2007 sees 16% growth in video game sales

GAMES SALES CONTINUE ON THE UP

2007 interactive software sales staggering increase on last year's figures

The UK interactive entertainment software market hit a new all time high in 2007, according to ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) as it reveals annual performance figures today, courtesy of Chart-Track.

2007 was an unprecedented year for the industry with a staggering growth in sales, the industry saw a 16% increase on units sold from the previous year taking the total to a whopping 75.9 million units sold. These record sales of interactive entertainment software across all formats totalled £1.72 billion, an increase of over 26% per cent over 2006’s record figures.

Paul Jackson, Director General of ELSPA, said: " We are thrilled to see the industry growing and software sales continuing to rise. This is a real testament to the industry, the creativity and the talent we have in the UK. There is, however, a chance to forget many of the problems the UK development sector faces with the pressure from the threat of international competition. We need to ensure that the UK creativity is able to continue to flourish and feed this demand, these figures should act as a reminder to us of the scale of our amazing industry and how we need to continue to work towards a healthier situation for one of the UK most lucrative creative industries.”

2007 was the biggest year ever for handheld systems with the Nintendo DS software actually ranked at No1 in terms of units sold and Sony’s PSP ranked at No5 in units and No6 by value. The entire console hand-held sector broke previous records and claimed nearly a third of the entire software units market, up 45% and just over one-quarter of the entire software market by value, up by 28%.

The biggest static console format in terms of value generation was Microsoft’s Xbox 360, followed by Sony’s PS2 (down from top spot in 2006), followed by Nintendo’s Wii and Sony’s PS3. However, in terms of units sold the order changes to PS2 (but No2 overall behind DS, the first time it has not been the biggest format since 2003), followed by Xbox 360, Wii and PS3.


The top ten games for 2007:

1 FIFA 08 EA Sport
2 Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training Nintendo
3 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Activision
4 Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Konami
5 More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima Nintendo
6 Halo 3 Mircosoft
7 The Simpsons Game EA Games
8 Wii Play Nintendo
9 Assassin’s Creed Ubisoft
10 WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008 THQ

Angels Online: Totem Skirmish

Today the team of Angels Online (ao.igg.com) over at IGG would like to announce that the long-awaited Totem Skirmish will be released on Jan.10th. During the first month of Open Beta Test, the players in Angels Online have been working hard to increase their characters strengths strong enough, and now it is the time for they to fight for Glory.

Skirmish Duration:
PVP Period: everyday
Boss Challenging Period: 20:00~22:00 EST (GMT-5) everyday

Skirmish Rules
1. There are only two scenes (lvl 21-40 and lvl 41-60), and Guilds should join the battle according to their factions and level.

2. Players can attack any players from opposing factions.

3. During 20:00~22:00 EST (GMT-5), everyday, players can obtain the Riddle Pieces; which can be used to exchange for the Angel League Certificates.

4. If you do not enter the Battle between the allotted times then you will only be eligible for PVP fights with no special Bosses. Collection players can collect the Riddle Pieces all the time, but you’d better collect them as soon as possible.

5. 200 Riddle Pieces can be exchanged for 1 Angel League Certificate.

6. After the battle, Michael will select the 3 guilds who obtained the most Riddle Pieces from each faction (12 guilds in total) to be the winners. They will become the proud owners of the Totems and territory from the first round Totem Battle.

Skirmish Process
1. Lvl 20+ players in each main city need to talk with Sentinel Angel so as to enter PVP maps.
2. Players can play PVP in this map. Fighting players can obtain Riddle Pieces through attacking monsters or boss, and production players can obtain riddle pieces by collecting.
3. Collect Riddle Pieces and exchange Riddle Pieces for Angel League Certificates.
For more info visit the official site at:
http://ao.igg.com/news/news.php?aid=449

Iron Grip: Warlord Video Game for PC

Your country is being invaded by a massive army. This army doesn't care how many casualties it takes, because for every soldier that falls, five more take its place. You fight well, but even your own countrymen are turning against you, and defecting to the enemy. You are forced back to the city-states - immense fortresses that are immediately besieged by the enemy. Each rush must be repelled, each rush more violent and dangerous than the next. There is only one ending to this battle: you cannot survive, but you can force the enemy to commit an atrocity. An atrocity so total that they will lose all support, an atrocity so total that all your countrymen will be outraged and rise up, an atrocity so total that even the enemy soldiers will hate themselves as they move through the rubble that was your last stand.

This is the setting of Iron Grip: Warlord, the first commercial game from Isotx. You play as one of the savagely independent Atelia warriors of Warlord Sahrab's army. Atelia has been invaded by the Confederation, a vast and ruthless army that has prepared the way for its invasion by sending in missionaries to convert the Atelians to the Fahrong cause. Atelia is rich in resources, and both the Confederation - led by the powerful Fahrong nation - and the Rahmos Protectorate know that Atelia would be a key conquest in their power struggles. Atelia itself is a fractured, anarchic country, with divided loyalties. It was Warlord Sahrab who realized that this large scale invasion cannot be resisted until the whole of Atelia unites, and so he engages in this deadly guerrilla warfare, designed to provoke the Confederation into bombarding entire cities.

As a Warlord, you must use all of your skill to defend the city against the Confederate attacks. In an innovative blend of RTS and FPS gameplay, you will employ urban guerrilla tactics to fight off the hordes. You must protect your city at all costs, by building defense structures, setting traps, and taking the enemy on yourself.

Based on the Quake 3 engine, this project is the latest offering in the Iron Grip Universe. Team Lead and Designer Vincent van Geel states that:

"This game is all about casual fun: low system requirements, small filesize, and cool gameplay. We've taken the popular "Art of Defense" genre, and put a whole new spin on it."

The game itself will be available to purchase from the Warlord's website , and through CrosuS. It will be released early February. Meanwhile you can see concept artwork, background stories, download wallpaper and explore the Universe at http://www.igwarlord.com.

First Graphical Online Role-Playing Game for Mac and PC

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) honored Stormfront Studios at the 59th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards ceremony for creating Neverwinter Nights, the first graphical Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG). The Emmy event was held at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on January 7 in Las Vegas.

Don Daglow, who led the design of Neverwinter Nights, accepted the award for Stormfront and its publishers, AOL and Wizards of the Coast. "These games are not just entertainment," Daglow said. "They build new kinds of communities and create deep people-to-people relationships. They influence people's lives in the same way as great books, inspiring movies and iconic television shows, and we're grateful to the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for this honor."

Also honored at the ceremony for developing this new genre of entertainment were Sony Online Entertainment for Everquest, and Blizzard Entertainment for World of Warcraft.

Among the presenters at the evening ceremony were Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and Peter Price, president and CEO of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The Technology & Engineering Awards honor excellence in advances in the use, creativity and adaptation of technology that enhances or improves the consumer experience with media across multiple platforms.

Stormfront began development on Neverwinter Nights in 1989, and the game was offered on AOL from 1991-97. Its success inspired the creation of a series of hit computer games of the same name from BioWare.

Pinball game - Dream Pinball 3D for PC Nintendo DS and Wii

Cutting Edge Pinball Videogame to Make North American Debut on PC, Wii and Nintendo DS in Spring 2008

SouthPeak Games today announced Dream Pinball 3D is coming to PC, Wii and the Nintendo DS in Spring 2008. Developed by veteran studio Topware, this superb pinball simulator creates an authentic pinball experience with refined controls that capitalize on the unique qualities each platform.

“Everyone loves pinball. It is an unusual kind of entertainment in that it bridges hardcore and casual gamers, while translating very well to videogames,” said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. “We are going to give the medium the respect it deserves.”

Dream Pinball 3D boasts six table themes, several different ball options, multi-ball power-ups and the most intense visuals and ball physics a pinball game has ever seen. The Wii version utilizes the Wii Remote and motion sensor capability to enhance gameplay. The Nintendo DS version includes intuitive touch screen control options and clear 3D graphics. The PC version offers pristine visuals and precise flipper controls with the mouse. With this many options to choose from, Dream Pinball 3D will bring out the pinball wizard in everyone!

Wireless Nunchuck For Nintendo Wii Named A Finalist In CNET's Best of CES Awards

Online Voting Open to the Public for People's Voice Award at www.cnet.com/best-of-ces

Nyko announced today that the editors at CNET (www.cnet.com) have selected its Wireless Nunchuck as a finalist in this year's "Best of CES" awards in the gaming category. The device, which attaches to the Wii Remote via a small wireless dongle for complete cordless freedom, will be available in the first quarter of 2008 for a suggested price of $29.99.

The Best of CES Awards, which are produced and judged by CNET, will recognize the hottest products at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show in ten categories, plus a "Best in Show" and "People's Voice" award selected by the CNET online audience. CNET editors received and reviewed thousands of entries. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, January 9 at 2:00 p.m. live on the CNET Stage in the South Hall upper lobby, second floor.

Using a dongle that attaches to the bottom of the Wii Remote, the Wireless Nunchuck features full accelerometer support for motion-based gameplay, and is compatible with all games that require the Nunchuck controller attachment. The Nunchuck's ergonomic design is perfect for both left and right-handed players. Two AAA Batteries (included) provide up to 30 hours of gameplay.

"We are extremely excited to see a product as innovative as Nyko's Wireless Nunchuck for Wii amongst the finalists in CNET's Best of CES Awards," said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing at Nyko Technologies. "The nomination of a product that we believe will create the ultimate in wireless gaming for Wii players is a testament to how hard we strive to continuously improve the playing experience."

As a finalist for a Best of CES Award, the Wireless Nunchuck for Wii is also eligible to win a People's Voice Award. Readers at home actively following CNET's in-depth CES 2008 coverage - from videos to editorial reports from the show floor - can participate by voting for their favorite product at www.cnet.com/best-of-ces. Voting is open to the public from Tuesday, January 8th and closes at noon Pacific Time on Wednesday, January 9th.

The ten categories include digital photo and video; car tech and GPS; cell phones and smart phones; computers and hardware; emerging technologies; gaming; home audio; home video; MP3 and portable video players; and televisions. A video of the winners and finalists showcasing their technologies can be found at www.cnet.com/ces.

Star Wars characters to appear in Soulcalibur IV

NAMCO BANDAI Games and LucasArts Announce Landmark Partnership

Swords and Lightsabers will be drawn as NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and LucasArts today announced that iconic Star Wars characters will appear in Soulcalibur IV for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. As part of this monumental collaboration, the Sith Lord Darth Vader will appear as a guest character in the PLAYSTATION 3 system version of the title, and Jedi Master Yoda will be available for the Xbox 360. Delivering a robust offering of new gameplay modes and enhanced features, Soulcalibur IV will raise the bar of excellence for all next-generation fighting games when it is released in Summer 2008.

“It is quite rare that two publishers of this caliber are able to collaborate on this level to create a top notch entertainment experience for next-generation platforms.” said Makoto Iwai, executive vice president and COO at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “In the entertainment industry, LucasArts possesses some of the most recognizable characters and franchises in the world. We’re thrilled to integrate their historic characters into one of our most treasured brands”

“We’re very excited to work with NAMCO BANDAI and be a part of their efforts to take Soulcalibur to the next level,” said Kevin Kurtz, director of marketing at LucasArts. “Adding our iconic Star Wars characters to NAMCO BANDAI’s great game franchise is a match made in heaven, and we think Darth Vader and Yoda will be formidable opponents in the game.”

In Soulcalibur IV, the epic struggle between the spirit sword, Soul Calibur, and the cursed sword, Soul Edge, continues with revelations about this ongoing story as fighters from across the galaxy seek the powerful swords for their own goals and to face the ultimate judgment. Propelling the franchise into the next-generation, Soulcalibur IV flexes its graphical muscles to shows its visual brilliance with a new look for both allies and enemies.

Shown in true high-definition graphics, Soulcalibur IV offers an entirely new battle system that promises to revolutionize the fighting game genre. Featuring an expanded customization mode, Soulcalibur IV allows players to personalize a character to look and perform as they desire. Also, for the first time in the franchise, customized characters or original favorites can be taken online to challenge others for the top spot of this timeless series. Developed by Project Soul, the legendary team behind Soul Blade® and Soulcalibur® I-III, Soulcalibur IV is set to reinvent the brand and reintroduce the fighting genre to new and existing fans alike.

For more information about Soulcalibur IV, please visit http://www.namcobandaigames.com.

MLB 08 THE SHOWTM For PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2 And PSP (PlayStationPortable)

Phillies Record-Setting Slugger Joins Impressive List of MLB Greats to Grace the Cover of the Critically Acclaimed Baseball Franchise

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the signing of Philadelphia Phillies All-Star first basemen Ryan Howard as the cover athlete for the MLB 08 THE SHOW, due to hit stores in early 2008 as the only officially-licensed first party baseball game exclusively for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3), PlayStation 2 and PSP (PlayStationPortable).

Known for his prolific power and ability to drive in runs, Howard is just the second player in Major League Baseball™ history to win the Rookie of the Year honors and a Most Valuable Player award in successive seasons. During his 2006 MVP season, Howard led the Major Leagues in home runs (58), which broke the record for most home runs in a sophomore season set in 1947 by Ralph Kiner (51), won the All-Star Game Home Run Derby with a total of 23 blasts, and was the 2006 National League Hank Aaron Award recipient, the award given to the top hitter in each league.

Last season, while helping lead the Phillies to the 2007 National League Division Series™ against the Colorado Rockies™ by muscling out 47 home runs and driving in 136 runs, Howard became the fastest player in MLB® history to hit 100 home runs. The record-breaking accomplishment was achieved in only 325 games, 60 less than the 385 games that Ralph Kiner needed to hit his first 100 home runs from 1946 to 1948.

“Ryan Howard’s personality and work ethic exemplify what our baseball franchise is all about and we are thrilled he has chosen to represent MLB 08 THE SHOW,” said Scott Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. “Howard has worked hard to establish himself as one of the most exciting players in the game and we look forward to him continuing the tradition of MLB THE SHOW athletes having amazing years while being featured on the cover of our game.”

MLB 08 THE SHOW marks Howard’s first cover for a baseball game, an accolade that continues to be a desired status symbol for professional athletes. The Phillies first basemen joins an elite team of MLB cover athletes and spokespeople, including New York Mets™ third baseman David Wright, Boston Red Sox™ designated hitter David Oritz, Angels™ outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, and a host of other MLB greats.

Already widely considered the most realistic and authentic baseball franchise available, MLB 08 THE SHOW looks to build upon its critical acclaim and deliver the perfect blend of new innovative features and unique gameplay opportunities. To deliver the closest experience possible, next to actually trying to make it in the Majors™, MLB 08 THE SHOW features a more immersive Road to The Show mode. As gamers attempt to make a starting line up in the Big Leagues, playing both offense and defense from a custom-created player’s perspective, a more robust dynamic goal system and a new career advancement system will help determine when a player is eligible for a promotion.

As the only first party baseball game officially-licensed by Major League Baseball Properties Inc. (MLBP), Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), MLB 08 THE SHOW features more than 3,000 individual player animations, including personalized stances, pitching animations, individual swings, batting rituals and motion captures from MLB players. Additionally, the franchise adds to the realism by including Umpire Personalities combined with Interactive Hot and Cold Zones and Player-scaled Strike Zones, Release Point Pitching combined with Adaptive Pitching Intelligence (API) and the Pitch Command System (PCS), and the most comprehensive commentary ever produced for a sports title, featuring the three-man booth of Rex Hudler, Matt Vasgerian and Dave Campbell.

Providing players with some additional performance incentives, the MLB franchise introduces the new Progressive Batting Performance feature, which will both reward players for superior performance and penalize them for hitting slumps while under user control. Adding to an already robust online feature set, which includes customizable Online League Play with up to 30 teams, scrolling MLB Score Ticker and more, MLB 08 THE SHOW introduces SCOUT (SportsConnect Online User Tracking), which allows gamers to set and store their game preferences on the MLB server, and then enables the system to look for a Quick Match with opponents that fit similar competitive criteria.

Bomberman Land Web Site Is Live for Nintendo Wii DS and Sony PSP

The Official Bomberman Land website has gone live and can be found at:

http://hudsonent.com/bml/

The Official Bomberman Land Site is your one-stop-shop for everthing Bomberman Land.

Check out the screen shots for all three platforms and get ready for the fun you'll have playing. Scan the game descriptions and become one of the first Bomberman Land experts.

Watch the trailers for a sneak peek at each platform's exciting game play. By then your fingers will be tingling with excitement, so we've got just the thing... try your hand at one of the fun flash games based on Bomberman Land DS Touch 2!! We'll also keep you posted with the latest news on all three games!

PC video game Imperium Romanum: Trailer published

Kalypso Media Group are today please to publish the first trailer of the upcoming strategy blockbuster "Imperium Romanum".

Defend yourself against Barbarians attacking your settlement, watch the Chariot race in Circus Maximus within the spectacular empire building strategy game, the sequel to the successful "Glory of the Roman Empire" which sold over 1 million units throughout Europe,

The success of your fortune settlement lies very much in your own hands…..

As governor of a Roman province you have to build up and to expand the town, face barbarian attacks, you will be judged by the sophistication of your technical skills.

The 80Mb .wmv trailer is 640*480 pixels and approximately 2 minutes.

Download from here... http://www.gamershell.com/download_22713.shtml

Imperium Romanum, will be published by in February/March 2008 at a price of £29,99. The title will be released by the Kalypso Group worldwide, excluding Spain and Italy. Imperium Romanum is already considered to be one of the top PC-strategy games of the first quarter of next year.