Record breaking games sales

Games Industry Applauds Latest Record Breaking Sales Figures; Government Urged To Offer Further Support

Trade body ELSPA welcomes Q1 games sales but implores Government to lend greater support for one of the UK's most successful industries

Following the announcement that the UK video games market hit a new all-time high for its first quarter results, ELSPA (the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) has called on Government to significantly increase its support for one of the UK's most successful entertainment industries. The figures, released in a report just published by analysts ChartTrack on behalf of ELSPA, which monitors the UK games industry’s retail sales by providing official statistics on its business, revealed that retailers have turned over £418.4million across all software for the period 30th December to 29th March, with 17.89million units sold. Video games and home office software were up a third in value compared to last year’s figures of £317million market value and unit sales 15.62million.

Nintendo again proved to be the biggest winner by securing 37 per cent of all unit sales for Wii and DS games with the PC and Xbox 360 notching up third and fourth place respectively. Sega’s Mario and Sonic at the Olympics sold the most units over first quarter period.

The interactive entertainment industry has already financially exceeded such well-established entertainment industries as film box office, television and music and is rapidly closing in on home DVD sales. As has been the case for several years, prospects for the UK development and publishing sector are tougher now than ever, lacking as they do the sort of tax breaks and other financial incentives afforded to their counterparts in countries such as France and Canada (and offered for film production in the UK).

Paul Jackson, Director General of ELSPA, said: "We are thrilled to see the industry continue to grow at such a rapid rate and video game sales continuing to rise. This period has seen more innovative and family-friendly titles doing well and it is clear that consumers of all ages have been lining up to buy them. But this only paints one side of the picture, however.

“The UK continues to blaze a trail in terms of creativity yet over the last few years it is becoming apparent that some talent is being lured away by more attractive prospects overseas. As it stands, the UK is already down to fourth place from third as the world’s creative centre for games. It is time the Government recognised the massive financial contribution we make to the UK economy, especially when compared to the film, TV and music industries today. We call for a level playing field in terms of incentive and support. We would like to see a pledge from the Government that encourages investment in our development studios and talent at home.”

Midway Unveils Mortal Kombat v DC Universe

Worlds Collide As Midway Unveils Mortal Kombat v DC Universe

A Pair of Billion-Dollar Franchises Collide as MK Warriors Battle DC Superheroes for the First Time Ever

Midway Games, a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, today announced Mortal Kombat v DC Universe, licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. When a cataclysmic force merges conquerors from two universes, conflict is inevitable. Kombat forces friends to fight, worlds to collide, and unlikely alliances to be forged. In order to save all they know, the heroes and villains of Mortal Kombat must wage war against the combined might of the DC Universe (DCU). How can either side prevail when rage blinds them to the dark threat poised to destroy them all?

For the first time ever Scorpion, Sub Zero and the warriors from Midway's billion-dollar fighting franchise face off against Batman, Superman and other iconic and powerful DC Super Heroes, featuring signature attacks for both sides and a unique and intertwining storyline, written as a collaboration between the Mortal Kombat creative team and top comic scribes Jimmy Palmiotti (Painkiller Jane, Marvel Nights, Jonah Hex, 21 Down) and Justin Gray (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, JLA Classified, Punisher Red X-Mas, The Resistance) MK v DCU is slated to ship for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in Fall 2008.

"It is a truly unique and extremely exciting effort to be teaming up with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics for the first Mortal Kombat game on next generation platforms," said Ed Boon, co-creator and executive producer for Mortal Kombat at Midway Amusement Games. "The DC Universe characters are some of the most popular and enduring characters in the world. By combining them with the Mortal Kombat mythology, all new gameplay modes and features, plus a completely unique storyline crafted by top comic writers, players will now be able to answer the question: what would happen if Batman fought Sub Zero?"

"Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe will provide a wide audience of fans and gamers match-ups of their favorite characters in battles like they've never experienced before," said Scott Johnson, Vice President, Business Development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "Midway's new Mortal Kombat gameplay paired with DC Comics' popular characters will offer players a multitude of combat options and incredible face offs."

"For the first time, players will be able to go toe to toe with DC and MK characters in both arena and story mode," said John Nee, Senior Vice President, Business Development for DC Comics. "We've worked very closely with Midway to bring an authentic DCU flavor to their Kombat and the result features our characters like they've never been seen before."


About MK v DCU

For the first time ever Scorpion, Sub-Zero and the Mortal Kombat warriors battle with Batman, Superman and other popular DC Universe Super Heroes. Choose your side and challenge your opponents with a new fighting system including Freefall Kombat and Klose Kombat along with dynamic multi-tiered environments. Plus, pick your favorite character from MK or DCU and pursue a fighting adventure in the new single player mode with an intertwined storyline and two unique perspectives.

In development at Midway Amusement Games in Chicago, Mortal Kombat v DC Universe is not yet rated by PEGI or ESRB.

Unreal Tournament 3 coming to Xbox 360 this Summer

Midway And Epic Games Announce Unreal Tournament 3 Coming To Xbox 360 This Summer

Award-Winning and Top-Selling Epic Franchise Brings New Characters and Content to Xbox 360

Midway Games, a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, and world renowned developer Epic Games Inc., today announced that the highly anticipated and award-winning, first-person shooter Unreal Tournament 3 is scheduled to ship for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in Summer 2008. Utilizing Epic's world class Unreal Engine 3, Unreal Tournament 3 will feature two new characters, five new expansive maps and split screen capability, all exclusive to Xbox 360. Unreal Tournament 3 has already shipped more than one million units worldwide for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.

"We're very excited to be bringing Unreal Tournament 3 to Xbox 360," said Mark Rein, vice president, Epic Games. "Whether playing against our fantastic AI 'bots' or playing online with friends over Xbox LIVE, UT3 is a great fast-paced game with spectacular environments, weaponry and vehicles. Its comprehensive multiplayer offerings are truly going to shine on Xbox LIVE."

"We are extremely happy to expect to put Unreal Tournament 3 in the hands of Xbox 360 owners this summer," said Mona Hamilton, vice president of marketing, Midway Home Entertainment. "The PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC versions have shipped over a million units worldwide thus far, and soon Xbox 360 owners will be able to experience FPS action at its best with Unreal Tournament 3, complete with new characters, new maps and split screen capability."

Unreal Tournament 3 is currently available worldwide for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows-based PC.

Majesty 2 – The Fantasy Kingdom Sim announced

- A legend returns...

Globally renowned publisher Paradox Interactive, is proud to announce that, having acquired the license for the much loved Majesty brand, will be releasing a long hoped for sequel in 2009.

Majesty 2 – The Fantasy Kingdom Sim will focus on reinventing many aspects of the original game, updating the franchise for the 21st Century. A key element that will permeate the game is the charm and humor of the original Majesty.

"This is by far the biggest release from Paradox to date and it is sure to become one of the most anticipated titles of 2009", said Fredrik Wester, Executive Vice President for Paradox Interactive. "Our aim is to release a fantastic game that not only encourages existing fans to renew their passion for the series, but also to reach out to the broader gaming community that has grown so much since the original was released", he continued.

"It's the height of any developers dream to work with such a cherished Triple A franchise with so many fans worldwide and such a unique position in the gaming industry", said Alexey Kozyrev, CEO 1C:Ino-Co. "As a team we have reached the level of skills and acknowledgement in the international arena to be worthy of such a task."

Majesty 2 – The Fantasy Kindom Sim is scheduled for release during Q1 2009 for the PC platform.

About Majesty 2 – The Fantasy Kingdom Sim

Majesty the game has sold millions of copies worldwide and made true believers out of a whole generation of RTS gamers. Paradox Interactive and 1C:Ino-Co studios are now teaming up for the sequel in this beloved series and promises to take the wishes of existing and future fans into consideration.

Majesty 2 – The Fantasy Kingdom Sim will follow closely in the footsteps of the original game as well as bringing all key elements up to date. The charm and humor that made fans out millions of gamers worldwide will remain at the core of the title along with the indirect control aspect of the game.

Ghost in the Sheet available in digital delivery - Europe only

Ghost in the Sheet available in digital delivery

Adventure Productions – the Adventure’s Planet publishing brand – is pleased to announce that the adventure game Ghost in the Sheet – The Secret of Sector Omega, developed by Cardboard Box Entertainment, is finally available in digital delivery (expect for North America and Canada). The game is already available on http://www.adventuregameshop.com at the special price of € 14.90.

Ghost in the Sheet is a point’n’click adventure game based upon a highly original story about a ghost who finds out that the Afterlife is not nearly as fun as it sounds. Having met your new and rather unpleasant astral boss, you embark on an adventure to an abandoned factory with the goal of finding out what happened there.

INFO
Genre: Black Comedy
Platform: PC
Support: CD
Release Date: 2007
Language: Full English
Official Website: www.ghostinthesheet.com

FEATURES

• High resolution graphics with detailed animations to immerse the player
• Gripping storyline garnished with black comedy ‘afterlife’ style
• A RPG-like skill learning system – as the player progresses through the game, he learns new paranormal skills which are vital for future adventures
• Skills range from the conventional paranormal Telekinesis to obscure skills like Scary Sound
• Nonlinear gameplay that allows the player to freely roam the factor while solving a variety of puzzles in any order
• Music and sound design are seamlessly integrated into the game – enhancing gameplay and creating an enthralling, engaging atmosphere
• Humorous and entertaining minigames integrated into the gameplay
• No dying, mazes, slider puzzles, or timed sequences that can needlessly frustrate
• NPCs who reveal hints for puzzles and provide intriguing back-story
• Comic style cutscenes to supplement the plot

City of Heroes Issue 12 - Midnight Hour

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NCsoft Europe unveil a selection of new screenshots for City of Heroes Issue 12 - Midnight Hour. The images showcases the new Villain Epic Archetypes, known collectively as the Soldiers of Arachnos.

Mystic Meg's Palm Reader - goes mobile

Mystic Meg Goes Mobile

AMA announce the launch of Mystic Meg's Palm Reader – a unique and interactive palm reading mobile gaming application.

The interactive game is split into five sections –

Palm Reader – gives a personal palm reading, based on the analysis of the user’s palm lines, mounts, hand shapes, finger types and thumbs.
Tell a Friend – this feature helps the user practise palm reading and encourages them to share the new knowledge with friends. By analysing each palm reading area, the user will begin to understand the complex and mystical subject.
Coffee Reader – an interactive feature in which fortune telling is done by interpreting the signs and symbols found in the virtual coffee cup.
Bocca della Verita – a daily fortune-telling tool giving the user short predictions about luck, love and money.
Puzzle – the brain busting feature contains four images that the user has to reassemble on three levels of difficulty.

Mystic Meg is a renowned astrologer and one of the most well-known fortune tellers in the UK. Her appearances on BBC Lottery Live Show, best-selling book titles and a regular horoscope column for The Sun and News Of The World ensure she is household name.

Mystic Meg says, “The secrets of your personality, love life and destiny are in the palm of your hand.”

“Our aim is to deliver a unique and interactive experience for the user whilst at the same time introducing a new skill or knowledge. Mystic Meg’s Palm Reader begins to explore the fascinating subject of fortune telling through a variety of different features,” says Christian Guillemot, CEO of AMA.
Mystic Meg’s Palm Reader is available in the UK since March 2008

DC Comics And Epic Games Announce Plans For Comic Book Series Based On Hit - Gears Of War - Video Game Franchise

DC Comics And Epic Games Announce Plans For Comic Book Series Based On Hit 'Gears Of War' Video Game Franchise

DC Comics, the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world, in partnership with Epic Games, Inc., announced plans today to publish a comic book series based on the hugely popular action video game franchise Gears of War. The series is slated to debut from DC’s WildStorm publishing imprint in October. More details about the series, including the creative team, will be released at a later date.

The winner of over 30 Game of the Year awards, Gears of War for Xbox 360 and PC features amazing tactical action and multiplayer excitement. The plot thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind’s epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet. Gears of War 2, which continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and retribution, is the sequel to the blockbuster game that sold over 4.5 million copies and redefined the third-person tactical action game genre. Gears of War 2 is being developed exclusively for Xbox 360 and will launch this November.

“We are thrilled to be working with DC Comics to further bring to life the Gears of War universe. A lot of our developers are huge comic fans, and have loved the personas and chronicles unique to DC Comics since childhood,” said Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. “The Gears of War storyline and characters that millions of gamers have come to cherish will be a perfect fit under the WildStorm imprint.”

“Big guns and monsters — what a perfect comic book for WildStorm! We have an opportunity to work closely with Epic to add to the canon of the Gears of War mythos, so you can imagine how excited we all are, said Hank Kanalz, VP – General Manager, WildStorm. “Epic sets the bar very high, in graphics, story, and gameplay — and expect no less from our series, starting with our lead-in arc that fills in the gaps between the first game and the upcoming sequel.”

Fallout 3 Collector's Edition now available for Windows and PlayStation 3

Bethesda Softworks Announces Fallout 3 Collector's Edition

Fallout 3 Collector's Edition to be Available Worldwide

Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, officially announced today that it will release a special Fallout 3 collector’s edition worldwide for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows, and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The limited collector’s edition is available for pre-order through participating retailers.

This premium Fallout 3 package, presented in a customized, metal Vault-Tec lunch box, includes the highly-anticipated game, a collectible 5” Vault-Tec Vault Boy Bobblehead, ‘The Art of Fallout 3’ hardcover book, featuring never-before-seen concept art and commentary from Bethesda Game Studios artists, and ‘The Making of Fallout 3’ DVD that includes an inside look at Bethesda Game Studios and the team behind the game.

“We’re very excited about this collector’s edition and believe it truly offers gamers an amazing mix of unique items from the Fallout universe, combined with a great behind-the-scenes look at what goes into developing such an immense title,” said Vlatko Andonov, president of Bethesda Softworks.



Fallout 3 features one of the most realized game worlds ever created. Create any kind of character you want and explore the open wastes of post-apocalyptic Washington, D.C. Every minute is a fight for survival as you encounter Super Mutants, Ghouls, Raiders, and other dangers of the Wasteland.

Currently under development at Bethesda Game Studios – creators of award winning The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the 2006 Game of the Year – Fallout 3 is one of the most anticipated games of 2008 and is slated for release this Fall on Xbox 360, Games for Windows, and PLAYSTATION 3 system.

Ace Combat games sell over 5 million copies

ACE COMBAT SERIES SURPASSES 10 MILLION UNITS SOLD WORLDWIDE

Ace Combat 5 Surpasses One Million Units Sold as Leading Flight-Action Series Soars Past Worldwide Sales Milestone

Leading video games developer and publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S announced today that the Ace Combat™ series has surpassed 10 million units sold worldwide. Fueled by consistently entertaining and accessible gameplay as well as cutting-edge graphics, the series has remained a critical and commercial smash hit since its introduction in 1995.

Debuting in Europe with Air Combat for the PSOne, the Ace Combat series spans eight releases across four platforms. The latest game in the Ace Combat series, Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation, was released for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in November 2007. Featuring photorealistic HD graphics and online play via Xbox LIVE, the game introduced the franchise to an all-new generation of players while redefining the boundaries of flight-action for longtime fans.

Ace Combat 6 is currently available in stores for the Xbox 360 for a suggested retail price of €69.99.