Warner Bros has signalled its intention of expanding more aggressively into the video games industry with the acquisition of TT Games, the UK publisher of the LEGO Star Wars series which has sold 12m copies around the world.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will give Time Warner’s Hollywood studio a stronger in-house capacity for developing game spin-offs of its film franchises, but will also allow it to create video games which are unrelated to its movies.
“We’re very serious about building this [games business],” said Kevin Tsujihara, president of Warner’s Home Entertainment Group, adding that TT would be the “cornerstone” of its games plans. “There will be a number of pieces of the puzzle. This is an important piece but it’s not the whole puzzle.”
The deal comes as media groups are becoming increasingly interested in the video games business, as one of the few sectors to have shown consistent growth through a period when the growth of the internet has disrupted other media business models.
The TT Games acquisition follows September’s announcement of a multibillion-dollar partnership to develop an entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi, which included the creation of a $500m fund for video game development.
The transaction will secure a multi-million pound windfall for Jon Burton, TT Group’s controlling shareholder, who founded the company as Traveller’s Tales 18 years ago in the era of the Commodore Amiga and Sega Mega Drive.
The value of TT Games, based in Knutsford in Cheshire, had been estimated by one local newspaper at about £80m, making Mr Burton’s stake worth more than £60m.
The company’s family-friendly positioning was one reason for Warner’s attraction to TT Games, Mr Tsujihara said.
“TT Games is the leading video game developer for young gamers and their families,” he said, making it “a great match with our brands”, which would benefit from Warner’s global infrastructure.
TT Games is already developing its first title for Warner Bros, a LEGO Batman game, based on its Batman film franchise. It also develops for other studios, however, including Walt Disney and LucasArts, maker of the Star Wars films.
Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, the games division created in 2004, will maintain its license agreements with other games companies such as Electronic Arts and Eidos, the group said.
TT Games was created in 2005 through the merger of Traveller’s Tales, one of the largest independent game developers, and Giant Interactive Entertainment, a games publisher started by LEGO.
It has sold over 12m copies of its two Star Wars titles, “LEGO Stars Wars: The Videogame” - published in 2005 - and “LEGO Star Wars 2: The Original Trilogy”, released in September 2006.
“After 18 years in the video games industry, the opportunity to become a meaningful part of the world’s leading entertainment company is the fulfillment of a dream,” Mr Burton said.
Source: FT
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Friday, November 09, 2007
Atari: Hanging On By A Thread
Pretty soon, it's likely that we won't have Atari to kick around anymore.
The embattled videogame publisher, having already sold off most of its major game franchises and in danger of losing its flagship Dragon Ball titles, has filed a quarterly earnings report with the SEC that paints a bleak picture of a company on the rocks.
Reporting an $11.9 million quarterly loss, Atari said outright in the statement that the company has "substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern."
A going concern is a company that will "continue to operate indefinitely, and will not go out of business and liquidate assets."
Atari notes that its only current line of credit is in real danger of being canceled by the lenders "if, as is likely, we fail to meet financial covenants."
Atari's hottest property right now is the fact that it produces games based on the Dragon Ball Z animated series, but it notes in the SEC report that license holder FUNimation is currently pursuing a breach of contract notice and is attempting to pull the games from Atari.
Atari's plans to save itself, such as they are, have been to sell off its internal studios* and divest itself of valuable properties like Stuntman, which it sold to THQ for $9 million last year.
But this can't go on forever, of course, if Atari plans to release any video games at all: " Further significant asset sales may not be practical if we are going to continue to engage in our current activities," reads the report.
Thus, the one concrete (if one can call it that) proposal that Atari offers by way of bettering itself is the following:
The "Atari" name (which we license) has been an important part of our branding strategy, and we believe it provides us with an important competitive advantage in dealing with video game developers and in distributing products. Further, our management has been working on a strategic plan to replace part of the revenues we lost in recent years by expanding into new emerging aspects of the video game industry, including casual games, on-line sites, and digital downloading. In addition, we are considering licensing the "Atari" name for use in products other than video games. However, our ability to do at least some of those things will require expansion and extension of our rights to use and sublicense others to use the "Atari" name. We have no agreements or understandings that assure us that we will be able to expand the purposes for which we can use the "Atari" name or extend the period during which we will be able to use it.
In other words, Atari realizes that its name could be much better used to sell casual games, toys, T-shirts, and electric cake mixers branded with the stylized Mount Fuji. But it isn't quite sure if it has the right to even do that, because they are, technically, licensing the Atari name from their majority stockholder company Infogrames.
Infogrames became owner of the Atari brand name (and the company's back catalog of legendary games like Pong, Asteroids and Centipede) for a song in 2001, when it acquired Hasbro Interactive for $95 million in Infogrames stock and $5 million in cash.
Infogrames' American subsidiary changed its name to Atari in 2003.
*That post made me laugh when I read it again.
Source: WIRED
The embattled videogame publisher, having already sold off most of its major game franchises and in danger of losing its flagship Dragon Ball titles, has filed a quarterly earnings report with the SEC that paints a bleak picture of a company on the rocks.
Reporting an $11.9 million quarterly loss, Atari said outright in the statement that the company has "substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern."
A going concern is a company that will "continue to operate indefinitely, and will not go out of business and liquidate assets."
Atari notes that its only current line of credit is in real danger of being canceled by the lenders "if, as is likely, we fail to meet financial covenants."
Atari's hottest property right now is the fact that it produces games based on the Dragon Ball Z animated series, but it notes in the SEC report that license holder FUNimation is currently pursuing a breach of contract notice and is attempting to pull the games from Atari.
Atari's plans to save itself, such as they are, have been to sell off its internal studios* and divest itself of valuable properties like Stuntman, which it sold to THQ for $9 million last year.
But this can't go on forever, of course, if Atari plans to release any video games at all: " Further significant asset sales may not be practical if we are going to continue to engage in our current activities," reads the report.
Thus, the one concrete (if one can call it that) proposal that Atari offers by way of bettering itself is the following:
The "Atari" name (which we license) has been an important part of our branding strategy, and we believe it provides us with an important competitive advantage in dealing with video game developers and in distributing products. Further, our management has been working on a strategic plan to replace part of the revenues we lost in recent years by expanding into new emerging aspects of the video game industry, including casual games, on-line sites, and digital downloading. In addition, we are considering licensing the "Atari" name for use in products other than video games. However, our ability to do at least some of those things will require expansion and extension of our rights to use and sublicense others to use the "Atari" name. We have no agreements or understandings that assure us that we will be able to expand the purposes for which we can use the "Atari" name or extend the period during which we will be able to use it.
In other words, Atari realizes that its name could be much better used to sell casual games, toys, T-shirts, and electric cake mixers branded with the stylized Mount Fuji. But it isn't quite sure if it has the right to even do that, because they are, technically, licensing the Atari name from their majority stockholder company Infogrames.
Infogrames became owner of the Atari brand name (and the company's back catalog of legendary games like Pong, Asteroids and Centipede) for a song in 2001, when it acquired Hasbro Interactive for $95 million in Infogrames stock and $5 million in cash.
Infogrames' American subsidiary changed its name to Atari in 2003.
*That post made me laugh when I read it again.
Source: WIRED
Target - remove violent video games
A controversial video game has been removed from the shelves of Minneapolis-based Target Corporation stores.
"Manhunt 2" has already been banned from sale in the United Kingdom. For months, activists have been calling on retailers to ban its sale in the U.S.
"It is some of the most horrific, senselessly violent stuff you've ever seen," said James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, a media watchdog group that has worked with retailers on making sure the videogame rating system is enforced.
The game tells the story of an inmate of an insane asylum who escaped. As government agents hunt the game's hero, he uses extreme violence, killing anyone who gets in his way.
Target issued a statement to WCCO-TV, writing, "All video games and computer software sold at Target currently carry ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) -- from early childhood through mature audiences."
The company said it took issue with a software fix put into place by Rockstar Games, the creator of "Manhunt 2." Rockstar also developed the controversial "Grand Theft Auto" games.
Initially, the game was given a restrictive "Adults Only" rating by the ESRB. Major retailers like Target and Wal-Mart do not sell stories with that rating.
The company went back to the board, after inserting software filters to hide the objectionable content. Within the past several days, hackers have been able to remove those filters, in editions of the game for PlayStation Portable. Games made for PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii don't appear to be hackable.
"While 'Manhunt 2' was given a 'Mature' rating by the ERSB, we received additional information that players can potentially view previously filtered content by altering the game code. As a result, we have decided not to carry the game," explained Target Corporation.
"It's a very violent game, there's no question about it," said Matt Helgeson, senior editor of Minneapolis-based Game Informer Magazine. Helgeson said he played the game for approximately 15 hours, completing it, as part of his work reviewing the game for the magazine.
"It is not a game for kids, it is very much a game for adults," said Helgeson. "And any adult thinking about buying the game for their kids should really reconsider that."
However, Helgeson believes that much like adults can buy violent films rated "R," they should have the opportunity to buy violent video games rated "M."
"I would say there are probably ten movies I could walk in right now and buy in Target that are every bit as gory as 'Manhunt,' if not more," he said.
For now, Target is the only major U.S. retailer pulling the game from shelves. Richfield, Minn.-based Best Buy Corporation explained, "Best Buy offers a wide variety of game content to suit our broad spectrum of customers. ... 'Man Hunt 2' will be available for our customers to purchase. Best Buy recognizes the concerns regarding video games, which is why we've worked with the industry to develop and refine the ESRB rating system."
"Manhunt 2" has already been banned from sale in the United Kingdom. For months, activists have been calling on retailers to ban its sale in the U.S.
"It is some of the most horrific, senselessly violent stuff you've ever seen," said James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, a media watchdog group that has worked with retailers on making sure the videogame rating system is enforced.
The game tells the story of an inmate of an insane asylum who escaped. As government agents hunt the game's hero, he uses extreme violence, killing anyone who gets in his way.
Target issued a statement to WCCO-TV, writing, "All video games and computer software sold at Target currently carry ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) -- from early childhood through mature audiences."
The company said it took issue with a software fix put into place by Rockstar Games, the creator of "Manhunt 2." Rockstar also developed the controversial "Grand Theft Auto" games.
Initially, the game was given a restrictive "Adults Only" rating by the ESRB. Major retailers like Target and Wal-Mart do not sell stories with that rating.
The company went back to the board, after inserting software filters to hide the objectionable content. Within the past several days, hackers have been able to remove those filters, in editions of the game for PlayStation Portable. Games made for PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii don't appear to be hackable.
"While 'Manhunt 2' was given a 'Mature' rating by the ERSB, we received additional information that players can potentially view previously filtered content by altering the game code. As a result, we have decided not to carry the game," explained Target Corporation.
"It's a very violent game, there's no question about it," said Matt Helgeson, senior editor of Minneapolis-based Game Informer Magazine. Helgeson said he played the game for approximately 15 hours, completing it, as part of his work reviewing the game for the magazine.
"It is not a game for kids, it is very much a game for adults," said Helgeson. "And any adult thinking about buying the game for their kids should really reconsider that."
However, Helgeson believes that much like adults can buy violent films rated "R," they should have the opportunity to buy violent video games rated "M."
"I would say there are probably ten movies I could walk in right now and buy in Target that are every bit as gory as 'Manhunt,' if not more," he said.
For now, Target is the only major U.S. retailer pulling the game from shelves. Richfield, Minn.-based Best Buy Corporation explained, "Best Buy offers a wide variety of game content to suit our broad spectrum of customers. ... 'Man Hunt 2' will be available for our customers to purchase. Best Buy recognizes the concerns regarding video games, which is why we've worked with the industry to develop and refine the ESRB rating system."
Mario Galaxy sells 250k in first week
The long-awaited Wii title outsells most of the rest of the top ten
Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii has rocketed into the Japanese software chart at number one, selling over a quarter of a million units in its first week on sale, according to the latest data from Media Create.
That represents a number that's almost equal to the rest of the top ten put together, despite Ace Combat 6 entering the chart at number two, and Final Fantasy Tactics A2 continuing to sell well.
The Xbox 360 flying action game sold 77,000 units, and was one of three titles in the top 30 for Microsoft's platform, otherwise dominated for the most part by DS, which accounted for over half of titles.
The full list is as follows:
1. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
2. Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (360)
3. Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS)
4. Super Robot Wars Scramble Commander the 2nd (PS2)
5. DS Literature Collection (DS)
6. DS Nishimura Kyotarou Suspense Detective Series: Deadly Intent (DS)
7. Wii Sports (Wii)
8. Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day (DS)
9. World Soccer Winning Eleven DS: Goal to Goal (DS)
10. Pokemon Mysterious Dungeon: Time Expedition Party (DS)
Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii has rocketed into the Japanese software chart at number one, selling over a quarter of a million units in its first week on sale, according to the latest data from Media Create.
That represents a number that's almost equal to the rest of the top ten put together, despite Ace Combat 6 entering the chart at number two, and Final Fantasy Tactics A2 continuing to sell well.
The Xbox 360 flying action game sold 77,000 units, and was one of three titles in the top 30 for Microsoft's platform, otherwise dominated for the most part by DS, which accounted for over half of titles.
The full list is as follows:
1. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
2. Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (360)
3. Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS)
4. Super Robot Wars Scramble Commander the 2nd (PS2)
5. DS Literature Collection (DS)
6. DS Nishimura Kyotarou Suspense Detective Series: Deadly Intent (DS)
7. Wii Sports (Wii)
8. Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day (DS)
9. World Soccer Winning Eleven DS: Goal to Goal (DS)
10. Pokemon Mysterious Dungeon: Time Expedition Party (DS)
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Cabela's Big Game Hunter sets its sights on sores
The hunting adventure of a lifetime awaits in Cabela's Big Game Hunter from Activision. In the latest installment of the world's No1 hunting game series, which begins shipping to retail today, players are transported to the most prestigious hunting locations across the world in pursuit of 24 exotic big game species to put their hunting skills and survival instincts to the ultimate test.
"We are thrilled to deliver the next chapter in the Cabela's series and allow players to use real-life hunting strategies in beautiful international environments," said David Oxford, Activision, Inc. "Easily the most immersive hunting experience we have created to date, the game boasts a huge variety of species to hunt, some of which will attack when threatened, bringing the realism and intensity to a whole new level."
Cabela's Big Game Hunter lets players embark on a heart-pounding journey across the globe to hunt some of the most sought-after and exotic big game trophy animals in existence, including elk, moose, caribou, kudu, red stag, grizzly bear, and more. Along the way, hunting guides will help players hone their skills and improve their techniques as they track their targets in such diverse locations as British Columbia, the western United States, New Zealand, Africa, and Argentina. Cabela's Big Game Hunter offers a realistic yet fun-filled experience, featuring authentic weapons and equipment, unlockable missions, and visceral excitement to engage hunting fans of all ages.
Cabela's Big Game Hunter, which is published by Activision Minneapolis, is available now on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for a suggested retail price of $39.99 and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for $29.99. The game will also be available on the WiiTM home video game system for $39.99 on November 14, 2007. The game is rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB.
"We are thrilled to deliver the next chapter in the Cabela's series and allow players to use real-life hunting strategies in beautiful international environments," said David Oxford, Activision, Inc. "Easily the most immersive hunting experience we have created to date, the game boasts a huge variety of species to hunt, some of which will attack when threatened, bringing the realism and intensity to a whole new level."
Cabela's Big Game Hunter lets players embark on a heart-pounding journey across the globe to hunt some of the most sought-after and exotic big game trophy animals in existence, including elk, moose, caribou, kudu, red stag, grizzly bear, and more. Along the way, hunting guides will help players hone their skills and improve their techniques as they track their targets in such diverse locations as British Columbia, the western United States, New Zealand, Africa, and Argentina. Cabela's Big Game Hunter offers a realistic yet fun-filled experience, featuring authentic weapons and equipment, unlockable missions, and visceral excitement to engage hunting fans of all ages.
Cabela's Big Game Hunter, which is published by Activision Minneapolis, is available now on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for a suggested retail price of $39.99 and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for $29.99. The game will also be available on the WiiTM home video game system for $39.99 on November 14, 2007. The game is rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB.
Two Worlds playable demo on Xbox LIVE
Publisher SouthPeak Games is pleased to announce a brilliant new demo for its epic free-roaming role playing adventure, Two World, on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®.
The demo, available to download from the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network today, offers a huge portion of Two Worlds’ expansive single-player game to explore, complete with numerous quests to solve and wandering monsters to battle. Weighing in at several hours of play, it is the perfect chance for new Two Worlds players to experience the hugely successful adventure epic for themselves.
“We’re delighted to be launching such a substantial playable demo of Two Worlds to Xbox LIVE,” said Melanie Mroz, Executive Vice President, SouthPeak Games. “The response to Two Worlds has been absolutely phenomenal and we expect things to get even better with the release of this demo. Now role playing fans everywhere can sample the year’s runaway RPG success on Xbox 360.”
Developed by Reality Pump, Two Worlds sends players on an epic quest to the very heart of a dynamic, breathing world poised on the brink of an apocalypse. Blending exploration and combat with exciting new original features such as combinable weapons and a fully configurable card-based magic system, Two Worlds offers unprecedented levels of player freedom, where every decision and action the player makes will directly influence the world around them and the people that inhabit it.
Launching on both PC and Xbox 360 on September 7th 2007, Two Worlds has been an unprecedented success for SouthPeak Games, spending four weeks in the top 10 of the UK’s Xbox 360 sales charts.
The demo, available to download from the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network today, offers a huge portion of Two Worlds’ expansive single-player game to explore, complete with numerous quests to solve and wandering monsters to battle. Weighing in at several hours of play, it is the perfect chance for new Two Worlds players to experience the hugely successful adventure epic for themselves.
“We’re delighted to be launching such a substantial playable demo of Two Worlds to Xbox LIVE,” said Melanie Mroz, Executive Vice President, SouthPeak Games. “The response to Two Worlds has been absolutely phenomenal and we expect things to get even better with the release of this demo. Now role playing fans everywhere can sample the year’s runaway RPG success on Xbox 360.”
Developed by Reality Pump, Two Worlds sends players on an epic quest to the very heart of a dynamic, breathing world poised on the brink of an apocalypse. Blending exploration and combat with exciting new original features such as combinable weapons and a fully configurable card-based magic system, Two Worlds offers unprecedented levels of player freedom, where every decision and action the player makes will directly influence the world around them and the people that inhabit it.
Launching on both PC and Xbox 360 on September 7th 2007, Two Worlds has been an unprecedented success for SouthPeak Games, spending four weeks in the top 10 of the UK’s Xbox 360 sales charts.
SCHOOL LESSON PLANS USE THEMES FROM LATEST POKÉMON VIDEO GAMES TO TEACH SCIENCE
Free Lesson Plans Allow Students to 'Master the Science ... Master the Game'
A new in-school program uses basic characters and themes from Nintendo's popular Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl video games for Nintendo DS to teach elementary and middle school students about science. Nintendo of America, Inc., The National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) and Nortel LearniT, have teamed up to make it fun for students to learn the sciences using imagery they already know and love.
Now through December, a variety of printable lesson plans and classroom activities developed by NIA are available to students and teachers at www.masterthescience.org. For instance, a lesson plan might teach elementary school students how to tell time using a sundial, or middle school students about how the universe is expanding. An activity component is also built in, where teacher and student questions can be submitted and answered by science experts.
"We are thrilled to offer educators a resource program that utilizes popular characters to enhance the learning experience for students in fields of study that will only grow more crucial as we move forward in the 21st century," says Robert Lindberg, NIA's President and Executive Director.
"We're honored to have our characters take what sometimes may seem like dry topics and help make them come alive for students," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "The collaboration provides an opportunity for children to learn 21st century science using 21st century tools with characters they're familiar with."
"We know through our Nortel LearniT initiatives that technology integration in the classroom makes learning both exciting and engaging," says Greg Farmer, VP, Nortel Government and Community Relations. "As an organization that believes technology can enable opportunity, we are proud to be associated with this project."
Pokémon is no stranger to in-school education. Teachers and students can also visit Pokémon Learning League (www.PokemonLearningLeague.com) to access its award-winning interactive online lessons in Math, Science, Language Arts and Life Skills.
For more information about the "Master the Science…Master the Game" in-school program, visit the Web site at www.masterthescience.org.
A new in-school program uses basic characters and themes from Nintendo's popular Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl video games for Nintendo DS to teach elementary and middle school students about science. Nintendo of America, Inc., The National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) and Nortel LearniT, have teamed up to make it fun for students to learn the sciences using imagery they already know and love.
Now through December, a variety of printable lesson plans and classroom activities developed by NIA are available to students and teachers at www.masterthescience.org. For instance, a lesson plan might teach elementary school students how to tell time using a sundial, or middle school students about how the universe is expanding. An activity component is also built in, where teacher and student questions can be submitted and answered by science experts.
"We are thrilled to offer educators a resource program that utilizes popular characters to enhance the learning experience for students in fields of study that will only grow more crucial as we move forward in the 21st century," says Robert Lindberg, NIA's President and Executive Director.
"We're honored to have our characters take what sometimes may seem like dry topics and help make them come alive for students," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "The collaboration provides an opportunity for children to learn 21st century science using 21st century tools with characters they're familiar with."
"We know through our Nortel LearniT initiatives that technology integration in the classroom makes learning both exciting and engaging," says Greg Farmer, VP, Nortel Government and Community Relations. "As an organization that believes technology can enable opportunity, we are proud to be associated with this project."
Pokémon is no stranger to in-school education. Teachers and students can also visit Pokémon Learning League (www.PokemonLearningLeague.com) to access its award-winning interactive online lessons in Math, Science, Language Arts and Life Skills.
For more information about the "Master the Science…Master the Game" in-school program, visit the Web site at www.masterthescience.org.
Four New PLAYSTATION Stores
Poland, Greece, Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic
Total number of PLAYSTATION Stores in SCEE territories now 25
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced the launch of four new online PLAYSTATION Stores; Poland, Greece, Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic.
Enhancing the PlayStation® offering in these territories, the introduction of these PLAYSTATION Stores will enable consumers to access demos, videos and film trailers as well as being able to purchase premium content, including full games and extension packs. With access to over 235 downloadable items, content in these new stores will mirror that of the other SCEE PLAYSTATION Stores, providing exciting content such as Warhawk, Calling All Cars and Flow.
“When we launched PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) in March, we promised that we would continue to improve the service throughout the SCEE territories and offer more stores to new regions as quickly as possible,” said Chris Stanton-Jones, VP of Distributor Markets for SCEE. “The launch of these four new stores highlights our commitment both to improving our offering and the importance of these increasingly dynamic markets. We look forward to continuing the great success we are already having in these markets and are pleased to continue to show our support to them.”
Total number of PLAYSTATION Stores in SCEE territories now 25
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced the launch of four new online PLAYSTATION Stores; Poland, Greece, Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic.
Enhancing the PlayStation® offering in these territories, the introduction of these PLAYSTATION Stores will enable consumers to access demos, videos and film trailers as well as being able to purchase premium content, including full games and extension packs. With access to over 235 downloadable items, content in these new stores will mirror that of the other SCEE PLAYSTATION Stores, providing exciting content such as Warhawk, Calling All Cars and Flow.
“When we launched PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) in March, we promised that we would continue to improve the service throughout the SCEE territories and offer more stores to new regions as quickly as possible,” said Chris Stanton-Jones, VP of Distributor Markets for SCEE. “The launch of these four new stores highlights our commitment both to improving our offering and the importance of these increasingly dynamic markets. We look forward to continuing the great success we are already having in these markets and are pleased to continue to show our support to them.”
SONY DENIES RUMOURS OF HIGH FAILURE RATE OF 40GB PLAYSTATION 3
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) can categorically deny that there is a 40% failure rate on the newly release 40GB PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) as has been reported on a Dutch website. Having launched in October, the 40GB PS3 has encountered the same industry leading, very low failure rates, comparable to the low level failure rates of the 60GB PS3.
“We are very proud of the quality and reliability of PLAYSTATION 3 and are disappointed that such extremely sloppy journalism has resulted in this totally inaccurate story,” said David Reeves, President, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “Since launching the 40GB PS3, we have experienced a fantastic jump in sales and the failure rates have remained at the very low level that we not only strive for, but have been achieving since the launch of PS3.”
“We are very proud of the quality and reliability of PLAYSTATION 3 and are disappointed that such extremely sloppy journalism has resulted in this totally inaccurate story,” said David Reeves, President, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “Since launching the 40GB PS3, we have experienced a fantastic jump in sales and the failure rates have remained at the very low level that we not only strive for, but have been achieving since the launch of PS3.”
Second Korean Closed Beta Testing for Huxley
WEBZEN, a leading global online entertainment company, today announced the Korean schedule for the second stage of Huxley closed beta testing (CBT).
The second stage of testing for the highly-anticipated twitch-action massively multiplayer online first-person shooting (MMOFPS) game will take place from Dec. 13-17, 2007, in Korea. Registration for new local testers will begin in November, though gamers who took part in the first CBT will be able to participate as well.
Huxley received favorable marks as a dynamically original hyper-FPS game from gamers and media representatives who took part in the first CBT in September. The second CBT will primarily evaluate Huxley’s FPS elements through updated core battle play, as well as the complementary system stability elements.
“We’re highlighting the FPS elements in the first and second closed beta tests, and will roll out the much-anticipated MMO elements in later stages of testing,” said Nam-Ju Kim, chief executive officer, WEBZEN Inc. “I’m confident that this unique blend of MMO and twitch-action FPS game design in Huxley will have a dynamic and positive effect on the online gaming market.”
More information about Huxley’s Korean closed beta testing will be available shortly at www.huxley.co.kr.
The second stage of testing for the highly-anticipated twitch-action massively multiplayer online first-person shooting (MMOFPS) game will take place from Dec. 13-17, 2007, in Korea. Registration for new local testers will begin in November, though gamers who took part in the first CBT will be able to participate as well.
Huxley received favorable marks as a dynamically original hyper-FPS game from gamers and media representatives who took part in the first CBT in September. The second CBT will primarily evaluate Huxley’s FPS elements through updated core battle play, as well as the complementary system stability elements.
“We’re highlighting the FPS elements in the first and second closed beta tests, and will roll out the much-anticipated MMO elements in later stages of testing,” said Nam-Ju Kim, chief executive officer, WEBZEN Inc. “I’m confident that this unique blend of MMO and twitch-action FPS game design in Huxley will have a dynamic and positive effect on the online gaming market.”
More information about Huxley’s Korean closed beta testing will be available shortly at www.huxley.co.kr.
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