Archived News:
Gamasutra
reports rumors that Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios is working on a
project codenamed "Epic Mickey," saying they've seen concept art of this
platformer game starring Mickey Mouse. Junction Point, founded by Deus Ex and System Shock designer Spector, was acquired by Disney last year,
and word at the time was they'd be developing a "next generation" project. They
also recall a recent report in EGM saying: "Word is that Spector's new Disney
project will be a platformer looking to compete with a certain pesky plumber.
And who's big enough to take on Nintendo's star? Only the mouse himself!" And of
course, Spector himself recently said: "My team and I have been
working hard on our own and (get ready for the cool factor to go way up) in
collaboration with folks from Disney Feature Animation and Pixar." They are not
sure how far along the project is, but they offer a description of the art they
saw: "Though the kooky environmental concepts, with visible large cogs, gears
and even a large fork that serves as a building's awning, are somewhat
reminiscent of Disney's Toontown Online MMO, the images -- particularly the
cloud-stained seaside painting -- have a distinctly shadowed, steampunk vibe."
The Braid Blog has a status report on
the upcoming Windows edition of Braid, apologetically saying
February-March, 2009 is now when to expect the release, admitting: "Once we
slipped into mid-October and all the big Christmas-season blockbusters started
coming out, it just seemed like a bad idea to schedule Braid for that time
period, as it seems likely it’d get released and then disappear." The update
touched on other platforms, saying depending on Sony's interest, "a PS3 version
a little later on remains a possibility," while Mac plans sound more definite:
"I am also in talks with someone to do a Mac version (native code). The release
date for this would be hopefully not long after the PC version." Thanks
Kotaku.
Paradox Interactive announces that the Global Crisis expansion is now
available for Supreme Ruler 2020, BattleGoat Studios' geopolitical,
military strategy game. The expansion adds 20 new scenarios as well as
additional new multiplayer scenarios, a new campaign/sandbox map with a new
storyline, new scenario features, improved unit control and grouping, graphic
improvements, AI enhancements, UI improvements, and more. The expansion, which
requires the original Supreme Ruler 2020, is available now on
GamersGate and is supposed to be added soon to
Direct2Drive.
This press release announces Audere Semper, a point-and-click
adventure featuring a young journalism student in Rome, in development at 10th
Art Studio and planned for release in October of next year. Word is: "Her
adventure begins with what she thinks is nothing more than a way to pass time at
the newspaper. A mysterious coded message turns up and Elisa decides to try her
skills at deciphering its meaning. What she uncovers is just the first piece of
a deeper intrigue. As she follows its trail, Elisa will have to choose between
the scoop of a lifetime and her own ethics. And she will find herself trapped in
a series of tangled events deep in the heart of Rome. For this ancient city,
known for its culture and art, also has a history of dark secrets and esoteric
movements. To survive these challenges, instinct and skills will not be enough.
Elisa will have to learn to face her fears, belonging to a past that was perhaps
better left alone..." A preliminary
Audere Semper Website is online, there are some screenshots and concept art
on
FileFront, and there's a trailer posted on
AtomicGamer,
Gamer's Hell, and
MyGameTrailers.
This press release sets January 6th as the worldwide release date for the
Mac edition of Black & White 2, as Lionhead's god game sequel will go on sale
coinciding with the launch of the MacWorld Expo, and in addition to its
availability online and in stores, the game can be purchased at the expo as
well. In addition to the game, the package will include The Battle of the Gods
expansion pack, "offering players a host of new challenges including the threat
of a rival God."
Steam News has word that
the new Electronic Arts games now on Steam are now also available
to European customers. Steam's SecuROM-free offerings currently include Spore
Creepy & Cute Parts Pack, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, Mass
Effect, Need for Speed Undercover, and FIFA Manager 2009 and
there are plans to add more in the future, including Mirror's Edge,
Red Alert 3, and Dead Space.
GameSpot has a tidbit
from Take-Two's SEC filings last week, revealing the expenses they incurred
fending off EA's takeover bid (thanks
GameInformer), saying it cost Take-Two $11.1 million defending against being
acquired. With the prior revelation that EA spent about $21
million on the failed bid, the cumulative cost of these two companies not
merging totaled approximately $32 million. Also,
GamePolitics asked industry analyst Michal Pachter to share his thoughts on
what the current state of EA would look like had they succeeded in acquiring
Take-Two. Though he says: "EA would be a mess had it completed the deal. In
addition to its own restructuring (which is just getting underway), the company
would have been faced with re-signing the Housers and with cutting significant
costs out of Take-Two in order to fully achieve synergies from the deal.," he
also thinks: "I think EA would be a stronger company if combined with Take-Two,
as the latter company has several valuable franchises and a combination would
have given EA a near monopoly in sports. Had they signed the Housers, EA would
have been well-positioned to develop incremental new IP, and would have had one
of the strongest franchises around in GTA." He does stress more than once that
his thoughts on the topic are purely speculative.
EA has released new details
on The Sims 3 along with some new screenshots from the next installment in
the lifestyle simulation series. The new info describes the various personality
traits in the game, and it sounds like the game is starting to embrace the
antisocial behavior that so many enjoy: "Get inspired by the endless creative
possibilities and unexpected moments of surprise and mischief in The Sims 3!
Customize your Sims’ appearances and choose up to five traits to create
individual personalities. With over 60 personality traits—including
kleptomaniac, insane, and evil—you can create millions of unique Sims! New
goal-oriented game play enables you to choose which short or long-term
objectives you want your Sims to pursue and even determine your Sims’ destinies
in life. Create and edit your own movies by capturing your gameplay moments or
select from a library of clips. Then join The Sims 3 online community where you
can show off all of your creations, get free bonus content, hear the latest
news, and more!"
Lorne
Lanning On Keeping The Oddworld Archive Alive on Gamasutra is an interview
with Oddworld Inhabitants co-founder and creative director Lorne Lanning to
discuss digital distribution, and the future of Oddworld. He outlines how
pleased they are to have their games available on Steam, and offers a vague
outline of future plans: "We're open to exploring how to best maximize our
existing library, but haven't been focused on creating huge story games with 40
hours of linear gameplay recently. We’ve been focused on a slightly different
chemistry that we believe will prove appealing to gamers and Oddworld fans
alike, but it's a big risk because it's way outside the box. And that excites
us. In some ways it will be very alien to Western gaming, but it's in this
direction that we believe the excitement will be. Hopefully, not too much
longer."
Happy Hanukkah, as today is the first full day of the festival of lights. It
also probably kicks off a slow period for news for the holidays, as things look
kind of quiet this morning, but this sort of thing is unpredictable, so we shall
see.
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