Holiday Bonanza for Video Games

Despite concerns about a consumer spending slowdown, the video-game industry is poised for a blowout quarter, with plenty of big releases to reel in casual gamers and enthusiasts.
"Consumer spending might see a slowdown, but video games are generally insulated from that," says Dan Ahrens, portfolio manager for the Ladenburg Thalmann Gaming and Casino Fund. "Video games are designated consumer discretionary spending, but most people are pleasantly surprised to discover that the gamers are a loyal customer base."

Last month alone, industry sales, including hardware, software and accessories, grew 73% to $1.1 billion, compared with $643.3 million a year earlier, according to data from NPD, a research firm. Since the beginning of the year, the video-game industry has raked in $10.5 billion compared with $7 billion in 2006.

Experts say music-based games and such popular titles as Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4 figure to be among the best-sellers during the holiday season, while sports games, some first-person shooter games and PC games such as Crysis might find it tough going among shoppers.



Among game publishers Activision (ATVI - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr), Electronic Arts (ERTS - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) and possibly Ubisoft are likely to be frontrunners, thanks to their strong game lineup.

Meanwhile it could be blue Christmas for THQ (THQI - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr), Take-Two (TTWO - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) and Midway Games (MWY - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr).

"This is probably the best fourth quarter in history in terms of quality of games released," says Shane Satterfield, editor-in-chief of GameTrailers.com, a division of Viacom's (VIA - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) MTV Networks. "I have been buying games since the 1970s and have never seen a lineup as strong as what's coming up this season."

And despite investor worries over a soft fourth-quarter outlook, game retailer GameStop (GME - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) could see huge profits, say analysts.
In the highly competitive console market, there are some clear winners this season. Demand for Nintendo's (NTDOY - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) Wii console and Microsoft's (MSFT - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) Xbox 360 will remain high.

Industry experts are also betting that the season's big winners could include games such as Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii from Nintendo, Activision's Guitar Hero 3 and Call of Duty 4, EA's Rock Band, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed and Microsoft's Halo 3.

Guitar Hero 3 and Call of Duty 4 are shaping up to be a big success, and EA is putting out some exciting new games there, such as Skate and Rock Band, says Ahrens. "But I haven't gotten on board with Take-Two because there's too much turmoil there, and I am not invested in THQ because I don't like their slate," he adds.

Halo 3 has already enjoyed sales of more than 3.5 million copies of the game since its Sept. 25 release. And there is good reason to believe the trend will continue during the holiday shopping season. "Everyone who picks up an Xbox 360 this season is likely to buy a copy of Halo 3," says Jesse Divnich, an analyst for the online video-games fantasy stock prediction market, The simExchange.

Lost in the shuffle are likely to be THQ's WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008, Midway's BlackSite: Area 51, Take-Two's BioShock which was released in August, EA's The Simpsons game and Crysis, a PC game, Activision's Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, which was released in early October, and the sports game, Tony Hawk's Proving Ground.

"Activision is likely to face cannibalization of its first-person shooter games, with both Enemy Territory and Call of Duty 4 being released within weeks of each other," says Divnich.
And while Rock Band could be a sellout, investors need to temper their expectations for the game, says Satterfield.

"MTV Games and EA are going to have problems getting enough units out there," he says. "And it is also much more expensive than Guitar Hero 3."

Rock Band, which includes a guitar controller, an electronic drum kit, drum sticks, a microphone and a software pack, is listed for $169.99. The Guitar Hero 3 bundle, which includes the controller, retails for $99.99 for the Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3 console.

The large size of the Rock Band bundle could also make it difficult for retailers such as Best Buy to give up shelf space for the product, Satterfield says.

Top five insane video game characters

Kane & Lynch: Dead Men is out today in the UK. The game has taken its share of criticism for its dodgy combat engine and cover system, but it does have something that clearly makes it stand out from all the other cookie-cutter action shooters around at the moment. Kane and Lynch’s characters are among the strongest – not to mention most violent – ever seen in video game narrative, which points at good things on the horizon for anyone bored of battling alongside same generic set of butch marines on the same battle for humanity in every game.

Our personal favourite, Lynch, is a medicated psychopath, whose happy pills aren’t so effective that he’s willing to restrain from regularly shooting cops and passers-by on his mission to keep an eye on Kane. Add in numerous blackouts and hallucinations and you’ve got yourself one messed up puppy.

In celebration of its debut, we’ve cobbled together a list of our favourite video game loonies who can give Lynch a run for his money in the dangerously unstable stakes. Beware, there are some minor SPOILERS, so we’ve tucked the full list away on the turn:

5. Max Payne (Max Payne)



4. Kai (Heavenly Sword)



3. Catalina (GTA III / GTA: San Andreas)



2. Max (Sam & Max Hit the Road / Sam & Max episodic series)





1. Arthas Menethil (Warcraft III / World of Warcraft)

ACE COMBAT 6 - Fires of Liberation video

Latest video for ACE COMBAT 6 - here

Trailer released for Fading Shadows on PSP

Get ready to exercise your thumbs as the latest offering from European developer Ivolgamus UAB is sure to have you hooked! Fading Shadows is a puzzle-platformer game that sees the player guide an orb through levels by controlling a beam of light. This orb contains the soul of a young boy, and it is the player's job to rescue the boy by safely leading the orb to the Castle of Heaven.

If this doesn't intrigue you, then the impressive variety of levels and puzzles definitely will. There are 40 levels in total, and the difficulty level is perfectly balanced so that right when things start getting too familiar, another challenging element is thrown into the mix. Controlling the beam of light requires the player to master a uniquely original gameplay mechanic as the beam can be widened or narrowed for different effects, and the orb can be transformed into glass, wood and metal to surmount various obstacles.

In a sense, the beam acts like a magnet for the orb and the narrower the beam, the stronger the gravitational pull. Whether the orb is made of metal, wood or glass will also affect how the beam interacts with the orb. If the beam is too strong, wood will burn and glass will break. Yet these more fragile states are needed as puzzles require the player to activate underwater switches or float across rivers – metal just isn't suited to water and will quickly rust upon contact.

The in-game graphics are incredibly detailed and immersive as each level offers the player an enthralling new environment to explore with plenty of obstacles to overcome. Even once you've finished the game, the fun doesn't stop. A fast-paced and exciting multiplayer mode lets you test your skills against friends wirelessly. Keep your eyes peeled for this title, exclusive to the PSP™... Fading Shadows is a one-of-a-kind title that will hold you spellbound for hours!

The trailer can be downloaded
here

Digital Creative Revolution

Launch of Games Eden - business network for the computer games industry in the East of England

Photo opportunity – Andy Serkis, master of performance for motion capture as “Gollum” in the Lord of the Rings, “King Kong” and now appearing in PS3 console game “Heavenly Sword” at launch event with Jeremy Cooke, Chair of Games Eden.

Games Eden, the East of England’s first business network for the computer games industry will be officially launched 5 December, at New Hall, Buckingham House in Cambridge.

The launch event will introduce Games Eden, establish the aims and objectives of the network assess the state of the computer games industry and speculate as to where games will go in the future. There’ll be an opportunity for potential members to sign up, voice their ideas and contribute to the proposed projects.

Hosted by new media pioneer Bill Thompson, guest presenters include leading game maker David Braben, Fred Hasson CEO TiGA and Andy Serkis, star of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and King Kong. The London-based actor applies his performance for motion capture to the gaming world by featuring in the new Playstation 3 Heavenly Sword.

As the industry extends its economic, social and cultural impact, Games Eden will stimulate electronic creativity and business development through a globally facing and innovative website and a series of networking events.

Chair of Games Eden, Jeremy Cooke said, “The benefits of Games Eden include delivery of a local developer led networking group, membership of TIGA, raising the profile of local creative digital talent and better access to strategic information and assistance.”

Following an initial meeting in May 2007, there was support to develop and maintain a network to initiate measures of promoting and supporting the digital games entertainment community in the East of England, and to establish a lasting network to inform and discuss the latest developments and opportunities in the industry. Since this meeting, funding has been secured to enable a number of outputs to be developed over the next two years.

Games Eden is funded by EEDA, EEI, Screen East and FDMX with support from Cambridge Wireless, TiGA, EMMA, Gameware Development, Zoonami, Geomerics, Sony, Jagex, Nicetech and Ninja Theory as the Games Eden steering committee. All are contributing to this local game development community initiative which will have, for the first time, a dedicated local networking group.

Laurie Hayward, CEO of Screen East Said: “In a region with massive expertise in feature film and television production we are delighted to help ensure the growth of the computer games sector”.

Santa Cruz Games now exclusively represented by FOG Studios

Veteran videogame development studio Santa Cruz Games has signed a multi-year, multi-title representation agreement with industry leader FOG Studios.

Founded in 2001 by industry veterans Beno Bell and Diego Link, Santa Cruz Games is a certified developer of Nintendo, Sony, PC, and interactive television platforms. As a team, Santa Cruz Games has delivered over one dozen products on time and on budget for many of the world’s top publishers including, among others, Electronic Arts, Activision, Take 2, Eidos, and Ubisoft. Santa Cruz Games creates original intellectual properties in addition to working on licensed properties. Having earned a reputation of “bringing characters to life” has allowed the team to work with some of the leading character properties (Superman, Godzilla, E.T., Spiderman, Fantastic 4, Dora the Explorer) and licensors in the world including Marvel, DC Comics, Dreamworks, HBO and the Walt Disney group, among others.

Santa Cruz Games CEO Beno Bell said, “We’ve reached a point as a studio where our tools, technology and process have really gelled and it is time to take things to the next level. FOG has a reputation in this business of helping independent developers make these kinds of transitions successfully, and for finding them profile projects that can really showcase their talents. Once we made the decision to go with FOG, they flew in and took us through an intensive intake process that was really thorough and very valuable.”

FOG CEO Ed Dille adds, “Game development is a very intense process and it is natural for the tactical focus on project execution to pull resources and mindshare away from strategic planning and marketing for the studio as a whole. Developers who believe it is enough to let the merits of their titles speak for themselves are not practicing good partner relationship management, and frequently lose repeat business relationships because of it. Others who believe price alone determines their competitive advantage set themselves up for failure by under-resourcing and under-delivering. At FOG, we look for clients who understand that their ultimate potential is fully realized only by taking a holistic approach to not only great game development, but also great customer service, marketing and relationship management. Santa Cruz Games is a perfect example of the types of studios we most want to help.”

Kudos Games Release Treasures of Ra

Kudos Games (www.KudosGames.com) are pleased to announce the release of their latest game, Treasures of Ra. Explore the ancient wonders of Egypt in this mind bending puzzle game as you collect the fabled treasures of Ra.

Using mirrors, gems and other objects, you must direct the sunlight onto exit glyphs to solve each puzzle. Use crates to collect the treasures, but beware of pits and other dangers. Puzzle you way through 130 levels in 13 locations, or create your own with the built in level editor.

Treasures of Ra is now available on Kudos Games' website www.kudosgames.com.

Shoot And Shake With Saitek's New Cyborg Rumble Pad

FULLY CUSTOMISABLE PC GAMEPAD OFFERING CYBORG MODULE, PRECISION MODE AND UNIQUE FPS BUTTON

Saitek, a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer gaming products for PC, has announced the launch of its Cyborg Rumble Pad. The Cyborg Rumble Pad is a high end PC gamepad with a number of unique features that allow users to fully personalise and customise the controls to improve their gaming experience.

The Cyborg gamepad features the unique new Cyborg module, which can be unclipped from the pad and turned through 180 degrees to reverse the configuration of the left stick and d-pad. This dual configuration makes the gamepad perfect for both diehard PC gamers and those who’ve only recently come to PC games from consoles.

As well as the Cyborg module, the Cyborg Rumble pad features an FPS button which automatically sets up the pad's controls for typical commands found in most current FPS genre games, and the new Precision mode – a first in PC gamepad design. Precision Mode decreases the sensitivity of the pad’s left or right sticks to make aiming weapons easier and more accurate.

With its unique innovations and stylish design the new Cyborg Rumble pad takes gaming performance to new levels, improving control, heightening the senses and helping gamers realise their true potential.

Saitek’s new Cyborg range is designed specifically for serious gamers who demand the best equipment to help them win. Enthusiastic gamers will play intensely for long periods of time and need peripherals that not only offer outstanding comfort, but high precision and absolute control.

Cyborg Rumble Pad - Fast facts:

· Cyborg Module - A unique adjustable module that can be turned through 180 degrees, reversing the left stick and d-pad to suit gamers who prefer PC- or console-style pad configurations.

· FPS Button - This instantly programmes the pad with the keyboard and mouse commands often used in first person shooter games.

· Precision Button – The gamer can configure any button on the gamepad to engage Precision Mode. Precision Mode allows the gamer to select a button(s) or stick(s) on the pad which, when activated, will decrease the sensitivity of the Cyborg Rumble pad’s left or right sticks - useful when trying to aim a very sensitive rifle with a telescopic sight over long ranges.

· X-Mode – Checking a box in the game controller settings changes the pad’s mode from Classic to X Mode. In the default Classic mode, the two shoulder buttons act as buttons, and the triggers act as buttons or axes. In X mode, the two shoulder buttons continue to act as buttons but the two triggers now function only as analogue axes, allowing the trigger to control a range of movements. This mode emulates the set-up of XBox controllers.

The controller setup includes:
2 quick fire triggers
2 analogue triggers
8 way d-pad
6 responsive buttons
2 analogue joysticks

The Cyborg Rumble pad is fully programmable with SST programming software, making it suitable for any game genre.

Limited Edition Squad Command Themed PSP Console

To celebrate the launch of the new handheld strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command on Sony PSP tomorrow, THQ in conjunction with Games Workshop and a team of professional modelers has created a limited set of six exclusive Squad Command themed PSP consoles.

Only one of these incredible custom PSP’s is bound for the UK – to be in with a chance of winning this awe-inspiring bit of kit, enter our exclusive competition on THQ-Games.com – we’ve got copies of the game for runners up too.

Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command brings intense, strategic combat to handheld consoles.

In the grim darkness of the 41st Millennium, the daemonic forces of Chaos clash with the Imperium’s finest - the Space Marines. Command your elite squad of Ultramarines, equip them with over 20 ranged and close combat weapons, and pit them against the might of the World Bearers in turn-based tactical combat across fully destructible 3D battlefields.

Wage war through 15 single-player missions, or battle your friends and foes over nine brutal multiplayer maps, and engage in epic conflicts between 2-8 players.

Supporting a host of options, including game sharing, local wireless and full online play supported by online leaderboards, Squad Command offers hours of gameplay and one of the most complete multiplayer packages on handheld.

The PSP version of Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command, complete with glorious 3D graphics and hi-res cinematics hits stores tomorrow!

X-Ray Anti-Cheat Software Away For Free!

TNWA (The New World Assembly) Group today announced it will be making its pioneering X-ray Anti-Cheat software available for all gamers and tournament organisers to download for free!

The client-side application, which cost over half-a-million pounds to develop, is available from www.xraygaming.com and is already in full-time use on the UK’s biggest tournament gaming site, Enemydown [www.enemydown.co.uk].

The X-ray Anti-Cheat software can be used by any community online event organiser anywhere in the world to ensure tournament integrity and peace of mind for players.

It’s estimated that more than 10% of players on public server tournaments are using cheat software, giving themselves an unfair advantage against honest players and undermining the esports. X-ray Anti-Cheat detects irregular activity or cheat software on the user’s PC, sends a report and a screenshot to www.xraygaming.com where it’s then published for everyone to review. That player is then held in a comprehensive database as someone who has been caught cheating, preventing them from entering and cheating in other events.

X-ray Anti-Cheat is the only player-endorsed, free-to-use, anti-cheat system that protects gamers on more than eight of the most popular online games, like Counterstrike™ 1.6 and Source, and also includes latest releases like Unreal Tournament™ 3 and Call of Duty™ 4 – all in one application!

“Online gaming is still embryonic in many respects, and its future growth depends on new and existing players having the confidence that the games they’re playing are free of cheating,” said Paul Sulyok, CEO of The TNWA Group. “X-Ray Anti-Cheat software gives players that peace of mind. TNWA are delighted to be able to support the wider co-operative community and online gaming events by making this application freely available.”

Sam Mathews, Managing Director of the Fnatic Team, one of the most successful Pro Gaming teams in the world, added, “I think it’s great news that TNWA Group are helping online gaming communities by providing a free anti-cheat application. Increased security within gaming will improve the legitimacy of online tournaments, and will allow event organisers to focus on running the games rather than having to police for cheats.”