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.

Xbox 360 Becomes First Video Game Console Ever to Invite the World to Create Original Games and Share Online With Millions

In a landmark announcement during the keynote address at the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC), Microsoft Corp. promised to soon allow Xbox LIVE members to play, rate and share community-created games. As the first in the industry to pioneer high-speed online gaming and high-definition games, Xbox 360 once again broke new ground by introducing a new, open distribution service for games created by the community and soon playable by its 10 million Xbox LIVE members. Community-created games on Xbox LIVE will quickly double the size of the Xbox 360 game library. By the end of 2008, Xbox 360 owners will have access to more than 1,000 games, making it the largest, most creatively diverse library across all next-generation platforms.

“The time has come for the games industry to open its doors to all game creators, enabling anyone to share their creations with the world,” said John Schappert, corporate vice president of LIVE, Software and Services for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “Our goal is to drive a creative and social revolution in games with the same transformative power that we’ve seen in digital music and video sharing.”

Inviting Everyone to Share Their Own Games With Millions

Demonstrating a look into the future potential of community-created games on Xbox 360, Chris Satchell, general manager and chief XNA architect at Microsoft, announced that seven games created using XNA Game Studio 2.0 would be available immediately for Xbox 360 owners to download from Xbox LIVE Marketplace:


JellyCar Created by Walaber from the United States, this game is about driving a squishy car through squishy worlds, trying to reach the exit.

 Little Gamers This is a 2-D high definition action side-scroller based on the famous Web comic “Little Gamers” created by Loïc Dansart, a 24-year-old software developer from Belgium.

The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai An intense 2-D action platform game created by James Silva from the United States, “The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai” has a unique, highly stylized look and fast and fluid action.

TriLinea This puzzle game created by Edison S. Prata Jr., Renato Pelizzari da Silva and Davi da Silva Prata from Brazil mixes fast-paced action with strategy.

RocketBall Created by Tyler Wanlass, Patrick Murty and Todd Barrons of the United States, this neighborhood game of dodgeball explodes onto the street with fast-paced multiplayer action.

ProximityHD This game, created by Brian Cable from the United States, takes the essence of strategy games — battles for control of territory and armies — and distills it down to a simple, easy-to-understand set of rules for casual players.

Culture Created by independent game development company Hidden Path Entertainment from the United States, “Culture” contains challenging games and puzzles based on beautiful flowers.

An Xbox 360 community game created using Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio software and XNA Creators Club membership will be able to be submitted for distribution on Xbox LIVE. Each community-created game must then 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.

Cryptic Studios Announces Champions Online

Cryptic Studios, one of the leading independent developers of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), announced today Champions Online, their first ever self-developed and self-published MMORPG. Champions Online, based on the popular pen-and-paper Champions RPG, will give players the power of total customization of their hero experience while they explore a vast universe of richly detailed 3D environments. Champions Online is slated for release in Spring 2009.

Cryptic Studios also announced today that it has acquired the Champions intellectual property (IP) from Hero Games. First published in 1981, the Champions role-playing game is one of the first RPGs to forgo the traditional dice-rolling system of character generation in favor of a point-based system. Cryptic Studios has licensed back to Hero Games the rights to produce Champions RPG books, and the sixth edition of the HERO System and Champions, set to release in 2009, will include rules on how to recreate Champions Online characters and scenarios.

“We thought carefully about which IP to select for our next game,” said Jack Emmert, chief creative officer of Cryptic Studios. “I’ve been playing the Champions RPG since it first came out and I love both the rich history and wide array of compelling characters which made this an obvious choice for Cryptic Studios.”

“I am very excited to be working on Champions,” said Michael Lewis, president of Cryptic Studios. “We have a powerful development team, a better engine, more resources, and a vision for a new kind of MMO experience. Bringing the operating side of the business in-house enables us to be more efficient, get our developers even closer to the customer, and ultimately make a better game and long-term experience.”

Champions Online is all about total customization – it will offer a near infinite amount of character customization so that all players will have a unique game experience. Gamers will be able to create their hero’s name, back story, costume, powers and abilities as well as design their own personal arch-enemy and his or her back story, which will guarantee a truly unique experience.

“Champions Online brings a lot to the table. Gamers have literally billions of options to create their own fully customized hero,” Emmert said. “Couple that with the unique character generation system and tons of beautiful, expansive environments in which to roam, and Champions Online is going to be unlike anything MMO fans have seen before.”

For more information on Champions Online and Cryptic Studios please check out the feature story in the March issue of Game Informer magazine on newsstands now, www.crypticstudios.com, and www.champions-online.com to view character profiles, gameplay trailers, and forums.

WorldGaming.com Allows Console Gamers To Flaunt Their Skills For Cold Hard Cash

World Gaming today announced the imminent launch of WorldGaming.com, the premier online destination for console gamers from around the world to network and challenge one another in tournaments for REAL money. Currently, gamers can sign up at www.worldgaming.com for a chance to participate in the site’s closed beta, as well as an opportunity to win up to $50,000 in cash and prizes!

WorldGaming.com users will be able to meet and compete on all of today’s top consoles (Sony PlayStation® 2, Sony PLAYSTATION® 3, Microsoft Xbox™, and Microsoft Xbox 360™). At launch, WorldGaming.com will offer one-on-one challenges and multiplayer tournaments in a variety of games across multiple genres, from first-person shooters like Halo 3 and Resistance: Fall of Man, to the most popular sports titles, including Madden ’08, NBA Live, FIFA Soccer and many more – with new titles added regularly.

WorldGaming.com will also offer an unprecedented array of social networking features. Gamers will be able to create custom user profiles, add friends to their lists and build a robust gaming network. On the competitive side, features include a quick and easy challenge process, Automated Results Verification, Player Stat Tracking and dedicated game lobbies for each game title supported by WorldGaming.com. The Gamer Training Institute will allow players to hone their skills before wagering actual money on games, and when they’re ready to step up to the big leagues, the secure back-end payment technology, Community Reputation System and WorldGaming.com customer support team will ensure a safe and smooth experience.

"Playing videogames for money is not a new concept and has been going on in living rooms and dorms for years," said William Levy, president & co-founder, World Gaming. "WorldGaming.com is simply facilitating that idea online, which opens up the competitive gaming landscape in a massive way."

"I think every gamer has been fascinated with the allure of winning money by playing video games," said Zack Zeldin, vice-president & co-founder, World Gaming. “Whether it’s to tell Mom, ‘I told you so,’ or to go on and become the next world gaming champion, our community is about people who love gaming and have the skills to put their money where their game is!"

All tournaments and services offered through the WorldGaming.com platform are considered “Games of Skill.” Games of Skill are games in which the element of skill supersedes the element of chance, as opposed to traditional casino games where the element of chance supersedes the element of skill. WorldGaming.com is therefore not considered a gambling arena and is legal in more than 130 countries and the majority of the United States.

The WorldGaming.com beta sign-ups will continue until the official launch of the site in Q2 2008 at www.worldgaming.com.

About WorldGaming.com
Founded in 2006, WorldGaming.com is the premier online destination for console gamers to network and challenge other players from around the world in tournaments for REAL money. With an array of features including automated results verification, a secure payment backend, and a Community Reputation System, WorldGaming.com allows gamers to easily find and compete against other players in their favorite multiplayer games and guarantees the winners get paid. WorldGaming.com also offers robust social networking and community features with member pages, clan support, invitational tournaments, stats tracking, news, reviews, and more. For additional information, visit www.worldgaming.com.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 AVAILABLE NOW AT RETAILERS THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA

KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that Dynasty Warriors 6 is available now for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Consumers can find Dynasty Warriors 6 at the following retailers: Amazon.com, Best Buy, Circuit City, Game Crazy, Game Rush, GameStop, Gamefly, EB Games, and Wal-Mart.

About Dynasty Warriors 6
Selling over 15 million units combined worldwide, KOEI’s award-winning Dynasty Warriors series and Samurai Warriors series of Tactical Action games have become an astonishing success and are global phenomenon. With Dynasty Warriors 6, KOEI is reinventing the Tactical Action experience for the next generation.

Set in Ancient China during the 3rd century, Dynasty Warriors 6 immerses gamers in a truly cinematic kung-fu action experience. Celebrated characters have been completely re-imagined with new weapons and fighting techniques motion-captured from some of today’s leading stuntmen and women in Asia. With the game’s new “Renbu” attack system and game controls, players can execute lightning-fast combos and the most dazzling fighting moves with ease.

Developed from the ground up exclusively for next-generation platforms, the game’s proprietary engine delivers the most chaotic and challenging Tactical Action experience to date. Players can use the landscape to elude the thousands of soldiers swarming the battlefield. But as players move and attack, adaptable enemy A.I. devises offensive and defensive combat tactics, and can retaliate with packs of fierce hunting dogs and patrol boats. All of the explosive action comes to life in high definition, 60 frames per second (fps) graphics.

Based on the epic novel, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, Dynasty Warriors 6 depicts the massive battles ignited by the fall of the Han Dynasty when three rebellious states moved to overthrow the Emperor of China.

Created by KOEI’s Omega Force team, Dynasty Warriors 6 delivers breathtaking visuals in 720p HDTV, and in-game Dolby Digital audio. This game is rated “T” (Teen – Violence) by the ESRB. Dynasty Warriors 6 is for 1 to 2 players. Press can find assets (watermark-free) at gamespress.com. For the latest information on Dynasty Warriors 6, visit www.koei.com/dw6.

Championship Gaming Series Announces 2008 Schedule For Pan-Asian Region

Fresh from the unprecedented success of its inaugural 2007 season, Championship Gaming Series (CGS), the only worldwide professional video gaming league, today officially announced its 2008 schedule of events for the Pan-Asian Region.

The commencement of the 2008 season will build on the immense foundation laid last year, when CGS drafted 18 teams located on five continents, made high-definition broadcasts available to more than 350 million viewers worldwide, and crowned Chicago Chimera as the first-ever CGS World Champion at the $1 million CGS World Final in Los Angeles. CGS has redefined professional gaming and transformed it into a modern sport for the digital age.

Last year, CGS revolutionized competitive video gaming by launching the only worldwide professional gaming league and creating groundbreaking television programming distributed to a worldwide audience, said CGS Commissioner Andy Reif. Asia is an important region for us and the announcement of our Pan-Asian Final in Wuhan is the first of several exciting announcements to take place in the region.

General Managers from the six CGS Pan-Asian teams will soon begin evaluating their current team talent and commence the scouting and selection process for their 2008 team roster. The teams include Seoul Jinhwa, Wuhan Dragon, Singapore Sword, Sydney Underground, Dubai Mirage and Kuala Lumpur Taufan. Last year, Singapore Sword took the Pan-Asian Final as the six teams battled it out for dominance in Kuala Lumpur. This year, the teams will travel to Wuhan for the Pan-Asian Final, April 30-May 3. The top two finishers at the Pan-Asian Final will then compete against the world’s best teams at the CGS World Final.

In the 2008 season, each CGS team consists of ten athletes, each specializing in an official League game. Five of the ten players comprise a Counter-Strike: Source (CS:S) squad which competes in five-on-five matches. FIFA 08 is played one-on-one. Each CGS team also has a mixed-doubles team of two Dead or Alive 4 players, who will play against other teams in one-on-one matches on Xbox 360. Forza Motorsport 2 consists of two racers on each team competing in a two-versus-two format, also on Xbox 360.

CGS events are broadcast to more than 350 million viewers worldwide by DIRECTV's channel 101 in the U.S., BSkyB's Sky One, Sky Two and Sky HD in the UK, ESPN STAR Sports in Asia, Sky in Brazil and Mexico, and DIRECTV throughout the remainder of Latin America, and across Continental Europe via broadcast partners which will be announced shortly.

For more information, please go to thecgs.com

Revolution Returns To Mars In THQ's Groundbreaking Open World Shooter Red Faction: Guerrilla

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that Volition, Inc.’s critically acclaimed Red Faction franchise will make its open-world, next-generation debut with Red Faction: Guerrilla. Set 50 years after the climactic events of the original Red Faction, this third-person open-world action-shooter will return to Mars and once again re-define the limits of destruction-based game-play. Red Faction: Guerrilla is currently in development for Microsoft Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Sony PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, and Windows-based PC, and is scheduled to ship in THQ’s fiscal year 2009.

"Red Faction is one THQ’s most successful and critically acclaimed original franchises to date, with a huge global base of loyal fans waiting to join the new revolution," said Brad Carraway, director of global brand management, THQ. "With the game’s unique pairing of true physics-based destruction, fast-paced guerrilla warfare style combat, and a massive world to explore – Red Faction: Guerrilla will redefine the limits of open-world gaming.”

“Red Faction: Guerrilla expands the signature destruction elements of the series and pushes the boundaries of next-gen gaming on a massive, terra-formed Mars where gamers can literally tear down the enemy EDF presence brick by brick,” said Mike Kulas, president of Volition, Inc. ”With a new 3rd person perspective, a full cover system that allows for guerrilla style tactics and a diverse planet to explore we’re excited to revitalize the gripping world of Red Faction for high-definition platforms.”

About Red Faction: Guerrilla
Red Faction: Guerrilla is a 3rd person, open-world action shooter set on Mars, 50 years after the events of the original Red Faction. Players will take the role of an insurgent fighter with the newly re-established Red Faction movement as they battle for liberation from the oppressive Earth Defense Force. Throughout their fight for freedom, players will carve their own path, wreaking havoc across the vast, open-world environment of Mars, from the desolate mining outpost of Parker to the gleaming EDF capital city of Eos. Utilizing improvised weapons, explosives and re-purposed mining equipment and vehicles, Red Faction: Guerrilla allows players to tear through fully destructible environments in an unforgiving Martian landscape swarming with EDF forces, Red Faction resistance fighters, and the downtrodden settlers caught in the cross-fire. Red Faction: Guerrilla will also feature a robust multiplayer component, including several modes focused on destruction-based gameplay. Currently in development for Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PLAYSTATION 3, and Windows PC, Red Faction: Guerrilla is expected to ship to retailers worldwide in THQ’s fiscal year 2009.

Tramps Beware

SEGA Europe, Ltd. revealed that the official European website for Condemned 2 is currently live. The site provides an inside look into 2008’s scariest and most compelling game, exposing the twisted world of Ethan Thomas by giving fans access to screenshots, concept art, videos and more. Suitable for those with keen observation skills and a hankering for some bone-crushing brutality, the site can be found here: www.condemnedgame.com

Condemned 2, the next chapter in the terrifying series that began with the award-winning and critically-acclaimed Condemned: Criminal Origins, is a first-person action thriller which immerses players in a world of psychological terror. Featuring all-new fighting mechanics and online multiplayer functionality, Condemned 2 follows Ethan Thomas in a string of gruesome murders where players must use their deductive skills and brute force to track down sadistic serial killer. Developed by the renowned Monolith Productions, creators of the original Condemned game, Condemned 2 is slated to ship in March 2008 for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

For more information on Condemned 2 please visit www.condemnedgame.com. For Assets please visit www.sega-press.com.

Mario Kart and Wii Fit Nintendo launch dates announced

Wii owners, well those who actually buy additional games for their Wii Sports machine, have got a busy April to look forward to. Nintendo has announced that Mario Kart Wii will launch in Europe on the 11th April. The game comes bundled with the Wii Wheel, although the Wii remote and even a Gamecube controller can be used. The introduction of bikes and the ability to race with your Mii avatars offer some innovation, but let's hope the bikes work better than previous attempts to update the classic action. 11 player simultaneous online play is a welcome move while the Mario Kart channel - which launches with the game - will allow for rankings, leaderboards and downloads.
Less exciting, but possibly a bigger long term seller is Wii Fit. The fitness board is confirmed for release on the 25th April and likely to benefit from the word of mouth that helped the Wii do so well in 2007.

Source:Guardian Blog

Thanks to PS3, Sony enjoys spoils of format fracas

Sony's strategy of seeding the market with PlayStation 3 game consoles that came with Blu-ray Discs playback ability looks fairly prescient now, though it didn't at the time.

After a boffo market entrance--fans queuing up for days to buy the next-generation consoles--in late 2006, Sony had to deal with a lot of bad press for product shortages and the success of the Xbox 360, and the sudden popularity of the Wii from Nintendo. Blu-ray's inclusion in the PS3 was a major reason for product shortages and was responsible for the high price of the console.

Sony was able to claim in January 2007 that it had 1 million Blu-ray players sold. But those were largely PS3 sales. At the time, since the battle with HD DVD was still in full swing, it wasn't clear that Sony's strategy on Blu-ray had worked.

HD DVD's demise gives new perspective. Sony doesn't break out how many standalone players it has sold from the number of PS3s, but according to DisplaySearch shipment estimates, in the third quarter of 2007, Sony accounted for nearly 96 percent of Blu-ray devices worldwide. In conjunction with point-of-sale data collected by the NPD Group that shows Sony and Samsung collectively accounted for 87 percent of Blu-ray Disc standalone player sales in December alone, Sony is already the dominant player. Samsung is its closest competitor, but the royalties earned on manufacture of the discs and players give Sony much more room to be competitive.

Sony won't comment on any future business plans for the company, but it can now move full-speed ahead on its HD strategy in the living room, which it's been laying out over the last year or so.

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