Outspark To Launch And Operate New Free-to-Play, Online Casual Rhythm, Action and Dancing Game in North America

Outspark, the premier North American publisher for free-to-play massively multiplayer online games (MMO), today announced that it will launch and operate the North American adaptation of Debut, a casual, online rhythm and dancing game developed by EA’s J2M studio in Seoul, Korea. It is EA’s first Korean-developed game to come to the online gaming market in the west.

Working with J2M’s development team, Outspark will not only customize the game for North American audiences, but also build enhanced design and interfaces, social networking features, and regular content updates. Outspark will also be responsible for the operation of the title – including monetization, marketing, community management, support, and customer service support for the game.

Outspark has pioneered proprietary analysis-based game publishing that applies real time gamer data to dynamic retail management which responds to player perceptions, interactions and gaming patterns. Outspark uses this information to create an enhanced, engaging gaming experience that entices its more than 5 million gamers to “stay ‘n play” in their Virtual Playground, resulting in an industry-leading Average Revenue Per Paying User (ARPPU) of $50-60 per month.

The new title will leverage the power of the music genre in a free to play, casual MMO offering. Players who are accustomed to single player music and dance games will be able to experience the fun of a rich multi-player experience with deep community, highly customizable characters and great songs.

“We’re delighted to work with EA to bring this title from J2M to North America,” said Susan Choe, CEO of Outspark. “EA’s scale and strong heritage combined with Outspark’s online platform and unparalleled capability to provide real-time feedback and enhanced customization will bring unrivaled fun to millions of gamers as they play and connect in real time. Our players and EA fans will be eager to get their hands on this game.”

"Debut has been operating in Korea since 2008, and we're looking forward to bringing its adaptation to a broad North American audience," said Savannah Hahn, General Manager of EA Korea. This is a fun, immersive music rhythm game, and with Outspark's expertise in creating rich, social online gaming experiences, we think it will bring a new type of gaming environment to entertainment seekers online."

The new title is expected to be launched this fall.

iPhone is more powerful than Nintendo Wii say Telltale Games

The iPhone is a more powerful platform than Nintendo's Wii, and frame rate issues experienced in the Wii version of Tales of Monkey Island are down to hardware and file size restrictions, according to a Telltale Games developer.

Complaints over frame rate issues in the WiiWare version of the game on the developer's official forums triggered the response from a TellTale programmer going under the name of Yare, reports GameZine.

"The voices and textures are the way they are because we're limited to 40 megs for WiiWare titles," he stated. " The PC versions of our games are usually 150+ megs, and most modern games range anywhere from one to ten gigabytes or more. Talk to Nintendo about this one.

"Frame rate issues will probably get sorted out eventually, but keep in mind that the Wii is just not a powerful console. An iPhone is much more powerful than a Wii, even."

In a later post, the alleged representative said he stood by his comments, adding:

"The Wii and DS are extremely underpowered and their popularity doesn't remove the hardware limitations."

Even with the technical issues it experienced on Wii, Tales of Monkey Island has been one of Telltale's most successful launches, as Telltale founder Dan Connors told VideoGamer.

"It’s been pretty shocking how much love there is still out there for the Monkey Island series. It seems like a generational thing as well.

"Unfortunately I can’t get into the specific numbers, but I would definitely say it’s our strongest performing franchise to date. We’re pretty excited. It was number one on Steam for a few days. It did really well. It’s been our best performing title from our side as well."

Source: GamesIndustry

Nintendo DS struggles as Apple iPhone games take bigger slice of mobile games market

The Nintendo DS and DSi is said to be struggling to entice more punters, Nintendo has admitted its disastrous financial figures are down to the new–found status of the iPhone and iPod Touch as handheld gaming’s great new hope.

Nintendo’s profits have slumped in recent months by a massive 66%. And while the recession is clearly giving the Japanese giant a money–based migraine, it also says games from Apple’s App Store on the iPhone and iPod Touch are also wreaking havoc with sales of the Nintendo DS and DSi games.

In an otherwise dull conference call about their dire results, a Nintendo representative claimed the Nintendo DS and DSi were suffering, “due to harsher competition in the portable arena stemming directly from Apple devices.”

The Nintendo DS outsells all consoles combined

There are a lot of reasons why the iPhone and iPod Touch are giving the Nintendo DS a beating. On the most basic level though, Apple doesn’t have to shift games to shops before selling them, keeping the costs low. The Secret of Monkey Island only costs £4.99 on the App Store. And games can be free or cost just pennies.

How the PSPgo comes into this handheld play remains to be seen. But with direct downloads, Sony should be able to undercut Nintendo when it comes to price. The battle for your daily commute’s gaming time is well and truly on.

Source: ElecticPig

Cost of making PlayStation 3 drops 70% say Sony

The manufacturing costs of the PlayStation 3 have dropped by 70 per cent, Sony Corp CEO and executive vice president Nobuyuki Oneda has revealed.

Speaking during a conference call for overseas investors following Sony's Q1 2009 results, Oneda revealed the company is on track to meet its cost reduction forecasts.

"The cost reduction since we introduced the PS3 is very substantial and this is on schedule," said the exec when questioned on the console's manufacturing figures. "We don't disclose how much of the PlayStation 3, specifically the cost deduction, was achieved during the past two years. But that is on schedule."

When pressed further for specific figures, Oneda replied: "About 70 percent, roughly-speaking."

Exact manufacturing costs for the PlayStation 3 haven't been made public by the company, however it was estimated the console originally cost Sony $800 (£485) per unit when released, resulting in a loss on every one sold.

In January 2008, reports indicated that manufacturing costs had been reduced by 50 per cent to around $400 (£243).

A further 70 per cent drop on this figure would suggest costs now sit at around $240 (£146) per unit. A figure which could indicate room for the widely rumoured price cut due later this year.

The 80GB PlayStation 3 currently retails for £299.99; $399.99 (£243) in the US.

Source: GamesIndustry

Justu Attacks for Naruto Shippuden Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 gameplay trailer

TOMY unveil the first gameplay trailer for NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 revealing footage of the new special jutsu attacks for Naruto and Temari as well as previously unseen special jutsu for new characters Deidara and Granny Chiyo, as featured in the game. Each character within the game comes equipped with unique special jutsu attacks, enhancing the lightning-speed versus fighting action with beautifully rendered cinematic finishing moves.



Exclusively for the Nintendo Wii, the classic 3D fighting game features new and improved gameplay mechanics, more than 35 characters, multiple gameplay modes, and for the first time, Wi-Fi multiplayer functionality.

About NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3
NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 is an exciting new fighting game based on the hit NARUTO Shippuden animated series from VIZ Media. Exclusively for Wii, the 3D fighting game features new and improved gameplay mechanics, a plethora of gameplay modes, and for the first time, Wi-Fi multiplayer capabilities. The game follows the storyline of NARUTO Shippuden and features more than 35 characters who have been upgraded with new looks and character-specific jutsu moves. The game also offers 40 3D environments to choose from, including nine completely new stages.

NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 hits stores November 16, 2009 for the Nintendo Wii for $39.99 SRP.

This is Spinal Trap comes to Rock band Plus tracks from Black Sabbath and Foo Fighters for Wii and songs from Jane's Addiction and Styx for Rock Band

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced they will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the theatrical release of This is Spinal Tap, by making available newly recorded versions of the songs featured in the cult classic film and its 1984 soundtrack album. The songs will be available in the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content next week on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii system. With the addition of the Spinal Tap tracks, the Rock Band music platform now offers more than 800 songs to consumers via disc and download, and has surpassed more than 50 million paid downloads to date.

Additional tracks from Black Sabbath and Foo Fighters will be available in the Nintendo Wii Rock Band Music Store, and tracks from Jane’s Addiction and Styx will be available for Rock Band Unplugged.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 Systems and Wii Console

The 11 songs that comprised the film’s original soundtrack were recently re-imagined and newly interpreted by the band for its latest CD Back From The Dead. The end result is that England’s Loudest Heavy Metal Band, Spinal Tap, has never sounded better. Back From The Dead also features six brand new songs including “Back from the Dead,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Nightmare” and “Warmer Than Hell” which are already available in the Rock Band Music Store and an hour-long DVD featuring band commentary. This is Spinal Tap is now available on Blu-Ray from MGM Home Entertainment.

Tracks available on Xbox 360 and Wii (Aug. 4) and PLAYSTATION 3 system (Aug. 6):

Spinal Tap “(Funky) Sex Farm”
Spinal Tap “(Listen to the) Flower People (Reggae Stylee)”
Spinal Tap “America”
Spinal Tap “Big Bottom”
Spinal Tap “Cups and Cakes”
Spinal Tap “Gimme Some Money”
Spinal Tap “Heavy Duty”
Spinal Tap “Hell Hole”
Spinal Tap “Rock ‘n’ Roll Creation”
Spinal Tap “Stonehenge”
Spinal Tap “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight”

(All tracks are original master recordings from Back From The Dead recording sessions.)

These tracks will be available for purchase as part of the “Spinal Tap’s TAP TEN” or as individual tracks on Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems.

Price: $1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track
$17.99 (1440 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for “Spinal Tap’s TAP TEN”
$2.00 USD, (200 Wii Points) per track

Wii Back-Catalog Additions
Additionally, tracks from Black Sabbath and Foo Fighters will be available Aug. 4 in the Wii Rock Band Music Store. These tracks come from the catalog of Rock Band music already released to owners of Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system. With the addition of these tracks, there are now more than 450 tracks in the Wii Rock Band Music Store.

Additional tracks available for Wii (July 28):

Black Sabbath “N.I.B.” *
Black Sabbath “Sweet Leaf” *
Black Sabbath “War Pigs” *
Foo Fighters “Doll”
Foo Fighters “Enough Space”
Foo Fighters “February Stars”
Foo Fighters “Hey, Johnny Park!”
Foo Fighters “Monkey Wrench”
Foo Fighters “My Hero”
Foo Fighters “My Poor Brain”
Foo Fighters “New Way Home”
Foo Fighters “See You”
Foo Fighters “Up in Arms”
Foo Fighters “Walking After You”
Foo Fighters “Wind Up”

(* Denotes cover version)

Price: $2.00 USD, (200 Wii Points) per track

Rock Band Unplugged Tracks for PSP System
Rock Band Unplugged fans will enjoy the addition of Jane’s Addiction’s “Had a Dad” and Styx’s “Renegade” to the 25 tracks already available via the Rock Band Unplugged in-game music store for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Tracks available for Rock Band Unplugged (July 30):

Jane’s Addiction “Had a Dad”
Styx “Renegade”

Price: $1.99, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU per track on the PSP system

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change.

The Conduit video game out now on Nintendo Wii - with videos

Be the first to crack the conspiracy exclusively on Nintendo Wii with The Conduit Special Edition.

Set in the near-future of a fictional America, this fast paced shooter action allows you to battle a range of devious and cunning enemy forces in a highly detailed 3D world, using a dynamic control scheme only possible on Nintendo Wii.

For the collectors among you, the special edition comes in an exclusive embossed, metallic slipcase and includes a secret agent in-game multiplayer skin, unlockable Drone single player skin and a unique All Seeing Eye.

WET video game Highly-Stylized Shooter for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 release date September 18

Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, announce that WET will hit European retail shelves on September 18th for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The game’s highly-stylized mix of action and acrobatics is showcased on the newly revamped web site that can be found at http://wetthegame.com.



“We are extremely excited to bring WET to gamers on September 18th,” said Vlatko Andonov, president of Bethesda Softworks. “A2M has created an explosive gaming experience and the action is non-stop from start to finish.”

Developed at Artificial Mind and Movement, WET throws players into a heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping adventure of double crosses and paybacks in which they’ll take on the role of problem fixer, Rubi Malone. Use Rubi’s dual pistols or samurai sword during any acrobatic move as you take on countless enemies in a number of exotic locations around the globe.

“We’ve worked really hard to make WET different from any other action game available”, said Patrick Fortier, Creative Director at A2M. “When players experience the game’s unique blend of gunplay, sword combat and acrobatics, they won’t want to put the controller down.”

On a mission to find the man that left you for dead, you’ll master the controls that will allow you to create the most incredible fight sequences - limited only by your own imagination. Once you are able to chain together a number of moves, including sliding down ladders, running on walls, jumping and flipping, you will be rewarded with auto-lock and slow motion advantages. Featuring the perfect mix of humor and violence, WET is a third-person shooter experience unlike any other.

WET is a highly-stylized third person shooter that seamlessly blends gun play, sword kills and over-the-top acrobatics to create the ultimate interactive action experience. The game allows you to shoot anywhere, anytime. You will have the freedom to shoot while running, sliding down ladders, sliding across the floor, or performing any number of acrobatic moves. Featuring an ironic mix of humor and violence, unique retro film visual treatment, and original 70’s inspired music, WET is a third- person shooter experience unlike any other.

STORY:
When Rubi Malone, a gun-for-hire, agrees to fix a wealthy man’s problem by finding and bringing back his wayward son, she thinks the job is going to be cut and dry. She thought wrong. The job turns out to be more complicated than expected and the man who hired her isn't who he appears to be. On the run and looking for the man who betrayed her, Rubi is leaving a massive body count in her wake.

KEY FEATURES:

Three Types of Gameplay – Seamlessly combines three types of gameplay: 360 degree slip-aiming mechanics, sword fighting and acrobatic abilities.

Acclaimed Writer Duppy Demitrius – Written by Demitrius who is best known for his work on the action-packed TV series 24.

Ultimate Interactive Action Experience – Over-the-top acrobatics with constant action that features aerial sword attacks, fantastic sword skills and high body count.

Cinematographic Style – Unique retro film visual treatment with stylized over-the-top characters, an original 70’s inspired soundtrack and locations that span three continents.

New Iconic Character – Rubi combines attitude, style and killer instinct!

Madden NFL 10 East Team and Players ratings released

NFL training camps are in full swing and the release of Madden NFL 10 is only two weeks away! Will Tom Brady return to his MVP level? Will the Dolphins build on last year’s success? How will T.O. affect the Bills? Will new coach Rex Ryan lead the Jets to the post season? See how your favorite team and players will fair – according to the Madden NFL 10 Season Preview.

We continue our look at each team’s overall rating and individual player ratings with a focus on the extremely competitive AFC East division. In addition to the player ratings, a wealth of team-specific assets are now available, for both the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, and Wii versions of Madden NFL 10.

Everything culminates next week, where Madden NFL 10 will predict the 2009 NFL division winners, season MVP, and more.

To view the overall team ratings for the Jets, Dolphins, Patriots, and Bills, as well as download the complete team roster ratings, visit the official Madden NFL 10 website below:

• Madden NFL 10 Season Preview

Up next week: The Madden NFL 10 Season Preview

Madden NFL 10 will be available on the Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems, Wii, PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

My Friends! Video game on Nintendo DS Create your own world of friends with My Friends!

Create your very own 3D character and then go and explore your new fun environment. You can then create your own 3D friends and keep them happy by playing games with them and giving them gifts! The happier your friends are, the more games you will unlock… you will even unlock new locations to go and explore and play games in!

You can share gifts and friends, and also chat with up to three friends via DS Wireless Communications. Will you be able to keep your friends happy and be the best friend ever?!

This summer, let My Friends take you to a whole new world of fun & games!

My Friends for the Nintendo DS is out now!