Damnation new video game for Microsoft Xbox 360 Sony PlayStation 3 and Windows PC

The action shooter goes vertical as Codemasters signs Damnation from Blue Omega Entertainment.

Set to change the landscape of third person action/shooters forever, catch the dizzying views at www.codemasters.com/playdamnation

Codemasters, a leading video game publisher, and US creative studio Blue Omega Entertainment today announced Damnation, a new videogame franchise set to come leaping onto the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows this winter.

Evolving the shooter genre with its unique and exhilarating combination of fluid action and combat, Damnation will feature huge, open environments, frenetic combat, daredevil acrobatics and high-octane vehicle-based stunts. Presenting players with an intense test of reflexes, quick thinking and rapid-fire conflict, Damnation will feature vast, breathtaking landscapes, each covering miles of distance and thousands of vertical feet.

Billed as a 'shooter gone vertical' and visually inspired by iconic elements of American history, these massive streaming landscapes will form the battlegrounds for a post-industrial conflict between humanity and an unstoppable arms dealer hell-bent on total world domination.

Players will be able to choose their own paths and navigate the world by performing daredevil feats on the edge of human ability. However players aren't the only ones with mind-blowing acrobatic skills; intelligent enemies will give chase and engage players in frantic gun fights and attacks that can come from any direction – in Damnation's world there's no safe place to hide.

With up to three hours of actual gameplay stretching out in front of them per level, players will need more than just muscle power to get across each level safely. Damnation will offer players a selection of awe-inspiring vehicles, from motorbikes capable of launching across seemingly infinite chasms, to huge, armour-piercing marvels that will induce mayhem with every huge shell.

The high action will be supported with an epic and in-depth story which, while focusing on the exploits of the hero character Rourke, is truly an ensemble piece. Players will meet and become involved in intricate story plots that reveal much more than the obvious.

In addition to the single player experience, Damnation comes complete with a unique set of multiplayer options that take full advantage of the game's expansive levels. Currently in development at Blue Omega's facilities in Annapolis, USA, Damnation will be available for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Games for Windows in late 2008. For more information and to catch a glimpse of what the future of gaming has in store, visit http://www.codemasters.co.uk/games/.

The Lord of the Rings Online at Connect '08 tickets available

Major announcement for The Lord of the Rings Online to take place at Connect '08

Codemasters Online and Turbine, Inc. team up for major announcement at the forthcoming Codemasters Online Connect Event
Codemasters Online and Turbine Inc announced today that they expect this year’s Connect event to be the staging area for a major announcement for The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar.

David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters Online commented “Connect is shaping up to be a great event with some massive news. We’re extremely pleased Turbine has agreed to make the trip out to Europe to share the major announcement we’ve lined up for The Lord of the Rings Online. I guarantee it is going to get the community buzzing”.

Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online, commented “We are very excited for Connect ‘08. We can’t think of a better place to make a big announcement regarding The Lord of the Rings Online than in Birmingham, the childhood home of J.R.R. Tolkien.”

Taking place on March 14th / 15th, Connect 2008 is Codemasters Online’s premier gaming event spanning all of Codemasters Online’s gaming titles including The Lord of the Rings Online™, ArchLord, RF Online, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE: Stormreach and much much more!

For more information or to sign up for tickets visit www.codemastersconnect.com

Codemasters pulls Sensible Worlds of Soccer from Xbox Liv

"Incorrect" version of game made available

Codemasters has pulled Sensible World of Soccer from Xbox Live Arcade as the game disconnects users attempting to play online.

The developer has promised to put a fully functioning version of the game on Microsoft's online service shortly.

"It has come to our attention that an incorrect version of Sensible World of Soccer was made available on Xbox Live Arcade," said Codemasters Online Gaming.

"We are currently investigating the issue and will have a correctly functioning version of Sensible World of Soccer available soon.

"Any users that have already downloaded Sensible World of Soccer will need to delete their copy of the game and download it again when the correctly functioning version is available in order to enjoy online play via Xbox Live," detailed the company

Sensible World of Soccer was released on Xbox Live Arcade today, although Codemasters had originally hoped to release the game in the first quarter of 2007.

Codemasters announce Emergency Mayhem video game on Nintendo Wii

Duck for cover as Codemasters puts players in charge of the emergency services in the most accident-prone city of all time!

Set to put the urgency into emergency, Codemasters® today announced Emergency Mayhem exclusively for Wii. Coming Q2 2008, Emergency Mayhem puts the player at the helm of the three emergency services in a frantic race against time to hold together Crisis City, a mad metropolis falling apart at the seams.

Combining chaotic driving sequences with arcade mini-games, you'll be in stitches controlling the frenzied police, fire service or paramedics as they dash around the city from one emergency situation to the next. With over 30 missions, it's a non-stop time crisis where you'll be rescuing people from burning buildings, defusing bombs and more.

However, in this city, the emergencies are of a decidedly slapstick nature; crazy situations will have you hurling bananas at out-of-control monkeys, using a trampoline to bounce escaping prisoners back into custody and herding penguins to safety with hilarious consequences. In a city where there's always an urgent situation calling out for your attention, even those mischievous monkeys will get in your way

In Emergency Mayhem time is your enemy, relentlessly counting down as you take charge of a fire truck, ambulance, or police car to speed through the city's eight different districts to the next emergency. Have you got the nerves necessary to beat the clock and save the city? Find shortcuts, such as making use of the city's underground railways lines and even sewers, to get there on time and save the day.

When you reach the scene of the emergency play switches to one of over 30 mini-games which take unique advantage of the Wii Remote to solve crazy crises. Using the Wii Remote, you'll have to pump the to practice CPR, point it to direct water from a powerful hose, mimic a wrench to bring bursting water-hydrants under control and aim it to fire tranquiliser darts into on-the-rampage monkeys!

Get ready to put down those monkeys and put on the uniform in Q2 2008 when Codemasters launches Emergency Mayhem to the sound of sirens for Wii. If in urgent need of emergency assistance please visit www.codemasters.com/emergency for more information.

Race Driver: GRID rom the creators of Video games - Colin McRae: DiRT and Race Driver

Race Driver: GRIDTM confirmed as official title for intense new racing experience coming mid 2008 from the creators of Colin McRae: DiRTTM and Race DriverTM series.

Codemasters® today announced Race Driver: GRID™ as the full and official title for the game introduced under the working title of Race Driver One. Race Driver: GRID is the new racing experience from Codemasters Studios, creators of Colin McRae: DiRT™ and the Race Driver™ series, and is set to deliver a step-change in the racing genre.

Coming mid 2008, Race Driver: GRID is set to capture every moment from the starting grid to the chequered flag and concentrate those moments into an intense and dramatic race experience. Race Driver: GRID is being developed for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows®.

"Race Driver: GRID is all about the race." said Gavin Raeburn, Executive Producer at Codemasters Studios. "The next iteration of our DiRT engine combined with a decade of experience in developing driving games enables us to put the player at the centre of the action like never before. Damage, packed grids, intelligent opposition and unprecedented race day atmosphere will combine to deliver an experience like no other.

Says Ralph Fulton, Chief Game Designer. "GRID focuses on everything that happens between the start grid and the chequered flag: the drama, the rivalries, the aggression and the crashes. This is not a game about collecting cars or spending all of your time in the front-end tuning suspension settings or designing liveries. We want to make racing exciting again."

Race Driver: GRID will take players to beautifully realised and dramatic race locations over three continents to compete in an unprecedented variety of racing events. Packed with the most powerful race cars – new and classic, circuit and drift – players will compete to conquer the most prestigious official race tracks and championships and then go beyond to compete in challenging city-based competitions, through to road events and urban street races.

In Europe, race gamers will compete on the greatest official tracks in prestige Marques including Aston Martin, Koenigsegg and Pagani.

Iconic cities across the U.S. – including San Francisco, Washington DC and Detroit and each with their own atmosphere and events – play hosts to diverse street races. Here, high-performance V8 muscle cars set the pace in aggressive closely fought pack competitions.

In the Far East, Japanese racing culture sets the tone where night races, including Drift racing, take drivers through neon illuminated cities and to outlying mountain roads. There is also the opportunity to compete in races that operate on the fringes of legality in the back streets and industrial areas of Yokohama.

Race Driver: GRID is coming mid 2008 for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and Games for Windows. To register for future driver briefings and get a place on the grid, be sure to visit www.codemasters.co.uk/grid

The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar Gold Edition!

Codemasters Online announce today that The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™ Gold Edition is now available for purchase across Europe. At launch, The Lord of the Rings Online was the number one selling PC title across Europe and North America. Encased in an exclusive Steel Pack, The Lord of the Rings Online Gold Edition entitles players to four exclusive in-game items, all three content updates since launch and 45-days' free gaming experience.

“The launch of the Gold Edition reinforces the monumental success The Lord of the Rings Online has received since release in April", comments Ed Blincoe, Senior Product Manager, Codemasters Online. "We are delighted with the exceptional demand LOTRO has seen and we look forward to welcoming thousands more people into Middle-earth”.

The Lord of the Rings Online Gold Edition contains an exclusive package of four in-game items and 45-days' free game time, only available with the purchase of the Gold Edition. Upon reaching level 25 players are welcomed with an all new unique horse mount to aid in their travels through the vast lands of Middle-earth. Players also have the opportunity to personalise their new homes within Middle-earth with a unique welcome mat, five scented candles and a lucky horseshoe complete this distinctive package.

The Lord of the Rings Online lets players experience the unique and mystical world based on the Books of J.R.R. Tolkien. The game delivers an experience that takes players beyond the Books to where they can create their own story within the most famous fantasy world of all time.

The Lord of the Rings Online Gold Edition is now available for purchase at all major retailers across Europe. To download The Lord of the Rings Online free trial or for more information please visit www.trylotro.com

RF Online Opens New World as Demand Reaches Unprecedented Levels!

Unprecedented demand sees Codemasters Online open another new world due to huge popularity for this free-to-play MMORPG.

Codemasters Online are thrilled to announce the opening of another new world for their hugely popular 100% free MMORPG RF Online. The new world known as “Solus” will open its gates as a surge of new players join the RF Online service.

Since the switch to free to play two weeks ago, RF Online has achieved unprecedented levels of success as players come from far and wide to declare their allegiance and battle it out for control of Novus.

“To open our 2nd new world in the space of two weeks is a tremendous success and testament to the ever increasing player base and their loyalty to the game. The current demand for RF Online is far exceeding our own expectations and the active player base continues to increase week upon week.” commented Adam McGowan, Global Product Marketing Manager, Codemasters Online.”

Following the opening of “Solus”, Codemasters Online are now preparing for the games next free update due to launch in the coming months currently named “Planet Wars”. This completely free expansion will see players take to the skies in fast paced action space combat as they pilot their ships through space and venture to all new planets and systems.

RF Online, the completely free MMORPG is an epic mix of traditional fantasy and futuristic Sci-Fi set in the deep space galaxy of Novus where three races compete in an ultimate struggle for power and resource.

To download RF Online now visit www.rf-onlinegame.com

Have a horrific Halloween with Clive Barker's Jericho

Trick out and ghoul-up your PC this Halloween as Codemasters treats gamers to a monstrous collection of Clive Barker's Jericho desktop wallpapers featuring gruesome creatures from the recently released supernatural shooter. Four foul monster wallpapers are now available to download from www.codemasters.com/jericho in Community > Wallpapers.

Inspired by Barker's fiction, the detailed illustrations depict four of the game's most iconic and fearsome fiends, including the gorged and bloody bulk of the Roman Governor Cassus Vicus, hung from his chains as he rips open his stomach in readiness to unleash a jet of blood and toxic entrails.

Other wallpapers feature Arnold Leach, the demonic winged leader of the Brotherhood of the Dark Rapture, the axe-fused Exploding Cultist and Vicus' own gladiatorial beast, the Blind Behemoth. Each wallpaper design is available in 1024 x 768, 1280 x 1024 and 1600 x1200 resolutions.

Launched last week, Clive Barker's Jericho is a spectacular blast from the master mythmaker's cannon of nightmares. Mingling the darkest elements of his creative works with an ambitious, age-spanning story, the squad-based FPS gameplay takes players on a journey through hellish locations and slices of time combating gruesome and twisted enemies.

As this Halloween's must-play title, Clive Barker's Jericho is now available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows. To download the new desktop wallpapers, videos and the Games for Windows playable demo, visit the game's official website at www.codemasters.com/jericho.

Codemasters triumphant at Golden Joystick Awards

Codemasters named 'Developer of the Year'– The Lord of the Rings Online scoops 'PC Game of the Year 2007'

Codemasters, the developer and publisher of world-class video games, was victorious at the 25th annual Golden Joystick Awards winning both the ‘UK Developer of the Year 2007 Award’ and the ‘PC Game of the Year 2007 Award’ for The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™, developed by Turbine, Inc. and published and operated in Europe by Codemasters Online.

The Golden Joystick Awards are the UK’s longest running and most popular video game awards and, in this 25th anniversary year, saw nearly 750,000 votes cast by readers of Future Publishing’s leading video game magazines and websites. The prestigious event took place at the Hilton Hotel on London’s Park Lane on Friday.

In being named ‘UK Developer of the Year’, Codemasters is the first to be honoured with the award. The category, introduced just this year, praises and recognises the best home-grown creative talent and saw 51 companies competing for nomination.

Codemasters, whose Warwickshire-based central studios are responsible for titles including Colin McRae: DiRT™, Brian Lara International Cricket™ and the Race Driver™ series, beat competitors including Rockstar North, Lionhead, Rare, and Bizarre Creations to the award. Codemasters was also the only 3rd Party games publisher in the final nominations announced during the event for the ‘Publisher of the Year’ award, alongside Microsoft and Nintendo.

“To be recognised and rewarded as a creative team is a great achievement and the fact that this award was voted for by hundreds of thousands of gamers has made everyone at Codemasters immensely proud,” said Gavin Cheshire, Vice President, Codemasters Studios.

“Game development has been a part of Codemasters for almost as long as the publishing arm has been operating and our titles have a quality and consistency that many other developers and publishers envy. We’re overjoyed in winning the award for our achievements to date and, be assured, we have many exciting concepts for the future.”

In addition to the ‘UK Developer of the Year’ award, Codemasters also celebrated winning the much coveted Golden Joystick for ‘PC Game of the Year 2007’ for The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™, which it publishes and operates in Europe in association with the title’s developer, Turbine, Inc.

The highly acclaimed massively-multiplayer online role-playing game beat out a stellar list of nominees, including World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade, Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars and S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl, cementing its place as one of the premier gaming experiences on the PC. The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar was also nominated in the Soundtrack of the Year, Nuts All-Nighter Award, Online Game of the Year and Ultimate Game of the Year categories as well.

“Codemasters Online is delighted to receive such a prominent award and would like to thank all the dedicated players who voted for The Lord of the Rings Online at this year’s Golden Joystick Awards,” commented David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters Online.

“The nature of the award is particularly important to us because it’s voted by the players and we feel extremely privileged to receive PC Game of the Year for The Lord of the Rings Online.”

European Gamers Set to Unleash Fury!

Codemasters Online announces European wide release of Fury as gamers get set for the ultimate in Free-to-Play MMO carnage!

Codemasters Online are pleased to announce that Fury, the Unreal Engine 3 powered Free-to-Play PvP MMORPG is now available for purchase throughout Europe.

Available at major games retailers, Fury is priced at £29.99 / €39.99 respectively. The full retail box includes a free month of ‘Immortal Membership’ which offers VOIP privileges (in-game voice chat), additional item roll slots, access to various tournament ladders, web based personal statistics, rested gold bonus and priority queuing. FURY offers hardcore players the opportunity to subscribe to Immortal membership for additional benefits.

Based on the Unreal Engine 3, Fury is a unique fusion of adrenaline fuelled, fast paced action blended seamlessly with competitive PvP combat creating a truly unique online experience like never before.

“Codemasters Online are thrilled to be launching Fury across Europe. The combination of combat and fast paced action as well as an abundance of awe-inspiring visuals and dynamic game play characteristics create a truly unique MMO.” commented Adam McGowan, Product Marketing Manager, Codemasters Online.

Out now on PC, Fury is a unique persistent online action RPG giving players an unrivalled player vs player experience. For more information on Fury visit www.unleashthefury.com

The Lord of the Rings Online

Today, Codemasters Online and Turbine, Inc. announce the details of the first annual Harvest Festival in The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, the hit MMO that has taken Europe and North America by storm. The Harvest Festival, the second of many planned seasonal celebrations in Middle-earth, will offer players a variety of quests, vendors and events to highlight this special time of year.

“The Harvest Festival is the second of many seasonal events that we have planned for The Lord of the Rings Online,” said Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online. “These festivals coupled with content updates demonstrate our commitment to delivering the best online experience for our subscribers through a fun, compelling and evolving game.”

Players can celebrate throughout Middle-earth from October 26th to November 12th by interacting with special vendors, earn unique items and participate in quests designed just for the Harvest Festival including:
Horse Racing – Players can compete against each other in a horse race! Winners will receive a horse race token that can be used to purchase the Harvest Festival Horse.

Games of Chance – The Harvest Festival will host four games of chance. Players can bob for apples in the Shire or try geode picking with the Dwarves to earn Harvest Festival tokens that can be used to buy special festival items.
Harvesting the Crop – This new collection of quests enables players to harvest the crops they planted during the Summer Solstice Festival in June and earn a special item for their house.

Dancing – There will be dancing quests with new race-specific dance emotes as a reward.
The Lord of the Rings Online delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy adventure of all time. From the quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before. The Lord of the Rings Online is now available for purchase at major retailers across Europe. For more information or to download a free trial, please visit www.trylotro.com

Codemasters signs licence for Wii, DS games

Templar's 14 million-selling books to come to Nintendo formats

Codemasters has signed with Templar Publishing to produce games based on its best-selling Ology books.

The UK publisher will create titles based on the 14 million-selling series, with Dragonology, Wizardology and Pirateology the first three titles confirmed for the Nintendo Wii and DS.

"Extending Codemasters' reach in the family entertainment category, this alliance with Templar further demonstrates the continued growth and diversification of our portfolio," said Barry Jafrato, senior vice president of brand at Codemasters.

The Wii titles will be focused on action gaming, while the DS counterparts are to include more exploration gameplay. Dragonology will be the first title released, due in the second half of 2008.

"The Ology book brand is a powerful contemporary franchise and we always seek to work with high calibre creative partners," commented Richard Scrivener, commercial and operations director at Templar Publishing.

"Right from the outset, we were impressed by the combination of Codemasters' passion for the product and their global reach," he said.