Nintendo to introduce “Pay to Play” service for some online Wii games

Thus far, Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection service has been free for all games. But that's going to change in the future, at least for some games.

Nintendo project leader Takashi Aoyama revealed at GDC that Nintendo will be instituting a "Pay to Play" feature for some Wii games in the future.

This seems a bit strange, as Nintendo has always taken a firm stance in the past about their online service being completely free.

Fees will be paid for with Wii Points, and to avoid confusion, Pay to Play games will have a red icon instead of the blue "Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection" icon.

No specific games have been announced to use this service yet, but if I had to guess, I'd say that there's a fair chance that the next Animal Crossing game (if it features online) will use this service. It just seems like a perfect fit.

That's merely speculation on my part, though. One thing's for sure though. It'll be interesting to see how this service pans out for Nintendo.

Source: siliconera

Xbox LIVE Arcade Reveals Its Community's Pick for Best Games With Inaugural Awards at GDC

Xbox LIVE Arcade Reveals Its Community's Pick for Best Games With Inaugural Awards at GDC

At the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2008 today, Microsoft Corp. celebrated the success of its industry-leading Xbox LIVE Arcade platform with the inaugural Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards. In January, more than 26,000 people voted for their favourite Xbox LIVE Arcade games, and this week Microsoft announced the winners at a private developer reception at GDC.

The finalists in each award category were chosen by a panel of select industry journalists, and the winners for the first six categories were determined by popular vote, with the final four categories decided by sales and gameplay data, Metacritic score or staff vote. Following are the winners for each category:

Xbox LIVE Arcade Award Winners

• Best Overall Arcade Game: “Bomberman Live” (Hudson Entertainment)
• Best Classic Game: “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” (Konami Digital Entertainment)
• Best Original Game: “Pac-Man: Championship Edition” (NAMCO BANDAI Games)
• Best Family-Friendly Game: “Pac-Man: Championship Edition” (NAMCO BANDAI Games)
• Best Competitive Multiplayer Game: “Bomberman Live” (Hudson Entertainment)
• Best Cooperative Multiplayer Game: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (Ubisoft Entertainment)
• Best-Selling Game: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (Ubisoft Entertainment)
• Most-Played Game: “Worms” (Team17 Software Limited)
• Highest-Rated Game: “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” (Konami Digital Entertainment)
• Xbox LIVE Arcade Staff Choice: “Pac-Man: Championship Edition” (NAMCO BANDAI Games)
  

“The Xbox LIVE Arcade business is currently the strongest it’s ever been, thanks to the content provided by the diverse range of talented developers attached to the platform,” said Marc Whitten, general manager of Xbox LIVE at Microsoft. “The Game Developers Conference is the perfect venue to recognise the successes of Xbox LIVE Arcade developers, and as we move further into 2008, gamers can expect to see even more quality content land on Xbox LIVE Arcade.”

Xbox LIVE Arcade is 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.

In addition, the number of Xbox LIVE Arcade players has grown 145 percent since this time last year, and together players have logged more than 115 million gaming hours worldwide. The business as a whole has experienced a 150 percent year-over-year growth in unit sales.

With 14 Xbox LIVE Arcade games clocking in with a Metacritic score of 80 or higher and seven of those games available only on Xbox LIVE Arcade, the platform has established itself as the go-to source for quality pick-up-and-play gaming. There are currently more than 116 games available on Xbox LIVE Arcade, with new content added on Wednesdays.

Lost Sword Of Toledo – Now on sale in the UK

Kalypso Media Group are pleased to announce the adventure game "Agon – Lost Sword of Toledo" is now available in stores in the UK.

Also today, Kalypso Media release ten new screenshots from the game, showing picturesque settings in the Spanish town, as well as mysterious items and scenes to give an insight into the dark secrets of the Toledo locals to be investigated by the player and Professor Hunt.

Professor Samuel Hunt finds himself in the middle of another adventure in the latest episode of the Agon series. This time set in the peaceful and picturesque Spanish city of Toledo the British Professor will have to uncover many secrets that have been taken to the grave if he is to unravel the mystery and discover the location of the historical sword.

A mysterious music box, an iron door in the church that has not been opened for a hundred years, an unfinished painting, some strange letters and of course the fourth manuscript from the John Gillam Codex are found. But will the Lost Sword of Toledo be found?

"AGON: The Lost Sword Of Toledo" will be published by Kalypso Media Ltd in the UK on 22nd February 2008.

Why HD DVD Lost – 10.5 Million PS3 sold by Sony

There are sure to be different reasons why HD DVD failed to win the HD movie spat with Blu-ray but there’s no doubting that what the biggest was: 10.5 million PS3 consoles.

Recent sales figures show that 10.5 million PS3s with in-built Blu-ray drives have now sold worldwide. That does not include sales of dedicated Blu-ray players. When you compare that to estimated sales of just 1 million HD DVD players, you can see the scale of the problem the format faced. PS3 sales in the UK alone recently topped 1 million.

With the PS3 predicted to outsell the Xbox 360 in 2008 – no doubt aided somewhat by the end of HD DVD – it seems we’ll all be Blu, on one platform or another, by Christmas.

Source: Gizmodo

Microsoft XBox 360 HD DVD player discontinued - get it cheap

Microsoft issued a statement that it is discontinuing the XBox 360 HD DVD player.

This comes at no surprise after Sony's Blu-ray format won last week.

Microsoft could get a bit more official on this topic, as they have a responsibility towards their customers who paid $200 for the now worthless HD DVD drive.

In the statement there is no word about Blu-ray plans, only that Microsoft continues to give consumers the choice to enjoy digital distribution of high definition movies and TV shows directly to their living room.

We will see if the Xbox 360 is just a Halo 3 gaming device or if Microsoft can catch up to Sony's PS3 again in the living room media hub discipline.

The good news is that they'll still continue to support and repair your player based on the standard warranty, but chances are you'll get little future use out of that player now that no movies will be made for it.

What's still unclear is whether there will ever be a Blu-ray add-on to the 360 that's cheap enough to sell the Xbox + Blu-ray package at a comparable price to the PS3 ($399ish).

We're guessing that something along these lines will hit within the year.

Source: Gizmodo

CDV USA Video Game AGEOD's American Civil War

cdv Software Entertainment USA, a leading publisher of strategy gaming titles in North America, today announced a publishing agreement for AGEOD’s American Civil War: 1861-1865 – The Blue and the Gray. Previously only available to North American consumers via limited digital distribution, AGEOD's American Civil War - The Blue and the Gray will allow players to re-enact key battles of the American Civil War in a detailed and historically accurate setting. For more information, please visit http://www.cdvus.com.

AGEOD’s American Civil War: 1861-1865 – The Blue and the Gray is a historical war game that places players at the head of the United States or the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Players take on the roles of military and political leaders trying to lead their factions to military, political or economic victory during five historic years that divided the nation. Players must organize their military forces, all while managing supply and morale as they plan actions over land, sea and by rail. The game consists of challenging scenarios, campaigns and grand campaigns, all played out on the largest American Civil War map ever created for a game.

Strategy gaming fans will face a daunting challenge in this historically authentic title created by Philippe Thibaut, renowned designer of the award-winning Europa Universalis, Pax Romana and Birth of America.

Street Gangs launches on Wii virtual console

Take On The Street This Week With Virtual Console

Get ready to street fight this week as Street Gangs™ launches on Virtual Console. Follow high school students Alex and Ryan on their quest across River City to rescue Ryan’s girlfriend, Cyndi, from a gang hideout at River City High. This urgent journey sees them battle student groups such as the ‘Frat Boys’ and ‘Jocks’ and take on mini-bosses who get in their way. First released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991, this beat ‘em up role playing combo allows players to move freely around the screen executing an array of street fighting moves. Collect cash from defeated gang members to buy improved abilities and special items such as new shoes, books and health snacks! Only for the truly tough, Street Gangs™ is available on this week’s Virtual Console for 500 Wii Points.

If you’re in the mood for something more tropical this week, venture into treacherous territory as Adventure Island™ comes to Virtual Console! First seen on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992, this side-scrolling, action-packed title sees players lured onto the dangerous Adventure Island. In the role of Master Higgins, whose girlfriend has been kidnapped by a treacherous Witch Doctor, players must carefully navigate perilous forests and monster infested caves. Grabbing items as they travel around the island to top up decreasing energy levels, players must call upon all their skill and chart their way through eight exciting worlds! Not for the faint hearted, Adventure Island™ is available to download this week for 500 Wii Points.

Virtual Console offers users the ultimate retro gaming experience. This week’s titles join the list of 189 classic titles already available for Virtual Console in Europe.

IMPORT REAL LIFE SATELLITE MAPS AND CREATE SPECTACULAR CITIES WITH City Life 2008 Edition

City Life 2008 Edition Populates Stores Today

IMPORT REAL LIFE SATELLITE MAPS AND CREATE SPECTACULAR CITIES WITH FAMOUS LANDMARKS

City Life 2008 Edition, the latest version of the popular City Life series is released today by Ascaron. Design, build and maintain magnificent cities, importing real life satellite maps and famous landmarks to create an urban paradise.

The game features a variety of environments on which to base each city. Build residences, industries and businesses and watch the population grow. With total freedom of construction, there are limitless options for designing an entirely new civilisation and watching it thrive. Get it wrong and it could self-destruct.

A successful city is built on a balanced economy with happy citizens. To achieve this, all six sociocultural groups must be attracted to the city, from the wealthy ‘Elite’ to the impoverished ‘Have-Nots’. Make sure all six groups live in harmony to avoid violent clashes. Use the 360° camera rotation and zoom functions to dive into a city and walk its streets, observing the inhabitants and their daily dramas.

Ensure there are essential local services for the citizens by building industries for employment as well as ample recreational areas for leisure time. Environments also have to be safe and free from pollution so watch the location of industries and provide plenty of police stations. A clean and safe environment will make a city run smoothly. Unhappiness will only lead to violence and discord.

Fast facts:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment
Web: www.Ascaron.com
Developer: Monte Cristo
Release date: 22nd February 2008
RRP: £19.99
PEGI: 7+
Format: PC
Genre: Simulation

RUN YOUR OWN TV CHANNEL AND EXPERIENCE THE WORLD OF SHOWBUSINESS WITH TV GIANT

TV Giant Released Today!

RUN YOUR OWN TV CHANNEL AND EXPERIENCE THE WORLD OF SHOWBUSINESS WITH TV GIANT

TV Giant, the PC game that allows you to experience an exciting career in the world of television, is available to buy in stores today.

An opportunity has arisen to become the boss of a brand new television channel, and TV Giant is looking for the right person to take on this important role. The job is challenging, and requires important decisions to be made, strong management skills and a creative approach to a fast moving industry.

Have you got what it takes?

Job requirements include hiring and firing presenters, planning the program schedule, creating new programs, managing advertisements and improving viewing figures. The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in broadcast media, a strict approach to poor quality programming and presenting, possess a wide knowledge of what the viewing public wants, and a competitive attitude to rival traditional television companies.

As the boss, you must make certain your channel is everyone’s favourite. Your choices must keep the audience happy and the viewing figures high. Whatever you decide, make sure rival channels don’t steal your popularity and your viewing public. If you lose the ratings war you will lose your job. Welcome to show business!

If you think you’re up to the job, visit www.tvgiant-thegame.com to find out more.


Fast facts:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment (UK) / Nobilis
Web: www.tvgiant-thegame.com
Developer: Nobilis
Release date: 22nd February 2008
Price: £19.99
PEGI: 3+
Format: PC
Genre: Simulation

Imperium Romanum and AGON The Lost Sword of Toledo now live

Imperium Romanum and AGON The Lost Sword of Toledo now live

GamersGate announced today that Imperium Romanum and AGON The Lost Sword of Toledo are now live and available for direct download on GamersGate.

Imperium Romanum is the much-awaited sequel to best seller Glory of the Roman Empire. In the game, players will take on the role of a governor of a Roman province and strive to build a well-organised, prosperous and commanding settlement.

Features include:
- History mode with timeline, where missions are based on real events and locations
- Interactive mission mode: the players activate the goals when they choose
- Improved battle system where players commands their own armies
- Player-constructible bridges, fortifications, walls, towers and gates
- Introduction of currency, crime, historically accurate buildings, natural disasters, and siege machines
- New interface design, and improved economy and overview dialogues

The Lost Sword of Toledo is the second game and 4th episode in the AGON adventure series. It follows the quest of Prof. Samuel Hunt as he gets entangled in a complex hunt for the Lost Sword of Toledo. Help him solve the mystery as he's confronted by mysteries, family revenge, black magic, lost bets, thrilling intrigues and much more.

Read more about Imperium Romanum: http://www.gamersgate.com/index.php?page=product&what=view&sku=DD-IR

Read more about AGON The Lost Sword of Toledo: http://www.gamersgate.com/index.php?page=product&what=view&sku=DD-TOLEDO

To find out more about GamersGate, please go to http://www.gamersgate.com or contact pr@gamersgate.com.