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KONAMI SHIPS SHAMAN KING (tm) : MASTER OF SPIRITS 2 TO RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE
The Next Action Packed Shaman King Game Ships for the Nintendo Game Boy ® Advance System
REDWOOD CITY , Calif. - August 2, 2005 Konami Digital Entertainment - America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today shipped Shaman King (tm) : Master of Spirits 2 for the Nintendo Game Boy ® Advance system. The game is based on the popular anime franchise, delivering an all-new exciting, action-packed RPG, where players continue their quest to become the next Shaman King.
"Shaman King: Master of Spirits 2 will be a great addition to any anime fan's game collection," said Erica Mason , Group Manager at Konami Digital Entertainment - America . "This game delivers a compelling storyline and an action packed RPG experience in a portable package for gamers on the go."
Shaman King follows the story of Yoh Asakura, a junior high school student hiding an amazing secret. Yoh is a shaman, one of the few who can communicate with ghosts and spirits. Through his powers, Yoh can join forces with another spirit, uniting ghost and human together as one. Yoh teams up with Amidamaru, the spirit of the 600-year old samurai warrior, and with this powerful union, Yoh begins his quest to be crowned Shaman King in the grand tournament, held once every 500 years.
The sequel to Shaman King(tm): Master of Spirits, players return in the role of Yoh Asakura as they traverse multiple stages filled with perils, enemies and traps in order to stop a diabolical shaman from resurrecting the evil "Guardian of Demons." To assist Yoh in his quest, players can collect the spirits of vanquished opponents and use these spirits to help him in battle. Players will also be able to summon old and new Guardian Ghosts in battles to defeat enemies. As players progress, they will build their skills and unlock special moves, combo systems and abilities. Adding to the excitement, gamers can upgrade their spirits and use the enhanced spirit system to negotiate treacherous levels filled with traps!
Zen Studios Introduces Flipper Critters For The Nintendo DS
Budapest, Hungary, August 1st. Forget basic bumpers, balls and bonuses, Flipper Critters, a brand new game now in development at Zen Studios (formerly Rubik Interactive), is set to redefine the entire pinball genre – and create the fastest, funniest and the most colorful and exciting game yet to reach the Nintendo DS.
The entire game is set in a rich and engaging fantasy world, complete with strange characters, perilous quests and a host of challenging arcade mini-games. The entire game makes use of both screens on the Nintendo DS to show off every angle and aspect of the vibrant, cartoon world of Flipper Critters.
Instead of confining the action to a standard pinball table, all of the fast-flipping action in Flipper Critters takes place in a huge range of landscapes, locations and areas, from town squares and mountain valleys through to towering castles and even the surface of the moon. All of the most famous and favorite pinball features are still there, including ramps, sinkholes, bumpers, jackpots, gates and goals – though not as you know them. The ball physics in Flipper Critters is state-of-the-art, giving a fast, responsive and fun feel to the game.
But that's not all. Flipper Critters also features a wide range of mini-games which challenge players to master a variety of new skills and make use of all aspects of the Nintendo DS, including the control pad, the touch screen and even the microphone. Players can access different mini games and travel to different areas of the map from the pinball tables within the game. The mini games and areas can be accessed in any order, making the game different for each player and each gameplay session.
Throughout the game, players will encounter and receive help from some of Flipper Critters' peculiar inhabitants. Characters can offer help, cast spells or offer the player quests and challenges to undertake to help them reach new areas of the map.
Flipper Critters is the most fun and engaging new game yet created for the Nintendo DS. With it's simple to pick up, but difficult to master gameplay, engaging, colorful graphics, quirky humor and wide variety of game styles, it's a perfect game for players of all ages. Flipper Critters squeezes every last drop of power out of the Nintendo DS to create an entirely new and fantastically fun game that promises to appeal to the gamer in everyone.
"We're delighted with the way Flipper Critters is progressing," says Zsolt Kigyossy, the managing director of Zen Studios. "It's simple, fast, easy to pick up and a whole lot of fun. The blend of pinball with the arcade style mini-games and the non-linear nature of the quests and missions gives the game a lot of depth and replay value. What we've done is take a step back and look at everything the Nintendo DS can do – the touchscreen, the microphone and the control system and then design around those, so they're an integral part of the game and it's as easy and engaging as possible. The development is coming along very well and we're looking forward to having the game completed."
EXCLUSIVE PRE-ORDER OFFER AVAILABLE NOW FOR THE INCREDIBLE HULK: ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION
August 2- Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) announced today that the exclusive pre-sell for the highly-anticipated Super Hero game from Sierra Entertainment, The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction is now available at major retailers nationwide. Hulk fans and core gamers will receive a free limited edition reprint of Marvel's original The Incredible Hulk #1 -- written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Jack Kirby in 1962 -- when they pre-order* a copy of the action game hitting shelves August 23. The bonus comic book features new specially commissioned covers by renowned artists, James Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, and Paul Mounts.
KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT - AMERICA PUTS A NEW FACE ON ITS WEBSITE
Easier Navigation, More Compelling Content And More Information That Gamers Want
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - August 1, 2005 - Konami Digital Entertainment - America , a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced it is putting a fresh new face on its websit e. The new website features a completely new design and feel that makes navigating the site much easier and more enjoyabl e. The website features updated information on Konami's entire game line-up including news, reviews, screens and mor e. Gamers can access the information via a new and intuitive search function as well as a new menu system that groups Konami's games by platform.
Coming soon, the site will feature an interactive media zone that will allow Konami fans to watch the latest trailers and play Web-based games based on their favorite upcoming Konami titles. Konami fans will soon also enjoy enhanced community building features where they can congregate and discuss the newest developments in an enhanced "Message Board" section. Konami fans can also submit for posting their artistic creations in a brand new "Fan Art" section. And for budding Web designers, the new site will feature a "Web Master" area where Konami fans can gather Web material to build their own Konami fan sites. Konami's new website can be accessed here: www.konami.com/gs
PUZZLE GAMING BLASTS INTO ORBIT AS METEOS CRASH LANDS ON THE NINTENDO DS
August 1 – Prepare to blast off with a game that will leave your head spinning and your heart pounding with excitement. From 23rd September 2005 prepare to put your life on hold because every waking hour will be dedicated to METEOS, the new puzzle game for Nintendo DS.
In METEOS, players use the Nintendo DS's innovative touch-screen control to manipulate falling blocks and clear the screen. The game begins with a clear playfield, which quickly begins to fill with falling blocks. Players must use their stylus to move blocks up and down, rearranging them within their columns in an attempt to line up three or more identical pieces horizontally or vertically. Successful lines of three or more will then transform into rockets and blast off into space, carrying with them all the blocks above, thus clearing the screen.
Once a group of pieces has "taken off", players can create "combos" in various ways to increase the size of the launched stack - the more pieces destroyed in one go, the more points awarded – even to the whole width of the playfield. However, stacking up too many blocks in the playfield when arranging "combos" will risk players being overwhelmed making big "combos" a risky balancing act. While in the air, players are still able to rearrange blocks, launching smaller pieces individually to increase the overall thrust and propel the group higher into the air.
The touch-screen, unique to the Nintendo DS, makes METEOS adrenaline filled with the action becoming incredibly fast-paced and intense. This game is 'can't-put-it-down' entertainment, not a relaxing puzzle game!
The game's main 'Star Trip' mode challenges players to clear a selection of planets, complete various tasks and send the METEOS blocks back to space. In addition, Simple mode, allows players to choose a planet and customize the game's options to cater for individual taste, whereas Deluge mode challenges players' skills to help the planet to survive as long as possible and to achieve the highest score at the same time. There is also a Time War mode available where players must get the highest score possible in a set period of time or launch set amount of blocks in shortest time possible.
METEOS guarantees to keep players coming back for more with a plethora of unlockable extras. Each block successfully removed is stored and can be used in different combinations to create new planets, music sets and special items. Each planet has its unique physics and playfield vastly affecting gameplay. Some have heavy gravity, increasing the speed of the descending blocks, while horizontal block sets take off faster than vertical ones.
So you have perfected your skills and now want to show off? Then rejoice that METEOS features a multiplayer mode, allowing you to challenge your mates. Thanks to the unique DS download play option up to four players can battle it out using just one Nintendo DS game card. Players using multiple cards will also be able to save high scores and gameplay records facilitating long-term league tables.
METEOS is 'building up' to be a massive success when it launches across the UK on the Nintendo DS on 23rd September 2005, at the estimated retail price of £29.99.
ACTIVISION EXPANDS ALLIANCE THROUGH NEW LISCENSING AGREEMENT WITH MARVEL
Activision Granted Exclusive Rights to Develop and Publish Non-Persistent Role Playing Game for Console and PC Based on the Collective Universe of Marvel's Super Hero Characters
Santa Monica, C.A. and New York, N.Y. - July 29, 2005 -- Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) extends license with Marvel Enterprises (NYSE: MVL) to expand and solidified their long-term, broad-based strategic alliance through an additional license agreement for aby signing non-persistent role playing game (RPG.)
Under the terms of the deal Activision is granted the exclusive rights to develop and publish cross property non-persistent role playing games (RPG) that utilize a broad, "ensemble cast" of characters from the Marvel Universe. The agreement, expected to further strengthen Activision's leadership position in the Super Hero genre, covers both the console and PC arenas. The first game under the new agreement is expected to be released in fiscal 2007.
"We are proud of the success we have had with games based on the Marvel licenses," states Ron Doornink, Chairman, Activision Publishing, Inc. "This agreement further strenghthens and helps to solidify our position as the number one publisher of Super Hero games."
Ames Kirshen, Vice President of Interactive at Marvel Enterprises said, "We have had tremendous success with Activision through the licensing of individual characters and groups such as Spider-Man, X-Men and Fantastic Four. Rather than focusing on just one character, this unique license enables Activision to develop role playing games that tap a broader base of characters from Marvel's expansive universe. We look forward to an even more successful future with Activision."
Man's Best Friend Gets Given A Digital Makeover!
A "nintendog" can be your dog
29th July 2005 – The UK is a nation of dog lovers! The dog is definitely man's best friend and now you too can experience the joy of a mischievous puppy without waking up to chewed slippers and puddles on the floor. "nintendogs" scampers onto the Nintendo DS on 7th October 2005.
If getting a pet dog is not practical, Nintendo has an alternative that will definitely have you wagging your tail. "nintendogs" takes the concept of the virtual pet and adds a whole new dimension of interaction. Players can actually touch and speak to their dog which, will in turn react realistically to this attention. This interaction is unlike any other seen before on a games console. "nintendogs" is an ideal pet for people who can't own a real dog, it makes no mess, will never die and definitely won't moult all over your sofa!
Players start out by selecting their puppy from a total of six available breeds to choose from. Nintendo knows that breeds of dogs vary immensely as do people's tastes so have come up with a rather unique solution. The European version of the smash-hit "nintendogs" for Nintendo DS will come in three different packages – Labrador Retriever, Miniature Dachshund and Chihuahua - each with six different breeds of puppies to begin with, giving a total of eighteen breeds to choose, including three breeds – Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky and Boxer – not available in the Japanese version. Each breed will have a litter of three different puppies to choose from, giving players a chance to pick the sex and characteristics of their puppy.
With the hard part out of the way you are given the task of caring for and training your new pets. Innovative touch-screen controls give access to a variety of toys, treats and activities for you to use with your new pet. Playing games with your puppy will raise its skill level and help to train it, making it more obedient and opening up more options. Build up a pet's skill enough and you will even get to take part in dog shows, competing in front of a large crowd to showcase the tricks it has learnt.
Interacting with your pet has never been easier with the innovative Nintendo DS features. Want to play a game with it? With the Nintendo DS voice recognition feature, you simply call the nintendog by the name you have chosen. The touch screen is then used to select a toy or a game to play with. You can stroke, pat and tickle your dog using the Nintendo DS stylus. All "nintendogs" react to every touch, encouraging you to stroke or rub their sensitive areas, just like a real pet would. If you tickle a dog's ear it will tilt its head, go for its side and it will roll onto its back to let you rub its tummy! Users can teach their dogs to respond to spoken commands and train their puppies to ultimately obey their owners with minimal effort. "nintendogs" even features an innovative wireless detection system, which allows people to trade items as they pass in the street.
Using the Nintendo DS internal clock, nintendogs knows the difference between night and day. Nevertheless all events and activities can occur at any time. The ultra-realistic characteristic of the game prevents the dogs from learning unlimited tricks as they become tired, hungry and thirsty over time. Never before has a virtual pet offered gamers such interactivity or realism, this title really is a 'Mutts' have!
Since its launch the Japanese have been going barking mad for "nintendogs". Not only do the magazines love it, but the general public can't get enough either – so much so that sales of the Nintendo DS console have rocketed to five times the average amount during the nintendogs launch week.
Whether you are looking for a virtual pet, or the latest innovation for video game consoles, "nintendogs" is the perfect title. It combines ground-breaking technology with adorable animals that feel so real you'll want to touch them. You would have to be barking mad to not adopt a nintendogs this summer!
"nintendogs" goes on sale in the UK on 7th October 2005 at the estimated retail price of around £30.
"NAMCO MUSEUM(TM) 50TH ANNIVERSARY" TO FEATURE CLASSIC 80’S SOUNDTRACK
Come On Eileen! Grab Your Roller Skates and Legwarmers, Namco’s Biggest Arcade Collection to Feature Awesome 80’s Soundtrack
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (July 28, 2005) – Global video games publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today the soundtrack for the upcoming "Namco Museum(TM) 50th Anniversary." Like the rock band Loverboy, every gamer “wants a second chance,” and now they will have it – to play their favorite classic games while rocking out to the tunes that made the 80’s great. "Namco Museum 50th Anniversary" will be available this August for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance, and PC.
This release represents the first time Namco has included a classic licensed soundtrack on its popular compilation. The soundtrack will include:
* “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
* “Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy
* “She Drives Me Crazy” by Fine Young Cannibals
* “Talking In Your Sleep” by The Romantics
* “Joystick” by Dazz Band
These classics are sure to keep the spirit of the compilation’s 14 games alive. Notably, Dazz Band’s “Joystick” was one of the first songs ever written about videogames. The single largest compilation of Namco Arcade Classics ever, "Namco Museum 50th Anniversary" allows players to explore a virtual arcade hall with timeless games such as:
"Pac-Man"
Originally released in 1980 – Play the most popular arcade game of all time! Navigate the yellow fellow through the original "Pac-Man" maze, avoid ghosts while chomping pellets and fruit, and use power pellets to turn the ghosts blue and get some payback!
"Ms. Pac-Man"
Originally released in 1981 – Starring Pac-Man’s female counterpart; explore, collect, and chomp your way through four different mazes and eat new fruits.
"Galaga"
Originally released in 1981 – Pilot a space ship, fend off frantic swarms of bee-like aliens, try your luck with “Challenging Stages,” and find the best way to deal with enemies’ powerful tractor beams!
"Galaxian"
Originally released in 1979 – A precursor to "Galaga," destroy flying aliens as they move in from formation to attack you.
"Dig Dug"
Originally released in 1982 – Equipped with only a shovel and a pump, tunnel your way underground and use the pump to blow up attacking enemies.
"Pole Position"
Originally released in 1982 – A milestone in racing games, players drive fast to beat the timer, and avoid cars and hazards or risk exploding.
"Pole Position II"
Originally released in 1983 – Sequel to "Pole Position," this title introduced four new race tracks – Fuji, Test, Suzuka, and Seaside.
"Rolling Thunder"
Originally released in 1987 – In this horizontal scrolling shooter, play as a secret agent codename “Albatross.” Your mission is to rescue female agent Lelia Blitz and defeat the criminal organization called Geldra.
"Rally X"
Originally released in 1980 – Players drive around a maze while avoiding chasing cars, laying smoke screens, and collecting flags.
"Bosconian"
Originally released in 1981 - Pilot a space ship, survive enemy fighters and destroy enemy space stations, while avoiding asteroids and other obstacles.
"Dragon Spirit"
Originally released in 1987 – Control a powerful dragon through the air, harness spells, drop bombs and breath fire at enemies.
"Sky Kid"
Originally released in 1985 – Controlling a bi-plane, avoid enemy planes using evasive loops, drop bombs, and machine gun down other planes.
"Xevious"
Originally released in 1982 – Use a heavily armed fighter plane to destroy enemies and targets in the air and on the ground.
"Mappy"
Originally released in 1983 – Control Mappy, a police mouse. Bounce on trampolines and open and close doors to dodge chasing cats, all in an attempt to collect valuable items from a cat’s house.
Note: The Game Boy Advance version of "Namco Museum(TM) 50th Anniversary" includes "Pac-Man," "Ms. Pac-Man," "Galaga," "Dig Dug" and "Rally X."
"GUMBY(R) VS. THE ASTROBOTS(TM)" GOES GOLD
Clay Icon Celebrates 50th Birthday on the Game Boy(R) Advance
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (July 28, 2005) – Leading video games developer and publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that "Gumby(R) vs. the Astrobots(TM)" has gone gold for the Game Boy(R) Advance. A unique side-scrolling platformer featuring classic Gumby characters and environments, "Gumby vs. the Astrobots" will be bouncing to stores this August and is rated E for Everyone.
In "Gumby vs. the Astrobots", the scheming Blockheads(TM) have joined forces with the dreadful Astrobots to kidnap Gumby’s friends. Players will utilize Gumby’s special morphing powers and stretchy skills to save Pokey(TM), Prickle(TM) and Goo(TM), who have been hidden in books throughout Toyland. Gumby’s quest will take gamers through a variety of book worlds, including the Old West, North Pole and Planet Astrobot, and will even feature original visuals and sound effects from the classic television series.
2005 marks Gumby’s 50th anniversary of delighting fans and foiling the pesky Blockheads with his clay friends. Gumby’s golden anniversary is marked by an ongoing exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, New York, Gumby and the Art of Stop-Motion Animation, featuring a daily demonstration of stop-motion techniques on an actual Gumby set. In addition, Gumby’s birthday will be celebrated in style with a celebrity-filled birthday bash in San Francisco this August.
“Gumby fans will be able to enjoy the same stretchy abilities as their green clay friend in 'Gumby vs. the Astrobots,'” said Jeff Lujan, business director at Namco Hometek Inc. “We are celebrating Gumby’s 50th birthday in grand fashion with a game that features an original Gumby adventure with all of his closest friends.”
Hypnotix Team Joins EA Tiburon; Critically Acclaimed Development Team Relocates to Florida to Develop Arena Football Videogames
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2005--Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq:ERTS) today announced that the development team at Hypnotix, Inc. has joined EA's Tiburon studio to develop action-oriented games, the first of which will be Arena Football(TM) based on the Arena Football League(TM) (AFL(R)) license. Hypnotix is best known for developing the popular Outlaw Golf(TM) and Outlaw Volleyball(TM) series of games. The team has relocated to Orlando, Florida, from Little Falls, New Jersey. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
"EA Tiburon shares our enthusiasm for sports and our passion for making great games. By joining EA, we are becoming part of a world-class studio organization, home to some of the industry's top designers, best artists and most sophisticated technologists. We couldn't be more excited," said Mike Taramykin, President of Hypnotix.
"Arena Football will be a completely new football experience. Hypnotix' proven ability to deliver creative gameplay and unforgettable sports experiences makes them perfectly suited to create this new franchise and develop new action-oriented games in the future," said Steven Chiang, VP and General Manager of EA Tiburon. "They are a great addition to our studio."
The first Arena Football game will ship at the beginning of the 2006 AFL season. Over the next four years, EA SPORTS(TM) will partner with the AFL on both media and retail marketing.
GameSwapZone.com one of the first Auction sites of its kind, a web site for gamers by gamers, covering everything from playstation, Xbox, PSP, Game Cube, N-Gage, Game Boy ,PC games and more.
Boca Raton , Fla. —July 12, 2005-- Game Swap Zone announces the launch of the first online auction site specifically for games. The web site caters to online gaming enthusiast across the globe looking to either buy or sell used or new games. The web site also boast the free listing of products on the site for a basic listing. Plus as an extra added bonus there will be no fees of any kind this summer during the months of July, August and September, so anyone can post and sell a game or product with not costs associated to it.
This web site will allow people from all over the globe to connect with one another. The site is in English right now but plans on rolling out a German, Japanese, Korean and French version within the next 6 months.
The auction site will provide new and updated features to keep its consumers on the cusp of latest technology in auctions:
· Stores - each person or company will be able to set up a store with a personalized logo
· Buy Now feature, allowing buyers to set a buy price
· Fresh page layouts with new, cutting-edge design
· Summary boxes for game reviews
· Wanted Ads – Allows people to post a request looking a specific item
· Rating System, allows the users to give feedback about other buyer and sellers to cut down on fraud.
· Bulk uploading – allows our users to upload multiple items at one time.
FIRST ANNUAL GAME WRITERS CONFERENCE TO TAKE PLACE OCTOBER 26-27, 2005 IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
Conference Program Directed By Leading Game Industry Leaders
Austin, Texas - July 26, 2005 - The Game Initiative, a leading producer of conferences and events for professionals in the computer and video game industry, announced today the first annual Game Writers Conference, taking place October 26-27, 2005 in Austin, Texas. Game Writers Conference (GWC) is a two-day conference dedicated to the art and craft of game writing. GWC registrants will also be able to attend the Women's Game Conference (also taking place Oct. 26-27, 2005) and the Austin Game Conference, taking place Oct. 27-28, 2005. Conference details and registration information are available at http://www.GameWritersConference.com
The Game Writers Conference's advisory board members - game-industry leaders all - graciously gave of their time and expertise to put this conference together. Advisory Board members include:
Susan O'Connor, Scriptwriter & Conference Chair
Hal Barwood, Designer/Writer, Finite Arts
Dana Fos, User Experience Manager, Microsoft
Clint Hocking, Creative Director, Ubisoft
During the conference, industry leaders will speak on the following topics:
Gaming the Narrative -
Game writers are in the process of inventing a new form of narrative for this unique media. How do we deal with the player's desire to 'game the narrative'? Are there design or narrative mechanisms we can use to direct this tendency toward developing the narrative, instead of diffusing or destroying it?
The Language of Games -
Somebody, somewhere, invented the closeup, the fade, the dissolve. These techniques have contributed to the language of film. We're inventing a new language now - the language of games. This session takes a look at examples of this emerging language - and what it means for game writers.
Concept to Localization Kit -
A Case Study for Writers - How can a writing team successfully shepherd their story through the development process? A team emerges from the trenches to share their front-line stories.
The Writer/Designer Tag Team -
A writer and a designer share the stage to discuss the writer's role in design and the designer's role in writing.
Game Writing Workshop -
This hands-on, small-group breakout session will be an opportunity for attendees to brainstorm solutions to common game-writing challenges.
Team Dynamics -
How can the writer best collaborate with other team members? Where are the opportunities for creative collaboration between the writer and the musician - animator - programmer? How can these collaborations improve the quality of the stories and the games?
Writing for MMO's -
A panel of MMO writers discuss the trials and tribulations of their jobs.
Publishers' Panel -
Publishers discuss the story development process from their point of view.
AI for Writers -
A look at what lies ahead for AI, and what it will mean for the interactive writer. Will intelligent AI = "actors"?
Alternate Reality Games -
A look at the work behind ARG games like ilovebees and Beast.
Game Writers Conference Advisory Board
Susan O'Connor, Scriptwriter & Conference Chair
Susan O'Connor has been writing stories for games since 1998. Her client list includes Activision, Atari, Disney, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Sony Online Entertainment, THQ/Pixar, and Vivendi Universal. She has worked on over fifteen titles in several different genres, including RTS titles, action-adventure games, RPGs, and MMOs. Recent projects include Act Of War (Atari), Dungeon Siege II (Microsoft), and Star Wars Galaxies: Jump To Lightspeed (LucasArts).
Hal Barwood, Designer/Writer, Finite Arts
Hal Barwood is a freelance writer and designer. For more than ten years he was a project leader at LucasArts, where he wrote, designed and directed a number of story-game titles, including Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, a PC adventure game, Big Sky Trooper, a Super Nintendo RPG, Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine, a real-time 3D action-adventure, and RTX Red Rock, a character-action title for PS2. Before Hal began building games he spent twenty years in Hollywood as a writer, producer and director. Among his movie credits are Sugarland Express, Dragonslayer, and Warning Sign.
Dana Fos, User Experience Manager, Microsoft
Clint Hocking, Creative Director, Ubisoft
Clint has been working for Ubisoft in Montreal for four and a half years. Most recently he worked as Scriptwriter, Lead Level Designer and Creative Director on Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. Before games he worked in the web industry and experimented with independent filmmaking while earning a Masters degree in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. He lives happily in Montreal with his fiancé and his dog.
Patricia Pizer, Lead Designer, 4orty 2wo Entertainment
Ms. Pizer debuted in the gaming industry at Infocom in 1988, making games back when you didn't even need graphics. Over the next decade, she worked at such studios as Boffo Games, THQ/GameFX, CogniToy and Harmonix Music. Patricia moved into massively multiplayer games as Creative Director at Turbine Entertainment before working on MMOs at UbiSoft and Disney's VR Studio, makers of Toontown Online and the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean Online. Currently, Patricia is applying her design skills to Alternate Reality Games for 4orty 2wo Entertainment. Mostly though, she just likes to play games.
Registration Information
Early registration for the event is now open. To register, log on to http://www.gamewritersconference.com/register . Early registration (before August 12th) is $145. After August 12th the registration rate rises to $165 and onsite registration is $195. Early registration for students prior to August 12th is $95. After August 12th the price for students is $115 and onsite registration is $145. Conference attendees will also have access to the Khronos Developer University, the Austin Game Conference, the TechPavilion, the Women's Game Conference, and the Austin Game Conference, which run concurrently with the Game Writers Conference.
Austin Game Conference Highlights:
- Khronos Developer University - This one day hands-on work shop provides up-to-the-minute training on industry standard APIs for embedded graphics and video processing. These APIs, including OpenGL ES and OpenVG, are vital for state-of-the-art game development on emerging handheld platforms including cell phones.
- Multiplayer Online Games Tracks - This is the definitive conference on multiplayer online games. Visionaries and veterans provide detailed insight with 4 tracks: Tech, Design, Service and Production.
- Future of the Development Pipeline - This special sponsored track focuses on streamlining the design process - includes networked games, console games and PC games. With the length of today's development cycle don't be left behind.
- LivePitch - This well respected industry matchmaking event puts development projects in front of the world's leading game publishers.
- TechPavilion and Attendee Lounge - The TechPavilion showcases the latest tools, technologies, products and services. Booths and/or private meeting rooms are available. The Attendee Lounge includes comfortable couches and chairs where attendees can relax and network in a casual environment.
- Machinima and Game Tech Showcase Theater - Cinimatics and Gameplay are leaping forward. Witness the best of game animation, gameplay and film-making from 3D game engines.
- Mobile Market Design and Profits - Expanded to 2 full tracks for 2005. Understand this market and the opportunities. Learn how to get product out the door and make a profit.
- Women's Game Conference - The second annual Women's Game Conference (WGC) focuses on women in the computer and video game industry. The conference program will cover women as an essential market for game growth and diversity as a necessary tool for game development.
- Game Writers Conference - The first annual Game Writers Conference (GWC) is dedicated to the art and craft of game writing. GWC is guided by a group of leading game industry professionals: Susan O'Connor, Scriptwriter & Game Writers Conference Chair; Hal Barwood, Designer/Writer, Finite Arts; Dana Fos, User Experience Manager, Microsoft; Clint Hocking, Creative Director, Ubisoft; Patricia Pizer, Lead Designer, 4orty 2wo Entertainment
ATARI ANNOUNCES DRIV3R FOR GAME BOY® ADVANCE
Handheld Version of Best-Selling Console Title To Release Fall 2005
NEW YORK, NY – July 26, 2005 – Hot on the heels of the Windows release in March, Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR) announced today that DRIV3R , the action-driving game that sold more than 3 million copies worldwide on PlayStation ®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox ® video game system from Microsoft in 2004 , is currently in development for Nintendo’s Game Boy ® Advance to release fall 2005.
Developed by G. Dubail and F. Velez, the talented development team behind a string of best-selling Game Boy Advance titles including Stuntman and V-Rally 3 , DRIV3R provides a very unique gaming experience to the console and PC versions. DRIV3R for the Game Boy Advance features huge environments, character and vehicle control, and intricate collisions, to create the ultimate Hollywood driving adventure for a handheld device.
The game consists of a single enormous ‘Undercover’ game mode which encompasses missions and driving mini-games. The 25 missions tell the tale of a jaw breaking, no-holds-barred undercover cop and master “Wheelman” , Tanner, as he infiltrates the local and international underworld. The first 12 missions take place in Miami with the remainder set in the French city of Nice . With over 30 miles of streets to explore in each city, the player is free at any time to take a rest from the missions and go for a casual ride around town, gun in hand, in one of the more than 25 vehicles available. Alternatively they can chose to test their mettle playing one of the driving mini-games, including Slalom, Checkpoint, Trailblazer and Destruction.
“ Driver is one of Atari’s major franchises, with a proven audience and following,” said Marc Metis, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Atari, Inc. “We are excited to extend this latest version of the brand to the handheld market with a Game Boy Advance offering.”
DRIV3R for the Game Boy Advance will be released fall 2005. For more information visit the game’s official Web site at www.DRIV3R.com.
EA Signs Model and Actress Josie Maran to Star in Need for Speed Most Wanted; EA Redefines In-Game Movies With Cinematic Scenes That Blend Live-Action Video with Real-Time Gameplay
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2005--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced today that model and actress, Josie Maran, will star in Need for Speed(TM) Most Wanted launching in November 2005. EA has created a new process that takes Hi-Definition footage of live actors and converts them into synthetic-looking videogame characters. This revolutionary new process delivers never-before-seen character, motion and facial fidelity with seamless integration into true 3D game environments.
Maran has played supporting roles in hit films including Van Helsing, Aviator and Thelma. She is currently the Maybelline cover girl and has graced covers for Glamour, Self, Vogue, Marie Claire, Seventeen and Lucky Magazine. In Need for Speed Most Wanted, Maran takes on the role of a local street racer named Mia. Maran's character pulls players deeper into the illicit street racing world of Need for Speed Most Wanted as they try to earn respect by beating the top racers on the scene to rise to the top of the Blacklist.
"Video games are much more personal than films since it's an interactive experience for the audience; it's like being invited into their home," said Maran. "For Need for Speed Most Wanted, we performed in front of a green screen, much like a Hollywood set, so all the gamers will see will be real-life video of the actors merged into environments from the game; it's simply amazing."
EA has also tapped into top Hollywood talent including director, David Footman, cinematographer, Brian Pearson, as well as EA's own Senior Art Director and two-time Academy Award nominated visual effects supervisor, Habib Zargarpour, for the green screen video shoot with Maran. Footman's credits include blockbuster films such as The Day After Tomorrow and X-Men, Pearson worked on the hit TV show, Dark Angel, as well as feature films, I, Robot and Underworld: Evolution, and Zargarpour worked on Twister and The Perfect Storm.
Video Game Industry to File Suit Seeking Relief from Illinois Governor's Unconstitutional Law; Similar Laws Already Thrown Out of Court, Setting Precedent
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 25, 2005--The computer and video game industry will file a lawsuit today seeking to prevent implementation of Illinois HB 4023, a bill limiting the sale and rental of computer and video games, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today. Joining in the complaint are the Video Software Dealers Association and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. In similar cases in St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Washington State, virtually identical bills were struck down, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees.
"This law will have a chilling effect on free speech. It will limit First Amendment rights not only for Illinois' residents, but for game developers and publishers, and for retailers who won't know what games can and cannot be sold or rented under this vague new statute," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the ESA, the trade group representing U.S. computer and video game publishers. "I'm confident the court will affirm our position. There is already a precedent-setting ruling from the Seventh Circuit, which includes Illinois, establishing the unconstitutionality of this type of statute - and the facts, the science, the law, and the U.S. Constitution have not changed since that decision."
Apart from the constitutionality of the law, the industry argues that the bill is bad public policy because it will substitute the government's judgment for parental supervision and turn retailers into surrogate parents in a misguided effort to help Illinois parents. Further, the law would treat computer and video games differently than other constitutionally protected works, such as films, music, and books.
"Today, politics has trumped the First Amendment rights of retailers and their customers," said Bo Andersen, president of the Video Software Dealers Association, a co-plaintiff in the suit. "We are confident, however, that the courts will vindicate those rights. The Governor's embrace of censorship is guaranteed to gain him wide media attention, but will do nothing to help parents make informed choices about the video games their children play. Rather than imposing restrictions that cannot be understood by retailers or sustained legally, the governor should be working with retailers and the video game industry to educate parents about video game ratings and to encourage parents to utilize those ratings."
The ESA contends that supporters of the bill have ignored the effectiveness of industry self-regulation and the already high levels of involvement by parents in deciding what games are right for their children. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission reported that parents are involved in the purchase and rental of games 83% of the time. In addition, ESA research shows that 90% of parents say they always or sometimes pay attention to the video games their children play. In other words, when kids get Mature rated games, it is usually from Mom and Dad.
"It's unfortunate that taxpayers and parents will see critical funds diverted to defend a bill that courts are almost certain to strike down as patently unconstitutional," said Lowenstein. "A year from now, parents will be no better off, and the state will have wasted taxpayers' dollars, time, and energy all for headlines. Headlines may be good for politicians but they don't help parents do their jobs more effectively."
With the strong support of the ESA, leading retailers have already implemented systems to prevent the sale of Mature-rated games to persons under 17. In fact, the National Institute on Media and the Family found last fall, prior to full implementation of these new enforcement systems, that retailers prevented the sale of Mature-rated video games to minors 66% of the time. The ESA highlighted national retailer Best Buy and its recent announcement that it was taking further steps to strengthen its enforcement program.
The ESA noted that in 2004, the average game buyer was 37 years old and the average game player was 30. In addition, of all games sold in 2004, only 16% were rated Mature. "Knowing this," Lowenstein continued, "our industry creates a wide range of content for a diverse consumer audience, just as other entertainment industries do. It's illogical that video games would be treated more harshly than R-rated movies or music CDs with parental warning labels, both of which can be legally viewed and sold to minors. We should be treated the same way as those industries."
The Girls of Summer Have Arrived! Disney's Kim Possible 3: Team Possible and Disney's That's So Raven 2: Supernatural Style Handheld Games Now Available on Store Shelves; Popular Disney Channel Franchises Return to Game Boy(R) Advance
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 26, 2005--Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG), the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company, announced today that Disney's Kim Possible 3: Team Possible and Disney's That's So Raven 2: Supernatural Style are now available at retail outlets nationwide. Exclusively for the Game Boy(R) Advance, Kim Possible 3 and That's So Raven 2 take players on interactive adventures with their favorite stars of hit Disney Channel television shows "Kim Possible" and "That's So Raven."
"Our Disney Channel handheld games are some of the most successful franchises for tweens on the GBA," said Dana Long, director of kids marketing for Buena Vista Games. "Just in time for summer, these games allow players to take their favorite characters with them anywhere they go for hours of game play fun."
Disney's Kim Possible 3: Team Possible brings Kim Possible, everyone's favorite crime-fighting cheerleader, back to the Game Boy Advance along with her sidekick, Ron Stoppable. Players will have to master Kim's and Ron's unique gadgets as the duo battles together to defeat evil villains such as Monkey/Gorilla Fist; Senor Senior, Jr.; Shego and the evil Dr. Drakken to save the world from maniacal schemes. With expansive environments, unlockable mini-games and both single- and multi-player modes, Disney's Kim Possible 3: Team Possible immerses fans of the television series into Kim's crime-fighting life in a new, action-packed adventure.
In Disney's That's So Raven 2: Supernatural Style, Raven faces some wacky predicaments on her way to the season's most important fashion show. Players must help Raven make it in time to strut her stuff on the catwalk while playing through hilarious escapades in six different environments. From the mall to the zoo and even to a science fiction convention, players will use Raven's psychic premonitions and help from Chelsea, Devon, Eddie, Cory and Dad to get Raven to the show on time in classic Raven style.
Developed by Artificial Mind and Movement (A2M) and published by Disney Interactive, a publishing label of Buena Vista Games, Disney's Kim Possible 3: Team Possible and Disney's That's So Raven 2: Supernatural Style are rated "E" for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and each carry a suggested retail price of $29.99.
MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT AND DREAMWORKS ENTER WORLDWIDE AGREEMENT TO LICENSE “SHREK,” “SHREK 2” AND “SHARK TALE” FOR GAME BOY ® ADVANCE VIDEO
Beloved Animated Movies Join Successful Game Boy Advance Video Category To Deliver The Next Wave In Portable Entertainment
EDISON, N.J., July 25, 2005 –Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and content, today announced a worldwide licensing agreement with DreamWorks SKG to publish Game Boy ® Advance Video versions of the studio’s successful animated movies, “Shrek,” the first-ever winner of the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, “Shrek 2,” the third highest-grossing movie ever* and the number one animated film of all time** and the Academy Award®-nominated “Shark Tale.”
These titles have an enormous combined box office total of more than $1.8 billion worldwide, and mark the first full-length feature films to be released by Majesco as part of its Game Boy Advance Video line, which has sold approximately 3 million units since first introduced in 2004. The company’s proprietary video compression technology will enable fans to view these modern-day animated classics in full video and audio using a standard Game Boy Advance Video cartridge. Priced at $19.99, the “Shrek,” “Shrek 2” and “Shark Tale” Game Boy® Advance Video titles will debut at retail in October 2005.
Under terms of the three-year deal, Majesco will exclusively distribute videos of DreamWorks’ “Shrek,” “Shrek 2” and “Shark Tale” for use on the Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, Nintendo DS and the upcoming Game Boy Micro.
“Majesco is delighted to bring these great DreamWorks films to the massive worldwide Game Boy audience of more than 66 million consumers,” said Jesse Sutton, President of Majesco. “These films have entertained people of all ages on multiple formats and we hope to continue that same success with our Game Boy Advance Videos .”
“DreamWorks Home Entertainment is excited to be partnering with Majesco,” said Kelley Avery, head of worldwide home entertainment at DreamWorks. “Through this new technology, kids can now access the great ‘Shrek’ movies and ‘Shark Tale’ wherever they go. This is all part of our commitment to find compelling partnerships and expand our audience reach.”
“Nintendo is thrilled to have these great titles for Game Boy Advance,” says Reggie Fils-Aime, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Nintendo of America Inc. “Majesco's ability to offer consumers full-length movies pushes the functionality of Nintendo’s handhelds to a whole new level.”
Konami Digital Entertainment Acquires Interactive Game Rights for the Hit Franchise American Idol
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 25, 2005-- Leader in Music Video Games To Publish Titles For Current And Next Generation Video Game Systems Based On America's Most Watched Television Show Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced a multi-year agreement with FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, Americas (FLW, Americas), the U.S. licensing division of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of program brands in the world and the co-producer and licensor of American Idol, that gives the company the exclusive interactive video game rights for American Idol. Pursuant to the agreement, FLW, Americas grants Konami the rights to develop games for current and next generation video game systems based on America's number one television program. The games will be distributed throughout America, Canada and Latin America with more details to be revealed at a later date.
"Not only is American Idol one of the biggest television programs in the U.S., but its format lends itself perfectly for making compelling video games," said Kazumi Kitaue, Chairman and CEO of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "With Konami's leadership and expertise in music video games and American Idol's popularity and strength as a recognized franchise, this is a powerful synergy that will greatly benefit the consumer."
American Idol, which just completed its fourth season in May 2005, continues to dominate television ratings and break viewership records. Last season's finale, produced by FremantleMedia and 19TV for the Fox network in the US, saw 30.3 million viewers tune in to watch Carrie Underwood be crowned as the newest American Idol. The debut of American Idol's fifth season will air this fall.
David Luner, Vice President Licensing for FLW, Americas, added, "The Idols format has already proven itself successful in a variety of categories including electronics, toys & games, wireless and online applications. We look forward to establishing a solid presence in the video games market with an industry leader like Konami."
As the industry leader in music video games, Konami has a strong line-up of titles that allow gamers to sing, dance, and mix music all in the comfort of their own living rooms. Among its catalog of top music games, Konami publishes the highly-acclaimed singing game Karaoke Revolution and the number one dance game, Dance Dance Revolution. Next year Konami will also release beatmania -- the first-ever DJ simulation game created for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system.
