Fable - third instalment out now

Get up close and personal with the CTG at Lionhead in the third installment of the studio’s video diary series, which is available for viewing and download at www.lionhead.com and on Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Currently recovering from the studio’s 10th Anniversary bash, which included several man hours to create elaborate costumes, fireworks, and an all-around good time, the team is hard at work on “Fable 2” for Xbox 360, the highly-anticipated follow up to the best-selling, Xbox exclusive “Fable.” Members of the CTG took time out of their busy development schedules to describe in detail what it takes to be “a geek,” as well as create the tools and technology that Lionhead is using to create the unique gameplay of “Fable 2,” such as the one-button combat system and crescendo action sequences.

The diary, which runs a little more than seven minutes in length, and is intercut with a recap of the 10th Anniversary Party, includes anecdotes and laugh-out-loud commentary from programmers, staging designers, producers and a “technical master chef;” who describe how CTG’s work feeds back into the development of “Fable 2,” and the case of the “missing fog machine.”

That’s all for now, but please look for continued behind the scenes tours of Lionhead and more installments of the video diary in the future.

Clive Barker's - Jericho playable Demo out now

We're delighted to inform you that the playable demo is now available for download!

Arming players with the Jericho squad’s military firepower and unique supernatural powers, the demo is now available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Games for Windows demo available from www.jericho-game.com and from PlayStation Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Added To Wii

This week, Nintendo adds another delicious category to its smorgasbord of classic titles. NEOGEO games will now be appearing in the Wii Shop Channel for download. NEOGEO becomes the sixth platform represented in the Wii Shop Channel, and it adds additional depth and breadth to the best selection of classic games available.

Hard-core gamers will especially appreciate the vibrant, arcade-quality graphics and the ability to finally play games they might have missed during the NEOGEO heyday. The first NEOGEO offering includes three fighting games that are a mix of familiar franchises and cult classics. Dive in and check out the deep game play, diverse characters and special moves and combos.

The 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:

FATAL FURY (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen - Violence, 900 Wii Points):

Released in 1991 and one of the longest-running series in the fighting-game genre, this title introduced players to Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard and Joe Higashi. Select one of the three and visit many locations as your chosen fighter engages in numerous street fights around the fictional city of South Town. If you're good enough, you'll eventually take on Billy Kane and then his boss, the notorious crime lord Geese Howard. Use each fighter's own finishing maneuver and battle in two different planes on the screen, one in the foreground and the other farther away in the background. The game also features a two-player mode that is well known for its unique setup, which allows fighters to both fight and help each other. Do you have what it takes to win the King of Fighters tournament?

WORLD HEROES (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen - Animated Blood, Violence, 900 Wii Points):

A fighting game released in 1992 featuring eight characters, including Hanzo, Janne and Rasputin, modeled on historical figures from throughout the ages. The fighters compete against each other to become the world's toughest combatant, with players using a setup consisting of only three buttons (one each for punching, kicking and throwing). Adding to this unique system is the fact that the strength of your offensive blow depends on how long the button is pressed and held. Along with regular match styles, Death Match mode is also available and features mines, electrified ropes and other dangerous objects in the battle arena that can change conditions during the fight or damage players. Enjoy the wide range of combat forms as you take on history's best!

ART OF FIGHTING (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen - Animated Blood, Violence, 900 Wii Points):

This fighting game, released in 1992, began the story of the Sakazaki family and Robert Garcia, further developed in two later sequels. Yuri Sakazaki has been abducted by Mr. Big to punish her father, Takuma, and her brother, Ryo. To rescue her, Ryo and Robert must take on numerous enemies around South Town, eventually reaching the mysterious Mr. Karate. The passion of the game's creators is evident in the unique game-play elements introduced. These include an energy gauge that is depleted every time a fighter uses a special maneuver, Desperation Attacks that are usable only when a fighter's health is low and camera zooming that adjusts on the fly as fighters move around the stage. All these features ensure that players use strategy and tactics, rather than simply mash buttons. Adding to the mix are little touches such as characters showing cuts when they are injured and voice-over samples during cut scenes. Can you perfect the art of fighting and save Yuri?

Conan official game demo is now available for free download

Conan official game demo is now available for free download via Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system for Microsoft, while PLAYSTATION Network will offer the demo beginning October 11. The game demo allows players to take on the role of Conan and test their skills with a number of fighting moves, combinations and weapons. The Conan video game is scheduled for a North American release on October 23 for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

“The 75th anniversary of Robert E. Howard’s first published story and the popularity of Conan provide a great backdrop for us to offer consumers a power-packed, action adventure video game this year,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ. ”The playable demo will give players a chance to step into the world of Conan, sample a variety of deadly attacks and explore an environment recognizable to fans of Howard’s original stories.”

About the Conan Playable Demo

In the Conan playable demo, the famed barbarian finds himself stranded in the Barachan Isles, a haven for pirates and thieves. A terrible plague known as the Black Death has spread across the land, and Conan must escape before it consumes him as well. Fortunately, Conan crosses paths with the beautiful and fearless warrior queen, A’Kanna, whose ship can provide safe passage from the cursed islands. However, Conan must first save the ship’s crew, which has been enslaved by the local cutthroats. Players will take on the role of Conan as he unleashes his savagery against a horde of scurvy pirates. The demo will allow players to execute a portion of the game’s 100+ fighting moves and combinations as Conan decimates his foes using a variety of deadly weapons, hand-to-hand combat and even his surrounding environment.

About the Conan Video Game

Conan is an action adventure video game featuring a story of true evil and brutal, visceral combat. Inspired by Robert E. Howard’s original stories, players will follow the journey of Conan the Cimmerian as he fights an epic battle against a variety of enemies and an elusive power that threatens to consume the Hyborian world. Playing as Conan, players will take advantage of a deep and gratifying combat system that offers a variety of deadly weapons, fighting styles and interactive environments to battle hordes of enemies. In addition, the Conan video game will harness the power of next generation hardware to deliver a cinematic gameplay experience, complete with special effects, lighting and a powerful, epic soundtrack, to capture the essence of the Conan universe. The Conan video game joins a robust lineup of licensed products for the Conan brand, which is currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of its first published story.

More information about the Conan video game can be found at www.conanthevideogame.com and www.thq.com.

Sony to discontinue 60GB PlayStation 3 in Europe

Europe will only have access to 40GB model once stock has sold out

Sony has announced that once the current stock of 60GB PlayStation 3's has sold out, European regions will only have access to the newly introduced 40GB model.

The shock decision comes after Sony Europe announced a price cut for the 60GB model to GBP 349 / EUR 499, which the company said was in response to consumer feedback.

The company also unveiled a 40GB PlayStation 3 due to go on sale this Wednesday, but gave no indication at the time that the 60GB model would be discontinued.

"Our offering in the UK market place for Christmas are the two SKU's announced on Friday, but as the 60GB stock is depleted the £299 40GB SKU will be the only version available going forward," said a spokesperson for SCEE


Sony has already phased out the 60GB model in North America, where an 80GB unit sells for USD 599 with a copy of
MotorStorm.

Sony admits early PS3 adopters may feel cheated

As Sony ships its new model PlayStation 3 to stores for launch this Wednesday, UK managing director Ray Maguire has told GamesIndustry.biz that the new SKU is a natural evolution and the company always had plans to offer a cheaper product.

But he also admitted that he could understand that PlayStation 3 early adopters might feel cheated for buying the console earlier in the year when it commanded a luxury GBP 425 price point.

Briton claims first gaming gold

BBC WEbsite

British gamer Shaun Clark has won the UK's first gaming gold at the World Cyber Games.
Mr Clark, aka Apollooo, took the top medal in the Command & Conquer 3 tournament at the week-long festival of video gaming held last week in Seattle.

The gold is the first the UK has claimed in the six years that the global tournament has been staged.

Britons also took a silver and bronze in other games to put the UK in sixth place in the overall medal rankings.

More from the BBC

Manhunt 2 banned - again

Censors have rejected a revised version of computer game Manhunt 2 which was blamed by a schoolboy's parents for his murder - a claim dismissed by police.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) first banned the game in June, saying it "constantly encourages visceral killing".

Manufacturers Rockstar Games made changes but censors still had concerns.

More from the BBC

Championship Manager 2008 signs for Mobile

The Award-winning mobile phone game is back with all the tactical play, scouting, transfers and gameplay you could possible imagine

Eidos Interactive, one of the world’s leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, has announced it is to bring No.1 selling Championship Manager series to mobile phones again, with Championship Manager 2008 set for release in November.

The mobile phone version of Championship Manager 2008 will be released through Eidos New Media and is a fully featured conversion of the pioneer of football management titles. Developed by Dundee-based Dynamo Games, the mobile game features all the tactical acumen and logistics of the PC title, in a simple to navigate menu system specifically designed for mobile handsets.

Players select a team and are charged with turning them into trophy-winning heroes; Every aspect of a manager’s job is covered, from using your talent scouts to spot the next young stars, transfer negotiations and mid-week training that covers everything from fitness, to positional awareness and set plays. As with the real thing, results are everything and the club’s board will want to see a return on any transfer investment.

Dynamo has ensured that Championship Manager 2008 is extremely easy to navigate. A series of bespoke menu and shortcut systems akin to those used when sending SMS messages allow the player rapid access to team rosters, transfer dealings or balance sheets. Vital information such as fixture lists and team information are also available at the touch of a button. The result is a brand new iteration of the award winning Championship Manager with a new 2D match overlay.

Boasting a worldwide list of players and teams, a full transfer system and a rolling news system, Championship Manager 2008 is the most immersive mobile phone game to date and is certain to elevate the series to an even wider fan base.

Championship Manager 2008 will be released for mobile phones in November and will be available across all UK operators. Please visit Eidos for more information.

Educational video game simulates drunk driving

A University of Calgary fine arts professor has created a video game designed to tackle the problem of drinking and driving.

Dr. James Parker developed the game "Booze Cruise," which was developed with the help of students, challenges players to get their cars home within a certain period of time without hitting anyone.

"This game is not like any other racing game you've played," student Nathan Sorenson told CTV News, "It's extremely difficult to achieve your objectives. You'll notice that you're hitting everything (and) you're losing a lot of points."

In the game, the player's key functions are delayed, much like a drunk driver's reaction time. Objects appear from nowhere, allowing the player to experience a type of tunnel vision.

"Somewhere in your mind, you're getting a tangible experience of how difficult it is to drive, even with a few drinks," said Sorenson.

Even those normally opposed to racing games are embracing the realism of "Booze Cruise." The Calgary Police Service provided input at the game's research stage.

"I think they've captured quite a bit of... what stage you'd be at if you drove at three times the legal (alcohol) limit," said Constable Rob Haffner.

With original art, music and design, "Booze Cruise" has been entered in the Future Play Game Contest in Toronto.

Lori Shyba, a digital media artist at the university, was one of those who developed the project. Her hope is that, when players discover how bad they are at the game, they won't try it in real life.

"I hope that one life gets saved for our efforts," she said.

Women Balance the Spatial Skills Scale with Videogames

A recent study indicates that playing video games can increase the spatial skills in both men and women, and may also allow women to catch up to men.

Recent research at the University of Toronto discovered that an inherent difference in spatial skills between the sexes is reduced by playing video games. According to the study, women score lower than men when it comes to spatial tasks, an ability necessary for such tasks as reading a map and advanced mathematics.

"On average, women are not quite as good at rapidly switching attention among different objects and this may be one reason why women do not do as well on spatial tasks.”

However, continued research indicated that while both sexes can improve their spatial skills through playing video games, the ability in women improved to a level that allowed them to “catch up to the men.” In addition, performance in both sexes was maintained when their abilities were assessed again after five months.

Perhaps, as Professor Ian Spence suggests, “bringing the spatial skills of young women up to the level of their male counterparts could help to change the gender balance” in fields like mathematical science and engineering.” That’s certainly a more mature—and helpful—response than derivative wisecracks about the driving ability of women which are heating up the comment boards.

The study is published in the October edition of Psychological Science.

The Hard Science of Making Video Games

1. Processing Power- Link

Like re-creating the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel with a couple magic markers

2. Water- Link

Like painting the sea—while it’s moving

3. Human Faces- Link

Like trying to impersonate a living person using a finger puppet

4. Artificial Intelligence- Link

Like teaching 1,000 kids to think for themselves overnight

5. Light and Shadows- Link

Like trying to reenact the first few verses of Genesis

6. Fire- Link

Like holding air in your hands

7. Material Physics- Link

Like predicting how sand will spill from a broken hourglass

8. Realistic Movement- Link

Like teaching a rag doll to play dodgeball

9. True-to-Life Simulation- Link

Like cramming the sum of all automotive engineering knowledge into a joystick

10. Motion Capture- Link

Like training a computer to see the world as humans do

Nintendo's Wii Outsells PlayStation in Japan

Xbox 360 still struggling

Nintendo's Wii game player outsold Sony's PlayStation 3 machine by almost three-to-one last month in Japan.

Nintendo, the world's biggest maker of handheld game players, sold 168,220 Wii machines, compared with 66,444 PlayStation 3 consoles, in September, researcher Enterbrain said in a faxed statement today.

Sales of the Wii have outnumbered the PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 since the game machine was introduced in Japan in December, thanks to the Mario game series and Wii Sports. The gains helped Kyoto-based Nintendo's stock more than double since the Wii began selling in Japan, compared with a 25 percent increase for Sony shares.

Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft sold 13,242 Xbox 360s in Japan last month.

Cumulative sales of the Wii totaled 3.57 million units, while 1.21 million PlayStation 3s have been sold since it was introduced Dec. 2 in Japan. Sales of the Xbox 360 reached 455,532 million units since its debut in December 2005.

Video game players battle for cyber supremacy

The roar of virtual racing engines and rat-a-tat of screen killers echo in a Seattle arena, as 700 trigger-happy video game players from 74 countries flex their thumbs for bragging rights at the World Cyber Games (WCG). This is only the second time the WCG Grand Final has been held in the United States.

As gamers walk into the Qwest Field Exhibition Center in this northwestern US city, they are greeted by a sensory overload of music blaring, giant digital displays and LED screens pulsing with video games played all around the room.

A giant world globe made from a balloon hangs from the ceiling in the entryway. It's big enough to hold a Mini Cooper sports car. 

But don't be fooled into thinking this young crowd and wall-to-wall gaming is just about fun and play. There is big money at stake. 

Gamers of this e-Sport tournament are competing for gold medals, national glory and a share of 500,000 dollars in cash and prizes -- and the title of the "world's best" in 12 different gaming titles. 

Nicholas Timmerman, 19, is representing Germany and will be playing the racing game "Need for Speed" with his team. 

It's his fourth year in the tournament. He's not too worried about the competition. 

"They suck," he says. 

It took Ken Hartson and his team from the Netherlands 18 hours to make the trek to Seattle, in the Pacific coast state of Washington. His gaming tag name is "Experience." 

"Gaming isn't as big in my country," Experience says. "At home, in my country, they think we are stupid or something" for playing video games. 

That's not the case in other countries. 

In South Korea, players are treated like rock stars, stadiums are named after videogames and many professional South Korean players make six-figure salaries. 

Geoff Robinson is the only member of the US team from Washington state. The Oregon State University student says he has been playing the space battle game "StarCraft" for more than 10 years and looks forward to his family coming to the WCG to "see what I've been doing in their basement for the past 10 years." 

In an Olympics-inspired opening ceremony, players from each of the 74 countries took to the stage waving the flag of their homeland. 

While there is no Olympic Village at this event, there is a Players Lounge filled with bean-bag chairs for players to rest on between matches and a Players Restaurant. 

Gamers proudly wear their country colors and in some cases even drape their country flag over their shoulders. 

While playing in the game pit, teams scream, bang on their keyboards and yell into their headsets -- all in attempt to advance to the next round of games like "Command & Conquer-3," "Need for Speed," "Gears of War" and "Dead or Alive-4." 

On the main stage players go head-to-head in a spaceship-like capsule to play their game without distraction. 

The video game is projected on the stadium-sized screen, and close-up shots of the players can also be seen as an announcer gives a play-by-play of the action. 
There are more than 50 game development companies in the Puget Sound area where Seattle is located. 
This city is also home to major IT companies such as Microsoft and RealNetworks. 

The tournament opened Thursday evening and runs through Sunday. The next WCG championship will be held in Cologne, Germany.

Dutch women are mad about computer games

Dutch women like to play computer games just as often as men do. Almost one-fifth of the 10 million Dutch internet users spend about 15 minutes per day playing a computer game. The polling agency TNS NIPO Technology released the results of a study among 8,000 people. Among female gamers, 42 per cent play computer games on a daily basis, compared with 44 per cent among men.

When it comes to the most fervent gamers, people who play computer games more than two hours per day, men are still in the majority.

A total of 12 per cent of male gamers play computer games more than two hours daily; among women, this is only 6 per cent.
On average, male gamers are younger than women, with a third of all male gamers under 25 years of age. A quarter of female gamers is younger than 25 years.

Most people - 93 per cent - play games on their personal computers, followed by Playstation 2 (16 per cent) and Nintendo Wii (4 per cent).

A fifth of Dutch gamers use mobile devices to play computer games; 10 per cent uses their mobile phone.

According to TNS, NIPO, the number of people using their mobile phone to play games, is expected to grow substantially in the next few years.

The study also indicated only a small minority of the gamers enjoy extremely violent games. Two-thirds of all gamers would like to see such games prohibited altogether.

Play Halo 3 at school...

Educational methods at UNC might evolve to mirror the passions of "World of Warcraft" and "Halo 3" junkies.

On Wednesday, UNC's Information Technology Services hosted a discussion called "Games4Learning: A Symposium," which addressed the impact that computer games can have on learning, and the funding available for integrating those games into higher education.

"If we don't think about what this means for us here on campus, then we're missing the boat," said Elizabeth Evans, academic outreach consultant.

The symposium - which included lectures from professors and a member of the National Science Foundation - was a spawn of Games4Learning, an interest group composed of UNC students, faculty and staff.

The group connects individuals who want to see serious games - those that have a list of rules, a theme or context, a set of goals and no real-life consequences - integrated into University curriculum in the future.

"Games have the wrong reputation of being a waste of time," said John Weis, a Games4Learning student member. "The ultimate pie-in-the-sky goal is giving students and professors a way to supplement their curricula, not replace them."

Demonstrating the educational value of computer games and getting rid of the stigma attached to them is one main obstacle in the developmental process, Weis said.

In the future, serious games could be used as a source of education that entertains students and allows them to apply what they have learned in the classroom in real-world settings, said Evans, who helped organize the symposium.

"Inter-disciplinary activities are the possibility that excites me the most," Evans said. "It would open up the doors for people with different knowledge and skills to work together."

Universities and other research groups can apply for grants through the Research and Evaluation on Education in Science and Engineering program, said John Cherniavsky of the National Science Foundation.

The REESE program aims to advance research at the frontiers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Researchers are working to incorporate the same aspects found in popular video games into educational curricula.

Nine million people play "World of Warcraft," and "Halo 3" raked in $173 million the weekend it was released, said N.C. State University professor Len Annetta.

Recognizing the popularity of online computer games in younger generations, Annetta is the lead principal investigator in a research program called Highly Interactive Fun Internet Virtual Environments in Science, which explores the potential of instructional technologies such as computer games.

"This isn't for everyone," Annetta said. "But certainly the population is growing."

London Game Career Fair filling up fast

Pre-registration up 200 per cent

The London Game Career Fair, to be held as part of the London Game Festival during the week of October 22, is nearing capacity.

Pre-registration is up 200 per cent from last year, with over half of those pre-registered attendees having already uploaded their CVs, and several colleges and universities are planning to bring students to the event.

Both American and British exhibitors will be present at the fair, with Blitz, THQ, LucasArts, NCsoft, EA, City University London, Team 17, Ubisoft, Rare, and Sega already confirmed.

The London Game Career Fair provides the opportunity for game industry professionals, recent graduates and individuals from related industries, such as computer graphics, animation and film, to speak with leading companies in the game industry about career opportunities.

Only a few booths are remaining for this year's fair, which is expected to break last year's attendance records that saw 700 people on the first day alone.

The career fair, jointly presented by GamesIndustry.biz and Gamasutra will be held on October 23 and October 24.

Register FREE here

Source: Games Industry

Juice games are hiring...

As part of the THQ Group, Juice Games can offer employees a number of benefits including pension, life assurance, health cover and 25 days holiday. Salaries are competitive and depend upon experience.



In 2007, Juice Games will be partnering with Datascope Recruitment Ltd. to fill an exciting range of permanent vacancies at the Studio.

• Current vacancies include
  
• Nintendo DS artist
  
• Next-gen technology programmer
  
• Network game programmer
  
• Experienced environment artist
  
• Graduate modeller
  

Full details of our vacancies can be found on www.datascope.co.uk/juice

Japan still buying PSP Slim

Initial surge dies down while Halo 3 prompts better 360 numbers

The Sony PlayStation Portable is still selling will in Japan, prompted by the release several weeks ago of the Slim & Lite unit, although numbers have fallen significantly from last week as the initial surge quietens.

According to the latest information from Media Create the handheld sold 102,809 units in the week ending September 30, with Nintendo's DS holding steady on just over 72,000, and the Wii static on 24,000.

The PlayStation 2 and 3 both picked up slightly week on week, but while the Xbox 360 still held sixth position, the release of Halo 3 prompted its numbers to more than triple.

The hardware sales figures in full:

1. PlayStation Portable: 102,809
   
   
2. Nintendo DS: 72,925
   
   
3. Nintendo Wii: 24,143
   
   
4. PlayStation 3: 13,105
   
   
5. PlayStation 2: 12,980
   
   
6. Xbox 360: 5215
   

EA acquires Super Computer International (SCI)

Electronic Arts has announced the acquisition of Super Computer International.

SCI, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a provider of gaming client applications and software tools for the PC. EA will purchase SCI's technology assets and the SCI development team will join EA's Online Technology Group.

Jesper Jensen, SCI's CEO, will continue to lead the team, reporting to Nanea Reeves, EA Vice President and COO for Online.

"SCI's development expertise is uniquely suited to our online technology needs," said Reeves. "The team's technical leadership and creative approach is a great fit, and we're thrilled to have them join EA."

SCI is the creator of PlayLinc, an online game browsing and messaging platform that includes social networking tools such as IM and VoIP, buddy tracking, player invitations, and team management.

Sega forecasts wider losses

First half revenues cut and full year guidance to be reviewed

Sega Sammy Holdings, the parent company for publisher Sega, has revised its financial estimates for its financial first half of the year, with net losses expected to widen from JPY 5 billion (EUR 30.4 million, USD 42.9 million) to JPY 21.5 billion (EUR 130.7 million, USD 184.5 million).

According to a Thomson report the reason for the downturn in expectation is due to "slower-than-expected" sales of Japanese pachinko machines against the backdrop of a "severe business climate."

Revenues have been revised from the original forecast of JPY 310 billion (EUR 1.88 billion, USD 2.67 billion) to JPY 230 billion (EUR 1.40 billion, USD 1.97 billion).

Source: Games Industry

NBA Europe Live - EA Sports tips off

EA and NBA unite the best in real and virtual basketball on European courts this week
CHERTSEY, UK 5 October 2007 – NBA Europe LIVE presented by EA SPORTS™ is bringing some of the world’s best basketball action to fans in Europe this week as EA and NBA unite for the second time. NBA Europe Live presented by EA SPORTS began on 1st October and features the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves in training camps and exhibition games against top Euroleague Basketball clubs in six cities across Turkey, Italy, Spain, and the UK. The first games of this year’s tour are on October 6 in both Istanbul and Rome.

As the presenting partner, EA SPORTS will also conduct a number of events around the launch of the popular new videogame NBA LIVE 08, which will be available across Europe on the Xbox 360™ video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems and the PSP (PlayStation Portable). Wii and PC versions of the game.



“NBA Europe Live is a fantastic platform for EA SPORTS and our partners at the NBA to share our passion for real and virtual basketball with fans and gamers across Europe,” said Matt Bilbey, Senior Director of International Marketing, EA SPORTS. “We’re pleased to continue to be ambassadors for NBA basketball and with the launch of NBA LIVE 08 in Europe today are excited for gamers to be able to celebrate the best basketball action on the virtual court.”

“Following the success of last year’s tour, we are pleased to have EA SPORTS with us again as the presenting sponsor of NBA Europe Live presented by EA SPORTS,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, Vice President of Marketing Partnerships & Business Development for NBA Europe. “Once again, this ambitious international competition continues to be a celebration of the game of basketball for fans throughout Europe – both on the court and with NBA LIVE.”

Games

TEAMS - DATE - CITY

ARENA
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors - Oct 6 - Rome - PalaLottomatica
Minnesota Timberwolves v Efes Pilsen Istanbul - Oct 6 - Istanbul Abdi Ipekci Sports Hall
Toronto Raptors v Lottomatica Virtus Roma - Oct 7 - Rome - PalaLottomatica
Memphis Grizzlies v Unicaja Malaga - Oct 9 - Malaga - Palacio de Deportes Jose Manuel Martin Carpena
Boston Celtics v Minnesota Timberwolves - Oct 11 - London - The O2
MMTEstudiantes v Memphis Grizzlies - Oct 11 - Madrid - Palacio de Deportes de la Communidad
Real Madrid v Toronto Raptors - Madrid - Palacio de Deportes de la Communidad


NBA Europe LIVE presented by EA SPORTS is a comprehensive tour of Europe that includes training camps and exhibition games against NBA and Euroleague Basketball teams. During last year’s inaugural NBA Europe, four teams – the San Antonio Spurs, LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns - held training camps in France, Russia, Spain and Italy respectively and competed against top Euroleague Basketball teams with exhibition games held in Germany. The tour drew more than 36 million viewers and 115,000 spectators in October 2006.


Building upon a solid foundation of 5-on-5 gameplay, NBA LIVE 08 introduces a set of 4 all-new features in this year’s game – Quickstrike Ballhandling, Own The Paint, Hot Spots and Signature Go-To Moves to increase user control, while providing an unrivaled level of authenticity to the sport of basketball. Use these features to create your own Go-To Moves and take on the best in the world with NBA LIVE 08. For the first time ever, NBA LIVE 08 will also feature eight international teams as part of a multi-year licensing agreement with FIBA, the world governing body for basketball. The game features a number of the NBA’s biggest international stars on packaging across Europe, including the San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker and Phoenix Suns’ Boris Diaw (France), Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), Memphis Grizzlies’ Pau Gasol (Spain) and Toronto Raptors’ Andrea Bargnani (Italy). Washington Wizards All-Star Gilbert Arenas is featured on packaging in North America and all other territories.