Sony paid £16 million for Evolution Studios

Chief exec Martin Kenwright gets £12m

Sony's acquisition of MotorStorm developer Evolution Studios and its PSP satellite Bigbig Studios cost the company £16 million (EUR 22.9m / USD 32.6m).

According to a report by the Liverpool Daily Post, chief executive and co-founder Martin Kenwright held a 75 per cent stake in the company, netting him GBP 12 million from the sale. Ian Hetherington, chairman and co-founder, held most of the rest of the shares.

The MotorStorm developer was snapped up by Sony last month, after the racing studio delivered one of the most critically acclaimed and best-selling titles for the PlayStation 3.

At the time, Michael Denny, vice president of SCE Worldwide Studios told GamesIndustry.biz, "We've enjoyed a highly productive and commercially successful relationship with Evolution and now there's a great opportunity in bringing them into part of the family to share further in terms of technology, production methodology and creative goals to make the experiences that these teams are creating even better."

Evolution was established in 1999, but co-founders Kenwright and Hetherington decided to leave the business following the acquisition.

Evolution is currently working a disc-based sequel to MotorStorm as well as further downloadable content, while Bigbig Studios is putting the finishing touches to Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice for the PSP.

Source: Games Industry

World In Conflict Conquers Worldwide PC Sales Charts

Award-Winning Action-Strategy Gameplay Draws Fans of First-Person Shooters, RPGs, Action Games; New Fans Drive Game to Top PC Position on Charts Worldwide

Sierra Entertainment is proud to announce that World in Conflict™ - the game unanimously chosen as the Best Strategy Game of E3 2007 and winner of countless "Editor's Choice" awards, debuted at the top of the worldwide PC sales charts in the game's first week at retail. The game hit #1 on PC in North America, Germany, and Australia and was among the top 3-sellers on PC in most other territories worldwide.

The critically acclaimed action-strategy game created by Massive Entertainment, a Sierra Entertainment internal studio, is currently available in North America in both Standard and Collector's Edition versions for a suggested retail price of $49.99 and $59.99 respectively.

"Sierra Entertainment is extremely proud that the World in Conflict video game is realizing the level of success that can be expected from a game of such high quality," said Martin Tremblay, president of worldwide studios, Sierra Entertainment. "We see the World in Conflict audience continually expanding as PC players read the stunning reviews, hear about the game from their friends or try the multiplayer demo, and in turn, discover what this new 'action-strategy' gameplay is all about."

The World in Conflict game is currently the highest-rated real-time strategy game of the year, according to information gathered by GameRankings.com. Reviews from around the world hail the game's intense action-packed gameplay and cross-genre appeal as refreshing, exciting and the future of strategy gaming. IGN PC called the game "An RTS for the shooter generation" and "…an action junky's dream," awarding World in Conflict a 9.3 out of 10. GameSpot gave the game a 9.5 out of 10, saying "World in Conflict is a thrilling, spectacular strategy game."

"World in Conflict is one of the hottest-selling PC games today as it appeals to fans of many genres, from first-person-shooter to RPG to sim," said Bob McKenzie, senior vice president of merchandising for GameStop Corp, the world's largest video game and entertainment software retailer. "The game's innovative action-focused gameplay, amazingly fun multiplayer modes, and next-generation graphics have drawn in new fans the world over."

"The amazing success of the World in Conflict game launch is directly reflective of the outstanding support offered by Sierra's worldwide retail partners during a highly competitive launch window," said Pascal Brochier, president of Global Retail, Vivendi Games. "These partners recognized the strength and quality of the game and have committed strong support through the upcoming Holiday season. World in Conflict is a game with incredible longevity, one that will be supported and promoted by the blossoming communities - such as competitive multiplayer groups and amateur map makers and mod developers - who are already building around the strength of the game."

About World in Conflict
The World in Conflictt game asks the terrifying question, what if the Cold War didn't end? The award-winning game represents the next-generation of strategy titles, pitting Cold War-era superpowers against one another with completely destructible 3D battlefields and blistering visuals using DX10 technology. The World in Conflict game features an innovative gameplay mechanism that removes traditional resource-gathering and base-building in favor of non-stop combat, tactical decisions and FPS-like intense action. The game also features a deep single-player campaign that showcases Hollywood-quality storytelling of the Cold War gone hot.

Features in the World in Conflict game include:

Action-Focused Gameplay: World in Conflict gameplay focuses on tactical combat to create a game that is fast and hard-hitting - much like an FPS - by removing traditional base-building and resource gathering in favor of instant warfare and by doing so, creating a new category of PC games: Action-Strategy

Dramatic Single-Player Campaign: The World in Conflict single-player mode offers a deep and emotional storyline created by renowned author and cold war authority, Larry Bond; players strap on the combat boots of a young field commander featuring Hollywood voice-over talent and a thrilling personal journey through World War III

Accessibility: The World in Conflict FPS-like control scheme and 360-degree camera make its action-strategy gameplay exciting for hardcore strategy fans as well as accessible to fans of other genres - strategy fans will love the World in Conflict experience. For gamers who have never played strategy before, the World in Conflict game is the game to try

Deep Multiplayer With "Next-Gen" Features: The World in Conflict game supports up to 16 players for head-to-head and team-based battles in Domination, Tug-of-War and Assault modes; online play features built-in Voice-over IP (VoIP), support for clan management, competitive ladders, online tournaments, chat rooms, friends lists and more

Real World Super-Powered Warfare: Unleash the authentic military arsenals of the great superpowers including tanks, planes, trucks, troops and helicopters from the USA, Soviet Union and NATO; as well as massive tactical attacks such as carpet bombings, long-range artillery, napalm and nuclear weapons

Player Roles: Innovative in the strategy genre, players choose to engage the enemy as Infantry, Armor, Support, or Air specialists; multiplayer teams need to master each role and their cooperative elements for maximum effectiveness

Bleeding-Edge Graphics: The latest version of Massive's proprietary Masstech™ engine uses DX10 technology, with advanced lighting, particle and physics effects, and allows for a full 360-degree range of camera control

Complete Destructibility: As the battle rages, the world environment pays the price as every object - houses, trees and more - crumble under the force of war

Scalability: While pushing the bleeding edge, Massive's proprietary Masstech engine also scales down to accommodate a wide range of PC specifications - if you've played a modern PC game within the last two years, you'll be able to play the World in Conflict game

The World in Conflict Collector's Edition includes limited edition extras for hardcore fans and Cold War enthusiasts, including an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall, a bonus DVD from The History Channel®, behind the scenes videos and special packaging.

The World in Conflict game is now available at retail stores in North America for the personal computer with a suggested retail price of $49.99 for Standard Edition and $59.99 for the Collector's Edition. For more information on World in Conflict, please visit www.worldinconflict.com.

Nintendo DS - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

The signature Call of Duty chaos of battle is coming to Nintendo DS for the first time in a modern day first-person action experience packed with intense sights, sounds and gameplay. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for the Nintendo DS delivers an arsenal of modern weaponry, arming gamers with precision controls and touch screen capabilities for battle across the world’s most dangerous hotspots. In an unfolding story that parallels the epic, high-octane PC and next generation console Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, the Nintendo DS title enlists players as U.S. and coalition forces against a rogue enemy, where the action rages from land to the skies in all-out combat that threatens the world.

KEY FEATURES:

• Nintendo DS Touch Screen and Stylus – Intuitive stylus-based movement controls allows unique ways to construct explosive devices, disarm traps, and perform hand-to-hand combat.

• Diversity of Gameplay – Delivering a variety of combat, the title takes players from the soldier to the satellite with multiple scenarios. Gamers will experience mobilization as they fast-rope from tactical helicopters, engage hostile forces from an aerial gunship, and experience the ferocity of building to building fighting.

• Instant Action – Featuring the signature Call of Duty epic combat and intensity, the Nintendo DS title delivers an Instant Action mode allowing players to quickly access previously completed missions.

• Multiplayer Support – Leveraging wireless local area network (WLAN) for ad-hoc connectivity, up to four players quickly ease into the visceral action of modern warfare combat.

Publisher: Activision Publishing, Inc.
Developer: n-Space
Release Date: Fall 2007
Platform: Nintendo DS
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
ESRB Rating: TBD

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Now Available For Digital Download At IGN

Award-Winning, Highly-Anticipated Multiplayer Shooter Available Immediately via Digital Download

Direct2Drive, IGN Entertainment’s digital retail store, today announced that id Software’s Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars, is now available for worldwide digital download via Direct2Drive (http://www.direct2drive.com).

Developed by Splash Damage and published by Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars offers the ultimate in objective-based multiplayer action, either online or offline with computer controlled players. Up to 24 gamers can play online, electing to play as the human Global Defense Force (GDF) or alien Strogg in one of five unique character classes. Employing an arsenal of weapons, vehicles and deployable armaments, players engage in an action-packed test of skill and coordinated teamwork through a series of combat objectives. Persistent character growth and achievements reward gamers for teamwork, while clearly defined mission and class objectives guide new players to meaningful contributions on the battlefield.

“Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is a perfect fit for digital distribution with the experience of the online game maximized with a fast connection,” said id Software CEO, Todd Hollenshead. “IGN and Direct2Drive make for an awesome partnership because they are fans of multiplayer internet gaming just like we are at id and they know what it takes to deliver what customers expect and demand.”

Since launching in October 2004, Direct2Drive has allowed gamers to conveniently purchase and download the latest premium games from the world’s top publishers.

“Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is a highly-acclaimed title that we are excited to add to our expansive library and make immediately available to consumers worldwide,” said Jamie Berger, SVP Consumer Products & Technology for IGN Entertainment. “Direct2Drive is committed to offering the broadest library of AAA digital titles that can be found anywhere online”.

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars for Windows PC is rated “T” by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Wii Chills Out With Intercooler

Nyko Announces Intercooler For Wii Has Shipped To Retailers

Nyko Technologies, a premier peripherals manufacturer, announced today that it has shipped the Intercooler for Wii to retailers nationwide, giving Wii gamers the ultimate solution for keeping their innovative console running under optimal conditions.

The Intercooler for Wii is the perfect accessory for Wii gamers looking to keep their consoles running in the best possible environment. The Intercooler dramatically increases the rate of hot air flowing out of the vents, resulting in a console that runs at considerably lower temperatures. The Intercooler for Wii clips easily onto the back of the Wii, meaning there is no complicated installation or modification necessary. This patented design also leaves all of the inputs on the back of the console free and easily accessible. For image conscience gamers, the Intercooler for Wii comes in a décor that matches the aesthetic of the Wii itself and can be used when the console is in a horizontal or vertical position.

"The release of the Intercooler for Wii marks Nyko's third Intercooler product for this current generation of consoles," said Chris Arbogast, marketing manager at Nyko Technologies. "Due to popular demand from consumers who were impressed with the original intercooler models for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 we created the Intercooler for Wii which we feel will be as equally praised for its ability to keep the Wii running at appropriate temperature levels."

The Intercooler for Wii is now available at retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $14.99 and on Nyko's online store at www.nyko.com/intercoolerwii.

Capybara Bring Award Winning Games to Nintendo DS, Wii

Capybara Games, an acclaimed developer of mobile games, announced today plans to offer many of its award winning titles on the DS and Wii gaming consoles as well as digital distribution platforms. Since the company’s founding in 2003, the team has received numerous awards including two IGN Editor’s Choice Awards and two Pocket Gamer Gold Awards. Capybara is best known for developing a number of unique and highly entertaining mobile titles including “Happy Feet,” “Pillow Fight,” Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean 3,” Disney/Pixar’s “Cars” and the IGN Game of the Month for September “Critter Crunch.”

As a newly approved Nintendo developer, Capybara is now able to bring their creative talent and innovative products to a larger audience.

“Many of our mobile titles lend themselves to development on console platforms, and we see a lot potential in up-scaling and expanding these properties” said Tom Frencel, President of Capybara Games. “’Critter Crunch’ is a perfect example of this. It's a game that received a great response after its mobile release, and we're really excited about the possibility of bringing it to console gamers as well.”

Capybara has already begun development on a licensed property for the DS with a top tier publisher, which will be officially announced in the coming months, and is currently in discussions with several publishers to begin developing games based on both licensed and original intellectual properties.

“Our design team has been developing some great original concepts that have been on hold up until now, as we didn't feel that mobile was the appropriate platform for them. We're looking forward to seeing these concepts come to fruition.” Mr. Frencel added. “We will continue to maintain our mobile presence and develop strong licensed and original titles as we expand onto the DS, Wii, and digital distribution platforms. We believe that many of our concepts are well suited for these platforms, and we are working hard to get these quality titles into the hands of gamers everywhere.”

With respect to Capybara’s ability to take on these new development challenges, Mr. Frencel commented “Many of our tools that we use on mobile are crossing over to the new platforms quite well. It also helps that we have a very agile group of people here at Capybara, and they have been able to adjust to the new platform requirements very quickly.”

Return of Sense of Play at London Games Feastive

Pixel-Lab and the London Games Festival Fringe are proud to announce the return of Sense of Play, a one-day symposium which explores the gentle and not-so-gentle art of computer game design. Looking beyond the current generation of game technologies and platforms, the event aims to promote lively debate on the nature of game design and the role of the game designer: what this means to different people both inside and outside the computer games industry.

Sense of Play 07 features keynotes from game design veteran and online multiplayer pioneer Raph Koster, whose current project Metaplace promises once again to break even more new ground in online game world design; Georg Backer of Lionhead Studios, who has been instrumental in embedding drama and emotional impact in the design of Fable 2; and Stephen Goss, newly appointed Head of Design at UK games publishing giant Eidos.

The event is sponsored by the University College for the Creative Arts. UCCA’s Master of Arts in Digital Game Design based in its Farnham campus has been a pioneering force in the education and fostering of emerging game design talent for the last four years.

Sense of Play 07 promotes and champions new thinking in game design, where the ‘thinking’ involves both human designers and the software systems they create. Included are sessions from Adam Russell, former AI expert at Eurocom, who looks at how a game’s artificial intelligence affects player behaviour; David Hayward from the Pixel-lab consultancy whose latest work uncovers the so called ‘Uncanny Valley’ in AI, in which an automated character’s behaviour falls off in its believability as it approaches an approximated model of ‘realism’; and Jon Weinbren of Imaginary Productions and UCCA Farnham’s Head of Game Design, who will give an overview of some current creative and technical research challenges from both an academic and industry perspective.

A panel discussion probes the role of the game designer in an industry that many believe to be in something of a state of flux. It also looks at game design training and education: given that game designers are considered to be key to the medium’s creative future, how can we best equip emerging talent to square up to the considerable challenges they face as the industry evolves?

The symposium will be complemented by a showcase of new work from recent graduates of the MA Digital Games Design programme at UCCA Farnham. In addition, Frank Boyd and collaborators from the Festival Fringe’s Play/Time ARG Lab will be presenting ideas and projects which have been developed during this week-long workshop.

Commenting on his involvement, Raph Koster describes Sense of Play as “…an important forum for exploring issues in game design, because the games we make today are helping to shape the minds of a generation”.

Rob Cooper, Ubisoft’s Managing Director for Northern Europe adds: “Ubisoft believes that creativity and innovation is the most important function of our business at the moment. Sense of play provides a unique foundation to look at ways we can all push the boundaries of game design and interactive storytelling, and we are really excited to be supporting this event as part of the London Games Festival Fringe.”

Sense of Play symposium takes place on Friday 26th October, 20076 9.15am – 5.00pm at The Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE .

Entry is free but places are limited,
More details and to register: www.senseofplay.com

Eidos New Multiplayer - Kane & Lynch: Dead Men

Eidos Interactive, one of the world’s leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, is pleased to unveil a sinister new twist to the online multiplayer experience in Kane & Lynch: Dead Men called Fragile Alliance.

Fragile Alliance is based on greed, betrayal and revenge, offering online gamers the choice of working as a team or back-stabbing their team mates and working for themselves at any moment. Up to eight players team up against police in a series of gripping heist scenarios, but from here the choice is entirely up to the individual player. The objective is to steal the loot and make it to the getaway point. The winner is the player who escapes with the most loot. How and when you make your move is up to you.

“We wanted to make a multiplayer experience using the theme, dynamics and atmosphere of Kane & Lynch: Dead Men” said Kim Krogh, Lead Game Designer, IO Interactive. “Fragile Alliance is a new way to use co-op in multiplayer. Play it like a soldier and you’ll lose, play it like a criminal and you’ll win”.

“Kane & Lynch multiplayer opens up Pandora’s gun cabinet in terms of gameplay possibilities,” said Fabien Rossini, Brand Controller, Eidos. “The options available to players are mouth-watering; are you a team player, a traitor, a bounty hunter, a cop – the decision is yours. You may start as part of a team but then it’s up to the player what they want to do.”

Kane & Lynch: Dead Men is a dark and gritty tale of two men bound by circumstance as they wait on death row for their final sentence. One is a flawed mercenary, the other a medicated psychopath. The two are forced to embark on a violent and chaotic journey, hating each other every step of the way.

Kane & Lynch: Dead Men will be available in stores in the US beginning Tuesday 20th November and throughout Europe beginning Friday 23rd November on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC Games for Windows.

For further information visit: www.kaneandlynch.com.

World Exclusive!! GameCity to show the lightsaber in action!

Travellers Tales and LucasArts let the public play The Force!

Feel and Play The Force at GameCity (www.gamecity.org). Visitors to the world's most exciting game festival are to be the first in the world get their hands on the Wii lightsaber, in LucasArts' Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga re-mastered and shown in glorious HD.

Since the first film's debut 30 years ago, fans have longed for the day when they could fight their own lightsaber duels. Now, thanks to the Wii's motion-sensitive controller, The Complete Saga will finally make that fantasy a reality, allowing players to battle with thrusts and slices of the Remote. GameCity is thrilled to give gamers a chance to be the first in the world to see and try the lightsaber first-hand in a worldwide exclusive premier of Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga for Wii.

This global premier is part of GameCity's Play The Force – a celebration of the rich heritage that games share with the Star Wars phenomenon. That legacy - thirty years, six films, and billions of dollars - is enormous, and throughout those decades games have been an integral part of the Star Wars universe. More than 120 of them have tried – with varying degrees of success – to bring the different elements of Lucas's world to life.

And so, 26th October is Star Wars day at GameCity. The festival is thrilled to be able to welcome Jonathan Smith, of developer Travellers Tales and visionary behind the Lego Star Wars phenomenon, which has brought all six films to life with the tiny, clunky charisma only Lego can bring. Presenting the complete saga of the games' development, and explaining the secret behind their prodigious success, this session will be an exceptional opportunity to see behind the scenes of a game that delighted critics and consumers alike.

Please note: this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – limited tickets are available. Go online and buy your tickets NOW – once they're sold there won't be anymore! www.gamecity.org

Following on from Smith's symposium is a session that gets to the heart of the question that all those not-so-stellar Star Wars games raise: just why is it so hard to get it right? 'What Makes A Brilliant Star Wars Game' brings together gaming experts and Star Wars specialists to hammer out the formula for the perfect Star Wars game. Is it the lightsabers? Is it the music? Is it the X-wings? Join Wonderland's Alice Taylor, and sci-fi expert Jonathan Hamblin to find out.

30 years on from the release of the original film, science - the science behind games, at least - has caught up with science fiction. GameCity is proud to showcase 'Euphoria', Natural Motion's on-the-fly dynamic motion synthesis engine which dynamically generates the movements of your character in-game. Rather than being limited by animations prepared in advance by the game's designers, Euphoria means that no two jumps, no two punches, no two KOs need ever be the same again. Already showcased to great effect in the upcoming Indiana Jones game, Euphoria will also play a key part in the new Star Wars extravaganza. Come along and see how your actions will shape the games of the future.

Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga – 12pm, 26th October. Broadway Cinema and Media Centre
What Makes A Brilliant Star Wars Game? – 1pm, 26th October, Broadway Cinema and Media Centre
Euphoria: Physics of the Force – 2pm, 26th October, Broadway Cinema and Media Centre

Universal avatars bestride worlds

A virtual character, or avatar, for all the virtual worlds in which people play is the goal of a joint project between IBM and Linden Lab.
The computer giant and the creator of Second Life are working on universal avatars that can travel between worlds.

The project aims to open up virtual worlds by introducing open tools that work with any online environment.

The companies hope to boost interest in virtual worlds as well as make them easier to navigate.

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