Trapped - Undead Infection horror video game on iPod Touch and iPhone

Com2uS Launches "Trapped: Undead Infection" for iPhone and iPod touch on Apple App Store

Trapped: Undead Infection, a new action-horror adventure game for iPhone and iPod touch, is now available on the Apple App Store.

Trapped: Undead Infection has tense, thrilling game play that features cool effects using darkness and light, claustrophobically narrow rooms, and nefarious brain-eating zombies. You play a scientist in the near future trapped in a large bio-research facility swarming with the undead. As you wander the shadowy corridors and rooms, defend yourself from the zombies with pipes, stun guns, handguns, and machine guns. Use intelligence and strategy to solve puzzles as you move through the large, open-ended levels. A detailed map helps you escape, and spooky sound effects add to the intense atmosphere.

Trapped: Undead Infection is available for $1.99 from Apple's App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or here

Summer Athletics 2009 - The battle for Gold Medals heats up

Summer Athletics 2009 - The sports game is developed by 49Games in Hamburg and will be published worldwide in summer 2009 as a multiplatform title.

The battle for Gold Medals and personal bests ignites excitement and healthy competition in Summer Athletics 2009. Athletes from all over the world run, throw, jump and swim for victory. Millimeters and split seconds will decide the winners.

When playing with friends and family, a living room quickly turns into a stadium. It’s not only four players competing; in Summer Athletics 2009, they can chase records and beat their best times as a team to eventually celebrate their big victory together.

The athletes compete in 28 summer time disciplines, including 100 meters sprint, high diving, javelin throwing or long jump.

With its interesting game modes, controls perfectly fitting the different platforms and up-to-date graphics, Summer Athletics 2009 will be challenging and fun to play at the same time. Featuring various difficulty settings, the game supports the playing styles of casual to frequent gamers.

www.summerathletics.com

Dokapon Journey RPG video game on Nintendo DS

The excitement and strategy of an RPG merges with the addictive replayability of a board game in this portable tournament of champions!

We invite brave adventurers in search of fame and fortune to hit the road... literally. In the RPG-board game Dokapon Journey for Nintendo DS, monsters have invaded the Kingdom of Dokapon, and the King has offered his throne and the hand of his daughter to any challenger who would rise to the occasion and save the land. Alas, that kind of offer is bound to attract some very over-determined adventurers...

Alone against devilish AI, or together with up to three of your friends via single- or multi-card local wireless play, sign up to save the Kingdom and win the throne. Just make sure to sabotage the competition at every chance you get!

Dokapon Journey is currently scheduled for release on April 14, 2009.

About Dokapon Journey
The Kingdom of Dokapon is in peril! Desperate to do away with the monster invasion that has overrun his land, the King has offered his crown and the hand of his daughter, Princess Penny, to whoever can restore peace once again. Heroes from distant lands rise to the call, but with multiple adventurers offering to assist in the struggle, each eagerly eyeing the prizes that await the champion of Dokapon, they must now fight amongst themselves to save the kingdom and claim their reward!

Key Features

• Irresistible board game-RPG combination - This board game and RPG fusion will make you think strategy like never before on Nintendo DS! Customization, strategy, and depth are all yours as you squeeze battling, leveling up, conquering towns, and much more into each turn.
• Playing dirty is the name of the game - This is all-out, winner-take-all competition, where the system favors those that know how to fight dirty! Jump into someone else's fight, finish off the enemy, and snatch the experience. Mow down your competition and take a reward from their inventory. Use special items to slow down or injure those who get in your way!
• Total multiplayer experience - The zany head-to-head-to-head (-to-head) competition of board games is in full force whether you play alone or in a group! Assign control of each character to a human or one of three computer play styles. Get your friends together, and up to 4 can play in single- or multi-card mode!

Dokapon Journey has been rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and older) with Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, and Simulated Gambling by the ESRB.

thehunter.com Opens Its Doors To Offer Phased Entry To The Most Realistic Hunting Game Ever

Register now for a limited period at www.thehunter.com to receive exclusive early benefits www.thehunter.com.

Already causing a tremendous buzz within the hunting community as a result of the public debut of theHunter at this month’s SHOT Show, Emote Games, an online publisher of realistic social games, today announced that it has begun phasing registered users into the game.



As theHunter team continue to evolve the game and add new features, Emote Games are starting to issue permits to the Evergreen Hunting Reserve. Starting this week anybody who has registered their interest in theHunter will be invited via a phased invitation process to experience the best in interactive hunting for free. Additionally, exclusive benefits are available for those opting to purchase an early adopter membership. So register now to get full access to www.thehunter.com

All players will have full and free access to theHunter social community, where they can customise their pages, upload photos, shares stories and interact with other members of theHunter community.

TheHunter features an organic, developing environment where new gear, new weapons, new animals to hunt, new habitats, and many other features are continually being added.By simply registering at www.thehunter.com you get the opportunity to join the queue of eager gamers and hunters waiting to experience the world’s most realistic hunting. So what are you waiting for - register NOW at www.thehunter.com

My Pet Shop website free games, downloads and competitions

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces the website has launched for the forthcoming TAITO game My Pet Shop.

The My Pet Shop website features loads of interactive fun for kids of all ages including free mini-games inspired by the My Pet Shop game, downloadable icons and wallpapers, and regular competitions too. Visitors to the site also can upload their own pet inspired story, poem, picture or photo which could get displayed in the online gallery for all to see, and also giving them a chance of winning the fortnightly competition.

My Pet Shop will be available exclusively for the Nintendo DS system from 27th February 2009, across all PAL territories. To join in the My Pet Shop fun, please visit the official website at www.mypetshopgame.com

In My Pet Shop, players will set off on the animal adventure of a lifetime as they work to help run the best pet shop that Green Town has ever seen. With over 40 different animals, players will be able to find and care for adorable and sometimes unusual pets including dogs, cats, pigs, pandas and bears – all set in a beautifully crafted colourful world.

About My Pet Shop

Story

Welcome to the beautiful world of Green Town and to your very own pet shop. Following your move from the metropolis of Gold City, you’re now getting settled in your new home in Green Town, as the kid of the newly opened pet shop.

Your adventure begins on your first day in the shop, helping your mum to find pets for the residents of the town, and caring for the animals you find. The more you care for and play with the pets, the more attached to you they become, and as you continue to help out in the shop, you’ll be rewarded with money allowing you to buy accessories to make your pets the cutest in the whole town! Teach them tricks, look after them well, and you’ll soon be on your way to winning the town’s cute pet photo contest.

The people of Green Town will welcome you with open arms as you work to create the best pet shop ever!

Features

- Embark on the pet shop adventure of a lifetime: Where the player will become an important part of the community as they help to manage their very own pet shop

- Meet the cutest characters in a town where everyone loves to live: the familiar character styles of the inhabitants of Green Town, and the vibrant environments, shops and homes, create a place to stay, play and interact for hours

- Collect and care for loads of loveable and unusual pets: My Pet Shop offers over 40 types of animals with over 120 different variations available to find and nurture

- Work hard and get rewarded: The more the player works in the shop and cares for their pets, the more money they’ll receive to buy some of the 100+ fashion accessories available for their pets

- Enter pet contests and win prizes: Players get to showcase their hard work – the tricks they’ve taught pets and the fashion accessories they’ve bought – by taking part in the town’s photo and fitness contests

- Share your pets with mates using the DS Wireless Connection

The Adventures of Rick Rocket video game for Mac and Windows! Free demo download

Defend the Earth from alien invaders in this action-packed, story-driven space shooter!

My Game Company is pleased to announce the release of The Adventures of Rick Rocket for Mac and Windows!

As mankind is beginning to venture out into the galaxy, a mysterious alien armada appears and attacks the Earth. Space Command calls on its best pilot, Rick Rocket, to take the controls of the X-01 experimental rocket ship and repel the invaders. Join Rick Rocket on an epic adventure across the Milky Way as he first defends the planet and then pursues the alien fleet. Help Rick discover who the aliens are and why they attacked the Earth!

Unlike most shooters, every mission in this game is different, with its own unique objectives and challenges. Various missions will have the player defending command ships or bases from waves of incoming attackers, destroying key ships or installations, rescuing friendly ships that are adrift, capturing disabled enemy ships, collecting satellites or other floating space objects, and more.

The full version of Rick Rocket features:

- Epic space battles between lots of smaller fighters and huge capital ships, set in a wide variety of visually stunning locations
- A total of 48 unique missions, each with its own different goals and challenges
- Over 30 unique spaceships that show damage as they are hit
- 12 different power-ups that give you a variety of weapons and defenses
- Medals to earn for each mission by maximizing bonus points
- Ability to replay missions to try and get a better score
- A majestic music soundtrack that perfectly fits the game
- Play using keyboard, joystick, or game pad
- Automatically saves your progress after every mission
- Player profiles, so each family member can save their own game

"The Adventures of Rick Rocket combines the fun of a classic space shooter with solid story-telling and dynamic mission-oriented gameplay," said Troy Hepfner, President of My Game Company. "Unlike most shooters, which feature level after level of the same tedious gameplay, Rick Rocket provides a unique mission for every level. This gives the player a variety of things to do that keeps the game fresh and interesting. The missions are tied together with an intriguing story that gives meaning to everything you do and keeps you guessing what will happen next. With colorful cartoon graphics, a superb music soundtrack, and epic space battles like those found in popular science fiction television shows and blockbuster movies, Rick Rocket offers you and your children a fun and entertaining experience!"

The trial version of Rick Rocket for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP can be downloaded online here...

The trial version of Rick Rocket for Mac OS X can be downloaded here...

The full version of Dirk Dashing costs $19.99 (USD). A Linux version of the game will also be available shortly.

CID the Dummy! Video game on PS 2, PSP, Wii and PC

CID has just taken up the Professor’s challenge to fight the evil D-Troit and save Mia, the Professor’s beautiful daughter but if you think it’s going to be smooth sailing then boy are you wrong!

There wouldn’t be an epic story without an epic battle would there?

Videos here and here

D-Troit is plotting to steal the ESS technology from the Professor and when he hears about CID’s arrival, he gathers his army of evil robots, dummies and animals and launches them full scale at CID!

Nobody said this would be easy… but it just got so much harder!

About CID The Dummy

A star is born and he's made to last. CID THE DUMMY makes his debut in Oxygen Games’ all-new action platformer. CID THE DUMMY is sure to grab you with its enjoyable, fun gameplay, featuring a totally original character with charisma and lots of moves. CID has many different fighting styles with which to battle enemies, from unarmed combat to weapons like the Bazooka that can freeze, hit and burn.

• Interact as only a crash impact dummy can. Climb walls, swing on ropes, burn obstacles, destroy exploding barrels, use lifters, bounce on springs and with a neat head butt destroy walls all in stunningly realized environments. Game environment interaction is the most important part of the gameplay.
• CID's world is swarming with a host of fearfully fun enemies like the Dumper, Cursed Dummy and the bizarre Failed Experiment.
• Apart from fighting enemies, the player will enjoy solving puzzles, avoiding traps and using acrobatic skills to get out of dangerous situations!

CID The Dummy will be released on Wii, Playstation 2, PSP System, and PC.

Military History commander Europe at War for Nintendo DS, PSP and PC

New title MILITARY HISTORY Commander Europe at War for Nintendo DS, PSP and a PC version with new and enhanced features. This is the first release in a new series of games.

MILITARY HISTORY Commander Europe at War is a turn-based strategy game set during World War II. Players take command of either the Axis powers or the Allied forces, and make decisions relating to recruitment, reconnaissance and diplomacy.

MILITARY HISTORY Commander Europe at War was designed to be easy to play, without being simple to master. The artificial intelligence offers an exciting challenge, even for experienced gamers. And thanks to the clearly arranged, easy-to-use user interface, players will actually spend their time fighting the enemy, rather than struggling with the menus.

Features

• Turn-based battles of World War II across several European countries
• Huge hex grid campaign map
• Six epic, extensive scenarios, including Operation Barbarossa and D-Day
• 50 inventions from five different tech trees
• Recruitment of historical commanders for the player's own units
• In-game artwork by Osprey Publishing, a leading publisher of military history books

Enhanced PC Features

• Addition of six quick play scenarios for multiplayer. Those cover the same time periods as the original maps but can be played quicker
• Frame rate has been increased
• Updates to the moddable script file system to be more friendly to windows Vista and XP
• Improved AI reacts quickly to players decisions

MILITARY HISTORY Commander Europe at War for Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStationPortable) and PC will be released in the first quarter of this year.

Coyote's Tale - Fire and Water PC video game - From the team that developed Blood Ties and Righteous Kill

Merscom announced the official release of Coyote’s Tale: Fire and Water. Coyote’s Tale: Fire and Water is the brainchild of Matt Shetler, Merscom’s Producer for the Blood Ties project, and was developed by GO! Games, the Siberian developer who also developed Blood Ties and Righteous Kill for Merscom. The game also includes an original soundtrack from musician Jean-Marc Lederman.

In Coyote’s Tale: Fire and Water, two sisters are about to go on the strangest vacation of their lives, as the mischievous Aztec gods of Mexico strive to make life a little more difficult for the human race.

Play as the fiery Tletl or the mellow Atl as they embark on a deceiving quest. With the Max, the god of games, and Coyote, the god of story telling as your guides, challenge 15 Aztec gods and collect hidden items in attempts to stop the world from falling into chaos. However, the gods aren’t your only problem. As Coyote Tale: Fire and Water progresses Tletl and Atl have to face an even more dangerous opponent. Betrayal.

Key Features include:

• Explore 20 beautifully animated environments around picturesque Mexico.
• Original music by Jean-Marc Lederman
• Challenge colorful, ancient Mesoamerican gods by playing 17 exciting mini-games.
• Collect powerful ancient American artifacts that grant new abilities.
• Save the world from eminent destruction on 2 separate story lines in timed and casual modes.
• Quickly immerse into gameplay with a fully voiced, seamlessly integrated, interactive tutorial.
• Enjoy many quirky and imaginative tales from Coyote, the ancient story-telling god.

“Coyote’s Tale was a great opportunity for Matt to explore some unique concepts and create a truly original hidden object game,” explained Lloyd Melnick, Chief Customer Officer at Merscom, “and GO! Games did a fantastic job of implementing Matt’s ideas. Matt and GO! created a really special game that we think will resonate with both experienced and new hidden object gamers.”

The Sims 3 PC video game also on iPhone Mac and iPod Touch out on June 2nd

Highly-Anticipated PC Game from Best-selling PC Franchise Slated to Ship June 2, 2009

Electronic Arts announced that The Sims 3, the highly-anticipated flagship game from the best-selling PC franchise, The Sims will launch across the PC, Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch and mobile devices summer 2009. The Sims 3 PC will ship to store shelves worldwide starting June 2, 2009.

“The Sims 3 is an incredible game that lets you play with life, create art and show off your creations,” said Ben Bell, Executive Producer, The Sims 3. “In the game, players are inspired by endless creative possibilities like the new Traits and Lifetime Wish features which allow players to create Sims with real personalities and destinies. Players can then take their Sim into town to interact with other Sims in the game and capture the action on video to show off online.” *

“The June launch combined with the break-through game the team is building gives us the perfect runway to create awareness for The Sims 3,” said Russell Arons, Vice President of Marketing for EA. “The Sims 3 will be the original IP summer blockbuster of 2009 as we build off the success of the best-selling PC franchise of all time to create awareness with both loyal Sims fans and new players.”

For more information about The Sims 3, please go to www.TheSims3.com. The Sims 3, developed by The Sims Studio, is also in development for Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch and mobile devices.

New server for free online golf simulator Shot Online PC video game

The launch of an all new server and exciting in-game events for its popular MMO golf simulation game, Shot-Online.

Beginning today, players will find an all-new Shot-Online server to play on. As part of the celebration of the newly added server, GamesCampus will be hosting exciting events for new and existing Shot-Online players to enjoy. Events include offering free green fees for all courses, while hosting a tournament to give away prizes including repairable Hurricane and Tornado club sets and much more.

The game can be downloaded and played for free here.

Shot-Online is hosting three different events in celebration of the new server. The three events include offering free green fees for all courses, as well as a tournament dedicated to Level One players who have just created a character and starting out, while the third event takes place on February 28th when the character who reached the highest level from each avatar will win the top prize, a repairable Tornado club set. There will be multiple prizes given out so everyone is encouraged to come and join the fun!

"Opening a new server is just like launching a whole new version of Shot Online," said Tony Liu,producer of Shot-Online. "The new server benefits all players by providing a fresh start to new gamers, and allowing existing players to meet new people, new friends, and new rivals at the same time!"

About Shot-Online
Shot-Online, developed by Gamescampus.com, is a hybrid massively multiplayer online game. This golf simulation game incorporates elements of traditional role-playing and is enhanced by proprietary physics software. This software allows for real-world golf ball behavior based on environmental factors. Detailed 3-D graphics and realistic animation enhance the user-experience as players help their characters grow in skill and capability. Team and solo competitions allow players a chance to win game currency with which users can purchase skill-enhancing items.

For more information about Gamescampus.com or Shot-Online, please visit

Warrior Epic website launched with closed beta sign up page...

www.warriorepic.com Now Accepting Registrants For The Upcoming Warrior Epic Closed-Beta Test Coming Later This Month

True Games Interactive, an international publisher of multi-player online games, has launched a brand new website for its highly anticipated Online action MMORPG, Warrior Epic www.warriorepic.com. Along with many new features to the website, True Games is proud to announce that it is now accepting sing-ups for players who hope to be part of the upcoming closed beta test for the game. The closed beta test will only have a limited number of spots available so those interested in being part of it are encouraged to sign up now at the website for a chance to qualify.

"It's an exciting time for both True Games and Possibility Space as we see all the elements of our work on Warrior Epic coming together,"
said Jeff Lujan, Founder and Chairman of True Games Interactive. "The website looks amazing and offers gamers a great look at what is to come for the game. We are amazed at how many people want to be part of the closed beta so we invite you to sign up now for your chance!"

The stunning new website introduces new information and visuals on the exciting environments in the game, along with a sneak peek at the warrior halls; which play a key role in the game. Fans can also check out and participate in the community forums and download cool wallpapers, screen shots and videos from the media downloads page.

About Warrior Epic

Warrior Epic www.warriorepic.com is an online, action role-playing game set in an original fantasy universe. In the game, players will assume command of a Warrior Hall from which they manage their characters' adventures. They can recruit from a wide array of Warrior Classes, each with its own style of play. The Classes and the Hall itself can be upgraded visually as well as functionally. Players adventure together in multiplayer campaigns, adventure mode, solo quests and PVP.

One of the most unique aspects of Warrior Epic is that death does not mean the end of a warrior. Instead, it opens totally new and strategic options for players. The game's unique Warrior Spirits System enables fallen warriors to not only be revived at any time at their hall, but also to be transformed into Spirits that can be bound to weapons to increase and open weapon abilities and skills, or they can be called out to inflict massive damage depending on player needs.

Unlike most MMO's today, Warrior Epic will offer players a satisfying online experience even if they have only a few hours a week to play.

One of the ways Warrior Epic achieves this is by putting a heavy emphasis on focused, session-based missions. These 20-30 minute sessions allow a player to make significant progress in regards to leveling their Warrior, gaining loot, and accomplishing more in a much shorter timeframe than other existing games.

For additional details on Warrior Epic and for continuous updates on the game, please visit: www.warriorepic.com.

Runes of Magic PC video game launch set for March 19th free beta accounts now...

Highly Anticipated MMORPG to launch on March 19th, 2009

Frogster Interactive today announced that following a three month open beta test, that has seen over 450,000 players explore the world of Taborea, the highly anticipated massively multiplayer online role-playing game Runes of Magic will launch of March 19th, 2009.

"Since the open beta test launch is December, the population of Taborea has soared and we have been working closely with our community to fine tune the Runes of Magic experience", said Daniel Ullrich, Director of Product Management at Frogster, "We look forward to welcoming thousands of new players to Taborea during the next few weeks, as we get ready to fully launch Runes of Magic".

Runes of Magic started the open beta with an English and a German version in the middle of December 2008. All interested players can now download the online-role playing game and enter into the fantasy world after creating an account for free on www.runesofmagic.com.

Runes of Magic – a world full of wizardry and adventure

With an extensive range of features Runes of Magic prepares to redefine the standard of free2play MMO games. Runes of Magic conveys an absorbing story through more than 1.000 quests embedded in an atmospheric fantasy setting. Players can choose between six main classes and combined with a secondary class they present 30 individual combinations of character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts like war horses and more. A particularly attractive feature for guilds and players is the possibility to arrange their own virtual homes with individual furnishing. Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, thrilling PVP, as well as demanding dungeons and boss-monsters, no wishes remain unsatisfied. The Taiwanese developer Runewaker has developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards within a time frame of three years. The studio will provide new challenges for players every three to four months with free add-ons and updates. MMO fans can find more information, pictures and videos on the official website www.runesofmagic.com.

Features

- Free2play: no monthly fees, free download
- Extensive dual class system (six primary and secondary classes)
- Versatile spell- and attack-combinations
- Enthralling background story
- More than 1.000 quests and quest series on launch
- No zone boundaries thanks to seamless architecture
- Dungeons: Instanced and tile based as well as persistent
- Individually developable skills and spells
- Armour sets with special bonuses
- Dynamic item system with hundreds of runes for upgrading
- Optional PvP system with arena battles and guild wars
- Ranking system with player-ranking lists
- Multitude of unique mounts
- Epic crafting system with the chance to improve existing items
- Personalization of player houses through individual furnishing
- Reputation system
- Customisable user interface with the option to use Add-Ons
- Map and radar system to find dealers, resources and quests easily
- In-game auction houses for trading items
- Teleport-Runes for instant travel
- Mouse and keyboard controls for movement
- Regular updates with new content
- Cross-server fights in three-server-battle in development
- Guild houses in special zones in development

EVE online MMO PC video game 30 day free trial

Exclusive promotion brings CCP's popular Sci-Fi Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMO) to Rock Notebooks during February and March 2009

Rock, Europe’s leading gaming laptop manufacturer, today announced a partnership with CCP, the developers of EVE Online, to provide its Notebook customers with an exclusive, 30-day free trial of leading MMO EVE Online. The EVE Online trial will come pre-installed on all Rock Notebooks sold in the February and March 2009, presenting serious gamers with the opportunity to immerse themselves in an advanced, constantly evolving game.

Set in space, tens of thousands of years in the future, the persistent universe of EVE Online features explosive warfare, a fully-fledged economy and a complex society with a class system and its own representative democracy. With more than a quarter of a million subscribers, EVE Online is a sophisticated game that requires advanced strategic gameplay to succeed. Its single-sharded world enables players to build their reputations and achieve a real legacy built on in-world fame.

“We design and manufacture some of the fastest, high-performance gaming notebooks in the world, inevitably our customer base is primarily composed of serious gamers,” says Nick Boardman of Rock. “EVE Online is just the kind of advanced, graphics-intensive game that appeals to our audience. Our partnership with CCP enables us to deliver greater value to our gaming customers.”

“With overlapping audiences, our partnership with rock is highly synergistic in that rock Notebooks run EVE Online with our graphics turned all the way up, enabling rock customers to experience the gameplay and art of EVE as it was meant to be,” says Magnús Bergsson, VP of sales, CCP. “Through this partnership, both CCP and rock will be able to further expand their audiences. We’re thrilled to work together.”

Please visit www.rockdirect.com for more information.

Grand Ages Rome download demo - this week

Viva Media will distribute the demo for Grand Ages: Rome later this week. The demo is comprehensive, allowing gamers a glimpse into the game’s many exciting features. Viva Media CEO, Carlo Voelker, commented, “Players will experience great graphics alongside complex city building, character development, and much more in this limited, but enticing taste of the game.”

The demo will introduce many exciting aspects from the full game. Two missions will be available for players to try their hand at building an empire. In the first mission, Bread and Circuses, the player will have to construct a small city, while in the second, Legio VIII, their strategic and military skills will be tested as well.

A rising empire awaits you! Can you lead the greatest civilization in the world?

Demo Quick Facts:

Basic Tutorial & Combat Tutorial included
2 complete missions: Bread and Circuses and Legio VIII
2 noble families to join: Aemilii and Valerii
1 exciting cut-scene to enjoy
Demonstration of Research, Estates, and Talents mechanics

Fate of Free Radical Design to be decided tomorrow

The fate of Free Radical Design will be announced formally tomorrow - Wednesday, February 4.

The TimeSplitters and Haze developer went into administration at the end of the year, and numbers were cut at the studio bringing headcount down to 40.

Administrator ReSolve Partners has said that it will make the announcement this week, after indicating that there has been "very strong" interest in the company.

While the administrator had been striving to sell the company as a whole, ReSolve did indicate that it would be prepared to split technology, IP and other assets if it meant a more lucrative sale.

A number of companies have been rumoured to be interested in Free Radical Design, including Codemasters and Monumental Games, but ReSolve has also indicated that there has been interest from outside of the videogames industry.

Source: GamesIndustry

EA granted exclusive video game license by Ludlum Entertainment

EA announce that Ludlum Entertainment has granted the company exclusive worldwide license to create video games based on the works of Robert Ludlum, including the Jason Bourne series.

Under the multi-year agreement, EA will release the first game based on Jason Bourne, which is currently in development with Starbreeze Studios in Uppsala, Sweden.

Mike Quigley, group vice president of marketing, EA Games Label, said that this agreement will bring the action, intrigue and intensity of Robert Ludlum's fiction to life for casual and core gamers.

EA said that Matt Wolf, a video game veteran, will work with EA to oversee the creative development, production and positioning of the Ludlum Entertainment games portfolio.

Financial details of the license agreement were not disclosed.

Smartphones including iPhone and Blackberry massive increase in video game downloads...

The number of people downloading mobile games grew 17% year-on-year to 8.5 million - with smartphones, such as the iPhones and Blackberry, overtaking traditional mobiles for the first time ever.

"The rapid growth in smartphone adoption in the United States has provided a boost for mobile gaming, as 34 per cent of those downloading a game in November did so using a smartphone," said Mark Donovan, senior analyst, comScore.

The study of US consumers showed that the number of smartphone owners downloading a game nearly tripled, while downloads on traditional phones dipped 14 per cent.

iPhone owners now represented 14 per cent of all downloaded mobile game in November, with 32.4 per cent of all iPhone users reporting they downloaded a game in the month, compared with a market average of 3.8 per cent.

"Last year, not one smartphone appeared in the top 10 devices used for mobile downloads," Donovan explained. "This year, six out of 10 are smartphones, excluding devices with smartphone-like functionality, such as the Instinct and Voyager, which also make appearances."

"As the mobile phone has evolved into a better platform for both playing and merchandising games, the games being offered have also been improved, drawing in a broader user base."

"Over the past year, we have seen mobile gaming expand into a broadening demographic, with strongest growth among teens, who previously eschewed their mobile device in favour of handheld gaming devices, and those 35 and older," Donovan concluded.

Source: GamesIndustry

Blood Magic gets Time of Shadows PC video game add-on

Leading Eastern and Central European publisher 1C Company today announced the development of Time of Shadows.

Time of Shadows is an add-on to the popular action RPG Blood Magic which now unveils its world of magic even further. Over hundred new spells, divided into 12 magic schools, bring fresh power to your fight against hordes of enemies as you stop their invasion. Follow your destiny and uncover the truth behind the sinister plot. As with Blood Magic you can again create unique combinations of spells which are especially useful in multiplayer mode. This system of magic is the most innovative ever seen in a modern RPG. Players can also compete in 2-person duels or in large arenas against many others in true melee combat.

Time of Shadows is currently scheduled for a spring 2009 release.

Blood Magic is a third-person action RPG where the weapon of choice is magic. The game is set in a richly detailed medieval fantasy world, allowing the player a wide variety of choices both in individual quests and character development. There are over a dozen different fields of magic, allowing players many choices for specialization. The most unique aspect of the magic system is the ability to combine spells.

Please find more information about Time of Shadows at www.1cpublishing.eu/game/time-of-shadows.

Sims 2 tops US PC video games chart - 8 out of 10 games form EA or Activision

Electronic Arts and Activision dominate the top ten of the US PC games chart for the week ended January 24.

US PC games chart follows:

01 The Sims 2 Double Deluxe
02 World Of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Expansion Pack
03 Spore
04 The Sims 2 Apartment Life Expansion Pack
05 Fallout 3
06 World Of Warcraft: Battle Chest
07 World Of Warcraft
08 Left 4 Dead
09 Civilization IV
10 Call Of Duty: World At War

RPGamer Names Black Sigil - Blade of the Exiled Most Wanted RPG of 2009

Most Wanted RPG of 2009 Editor’s Choice Award from RPGamer for the upcoming title Black Sigil - Blade of the Exiled for Nintendo DS. As part of the voting for their annual Best of 2008 awards, RPGamer looked ahead to the most wanted games of 2009 and included Black Sigil on that list.

“It beat out lots of other RPG’s in a vote from the entire staff. We are ecstatic about it!” says Michael Cunningham, Public Relations Manager for RPGamer.com.

"I found my experience to be very enjoyable, and Black Sigil promises to be fun," stated Maxime Viventi of RPGamer.com.

Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled is a Role Playing Game (RPG) that will excite all gamers. The game includes vivid environments that create a realistic yet imaginative landscape with 40 to 50+ hours of gameplay and tons of side-quests. Dark secrets and powerful plot twists create an original and intriguing story line. You can strategically customize your 3 person party from up to 8 unique characters, and there are 100+ different physical and magical skills/combos, 100+ different weapons, and 200+ different pieces of armor.

Yard Sale Hidden Treasures - Sunnyville video game on iPhone and iPod Touch plus FREE lite version

The Method Moves into Direct-to-Consumer Games Space with Launch of Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville; a Highly Addictive Game for the iPhone and iPod Touch

The Method, in partnership with Slapdash Games, today announced the release of Yard Sale Hidden Treasures - Sunnyville for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. Priced at $4.99, this title is sure to be an instant App Store classic.

“I am proud that we have teamed up with Slapdash Games to bring this highly addictive PC game title to a whole new audience,” said The Method CEO Marcus Hopkins. “We are confident that fans of the App Store will truly love Yard Sale. Along with the launch of this title, we look forward to expanding further into the direct-to-consumer games space.”

Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville allows players to compete for the coveted “Best in Show” in the Superstar Homes Magazine Parade of Homes. Residents of Sunnyville search for hidden swag in eccentric homes to complete the ultimate in home décor. Players can also renovate antiques for that special touch. A follow-up to the hugely successful PC game, Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville features:

• 12 unique locations to hunt for hidden objects;
• 16 Creative repurposing projects, to help players turn trash into treasure; And
• Decorating functions, to help players become a “Superstar Designer” and turn their dream home into Sunnyville's top abode.

Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville is suitable for all ages, and is a must buy for game players of all skill and experience levels.

For more information about The Method or its products please visit: www.Method-Solutions.com. Purchase Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville on the App Store here.

A free “LITE” version of Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville is also available on the App Store here

Midnight Club: Los Angeles Official World Championship Series Begins

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, announce that eligible gamers across the globe will now have the chance to battle for supremacy in the Midnight Club: Los Angeles Official World Championship Series. Hosted on the Rockstar Games Social Club, tournaments will take place monthly during 2009 and feature prizes such as Rockstar Games gift certificates and rewards from Rockstar Games partners, including a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle and a year of free pizza from Pizza Hut.

The Rockstar Social Club is the central hub for all tournaments, as well as Rate My Ride, the unlockable Audi R8, and numerous community features for Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Details on all Rockstar Social Club events are available here...

From now until February 6th, players of Midnight Club: Los Angeles on both the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system can sign up for the very first tournament, the Rockstar Games Starter Cup, via the Rockstar Social Club for a chance at a $500 Rockstar Warehouse grand prize shopping spree. Worldwide time trials followed by head-to-head championship races will determine the ultimate grand prize winner. The Rockstar Games Starter Cup winner will be crowned in the finals on February 13th. Time trials will kick off in the scenic Midnight Club: Los Angeles race Sand and Surf, with the final battle taking place across a series of different courses.

For more information, log on here.

Contests are void in certain countries and where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Eligibility limited by age and location of players. See http://socialclub.rockstargames.com/events/ for complete official rules and eligibility details.

Zu Online - New Items Introduction

The Zu Online team http://zu.igg.com from IGG is happy to announce the release of some new items in the Zu Item Mall, including Training Helper-7 Days, Refining Helper-7 Days, Training Helper-30 Days, and Refining Helper-30 Days for all players.

Here's a brief introduction to these items:

Ⅰ. Reward One (30 Days) Introduction

Players can right-click the Helper to claim their rewards after they purchase it from the Item Mall. They can use only one Helper each day and they must claim their rewards each day.

Item Introduction: The Helper will not disappear after being used and it takes 5 second to cool down. It will exist for 29 days in your bag and each slot can only hold one Helper.)

Right click the Training Helper-30 Days each time to obtain following items: Thunder Casket Package*1, Rain Item Package*1, Wind Item Package*1 and 20,000 Bone.

Right click the Refining Helper-30 Days each time to obtain following items: Lightning Casket Package*1, Cloud Item Package*1, Fog Item Package*1 and 20,000 Bone.

Ⅱ. Reward Two (7 Days) Introduction

Players can right-click the Helper to claim their rewards after they purchase it from the Item Mall. They can use only one Helper per day and they must claim their rewards each day.

Item Introduction: The Helper will not disappear after being used and it takes 5 second to cool down. It will exist for 6 days in your bag and each slot can only hold one Helper.)

Right click the Training Helper-7 Days each time to obtain following items: Thunder Casket Package*1, Rain Item Package*1, Wind Item Package*1 and 20,000 Bone.

Right click the Refining Helper-7 Days each time to obtain following items: Lightning Casket Package*1, Cloud Item Package*1, Fog Item Package*1 and 20,000 Bone.

Lonpos Puzzle game on Nintendo Wii

Looking for a puzzle game that anyone can play, but still offers plenty to master? Look no further than LONPOS, with its straightforward premise and large variety of puzzles to solve.

Each puzzle revolves around a rectangular playing field of 55 spaces.

Using a set of 12 pieces, the goal is to place every piece into the playing field, filling it completely. The higher the level, the more pieces you'll need to fit correctly into the playing field.

Challenge yourself with two single-player modes or bring a friend to compete against or cooperate with.

When you think your skills are worthy, use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to check out how you compare with other LONPOS players or download additional puzzles and backgrounds.

(Router and broadband access required for online play. For more info, go to www.nintendo.com.)

Format: WiiWare
Launch Date: 02/02/09
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Puzzle, Board Game
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-4
Publisher: Nintendo
Unique Features: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Add-on Content

Play Colosseum - Win an Xbox 360 Elite!

Shortfuse Games hosts a Colosseum contest, offering a brand new Xbox 360 Elite as first prize.

On February 2, the Colosseum Boss Challenge opens for entry.

Without breaking a sweat you can be the lucky winner of a slick black Xbox 360 Elite, brand new! The challenge is simple.

All you have to do is to capture yourself beating a boss of your choice on video. Shortfuse Games community manager Johan Hermerén explains what the contest is all about:

"Don't bother finishing off the boss as fast as you can; we'll premiere style and finesse. We recommend you to customize yourself a cool character and perform some nice combos and specials to defeat the boss!"

Colosseum is available on Xbox LIVE Community Games for Xbox 360. The contest opens on February 2 and closes for entries on March 15, 2009. Read more about how to win the Xbox 360 Elite at www.shortfuse.se or www.colosseum-game.com.