STAR TREK: Conquest Now Shipping in North America

STAR TREK: Conquest to be Available This Week for Wii and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system

Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, today announced that STAR TREK: Conquest for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo and PlayStation 2 system is shipping to North American retail stores. Conquest features a blend of strategy and intense action set in the STAR TREK: The Next Generation era and will be available on store shelves throughout North America as early as tomorrow.

Take control of Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian, Dominion, and Breen forces and lead them in a campaign to control the Galaxy, one planet at a time. You can build and manage your growing empire in turn-based strategy, fully utilizing the Wii Remote™ as you select and maneuver your Starships throughout the large, galactic map.

Strategically, you must effectively manage limited resources to expand your empire. You decide how to best achieve objectives by ordering your fleets and admirals, building support structures, researching technology, and engaging your enemies in combat.

Once battle is initiated, Conquest switches to a ship level tactical view allowing direct command of your ships as you engage in real-time combat. While maneuvering your Starship with the Nunchuk™, you can take direct aim and fire away with the Wii Remote.

Conquest has been rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will retail for an estimated MSRP of $29.99 on the Wii™ and $14.99 on the PlayStation®2 system. For more information visit http://startrek.bethsoft.com.

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Disney Mobile Games Studio

The Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) is extending its global mobile games business by increasing the size of its development studio in Prague. The studio is to become WDIG’s largest European location for the global development of mobile games and supports The Walt Disney Company’s growth strategy of leveraging technology to create entertainment content for global distribution.

The facility, which is being renamed the Disney Mobile Games Studio, will officially open in its new location today. Cindy Rose, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Walt Disney Internet Group, Europe, Middle East & Africa: “The mobile gaming market is developing at a rapid pace. With the strength of Disney’s brand, the depth of our content offering and our mobile gaming expertise, we feel that we are well positioned to capitalise on the growth potential of this sector across the EMEA region.”

The decision to invest in mobile game development in Prague is part of WDIG’s strategy to extend its mobile games business across the region and the world. An important factor in the decision to expand the studio in Prague was the fact that there is a large pool of talented young game developers in the country. Jiri Rosenkranz, Managing Director of Disney Mobile Games Studio, s.r.o.: “Our team specialises in what we call ‘end-to-end development’ and works on the entire creative process - from conception to the finished game which typically runs on over 400 different handsets. For young programmers, this provides an exciting career development opportunity. In the Czech Republic, there is a wealth of indigenous programming expertise, which combined with our long-standing Czech animation tradition, provides the ideal foundations for developing high-quality mobile games.”

Recent industry research revealed that the mobile gaming industry is a developing market with strong growth potential as mobile devices become the primary electronic interface for consumers. Handsets are increasingly attractive for gamers as larger screens and new generation platforms enable more complex and better-quality gameplay. The global penetration of mobile gamers is expected to increase rapidly from 2006 to 2010. The mobile gaming industry is expected to reach USD 8.4bn in 2010, compared to 2.1bn in 2006.

WDIG is already one of the leading providers of mobile content today and has game development centres in four locations worldwide: Los Angeles, Tokyo, Prague and Beijing. Disney began operations in Prague with the acquisition of Living Mobile in 2005. Living Mobile, which is headquartered in Munich, had a game development studio based in Prague. As a result of its investment in game development, Disney plans to increase the workforce in Prague by the fall of 2008. In the Czech Republic, Disney cooperates with Telefonica 02, T-Mobile and Vodafone and is among the leading providers of mobile games.

Dynamo Games Wins BAFTA

Championship Manager Creators Win Interactive Award

Mobile gaming experts Dynamo Games walked away with a prestigious BAFTA trophy last night, after their mobile phone version of Championship Manager was voted the best interactive title at the Scottish BAFTAs.

The company's mobile version of the best-selling football management simulator has been picking up critical acclaim, excellent review and awards from the media since it was launched in October this year.

“We could not be happier,” said Brian McNiccoll, the managing director of Dynamo. “Championship Manager has been very well received across the board, but we were up against some very tough competition, including Crackdown which is an Xbox 360 game, so we didn't imagine for a minute that we'd win against such a sophisticated console game.”

Championship Manager has been universally praised for it's depth and playability on the tight confines of mobile phone handsets. Championship Manager 2008 is the [fourth] game in the series which Dynamo has created.

Dynamo is also moving outside the simulation area and creating a number of titles based on cult TV quiz shows. Earlier this year the company launched a mobile version of Channel 4 favourite Countdown. Dynamo is put the finishing touches to it's latest title – The Crystal Maze, for a release in early 2008.

The BAFTA Scotland award rounds off a fantastic year for Dynamo Games, alongside the critical acclaim for their games, the company has garnered nominations in a number of other competitions including two nominations in the International Mobile Games Awards – the only UK company in the competition and one of only two companies worldwide to receive multiple nominations.

“The Interactive Scottish BAFTA trophy is a great honour,” says McNicoll. “Unlike the mobile specific awards, this competition is open to all areas of the Interactive world. To be voted the best Interactive title from a Scottish company, given the range and quality of content which has been on the market this year is just staggering. We'll make sure this award takes pride of place in our boardroom.”

Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Added On The Wii Console's First Anniversary

Wii celebrates its first anniversary today, and big stars from past consoles are coming out to help Nintendo celebrate. Luminaries walking the Virtual Console red carpet this week include Mario and Luigi, Sonic The Hedgehog and Zonk. So throw on your best tuxedo or finest gown, and get ready to party with these video game A-listers.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

Wrecking Crew (NES, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): In the days before Mario and Luigi became sports stars in their downtime between plumbing and saving the Princess, they tried their hands as one-man wrecking crews. With a hammer as their only tool, players take control of the brothers and set out to destroy ladders, rip out pipes, knock down walls and detonate explosive devices. But make sure to plan your path of destruction carefully, as each building is designed as its own clever puzzle—if you're not careful, you can easily trap yourself in a dead end. Adding to the excitement and challenge are fireballs, enemies and an angry foreman roaming the buildings. They're all trying to stop you from moving on to the next stage. With 100 buildings to demolish and the ability to construct your own, it's a wonder Mario and Luigi ever got back to saving the Mushroom Kingdom.

Sonic 3D Blast (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): The evil Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik) stumbles upon an alternate dimension where some odd birds called Flickies have the ability to travel anywhere. In order to get help in his search for the Chaos Emeralds, Dr. Eggman transforms the Flickies into robots that will help him track down his coveted gems. Of course, it's up to our favorite blue hedgehog, Sonic, to step in and save the day. Jump into this 3-D adventure as Sonic or his buddy Tails, and collect the golden rings to help free the Flickies and defeat the doctor.

Super Air Zonk (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Cartoon Violence, 800 Wii Points): Zonk is back in Super Air Zonk, the sequel to the shooting game spin-off of the Bonk series, Air “Zonk.” Now moving to a rockabilly beat and able to transform into nine different characters, Zonk lets loose through seven action-packed stages in another battle against his arch nemesis, SandroVitch. Power up Zonk with the classic Meat item, eventually turning him into the champion of justice, Ultra Zonk, or the fearsome Tyrano Zonk in the latter stages of the game. After rescuing his friends from enemies, Zonk can also morph with them to combine powers. Fight enemies with killer tunes belted out from a trusty microphone. Hurl freshly made sushi at them. With its variety of wacky attacks, Super Air Zonk has a sense of humor all its own.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

OFFICIAL DAKAR RALLY 2008 video game

Welcome to the greatest Rally in the World

Electronic Arts today announced the release of the officially licensed Dakar 2008 game. Dakar 2008 has been created exclusively for mobile phones and will be available for download to compatible handsets across Europe from the 14th December 2007, allowing fans ample time to enjoy the adventure before the real-life rally begins in January.

Dakar 2008 captures the spirit of the amazing Dakar rally adventure with a race comprising of 15 different stages spread over 5 countries. Gamers must practice their navigational skills whilst on the lookout for traps that could mean losing precious seconds in their quest for victory.

“Following the success of Dakar 2007, and the continued popularity of this famous race, we’re delighted to bring Dakar 2008 to rally and mobile gaming fans across Europe,” said Javier Ferreira, VP European Publishing. “Thanks to our continued relationship with the Dakar rally, EA Mobile is recreating the excitement of the rally for the mobile platform.”

Dakar fans will storm through Lisbon, Morocco, the Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Senegal and eventually Dakar itself on their mobile phones. With a brand new 3rd person perspective, gamers will take to the Dakar rally via three exciting game modes: Rally, Quick Race and Flag Chase. Rally mode brings the Dakar race to life with a mix of endurance, speed and control, ensuring a thrilling and fun experience. Quick race mode offers one-off races so players can kill five minutes with a quick spin, or beginners can get used to the individual tracks before entering the championship. Flag Chase mode provides five exclusive race circuits on which gamers capture flags.

Dakar 2008 video game Fact Sheet

Two continents, five countries, fifteen circuits, countless hazards…one winner. Take on drivers from around the world in the ultimate test of speed and stamina. Plot your route through Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, balancing distance and danger. Then storm the desert at top speed in one of the world’s most demanding competitions. Dakar Rally 2008 on your mobile – it’s more than a rally, it’s the ultimate auto adventure.

• The official licensed game and the only place to Play the Dakar Rally 2008

• See the Sights… in a Blur – Pit yourself against drivers from around the world as you burn through Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and Senegal.

• The World’s Most Demanding Race – 15 circuits, five countries, two continents, countless hazards, one winner. How will you measure up?

• Three gameplay modes

– Rally: Where the player will race all the 15 stages consecutively with increasing difficulty. The main objective of this mode will be finishing the circuits within a minimum required time. Once a circuit is passed, it will be unlocked to be used in the quick race mode.
– Quick Race: In this mode the player will be able to replay any previously unlocked circuit to achieve better times, collect all the flags dispersed through the circuit, or find the hidden souvenir pieces to complete the souvenir collection.
– Flag Chase: This mode will have 5 exclusive circuits, in whose the player will have to catch all the flags scattered through them. Unlike the Quick Race mode, there will be many more flags like in a slalom, the vehicle will not receive any damage, and there will not be bonus items or time limit.

• 15 different circuits for the Rally - Portugal – 2 stages, Morocco – 4 stages, Mauritania – 5 stages and Senegal – 4 stages

• Spectacular gameplay based on exaggerated jumps, skids and crashes

• Trophy room, Souvenir and flag collection feature

Sony Computer Entertainment Boosts PLAYSTATION 3 Game Development Environment

Strongly Supporting PS3 Game Developers by Contributing to the Improved Efficiency of Game Development

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it would enhance the game development support environment for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) by integrating programming tools developed by SN Systems Limited (SN Systems)(*1), as part of the PS3 Software Development Kit (SDK)(*2).

By building on the well-established line-up of SN tool products, including the core programming tool ProDG, and offering it as part of the PS3 SDK, SCEI is committed to strongly supporting the game development community. Additionally, SCEI will enable the Debugging Station for PS3 (DECHA007J/ DECHA007A) to take part in the programming process, effectively assisting PS3 game title development on the Reference Tool (DECR-1000/ DECR-1000A) (*3).

Along with these measures to improve efficiency in PS3 game development, SCEI has also almost halved the price for its PS3 Reference Tool, effective immediately. The Reference Tool will now become available at JPY950,000 in Japan, US $10,250 in North America and €7,500 in Europe(*4).

The distinguished high-quality line-up of SN Systems’ programming tools to be integrated into the PS3 SDK include(*5):

1. ProDG:
Effective immediately, ProDG, a highly regarded and powerful programming tool developed by SN Systems, renowned for its highly customizable superior user interface, will become available free of charge as part of the PS3 SDK. Additionally, through the improvement of its functionalities, ProDG, which used to be available for use only on the Reference Tool, is now available for use on the Debugging Station as well, contributing to reduction in development costs.

2. SN Distributed Build System (SN-DBS):
On October 12th, license and support fees for SN-DBS were eliminated. SN-DBS is a distributed build system that improves productivity by dramatically reducing compiling time by distributing source code builds to multiple PCs on a local area network, allowing them to process in parallel. Compiling time is reduced by approximately 80% when using 6 PCs.

3. SN LINKER:
A program that is used during the building process for linking compiled programs. Compared to the existing linker, linking speed is significantly improved and can be up to eight times faster. The release of this program has already started through the SDK’s system software update released on November 2nd.

4. SN Compiler (SNC):
A new compiler that will be provided as the standard compiler for PS3. It is optimized for use for PS3 by adopting the industry standard C++ front-end and will significantly elevate game quality as well as improving productivity through its improved code generating efficiency. Release of the beta version of SNC will start from mid December as part of the SDK.

In addition to the provision of these powerful tools as part of the SDK, SCEI has also added the capability for the Debugging Station to take part in programming, thus assisting PS3 game title development on the Reference Tool, instead of using it only as a quality assurance system for games under development. Game developers are able to power up Debugging Station by simply updating to the latest version SDK provided on November 2nd. Adding this new capability to assist game title development will contribute to cost efficiency and overall productivity.

The PS3 Reference Tool is optimized for the creation of entirely new interactive entertainment that is only available on PS3, taking full advantage of state-of-the-art technologies such as Cell Broadband Engine™ (Cell/B.E.) and RSX®. As more and more new titles are developed for the PS3 format, SCEI will significantly reduce the price of the Reference Tool in order to contribute to the cost saving measures of the development community.

Along with this boost to the PS3 game development environment, SCEI will further reinforce its support system to the development community, and continue to further expand the PS3 platform.

Digital Download Of Unreal Tournament 3 Available Worldwide Exclusively At IGN Entertainment's Direct2Drive

Famous First-Person Shooter Franchise Available Today for Preload via Digital Download

Direct2Drive, IGN Entertainment’s digital retail store, today announced that Unreal Tournament 3 for PC, developed by Epic Games and published by Midway, is now available digitally for preload on Direct2Drive (http://www.direct2drive.com). Starting today, consumers can download the encrypted version of the game days before its release to retail outlets. Preloading Unreal Tournament 3 provides gamers instant access to unlock the game the minute it is released on Direct2Drive, scheduled at 12:01am EST on November 21 and start playing immediately. Unreal Tournament 3 is expected to be available in North America for digital download via Direct2Drive on November 21 and worldwide on November 23.

Unreal Tournament 3 marks the return of the industry's premiere online first-person shooter franchise. In the latest installment of the award-winning Unreal franchise, players assume the role of a futuristic warrior engaged in contests of intense warfare against dedicated and skilled opponents, controlled either by human contestants online or by A.I. These brutal contests are fought with the most powerful military weapons and vehicles known to man. In Unreal Tournament 3, players can go face-to-face with devastating close quarters weapons like the flak cannon and rocket launcher, or pick off their enemies from a distance with a high-caliber sniper rifle. Players will also be able to fully access the universe's most capable and advanced set of vehicles in their quest to dominate and overwhelm opponents.

“Unreal Tournament 3 is one of the most anticipated games of the year, and Unreal Tournament is surely one of the greatest PC game franchises of all time,” said Jamie Berger, SVP consumer products and technology for IGN Entertainment. “By offering the immediate preload of Unreal Tournament 3 today we can satisfy the many thousands of Unreal Tournament fans who want to be the first online to play this incredible game. Direct2Drive offers the broadest selection of AAA games for download anywhere, and adding the worldwide exclusive to preload Unreal Tournament 3 is a big win for our loyal customers.”

“We are pleased to add the latest AAA video game, Unreal Tournament 3, to Direct2Drive’s download lineup,” said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. “Our working with Direct2Drive allows consumers the ability to pre-load the game via digital download and be ready to get online on day one, which is crucial to the core Unreal Tournament fan base.”

“When people see all the great mods that are going to be available for Unreal Tournament 3, they are going to want to get a copy of the game immediately,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. “Offering instant access to our content through Direct2Drive is the perfect way to meet our customers’ needs.”

Since launching in October 2004, Direct2Drive has allowed gamers to conveniently purchase and download the latest premium games from the world’s top publishers. Consumers can download Unreal Tournament 3 today at http://www.direct2drive.com. Unreal Tournament 3 for Windows PC is rated “M” by the ESRB and carries a suggested U.S. retail price of $49.95.

Quazal Rocks Out with Harmonix and Rock Band

Music mega-game goes online with Quazal technology

Quazal, makers of the award-winning Net-Z, Rendez-Vous and Spark! online multiplayer middleware today announced that Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. will be using Quazal’s multiplayer gaming technology to bring online play to its next-generation music game, Rock Band, to be released this fall.

Among the most anticipated games of this year, Rock Band combines the voice and vision of the best-selling music game developers at Harmonix, the music industry powerhouses of its publisher, MTV Games and the non-stop might of its distributor, EA Partners. The upstarts at Quazal will tie it all together to form an arena-filling online supergroup that’ll rock your teeth right out of your jaw.

“Having been a fan of Harmonix’ titles for years and years now, it’s incredible to work directly with them,” said Mike Drummelsmith, Developer Relations Manager at Quazal. “Rock Band is ambitious, the userbase is going to be huge, and I look forward to jumping online and rocking out with friends and strangers alike.”

With cooperative 4-player online play, head-to-head battles, online bands and more leaderboards than you can imagine, Rock Band will deliver a definitive online experience that will only grow over time with new songs, and some surprises as well.

“When working with any game of this scale online, there are a million and one different challenges to overcome, on both design and pure technology fronts,” said Mike Verrette, Producer at Harmonix. “Working with Quazal to address and solve these challenges lets us know that we’ll be delivering an incredible experience to our users this fall, and that we’re ready to bear the brunt of the onslaught of online gamers come launch day.”

Rock Band will be using Quazal’s Rendez-Vous technology for lobby and matchmaking services on both Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system (via LSP), as well as using Quazal’s Net-Z technology for enhanced connectivity.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com

Mass Effect Original Soundtrack From The Blockbuster Xbox 360 game

THE EPIC SOUNDTRACK TO THIS YEAR'S HOTTEST ROLE-PLAYING GAME

Sumthing Else Music Works, Inc., through its licensing relationship with BioWare and Microsoft Game Studios, proudly presents Mass Effect Original Soundtrack. Featuring over an hour of original music from the game, the soundtrack CD will be released on November 20 to US retail outlets through Nile Rodgers’ Sumthing Else Music Works label www.sumthing.com. Sumthing Else Music Works is the industry leader in licensing and distributing video game soundtracks.

Inspired by classic sci-fi movies such as ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘Dune,’ the Mass Effect soundtrack was composed by Jack Wall and Sam Hulick with additional music by Richard Jacques and David Kates. The score blends 80’s electronic music with modern orchestral scoring to enhance the dramatic storyline and beautiful visuals set in an epic futuristic universe.

"From the earliest stages of its conception, Mass Effect was meant to be an original artwork about the future, inspired by the great science fiction experiences of the past," said Casey Hudson, Project Director for Mass Effect. "This synthesis of originality and familiarity called for a truly unique soundtrack, with ambitious goals and unprecedented challenges."

From the creators of the critically-acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire comes an epic space saga exclusively for the Xbox 360 that spans the entire galaxy. Combining a rich and engaging narrative with intense sci-fi tactical combat, Mass Effect features an immersive and cinematic gameplay experience rarely seen before in video games. For more information on Mass Effect, visit www.masseffect.com.

About BioWare
BioWare Corp. is an electronic entertainment company which develops computer, console, handheld and online video games focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's best-selling titles including the award-winning Baldur's Gate™ and Neverwinter Nights™ series, as well as the 2003 Game of the Year, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic™. Original BioWare-created IPs include the 2005 RPG of the Year, Jade Empire™, with next-generation titles Mass Effect™ and Dragon Age currently in development. Mass Effect will ship to retailers globally in November, 2007. The game has received more than 50 awards, including the 2007 Game Critics Awards for “Best Console Game” and “Best RPG” at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. With studios in Edmonton, Canada, and Austin, Texas, BioWare is also hard at work on a new title for the Nintendo DS™ based on Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as several unannounced projects including a massively multiplayer online game. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com.

*BioWare, BioWare Corp., Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by BioWare Corp. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.