BUYERS GUIDE TO VIDEO GAME CONSOLES

There is now a video games console to suit practically every need, taste and budget. But the range and diversity of gaming systems, never mind the games themselves is a daunting prospect to the uninitiated.

Today’s systems offer much more. Are you an online gamer? Are childrens’ games a priority? Want to take full advantage of that 50-inch flat-screen plasma TV? Or are you just looking for cheap hassle-free fun with friends and family?

Conclusion:

Nintendo Wii is the best console for families

Nintendo DS Lite is the best handheld console

PlayStation 2 is the best budget console

Xbox 360 is the best console for online gaming

The new PlayStation 3 is the best high-definition video games console

Once you’ve decided what you want the console for and which one to get, where next? Here are the key things to keep in mind to buy a games console in complete confidence:

1. Watch out for worthless extras

Many shops offer bundle deals in addition to selling stand-alone consoles. Typically they throw a load of games in for “free”. While the savings can be substantial with such deals they can also be illusionary. Are the “free” games on offer actually worth having? If you are not careful you could end up spending more than you intended on games you will never play so check them out first.

2. Make sure all the essentials are included

Do not assume everything you need to get your console working will come in the box. Extras you may need to purchase separately may include additional handsets for multiplayer games; subscriptions for online gaming; and special cables which will boost the audio and visual performance of your unit.

3. Compare Prices

Retail competition in this market is fierce, so shop around for the best prices. Game (and to a lesser extend) console prices vary wildly from place to place, so doing research in advance and checking prices on-line makes sense. Unless you really need to buy the latest blockbuster on day of its release, wait a month or two - all games are reissued on budget labels and console prices also fall over time.

4. Duck and Dive

Staff at specialist computer games stores are much more likely to have expert knowledge than their equivalents at supermarkets and the like. But if the supermarket is cheaper, don’t be afraid to take advice from one place and buy in another. Also, consider asking the specialist store for a discount if you know the product is available for less elsewhere.

5. Read Expert Reviews

Don’t know your Halos from your Half-Lifes? Websites such as ProductSifter (dot) com, Gamerankings.com and Metacritic.com all have excellent reviews and rankings for a wide range of video console and game products.

6. Test before you buy

Many games shops have in-store demo units, so you can take a game or a console for a test run before you buy. Remember, you can also rent video games or use online clubs like Swapgame.com to cut costs further.

7. Check the age ratings

Every video game should have an age rating. In Europe, the Pan-European Game Information standard is used. It is not legally binding, but offers a clear guide to parents about a game’s suitability for children. Also, any game featuring mature or realistic content is rated by the British Board of Film Classification.

Move over Halo 3: Online games offer free play

Some video game publishers have stopped charging for their games in the hope that once hooked - players will pay for special features.

For all the hype about Microsoft's Halo 3 video game, 10 times as many people have played the hit online game Diner Dash.

Unlike Halo 3, which is played on Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console and targets hard-core gamers willing to part with $60, Diner Dash is a so-called casual game - an inexpensive, easy-to-learn online game that appeals to a wider audience.

Casual games are played on a Web site or downloaded and, due to the cheaper format, they don't bring in the kind of money that traditional video games generate. While Halo 3 took in $170 million in the first 24 hours after its release last week, the casual game industry struggles to get players, particularly young ones, to pay up.

Source: Money CNN

FIA World Rally Championship

Greatest spectator sport in the world revs up and premiers on mobile !

I-play, the mobile entertainment company, today announced the global launch of ‘FIA World Rally Championship’, the mobile game based on one of the most exciting spectator sports in the world. For the first time ever, mobile gamers can experience the most dynamic and challenging motorsport imaginable, pitting their skills to overcome every extreme weather condition possible on all types of demanding terrain.

Featuring the 16 official WRC locations, players must master four challenging environments and road surfaces in both arcade and championship modes – all against the clock! Bonus points are awarded for crowd pleaser stunts and extra rallies and car upgrades come as unlockable features. The game also features cinematic camera angles; third person driving views; track hazards such as logs, boulders and crashed cars as well as the official WRC music and sound effects!

The ‘FIA World Rally Championship’ is the only officially licensed WRC mobile game. This world-renowned franchise is recreated through original visual settings with the intense environments that the World Rally Championship epitomizes.

Millions of fans attend live WRC events every year and the WRC website alone regularly attracts over 500,000 visitors a month from five separate continents. The target audience for the mobile game includes the 18-35 year old racing fans, speed enthusiasts and thrill seekers who make up WRC’s fan base.

David Gosen, President, I-play, commented: “High speed frenzied action, with detailed and incredibly high quality graphics, will raise WRC above and beyond any other mobile rally racing game. Staying true to I-play’s casual development philosophy, the game will incorporate ‘one thumb’ play and will be easy to get into, but challenging to master.”

Simon Long, Managing Director of International Sportsworld Communicators (ISC), commented: “We are delighted to partner with I-play in introducing the first Official FIA World Rally Championship game on mobile. This platform delivers WRC content in a new format to a new generation of gamers who are able to experience the high-octane challenge of the WRC, on demand. High quality full rally simulation is now accessible in bite-size chunks relevant to modern lifestyles, bringing WRC directly into the hands of a global fan base.”

The 2D game is developed internally by I-play and the 3D game by I-play’s developer partners at Firemint. Both games are being distributed globally across I-play’s extensive network.

Juiced 2 - Hot Import Nights Video Game

THQ has signed a major co-marketing agreement with mobile media company 3, one of the world's largest mobile network operators.

The 3 agreement allows for the company to be included in THQ’s video game Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights scheduled to release later this Autumn for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Nintendo DS and Windows PC.

“To be able to offer 3 the ideal position between mobile and console games with Juiced 2 – THQ’s sequel to a two-million selling Juiced franchise is very exciting for mobile entertainment, " said Adam Comiskey, International Vice-President, THQ Wireless.

"This is yet again an original marketing move for THQ Wireless. Through this integration, thousands of gamers around the world will potentially see the 3 logo within the Juiced 2 video game,” said James Scalpello, Director of Marketing, THQ Wireless.

"Juiced 2 is a great opportunity to reach out to a significant segment of our customers,” said Fergal Walker, Director of products, 3UK. “3’s prominent positioning within this video game enhances our credentials as the market-leader in mobile gaming."

Under the new agreement, the 3 brand will be fully integrated into the mass market console video games. In addition, the Juiced 2 mobile game will be available for download directly from the 3 portal. In the game, players can create and customize a 3 branded car, designing everything from hot hatches to super cars. They can spray paint, choose modifications and race the 3 car to stunning effects.

About Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights

Juiced 2: HIN evolves the current street racing scene, letting players experience the culture of the real-life HIN tour, the nation’s largest lifestyle custom car show in an intense racing experience. Featuring track and drift racing at real-world locations around the globe, next-gen AI and unparalleled vehicle customization, Juiced 2: HIN brings street racing to life, allowing players to test their skills at live street racing events against a back-drop of DJs, fashion, models and musicians. Groundbreaking new features include addictive drift/ powersliding races and “Driver DNA” that tracks gamers’ personal driving traits. 

These profiles, along with the profiles of select celebrities will be available for download across all online gaming systems. Elite racing developer Juice Games has evolved the game-play that revolutionized online racing, giving players the power to create their car, assemble their crew and put it all on the line in intense pink slip and crew races. Gamers will also be able to bet cash on each event, bringing a gambling element to the game that greatly increases the importance of each race.

Harry Gregson-Williams To Product Score Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfar

Award-Winning Composer Leads Soundtrack to Infinity Ward's Epic Thriller

Infinity Ward and Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) have announced that award-winning Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare™ will feature an original score by Stephen Barton with the Main Theme & Music Production provided by award-winning composer Harry Gregson-Williams. Gregson-Williams’ work has been featured in numerous feature films, television series, and videogames with credits including Enemy of the State, Man on Fire, Spy Game , The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Team America: World Police. The soundtrack for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was performed and recorded by a full orchestra, largely at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, England.

“Harry Gregson-Williams was the perfect choice to craft an immersive and rich soundtrack that matches the heightened atmosphere and tension of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare,” says Grant Collier, Studio Head at Infinity Ward. “Harry’s wealth of experience, passion and intensity together with the talents of young composer, Stephen Barton, shine through in the score draws gamers deeper into the epic and cinematic experience that is Call of Duty 4.”

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for Xbox 360, Windows PC and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system will begin deployment on Tuesday, November 5, 2007 and has been rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB for Intense Violence, Strong Language, Blood and Gore. The game will also be available for and Nintendo DS and has been rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB for Teen for Blood and Violence.

Players anxious to answer the call can visit www.charlieoscardelta.com for additional information and exclusive updates.

Little Britain gets Glu'd to Mobile

Little Britain characters to debut on mobile

Glu Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq: GLUU), a leading global publisher of mobile games, today announced a partnership with Granada Ventures to develop and publish a mobile game based on the award-winning Little Britain TV series.

Following on from the highly successful Little Britain – the Video Game on PS2, PSP and PC published on the Blast label by Mastertronic – the mobile game will include four mini-games exclusively for mobile featuring a number of action-packed challenges and adventures themed around the most popular characters including roller-skating Vicky Pollard and fat-fighter Marjorie Dawes. The game will also feature the voices of Little Britain creators Matt Lucas and David Walliams with narration from Tom Baker.

In addition, Glu will publish additional mobile entertainment content. The Little Britain game will be distributed primarily across the UK, Australia and New Zealand via Glu’s extensive network of operator partners.

“Little Britain is one of the UK’s most successful comedy shows of the decade. Creating and distributing the first mobile game for the brand is an exciting challenge and supports our strategy of developing relevant, engaging content and making it widely available,” says Patrick Mork, Marketing Director, EMEA. “Bringing Little Britain to the mobile screen is yet another example of Glu’s commitment to give fans yet another way to connect with the content and brands they love.”

Van Uong, Licensing Manager, Granada Ventures, adds “Little Britain is incredibly popular among mobile gaming’s core audience of 18 to 34 year olds, making it a perfect title to bring to the mobile platform. The game will be true to the original concepts of Little Britain incorporating all of the most popular characters, giving fans a unique experience made just for mobile Glu’s expertise in developing quality games and bringing them to a vast audience will create a truly engaging experience for existing fans, whilst also welcoming a new audience to the world of Little Britain.”

Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock

Master Tracks from Aerosmith, The Killers, Slipknot, and Sonic Youth Added

Activision announce additional songs to be included in the main set list for the highly-anticipated title, Guitar Hero III - Legends of Rock. While delivering more master tracks than ever before, strategic partnerships have been secured with all the major and independent record labels and publishers to allow unrivaled access to their vast catalogs of music, along with supplying artists' original recordings for even greater authenticity.

The additional tracks include:

· Same Old Song and Dance (by Aerosmith)
· Helicopter (by Bloc Party)
· Stricken (by Disturbed)
· Monsters (by Matchbook Romance)
· Before I Forget (by Slipknot)
· Kool Thing (by Sonic Youth)
· When You Were Young (by The Killers)
· Devil Went Down to Georgia (as made famous by Charlie Daniels Band)
· Sunshine of Your Love (as made famous by Cream)
· Holiday in Cambodia (as made famous by Dead Kennedys)
· Cliffs of Dover (as made famous by Eric Johnson)
· Hit Me with Your Best Shot (as made famous by Pat Benetar)
· Black Magic Woman (as made famous by Santana)
· Story of My Life (as made famous by Social Distortion)
· Pride and Joy (as made famous by Stevie Ray Vaughn)
· The Seeker (as made famous by The Who)
· Black Sunshine (as made famous by White Zombie)

In addition to the newly announced tracks, previously announced songs in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock include:

· Miss Murder (by AFI)
· Minus Celsius (by Backyard Babies)
· Sabotage (by Beastie Boys)
· Hier Kommt Alex (by Die Toten Hosen)
· Through Fire and Flames (by Dragonforce)
· In the Belly of a Shark (by Gallows)
· Welcome to The Jungle (by Guns N' Roses)
· Avalancha (by Heroes Del Silencio)
· Take This Life (by In Flames)
· Number of the Beast (by Iron Maiden)
· Ruby (by Kaiser Chiefs)
· Closer (by Lacuna Coil)
· Cult of Personality (by Living Colour)
· One (by Metallica)
· Knights of Cydonia (by Muse)
· Mauvais Garcon (by NAAST)
· Even Flow (by Pearl Jam)
· Lay Down (by Priestess)
· Bulls on Parade (by Rage Against The Machine)
· 3's and 7's (by Queens of the Stone Age)
· Suck My Kiss (by Red Hot Chili Peppers)
· Generation Rock (by Revolverheld)
· Raining Blood (by Slayer)
· Cherub Rock (by Smashing Pumpkins)
· Radio Song (by Superbus)
· The Metal (by Tenacious D)
· I'm in the Band (by The Hellacopters)
· Anarchy in the U.K. (by The Sex Pistols)
· Reptillia (by The Strokes)
· Paint It Black (by The Rolling Stones)
· My Name is Jonas (by Weezer)
· Slash's Original Boss Battle Recording
· Tom Morello's Original Boss Battle Recording
· School's Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
· Paranoid (as made famous by Black Sabbath)
· Cities on Flame (as made famous by Blue Oyster Cult)
· Slow Ride (as made famous by Foghat)
· Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)
· Rock and Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss)
· Mississippi Queen (as made famous by Mountain)
· Rock You Like a Hurricane (as made famous by Scorpions)
· La Grange (as made famous by ZZ Top)

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will include explosive new content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer game modes will also allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true legendary rock status. While continuing to retain all the key features from their prior legendary performances, fresh downloadable content will be offered on multiple platforms, and players can now shred to a killer set list from many of the most popular rock songs ever recorded.

For the first time ever, Guitar Hero fans will also be able to thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform, including exclusive Gibson Guitar's Les Paul model for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii home video game system from Nintendo, and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. PlayStation 2 gamers will also get to shred on a new exclusive shape, Gibson's Kramer guitar, popularized by hard rockers and known for its body design, pickups, electronics and construction for furious finger fretting.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, published by RedOctane and developed by Neversoft, is rated 'T' for Teen by the ESRB and will be available October 28, 2007. For more information about the Guitar Hero franchise, please visit the dedicated community site: www.guitarhero.com.

EA GOES FULL-THROTTLE WITH NEED FOR SPEED PROSTREET SOUNDTRACK

New Installment of Top-Selling Race Game Fueled By Explosive International Styles Plus Original Score By Junkie XL

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today the complete soundtrack for Need for Speed ProStreet, which is set for release across Europe on 23rd November , 2007 on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Wii as well as the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS, PC and mobile. The soundtrack features over 35 songs from artists representing a volatile range of styles, along with an original score by internationally renowned DJ/Producer/Musician Junkie XL that captures the skill, risk and velocity of pro street racing culture.

“The Need for Speed franchise has set the worldwide standard for not only racing games, but their soundtracks as well,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing at EA. “Now for the first time, Need for Speed ProStreet takes street racing from the underground to pro level with a music mix to match. We've brought together an unprecedented collection of artists that represents an international convergence of emerging Rock, aggressive Electro, UK Grime and much more, including a truly dangerous original score by our Artwerk artist Junkie XL. In a still-outlaw culture that demands complete authenticity, we have blended the ultimate audio racing fuel.”

In addition to the explosive lead track “More” from Junkie XL, the Need for Speed ProStreet soundtrack also features premiere songs from Artwerk artists Datarock and Airbourne. Additional highlights include tracks from the most recent albums by Avenged Sevenfold, the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, TV on the Radio, and UNKLE, featuring Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age. The new rave scene is represented by Mercury Prize winners Klaxons, electronica by Peaches and MSTRKRFT, dance punk by Bloc Party, and dubstep by UK sensations Wiley.

To hear samplings of each song please visit www.ea.com/eatrax/

The soundtrack completes a racing experience like no other. In Need for Speed ProStreet, gamers can design and build a car to compete in iconic locations from around the globe and battle in four distinct racing styles- grip, drag, drift and the all-new speed challenge. The atmosphere is electric - complete with energetic crowds, photo-realistic vehicles and billowing smoke - all designed to embody the pressure and intensity of the gladiatorial challenge known as Show Down.

Need for Speed ProStreet also continues the tradition of featuring the most desirable street racing cars. This November, Need for Speed ProStreet is the first full packaged videogame where gamers can test drive the Nissan GTR before its launch in Spring of 2008.

Handheld Learning Conference and Exhibition

Technology in Motion at Handheld Learning 2007

Leading lights in portable technology to unveil exciting new products at the Handheld Learning Conference and Exhibition 2007 Wednesday 3rd October/... In reflection of its growing importance, the third annual Handheld Learning Conference and Exhibition has again attracted a number of high profile sponsors. The likes of Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Nintendo, Samsung and T-Mobile UK will be demonstrating new learning technology at the event taking place on 10-12th October 2007 at Central Hall Westminster, London.

Samsung is launching a new product line at Handheld Learning 2007 specifically designed for the education sector. RedHalo – the next generation managed learning platform for mobile devices – will be offering a free 1Gb online personal learning space for every primary and secondary school student in the United Kingdom.

Plus UK education technology specialist RM will be announcing a new product line, and Promethean will be introducing Activexpression, a new student response system, for the first time in the UK.

T-Mobile is exhibiting at Handheld Learning 2007, demoing the latest mobile broadband technology and what opportunities this will present in education.

Derek Williamson, Head of Business Development, T-Mobile UK, says:
“We are proud to be sponsors of this year's Handheld Learning conference. High-speed, ‘mobile broadband’ networks have the ability to completely transform how, when and where we learn. In the next five years we will see mobile technology start to deliver education in a new, interactive and exciting way that will benefit pupils and teachers alike. The conference is a fantastic forum to generate ideas, debate and plans for how mobile technology can be exploited in learning in the future.”

For more information about the Handheld Learning Conference and Exhibition, go to
www.handheldlearning2007.com

Havok Comes to You with a Halo!

Halo 3 arrives with immersive Havok PhysicsTM environments

Halo 3, the most eagerly anticipated first-person shooter of the decade, developed by Bungie Studios, hit the shelves this week with the assistance of Havok, the premier provider of interactive software and services to digital creators in the games and movie industries. Halo 3 is released exclusively for Xbox 360.

Halo 3 is the final game in the Halo trilogy, which started with “Halo: Combat Evolved”. The game picks up where "Halo 2" left off, answering the questions for the millions of fans left wondering since November 2004. The Master Chief is returning to Earth to finish the fight to save humankind from destruction at the hands of the alien coalition known as the Covenant. The game offers single, co-operative and on-line multiplayer modes.

To create the immersive game environments, Bungie once again chose Havok Physics™. Havok’s continuous physics technology is used to drive the behavior of a wide variety of objects in the game. Bodies fly through the air using ragdoll physics, vehicles explode showering debris onto their surroundings, and new additions such as the portable gravity lift and the “mancannon” propel players through the world. Havok is also used for special effects, including plants swaying in a jungle and flood tentacles hanging from a ceiling. The scalability and solid performance possible with Havok Physics™ ensures that the player has a fully immersive experience in any situation.

"Havok's flexibility and ease of use have made it one of our cornerstone development tools and almost a recognizable "character" within the Halo 3 engine. Its elegance and scalability mean that it adds features and value to our engine, and yet integrates seamlessly without impacting performance." said Eamon McKenzie, Physics Engineer, Bungie Studios

“We are very proud to have been involved with the development of the global phenomenon that is Halo 3.This final chapter in the Halo trilogy is a fantastic first person shooter game with a great array of characters and weapons.” said David O’Meara, Managing Director of Havok. “The use of cutting edge physics by the talented development team at Bungie in creating the reactive environments in Halo 3 adds to the tension and excitement for the player, ensuring the cult status of this historic game.”

CHANNEL 4 INVESTS IN GAMES WITH ELECTRONIC ARTS AND THE GOLDEN JOYSTICK AWARDS

Channel 4's 4Talent has partnered with the Oscars of the gaming world, the Golden Joystick Awards, and Electronic Arts (EA), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, to offer budding games developers the chance to pitch their mobile gaming ideas to a panel of industry experts and gaming gurus. The panel will include Channel 4 Education's Commissioning Editor, Matt Locke; EA Mobile's European Marketing Director, Tim Harrison and UK Executive Producer, Chris Gibbs; and O2 UK's Head of Games, Despina Kaparaki. One lucky winner will be announced at the Golden Joystick Awards and receive a cash prize of £2500 from Channel 4 and the chance for a short hothouse placement within EA's mobile game division.

"4Talent is committed to helping emerging content producers maximise their creative potential", says James Estill, Senior Producer, 4Talent, "and these days it's not just about TV. This partnership with EA provides the perfect opportunity to support the gaming industry and nurture the next generation of games developers."

Full details can be found at www.channel4.com/4talent. Closing date for submissions is 17th October 2007.

The initiative is an extension of 4Talent's recent media partnership of the Mobile Game of the Year award at the 25th annual Golden Joystick Awards. Hosted by Peep Show's David Mitchell, the awards will take place on Friday 26 October, on the last day of the London Games Festival, at London's Park Lane Hilton Hotel. Gamers across the world will be able to watch the awards via a live web-cast through computerandvideogames.com and gamesradar.com.

Officially the world's oldest and most respected games award ceremony, the Golden Joystick Awards this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Held for the first time in 1982, the Awards have been honouring innovation in gaming since the days when Atari, Commodore and Spectrum ruled the earth.

Once considered the pursuit of bedroom geeks and younger kids, video gaming has broken through to the mainstream and is now one of the biggest entertainment industries in the UK, equalling the UK film industry in economic value.

To vote, visit channel4

Official US PlayStation Magazine returns

Future US to begin publication in November

Future US has announced that it will be publishing PlayStation: The Official Magazine under an agreement with SCEA.

The new magazine will debut in November, with former PSM editor-in-chief Rob Smith at the helm.

Future plc currently publishes the Official Sony PlayStation Magazine in the UK and licenses it in other countries. It expects an initial circulation of 300,000 copies, with 13 issues printed each year.

"We're very excited to be working with a group that is nearly as passionate about our brand as we are ourselves and we look forward to working with Future on many innovative ideas they have to create a best in class enthusiast publication," said Peter Dille, SCEA's senior VP of marketing and PlayStation Network.

The original Official PlayStation Magazine was published in the US by Ziff-Davis from September 1997 until January 2007. It was the first gaming magazine to include a demo disk.

Wii outselling PS3 more than 4 to 1 in Japan

Xbox 360 still struggling

The Nintendo Wii has outsold the Sony PlayStation 3 by more than four to one in Japan during the past six months.

According to Enterbrain data, as cited by a Reuters report, from April to September of 2007, Nintendo sold approximately 1.6 million Wii consoles.

Sony, meanwhile, sold 385,492 PS3 consoles in Japan during the same period.

Both the PS3 and the Wii were released in Japan within a few weeks of each other in November and December of 2006. Microsoft's Xbox 360, released a year earlier, has continued to struggle. In the first half of 2007, only 122,565 Xbox 360 consoles were sold in Japan.

The demand for the Wii continues to be so high that spokesperson Reggie Fils-Aime claims that Nintendo won't be able to meet the demand for the upcoming Christmas season.

Halo 3 tops UK charts, but GTA's still has record

FIFA 08 takes second, 360 sales double

Halo 3 has claimed the number one spot in the UK all-format charts, in a strong week for new releases.

However, it is not the fastest-selling game in UK history, as many had expected. According to Chart Track, that record still belongs to Rockstar's 2004 release Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, with Halo 3 second.

Chart Track also stated that Halo 3 had doubled sales of 360 hardware to the highest level this year.

EA Sports' multiformat football update, FIFA 08, entered the chart in second place behind Microsoft's Xbox 360 blockbuster. Last week's top two - Tiger Woods 08 and MySims - claimed fourth and third places respectively for EA.

Other new entries in the top 10 were Juiced 2 at 5, and Sega Rally at 7. EA's new skateboarding franchise Skate just missed out, debuting at number 11. Activision's Enemy Territory: Quake Wars also failed to make the top 10, entering at 16.

The remainder of places in the top 10 were taken by Nintendo (with More Brain Training, Super Paper Mario and Wii Play) and Activision's Transformers licence.

THQ's Ratatouille did not fare so well, entering the chart at 39. However, the Pixar film on which it is based has yet to be released in the UK.

As well as the 360 itself, there was one other notable beneficiary of the Halo effect: Microsoft's racing sim Forza Motorsport 2, which soared 22 places, from 35 to 13.

Microsoft responds to Bungie split rumours

Software giant denies any announcement

Microsoft has distanced itself from rumours that it will be relinquishing control of wholly-owned Halo developer Bungie, but stopped short of a categorical denial.

"There's been no such announcement," a spokesperson told Eurogamer.net. "We continue to celebrate the tremendous success of the global phenomenon that is Halo 3."

The claim came from a reader blog linked to the Seattle Post-Intelligence. The author claims to have heard from a friend with links inside Bungie that an announcement on the separation was imminent.

The author of the blog post, Jacob Metcalf, is not employed by the Seattle Post-Intelligence newspaper, which has consistently distanced itself from user-posted information in blogs.

The reasons cited for the split were Microsoft's expectation that Bungie dedicate itself to making further Halo games, and Bungie's frustration at Microsoft's interference in its practices.

However, in an interview with Edge magazine last year, Bungie executives stated their intention to expand the studio into multiple teams. This would allow it to develop new intellectual property alongside Halo.

The story suggests that Bungie will become an independent studio, and may continue to work for Microsoft as well as create games for other platforms. But it offers no explanation of the financial details of such a buyout - as it stands, Bungie is owned 100 per cent by Microsoft.

Source: Games Industry

Microsoft responds to Bungie split rumours

Software giant denies any announcement

Microsoft has distanced itself from rumours that it will be relinquishing control of wholly-owned Halo developer Bungie, but stopped short of a categorical denial.

"There's been no such announcement," a spokesperson told Eurogamer.net. "We continue to celebrate the tremendous success of the global phenomenon that is Halo 3."

The claim came from a reader blog linked to the Seattle Post-Intelligence. The author claims to have heard from a friend with links inside Bungie that an announcement on the separation was imminent.

The author of the blog post, Jacob Metcalf, is not employed by the Seattle Post-Intelligence newspaper, which has consistently distanced itself from user-posted information in blogs.

The reasons cited for the split were Microsoft's expectation that Bungie dedicate itself to making further Halo games, and Bungie's frustration at Microsoft's interference in its practices.

However, in an interview with Edge magazine last year, Bungie executives stated their intention to expand the studio into multiple teams. This would allow it to develop new intellectual property alongside Halo.

The story suggests that Bungie will become an independent studio, and may continue to work for Microsoft as well as create games for other platforms. But it offers no explanation of the financial details of such a buyout - as it stands, Bungie is owned 100 per cent by Microsoft.

Source: Games Industry

Guitar Hero 2007 Competition

Guitar Player's Guitar Hero 2007 Competition to Feature "Riff Off" Between Actual vs. Virtual Guitarist and Demos of Guitar Hero III

Ten finalists have been selected from among hundreds of entries posted on SonicBids.com to battle for the international title of “Guitar Hero” at Guitar Player’s Guitar Hero 2007 competition to be held Friday, October 12 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.

Activision, Microsoft and Digidesign are partnering to present the 3rd annual Guitar Player’s Guitar Hero competition. Activision produces the red-hot video game Guitar Hero and will be on hand with pre-launch demos of their new release, Guitar Hero III on Xbox XBox 360-outfitted kiosks on the show floor. The event will be webcast using Microsoft’s “Silverlight” medium on http://www.GuitarPlayer.com.

“This guitar gala brings together legendary musicians, aspiring guitarists, and phenomenally talented unknowns in an “American Idol-style competition ” for guitarists,” says Guitar Player Eeditor in Cchief Michael Molenda. “And for guitarist-gamers it’s an opportunity to experience the world’s best players live and in person!”

The premier premiere Guitar Player’s Guitar Hero competition was held in 2005 at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where New York’s Dominic Frasca was crowned with the Guitar Hero title. Last year’s champion was Trey Alexander of Pennsylvania.

The ten finalists – representing a wide range of guitar styles including Latin Shred, Rockabilly, Country and Rock – are: Jamie Robinson (Toronto, Ontario), Juan Coronado (Whitby, Ontario) Tony Smotherman (Jacksonville, Florida), Taka Minamino (Hollywood, CA ), Danny B. Harvey (Canyon County, CA), Curtis Fornadley (Playa Del Rey, CA), Casey Harshbarger (Indianapolis, Indiana), Ladd Smith (Nashville, Tennessee) , Les Robot (real name: Cory Melnychuk) (Edmonton, Alberta), and Chris Peters (Orlando, Florida).

All ten contestants receive an all expenses paid trip to San Francisco. The Winner, First Runner Up, and Second Runner Up of the event will receive custom trophies and gear packages from the event sponsors. The Winner will receive a Digidesign 003 Factory Pro Tools LE system (value: $2,495), a Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate software package, a Guitar Hero II XBox 360 bundle from Activision, an Epiphone Elitist Tak Matsumoto Signature Guitar With Hard Case AND an Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500RCCE Acoustic Guitar With Hard Gigbag, choice of a Mesa/Boogie Stiletto or Lone Star amp, a Jimi Hendrix Wah and MXR Distortion III guitar f/x pedal from Dunlop Manufacturing, and much more.

Celebrity judges including San Francisco’s legendary Joe Satriani, Toto axeman Steve Lukather, Elliot Easton of the Cars, prog-rock icon Greg Howe, Shrapnel Records’ Mike Varney, and a surprise guest willvirtuoso Nuno Bettencourt will evaluate each five-minute original performance and select the Winner and First and Second Runner-up finalists. Brendon Small, co-creator of Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse cartoon will emcee.

The contestants will perform with the house band Thud Ffactor, comprised of editors from music magazines Guitar Player, Bass Player and Keyboard.

Guitar Player’s Guitar Hero is sponsored by Activision, Digidesign, and Microsoft with additional sponsorship from Epiphone Guitars, Mesa/Boogie amps, Jodavi ZZYZX Snapjackk Cables, Dunlop Manufacturing, Moody Leather, Planet Waves, and Sonicbids. The competition takes place Friday, October 12, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. at Great American Music Hall, 859 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA. Admission $15.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door. Tickets can be ordered online at www.gamh.com; www.tickets.com, or call 1-800-225-2277.

GuitarStar Goes Global With Player X

Player X Ready to Rock With Next-Gen GuitarStar

AdME today announced that award-winning mobile media company, Player X, will distribute its next-generation advertainment application, GuitarStar, worldwide. First released on the AT&T Wireless network, GuitarStar brings two new features to the mobile entertainment arena: beat-matching technology and unique advertising capabilities.

GuitarStar's revolutionary "beat-matching" technology synchronizes visual movements with the beat of the underlying musical soundtrack, allowing mobile gamers to "play by feel" rather than taking their cues solely from what they see.

But GuitarStar is not just a game. It also serves as a highly-versatile promotional platform, providing entertainment and consumer brands with an entirely new mobile medium to promote their products. GuitarStar currently includes emerging musical artists in the rock, pop and hip hop arenas.

Recently named the 4th fastest-growing venture-funded company in the U.K., Player X has been a leader in mobile content distribution since the inception of mobile data services and instrumental in the launch of some of the biggest mobile brands and games in the world. Today, the company champions a variety of media-led genres, including mobile music games and innovative mobile entertainment.

"Player X is extremely excited about partnering with AdME to bring this versatile new entertainment vehicle to a worldwide audience," said Tony Pearce, Player X CEO.

Peter Eggleston, AdME CEO added: "GuitarStar’s unique combination of gaming, music and branding capability makes it one of the most compelling mobile products available for both user and advertising communities alike.”

Xbox 360: The Official Xbox magazine gets new look

Changes at UK's bestselling videogames magazine

Future’s Xbox 360: The Official Xbox Magazine unveils a cracking new look this month and gives gamers a real treat with an exclusive review of Halo 3 and a gigantic double-sided poster.

Xbox 360: The Official Xbox Magazine has been given a comprehensive redesign as the UK’s best selling videogames magazine enters its third action-packed festive season.

The new look issue arrives at the same time as the launch of the long-awaited Halo 3, the final part in Microsoft’s record-breaking series. The team have been working hard to complete the game to bring OXM fans the first UK print review to hit the newsstands.

It’s all change for the magazine as editor Steve Brown leaves after two years. During his tenure he edited both PC Gamer and Future’s original Official Xbox title and will be still making appearances in OXM as he goes freelance.

“Future’s Group Senior Editor, Steve Jarratt will be taking the reins of the magazine until a full-time replacement is found. Jarratt has masterminded the redesign and brings an incredible range of experience to the project having been involved in the industry since Sonic was but a twinkle. He’s been responsible for some of the most iconic brands in the videogame magazine business including Edge and Total!”

Associate Publisher Emma Parkinson said:

“With Official Xbox Magazine about to spend its third Christmas in the market, we decided it was time for UK’s best-selling games magazine to get a new look. The console’s matured over this period, and we wanted to make sure that the magazine reflected this. Our readers have different demands now, especially since the range of games available is so vast, so the challenge was to meet the demands of these gamers while still ensuring that the magazine remains welcoming to people who have only just bought their 360, or who will be buying their first Xbox this Christmas.”

Also in issue 26 of OXM readers can read the verdict on Project Gotham Racing 4, Sega Rally and Virtua Fighter 4, check out a huge stack of previews and indulge in an eight-page open-world gaming feature looking at the shape of things to come. There are tips for Take 2’s masterpiece, Bioshock, a revamped news section and a packed disc that contains ten playable demos, loads of great trailers and previews and a special access code that unlocks Readers’ Only content on www.oxm.co.uk.

Nintendo Announces New Wii Remote Jacket Accessory

Nintendo announces the Wii Remote Jacket, a durable, silicone cover for the Wii Remote that provides a variety of benefits for the player. Nintendo will include the Wii Remote Jacket with all Wii hardware systems and with all Wii Remotes sold separately or packaged with Wii Play. Hardware featuring the Wii Remote Jacket will begin shipping to retailers on Oct. 2 and is expected to be on retail shelves the week of Oct. 15.

The Wii Remote Jacket provides cushioning for the Wii Remote for people who might accidentally throw or drop their Wii Remotes while playing games. Use of the Wii Remote Jacket is meant to supplement, not replace, the basic game-play instructions: keep a firm grip, don't let go of the controller, use the wrist strap and make sure your play area is free of people or objects. The Wii Remote Jacket also serves as a cover for the Wii Remote. Nintendo recommends players use the new Wii Remote Jacket as a cushiony shield, though the current Wii Remote is a safe product when used properly.

"We're always looking for ways to improve our products and make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Many electronics manufacturers provide similar protective covers for products like cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players."

Current Wii owners who want to equip their Wii Remotes with the new Wii Remote Jacket free of charge can go to Wii.com or nintendo.com, or call 1-866-431-8367 to place an order. Nintendo will begin taking orders on Oct. 2, and Wii Remote Jackets will begin shipping the week of Oct. 15.

The Wii Remote Jacket is designed to be added and removed easily, in case users want to slip their Wii Remote into an accessory like the upcoming Wii Zapper™.

The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™, Nintendo DS™, Game Boy® Advance and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.4 billion video games and more than 420 million hardware units globally, and has created industry icons like Mario™, Donkey Kong®, Metroid®, Zelda™ and Pokémon®. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.