Halo 3 launch video

Halo 3 Registers Biggest Day In US Entertainment History With $170 Million In Sales

Microsoft today announced that the Xbox 360 exclusive game “Halo 3” has officially become the biggest entertainment launch in history, garnering an estimated $170 million in sales in the United States alone in the first 24 hours. The Xbox 360 title beat previous records set by blockbuster theatrical releases like “Spider-man 3” and novels such as “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

“Halo 3” is the conclusion to the epic trilogy and picks up where “Halo 2” left off, answering questions around the fates of the beloved protagonist Master Chief and his artificial intelligence sidekick Cortana as they struggle to save humankind from destruction at the hands of the alien coalition known as the Covenant. In addition to the rich storyline, “Halo 3” continues the franchise’s grand tradition of delivering innovative online multiplayer experiences via Xbox LIVE, the world’s largest social network on TV.

“Halo 3 has become a pop-culture phenomenon,” said Neil Thomson, Senior Regional Director, Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft UK. “Not only is “Halo 3” setting sales records, it’s also redefining entertainment. Within the first 24 hours alone, we’ve seen more than a million Xbox LIVE members worldwide come online to play Halo 3 – that makes September 25 the most active Xbox LIVE gaming day in history.”

Retailers have also expressed their excitement about the launch of “Halo 3.”

Bob McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for GameStop Corp commented that, “With consumer demand for Halo 3 and related products, we expect it to be the biggest video game title generator in GameStop's history."

“The initial demand we’ve seen for ‘Halo 3’ has been astounding, and the game is on track to become the number one gaming title of all time. ‘Halo 3’ is a genuine entertainment phenomenon and our customers have responded very enthusiastically to the release,” said Jill Hamburger, vice president of movies and games at Best Buy.

Developed by Bungie Studios, the “Halo” franchise is exclusive to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and optimized for the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network. The more than 7 million Xbox LIVE users will get a continually evolving gaming experience with “Halo 3.” Its online multiplayer and cooperative gameplay for Xbox LIVE Gold users, the much-talked-about Saved Films feature that enables players to capture and save their favorite moments on their hard drives, and Forge, an innovative map editor that enables infinite customization options are just some of the new features to experience.

More than 10,000 retailers in the US hosted Midnight Madness events to celebrate the launch of this third installment in the billion-dollar franchise. In New York, Seattle, Miami and Los Angeles, Microsoft and retail partners hosted marquee launch events that featured contests and appearances by local celebrities and professional athletes who are fanatical about the “Halo” franchise, including Ludacris and Zac Efron and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.

More than 1.7 million copies of “Halo 3” were preordered in the United States before a single store opened its doors at midnight, Sept. 25, making this the fasting pre-selling game in history, surpassing the previous record-setting pre-sales of “Halo 2.” Well beyond just a U.S. phenomenon, the launch of “Halo 3” was a worldwide celebration that released in 37 countries and available in 17 languages.

Vivendi Games Mobile's The Legend of Spyro

The Eternal Night Wins Best Mobile Game Award at French Video Game Festival

Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced that the mobile game The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night was awarded the Best Mobile Video Game Award at the second annual Video Game Festival, in Montreuil, France. The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night game will be available on mobile phones worldwide in November.

The Spyro video game franchise to date has sold more than 15 million units globally and continues to be a big hit among both mobile and traditional console gamers. The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night console and handheld versions published by Sierra Entertainment will be available in October.

“We are extremely excited and honored that our game, The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night was awarded the coveted Best Mobile Game Award by the Video Game Festival,” said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. “The Spyro franchise is a classic franchise that is truly loved by both kids and adults alike and we are thrilled to once again bring the mighty purple dragon to mobile phones around the world.”

The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night mobile game gives players the chance to guide Spyro through 13 graphically stunning levels, specially adapted for mobile phones. The mission is to collect the four elemental powers that will enable Spyro to halt the resurrection of the Dark Master. As Spyro’s powers are gradually unlocked, players will uncover the mysteries of the bizarre universe and the many enemies that populate it.

Summary
Title: The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night (mobile version)
Genre: Action / Adventure
Worldwide release for mobile: November
Developer: The Mighty Troglodytes
Publisher: Vivendi Games Mobile

Experience the Melee of Modern Warfare with Delta Force

The Sequel to Black Hawk Down Puts Players in Europe Back on the Front Lines

Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced the launch of Delta Force, the newest title based on the popular NovaLogic Delta Force Black Hawk Down: Team Sabre TM franchise. Delta Force equips players with full firepower as they face off against enemies in assault mode and take control of the U.S. Army’s elite anti-terrorist unit. Delta Force is now available on mobile phones throughout Europe.

Inspired by the iconic Ridley Scott movie Black Hawk Down, Delta Force features stunning graphics and impressive realistic weather effects. Gameplay mechanics are infiltration-oriented and players use state-of-the-art artillery, including rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers, positioning them for total annihilation. In addition to being able to strategically select from a team of diverse characters, each with their own special abilities, players can drive ground vehicles and pilot a helicopter for car chase, sniper and radio hacking missions that will have them ducking for cover.

“Delta Force has enough action and excitement to entertain players for hours as they experience undercover missions and dangerous attacks with some of the most advanced graphics and special effects available in mobile games today,” said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile.

Delta Force allows users to choose between three characters to eliminate a terrorist organization trying to hijack the communication satellites: the trooper, the engineer or the sniper. Mini games challenge players to seek out informers, break enemy codes and track down terrorists in an armored car while avoiding sniper fire, dodging land mines and protecting civilians. The first installment in the franchise, Delta Force Black Hawk Down: Team Sabre received impressive feedback and reviews from the industry. Pocketgamer.com awarded Delta Force Black Hawk Down: Team Sabre the Bronze Award and said “overall a solidly put together game in the covert espionage mould which is fun to play and has good lastability.”

Jericho playable demo goes live.

It's blood, sweat and fears as the Clive Barker's Jericho playable demo goes live.

Battle demonic foes from the Crusades time slice with Church, Black and Delgado.

Prepare to confront evil and then blast its face off as Codemasters announces the release of the Clive Barker's Jericho™ playable demo.

The demo is now available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and the Games for Windows demo available from www.codemasters.co.uk In Europe and PAL territories, the demo will be available for the PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system on October 4th from PLAYSTATION Network*.

Clive Barker's Jericho dispatches players to the Middle-Eastern city of Al-Khali. Controlling the Jericho squad, a team skilled in both conventional and paranormal warfare, players fight through different time periods from the city's history on a gruelling journey to unravel the legend of the First Born, God's first aborted creation of man and source of ultimate evil.

Thrusting gamers into the heart of this unique horror FPS, the demo is taken from the time of the Crusades in Al-Khali's past. A vicious attack has divided the squad, with one half presumed lost. As the demo opens, players join Sergeant Billie Church, Lieutenant Abigail Black and Sergeant Frank Delgado in the blood-drenched sewers and catacombs of a fortress.

Playing as Captain Devin Ross, the fallen squad leader who as a spirit is able to possess and heal individual members of the team, players must take advantage of Church, Black and Delgado's paranormal talents.

Delgado, a pyromancer and heavy weapons expert, can unleash a parasitic flame spirit to incinerate nearby enemies and wields a 7.62 calibre Minigun.

Church, a blood scribe, casts powerful wards, enchantments and banishments through the ritual of drawing her own blood. She also comes equipped with a customised Nodachi for ruthless melee attacks.

Black possesses astonishing telekentic powers, which lets her guide bullets fired from her customised XM-110 sniper rifle with pinpoint accuracy through multiple targets.

Only by combining the unique squad abilities of this paranormal fighting force can gamers survive this hellish nightmare and come closer to the truth.

Right from the off, players face a vicious onslaught from an army of grotesque crusader warriors. These twisted and tormented enemies, whose armour is fused with their rotting flesh and limbs replaced with axes and swords, are powerful, shocking realisations of monsters from the mind of Clive Barker.

I LOVE Puppies! - I LOVE Kittens!

I LOVE Puppies!

Fun Adventures, Fascinating Puzzles, and Fast Action Games all with Adorable Puppies!

Sharon, MA, September 27th, 2007 – Tri Synergy, Inc. (www.trisynergy.com) is happy to announce that they will be bringing dog lovers everywhere some great arcade action with I LOVE Puppies!

In I LOVE Puppies!, anyone who can’t resist the adorable temptation of playing with new-born puppies can help bring them love and affection to be playful and happy. Just like a good mama dog, you can also teach them lessons they need to learn with fun and exciting puppy training programs.

Features of I LOVE Puppies! include:
Teach cute puppies lessons they need to learn with 8 Puppy Training Programs
Take good care of your puppy and keep him/her safe, happy and healthy with 6 Great Puppy Exercises
Play with your puppy with Fun Games
Earn a treasure chest of Rewards

I LOVE Puppies! will be available at Amazon.com, Gamestop, MicroCenter, J&R Computerworld, Trisynergy.com, and retailers nationwide in late September 2007.

I LOVE Kittens!

In I LOVE Kittens!, all cat lovers can help precious kittens who need love and affection to be playful and happy. Just like a good mother cat, you can also teach them lessons they need to learn with fun and exciting kitten training programs.

Features of I LOVE Kittens! include:
Teach cute kittens lessons they need to learn with 8 Kitten Training Programs
Take good care of your Kitten and keep him/her safe, happy and healthy with 6 Great Kitten Exercises
Play with your kitten with Fun Games
Earn a treasure chest of Rewards

I LOVE Kittens! will be available at Amazon.com, Gamestop, MicroCenter, J&R Computerworld, Trisynergy.com, and retailers nationwide in late September 2007.

WAP Chess - Free Multiplayer Mobile Chess Game

Cellufun's Free Multiplayer Mobile Chess Game that Matches Gamers' Skill Levels To Similarly Skilled Opponents Around the World

WAP Chess offers award-winning artificial multiplayer and artificial intelligence play with unique human opponent matching algorithm, while supporting real-time play on most mobile devices including Apple's iPhone


Today, Cellufun Inc, one of the world’s largest mobile entertainment communities launched WAP Chess, a free, multiplayer chess game supporting real-time play on more than 600 handsets, including Apple’s iPhone.

Cellufun’s mobile Chess caters to both amateur and expert game players alike. Amateurs will find numerous human opponents, matched to their skill level by Cellufun’s human opponent matching algorithm; a challenging local server called AI, which beat both Chessmaster and Karpov Mobile Chess in a QuicklyBored.com review; and a hint engine and a tutorial mode that can help improve play. Experts will also appreciate Cellufun’s opponent matching algorithm, full timed-play implementation, ELO ratings and AI, the powerful server side that will challenge even the highest-rated players.

“Mobile chess players should be able to play any one at any time on any phone, and Cellufun has created a game to deliver that,” says Arthur Goikhman, Cellufun’s CEO. “Our free mobile chess game offers fantastic game play, but the game really shines when you’re playing other people. Our unique full WAP chess implementation allows for support of our QuickPlay Technology, as well as dynamic image maps which work on everything from the iPhone to the Nokia Series 40.”

Legacy Interactive's Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals

Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals, the latest in Real Life Games® from Legacy Interactive®, will arrive in time for the Holidays, first at retail (October 2007) and then in a special downloadable version available at www.legacygames.com. Vivendi Games will distribute the title at retail in North America.

This interactive exploration of veterinary medicine is the follow-up to 2005’s Zoo Vet, which earned the Parent’s Choice Seal of Approval, sold more than 250,000 copies and inspired the Washington Times to note: “Zoo Vet provides the perfect balance of learning, interaction in real-life situations and honing logic skills to make it one of the best animal-care simulations on the market.”

“We’re proud to announce that a portion of the proceeds from sales of Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals will benefit the African Wildlife Foundation, which supplied some incredible content, including more than 80 gorgeous photos for the Andrew’s Album feature of the game,” says Legacy Interactive CEO Ariella Lehrer. The leading international conservation organization focused solely on Africa, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has played a major role in ensuring the continued existence of some of Africa’s most rare and treasured species. “We are very happy to be associated with Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals and Legacy Interactive,” notes AWF CEO Patrick Bergin. “Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals will provide important support for our work to protect Africa’s imperiled wildlife. Ariella and her team also have done a marvelous job of incorporating content into the game that will educate and hopefully inspire consumers to become more involved in conserving wildlife in Africa, and throughout the world.”

Andrew’s Album – in which players hunt for the missing photos zookeeper Andrew took during his recent trip to Africa – is one of several mini-games enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of the 20 animals populating the Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals world. The virtual practice of veterinary medicine affords players the opportunity to perform surgery, administer medicine and carry out other treatment procedures using a variety of realistic medical tools. Helpful hints are available from the friendly zoo staff so that players of all levels are able to succeed.

“One of my favorite parts of the game is helping the eagle with the broken wing,” notes producer Don Marshall, who also oversaw production of Legacy Interactive’s popular game Pet Pals: Animal Doctor. “You have to carefully use a scalpel on the eagle’s wing, examine the broken bone, set it using a pin and then close up the incision so the bird can fly again.” Thirty gameplay scenarios – starring a lion, an elephant, a polar bear, an otter, a tortoise, a zebra and a crocodile that has ingested pennies tossed into his enclosure, among other animals – were contributed by veterinarians practicing throughout the world.

In addition to the 30 unique medical cases and Andrew’s Album expedition, Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals boasts beautifully rendered, photorealistic 3D modeling of its patients, as well as the ability to visit and interact with the animals in their zoo enclosures. Moreover, would-be veterinarians can settle in at the zoo’s office computer to investigate conservation issues, actual video footage of at-risk species in Africa, and information about the education and skills required to pursue a career as a vet. The animal action is rounded out by a memory game, a trivia test, a word search and a jigsaw puzzle.

Since 2001, when Legacy Interactive launched the “aspiring vet” genre with the introduction of “Vet Emergency,” the company has established a reputation for respecting the intelligence of its audience and in so doing, providing both children and adults with compelling educational experiences that emphasize learning through activity. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than on the Legacy Games’ website, where a fan of Zoo Vet revealed, “I always wanted to be a vet, and now I can!”

Seven Seas Sudoku Debuts at WorldWinner.com

WorldWinner's Original Strategy Game Provides a Twist on the Popular Puzzle Pastime

Ahoy, matey! Sudoku fans can now walk the plank and hit the high seas with the latest addition to WorldWinner’s games portfolio. The company today announced the launch of Seven Seas Sudoku, an online cash competition version of the popular puzzle game with a pirate-themed twist. WorldWinner is a subsidiary of FUN Technologies Inc. (TSX:FUN) (AIM:FUN) and the leading provider of online game competitions for cash and prizes.

Seven Seas Sudoku is already proving to be a popular puzzler on WorldWinner; more than 12,000 games have been played in the initial days since its launch.

“WorldWinner created Seven Seas Sudoku in response to player demand for an interactive cash competition version of Sudoku, one the world’s most popular puzzle games,” said Peter Blacklow, president of WorldWinner. “Creating engaging online versions of popular offline favorites, such as SCRABBLE and Sudoku, is a key component of WorldWinner’s strategy to introduce a new audience of board and puzzle game fans to online cash competitions.”

Conceptualized and developed by WorldWinner, Seven Seas Sudoku is based on the universal rules of Sudoku. Players compete against one another by filling a 9x9 game board with numbered coins during each five-minute game. Participants accumulate points – booty for their treasure chests – by correctly completing a row, column or 3x3 square. If the clock runs out before players complete the entire game board, all empty squares are filled with Jolly Roger icons, resulting in scoring penalties. The player with the most loot in his or her treasure chest at the end of the game wins. Fill ‘er up, Captain!

Seven Seas Sudoku is available to players exclusively on WorldWinner.com and its partner sites, including AOL Games, GSN, MSN Games and Pogo.com.

SEGA Unveils Details For Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games

SEGA Europe Ltd and SEGA of America, Inc., today revealed details of the exciting blockbuster title, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games™. Published by SEGA across Europe and North America, and published by Nintendo in the Japanese market, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is licensed through a worldwide partnership with International Sports Multimedia (ISM), the exclusive interactive entertainment software licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

This exciting new game for the Wii™ video game system Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ system is packed with all-new interactive features and includes 20 authentic Olympic events – played out in stylised Olympic venues. Using the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuck™ control system, players can have an unparalleled interactive experience and compete using one of 16 characters – 8 from the world of Mario and 8 from the world of Sonic. The Wii controls are created specifically to replicate the actions that offer the best results for each event which include:

Fencing – Individual epée
Archery
Shooting – Skeet
Gymnastics - Trampoline
Gymnastics - Vault
Field - High Jump
Field - Pole Vault
Field - Long Jump
Field - Triple Jump
Field – Javelin Throw
Field - Hammer Throw
Rowing – Single Sculls
Table Tennis - Singles
Aquatics – 100m Freestyle
Aquatics – 4x100m Freestyle
Track – 110m and 400m Hurdles
Track – 4x100m Relay
Track –100m and 400m

The interactive Wii controls include actions like swinging the Wii Remote™ to simulate hammer throw, notching the Nunchuk to shoot arrows, and replicating swimming strokes. Players can also discover the best way to win a game by experimenting with different movements to discover secret boosts to propel them towards a win.

With four playing styles to choose from, players can decide their game strategy: all-around, technical, speed, and power - for example: Mario and Amy (All-around), Peach and Tails (Technical), Sonic and Yoshi (Speed), and Knuckles and Bowser (Power). Players will be able to choose and try out, in both single and multiplayer mode, each event individually with Single Match mode (where players can choose their event and play until they score top marks). They can also compete for the highest overall score in a series of events in Circuit mode (where players can either create their own circuit by choosing the individual events, choose a pre-determined circuit, or randomly generate a circuit). Gamers looking for extra tests of their athletic abilities can choose the single-player Mission mode and earn top marks on challenges made for only the toughest athlete. Additionally, gamers can learn about the history of the Olympic Games through trivia, quizzes, and mini-games and unlock all-new facts and figures from past Olympic Games in the Gallery.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games will be in-stores across Europe on November 23, 2007 for Wii, and Q1 2008 for the Nintendo DS.

Open Season - Under a tenner

Action packed adventure for less than a tenner!

September 2007 – If you go down to the shops today, you’re in for a big surprise! Open SeasonTM the video game is here – and thanks to Focus Multimedia it will only cost you £9.99!

Play as Boog and Elliot in this outrageous game based on the hit movie from Sony Pictures Animation. Team up with all your favourite characters to put Timberline Forest back under nature’s control!

The tale of Boog, a domesticated bear who’s befriended by the lovable yet crazy one-horned mule deer Elliot, captured hearts far and wide. The twosome are thrown into the woods just as hunting season is about to begin, and left to fend for themselves! Now, thanks to Focus Multimedia, fans can help them get back to civilization!

The game provides hours of fun for young and old, while useful tutorials guide you through the hilarious activities in the graphically stunning world of Timberline. Before long, you’ll be hooked!

Craig Johnson, managing director of Focus Multimedia, commented: “I’m delighted to be adding another high quality title from Ubisoft and Sony Pictures Consumer Products to the Focus range. Open Season is a film that is enjoyed by the whole family, and since the game mirrors the film’s plot so closely, I’m sure Open Season™ is destined to be a sure-fire hit.”

Open Season™ is available now for a suggested retail price of £9.99 including VAT, from all good retail outlets of PC software. This product can also be purchased direct from www.focusmm.co.uk.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six! - £9.99

Fans of the Tom Clancy franchise, take note! Focus Multimedia and Ubisoft have teamed up once more to release Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Lockdown.

The title will join Focus’ Essential range of PC software, retailing at just £9.99.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Lockdown® opens as Team Rainbow, the world’s premier counter-terrorist unit, is called on to fight a deadly bioterrorism threat. The crisis takes Rainbow into new territory and new situations, as for the first time the hunter becomes the hunted.

New features include an enhanced tactical experience, deadlier enemies and hostages that must be rescued and kept safe.

Developers have also added some all-new multiplayer features, including a reward system, a "Free-for-All" game type, the return of three classic maps, and much, much more!

Also amongst the new additions to this latest game:
• New Equipment
• Laser Trip Mines, virus grenades and C-4 explosives add new options to the multiplayer arsenal
• New Weapons and Attachments
• 20 new weapons – 42 overall
• Six brand new weapons never used before in a Rainbow Six game
• Customize your weapon to suit your style of play: Silencers, scopes, red-dot sights, hi-cap magazines

Craig Johnson, managing director of Focus Multimedia, commented: “The Tom Clancy range of titles has earned a sterling reputation amongst gamers for its unerring eye for detail and focus on quality. Rainbow Six Lockdown is no exception. With a wealth of additional features and new multiplayer mode, fans of the series will enjoy a brand new challenge.”

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Lockdown® is available now for a suggested retail price of £9.99 including VAT, and can be purchased from all good retail outlets of PC software. This product, and the rest of Focus Multimedia’s range, is available to purchase direct from www.focusmm.co.uk.

FIFA Soccer 08 Kicks Off at iGames

Exclusive Launch Party, Showcase, at Select iGames Member Centers Across North America to Celebrate Release of Blockbuster Sports Title

One-Day Launch Party, October 13; Two-Week Showcase, October 15-28

WHAT:
Leading game center organization iGames will host a series of special events to celebrate the release of EA SPORTS™ FIFA Soccer 08, the latest installment of the blockbuster sports title.

WHEN:
The first event will be a one-day launch party, Saturday, October 13, followed by an expanded showcase, October 15-28, allowing FIFA Soccer 08 fans one free hour over the eagerly anticipated game.

WHERE:*
• Launch Party: Select iGames member centers across the United States and Canada.
• Showcase: Select additional iGames member centers.

(*) Note: This is a multiplatform launch, with centers hosting separate events for the PC, Xbox 360 and the Wii. For more details on which platform is being supported in your area, visit: www.igames.org.

ABOUT THE GAME:
EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer 08 will create a football experience that matches the complexity, finesse and beauty of the real-world game. FIFA Soccer 08 features a new, organic building-block system that enables you to combine tricks and skill moves together to recreate signature moves from the real-world superstars or define your own style of play. You can even capture video of your best moves and goals in-game and upload to the FIFA Soccer 08 website to show off your style and celebrate your glory with friends across the globe. In addition, FIFA Soccer 08 features a true next-generation ball-striking engine that re-creates the drama and unpredictable nature of shooting, and the inclusion of 576 licensed teams, 30 leagues, and more than 15,000 players.

FIFA Soccer 08, developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C., will be available in the US October 9, for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PC and mobile. FIFA Soccer 08 is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB. For more information, visit: http://www.FIFA08.ea.com/us/.

What exactly is a next generation game?

The term next-generation is used a lot in the video games industry but what does it actually mean? How are developers taking advantage of new gaming hardware and what are the challenges and next steps for the industry?
With each new iteration of games console hardware comes the promise of revolutionary game experiences.

When the Xbox 360 launched in November 2005, the then boss Peter Moore said: "Xbox 360 will deliver mind-blowing experiences."

Ahead of the launch of the PlayStation 3 (PS3) Sony gushed: "Gamers will literally be able to dive into the realistic world seen in large screen movies and experience the excitement in real-time."

More from the BBC

Halo 3 sales top £84m in 24 hours

Video game Halo 3 earned more than £84m ($170m) in sales in its first 24 hours on release, according to Microsoft.
The game sets the record for the most money earned in a day by an entertainment product, topping figures set by film Spiderman 3.

Thousands of shops opened at midnight on Monday in the United States as gamers queued for the Xbox 360 title.

But reports of scratched discs have marred the launch, with Microsoft offering to replace them for free.

More from BBC

NCsoft Europe is planning to expand

NCsoft Europe is planning to expand with the creation of over 100 new jobs at its HQ in Brighton.

The company has received a grant from the South East England Development Agency and plans to double headcount and move to a new location by 2010.

"Brighton is a lively and growing hub for the creative and software sector," commented Geoff Heath, CEO of NCsoft.


"Our expansion will stimulate local competition and the exchange of best practice in the region. SEEDA’s support of our investment will help grow the business and keep us and Brighton at the forefront of our industry, both nationally and internationally," he said.


NCsoft Europe began operations in 2004 with just three members of staff. It now employs 112 people and plans another 116 positions over the next three years.

Codemasters refuses to edit Jericho for Germany

Codemasters has refused to edit the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Clive Barker's Jericho for release in Germany.

The decision comes after the German ratings board USK declined to give the game a rating in the region.

"Following a review by the USK ratings board, which declined to give an official rating, Codemasters has decided not to change the artistic vision of the renowned author and film-maker Clive Barker though cuts and extensive changes,".

"Codemasters respects Mr Barker's creative ideas, despite the German distribution and marketing consequences for the title.

"Therefore Codemasters will release only the PC version of Clive Barker's Jericho in its original form for adult gamers and Clive Barker fans," confirmed the company.

The game is due for release in Europe on October 26, with a demo of the game due on Xbox Live tomorrow and on PlayStation Network next week.

Source: Games Industry

Retail reports "record breaking" Halo 3 sales

Day one sales already rivaling DVD and CD products

UK retail has reported that copies of Halo 3 are flying off the shelves, with High Street outlet Woolworths praising the "record breaking" sales.

As numerous retailers up and down the company took advantage of the anticipated release by opening at midnight or early this morning, some are suggesting the game may even beat day one sales of the biggest DVD and CD releases.

"Halo 3 has been flying off the shelves this morning," said Gerry Berkley, trading manager for games at Woolworths.

"In the first two hours that our stores were open it sold thousands and thousands of copies, breaking all previous first morning sales records for a computer game.

"If sales continue at this rapid pace, it could end up being the biggest ever first day sales number for an entertainment product, beating any CD, DVD or book that has gone before it," he revealed.

Specialist retailer Gamestation also saw a successful launch, as it opened over 190 stores at midnight throughout the UK, and provided a link-up for customers in two different cities to play against each other.

"Our midnight openings were a great success. Big crowds showed up with customers and staff alike in great spirits," offered Jenny Leach, senior product manager for Gamestation.

"The live link-up between our Birmingham flagship and Edinburgh stores added another exciting new dimension to the launch, providing extra entertainment during the lead up to midnight."

Don McCabe, managing director of Chips, said that some stores were close to selling out already, and he expected to be ordering more before the weekend.

"It's gone very, very well indeed," he said.

"In hindsight I wish we'd ordered more. Quite a few shops are heading for a sell-out by the end of the day and we'll be restocking for the weekend.

"Microsoft and (distributor) Gem have done a very good job, they deserve praise for keeping the supply lines strong and giving us everything we've asked for," he added.

Following a successful launch in the US, Microsoft treated a select audience of UK gamers to a special red carpet screening of Halo 3 last night at London's iMAX cinema.

Source: Games industry

Activision acquires Bizarre Creations

Activision has announced the acquisition of UK-based developer Bizarre Creations.

Under terms of the agreement, Bizarre Creations will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision and the company's management team and employees will continue with the company as their teams start to develop two new AAA titles alongside their current projects.

According to Bizarre, there will be no redundancies.

"Activision continues to grow and drive greater value for our shareholders by broadening our portfolio and entering new gaming categories with strong global appeal," said Robert Kotick, chairman and CEO of Activision.

"Bizarre Creations is the leading independent developer with a proven track record in developing highly successful and influential original properties, especially in the racing field. They are one of the most innovative and creative studios in the industry, and we are very excited to welcome this talented creative team to Activision."

Bizarre Creations is best known for the Project Gotham Racing franchise, which has sold more than 4.5 million units in North America and Europe. The developer is currently finishing The Club for SEGA, and also created the Geometry Wars series on Xbox Live Arcade.

"Our goal at Bizarre Creations has always been to do all we can to nurture our creative and passionate teams, who excel at and enjoy what they do," said Martyn Chudley, managing director of Bizarre Creations.

"Activision's independent studio model will continue giving us creative freedom to build exciting new brands. Their financial support and marketing prowess will also enable us to build upon the commercial success that we currently enjoy, and take the company – and our games – to an even higher level."

Halo inspired mimobots kick Covenant butt to keep your files safe

From Gamez

Mimoco announces Halo mimobot® Series 1 Designer USB Flash Drives

Everyone knew that Master Chief was an expert at protecting the world, but one company is out to prove that he’s equally talented when it comes to protecting your data. Mimoco announced today a brand new crossover in their line of mimobot® Designer USB Flash Drives, the Halo mimobot Series 1, in celebration of the overwhelmingly popular sci-fi shooter’s third and final game. Licensed by Microsoft and Bungie Studios, the Halo mimobot Series 1 will be available in three limited-edition colorways – Master Chief Green (edition of 5,000), Red Spartan and Blue Spartan (3,000 each). Halo mimobot Series 1 is now open for pre-orders at www.mimoco.com and will be released officially at E for All Expo in Los Angeles on October 18th.

The tradition of preloading mimobot Designer USB Flash Drives with exclusive digital content continues with the Halo mimobot Series 1. Each Halo mimobot will contain a wide variety of Halo-related media, from wallpapers, screensavers, and soundBytes™ to unpublished pages from the Marvel Halo comics, sections from the Halo 3 strategy guide, and excerpts from the upcoming Halo novel. Additionally, the in-game talk show “This Spartan Life” has provided Mimoco with an exclusive episode only available on the Halo mimobot Series 1.

Mimobots are the world’s first character-based Designer USB Flash Drives. Previous releases have included Star Wars, Happy Tree Friends, and a variety of artist crossovers, as well as Mimoco’s original Core Series characters. The Halo mimobot Series 1 will be available in 1GB ($49.95), 2GB ($69.95) and 4GB ($109.95) capacities, are high-speed USB 2.0, and are compatible with both PC and Mac platforms. As with normal flash drives, Mimobot Art Toy USB Flash Drives can be used with the Xbox 360 as well, and preloaded images and sounds can be accessed through the Xbox Dashboard. Learn more about Mimoco and mimobot Designer USB Flash Drives at www.mimoco.com.