Three Classic Worms games now available on Steam
Britsoft stalwarts Team17 have announced that three of their classic PC titles are now available to purchase from Steam. The three games are the original Worms from 1995, Worms Pinball from 1998 and Worms Blast from 2002.
In the original Worms you can throw a grenade down memory lane with the original and classic turn-based strategy game. Up to 4 teams of worms do battle over an ever-changing battlefield with falling weapon crates, crazed exploding sheep and more besides. Available now from http://store.steampowered.com/app/70640/
Fall in line for fast, furious fire fights with the retro puzzle-action game Worms Blast. The game sees you launch your worm marine into hostile waters and then blast your way to survival through intense puzzle action. With compelling puzzle-style gameplay, 60 fun-sized missions, a fiendishly challenging puzzle mode, a tournament mode and some unlockable hidden features and characters, it is a real ‘blast’! Available now from http://store.steampowered.com/app/70650/ Read more
Canadian Videogame Awards Announce 2011 Finalists
Bioware’s Mass Effect 2 and Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood Lead with Seven Nominations Each
The finalists in twelve categories were announced for the upcoming Canadian Videogame Awards, which will be held in Vancouver on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Centre for the Performing Arts.
More than 70 nominations were received this year from all parts of Canada, with 31 submissions represented in the list of finalists. Winners will be voted on by a body of industry experts from across the country.
Members of the public can get in the game and cast their vote for Canadian Game of the Year at www.canadianvideogameawards.com.
The Canadian Videogame Awards will be held the night before the Canadian Game Conference (formerly GDC-Canada) in Vancouver. As the third largest developer of video games in the world, the show will celebrate Canada’s spot on the world stage as a leader in interactive entertainment. Video Games Live will be back to provide the entertainment for the evening and the show will broadcast across the country on Citytv and G4 Canada through the Rogers Network. Tickets start at $30 and are now on sale at the event website.
The CVA’s are sponsored by in part by Kinect for XBOX 360, G4 Canada, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo 3DS, Entertainment Software Association of Canada, The Georgia Straight and the Canadian Studios of Electronic Arts. Read more
SAS hero Chris Ryan signs copies of the new Medal Of Honor – Limited Edition game at HMV’s Oxford Street store
SAS hero, Chris Ryan, helps celebrate the release of the new, ‘Medal Of Honor – Limited Edition’, game with a signing session at HMV’s flagship Oxford Street store in London’s West End on Friday 15th October 2010.
Chris will be at the store from 1.00 pm, to meet fans and sign copies of the new game, which includes the exclusive Chris Ryan book ‘Medal Of Honor’, and is released by Electronic Arts the same day.
As one of the great pioneers in military simulations, ‘Medal of Honor’ returns to gaming with this new series depicting modern warfare for the first time, on a harrowing tour of duty in current day Afghanistan.
‘Medal of Honor’s’ gritty single-player campaign is inspired by and developed with actual Tier 1 Operators, and gives players the unique ability to step into their boots. Utilising the surgical skill set of these elite warriors – in combination with the overwhelming force of the U.S. Army Rangers – to infiltrate enemy-held territories in the unforgiving battlefield conditions of Afghanistan this unparalleled experience offers the most authentic and relevant combat to date.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will be released on PlayStationNetwork and PC (via the Steam network).
“We can’t wait for PlayStation and PC gamers to get their hands on Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light,” said Darrell Gallagher, General Manager of Crystal Dynamics. “We’re committed to delivering the very best gameplay experience possible and the fact that this is the highest rated Lara Croft game since the original Tomb Raider was released back in 1996 is a testament to this. I would encourage everyone to try the free trial.”
From October to December the Downloadable Lara Croft campaign continues with 5 packs available across all formats. The first three are expansion packs featurig a combination of all new puzzle, exploration and combat experiences in the game and new areas to explore. The further two packs are playable character packs, offering gamers the chance to experience the entire adventure without Lara Croft and Totec and instead with some other well-known videogame characters…
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light will be available on PlayStation Network and Steam on September 28, 2010 for £9.99. The game will feature single player and full offline co-op campaign gameplay, with online co-op available at a later date. The game is rated PEGI 12+.
2009 UK National Gamers Survey
Gamers want instant pleasure.
Digital distribution booming on all game platforms.
Online distribution and direct sales of games is rapidly expanding into the console and PC game market, traditionally serviced by retail. For the business of mobile games and games accessed via game portals direct online sales and distribution has always been key.
New data coming from the UK National Gamers Survey 2009 and identical surveys in the US and other EU markets confirm this and reveal new facts on different aspects of games industry’s hottest topic: “digital distribution”. Conducted by TNS and Gamesindustry.com, the survey found that 25% of all console users in the UK have downloaded and paid for complete games or extra levels via their console. 7% state that, when acquiring new games, they usually buy the game directly via their console. For PC games this figure is double: 14% of PC gamers are accustomed to buying and downloading directly online. Figures from the identical survey held in the US shows even more dramatic figures: 16% and 23%, respectively.
Game portals and mobile
19% of the UK population plays games on their mobile phone. 44% actually downloads new games and pays directly via their handset. The enormous reach of casual game portals – used by 32% of the total UK population – is due to the fact most games are free, but 20% of UK game portal players state they spend money on the portal. In the US this is even 33%. Paid subscriptions are the most popular in both countries but already 6% of all UK and US game portal players frequently buy premium games online.
Console and PC games
55% of the UK population plays games on consoles and 35% state they play PC games. 27% of UK console players state they download levels or complete games via their console, almost all have experienced paying for this. For Xbox 360 and PS3 the figures go up dramatically: 51% and 55% respectively; 25% for Nintendo Wii. When buying complete new games, 7% of all console players states they usually do so directly via the console. 14% of PC gamers pay and download games directly. As can be expected percentages are even higher in the younger age groups.
Video content and demos
Online distribution is not only a factor in purchasing games. Almost 25% of UK console game players state that the availability of a downloadable trial version or demo is a crucial factor in their buying decision. This is close to the 30% for PC gamers that traditionally have online access. 45% of PS3 users downloads or accesses video content via their console. This is 41% for Xbox360 and a mere 22% for Nintendo Wii.
Game market revenues
Fast growing segments of the game market such as MMOs, mobile games and game portals are already attracting significant revenues through direct online payments. With the addition of console and PC game revenues shifting away from traditional retail, additional tools and approaches are needed to get the full picture of the games market.
Peter Warman, from Gamesindustry.com adds:“With the growing part of games being played and paid for online, a key way to monitor the complete games business is by asking consumers directly about their overall game behavior and spending. An additional advantage of this approach is insight across all platforms as the traditional divide between the online casual and core console market has evaporated.”
New official FIA World Rally Championship game to be launched
WRC’s unique off-road driving experience is coming back
Fans of the FIA World Rally Championship will soon be able to get closer to the action after it was announced that a new official WRC console game is now under development and scheduled for launch in 2010.
The agreement with leading Milan based publisher, Black Bean Games, will see the WRC game available across the world for the first time on PlayStation®3, Xbox360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft® and PC formats. Black Bean Games, and their in-house development studio Milestone, have an excellent track record of successful motorsport games including the SBK Superbike championship and MotoGP.
The new official WRC game will provide the sport with major promotional and commercial opportunities, which will continue to grow the reach and appeal of the WRC on a global scale.
Simon Long, ISC CEO, said: “The official WRC game will engage a whole new audience for the sport and we’re tremendously excited at the opportunities to grow our fan base and the profile of the WRC. It provides a hugely powerful touch point for us in which to showcase the WRC to consumers, and it will be the most realistic and playable rally game of all time. We chose to work with Black Bean Games because they have a proven track record making top level games with the official license in two-wheel motorsport.”
Virgilio Bixio, Black Bean Games President, added: “We are particularly proud to bring the WRC franchise back into the videogames arena after so many years of absence. Milestone has been working hard on this title and our expectations are really high. We will be able to provide the utmost competitive title that will provide extremely positive results. Furthermore, Milestone’s work is enriched by the overwhelming support we have received from the WRC community.”
The official WRC game agreement was secured by ISC, the exclusive worldwide media and commercial rights holder for the FIA World Rally Championship.
gamescom 2009: Cologne eagerly awaits the gamescom premiere, with more than 420 exhibitors from 30 countries expected
Fans of interactive entertainment can look forward to world and European premieres of games, action, events and entertainment in Cologne at gamescom, already the international meeting place of the industry at its very first staging
Gamescom is under starter’s orders and the stands are already being set up in Cologne. Organiser Koelnmesse and its ideal partner the German Association of Interactive Entertainment Software (Bundesverband Interaktive Unterhaltungssoftware – BIU) are eagerly waiting to greet more than 420 exhibitors from 30 countries from 19-23 August. With foreign participation at 45 per cent, gamescom has become the industry’s international meeting point at a stroke. Over a total of 120,000 square metres of exhibition space, the industry community, from developers to publishers and trading partners all the way to the large group of gamers, will meet in halls 4 to 9 of Koelnmesse.
Fans and friends of interactive entertainment can look forward to a grand show of game premieres, a spectacular event and entertainment programme on the entire trade show grounds – indoors and outdoors – and in the city itself at the gamescom Festival. Already well over 100 world, European and German premieres of games in all genres are on the bill. With more than 30 exhibitors from the areas of media learning and expertise, and the gamescom congress organised by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Europe’s largest event for interactive entertainment and games is also giving a huge boost to child welfare. Koelnmesse, the German Association of Interactive Entertainment Software (BIU), the City of Cologne and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia are ready to launch the premiere of gamescom. “The games can begin,” say Oliver P. Kuhrt, Managing Director of Koelnmesse, and Olaf Wolters, head of the BIU, in unison.
Industry meeting place
With foreign companies making up 45 per cent of exhibitors – including firms from the UK, France, the US and Canada – gamescom is already the new international industry meeting place right from the start. Games producers from France, Italy, the UK, Scandinavia, Taiwan and Thailand will present their products on six shared stands. The business area (halls 4 and 5) will see the European games industry do business with their trading partners, while the entertainment area (halls 6 to 9) is devoted to companies presenting their new products to private visitors. For example in hall 6 of gamescom, companies including Activision Blizzard, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Square Enix and Take Two will showcase their latest titles. In hall 7, Konami, Sony and Ubisoft, Bigben Interactive, Hama, Koch Media and others will cater to fans of interactive entertainment. In hall 8, next to the north entrance, firms including Nintendo, Namco Bandai, Sega, Warner Brothers, dtp and Tivola will present their innovations. Hall 9 puts e-sports, core gaming and the dynamic online gaming segment centre stage. Here, Turtle Entertainment, GOA, NcSoft, Funcom and others will show their products in the best light. To ensure that visitors to gamescom have as much active gaming time as possible, themed game zones (lifestyle, sport, action & adventure, e-sports) will complement the exhibitor stands. This is where the virtual world of games meets its real-world counterpart.
World premieres and interactive supporting programme
In the entertainment area, visitors to gamescom will experience a festival of new computer and video games. It will feature new products in just about every genre, from infotainment and edutainment games, to casual, sports and music games, all the way to action and adventure. In short, video and PC, online and browser games producers and hardware providers, too, will be presenting their latest developments, with exhibitors presenting more than one hundred world, European and German premieres. Sports fans, for example, can look forward to the premieres of Pro Evolution Soccer 10, FIFA 10, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and Tony Hawk Ride, while racing aficionados will be treated to Need for Speed Nitro and Forza Motorsport 3. The pulses of music-lovers will also be quickened by titles such as Guitar Hero 5, DJ Hero 5, The Beatles Rock Band, Band Hero, LIPS – No. 1 Hits and Just sing.
The line-up of global players from around the world is already being hotly awaited by the European gaming community in the focus area of online, browser and mobile games. Besides browser game market leaders gameforge and Bigpoint, more than 20 companies from Germany, Europe and South Korea will present the entire gamut of games and latest blockbusters, among them World of Warcraft and “Celebrities”.
Away from the screens and monitors, the interactive supporting programme at gamescom will provide the best in entertainment. Creative costumed action fans and friends of relaxing entertainment at gamescom will certainly get their money’s worth in the real world too. For example, from Thursday the best case modders will battle it out in the German case-modding championships, which will award prizes to the most inventive homemade PC housings. People looking to enter the games industry or move within it will want to head straight to the job and career centre in hall 8. There visitors will also find the “Retro Gaming 1972-2009″ exhibition, showcasing almost four decades of gaming history. Outside, cosplayers – costumed players – will be awaiting their turn. On Saturday, the south entrance will be the setting for a cosplay world record attempt, which has been officially registered with Guinness World of Records. Another outdoor event will see the most daring motorcyclists take their racers through the freestyle course. In hall 8, the German Motorcycle Trade Association (Industrie-Verband Motorrad Deutschland – IVM) will showcase the fascinating world of motorbikes and scooters. Participation is the order of the day in other supporting events too. The outdoor course will test entrants’ mettle in overcoming obstacles and becoming the fastest and most effective in getting from A to B, a skill that comes first and foremost in many games, after all. Trade show visitors can also attend small workshops to learn the basics of this trend discipline straight from the pros. From Thursday to Sunday, the other outdoor exhibitor events will provide perfect entertainment for fans and families alike. Those in need of a break from the hubbub in the halls and the grounds can escape to the gamescom beach, where they can relax and recharge before the next round of show highlights.
“gamesCompetence” unites teaching content and expertise
Youth protection, media learning and instruction in media skills come under the “gamesCompetence” heading at gamescom. This event throws the spotlight on offers from young people for their age group, associations, clubs and institutions, as well as the gamescom congress organised by the state government. Almost 40 exhibitors, among them associations, clubs, and educational facilities, will actively participate in the “gamesCompetence” event highlight. The NRW 2009 Youth Forum in hall 8 hosted in collaboration with Cologne Youth Welfare Office will centre on offers from young people for young people. Also taking part in the “gamesCompetence” programme: the Federal Centre for Political Education (Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung – BpB), the Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (Kommission für Jugendmedienschutz – KJM), the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons (Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Medien – BPjM) and educational facilities including the University of Cologne. The main highlight of the gamescom days under the sign of youth protection, media learning and expertise is the gamescom congress to be staged under the state government’s auspices on 20 August in the Congress Centre North. The congress, which is free to all, is devoted to the latest debates revolving around the world of computer gaming. The topic of age-appropriate use of interactive media does not only play a role in the specialist part of gamescom – the right way to deal with games will also be demonstrated live in the trade show grounds. To ensure young people are protected at gamescom itself, visitors will be given coloured armbands according to their age. This follows the guidelines of self-regulating software body the USK and enables exhibitors to ensure that games are only played by the age groups they are intended for. Games for players aged 16 and over will be demonstrated in a closed-off area of exhibitor stands. All in all, the offers for parents and teachers, educators, politicians, media and other interested parties at “gamescompetence” range from practical applications and tools all the way to top political discussions.
The gamescom Festival takes the games into the city
The supporting gamescom Festival takes the games into the city where it will address the target group of casual gamers, leisure and occasional players after the trade show closes with lots of fun. The city centre around Rudolfplatz, Friesenplatz and Neumarkt will feature two stages with an entertaining line-up of live acts, while the area between Rudolfplatz and Friesenplatz will be given over to interactive gaming with show trucks and game modules. The festival will open its doors on 19 August with top European music act Die Toten Hosen who will appear with Gentlemen and other top names to rock the audience in the dancing zone adjoining the trade show grounds. Following the opening ceremony on Wednesday, the city festival in downtown Cologne will provide spectacular entertainment from Friday to Sunday. National and international music acts, interactive gaming and the BÄM Awards will showcase fun from its best angle over three days true to the gamescom motto, “Celebrate the games”.
Namco Bandai Partners GAMESCOM line-up
New GamesCom Event in Cologne, Germany Plays Host to Stellar Line Up of Titles for All, from NAMCO BANDAI Games, Atari and More
Namco Bandai Partners unveiled the exciting and varied line up of titles that it will showcase at GamesCom 2009 in Cologne, Germany from August 19th to 23rd. Bringing some of the year’s most anticipated titles to the hands of the biggest audience of video game fans in the world, NAMCO BANDAI Partners’ impressive stand, located in Hall 8, Stand B 040, will feature a huge number of public hands-on gaming stations and a seated theatre where new trailers will be screened exclusively for visitors to the show.
GamesCom 2009 is the first event where newly re-named video game distribution company NAMCO BANDAI Partners will present its strong line up of highly anticipated games with something for everyone, whether a hardcore gamer or just looking for a dose of top quality fun.
Titles available for fans to play include the most eagerly awaited fighting games TEKKEN 6 and Dragon Ball Raging Blast, anime-based titles Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo and One Piece Unlimited Cruise 2, acclaimed role playing adventure Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World, adrenaline-fuelled family party game Family Trainer: Extreme Challenge, Massively Multiplayer Online title Champions Online, and Katamari Forever, a game that defies categorisation but continues to win the hearts of players the world over.
On Wednesday 19th August, ahead of the public opening of the show, NAMCO BANDAI Partners will host its first press conference where major exclusive new announcements will be made to the world’s gaming media.
TEKKEN 6 (Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3)
Release date: Autumn, 2009
Developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., TEKKEN 6 brings the blockbuster fighting series onto multiple platforms for the first time in the history of the TEKKEN franchise with stunning realism, uncompromising quality, major gameplay enhancements and the largest character roster ever seen in the TEKKEN series.
Dragon Ball: Raging Blast (Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3)
Release date: Autumn, 2009
Dragon Ball®: Raging Blast, is the first video game in the Budokai Tenkaichi series to come to the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Featuring stunning HD graphics and audio, destructible environments and enhanced character features, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast takes players far beyond the realms of the original anime series.
Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo (Wii™)
Release date: Autumn, 2009
Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo is the first ever appearance of the original Dragon Ball story on Wii in glorious 3D. Players will control Kid Goku as he sets out on fantastic adventures with his friends. The title faithfully reproduces the uniqueness and special humour of the early Dragon Ball series, while adding an original blend of action and adventure to the mix
One Piece Unlimited Cruise 2 (Wii™)
Release date: September, 2009
The sequel to The Treasures beneath the Waves, One Piece Unlimited Cruise 2: Awakening of a Hero is based on the hit Japanese anime and manga, and features a pirate’s hoard of graphical and gameplay enhancements. Follow the path of Luffy, in his adventure to become the greatest pirate and his quest for the One Piece!
Tales of Symphonia™: Dawn of the new world (Wii™)
Release date: Autumn, 2009
Only on Wii ™, the game continues the story of the best-selling Tales of Symphonia™ for Nintendo GameCube™, while introducing a new monster collection system that lets players capture, evolve and do battle with more than 200 monsters alongside a huge cast of new and returning characters.
Family Trainer: Extreme Challenge (Wii™)
Release date: September, 2009
Following up on its wildly successful predecessor, the motion sensing Wii Remote™ is partnered with an original custom mat controller to provide a total body gaming experience in an extreme sports setting. With Family Trainer Extreme Challenge anyone can be an extreme sports star in the comfort of their own home!
Katamari Forever (PLAYSTATION®3)
Release date: September, 2009
Featuring the largest collection of stages, modes, songs, and cousins to date, remixed classic Katamari Damacy tunes, a brand-new storyline, multiple new visual effects and 1080p graphics, Katamari Forever is the ultimate Katamari experience.
Champions Online (PC)
Release date: September, 2009
Champions Online brings epic heroism back to the MMORPG with fast-paced, epic combat. A boundless character creator takes the experience to the next level; players can even choose the appearance and style of their powers to complete their vision! A unique Nemesis system also lets players tap into a powerful customization tool to craft their own enemy, an ultimate adversary who will appear throughout a hero’s career.
For more information on Namco Bandai Partners, please visit www.namcobandaipartners.com
World Cyber Games 2009 – US finals to be staged at the end of September
The WCG National Finals in NYC are the Next Stop to Reaching Chengdu, China this November
With just under 100 days remaining until the World Cyber Games (WCG) Grand Final kicks-off in Chengdu, China, the WCG has announced key dates leading up to the showcase event for the world’s largest and most inclusive international computer and videogame festival. This year, over 700 of the world’s top eSports players from more than 70 countries are expected to represent their countries and battle it out for honor and glory at the Grand Final, known as the Olympics of gaming.
The road to the exciting and intensely competitive five-day journey that will determine the best eSports players in the world kicks into high gear as all participating Grand Final countries conduct their National Final. Included amongst them will be TEAM USA, who won the overall tournament in 2007 and finished third last year. The U.S. will determine its team for the 12 official WCG titles at the National Finals held in conjunction with the New York Anime Festival on September 25-27. Anyone who wants to participate in the USA WCG National Final this year still has time to qualify by visiting www.WCG.com/USA to register for the WCG Online Tournaments to qualify for your shot at TEAM USA.
Fans can follow all of the action for the U.S. National Final, and all other National Finals, by logging onto www.WCG.com. Additionally, if they log on in September, they can watch live as the WCG unveils the group drawings. During the live event, fans can find out the match-ups for the Grand Final.
In October, online press registration will be open during October for all media interested in attending the event. Media members can save time by obtaining their press pass on-site directly during the event, guaranteeing admission to all WCG 2009 Grand Final events.
Here comes the HERO!
Come and meet the heroes!
See you in Chengdu!
PES 2010: Master League Evolves
Konami reveals expanded managerial elements, including new fiscal, sponsorship, and youth team elements
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has outlined significant advances to the Master League section of its forthcoming PES 2010 title.
Master League has proven one of the key attributes to the PES series’ longevity, and PES 2010 will introduce a number of new elements that will contribute to the overall realism and lasting appeal of the new game.
On selecting the Master League option, players are now presented with a menu split into three areas: ‘Club House’, ‘Stadium Walk’, and ‘Office’. Each of these is an umbrella for different parts of a manager’s role, with ‘Club House’ used for tactical and match day options, ‘Stadium Walk’ for main game settings, and ‘Office’ for scouting and player acquisition dealings.
The in-game menus are now much simpler to navigate, and players can jump between the three areas with ease. The Club House element has also seen the creation of an all-new Youth Team section, which works alongside the first team squad. As the game progresses, the player can opt to invest in talented members of their youth team to fast-track their development. This burgeoning talent can then be introduced into the first team, as with so many real-life ‘academies.’
The Office area is where all transfer and financial dealings take place. Real currency is now used in PES 2010, and additional monetary routes are also available. Sponsorships can now be negotiated, with player securing big money deals with companies that can be used to invest in the team and youth set-up. Results on field affect the direct value of the club tio interested parties, and fan clubs are also used as a barometer of the club’s success.