Sony PlayStation 3 as a Dynamic In-Game Ad Platform

The introduction of dynamic in-game advertising on PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3). Marketers interested in placing advertisements in games for PS3 or publishers with available in-game space for advertisements are able to engage through advertisement distribution partners, with IGA Worldwide selected as PS3’s first partner. This partnership will serve to bolster the already rapidly growing worldwide in-game advertising industry, which is expected to grow 1,150 percent to $971.3 million between 2006 and 2011 according to the Yankee Group.

“The PS3 platform is primed to leverage the high growth potential of the in-game advertising market,” said Phil Rosenberg, Senior Vice President, SCEA. “Ads that are organic to the environment not only benefit developers and advertisers, but also create a richer experience for gamers.”

“PLAYSTATION 3 is undoubtedly the prime opportunity for the in-game advertising industry,” said Justin Townsend, CEO, IGA Worldwide. “Through this partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment, IGA can provide advertisers with a large and valuable global user base of 16-35 year old consumers with disposable income. With our standardized awareness-building advertising formats being delivered directly into people’s living rooms while they play, there are great opportunities for advertisers looking to engage through an entertainment medium outside of the traditional TV spot.”

PS3 provides advertisers with a direct avenue to reach the highly targeted, sought after gaming demographic, and has sold more than 12.5M units worldwide. DFC Intelligence forecasts that sales for the current generation of game systems will pass the 180 million mark by 2011, therefore, reiterating the potential for the in-game advertising market.

Backtrack and virtual training center featured in Madden NFL 09

EA SPORTS BackTrack and the Virtual Training Center Play Key Role in the First Sports Game That Adapts to You

Within the 85 plus new features and enhancements in Madden NFL 09, EA SPORTS BackTrack and the Virtual Training Center allow the gamer to have a unique gameplay experience each time they load up the game. Both Madden NFL veterans and casual gamers new to the franchise can utilize these two features to be competitive in Madden NFL 09 and also improve their overall football knowledge, regardless of their initial skill level.

The Virtual Training Center is a new interactive tutorial mode, set in a holographic environment that aims at teaching gamers fundamental concepts about football strategy and how to use the controls in quick, fun and stylized drills. After players complete these drills, a Madden IQ score is given, and their “My Skills” difficulty settings are automatically set based on their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout their Madden NFL career, the all-new Adaptive Difficulty Engine will continually tailor the difficulty settings as the gamers’ Madden IQ score evolves.

EA SPORTS BackTrack is a new replay learning tool imbedded within the game that dissects plays and shows the player what they should have done in certain circumstances. When a mistake is made, Cris Collinsworth will breakdown where the user went wrong and what they could have done better. For advanced players, EA SPORTS BackTrack will give more technical information such as the play calls that were made and the success rates of the play.

Madden NFL 09 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the best-selling and most critically-acclaimed videogame franchises of all time, and the game will feature adaptable gameplay tailored to every type of gamer, online enhancements and a broadcast style presentation delivering an authentic NFL experience. Madden NFL 09 will be available in stores across North America on August 12.

The graphical enhancements of Madden NFL 09 are extremely impressive and bring the emotion of NFL football to life. Madden NFL 09 features amazing detail to stadiums, weather effects, player models and a whole host of other elements.

Madden NFL 09 will be available for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStationPortable) handheld entertainment system and is rated E by the ESRB.

Attached are two videos showcasing EA SPORTS BackTrack and Virtual Trainer as well as some screenshots. These assets can be downloaded from the FTP site (instructions below).

For more information, please visit www.madden09.com.

Dokapon Kingdom - The Friendship-Destroying RPG Game on Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 2

Have Friendships? Let Atlus Ruin Them With Party RPG Dokapon Kingdom

The Friendship-Destroying Game for Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 2

Dokapon Kingdom, an addictive new multi player RPG for Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. The King of Dokapon has offered you his throne; all he asks for in return is that you dispose of an invading horde of thieving monsters. Trouble is - you’re not the only one he asked. Contend with up to three friends as you navigate play fields littered with challenges, monsters to defeat, and rare secrets to unlock. Warning: Relationship counselling not included.

Dokapon Kingdom is currently scheduled for release on October 14th, 2008.

Visit the official Dokapon Kingdom website: http://www.atlus.com/dokapon

Key Features

• Innovative board game-RPG crossover – Tired of shallow gameplay in party games? The genre gets retooled in this exuberant mix of role playing and board games! Encounter zany characters, collect rare items, and explore a fascinating kingdom on your quest to vanquish monsters, gather treasure, and level up!
• The friendship-destroying game – Turn the heat up on your rivalries! Take on up to three other soon-to-be-ex-friends in the race for Princess Penny and the crown. Battle, steal, deface – playing dirty is the name of the game – through a variety of locales and challenges. After your friendships are broken, the game is just as much fun to play alone.
• Never the same game twice – Tons of battles, magic spells, mini-games, and multiple play modes add up to endless re-playability!
• Easy, intuitive, and effective combat system – This is no boring game of hack-and-slash. Players covertly choose their actions in an intuitive battle interface that guarantees every fight will surprise.

Bionic Commando - Fact Sheet

Bionic Commando - Fact Sheet

Arm yourself! The 20 year wait is over as Bionic Commando swings back into action on Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and PC this autumn. The first true sequel to the classic 1988 Nintendo Entertainment System original, Bionic Commando sees the return of the bionically-enhanced Nathan "R.A.D." Spencer. Time has not been kind to Spencer: Five years after his heroic defeat of the Imperials, he has been betrayed by the government he swore to serve, imprisoned for crimes he didn't commit, and sentenced to death.

On the very day of Spencer's execution, terrorists detonate a massive experimental weapon in Ascension City, unleashing an intense earthquake that has turned the city into rubble and wiped out its population. With the terrain in ruins and the city's air defense grid now in the control of a massive terrorist force whose goal remains unclear, the FSA have only one option left - a behind-the-lines assault.

It’s the perfect job for a Bionic Commando.

Bionic Commando transposes the much loved swing-and-shoot gameplay of the 8-bit original onto a stunning 3D environment of towering buildings, suspended roadways and monorails, deep canyons and sheer rock faces, which are traversed using swinging, scaling, climbing and wall-walking techniques.

NEWS JUST IN VIA THE COMMUNICATOR . . .
Alongside its compelling single player campaign, Bionic Commando will include a fully-fledged multiplayer mode which will be the first online multiplayer game to truly feature an advanced wire mechanic to swing from platform to platform while pursuing your opponents. Players will need to utilize all the skills honed in single player such as Zip Kick, Death from Above and Adrenaline attacks to show the true power of a Bionic Commando. Naturally the game will feature group match-making and in depth stat tracking.

Features:

Use the bionic arm to swing between towering skyscrapers at breathtaking speed, hook onto distant objects, zip up on hanging girders and choose your own route through the game


Gameplay that moves through horizontal and vertical environments - a 3D game that truly uses all three dimensions Full multiplayer mode with rich stat-tracking to check whether you’re a true commando or a lowly private


Use the power of the bionic arm - and of next-gen physics - to realistically throw massive objects, pummel opponents, whip enemies into the air, or pull the landscape apart


Arm yourself with a variety of weapons worthy of a Bionic Commando


Starring Mike Patton, the former lead singer of Faith No More, as the voice of Nathan Spencer


Developed by Swedish studio GRIN, developers of the highly acclaimed Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter series for PC

Dark Void - Fact Sheet

Dark Void - Fact Sheet

Dark Void is a new sci-fi action-adventure game that combines an adrenaline-fuelled blend of aerial and on-foot combat set in a parallel universe called “The Void”. Players will take on the role of Will; a pilot dropped into incredible circumstances while on a routine air cargo flight crashes in the Bermuda triangle leading him to be trapped in the Void. This unlikely hero soon finds himself swept into a desperate struggle for survival at the head of a group called The Survivors. Trapped in the Void, these resistance fighters are battling to hold off a mysterious alien race that plans to threaten Earth.

Dark Void’s unique combination of in-air and on-ground combat creates a thrilling new gameplay dynamic to the third-person shooter experience. Taking 3D action to a whole new level, Dark Void’s vertical combat system allows players to dangle from thousand foot drops as they take cover and drop enemies from above and below, bringing a whole new sense of vulnerability and thrill to the player. Defying gravity in vertical combat is only half the battle as, over time, Will is upgraded to a powerful rocket pack which allows for fierce in-air combat as gamers are able to fly through the void at unparallel speeds shooting down anything that gets in their path. Blasting away at massive bosses has never been this much fun as Dark Void offers a unique grip system made up of a variety of grip-based mini-games including skyjacking UFOs mid-flight.

Sci-Fi Action-Adventure combines aerial and on-foot combat for unparallel 3D third-person shooter experience


Gravity-defying vertical combat system where moving up is the only way to bring your enemies down


Unique grip system that allows the players to scale walls jumping from surface to surface or hijack UFO’s while in mid-air


Explosive hover and rocket pack and special in-air moves allow players to fly with reckless abandon while performing hair-raising stunts


The Void- a mind-bending parallel world where an evil alien race called, “The Watchers” are waiting…


Mysterious thought-provoking storyline based on conspiracy theory and strange phenomenon


Main character, Will, is a regular pilot turned unlikely superhero in a wild ride to save humanity

Neopets Puzzle Adventure - Fact Sheet

The world of Neopets is coming to Nintendo platforms and the PC! Capcom has teamed up with Infinite Interactive, the developers that brought gamers the Puzzle Quest games, and Nickleodeon to bring this engaging virtual world to the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PC with Neopets Puzzle Adventure. Set to launch on these three systems this holiday season, Neopets Puzzle Adventure is like the classic game of Reversi and Go with a unique Neopets spin and combined with many fun mini-games. For the first time, Neopets fans will be able to earn secret codes in the DS, Wii or PC game that they can redeem on Neopets.com for exclusive virtual items and accessories!

Appealing to both casual gamers and Neopets fans, Neopets Puzzle Adventure is the only multi-platform puzzle adventure game based on the popular virtual community. For the Neopets fan, Neopets Puzzle Adventure is a must-have game with its intuitive “pick up and play” gameplay, new never-before-seen areas in the Neopets universe to explore and the opportunity to redeem codes for exclusive virtual items at Neopets.com.

The game board itself resembles a chess board, while the gameplay takes the principles of Reversi and Go, and adds new twists that take the adventure to unexpected levels. The goal is to turn all of the chips on the board to your Neopet’s color.

Neopets.com is a global community with an active virtual economy based on caring and rasing virtual pets, collecting Neopoints, and taking part in daily and weekly creativity contests, discussion boards, quests and thousands of virtual items. It’s called the “stickiest site on the web,” with it’s Tweener audience spending an average of three hours per week on the website. With an in-depth and exciting storyline based on the world of Neopets, and an entire virtual world to explore, Neopets Puzzle Adventure is the ultimate puzzle-adventure game for players everywhere.

Neopets Puzzle Adventure will generate codes that can be redeemed for unique items on the Neopets.com website


Choose and customize one of 12 Neopets to be your central character in the story


Travel through three Lands of Neopia as you experience an epic story with more than 150 quests in the single-player game


“Co-operative” and “Head-to-Head” multiplayer matches


Collect 150 “PetPets” for extra abilities and earn 30 special Awards for completing missions


Collect over 300 items, recipes and treasures, many of which can be equipped on your pet to provide useful bonuses

Spyborgs - Fact Sheet

Spyborgs Fact Sheet

Your favorite Saturday morning cartoon explodes to life in Spyborgs! A new, action title exclusively for the Nintendo Wii, Spyborgs allows players to take on the identities of a diverse team of five bionic superspies in a fight to save the world from a group of dastardly super villains. Wii gamers will be saving the day when Spyborgs launches in Spring 2009.

The first title developed by Bionic Games, a newly-formed development team comprised of former Insomniac Games and High Impact developers (known for their work on hugely popular franchises Ratchet and Clank and Resistance: Fall of Man), Spyborgs is a unique action-adventure game set in a stylish world that resembles your favourite Saturday morning cartoon. Engaging players in team-based challenges designed to utilize 2-player co-op play, Spyborgs takes the theme of “team” to a whole new level of fun. In Single-player mode the “team” theme continues as players jump from one member of the superspies’ team to the next, rapidly tackling different challenges designed around each character’s unique abilities. Fast, addictive gameplay, unique controls offered by the Wii remote, and a humorous storyline that refuses to take itself too seriously, Spyborgs will provide players with a dynamic and fresh gaming experience like no other.

Players jump between the identities of a team of five bionic superspies to combat a rogue squad of wacky, dysfunctional super villains.

• Your favorite Saturday morning cartoon come to life: tone, visuals and quick episodic themed gameplay reminiscent of your favorite cartoons growing up!
  
• Each character has a unique power to match their superspy skills, such as heavy firepower, bladed weapons, acrobatic skateboarding skills, pure robotic destruction and more!
  
• Created by Bionic Games, a hot new development team made up of former Insomniac and High Impact developers known for their work on hugely popular franchises like Ratchet and Clank and Resistance: Fall of Man.
  
• Teamwork is one of the key elements of the game: this team of misfits seem like an unlikely group by themselves, but when thrown together and topped off with a few bionic enhancements they become the ultimate superspy dream-team, set to save the world!
  
• Designed for either single player action or 2-player co-op play, Spyborgs takes the theme of team outside the game and into your living room.
  
• Playable wild and wacky “commercials” are transformed into mini-games that bring humour and additional fun to the fast-paced gameplay.
  

Resident Evil 5 - Fact Sheet

Resident Evil 5 Fact Sheet

The biohazard threat has not ended: Just when it seemed that the menace of Resident Evil had been destroyed, along comes a new terror to send shivers down player’s spines. Chris Redfield, returning Resident Evil hero, has followed the path of the evil literally around the globe. 

After joining a new organization, Chris heads to Africa where the latest bioterrorism threat is literally transforming the people and animals of the city into mindless, maddened creatures. Chris must take on the challenge of discovering the truth behind this evil plot. In Resident Evil 5, Capcom will teach players to fear the daylight as much as they have feared shadow in previous games.

Co-producer and series veterans Jun Takeuchi (Lost Planet) and Masachicka Kawata (Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles) unleashes an unprecedented level of fear for the next generation in Resident Evil 5, the sequel to one of the highest-rated videogames in history, according to Metacritic.com and Gamerankings.com. Promising to revolutionize the series by delivering an unbelievable level of detail, realism and control, Resident Evil 5 is certain to bring new fans to the series. New technology developed specifically for the game, as well as incredible changes to both the gameplay and world of Resident Evil will make this a must-have game for gamers across the globe.

The latest in the Resident Evil series, which has sold over 34 million units since the original game was released in 1996, as well as spawned a multi-million dollar trilogy of films from Sony Pictures. 

Resident Evil 5 will revolutionize the Resident Evil series, just as Resident Evil 4 did.

Chris Redfield, protagonist of the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Code Veronica, returns


New environments and a diverse assortment of locations


New enemies bring new challenges: speed and intelligence make adversaries as dangerous singly as they are in groups.


An arsenal of weapons at the players command to keep the evil at bay, including knives, pistols, machine guns, sniper rifles and more.


Lighting effects provide a new level of suspense in both harsh light and deepest shadow


True high definition gaming on multiple game platforms, using an advanced version of Capcom’s proprietary game engine, MT Framework, which powered the next-gen, million-plus hit titles Devil May Cry 4, Lost Planet and Dead Rising.

Call of Duty 4 - hits 10 million units sold

There are few things that video game publishers--or any consumer products companies, for that matter--like more than reaching big, notable milestones.

So it was with considerable pride that Activision's wholly owned Infinity Ward studio told me Tuesday that its war game, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, has just sold its 10 millionth copy.

Infinity Ward studio head Vince Zampella didn't know exactly how many units the game had sold on each platform it is available on--the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC--but did say that COD 4 had been most successful on the Xbox.

These days, monster hits like Grand Theft Auto IV and Halo 3 have gotten most of the media's attention for best-sellers, but by reaching 10 million sold, there's no doubt that COD 4 deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as any other title.

And to be sure, it's not the only game that has reached 10 million units moved--Infinity Ward said that COD 4 is one of "less than 10" games to do so since 2000--but it's still a notable milestone, especially when you consider that, at a sticker price of $60 a pop, even when considering that you can buy it for less at some retailers, Activision has raked in many hundreds of millions of dollars with the game.

Of course, one wonders how many more copies it would have sold had it been available on Nintendo's Wii. But Zampella said that Infinity Ward decided not to make the game for that console because "it just doesn't fit on the Wii. We thought it would be compromised to be on (that) platform."

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Ubisoft to transform with movie, TV and sports projects

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has detailed his future vision for the company, as he transforms the French outfit from a videogames publisher into a multimedia entertainment business.

Speaking exclusively to GamesIndustry.biz at last week's Ubidays event in Paris, Guillemot revealed ambitious plans to place Ubisoft at the centre of CGI movie production, as well as branching out to new game genres and TV productions.

Ubisoft's Quebec studio is ramping up its animation and CGI business and will also be central to the company's recently announced entry into 3D videogames.

"Our goal is to create a studio that will be very high quality, our goal is to try to get to the level of quality of Peter Jackson's Weta studio," offered Guillemot, in an interview published today.

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