Kynogon, a market leader in AI middleware solutions for the gaming industry announces today that Kynapse is chosen by Sony Online Entertainment for the development of their massively multi-player online action game set in the DC Comics Universe, licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
John Blakely, VP of Development at SOE’s Austin, Texas studio, sees Kynogon’s technology as instrumental in helping the development team deal with the complexities faced with online games. “We were looking for an AI solution that would be capable of dealing with dynamic large scale worlds in a seamless manner. By using Kynapse we have a powerful technology to manage extremely dynamic environments and very large maps. Our team can concentrate on the creative elements of the game faster in the development process, and thus enhance the game-play experience.”
Pierre Pontevia, CEO of Kynogon, added: “Sony Online Entertainment is a true leader in online gaming. They have very high standards that push technology to its limits, continuously pursuing and realizing ambitious projects. We are very excited that the Kynapse engine has been chosen for this title based in the DC Comics universe. This choice represents for us a big recognition of our technology’s capacity to deal with complex, dynamic and large environments in the online gaming segment.”
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Massive Holiday Giveaway Tied to Launch of Tower Defense
Com2us, a leading provider of mobile entertainment, today announced contests in conjunction with the recent launch of Tower Defense for mobile phones. Between Nov. 21 and Dec. 16, fans of the megahit Flash phenomenon Tower Defense, now available for AT&T mobile phones, will offer two ways to win prizes including mobile-phone cleaners, a Nintendo DS and a Wii.
Tower Defense fans can get their fix at http://www.com2us.com, where they can play a Web version of the popular game. Players who leave a comment in the "Tips & Reviews" section will be entered to win a Nintendo DS or a mobile-phone cleaner. Logging in and answering a Tower Defense trivia question on the Com2us Web site will also give participants a chance at winning a Wii.
About Tower Defense
Inspired by the concept made popular by leading real-time strategy games, the mobile version of Tower Defense developed by Com2us brings you everything you know and love about the original, but adds a whole lot more. In Story Mode, players progress through ten chapters building Towers and defeating enemies using eight different towers and 116 different monsters. High scores can be posted on the Ranking page to qualify for prizes. Upon successfully completing Story Mode, players unlock Custom Mode in which provides a robust map editor for creating custom maps which may be shared with friends.
Tower Defense fans can get their fix at http://www.com2us.com, where they can play a Web version of the popular game. Players who leave a comment in the "Tips & Reviews" section will be entered to win a Nintendo DS or a mobile-phone cleaner. Logging in and answering a Tower Defense trivia question on the Com2us Web site will also give participants a chance at winning a Wii.
About Tower Defense
Inspired by the concept made popular by leading real-time strategy games, the mobile version of Tower Defense developed by Com2us brings you everything you know and love about the original, but adds a whole lot more. In Story Mode, players progress through ten chapters building Towers and defeating enemies using eight different towers and 116 different monsters. High scores can be posted on the Ranking page to qualify for prizes. Upon successfully completing Story Mode, players unlock Custom Mode in which provides a robust map editor for creating custom maps which may be shared with friends.
Halo 3 Evolves as Heroic Map Pack Explode
Plus, this Week "Undertow" Dives onto Xbox LIVE Arcade
The internationally award-winning “Halo 3” multiplayer experience is about to get even better. After launching to incredible acclaim and fanaticism, “Halo 3” players will be able to enjoy three all new multiplayer maps on 11th December as part of the Heroic Map Pack, the first in a series of downloadable content from Bungie Studios to come via Xbox LIVE.
Available for 800 Microsoft Points exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, each map presents a totally different play style. Standoff’s symmetrical valley, with its entrenched bases and fields of boulders is ideal for mid-sized objective and Slayer game types, while Rat’s Nest’s vast, labyrinthine passages bring something new to the “Halo” multiplayer experience: an indoor vehicle paradise, strongly influenced by the Campaign mode, ideal for big team battles. Finally, Foundry is the ultimate Forge map – players can edit every single object in this voluminous industrial warehouse, place stairways, walls, bridges and tunnels to create an entirely new play space and build almost any kind of map they can think of.
All three maps will become available for free download via Xbox LIVE Marketplace in Spring 2008, just prior to the next wave of all new “Halo 3” multiplayer maps.
As if the legions of "Halo 3" players needed more reasons to stay logged on and fragging, the Forge also allows players to edit and customise all three maps, keeping “Halo 3’s” multiplayer experience fresh, exciting and evolving. In addition, ongoing updates to “Halo 3’s” matchmaking playlists ensure that ranked and social gameplay remains dynamic and competitive.
While you wait for the “Halo 3” Heroic Map Pack, check out the 101st game to launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade as Chair Entertainment Group brings “Undertow” to the platform. The fast-paced, aquatic action game arrives this Wednesday, 21st November 2007 at 9:00.
"Undertow" redefines aquatic based shooters through a mix of high-definition graphics, intuitive controls and multiple modes of game play action. "Undertow" features a story driven single player campaign, on and offline co-op, and multiplayer for up to 16 players over Xbox LIVE. Players battle for control of the oceans as one of three selectable races, each with four unique, upgradeable units. "Undertow" will be available worldwide this Wednesday for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated 15 BBFC.
For more details on “Undertow,” please visit: http://www.xbox.com/enUS/games/u/undertowxboxlive
The internationally award-winning “Halo 3” multiplayer experience is about to get even better. After launching to incredible acclaim and fanaticism, “Halo 3” players will be able to enjoy three all new multiplayer maps on 11th December as part of the Heroic Map Pack, the first in a series of downloadable content from Bungie Studios to come via Xbox LIVE.
Available for 800 Microsoft Points exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, each map presents a totally different play style. Standoff’s symmetrical valley, with its entrenched bases and fields of boulders is ideal for mid-sized objective and Slayer game types, while Rat’s Nest’s vast, labyrinthine passages bring something new to the “Halo” multiplayer experience: an indoor vehicle paradise, strongly influenced by the Campaign mode, ideal for big team battles. Finally, Foundry is the ultimate Forge map – players can edit every single object in this voluminous industrial warehouse, place stairways, walls, bridges and tunnels to create an entirely new play space and build almost any kind of map they can think of.
All three maps will become available for free download via Xbox LIVE Marketplace in Spring 2008, just prior to the next wave of all new “Halo 3” multiplayer maps.
As if the legions of "Halo 3" players needed more reasons to stay logged on and fragging, the Forge also allows players to edit and customise all three maps, keeping “Halo 3’s” multiplayer experience fresh, exciting and evolving. In addition, ongoing updates to “Halo 3’s” matchmaking playlists ensure that ranked and social gameplay remains dynamic and competitive.
While you wait for the “Halo 3” Heroic Map Pack, check out the 101st game to launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade as Chair Entertainment Group brings “Undertow” to the platform. The fast-paced, aquatic action game arrives this Wednesday, 21st November 2007 at 9:00.
"Undertow" redefines aquatic based shooters through a mix of high-definition graphics, intuitive controls and multiple modes of game play action. "Undertow" features a story driven single player campaign, on and offline co-op, and multiplayer for up to 16 players over Xbox LIVE. Players battle for control of the oceans as one of three selectable races, each with four unique, upgradeable units. "Undertow" will be available worldwide this Wednesday for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated 15 BBFC.
For more details on “Undertow,” please visit: http://www.xbox.com/enUS/games/u/undertowxboxlive
Matrix Games Releases a new Maximum Football 2.0 Gameplay Video
A new hard-hitting gameplay video that slams like a sack from the blind-side
Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Wintervalley Software (www.wintervalley.com) are excited to send out a new video showing off the revamped graphics and improved gameplay found in Maximum Football 2.0. This first 2.0 video illustrates some of the game’s statistical features in addition to some bone-crunching hits found on the Maximum Football 2.0 virtual gridiron!
Download the video below or check it out on Youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKPtItkIFlw
David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Football fans everywhere will no doubt be pumped up and ready to burst off the line of scrimmage when they see this gameplay video. For the armchair coach or the fan of hard hits and exciting gameplay, Maximum Football 2.0 has got it all!”
Dave Winter of Wintervalley Software added “I feel this gameplay video really lets the improvements coming with the second iteration of Maximum Football shine. Maximum Football 2.0 presents sports fans with a great blend of the hardcore strategy and statistical analysis with the fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay found on game day.”
Maximum-Football 2.0 is the latest and greatest release from the acclaimed sports management video game studio, Wintervalley Software. Bringing a whole host of new features like full Xbox 360 controller support, full DirectX 9.0 utilization, and scores of other upgrades and improvements, Maximum-Football 2.0 delivers on gameplay and fun like a bullet pass through double coverage. Like its predecessor, Maximum-Football 2.0 allows players to experience the thrill of managing a team in any league!
Design and play in leagues where you pick the size and layout. Play against others in user created leagues. The sky is the limit to how far you can take Maximum-Football 2.0. Get down and dirty with the editor as you create new plays and playbooks, design your own uniforms and helmets, and even select nicknames to appear on jerseys.
Maximum-Football 2.0 is the football fans dream. Whether you are a head coach or an armchair quarterback, Maximum-Football 2.0 has the features for you.
Get more information on Maximum Football 2.0 from its official Matrix Games webpage.
Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Wintervalley Software (www.wintervalley.com) are excited to send out a new video showing off the revamped graphics and improved gameplay found in Maximum Football 2.0. This first 2.0 video illustrates some of the game’s statistical features in addition to some bone-crunching hits found on the Maximum Football 2.0 virtual gridiron!
Download the video below or check it out on Youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKPtItkIFlw
David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Football fans everywhere will no doubt be pumped up and ready to burst off the line of scrimmage when they see this gameplay video. For the armchair coach or the fan of hard hits and exciting gameplay, Maximum Football 2.0 has got it all!”
Dave Winter of Wintervalley Software added “I feel this gameplay video really lets the improvements coming with the second iteration of Maximum Football shine. Maximum Football 2.0 presents sports fans with a great blend of the hardcore strategy and statistical analysis with the fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay found on game day.”
Maximum-Football 2.0 is the latest and greatest release from the acclaimed sports management video game studio, Wintervalley Software. Bringing a whole host of new features like full Xbox 360 controller support, full DirectX 9.0 utilization, and scores of other upgrades and improvements, Maximum-Football 2.0 delivers on gameplay and fun like a bullet pass through double coverage. Like its predecessor, Maximum-Football 2.0 allows players to experience the thrill of managing a team in any league!
Design and play in leagues where you pick the size and layout. Play against others in user created leagues. The sky is the limit to how far you can take Maximum-Football 2.0. Get down and dirty with the editor as you create new plays and playbooks, design your own uniforms and helmets, and even select nicknames to appear on jerseys.
Maximum-Football 2.0 is the football fans dream. Whether you are a head coach or an armchair quarterback, Maximum-Football 2.0 has the features for you.
Get more information on Maximum Football 2.0 from its official Matrix Games webpage.
Civil War game prompts Spanish outcry
Title to be released on the anniversary of Franco's death
Shadows of War: The Spanish Civil War, an RTS game which allows players to take either side of the 1930s conflict, has apparently caused something of an uproar in Spain.
The title, released on November 20 - the anniversary of dictator General Franco's death - has been received poorly by the mainstream media in the country, with families claiming that the "idea trivialises killings," reports The Guardian.
The conflict, which led to Franco's 36 years in charge, is widely thought to have seen 500,000 killed.
Paco Perez, project director at developer Legend Games, defended the game by saying: "As well as being entertaining, it could serve to remind people that they need to be conscious of past events to make sure they are not repeated."
However, the daughter of a man known as Franco's first victim, Commander Virgilio Leret Ruiz, who is named in the game, disagrees.
"It is not a historical event buried in the past, but is very fresh in the memory of Spaniards. There is no justification for trivialising the killings and the suffering and pain of the victims when we still haven't reconciled ourselves with the past."
Shadows of War: The Spanish Civil War, an RTS game which allows players to take either side of the 1930s conflict, has apparently caused something of an uproar in Spain.
The title, released on November 20 - the anniversary of dictator General Franco's death - has been received poorly by the mainstream media in the country, with families claiming that the "idea trivialises killings," reports The Guardian.
The conflict, which led to Franco's 36 years in charge, is widely thought to have seen 500,000 killed.
Paco Perez, project director at developer Legend Games, defended the game by saying: "As well as being entertaining, it could serve to remind people that they need to be conscious of past events to make sure they are not repeated."
However, the daughter of a man known as Franco's first victim, Commander Virgilio Leret Ruiz, who is named in the game, disagrees.
"It is not a historical event buried in the past, but is very fresh in the memory of Spaniards. There is no justification for trivialising the killings and the suffering and pain of the victims when we still haven't reconciled ourselves with the past."
DS hits 20 million sales in Japan
Handheld accounts for over 50 per cent of hardware market
Nintendo's DS handheld has sold over 20 million units in Japan since launch, according to data from Media Create.
The system was originally launched in December 2004, and in February 2006 was relaunched at the DS Lite, with Nintendo reducing the size of the handheld as well as making other cosmetic changes.
Since release, the DS and DS Lite have accounted for 50.26 per cent of the hardware market in the region, with 83.95 million software units sold, or 40 per cent of the entire software market.
Nintendo's DS handheld has sold over 20 million units in Japan since launch, according to data from Media Create.
The system was originally launched in December 2004, and in February 2006 was relaunched at the DS Lite, with Nintendo reducing the size of the handheld as well as making other cosmetic changes.
Since release, the DS and DS Lite have accounted for 50.26 per cent of the hardware market in the region, with 83.95 million software units sold, or 40 per cent of the entire software market.
Sony halves cost of PS3 development kit
More significant price reductions on the way, says SCEI
Sony has slashed the price of the PlayStation 3 development kit by almost half, promising to further reduce costs as more studios adopt the console technology.
The PlayStation 3 Reference Tool will now be available for JPY 950,000 in Japan, USD 10,250 in North America and EUR 7500 in Europe.
"As more and more new titles are developed for the PS3 format, SCEI will significantly reduce the price of the Reference Tool in order to contribute to the cost saving measures of the development community," said the company.
The console giant has also begun to integrate new programming tools into the PlayStation 3 Software Development Kit from SN Systems, including ProDG, SN Distributed Build System, SN Linker and SN Compiler.
As well as new tools, Sony has also added programming functions to the PS3 Debugging Station allowing it to be used alongside the Reference Tool, rather than being used as just a quality assurance system for games in development.
Sony has slashed the price of the PlayStation 3 development kit by almost half, promising to further reduce costs as more studios adopt the console technology.
The PlayStation 3 Reference Tool will now be available for JPY 950,000 in Japan, USD 10,250 in North America and EUR 7500 in Europe.
"As more and more new titles are developed for the PS3 format, SCEI will significantly reduce the price of the Reference Tool in order to contribute to the cost saving measures of the development community," said the company.
The console giant has also begun to integrate new programming tools into the PlayStation 3 Software Development Kit from SN Systems, including ProDG, SN Distributed Build System, SN Linker and SN Compiler.
As well as new tools, Sony has also added programming functions to the PS3 Debugging Station allowing it to be used alongside the Reference Tool, rather than being used as just a quality assurance system for games in development.
Microsoft boss - "No rival from Playstation online"
"We don't have competition," says Xbox president
Microsoft's Robbie Bach has dismissed Sony's PlayStation Network, saying he doesn't believe the console rival offers an online gaming service comparable to Xbox Live.
The company is currently celebrating five years of Xbox Live, with over 8 million users signed up to the service.
"It's fair to say that Xbox Live is clearly head and shoulders above anything anyone else has tried to do. We don't have competition," said Bach, speaking to the LA Times.
"Sony has done some things online, but nothing that can be called a service. We have a big advantage and we're going to keep pressing that advantage," he added.
As well as Arcade titles, demos and TV and movie downloads, Microsoft announced last week that it will begin offering original Xbox games via Live, including hit titles Halo, Fable and Crimson Skies.
"We have a very strong, very powerful computer network that provides the backbone for our service," continued Bach.
"Perhaps the most important thing we have is over 8 million passionate members who create and define what Xbox Live is. It's a tough thing to create, and we're going to continue to nurture it."
Microsoft's Robbie Bach has dismissed Sony's PlayStation Network, saying he doesn't believe the console rival offers an online gaming service comparable to Xbox Live.
The company is currently celebrating five years of Xbox Live, with over 8 million users signed up to the service.
"It's fair to say that Xbox Live is clearly head and shoulders above anything anyone else has tried to do. We don't have competition," said Bach, speaking to the LA Times.
"Sony has done some things online, but nothing that can be called a service. We have a big advantage and we're going to keep pressing that advantage," he added.
As well as Arcade titles, demos and TV and movie downloads, Microsoft announced last week that it will begin offering original Xbox games via Live, including hit titles Halo, Fable and Crimson Skies.
"We have a very strong, very powerful computer network that provides the backbone for our service," continued Bach.
"Perhaps the most important thing we have is over 8 million passionate members who create and define what Xbox Live is. It's a tough thing to create, and we're going to continue to nurture it."
Monday, November 19, 2007
STAR TREK: Conquest Now Shipping in North America
STAR TREK: Conquest to be Available This Week for Wii and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system
Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, today announced that STAR TREK: Conquest for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo and PlayStation 2 system is shipping to North American retail stores. Conquest features a blend of strategy and intense action set in the STAR TREK: The Next Generation era and will be available on store shelves throughout North America as early as tomorrow.
Take control of Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian, Dominion, and Breen forces and lead them in a campaign to control the Galaxy, one planet at a time. You can build and manage your growing empire in turn-based strategy, fully utilizing the Wii Remote™ as you select and maneuver your Starships throughout the large, galactic map.
Strategically, you must effectively manage limited resources to expand your empire. You decide how to best achieve objectives by ordering your fleets and admirals, building support structures, researching technology, and engaging your enemies in combat.
Once battle is initiated, Conquest switches to a ship level tactical view allowing direct command of your ships as you engage in real-time combat. While maneuvering your Starship with the Nunchuk™, you can take direct aim and fire away with the Wii Remote.
Conquest has been rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will retail for an estimated MSRP of $29.99 on the Wii™ and $14.99 on the PlayStation®2 system. For more information visit http://startrek.bethsoft.com.
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Disney Mobile Games Studio
The Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) is extending its global mobile games business by increasing the size of its development studio in Prague. The studio is to become WDIG’s largest European location for the global development of mobile games and supports The Walt Disney Company’s growth strategy of leveraging technology to create entertainment content for global distribution.
The facility, which is being renamed the Disney Mobile Games Studio, will officially open in its new location today. Cindy Rose, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Walt Disney Internet Group, Europe, Middle East & Africa: “The mobile gaming market is developing at a rapid pace. With the strength of Disney’s brand, the depth of our content offering and our mobile gaming expertise, we feel that we are well positioned to capitalise on the growth potential of this sector across the EMEA region.”
The decision to invest in mobile game development in Prague is part of WDIG’s strategy to extend its mobile games business across the region and the world. An important factor in the decision to expand the studio in Prague was the fact that there is a large pool of talented young game developers in the country. Jiri Rosenkranz, Managing Director of Disney Mobile Games Studio, s.r.o.: “Our team specialises in what we call ‘end-to-end development’ and works on the entire creative process - from conception to the finished game which typically runs on over 400 different handsets. For young programmers, this provides an exciting career development opportunity. In the Czech Republic, there is a wealth of indigenous programming expertise, which combined with our long-standing Czech animation tradition, provides the ideal foundations for developing high-quality mobile games.”
Recent industry research revealed that the mobile gaming industry is a developing market with strong growth potential as mobile devices become the primary electronic interface for consumers. Handsets are increasingly attractive for gamers as larger screens and new generation platforms enable more complex and better-quality gameplay. The global penetration of mobile gamers is expected to increase rapidly from 2006 to 2010. The mobile gaming industry is expected to reach USD 8.4bn in 2010, compared to 2.1bn in 2006.
WDIG is already one of the leading providers of mobile content today and has game development centres in four locations worldwide: Los Angeles, Tokyo, Prague and Beijing. Disney began operations in Prague with the acquisition of Living Mobile in 2005. Living Mobile, which is headquartered in Munich, had a game development studio based in Prague. As a result of its investment in game development, Disney plans to increase the workforce in Prague by the fall of 2008. In the Czech Republic, Disney cooperates with Telefonica 02, T-Mobile and Vodafone and is among the leading providers of mobile games.
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