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Friday, November 23, 2007

Trailer released for Fading Shadows on PSP


Get ready to exercise your thumbs as the latest offering from European developer Ivolgamus UAB is sure to have you hooked! Fading Shadows is a puzzle-platformer game that sees the player guide an orb through levels by controlling a beam of light. This orb contains the soul of a young boy, and it is the player's job to rescue the boy by safely leading the orb to the Castle of Heaven.

If this doesn't intrigue you, then the impressive variety of levels and puzzles definitely will. There are 40 levels in total, and the difficulty level is perfectly balanced so that right when things start getting too familiar, another challenging element is thrown into the mix. Controlling the beam of light requires the player to master a uniquely original gameplay mechanic as the beam can be widened or narrowed for different effects, and the orb can be transformed into glass, wood and metal to surmount various obstacles.

In a sense, the beam acts like a magnet for the orb and the narrower the beam, the stronger the gravitational pull. Whether the orb is made of metal, wood or glass will also affect how the beam interacts with the orb. If the beam is too strong, wood will burn and glass will break. Yet these more fragile states are needed as puzzles require the player to activate underwater switches or float across rivers – metal just isn't suited to water and will quickly rust upon contact.

The in-game graphics are incredibly detailed and immersive as each level offers the player an enthralling new environment to explore with plenty of obstacles to overcome. Even once you've finished the game, the fun doesn't stop. A fast-paced and exciting multiplayer mode lets you test your skills against friends wirelessly. Keep your eyes peeled for this title, exclusive to the PSP™... Fading Shadows is a one-of-a-kind title that will hold you spellbound for hours!

The trailer can be downloaded
here

Digital Creative Revolution

Launch of Games Eden - business network for the computer games industry in the East of England

Photo opportunity – Andy Serkis, master of performance for motion capture as “Gollum” in the Lord of the Rings, “King Kong” and now appearing in PS3 console game “Heavenly Sword” at launch event with Jeremy Cooke, Chair of Games Eden.

Games Eden, the East of England’s first business network for the computer games industry will be officially launched 5 December, at New Hall, Buckingham House in Cambridge.

The launch event will introduce Games Eden, establish the aims and objectives of the network assess the state of the computer games industry and speculate as to where games will go in the future. There’ll be an opportunity for potential members to sign up, voice their ideas and contribute to the proposed projects.

Hosted by new media pioneer Bill Thompson, guest presenters include leading game maker David Braben, Fred Hasson CEO TiGA and Andy Serkis, star of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and King Kong. The London-based actor applies his performance for motion capture to the gaming world by featuring in the new Playstation 3 Heavenly Sword.

As the industry extends its economic, social and cultural impact, Games Eden will stimulate electronic creativity and business development through a globally facing and innovative website and a series of networking events.

Chair of Games Eden, Jeremy Cooke said, “The benefits of Games Eden include delivery of a local developer led networking group, membership of TIGA, raising the profile of local creative digital talent and better access to strategic information and assistance.”

Following an initial meeting in May 2007, there was support to develop and maintain a network to initiate measures of promoting and supporting the digital games entertainment community in the East of England, and to establish a lasting network to inform and discuss the latest developments and opportunities in the industry. Since this meeting, funding has been secured to enable a number of outputs to be developed over the next two years.

Games Eden is funded by EEDA, EEI, Screen East and FDMX with support from Cambridge Wireless, TiGA, EMMA, Gameware Development, Zoonami, Geomerics, Sony, Jagex, Nicetech and Ninja Theory as the Games Eden steering committee. All are contributing to this local game development community initiative which will have, for the first time, a dedicated local networking group.

Laurie Hayward, CEO of Screen East Said: “In a region with massive expertise in feature film and television production we are delighted to help ensure the growth of the computer games sector”.

Santa Cruz Games now exclusively represented by FOG Studios

Veteran videogame development studio Santa Cruz Games has signed a multi-year, multi-title representation agreement with industry leader FOG Studios.

Founded in 2001 by industry veterans Beno Bell and Diego Link, Santa Cruz Games is a certified developer of Nintendo, Sony, PC, and interactive television platforms. As a team, Santa Cruz Games has delivered over one dozen products on time and on budget for many of the world’s top publishers including, among others, Electronic Arts, Activision, Take 2, Eidos, and Ubisoft. Santa Cruz Games creates original intellectual properties in addition to working on licensed properties. Having earned a reputation of “bringing characters to life” has allowed the team to work with some of the leading character properties (Superman, Godzilla, E.T., Spiderman, Fantastic 4, Dora the Explorer) and licensors in the world including Marvel, DC Comics, Dreamworks, HBO and the Walt Disney group, among others.

Santa Cruz Games CEO Beno Bell said, “We’ve reached a point as a studio where our tools, technology and process have really gelled and it is time to take things to the next level. FOG has a reputation in this business of helping independent developers make these kinds of transitions successfully, and for finding them profile projects that can really showcase their talents. Once we made the decision to go with FOG, they flew in and took us through an intensive intake process that was really thorough and very valuable.”

FOG CEO Ed Dille adds, “Game development is a very intense process and it is natural for the tactical focus on project execution to pull resources and mindshare away from strategic planning and marketing for the studio as a whole. Developers who believe it is enough to let the merits of their titles speak for themselves are not practicing good partner relationship management, and frequently lose repeat business relationships because of it. Others who believe price alone determines their competitive advantage set themselves up for failure by under-resourcing and under-delivering. At FOG, we look for clients who understand that their ultimate potential is fully realized only by taking a holistic approach to not only great game development, but also great customer service, marketing and relationship management. Santa Cruz Games is a perfect example of the types of studios we most want to help.”

Kudos Games Release Treasures of Ra


Kudos Games (www.KudosGames.com) are pleased to announce the release of their latest game, Treasures of Ra. Explore the ancient wonders of Egypt in this mind bending puzzle game as you collect the fabled treasures of Ra.

Using mirrors, gems and other objects, you must direct the sunlight onto exit glyphs to solve each puzzle. Use crates to collect the treasures, but beware of pits and other dangers. Puzzle you way through 130 levels in 13 locations, or create your own with the built in level editor.

Treasures of Ra is now available on Kudos Games' website www.kudosgames.com.

Shoot And Shake With Saitek's New Cyborg Rumble Pad

FULLY CUSTOMISABLE PC GAMEPAD OFFERING CYBORG MODULE, PRECISION MODE AND UNIQUE FPS BUTTON

Saitek, a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer gaming products for PC, has announced the launch of its Cyborg Rumble Pad. The Cyborg Rumble Pad is a high end PC gamepad with a number of unique features that allow users to fully personalise and customise the controls to improve their gaming experience.

The Cyborg gamepad features the unique new Cyborg module, which can be unclipped from the pad and turned through 180 degrees to reverse the configuration of the left stick and d-pad. This dual configuration makes the gamepad perfect for both diehard PC gamers and those who’ve only recently come to PC games from consoles.

As well as the Cyborg module, the Cyborg Rumble pad features an FPS button which automatically sets up the pad's controls for typical commands found in most current FPS genre games, and the new Precision mode – a first in PC gamepad design. Precision Mode decreases the sensitivity of the pad’s left or right sticks to make aiming weapons easier and more accurate.

With its unique innovations and stylish design the new Cyborg Rumble pad takes gaming performance to new levels, improving control, heightening the senses and helping gamers realise their true potential.

Saitek’s new Cyborg range is designed specifically for serious gamers who demand the best equipment to help them win. Enthusiastic gamers will play intensely for long periods of time and need peripherals that not only offer outstanding comfort, but high precision and absolute control.

Cyborg Rumble Pad - Fast facts:

· Cyborg Module - A unique adjustable module that can be turned through 180 degrees, reversing the left stick and d-pad to suit gamers who prefer PC- or console-style pad configurations.

· FPS Button - This instantly programmes the pad with the keyboard and mouse commands often used in first person shooter games.

· Precision Button – The gamer can configure any button on the gamepad to engage Precision Mode. Precision Mode allows the gamer to select a button(s) or stick(s) on the pad which, when activated, will decrease the sensitivity of the Cyborg Rumble pad’s left or right sticks - useful when trying to aim a very sensitive rifle with a telescopic sight over long ranges.

· X-Mode – Checking a box in the game controller settings changes the pad’s mode from Classic to X Mode. In the default Classic mode, the two shoulder buttons act as buttons, and the triggers act as buttons or axes. In X mode, the two shoulder buttons continue to act as buttons but the two triggers now function only as analogue axes, allowing the trigger to control a range of movements. This mode emulates the set-up of XBox controllers.

The controller setup includes:
2 quick fire triggers
2 analogue triggers
8 way d-pad
6 responsive buttons
2 analogue joysticks

The Cyborg Rumble pad is fully programmable with SST programming software, making it suitable for any game genre.

Limited Edition Squad Command Themed PSP Console


To celebrate the launch of the new handheld strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command on Sony PSP tomorrow, THQ in conjunction with Games Workshop and a team of professional modelers has created a limited set of six exclusive Squad Command themed PSP consoles.

Only one of these incredible custom PSP’s is bound for the UK – to be in with a chance of winning this awe-inspiring bit of kit, enter our exclusive competition on THQ-Games.com – we’ve got copies of the game for runners up too.

Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command brings intense, strategic combat to handheld consoles.

In the grim darkness of the 41st Millennium, the daemonic forces of Chaos clash with the Imperium’s finest - the Space Marines. Command your elite squad of Ultramarines, equip them with over 20 ranged and close combat weapons, and pit them against the might of the World Bearers in turn-based tactical combat across fully destructible 3D battlefields.

Wage war through 15 single-player missions, or battle your friends and foes over nine brutal multiplayer maps, and engage in epic conflicts between 2-8 players.

Supporting a host of options, including game sharing, local wireless and full online play supported by online leaderboards, Squad Command offers hours of gameplay and one of the most complete multiplayer packages on handheld.

The PSP version of Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command, complete with glorious 3D graphics and hi-res cinematics hits stores tomorrow!

X-Ray Anti-Cheat Software Away For Free!

TNWA (The New World Assembly) Group today announced it will be making its pioneering X-ray Anti-Cheat software available for all gamers and tournament organisers to download for free!

The client-side application, which cost over half-a-million pounds to develop, is available from www.xraygaming.com and is already in full-time use on the UK’s biggest tournament gaming site, Enemydown [www.enemydown.co.uk].

The X-ray Anti-Cheat software can be used by any community online event organiser anywhere in the world to ensure tournament integrity and peace of mind for players.

It’s estimated that more than 10% of players on public server tournaments are using cheat software, giving themselves an unfair advantage against honest players and undermining the esports. X-ray Anti-Cheat detects irregular activity or cheat software on the user’s PC, sends a report and a screenshot to www.xraygaming.com where it’s then published for everyone to review. That player is then held in a comprehensive database as someone who has been caught cheating, preventing them from entering and cheating in other events.

X-ray Anti-Cheat is the only player-endorsed, free-to-use, anti-cheat system that protects gamers on more than eight of the most popular online games, like Counterstrike™ 1.6 and Source, and also includes latest releases like Unreal Tournament™ 3 and Call of Duty™ 4 – all in one application!

“Online gaming is still embryonic in many respects, and its future growth depends on new and existing players having the confidence that the games they’re playing are free of cheating,” said Paul Sulyok, CEO of The TNWA Group. “X-Ray Anti-Cheat software gives players that peace of mind. TNWA are delighted to be able to support the wider co-operative community and online gaming events by making this application freely available.”

Sam Mathews, Managing Director of the Fnatic Team, one of the most successful Pro Gaming teams in the world, added, “I think it’s great news that TNWA Group are helping online gaming communities by providing a free anti-cheat application. Increased security within gaming will improve the legitimacy of online tournaments, and will allow event organisers to focus on running the games rather than having to police for cheats.”

Outsource Media launches affordable demo audio service for developers

Find your voice at Lyon Game Connection

Outsource Media, the leading English language voice production company is offering invaluable support to developers in the production of concept pitches and demos, by helping to meet the cost of casting and voice production.

“We know the power great voice content has when pitching prototypes and demoing game concepts. So in support of the pitch, we are offering the full weight of our casting and production expertise to developers, at a fraction of the real cost. The talents of first class actors, script editors, directors and studio facilities are all part of this package,” said Mark Estdale, Managing Director.

Over the last 10 years Outsource Media has accumulated unrivalled expertise through work on over 400 titles and with many of the world’s leading developers and publishers. Outsource Media provides full voice production services including script editing, casting and rehearsal, recording, post production and localisation. Recent titles include: Haze, Clive Barker's Jericho, The Witcher, Formula One: Championship Edition, Wipeout Pulse, Kameo: Elements of Power, Perfect Dark Zero and Anno 1701.

To find out more, developers and publishers are invited to meet the Outsource Media team through the Game Connection meeting system.

Partisan

Publisher: Noviy Disk/ND Games
Developer: Paradigm
Category: Action RPG
Platform: PC
Street Date: Q1 2009
Target Audience/Ratings: M/16+

ND Games, a production and development division of Noviy Disk announces Partisan – a new heroic action-based RPG set during WWII.

Our hero, a former Red Army captain, demoted during prewar repressions, finds himself on the frontline. Outnumbered and outgunned by the superior German forces, his battalion was destroyed and his few surviving friends were captured.

Fighting his way through occupied territory, our hero will liberate his comrades, reveal the mysteries of a secret weapon and foil the enemy’s plans.

The storyline brings the hero into contact with NPCs that will help him survive: weapons vendors, allies that will fight on his side and peaceful civilians who provide quests or supply information.

Game features:
• A unique combination of action and tactics with RPG features
• Different mission styles, ranging from violent street fights to carefully planned stealth operations
• A wide range of combat tactics lets players find their own combat methods
• Various levels, ranging from idyllic landscapes to ruined cities and formidable underground fortifications
• A rich set of character skills that can be improved
• A vast amount of WWII-period weapons ranging from well-known models to experimental prototypes

About Noviy Disk:
Established in 1991 and headquartered in Moscow, Russia, Noviy Disk is the leading Developer, Producer, Publisher and Distributor of software and games in the Russian-speaking territories. In 2006 Noviy Disk was appointed by Nintendo of Europe to become the official and exclusive distributor of Nintendo in the Russian market, which includes marketing and distribution of Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii hardware, as well as software.
The company’s division ND Games is a development and production house established in 2004 to bring innovative and hi-quality products developed internally, or by some of the best studios in the Russian-speaking region to worldwide markets.
ND Games will be presenting this game along with their other new titles at Game Connection Lyon.
PR Contact
Igor Ioshpa

Ski Challenge 08 ready to take off soon

Greentube´s most successfull 3D game and the flagship product of its free downloadable eSport series, "Ski Challenge" will be commencing its 4th season from early December 07 on. The game has attracted more than 3 million players worldwide and is expected to grow to a gamers-base of between 4 and 5 million players in the upcoming winter season.

The world´s most successfull game, fully financed via in-game advertising, will be licensed to between 7 and 10 media-partners worldwide, generating a two-digit million-Euro advertising value for the sponsors participating in the game.

About Greentube AG
Greentube AG, located in Vienna, Austria, is among the leading developers and providers of skill games for the Internet, mobile devices and iTV. Moreover, the company has caused an international frenzy in recent years with its cross-media formats for the PC and TV.

Founded in 1997, floated in 2000 and owned by a majority stake and managed by the original team, the 70-employee-strong company has since delivered a collection of well-know portals and gaming websites with skill gaming technology. Greentube is currently undertaking worldwide expansion, focussing on the development of individual gaming portals in the look and feel of the customer.

More information at www.greentube.com