Britain buys more games than Japan

In the world of sales figures, America and Japan have commonly been seen to dominate the market - which is why so many games nowadays seem to cater to those markets. There's nothing but big muscles and spiky hair - not a Brogue-wearing businessman in sight.

Or, at least, that used to be the case. Japan it seems is no longer the market leader it once was, with the UK growing it's gaming market to become the nation with the second-biggest gaming market ever.

According to GfK ChartTrack, a sales-tracking firm that monitors retail games sales across the world, the UK's games sales have risen by more than 37 percent compared to January 2008, with total software sales rising by 26 percent. What recession, eh?

That said, it's important to consider the number of factors here - such as the fact that a lot of games and platforms are released early in Japan, so customers over their will have already got over the sales spurt bought on by the release of the DSi. Thus, while the UK is still steadily improving, Japan is actually in decline according to a ChartTrack spokesperson.

“Japan is certainly in decline at the moment, mainly down to the fact that everyone seems to have already bought a DS or PSP, so hardware sales aren’t driving software sales – although DSi is flying off the shelves," a spokesperson said to MCV.

"The very sudden decline of PS2 is also a factor. The Japanese market is about twice the size of ours, so there is room for manoeuvre in terms of people who had a DS four years ago and want a new handheld.”

Source: bit-tech

FIFA 09 Ultimate Team Enables Gamers To Create And Collect Their Dream Team To Compete Online

Electronic Arts announce the development of a unique, downloadable game mode called FIFA 09 Ultimate Team that will deliver a strategic new online experience to the award-winning EA SPORTS FIFA 09 on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. FIFA 09 Ultimate Team challenges gamers to collect or create the most talented football players in the world, develop them into a dream team and then compete online against a legion of challengers to be crowned the ultimate team.

Winner of 25 international game quality awards, FIFA 09 is the most popular EA SPORTS game played online*. Over 141 million games of FIFA 09 have been played on the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 by gamers connected online since the game’s European launch on Sept. 25, 2008. An average of 1.25 million games are played online daily, which is a 321 percent increase over FIFA 08. FIFA 09 Ultimate Team expands the FIFA 09 online experience by delivering the ultimate fantasy in club football to the record number of individuals playing while connected online.

“Online is the next great frontier in sports gaming. We are seeing a record number of individuals globally playing FIFA 09 online so we are focused on developing games that maximize the online experience,” said Andrew Wilson, Vice President & Executive Producer for the franchise. “A dedicated team developed FIFA 09 Ultimate Team and they have created a game within the game, delivering a strategic new way to play FIFA 09 that will create hundreds of additional hours of playing time.”

FIFA 09 Ultimate Team challenges gamers to collect 30 different types of bronze, silver and gold virtual cards, including Player, Staff, Contract, Formations, and Tactics, to create their fantasy team. Strategically collect and manage players and different types of cards, and then set the match strategy to win. Carefully select or trade for the right Manager, then choose the best Tactics and Formations that forge the team chemistry necessary to take your club to the top. Plus, deal Gameplay cards on your opponent at key moments of any match for a tactical advantage.

Live the ultimate dream in FIFA 09 Ultimate Team. Create yourself in game, line up alongside your heroes and captain your squad to glory. Customize everything from players and stadiums to the kits and badges, creating the world’s next great football club. Compete offline and online to earn more valuable cards or trawl the market for the ones needed to complete a winning team. Climb the league table or compete in knockout tournaments for the most coveted trophies, where the opposition becomes more difficult after each victory.

Feel the exhilaration as you take your carefully assembled squad into matches and tournaments online against the most formidably talented teams ever assembled—and out play them. Here is the ultimate test of your skills as a player and manger. Write your own legend with FIFA 09 Ultimate Team.

FIFA 09 Ultimate Team will be available as a download to FIFA 09 beginning March 19, 2009. Fans will be able to experience the new game mode by creating a team with a starter package of players and virtual cards and play a five game trial before deciding to purchase the FIFA 09 Ultimate Team mode. FIFA 09 is required.

FIFA 09 Ultimate Team, scheduled for worldwide release on March 19, is developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. It is rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI.

* based on average daily online users between Sept. 25, 2008 and January 26, 2009.

Tom Clancey's H.A.W.X. demo out February 11th on Xbox Live and 12th on PlayStation Network

Ubisoft have announced that an official Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X demo will be available for download for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on Xbox LIVE online entertainment network beginning on February 11, 2009 and for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system on the PLAYSTATION network beginning on February 12, 2009. The demo will be also available for Windows-based PCs beginning on February 26, 2009.

In this demo, players will dominate the skies for the first time and battle planes, tanks and amphibious assaults and have the opportunity to dogfight with other elite pilots in a stunning panoramic boss scene.

Key features of the H.A.W.X demo:

• Co-op enabled for up to 4 players – Jump in/Jump out

• Gain experience points and unlock up to three real, licensed planes in the demo:

F-16A Fighting Falcon
SU-35 Super Flanker
AV-8B Harrier II

• Choose between two different game modes:

Normal – Default control type
Expert – Allows full control over the aircraft in “Assistance Off” mode

• Two heart-pounding missions:

Operation: Off Certification (Training mode)

• Learn the skills of an elite pilot in “Assistance Off” mode and pull extreme maneuvers

Operation: Glass Hammer (Rio De Janeiro)

• Take flight over GeoEye technology (the world’s best satellite data), and witness Brazil like never before

• Learn to use the Enhanced Reality System in “Assistance On” mode, where your plane’s computer calculates the best interception course for you to follow to attack an enemy, evade a missile or hit a ground target

Download the gameplay trailer here from our press extranet: http://ubipress.ubi.com

Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X will be available on March 6th 2009 for the consoles and on March 13th for PC.

About Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X

Developed by Ubisoft's Bucharest studio, Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X delivers an intense and authentic aerial combat experience by fully leveraging the benefits of the next-generation platforms. The story begins in the year 2014. As the era of the nation-state draws quickly to a close, the rules of warfare evolve even more rapidly. More and more nations become increasingly dependent on private military companies (PMCs), elite mercenaries with a lax view of the law. The Reykjavik Accords further legitimize their existence by authorizing their right to serve in every aspect of military operations. While the benefits of such PMCs are apparent, growing concerns surrounding giving them too much power begin to mount.

PC game discounts including - Raging Tiger - ATF - Space Horse and BCT commander

While those clowns in Washington continue to wallow in pork and dig the United States deeper into debt for future generations, Shrapnel Games would like to announce their very own stimulus plan designed specifically for gamers. From today, February 10th, until February 22nd, Shrapnel Games is slashing prices on the majority of available titles in our catalog. Whether you're on a budget or have simply been waiting for a price drop on a game you've been eyeing, now is the time to purchase!

The Shrapnel Stimulus Plan includes the following titles on sale:

Save $8.00 on these A-List Titles

• Raging Tiger: The Second Korean War ONLY $36.95
• ATF: Armored Task Force ONLY $36.95
• Space HoRSE ONLY $26.95
• BCT Commander ONLY $24.45

Save $7.00 on these Popular Games

• Scallywag: In the Lair of the Medusa ONLY $22.95
• Dominions 3: The Awakening ONLY $47.95
• The Star and the Crescent ONLY $37.95
• The Falklands War: 1982 ONLY $37.95

Save $6.00 on the Sure-to-Please Titles

• Air Assault Task Force ONLY $38.95
• Salvo! ONLY $33.95
• Air Command 3.0 ONLY $33.95

Save $5.00 on these Succulent Offerings

• Remote Assault ONLY $9.95
• winSPWW2 Enhanced CD Edition ONLY $34.95
• winSPMBT Enhanced CD Edition ONLY $34.95
• Air Command 3.0 Airport Expansion Pack ONLY $14.95

And Save $3.00 on the Following Got-to-Have Games

• Weird Worlds: Return to Infinite Space ONLY $21.95
• BRAINPIPE: A Plunge To Unhumanity ONLY $11.95

Now, you could do something silly with your money like put it into your 401K, but we think your money will be better served investing in some quality award-winning strategy gaming. You never have to worry about waking up one morning and finding its inherent worth slashed in half, nor does it end up becoming nothing more than a memory like a dinner out or trip to the movies.

So come on, pick up a title. Or two. Or three. Or go crazy and get the entire catalog! Games make perfect gifts for all your upcoming holidays needs. Nothing says Arbor Day like Dominions 3: The Awakening!

And if even with a sale this is just not the right economic time for you to be buying games, fear not, for Shrapnel Games offers a healthy selection of absolutely free games. From Digital Eel enjoy Plasmaworm, Dr. Blob's Organism, Big Box of Blox, and the print-and-play board game, Goblin Slayer. Illwinter Game Design of Dominions fame bids you to download their Conquest of Elysium II, while the Camo Workshop has both winSPWW2 and winSPMBT available as free downloads. These are the same core games as the Enhanced CD Editions, only the Enhanced CD Editions are well, more enhanced with extras that you won't find in the free version.

You can find our free games here, and to take advantage of our sale please visit our online store, the Gamers Front, here.

To read up on any of our games featured in the Shrapnel Stimulus Plan, download demos, or participate in our community please visit us at www.ShrapnelGames.com Shrapnel Games is celebrating a decade of being your choice for fine independent strategy and niche gaming!

Take part in the new Valentine's Day quest in the free-to-play MMORPG Flyff: lots of rare items to win !

A softness wave will blanket the world of the free-to-play MMORPG Flyff : Fly For Fun to celebrate Valentine’s Day, from the 10th to the 16th February.

A new character will appear in Madrigal and will give players the chance to take part in a new quest, and win lots of rare items.

From the 10th February, adventurers will have to help this new character by collecting different ingredients, in order to cook delicious chocolates for Valentine’s Day. These ingredients could be found by fighting monsters from the Flyff world, and by digging up the special collecting areas in Madrigal. All players connected on Flyff during the event will receive a surprise box holding the needed tools for this greedy quest.

Various rewards will be offered to the community: rare items giving the possibility to improve your weapons, colourfull fireworks and lovely outfits, such as a Dress and a Tuxedo, perfect to hang out with your lover. For a whole week, a special ring, engraved with the name of a chosen player, will allow lovers to teleport one of them near to the other, whenever they want.

The gPotato team wants to organize events opened to every player from all level. The Valentine’s Day event will give the chance to players to celebrate this lovely day by coupling on Flyff, and by offering them tradable rewards.

NecroVisioN FPS video game free level available

Sample both the frying pan and the fire in the new one level demo for NecroVisioN, 505 Games’ and 1C’s old school style FPS, set both in the First World War and the innards of the earth.

Starting near the beginning of the game, you will have to battle your way through the German lines, dispatching the Kaiser’s boys as they cower in their trenches. As you push further forward into enemy lines things take an unexpected and horrific turn as the dead rise from their muddy graves and attacking any living creature they can find. Now you must try and escape through the scores of German soldiers, while fighting off flesh-hungry zombies.

You will be able to use traditional allied weapons, such as the Colt 1911 or Lee Enfield, whilst selecting from the German Luger and Gewehr rifles, if you manage to salvage them from the battlefield. There are also traditional bayonets, heavy machine-guns, trench guns and, if you are truly desperate, a shovel to batter their spiked helmets flat.

The demo features one full level and will be released today. Visit www.necrovision-game.com for a list of mirrors to download the NecroVisioN demo now!

About NecroVisioN

NecroVisioN is a fast-paced shooter which will be exclusively released for PC this spring by 505 Games, under the 1C Company label. Developed by Polish developer The Farm 51, it mixes historical accuracy with a twisted plot and an alternate reality that sees gamers venturing into the very jaws of Hell itself to stop a zombie army and an evil demon overlord. Created by several of the original members of the Painkiller Team, NecroVisioN throws non-stop hordes of enemies at the player but gives them powerful weapons to fight off the invasion and save the world.

Zu Online PC video game - Valentine's greetings cards launched.

What will you give to your sweetheart or friends on Valentine’s Day? Besides roses, remember to send your best wishes too. Zu Online has prepared you several beautiful greetings cards, so come get them and send them to anyone you want. They may be pleasantly surprised!

Event Duration:
February 9-14 EST (GMT-5)

Joining the Event:
Visit the event page and input your name and the name of the person you want to send your wishes to, as well as your greeting. Then, you will get a greetings card for you to send to your sweetie, friends and (or) anyone else.

Fuel video game the largest racing environment

May Launch Confirmed For Epic Open Terrain Racer From Asobo Studio


Showcasing FUEL’s all-action racing and introducing an astonishing game world that covers over 5,000 square miles (14,400+km) of dramatic and diverse terrain, Codemasters revealed the first FUEL gameplay video.

Watch the video on my YouTube channel here...

Coming this May, FUEL’s immense landscape will deliver the world’s largest racing environment, featuring more than 100,000 miles (161,000+km) of tarmac, tracks and trails. The video begins by exploring the stunning scale and diversity of FUEL’s landscapes before bikes, quads, roadsters and more go head-to-head in a series of breakneck races.

From the snow-capped mountains of Mount Rainier to the salt-plains of Utah and the Grand Canyon, FUEL’s unique environment, mapped using satellite data, is set to create the ultimate racing sandbox. Players will be able to take any route they choose at any time, on and off-road, across a game world that demands to be raced and explored.

Set in an alternate present, where the accelerated effects of global warming have wreaked destruction across huge swathes of America, a new breed of thrill-seeking racers have taken these dangerous, abandoned areas for their own and now explore and compete against each other, and the elements, in multi-vehicle events. A full day/night cycle and dynamic weather system that includes tornados, lightning strikes, blizzards, thunderstorms and sandstorms, will deliver a unique racing experience as players battle the elements in real-time.

Complete with free roam and a multitude of online multiplayer challenges, FUEL is set to revolutionise open world multi-terrain racing when it launches this May for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games For Windows LIVE.

Voyage Century - Timber!

The folks at Voyage Century are going to talk to you about the best ways of obtaining lumber.

Lumbering is a very important skill in Voyage Century, one every player needs to learn. However, there are very few players who have truly mastered this skill. Lumber is always in great demand in the game.

With the release of the new profession ‘Armed Businessman’, players’ SP can be increased by 1000 with only 5 skill points. In the past, players needed to wear special clothes to recover SP so that they could get more lumber. Now, players can obtain a boatload of lumber with ease, as long as their SP is full. It’s also worth mentioning that players should get a decent lumbering axe to help them lumber more efficiently. Also, players need to improve “Log Study” which will determine lumber Levels, and “Timber Felling Practice” to increase load.

Apart from the skills, location is also an important factor in determining what kinds of lumber you can get.

Athens: There are no dangerous creatures in the suburbs of Athens. Players can obtain abundant Level 1 timber, a little Level 2 timber, and the occasional Level 3 timber.
Sardinia: No dangerous creatures. Players can obtain abundant Level 2 timber, some Level 3 timber, and the occasional Level 4 timber.
Crete: No dangerous creatures. Players can obtain abundant Level 3 timber, some Level 4 timber, and the occasional Level 5 timber.
Seville: No dangerous creatures. Players can obtain abundant Level 4 timber, some Level 5 timber, and the occasional Level 6 timber.
Cape Town: No dangerous creatures. Players can obtain abundant Level 5 timber, some Level 6 timber, and the occasional Level 7 timber.
Mogadishu: No dangerous creatures. Players can obtain abundant Level 6 timber, some Level 7 timber, and the occasional Level 8 timber.
Semarang: No dangerous creatures. Players can obtain abundant Level 7 timber, some Level 8 timber, and the occasional Level 9 timber.
Congo: There are some aggressive creatures here. Players can obtain abundant Level 8 timber, some Level 9 timber, and the occasional Level 10 timber.

Actually, there are some other places where players can obtain various timber, but players should explore them on their own. There’s nothing like finding a secret area brimming with high-quality timber. It’s the stuff of every businessman’s dreams.

Battle School - Horror Online Gun Shooting Game linked to Messenger

The horror gun-shooting online game dubbed "Battle School." As the third work of Gleam, which has also developed "Red Gem" (co-developed with L&K Logic Korea) and "Lord of D" Online as Korea's first wire/wireless interworking game, "Battle School" gives rise to a new genre of Messenger-interworking horror gun shooting game.

"Battle School" basically involves killing monsters by shooting them with a gun similar to the conventional gun shooting games as well as introducing a new system of mouse action and invasion. The mouse action system is a system wherein the player's character rescues a party member or deals a fatal blow to the enemy when the player clicks the mouse at the right time. On the other hand, the invasion system is a system that ensures fun in unlimited play - a feature found only in online games - by basically allowing players to invade and capture the user's dungeon, i.e., the school. In terms of character development, the player doesn't just gain experience points immediately after killing monsters; instead, he/she only acquires them by hitting the floating objects after a monster is killed or a box is smashed. This method was used in console games such as "God of War," "Onimusha," and "Devil May Cry" wherein objects were distributed as experience points to enable the development of character of students and skills.

"'Battle School' is taking on the challenge of emerging as a new genre called 'Horror Online Gun Shooting Game,' which used to be considered impossible. It is not just about shooting; rather, it enables an action sequence wherein players can rescue party members with the mouse action system in a critical situation and introduces contents called invasion of other user schools. A new system that used to be nonexistent in conventional games involves running games, forming parties, equipping characters with weapons, and exchanging equipment in messenger. Just as 2D arcade games such as 'Dungeons & Dragons' and 'Final Fighter' were reborn as an online game called 'Dungeon & Fighter,' 'Battle School' is under development in preparation for its rebirth as an online game that transcends the limitation of arcade shooting games such as 'House of the Dead' and 'Time Crisis'," CEO Yang Seung Joon said.

The first Closed Beta Test of "Battle School" is scheduled this coming summer.