Aquaria wins Game of the Year at Game Tunnel's 6th Annual Independent Games of the Year Awards

Gliding ahead of the pack, Aquaria was the 2007 winner of the Independent Game of the Year award. The award, the culminating event of Game Tunnel's 6th Annual Game of the Year awards, is given each year to the most outstanding Independent Video Game.



The Independent Game of the Year awards have been established to honor ingenuity, innovation and excellence in Independent Games. This year's awards began December 11th with the Sports Game of the Year award and have continued through 3 weeks and 13 categories finishing with the Top 10 Independent Games of the Year and Aquaria taking the top spot.

Previously a winner at the Independent Games Festival, Aquaria's visual style captivated reviewers at Game Tunnel almost as much as the innovative gameplay. Featuring a spacious underwater world of striking beauty and haunting music, Aquaria is a unique experience that embodies all for which Independent Games are recognized.

"Independent Games are known for pushing the boundaries of gaming, providing an experience that is singular and different," said Russell Carroll, Editor-In-Chief at Game Tunnel. "We are excited every year for the opportunity to play these wonderfully original and inventive games and are happy to award winners in multiple categories to celebrate their achievements."

An article providing descriptions, links, and downloads to all the award winners can be found at: http://www.gametunnel.com/article-661.htm. The list of all award categories and winners is as follows:

2007 Independent Game of the Year - Aquaria

Technical Categories:
Game of the Year: 

Graphics - Aquaria
Sound - Aquaria
Innovation - Determinance
Multiplayer - ThreadSpace: Hyperbol

Special Awards
Kid's Game of the Year - The Tuttles Madcap Misadventures
Player's Choice Award - Wonderland Adventures
Genres:
Action Game of the Year - DarkSide
Casual Game of the Year - Snapshot Adventures: Secret of Bird Island
Adventure Game of the Year - Aquaria
RPG Game of the Year - Depths of Peril
Sim Game of the Year - Venture Arctic
Sports Game of the Year - Reach
Strategy Game of the Year - Immortal Defense

About Game Tunnel
GameTunnel was created in 2002 to provide news and reviews on the Independent Gaming scene. Since its launch Game Tunnel has published over 800 reviews of Independent (or Indie as it is commonly known as) games. It's most popular articles include the monthly round-up of what's new in indie gaming, and the yearly Independent Game of the Year Awards.

Latest UK video games chart

All formats

(Full price) Week ending 29 December 2007

1 ASSASSIN'S CREED UBISOFT 2
2 FIFA 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
3 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
4 THE SIMPSONS GAME ELECTRONIC ARTS
5 NEED FOR SPEED: PROSTREET ELECTRONIC ARTS
6 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
7 WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2008 THQ
8 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION
9 THE GOLDEN COMPASS SEGA
10 THE SIMS 2: CASTAWAY ELECTRONIC ARTS
11 KANE & LYNCH: DEAD MEN EIDOS
12 LEGO STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA LUCASARTS
13 SUPER MARIO GALAXY NINTENDO
14 TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
15 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO
16 FOOTBALL MANAGER 2008 SEGA
17 RATATOUILLE THQ
18 UNCHARTED: DRAKE'S FORTUNE SONY COMPUTER ENT.
19 MARIO PARTY 8 NINTENDO
20 TOMB RAIDER: ANNIVERSARY EIDOS

Ex Hitman programmers launch first video game - Deep Blue Sea Free demo download on PC and Mac

Former "Hitman" programmers launch their first casual game, Deep Blue Sea for PC and Mac, from their new game studio, The Game Equation.

The hit game, Deep Blue Sea, is the first release from the brand new game studio, The Game Equation. "After working on top-rated shooters for years, we were ready to work in a smaller company and make smaller games. We started to notice how people with our background were making top hits in the casual games industry," explains Brian Meidell, co-owner of the Copenhagen based company, The Game Equation. "We realized that the high end of the casual games industry was within our reach, and that the shorter product cycles and smaller company setting was exactly what we wanted. These are games that remind us of the ones we played when growing up," he smiles.



"We studied the different options, and decided on the match-3 genre for Deep Blue Sea,” explains Bo Cordes, co-owner of The Game Equation. “Our goal was to apply our knowledge and experience towards creating a casual game with totally smooth and responsive gameplay or, 'tight' gameplay as we call it." Deep Blue Sea’s initial sales and feedback indicate that they have accomplished just that.

One challenge was creating an original soundtrack that sets the mood throughout the game. "We knew from working on the internationally best-selling 'Hitman' series that the game’s sound and music mean a lot for its enjoyment, yet this is often the most overlooked element," Meidell clarifies. To this end, The Game Equation contracted a Danish composer, Rasmus Hartvig with years of experience creating music for films and theatrical productions, to create an integrated music and sound design for Deep Blue Sea.

"Making music and sound for computer games is a very different challenge from making music for films - you have to consider unusual factors like, 'would this be annoying to listen to after four hours,' and, 'what if these sounds are played simultaneously?' But I'm always up for a new challenge," says Hartvig.

Deep Blue Sea is the result of The Game Equation’s experienced approach and dedication to detail. Deep Blue Sea is available for PC and Mac, both versions retailing at $20.

22 level FREE download for Mac and PC

Deep Blue Sea and free demo for PC and Mac available here: http://www.thegameequation.com/games/deepbluesea/

MX v ATV Untamed - developer diary

By Brian Coonce, Principle Game Designer, Rainbow Studios

Over the past decade, Rainbow Studios has been hard at work fine-tuning the ultimate offroad videogame. As development has shifted from PCs and consoles to next-generation powerhouses, our vision of everything offroad has also expanded. Whereas previous games focused exclusively on MX bikes or ATVs, the latest iterations of the MX vs. ATV franchise have grown to include all of the offroad vehicles you might see during a weekend offroad outing, including sand rails, dune buggies and 4x4 golf carts. We then added the vehicles you’ve only dreamed about tearing through the outdoors in: trophy trucks, monster trucks, and the all-new ORV Sport.

While we packed in more machines, the greatest challenge has always been creating a competitive series where players can demonstrate their mastery over the vast variety of vehicles in the game. To this end, the design team created the all-new Opencross mode, a series of long-form races where the machines battle it out to determine who really owns the offroad.

The first thing you’ll notice in your first Opencross race is that these tracks are huge; in fact, they are the longest races you’ll find in MX vs. ATV: Untamed. Opencross allowed our track designers to take full advantage of Untamed’s massive open worlds. In a given race, you’ll travel across dams, over bridges, up narrow valleys and down steep cliff faces on your path to offroad domination. These courses were meant to serve up the toughest offroad challenge you will ever find, so don’t be surprised if you’re forced to battle for position through shallow river passes or across narrow natural rock bridges.

Although each vehicle is equally equipped to handle the harsh terrain, certain vehicles may have specific advantages depending on the environment. The wide open dust plains of Del Sol and Copper Valley are particularly well suited for the wide suspension of the sand rail and dune buggy. The shallow creek beds and rolling hills of Split Oak and Crawly Creek are easily soaked up by the monster truck’s giant tires. The sudden changes in elevation at Lakewood and Pine Lakes are quickly traversed by the light and nimble ORV Sport. The narrow back roads of Clearwater and Sutherlin Valley are the perfect opportunity to put miles behind you in a supercharged trophy truck. What vehicle and where you drive it is up to you as long as you can keep up with the competition.

Choose your path to offroad domination by downloading the demo today on Xbox Live Marketplace or the Playstation Network!

EA Japan builds SimCity 2 video game for Nintendo DS

It hasn't been long since SimCity first made its way to DS - we're weren't particularly impressed either - but EA Japan has already announced a sequel.

First screenshots have emerged on its Japanese site along with early information on the game. The big hook this time is you'll be able to build up settlements and cities through the ages, from the caveman era to medieval times and then the industrial revolution. So forget fending off UFOs and fixing damage caused by rumbling earthquakes. It seems like you'll be concerning yourself with rogue wildcats and the plague instead.

According to information in the latest issue of Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, you'll even be able to combine resources from different ages in Free Mode to create the sort of hybrid city that'd surely made modern day architects weep. We also hope that EA will be improving issues such as the random difficulty curve and the lack of scenarios in the first game.

Currently listed with a March 19th release in Japan, there's no information on US or UK releases yet. On past experience, we'd be hoping for a summer launch - we'll let you know as soon as EA makes an announcement.

Source: Pocket Gamer

Guitar Hero III mobile video game for cellphones goes live... in the US

Gameloft's Guitar Legend has already proved that the Guitar Hero musical rhythm genre can work well on phones, but now the original has made its way onto mobile.

However, for now Guitar Hero III Mobile is only available in the US, on operator Verizon Wireless' portal. Published by Hands-On Mobile, we've reported on the game before, but there are some new details to disclose now that it's out.

As we said, there are four guitars and three venues in the game, plus 15 fully licensed tracks. What's new is the info that the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Suck My Kiss' and The Scorpions' 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' are among them.

For those of you with good memories, yes, the latter did indeed feature in Guitar Legend on mobile, too. Pearl Jam and Santana are also on board. In the US, players will be able to download new tracks every month.

So what about the UK? Guitar Hero III Mobile is due out sometime between February and April, depending what operator you're on. We can't wait to see how it performs, so click 'Track It!' for an alert when we review the final game.

Source: Pocket Gamer http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Mobile/Guitar+Hero+III+Mobile/news.asp?c=5282

'Guitar Hero Mobile' sneak peek: It rocks

Conference-goers flocked around the Guitar Hero station at Motorola's mammoth tent on the CTIA Wireless conference floor, but it was Hands-On Mobile's modest booth where Guitar Hero Mobile is best experienced. There the game's product manager, JJ Leichleiter, walked me through the mobile version of the popular console game.



Let me dispel all doubt by assuring you that this is the real thing, deputized by Activision, Guitar Hero's console publisher. Loosely based on Guitar Hero 3, the 3D mobile version offers two characters (Axel Steel and Judy Nails), four guitars, and 15 songs. Subscription holders will receive three more songs every month.

Playing virtual guitar has gotten easier with a reduction from five keys on the console game's peripheral guitar to three on the phone. Users can choose whichever keypad row feels best.

This game has a lot going for it--easy fretting, satisfying animation, and killer sound quality. Guitar Hero Mobile uses PMD audio for the BREW platform, which preserves the melody, harmony, vocals, and cacophonous ding every time you miss. Stay tuned for a video demonstration on this space and on CNET TV.

Guitar Hero Mobile will be available for purchase for Verizon Wireless users in December 2007. After that, more networks on the BREW platform will join the fray, followed by J2ME phones.

More from CNet review here... http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12261_7-9804241-51.html

Microsoft may pay compensation for XBox live problems over Christmas

Reports...

...LIVE was never completely offline. We did have some spotty issues over the weekend, but the XOC (Xbox Operations Center) was fully staffed (as it always is 24/7/365) and they addressed the issue as quickly as they could.

According to The Bitbag, Microsoft will be compensating their Xbox LIVE Gold customers for the problems the service has been having over the holiday—somehow.

An unnamed Microsoft contact told the site:

...we will definitely be doing something for our Gold members that weren't able to get online over the last week.
Subscriber rights to some sort of refund seem a little vague here, especially since Microsoft has said that the service isn't technically down.

Source: Kotaku

3 new rock band tracks added to Microsoft XBox live

Tracks added...

Gimme Three Steps by Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Black Crows' Hard to Handle

Rush's Limelight

each track costs 160 points

Go on get rocking now...

Sony PlayStation 3 firmware update adds cool new 'Gaia' Music Visualizer

See link below
Watch the YouTube video here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gud7hiPRM0

One of the more hidden features of the PlayStation 3's 2.10 firmware update is the spectacular Earth-based music visualizer, seen in motion on multiple user-posted YouTube videos and in stills in the pictures below.

The feature's creator, Kyoto-based Q-Games (PixelJunk Racers), which was commissioned by Sony to create the visualizer, has been talking to Gamasutra about the feature's genesis, its use of NASA data, and possible expansion concepts.

Q-Games' chief of technology James McLaren spoke to Gamasutra about how that project got started, explaining: "Originally, we were working on the Gaia project (our name for the earth viewer) as a possible boot sequence for the PS3. The waving cloth background, also created by Q-Games, got the nod when the PS3 launched."



McLaren continues: "We persevered with Gaia, and this visualizer came out of that ongoing work. We've had this under our hats for a while, so it's nice to finally see it released into the wild."

He added: "What you are seeing is a slimmed-down version, due to Flash ROM restrictions, so we are happy to witness a positive reaction on various internet forums."

But how were the effects in the visualization created? McLaren explains: "This representation of the earth is a 3D model with some shaders and SPU trickery going on. We tried to accurately model the earth's atmosphere and have all the correct highlights on the oceans, etc. The texture data is sourced from the NASA Blue Marble project."

"They have some data that they've patched together from hundreds of satellite passes over the earth, which is really top-notch quality, as you can see. We really owe NASA a debt of gratitude for the data, as without it we wouldn't be able to produce something that looks this good."

Is Q-Games helping out Sony with any other updates in the near future? McLaren explains: "Unfortunately, we can't really say much about that. We'd certainly like to expand the current Earth visualizer and allow people a little bit more user control, something we've seen a few requests for on various online forums."

However, he notes in closing: "Perhaps a future update might include the full Blue Marble dataset, but that would need to be a hard disc-resident version..."

Source: Gamasutra

Orange box patch for Sony PS3?

On the Steam forums, about surround sound issues on the PS3 version of The Orange Box.

A spokesperson for the company wrote:

We're working on getting the optical cable support into an update. I'll post when I have details.
Patch now looking pretty likely, then.

Read the thread here... http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634132

Source: Kotaku

Nintendo say Wii can download complete Nintendo DS games

Speaking with the New York Times, Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime has offered a little more info on the Wii's ability to interact with the DS.

While we already know that the Wii will be able to download and transmit DS demos to the handheld, we now also know that you'll soon be able to download full games to your DS.

While discussing the demo download feature, as well as DS DLC (like Japan, the US version of Professor Layton will feature extra downloadable puzzles), he tells the paper that gamers will be able to download "complete games" to the DS via the Wii's upcoming Everyone's Nintendo channel.

No further info is provided, on the channel's Western launch or what kind of "complete games" he's talking about, but does this mean the Game Boy and/or Game Boy Advance might about to be added to the Virtual Console's lineup?

Japan Wii owners can already download DS demos on their Wii.

Source: Kotaku http://kotaku.com/

$4.5 million for Play-for-cash MMORPG publisher

IGG Obtains Series A Financing

IGG Inc., (www.igg.com) a world-class MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) provider, announced today the completion of a $4.5 million round of Series A funding led by IDG Technology Venture Investment (IDGVC Partners).

Dedicated to serve worldwide players with the best interactive online games, IGG Inc. launched its first MMORPG in May 2006. Since then, IGG has successfully released and operated 6 MMORPGs through www.igg.com. With over 3.5 million registered users as of Q3 2007, IGG has established its reputation as a world-class publisher meeting the demand of players of different ages and favors in both North America and Europe.

Besides publishing a portfolio of numerous licensed games running the gamut from action to fantasy, IGG also grows a talented development team to design and develop its own games to contribute to the interactive MMOG world. The new funds will be used to expand global sales and marketing, to implement strategic plans, and to further the development of more innovative and entertaining games. Furthermore, the funds will be used to market games in more regions and for player of different languages. IGG believes that, by growing together with the global business and technology partners as well as the royal users, it will become a key player in the online gaming world in the foreseeable future.

Best cellphone game award for The Incredible Machine

Vivendi Games Mobile's The Incredible Machine Wins "Best Casual Mobile Game" At Spike TV's 2007 "Video Game Awards"

Hit Title Also Nominated for "Mobile Game of the Year"

Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, has been awarded “Best Casual Mobile Game” at the 5th Annual Spike TV 2007 “Video Game Awards” for its classic brain teaser The Incredible Machine for mobile. The Incredible Machine was also nominated for “Mobile Game of the Year.”

“We are extremely honored to once again be recognized for the high-quality and creativity of our titles and take home such a highly regarded mobile award from Spike TV,” said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. “Beyond winning, we are thrilled that such an established organization is recognizing the importance and popularity of mobile games.”

The Incredible Machine for mobile, which was launched in Europe in May and in the USA in August, has received rave reviews and accolades from fans and press. IGN.com bestowed the game with an “Impressive” rating and interactive viral videos of the game continue to receive thousands of views per day from fans. The popular video, featuring Farah McDaring, a new superheroine, demonstrates how The Incredible Machine mobile game helps Farah solve real-life obstacles. To view the interactive video, visit www.incrediblemachinepresents.com.


Maria Pacheco, vice president of Marketing for Vivendi Games Mobile, accepted the Spike TV 2007 Video Game Award and gave a brief acceptance speech. “We are thrilled that this classic puzzle game has made such a huge come-back and winning this award reinforces Vivendi Games Mobile’s objective of developing state-of-the-art games and designing innovative marketing campaigns that take mobile gaming to the next level.”

Based on Sierra Entertainment's hit PC game franchise from the 1990s, The Incredible Machine for mobile is a favorite of puzzle game enthusiasts everywhere. The objective of the game is to solve up to 80 distinct "real world object" puzzles requiring the construction of a "Rube Goldberg" contraption, using more than 60 different objects such as ropes, pulleys, balloons and other props arranged in the proper sequence to achieve the mandated task. Consisting of 60 brain-teasing levels and 20 bonus levels to unlock, The Incredible Machine features real-time physics and rich, colorful animation bringing to life the game's truly "Incredible Machines."

Vivendi Games Mobile’s SWAT Force® won “Best Wireless Game” at last year’s Spike TV Video Game Awards.

Three more classic video games released on Nintendo Wii shopping channel

Three New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel

This week's classic game additions offer brilliant fantasy and crackling action to help you ring in '08. So if you haven't made any New Year's resolutions yet, allow us to suggest a few: pop more bubbles, battle more medieval beasts and try to save the universe a little more often.

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:

BUBBLE BOBBLE (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points):
BUBBLE BOBBLE's release in 1986 introduced the two bubble dragons, Bub and Bob, and brand new play mechanics, with players defeating enemies by trapping them in bubbles and then popping them. Although the puzzle-action game can be beaten by clearing all 100 rounds, it also contains secret elements such as not being able to get the "true ending" in single-player mode; hidden commands that lead to secret rounds; and a ton of different items. These elements are some of the game's most memorable and important features. Each round even has different air currents that are not visible, so bubbles rise in unpredictable patterns. Aspects like forcing players to understand and utilize these different patterns while playing help make this a revolutionary game that is fun to play anytime.

Light Crusader (Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points):

Each day, more good townspeople of Green Row have been mysteriously disappearing, and beleaguered King Weeden summons the knight Sir David to investigate. Armed with his wits and his sword, Sir David must find the cause of this strange evil and save the citizens of Green Row before things get any worse. Take the role of the brave knight in this action RPG and get to the bottom of the mysteries of Green Row as you fight enemies, solve puzzles and use your best combination of brains and brawn to save the kingdom.

TOP HUNTER (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and older-Cartoon Violence, 900 Wii Points):
Take on the role of either Roddy or Cathy, bounty hunters in this side-scrolling action game set far in the future when humans have colonized space. But all is not well: Space pirates called the Klaptons are making their way through the galaxies, wiping out peaceful settlements along their path. This disgraceful behavior leads to them having a price on their heads, so now Roddy and Cathy must travel through four distinct worlds on a mission to defeat their leader, Captain Klapton. Both characters have retractable arms-used to grab enemies or other objects in the scenery-that can then be thrown at others to destroy them. Also, be on the lookout for rings or levers to pull, as this might reveal special bonuses. Further adding to the mix, the game uses a unique system where the action happens on two planes, with the player switching between them at will. Can you prove yourself worthy of the Top Hunter name and help save the universe?

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

Costco US selling Nintendo Wii bundles

If you weren't able to get your hands on a Wii this holiday season and you just can't bear to buy into the whole "rain check" thing, then may I suggest you beat feet down to your local Costco. Kotakuite Thomas K. sends in this pic from his local Costco taken just this very morning.

The bundle goes for 344.99 and include the Wii, an extra nunchuck and remote and a copy of Brain Age for the Wii.

So, fly my faithful readers and grab that Wii that you were so viciously denied.

Source: Kotaku

Nintendo Wii Hacked to run Homebrew Software

Watch the video here ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5YB1Mmx7E4

At this last weekend's Chaos Communication Congress, a group of hackers demonstrated a hack for the Wii which allowed them to run software of their own design natively on the system.

This is the first official demonstration of this kind of hack on Nintendo's Wii.

The hack itself - as explained in the above video - is quite complicated and probably far above the average Wii gamer, but it demonstrates the future potential for the system to run code that Nintendo never intended it to. While the technique is basically just a proof-of-concept at this point, expect to see Linux ports and rudimentary homebrew software for the Wii popping up throughout 2008.

The importance of this event is difficult to overstate.

The Wii is a wildly popular system manufactured by a company who is notoriously protective of their secretive hardware. The fact that a group of amateur hackers were able to crack the system's encryption proves, yet again, that despite any attempts to dictate how your hardware should be used, once you've sold it to consumers, it's completely up to them what they want to do with it.

With the hack still in its infancy it presents no danger to Nintendo of draining the company's profits through the unauthorized duplication of software, but you can be sure Nintendo is eyeing this hack with great scrutiny.

Source: Wii Nintendo http://wiinintendo.net/2007/12/28/the-wii-officially-hacked/

Text: Wired http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/12/wii-hacked.html

$1 million goal passed by Child's Play

The videogame chairty Child's Play had a really good year. It seemed like gamers and game makers did their best to get behind the cause, and that has paid off. The Child's Play Web page reports that they were able to beat their goal of $1 million in donations.

Not only did we break the million dollar mark, but we decimated it with our new total of $1,135,000! This significant achievement made this holiday season a happier, brighter one in our fifty partner hospitals. To everyone who has contributed to this amazing milestone, thank you!

The hospital wish lists are still online, and some have seen new items added. While we try to get lots of new games and more to the children in time for the holidays, the hospitals have a need for equipment year-round. Likewise, we will continue to accept donations through Amazon, PayPal and the mail until next year’s fundraiser kicks off.

They say that a final update will be released in January.

Source: Destructoid

EA video games release dates for 2008

25 January
Burnout Paradise
on PS3 XBox 360

22 February
FIFA Street 3
on NDS PS3 XBox 360
Need for Speed ProStreet
on PSP

February
The Sims 2 FreeTime
on PC
The Sims Castaway Stories
on PC

March
Ninja Reflex
on NDS Wii

Quarter One
Army of Two
on PS3 XBox 360

Spring
Command and Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath
on PC XBox 360

Autumn
Tiberium
on PC PS3 XBox 360

Alchemic Dream to assist Xivio.com's online world

Xivio.com, a 3D virtual world and social community, has partnered with online game specialists Alchemic Dream, Inc., to give the site’s members a richer online experience through in-game monitoring, assistance and support.

Xivio is a 3D Flash-driven application that allows users to access all of the site's features without need of software downloads or additional computer configuration. Members can log into Xivio.com at any computer and have complete access to content and online protection tools.



Alchemic Dream will provide email support, chat moderation, in-game events, community management, localization and marketing of the site.

In September 2007, Xivio.com introduced two revolutionary online safety features through a patent-pending Open Ratings System and Parents' Zone.

With simple-to-understand grading tools, TV-style ratings are assigned to any piece of content (photos, music, videos and journal entries) throughout the site. In the Parents' Zone, a child's security settings are managed from an easy-to-use control panel which can be applied to multiple site accounts.

“As we look to expand Xivio.com’s offerings, we needed to find a partner who could assist us with the most important part of our site – the members who use it regularly,” said David Wisotzky, Xivio LLC.
President/CEO. “Alchemic Dream is a leader in MMOG management and their extensive expertise in this area makes them a natural fit for our future goals.”

BOMBERMAN LIVE NEW YEAR'S BASH TOURNAMENT & SWEEPSTAKES - US ONLY

U.S.-Only Leaderboard Tournament Has Top Prize of 100,000 Microsoft Points

udson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm for Hudson Soft, today announced the “Bomberman LIVE New Year’s Bash Tournament & Sweepstakes,” in which U.S. players will compete both for bragging rights and for prizes, including a 1st-place prize of 100,000 Microsoft Points. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. PST on December 31, 2007 and ends at 8:59 a.m. PST on January 13, 2008.

In the “Bomberman LIVE New Year’s Bash Tournament,” players will drop bombs with reckless abandon. They will attempt to get the most frags on the “Weekly Ranked Friendly Fire Leaderboard” which records performance in the new “Friendly Fire” game mode on any map. This new mode is available only by downloading the “Bomb-Up Pack 3” add-on pack for Bomberman LIVE from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The tournament begins at 5:00 a.m. PST on January 6, 2008 and ends at 8:59 a.m. PST on January 13, 2008. Concurrently, people will be able to enter the “Bomberman LIVE New Year’s Bash Sweepstakes” by simply registering at the official registration page. (http://www.hudsonentertainment.com/tournament_register.php?tournament_id=1)

“Our goal with Bomberman is to bring the fantastic gameplay to a wider fanbase.” said John Greiner, President and CEO of Hudson Entertainment. “We start off the new year with a big tournament in Bomberman LIVE on XBLA, then move into new Bomberman Land releases on the Wii, DS, PSP, and mobile. We have lots more planned to bring even more fans into the community in 2008.”

For Registration, Official Rules, and more information, visit Hudson’s website.