HERO Online Turkey draws near!

Games-Masters.com announced today, that work on the upcoming Online-Roleplaying-Game Hero Online, the first Turkish MMO worldwide, went big steps ahead. The internal testing has been very successful, and thus the Closed Beta will already begin next week. A lot of Turkish-speaking players already registered, but applications are still being accepted for the first phase of testing.

Hero Online was developed by MGame and published in Korea in the spring of 2005. Soon this game climbed the Top-5 of the most successful games in Korea and still continues its huge success. But its success is not limited to just Korea; it is popular in most of Asia as well. It is ranked very highly in both China and Japan, with players connecting from all over the Eastern Hemisphere. The north-american version, published by Netgame, was able to welcome a lot of players.

The Turkish version now will be run by the 100%-daughter company Games-Arena, Istanbul, enabling excellent support and service for Turkish players from all over Europe.

Links:
Games-Masters.com - http://www.games-masters.com
Hero Online Turkey = http://www.heroturkey.com

Exciting times ahead for new look GamesRadar

Future, the special-interest media group, has unveiled an exciting new look for its fast-growing GamesRadar (www.gamesradar.com) website.

Months of development behind the scenes on both sides of the Atlantic have seen the creation of a brand-new GamesRadar.com, built from the ground-up, in response to feedback and comments from users in the US and UK.

The new look has focussed on improving three key elements. The site is now better looking, easier to search and a richer experience.

Better looking: The site is now a great 'shop window' for the innovative, informative, original, challenging and plain weird video game stories the GR editorial team dream up daily. GamesRadar is now much easier on the eye and much easier to get around.

Better search: We've reformatted the database which will drastically improve the quality and quantity of search results.

Better rich media: We've got a new video player, a new screen shot viewer, quick links to jump to specific games, guides and big features, plus loads more to discover.

George Walter, Editor of GamesRadar UK said:

“Over the last year we’ve developed GamesRadar’s editorial content, making it shine among an internet’s worth of tiresome, pedestrian games coverage – now we have a site which makes this great content easier to find and displays it in a fresh new design. Visit the site and you’ll see what I mean.”

James Binns, Publishing Director of GamesRadar UK said:

“GamesRadar is Future’s number one games web brand. We’re already growing our visits and page impressions in the booming games market. The step change we’re putting into our marketing and editorial investment will build an even stronger business. Future is the only media owner capable of offering true multi-media solutions across web, print and events.”

Future’s GamesRadar network of websites has achieved significant reach, with HBX statistics for January 2008 reporting a combined total of 6.3m unique users for the company’s games websites, making it bigger than fhm.com, nme.com, nuts.co.uk, topgear.com and zoo.co.uk combined

Visit the new GameRadar now at www.gamesradar.com

Virtual Console On Wii Expands Into A Commodore 64 Gaming Universe

Already a firm favourite with Wii owners, Virtual Console is once again expanding its catalogue, this time with the addition of a whole new games format. Later this year, Wii owners will be able to enjoy classic titles from the best selling personal computer of all time, the Commodore 64. These titles join classic gems from the likes of Nintendo, SEGA, Turbografx and NEOGEO already available via the Wii Shop Channel.

The release of the Commodore 64 in 1982 was an historic moment for the computer and video games industry. According to the Guinness Book of World Records it remains the best selling single computer model of all time, with an estimated 22 million units sold. Its immense popularity saw an unrivalled collection of over 4,000 rich games titles released through its production lifetime (1982-1994), helping to establish the C64 as a ‘gamers favourite’. Now, some of the greatest Commodore 64 titles will be made available for Wii owners to download and play via the Virtual Console service.

Bala Keilman, CEO of Commodore Gaming, commented, “The massive impact the Commodore 64 had on video-gaming is still evident today with many gamers remembering the computer and its games with great fondness. By working with Nintendo of Europe, we are ensuring that future generations of gamers can play some of the best and most popular titles that kick-started the computer games revolution and so keep the C64 legacy in gamers hearts.”

Laurent Fischer, Managing Director of European Marketing & PR of Nintendo Europe adds, “We are extremely pleased to be working with Commodore Gaming to provide even more retro hits for Wii owners to choose from on Virtual Console. With over 184 classic titles now available to enjoy, Virtual Console on Wii is a great way for users to access a breadth of classic retro games. We hope that this great choice of games will bring nostalgia to our gaming fans, while an entirely new generation of video game players can experience a host of classic games for the very first time.”

Among the first titles from Commodore 64 which will be made available on Virtual Console are International Karate and Uridium. These great titles will be bolstered by regular updates to the line-up from the Commodore 64 back catalogue.

Virtual Console games from Commodore 64 will be available from the Wii Shop Channel soon and can be downloaded for 500 Wii Points each. Currently these titles will only be available on the European Wii Shop Channel.

About Commodore Gaming BV
Founded in 2005, Commodore Gaming is reviving the Commodore brand with a range of mobile, PC and video game products. In March 2007, it successfully launched a line of innovative custom painted gaming PCs which are currently available in retail and e-tail stores across Europe and most recently North America, as well as through its own online webstore (www.commodoregaming.com).

KING OF CLUBS ARRIVES ON Nintendo Wii and Sony PSP

Oxygen Games is delighted to announce that King of Clubs is coming… This wickedly fun and devious party game is set for release on 14th March 2008. With 5 exciting themes, 95 unique holes, collectables, resident course pro’s and much much more… King of Clubs is out soon on Wii and PSP. To see for yourself watch the Trailer - downloadable from Oxygen's press site, or viewable at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cW-ZNDtQHc

About King of Clubs:

Set in a run-down amusement area by a truck-stop somewhere in Nevada, King of Clubs is a fun and engaging party game with a multitude of tricks and visual wit up its sleeve. Designed for casual games players, this is a ‘pick up and play game’ offering 5 exciting environments, 95 unique holes, collectables, a resident course pro and a Pro Shop with groovy gadgets including barmy balls and funky clubs - adding an element of strategy and tactical twist to every game no matter how many times you have already played! It’s so addictive, you just can’t stop!

King of Clubs, for up to four players, will be in shops from 14th March, for Wii and PSP.

Belief & Betrayal Official Box Shot and More Screenshots Released for Thriller Adventure Game

Leading Publisher Lighthouse Interactive and dtp Entertainment AG today revealed the final box shot for their highly anticipated Adventure game Belief & Betrayal. Players are thrust into a secretive and mysterious world of power and intrigue; truth and conspiracy, as well as faith and superstition. This point-and-click, Windows® Vista™ compatible Adventure game for the PC is scheduled to release on March 28, 2008 in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Benelux, and will begin shipping to major retail stores across Canada and the U.S. on March 25, 2008. 6 more screenshots accompany this press release.

To download the official box shots and 6 more screenshots, visit: ftp://ftp.lighthouse-interactive.com/

To find out more about Belief & Betrayal and to keep up with the latest news on the game, visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com and www.beliefandbetrayal-game.com.

GAME SUMMARY

As journalist Jonathan Danter, you discover that a ten year old murder is somehow part of a greater mystery that could destroy humanity itself. Filled with baffling plot twists and conspiracy theories, you must uncover the mystery that reaches back through history from 1194 A.D. to the time Judas received 30 pieces of silver to betray Christ.

Travel to exotic locations throughout Europe including: London, Venice, Rome and the Vatican, to uncover skeletons hidden deep within the closets of some of the most powerful leaders around the World.

FEATURES

• Play as 3 different characters throughout the game to solve the mystery
• Find lost ancient manuscripts and decipher mind-boggling codes and symbols
• Explore stunning environments and incredibly re-created historic locations
• Strong action/adventure storyline creates a compelling gameplay experience
• Use the memories and thoughts of the intriguing cast of characters to solve puzzles and expose dark mysteries
• Game based on historical events though the story is pure fiction
• Easy to navigate 3rd person point & click interface using the Virtools engine

Microsoft XBox 360 Gears of War 2 announced game to launch in November

Microsoft has promised that Gears of War 2 will launch for the Xbox 360 this November.

Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer at Epic Games, announced that the saga of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad will continue on the Xbox 360 this autumn with the highly anticipated sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster Gears of War.

"To our team the original game was just a tease, the appetiser to the Gears of War characters and new style of gameplay," said Bleszinski at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

"Gears of War 2 is an even bigger, better and more badass experience than the first game, and we cannot wait to get it in the hands of eager gamers this November."

Also at the conference, Peter Molyneux, of Lionhead Studios, took the stage to showcase multiplayer features in Fable 2, introducing dynamic cooperative play for the first time.

Tomonobu Itagaki, head of Team Ninja, revealed new Ninja Gaiden II game-sharing features, including Ninja Cinema, which is available solely through Xbox Live, allowing players to record and upload their best ninja moves.

Microsoft said that it has received more than $250m in digital revenue from Xbox Live Marketplace through the purchase of more than 20 billion Microsoft Points.

Source: vnunet

Sony scholarship for female video game lovers

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) said Wednesday it is luring women into video game design with a 10,000-dollar scholarship and paid internships.

"We are under-represented," Devra Pransky of SOE told AFP after the announcement of the scholarship at a major Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

"Video game making is male dominated and we need to change that."

A Sony-sponsored survey in January of female students enrolled in game design and programming at The Art Institutes showed that about half of those surveyed think more women would play video games designed by women.

The perception of the video game industry being a male bastion deters women from getting into the field, those surveyed agreed.

"It is a misdirection that women don't like video games," said SOE publicist Taina Rodriguez, who sported a lime green t-shirt with the acronym G.I.R.L. -- Gamers In Real Life.

"If more women make games, then more women will play games and get excited about making games. We want to strengthen that cycle."

Students enrolled in The Art Institutes schools can begin applying for the SOE scholarship in April. The winner will get 10,000 dollars for tuition and a paid internship at an SOE studio.

The Art Institutes has 35 campuses in the United States and offers online education.

"I love games, but I'm a bit old school," said Niki Dominguez of The Art Institute of California in San Diego. "I'm an Atari fan."
She also boasts a nine handicap playing golf on Nintendo's Wii video game console.

Students enrolled in accredited universities or trade schools can also apply for SOE internships.

Microsoft Xbox Live video game sharing feature

Microsoft today announced that it will allow roughly 10 million Xbox Live members to play, rate and share community-created games “soon”. Microsoft expects the “open distribution” service will fuel the development of community-created games: By the end of 2008, the company expects that more than 1000 games will be available to Xbox 360 owners.

Seven such games became available today, including JellyCar, Little Gamers, The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, TriLinea, RocketBall, ProximityHD and Culture.

Microsoft said that each submitted game has to undergo a thorough peer-review process and be evaluated for accuracy in representation and appropriateness. Community game developers will be able to beta test the process this spring and will be able to distribute their games on Xbox Live by the end of this year.

Source: TGDaily

Wednesday at GDC also saw Microsoft unveil a YouTube-like distribution system for independently created games. In a keynote address, execs said the service will allow anyone who uses the company's XNA toolkit, which enables amateur designers to make casual games, to offer their finished product to Xbox 360 owners via digital download. Service will start beta testing in the spring.

"We already have had lots of games made with XNA, but nothing to do with them," Chris Satchell, general manager of Microsoft's developer group, said in an interview. "This is the democratization of game distribution."

Company hasn't finalized plans for pricing. It's not clear whether all games on the service will be free or if designers will be able to charge for their work.

A suite of social media tools enabling users to share and rate games is expected. Microsoft will have active designers participate in a peer review process to ensure that submitted titles don't have pirated or obscene content.

If successful, the service could let amateur game designers showcase their work and launch their careers online, just as many filmmakers are now doing.

"This is a great way to give designers exposure and help them be identified by publishers," Satchell noted.

Online sharing of films of gameplay made in "Halo 3" is already extremely popular. Microsoft said in the keynote that approximately 100,000 videos from the game are being posted online each day -- about 30% more than the average for all of YouTube.

Later this year, Sony is releasing PlayStation 3 title "LittleBigPlanet," which will let users create their own levels. Microsoft's new service is the first to distribute amateur games onto consoles, however.

Microsoft also said XNA designers will be able, for the first time, to make their games for the company's Zune portable music and video player. It's the first sign that Microsoft is planning to make the struggling Zune brand its portable gaming solution. Device is more powerful than most cell phones, though not on a par with Sony's PSP or Nintendo's DS. It's not yet clear how Microsoft plans to distribute games for the Zune.

Source: Variety

Adobe takes aim at video game market

The firm that set the standard for digital photo editing intends to do the same for video game making with the Tuesday release of Adobe Director 11 upgraded multimedia software.

Director 11 made its public debut at the annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and will begin an international roll-out in March.

The software is designed to make it simple for people to manipulate video and audio and create three-dimensional graphics for video games, virtual worlds, and even interactive store kiosks.

"It really is about digital literacy," Adobe senior product manager Rick Jones told AFP.

"In the growing world of user-generated content, more and more people trying to take control of their video. We are giving those creators the same kind of tool Adobe Photoshop gave picture takers."

Photoshop software became the premier tool for editing photographs after the California company released the first version in 1990.

Adobe Director is the descendent of multimedia software released 20 years ago and was last updated in 2004.

Director 11 is revamped to let programmers write code any language and customize video creations by simply "dragging and dropping" icons.

"Publishing is really a matter of one button click and away you go," Adobe Director "evangelist" Allen Partridge told AFP.

"From greeting cards or wedding albums to corporate presentations or folks that want to make interactive media or go all the way deep into it and create video games."

Ageia PhysX software engine gives video three-dimensional playback and lets characters or vehicles in games move realistically, a demonstration showed.

"In the gaming world, if you create a race car that careens off a wall it will look like the real world," Jones said. "It's an opportunity for people to take their games to the next level."

Jones added that Adobe wants to make inroads with makers of serious games, those designed to improve health or for training or education.

Game makers can combine Director 11 with Adobe Flash software to craft online games.

"Director takes advantage of the vast group of Flash users that may not have development skills," Jones said. "Entry-level users can create content of their choice and it is natively 3-D."

The price of Director 11 will be 999 dollars (US), a drop from the previous generation. There will be a 99-dollar version for classroom use.

Source: AFP

Microsoft Provides Thrilling First Look at Xbox 360 Blockbuster Portfolio for 2008, Announces "Gears of War 2" Ships This November

Today at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2008, Microsoft Corp. provided an exciting glimpse at what promises to be another landmark year for games and online entertainment on the Xbox 360 platform and officially announced the launch of “Gears of War 2,” exclusively for Xbox 360 this November.

Providing a dramatic close to Microsoft’s GDC keynote address, Epic Games Inc.’s lead designer Cliff Bleszinski announced that the epic saga of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad continues exclusively on the Xbox 360 this fall with “Gears of War 2.” This highly anticipated sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster “Gears of War” delves deeper into humanity’s struggle for survival against the nightmarish Locust Horde, and promises to take high-definition visuals to a whole new level.

In addition, acclaimed developer Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios took the stage to showcase exciting new multiplayer features for “Fable 2,” introducing dynamic cooperative play, a first to the franchise. Molyneux also announced that later this year, and before the launch of “Fable 2,” gamers can get a sneak peek at the game’s world when the “Fable 2” pub games debut as a stand-alone download on Xbox LIVE Arcade. When “Fable 2” launches, gamers will have the ability to transfer currency earned in the pub games directly to their character in “Fable 2.” This unique and first-of-its-kind experience, which can be found only on Xbox LIVE Arcade, will give the millions of “Fable” fans and gamers all around the globe the opportunity to jump into the “Fable 2” world with money already in the bank.

Tomonobu Itagaki also revealed new “Ninja Gaiden II” game-sharing features, including Ninja Cinema, which is enabled solely through Xbox LIVE, providing exciting and innovative entertainment experiences for the more than 10 million Xbox LIVE members worldwide by allowing players to record and upload their best ninja moves to Xbox LIVE.

“To our team the original game was just a tease, the appetizer to the ‘Gears of War’ characters and new style of gameplay. We were so amped to get to the next chapter, and dig deeper into the universe of this franchise,” said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for Epic Games. “‘Gears of War 2’ is an even bigger, better, and more badass experience than the first game, and we can’t wait to get it in the hands of eager gamers this November.”

This year, the most anticipated games will be found exclusively on Xbox 360, including the next chapters of top franchises such as “Gears of War,” “Fable” and “Ninja Gaiden,” as well as new titles such as “Too Human.”

• “Gears of War 2” (Epic Games). “Gears of War 2” is the sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster that redefined the third-person tactical action game genre. “Gears of War 2” continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and retribution. Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, “Gears of War 2” launches this November.

• “Fable 2” (Lionhead Studios). In addition to the dynamic co-op mode unveiled onstage, Peter Molyneux also announced that Carbonated Games is bringing the “Fable 2” experience to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Before the game’s launch, gamers will be able to get an early taste of the “Fable 2” experience and gain a head start on earning currency for use in “Fable 2” by playing “Fable 2”-themed pub games that will be downloadable via Xbox LIVE Arcade. The currency earned in these Xbox LIVE Arcade titles will enable players to purchase items in “Fable 2” when the game launches later this year.

• “Ninja Gaiden II” (TECMO/Team NINJA). Tomonobu Itagaki debuted several tantalizing new Xbox LIVE features of “Ninja Gaiden II,” including the ability to capture and share videos of a player’s glorious battles via the Ninja Cinema feature and upload them to Xbox LIVE. “Ninja Gaiden II” launches worldwide this June.

• “Too Human” (Silicon Knights). Microsoft also showcased the epic action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights, “Too Human,” at a media event before today’s keynote address. In “Too Human,” players are treated to a nonstop barrage of action powered by the seamless integration of melee and firearms combat, plus deep role-playing elements fueled by breathtaking visuals enabled by the power of Xbox 360.

With online multiplayer gameplay, downloadable content and ways to stay in contact with a global community, these forthcoming blockbusters harness the power of Xbox LIVE to create truly innovative and exciting entertainment experiences. Each game also comes packed with Achievements, so Xbox LIVE members can help add to the more than 1 billion Achievements already unlocked on the service to date. And, as with the “Fable 2” pub games, downloadable content in Xbox LIVE Marketplace allows gamers the opportunity to customize and enhance their gameplay experiences. Since the service launched, Microsoft has seen more than $250 million in digital revenue from Xbox LIVE Marketplace through the purchase of more than 20 billion Microsoft Points.

Xbox LIVE members have been using a large portion of those Microsoft Points in Xbox LIVE Arcade, which is the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. With over 116 games to choose from on Xbox LIVE Arcade, everyone’s invited to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade is also home to the world’s most innovative independent developers, with more than 25 independent studios serving as the creative fuel behind the original games that represent more than a quarter of the Xbox LIVE Arcade library. The following titles represent a sample of games launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade in the near future from the world’s leading independent developers:

• “Braid” (Number None Inc.). Developed by Independent Games Festival Winner and experimental game designer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a platform experience that bends all the rules with the manipulation of time. “Braid” will launch this spring.

• “Castle Crashers” (The Behemoth). “Castle Crashers” is the second title currently in development by award-winning independent developer The Behemoth, creator of “Alien Hominid HD.” The role-playing game (RPG) adventure will let up to four players hack, slash and smash their way together through a visually stunning hand-drawn landscape. “Castle Crashes” launches this summer.

• “Defense Grid: The Awakening” (Hidden Path Entertainment LLC) “Defense Grid: The Awakening” is the definitive tower defense game experience designed specifically for Xbox LIVE Arcade and launches this summer.

• “Go! Go! Break Steady” (Little Boy Games) An Xbox LIVE Arcade exclusive, “Go! Go! Break Steady” is the debut title from independent developer Little Boy Games. The combination music and puzzle game combines break dancing with novel gameplay and launches this summer.

• “Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness” (Hothead Games). The first video game collaboration between Penny Arcade creators Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and Jerry “Tycho” Holkins and legendary game designer Ron Gilbert, “Penny Arcade Adventures” is an RPG-adventure game set in a highly stylized 1920s universe filled with bizarre characters, outrageous combat and adult humor. The first episode of the game launches this summer.