End2End delivers fully managed Content Retailing Solution to Vodafone Turkey

End2End delivers fully managed Content Retailing Solution to Vodafone Turkey

Vodafone Turkey, Turkey's second largest mobile operator, has successfully launched End2End's fully outsourced Content Retailing Solution replacing Vodafone Turkey's previous platform service.

The Content Retailing Solution from End2End, Europe's leading provider of managed service solutions for mobile data, provides Vodafone Turkey with a fully outsourced gaming service including sourcing, deployments, hosting, retail management and settlement. This deal gives Vodafone Turkey access to over 100 content providers, including games from local developers in Turkey, as well as state-of-the-art content delivery functionalities and settlement services, which optimise profitability and content distribution.

Bernadette Lyons, Managing Director of End2End said "We are very happy with the extended cooperation, and we are working very actively with retail activities to be able to further increase the volumes for Vodafone Turkey."

End2End's Content Retailing Solution is already live in 20 countries, delivering retail and content management to leading operators across Europe and Asia Pacific. End2End's recent acquisition of Terraplay has strengthened its offering with the addition of in-game billing, cross operator community and multiplayer, and, combined with its content delivery system, takes End2End's mobile games retailing to a new level.

iGames Ready for SEGA's The Club Contests

iGames Gets Ready for The Club

One-Day Launch Party and Competition, March 1, at 50 Select Centers; Two-Week Showcase, March 3-16, at 100 Additional Centers

Events Sponsored by Alienware, Creative Labs, Games for Windows Live

WHAT:

Leading game center organization iGames to host a launch party and showcase to celebrate the release of SEGA’s The Club, a new breed of third-person shooter created by critically acclaimed developer Bizarre Creations.

WHEN & WHERE:

• One-day launch party: March 1, 2008 at 50 select iGames member centers, featuring a special LAN competition with giveaways courtesy of event sponsors Alienware, Creative Labs and Games for Windows Live
• 2-week showcase: March 3-16, 2008 at 100 additional iGames centers

ABOUT THE GAME:

The Club, created by critically acclaimed developer Bizarre Creations, is a new breed of third-person shooter, combining fast-paced run and gun gameplay, destructive environments, and lethal weapons. You will fight to survive in a shadowy underground blood-sport controlled by faceless, obscenely wealthy and influential elite who place their bets on who will survive as the blood-bath ensues before them. Take control of up to eight uniquely trained killers motivated by greed, driven by pure insane bloodlust, and hell bent on earning respect on a global level.

• Rise Through the Ranks of The Club. As one of eight fighters, blast your way through five single player game modes including: Sprint, Time Attack, Survivor, Siege, and Run the Gauntlet.
• Earn Respect Online. Shoot your way to the top of the leader boards in over nine cut-throat multiplayer modes. You will face-off with 7 real-time opponents online or battle with your friends offline in 4-player split-screen* action modes. *(Console Versions Only)
• "The Club™ is Global. Battle in eight unique real-world locations from around the globe, including war-torn cities, abandoned factories, steel mills and many more.
• "Extreme Gun Battles in Hazardous Environments. A motion blur camera system intensifies the adrenaline rush in both open range and close quarter firefights. Destroy and manipulate objects in the environment to your advantage.
• "Build up the highest score. A unique score-based accumulation system creates even more competition among players; the faster, more efficient and accurate that you are, the more points you will earn to unlock weapons, characters and maps.

The Club is rated “M” for “Mature” comes with a MSRP of $49.99 for the Games for Windows edition. For more info, visit: www.theclubgame.com

Ubisoft Announces My Weight Loss Coach for Nintendo DS

Ubisoft Announces My Weight Loss Coach

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that it will publish My Weight Loss Coach for the Nintendo DS™ system. Developed in Ubisoft’s Montreal studio under the guidance of both a fitness coach and a nutritionist, My Weight Loss Coach is a program designed to focus on taking positive steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“My Weight Loss Coach allows us to approach casual gamers with something innovative,” said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft. “The game creates customized coaching sessions based on skill level, and, for the first time on DS, includes a pedometer. My Weight Loss Coach not only allows users to take control of their physical well-being, but it does so in a fun and engaging manner.”

My Weight Loss Coach features include:

• Personal Profiles: Create your personal profile and evaluate your improvement potential, then set up your objectives following the recommendations based on your personal profile
  
• Input Reward System: Log your progress on a daily or weekly basis, tracking your physical activity and nutrition habits
  
• The Pedometer: A peripheral device that comes with the game and can be easily updated through your DS, it’s the best way to control your daily physical effort, challenge yourself and balance your food intake
  
• Real-Life Landmark Checkpoints: As a reward, all the physical activities you achieve and good nutrition habits you acquire are converted into measurable distances based on real examples
  

My Weight Loss Coach is rated E for Everyone by the ERSB and will be available this summer.

The “My Coach” brand, part of Ubisoft’s Games for Everyone division, is made up of a series of games that encourages players to improve themselves while being entertained at the same time. Other titles in the brand include: My Word Coach for a stronger vocabulary, and My Spanish Coach and My French Coach for foreign language development.

Commanders: Attack of the Genos and Help Tron Destroy the Evil Sark in Discs of Tron – video games on Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade

Deploy, Engage and Win with "Commanders: Attack of the Genos" and Help Tron Destroy the Evil Sark in "Discs of Tron" – Both Games Launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday!

This week, players can experience a strategy game like no other on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 when Sierra Online and SouthEnd Interactive launch "Commanders: Attack of the Genos.” Additionally, an arcade classic returns with “Discs of Tron” from Disney Interactive Studios and Backbone Entertainment, an updated faithful recreation of the famed cabinet game with HD graphics and enhanced sound. Both “Commanders: Attack of the Genos” and “Discs of Tron” launch this Wednesday 13th February at 09.00.

“Commanders: Attack of the Genos” is a fast-paced turn-based strategy game featuring an art deco look and ironic storyline. The game requires players to devise a masterful tactical battle strategy to both cripple the enemy and defend their territory from Genos, a genetically modified super race. Fight alongside a powerful Commander, which serves as a hero unit, in the 15-mission campaign with an arsenal of weapons including missile launchers, bombers and infantry in this turn-based strategy game.

Featuring a 1930’s art deco look and feel, “Commanders: Attack of the Genos” offers two unique endings, two difficulty levels and 15 diverse playable units to keep gamers coming back for more. “Commanders: Attack of the Genos” allows players to either challenge or team up with three friends in battle locally or over Xbox LIVE.

In “Discs of Tron,” gamers play as Tron in an attempt to defeat the evil Sark in an electronic battleground, using the iconic disc weapon. Survive 12 levels of Sark’s attacks in the single-player campaign or grab a friend and face off in multiplayer mode over Xbox LIVE to discover the true disc champion.

Released simultaneously with “Discs of Tron”, is downloadable content consisting of a theme and gamer pic pack, which contains images of Tron, a red soldier and the disc platforms from the game.


Where can I get these games from?

Commanders: Attack of the Genos: available for 800 MS Points from 9:00, Wednesday 13th February 2008

It is rated 12+

Discs of Tron: available for 400 MS Points from 9:00, Wednesday 13th February 2008

It is rated 3+

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

MIDEAST CRISIS 2: Concept Artwork and Screenshots

MIDEAST CRISIS 2 has released a new set of images, including concept artwork and screenshots. Images are attached, and can also be seen here: http://www.isotx.com/forums/index.php?topic=6067

MEC2 is the upcoming mod for C&C3: Tiberian Wars. This release shows the workflow, from concept art and lego models to finalized in-game units. In addition, the highway screenshot shows part of the recently completed "Highway of Death" 4-player map (created by map artist Pivac). The notable thing is that, throughout the map, the highway will always be populated by cars moving in each direction. Even if the player continues to destroy them, they will keep spawning. This means that GOI players will have added incentive to build Martyrs on this map - since they have an unlimited amount of cars to hijack.

MEC2 is seeking voice actors for a variety of roles. If interested, please check this thread: http://www.isotx.com/forums/index.php?topic=4683 for information.

Fuel of War multiplayer demo launches on Microsoft Xbox Live

The Frontline is advancing on Xbox 360 as the new multiplayer demo from THQ and Kaos Studios and pushes the boundaries as the first demo to appear on Xbox Live offering 32 player online support.

In the first map of this exciting new demo of Frontlines: Fuel of war, players find themselves battling to the death in Northern Turkmenistan over a strategic oilfield. With vast expanses of open space to cover, players need to utilise available vehicles such as tanks, armoured cars and attack helicopters to crush all resistance and push the frontline forward. If intense vehicle combat is your thing, then you are in for a real treat.

For fans of more intense up close and personal combat this demo also features a second map. Gone are the wide open fields and devastating vehicles, as players get down and dirty on the streets of war torn Moscow in a bout of frantic guerilla warfare. The key to survival on this map is to effectively use of your weapon loadouts and class abilities to suppress and control the enemy’s movements.

Frontlines: Fuel of War is the new first person shooter from THQ and asks the player “What will happen if our oil reserves were about to run out?”.

As mankind is starved of one of its most vital resources, two super powers face off over the last remaining oil reserves in intense futuristic warfare. Starting on the oil fields of central Asia, Frontlines: Fuel of war takes players across the globe and right into the heart of Moscow itself.

Players will be able to take the war to their enemy using everything from guided smart bombs and remote control combat drones to the trusty assault rifle. The unique Frontline mechanic in this game ensures that the gameplay remains intense and fast-paced at all times as well as giving players the freedom to fully explore the vast gaming landscapes.

Can you step up and take the challenge or will you run away and hide when the Multiplayer demo of Frontlines: Fuel of War launches exclusively on Xbox Live today?

FlatOut Head On – Official Sony PSP Demo download

FlatOut Head On – Official PSP Demo due for Release 22 February 2008


Empire Interactive has today confirmed that European gamers will be among the first in the world to sample its eagerly awaited PSP title FlatOut Head On with the release of the official PSP demo on 22nd February 2008.

“This is a great way for us to showcase FlatOut Head On to PSP gamers”, said Sean Walsh, Empire Interactive Product Manager. “PSP enthusiasts can often be heard talking on forums and blogs about the lack of good demos available for their beloved handheld. We wanted to help satisfy that need, and by giving them a taste of some of the featured modes - Carnage, Deathmatch Derby and Ragdoll Stunts – we think that it’ll really whet their appetite for destruction.”

The three featured game modes on the demo are ‘Carnage Race’, ‘Deathmatch Derby’ and one of the classic Ragdoll stunts. ‘Carnage Race’ is a fight against the clock to score as many points as you can in the given time by causing as much damage as possible to the scenery and your opponents in order to maximise your score. ‘Deathmatch Derby’ is an arena-based Derby with one simple objective – destroy your opponents before they destroy you with the aid of 3 lives and a multitude of power-ups. And finally, for the first time in FlatOut Head On, the Ragdoll Stunts take centre stage as a fully integrated component of the main Carnage Challenge mode. In High Jump drive the car down the ramp as fast as possible and launch your driver through the windscreen high into the sky and watch it slam into the metal net.

Play on all the featured modes included will be unlimited, however players will not be able to save their progress and no other features will be unlocked.

The FlatOut Head On PSP demo will be available for download from http://uk.playstation.com and the Empire Interactive website: http://www.empireinteractive.com from the 22nd February 2008.

FlatOut Head On is due for its European release on 14th March 2008 and will feature some of the most destructive hi-octane motorised anarchy handheld racing has ever seen.

Blizzard Entertainment tournament and gaming event to take place in Europe over 28-29 June

2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational Announced

Blizzard Entertainment tournament and gaming event to take place in Europe over 28-29 June

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced plans to hold its fourth Worldwide Invitational in Paris, France on the 28th and 29th of June. The 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will bring the company and gamers together in a convention atmosphere, celebrating the communities surrounding Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft, Diablo and StarCraft series as well as showcasing the skills of top eSports gamers from around the world. The first Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational to be held in Europe, the event will take place at Hall 5 of the Porte de Versailles Exposition Center in Paris.

“We look forward to bringing the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational to Europe for the first time and sharing our latest news with players there,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “In addition to the great tournament gaming that will be taking place at the event, we’re planning an entertaining show for all attendees.”

Open to gamers of ages 16 and up, or younger if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will feature exciting StarCraft, Warcraft III and World of Warcraft invitational tournaments, with a variety of other activities over the two-day event, including:

• Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
  
• Artist and developer signings
  
• Hands-on play with World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King™ and StarCraft II
  
• Merchandise and other products based on the Blizzard Entertainment game universes
  
• A silent auction
  
• Musical performances
  
• And more exciting activities to be announced
  

Tickets for the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational are limited and will go on sale in the next few weeks at the price of 70€/£55 per ticket. Further information on activities, tournaments and ticket booking will be provided on the official 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational website at http://eu.blizzard.com/wwi08 as the event draws closer.

Wii-Kly Update: Two New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel - Harvest Moon & Lords of Thunder

Wii-Kly Update: Two New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel

The two games joining the lineup this week are considered cult classics, yet they deal with topics as varied as farm management and shooting enemies to the strains of heavy-metal tunes. Just don't get the two mixed up, since most livestock don't like heavy metal and it takes more than turnips to defeat fire-spewing sea serpents.

Nintendo adds new games to the Wii™ Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

Harvest Moon (Super NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points):

You bought the farm, so now it's time to roll up your sleeves and try living off the fat of the land. Fresh air and the beauty of the outdoors will be fulfilling, but a successful farm needs a lot of working capital as well. There are buildings on your property, but they are in need of livestock. You have a modest house, but if things get lonely in the field, it's going to take a remodel to woo a female farming companion. Your challenge is to dig in and build your life as a farmer from the ground up. How you manage will determine the outcome, but remember: You always reap what you sow.

Lords of Thunder (TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Lords of Thunder is a side-scrolling shooter that has you take on the role of a legendary warrior, blasting enemies to heavy-metal tunes. Your enemies are plotting to revive Zaggart, "The Dark One," who was sealed beneath the six continents of Mistral. It's up to Landis, descendant of the heroic Dyu, to stop them. Choose the order in which to attack the six stages. Before each stage, select one of four magic armors and use crystals you've collected during your battles to buy items. Selecting the right armor for each stage is the key to your ultimate victory. Then get ready to face awesome enemies like a fire-spewing sea serpent or a giant insect. Whether it's the fast-paced shooting or breaking into the fortress of a stage boss, you'll be blown away by the intensity of Lords of Thunder.

Zeemote Launches First And Only Compact Wireless Game Controller For Mobile Cellphones

Zeemote Launches First And Only Compact Wireless Game Controller For Mobile Devices

Innovative Controller Extends Console Game Experience to Mobile Gamers, Operators and Developers

Zeemote, Inc. (http://www.zeemote.com/), the creator of intuitive user interface technologies, today announced the launch of the patented Zeemote JS1, a wireless controller that enables near-console game play on mobile phones. While expanding the mobile entertainment experience for consumers, the Zeemote JS1 controller provides operators with an opportunity to increase their revenue and enables developers to create more sophisticated, engaging games.

The $38B video gaming market thrives today due to innovative input devices*. Created by the team that developed the first force feedback joystick for PC gaming, the Zeemote JS1 controller brings mobile gaming to a fun, fast and interactive level. Small, responsive, ergonomic and wireless, the Zeemote JS1 controller is new, first and unique.

“Developers, operators, and gamers tell us the Zeemote JS1 controller is what they’ve been waiting for to unleash the real potential of mobile gaming,” said Beth Marcus, CEO, Zeemote, Inc. “We’re already in discussions with a number of operators and manufacturers regarding bundling the controller with games and handsets.”

At the recent Mobile Games Forum 2008 in London, Mike Yuen, senior director of the gaming group for Qualcomm, commented, "The Zeemote JS1 is one of the most innovative devices to come along for mobile gaming, as it greatly helps improve game playability on mobile phones versus traditional d-pads. I look forward to the commercial launch of the product later this year."

Measuring a snug 95x35x20mm/3.7x1.4x0.8in and weighing only 47g/1.7oz (including batteries), the Zeemote JS1 controller sits perfectly in the hand and is ergonomically designed for optimised comfort. With a thumbstick and four assignable trigger buttons, the JS1 controller offers real analogue control enabling users to truly engage with mobile games.

Recognising the large market potential, major game developers and publishers including Eidos™, Finblade, Fishlabs and SEGA® of America, Inc., have already adapted popular games such as Lara Croft Tomb Raider™, Helistrike 3D and Sonic The Hedgehog® to utilize the new technology**. Finblade has even created Fireworks, the first 2-player game specifically designed for use with Zeemote JS1 controllers. More information about the Zeemote JS1 controller is available at http://www.zeemote.com/.

Founded in 2005, Zeemote recently closed a $7million B-round of funding led by mobile specialist firm Nauta Capital, together with prior round investor Commonwealth Capital Ventures and joined by Egan-Managed Capital of Boston. The company’s patented Zeemote™ technologies are available to hardware makers or software developers through licensing agreements.

Zeemote is also proud to announce that the company has been selected as one of two finalists in the True Mobile Start-up category in the 2008 GSMA Mobile Innovation Global Awards, sponsored by Ericsson. One finalist from each of the five categories and one overall winner will be selected and announced in Barcelona on February 12.

Zeemote, Inc. is attending the ShowStoppers media event on Sunday February 10th, 18:00 to 21:00 and is also available for meetings and demonstrations at its stand during Mobile World Congress, located at Hall 7, IZ 24. To arrange a meeting please contact Sarah Bedwell or Andrew Durkin, contact details below.