EA offers more support than Ubisoft

Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli has told GamesIndustry.biz that having Electronic Arts as a publisher means the studio has both more support and more freedom than it did when working with Ubisoft.

Plenty of life after Warcraft - PC

In a pFour of the industry's leading online game developers discussed the prospect of Life After World of Warcraft - and all agreed that there's a lot more to come for the genre.

Ferrari GT Experience

Thrustmaster introduces its newest racing wheel, produced under Ferrari license: the Ferrari GT Experience. The device's name alone is a genuine statement of intent: it aims to offer gamers a unique experience by allowing them to enjoy intense racing sensations with a racing wheel proudly bearing the legendary "prancing horse" emblem... nothing less!

Need for Speed ProStreet

Prove Yourself On the Highest Level of Street Racing Competition Against the World's Best Racers

Electronic Arts announced today that Need for Speed™ ProStreet, the latest version of the blockbuster franchise, will hit stores in North America on October 31 and across Europe on November 1, 2007. In Need for Speed ProStreet, you have to build the ultimate battle machine, take it to multi-disciplinary showdowns and pit your skills and reputation against the world’s best street racers. This is your chance to prove that you have what it takes to be crowned the next street king.

BioShock Enters UK Charts

All formats
(Full price) Week ending 25 August 2007
POS. TITLE PUBLISHER LAST
WEEK
1 BIOSHOCK TAKE
2 TRANSFORMERS: THE GAME ACTIVISION
3 POKEMON DIAMOND NINTENDO
4 HARRY POTTER & THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX EA
5 BLUE DRAGON MICROSOFT

Mercury - new deal with Atari

Mercury Games today announces that it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Atari UK. Atari UK are now responsible for the distribution of upcoming titles ‘Paint by DS’ for Nintendo DS, ‘Warriors of the Lost Empire’ for Sony PSP and ‘Jamster Allstars’ for PS2 and PC. These titles will be distributed by Atari in the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and South Africa.

Mercury Games and Atari UK will combine PR and Marketing skills to deliver comprehensive launch campaigns for each new title, the first title being Jamster Allstars in quarter 3.

Jeremy Wigmore, MD Atari UK & Nordic said "Atari are pleased to be partnering Mercury Games. It has an exciting and varied product line up and we are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship"

Spencer Pratt, CEO, Mercury Games added "Mercury Games are delighted to have secured this distribution deal; Atari have one of the best distribution networks in the gaming industry. Atari are as enthusiastic and excited about the fourth coming releases as we are and we looking forward to working with them.”

SBK-08 Superbike World Championship will reach stores in May

Black Bean today announced that its highly anticipated videogame SBK-08 Superbike World Championship, will storm the market for all key formats next year.

FIBA Basketball Manager 2008

Are you ready to play?

In FIBA Basketball Manager 2008, to be released on 14th September 2007 in the UK, you have to decide the best team, the most effective tactics and the right formation to slice through the opposition and put points on the board.

Your team could go on the offensive with penetrating tactics such as the ‘Hawk’ or ‘Horns’, using your strongest dribbler to dance through the defence whilst the rest of your team make darting runs to distract and make space. If your team’s style is to pass, you could try the ‘Zipper’ or ‘UCLA’ tactics, harnessing the passing accuracy within your players to make the opposition look amateur.

If, as the manager, you have traded players well and have the power and size in your team to dictate a game, you could set up for ‘Slam Dunks’, as you intimidate the opposition through power tactics. Alternatively, you may have traded with accuracy in mind as you try to rack up those ‘3 pointers’, leaving the defence with the ‘swoosh’ sound ringing in their ears as your team gets ‘nothin’ but net’.

Basketball is not all about the offence, you need players who are going to fight for every rebound and block every shot as your team comes under pressure. The team needs to be able to disrupt, shadow and deny the opposition in the right places at the right time; this is not the players’ call, this is your call!

Basketball’s not just bouncing and dribbling, FIBA Basketball manager 2008 tests your tactical capabilities as you set out to clock some points and win some managerial accolades……good luck and try not to get sacked.

The trailer is now available at Games press

Xbox 360 Brings Video Games Live Concert

Royal Festival Hall On The 22nd October 2007

A spectacular, interactive evening of music, visuals and games

Video Games Live, the premier concert celebrating the most memorable music from the biggest video games, is brought to London by Microsoft Xbox 360, IMG Artists, and Raymond Gubbay in association with the Southbank Centre, as the opening event of the London Games Festival. The biggest scores from the most iconic games will be performed by members of the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall on 22nd October 2007, at 7.30pm. Tickets can be bought from the Royal Festival Hall box office on 0871 663 2500, or South bank centre

Video Games Live is not just a concert, but a musical, visual and interactive celebration of gaming that will enthral anyone who has ever played a video game. Whether it's the power and passion of forthcoming Xbox 360 blockbuster Halo 3, or nostalgia for the days of Pong and Space Invaders, Video Games Live is sure to be a hit with gamers and non-gamers alike.

Hosted and Conducted by co-creators Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, members of the prestigious Philharmonia Orchestra and a Choir will perform live alongside exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussion, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Special events surrounding the show commence at 5.30pm, including a pre- and post-show festival, featuring all the Xbox 360 blockbuster Christmas titles. Guests will enjoy game demos, a cosplay contest with exclusive prizes for the best outfit, game competitions and meet-and-greets with Tommy Tallarico, Jack Wall, and other leading industry names.

Video Games Live features the biggest and best-loved video games of all time including such beloved and popular franchises as Halo, Mario, Zelda, Final Fantasy, Warcraft, Myst, and Sonic. There's even a special retro Classic Arcade Medley featuring over 20+ games from Pong to Donkey Kong including such classics as Dragon's Lair, Frogger, Space Invaders, Duck Hunt & Tetris!

This event will also feature a special arrangement from the iconic Halo 3, composed by Marty O’Donnell, to be performed live by members of the Philharmonia Orchestra for the first time.

The London Games Festival, running from 22nd - 26th October, is a celebration of gaming and interactive entertainment featuring diverse events for different audiences across the capital. Visit London games festival. for more details.

Action from previous Video Games Live concerts can be viewed at:

Hollywood Bowl: Video games live

San Jose: Video games live..

Nokia - Crash Bandicoot Franchise For N-Gage

Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, announced today that they are teaming up with Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, to bring the legendary Crash Bandicoot ® franchise to Nokia’s new N-Gage mobile gaming platform launching this fall.

“Vivendi Games Mobile is one of the most respected publishers in mobile gaming,” said Gregg Sauter, Nokia’s director of third party publishing. “Crash Bandicoot is a gaming icon as well as a global powerhouse, having sold more than 33 million units worldwide. With its fun appeal to people of all ages and incredible graphics, the Crash Bandicoot franchise is the perfect fit for N-Gage.”

“We are excited to offer Nokia customers the opportunity to enter the thrilling world of Crash Bandicoot and play a number of award winning titles from the popular Crash® franchise,” said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. “We look forward to working with Nokia to offer entertaining, innovative mobile games that tap into the performance and innovation of the N-Gage application and Nokia’s mobile devices.”

Crash Bandicoot follows the original storyline where the crazy marsupial must save the world. Jam packed with action and comedy, the player must take on the role of Crash to defeat the game’s villain and mad scientist, Dr. Neo Cortex.

2K Games Releases Free Score to BioShock

K Games released the original score to BioShock as a free download on The Cult of Rapture website. The score was created by film, television and video game composer Garry Schyman and features a combination of early twentieth century writing, aleatoric elements, musique concrete, traditional tonal and late romantic styles that capture the distinct retro-futuristic aesthetic of the game. To download the score for free, please visit The Cult of Rapture at: Cult of rapture.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Beta

Activision, announced today that Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta will launch via Xbox LIVE on Monday, August 27 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Users can visit Charlie Oscar Delta
The beta will enable players to experience the most advanced and powerful arsenal of modern day firepower in customizable multiplayer battles from the world’s most treacherous hotspots. Players will be able to customize their experiences by utilizing new features including create-a-class, player-ranking and the new perk system. Gamers will also be able to ease seamlessly into multiplayer matchmaking with the party system or even join games in-progress. New recruits will enlist for battle across a series of action-packed maps and dynamic game modes to test their mettle in the ultimate multiplayer gameplay arena.

“From day one we’ve set out to make Call of Duty 4 the best multiplayer experience ever,” said Grant Collier, Studio Head, Infinity Ward. “We’re excited to bring to our fans around the world this early look at Call of Duty 4 multiplayer. The gameplay possibilities are limitless from leveling-up and utilizing perks, to creating-your-own class and matchmaking. We’re only days away, so get ready!”

Aspiring soldiers can go to www.charlieoscardelta.com for the latest information about the worldwide beta including how to become a part of it, specifics on perks as well as the eventual end date of the beta. Entry to the beta and availability will vary by territory. U.S. residents will able to log on for a chance to receive a token on a first come basis. Updates for International soldiers will become available on Charlie Oscar Delta, where details will be shared about the International rollout of the multiplayer beta. International players will be able to take part in various promotions in the following countries:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.5 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

Best of GC 2007: The winners Are Announced!

The Leipziger Messe has named this year's winners of Best of GC, the fifth time the distinction has been awarded. The awards were made to nine products at a press conference. A total of 85 hardware and software titles in ten categories were submitted by exhibitors at the GC - Games Convention.

The awards were made for the following:

In the PC category: Crysis (Electronic Arts GmbH)

Jury: "Developed in Germany, CRYSIS is an exciting, futuristic battle against alien invaders. The CryENGINE 2 sets a new technological standard, with breathtaking special effects. Intelligent opponents represent a challenge to even the most experienced gamers."

In the Xbox category: BioShock (Take 2 Interactive GmbH)

Jury: "Underwater survival in a sunken Art Deco city, countering crazy inhabitants, and constantly faced with the dilemma of what is right and what is wrong: "BioShock" is the most intelligent, most bizarre shooter for years."


In the PSP category: God of War: Chains of Olympus (Sony Computer Entertainment GmbH)

Jury: "'God of War' elevates the action genre to an art form, including on the PlayStation Portable: where other titles descend into brutish slaughter, God of War lends the battlefield a sombre beauty."

In the PS2 category: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH)

Jury: "Once again, PES 2008 sets new standards as far as game play is concerned: the long-distance shots crackle, the one-on-ones are even more intensive and the opponents adapt to the style of play."

In the PS3 category: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH)

Jury: "Football is coming home: the best current football game celebrates its PS3 premiere with diving, wall building and complete online support - including leagues and rankings."

In the Wii category: Mario & Sonic bei den Olympischen Spielen (SEGA Germany GmbH)

Jury: "We finally discover who can run faster and jump higher. The game unites the former archrivals from Sega and Nintendo, renewing the old feud in the form of a sporting contest. Mario and Sonic manage to translate Olympic disciplines into easily mastered, entertaining games fun."

In the NDS category: Eye Training (Nintendo of Europe GmbH)

Jury: "Open your eyes and train like a top sportsman! Eye Training trains hand-eye co-ordination, reflexes, visual acuity - and is great fun as well. A non-prescription DS game to be taken daily."

In the Online category: Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures (Eidos GmbH)

Jury: "Finally, an online role-play game for adults. Set in the world of the Barbarians, the adventure combines offline and online game experiences for the first time. Age of Conan could present a challenge to World of Warcraft."

In the Best Hardware Accessory Product category: Wii Balance Board (Nintendo of Europe GmbH)

Jury: "Press-ups, headers and aerobics: Nintendo manages to combine video games with physical fitness and bring them closer to a new audience. Having already converted the remote control into a controller, the manufacturer now turns scales into a games accessory."

In the category Mobile:
No prize was awarded in this category due to a lack of participants.

The title of "Best of GC" is awarded each year by the GC - Games Convention for the most outstanding product performances of the computer and video game sector. GC exhibitors were able to submit their nominations for the categories of Hardware Accessories and Best Game PC, Xbox 360, PSP, PS2, PS3, Wii, NDS, Mobile and Online by 01 August 2007. Participation was open to all companies exhibiting playable products at the GC, the launch of which was not planned before the beginning of the convention.

Rise of the Mage

In anticipation of the official release of their dynamic fantasy Action RPG game for the PC, AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage, leading Publisher Lighthouse Interactive today revealed the final box shot featuring the hero performing one of his devastating magical spells while being hunted by demonic monsters.

Scheduled to release in October 2007, this new Action RPG successfully combines fast-paced and dynamic combat elements with a solid RPG foundation to create a compelling story-driven gaming experience that’s a blast to play! AVENCAST will also be Windows® Vista™ compatible.

GAME SUMMARY:

As the sun rises over Avencast, the renowned academy of magic; a young adept begins his perilous journey. In a world of wizardry, wonder and untold mystery, you must undertake some of the most diverse quests to hone your abilities in spell casting, weaponry and melee combat. Your martial skills are soon put to the test as demonic monsters of unknown ancient origin descend upon Avencast turning the academy into a horrific state of chaos and destruction.

Armed with over 50 combat moves and spells, and a vast arsenal of equipment items, you must uncover the source of these ominous happenings while vanquishing an onslaught of fiendish enemies. Treachery and deceit reveal themselves as the vicious army of adversaries beleaguers your frail haven threatening Avencast’s very existence. Amidst the mayhem, an astonishing truth unfolds which will forever change the battle scarred Wizard.

AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage is accessible to novice RPG game players, but it will also challenge core RPG and Action fans. Both combat and non-combat interactions create a perfect balance between brains and brawn. By requiring players to bring their own combat and strategic skills to the forefront, they will have the excitement of crafting a powerful character unleashing their hero’s potential.

FEATURES:

• Cast Lethal Spells from Different Skill Trees – Surrounded by vicious foes, unleash a mighty soul magic spell. The pure agglomeration of energy alone produces a warp in the surrounding atmosphere before the catastrophic nova demolishes your enemies. Blood Magic (elementally charged blows with varying speeds, ranges, and damage properties) and Soul Magic (covers all kinds of ranged magic spells allowing better area control) – both allow players to summon reinforcements during combat.
• Perilous Quests – While brawn and agility will win most battles, acumen and strategic thinking are necessary to survive challenging quests.
• Fluid Combat System – Chain together spells and easily execute lethal attacks using an innovative system that favors skillful gameplay over dull mouse clicking. Unleash your hero’s potential as you bring your own player skills to each intense battle.
• Strong Player Personification & Character Development - Acquire new equipment, armor, weapons and spell casting skills to craft a powerful character.
• Over 30 Nightmarish Monsters with Advanced AI – Each with versatile combat strategies, attacks, and defensive moves dependant upon the player’s behavior and attack strategy.
• State-of-the-art 3D Engine – Stunning graphics enhanced with advanced visual effects make for an impressive display of devastating spell casting.
• Many Hours of Exciting Gameplay – Set in diverse worlds with both indoor and outdoor environments to explore.
• Attractive to a Broad Range of Players – An Action RPG at its core, but dynamic gameplay and adventure-like quests make AVENCAST attractive to a broad range of game players.

Castlevania: Order of Shadows, available in September

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. underscored its commitment to the mobile games market today by announcing the development of original content specifically for mobile phones, based on the company's legendary videogame brands. Featuring never-before-seen game play, storyline features and original music, Castlevania: Order of Shadows for the mobile platform will be available on September 18 on most major carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Networks.

"As a worldwide leader in high quality, multi-platform videogames, Konami is looking to raise the entertainment standard of games for mobile phones," said Joe Morris, Vice President of Konami Mobile. "Mobile technology has exploded, providing powerful new tools to enhance today's mobile gaming experiences. Konami's esteemed game developers will be creating original titles based on the company's top franchises including Castlevania, Metal Gear Solid Mobile, Contra and others."

Castlevania: Order of Shadows is the latest chapter in the popular videogame series, designed exclusively for the mobile platform. Developed in collaboration with franchise mastermind Koji Igarashi (aka "IGA"), the game breathes new life into the Belmont family bloodline with fresh adventures, characters and perils. Featuring updated abilities and spells, unique enemies, original songs and full screen particle effects, the title takes mobile gaming to new heights.

To give consumers a direct connection to Konami Mobile's development team and insight to upcoming game titles, the company has launched the "Developer's Corner" on its Web site, www.konamimobile.com. The first installment of the Developer's Corner will feature a blog written by Castlevania: Order of Shadows' lead game designer, Tyrone Rodriguez, discussing the genesis of the title, working with IGA on his vision for a mobile Castlevania game, and Konami's aspirations for improving mobile gaming experiences. Also featured on the website will be mobile game emulators as well as art and video, so consumers can sample the new games before purchasing them.

Mario Party 8 returns to number one position

Nintendo continues to dominate the charts in Japan, with 25 of the top 30 best-selling games in the region for the DS or Wii formats.

The top ten best-selling games for the week ended August 19 follow:

1. Mario Party 8 (Wii)

2. SD Gundam: G Generation Cross Drive (DS)

3. Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber (DS)

4. Wii Sports (Wii)

5. Wii Play (Wii)

6. My Housekeeping Diary (DS)

7. J-League Winning Eleven 2007: Club Championship (PS2)

8. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)

9. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)

10. Hot Shots Golf 5 (PS3)

Microsoft replace official wheel following overheating

Microsoft is retrofitting its official Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel after reports the peripheral overheats and releases smoke.

The company said a component in the wheel chassis overheats when the AC/DC power adaptor is used to power the wheel.

"There have been no reported incidences of fire, personal injury or property damage resulting from the component failure in the wheel," said the company in a statement.

Microsoft advices that owners of the peripheral in the US should contact the company for a retrofit and stop using the AC/DC adaptor, although it's safe to use the wheel using battery power.

The company has notified the the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Microsoft Europe was not available at the time of writing to advise on any retrofitting for European consumers.

Sony - no plans to cut the PlayStation 3 price

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has no plans to cut the price of PlayStation 3 according to president David Reeves, but the company will introduce new bundles with different games to help drive sales.

"What we're going to allow, and it doesn't need an announcement, is simply that we'll probably put out more hard bundles than the Starter Pack," Reeves told GamesIndustry.biz in an interview published today.

"We're not making any pricing announcements at Games Convention at all. There's none. And we don't have any plans in that regard. We're really happy with the way that things are going for the PAL business. We really are. It's on track."

Reeves also said that Sony chose not to announce new PS3 games during its press conference in Leipzig last night because it wants to make sure people are "focused on five or six games".

"We're not going to try and overload - I'm not trying to escape the question, I'm just saying we're not going to overload the consumer with too many new ones."

"It's important to get a window so that someone's played a game and they're ready for the next one, because they don't have huge wallets and they can't go out and buy five games at 59 Euros all the time. So we're trying to do pillar titles every month.

The top ten best-selling games

The top ten best-selling games on all major formats:

Multiformat

1. World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (PC)

2. Pokémon Diamond (DS)

3. World of Warcraft (PC)

4. Counter-Strike 1: Anthology (PC)

5. Guitar Hero 2 Rock the 80´s (PS2)

6. The Sims 2 H&M Fashion (PC)

7. Pokémon Pearl (DS)

8. Motorstorm (PS3)

9. Resistance: Fall of Man (PS3)

10. Singstar 90's (PS2)

PC

1. World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

2. World of Warcraft

3. Counter-Strike 1: Anthology

4. The Sims 2 H&M Fashion

5. The Sims 2

6. Warcraft III Frozen Throne

7. Warcraft III Reign Of Chaos

8. The Sims 2 Året runt

9. Battlefield 2

10. Counter-Strike Source

Playstation 2

1. Guitar Hero 2 Rock the 80´s

2. Singstar 90's

3. Singstar Svenska hits

4. MX vs ATV Unleashed

5. Singstar Pop Hits Skandinavisk

6. FIFA 07

7. Need for Speed Carbon

8. Guitar Hero 2

9. Singstar 80's

10. Harry Potter och Fenixorden

Playstation 3

1. Motorstorm

2. Resistance: Fall of Man

3. The Darkness

4. Rainbow Six Vegas

5. Ninja Gaiden Sigma

6. Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion

7. Transformers The Game

8. Harry Potter och Fenixorden

9. Fight Night Round 3

10. Ridge Racer 7

Xbox 360

1. Guitar Hero 2

2. Colin McRae Dirt

3. Perfect Dark Zero

4. Forza Motorsport 2

5. Gears of War

6. NHL 07

7. Kameo Classics

8. The Darkness

9. FlatOut Ultimate Carnage

10. Call of Duty 2

Wii

1. Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition

2. Legend of Zelda: The Twillight Princess

3. Wii Play

4. Mario Party 8

5. Harry Potter och Fenixorden

6. Rayman Raving Rabbids

7. Trauma Center: Second Opinion

8. Mario Strikers Charged Football

9. Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree

10. Red Steel

Nintendo DS

1. Pokémon Diamond

2. Pokémon Pearl

3. New Super Mario Bros

4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Fenix

5. Rayman DS

6. Nintendogs: Dalmatian & Friends

7. Madagascar

8. The Sims 2 Pets

9. Rayman Raving Rabbids

10. Super Mario 64 DS

PSP

1. Pro Evolution Soccer 6

2. Need for Speed Underground Rivals

3. Harry Potter och Fenixorden

4. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters

5. Scooby Doo: Who's Watchin' Who?

6. Tekken Dark Resurrection

7. Daxter

8. Rainbow Six Vegas

9. Transformers The Game

10. GTA Vice City Stories

Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock

Activision has today announced an official journalist-only Guitar Hero play-off at the forthcoming Games Media Awards.

The Awards will honour the very best videogames journalism across specialist and non-specialist media – print, broadcast and online – at the first ceremony of its kind.

And, thanks to Activision, there’s an even bigger accolade: that of best journalist Guitar Hero player.

With over 150 press attendees at this inaugural event, competition is likely to be fierce, but once the Awards have been concluded, Guitar Hero will take centre stage. Rival magazines, publications and broadcast media will battle against each other for the ultimate bragging rights: being better than the competition at the best game of the year.

“Guitar Hero III introduces competitive online play for the first time in the series,” says Gary Sims, Brand Manager, Activision UK, “so the special journalist-only play off at the Games Media Awards are particularly relevant. And with the greatest selection of songs a music game has ever had, the performances will ensure the party concludes with a bang.”

Guitar Hero III will be released on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii during Q4 2007. Featuring a vast collection of worldwide-recognised rock tracks, all new multiplayer modes alongside the classic Guitar Hero gameplay, thrilling boss battles with the greatest guitarists of all time, and superlative sound and vision, the game will prove to be the definitive guitar simulation of all time.

The GMAs are being hosted by Intent Media, and will take place at the Soho Revue Bar, London, on October 11th 2007. Attendance is free to qualified media. The shortlist for the 16 categories will be announced soon.