Soldier Of Fortune video game Payback Tournament

$15,000 In Prizes Up For Grabs To The Best Mercenaries; Sign Up Now At SOF.GGL.COM

Activision, in conjunction with the GGL, today announced the Ultimate Mercenary Tournament for its recently released high-octane first person action game Soldier of Fortune Payback. At stake is $15,000 in cash and prizes and an all-expense paid trip to New York City, along with the fame and bragging rights that being the best virtual mercenary in the world gets you. Practice rounds begin today with official qualifying tournaments kicking-off in January 2008. For complete registration information, along with rules and regulations, go to SOF.GGL.COM.

The Ultimate Mercenary Tournament will offer single and team play ladders in the online multiplayer modes. Ten finalists will pack their bags and head to New York City in February for a spot in the championships to be televised on Voom GamePlay HD.

About Soldier of Fortune Payback

Soldier of Fortune Payback is the long-awaited third installment of the Soldier of Fortune video game series. The saga continues with the mercenary organization known as “The Shop,” where players take on the role of a hired mercenary. Players will experience all the thrill and dangers of authentic mercenary combat blasting their way through high intensity combat situations in the world’s most dangerous hotspots with an arsenal of weapons capable of doing massive amounts of damage. Using any means necessary, players will need to uncover a complex plot and defeat an extremist organization determined to throw the world into global conflict. Failure is not an option.

Fore more, visit the official site at www.MercsWanted.com.

Soldier of Fortune Payback, which is published by Activision Minneapolis, is available now for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the PC. The game has been rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB.

Microsoft Releases Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator

New tool streamlines development and testing process for HD DVD content, accelerates advancement of next-generation interactivity, including experiences powered by Microsoft HDi technology.

Microsoft Corp. today announced the release of the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator, enabling film studios and disc authoring companies to model the behavior of HD DVD disc content, including encoded video and HDi interactivity, in a virtual environment before committing to burning a single HD DVD disc. This comprehensive tool is among the first commercially available, software-based solutions of its kind, eliminating the need for expensive hardware or time-consuming and costly trial-and-error processes for testing HD DVD titles, helping to ensure that titles ship error-free.

The enhanced content and rich interactive capabilities of HD DVD increase the need for an efficient way to troubleshoot coding to maintain the highest-quality consumer experiences. The emulator uses a combination of available hardware (the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player) and specialized emulation software to ultimately enable playback of near-final assets from a network storage share, portable hard drive or optical disc. This allows focused testing of the layout, the menus, and the behavior of the interactivity functionality of a title. Detailed log reports from the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator deliver valuable tracing information to help quickly and easily pinpoint problems with advanced interactivity code that otherwise could take hours of manual debugging.

“We are committed to supporting and advancing the HD DVD ecosystem, and the new Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator reflects these efforts by providing developers with the software-based tools they need to efficiently deliver the highest-quality content,” said Jordi Ribas, general manager of HD DVD at Microsoft. “Microsoft developed the Emulator to help save studios and postproduction houses time, resources and costs involved with the creation of HD DVD content, and let them focus on what really matters — pushing the envelope with the format.”

Sessions using the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator are designed to complement existing workflows so that tests can be run at various stages. The tool offers several choices for how to run a session: directly from a network storage share, from a USB drive connected directly to the Xbox 360 console, or from an optical disc in the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player. While the tool enables the testing of content playback on the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player specifically, it effectively eliminates layers in the testing process for other HD DVD players as well.

Validated by the Industry’s Leading HD DVD Production Houses

As part of the development process, Microsoft implemented a beta program from July through November of this year, involving more than 40 participants, including Deluxe Digital Studios, Enteractive GmbH, Imagion AG, Memory-Tech Corporation and NetBlender Inc. Participants found that the tool significantly decreased the number of hours and reduced the costs associated with the production process, freeing up time to refine and improve content.

“The authoring process for HD DVD is more complex and expensive than the process for standard DVD, and as with any new technology, it can require a lot of time and resources,” said John Harrington, CEO of NetBlender. “In the process of working with the new Xbox 360 HD DVD Player Emulator, we were able to cut the number of test discs needed per month from roughly 200 down to 50, saving more than 100 work hours per month. This positively impacted our business essentially overnight. We estimate we will recoup the low cost of the tool in less than one month’s time.”

Setting up the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator simply requires establishing a connection to Xbox LIVE, navigating to the Download Games menu, and adding the Emulator software to the hard drive of the Xbox 360 console. The one-time licensing fee is $2,999.

As scenarios for next-generation interactivity continue to expand and evolve, streamlining the production process for HD DVD titles frees up resources that licensees can use to focus on refining and improving content — maximizing the potential of HDi to create compelling user scenarios. The Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator is available for sale immediately at http://www.thisishddvd.com/emulator.

More information on the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator and HDi License Program, as well as a downloadable case study of NetBlender’s use of the emulator, is available at http://www.thisishddvd.com/emulator.

Web-Based Video Game In The Heroes Of Might And Magic Universe

Heroes of Might and Magic Kingdoms to Hit the Web in Spring 08

Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that Heroes of Might and Magic Kingdoms , a new Web-based game in the critically-acclaimed Heroes of Might and Magic series is being developed for a Spring 2008 worldwide launch.

Heroes of Might and Magic Kingdoms is a strategy game set in a persistent version of the heroic-fantasy world of Heroes of Might and Magic. Thousands of players will be able to rule their virtual kingdoms, lead gigantic armies against each other, master the trades or create legendary heroes. The game requires no download or installation, only an Internet connection. In addition, players can play at their own pace; from 10 minutes to multiple-hour sessions.

“This is a new type of game for Ubisoft, one that allows you to jump into a rich and complex universe just with your Web browser,” said Serge Hascoët, Chief Creative Officer. “Heroes of Might and Magic Kingdoms will open a wide door to the Might and Magic universe, allowing players to immerse themselves within it unlike ever before.”

An exclusive key for the beta test is hidden in the Heroes of Might and Magic Complete Edition that releases today, you can also register on www.hommkingdoms.com.

Satine fashion designer video game for PC demo download

Unique and addictive action game with beautiful graphics where you play Satine, an aspiring fashion designer

Unique and addictive action game with beautiful graphics where you play Satine, an aspiring fashion designer

Ovogame, www.ovogame.com, is delighted to announce the release of Fashion Rush, a frenetic action game for Windows 98/XP/Vista, available for immediate purchase for $19.99.

Guide the career and loves of Satine, an aspiring fashion designer starting at the bottom: working in a local fashion boutique. Create clothing for customers using a variety of colors and styles while racing against the clock. Help Satine become a famous fashion designer, and even create your own fashion collection. The game features a unique action based system where you assemble the pieces of each design against the clock. Fashion Rush offers beautifully crafted graphics with a unique semi-interactive storyline, and delivers many hours of challenge.

The fully functional demo version of Fashion Rush can be securely downloaded at www.ovogame.com, our home site.

Sony PSP - PlayStationPortable - Puzzle Guzzle video game

PSP system Puzzle Game Challenges Players toCreate Order From Chaotic Pieces

Agetec, Inc. today announced it will be publishing Puzzle Guzzle for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. In the game, players race to assemble triangles and other shapes by rotating marked squares pieces. It may sound simple, but winning at Puzzle Guzzle requires that players think in multiple dimensions to succeed.

Like any good puzzle game, Puzzle Guzzle quickly turns from an entertaining pastime to a vexing challenge that is extremely addictive. As the pieces appear faster and faster, and in even more complicated patterns, players can go from trying to finish a level to simply trying to stay alive. For an even greater test of multi-lateral thinking skills, Puzzle Guzzle can be played competitively against a friend to see whose mind is quicker on the draw.

“Puzzle Guzzle is sure to be a game that PSP system owners will love,” said Mark Johnson, producer for Agetec, Inc. “It starts out simple enough, but it doesn’t take long before that classic panicked feeling starts taking over as the game becomes progressively more challenging.”

Puzzle Guzzle will be released for the PSP system in North America in the spring of this year.

Go On Safari with Wild Earth: African Safari video game on Nintendo Wii

PC Simulation Comes to the Wii System with Exclusive New Features

The vast savannas of Africa await exploration as Majesco Entertainment Company an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced Wild Earth: African Safari for the Wii home video game system. Developed by Super X Studios, Wild Earth: African Safari is a spectacular safari adventure set in Africa’s Serengeti National Park where players can take award-winning photos of the continent’s exotic wild life.

“Wild Earth: African Safari encompasses several great passions – photography, travel and the outdoors – and combines them into a fun and informative interactive experience,” said John Merchant, Marketing Manager, Majesco Europe. “With exclusive new features found only in the Wii version, Wild Earth: African Safari lets people experience one of nature’s most complex and diverse habitats, without needing their passport or inoculations.”

In Wild Earth: African Safari, players assume the role of a photo-journalist on a journey to visually chronicle 30 different wild animals inhabiting the Serengeti National Park. From aggressive packs of hyenas to massive rhinos, the beautifully re-created panorama of the African veldt unfolds as players attempt to capture the shots to create informative magazine quality pictorials. But be warned; get too close to the animals or disrupt the natural landscape and the Impact Meter will rumble your Wii Remote™, making it harder to snap a steady picture.

Two new features exclusive to the Wii version include a cooperative multiplayer mode that allows up to three friends to either drive or take pictures, and a Safari Mini-Game mode where gamers can play from the animals’ perspective using intuitive gestures via the Wii Remote. In addition, an inspiring soundtrack from world music label, Talking Drum Records, lends an atmospheric backdrop to the game.

New 3D camera eyes Nintendo Wii-style gameplay

The success of Nintendo's Wii video game console and franchises like Activision's "Guitar Hero" have prompted companies to explore new ways to allow players to control their games.

One of the latest is from an Israel-based technology firm that is trying to take gameplay to the most interactive level yet.

This week, digital imaging company 3DV Systems of Yokne'am, Israel, announced the creation of the ZCam, a new 3D camera for personal computers that is so sensitive to motion that players can control on-screen action by merely flicking a finger.

"The Wii has shown us the way, but this device can take things so much farther," said 3DV Chief Executive Zvika Klier during a recent demonstration for Reuters.

Because it can sense depth, the camera tracks movements in three dimensions.

More from Reuters

Gamer jargon becomes word of the year - WOOt!

A word widely used among online gamers has topped an online poll for Word of the Year run by US publishing group Merriam Webster.

The word "W00t" got most votes in the poll looking for the word that best sums up 2007.

It is now included in the Merriam Website open dictionary that exists on the web.

More from the BBC

"Record" betting on UK Christmas number 1

GBP 11,000 riding on the result of next week's videogames chart

Bookmaker Paddy Power has announced that it has seen a record amount of money wagered on the outcome of this year's Christmas number one videogame.

According to the company around GBP 11,000 has been staked altogether, with EA's Need for Speed ProStreet favourite to come top.

The company started offering odds on Christmas videogame sales in 2003 when it recorded a total of 60 bets amounting to GBP 180, while this year has seen around 650 bets laid.

And the Christmas videogame number one is second only in popularity to the UK number one music single, the company revealed.

The latest top odds on the site are listed below:

8/11: Need for Speed ProStreet
2/1: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
5/1: The Simpsons Game
8/1: FIFA Soccer 08
8/1: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
12/1: The Golden Compass
18/1: Super Mario Galaxy
20/1: Assassin's Creed
20/1: High School Musical: Sing It!

Source: Games Industry

User created content for Microsoft Xbox Live Arcade

New digital initiatives in face of PSN and Wii Ware competition

Having established Xbox Live Arcade as the leader in downloadable content for consoles, Microsoft is looking to be the first to successfully deliver episodic and user created content as the next evolution of the service.

With retro, brand new IP and advergames already part of the offering, David Edery, worldwide games portfolio planner for XBLA, has told GamesIndustry.biz about a number of options that the company is actively pursuing to keep ahead of competition from Sony's PlayStation Network and Nintendo's Wii Ware.

"We have some really big initiatives going on right now and I can say that everyone internally is really excited about user created content," said Edery.

"Multiple internal groups are trying to think about the best way of supporting it on the console and I can tell you for sure that things are happening, I just don't know if we'll see any of them in the next 12 months," he said.

While Microsoft is working on internal architecture to deliver user generated content – whether to support its XNA Studio creations or something more playful like Sony's LittleBigPlanet – it's also encouraging potential Arcade developers to look at the true potential of episodic gaming.

"We're really excited about trying to bring episodic content to XBLA," enthused Edery. "We haven't really done it yet and we're trying to think of the best ways to do so.

"The Penny Arcade guys are going to be bringing their episodic game to Xbox Live Arcade but I think of that as only the beginning – it's just one model for episodic and there are lots of different models."

Conceding that the market hasn't yet seen episodic content in the same context as episodic TV – half an hour to an hour long shows delivered weekly – Edery says that as soon as the right quality titles come along, Microsoft wants to continue to push the boundaries of digital delivery.

"It's an obvious statement but we don't want to put out bad content. We need to see a really, really good episodic franchise before we go ahead and throw a bunch of half an hour or hourly gameplay episodes on our service.

"The day a developer comes to us with that is the day we'll sign it. We're making it clear that we're very open to this sort of thing," he said.

Edery also accepts that new delivery methods are going to be met with a little bit of trepidation, at least until they can be proven to be a reliable and convincing route to market.

"Game developers are not used to thinking and designing in this way, it's a fundamentally different process and I think it's just a learning thing where developers and ourselves need to experiment and figure out what works and what doesn't.

"There's also a certain amount of fear, frankly. If you're an independent developer betting your company on this, something that has never been done successfully before, it's scary when there are literally no good examples of successful episodic gaming," he concluded.