player.”
The Sims™ 2 IKEA® Home Stuff will be available for $19.99 USD in North America and €14.99 EUR in countries across Europe.
Product Specifications
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Electronic Arts Redwood Shores
Platform: PC / PC Expansion Pack*
Ship Date: US: June 23, 2008 and Europe: June 27, 2008
Category: Simulation/Strategy
ESRB Rating: T for Teen with descriptors of Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
PEGI Rating: 12+
- Requires The Sims™ 2 Double Deluxe, The Sims™ 2 Deluxe, The Sims™ 2 Special DVD Edition , or The Sims™ 2 Holiday Edition for PC to play.
London Games Festival 2008 announcement
lucky Brits
London Games Festival is Back!
15th May 2008: Following its huge success last year, the London Games Festival is back for its third year promising more events and mind-blowing entertainment then ever. The cultural celebration of everything gaming takes place across the capital from October 25.
The festival promises something for everyone: from casual gamers and parents seeking advice on safe gaming for their children to hard-core fans wanting glimpses of the hottest titles in development or those hoping to make a career for themselves in the UK’s games industry.
Last year’s festival drew 100,000+ attendees to the city-wide celebration. More than 50 events were staged including Video Games Live, which saw the Royal Philharmonia Orchestra bring London’s Festival Hall alive with the sound of Mario (plus Halo, Space Ace, Metal Gear Solid and Bioshock!). Trafalgar Square was packed for publisher Electronic Arts’ marathon celebrity-packed two-day Be The One event. Even the Science Museum got in on the act last year with a special experiment focusing on eye movements during gameplay.
Keith Ramsdale, Chairman of LGF comments:
“Last year’s London Games Festival was a huge success and we were thrilled with the feedback from many of those who attended and the publishers who took part. The Trafalgar Square event looked fantastic and it was great to see so many families come down and enjoy it. We’ve got plenty in store for 2008 and a whole host of major partners lined up with full support from the industry. We’re really looking forward to bringing the gaming industry to life in the capital again.”
Check out www.londongamesfestival.com for the latest news and information on all of the events taking place this year.
Crisis Core – Final Fantasy VII European announcement
London (15th May 2008) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that CRISIS CORE® -FINAL FANTASY® VII- will be released across all PAL territories on 20th June 2008, exclusively on the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system.
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is the highly anticipated prequel to the biggest selling FINAL FANTASY of all time, taking players on an exhilarating adventure filled with grandeur, excitement, characters that captured the hearts of a generation and many new secrets to discover hidden within the world of FINAL FANTASY VII.
With awe-inspiring visuals, full 16:9 widescreen presentation, an engaging battle system, and additional gameplay challenges not included in the original Japanese version, fans and newcomers alike can experience the world of FINAL FANTASY VII from an all-new perspective. As an added incentive to pre-order, a special edition version of the game, with hardback artwork book and slipcase is available exclusively with selected online retailers while stocks last.
John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is one of the most anticipated FINAL FANTASY releases of all times. Pushing the boundaries of the PSP hardware, it offers a truly fantastic gameplay experience to not only existing fans, but new ones as well.”
For more information about CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- and for details of how to pre-order please visit the official website at crisiscoregame.co.uk
About CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-
Story
Set seven years prior to the events of the first FINAL FANTASY VII, the Shinra Company is rapidly increasing its influence through its monopoly on mako energy and military might. With the burgeoning city of Midgar as its base and symbol of prosperity, Shinra is on the verge of establishing absolute dominance over the world.
SOLDIER is a group of skilled combat operatives within Shinra. The elite within the group — those strong enough to be deemed SOLDIER 1st Class — are respected and idolized by the citizenry.
Zack is a young SOLDIER 2nd Class who aspires to become a 1st. He spends his days carrying out assignments under the guidance of his 1st Class mentor, Angeal. During an operation in Wutai, a large number of SOLDIER member, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy even more SOLDIER operatives in hopes of bringing an end to the war with Wutai—and conducting an investigation into the mass desertion. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth…
What truths lie behind Genesis’s disappearance? What secrets bind the three SOLDIER 1st Class operatives? For Zack, a cruel and fateful struggle awaits…
Features
• Complete the FINAL FANTASY VII experience and reunite with the most recognised RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura
• Witness stunning graphics and CG cutscenes coupled with top-notch voice acting in a 16:9 widescreen presentation, made possible by the PSP system hardware
• Innovative D.M.W (Digital Mind Wave) system enhances the action-packed real-time battle system, allowing players to unleash special attacks or call upon iconic FINAL FANTASY summons
• Take on challenges with the all-new “Hard Mode” which was not in the original Japanese release
• Acquire unique accessories, items and abilities made available through 300 side missions to further enrich the gameplay experience
Space Chimps announced
Brash Entertainment today announced the release of Space Chimps, a brand new action adventure videogame title. Based on the hotly anticipated CGI-animated Space Chimps film from the creator of Shrek, John H. Williams (Shrek and Shrek 2), Space Chimps the videogame combines the same colourful world and characters of the forthcoming film with a unique storyline that puts fans in the heart of the action with 11 levels of monkey fun and mayhem. Space Chimps the videogame will release alongside the film and will be marketed and distributed across Europe by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in August 2008.
Space Chimps is a hilarious new action adventure-comedy film that follows the exploits of mischievous young circus chimp, Ham (voiced by Andy Samburg) who happens to be the grandson of the first primate ever sent into space! As a publicity stunt, Ham is chosen to lead an exploratory mission into outer space to investigate a mysterious new planet. But when he and his crew crash-land in a bizarre and beautiful new world and find their lives in peril at the hands of the tyrannical King Zartog, Ham must step up to his dangerous mission to save his fellow space chimps, Titan (voiced by Patrick Warburton) and Luna (voiced by Cheryl Hines), and lead the emancipation of the imprisoned aliens and the planet.
In the game, players can take part in this galactic adventure first hand by tumbling, jumping, climbing and swinging their way through environments taken straight out of the film, as well as explore some unique and unseen planet locations. They can switch between fighting and puzzle solving mode as they travel from level to level playing as Ham and Luna on a harrowing mission through a dangerous inter-universal wormhole. Across 11 levels, battle in two-player co-op style and interact with brand new characters as well as familiar faces from the film and encounter 13 entirely new enemies. The Nintendo DS™ version even offers entirely exclusive gameplay with 3D side-scrolling action and two-player multiplayer.
“The Space Chimps film introduces a colourful cast of characters that fans will love,” explained Mitch Davis, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Brash Entertainment. “We’ve collaborated with Vanguard to create a game that incorporates the characters and world of the movie whilst adding a unique storyline with additional new characters, that will give fans the opportunity to live in the Space Chimp world a little longer.”
“We’re excited about the upcoming release of Space Chimps, and equally happy that Brash is the company that produces the first ever game based on a Vanguard project,” said Williams, who is chief executive of Vanguard Animation. “We know this game will enable fans to extend the Space Chimps experience.”
Space Chimps will be available for the XBOX™ 360, PLAYSTATION®2 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ videogame systems from Nintendo in August 2008.
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli website online now
The website is, in keeping with the official Ferrari license, one of the most prestigious in gaming, offering a host of game-related information in one of the most lavish packages ever produced.
Alongside phenomenal imagery and videos, the official site for the official game offers stacks of beautiful artwork, exquisite models taken from the developers’ drawing boards, and official tips from driving supreme Tiff Needell.
Each of the 16 North American and European Ferrari Challenge tracks featured in the game is described in great detail, so players can learn each course in advance. The title’s incredible authenticity – a result of developer Eutechnyx’s racing expertise and consultancy from race driver Bruno Senna – means that each of the countless vehicles within the game require some mastery, just like the real cars themselves. The official website contains details of each Ferrari, offering a head start for those prepared to study in advance.
For those wishing to see for themselves how each version of Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli compare, there are screenshots and videos from each of the game’s platforms – illustrating the technical limits the game pushes across each format.
In addition, a developer’s journal and an extensive FAQ section offer in-depth background information about the game. As time progresses through to release, the website features a continually updated news section with all the very latest information – along with the opportunity to bag some money-can’t-buy prizes.
Finally, a comprehensive downloads section offers everything fans will need to dress their PCs and mobile phones with the game’s official livery.
“Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is the ‘Ferrari’ of video games,” says Mark Cale, CEO of System 3, “so we wanted to ensure the site represents this completely. Like the game itself, the site is the slickest, most comprehensive digital representation of the prestigious Ferrari brand, with a stack of content which we hope will satisfy fans’ lust for the game through to launch and beyond. The official site will also be the place to find out the latest on the game beyond release – we’ve an absolutely incredible opportunity for those that buy the game, one that’s never been done in gaming before. We can’t wait to see the reaction of our fans now we’ve finally opened the virtual garage doors.”
The official website of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is online now, at www.system3.com
The game will launch on PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2 throughout the summer.
Free GTA IV Guide from Gamerzines.com
Latest issue of free PlayStation 3 magazine from GamerZines.com features 10 page GTA IV Special with tip and tricks and definitive review.
GamerZines.com, the portal for free digital magazines for gamers, today announces the publication of P3Zine Issue 15. The issue includes ten pages dedicated to the all-conquering GTA IV game.
As well as the definitive review of the game, the digital magazine has walkthroughs for the games trickiest missions: Easy As Can Be, The Snow Storm, Three Leaf Clover, Paper Trail and Pegorino’s Pride. In addition, there’s the top ten tips and tricks for getting the most out of GTA IV.
“Gamers have always wanted to get the most out of GTA games,” says Dan Hutchinson, Editorial Director for GamerZines.com. “This issue of P3Zine should help everyone get more from GTA IV and help out those stuck with some of the harder missions.”
P3Zine is also inviting readers to send in their own tips for the game so they can continue to help gamers find all the hidden gems in GTA IV.
In addition to GTA IV, issue 15 of P3Zine includes exclusive interviews for Alone in the Dark and Race Driver: GRID, as well as previews for Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Saints Row 2.
All GamerZines.com magazines are professionally written and produced by a team of games journalists and publishers with decades of experience in the magazine industry. The portal offers free monthly magazines for various games platforms in interactive PDF format. All the magazines are enhanced with rich media and extensive video of the games in action.
Readers do not need to register to download the magazines, which are all completely free. All that is required to view the magazines is Adobe Reader version 6 or above on Windows or Mac, and a broadband internet connection.
Gamers can download this issue of P3Zine for free now from http://www.gamerzines.com/
Big Guns, Dead Animals coming soon to a system near you
SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 14, 2008: Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today the upcoming release of Cabela’s Legendary Adventures for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and WiiTM. The latest title in the best-selling Cabela’s franchise will allow players to relive the greatest hunting stories ever told. The game will hit shelves in Fall 2008.
“In Cabela’s Legendary Adventures the missions are based on encounters with some of the most famous animals ever hunted in the wild,” said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. “Focusing on these amazing once-in-a-lifetime stories has really allowed us to capture the essence of what hunting is all about – a quest for a legendary experience.”
Players will hunt in different eras in search of trophies such as white-tailed deer, Yukon moose, Alaskan brown bear and Roosevelt elk in over ten of North America’s top hunting locations, including Kodiak Island, the Yukon and the Rocky Mountains. Each location in Cabela’s Legendary Adventures is a visually stunning open outdoor environment that encourages exploration and tactical variation. Shooting mechanics have been developed to reflect modern as well as historical hunting technology, so players relive the hunts complete with detail from specific time periods.
Under Cabela’s guidance, the firearms, tactics and gear in Cabela’s Legendary Adventures are as true to real life as a game will allow. The title will also include a large variety of additional hunts featuring over 30 species of other big game, small game, waterfowl, upland birds and turkey.
Cabela’s Legendary Adventures is scheduled for release in Fall 2008. For more information visit www.activision.com.
Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People news
Gameplay video and storyline of premiere episode, “Homestar Ruiner,” revealed
SAN RAFAEL, CA, May 14, 2008 – With the series’ launch approaching, Telltale has released the first gameplay video from Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People (SBCG4AP for short), as well as a synopsis of the premiere episode, “Homestar Ruiner.” The episodic point and click series is being developed in close collaboration with Homestarrunner.com creators Mike and Matt Chapman, who have been chronicling Strong Bad’s exploits through online cartoons since 2000. The new game series is being developed for WiiWare™ and PC.
SBCG4AP gives players the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become Strong Bad—a loudmouthed, boxing-glove-wearing megalomaniac and the self-proclaimed coolest person ever—in his ongoing quest to achieve total awesomeness. “Homestar Ruiner” kicks off a typical day in the House of Strong, with our hero answering emails, dominating in video games, and setting out to pummel his enemies. Then Strong Bad’s scheme to win the tri-annual Race to the End of the Race lands him with an unwanted guest: his dimwitted adversary, Homestar Runner. Now Strong Bad must find a way to get the disgraced athlete back on the Free Country, USA A-list (and out of his house).
The Chapman brothers have been working closely with Telltale designers Mark Darin, Mike Stemmle, and Dave Grossman on the episode. The result is a hysterical gaming experience that puts the player inside of an extended Homestar Runner cartoon. In addition to the main plot, which unfolds through intuitive story-driven gameplay, the episode contains achievements and side activities such as the Videlectrix arcade classic Snake Boxer 5 and the ability to create your own “Teen Girl Squad” comics.
SBCG4AP is scheduled to launch on WiiWare and PC this summer. More information about the series, including new “Homestar Ruiner” screenshots and a gameplay video featuring an awkward pre-race exchange between Strong Bad and Homestar, can be viewed at http://www.telltalegames.com/strongbad. This page is also home to Strong Bad’s semi-insightful development blog, which is penned by the game’s star himself (with a little help from series creators Mike and Matt Chapman).
Secret Online (MMORPG) posts new screenshots daily on forum
San Jose, May 15, 2008 – Zyon Games announced today that it will be posting two new Secret Online (SO) screenshots/concept art pieces each day beginning today until the Open Beta in the SO forums section of the website. The forums can be viewed by visiting http://secret.zyongames.com/. Visitors are encouraged to check back each day for new and exciting screenies/concept art featuring characters and worlds from the much-anticipated upcoming massively multi-player online game.
The new screenshots and concept art will provide visitors with more scenes from the upcoming Chinese epic adventure. Players of Secret Online will be able to take part in more than 200 quests spanning over 20 maps competing with players from all over the globe.
“We have had countless requests (more than 10) from our players for more images from the game. These screenshots and the concept art are just one way we are doing that.” said Steven C. Wade, CEO of Zyon Games.
XBox360 first system to reach 10 Million U.S. units sold this generation
Editor’s Note, May 14, 2008 – Details about the global sales data for Xbox 360 were updated to correct inaccuracies.
REDMOND, Wash. — May 14, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system has sold over 10 million units in the U.S., making it the first current-generation gaming console to break the 10 million mark in the U.S. The U.S. install base contributes to global sales of over 19 million.
“This year will be the largest in the history of the video game industry, with Xbox 360 leading the charge in the U.S. and abroad,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “History has shown us that the first company to reach 10 million in console sales wins the generation battle. We are uniquely positioned to set a new benchmark for the industry.”
This announcement comes on the heels of one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, “Grand Theft Auto IV,” on April 29, 2008. Gamers eager to experience “Grand Theft Auto IV” online helped boost Xbox LIVE global membership to over 12 million this month. Fueled by an unparalleled combination of access to friends and family, the best online gaming features, and the best entertainment content, the Xbox LIVE service has doubled in membership in only one year’s time.
“Reaching an installed base of 10 million consoles in the U.S. is a significant achievement and an essential milestone on the road to market leadership,” said Billy Pidgeon, research manager at IDC. “Perhaps more important is the Xbox 360 worldwide online base — 12 million Xbox LIVE gamers is the largest community in the connected console games sector, which represents the greatest growth opportunity in the console market and where Microsoft has been the leader for two generations.”
Xbox 360 leads with the industry’s highest software attach rate, more than any other console this generation, and is home to the best-selling games. With the launch of “Grand Theft Auto IV” in April, Xbox 360 is now the home to more than 16 platinum titles that have sold through 1 million units or more, including hits such as “Halo 3,” “Madden NFL 07” and “Madden NFL 08,” “Gears of War,” “Guitar Hero II” and “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock,” and “Call of Duty® 2,” Call of Duty 3” and “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare,” giving Xbox 360 two times more platinum-selling titles than the Wii and a 16:2 lead over the PlayStation 3 in game titles topping one million in sales. Games not only sell better on the Xbox 360, they play better, too: Xbox 360 has 91 titles with a Metacritic review score of 80 or higher, compared with just 22 titles for Wii and 50 titles for PlayStation 3.
Deco Online goes Open Beta
Take a Glimpse at the New MMORPG’s Unique Combat System
SAN JOSE, Calif. – May 14, 2008
Joymax, an independent developer and publisher of interactive entertainment for the global market, announced today that the open beta for Deco Online, the new free-to-play casual massively multiplayer online role-playing game, has begun. After a highly successful closed beta phase, Deco Online is now available to any adventurer who wants to jump into the fantasy world of Millena and Rain, two warring nations that pit steel against sorcery. Players are invited to log in and become an expert in swordsmanship, archery or wizardry while mastering the engaging combo attack system to defend their nation from monsters and invaders.
Deco Online features include:
• Vibrant 3D graphics
• Hundreds of skills and exciting quests
• Two distinct races and a unique character advancement system
• Combo attacks that that emphasizes player skill more than traditional MMORPG combat systems
• Step-by-step NPC tutorials and guides to help players get into the game right away
• Character attire customization options
• A huge and varied selection of armor, shield, weapon, gear, and accessory types
About Deco Online
Deco Online is a 3D, massively multiplayer online role-playing game that puts players of all ages deep into the fantastic story of two warring nations. As a legendary swordsman, a fierce archer, or a master of wizardry, players will constantly be challenged by the opposing nation and by monsters that lurk around every corner. Deco Online is free-to-play and offers a combo system with hundreds of potential skills, combining both arcade and classic MMORPG gameplay.
More information about Deco Online is available at http://www.joymax.com/deco/
Foreign Game Video Site, in English too
Berlin, Germany – May 14, 2008
OnlineWelten, one of the largest online communities for interactive entertainment, announced today the launch of its gaming-focused video portal myGamersVideos.
Fans of virtual worlds, machinima and other video content inspired by games can now share their favorite videos (up to 500MB in size) with the community in just a few easy steps. In addition, users can create and join ‘Personal Groups’ devoted to specific topics, such as trailers or in-game scenes from certain popular titles. By simply creating a group and inviting their friends, gamers can share their favorite videos in minutes.
myGamersVideos is the logical extension of myGamersCam, OnlineWelten’s highly successful in-game recording tool. The tool’s next update will even allow enthusiasts to upload files directly onto myGamersVideos, in addition to the current uploading tool.
The video portal will also offer channels from popular game publishers and developers, where companies including NCSoft and Frogster Interactive Pictures will offer new video content from their current and upcoming games.
NCSoft’s German community coordinator, Jörg Koonen, said that he expects “the platform will be a great success due to the easy and clear layout and its good functionality.”
All clans, guilds and other gaming communities are encouraged to create their own groups and upload videos. In addition, gaming websites are invited to apply for personal channels to publish their own video content.
Additional information about the new video community can be found at www.myGamersVideos.com.
