He became President of Sony Europe, Consumer Electronics Division in 2004 and was subsequently responsible for revenues in excess of US$10 billion. Deering has also held senior marketing positions at leading consumer brands Gillette and Atari. In 2004 he received the inaugural Interactive Industry Award from BAFTA for his outstanding contribution to the games industry.

"The in-game advertising sector is growing at a phenomenal rate and it has generated a tremendous buzz that could not be ignored," said Deering. "Having witnessed and enjoyed the growth of the games sector, l knew that in-game advertising would be a space with huge growth potential and the opportunity to lead the gaming industry in an exciting new direction."

Having recently been appointed Vice Chairman at Omnicom, Bruce Nelson brings more than 25 years of experience in senior positions at leading global advertising conglomerates, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer of IPG and prior to that Vice Chairman at Young and Rubicam Inc. and Executive Vice President of McCann Erickson Worldwide.

Amongst his many achievements at Interpublic Group, Nelson introduced a pioneering business model whereby multiple companies looked after the marketing needs of a single client.

"The fact that we have attracted such major heavyweights to our board from both the video game and advertising sectors is a great endorsement of both IGA and the in-game advertising industry as a whole," says Justin Townsend, CEO at IGA Worldwide.

"Having spent two years perfecting our proprietary Radial technology and infrastructure and building a successful business in Europe, we are now fully engaged with our roll-out into the US and Asia. The combined experience Chris and Bruce bring to the board will build on the significant momentum we've already generated for IGA Worldwide."

Nintendo has continued its trend of turning the next console generation into one of the unexpected, with a bizarre final name for its Revolution console.

Nintendo of America, Inc., produced the following explanation for the bound-to-be-the-butt-of-jokes-for-years name, Wii.

"While the code-name 'Revolution' expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer.

"Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else.

"Wii will put people more in touch with their games... and each other. But you're probably asking: what does the name mean?

"Wii sounds like 'we', which emphasises this console is for everyone.

"Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.

"Wii has a distinctive 'ii' spelling that symbolises both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play.

"And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd."

Sega Rally next year for console, PC
Posted by M @ 11:40 p.m. NZST

Sega today announced Sega Rally will be the first title developed by the newly formed Sega Driving Studio and will be racing onto the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC in 2007.

"The rally genre has become the domain of ultra realistic simulation based titles that portray the sport in minute detail but offer little in terms of fun," commented Guy Wilday, Studio Director, Sega Driving Studio. "With the emphasis being on entertainment, Sega Rally will focus on delivering an adrenaline-fuelled competitive racing experience but without over-complicating the rally experience."

Sega Rally will encourage players to put the pedal to the metal and enjoy thrilling head-to-head racing. Skilled driving will go hand-in-hand with pure luck as participants hurtle around looping tracks in a wide selection of 4WD, 2WD and classic vehicles that react differently depending upon the racing surface. Sega Rally offers a variety of deformable environments and surfaces, from gravel tracks, all weather tarmac roads, to snow driven trails.

Aside from the motors on offer, Sega Rally also offers AI that takes into account the racing surface to adapt their driving style to suit. Single- and multi-player splitscreen play, along with online capabilities, will be available.

UEFA renews PlayStation sponsorship till 2009
Posted by M @ 11:05 p.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is to extend its successful sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League. This is the third time that PlayStation has renewed its sponsorship, which began in 1997.

The sponsorship agreement will extend up to and including the 2008/2009 season, and further develops PlayStation's commitment to European football and its support of the world's finest club competition.

SCEE's Vice-President of Brand and Consumer Marketing, Darren Carter, says: "PlayStation's involvement with the UEFA Champions League has served us well over the past nine years and has significantly assisted in promoting the PlayStation brand and boosting its awareness across the whole of Europe and beyond. The UEFA Champions League is an extremely powerful communications tool and has been an important part of PlayStation's communication strategy since 1997, during which time the stature of the competition has increased along with the number of PlayStation fans.

"Sony Computer Entertainment will be entering a new era of entertainment with the launch of PlayStation 3 later this year, and the UEFA Champions League will help provide a solid foundation for our plans in Europe."

Indie rock submissions wanted for Guitar Hero II
Posted by M @ 1:17 a.m. NZST

Music game publisher RedOctane has launched a worldwide search for the next guitar hero.

The Be a Guitar Hero II competition offers independent musicians the opportunity to have their song featured in game play for the upcoming Guitar Hero II for the PlayStation 2. Guitar Hero II is the follow-up title to 2005's award-winning release.

Independent artists are eligible to submit original music for inclusion in the sequel Guitar Hero video game, scheduled for release in November 2006. Considered songs must fall in the hard rock or heavy metal genres with a featured lead guitar.

RedOctane will accept music entries through their community website www.beaguitarhero.com and submissions must be completed by 30th June. Contestants can directly upload MP3s files through the official site for contest entries.

The grand prize winners will have their song featured in the top-secret track list for Guitar Hero II and are eligible for additional publicity through game launch promotions. Graveyard BBQ, the winner of the first Be a Guitar Hero competition, will rock live at the RedOctane booth during the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles next month. Their song Cheat on the Church is featured as an unlockable track in the original Guitar Hero.

Rock enthusiasts can visit the community website www.beaguitarhero.com to discuss music in the upcoming game and share game tips. A new photo gallery is now available where fans can upload photos of their favourite Guitar Hero moments and modded guitar controllers.

The grand prize winner will receive the following prizes:

- Epiphone G-400 Electric Guitar
- EMG Zakk Wylde pickup set
- Krank Distortus Maximus distortion pedal
- Pacific Drums and Percussion CX Drumset
- Morley Pedal Steve Vai Bad Horsie Wah pedal
- Copy of Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II videogame
- Winner's music track to be included in Guitar Hero II"

GSC Game World has announced the launch of an open beta version of Heroes of Annihilated Empires.

This beta version will introduce gamers to the Aquador universe, allowing them to play as a courageous elven ranger.

This beta version provides single-player experience of the game.

The developers say there remains sufficient time before release for beta feedback through the official forum will allow changes and fixes in the game.

Gamers can download the archive (209 MB) with the beta version files at
http://www.heroesofae.com/en/?page=mirrors_misc

Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords 1.1 update now available
Posted by M @ 2:13 a.m. NZST

Stardock Entertainment has released the v1.1 update for Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, adding a number of improvements and features to its award-winning space-based strategy game.

Since the game's release in February, Stardock has gathered an "enormous" amount of feedback from the game's devoted fan community, and is using their requests and suggestions to implement new gameplay options, enhance usability, improve computer AI and more.

This free update is available to all registered users of Galactic Civilizations II, and can be downloaded directly at GalCiv2.com or via Stardock Central.

Stardock has added a number of gameplay options to increase replayability and to further flesh out the open-ended gameplay.

A full-blown mod UI is planned for the upcoming v1.2 update.

Sega announces Super Monkey Ball title for Revolution
Posted by M @ 2:04 a.m. NZST

Sega has announced Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is currently being developed by Sega Studios for the Nintendo 'Revolution' system.

AiAi and all his friends have rolled their way onto Nintendo's new console with new puzzle levels and a wealth of new Party Games specifically designed to fully exploit the innovative Nintendo Revolution controller. Sega says other titles will have a difficult time matching the multitude of possible variations in game control as presented in Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz.

"The Nintendo Revolution presents a totally unique avenue for our developers to explore the art of game design," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, Sega of America, Inc. "Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz will present a mind-boggling array of gameplay innovations that will excite and challenge gamers while pushing the boundaries of imagination forward."

The single-player puzzle levels in Banana Blitz have been designed to challenge gamers' skills like never before. For the first time in the Super Monkey Ball franchise, AiAi and his friends will have the ability to jump when players flick the Revolution controller in an upward motion. The ability to jump has given game designers another dimension in which to expand the Super Monkey Ball gameplay experience and allows gamers a new way to interact with the franchise; this time in true three-dimensional fashion.

The Party Games, for which the Super Monkey Ball franchise is famous, return with more variety than ever. An abundance of new Party Games have been creatively designed to take advantage of the Revolution controller in a multitude of ways. Gamers will find themselves competing in a traditional game of ring toss, or even smacking pesky moles in a game of "Whack-a-Mole."

18 comments

Atari to produce WarioWare-style game for PSP
Posted by M @ 1:11 a.m. NZST

Atari has announced the forthcoming release of Hot Pxl for PlayStation Portable scheduled for release next Christmas. Hot Pxl comprises 200 micro-games based on a quirky story premise and drawing inspiration from so-called street culture and the digital lifestyle.

In Hot Pxl, players are charged with guiding the central character, a half-skater, half-nerd named Djon, through a typical day in his pixellated digital world. The world of Hot Pxl features fast-paced and varied micro-games dipping into the original Atari's rich video game history for inspiration along the way.

The rapid fire gameplay requires players to draw on their reflexes and 2D gaming prowess to get through hundreds of inspired scenarios – whether it's blasting through an old-school style video game, busting tricks on a skateboard or a BMX, stage-diving at a pixellated concert, or just trying to cross a busy digital street.

Hot Pxl will take full advantage of PSP's unique capabilities, including the ability to download new content through an online interface, ensuring gamers receive evolutionary and fresh gaming on the scene.

DDR will be prominently featured at the 2006 AAHPERD trade show. The AAHPERD convention is one of the largest gatherings of health and physical educators in the USA.

Throughout the convention, Konami will be instructing physical education teachers on the associated health benefits of DDR and ways to incorporate the game into their physical education curriculum. The company will highlight its recently signed three-year partnership with the state of West Virginia that brings DDR into the physical education or health related curriculum based programmes in all of the state's 765 K-12 public schools. Additionally, Konami will discuss other case studies from across the country of how teachers have incorporated DDR into their PE curriculum, as well as success stories about people that have found health benefits from using DDR.

In addition to the activities at the booth, Konami is also sponsoring a NASPE (National Association for Sports and Physical Education) seminar entitled Interactive Video Games in K-12. The seminar will discuss how new interactive video games can actually help increase physical activity levels as well as help students learn about the physiological functions of their bodies.

"DDR has been proven to be an extremely effective way of promoting weight loss among today's young people and the game fits in perfectly as part of the physical education curriculum in our nation's schools," says Clara Gilbert, Director of Business Partnerships, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "DDR is one of the most innovative video game concepts ever, and it is a fun and entertaining way for kids and adults to develop healthy habits and a fitness-oriented lifestyle."

PSP update for RSS podcast, popular music formats available now
Posted by M @ 9:52 p.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has just announced that the latest firmware upgrade for PSP, available now, will dramatically enhance the capabilities of the PlayStation Portable, with the ability to now play back most popular music file formats, stream podcasts to the PSP and save them to Memory Stick, and display Flash content in the Internet browser.

The latest upgrade also prepares PSP to act as a receiver for LocationFree TV, the Sony innovation in remote TV viewing to be launched by Sony in Europe next month.

As part of the continual upgrade and enhancement programme that ensures PSP owners are able to exploit the cutting edge of entertainment technology and functionality, the latest firmware upgrade (2.70) allows users to enable Flash within the PSP browser and enjoy Web content created with Adobe Macromedia software. Mainly used for website content featuring multimedia and interactive applications, the Flash capability of the browser will significantly enhance users' multimedia Internet experience.

With the RSS feature enabled, the PSP system can link to audio content on Web pages that provide RSS-distributed audio content. When connected to the Internet via the PSP's WLAN, the system will automatically update the list of audio content items that have been added to these pages; users can then either stream and play the new content or, with the new firmware enhancement, save it to Memory Stick Duo for playback later.

The latest upgrade also now provides PSP music file compatibility with the most popular music file formats, including MP3, ATRAC, AAC and WMA, providing the PSP entertainment system with one of the most versatile music players available.

With the 2.70 upgrade the PSP will also be prepared to act as a receiver for the Sony innovation, LocationFree TV. LocationFree is a completely new way of seeing TV. Instead of going to the television set, the TV comes to you (via your home TV tuner) wherever users are. Viewers can watch live TV, play back recorded programmes and even set up future recordings, all from the PSP. LocationFree will be available in the UK, France, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands from May 2006.

Together with a wide range of free content to enhance the entertainment value of your PSP, the latest firmware upgrade can be downloaded directly to the PSP browser via WiFi or from www.yourpsp.com from today.

7 comments

Blitzkrieg 2 expansion to focus on collapse of Third Reich
Posted by M @ 4:26 a.m. NZST

Continuing its tradition of supporting fans through high-quality expansions for its key franchise titles, CDV Software Entertainment has announced the upcoming release of Blitzkrieg 2: Fall of the Reich for PC.

Fall of the Reich, the first stand-alone expansion for the recently released Blitzkrieg 2 historical RTS, is scheduled to ship in late September.

Fall of the Reich spans three major offensives from the final days of fighting on the Eastern front and covers both the Soviet and German campaigns in the long Siege of Budapest, Fortress Kurland, and the Soviet Operation Bagration. Sixteen historically based missions across ten new maps will challenge beginning and veteran strategists as they try to either capture or defend the remnants of the German war machine during the final days of World War II in Europe.

New Namco Bandai mech title for Xbox 360
Posted by M @ 3:39 a.m. NZST

Namco Bandai Games America Inc. has announced today Mobile Ops: The One Year War, a next-generation mechanised shooter exclusively for the Xbox 360.

Scheduled to launch holiday 2006, this title features a wide array of giant mobile suits and an intense multi-player combat experience in mechanised warfare.

The story of Mobile Ops: The One Year War opens with the space colonists' brutal battle for independence from the Earth Federation. Advanced ECM (Electronic Counter-Measures) has rendered range sensors and communications useless, resulting in the rise of new war machines called mobile suits. These ultimate instruments of destruction, capable of metal-clashing hand-to-hand combat, completely redefine modern warfare.

"With dramatic cockpit views and exquisitely detailed mobile suits, we fully expect Mobile Ops to immerse gamers into a futuristic world where giant mechas (sic) loom against a war-torn horizon," said Yoshi Niki, business director at Namco Bandai Games America Inc. "As desperate battles ensue in both open battlefields and urban environments, players can choose to engage enemies on foot, in vehicles or in mobile suits."

Utilising the Xbox Live online game service, Mobile Ops: The One Year War will put players right in the cockpit of their very own mobile fighter for battles online as they fight in teams through multiple scenarios and battlefields. Gamers can also modify mobile suits with robust customisation options, including beam sabers, heat hawks, and other melee weapons. Mobile Ops offers detailed graphics right down to the brown rust on metal and stress damage from combat.

Virtua Tennis 3 on new-generation consoles next Autumn
Posted by M @ 10:31 p.m. NZST

Sega today announced arcade title Virtua Tennis 3 will be appearing on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

The Virtua Tennis series has been well-received by critics and fans for its ease of play and gameplay depth, making the game difficult to master. With Virtua Tennis 3, the series returns with enhanced graphics and advanced player animations that match the behaviour and mannerisms of individual professional players. New-generation systems allow gamers to see the most detailed expressions on the faces of their selected players as they battle to win heated tournaments around the world.

"This is shaping up to be an outstanding title - a genuine next-generation sports game," says Matt Woodley, Creative Director of Sega. "Instant appeal and all the best of the VT brand is being added to an array of new gameplay features. Virtua Tennis 3 provides a must have in-depth experience - though I'd say the graphics alone are reason to buy and the quality is so sharp and clear you can even see the veins on the players' necks."

Gamers will take on the world's greatest tennis stars on any court surface worldwide with newly added players and improvements to the game's AI. In Career Mode, gamers will travel the world and take on the biggest stars of the tennis world. Improvements to the Player Creation Mode allow gamers to customise their own tennis star with increased detail.

In addition to the popular mini-games from previous titles used to sharpen players' skills, there will be a host of brand new games to keep players in form.

Virtua Tennis 3 is due for release next Autumn.

Next Castlevania title to have WWII setting
Posted by M @ 10:15 p.m. NZST

Konami's ever popular Castlevania series returns to Nintendo DS in November, with the release of Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin for the handheld.

Created by Koji Igarashi, who devised the long-running series, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin gives the player control of two different characters. The pair - vampire hunter Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Orlean, a young girl with magical abilities - must work to thwart a plan to resurrect Dracula's castle and unleash a reign of evil upon the unsuspecting world, all within a new World War II setting.

The new setting captures the chaos and suffering the era, with thousands of lost souls wandering the world in search of salvation. Desperate to escape the limbo within their exist, the misguided spirits seek to rebuild Dracula's castle from its ruins, and are lead by a pair of evil vampire sisters out to resurrect their master's home for their own nefarious plans. Thrown together, Jonathan and Charlotte must combine their unusual skill sets to defeat the plans and restore harmony.

Retaining the same 2D platform realms for which the series is famed, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin uses a side-on view to oversee the scrolling stages. Players can switch freely between Jonathan and Charlotte as they progress through the levels, using their skills when appropriate. In addition to Jonathan's weapon expertise and Charlotte's spell-casting, both characters can utilise all-new summon attacks to raise demons to assist them against the vampire sisters' army. Similarly, more conventional weapons can also be found en route, and saved for use against the hardier monsters that await in the shadows.

Featuring all-new locations and a cast of over 100 different adversaries, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin marks return to the DS for the series. Igarashi's Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow has already enjoyed massive success for the format, and Konami says his new epic is certain to wow Nintendo users when it is released later in the year.

First Xbox 360 dual-function headphones chosen for MLG
Posted by M @ 2:58 p.m. NZST

Turtle Beach's Ear Force X2 headphones for the Xbox 360 and Xbox gaming systems have been named the official headset of Major League Gaming (MLG). Turtle Beach says the Ear Force X2 headphones are the first to deliver game audio in stereo and Xbox Live Internet chat directly to gamers' ears.

Major League Gaming's 2006 season features competitions in seven USA markets, beginning in New York. The subsequent events will take place in Dallas (May), Atlanta (June), Los Angeles (July), Philadelphia (August), Chicago (October) and Las Vegas (November).

"As representatives of the serious gaming community we chose the Ear Force X2 headphones for our competitive events because of the quality and innovative nature of their headphones," said Erik Semmelhack, EVP of Global Sales and Partnerships of Major League Gaming. "We look forward to a successful partnership with Turtle Beach over the course of this year's gaming season."

Publisher CDV has released new assets for the Panther tank unit from War Front: Turning Point, the upcoming alternative history WWII real time strategy title.

The new assets are available at the official War Front website, www.war-front.com.

Included in the release are new in-game screenshots, unit renders of the Panther, two mini-trailers of the Panther and a mini-trailer featuring one of the most overlooked elements of RTS games - houses. In the "house" trailer, CDV shows off all detail work that's gone into the structures in the game, from lighting to texturing.

GamesTester.com accumulates 20,000 games testers
Posted by M @ 6:25 a.m. NZST

Games Tester, the news and information source for games testers and those interested in playing games for a living, has accumulated 20,000 registered games testers worldwide.

Games Tester launched in late 2002. Every day since launch hundreds have visited the information and job links on the site at www.gamestester.com. Each day 20-30 testers and potential testers have signed up online each day to hear of future games testing opportunities both online and on-site. The service is free to subscribers, and companies seeking testers can advertise their openings free to Games Tester subscribers or, for a small charge, Games Tester will email its database of testers to tell them of specific opportunities.

The site is globally focussed with resources from the computer and video games industries in the USA, Europe, Far East and Australia. It features recent articles on testing, hints and tips on finding work as a tester and a directory of employment openings and games testing companies.

Table Tennis utilises a brand new game engine. Check out Gameplanet's hands-on preview in our previews section for more information on this entertaining and highly pollished title.

Edge editor to start Nintendo magazine
Posted by M @ 3:36 a.m. NZST

Future Publishing's award-winning multi-format video game magazine, Edge, has announced a reshuffle of its senior editorial staff, with Margaret Robertson promoted to editor and former Editor Tony Mott moving up to the role of editor-in-chief.

James Binns, Group Publisher of Edge, says, "Both Margaret and Tony's promotions are suitable rewards for their contributions in taking Edge from strength to strength. The magazine's circulation has increased over every six-month ABC period since Tony's appointment as Editor in 2003, it now has the highest sales figure (sic) in its 13-year-history, and its staff have just won Magazine Team of the Year at the MCV Industry Excellence Awards, so this is a great time for Margaret to pick up the baton. She is respected by our readers and the industry alike and it will be exciting to see how the magazine evolves under her editorship."

Joining Edge in 2003, Margaret Robertson rapidly worked her way upwards through the editorial structure, with previous stints as Staff Writer, Games Editor and Deputy Editor. Margaret will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Edge, with a brief of embracing the possibilities afforded by the growth of new gaming trends and the arrival of new technology.

Tony Mott will be responsible for overseeing Edge's direction while working to develop the brand in new areas, including online and via special editions. A video game industry veteran of 12 years, he will also be involved in Future's wider games portfolio and will take a key developmental role in the creation of Future's new unofficial Nintendo magazine.

Margaret Robertson, the new editor of Edge says, "I'm thrilled to have been appointed Editor. It has been a very interesting journey from being a reader of the magazine to its editor and I relish the chance to take on Edge at such an exciting time for gaming. Together with a talented team, I intend to build on our recent successes and continue Edge's tradition of breaking new ground."

Movies competition submissions to be judged by industry icons
Posted by M @ 11:24 p.m. NZST

Entertainment industry icons Paul Anderson (Resident Evil), David Krumholtz (Numb3rs), Garry Marshall (Raising Helen, Princess Diaries), Guy Ritchie (Revolver, Snatch, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), and Brad Silberling (Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, City of Angels) have signed on to be judges for the Chrysler in The Movies: Virtual Film Competition.

Created by Chrysler in connection with Activision, the competition provides an innovative approach to making movies, with aspiring filmmakers creating unique projects using Lionhead Studios' Movies game. Contestants have submitted their finished projects online at www.themoviesgame.com/filmcompetition.

"The Chrysler brand stands for innovation and inspiration. These are the same values held by independent film makers," said David Rooney, director, Chrysler brand. "This competition is a great way to support the craft of filmmaking while showcasing our products among a terrific audience."

To be eligible to win, films must be two to four minutes in length and include any of the current Chrysler vehicles integrated into the Movies game – the Pacifica, Crossfire, 300 or PT Cruiser.

The celebrity panel will view and judge the top ten films to decide who will receive top honours and a new Chrysler Crossfire. The competition winner will be announced by David Krumholtz during the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2006 in May at the Activision booth. In addition, five of the best virtual films will be selected to be made into live action shorts by independent filmmakers participating in the Chrysler Film Project, a contest where filmmakers compete to win a full-length feature production deal on behalf of Chrysler. To learn more, go to www.chrysler.com/film.

"Activision is excited to be teamed up with an incredible lineup of talent for the Chrysler in The Movies: Virtual Film Competition," says Dave Anderson, senior director of business development, Activision, Inc. "The Movies game allows Hollywood hopefuls to showcase their movie-making skills and we're eager to get their works of art in front of some of the most prolific names in the entertainment industry."

Films can also be viewed online at www.themoviesgame.com/filmcompetition. In addition, consumers will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite films and win Chrysler and Activision merchandise and prizes.

Budget-priced Liberty City Stories releasing on PS2 this June
Posted by M @ 11:20 p.m. NZST

Rockstar Games announced today that Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for PlayStation 2 will be in North American stores on June 6th for the RRP of $19.99 and will hit European retail shelves on June 9th, 2006 for €29.99 and Ł19.99 in the UK.

The all time #1 selling PSP system game, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, offers PlayStation 2 owners a big screen experience of the same story line and missions, featuring the interactive open environments, innovative gameplay, voice talent and diverse music that are the hallmarks of the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

Take-Two is yet to announce a New Zealand release date.

War in the Pacific 1.80 available
Posted by M @ 11:04 p.m. NZST

Matrix Games and 2by3 Games have released the v1.80 update for War in the Pacific.

The update has been a long time in the making and is the first to also be worked on by the new, expanded War in the Pacific development team.

The v1.80 update resolves a host of issues and makes several improvements to the game since the last official v1.60 release. More than 80 changes have been made, including player-requested features such as improvements to anti-submarine routines, loosened nationality restrictions on tenders, some air balance changes and the addition of assault values to the combat report.

The fixes include an overhaul of the pilot tracking an allocation system, a fix for occasional lost leaders, a fix for land unit fragment loss and loss during air transport, and more.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, says, "We feel that this is a very significant update for War in the Pacific, as it not only addresses a number of often-reported issues but sets the stage for future growth."

The v1.80 update is available online as a comprehensive update for all previous versions as well as an incremental updated intended for installation over v1.60. The v1.80 update includes all changes made in public beta releases since v1.60. Owners of War in the Pacific are strongly encourage to upgrade to this new official version, which can be found in the Matrix Games Latest Downloads link in the games section of the Matrix Games website.

The scale of War in the Pacific: The Struggle Against Japan 1941-1945 is 60 miles per hex and losses are individual vehicles, aircraft, guns and squads. Since half the planet is covered by the titanic Pacific struggle, the game is massive in scope, covering thousands of ships tens of thousands of aircraft. Virtually every ship, air group and battalion sized or larger troop formation is covered in exacting detail.

For more information, visit the website at www.warinthepacific.net or check the main Matrix Games page at www.matrixgames.com.

Indian online games market to become second largest after China
Posted by M @ 10:27 p.m. NZST

Pearl Research forecasts the online games market in India will exceed US$200 million in 2010.

These findings are contained in the Online Games Market in India report published by San Francisco-based Pearl Research, a business intelligence and consulting firm that specialises in the interactive entertainment and games market. Online Games Market in India is one of the first studies to track and analyze the emerging games market in India.

Allison Luong, Managing Director of Pearl Research, commented, "While long dormant, the online games market in India is starting to heat up. Conservatively, Pearl Research expects the Indian online games market to exceed $200 million in 2010. India in 2006 is often compared to China in 2001, when China's games market started to develop and an online games culture started to form. Within a decade, India has the potential to emerge as one of the top online markets in Asia, along with China, Korea and Taiwan."

"I believe the adoption of online games in India is inevitable as gamers, online publishers, telecoms, Internet cafe owners, and PC hardware manufacturers, all with a vested interest in growing the market, help nurture a games culture," said Allison Luong, Managing Director of Pearl Research.

Other key findings:

- The online games market in India is being driven by the rapid adoption of the Internet with 39 million current users; increasing broadband penetration; growth in Internet cafes with more than 100,000 outlets; and a sizeable middle-class with rising disposable income. Most importantly, game operators are promoting and educating consumers about online games including MMOGs.

- There were 39 million Internet users in India in 2005, a 54% year on year increase. The number of Internet users could exceed 100 million by 2007, making India the second-largest Internet market in Asia after China.

- In addition, there were more than 100,000 Internet cafes in India in 2005. Internet cafes can derive 30% to 40% of revenues from users playing games. Games are a 'sticky' activity thus users tend to spend more time and money at Internet cafes that offer games. The latest trend is the opening of gaming-oriented cafes such as Sify's Gamedromes to satisfy the growing demand for games. Internet cafes with broadband connections and fast PCs are increasingly replacing many of India's outdated Internet cafes that use dial-up.

- Both local and international publishers are increasingly investing in the Indian online games market, as online games represent one of the few viable publishing models in a country where software piracy rates exceed 85%. In 2006 and 2007, Pearl Research expects several prominent international publishers to enter the Indian online games market either through licensing agreements or joint-ventures. Certain online publishers believe it is critical to establish a presence in India, in order to capture consumer loyalty, develop brand equity and help define the market, before the market becomes saturated.

While the online games market in India has clear potential, there are significant market inhibitors that are detailed in the report.

World Cup game soundtrack revealed
Posted by M @ 11:02 p.m. NZST

Electronic Arts has revealed the 35 songs for its forthcoming game 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music at EA says, "The FIFA World Cup is the most exhilarating, action-packed and emotional sports event in the world. No matter where you are - London, Munich, Sao Paolo or Tokyo - unforgettable songs pulsate through the stadiums (sic), flood the streets and fill your heart. That is the spirit that we wanted to capture for the in-game soundtrack in 2006 FIFA World Cup. We have assembled an unparalleled collection of exhilarating music from around the world that guarantees there's something for everyone."

Through mass exposure to soccer fans, the 35 songs will become synonymous with the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany worldwide. This one-of-a-kind mix of music is available exclusively at www.ea.com/2006fifaworldcup. Soccer, video game and music fans can visit the site to listen to streaming music clips, learn more about the bands and get details about the video game.

Ubisoft to publish Pirates of the Caribbean: Legend of Jack Sparrow
Posted by M @ 10:39 p.m. NZST

Ubisoft has reached an agreement with Bethesda Softworks to publish Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow, a pirate-themed action game for PlayStation 2 and PC. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow is developed by 7 Studios and will be available in PAL territories in July 2006.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow brings an exotic blend of action and adventure that captures the colorful characters and spirit of the first movie," says Alain Corre, Executive Director at Ubisoft, EMEA Territories.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow is a fast paced action-adventure game featuring a humorous retelling of events from the first movie told from the perspective of Captain Sparrow himself. The player will make headway by using his sword, solving puzzles, and taking advantage of the environment.

Bethesda Softworks LLC, a subsidiary of ZeniMax Media Inc., and has produced numerous award-winning titles, most recently with the The Elder Scrolls III: Morrrowind. Among Bethesda's more popular franchises are the Elder Scrolls series and Fallout, as well as its licensed properties, Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Trek. Its product line spans the sports, racing, RPG, strategy, and action genres.

Glory of the Roman Empire will challenge gamers to grow a small village into a thriving community through trade with neighbours, while also expanding and defending its borders through more militaristic means. Players will need to focus on the physical and emotional health of the citizenry, as villagers age and mature under strong leadership, contributing to the development of more advanced societies and larger cities.

Dave Mirra for PSP system features 17 levels with 9 different environments and 9 bikes from which to choose. Up to 4 players can compete via ad hoc wireless play. Player characters are customisable, and Mirra is the featured rider.

The game is expected to be available in October 2006 for an RRP of US$29.99.

"Dave Mirra is the king of BMX, widely recognised and admired in the action sports lifestyle community," says Jim Flaharty, senior vice president of Crave Studios. "His enthusiasm for his sport and video games make him a great partner and an invaluable contributor to the development process."

Dave Mirra currently holds more gold medals than any other competitor in the history of the X Games and is one of the most recognisable sports figures today. Mirra has placed in more than 50 action/extreme sports competitions, such as Action Sports Athlete of the Year at the 2005 Espys, and a gold medal in Bike Park at the 2005 X Games.

Sphere add-on plus extras
Posted by M @ 7:39 a.m. NZST

Sphere: Dreamland is a new add-on offering users new opportunities. The add-on includes the light continent of Rhodes and an entire system of islands that the player can purchase. Among the changes are completely renewed graphics, special statistics, new monsters, expanded trade opportunities, special magical artefacts and an opportunity to change some character properties.

A new city, Anhelm, has been created on Rhodes, as well as five castles of different levels. All city structures and interiors of buildings have been transformed completely, and game landscapes have changed. Enhanced interiors, the decoration of numerous city structures, and other graphical improvements make the new continent considerably different from the others.

Private property has for the first time been introduced to the Sphere universe. Islands purchased by players have ten development levels. When a new level is achieved, the player's domain expands noticeably, the size and looks of the house change, and new park structures appear. Buying lands, the player becomes the owner of a small residence. In the future, it is transformed into a king's palace with halls and rooms to which the player can invite friends that also have the new add-on. At the maximum development level, the owner of an island will have a personal place for rebirth of monsters, a workshop, and an alchemical furnace.

Owners of Sphere: Dreamlands can change the occupation of their characters and their appearance or reset game elementals. Every owner of the add-on will have a special trade license to guarantee them a place in the marketplace regardless of how much it is occupied. An increased number of trade windows enable them to offer twice as many goods for sale.

Expanded statistics show the owner of Sphere: Dreamlands information about the number of monsters killed and personal rating based on results of combats between players. Each user will have a special artefact for their game character – a Rhodes Helmet. Lump-sum payment of an account for longer than three months gives the dwellers of the Dreamlands a spell increasing the speed of movement.

Sphere: Dreamlands comes in DVD ROM format. Besides the Dreamlands add-on, the disk contains the game Sphere with all updates and the project's version for portable platforms. In addition, buyers are given a colourful poster with a detailed map of the world of Sphere and a theme calendar for 2006.

More information is available on the Sphere website at www.sphere.yandex.ru.

The latest version of Starforce has been claimed to reset users' computers, despite the status of unsaved work and actions in progress, upon initiation of actions as common as saving personal files to a CD.

Latest version of MM sports title announced
Posted by M @ 11:21 p.m. NZST

Netamin Communication Corporation has announced the latest edition of the world's first massively multi-player online baseball game series - Ultimate Baseball Online 2006.

Coming on the heels of the first-ever World Baseball Classic, Ultimate Baseball Online 2006 gives players the opportunity to play sports gamers from other countries in virtual competition. Ultimate Baseball Online is currently played worldwide, with large fan bases not only in the USA, but also in Canada, Japan, Korea, England, Germany, Australia, and numerous other countries. Ultimate Baseball Online 2006 can be downloaded and played for free at www.ultimatebaseballonline.com.

Ultimate Baseball Online 2006 is a technological innovation which lets sports fans and gamers play a virtual version of baseball in a real-time environment on PC with a broadband connection. UBO delivers a first-person perspective online sports experience as human players form teams to compete against others in real time. UBO players can compete in tournaments to win cash and other prizes.

In Ultimate Baseball Online, players create their own characters, and gain experience for every game they play. When their character levels up, they get points that they can use to increase their character's abilities in areas such as running speed, throwing power and batting power. Unlike traditional baseball video games, UBO lets players play with teammates - everyone sees the game from his own character's perspective. And just as in baseball, team communication (team chat) is essential for success on the field.

"Ultimate Baseball Online brings the team experience to the sports gaming experience," says Andy Wang, president of Netamin. "A team of people playing against another team of real people is a much different experience than one person sitting alone in front of a console game playing against a computer."

To ensure a true baseball player experience, Darrell Evans, a two-time Major League All-Star ('73 & '74) and World Series winner (1985), serves as UBO's principle baseball consultant. "Ultimate Baseball Online, for me, is the closest thing to being back on the playing field," says Evans. "The mental part of baseball has finally been captured. UBO will give players a great appreciation for the fine points of each position, as well as an understanding of the teamwork that is involved in playing the sport of baseball successfully."

Next-gen Brothers in Arms title underway
Posted by M @ 8:58 p.m. NZST

Ubisoft and Gearbox Software have announced that Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway is in development for next-generation video game platforms, including the PlayStation 3 system and PC. Scheduled for a holiday 2006 release, Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway is the third game in the multimillion-unit selling and critically acclaimed Brothers In Arms franchise.

Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway brings the critically acclaimed squad-based WWII shooter into the next generation of gaming with new graphics and sound, new gameplay features and a completely redesigned online component. Delivering on the franchise's compelling story, authenticity and intense squad-based action, Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway drops players into Operation Market-Garden, the largest airborne operation of World War II. Lead Matt Baker, Joe Hartsock and the rest of the 101st Airborne Division as they fight to open "Hell's Highway" in a daring bid for a quick end to the war.

"With Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway, Gearbox is investing everything to take next-generation gaming to an entirely new level," says Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. "For Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway, the Unreal Engine 3 powers real next-generation graphics and the most intense, action-oriented recreation of true history ever offered as interactive entertainment."

The game has not yet been concept-approved by Sony Computer Entertainment.

Urban Chaos website launched
Posted by M @ 1:06 p.m. NZST


www.urbanchaosgame.com

Eidos Interactive has launched a new website for Urban Chaos: Riot Response.

The website focuses on Channel 7 News, the up-to-the-minute news station at the centre of the action in Eidos' new high velocity shooter. Fronted by intrepid news reporter Lani York, Channel 7 offers a stylised and a fully interactive news service.

Featuring:

PES5 budget re-release
Posted by M @ 11:08 p.m. NZST

Konami Digital Entertainment has announced it is to reissue its million-selling Pro Evolution Soccer 5 as a budget title for PlayStation 2 on 27th April.

Released as a full-price title in October 2005, Pro Evolution Soccer 5, the dominant football series in Europe, has won a new legion of fans with its tight, beautifully realised gameplay. Recognised as the most realistic football series for any format, Pro Evolution Soccer 5 features more licensed clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Porto and Celtic – than its predecessors and a wealth of features that range from online play for up to four players to new refinements to the way the players move and control the ball.

Gameplay has been tweaked with more emphasis on ball control and the physical nature of the game. Players now battle more for the ball and have more control over the passes, through-balls and quick interchanges. Coupled with improved goalkeeper AI, more instinctive shooting and better off-the-ball runs by other players, it combines to create a major advance in football simulations.

"As football fans gear up for a fantastic Summer of football, we are delighted to be reissuing the definitive football title at a new, low price," commented Martin Schneider, European Marketing and PR Director for Konami Digital Entertainment. "Pro Evolution Soccer 5 is rightly seen as the most realistic football title around, and with the advent of online play in this version we have seen the series' popularity continue to rise. With its new price point, we anticipate fans catching football fever will turn to Pro Evolution Soccer 5 to satiate their need for more of the beautiful game."

Call of Duty 2 multiplayer patch available, mod tools coming
Posted by M @ 10:30 p.m. NZST

Activision and Infinity Ward have announced the release of a "robust" Windows PC update for the hit sequel Call of Duty 2 that includes PunkBuster anti-cheat software, as well as two new, highly-anticipated multiplayer maps. The developer also plans to provide mod tools in the coming weeks that will empower fans to create new single-player missions and multiplayer maps. The PC patch download is currently available at http://www.callofduty2.com/patch/.

"We're excited to deliver today's PC download to our ardent Call of Duty 2 fans," says Grant Collier, president, Infinity Ward. "We recognise the level of enthusiasm that our fans have for the Call of Duty 2 experience, which is why it's important to us to continue providing the content and tools that continue to deliver the type of Call of Duty action gamers crave."

As previously revealed, the two new multiplayer maps are Rhine and the longtime community favourite Harbour.

Rhine (Wallendar, Germany): The 2nd Rangers crossed the Rhine on March 24, 1945 at Wallendar, Germany in pursuit of retreating German forces. German forces harassed the advancing Allied units while withdrawing. Decimated by five years of war, the streets of Wallendar are covered with rubble and impact craters creating intense battle over difficult terrain with blown-out buildings providing cover. The Americans are attempting to take the German city on this map of urban combat.

Harbour (Rostov, Russia): An important shipping port in southern Russia, Rostov fell to the Germans in November 1941. The Soviet 37th army quickly counterattacked and punched through the overextended and winter-weary German lines to the north, forcing the 1st Panzer Army out. The Battle of Rostov resulted in the first major German withdrawal of the war.

Call of Duty veterans will recognise the Harbour map as an updated version of the original from the first Call of Duty game.

Infinity Ward also confirmed the PC game modification tools were being finalised and would be released shortly. The industrial-strength tools will feature Radiant, as well as Maya plug-ins, allowing users to create their own single-player and multiplayer Call of Duty 2 maps and missions.

GDC debrief in Melbourne next week
Posted by M @ 5:28 p.m. NZST

Dissecta is presenting GDC Dev Focus: Latest from the USA, to be held next Tuesday in Melbourne. The event is an opportunity for local game industry professionals and enthusiasts to understand some of the key issues and trends raised at the recent Game Developers' Conference held in San Jose, USA last month.

Three presenters for GDC Dev Focus: Latest from the USA are Brett Paterson, CEO and Lead Programmer at Firelight Technologies, Ben Hutchison, Lead Developer at Playscape Games, and Greg Hill, CEO of Soundwave Concepts.

Paterson will cover GDC06 generally while Hutchison, a mobile development specialist, will focus on GDC Mobile. Paterson and Hill will also demonstrate Firelight Technologies' FMOD software running through aspects of the latest version of FMOD as demonstrated at GDC06 (Paterson spoke at GDC's 2-day Audio Bootcamp tutorial class). FMOD is an audio engine that supports 12 platforms including Xbox 360, PSP, and PC, and is used in Blizzard's World of Warcraft and in Crytek's FarCry. Paterson's company Soundwave Concepts provides vehicle sounds and recordings to the game industry, with his latest credits including Project Gotham Racing 3 (Bizarre Creations) and Motorstorm (Evolution Games).

GDC Dev Focus: Latest from the USA will be held Tuesday 18 April 2006 at 7pm at the Australian Games Innovation Centre (Academy of Interactive Entertainment Presentation Room), in the Atari Building, Melbourne, Australia.

For more information and booking details, visit Dissecta online at www.dissecta.com.

PGR3 global tournament starts next Monday
Posted by M @ 1:39 a.m. NZST

Project Gotham Racing 3, the award-winning racing title for Xbox 360, is looking to send the ultimate next-gen finger racers to the Lamborghini factory in Italy with the PGR 3 Global Tournament in association with the PGR 100 on Xbox Live.

Microsoft and Bizarre Creations team with Lamborghini to bring online racers the inaugural event. Throughout the beginning of April, PGR 3 will debut a cost-free automatic update allowing gamers worldwide the opportunity to compete in upcoming tournaments for the chance to become PGR 3 champion.

From April to June, the competition features head-to-head contests between the best racers across the globe. Depending on their region, gamers can participate in European, Asian or American regional tournaments, each featuring qualifying challenges and single-elimination knockout rounds where only the fastest will survive. The top 12 racers from around the world – four from each of the three regions - will be invited to compete for the global championship crown at the Lamborghini factory in Sant' Agata Bolognese, Italy, in June.

Gamers interested in watching the action can see the competition in real time via the Gotham TV feature enabled in PGR 3. Players must own a copy of the game to view the racing.

Registration for the Xbox Live PGR 3 Global Tournament is open until 29th April, with the competition officially kicking off on Monday, 17th April. For more information and details about the races visit www.xbox.com/pgr100leaderboards and find out how you can compete for the crown.

Wet weather screens released for GTR 2
Posted by M @ 1:13 a.m. NZST

Developer Simbin Development and Publisher Tentacle Studios have discloses six fresh screenshots of the new racing simulation GTR 2 – FIA GT Racing Game.

The latest progress in the development of the weather system is pictured. Long jets of water, reflections on wet tarmac and an upgraded "Live Track Technology" with different self-drying track sections create a realistic race feeling in GTR 2 even with bad weather.

Also darkness has its charms, with Tentacle noting the play of light of the dynamic day and night change even makes long distance races a thrill.

The rain and night shots are available to all racing enthusiasts on the current product page www.gtr-game.com.

Naruto takes place in a world where ninja are the ultimate power. Uzumaki Naruto is a ninja-in-training who is learning the art of ninjutsu with his classmates Sakura and Sasuke. The trio studies under the instruction of their teacher, Kakashi, who helps the group face a series of dangerous and daunting tests and challenges. Through their adventures, the young ninjas learn the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and morality.

"Naruto will broaden our portfolio and contribute to achieving our strategic goal of earning 25 per cent. of our turnover through licences," says Christian Salomon, Director of Worldwide Licensing at Ubisoft. "Naruto is part of a wave of Japanese manga and anime that appeals to kids and adolescents alike, and we plan to deliver them every bit of the excitement they have experienced in Naruto's books, movies and TV shows."

"I'm confident Ubisoft will manage to create an exciting Naruto game, while respecting the anime's spirit of passing on positive values and a lot of fun," says Hayato Date, Naruto anime series director.

Lara Croft earns Guiness record as most successful heroine
Posted by M @ 11:39 p.m. NZST

Lady Lara Croft has been awarded a Guinness World Record as the most successful human video game heroine.

Lady Lara has been recognised as "transcending the boundaries of video games and becoming a recognisable figure in mainstream society".

The past ten years have seen Lara Croft sell over 28 million games worldwide, appear onstage with U2, appear on the cover of over 200 magazines and she has even famously taken the blame for another goalkeeping error by England goalkeeper and huge Lara fan David James. More recently, Angelina Jolie squeezed into the famous pants to play Lara in two hit Hollywood movies which has propelled the value of the Tomb Raider licensing industry to over US$1 billion, with items from lunchboxes and soft drinks to motor vehicles receiving the Lara branding treatment.

The latest game, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend, features the voice of Spooks actress Keeley Hawes as Lara. The game will feature on PSP and Xbox 360 alongside other video game formats. The new title has been over two years in the making and sees Lara make a return to form as she travels the world and revisits her tomb-raiding roots.

"It is a mark of the phenomenal success of the Tomb Raider series that ten years after the first game release, Lara Croft is more popular now than ever. It is fitting that she has been recognised for this remarkable achievement," said Ian Livingstone OBE, the man responsible for Lara back in 1996. "The new game Tomb Raider: Legend utilises the very latest capabilities in high definition gaming and Lara looks more stunning than ever before."

Microsoft purchases Lionhead
Posted by M @ 11:07 p.m. NZST

Microsoft Game Studios has purchased British-based Lionhead Studios, creators of Xbox and PC RPG Fable games.

Lionhead Studios will immediately begin creating content exclusively for the Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows platforms. The companies previously worked together on the Fable for Xbox and Fable: The Lost Chapters for Xbox and Windows, which have collectively surpassed the two-million global unit sales milestone, making Fable the best-selling role-playing franchise on the Xbox platform. Fable and Fable: The Lost Chapters enable players to make decisions that affect their character's skills, appearances and morality and the world around them.

"At Microsoft Game Studios we have worked hard to become the best partner for the best creative talent in our industry, and this acquisition underscores our commitment to excellence," said Shane Kim, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. "Peter Molyneux is one of the few true visionaries in our industry, and his joining us is incredibly important to the future of both interactive entertainment and Microsoft Game Studios."

"We could not be more excited about being part of MGS. They have long supported our creative vision, and this teamwork resulted in the hugely successful Fable franchise," said Molyneux, managing director of Lionhead Studios. "This acquisition gives Lionhead the stability and opportunity to focus on creating world-class... titles. We are joining some of the most incredible game creators in the industry, the combined talent of which will truly take next-generation gaming to a new level."

With today's announcement, Lionhead Studios becomes the latest member of Microsoft Game Studios, joining such prestigious and globally-recognised game creators as Bungie Studios, Ensemble Studios, FASA Studio and Rare Ltd on a team whose charter is to create exclusive entertainment experiences that differentiate Xbox 360 and Windows from other gaming platforms.

Gameplanet has won Best Games-related Site at the 2006 NetGuide Web Awards tonight.

This was the first time the Best Games-related Site category had been introduced. Gameplanet was also a finalist in the Best Youth Site category, which it won in 2003.

Gameplanet would like to thank all who voted for the site during the months of community voting which determined the results for the first time. Many of those that voted were members of the site, whose contributions to the site as readers, authors and moderators of the forums have helped make the site New Zealand's best along with the site's dedicated team of writers covering gaming news, events and products on a daily basis.

On behalf of all the staff at Gameplanet, we thank you for your valued involvement. We also thank our advertising clients who provide the essential means of running the site through their ongoing support.

GP Store was also a finalist in the online trading categories, while its sister site Zillion, another trading finalist, won the Best New Site award.

Congratulations to all winners - look out for more details in our features section tomorrow.

Major League Baseball 2k6 available this month for Xbox 360, PSP
Posted by M @ 10:04 p.m. NZST

Major League Baseball 2k6 for the Xbox 360 and PSP, the latest in the popular Major League Baseball 2K video game series, have gone gold. Major League Baseball 2K6 showcases groundbreaking new features, improved graphics and gameplay and online play.

Major League Baseball 2k6, the only officially licensed Major League Baseball video game to be available for every major gaming console, brings baseball to life with a variety of original and exciting features for Xbox 360 and PSP. Providing baseball fans with the ultimate MLB video game experience, Major League Baseball 2k6 offers the new Swing Stick batting mechanic, AI-driven Inside Edge technology, World Baseball Classic Mode, and Pure Motion Physics, among other compelling features.

Take-Two Interactive says Major League Baseball 2k6 for Xbox 360 demonstrates the game's exceptional graphics through high-definition details in cloth physics, 3D interactive crowds, and high-resolution textures. Through the power of the Xbox 360, the new Flashback Highlights technology allows players to relive key moments in the game.

In addition to incorporating a suite of superior features included in the console versions, Major League Baseball 2k6 for the PSP features the exclusive Home Run Derby Career Mode, challenging gamers to battle their way through the heavy hitters of Major League Baseball.

Major League Baseball 2k6 with these features and more will be shipping to retailers this month.

For more information visit www.2ksports.com.

Ubisoft distributing Final Fantasty XI in PAL territories
Posted by M @ 9:39 p.m. NZST

Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, will distribute Final Fantasy XI on Xbox 360 in across Europe and other PAL territories. Ubisoft will also distribute the Windows expansion pack Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan. Both games will hit stores this month 2006.

Final Fantasy XI is a massively multi-player online role playing game (MMORPG), taking place in the renowned world of Vana'diel. With the release of the third Windows expansion pack Final Fantasy XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan and the Xbox 360 version, combining PlayOnline, Final Fantasy XI and all three expansion packs for the title - Chains of Promathia, Rise of the Zilart and new Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion packs, the world of Vana'diel will be an even livelier place to visit.

"Ubisoft is thrilled to offer the Xbox 360 its first MMORPG," said Alain Corre, Executive Director for EMEA territories at Ubisoft. "Final Fantasy XI is a gorgeous game with a true (sic) innovative feature: Xbox 360 players can join PlayStation 2 and PC gamers in the Final Fantasy universe, thus creating a unique interaction between different platforms."

Players will create unique characters that will evolve within Vana'diel - a world once bound by a peaceful alliance between nations, but now threatened by an ever growing evil force. They will experience missions, quests, and battles either by themselves or by joining up with other party members to form powerful alliances as they explore the incredibly vast environments that make up Vana'diel.

Final Fantasy XI for Xbox 360 key features:

• First MMORPG on Xbox 360: Players will be able to see and hear the world of Vana'diel like never before, in high definition video.
• Windows and PS2 compatibility: A world first! Play on the same servers as the Windows and PS2 owners. Jump straight into the action with thousands of other players!
• A persistent world: More than 100 areas to explore including mountains, forests, glaciers, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles, and dungeons. Time and climate changes that range from full day/night cycles to desert sandstorms, thunderstorms, fog and snow.
• Three starting nations: Players can partake in conquests to elevate their nation's standing, missions to build their reputation within a nation, and special quests to discover useful items, new jobs, earn money and learn more about the story of Vana'diel.
• Customisable characters: Final Fantasy XI is filled with a host of physical traits and jobs. The unique support job system allows players the ability to switch jobs at any time to overcome any challenge.
• An accessible battle system: Experience a complex, balanced battle system fit for beginners and experienced gamers alike allowing the performing of strategic attacks using magic, job abilities, and weapon skills.
• Expansion packs included: Includes Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia and Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion packs containing 70 original areas, new jobs, items, mission scenarios and quests which will get you closer to solving the mystery of Vana'diel.

Rayman 4 coming for Christmas
Posted by M @ 9:31 p.m. NZST

Ubisoft is developing the fourth instalment of the Rayman franchise. Ubisoft's iconic brand has entertained generations of gamers for 10 years and to date has sold more than 16 million units worldwide. The new Rayman video game is being developed by Ubisoft's Montpellier studio, lead by Michel Ancel, creator of the original Rayman game, the critically-acclaimed Beyond Good & Evil and Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie. The new Rayman video game will launch during the 2006 Summer holiday season on current and next-generation consoles.

"Rayman is one of the brands that encapsulate Ubisoft's ability to create characters and universes that appeal to all kinds of players," said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. "We are expecting this new Rayman video game to sweep players off their feet."

Eidos has announced Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend about to become available for Xbox 360 on Xbox Live Marketplace.

The playable Xbox 360 demo of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend will be available to download together with an exclusive trailer of the game and also a selection of themes to customise your Xbox 360. There will also be a selection of picture packs of Lara from the game and real-life Lara, Karima Adebibe.

"Xbox Live Marketplace offers a platform of such dynamic exposure to bring Lara closer to new gamers and her existing fans," said Matt Gorman, Senior Brand Manager for Tomb Raider. "We are expecting the same level of anticipation and interest in Lara and her new game on Xbox Live Marketplace as we do with the fantastic Tomb Raider online community."

Delivering unbelievable visuals that take full advantage of Microsoft's next-generation video game and entertainment system, Lara's premiere on Xbox 360 is grounded in the series' tomb raiding roots. Created by Crystal Dynamics, Lara exploits the power of Xbox 360 with its newly created graphics system for Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend is the seventh title to be released in the Tomb Raider series, which originally launched in 1996 and is still one of the best-selling videogame franchises of all time, with over 28 million copies sold.

For further information visit: www.tombraider.com.

The9 gets Guild Wars rights for China
Posted by M @ 11:25 p.m. NZST

NCsoft Corporation has signed a licensing contract with The9, a leading online game operator in China, to release NCsoft's online role-playing game Guild Wars in China.

The contract will give The9 exclusive rights to provide Guild Wars online game services within mainland China for three years. The9 is China's leading operator of online games and was listed on the NASDAQ market in December 2004.

Jun Zhu, Chairman and CEO of The9, says, "The9 was predestined to earn the rights to service Guild Wars, the global online role-playing game which has gained worldwide recognition for its quality and popularity. Through close cooperation with NCsoft, The9 will offer Chinese gamers a chance to simultaneously experience Guild Wars, the innovative new-style online game, along with other gamers around the world."

Tack Jin Kim, CEO of NCsoft, adds, "The9 has a proven record of excellence in the Chinese market as a leading online game operator. We are confident that through the partnership, Guild Wars will receive great response from Chinese gamers and once again raise the game's status in the global market."

More than one million units of Guild Wars were sold in less than five months when the game launched on April 28, 2005. The new chapter in the Guild Wars franchise, Guild Wars Factions, awaits its launch on April 28th.

Nintendo Europe updated release list
Posted by M @ 11:03 p.m. NZST

Nintendo of Europe has updated its first-party software lineup for Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance.

Nintendo DS owners are spoilt for choice with the selection of games to choose from, including the eagerly anticipated Metroid Prime Hunters which is WiFi enabled and allows players to utilise unique Voice Over IP functions.

The product that is currently taking Japan by storm, which helps give your brain a great mental workout, is making its way to Europe and onto the Nintendo DS. Nintendo's Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? which has already sold over two million copies and which still holds the top spot in the software charts in Japan will launch this June.

Mario and his band of merry friends will also be back again in New Super Mario Brothers.

Nintendo DS
Megaman Battle Network 5 Double Team DS (Capcom/Nintendo) - 14 April
Tetris DS (Nintendo) - 21 April
Trauma Centre: Under the Knife (Atlus/Nintendo) - 28 April
Pokémon Link! (Nintendo) - 5 May
Metroid Prime Hunters (Nintendo) - 5 May
Super Princess Peach (Nintendo) - 26 May
Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? (Nintendo) - 9 June
New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo) - 30 June

Nintendo GameCube
Chibi-Robo! (Nintendo) - 26 May

Game Boy Advance
Polarium Advance (Nintendo) - 14 April
Final Fantasy IV (Nintendo) - 2 June

Latest Hitman game coming to Xbox 360
Posted by M @ 12:04 a.m. NZST

Eidos Interactive has confirmed that Hitman: Blood Money will be released on Xbox 360 to coincide with the release of PC, PS2 and Xbox versions this Autumn.

Agent 47's sinister methods of execution are now delivered in high definition, utilising the power of Microsoft's next-generation video game and entertainment system.

Hitman: Blood Money is the latest installment in the notorious assassination series, developed by IO Interactive, and takes killing for money to a whole new level.

"We are thrilled to be able to deliver Hitman: Blood Money on Xbox 360," says Neil Donnell, Executive Producer. "The development team at IO have engineered and developed the game to harness and exploit the latest in graphics and game technology so Xbox 360 is the ideal platform to demonstrate this work in HD. Gamers will be in for a real treat when they get their hands on this game and are able to fulfill their wildest Hitman fantasies."

Sega acquires Sports Interactive
Posted by M @ 11:26 p.m. NZST

Sega Holdings Europe Ltd. has acquired the multi award-winning development studio, Sports Interactive. Founded in 1994 by Paul and Oliver Collyer and operating from offices in London, the brothers are the creators behind the Football Manager series - which with only two titles from the franchise released so far, has sold in excess of 1.5 million copies and became the second fastest selling PC game of all time in the UK.

The deal sees Sega acquiring a company that has maintained the heritage and experience accumulated through many years of development. Sports Interactive have produced titles that have enjoyed an unparalleled history of commercial and critical success. Sega says it will empower the team to continue on their existing development path whilst also expanding their resources for the future.

The developer joins recently acquired Creative Assembly to add to Sega's list of development talent. Sega says this new deal continues to highlight its emphasis on Western development and adds yet more weight to its own long-term strategic vision. Sega will continue to support Sports Interactive to develop NHL: Eastside Hockey Manager, Out of the Park Baseball and the Football Manager series, as well as exploring "ambitious" new ventures.

"Football Manager is an extremely successful brand for Sega and one of the most significant titles for our European lineup," commented Naoya Tsurumi, CEO, Sega Europe Ltd. and Sega of America, Inc. "This acquisition illustrates that we are achieving our objectives and have our strategic planning up and running. Although we still have a lot more to do, we feel that this is yet another huge step towards strengthening our standing within the European market."

"We acquired Sports Interactive because Sega has the utmost respect for the Collyers, Miles Jacobson and the Sports Interactive team for what they have achieved. The company is built up of highly talented individuals that have and continue to produce award-winning titles," commented Mike Hayes, President and COO of Sega Europe. "Our objective, as with The Creative Assembly, is to work with the team and build upon their successes as we strive to produce the highest quality games for our consumers".

Miles Jacobson, Managing Director of Sports Interactive added, "From our first meeting with Sega, it felt like 'home' - they really understand development and it's an honour to get to work with the overwhelming pool of talent from both the development and publishing side. The partner was right for the next chapter in Sports Interactive's history, with more releases from the studio this year than ever before. Myself, Ov, Paul and the SI team are all really excited about the future."

The first titles to be released under the new partnership will be Football Manager 2006 for Xbox 360 and Football Manager Handheld for the PSP, both out for release this month.

SteelSeries gaming keyboard redesigned for West
Posted by M @ 10:50 p.m. NZST

SteelSeries is releasing the SteelKeys 6G, a professional gaming keyboard in redevelpment over the last nine months.

The SteelKeys 6G was first released to the Asian market to support players of the dance game O2 Jam. The game raised the bar for detailed and advanced key combinations, to master the game players needed to press up to 9 different keys simultaneously.

The keyboard has undergone several revisions since the Asian launch, to further optimise it for the first person shooter genre and other needs of Western gamers.

SteelKeys 6G features:

• Highly durable keyboard
• Supports the use of up to 9 keys simultaneously
• Gold plated connectors
• Life cycle of up to 60 million keystrokes
• Keys operated at 59.5g for long gaming sessions
• Very solid casing made of highly durable thermoplastic
• All keys face plate mounted on a solid metal surface
• Extra keyset for all standard-sized keys included
• Designed for PS/2 (USB-converter included)
• Dimensions: 445mm x 185mm x 30mm (17.5in x 7.3in x 1.2in)

Trackmania's development costs have been offset by revenues generated from in-game advertising via IGA Worldwide's Radial adserving network.

The 2006 ESWC championships also include Gran Turismo 4, Pro Evolution Soccer 5, Counterstrike and Warcraft 3. With entrants from 53 countries, the grand final will be televised from Paris where the best players from each country will compete before 40,000 spectators over three days. With Trackmania qualifiers completed in January, drivers are now battling it out to win regional heats and prize money on offer.

"E-sport is one of the most advanced forms of network gaming so a free game available around the globe is a great starting point for getting people involved," said Florent Castelnerac, studio manager at Nadeo. "In the real world, racing drivers and teams have sponsorship deals and the entire industry is supported by advertising and promotions. As advertising in games takes off, this is now being replicated in the virtual world by gamers."

"This represents a key milestone for the in-game advertising industry - [a game] subsidising itself via advertising so gamers are able to participate in a major virtual sporting event without having to shell out," said Justin Townsend, CEO at IGA Worldwide. "It's a tremendous testament to the growing strength of this medium that developers and publishers are confident in relying on in-game advertising revenues to recoup significant portions of their development costs."

The title is already proving immensely popular with gamers across the globe. IGA has already served content to over 800,000 unique users, logging almost 2 million hours of connections to their advertising servers.

Townsend continued: "With racing and sport titles, gamers expect to see advertising to add to the overall realism, and the advantages of dynamic delivery via Radial is that the content that people will see will stay updated and will be both time-specific and geographically relevant to them. These titles also offer unparalleled exposure for advertisers, both through the game and via the live event."

China to be top-ten market by 2010
Posted by M @ 11:09 p.m. NZST

The games market in China is expected to surpass US$760 million in 2006 with 95% of revenues derived from the booming online games segment. These findings are contained in a report released by San Francisco-based Pearl Research, a business intelligence and consulting firm that specialises in the interactive entertainment and games market.

Allison Luong, Managing Director of Pearl Research, commented, "The Chinese online games market is expected to cross the $1 billion mark by 2009, driven by the launch of innovative and compelling content, the addition of new Internet users and a growing casual games market."

Other key findings include:

China has a large untapped games market with less than 3% of the population (25 million) playing games and 9% (111 million) using the Internet. Growing affluence tied to China's booming economy has resulted in an expanding middle class with discretionary income to spend on entertainment and online services. By 2010, Pearl Research expects China to be a top-ten worldwide games market.

The rapid adoption of the Internet is helping to fuel the growth of the online games market in China, with 111 million Internet users in 2005, up from 52 million in 2002. Nearly 56% of Internet access is via broadband.

Georgia tax code encourages games development
Posted by M @ 10:34 p.m. NZST

The US state of Georgia legislature has enacted tax code changes allowing digital entertainment producers, including computer game companies based outside of the state, to reap a significant saving on products made there. Many states encourage film and television work, but Georgia also revised its tax code enough to include development on interactive entertainment.

This amendment to the tax code indicates how strongly Georgia is committed to the marriage of technology and entertainment, according to Greg Torre, director of the Georgia Department of Economic Development's Film, Video & Music Office. "We see interactive entertainment as a vital element in the entertainment industry as a whole. Since Georgia has colleges and universities dedicated to cutting-edge technology sitting alongside mainstays in the broadcast industry, this tax incentive seems an ideal way to highlight the fact that Georgia can be an incubator for new and exciting entertainment technology. All the resources are here. Now, we help publishers afford it."

The incentive takes the form of a credit on Georgia income taxes. Both Georgia-based and non-Georgia-based companies with limited tax liability can transfer them to a Georgia company, as long as the transferor recoups at least US 60c on the dollar. Unlike some tax incentives that only affect the publisher and final consumer product, Georgia's tax code qualifies even expenditures on editing, animation, coding, special effects, sound and other costs generated while creating an entertainment product distributed commercially outside of the state.

Qualifying companies earn a state tax credit for nine per cent of the base investment for production in the state. Eligibility is determined on a 'per project' basis, and each project counts toward the $500,000 minimum investment per filing year. If the project employs Georgia residents, the company can get an additional credit.

Georgia is already home to Blue Heat, a prolific developer of mobile phone games; GameTap, a pioneering network in providing video games through streaming technology; Kaneva, a 3D-game engine builder; Persuasive Games, a leading producer of public policy games; RoosterTeeth Productions, a production company at the forefront of Machinema (using video characters to make short films delivered via the World Wide Web); and Studiocom, developer of some of the largest advertiser-subsidised game and entertainment environments on the Internet.

Final Fantasy concert playing Sydney, Melbourne this month
Posted by M @ 4:22 a.m. NZST

Sydney-based Eminence will be holding its third Piano Stories concert celebrating the soundtracks from Final Fantasy (Nobuo Uematsu) and Studio Ghibli films, including Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away (Joe Hisaishi). The music will be performed by
Alexey Yemtsov.

From Final Fantasy VII's Aerith's Theme to Final Fantasy X-2's Cave's
Nightmare, the night will be one to remember. Nobuo Uematsu is the Japanese composer behind many acclaimed pieces from the Final Fantasy series. Since Final Fantasy IV, each soundtrack has evolved into a Piano Collections album featuring selected tracks re-arranged for piano.

Joe Hisaishi is an eminent composer and prolific director. He is best known for his work on Studio Ghibli film soundtracks. Since 1981, he has been responsible for over 100 assorted critically acclaimed soundtracks and albums.

The music will be performed by celebrated pianist Alexey Yemtsov. Having won the Horowitz International and the Prokofieff International Piano Competitions, Eminence says the Ukrainian has been called one of the most gifted pianists in the world. Yemtsov's ability to perform contemporary pieces is nothing short of remarkable. He proved himself as a superb soloist at the first instalment of Piano Stories, where he charmed many fans with his extraordinary skill."

Also making an appearance will be violinists Hiroaki Yura and Ayako Ishikawa, of previous Eminence concert fame.

The performance will be held in both Melbourne and Sydney:

National Theatre
St Kilda, Melbourne
Saturday 15th of April 2006, 1600 & 1900

Verbrugghen Hall
Conservatorium of Music, Sydney
Saturday 22nd of April 2006, 1600 & 1930

For more information, including booking details, visit www.eminenceonline.com.