Ubisoft acquires Japanese video game developer Digital Kids

With the world of capitalism falling to bits around our ears, it appears that no one has told Ubisoft to save its money for the inevitable sub-prime bust-up. Oh, no, our cheeky French pals have only gone and forked out for a specialist Nintendo developer.

That's right, for an undisclosed sum, Raving Rabbids and Assassin's Creed publishers, Ubisoft, has forked purchased or acquired (we know that there is a apparently a difference in finance land) Japanese creators of Hamsterz - among other DS and Wii games - Digital Kids.

DK currently employs 20 people in its Nagoya and Osaka, Japan, offices, and has already worked closely with Ubisoft on Petz. So, for the first time in a long time we have Europe buying into Japan. Not for Ubisoft the long, slow development and training required to build up a team of Wii and DS devs... and why the hell should it when it's one of the biggest publishers in the galaxy.

We now wait for the deal to close as it meanders its way through both the European Union and Japanese tax authorities - a game in itself we're sure. Will the French maestro have slammed a vast sum of money to prove that it can? Or will it be savvy and cost-conscious to prove that it's a sensible company and not raving at all?

Microsoft Sells ESPN Video on Xbox 360

Microsoft Corp. has added college basketball and other ESPN programming to the growing lineup of video content available for download to its Xbox 360 video game console.

Microsoft and ESPN said people can purchase complete NCAA basketball and football games, the X Games sports competitions and programs like ESPN's "Madden Nation," which chronicles a competition of "Madden NFL" video game players, from the Xbox Live Web site.

Xbox 360 users can buy commercial-free standard-definition versions of select NCAA games for $3, and high-definition versions for $4.50, within 48 hours of the game's conclusion. ESPN TV shows, like the other TV content on the Xbox Live download site, cost $2 for standard-definition and $3 for high-def versions.

As part of the agreement, ESPN is considering ways to incorporate the Xbox Live online gaming community into its telecasts. ESPN spokesman Paul Melvin said there are no firm plans for how this will be done.

The companies did not disclose financial terms of the deal when it was announced late Sunday.

Ross Honey, a senior director of the media and entertainment group at Microsoft, said action and horror movies are popular genres for the Xbox Live audience, as are "edgier" animated TV shows like "South Park."

"At the end of the day, most of our consumers are young males," Honey said. "You have a perfect match here."
ESPN already delivers live, streaming sports footage to customers of certain broadband Internet providers.

"Delivering content through Xbox 360 is another way that we can connect fans with the sports they have such passion for," said Matt Murphy, senior vice president of digital video distribution for Disney and ESPN Media Networks. ESPN is owned by The Walt Disney Co.

Source: AP

Sony launch Deep Red PSP in Japan

Two SKUs on sale December 13

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan is to introduce a new Deep Red PSP model to the region.

Coming in two different SKUs, the Deep Red Value pack will go on sale for JPY 22,800 (EUR 136) with the Deep Red Seg Pack retailing for JPY 29,800 (EUR 178).

The Value Pack includes the PSP, a pouch, hand strap, cloth and 32MB Memory Stick Duo, while the Seg pack will include the PSP, Seg TV tuner, strap, cloth, stand and 1GB Memory Stick Pro Duo.

Both units will go on sale December 13 in Japan.

New Playstation 2 design

Sony today announced the $99 Playstation 2:
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) responsible for business operations in Japan, today announced a newly designed PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system (SCPH-90000), which will become available in Japan on November 22nd, 2007 at a recommended retail price of 16,000 yen (including tax). The newly designed PlayStation 2 will come in three color variations of “Charcoal Black”, “Ceramic White” and “Satin Silver”. Vertical Stand for PlayStation 2 will also become available on November 22nd, 2007 in the same three colors at a recommended retail price of 1,500 yen (including tax).
While inheriting the functions of the current PlayStation 2, the internal design architecture of the new system has been completely overhauled, resulting lighter in weight. The newly designed PlayStation 2 will have a built-in AC adapter, further improving users’ convenience to enjoy various entertainment contents anywhere at home.

In the 8th year from its launch in 2000, PlayStation 2 continues to be strongly supported by a wide demographic of users around the world. Reaching the remarkable milestone of 120 millionth sales in shorter period than the original PlayStation did, the world of PlayStation 2 further expands as more new and attractive software titles are to be released this coming holiday season and beyond.

Sony confirms new PS2 in Europe for New Year

Lighter model with internal power supply

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that it will be introducing a new model PlayStation 2 to the market in the new year.

Already scheduled for release in Japan later this month, the new model comes with an integrated power supply and is lighter due to revised internal architecture.

The redesigned unit will come in three colours – Charcoal Black, Ceramic White and Satin Silver, with matching vertical stands sold separately.

Despite rumours, the new unit will not be any cheaper in Japan than the current model, retailing for JPY 16,000, and it looks likely the same business model will apply in the European market.

Last month Sony celebrated the seventh birthday of the 120 million-selling console, revealing that more than a billion units of software had been sold for the machine since it launched in 2000.

The PlayStation 2 currently has a recommended retail price of GBP 94.99 / EUR 129.99 in Europe.
With the newly designed PlayStation 2, together with the lineup of forthcoming new game titles, SCEJ will continue to expand the market and create a new world of computer entertainment.

The new model of PS2 will be the same price as the existing model and will be available in the SCEE territories in early 2008. Specific launch dates to be announced at a future date.

WWE SMACKDOWN V RAW 2008 KICKS OFF

Multi-million Dollar Effort for Pre-eminent Fighting Video Game Franchise

THQ and JAKKS Pacific, today announced that the WWE SmackDown v Raw 2008 global marketing campaign, aimed at highlighting the franchise’s debut on the Wii home video game system, the Nintendo DS and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, will kick off tonight on Monday Night RAW. The campaign is a multifaceted, multi-million dollar global marketing effort to support the biggest SmackDown vs. Raw launch in the franchise’s nine year history. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is scheduled for simultaneous release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, the Wii and Nintendo DS, plus wireless devices, on November 9, 2007 across Europe, Australia and New Zealand; and on November 13, 2007 across North America.

“The exciting and frenetic atmosphere of Monday Night RAW provides the perfect stage from which to launch our WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 global marketing campaign,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “This comprehensive worldwide effort will show fans how their love of wrestling can find intense new outlets through this year’s SmackDown vs. Raw debut on Wii, Nintendo DS and the PLAYSTATION 3 system. Each platform provides unique fighting experiences that will bring fans closer than ever to their favorite Superstars.”

“The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 global marketing campaign is the most comprehensive effort to date for the SmackDown vs. Raw franchise,” said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. “We are excited by the unique game play delivered across an impressive seven systems and look forward to the upcoming launch of this year’s game.”

The cross platform marketing strategy for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 also includes:
• A global TV campaign in eight different countries, including advertising, broadcast and event sponsorships
• Print advertising in consumer publications and holiday buyer guides, including a Nintendo-specific campaign
• A comprehensive online campaign including advertising, a demo campaign via Xbox Live® Marketplace for the Xbox 360, as well as the annual roster reveal and daily Superstar profiles campaign on IGN
• A worldwide gaming tournament where top SmackDown vs. Raw gamers will win the opportunity to compete at the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge in Orlando, FL, which kicks off WrestleMania® 24 weekend
• First-ever launch event for the franchise at Toys”R”Us Times Square, including an appearance and autograph signing by WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio®
• Retailer-specific promotions including Superstar appearances, exclusive gift with purchase opportunities, co-marketing with WWE DVD and more
• Wireless promotions through major carriers

More information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 can be found at www.smackdownvsraw.com and www.thq.com.

Actress Kristen Bell Featured in Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed

Provides Likeness and Voice Acting for Lead Character in Highly Anticipated Video Game

Today Ubisoft announces that Hollywood actress Kristen Bell will appear in Ubisoft’s highly anticipated video game, Assassin’s Creed. Kristen Bell will play a key character in Assassin’s Creed, whose mysterious role is an important part of the game’s intricate storyline.

“It was crucial to find an actress who could convey the emotional range and talent needed to play this key character in the Assassin’s universe,” said Jade Raymond, producer for Assassin’s Creed. “Kristen Bell is a remarkable actress who was able to bring her character to life in a dynamic way that I don’t think anyone else could have done properly. Her professionalism and dynamic personality were a perfect fit for this project.”

“I was a big video gamer growing up, so working on Assassin’s Creed is my chance to be a part of video game history,” said Kristen Bell. “It’s something completely different than what I’ve done before, so it’s cool I get to branch out and try another entertainment medium. I was attracted to this project because of the intelligent storyline and the character I play. Plus I admire the artistry of the graphics of video games. I look forward to seeing what my character will look like and I can’t wait to play the game and see if I can beat it!”

Assassin’s Creed will be available in North America in November for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, with an MSRP of $59.99 and the Limited Edition priced at $69.99 – Assassin’s Creed is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB. For more information, please visit http://www.assassinscreed.com.

Xbox Invites Everyone to Four Days of Free Gaming at Xtival '07

Free Xbox LIVE Gold to Xbox 360 owners across Europe from 23rd – 26th November

Microsoft today announced Xtival ’07, a four day festival of gaming, competitions and exclusive downloads, bringing the wonders of Xbox LIVE Gold membership, free to everyone for one weekend. The invitation for Xbox 360™ owners to tune up and log in to the amazing line up of gaming and music themed fun was today thrown open to the millions of Xbox 360 owners across Europe from Friday 23rd until Monday 26th November.

Organisers promise a celebration of the comfort of your own living room in which everyone can get the most out of Xbox LIVE. Xtival ‘O7 will give everyone the chance to play and chat with their friends online and then beat them into the ground on the latest next generation, high definition Xbox 360 titles.

In addition to the chance to log on and play your friends online for free there is also an amazing line up of events to take part in with three days of themed gaming activities and the chance to take on stars from the world of music and video games.
Chris Lewis, Regional Vice President Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft said “It’s great to be able to offer Xbox 360 owners across the region the chance to take part in Xtival ’07 for free, sampling all the great features of the Xbox LIVE Gold service and play against friends new and old alike from the comfort of their living room.”

For more information please visit the official Xtival ‘O7 site at www.xbox.com/xtival07 to find out the latest line up information.

While gamers can play any game they like on Xbox LIVE during the Xtival weekend, organizers have come up with three days of themed activities:

Friday 23rd November - OLD SKOOL V NEW SKOOL

As the gates open for this unique weekend, Friday is gamers’ chance to play the newest versions of games everyone’s talking about and show their mates how it’s done. Or, show the world their genius on something they really know their way around. These games will include FIFA ’08, Halo® 3, Lost Planet, Gears of War along with all the latest titles from the Xbox LIVE Arcade.

There is also the chance to take part in a ‘Developer Jam Session’ Competition taking on the brains behind Project Gotham Racing 4, the blockbuster title from Bizarre.

Saturday 24th November - HEADLINERS

On the second day, gamers will get to prove themselves as Guitar Heroes in waiting, as they are invited to take part in a unique ‘Game with Fame’ session with a top name talent. More details to be revealed later this month.

They will also get to take on the developers of the amazing music title along with playing friends old and new alike on Viva Piñata Party Animals, Naruto, Call of Duty 4 and Rainbow 6 Vegas

Sunday 25th November – SPORTS DAY

Closing out Xtival ’07, the organisers will be showcasing the best sport on the planet, inviting visitors to show off their skills on the top Xbox 360 games titles including Tiger Woods, Table Tennis, Virtua Tennis, Forza® 2 Motorsport, and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

Halo Art Competition

All weekend gamers will also have the chance to show their mates how good they really are and it is as easy as taking a shot at yourself using one of the unique features of Halo 3 to record the moments you’re most proud of, video or still, and then share them with your mates on Xbox LIVE.

The Xtival ’07 organisers are looking for the 10 best still shots taken on Xbox LIVE in each participating country, as judged by the local Halo Art Team. The lucky 10 will get a still print to hang on their wall to remind them of their proudest moment. To enter, gamers have to capture their best screenshot and save it to www.bungie.net during game play, with the subject line as “Xtival ‘07 Halo Art UK The team will judge the winners and get in contact with winners directly.

Mystery Gamer

All weekend there will also be Xtival ‘07 Mystery Gamers playing on Xbox LIVE, ready to award Microsoft Points to gamers they enjoy playing against. Gamers will only be eligible for selection if they are playing over this weekend. Organisers won’t be revealing when the Mystery Gamers will be playing. Visitors will have to keep checking back and playing their favourite games to be in with a chance of becoming a lucky winner.

There will be free exclusive Xtival theme packs and gamer pics available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, for the festival weekend only, and loads of other great stuff to take part in and explore, all for free.

KIRA KIRA POP PRINCESS BRINGS MUSIC, DANCE, FASHION, RHYTHM AND MUCH MORE TO THE DS

505 Games today announced that it will publish the music and rhythm game, Kira Kira Pop Princess, across Europe exclusively on Nintendo DS in February 2008.

Kira Kira Pop Princess is a music rhythm game that immerses the player in the world of Gaby as she learns the moods, styles and rhythms of Rainbow City, the city of fashion and music. Players guide Gaby through the many districts of Rainbow City as she dances her way ever closer to her dream of becoming as popular as Anna, the Rainbow City ‘Dance Queen’.

Rainbow City is built from many different districts, each with its own style and musical influences. In each, Gaby will meet a local girl who shares her dance passion and has a distinct fashion style and musical taste and by challenging and beating these locals in dance competitions, Gaby can unlock their fashion styles for her own wardrobe and dance on to new districts.

The gameplay in Kira Kira Pop Princess couldn’t be simpler. Once Gaby hits the dance floor players turn the DS vertically and use the touch screen and stylus to touch three coloured buttons in time with the beat. There are four moves to master with the stylus, including Single Touch, Single Slide left or right, Single Slide up or down and Continuous Slide left and right. Players will need to hit these moves on the coloured buttons, in time with the music, to keep Gaby dancing and build up their ‘Rainbow’ combos to beat their dance floor opponents.

Kira Kira Pop Princess allows players to customise their character with a huge range of new tops, skirts, shoes, hairstyles and accessories, all of which can be unlocked throughout the game by winning dance competitions across Rainbow City. Players will also be able to dress Gaby in their favourite fashion styles by collecting all parts of a particular look, whether it be hip-hop, gothic, school uniform or rock, to name but a few.

“Kira Kira Pop Princess is another quality handheld release from 505 Games for 2008,” commented Ian Howe, Managing Director, 505 Games. “The game perfectly captures all the elements of music, dance and fashion that young girls love and presents them in an accessible, entertaining and family friendly format.”

Kira Kira Pop Princess, developed by Dimple, will be published for the Nintendo DS by 505 Games in February 2008.

2K SPORTS ANNOUNCES 90 CLASSIC TEAMS IN COLLEGE HOOPS 2K8

2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, announced today that College Hoops 2K8 will contain 90 classic teams for gamers to play. College Hoops 2K8 is the best rated college basketball game for five straight years and best selling college basketball video game series this past season.

By having the choice to play as a historically famed college team or as one of the current favorites, College Hoops 2K8 is delivering the most comprehensive college basketball experience available. Within the 90 classic teams, 69 consist of teams from years past including the 1982 North Carolina Tarheels and the high-scoring 1990 Loyola Marymount Lions. In addition, gamers can choose to play from six all-time conference teams or 15 all-time school teams such as All-Time Duke and All-Time Michigan State.

College Hoops 2K8 will be available in November for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems.

For more information, please visit: www.2ksports.com

Rock Band Goes Gold

Groundbreaking Music Video Game Has Gone Into Final Production and is Set to Take Center Stage on Xbox 360TM and PLAYSTATION 3 system on November 20th

Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a division of Viacom’s MTV Networks along with distribution partner Electronic Arts, announced today that its highly anticipated music videogame Rock Band™ has gone gold, is in final production and manufacturing, and set for launch. The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle will be available in North America on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system November 20th for the suggested retail price of $169.99. In addition Rock Band for PLAYSTATION 2 computer entertainment system will be in stores on December 18th for the suggested retail price of $159.99.

“Rock Band is a true symbol of Harmonix’s vision, dedication and passion for music and after two years of development, we are thrilled that Rock Band is finally ready to get in the hands of rock fans everywhere,” said Alex Rigopolous, CEO of Harmonix. “We have a small army filling our warehouses with final product, ready for our November 20th ship date so players can fulfill their rock and roll aspirations. Now, our focus is putting together an amazing selection of downloadable music content for players so players can continue to further customize their Rock Band experience post launch.”

Details on the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle:
· The Xbox 360 version of the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle will feature a wired drum kit, microphone and Fender Stratocaster guitar controller as well as a USB hub for easy plug-in access for all instruments.
· The PLAYSTATION 3 system version of the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle will feature a wired drum kit an d microphone, as well as a wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, which will be interoperable between the PlayStation 2 system and PLAYSTATION 3 system.
· The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the PlayStation 2 system will feature a wired drum kit, wired microphone, wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller and a USB hub.
· Suggested retail pricing for standalone Rock Band software for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system versions will be $59.99.
· Standalone instrument peripherals for Rock Band, including a wireless guitar option for the Xbox 360, will be available at a later date to be announced.
· The standalone Rock Band software will support a variety of 3rd-party instrument peripherals as well as enable owners to share peripherals with those who o wn the Special Edition bundle.

Partnerships with instrument giants including Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Roland Corpation, BOSS, Ludwig, Line 6, Ernie Ball, Electro-Harmonix, Vic Firth, and Zildjian ensure authenticity of the look and feel of in-game play, while the Rock Band instruments, including the Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, are designed by real world musicians.

Rock Band will ship in Europe in the first quarter of 2008 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 system and PLAYSTATION 2 system.

Rock Band is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

EA will serve as the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in US, Europe and Australia.

Rock Band is an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. The game chall enges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune – all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Built on unprecedented partnerships with artists, record labels and music publishers, the 58 tracks in Rock Band will span the full range of rock music and include original master recordings from the greatest songs and artists of all time. For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.