Archive for the ‘Convention’ Tag
Dubai Ready to host the first Gaming Expo in the Region
Strong Participation from Nokia
Nokia, the world’s leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile and fixed telecom networks will have a strong presence at the Dubai World Game Expo. Nokia the Platinum Sponsor of the Dubai World Game Summit will showcase its latest innovation in mobile gaming and will present a keynote speech by Kay Gruenwoldt, North American Marketing Manager, Nokia Games Publishing “The Future is Mobile”. On this occasion, Kay Gruenwoldt commented, “We are excited to be providing the keynote at this year’s Dubai World Games Expo, where we will be discussing the rich games experiences developers can create on mobile devices. We will also be providing insights into the types of game innovations we expect to see in the future with the technology that the latest mobile devices can deliver.”
Jay Wilbur, Vice President of Epic Games for the First Time in the Middle East
The Dubai World Game Summit will also host Jay Wilbur. Vice President of Epic Games who will deliver a special presentation on “Mitigating Risks in Game Development Using Middleware,” in tandem with Digital Investments Chief Creative Officer Cyrus Lum.
“Epic will share with Dubai Game World Expo attendees which critical elements must be considered in order to minimize risk and maximize development resources when licensing middleware,” said Jay Wilbur, Vice President of Epic Games. “By collaborating with Cyrus Lum, Chief Creative Officer of Digital Investments, on his personal experiences as an Unreal Engine licensee, we will pull back the curtain on a unique case study that has benefited from streamlining technologies and optimizing specific systems for a range of game genres. This talk will be of value to shops of all sizes.”
Jay Wilbur is the Vice President of Business Development for Epic Games, where he works as part of the Epic Management Team. Previously, Wilbur was the co-owner and business manager of id Software, a highly successful computer game development company. At id, Wilbur managed all of the company’s business activities including developing, implementing and maintaining id’s highly successful direct and retail distribution strategies for such blockbuster titles as Wolfenstein 3D, Spear of Destiny, DOOM, DOOM II, Final DOOM, Quake and all related ancillary software/non-software products.
Cyrus Lum serves as Chief Creative Officer for Digital Investments, a multi-national organization focused on accelerating the growth of developers, publishers, educational institutions and governments in their pursuit of achieving a strong game industry. Cyrus has over 20 years of experience in game production, development and management roles with both publishing and independent development companies, and was most recently Studio Art Director of Midway Studios-Austin, where he helped to grow the company from 50 to over 150 employees.
Top-Class Speakers from the Middle East at Dubai World Game Summit
Middle East’s leading game summit will also host key speakers such as Said Fadi Mujahid, General Manager of Game Power 7, Ahmed Nassef, Group Vice President and General Manager of Maktoob.com, and Nick Bryant, Managing Director of Txt TV FZ LLC – MBC Group.
Game Power 7 announced its active participation in both Dubai World Game Expo and Dubai World Game Summit. Game Power 7 will deliver a special presentation in the Online Game Session (October 28) about its findings and experience in online game publishing, “Challenges of Online Game Publishing in the Middle East”
“Throughout the past year, Game Power 7 has been conducting market research and studies related to online gaming and related publishing business. Game Power 7 will share the knowledge and experience it acquired with the game industry and community”. said Said Fadi Mujahid, General Manager. “The Middle East & North Africa Region is considered an untouched market for online games, and this is due to the absence of local game publishers. Game publishers play two major roles for online gaming: (1) Game localization and culturalization, and (2) online gaming concept promotion and marketing,“ according to Mujahid. The presentation highlights some of the major challenges that the company is dealing with in their new venture.
“Maktoob.com is excited to be participating in the Dubai World Game Summit. Online gaming is poised for huge growth in the Arab world in the coming years, and we’re proud to be leading the way in presenting our audience of over 12 million Arabs from throughout the region with the best in cutting edge world-class gaming.” said Ahmed Nassef, Group VP and GM, Maktoob.com. His unprecedented presentation “Online gaming in the MENA Region” will be in the Media & Game Session on October 29.
“I am delighted to be able to participate in the Media & Game Session during Dubai World Game Summit. As the regions largest media group we have an interest in all media, irrespective of how it is delivered or where it is consumed. We expect to see significant growth in the games market over the coming years as PC and broadband penetration grows and ‘smart phones’ become increasingly popular in our region. The MBC Group will be in the vanguard of this growth.” said Nick Bryant, Managing Director of Txt TV FZ LLC – MBC Group.
Weyak Powered by Etisalat Announced as Platinum Sponsor of Dubai World Game Expo 2008
Weyak powered by Etisalat will showcase its latest online games for Weyak making online game a big part of the Dubai World Game Expo.
“Digital Gaming has become one of the leading sports of the world today, providing a perfect combination of learning and entertainment to the young generation. Etisalat recognizes the significance of this emerging sport and is increasingly looking forward to be associated with gaming and entertainment through innovative Weyak services. The vibrancy and youthfulness of Weyak brand can be well associated with Dubai World Game Expo.” said Mr. Khalifa Al Shamsi, Vice President Marketing, Consumer and SMB, Etisalat.
“We very much regard Dubai World Game Expo as a key event in the industry calendar and we look forward to showcasing our latest innovations at the show.” added Mr. Shamsi.
In addition to being a Platinum Sponsor of the DWGE, Etisalat will be giving presentations by Mario J. Pino – Senior Manager, Platform Strategy and Management, and Maha Muraish – Manager / Content and Services at Online Game Session and Mobile Game Session during the Dubai World Game Summit alongside multiple panels.
More than 20 countries Participating at the Expo.
The Dubai World Game Expo has attracted companies and game developers from more than 20 countries including the Unites States, Japan, Korea, Canada, China, Jordan and Iran which is unveiling its biggest overseas participation ever at the Dubai World Game Expo. Variety of Iranian game companies will be at DWGE and at least 8 companies already confirmed to be at Iranian Game Pavilion. In addition, Behrouz Minaei-Bidgoli, Managing Director of Computer Game National Institute of Tehran, Iran will deliver a speech “Iranian Game Market” at Game Development Session during the Dubai World Game Summit 2008.
On this Occasion, Anas Almadani, Vice President of INDEX Holding commented, “On behalf of the Organizing Committee we would like to convey our greatest appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority for his patronage and continuous support.”
“The Organizing Committee completed all preparations to host this major international event. The significance of the Dubai World Game Expo is realized through the participation of major international players in the industry such as Nokia, the Platinum Sponsor of the Dubai World Game Summit. We are also very grateful for the participation of Weyak at the Dubai World Game Expo. Etisalat Continues to lead the way as a UAE National company in sponsoring new initiatives and emerging industries.” Said Al Madani
“We are confident that the Dubai World Game Expo will play a major role in shaping the gaming industry in the Middle East. This year’s expo will witness a very high level conference with experts from different parts of the world sharing their experience and know-how in the gaming industry. Key speakers will address important topics about the industry such as Development of new games, and the latest innovations in mobile and internet gaming.” Added Al Madani.
This years event will also witness the first Dubai World Game Championship which has already attracted thousands of gamers from across the region, where competition will take place over four games; Counter Strike, Pro Evolution Soccer, Top Spin Tennis, and Need for Speed. “We will also be witnessing the first UAE National Team to participate at the World Cyber Games in Cologne.” said Anas Al Madani, Vice President of INDEX Holding. The exhibition halls will be open for trade visitors from 10:00 to 4:00pm on 28th and 29th October. For public the exhibition halls are open from 29th and 30th October, 2008.
For More information please visit www.gameexpo.ae/
58,500
58,500
SEATTLE – September 2, 2008 - “Yeah.”
About Penny Arcade Expo: The Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) gaming festival is a three-day celebration of games and gamer culture. The annual convention includes an exhibition floor filled with playable builds of upcoming tabletop, console, and computer games; a conference program of game industry speakers; music concerts; freeplay areas; industry parties; an independent games showcase; game tournaments and more. Since its inception in 2004 the show has nearly doubled in size year-over-year, growing from 4,500 attendees to 58,500 in 2008, making it the largest gaming festival in North America. For more information visit www.pennyarcadeexpo.com.
About Penny Arcade: Equal parts online comic and commentary, Penny Arcade (www.penny-arcade.com) keeps its finger on the pulse of the gaming industry, prompting conversation and controversy alike from community members and industry experts. What started as a hobby in 1998 for Jerry “Tycho” Holkins and Mike “Gabe” Krahulik has grown into an online phenomenon serving 70 million page views a month to millions of readers worldwide. In addition to the comic strip and PAX gaming festival (www.pennyarcadeexpo.com), Penny Arcade has expanded its reach to include a growing line of merchandise, a video game and management of Child’s Play (www.childsplaycharity.org), a gamer-driven charity for children that spans the globe.
holy….
If you don’t know what 58,500 is and dont’ want to read the “about” section, that’s the attendance figure for this year’s PAX 2008. This little expo has grown from 4000 attendees in 2004 to 58,500 this year, and has become big enough that the gaming companies have now followed the comic geeks to this “alternative” to expos. I would like to attend next year, and if the stars align right, I just may be there.
PAX 2008 opens tomorrow, final schedule released
DOORS OPEN FOR PAX 2008 TOMORROW
On-site Registration Still Available!
SEATTLE – August 28, 2008 – The organizers of the fifth annual Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) today sent a reminder that this year’s gaming festival will begin later this week. PAX 2008, to be held Aug. 29-31, is expected to draw over 45,000 gamers, industry professionals and media to the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle for the 3-day gaming festival. Attendee badges may be purchased at the door at $30 for a one-day badge or $60 for all three days of the show.
Highlights of the show include:
FRIDAY
- PAX 2008 Keynote from Ken Levine 4:30-5:30pm
- Penny Arcade Q&A Panel #1 5:30-6:30pm
- “Video Games and Piracy” Panel 7:30-8:30pm
- Music Concert with The OneUps,
Freezepop and Jonathan Coulton 9:00pm-1:00am
SATURDAY
- “Game Criticism and Old Game Journalism” Panel 1:30-2:30pm
- Pitch Your Game Idea 5:30-6:30pm
- Music Concert with Anamanaguchi,
The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets,
MC Frontalot and the Minibosses 9:30pm-1:30am
SUNDAY
- Family Feud: PAX Edition! 11:00am-12:30pm
- The Wil Wheaton Panel 11:30am-12:30pm
- Penny Arcade Q&A Panel #2 12:30-1:30pm
- Omegathon Final Round 5:00-6:00pm
The complete PAX 2008 schedule can be found at http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/PAX_2008_Schedule.pdf.
Crytek’s Cevat Yerli to Give a Keynote on The Future of Gaming Graphics at GC Asia Conference in Singapore
“The technology available today is light years ahead of what was generally available just five years ago,” said Cevat Yerli, CEO & President of Crytek. “Add those advancements to increasing technical expertise as we learn more about graphically creating immersive worlds, and the conditions are right to have graphics play a major role in telling the story of a game.”
“Cevat Yerli and Crytek are not only major names in Germany, but also the global video game market,” said Frank Sliwka, Conference Director of GCAC. “His keynote will be one of the highlights of the conference and I’m confident he’ll inspire the audience to view graphics as an element that is finally capable of telling stories on the level of cinema.”
Games Industry Staying in Leipzig for 2009
Clear “yes” to Leipzig from Gamers
New Record: 203.000 Visitors Flocked to the Leipzig Exhibition Centre
“The GC – Games Convention will be back in Leipzig again in 2009”, as Wolfgang Marzin, CEO at the Leipziger Messe GmbH, has announced on the last day of Europe’s biggest games fair. “The industry and visitors are giving us their clear support to continue with the fair in Leipzig.” He named 19 to 23 August 2009 as the dates for the next GC – Games Convention.
In a representative survey carried out by the Leipzig Institut für Marktforschung, the vast majority from the games industry and of visitors voted to keep the GC – Games Convention at its traditional venue in Leipzig. To the question “Do you think there should be a GC in Leipzig in 2009?”, only ten per cent of exhibitors answered “no”. And out of the 14.600 trade visitors at the GC – Games Convention, only 13.2 per cent responded with “no”. *
Private visitors voted with a clear “yes”, with more than a third of them having travelled over 300 kilometres to be here: 82.1 per cent of them want a GC 2009 in Leipzig. “It’s a clear picture”, is how Messe boss Marzin described the outcome.
City Mayor Promises the Industry his Full Support
Burkhard Jung, mayor of Leipzig City, was pleased with the clear vote of confidence from the industry. “Anyone who has experienced the enthusiastic mood in the exhibition halls over the last seven years knows: this fair belongs in Leipzig.” Jung, who is also chairman of the board at Leipziger Messe GmbH, assured the games industry of his full support for the future. For example, four new hotels with 1,500 beds were to be built and would also be available in future for other trade show events. “The fairs and conferences in Leipzig are becoming increasingly international and attract more and more visitors. We’re pleased with this development. I completely agree with the governor of the Free State of Saxony, Stanislaw Tillich, that we will do everything to help this new cultural sector and the GC – Games Convention to achieve further success.”
The European benchmark fair for interactive entertainment, infotainment, edutainment and hardware was launched in 2002. Alongside the Tokyo Games Show, Leipzig’s GC – Games Convention is the biggest computer and video games fair in the world.
Next Level: GC global
At the same time, CEO Wolfgang Marzin announced that the GC – Games Convention will continue to expand its international portfolio. An off-shoot was started last year in Singapore in the shape of GC Asia, and was an immediate success for the industry. The second GC Asia is being held in four weeks’ time in Singapore from 18 to 20 September.
The GC could be adjusted to suit different markets, said Marzin. “The concept is flexible and the network of the global games industry permits us to be active at different locations. After the Southeast Asian Games Convention, we are now focusing on the North American market.”
New High Score for Europe’s Benchmark Fair: 203.000 Visitors
For the seventh time in succession, the GC – Games Convention ended in Leipzig on Sunday with a visitor record: over the past few days, 203.000 trade visitors and game fans have flocked to the biggest European fair for interactive entertainment, infotainment, edutainment and hardware. The Leipziger Messe saw record attendances from the start of this year’s GC – Games Convention. The number of exhibitors had risen from 503 to 547, the area occupied from 112,500 to 115,000 square metres, and the Games Convention had never been as international as it was this year: 234 companies came to Leipzig from other countries, compared to 189 in 2007.
The GC Business Center also chalked up big increases, having been expanded by a third to 40,000 square metres. Altogether 14.600 trade visitors were counted here (2007: 12,300).
The mood was very good among exhibitors in the GC Business Center: 74 per cent of exhibitors felt their participation was at least as good this year as it was last year. 87 per cent were happy with trade visitor volume in terms of numbers. And a total of 90 per cent stated they had achieved their own objectives.
Survey results in the exhibition halls were even more positive: 92 per cent of the 547 exhibitors said their targets had been achieved well or very well; this corresponds to last year’s level.
Media Reporting in 48 Countries
The international importance of Leipzig’s GC – Games Convention is also reflected in the media response: 3,800 journalists from 48 countries filed their reports from the games industry’s European platform (2007: 3,395 from 46 countries).
Video Games Live: Fantastic Prelude to the Fair
This year’s GC – Games Convention kicked off with a top-quality German premiere. At the Arena Leipzig, Video Games Live, the cult show from the USA, was received with wildly enthusiastic applause. Conducted by Jack Wall, the Video Games Live Symphony Orchestra and a powerfully-voiced choir played the best hits in computer and video game history, such as “Halo”, “Final Fantasy” and “Tomb Raider”. Parallel to the music, game scenes flashed across a giant screen, actors took on the roles of digital characters and the very brave could come on stage to test their skills in competition.
GC Freestyle Popular Among Young Visitors
A large number of young visitors also stayed the night again at the GC Freestyle gamer camp. When the fair closed, they saw out the day in the various chillout areas. On the four days of the GC, the organisers counted more than 4,000 overnight stays at the Leipzig Festwiese near the city centre. A survey showed this option was very welcome, with particular mention of the central location and the affordable prices.
Gaming in the Family
For the sixth time, the special GC family area invited beginners, parents, teachers and educationalists to find out about the wide range of child-appropriate games. The play arena was a first port of call this year. Every quarter of an hour, visitors could play against one another in direct duels or as teams and win attractive prizes. Those wanting a bit more peace and quiet could test out the latest children’s software in one of the five theme-based game zones. The GC family again attracted great interest: 77 per cent of all visitors to the fair were interested in this special section at the GC.
Careers Advice from GC Job & Career
There was particularly strong visitor interest in the new GC Job & Career section. A large number of school and college students and university graduates took the opportunity to find out about study courses in the GC Forum and from the exhibiting universities. On the Friday, the exhibiting companies provided their human resources officers to answer the young gamers’ questions.
The next GC – Games Convention will be from 19 to 23 August 2009 in Leipzig. It will again feature the GC Developers Conference GCDC, scheduled from 17 to 19 August.
*The remaining percentages were abstentions.
Gamers Enter Guinness World Records Gamers Edition 2009 at GC 2008
book with three new world records.
Players were invited to take part in a competition on three Wii™ games on Guinness World Records™: The Videogame. The existing records for melon smashing, sheep shearing and balloon popping were smashed and amazing new scores were set for each game by three show attendees.
The official Guinness World Records™ adjudication team were at the show to officiate the world record attempts. The three new records were set as follows:
- Max Schoenemann, aged 13, from Hoyerswerda – Max took an amazing 13.71 seconds securing the fastest time ever to shear 5 sheep – shaving almost 5 seconds off the previous record breakers score of 18.62!
- Florian Mack, aged 18, from Leipzig – Florian smashed the most melons with his head (60) slamming the previous world record holder’s score of just 40!
- Christian Kurka from Thuringen – Christian secured the fastest time to pop 100 balloons – an incredible 10.48 seconds, deflating the previous score of 13.85 seconds!
A variety of photographs and video footage of the event is available now for download at the following FTP site:
FTP SITE: ftp://system9.warnerbros.com
Username: leipzigWBIE
Password: Vaneku#7
Key facts about Guinness World Records™: The Videogame
PLATFORMS: Nintendo DS™, Wii™
RELEASE DATE: Winter 2008
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: TT Games
PEGI: 3+
USK: EVERYONE
GENRE: Party Game
Bringing record-breaking fun to players everywhere, Guinness World Records: The Videogame will launch on the Nintendo Wii and DS in Winter 2008. Go head to head against your friends and family to be the ultimate world record holder! Compete in 36 different challenges based on real life world records in your quest to become the record breaker. Then post your scores online and see how you rate against other competitors around the world. The game’s quick-fire action challenges can be played solo, in teams, or in competitive multi-player groups. Players are able to compete for the ultimate prize – the chance to be listed in the official Guinness World Records™ book!
FEATURES:
o With 36 different challenges based on real Guinness World Records, the whole family or a group of friends have a shot at becoming a record breaker
o Upload your scores and compare your record breaking skills with other challengers from around the world. Can you become a real world record holder, and if so how long can you keep it..?
o Get listed in the actual Guinness World Records archives by earning the highest worldwide score on any challenge.
o Travel the world to compete in record-breaking feats such as – Fastest Time to Crush Watermelons With Your Head, Fastest Time to Eat a Plane, Fastest Time to Shear Five Sheep, and many more.
o Collect fact cards and record breaking certificates on the campaign to become a world record breaker
o Earn GWR Coins by breaking records and use them to unlock to more events and personalize your character.
Drama at Leipzig! Space Invaders display causing headaches for Taito
London (22nd August, 2008) – TAITO Corporation (TAITO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd., today stated unequivocally that the “Invaders!” installation by Douglas Edric Stanley and displayed at the Games Convention held in Leipzig, Germany was produced entirely without TAITO’s knowledge and that the use of the world-famous Space Invaders® content was wholly unauthorized. The “Space Invaders: Die Jubiläumsshow!” (“Space Invaders: the Anniversary Show”) exhibition of the Computer Game Museum Berlin hosting the installation was likewise planned and presented without TAITO’s knowledge and authorization.
TAITO is seriously considering all available options-including legal actions against the infringer and, if necessary, the Games Convention exhibitor involved-in order to end this unauthorized and impermissible misuse of the Space Invaders content and to protect TAITO’s intellectual properties.
Best of GC 2008 announcement
For the sixth time, the Leipziger Messe has awarded the title of “Best of GC” to the most innovative new products at the GC – Games Convention. This year’s winners in nine categories were announced yesterday evening. A total of 29 exhibitors at the GC – Games Convention had submitted 122 hardware items and software titles (2006: 85) for the award.
The happy winners were:
In the category Best PC Game:
SPORE – Electronic Arts
In “Spore”, Will Wright lets players create their own species and send them off on a journey through five billion years of evolutionary history. In the process, he succeeds in combining elements from casual, strategy, role-play and action simulations into a single game – and opens the door to a games galaxy in which all living elements are designed by the players themselves. “Spore” is at the same time both complex and comprehensible and will have an inspirational effect on video game development for many years to come.
In the category Best Xbox 360 Game:
MIRROR’S EDGE – Electronic Arts
“Mirror’s Edge” sends its title heroine “Faith” off into a modern police state full of contrasting colours and vertiginous architecture. The special achievement of the action adventure is to cloak the player particularly closely in the skin of his or her avatar. Acrobatic leaps, fierce close combat and the character’s increasing exhaustion are almost physically perceptible.
In the category Best PSP Game:
RESISTANCE: RETRIBUTION -
Sony Computer Entertainment Deutschland
This makes it official at last: shooters for out and about can be fun. With outstanding visuals, in “Resistance: Retribution” neither the small console nor the gamer can take a breather till Europe has been liberated from an extraterrestrial fleet of invaders. It also includes a multiplayer setting for up to eight players.
In the category Best PS3 Game:
LITTLE BIG PLANET -
Sony Computer Entertainment Deutschland
Sony brings new life to an old genre, the laterally scrolling platformer. It also adds both a social and a creative element to the console world: the gamer community becomes the developer community. “Little Big Planet” comes with a convincingly vivid backdrop and almost unlimited possibilities with entertaining level structure.
In the category Best Wii Game:
SKATE IT – Electronic Arts
The Wii Fit Balance Board can do much more than just aerobics and yoga: by shifting weight and skilful use of the Nunchuk, the player carries out the most amazing tricks in (four) virtual roles. A genuine skater feel is created on the run through half-pipes and over ramps. “Skate it” gives an authentic and original recreation of the trend sport and benefits from the special features of the Nintendo console.
In the category Best NDS Game:
SONIC CHRONICLES: Die Dunkle Bruderschaft – SEGA
What looks at first like a colourful jump’n'run, turns out after only a few minutes to be an atmospheric RPG. Thanks to the exciting story, the amusing dialogue and the tactical fight system, older Sonic fans will also find this very entertaining. BioWare has given the DS an epic adventure all about the blue hedgehog.
In the category BEST MOBILE Game:
PES 2009 – Konami
Smoothly animated mini-players, a passing game and runs into the centre – it’s all possible, even on a small mobile phone screen. Depending on the type of phone and with a certain amount of practice, the one-button control makes even complex game moves possible. “PES 2009″ for mobile phones even allows for multiplayer games by Bluetooth and is much more than just a stopgap to pass the time.
In the category Best Online Game:
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning – GOA GOA (developed by Mythic Entertainment)
The creators of the online RPG legend “Dark Age of Camelot”, still so successful today, are back with “Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning”. GOA squares up to the alpha male “World of Warcraft” with spectacular visuals, innovative play modi, neat control and an enormous, appealing fantasy world.
In the category Best Hardware:
PlayTV – Sony Computer Entertainment Deutschland
The PlayTV enables users to record, play back and pause for playback of TV programmes received in DVB-T format. This is the first time that a game console serves as a hard drive recorder. The remote function is particularly impressive, making it possible to watch recorded TV shows or live TV programmes on the Playstation Portable (PSP).
In the category Best PS2 Game:
As there were too few entrants, no award was made in this category.
With the “Best of GC” title, the GC – Games Convention awards the computer and video game industry’s most outstanding product achievements every year. Exhibitors at the GC – Games Convention had until 1 August 2008 to make submissions in the category hardware accessories as well as in the categories Best Game PC, Xbox 360, PSP, PS2, PS3, Wii, NDS, mobile and online. All companies exhibiting at the GC were eligible, if their products could be played in the public area and had not been published before the fair.
New Dark Horizon screens and info
NEW YORK – August 21, 2008
Paradox Interactive today released a new batch of screenshots and a listing of key features for Dark Horizon, their upcoming space action combat simulator for the PC at Games Convention in Leipzig. Dark Horizon will be released in North America on September 23 and in Europe on September 26, 2008.
The key features confirmed for Dark Horizon include:
Fully customize your spaceship in great detail.
Create the ultimate space vessel by gathering resources and disassembling unused parts of your ship, using them to create weapons and improve your ship.
Fight in teams with other pilots through fierce battles, give orders and use tactics to take out your enemies.
Choose between two different modes that will change your fighter’s performance according to your own demands: “Shadow” mode to stealth through enemy lines and “Corter” mode that will level up the power of your weapons.
Explore 22 missions and extensive customization opportunities.
World premiere: dtp entertainment presents Divinity 2 – Ego Draconis stage presentation at Leipzig Games Convention 2008
Leipzig Games Convention-visitors will have the chance to be the first to see the upcoming RPG highlight Divinity 2 – Ego Draconis. dtp entertainment is awaiting Swen Vincke, Creative Director of Divinity 2 and CEO of its development team Larian Studios.
Swen Vincke’s exclusive Divinity 2 presentation is scheduled to take place on Friday, August 22nd, at 12:00 am at dtp entertainment’s booth #J11 in hall 2 at Leipzig Games Convention.
Furthermore, Bernd Beyreuther, Creative Director of Drakensang: The Dark Eye, is going to present his game at dtp entertainment’s booth. He will enter the stage on Friday at 4:00 pm. Afterwards, he will take part in a signing session.
During Leipzig Games Convention, dtp entertainment offers a broad entertainment programme at its booth. Visitors have the chance to win big prizes – such as an Drakensang-themed Ultraforce Gamer PC. This computer is powered by an AMD Phenom™ X4 9650 4x 2,30 GHz processor, 4GB GSkill RAM, a DirectX 10-ready ATI Radeon™ HD3870 graphics card, a 500 GB hard disk drive and a 20x DVD burner.
GC visitors should make sure to visit one of the Summer Athletics contests and enter the prize draw. They also should check out dtp entertainment’s booth to see Mata Hari dance: A Mata-themed dancer will promote the upcoming adventure game on stage.
Here’s the full schedule:
Thursday, August 21st, 2008
11:00 am Summer Athletics Contest
12:00 am Mata Hari Dancing
1:00 pm dtp young entertainment
2:00 pm Mata Hari Dancing
3:00 pm Summer Athletics Contest
4:00 pm Mata Hari Dancing
Friday, August 22nd, 2008
11:00 am Summer Athletics Contest
12:00 am Divinity 2 – Ego Draconis presentation by Swen Vincke, Larian Studios
1:00 pm Mata Hari Dancing
2:00 pm dtp young entertainment – Monrose live act
4:00 pm Drakensang: The Dark Eye presentation by Bernd Beyreuther
5:00 pm Summer Athletics Contest
6:00 pm Mata Hari Dancing
Saturday, August 23rd, 2008
11:00 am Summer Athletics Contest
12:00 am Mata Hari Dancing
1:00 pm dtp young entertainment
3:00 pm Mata Hari Dancing
4:00 pm Summer Athletics Contest
5:00 pm dtp young entertainment
6:00 pm Mata Hari Dancing
Sunday, August 24th, 2008
11:00 am Summer Athletics Contest
12:00 am Mata Hari Dancing
2:00 pm dtp young entertainment
3:00 pm Mata Hari Dancing
At dtp entertainment’s booth #J11 in hall 2, gamers can check out current and upcoming gaming highlights, such as the in Germany, Switzerland and Austria newly released Drakensang: The Dark Eye, Summer Athletics, the upcoming adventure game Memento Mori and Crazy Machines for Nintendo DS.
dtp entertainment also presents new impressions of Venetica, Gray Matter and Black Mirror 2.
NINTENDO DS, Wii AND THE Wii LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO.
G.Skill and the G.Skill logo are trademarks of G.Skill International Enterprise.
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All logos, images, trademarks and product names are property of their respective owners.
MapleStory at GC2008
Filed under: Free to Play, MMO Game, PC - Windows | Tags: Convention, Free to Play, Game Publishers, MMO, PC
Leave a Comment Leipzig, Germany – August 18, 2008: Nexon reveals the key factors behind the global success story of its worldwide popular MMORPG MapleStory at the Games Developers Conference in Leipzig, Germany. In a special speaker’s session on August 20, Spike Ryu, Director of Wizet Studio Game Development Department, gives a presentation on the history and future development plans of the game.
“The success of MapleStory has been featured in many internationally renowned industry sessions and conferences, but this is the first time for Nexon to address this subject directly to the audience in Europe.” says Spike Ryu, who heads the international operations of MapleStory. “We are very happy to be part of and to present MapleStory at a highly reputed event such as the GCDC.”
MapleStory was first launched in April 2003 in Korea, and is now present in 60 countries with more than 87 million registered users. The European version was released in May 2007, published by Nexon Europe.
The full story behind MapleStory can be discovered on Wednesday, August 20th, at 2:30 pm at the site of Games Conventions Develepers Conference in Leipzig.
Stargate Worlds setting up at Leipzig Train Station
Filed under: MMO Game, PC - Windows | Tags: Convention, MMO, PC
Leave a Comment Videos, Stargate Worlds Swag Taking Over Transportation Hub
Visit the Stargate at the Leipzig Train Station to see the latest game play trailer for Stargate Worlds, win cool Stargate Worlds swag and hear the latest on game development.
WHO: Stargate Worlds Studio Head Dan Elggren and Senior Marketing Manager Kevin Balentine will be meeting with the media while Stargate commandos hand out T-shirts and dog tags at Leipzig’s transportation hub.
WHAT: Fans going to Europe’s premier game convention will see video of Stargate Worlds, the MMORPG where you discover thriving alien worlds, explore ancient civilizations … and tell them all the things they are doing wrong.
WHERE: The Stargate Worlds team will set up base camp in the heart of the Leipzig Train Station, the Leipziger Hauptbahnhof. This is the first year that booths will be set up in the Hauptbahnhof during the Leipzig Games Convention.
WHEN: August 21-23, 2008
WHY: Leipzig is Europe’s top video game convention and this event marks Stargate Worlds’ introduction to the European gamer.
Blue Orb Brings Control to the Chaotic Age of Conan During GC Developers Conference
Filed under: PC - Windows | Tags: Convention, PC, Peripherals
Leave a Comment Blue Orb, creators of the intuitive SwitchBlade™ application that allows gamers to play PC games with an Xbox 360 controller, today announced plans to demonstrate their latest Blade for Age of Conan at the Funcom booth during this year’s Games Convention Developers Conference (GCDC). Show attendees can meet with Blue Orb representatives who will be on hand for demos in booth B10 located in Hall 5.
Using a 360 controller with the SwtichBlade software, players can experience Age of Conan’s unique real-time fighting system, which features devastating combos and brutal fatalities, without ever touching a keyboard, giving players complete control and a more natural hands-on experience.
“With Age of Conan’s groundbreaking combat system, Funcom takes a cue from classic fighting games like Soul Caliber and Tekken,” said Aaron Levin, Blue Orb’s Vice President of Business Development. “SwitchBlade allows players to fully realize that same kind of real-time console combat in Conan. And as anybody who’s ever played a fighter knows, the Xbox 360 controller allows far more versatility than a standard keyboard does.”
SwitchBlade is an easy to use application that brings a fully configured game controller interface and experience to any PC game. Once SwitchBlade is installed, it provides a console gaming experience for the gamer looking for a new way to play popular PC games. Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures is the latest PC game supported by SwitchBlade, and the application’s preconfigured key bindings map the Xbox 360 controller buttons to the most commonly used Conan controls.
NBC Local Media in Philadelphia Expands Its Profile with America’s Video Game Expo (VGXPO)
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 21st, 22nd & 23rd, at the PA Convention Center
Philadelphia, PA – (Aug 12, 2008) – NBC Local Media in Philadelphia – WCAU TV/NBC 10, and Lunar Tide Communications, Inc. announced today a joint marketing, sales and content partnership that expands into one of the most rapidly growing consumer markets, video games. Additionally, this partnership is to grow a new gaming brand that has its foundation in America’s Video Game Expo (VGXPO) and VideoGame.Net. NBC Local Media Philadelphia will also be working with Lunar Tide this summer to rollout a Video Game Design Camp and After School program, where attendees will learn how to develop video games and various animation and digital design techniques.
“America’s Video Game Expo is an annual gaming destination – where gamers and industry insiders come together to celebrate videogames,” stated Jennifer Johnson-Halpin, Director of VGXPO. “With NBC’s Local Media involvement in VGXPO we expect to reach thousands of gamers and offer them an absolutely fantastic experience and provide them with content that they won’t be able to find at any other gaming event.”
The primary marketing relationship, that includes NBC Local Media in Philadelphia, NBC10.com, Digphilly.com and Lunar Tide, will focus on the upcoming VGXPO, where thousands of game fans and marketers will converge on the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Taking place November 21st through 23rd, VGXPO is an event that provides companies in video game, technology, sci-fi, comic book and related fields an opportunity to showcase products to gamers and pop-culture fans. For gamers, VGXPO gives them an opportunity to experience the newest games and technology; encounter game industry legends; compete in tournaments; rock out at music concerts; compete in COS-Play contests; buy games; and meet with friends. Included in these events is the Intel Extreme Masters Continental Finals Americas gaming competition – an event with $80,000 in prize money. The winners will compete against the world’s best teams at the Intel Extreme Masters Global Finals in 2009.
“Intel is thrilled to be involved with the exciting global growth of eSports and Electronic Sports League (ESL) to host the first Intel Extreme Masters Continental Finals Americas at VGXPO,” said Tim Takeuchi, Marketing Manager of Intel Corporation. “The Intel Extreme Masters competition will showcase America’s best Counter-Strike 1.6 and World of Warcraft teams and provide spectators the chance to see the amazing levels of performance from Intel-based PCs. We have no intention of sitting still in our quest to deliver an even better gaming experience and look forward to working with VGXPO to host the Finals in November.
VGXPO was designed from the ground up to be the perfect convention for game fans and marketers. Over the past three years, dozens of organizations have participated on the exhibit floor and as conference presenters. Some of VGXPO’s past participants have included: NVIDIA, Dell, Intel, EA, Microsoft, MTV’s Rock Band, Phillips, Panasonic, Atari, Comcast, The ECA, WIGI, Nyko, Electronics Boutique, Game Crazy, 1UP Network, CMP’s Game Developers Conference, Nubi/Pelican, as well as many others.
“From our viewpoint, VGXPO, and videogames overall, provide us with the ability to engage an audience that we haven’t been able to traditionally reach with TV,” said Dennis Bianchi, NBC 10 President and General Manager. “Our goal with Lunar Tide, and VGXPO, is to draw a huge audience to the expo and to develop additional videogame marketplaces.”
For more information about this partnership and VGXPO, visit www.vgxpo.com or www.digphilly.com.
