Metal Gear Online - delayed

Konami was slated to release the beta version of "Metal Gear Online" or MGO yesterday, April 21st, but the release date has now been deferred to Saturday, April 25th. Subsequently, the end date for the beta has also been postponed from May 5 to 11. Server failure due to extraordinary traffic on Konami's Web site is the reason for this delay, reads a statement on the official MGO Web site.

The game was due to start it's betas spanning two weeks in USA and Europe on separate dates. Players faced a lot of problems downloading the beta package as well as registering with the IDs that were provided to them. A lot of gamers who were getting ready to start playing on Monday complained of installation issues over the weekend. Both the US and Europe betas have now been deferred by four days.

The official statement on the MGO Web site says, "As a temporary measure, we will be deferring the European public beta test and starting it once we stabilize our server. We would like to apologize for all inconvenience as well as confusion caused." Apparently, a spokesperson for Konami UK advised gamers to try the game ID registration process once again after a few days.

"Metal Gear Online" is an extension of online components from "Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence" and "Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops" and was originally intended to be a stand-alone product. However, it is now bundled as part of the "Metal Gear Solid 4" package. For additional information, here.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video games on Nintendo Wii PLAYSTATION 3 Xbox 360 PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStationPortable) Nintendo DS Windows

Fans will relive the thrills, action and excitement of the movie this holiday season

EA’s Casual Entertainment Label and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game will be released later this year to coincide with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book.

“We believe that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game represents a milestone in the movie tie-in genre,” said Harvey Elliott, Head of EA Bright Light studio in the UK where the Harry Potter franchise has its home. “Building on the technological advancements of previous games in the series and with a particular focus on the unique control system of Nintendo’s WiiTM, the team here is working closely with the filmmakers to create an immersive interactive experience that captures the story, the action, the excitement and, above all, the fun of the film. ”

“Working with EA, we look forward to offering fans a compelling Harry Potter video game, one which captures the thrilling storyline and high visual quality of the movie,” said Scott Johnson, Vice President, Business Development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The adherence to the rich fiction is a trademark of this franchise and with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fans will experience the most authentic and enjoyable game in the series to date.”

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

Under development by EA Bright Light Studio, the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter library of games, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release in time for the movie launch this fall for the Nintendo Wii, PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStationPortable), Nintendo DS, Windows PC, Macintosh and mobile devices.

Age of Conan MMO - Hyborian Adventures coming soon

The Most Savage, Sexy and Brutal MMO Ever Created Hits The Store Shelves Soon

After four years of development co-publishers Funcom and Eidos are proud to announce that Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures has gone gold. One of the most highly anticipated MMO games in history is about to hit the store shelves, and the gates to the world of the mighty barbarian will soon be open to the millions of gamers around the world.

“Even though it feels like this great adventure is coming to an end, it’s really not at all. The launch is just the beginning” says Game Director/Producer Gaute Godager. “I believe we have created a game that will stand the test of time by its own accord, but we are already busy planning future features and expansions. We want to continue expanding Conan’s world for many years to come, and we have great ideas on what to do!”

After years of development and testing Age of Conan is now finally ready for prime time! To prepare for launch, tens of thousands of players have tested the Beta, enabling Funcom to polish the game prior to going live. While the game gets closer to release the anticipation for the title is also building steadily. Just last week 475.000 unique visitors went to the official Age of Conan websites, and the pre-order numbers in some important retail chains track as among the highest for any MMO launched.

“Age of Conan has been in development for a long time, as with all MMOs, but we have spent that time well and ended up with a game we are incredibly proud of,” says Funcom CEO Trond Arne Aas. “Creating a game of such epic proportions is an ambitious and challenging task, but we believe we have truly succeeded in realizing the vision of the game. We simply can’t wait to let the players in and let them experience the amazing adventures we have created.

Age of Conan is consistently mentioned as one of the most anticipated PC games in development. At launch the game will have received more than thirty covers on high-profile gaming magazines across the globe and more than fifteen major awards, including numerous "Best MMO of E3" awards and the official "Best Online Game" award at the Games Convention 2007. Age of Conan is a key title in Microsoft's Games for Windows line-up, and a showcase title for nVidia. Age of Conan launches 20th of May in North America / Oceania and 23rd of May in Europe

Eurosport and the Championship Gaming Series partnership

Eurosport Signs On As Continental European Broadcast Partner For Championship Gaming Series

Exclusive distribution deal with only worldwide professional video gaming league expands CGS televised distribution reach to 400 million potential viewers

The Eurosport Group and Championship Gaming Series (CGS) announced today that Eurosport has signed a deal with BSkyB (Sky) that grants Eurosport the exclusive continental European broadcast rights for Championship Gaming Series, the only worldwide professional video gaming league.

Highlights from the inaugural 2007 series will be broadcast in primetime on Eurosport 2 April 28 – May 3, followed by the highly anticipated 2008 season later this year, bringing CGS programming to 41 nations in continental Europe for the first time, including France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Eurosport 2's broadcast footprint for CGS will complement Sky’s coverage in the UK and Ireland, DIRECTV’s coverage in the Americas, and STAR and ESPN STAR Sports broadcasts in Asia and Australia. The addition of Eurosport 2 coverage will expand the overall reach of televised CGS programming to more than 400 million potential viewers across five continents.

“The video game industry has exploded during the past few years and expanded its mainstream appeal to an ever-growing audience, and with this latest announcement we at CGS are increasing the level of mainstream exposure for our teams and professional players,” said Andy Reif, Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner for CGS. “Our broadcast production values are, by far, the best in pro gaming and this distribution deal with Eurosport will introduce CGS to more than thirty million new European households and raise the profile of our sport with the television audience throughout Europe.”

“We're delighted to have established this relationship with CGS and to consolidate our strong relationship with Sky," said Jean-Thierry Augustin, General Manager, Distribution and Development at Eurosport. "CGS is the right professional gaming partner for Eurosport as it shares our belief in high production values and passion in sports and combines this with an infrastructure which will turn competitive video gaming into a major spectator sport across the globe. We can’t wait to bring the excitement, energy, and entertainment of CGS competitions into Eurosport homes across Europe. This is a unique opportunity for Eurosport 2 to talk to a growing element of its youth audience and strengthen its position as the next generation sports channel."

CGS is the world’s only professional video gaming league with full-time General Managers and contracted gamers on teams throughout the world that compete in televised regional qualifying events and a World Final to win more than a million dollars in cash prizes.

Along with the televised broadcast rights for mainland Europe, Eurosport also has secondary broadcasting rights for the UK and Ireland following the original broadcasts on Sky. Additionally, Eurosport has received rights for CGS mobile and broadband broadcast.

SBK 08 (Superbike World Championship) – Official Trailer is now on Xbox Live

SBK 08 – Official Trailer is... Live on Xbox live

Black Bean, a leading European publisher, today announces the first trailer of SBK 08, the highly anticipated official game of the HANNspree Superbike World Championship, is now available on Xbox Live.

The video gives a small taste of the high speed, accessible and highly entertaining world of the WSBK Championship, perfectly captured in SBK08, a game that delivers all of the adrenaline, fun and pure racing madness of one of the world's most popular motorsports.

SBK 08 is scheduled for release on June 20th on Xbox 360TM, PlayStation 2, PC and PSP, and in Q3 2008 on PlayStation 3. In the meantime, make sure you visit the game's official website

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Atari - Alone In The Dark - European Limited Edition For Xbox 360, PC and Nintendo Wii

Atari Announces 'Alone In The Dark' European Limited Edition For Xbox 360, PC And Wii

Host of Exclusive Content Including Making Of Documentary Feature, Figurine of Game's Hero, Full Colour Art Book and More

Atari today announced details of the European Limited Edition of the highly anticipated action adventure game Alone in the Dark, scheduled for simultaneous launch with the game across Europe in June for Xbox 360, Wii and PC.

The full contents of the European Limited Edition box are as follows:

• Alone in the Dark game, one of the most anticipated games of the year;
• Figurine of the game’s legendary hero, Edward Carnby;
• Official Soundtrack CD featuring 8 in-game tracks of original music by Olivier Derivière and performed by Grammy Award-winning choir The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices;
• Full colour, bound art book featuring never before seen production sketches, storyboards and original artwork from Eden Games;
• ‘Making Of’ documentary feature DVD with exclusive interviews, behind the scenes footage and additional bonus content.

Exclusive items to the Limited Edition include the art book, hero figurine and ‘making of’ documentary DVD which are only available through purchase of the Limited Edition in Europe.
Released in a specially designed box, the Limited Edition takes fans deep into the world of Alone in the Dark, the innovative game that is set to break the boundaries of gaming genres with its action-packed survival experience. During one night in New York, the player takes the role of Edward Carnby battling to survive at all costs and uncover the earth-shattering secret behind Central Park.

Developed by Eden Games, Alone in the Dark uses state-of-the-art technology to create a fully interactive environment where all objects can be freely used to create tools, decoys and weapons. Told in the episodic style of popular TV drama series, the intense story grips the player from start to finish with action, plot twists, and cliff hangers. The DVD-style chapter select puts an end to frustration allowing the player to move on if they get stuck, and creating the first game that absolutely everyone can finish. The Limited Edition shows how these and other innovations were transformed from ideas and ambition into heart-stopping, nail-biting gameplay reality.

Sony Computer Entertainment Announces Expansion Of Closed Beta Testing For PLAYSTATION Home In Summer 2008

Announces Expansion Of Closed Beta Testing For PLAYSTATION Home In Summer 2008

Open Beta Service Scheduled For Fall 2008

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that it will expand the Closed Beta testing for PLAYSTATION Home in Summer 2008, inviting a further number of registrants from the PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) users. Following completion of the Expanded Closed Beta test, the PLAYSTATION Home Open Beta service will commence in Fall 2008.

“We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today,” said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “Our overarching objective is to provide users with new gaming experiences that are available only on PLAYSTATION Home. Spending more time on the development and on the Closed Beta testing reaffirms our commitment to bringing a quality service, maintaining the PlayStation tradition.”



The PLAYSTATION Home Open Beta service that will become available in Fall 2008 will be built around providing new and fun community gaming experiences.

Details of the Closed Beta testing features, registration for the test and the opening of the service will be announced as they become available.

Charttrack Weekly games chart UK

All formats

(Full price) Week ending 19 April 2008


1 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO
2 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
3 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
4 SEGA SUPERSTARS TENNIS SEGA
5 TOM CLANCY'S RAINBOW SIX: VEGAS 2 UBISOFT
6 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
7 UEFA EURO 2008 AUSTRIA-SWITZERLAND ELECTRONIC ARTS
8 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION
9 CONDEMNED 2 SEGA
10 ASSASSIN'S CREED UBISOFT
11 FIFA 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
12 COOKING MAMA 2 505 GAMES
13 TIME CRISIS 4 SONY COMPUTER ENT.
14 DARK SECTOR D3P
15 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO
16 MARIO KART DS NINTENDO
17 VIKING: BATTLE FOR ASGARD SEGA
18 FOOTBALL MANAGER 2008 SEGA
19 ARMY OF TWO ELECTRONIC ARTS
20 TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 08 ELECTRONIC ARTSmario

Lexicon Entertainment And Tri Synergy Announce 'Aurora: The Secret Within' For North American Release

Lexicon Entertainment And Tri Synergy Announce 'Aurora: The Secret Within' For North American Release

Video games publishers Lexicon Entertainment and Tri Synergy are pleased to announce the publishing of Aurora: The Secret Within for North American release.

Aurora: The Secret Within is a classic point and click adventure developed by talented Italian developer BluMail Studios and was hugely successful in Europe and Asia and published by Lexicon Entertainment.

Chris Allcroft, President of Publishing for Lexicon Entertainment quoted “This is a great opportunity for North American consumers to get the chance to play this classic point and click adventure and we are delighted that Tri Synergy has taken the opportunity to publish ‘Aurora: The Secret Within’

Story:
Roswell 1950, and a sensational rumour from the US Army has surfaced. A flying saucer has crashed near Roswell.
While this unbelievable event is broadcasting, the detective Pileggi falls into a mysterious case about the vanishing of a local farmer. During the investigation, he will discover that his reality has always been an illusion.
The Pentagon has been leading people to believe that Area 51 has been hiding projects about supersonic airplanes or alien technologies. The truth however is that the base was developed for a secret project called Aurora.

A secret project developed for time travel.......

Features Include:

• 40 noir's placing within New Mexico
• 3D rooms exploration
• Original soundtrack and audio effects
• 3D interactive animated characters
• Logical, mathematical riddles and puzzles that gradually get harder
• Multiple choices dialogues, influencing the story
• 3D cut scene movies
• Multiple endings

DAZ 3D Launches New Version of Free 3D Posing and Animation Software, DAZ Studio 2.1

DAZ 3D Launches New Version of Free 3D Posing and Animation Software, DAZ Studio 2.1

DAZ 3D Continues Tradition of Providing High-quality Tools for Professionals and Hobbyists Alike by Offering New Features Such as Drag and Drop, Levels of Detail, Sub Division, QuickStart and More

It’s downloadable. It’s professional quality. It’s easy to use. Best of all, it’s free. The latest release of DAZ Studio hits the market today, providing the industry with a simplified, enhanced version of this premier feature-rich 3D art and animation package.

From DAZ 3D, a leading developer of professional quality 3D software and models, DAZ Studio 2.1 offers the easiest way to quickly create high-quality digital images and characters for use in games and virtual worlds, multimedia and illustration applications. DAZ Studio 2.1 offers extensive pre-configured 3D scenes, poseable characters and accessories to help users get started.

DAZ Studio 2.1 is an ideal solution for professional 3D artists and hobbyists alike. Professional designers and illustrators can render compelling scenery, while gamers may effortlessly modify their own 3D avatars and characters exportable via the COLLADA file format. Families may additionally create scrapbooks and photography with integrated 3D imagery. With DAZ Studio 2.1, users work with virtual objects to create images of any genre, ranging from medieval to contemporary, proving that artists of all backgrounds can experience the power of 3D.

“DAZ Studio 2.1 is a real milestone in our ongoing commitment to provide high-quality, yet cost-effective, software and content that easily allows any level of artist to create breathtaking art,” said Dan Farr, president of DAZ 3D. “In addition to professional enhancements such as the Sub Division and Drag and Drop features, DAZ Studio 2.1 also offers a simplified QuickStart tutorial feature for 3D novices. Not only do these features help us push the bar to meet the expanding needs of our customers, but we are also introducing the world of 3D to new audiences, from first time artists to transitioning 2D professionals.”

DAZ Studio 2.1 boasts many robust features, including a full-color OpenGL Preview, integration with the powerful 3Delight® Render Engine (compliant with Pixar’s RenderMan®) and Fast-Time™ Rendering via the user’s graphic card hardware. Additional features include:
Drag & Drop: Automatically fits clothing or hair to 3D figures, eliminating the need for manual fitting. This feature also allows content to be added to a specific area within any scene, rather than just the default location.
QuickStart: With a step-by-step user interface, pre-loaded DAZ 3D models, scenes and morphs, and access to an extensive online library of high-quality 3D content, QuickStart users gain the fastest and easiest introduction to the world of 3D.
Levels of Detail (LOD): Allows the user to control the amount of polygonal mesh detail, while retaining universal compatibility of morphs, textures and other accessories. This feature is ideal for importing content into gaming software and virtual worlds.
Sub Division Geometry (Sub D): Users can take advantage of content created using Sub D to allow more efficient meshes while preserving high-resolution in 3D avatars and figures.
Multiple UV: Provides easy application of maps optimized for different characters or circumstances, allowing versatility, flexibility and connectivity. Multiple UV also allows creation of avatars that will work in all virtual world applications.
Content Manager: With an intuitive and powerful database system, users can customize the categorization of their 3D content as they wish without altering files on their hard drives.
Enhanced UI for Maximum Workspace: The ability to have interface panels and tabs docked however the user chooses, and be collapsed automatically when not in use allows users to maximize their workspace and not feel cluttered by window upon window of features and control points.

“With these new features, DAZ Studio 2.1 has moved a step beyond Poser and other mainstream, more expensive 3D applications,” said M. Milam (“Rosetta”), a DAZ 3D published artist. “DAZ Studio 2.1 is great and easy to use. It’s just the program I have been looking for.”

Pricing and Availability
DAZ Studio 2.1 is free of charge and available on Windows 98 SE or higher and Mac OSX 10.3 or higher. Each version comes with pre-configured 3D content that is ready to be loaded and rendered into fantastic art at the push of a button. To obtain a copy of DAZ Studio 2.1, register for a free account at www.daz3d.com, and then visit www.daz3d.com/studio.

About DAZ 3D
Founded in 2000, DAZ 3D, a privately-held company located in Draper, Utah, is a market leader in 3D software and digital content creation. The company's library of characters and accessories is renowned for its high-quality, versatile and compatible 3D content. DAZ 3D also hosts the popular Artzone.com, a social marketplace for sharing art and exchanging ideas. DAZ 3D is a division of DAZ Productions Inc. For more information, please visit www.daz3d.com.