$1 million Unreal Tournament all the winners - link to levels

Epic Games, Inc. today announced Phase 2 winners in its $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest. The competition rewards top mods created for Unreal Tournament 3 with cash and hardware prizes in four preliminary phases and a grand final judging. In this portion of the judging alone, a total of $70,000 in cash prizes will be distributed to mod authors who place each category.

“Intel is committed to unleashing developer innovation. The second phase of the $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest has delivered some of the most exciting and innovative Unreal Tournament 3 game mods ever,” said Elliot Garbus, vice president Intel Software and Services Group, general manager Visual Computing Software Division. “This contest is just one of the ways that Intel’s Visual Adrenaline developer program encourages developers and enthusiasts alike to get the most out of PC gameplay.”

The Phase 2 winning mods will be showcased at the 2009 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco at the Intel Lounge.

“Epic’s mod contest has provided benefits for both mod authors and the game industry alike,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, Inc. “Past winners have gone on to ship commercial games using the Unreal Engine, and several former members of the Unreal mod community have found jobs either with Epic or with companies licensing the Unreal Engine.”

The Best Game Mod winners are recognized as follows:

First place: Prometheus by Rachel “Angel Mapper” Cordone and Prometheus Project


Second place: The Haunted by Michael Hegemann and The Haunted team


Third place: The Ball: Oztoc by Sjoerd “Hourences” De Jong and The Ball team


Fourth place: Angels Fall First: Planetstorm by Alex Drake and The Planetstorm Team


Fifth place: Snowreal by Michael Buettner


Winners of Best New Character or Customization Pack are:

First place: Xeno by Charles “EvilEngine” Jones


Second place: Egyptian Warlord Amenophis by David Hagemann


Third place: The Haunted by Michael Hegemann and The Haunted team


Fourth place: RuneStorm Crusader by Arn Reichart


Fifth place: RuneStorm Skeleton Minion Characters by Arn Reichart


Winners of Best New Vehicle are:

First place: XS Harpy by Jochem “Xyx” van 't Hull


Second place: Dispatcher by John Beswick


Third place: Sturm Gunship (ULA) by Alex Drake and The Planetstorm Team


Fourth place: Coda Horse by Nathan “Denrei” Aschenbach


Fifth place: Lav III by John Beswick


Winners of Best New Vehicle CTF Level are:

First place: Apex by Neil Hodges

Second place: TrainCrossing by Nathaniel Rossol


Third place: Defection_SE by Scott Coxhead


Fourth place: FrozenTomb by Robert Ghartley


Fifth place: Kelahf by Wael "cooloola" Ben Dhia


Winners of Best New Deathmatch or CTF Level are:

First place: SteamTemple by Thomas “Setheran” Browett


Second place: Arean by Daniel Diaz Gonzalez


Third place: Thor by Jesus Diaz Gonzalez


Fourth place: Worm by Claes "Nurb" Engdal

Fifth place: Dreary3 by Bryan Sparksman


Winners of Best New Warfare Level are:

First place: Flare by Thomas “Setheran” Browett


Second place: Tropico by Nick Donaldson


Third place: Meditation by Muhammad "MozI" Ahmed


Fourth place: RealGar by Opeyemi “Jayoplus” Ajayi

Fifth place: TanksForPlaying by Josh "CaptainSnarf" Turpen


Winners of Best Graphics in Map are:

First place: Tropico by Nick Donaldson


Second place: Worm by Claes "Nurb" Engdal

Third place: Krodan by Sjoerd "Hourences" De Jong


Fourth place: SteamTemple by Thomas “Setheran” Browett

Fifth place: Arean by Daniel Diaz Gonzalez


Winners of Best Use of Physics are:

First place: The Ball: Oztoc by Sjoerd “Hourences” De Jong and The Ball team


Second place: Cubes of Serenity by Anna Beck-Thomsen, Lawrence Johnson, Jens Hammerhøj, André Johansen, Martin Larsen, and Janusch Häring


Third place: CaptainSnarf's Modded Vehicles by Josh "CaptainSnarf" Turpen

Fourth place: XS Harpy by Jochem “Xyx” van 't Hull


Fifth place: Unreal Demolition 2 by Dan Weiss


Winners of Best Machinima are:

First place: DoubleKill - Episode 1 by David Tyner

Second place: Rebirth by Sergey Tomych


Epic will begin accepting submissions for Phase 3 of the $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest in April 2009, and the entry deadline for Phase 3 is May 15, 2009. Participation in previous phases is not required for eligibility in Phase 3. Visit www.makesomethingunreal.com for more details on the contest.

About the $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest
In the all-new $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contet, aspiring game developers create modifications (“mods”) for the PC version of Unreal Tournament 3 in a range of categories including levels, characters, weapons, game types, tools, vehicles and more. Winnings exceed over $1 million in value, consisting of one coveted Unreal Engine 3 license as a grand prize in addition to other cash awards and prizes. The new “$1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest” will be judged in four preliminary phases and a grand final. Judging began in June 2008 and will conclude, with the grand final prizes being awarded, in late 2009. For more information on the contest, visit www.makesomethingunreal.com.

Intel Software provides resources, technologies, products and services developers need to create innovative products and industry-leading software solutions designed to run best on Intel platforms. Intel helps PC gaming developers innovate through its Visual Adrenaline developer program. For more information, visit www.intel.com/software/visualadrenaline.

About Unreal Tournament 3
Published by Midway, Unreal Tournament 3 marks the return of the world's premiere first-person shooter to the PC, Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3. Unreal Tournament 3 unleashes the full power of Unreal Engine 3, taking graphics, gameplay and challenge to a whole new level. Players engage in intense battles with other human players online, or against Unreal artificial intelligence that sets the industry standard. With the most powerful futuristic weapons and vehicles available, this is FPS action at its best! More information about Unreal Tournament 3 can be found online at www.unrealtournament3.com.

Scratch - The Ultimate DJ video game screenshots

Genius Products has released new screenshots from the upcoming videogame, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, one of the first music rhythm games for fans of hip-hop. With creative and technical input from Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ features an innovative turntable style controller and more than 60 licensed and original hip-hop and R&B songs from mainstream and underground artists such as Kanye West, Tech N9ne, Run DMC, and Deltron 3030.

In addition to a heavy-hitting setlist, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ features an array of customizable DJ personalities and distinctive urban environments, including 12 unique venues varying from homemade garage set-ups to million-dollar mansions.

The five new screenshots show various environments from Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, including a subway, swimming pool and rooftop nightclub.






Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is scheduled for release on next-generation consoles in Summer 2009.

Win a PC games rig with CDV and Scared 2 - Fallen Angel sweepstake

cdv USA is pleased to announce that they have launched a new sweepstakes today… and it’s sure to make the winner the envy of all their PC gaming friends! In cooperation with top PC builder GameRigs, cdv USA will be giving away a fantastic Sacred 2-themed custom PC in their “Sacred 2 - T-Energy Sweepstakes,” which launched today.

To enter the sweepstakes, please here

Many will enter the sweepstakes, but only one person will win a fantastic, custom-built Sacred 2 PC, which includes these incredible components –

1st Prize

- Custom Gaming Desktop PC System from GameRigs, including:
- GameRigs Aluminum ATX Case with custom artwork
- AMD Phenom X4 2.5GHz Quad-Core AM2+ Processor
- 2 GB Crucial Ballistix memory
- NVIDIA GeForce 9800GTX+ 512mb PCI-E 2.0
- NEC Accusync 24" LCD Display
- Razer Lycosa gaming keyboard
- Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse
- Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Mousepad
- Sacred 2 Premium Poster
- In-game Carrier Imp pet (included in Special edition of the game)
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Poster
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Decals

2nd Prize

- Razer Lycosa gaming keyboard
- Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse
- Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Mousepad
- In-game Carrier Imp pet (included in Special Edition of the game)
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Poster
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Decals

3rd Prize

- Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse
- Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Mousepad
- In-game Carrier Imp pet (included in Special Edition of the game
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Poster
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Decals

Pre-Order Metal Gear Online SCENE Expansion to Receive the Special "Cardboard Man" Head Gear

Konami today announced SCENE Expansion, the latest Metal Gear Online expansion pack for the ultimate squad based, tactical shooter based on the Metal Gear Solid Universe. Available in March, SCENE is the third Metal Gear Online expansion pack and features a vast amount of new content - including new maps, special characters, new gear and more. In order to make SCENE as accessible as possible, players, for the first time ever, can now use PayPal along with the PlayStation Network Wallet prepay system as a form of payment. Additionally, players who want to be the first to get their hands on the latest expansion for the popular, multiplayer shooter hit, can pre-order SCENE via MGOnline's in-game shop and Konami's shop . All Metal Gear fans who pre-order SCENE will receive the hilarious classic "cardboard man" head gear as a special free gift. Players will be able to pre-order SCENE one week before launch.

Additionally, on February 26, Konami will debut an all-new trailer on the PlayStation Store that will offer fans a sneak peak of this highly anticipated expansion.

Please find below further details on some of the new content in the expansion pack:

• 3 New Maps
Outer Outlet - An Industrial Wasteland, made up of buildings and underground/above ground areas. Suitable for medium to long range attacks.
Hazard House - An enormous three story mansion. Suitable for close to medium range combat.
Ravaged Riverfront - Clock Tower, made up of underground, above ground, and under water areas. Suitable for medium to long range combat.

• 2 new special characters
Raiden and Vamp - two highly anticipated characters with extraordinary physical abilities and overwhelming offensive power.

Metal Gear Online is the online multi-player experience that is included free in the retail version of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, developed exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Champions Online video game website open for buisness

Packed with Game Info and Localised in French and German, Visitors to the Site Can Sign Up for a Chance to Take Part in the Forthcoming Live Beta

Atari announce that the official European Champions Online website is now open for business at www.champions-online.com. Localised in French and German as well as English, the site plays host to regularly updated news, game information, video, screenshots, artwork, developer blog and more, alongside the recently launched ‘Rate My Champion’ feature which allows the public to view and rate characters created in the Beta version of Champions Online, scheduled for launch this coming spring 2009.

In addition, visitors to the site can apply for a chance to take part in the live beta test of Champions Online and be amongst the first to explore the new universe and become champions.

Powered by the groundbreaking Cryptic Engine, Champions Online for PC features real-time action combat, the richly detailed Champions universe, and literally billions of character options allowing total customization. The experienced team at Cryptic Studios is devoted to working directly with gamers to deliver a great gaming experience, and establish Champions Online as the premier superheroic massively multiplayer online role playing game.

In Champions Online players will create their very own unique champion, explore space, venture into new dimensions and save the world. Visit www.champions-online.com to keep up to date with all the exciting developments in Champions Online between now and the launch of the game in spring 2009.

Final Fantasy crystal chronicles - Echoes of Time Europe release date

Square Enix announce that FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES - Echoes of Time will be released in Europe and across PAL territories on 27th March 2009, exclusively on both Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii systems.

Introducing the World’s first cross-platform multiplayer adventure for the Nintendo DS & Wii systems! Set in the fun and friendly CRYSTAL CHRONICLES universe of the FINAL FANTASY series, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time delivers a unique and innovative experience where both Nintendo platforms come together in perfect harmony.

With truly advanced 3D graphics and up to four-player multiplayer gameplay, this is the most accessible take on the FINAL FANTASY universe, allowing players to enjoy the CRYSTAL CHRONICLES experience from anywhere in the world thanks to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “The release of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time shows Square Enix’s continuous commitment to bringing innovative gaming experiences to European players. The colourful world of CRYSTAL CHRONICLES provides the ideal opportunity for all Wii and Nintendo DS owners to come together and enjoy this magical adventure with their friends.”

About FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time

Story

A triumphant return from a monster-infested forest marks the completion of the 16-year-old hero’s coming-of-age ceremony. However, the hero’s joy is short-lived as a young village girl is found to be afflicted by a mysterious illness known as “crystal sickness.” Determined to obtain the cure, the hero steps out of the secluded village for the first time, only to discover a world in which crystals are merely artifacts of the past and no longer exist…

Features

• Wii and Nintendo DS players can share their adventure together through Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and Wireless Communication.
• 2-4 player multi-play through Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection & Wireless Communication mode.
• Over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection: 4 players max (any mixture of Wii and Nintendo DS hardware).
• Wireless Communication: 4 players max (either up to 4 players on Nintendo DS hardware, or alternatively 1 Wii hosting up to three Nintendo DS players).
• Players can register their own phrases on top of many fixed phrases available for easy communication in multiplayer.
• Over 300 different items and costume combinations add to the fun. Changes to costume/equipment are directly visible on your character in the game.
• Trade with friends using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection functions.
• Play in four different languages – English, French, German and Spanish. The multiplayer mode can be played seamlessly even when each player selects a different language.

Cross Fire PC video game Community passes 25000 open beta members

More Than 25,000 Players have Joined the Cross Fire Community At http://crossfire.subagames.com/ in the First Two Weeks of Open Beta

G4BOX Inc and Wicked Interactive Ltd., North American publishers and distributors of interactive entertainment media, together announced today the tremendous success and popularity of the open beta for their military first-person shooter, Cross Fire. The beta, which began on Friday, January 30, 2009, has since gathered more than 25 000 registered players and made a major splash in the online first-person shooter scene. Cross Fire will continue in Open Beta through February.

"We knew there was an audience out there that was really anticipating Cross Fire, so we expected a good result," said Garvin Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of Wicked Interactive. "But even we are amazed by the overwhelming response that Cross Fire has garnered thus far," added Howard He, Chief Executive Officer of G4BOX.

The open beta launch marked the beginning of Cross Fire's persistent military-ranking and stat-tracking features. Player-progress will be tracked from the open beta onward so that players may accurately gauge their skills against the rest of the Cross Fire community. The Open Beta also introduced a clan system into the game, allowing players to band together into persistent teams. This feature is supported by a unified Subagames clan page, which maintains rankings of all clans across the Subagames library of free MMOs. The Cross Fire open beta also introduced in-game friend lists, in addition to a variety of new maps, weapons, and items.

Cross Fire is an online military first-person shooter for the PC, developed by SmileGate and Neowiz, and co-published by G4BOX and Wicked Interactive. Players assume the role of either a Black List or Global Risk mercenary, and then join an online team that must work together to complete objective-based scenarios. Cross Fire's flagship feature is its "Ghost Mode", which puts one team in possession of top-secret cloaking technology, rendering them invisible to the opposing team. This team of "ghosts" is armed only with knives, and must stealthily track and hunt the enemy team. This mode is exclusive to Cross Fire and no other mode exists quite like it in any other first-person shooter. Cross Fire also features Team Death Match, Search & Destroy and Elimination modes, in addition to a military ranking system, in-game friends lists, a clan formation system, and deep character customization options. Cross Fire is free-to-download-and-play. Visit the Cross Fire homepage at:
http://crossfire.subagames.com

Now part of the Subagames library of free MMOs.
http://www.subagames.com

PES 2009: Free January transfer update available from today

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced the release of a free download containing all the moves within the January transfer window for PES 2009.

The download will be available as of today to users of PES 2009 for PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and PC-DVD It's accessible via the game system settings and will bring all club sides' rosters in line with all the transfers made before the end of the January 2009 transfer window. Hundreds of players have been updated and corrected according to their moves, with approximately 200 new players added to the game for the first time. The stats of thousands of players have also been refined, in line with their performances so far this season.

The new team data follows an update released yesterday, which corrects small technical issues within PES 2009, including the importation of photo data. These downloads further demonstrate Konami’s commitment to continually updating PES 2009, with further exciting downloadable content set for release in the coming months.

Ubisoft update 2009 games release dates...

Ubisoft's UK branch has sent Cubed3 its updated list of releases for the European market, with Rogue Trooper slinking onto Wii this coming Friday, Grey's Anatomy arriving in the middle of next month, the eagerly anticipated Broken Sword for DS and Wii towards the end of March and the Acquire-developed Tenchu on Wii landing at the beginning of April.

Check out the full list below:

* Rogue Trooper (Wii) - 20/02/09

* Imagine Ballet Dancer (DS) - 27/02/09

* Sam Power: Football (DS) - 13/03/09

* Grey's Anatomy (DS) - 13/03/09

* Grey's Anatomy (Wii) - 13/03/09

* Petz: My Baby Panda (DS) - 20/03/09

* Scrabble 2009 (DS) - 20/03/09

* Imagine My Restaurant (DS) - 27/03/09

* Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars (Director's Cut) (DS) - 27/03/09

* Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars (Director's Cut) (Wii) - 27/03/09

* Imagine Doctor (DS) - 27/03/09

* World Sports Party (Wii) - 27/03/09

* Tenchu Shadow Assassins (Wii) - 03/04/09

* My Happy Kitchen (DS) - Q2 2009

Can World of Warcraft (WoW) save the planet?

When you consider how many people play World of Warcraft, it might occur to you that if every one of those 11.5 million people changed the way they lived to a more environmentally friendly method, it just might make a big difference to the planet. That's exactly what Professor Byron Reeves of Stanford University believes, and he's looking for a way to put it into practice.

Reeves understands that one of the main ways WoW works is by completing tasks as a team, also known as a group, raid or even guild. What if your performance in WoW, and therefore the performance of your team, was affected by how much electric you use? If you use too much, you won't do as well as someone else who lives very efficiently when it comes to using energy in the home.

The idea sounds a bit far-fetched, for example, how would the game be able to tell how much electricity you're using? Scientists have proposed using a Smart Meter which gathers information for billing purposes usually, then sends it back to the utility company; this is the method Reeves suggests.

Of course for this to work every WoW player would need one of these attached to their homes, which would then have to be fed into the game somehow. And what about people who play from net cafes, not to mention Blizzard's stance on it - you can imagine what it would do to all the carefully balanced class stats!

We've contacted Professor Reeves for more information on his idea.