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Archived News:
This page is where to register
your interest in beta testing Quake Live, the upcoming free online Quake
first-person shooter (thanks
FiringSquad). Word is: "Beta testers are given early access to the QUAKE
LIVE website and game, and will help us test all of the game's features and
functionality while offering feedback and suggestions. Simply enter your email
address below to apply, but please note that entering does not guarantee
participation in the beta program."
Battlefront announces Strategic Command 2: Patton Drives East an expansion
for the Battlefront edition of Strategic Command 2, the World War II strategy game.
The add-on incorporates a number of what-if scenarios, including a couple that,
true to the title, fulfill Patton's dream of continuing eastward through Europe
and pursuing a war against the Soviet Union. The game will be released via mail
order and download this summer.
The Crysis Weekly
Update #4 on Crymod Modding Portal is live. In short: "This time we have got
an update on the Mod Software Development Kit for you and also a new status
report on the long awaited patch 1.2 for Crysis. In addition to that we are
going to introduce you to quite a few new bug fixes of the change log and also
new features that are included."
The Savage 2: A Tortured Soul
Change Log outlines changes in a new version 1.3.1 patch that's now
available for the action/strategy sequel. Along with bug fixes the update
incorporates balance tweaks and changes to prevent team stacking.
WildTangent Announces Orb the Industry's First PC Game Console for Enthusiast
Gamers is a press release in which we learn that not only is WildTangent the
fastest growing online game property in the world, but they are releasing a new
game console called "Orb" in April, which is actually your PC with their
software providing a console-style interface that will apparently allow console
games to be played on PCs. Here's word: Game Developer Conference -
WildTangent, Inc., the fastest growing online game property in the world, today
announced The WildTangent Orb(TM), the industry's first application to transform
the PC into a console for enthusiast gamers. The company also announced that
Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, THQ and other leading game
publishers will release their AAA titles for the WildTangent Orb when it
launches on www.wildtangent.com in
April. To support the launch of Orb, Sprint will be the first advertiser to
sponsor free premium game play to millions of enthusiast gamers.
The WildTangent Orb will feature the same full-screen user interface and game
pad-enabled experience that other leading game consoles offer. Additionally, it
will leverage the superior hardware performance and connectivity of the PC, the
world's most popular and pervasive online gaming platform.
"The WildTangent Orb turns any modern PC into a full-featured game console more
powerful than any next generation game console including the Microsoft XBOX 360,
Sony PS3 or Nintendo Wii," said Alex St. John, CEO of WildTangent. "Now
enthusiast gamers can download and play popular console games they love on the
most ubiquitous gaming device available today: the PC."
St. John today encouraged the nearly 20,000 attendees at the annual Game
Developer Conference in San Francisco to follow the lead of THQ and Sierra
Online into online game distribution of their AAA console titles.
"Enthusiast gamers are spending a tremendous amount of time playing games on
their PCs," said Michael Pachter, managing director of research at Wedbush
Morgan Securities. "While traditional consoles will continue to have their place
for the foreseeable future, the market has become highly fragmented and modern
PCs have the media capabilities and market share to represent the largest
contiguous enthusiast gaming audience console publishers can reach."
Starting in April, 12 million WildTangent gamers will be offered a free upgrade
to the WildTangent Orb game console, when it will be released publicly for the
first time on www.wildtangent.com. In
the second half of 2008, WildTangent Orb will come pre-installed on every
major-brand consumer PC in the U.S., including HP, Gateway and Toshiba.
"Sierra Online is continuously looking for opportunities to offer its popular
and award-winning titles to game enthusiasts in the format they prefer to play
them," said Ed Zobrist, president of Sierra Online. "Those who enjoyed playing
our AAA tiles on console, as well as PC gamers will be eager to get their hands
on some of our most desirable console titles on the PC."
The WildTangent Orb will launch with popular AAA titles from Sierra Online
including 3D Ultra(TM) Mini Golf, Assault Heroes(TM), Battlestar Gallactica(TM)
and Switchball(TM) as well as popular PC titles from Sierra Entertainment. THQ
titles will include Juiced(TM) 2 Hot Import Nights(TM), Company of Heroes®,
Company of Heroes® Opposing Fronts(TM), Red Faction®, Red Faction® II, Full
Spectrum Warrior®, MX vs. ATV Unleashed(TM), Full Spectrum Warrior Ten Hammers®,
Titan Quest(TM), Warhammer® 40,000 Dawn of War Gold and Warhammer® 40,000 Dawn
of War Dark Crusade(TM). Also included in Orb will be more than 55 enthusiast
titles from THQs Valusoft.
"THQ is committed to making its games available to gamers in the most convenient
ways possible including online distribution," said Adrienne Lauer, national
sales director of Market Development in the Americas, THQ. "We are excited to
make our games available for the WildTangent Orb and offer our AAA games to
enthusiast gamers online."
Game developers and publishers interested in making their enthusiast titles
available for the April launch of the WildTangent enthusiast game console should
e-mail enthusiast@wildtangent.com.
- Civilization IV
The
Soren Johnson Q&A on Rock,
Paper, Shotgun chats with the Firaxis designer in a look back at
development of Civilization IV.
- Online Worlds Roundtable
RPG
Vault's Online Worlds Roundtable #16 - Part 3 rolls along, the subject
on the (round) table continues to be storytelling in MMORPGs.
- Ron Gilbert
The
Ron Gilbert Q&A on
IncGamers talks with the adventure game designer about his storied past
in the industry, how he came to work at Hothead Games, and his work on
DeathSpank and the upcoming Penny Arcade game.
- Introversion
Introverted?
Not! An Interview with Introversion on Gamehelper catches up with the
independent developer behind Darwinia about their upcoming follow-up,
Multiwinia, being an indie, their approach to game development, and more.
- Jonathan Coulton
How
to Become a Rock Star on People of the Web (thanks nin) talks with
Jonathan Coulton, calling the Still Alive composer "the godfather of
geek-rock."
- Developers on Development
From
the Devs to the Devs on Game Invasion is a video where several
developers take some time out from GDC to offer advice to aspiring
developers.
- Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures on
GameSpot.
- Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath on
GameSpot.
- LEGO Batman: The Videogame on
IGN.
- Neverwinter Nights 2: Mysteries of Westgate on
RPG Vault.
Diary #2.
- Recoil Retrograd on
1Up.
- Supreme Ruler 2020 on
GameSpot.
Cliff Bleszinski closed Microsoft's keynote address at the GDC by announcing
Gears of War 2, an Xbox 360 exclusive due this November. Word from Microsoft
Game Studios is: "This highly anticipated sequel to the 4.5 million-selling
blockbuster 'Gears of War' delves deeper into humanity’s struggle for survival
against the nightmarish Locust Horde, and promises to take high-definition
visuals to a whole new level." And word from CliffyB is: "To our team the
original game was just a tease, the appetizer to the ‘Gears of War’ characters
and new style of gameplay. We were so amped to get to the next chapter, and dig
deeper into the universe of this franchise. ‘Gears of War 2’ is an even bigger,
better, and more badass experience than the first game, and we can’t wait to get
it in the hands of eager gamers this November." There's a trailer teasing the game on Gamer's Hell.
Fireglow Games announces Stranger is
gold, and the strategy/role-playing hybrid that's already available in Europe is
due in North America on March 3, as promised: Cary, NC, February 20, 2008
– Stranger, the new RTS/RPG hybrid title from Fireglow Games, has gone gold
today. The game, set to begin shipping in North America on March 3, puts players
in the role of a mysterious hero lost in a strange fantasy world. Stranger
features a deep magic and enchantment system, and a rich world populated by more
than a hundred unique monster types. Players can take control of three
characters and enjoy a single-player campaign lasting more than 30 hours, while
also being able to take their game online in eight-person Internet multiplayer
matches. For more information about Stranger, visit the official Web site at
http://stranger-game.com.
It’s a fantasy come true: Epic role-playing adventure and real-time tactical
confrontations collide in Stranger, a sprawling saga of sword and sorcery mayhem
set in a world beyond your wildest imagination!
As one of three battle-hardened heroes, explore a hostile surface kingdom and
mysterious subterranean realm, growing your combat skills and magical abilities.
Blade and spell streak across the screen in a dizzying dance as you duel with
slavering beasts and mutant monstrosities, using intuitive enchantment and melee
systems or ruthless mercenaries’ help to defeat opponents. Gather not just your
courage, but also wits and resources before proceeding. From recruiting
ultra-powerful allies to going face-to-face with the blackest evil and amassing
a mystical arsenal capable of seeing you safely through this epic tale, you’ll
need all to meet the challenges which lie within.
A playable demo is now available for
Spaceforce Captains to
provide a sample of Provox Games' turn-based strategy game set in that place
where no one can hear you scream. The demo is a 684 MB download, available on
ComputerGames.ro, FileFront,
Gamer's Hell, and
Strategy Informer.
Top technology companies form gaming alliance (thanks Mike Martinez) officially
announces the formation of the gaming alliance first revealed last week
( story) to help promote/revive the PC gaming scene. Here's word:
Some of the top technology companies, including Intel, Microsoft, Dell,
and Advanced Micro Devices joined forces Tuesday to form the PC Gaming Alliance,
which will try to promote the PC as a gaming platform.
The alliance will bring hardware makers, software companies, and game publishers
under one roof to "accelerate innovation, improve the gaming experience for
consumers and serve as a collective source of market information and expertise
on PC gaming," the alliance said in a statement.
The companies will work together on challenges facing the PC gaming industry,
including piracy and the establishment of hardware requirements for PC games,
the alliance said. PCGA also hopes to accelerate growth of the PC gaming
industry and standardize the development of gaming PCs and software by
developing and promoting guidelines.
The alliance comes at a time when PC video game sales are falling. PC games
sales in the U.S. were $910.7 million in 2007, down from $970 million in 2006,
according to research from NPD Techworld. PC game sales in 2007 dwarfed in
comparison to the sale of software for video game consoles like Sony's
PlayStation and Nintendo's Wii, which were $6.6 billion.
Unit shipments of PC game software totaled 36.4 million in 2007, compared to
video game software unit shipments of 153.9 million, according to NPD.
The U.S. gaming industry already has the Entertainment Software Association,
which represents vendors that publish games for both computers and consoles.
About 90 percent of the $7.4 billion revenue of PC and console gaming software
in 2006 belonged to ESA members, giving the association a dominant presence.
Other PCGA members include Acer, Epic, Nvidia and Razer USA.
The announcement comes during the Game Developers Conference, which is being
held in San Francisco. During the show PCGA member Intel launched a new gaming
platform formerly code-named "Skulltrail." The Intel Dual Socket Extreme Desktop
Platform includes two quad-core microprocessors, totaling eight-processing
engines, and supports graphics cards from ATI or Nvidia.
Revolution Returns to Mars
in THQ's Open World Shooter Red Faction: Guerrilla is the announcement
following up on several recent indications that a new Red Faction game is in the
works. The new game once again gets your ass to Mars, and the series continues
to explore the gameplay implications of destructible environments, but the
first-person perspective of the first two games is giving way to a third-person
point-of-view: AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI
- News) today announced that Volition, Inc.’s critically acclaimed Red Faction®
franchise will make its open-world, next-generation debut with Red Faction®:
Guerrilla™. Set 50 years after the climactic events of the original Red Faction,
this third-person open-world action-shooter will return to Mars and once again
re-define the limits of destruction-based game-play. Red Faction: Guerrilla is
currently in development for Microsoft Xbox 360® video game and entertainment
system from Microsoft, Sony PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system, and
Windows-based PC, and is scheduled to ship in THQ’s fiscal year 2009.
"Red Faction is one THQ’s most successful and critically acclaimed original
franchises to date, with a huge global base of loyal fans waiting to join the
new revolution," said Brad Carraway, director of global brand management, THQ.
"With the game’s unique pairing of true physics-based destruction, fast-paced
guerrilla warfare style combat, and a massive world to explore – Red Faction:
Guerrilla will redefine the limits of open-world gaming.”
“Red Faction: Guerrilla expands the signature destruction elements of the series
and pushes the boundaries of next-gen gaming on a massive, terra-formed Mars
where gamers can literally tear down the enemy EDF presence brick by brick,”
said Mike Kulas, president of Volition, Inc. ”With a new 3rd person perspective,
a full cover system that allows for guerrilla style tactics and a diverse planet
to explore we’re excited to revitalize the gripping world of Red Faction for
high-definition platforms.”
About Red Faction: Guerrilla
Red Faction: Guerrilla is a 3rd person, open-world action shooter set on Mars,
50 years after the events of the original Red Faction. Players will take the
role of an insurgent fighter with the newly re-established Red Faction movement
as they battle for liberation from the oppressive Earth Defense Force.
Throughout their fight for freedom, players will carve their own path, wreaking
havoc across the vast, open-world environment of Mars, from the desolate mining
outpost of Parker to the gleaming EDF capital city of Eos. Utilizing improvised
weapons, explosives and re-purposed mining equipment and vehicles, Red Faction:
Guerrilla allows players to tear through fully destructible environments in an
unforgiving Martian landscape swarming with EDF forces, Red Faction resistance
fighters, and the downtrodden settlers caught in the cross-fire. Red Faction:
Guerrilla will also feature a robust multiplayer component, including several
modes focused on destruction-based gameplay. Currently in development for
Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PLAYSTATION 3, and Windows PC, Red Faction: Guerrilla
is expected to ship to retailers worldwide in THQ’s fiscal year 2009.
This press release
officially announces Champions Online, an MMORPG in the works at Cryptic Studios
based on the Champions pen-and-paper superhero RPG. The game was first revealed
on the cover of an issue of Game Informer Magazine ( story), but
the announcement offers first details, including a Spring 2009 release date, and
word that the connection between Champions and Champions Online will extend to
information about the MMORPG being included in the sixth edition of the HEROES
system and Champions rulebooks, which will be released around the time of the
game. The Champions Online Website
is live, offering information,
forums, a developer blog
by Jack Emmert on the new game, and more. Here's the announcement:
LOS GATOS, CA--(Marketwire - February 20, 2008) - Cryptic Studios™, one
of the leading independent developers of massively multiplayer online
role-playing games (MMORPGs), announced today Champions Online™, their first
ever self-developed and self-published MMORPG. Champions Online, based on the
popular pen-and-paper Champions RPG, will give players the power of total
customization of their hero experience while they explore a vast universe of
richly detailed 3D environments. Champions Online is slated for release in
Spring 2009.
Cryptic Studios also announced today that it has acquired the Champions
intellectual property (IP) from Hero Games. First published in 1981, the
Champions role-playing game is one of the first RPGs to forgo the traditional
dice-rolling system of character generation in favor of a point-based system.
Cryptic Studios has licensed back to Hero Games the rights to produce Champions
RPG books, and the sixth edition of the HERO System and Champions, set to
release in 2009, will include rules on how to recreate Champions Online
characters and scenarios.
"We thought carefully about which IP to select for our next game," said Jack
Emmert, chief creative officer of Cryptic Studios. "I've been playing the
Champions RPG since it first came out and I love both the rich history and wide
array of compelling characters which made this an obvious choice for Cryptic
Studios."
"I am very excited to be working on Champions," said Michael Lewis, president of
Cryptic Studios. "We have a powerful development team, a better engine, more
resources, and a vision for a new kind of MMO experience. Bringing the operating
side of the business in-house enables us to be more efficient, get our
developers even closer to the customer, and ultimately make a better game and
long-term experience."
Champions Online is all about total customization -- it will offer a near
infinite amount of character customization so that all players will have a
unique game experience. Gamers will be able to create their hero's name, back
story, costume, powers and abilities as well as design their own personal
arch-enemy and his or her back story, which will guarantee a truly unique
experience.
"Champions Online brings a lot to the table. Gamers have literally billions of
options to create their own fully customized hero," Emmert said. "Couple that
with the unique character generation system and tons of beautiful, expansive
environments in which to roam, and Champions Online is going to be unlike
anything MMO fans have seen before."
For more information on Champions Online and Cryptic Studios please check out
the feature story in the March issue of Game Informer magazine on newsstands
now, www.crypticstudios.com, and
www.champions-online.com to view
character profiles, gameplay trailers, and forums.
Atari Aims for ArmA:
Gold announces the North American release of ArmA: Gold (thanks Gamer's Hell), the
compilation of Bohemia Interactive's ArmA: Combat Operations the Queens Gambit
expansion for the military shooter: NEW YORK, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/
-- Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR - News), one of the world's most recognized brands
and a third-party video game publisher and distributor, today announced that
ArmA: Gold, the compilation of ArmA: Combat Operations and ArmA: Queens Gambit
the official expansion pack from Bohemia Interactive, has shipped to retailers
in North America. ArmA: Gold is rated M for Mature and is now available at the
suggested retail price of $49.95. ArmA: Queens Gambit, the expansion pack only,
has been released exclusively for digital download for the Windows platform for
the suggested retail price of $29.95.
"ArmA: Queens Gambit takes players back into the battlefield for an
exceptionally realistic action-packed combat experience," said Todd Slepian,
Producer, Atari, Inc. "With the ArmA: Gold bundle, fans of ArmA: Combat
Operations will be able to revisit their favorite tactical missions and engage
in all new campaigns as seasoned veterans."
In ArmA: Combat Operations, players will be able to engage in the story-driven
single-player campaign or take part in huge multiplayer battles with more than
50 players on one battlefield at once. Featuring a vast environment with more
than 150 square miles to explore, ArmA: Combat Operations allows players to
pilot or drive more than 30 vehicles including APCs, tanks, self-propelled
anti-aircraft guns, helicopters and fighter planes.
ArmA: Queens Gambit will offer a new story-based campaign occurring 18 months
after the ArmA: Combat Operations war conflict. In the same realistic combat
simulation experience, players take on the role of a group of seasoned
mercenaries to help the government with a sensitive matter that the army cannot
handle alone. With unprecedented freedom of movement, actions and tactics, the
game will allow players to immerse themselves in battle with six completely new
characters, new vehicles and seven original campaigns.
For more information on Atari and its entire product line-up please visit
www.atari.com.
Turbine announces an extension of their deal with Tolkien Enterprises to develop
MMORPGs based on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The
deal now runs through 2014 with an option to push it out to 2017.Here's the
announcement, including an asterisk with no corresponding footnote claiming that
Lord of the Rings Online was named 2007 PC game of the year, though we're not
sure where: WESTWOOD, MA – February 20, 2008 - Turbine, Inc. announced
today that in the wake of the global success of The Lord of the Rings Online™:
Shadows of Angmar™, named the 2007 PC Game of the Year*, it has reached an
agreement with Tolkien Enterprises to extend it’s license to develop Massively
Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games (MMORPG) based on The Hobbit and The Lord
of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien to 2014 with additional options to extend the
rights until 2017.
“We’re thrilled with the global success of The Lord of the Rings Online since
its launch in 2007,” said Jim Crowley, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. “With
the recent announcement of what are sure to be two blockbuster films based on
The Hobbit and a sequel, we expect the success of the license and our
relationship with Tolkien Enterprises to grow for years to come.”
“We have had a wonderful working relationship with Turbine over the past several
years,” said Albert M. Bendich, Executive Vice President of The Saul Zaentz
Company, and its merchandising division Tolkien Enterprises. “We look forward to
our continuing success with Turbine as it pushes the envelope for compelling
online entertainment and gameplay to bring the compelling characters of
Middle-earth to life for Tolkien fans around the world.”
Next Generation has responses from Scott Miller of 3D Realms about the
lawsuit filed by Cinemagraphix Entertainment over Earth No More
( story). One quote is from the
Shacknews forums and
the other from an email: “Also, their settlement offer is far more than
the $150k I've seen here. As another example of their cluelessness, they have
asked for 20 percent of game revenues, along with a far richer settlement
number.
3D Realms never settles, period. If we're in-the-right (as we've *always* been),
we battle to the end just on principle alone. If it gets out that you're a
company that settles, you invite dozens of lawsuits like this.”
…
"They have no actual case, only a fantasy they've created in a sad effort to
strike it big off the backs of creative, dedicated people in our industry. You
can be utterly sure we will not settle because we have not done what they've
claimed--our ideas are 100 percent self-created.
Talk to me in a few months when this thing is behind us, and you'll see they
failed to extort any money from us. We've been involved in several lawsuits of
this type, and in each case we've prevailed as having done no wrong, and without
paying a dime in settlement extortion. When fully innocent as we are here, on
principle alone we will never settle."
This press release
announces development of a quarter-billion dollar facility called Cyber City in
Chiang Mai, Thailand, a collaboration between Creative Kingdom and the Thai
government, offering this modest assessment: "The developers of Cyber City
Chiang Mai believe it will prove a benchmark in the ongoing evolution of the new
global economy." Word is the first project for the new facility will be creation
of a new virtual planet for Mindark's Entropia Universe. Here's word on that,
which takes the claims of the success of Entropia to a new high, claiming it is
prepared to challenge WoW for virtual supremacy: The maiden project for
the new complex will be CKI's collaboration with the Swedish company Mindark,
makers of Entropia Universe, an enormously successful Massive Multiplayer Online
Role-Playing Game (MMORG) with a real cash economy that is already positioned to
challenge the dominance of market leader World of Warcraft. CKI, the first
high-profile architectural firm to be enlisted for such an undertaking, will
design an entire planet within Entropia Universe.
New patches are now available for Sudden Strike 3: Arms for Victory, updating
the World War II RTS game to version 1.31. There are three flavors of patch, one
for the international edition, one for Polish, and one for Russian.
These patch notes describe what's new and different. All three patches are
available on the Fireglow Games Website
and mirrored on
FileFront, Gamer's Hell,
and The Patches
Scrolls.
The Sacred 2: Fallen
Angel Website now offers a new video from ASCARON Entertainment's upcoming
fantasy RPG sequel, offering a brief look at the game's take on the Golum.
Thanks Gamer's Hell.
Molyneux
despairs at tragic state of PC gaming on GamesIndustry.biz quotes the
Lionhead designer on his complaints that a lack of innovation is to blame for
declines in PC gaming: "I think it's a huge tragedy. I mean, you might as
well say PC gaming is World of Warcraft and The Sims... The weird thing is
everyone's got a PC, they're just not buying software for it," commented
Molyneux.
And while many developers are chasing the casual PC gaming market as the next
big thing, Molyneux believes it's already suffering from repetition and a lack
of imagination.
"There's an enormous amount of gaming happening with PopCap, Big Fish and
Reflective.
"The fascinating thing is when they first started, all these games came out like
Peggle and Mystery Files and Alice Greensleeves and Diner Dash, and it felt
quite exciting. There was a lot of innovation going on. Okay, there weren't
great graphics, but there was innovation.
"In my view, that has completely stopped. They're doing the same game over and
over again with a different wrapper. It's like a mini-universe in itself which
is emulating what's happening in our industry," he added.
Disney snatches back Toy Story license has word the entertainment giant is
planning on creating their next Toy Story game in-house. This is described as a
blow to THQ, who pitched the chance to develop a Toy Story 3 tie-in, but
MCV also quotes THQ's Brian Farrell saying they are not surprised that
Disney is developing the game themselves.
A collection of Thomas Boswell's outstanding baseball essays is titled Why
Time Begins on Opening Day. That sounds about right to me, so now that
spring training is underway, time for time to begin is coming. Or something like
that.
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