Avatar Reality to Unveil New Technologies and Blue Mars Attractions at GDC 2008

Avatar Reality to Unveil New Technologies and Blue Mars Attractions at GDC 2008

Renowned Development Team to Showcase Third Party SDK and Scenic Tours of Upcoming Virtual World; Sponsored Session to Focus on Blue Mars Third Party Development Program

Avatar Reality Inc., a new development entity dedicated to the advancement of online community building, today announced it will provide a sneak preview of its upcoming massively multiplayer virtual world (MMVW), Blue Mars, at the 2008 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, Booth 418 in the West Hall Career Pavilion.

Set in Terraformed Mars in the year 2177 AD, Blue Mars will feature stunning graphics, realistic characters and endless gaming attractions that will allow players to build and simulate real-life scenarios by creating personalized characters, or avatars. The MMVW will launch in a public beta version at the end of 2008.

At GDC, Avatar Reality will conduct an interactive tour of Blue Mars attractions which highlight breathtaking graphics through the utilization of CryTek’s game middleware CryENGINE™2. Additionally, they will preview their scripting game development environment which enables third party developers to easily build rich 3D casual games, and their proprietary Avatar Technology, which enables realistic character appearance and animation.

Avatar Reality’s vice president Li-Han Chen will host a sponsored session on Wed., Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. announcing the Blue Mars Third Party Development Program which gives game developers, CG artists and interested business partners an opportunity to create a variety of in-world attractions, 3D art assets and promotions for Blue Mars users. The session will take place in the West Hall, Room 2000.

For more information on Blue Mars and the Third Party Development Program at GDC, please visit Avatar Reality at Booth 418 in the West Hall Career Pavilion.

About Avatar Reality Inc.
Founded in December of 2006, Avatar Reality Inc. is developing a new massively multiplayer virtual world (MMVW), called Blue Mars, featuring stunning graphics, realistic characters and endless social bonding opportunities. The Honolulu-based company consists of multiple well-known and award-winning game developers including Henk Rogers, founder of Blue Planet Software, Blue Lava Wireless and The Tetris Company, and Kazuyuki Hashimoto, former vice president of technology, New Platforms at Electronic Arts (EA) and chief technical officer of Square USA.

For more information about Avatar Reality, please visit www.avatar-reality.com.

DX Studio 2.3 released with new PhysX engine option, performance boosts and user controls

Pinewood studios based software developers Worldweaver Ltd announce the latest release of their games and simulation platform DX Studio.

Version 2.3 comes packed with new features including PhysX support, depth of field, simple user control creation, scrolling listboxes, full tweening on all object properties, DXT support and a spherical map importer. There have also been a number of performance and memory usage optimizations. Full details of all the new features in v2.3 can be found at www.dxstudio.com/news.

“We’ve done a lot of work embedding the PhysX engine into DX Studio but the benefits of using PhysX should really help users looking to create particular gaming environments, especially given the recent announcement of Nvidia’s acquisition of Ageia and that they will soon introduce PhysX physics processing support into all GeForce 8-series graphics cards through a simple software download. Of course we have still kept the option of using Bullet physics too as it is still proving to be more appropriate for creating certain environments ” said CEO and founder Chris Sterling.

The latest version of DX Studio also sees the release of their own demo game, Hut of the Dead (www.hutofthedead.com). The game is free to play and all script available to DX Studio users to help with their own projects. There is also a competition running for the best game play modification of Hut of the Dead.

DX Studio licenses are available in both freeware and commercial editions (from £50) and can be downloaded from the website at www.dxstudio.com.

Games Convention Asia Set for September 18-20, 2008

The organizers of Games Convention Asia (GCA) and Games Convention Asia Conference (GCAC) today announced new dates for this year’s shows. GCA will take place at Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre Singapore, September 18-20, 2008, with the GC Asia Conference (GCAC) being held alongside, September 18-19. The main focus of GCA is the public exposition and business area, where product presentations of the latest industry innovations will be held as well as the promotion of international business contacts and the creation of business solutions.

GCA is the only platform for the booming interactive entertainment industry in the Asia-Pacific region with the Inaugural show drawing more than 70,000 international visitors. PricewaterhouseCoopers is predicting annual growth of more than ten percent in the digital games sector for the Asia-Pacific region alone. This means market growth from $ 11.7 billion in 2006 to an incredible $ 18.8 billion in 2011. Worldwide revenue in this sector is expected to grow from $ 31.6 billion to $ 49 billion over the same period.

GC Asia also announced that it has appointed Red Dawn Communications as its PR Agency of Record for the Asia-Pacific region. Red Dawn Communications is a full service communications agency specializing in PR for entertainment clients. The agency's client roster includes 20th Century Fox (East), Diageo, Electronic Arts, Golden Village Multiplex, Motion Picture Association, SingTel mio TV, and United International Pictures.

GameSpy Technology Launches New In-Game Commerce Engine, Direct2Game

IGN Entertainment’s GameSpy, a leader in multiplayer and online gaming technology, today announced the launch of Direct2Game, a new in-game commerce service that will allow publishers and developers to create and manage in-game storefronts, selling and delivering add-on content directly to gamers. Building on the successful foundation of IGN’s Direct2Drive, a leader in the digital distribution of games, GameSpy now offers developers a one-stop service to create new revenue streams and expand the range of content available to consumers.

Direct2Game’s service will enable gamers to purchase and download add-on content, such as maps, mods, expansions, sequels, and soundtracks. The service will also give developers access to a robust catalog of program interfaces, empowering them to create in-game “storefronts” to market their products. GameSpy will also provide full digital rights management (DRM), billing, and customer support to Direct2Game developers, backing innovations in videogame technology with a high level of client support.

“With the launch of our Direct2Game commerce service, GameSpy is now bridging its dual heritage in digital distribution and in-game technology, opening up new revenue streams and business models for publishers and developers,” said Jamie Berger, senior vice president of consumer products and technology for IGN Entertainment. “This new service further demonstrates our commitment to publishers and developers who want to directly offer new content and experiences to their valuable core fans.”

In addition to Direct2Game, GameSpy continues to be a leader in multiplayer and online gaming. The company’s suite of high-end technology enhancements enables videogame developers to build community experiences that transcend the barrier between in-game and out-of-game environments. Core features like instant messaging, friend rosters, and advanced matchmaking capabilities offer developers a turnkey toolset for constructing dynamic communities around their games. In addition to these community elements, GameSpy also provides tools for developers to build extensive player profiles, ranking systems and in-game voice applications. GameSpy technology is featured in more than 500 titles and the company most recently partnered with Epic Games to integrate GameSpy multiplayer technology into Epic’s Unreal 3 game engine. This partnership powers the recently-released Unreal Tournament 3 on both the PC and PLAYSTATION 3 platforms.

Splash Damage Launches New Website

Splash Damage today announced that it has relaunched its web presence at www.splashdamage.com. The updated look signals a new era as the company moves into multiplatform development with a larger team.

"Our goal for the new Splash Damage site was to create a useful and comprehensive resource for gamers, journalists, and business partners," said Stephen Gaffney, Splash Damage's Business Development Manager. "We needed something bigger and better and now we have it."

The new website boasts a clean and modern look, and offers a wealth of information about Splash Damage and its projects, while also providing community tools including forums and a developer blog the studio intends to use to keep its fans and the general gaming public up-to-date.

"We will keep adding features and useful tools to the new site, with a special focus on our online community," added Steve Hessel, Splash Damage's Community Relations Manager. "It's our goal to turn this into one of the best community platforms on the web."

The company also announced it is now actively hiring for several additional positions. These include openings related to Art, Game and Level Design, and Programming. Full details can be found at www.splashdamage.com/jobs.

POOL, PIRATES, PINBALL AND PUZZLES – COMING SOON IN OXYGEN'S NINTENDO DS SYSTEM LINE UP

Oxygen today announces four new DS titles to add to its spring line up. Hurry Up Hedgehog!; An intriguing multiplayer brainteaser for all ages, and Powershot Pinball Constructor; allowing you to play, create and share pinabll - are both set for release March 28th. Pirates: Duels on the High Seas; an epic adventure for the 7 keys of the 7 seas, and 8Ball Allstars; Your pool, your way, your rules - both hitting stores April 18th.

About Hurry Up Hedgehog! – Instore 28th March:

Hurry your hedgehogs home with Hurry Up Hedgehog! An intriguing brainteaser challenging the whole family to shrewdly manoeuvre their hedgehog to victory. Jostling against the canniest critters in the garden players must dodge hazards, out-smart their friends and use cunning to race their hedgehogs home.

Hurry Up Hedgehog! – Race, creep, jostle and out-manoeuvre.

About Pirates: Duels on the High Seas – Instore 18th April:

A chance encounter with an old sea-dog, the legend of a fantastic treasure - Thus begins an epic adventure for the 7 keys of the 7 seas – a daring battle against the Royal Navy, sea monsters, the Witch Queen and Blackbeard himself!

Steel yourself to face foes that no captain has ever bested before, in this perilous adventure of the enchanted worlds. Collect weapons, pick up crewmen, amass great riches and explore un-chartered seas. Learn the secrets of dozens of enemies as you cast off and set sail on a daring voyage of adventure and battle.

Choose a pirates life – For gold and glory!

About Powershot Pinball Constructor – Instore 28th March:

Play on a selection of stylish tables. Create and design your own unique table using the first DS table editor. Share it with your friends… Or employ the sabotage mode to disrupt your opponent’s game.

If that’s not enough – engage in a tournament, team battle or time attack as well as a variety of secret areas and mini games.

Pinball - Play it. Create it. Share it.

About 8Ball Allstars – Instore 18th April:

Chalk up your cue and challenge your friends anywhere to a head-to-head match, doubles game or just take a break and design your own table and playing icon!

Authentic and crazy tables, chat rooms, friends lists, challenge mode, league tables, 3, 6, 8, 9 and 10 ball games, plus online play and unique Winner Stays On mode, make this the years most exciting pool experience on the DS.


8Ball Allstars – Your Pool, Your Rules, Your Style!

Waygate Publishing Confirms First Major In-Game Event for Legend: Legacy of the Dragons

Waygate Publishing Limited, publisher of the popular, free-to-play, browser-based Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game, Legend: Legacy of the Dragons, today confirmed plans to host its first major in-game event, which includes a mass PvP battle for up to 500 gamers. The company says it is delighted with the current progress of the game and is very excited about the event, which it intends to hold monthly in conjunction with the Full Moon.

Waygate Publishing also confirmed that the localisation and translation of new content is on schedule and expected to be released from the end of February. It includes a number of exciting features and upgrades about which it will release further details soon.

The Battle of the Dragons
For the last week, hundreds of players have been collecting the items required for access to the Battle of the Dragons which will occur on Wednesday, February 20th. The battle will pit the best warriors of each race (Magmar and Human) against each other, led by their dragons, Striagorn and Erifarius. It is a battle not only for pride and glory but for a real advantage as the winning race will lead the war against the eternal enemy of Faeo, Chaos…

The Invasion of Chaos
Chaos is planning an invasion on Thursday, February 21st and the victors of the Battle of the Dragons will be temporarily boosted in the fight against Chaos with a gift from their dragon. Participation in repelling the invasion offers players an excellent opportunity to boost their character’s attributes for the coming month of quests and battles.

New content and features
In addition, Waygate Publishing announced that it has almost completed the translation and localisation of new content, including 27 new quests, and intends to begin releasing them from the end of February. The new content will include the introduction of magic into the game for the first time. There will also be a significant software update, adding a new ‘Navigator’ feature to aid player’s orientation and travels in the ever-growing world of Faeo. More details will follow shortly.

For more information, visit www.warofdragons.com.

Free MMORPG Rappelz released in French and German

After the great success of Fly for Fun, Gala Networks Europe Ltd. Announces the release of its second free MMORPG: Rappelz in French and German versions. After a short period of a very satisfying beta test which attracted several thousands of players, the game has now been released in its final version on the gPotato Europe portal: www.gpotato.eu.

Rappelz is a free MMORPG taking place in a dark and violent universe where three different factions struggle to survive under the permanent threat of hordes of monsters. Using an optimized in-house graphic engine, the game proposes 24 different character classes spread among three factions, an impressive creature control system avaible to any character, and a lot of skills for dynamic and tactical combats.

With a very huge content spread among 140 levels of play, and a PvP system based on wars between guilds to control the dungeons, Rappelz has what it takes to seduce all kinds of players, and it’s fast growing community clearly proves it.

Already avaible in Japan, China or in the US, Rappelz can count on a very strong and active community in both French and German versions to build its European success.

The Golden Horde – JoWooD Productions Announces New Strategy Game

The Golden Horde takes you back to a place in time where the heirs of Dschingis Khan were ready to fight for their honor and glory. Choose your battles wisely; you will be up against fast and flexible Mongolians, heavily armed Crusaders and seemingly unconquerable Russians.

About The Golden Horde

The Scenario is based on events taking place in Europe, central Asia and Russia at the beginning of the XIII century. The game will offer recreated versions of famous battles and political crisis in an epic campaign where the outcome is yours to determine.

With sophisticated RPG elements, individual Heroes, stunning graphics and easy controls, The Golden Horde offers the perfect exotic setting for a real-time strategy game in the early middle ages of Europe and Asia.

Three different factions
Crusaders, Mongolians and Russians: each faction will have unique types of military forces, buildings and combat and heroes with individual abilities.

Takeover of enemy Units / Weapons
Take control of neutral horses or their slain riders’ weapon.

Equipment “on the fly”
Provide your warriors with new weapons or switch them directly on the battlefield.

Weather is a key element
Wind affects the flight qualities of arrows; Rain greatly affects visibility; Snow slows down units, which may cause the units to break through the Ice of frozen lakes.

Developer: World Forge
Genre: Strategy
Expected Age Rating: 12+
UK Release: March 28th 2008

www.jowood.com

Lighthouse Interactive releases update 1.08 for SUNAGE

Leading publisher Lighthouse Interactive and Austrian developer Vertex 4 today released update 1.08 for SunAge, their sci-fi real-time strategy game for PC. The new update adds several new enhancements, an auto-updater, bug fixes and above all, new multiplayer features.

Roman Pneudl, CEO of Vertex4 said, “We are extremely pleased with this new update since it makes the gameplay experience even more enjoyable. Update 1.08 also includes an auto-updater, which enables the game to automatically check for future updates upon start-up. This will ensure that the user always plays the latest version of the game. We also managed to reduce network traffic by switching to the UDP protocol, which means lag free gaming regardless of router or firewall settings. No more fiddling with port forwarding! In addition, we added a multiplayer lobby feature, allowing SunAge players from all over the world to chat, setup or join servers from within the game.”

SunAge is the modern day answer for RTS fans who want the best possible overview of their troops, while trying to outsmart opponents in frantic battles where strategy and tactics are more important than ever. If you have been into real-time strategy games for a while, this will bring back the good old days!

Key features in update 1.08 include:

• Re-balancing of several in-game units, an added enhancement given community feedback
• Multiplayer game lobby with chat functionalities
• Master server and improved online functionalities
• Improved firewall support and “punch through”
• Auto-updater functionality (future patches or fixes will be downloaded automatically upon startup of the game).
• Heavily reduced network traffic; rework of the network protocol, now UDP
The complete list of new features included in upgrade 1.08, are available at the Lighthouse forums, as well as on www.sunage-the-game.com.

To download the update 1.08 (file size: 5 MB) visit: www.lighthouse-interactive.com.

GAME SUMMARY

Earth is a desolate wasteland destroyed by the radiation and heat of the sun. Humankind, known as the Dome Confederacy, have been forced to retreat into shielded cities enduring constant attacks by the Raak-zun cult; a sect of religious outcasts who live outside the dome. An age long war has ensued as both races battle for the limited resources of the dying planet. Amidst the havoc, the gateway to a bold new planet is unlocked. Hope is on the horizon, but this Mecca is teeming with lethal Sentinel drones who will not hesitate to annihilate any life form that gets in their way.

FEATURES

• 3 Distinct Races - Human, Raak-zun and Sentinel - each with their own units, buildings, technological advantages and disadvantages.
• Unique Upgrades - Alternate modes can be researched for all units, unlocking dual functionality for greater tactical depth.
• Graphics - Stunning sci-fi environments from vast industrial cities and devastated wastelands, to a lush alien planet. While displaying rich graphical environments and visual effects, SunAge is very playable on lower spec PC’s and laptops.
• Tactical Landscape - All units and their alternate modes are crucial to the overall strategy. Exploit weaknesses in the enemy’s network while strengthening your own connection lines.
• Formations - Squad concept combined with long distance camera views allows a large number of units to be fighting onscreen with a clear overview of the battleground.
• Singleplayer - 25 campaign maps with compelling plots for each race.
• Multiplayer - LAN and Online – Classic multiplayer with focus on gathering4 different kinds of resources and outsmarting the opponent in battle. 10 maps created uniquely for multiplayer mode.
• Command Queuing - Command your units to prone, build or attack where you want them and when you want them to do so.
• Indirect Intelligent Targeting (IIT) - Order your units to focus on pre-selected targets.

To find out more about SunAge and to keep up with the latest news on the game, visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com and www.sunage-the-game.com.

Viva Piñata Fact sheet as game goes classic on XBox 360

"Viva Piñata"

Fact Sheet

Title: “Viva Piñata”

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: Climax Group

Format: DVD for the Microsoft® Windows® XP and Microsoft Windows Vista® operating systems

ESRB Rating: “E” for Everyone

Product Overview: “Viva Piñata,” originally developed and released to critical acclaim for Xbox 360™, will now be available for the Windows XP and Windows Vista platforms. Developed by Climax Group, “Viva Piñata” invites gamers to create an immersive world where living piñatas inhabit an ever-changing environment. Beginning with a few basic tools, players build and take control of this environment, using their creativity and imagination to attract, protect and manage over 60 piñata species that can visit their world and make it their home.

Bringing a vibrant and engaging gaming experience to the Windows platform, “Viva Piñata” appeals to kids, adults, casual gamers and enthusiasts alike. This uniquely customizable and social game rewards and challenges all players regardless of their skill level and presents a customizable, social and spontaneous experience in which gamers play an absolutely crucial role. The “Viva Piñata” world is an evolving paradise teeming with fantastic living piñata creatures and vibrant plant life, all determined by the player’s choices and actions.

“Viva Piñata” offers easy installation, reliability standards and support for key features of Windows Vista, including the Games Explorer and Parental Controls.

Features:
Features of “Viva Piñata” include the following:

• Bring your imagination to life. “Viva Piñata” allows players’ creativity to run wild by providing them with expansive freedom and choice:
– Your world. Your choice of contents will determine which of the piñata species are attracted to your world because they all have individual requirements. Sowing grass, digging ponds, planting flowers and growing trees all affect which of the unique piñatas you will see. It’s not just about plants, either; there is a whole range of ornaments and structures that could be decisive. Your reward for creating an appealing paradise is to watch the piñatas visit and eventually reside there, which is where the fun really starts.
– Your piñatas. Once you have resident piñatas, you can begin to personalize your loyal community. Piñatas can be individually named and given their own personally designed tag to put on display as a declaration of their home turf, and the customization doesn’t end there. You can make the colorful critters more distinctive by customizing them with all kinds of costumes and accessories.

• Connect with friends around the world. The “Viva Piñata” community is a rewarding place to be, whether you remain within the boundaries of your own world or venture out into the real world or your friend’s piñata world via Games for Windows — LIVE:
– Interact with the piñatas. Getting to know and understand the personalities and requirements of your piñatas is essential if you want them to stay happy and thrive. Make your world their ideal paradise, and they’ll want to raise a family and expand your community.
– Interact with the characters. Players decide how much help they want from the local guides, shopkeepers and work force. Go it alone or get them involved — you choose.
– Interact with other players online. Via the Games for Windows — LIVE online community, players can contact other gamers to lend a hand or trade items.

• Never experience a dull moment. “Viva Piñata” is a constantly changing world where anything can and does happen:
– It’s happening outside. It’s not just new piñata species that are drawn to your world; untamed sour piñatas with bad attitudes and troublemaking ruffians do their worst to spoil your creation and must be dealt with.

Developer Information: Since its founding in 1988, Climax has rapidly grown into one of the world’s leading independent developers of interactive software. Constantly at the epicentre of technological development, Climax is built on a determination to create cutting-edge games that boast the most advanced technology and superior gameplay. This simple work ethic has inspired the creation of critically acclaimed games for major consoles, wireless devices and interactive television. Using its own proprietary technology, Climax has developed a string of both critically acclaimed and commercially successful hits for many of the major interactive software publishers. Among the company’s high-profile and high-scoring games are “MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 1,” “MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 2” and “MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 3” for Xbox®, Xbox LIVE® and PC, and “Sudeki™” for Xbox.

Babo:Invasion Combines Ultra Fast Team-Based Action with Competitive In-Game Map Making

Babo:Invasion Combines Ultra Fast Team-Based Action with Competitive In-Game Map Making

HeadGames (www.playheadgames.com), a game development outsourcing company, previewed a new multiplayer shooter game, called Babo:Invasion, at the Game Developers Conference today in San Francisco. Babo:Invasion is based on the original IP of the popular freeware multiplayer combat game Babo Violent 2 (www.rndlabs.ca), considered by tens of thousands of players worldwide as one of the most fun, fastest-paced games in the multiplayer top-down shooter category. It has as been called "carnage on a stick" by Maximum PC Magazine and "a great game, originality, blisteringly quick firefights, and very fun gameplay" by GameHippo.

The new Babo:Invasion is a fast-paced multiplayer game where armed ball-like "Babos" navigate maze-like worlds in a free-for-all firefight or team-based combat. Its unique format is easy-to-learn, allows new players to jump into existing firefights for a quick hit any time, and provides fun, mayhem-filled action. The game offers an arcade-style single-player mode and the optional depth of multiplayer team and class-based gameplay. The new version also features top-down and chase cam views, new weapons, and lush 3-D environments. Multi-player Competitive Mapping, a first-of-its-kind game feature, supports the “Invasion” game mode, adding a major strategic and competitive element to gameplay.

Babo Violent 2 proved very popular because of its unique combination of easy-to-learn mechanics; fun, multiplayer mayhem; and the depth of team-based play options," states Scott Simpson, HeadGames Studio Director. "Players love the ability to jump into the action whenever they have a few minutes to get a quick hit of fun and adrenaline. Babo: Invasion takes those strengths to a new level."

The new Babo:Invasion will be released for PCs and consoles in 2008 through Playbrains and can be previewed at www.playbrains.com.

Will Sony let Microsoft use Blu-ray in the XBox 360?

What now for High definition DVDs in the XBox 360?

With Toshiba pulling out of the race all these questions remain un-answered.

With Sony now the only player, with it's Blu-ray format, high definition DVD will Microsoft be allowed to use this format in it's new drives?

Will Sony refuse? Can Sony refuse to licence Blu-ray to Microsoft? Will they charge a fortune?

Microsoft and Sony are not exactly friends... Will this tip the balance in favour of Sony's PlayStation 3 with it's built in Blu-ray drive.

The battle between Microsofts XBox 360 with it's better games line up and Sony's PlayStation 3 with it's Blu-ray drive can only heat up over the next few months.

We can only sit back and watch.

Disney say no to THQ Toy Story 3 Game offer

Say you're in movies, your growth model's frittered away to
break-even, and an industry pretty much symbolized by a butt-stomping
plumber is effectively cleaning your clock -- what's a corporate
dinosaur to do?

Easy: If you can't (sufficiently) milk 'em, depose 'em.

The Wall Street Journal reports that's essentially what Disney did
when longtime Pixar partner THQ came pitching license rights to a Toy
Story 3 game tie-in. Thanks but no thanks, said Disney and Pixar,
opting instead to handle creation of the game (due in 2010) in-house.

You've heard plenty recently about how game sales were up 43 percent
in 2007. Weigh that against box office revenues -- up a paltry 4
percent over the same period, and even then by way of ticket price
inflation, not viewer growth. Home video sales -- still bigger bucks
than gaming, but not by much -- were actually down 3.2 percent.

So when the authors of the WSJ piece suggest that "it isn't clear yet
whether the media companies have the stamina to become serious
competitors to heavyweight game publishers," I'd probably swap
"stamina" for "inclination." Companies like Disney have oceans of
stamina for substantial year-over-year revenue growth, and nothing
suggests gaming won't be nailing that metric for years if not decades
to come.

Source: PCWorld

SEGA say iPod is flawless for video game distribution...

hat most people often forget is that the device can also act as a video game device.

Last December, Sega unleashed their fiery blue mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog, on the iPod family tree. Sega remarked that the device is a "flawless" device for developers to sell their video games in.

This comment wasn't directed at the device as a platform, though, but rather at its payment system and its ability to provide media to consumers at large with just a couple of clicks. Hopefully this means we'll be able to see more video games arrive for the device in the future.

Here's what Simon Jeffrey, head honcho of Sega of America, said about developing Sonic the Hedgehog for the iPod:

The iPod is arguably the most pervasive cross-demographic piece of consumer electronics today. There are no age or fashion barriers to iPod adoption, and making Sonic available to tens of millions of iPod owners really is a fantastic opportunity for us

.

iTunes and Apple's whole banking/payment system is flawless. They have to be one of the smartest companies in the world. Being able to buy a game and have it on your iPod with a couple of clicks is just brilliant.

From: MVC

Future of video game industry taking shape at Games Developers Conference

If ever there was a time for a famous futurist to be giving a keynote address at the Game Developers Conference, this is it.

When Ray Kurzweil, the author of The Singularity is Near and one of the most noted futurists around, takes the stage at GDC 2008 in San Francisco on Thursday to talk about "the next 20 years of gaming," he'll be weighing in at a moment in the industry's existence when the lines between games and Hollywood and advertising are blurring, when the term "gamer" encompasses 75-year-old grandmothers and when the barrier to entry to being a developer has never been smaller.

"I think the Kurzweil keynote should be very interesting," said Ron Meiners, community manager for the virtual world platform developer, Multiverse Network. "He's a very original thinker, and I'm curious as to his take on the gaming industry, how games fit into people's lives, (and) how games are changing people's lives."

One thing that strikes me about how video games are intersecting with people's lives in 2008, and it was made abundantly clear over the Christmas holidays, when it was simply impossible to find a Nintendo Wii for sale anywhere, is that finally, the medium is truly mainstream.

And while there will always be a significant segment of the industry that caters to and is serviced by hard-core gamers, what's becoming evident is that there's almost no one who is left out of what video gaming is today. And for those who are left out, that may not be true as the years progress. I suspect that that is something Kurzweil will touch on, at least briefly.

More from: CNet

"It's a very exciting time in the game industry, in that we have this growing recognition of the important of casual and family-oriented content," said Jamil Moledina, the director of GDC. "You're seeing it in the $60 packaged (games) and in the $10 downloads. It's a perfect storm of factors poised to really expand the game industry."

One example of that, Moledina suggested, is the explosion of gamer-created content and social networking in online gamer communities like Microsoft's Xbox Live.

That rationale may well be why GDC's first keynote speaker, on Wednesday, will be Microsoft corporate vice president John Schappert, who will give a talk titled, "A future wide open: Unleashing the creative community."

For Moledina, organizing what is almost certain to be the biggest GDC ever--last year's event drew 16,000 people, he said, and it is expected to grow this year--is a huge job. There are hundreds of panel discussions scheduled, a huge trade show and, as always, GDC will actually be made up of several different events that are linked together throughout the week.

On Monday and Tuesday, the events will include several "summits," such as those on casual games, independent games, game outsourcing, and virtual worlds. As well, there's GDC Mobile, which focuses on games for mobile devices.