Archive for May 16th, 2008|Daily archive page
My Baby Boy/Girl assessory kit announced
Leave a CommentFor the release of “My Baby Boy©” and “My Baby Girl©” on Nintendo DS in June 2008, Subsonic has created a “My Baby kit” for a total immersion into the so cute and sweet “My Baby©” world.
Your Nintendo DS lite deserves a little bit of tenderness too!
AVAILABLE IN JUNE 2008
The Baby Kit is available in 2 versions: Pink or blue.
Content:
• Storage case for Nintendo DS™ Lite with pockets for DS™ games and accessories
• Wrist –strap
• Anti-dust slot protections
• Battery charger for DS™ Lite
• Stereo earphones
• Storage case for 6 DS™ games
• Transparent stylus
• Finger stylus
• Microfiber cleaning cloth
• High-quality screen protector, air-bubble free
“My Baby Boy©” or “My Baby Girl©”
Choose the one you want to make the first step with!
Sudden Strike 3 news
Leave a Comment16, May 2008 – Leading video game developer and publisher, Fireglow Games™, today announces a new realistic damage model for Sudden Strike3:Arms for Victory. We have also checked and corrected units’ characteristics such as tower rotation speed, rate of fire, number of crew and ammunition. They are more correct from the historical point of view now.
The trailer showing a new realistic damage model for Sudden Strike 3 Arms for Victory is now available for download here:
http://static2.suddenstrike.com/SS3_Damage_Model.avi
http://static4.suddenstrike.com/SS3_Damage_Model.avi
With release of the addon, damage model in Sudden Strike 3 Arms for Victory will take into account the following factors:
Object durability (wood, stone, concrete):
Based on visual appearance of an object, (the material which it was built from), we can estimate overall toughness of the object. Concrete is the strongest material of the game. To destroy concrete bunker a howitzer of large caliber is required. After brick and stone buildings go, then wooden constructions. Wooden buildings can be destroyed by the microcaliber artillery and flame throwers.
Armor slope:
We have collected historical data about all armored forces. Not only armor thickness is taken into account, but also armor slope. When hit in the armored part of object at a high angle, the bigger power of shell is required to break it. Sometimes, shells with insufficient power simply ricochet, and do not damage the object at all.
Types of shells:
The following types of shells are implemented in the game: armor-piercing, subcalibre, high-explosive, cumulative and incendiary. All shells have historical characteristics depending on the weapon firing , and have a penetration ability corresponding to values taken from the penetration tables.
The armor penetration and damage of internal object’s structures:
If an armor piercing or subcalibre shell breaks through armor, it has a chance to destroy internal structure of the object in the point of the hit. For example, if a shell hits a thread, tank will be immobilized. Hits to the tower inflict damage to the tank’s crew. Another example are the flamethrowers. They virtually couldn’t damage a tank, but hitting an SPG or tank with open gun turret, destroys it’s crew with ease.
About Sudden Strike 3: Arms for Victory:
Sudden Strike 3: Arms for Victory is the latest instalment in the award-winning, critically acclaimed and hugely popular Sudden Strike series. It features historically authentic models built to scale, fully interactive giant maps and full 3-D state-of-the-art graphics in the popular Sudden Strike style. Only Sudden Strike plays like the ‘real thing’. WW2 gaming at its best: on land, at sea and in the air!
Features:
• Fully interactive landscape (all objects can be destroyed, all buildings and pillboxes can be used as shelter)
• Massive operations on big maps, strategic scale of the maps (front line can be a few kilometres long)
• Thousands of units fighting in real time
• More than 300 tanks, ships, soldiers, guns and planes with original weapons built to scale
• Great sounds, 5.1 supported, nations speak native languages
• New feature – advanced Micro AI-behaviour allows your troops to act exactly as you plan
• Joint naval and ground operations, air raids, artillery strikes etc.
• State-of-the-art technology to render 3D landscape, realistic lines of sight and fire
• Spectacular visual & lighting effects
• Multiplayer mode: up to 8 players, GameSpy® supported
• Five campaigns playable for American, British, German, Japanese and Soviet sides
Georgia to give tax break to video game developers
Leave a CommentGovernor Perdue signs bill designed to attract more movie, TV and videogame productions to state
ATLANTA– Governor Sonny Perdue today signed into law the 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act (HB 1100), new legislation designed to encourage entertainment industry productions in Georgia. The signing ceremony took place at the studios of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), where the Governor was joined by Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of TBS, Inc., and over 100 attendees including legislators, industry leaders and members of the entertainment industry.
“We know that our excellent talent base and outstanding locations make Georgia a very desirable place to film,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “This legislation puts in place the economic cornerstone that will encourage producers to convert that desire into action.”
The 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act reinforces and strengthens Georgia’s position within the entertainment industry. The new, more competitive incentives replace those currently in use by offering a 20 percent tax credit for qualified productions, which are then eligible for an additional 10 percent tax credit if they include an animated Georgia promotional logo within the finished product.
The incentives apply not only to qualified films, TV series, commercials and music videos, but also to video game productions. The economic impact of all these entertainment segments in Georgia was $413 million in 2007.
“We’re proud of this legislation; alot of the credit goes to Governor Perdue for setting up the film commission,” said Rep. Butch Parrish, a sponsor of the legislation. “I think this bill will jump start the Georgia film industry.”
“This new incentive allows Georgia to once again compete for an industry we used to be famous for,” said Sen. Mitch Seabaugh. “It will be a catalyst that will spur immediate economic investment and create jobs. Georgia will once again be on center stage where it belongs.”
“The new incentives will put Georgia among the top five states in the U.S. in terms of financial competitiveness for entertainment projects,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). “We expect to see an increase in the number of industry jobs and overall economic impact for the state in the coming years.”
The state has seen success in the past with competitive incentives. The 2005 Entertainment Industry Investment Act (HB 539), signed by Governor Perdue in 2005, led to a record-setting economic impact in 2006 when film, television and video game companies contributed $475 million to Georgia’s economy, up from $124 million in 2004. The total economic impact of entertainment productions from 2005 through 2007 has been over $1.17 billion, due in large part to Georgia’s entertainment incentives. Since then, however, film activity in the state has decreased as other states, regions and nations boosted their competitive packages.
“The 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act (HB 1100) will return Georgia to its rightful place of prominence in all major entertainment industry segments,” stated Bill Thompson, deputy commissioner of the Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office, a division of GDEcD. “We expect a significant increase in film and television projects, and Georgia will be the most competitive state in the country for video game productions.
Georgia is one of the few states whose entertainment incentives support the video game industry.”
Governor Perdue was joined at the event by Sen.Greg Goggans, who carried the legislation in the Senate, Rep. Ron Stephens, and Rep. Rich Golick.
“House Bill 1100 is a key piece to the puzzle in sustaining Georgia’s entertainment industry for the long haul,” said Ric Reitz, an actor and producer from Atlanta. “It will provide many new jobs for Georgians, improve the state’s entertainment infrastructure, and grow Georgia’s indigenous companies.”
The Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office, formerly known as the Film, Video and Music Office, conducts extensive business development, sales, marketing and promotional activities in order to attract entertainment projects and businesses to the state. The office also assists the local, national and international entertainment industries with information, expertise and resources. The staff points movie production companies to Georgia’s highly-trained crews, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse locations. Georgia’s temperate climate and easy access afforded by Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are also factors that attract the industry’s interest.
Georgia has been investing in the entertainment industry for over 35 years. Since the inception of the Georgia Film Commission in 1973, more than 575 major motion pictures, independent films, television series and pilots, and TV movies have filmed on location in the state. As a result, over $5 billion has been generated for the state’s economy. Georgia’s music industry continues to thrive with an economic impact of $1.97 billion in 2007. Movies were first produced in Georgia as early as 1912, and have continued without interruption during every decade since then.
Videogamer.com transforms into Haze launch portal
Hertfordshire, England, May 16 2008: VideoGamer.com has today published a Launch Zone dedicated to Haze™, the PlayStation 3 exclusive FPS from Ubisoft and Free Radical Design. The Launch Zone is the first of its kind in the UK, compiling all text and video coverage of the game on VideoGamer.com into a single portal, complete with a countdown clock to launch. Gamers will also be able to enter a competition to win their copy of the game, out on May 23rd.
The Launch Zone represents the first stage of the online campaign on VideoGamer.com, to be followed by a Homepage Takeover Skin, video pre-roll, and PS3 Channel Takeover next week.
The online campaign was co-ordinated between Pro-G Media, publisher of VideoGamer.com, and media planning agency Maxus.
“We’re committed to offering game publishers new and unique opportunities to market their products online in ways that really capture the audience, in addition to our foundation offerings,” said Adam McCann, Operations Director at Pro-G Media. “’Media first’ campaigns such as this Launch Zone are prime examples of how this can be done.”
Matthew Waghorn, Senior Planner at Maxus Added “Audience engagement is a fundamental of any plan, and to do so with gamers on their own turf is notoriously difficult. We found working with VideoGamer.com not only allowed us access to a great gamer community, but enabled us to implement in a unique and genuinely engaging way”.
The launch zone can be found here: http://www.videogamer.com/features/launch_zones/12-05-2008-404.html
Hasbro Family Game Night announced
With the HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT digital experience, families can enjoy familiar classic Hasbro board games or throw in a fun spin with new versions like CONNECT FOUR Power Chips, BOGGLE Portal Cubes, Reverse YAHTZEE and BATTLESHIP Barrage – which add fresh dimensions and challenges to these legendary favorites. Play with up to four people in YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, SORRY! and SORRY! Sliders or up to two players in CONNECT FOUR and BATTLESHIP.
Players can deck out their very own distinctive digital game room in HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT by choosing a setting and adding earned trophies, cool furniture and decorations all themed to their favorite games. Not only can players customize where they play, but also how they play. HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT features a party mode that gives players the option to build a custom party game by choosing their desired game(s), number of players and setting a time limit. Party mode mini-game challenges include Match the Pattern, Shake for Words and Bomb Run.
“We’re giving families a new way to bond and play together,” said Chip Lange, Vice President and General Manager of EA’s Casual Entertainment Label. “HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT offers parents and their children a digital party experience full of classic brands they know and love. Between original and new rule settings, an easy-to-play party mode and a customizable game room feature, the variety and choice promise hours of fun family play.”
“HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT is designed to bring family and friends of all ages together in the digital living room for an evening of ‘anything goes’ fun,” said Mark Blecher, General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro. “Hasbro has been providing families with the best in game play for decades, and now they can enjoy some of our most beloved brands with an all-new digital twist.”
The Protector facts and press release
Toruń, Poland (16th May, 2008) - Newly formed Polish developer Gingerbread Studios today announced The Protector, a thrilling PC and Xbox 360 first/third person shooter featuring visceral action, tense, tactical stealth and an enthralling storyline.
The Protector centres on the exploits of two vastly different characters – hardened British mercenary Jonathan Kane and beautiful US archaeologist Jennifer Guile. After an acrimonious two-year estrangement, these two former lovers are reunited when Jennifer’s father – a leading archaeologist – is murdered by a new terrorist organisation called Scarlet Vengeance, which is looking for a powerful Aztec artefact to use for a devastating terrorist attack. When Scarlet Vengeance’s attentions turn to Jennifer – the only person who knows the location of the artefact – Kane is forced to track her down and protect her. Thrown together in extreme circumstances, the duo must overcome their differences and use their unique skills to thwart the terrorists’ horrifying plan.
‘Gingerbread Studios has taken the theme of South American mythology and masterfully injected it into a contemporary setting that reflects the escalating threat of global terrorism within the modern day world,’ said James Cato, CEO of Gingerbread Studios. ‘The Protector’s two distinct playable characters and eclectic mix of action and stealth make it highly unique, while its branching, thrilling plot promises to keep gamers captivated till the end credits roll.’
Features:
- Play as both Jonathan Kane – a hardened British mercenary and former MI6 agent trained in counter-terrorist tactics – and Jennifer Guile – a beautiful and wily US archaeologist.
- Two distinct gameplay modes – searing, tactical shooting action (Kane) and tense, stealth sections (Jennifer).
- Use your environment to hide and take cover. Enter into third-person mode when in cover to acquire a better overview of your surroundings. Lean out from behind cover to engage your enemies with minimal exposure. Blind fire around corners when severely pinned down.
- Superb world physics where objects are splintered, shattered and sent flying by barrages of bullets and explosions, creating massively believable battlefields. The player can even shoot enemies – and be shot – through thin walls, adding a further tactical element.
- Enemies intelligently seek out and utilise cover – just like you.
- Disarm enemies by shooting the weapons from their hands, leaving the enemies vulnerable. Once an enemy has been disarmed, they must either reach for a sidearm or run for cover – both of which take time.
- Enemy AI uses lifelike line of sight and hearing to determine your whereabouts. Enemies are more vulnerable in darker areas, while their lifelike reactions to sight and sound also provide the perfect environment for stealth-based gameplay.
- Fully interactive world, populated by civilians, commuters, students and workers who intelligently react to their surroundings and situations.
- Wide range of enemy types, ranging from elite terrorist forces to mythical Aztec creatures.
- Intriguing plot featuring two very different endings, depending on your choices.
- Challenging puzzles and mini games.
MMO Board Game, Richman enters Closed Beta stage
California, U.S.A. (May 15, 2008) – Aeria Games is proud to announce the closed beta of one of its newest titles, Richman Online, a massive multiplayer online board game that allows players to become property tycoons.
Richman is a combination of some of the most popular board games where players can engage in purchasing property and even buy and trade stock in a constantly-changing stock market.
In the world of Richman, players have the ability to:
- Buy property and construct all kinds of businesses to force your opponents into spending money… and making you rich!
- Use a wide variety of cards to turn the situation to your favor! Wield missiles and land mines, influence the stock market or swap properties with other players!
- Travel on foot, on scooter, or by car, each granting you a different number of dice to speed across the board.
- Gain the favor of benevolent spirits to multiply your cash, and push the spirits of poverty onto your opponents!
- Set the length of your games and your turns – play as slow or as fast as you’d like!
- Enjoy custom outfits, dice, pets and visual effects purchasable with Aeria Points!
- If you need to run a quick errand, you can turn on the Trusteeship System to play for you for a while.
- Play on a wide variety of maps, each with unique layouts catering to large and small games.
- Play in three different modes: Regular Play, Competitive Play and Boss Battle!
For more information on Richman Online, please visit the official website: http://richman.aeriagames.com
Fading Shadows for PSP
Navigate Your Way Through The Mysterious Darkness Searching For The Castle Of Heaven In This New Puzzle Adventure Game
SUNNYVALE, CA – May 15, 2008 – Agetec, Inc. is pleased to announce the upcoming “Fading Shadows” for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Featuring 50 exciting levels, this game will be sure to mystify and awe players. Fading Shadows is scheduled to be released early summer 2008.
In Fading Shadows, evil is never very far away. Aira and her brother, Erywn, were living peacefully on the joyful side of the world when the villainous Master Gardal captured Erwyn. Gardal plans on overthrowing the famed Castle of Heaven – which is the supreme fortress built to protect the world from forces of darkness. According to an ancient prophecy, in order for Gardal to breach the castle gates, a sacrifice of a pure and untainted soul, Erwyn’s, must be made. While sitting in the dungeon and awaiting his execution, Aira seals her brother’s soul inside a single teardrop and transforms the teardrop into a protective orb. Now, to save her brother, she must safely guide the orb back to the Castle of Heaven using a magical beam of light.
“We’re very happy to be publishing this game as we think many people will be fascinated by the story,” says Agetec’s producer Mark Johnson. “It’s an incredible, one-of-a-kind game that features an intriguing story, brain teasing puzzles, and unique gameplay. Puzzle fans will not be disappointed.”
Fading Shadows has the player take control of a beam of light in order to lead an orb through dungeons, swamps, mountains, and around rivers – all while avoiding traps and solving increasingly difficult puzzles! Players will also need to keep up with their surroundings as they occasionally transform the orb’s state to either glass, metal, or wood. Players must do whatever it takes to save Aira’s brother from his cruel fate and return him home.
For more information check out www.agetec.com
LA Games Conference news and scheduled appearances
Top Executives from EA, Disney, YouTube, Microsoft, Sony, G4, Spike TV, MTV, Nokia, Endemol, Qualcomm, Paramount, Vivendi Games, NBC Universal, I-play, DirecTV, Turbine, Playboy, RealNetworks, GSN, Playfirst and Glu Mobile to Converge for Annual “Insiders” Event
Los Angeles, CA (May 13, 2008) – Digital Media Wire today announced its agenda and list of confirmed speakers for LA Games Conference (http://www.lagamesconference.com/) to be held in Los Angeles on Wednesday & Thursday, May 21-22, 2008, at Hollywood’s Roosevelt Hotel.
This 2-day event brings together the leading game publishers, developers, carriers, portals, technology companies, advertising execs, venture capitalists, lawyers and analysts, to discuss the future of games and social media. Considered the “top event” for industry insiders, senior executives attend valuable sessions on online, mobile and casual games, covering consumer, investment, and advertising trends & other hot topics, network and do deals.
“Since last year’s highly successful event with over 400 participants, we’ve had an ongoing dialogue with our amazing group of advisory board members about how to build on our success and make the event even bigger and better this year,” said Ned Sherman, the Event Chair and CEO/Publisher of Digital Media Wire. “This year’s event will focus on “The Future of Connected Games & Entertainment” — a theme that reflects much of the innovation and mindset in the industry and provides a great platform to involve companies and participants from a broad range of areas — from game publishers and developers to technology innovators to online and mobile entertainment platforms such as communities, social networks, user-generated content platforms and virtual worlds.” Plenty of new ideas are sure to come of this “must attend” two-day event that brings together the industry’s best of the best for two eventful days of high level discussions, networking and fun focused around the future of connected entertainment.
The conference covers the rapidly evolving landscape of online, casual and mobile games, the future of the consoles and the digital home and the growing relationship between the game industry, Hollywood, social networks and advertisers. Panels and roundtable discussions include:
• Battle for the Digital Home
Is the Console the Entertainment Hub of the Future or Fighting to Stay Alive?
• How to Win the Social Game
Harnessing the Power of Online Communities & Social Networks
• Casual Games
What’s Next Now that Everyone’s Involved?
• Killer Games
What Does it Take to Make a Successful Game?
• Connected!
Innovations Driving the Future of Connected Games & Entertainment
• Mobile Games
Challenges & Opportunities to Create a Mass Market Phenomenon
• Advertising & Games
The Challenges & Opportunities for Brands & Games
• Hollywood & Games
Is Hollywood Killing the Game Industry?
Attendees are over 300+ decision-makers from technology companies, wireless companies, industry bodies, gaming companies, advertising firms, attorneys, marketing companies, research companies and payment companies.
Speakers include:
Chris Early, General Manager, Microsoft’s Games for Windows
Brent Hurley, Strategic Partner Development, YouTube
Kay Gruenwoldt, Head of Industry Marketing, Nokia
Mark Donovan, CMO & Senior Analyst, M:Metrics
Andrew Wallenstein, Deputy Editor, The Hollywood Reporter
Geoff Keighley, Host, Spike TV’s GTTV
John Welch, President & CEO, Playfirst
Mike Goslin, VP, Disney Online Studios
Lars Butler, CEO & Founder, Trion World Network
Mike Yuen, Sr. Director, Gaming Group, QUALCOMM Internet Services
Sandi Isaacs, SVP, Interactive & Mobile, Paramount Digital Entertainment
Eric Lavanchy, Director, Gaming, Endemol USA
Kate Connally, VP, AddictingGames, MTV Networks
Jill Braff, SVP, Worldwide Marketing & GM, Americas, Glu Mobile
Erica Chriss, VP of Strategy & Business Development, Greystripe
Ned Sherman, CEO & Publisher, Digital Media Wire
Spencer Hunt, VP, Game Production & Digital Product Development, Sony Pictures Television Int’l
Rob Uhrich, Senior Director, Digital Markets, PaymentOne
Julie Shumaker, SVP, Sales & Marketing, Double Fusion
Emmi Kuusikko, Director, User & Market Insight, Sulake Corporation
Teemu Huuhtanen, President, N.A., Sulake Inc.
Eric Goldberg, Managing Director, Crossover Technologies
Craig Sherman, CEO, Gaia Online
Matthew Bellows, VP of Consumer Strategy, Vivox
Barry Schaffer, President, Promotional Currency
Gabe Zichermann, CEO, rmbr.com / Advisor & Editorial Freak, Gamezebo
Craig Alexander, VP, Product Development, Turbine
Margaret Wallace, CEO & Co-Founder, Rebel Monkey
Scott Steinberg, Managing Director, Embassy Multimedia Consultants
Mike Vorhaus, Managing Director, Frank N. Magid Associates
Catherine Herdlick, Director, Game Production, GameLab
Peter Blacklow, President, Worldwinner.com
Steven Roberts, VP & GM, Games & Strategic Initiatives, DirecTV
Bill Kispert, VP, Interactive, NBC Universal
Mike Breslin, VP, Global Marketing, I-play
Russ Eisenmann, SVP, Marketing, Hands-on Mobile
Andy Reif, Commissioner & CEO, Championship Gaming Series
Cindy Cook, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Vivendi Games
Keith Boesky, Principal, Boesky & Company
Josh Krane, SVP of Interactive & New Media, G4
Keith Kane, SVP, Ad Sales, Giant Realm
Ranah Edelin, VP, Electronic Arts
Daniel Offner, Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP
Robert Norton, VP, Business Development, King.com
Chris Lang, SVP, Research Strategies, SmithGeiger LLC
Stephen Jackson, CEO, Smashing Ideas
Matt Turetzky, VP, Non-PC Games, RealNetworks, Inc.
Dave Madden, EVP, Sales, Marketing & Bus. Development, WildTangent
Chris Petrovic, VP, Digital Media, Playboy Media Group
Jason Rubinstein, Senior Director, Entertainment, Mobile Devices, Motorola
Event sponsors and media partners include Nixon Peabody, LLP, Habbo, Sulake, PaymentOne, Promotional Currency, IGDA, Mary Margaret, Redline China, Pearl Research, South by Southwest Interactive, Casual Games Association, UCLA Anderson School of Management, Billboard Publicity Wire, Experiential Marketing Forum, DFC Intelligence, New York – Tokyo, and NVPR.
For complete agenda, registration and event details please visit: http://www.lagamesconference.com/.
In addition to LA Games Conference, Digital Media Wire will also host the 5th Annual Digital Media Conference in Washington, DC on June 26, which it produces in tandem with Potomac Tech Wire. Other prominent Digital Media Wire events include Digital Music Forum East & West, Future of Television East & West, Future of Film, Mobile Games Insider and The Millennials.
NHL 2K9 News
Visual Concepts to bring the fun and excitement back to hockey video games
New York, NY – May 15, 2008 – Millions of hockey fans continue to enjoy intense Stanley Cup Playoffs action, but it’s never too early to start looking forward to next year’s NHL season. 2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced that three-time NHL All-Star and captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Rick Nash, will be featured as the cover athlete and spokesman for this year’s highly anticipated hockey video game, NHL 2K9. Visual Concepts has taken over the development duties for NHL 2K9 and are building a brand new experience from the ground up with the ultimate goal of creating an addictively fun sport simulation of the NHL that will be available this fall.
“I’ve been a longtime fan of the hockey games from 2K Sports. My idols have all been on the covers of video games as I was growing up, so to be on the cover of NHL 2K9 myself is truly incredible,” said Nash, who scored an impressive three goals in the 2008 NHL All-Star Game. “The set of new features they’re adding is really going to make this game special for hockey fans – I’m hoping they give me a couple extra points to my player rating this year!”
Nash was selected first overall in the 2002 NHL Draft and is one of the most exciting and dynamic young players in the NHL. In only his second season, at the age of 19, Nash became the youngest player in NHL history to win the “Rocket” Richard Trophy by co-leading the League with 41 goals scored. Now an established superstar in the NHL, Nash was also a member of Team Canada at the 2006 Olympics, and was named MVP of the 2007 World Championships. His deep level of involvement and work with Visual Concepts, alongside his background as an experienced gamer, provides an invaluable contribution and influence to the overall development process for creating the most fun hockey experience available.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Rick Nash be part of the 2K Sports family,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “Nash is one of the marquee names in the NHL today. He is a true gamer and there is no player more fitting to represent NHL 2K9 as we bring high quality fun to hockey video games for another year.”
NHL 2K9 is being developed by Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio, and is not yet rated by the ESRB. NHL 2K9 will be available this fall for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com.
Dreamcade Vision 29 Arcade available now
Huge 29″ CRT arcade monitor, makes this the largest upright home arcade available. Also features more than 200 Games and an optional arcade Light Gun with shooter game pack.
Sacramento, CA May 15, 2008 - Dream Arcades (http://www.DreamArcades.com), announces the launch of its Dreamcade® Vision 29, featuring more than 200 games and the largest CRT monitor of any upright home arcade cabinet. The Vision 29 is available now at the introductory price of $2,499 and will be available for a limited time only. Father’s Day gift orders must be submitted by May 29th to ensure delivery.
The optional Arcade Light Gun and game pack, including House of the Dead III, Cheyenne, Crossbow, Crackshot, Clay Pigeon, Combat, Hit and Miss, Showdown, Who Dunit, Yukon and 21 other classic arcade games for $159.
“We had many customers ask for a large screen arcade, but did not want to pay the four to five thousand dollars that other arcade companies charge for similar arcade machines,” says Michael Ware, founder of Dream Arcades, “We listened and built the Vision 29 for about half the price.”
In addition to the 29″ CRT arcade monitor, the Vision 29 also offers other features that make it the center of your home game room experience, including an integrated MP3 jukebox, and the ability to play console arcade games such as Guitar Hero and Wii Play.
Dream Arcades sells classic arcades that come ready to play all your favorite arcade games you remember as a kid. Over 200 licensed titles are available like Pac-Man, Centipede, Galaga and more. Arcades start at only $999 and are available with screens sizes ranging from 19 inches to 10 feet.
PBA Bowling announced for mobile platforms
May 15, 2008 – Concrete Software®, Inc., a leader in innovative mobile content, announced today that it has signed a worldwide agreement with the Professional Bowlers Association® (PBA) to produce and distribute a mobile bowling game under the PBA brand. PBA Bowling™ will be released in June 2008 worldwide just in time for the PBA Team Shootout Hosted by Six Flags which will be aired on ESPN.
PBA Bowling will be built with cutting edge technology including 3D graphics and mobile motion technology (the option to use real motion with the mobile handset to roll the bowling ball). Motion technology utilizes your mobile device’s camera to detect movements and emulates a real throw, similar to the Wii remote. The game will also include 11 of the top PBA bowlers including today’s top stars like Norm Duke, Pete Weber and Tommy Jones.
“We are very pleased to be teaming up with Concrete Software to produce the first PBA video game of its kind,” PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer said. “This is a great opportunity to showcase not only the game of bowling and the PBA but to also have some of the superstars of the PBA featured so that fans across the world can put themselves on the lanes with PDW, Sean Rash and others.”
“Bowling games have always done well in the mobile market which makes it very exciting to be working with the premier brand in bowling” said Keith Pichelman, CEO of Concrete Software. “It’s exciting to be able to combine our knowledge of building games and the PBA’s long history of bowling.”
Disney lanuches DGamer Community / Prince Caspian announced
Brand new online network enables Disney gamers and Narnia fans to communicate via Nintendo DS and online
Prince Caspian game to be available on multiple video game platforms
BURBANK, Calif. – (May 15, 2008) – Disney Interactive Studios today announced the availability of DGamer in North America for Nintendo DS™ users in conjunction with the launch of the Nintendo DS version of Disney/Walden Media’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. DGamer from Disney is the first-of-its-kind online community developed exclusively for Disney video gamers. Players can now use their Nintendo DS handhelds to interact with each other while on the go via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and online through the DGamer Web site (www.DGamer.com). The integrated service is scheduled to be included at no additional cost on subsequent Nintendo DS titles from Disney. DGamer is also scheduled to be available in other international regions by 2009.
“DGamer was built around the vision to connect Disney video game fans in a secure, fun environment and it is truly the first integrated online community of its kind to do so on multiple platforms,” said Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager for Disney Interactive Studios. “We recognize the importance of delivering unique experiences to our consumers and how crucial it is for parents to feel confident that the community is secure for their kids.
DGamer, which leverages the community technology of Disney.com, allows players to log into their DS and online accounts to create and customize a unique 3-D avatar and persistent profile. A wide variety of outfits, hats, eyewear and accessories are available to choose from, including special Disney-themed costumes, such as Buzz Lightyear, Tinker Bell and familiar Disney theme park mouse ears. Kids can chat, view user profiles of their DGamer friends, and post high scores to leaderboards. In addition, players earn “honors” which represent what players have been rewarded when completing in-game missions. Honors can also trigger unlockables such as special gear for player’s avatars, all of which transfer automatically between the DGamer Web site and the DGamer feature in DS games from Disney when users log in. For example, when playing The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, players can unlock Prince Caspian character costumes that can be worn by their DGamer avatar. Certain “honors” also unlock exclusive content in Nintendo DS games from Disney and within the DGamer channel online.
Parents are also encouraged to play an active role in the DGamer community. By accessing parental controls at www.dgamer.com, they can specify the level of interactivity that kids have online and feel confident that their child’s experience is age appropriate. For example, parents can choose between three chat levels for their kids’ use by utilizing the familiar security features and infrastructure at Disney.com, which hosts the DGamer site. Kids can either communicate using a predetermined list of words and phrases called “Speed Chat,” through modified free-form typing that blocks inappropriate language or suggestive phrases called “Speed Chat Plus,” or via “Open Chat” which requires an exchange of a True Friend Code outside of the DGamer system. Disney.com employs several safety features to ensure all chat communication is moderated for safety.
Fall Line Studio, the Nintendo platform-dedicated development studio of Disney Interactive Studios, developed both DGamer and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is an action/role-playing adventure game that takes players through Narnia and beyond the events of the much-anticipated second film, which is set to open in theaters across North America tomorrow.
“The Chronicles of Narnia franchise has such a massive following that it made this the perfect game to launch DGamer on because it keeps fans connected like never before,” said Hopper. “Through the DGamer functionality, fans can chat, share honors, and engage in a truly unique
and different experience that immerses them in the world of Narnia in only a way that Disney can deliver.”
In addition to Nintendo DS, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ home video game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Windows-based PC. The console and Windows-based PC versions of the game were developed by Traveller’s Tales and take players on a fast-paced action/adventure that features 20 playable characters and combat, exploration and puzzle solving that extends beyond the film. The console versions also include two live action scenes that were created exclusively for the video game and accompany 16 scenes taken from the film.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS has an Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of E10+ for Everyone 10 years and older and is now available for $29.99. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for consoles and Windows-based PC is rated T for Teen and will be available for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Wii for $49.99; and the PLAYSTATION 2 system and Windows-based PC for $29.99.
For more information about DGamer, log on to www.dgamer.com. For more information about The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game, log on to www.princecaspianthegame.com.
Golf Superstars 2008 launched
You don’t have to be a pro at golf in order to enjoy this game!
Los Angeles, California—May 15, 2008-GAMEVIL USA, the LA-based mobile games publisher, announced today the launch of Golf Superstars 2008, a new casual golf game that will challenge your golf prowess with unique themed tournaments and real golf rules.
Golf Superstars 2008 immediately appeals to a wide audience with its user-friendly controls and game play. Users select from a list of players, each with personal strengths, and customize them with special items they unlock throughout various tournaments. Like real golf, there will be obstacles that players must look out for, such as water hazards and trees or cactuses that stand in the way. Unlike most golf games that seem to only aim at hardcore golf fans, Golf Superstars 2008 attracts players of all ages with its fun and easy to learn game play, sharp and colorful graphics, and realistic golf shots and techniques.
“Golf Superstars 2008 maintains a good balance of challenging and casual game play, with tournaments that test out ones golf prowess and easy controls to ease beginners into the game,” said Stephanie Huang, Marketing Manager of GAMEVIL USA, Inc. “The game is very addicting, and users will find it very original and enjoyable without feeling the pressure of having to know the sport well in order to play the game.”
Shane Hensley to head Superstition Studios
Creator of Deadlands Leading Development of New MMORPG
MESA, Ariz. – May 15, 2008 – Shane Lacy Hensley, the senior writer behind the successful City of Villains MMORPG and creator of top pen and paper RPGs like Deadlands, Weird Wars, and Savage Worlds, has been named studio head of FireSky’s Superstition Studios. Prior to the promotion, Mr. Hensley was the creative director of Superstition Studios.
“Over the last 9 months, Shane has built Superstition Studios through the hiring of a small team of very talented individuals,” said FireSky Senior Vice President of Product Development Rod Nakamoto. “The creative minds in that studio have already surpassed our expectations in their early work. With Shane’s leadership, success is a given for Superstition Studios.”
Prior to joining Superstition Studios, Mr. Hensley’s most recent work was on the award-winning City of Heroes and City of Villains MMO. His tabletop work includes several novels, miniatures games, and card games, as well as the Army of Darkness RPG, the Killer Instinct collectible card game, the Fields of Honor miniatures game, and his own Weird Wars RPG. He has won numerous awards in game design including Best RPG for Deadlands and for Savage Worlds.
Superstition Studios hasn’t announced Mr. Hensley’s next project publicly, but he has assured his fans that they will be very excited to see what’s coming next. All games developed by Superstition Studios are expected to be published by FireSky
“FireSky and Superstition Studios have given me the creative freedom to build the game I’ve been dreaming of since I entered the video game industry back in 1992,” said Mr. Hensley. “Everyone on my team is passionate about the title we’re building. Personally, I come to work every day excited about where we are now and where we’re going.”
