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Archived News:
Mythic Entertainment announces the acquisition of exclusive worldwide rights to
create MMORPGs based on the table-top Warhammer games. This apparently
puts an end to remaining hopes for a developer supported release of Warhammer
Online ( story), the Warhammer-based MMOG that had been in the
works at Climax before being axed ( story). Here's the deal:
MYTHIC ENTERTAINMENT SECURES WORLDWIDE RIGHTS TO CREATE MMORPG BASED ON
GAMES WORKSHOP’S WARHAMMER FANTASY WORLD
FAIRFAX, VA – MAY 18, 2005 – Mythic Entertainment, developer and publisher of
massively-multiplayer online role-playing games including "Dark Age of Camelot"
and the upcoming "Imperator," today announced that they have secured the
exclusive worldwide rights to create massively multiplayer online games for PC
and console set in the fantasy world of Warhammer, created by Nottingham,
UK-based Games Workshop Group PLC. The first game based upon the dark, medieval
world of Warhammer will be released on PC in 2007.
"I have always been a big fan of Games Workshop and Warhammer and I am thrilled
that we are now able to work on one of the world’s greatest and most enduring
fantasy gaming brands," said Mark Jacobs, CEO and president of Mythic
Entertainment, Inc. "Our goal for this first of what we hope will be many
Warhammer-based games is to create the single-greatest RvR-based MMORPG in the
industry."
"Warhammer fans around the world can be assured that our new partnership with
Mythic, a company with fantastic credentials in delivering great online games,
will result in a truly compelling online experience," said Andy Jones, CEO of
Games Workshop’s Entertainment and Media Division. "We are really looking
forward to working closely with people who share our passion both for the world
of Warhammer and for making games of the highest quality."
- X-Men Legends II: Rise of the Apocalypse
The X-Men Legends
II: Rise of the Apocalypse E3 movie gives a look at Raven's upcoming mutated
superhero sequel. The download is available on
3D Gamers.
- Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four E3 movie is now online,
offering another look at Beenox Studios' upcoming comic book/movie tie-in.
The clip can be found on
3D Gamers.
- Ultimate Spider-Man
The Ultimate Spider-Man E3 movie
rounds out tonight's trio of superhero game offerings, showing off Beenox
Studios' wall crawling action game. The movie is available on
3D Gamers.
- Guild Wars
This
page on the Guild Wars Website has a
new movie showing two soon to be opened areas from ArenaNet's MMORPG. Thanks
Guild Wars Slovenija.
- Lineage II
The Lineage
II: The Chaotic Chronicle Website now likewise features the latest movie
from NCsoft's MMORPG sequel.
- Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures
The
Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures Q&A on GameSpy talks with Gaute
Godager about PvP combat in Funcom's upcoming barbaric MMORPG: "I've always
been of the opinion that PvP should be voluntary, fun and available for
everyone in an online game. Some players prefer to PvP all the time, others
never. The majority of players, though, are in between these two extremes.
Our goal is to create a system where you can PvP with your main character
when you want to, without any permanent penalties. There won't be dedicated
PvP servers in Conan. PvP will be available to your character if you want to
participate -- or you could shy away altogether."
- Square Enix
The
Enix Q&A Session Report on GameSpy describes a public Q&A session
with the developer about all their upcoming projects.
The Dynasty Warriors 4 PC E3 2005 First Look on GameSpot has scant first
word on plans for a PC edition of Dynasty Warriors 4: "Koei recently sent along
a list of games that it will be showcasing at E3, and on the list was a curious
entry: Dynasty Warrior 4 PC, presumably a PC port of the long-running Dynasty
Warrior series. While KOEI did previously announce a PC version of Dynasty
Warriors, formerly known only by its Japanese name of 'Sengoku Musou BB,' we
can't confirm whether Dynasty Warriors 4 PC is actually the American version of
that game or something different."
3000AD announces the completion of development of Universal Combat: A World Apart,
another dispute with publisher DreamCatcher, and plans for future products
Universal Combat Gold; Universal Combat Online; and Battlecruiser Next Gen
(working title). They say the clash ends their relationship with DreamCatcher, a
partnership that had already suffered through a prior dispute
( story) that was eventually settled ( story).
Going back further, rights to the original Battlecruiser 3000 A.D. reverted to
the developer after a dispute with original publisher Take-Two over the game's
premature release. The blurbs on their upcoming projects do not include mention
of Universal Combat: Hostile Intent ( story), a project that was
delayed when Universal Combat: Hold the Line was cancelled
( story). Update: Derek Smart clarified with a post in
the forums here that the work done on Hostile Intent is now part of the
Universal Combat Online project mentioned below. Here's word on UC: A World Apart going gold for digital
distribution, their gripe with DreamCatcher, and the hunt for a new publisher
for the retail boxed version: In other news, while
Universal Combat - A World Apart, the eagerly awaited sequel to the original
2004 game, went Gold on 04-15-05 for release this May, several issues with the
publisher (Dreamcatcher) have not only held up the boxed retail release of that
title, but also led to the termination of the agreement. As a result,
Dreamcatcher no longer has those rights as they have now reverted back to 3000AD
Inc. We are in the process of negotiating with other interested parties for the
boxed retail rights to this product.
We also recently terminated the Battlecruiser Millennium Gold and Universal
Combat agreement which we also had with this publisher. Those rights have also
now reverted back to 3000AD Inc and a cease & desist has been issued to
Dreamcatcher, advising them to stop any further production and marketing of
these two games or face legal action under the DMCA and other copyright
infringement laws.
This issue with Dreamcatcher does not affect the e-commerce download version of
UCAWA, which we expect to have available within the coming weeks once all the
server side preparations have been completed and tested with our e-commerce
partners (e.g. Trymedia, BMT Micro and others) who will be carrying the
product.
And here are the game announcements: Universal Combat
Gold
Universal Combat Gold
(UCG) is a stand-alone follow up title to the original Universal Combat game
released in February 2004. It contains the full original game plus several
enhancements, updates and features. Both the retail and e-commerce download
version will be priced at $19.99. Estimated release date is Q3/05 (July).
Universal Combat Online
Universal Combat Online
(UCO) is our massively multi player online game. Based on a vastly improved
version of the Universal Combat - A World Apart engines, it contains a plethora
of new advanced technologies and content to make it the ultimate futuristic
battleground with our pioneered vast seamless space and planetary worlds. Both
the retail and e-commerce download version will be priced at $29.99. The monthly
fee will be announced at a later date. Estimated release date is Q3/06 (Sept).
Battlecruiser Next Gen (working title)
The eagerly anticipated next generation incarnation of the one that started it
all, is on the Way. Using the Reality Engine,
Battlecruiser Next Gen
(BCNG) is designed from the ground up to give a total immersion experience. A
completely seamless first person, space and planetary environment provides the
most immersive sci-fi game ever developed. Pricing information will be announced
at a later date. Estimated release date is Q4/07 (Nov).
The official Age of Empires III Website
has launched in honor of the upcoming installment in Ensemble's epic RTS series
(thanks AoE3.cz). The site includes game
information, high resolution screenshots, a developer's blog, video and music
samples, and more.
Ubisoft announces plans for and expansion for Cyberlore's Playboy: The Mansion
called Party Pack, offering the chance to expand into the role of The Hef by
throwing more parties like those attended by the likes of Bill Mahr and various
Baldwin brothers. Here's the deal: London, UNITED KINGDOM - May 18, 2005
– Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest videogame publishers and Hip Interactive’s
wholly owned subsidiary, ARUSH Publishing, in conjunction with Groove Games,
today announced that a PC expansion pack is being developed for Playboy: The
Mansion™. Developed by Cyberlore Studios for Playboy, the ‘Party Pack’ will
feature new content, characters, and missions.
"Following the successful release of Playboy's first-ever video game, we will
continue to provide players with additional features that will enhance the
Playboy gaming experience," said Sarah Haney, Director of Entertainment
Licensing, Playboy Enterprises, Inc. "The Party Pack represents Playboy's
commitment to offering unique and fresh content as we strengthen our foothold in
the gaming arena."
The aptly named Party Pack brings some of the most famous Playboy parties to the
virtual Hef world, including Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Playmate Of The Year
party, Hef’s birthday and the incredible Halloween bash. Players also will see
new animations, celebrities, Playmates, and rewards, and be challenged with new,
exciting missions.
“We’ve seen the growing popularity of Playboy: The Mansion since its release in
January, and the way people love throwing parties and hosting photo shoots with
models and celebrities,” said Jim Perkins, president of ARUSH Publishing. “With
the feedback from gamers, and the way consumers passionately have embraced the
game, a Party Pack expansion makes natural sense.”
Playboy: The Mansion allows players to step into the virtual slippers of Playboy
founder Hugh Hefner and run the Playboy Empire by throwing parties, mingling
with celebrities and Playmates, and creating the iconic magazine. The
multi-platform game shipped on January 25th and is available from major gaming
retailers.
“Ubisoft is thrilled to continue the Playboy gaming adventure with this new PC
expansion," says John Parkes, EMEA Marketing Director at Ubisoft. "Fans of the
original release will be excited to revisit the virtual Playboy Mansion and
discover parties and places that only privileged celebrities have experienced.”
For more information on Playboy: The Mansion, please visit
www.playboythemansion.com or
www.ubi.com
Remedy Entertainment officially announces development of Alan Wake for PC and
next-gen consoles, though the existence of their upcoming "psychological action
thriller" has been public knowledge for a couple of weeks now. Here's the
announcement, which is accompanied by
some new screenshots on
the Alan Wake Website, but does not
include a release date: REMEDY UNVEILS ALAN WAKE, A PSYCHOLOGICAL ACTION
THRILLER
Remedy Entertainment Ltd, a leading developer of cinematic action games,
unveiled Alan Wake, their new title, today at the E3 expo (Electronic
Entertainment Expo, ATI Technologies Inc. stand) in Los Angeles.
Alan Wake is a psychological action thriller, a unique new take in the world of
gaming. The game is set in an idyllic all-American small town and its
surroundings in the state of Washington. Alan Wake, the game's protagonist, is a
bestselling horror writer, who writes a novel about his darkest nightmares. In
the game, those nightmares come true. As with Remedy's previous games, story and
atmosphere are fundamental elements.
"In Alan Wake we want to weave the story tightly into the gameplay.
Combining intense and cinematic storytelling with player freedom is an
interesting and exciting challenge," says Sam Lake, Lead Writer, "Mood and
atmosphere are essential parts of a thriller, and we want them to be present
throughout the whole gameplay experience."
The game features a massive, open world for the players to explore. The game
design is mission based with the player as the driving force behing the action,
and as with their previous games, Remedy again focuses completely on delivering
the best possible single player experience.
"We're putting a huge effort into building a free-roaming, living world for the
players." says Petri Jarvilehto, Lead Game Designer, "The true power of the next
generation comes from the dynamic nature of the environment, not only making
things pretty, but also making the world more versatile, varied and immersive."
The use of light is a significant gameplay element. Remedy has developed
proprietary new technology to support the gameplay of the title and to push the
high definition visuals to the next level.
Alan Wake is currently being developed for the next generation consoles and
PC's. Remedy has not announced a release date.
The official website www.alanwake.com has
been updated with more in-game screenshots of the game.
Ubisoft and Gearbox officially announce Brothers In Arms: Earned In Blood,
confirming the title for the World War II shooter sequel first revealed last
night ( story). The
first screenshots from the project are now available, and here's the
announcement of plans for a release on PCs and current consoles for this holiday
season: San Francisco — MAY 18, 2005 — Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s
largest video game publishers, and acclaimed developer Gearbox Software,
announced the development of Brothers In Arms Earned In Blood™ for
current-generation video game consoles and for the PC. Scheduled for holiday
2005, Brothers in Arms Earned in Blood™ is the next chapter in the compelling
Brothers in Arms™ story.
With its unprecedented combination of authenticity, compelling story and
squad-based action, Brothers In Arms Road to Hill 30™ has established itself as
a benchmark for military action games. Brothers In Arms Earned In Blood™ builds
upon the elements that have made Brothers in Arms Road to Hill 30™ a runaway
success by adding new features and game modes. Featuring a new single-player
narrative, new multiplayer missions, an all-new cooperative-style game mode, and
new weapons and vehicles, Brothers In Arms Earned In Blood™ promises to lead the
way this holiday season.
“Based on a true story Brothers In Arms Road to Hill 30™ renewed the WWII
shooters category by offering the most authentic and emotional trip into the
brutal reality of war like no other competitors did before”, said Tony Kee, vice
president of marketing for Ubisoft. “Considered as the most authentic WWII
shooter ever Brothers in Arms™ returns and gamers can expect Earned In Blood™ to
once again be the best this fall.”
Developed by Gearbox Software with the collaboration of Ubisoft Shanghai
studios, Brothers In Arms Earned In Blood™ will be shown to select media behind
closed doors at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, May 18-20, at Ubisoft’s
booth, #1300, in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Key Features:
• Next Volume of Brothers In Arms™ – The award-winning WWII shooter returns with
more of the action, story and authenticity that has critics and fans raving.
• New Single-Player Narrative – Experience authentic WWII combat as Sergeant Joe
Hartsock and lead your squad beyond Carentan to liberate all of Normandy.
• New Multiplayer Missions – Taking online tactics to new heights, Brothers In
Arms Earned In Blood offers more unique multiplayer missions and improved online
support on PC and consoles! (Including the bundled addition of modification
support for the PC).
• Skirmish Mode – Brothers In Arms Earned In Blood™ features an all-new
cooperative Skirmish mode that allows one or two players to take a tour of duty
through a series of authentic and harrowing custom combat missions.
• New Weapons and Vehicles – Arm yourself with additional authentic weapons and
command new vehicles like the M10 “Wolverine” Tank Destroyer.
• More Challenging and Dynamic Combat –Featuring close quarter urban
environments and a new, next generation artificial intelligence system, Brothers
In Arms Earned In Blood™ promises to take authentic military action to the next
level.
A new True Crime 2 Teaser
Website is online (thanks Frans) place-holding the future home of the
life-of-crime sequel. The site includes the E3 trailer for the game. Also, a new
Webzen Website is online, offering
news and information about their various upcoming massively multiplayer games.
- Half-Life 2
The
Half-Life 2 Q&A
on Gamecloud chats with Doug Lombardi about the future of Valve's
shooter sequel, including word on DoD: source: "The team is cranking to
finish this summer. We'll be showing more after e3, and I think folks are
going to be pleasantly surprised by what's developed over the past few
months."
- Hellgate: London
The
Hellgate:
London Q&A on Gamecloud is short conversation with Dave Brevik of
Flagship Studios about their debut title: "There were several reasons behind
this decision. First, the team wanted a new challenge and first person was
something that almost all of us had not done before. We saw it as a great
design, art, and programming challenge and so it interested us from the
start. Second, we feel that the perspective is much more immersive. You get
more of a sense of role-playing. You are the person in the world instead of
you are commanding an avatar in the world. We wanted to remove that
disconnect so the quests and the experience felt more personal."
- Alan Wake
The
Alan Wake Q&A
on Gamecloud is a brief Q&A with Remedy's Sam Lake and Petri Järvilehto
about their upcoming action game: "And we also wanted to make this open
world as dynamic as possible. So we’ve been putting a huge amount of effort
into building the simulation. Light is completely dynamic, including the day
& night time cycles, trees and foliage and water reacts to the wind.
Morning, day and dusk all feel completely different and the transitions in
weather and time are completely seamless. So, tech-wise it was a pretty
straightforward decision for us to start building our own technology.
There’s no engine on the market that would’ve allowed us to do the things we
want to do with Alan Wake, and building our own engine allows us to get
technology to completely support the gameplay."
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
The
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.:
Shadow of Chernobyl Q&A on Gamecloud discusses GSC Game World's upcoming
shooter with Oleg Yavorsky: "Firstly, we didn’t expect the project to be
that big and resource-demanding. At some point we found ourselves piled
under a mound of features, part of which (such as life simulation for
instance) have never been implemented in any game. Therefore, experimenting
on AI and unusual linking of survival-shooting-RPG experience took us a
great deal of time. Luckily, at this point that huge stage is over and we
can be proud of the fact that nearly all the features initially declared
(and some extra added later) have worked out for us. We are very keen to
stick to the promises made. The development of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. has, without a
doubt, been an immensely valuable experience for us, particularly on
gameplay design and programming side."
- X3: Reunion
RPG
Vault's X3: Reunion Q&A talks with Egosoft's Greg Kingston about the
upcoming space combat sequel: "Something we cannot state enough - complete
freedom for the player and the ability to follow whatever path they wish.
What we have built into X3 is to make the various choices more relevant and
have more consequences in the game. New means of managing fleets and
factories will be introduced, in part as a result of community feedback. The
community has also been heavily involved in improvements to the overall
economy and combat AI."
- Real Time Worlds
Back
in the game David Jones' hot new set o' wheels on GameSpot is a Q&A with
David Jones, one-time GTA designer, about the upcoming MMOG from Real Time
Worlds that will eventually make its way from the PC to mobile platforms: "I
like the feeling that it's not black and white...that you're not necessarily
either in the game or you're not. I think what mobile gives you is, if
you're really into the game you're playing, or your friends are into it, and
you're away for a few days or something, it's just the fact that it's a
device that will let you keep in touch, keep doing things and not have to
break your connection with the game space 100 percent. And I also think
it's, thinking further down the line, some people might much prefer playing
games on a much higher strategic level on your phone. Some people may
actually just want to do that all the time."
- Misc
Gamecloud's attempt to flood the internet with Q&As
also continues with brief Q&As about
Company of
Heroes and
TimeShift and
Advent Rising
and Dungeons
and Dragons Online.
The downloads page
on the Salvo Website
now offers up a demo version of Salvo, SprueGames' strategy game set in the era
of wooden ships and iron men. There is a 267 MB windows demo and a 293 demo for
MacOS. Word is: "Players will also be able to read the 'mission introduction' to
the rest of the scenarios and campaigns that will be found in the retail game,
allowing them a peek into the exciting engagements they will be able to soon
participate in. It should also be noted that the demo is not crippleware by any
means. Virtual captains don't have to put up with time limited gameplay, or the
inability to save the game, or feel cheated out of any other game resource. Play
the demo as you see fit. After all, a demo is meant to let players sample the
actual game, not twist into 'beat the clock'."
The expo actually kicks off today!
Fox re-ups
'24,' 'Arrested' (thanks MMS) has the good news for us Arrested
Development fans, revealing the quirky sitcom has been renewed. Reading
between the lines suggests that negotiations over the no-brainer renewal of
24 may have been used to leverage the return of Arrested. If that's the
case, hats off to the men in black that pulled off that mission. Woot!
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