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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

01/25/2011 - Free to Play Fishing Game Casts Off
Redbana Announces New Online Fishing Game Grand Mer

World’s First Free-to-Play Online Fishing Game with Rod & Reel Controller and iPhone App, Coming Soon to North America

SAN FRANCISCO - January 25, 2011 - Redbana and T3 Entertainment today announced their new upcoming title for PC, Grand Mer. Currently under development and nearing Closed Beta Testing, Grand Mer is the world’s first free-to-play online fishing game set in an open and persistent ocean world. Featuring 3D graphics and accessible controls that are easy to learn yet hard to master, the new title offers the thrill of fishing for the big one in friendly competition with other online gamers. Dates for the Closed Beta Test and launch are yet to be announced, although gamers are encouraged to view the latest wallpapers and pre-release video trailer included with this announcement and join the mailing list by registering at
www.t3fun.com.

Grand Mer takes place in the year 2018 on planet Earth after massive flooding caused by global warming, climate change and heavy rains. Fishing is now the single most important activity as the human race fights starvation in an effort to survive. Players entering the world for the first time will begin by selecting one of six characters with varying degrees of skill and fishing talents. Upgradeable characters, boats and fishing gear personalize the experience as players work to enhance their skills. An open world of seas features dynamically changing shoals of fish, leading anglers on a hunt that requires expert tracking of weather, time and location. Experience a casual and fun fishing environment with friends in free-play mode, or battle against other anglers in a race for the ultimate catch and glory!

Game features include:
Realistic fishing action with accessible fishing controls that anyone can learn, yet challenging to master.
Dynamic Fish Shoal System: Location, weather, and time of day are key to locating the more than 120 different species of fish to catch.
Fishing Guides: Select one of multiple NPCs to share the experience with and receive help locating the best fishing holes.
Multiple Game Modes: Free Fishing (with up to 100 players), Battle Mode (individual, team and club matches), Tour Mode (complete missions and earn rewards), Championship Mode.
Real-time Rankings: Track your biggest and best catches on global leader-boards and see what other anglers are reeling in.
Custom Boats: Enjoy speeding on the open ocean in high performance fishing boats. Upgrade your ride’s look and improve turning, acceleration and speed.
Custom Gear: Acquire or purchase new rods, reels and lures that specialize in catching different types of fish.
Fishing Rod and iPhone App Controllers: Use the exclusive Grand Mer fishing rod controller equipped with a motion sensor and vibration feedback for an even more realistic fishing experience. Or control the game with the Grand Mer iPhone App, complete with vibration feedback.

View the official pre-release video trailer on YouTube at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXYJ6APms1c

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Monday, January 24, 2011

01/24/2011 - Rockstar Games Announces L.A. Noir Release Date
Rockstar Games Announces Release Dates for L.A. Noire

NEW YORK, Jan 24, 2011 - Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), and Team Bondi Pty. Ltd. are proud to announce that  L.A. Noire is expected to launch on both the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on May 17, 2011 in North America and May 20, 2011 in Europe.

"L.A. Noire breaks new ground for us," said Sam Houser, founder of Rockstar Games. "Its intense blend of action and real detective work defies genre conventions to create a unique and captivating thriller."

Set amid the violence and corruption of post-World War II Los Angeles,  L.A. Noire is a crime thriller that seamlessly blends crime-solving, clue-finding, car chases and shoot-outs with revolutionary new interrogation-based gameplay that will allow players to read characters' emotions in order to reveal the truth. Players will take on the role of Cole Phelps, a decorated war veteran, who rises through the ranks of the LAPD by solving a series of gruesome murders and other crimes that bring him face-to-face with the dark heart of Los Angeles during Hollywood's Golden Age.

Developed in a special partnership with Rockstar Games and Team Bondi,  L.A. Noire employs ground-breaking new MotionScan performance-scanning technology. MotionScan utilizes 32 high-definition cameras to capture actors' faces in 3D, transferring every aspect of their performance into the game, enabling players for the first time to lip-read in-game characters and to read every facial expression down to the finest detail.

For more information, log onto  www.rockstargames.com/lanoire.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, WiiTM, Nintendo DSTM, iPhone®, iPod® touch and iPadTM. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. The Company's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at  www.take2games.com.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks and "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Submitted By: E. Thomas


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Friday, January 21, 2011

01/21/2011 - Duke Nukem Forever Release Date Announced
Duke Nukem Forever® Set to Kick Ass and Chew Bubblegum Starting May 3, 2011
Bodacious, EGO-dosed action game brings over-the-top FUN and non-PC humor back to games
Windsor, UK – January 21, 2011 2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today what will be a landmark date in gaming history - legendary hero Duke Nukem will make his triumphant return in Duke Nukem Forever® on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC on May 3, 2011 in North America and May 6, 2011 internationally!

Duke Nukem is one of the biggest and most recognisable brands in the interactive entertainment industry. Irreverent, non-PC, and uber macho, Duke Nukem is the perfect, uncompromising ass-kicking hero to remedy the overdose of today’s gaming archetypes. Duke brings his signature brand of babe-lovin’, cigar-smoking, beer-chugging and ass-kicking action as he saves the Earth and its babes from hordes of invading aliens. Where will you be when Duke Nukem Forever launches? Better mark your calendars, Duke’s legend is being told this May and his brand new trailer, viewable at
www.dukenukemforever.com, promises to blow your mind!

“The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here,” declared Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “May 3, 2011 marks Duke’s return as he unleashes his brash and brutally honest wit on the world. His return is going to be epic and one that will make video gaming history!”

Put on your shades and prepare to step into the boots of Duke Nukem,whose legend has reached epic proportions in the years since his last adventure. The alien hordes are invading and only Duke can save the world. Pig cops, alien shrink rays and enormous alien bosses can’t stop our hero from accomplishing his one and only goal: to save the world, save the babes and to be a bad-ass while doing it. The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, non-stop action, and unprecedented levels of interactivity. This game puts the pedal to the metal and tongue firmly in cheek. Shoot hoops, lift weights, read adult magazines, draw crude messages on whiteboards or ogle the many hot women that occupy Duke’s life - that is if you can pull yourself away long enough from destroying alien invaders. Duke Nukemwas andwill forever be a gaming icon, and this is his legend.

“When I said goodbye to 3D Realms and the original Duke Nukem 3D team in 1997 and soon after founded Gearbox Software, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that a day like today would come,” said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. "Today I am proud, humbled and even astounded to announce that the day is coming at last for all gamers to be a part of video game history: Duke Nukem Forever will launch worldwide this May!”

Players looking to get access to the Duke Nukem Forever playable demo before it is publicly released can join the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club.A membership certificate for the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club is included within the Borderlands™ Game of the Year edition , where customers will be able to experience the definitive, value-packed collection of the critically acclaimed and best-selling Role-Playing-Shooter that has captured the imagination and attention of single-player and cooperative gamers around the world. 

For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, including where to pre-order a copy, please visit
www.dukenukemforever.com. Duke Nukem Forever is rated BBFC 18 (TBC).

2K Games is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

01/20/2011 - Konami Introduces Dr. Lautrec for Nintendo 3DS
Introducing Doctor Lautrec…

KONAMI unveils the latest puzzle hero for Nintendo 3DS
                                                                                                                               
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has revealed a new puzzle-based adventure game set in the 19th Century Paris for the new Nintendo 3DS handheld system, provisionally entitled Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights.

Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights centres on a treasure map that details a series of locations the player must visit as the game progresses. Doctor Lautrec, an archaeology professor, is a combative figure whose love of mysteries and history draw him to follow the many instructions the ancient map details. Lautrec is not a popular man at the University where he teaches, with his unorthodox attitudes also reflected in his less than moral ways of tackling puzzles. Thankfully, he is assisted by a young, eager student called Sophie who uses the adventure to learn from the master and to temper his… excesses.

As such, the player steers Lautrec through the game, using reasoning, logic and a keen eye to decipher riddles, solve object-related puzzles and work out the puzzle at the very heart of the map. Thanks to the power of the Nintendo 3DS, the game makes full use of the system’s added dimension to add 3D solutions to key puzzles, including the ability to scrutinize located objects from all directions, or zoom in to highlight a piece of scenery that matches something on the map. Similarly, the linking scenes are also viewed in stunning 3D, with the cartoon links brought to vivid life.

In total, Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights offers hours of puzzling and exploration, with a rich cast of supporting characters on hand to both assist and hinder Lautrec’s quest. As the Doctor and Sophie search for clues, rival Professors will attempt to sabotage his mission, while an elegant scholar is revealed to be a member of a notorious crime gang. And, even then, that’s just the start of the many perils that Lautrec and Sophie find themselves facing…

Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights (working title) will be released for Nintendo 3DS in Summer 2011.

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

01/19/2011 - Ubisoft Unveils 3DS Lineup
UBISOFT® UNVEILS NINTENDO 3DS LINEUP

LONDON, UK – January 19, 2011 – Today, Ubisoft announced that it will support the upcoming launch of the Nintendo 3DSTM with the release of eight games in the first half of calendar year 2011.

A recognised pioneer on new platforms, Ubisoft is taking advantage of the stereoscopic 3D and other innovative features of Nintendo’s new handheld console to develop a diverse line-up of games. Ubisoft’s Nintendo 3DS™ line-up includes new intellectual properties as well as original renditions of some of its most popular franchises such as Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® and Rayman®.

“Ubisoft is a leader in developing innovative content for Nintendo platforms and we’re thrilled to continue that tradition, offering numerous titles out of the gate for all audiences for the Nintendo 3DS,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft.  “Ubisoft’s creative teams have developed a rich and diverse line-up of games that take advantage of the amazing innovations that Nintendo has designed with its new handheld platform.”

Ubisoft’s history of originality on Nintendo platforms includes the Wii™ multi-million selling franchises Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Red Steel®, and the best-selling Nintendo DSTM franchises Imagine® and Petz®.

Ubisoft games that will be available in the first half of 2011 for the North American and European launch of the Nintendo 3DS™ include:

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® Sam Fisher is back in this masterpiece of the stealth/action genre, mixing the tension and realism that makes the essence of the franchise with unprecedented immersion and accessibility thanks to the stereoscopic 3D and innovative controls of the Nintendo 3DS™.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® Shadow Wars: The first tactical, turn-based Ghost Recon game, featuring eye-popping 3D cut scenes and in-game effects, deep team management options and a 1vs1 multiplayer mode on the same console.  

Rayman® 3D:  One of the most popular franchises of all time lands on Nintendo 3DS™ with an outstanding platform experience that will take advantage of the Nintendo 3DS™ specifications with impressive graphics, stunning 3D effects and full use of the Circle Pad. An adaptation of the acclaimed  Rayman 2 The Great Escape® original game on Dreamcast,  Rayman 3D will feature major updates on key game play elements such as accessibility, progression and learning curve.

Rabbids® 3D:  Rabbids are bwaaaaaack and this time they have an infallible plan to invade the human world: conquer history in their first platform adventure developed exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS™. 

James Noir’s Hollywood CrimesTM: A brand new intellectual property developed exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS™, James Noir’s Hollywood Crimes makes the player the main character in a mind-twisting puzzle adventure taking place in an interactive 3D world, with 150 puzzles and mind games to solve. 

Driver® Renegade:  The first and exclusive action driving game on the Nintendo 3DS™ that lets the player experience the intensity and brutality of urban car chases in 3D. Players will embody the Driver series hero John Tanner and use the accelerometer to unleash their urban driving skills. 

Combat of Giants® Dinosaurs 3D:  This 3D take on the popular kids’ franchise mixes exploration and customization with real-time combats. Players ages 7 to 10-years old will be immersed into a cataclysmic universe and live the ultimate 3D fighting experience.

Asphalt™ 3D:  Developed by Gameloft and published by Ubisoft,  Asphalt™ 3D brings all the excitement and speed of the Asphalt franchise to stereoscopic 3D, featuring more than 40 licensed vehicles, 17 exotic track locations and complete StreetPass™ functionality. 

For more information about Ubisoft's Nintendo 3DS line-up, please go to
http://3ds.ubi.com.

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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01/19/2011 - Nintendo 3DS Price $249, US Launch March 27th
NINTENDO 3DS BRINGS A DIMENSIONAL SHIFT TO THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT ON MARCH 27


Glasses-Free 3D Gaming System Comes Packed with Features at Suggested Retail Price of $249.99

NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2011 - The company that changed the world of video games with touch-screen gaming in 2004 and motion-controlled gaming in 2006 now pioneers the next dimensional shift. On March 27, Nintendo introduces portable entertainment in 3D - without the need for special glasses. The Nintendo 3DS™ system will be available in either Cosmo Black or Aqua Blue, and will have a suggested retail price of $249.99. Pricing outside the United States will be established by the local markets, but offer similar consumer value.

"Nintendo 3DS is a category of one - the experience simply doesn't exist anywhere else," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "You have to see Nintendo 3DS to believe it. And it's like nothing you've ever seen before."

Nintendo 3DS includes two screens. The bottom touch screen makes use of a telescoping stylus that is stored in the unit itself. The top screen displays 3D visuals to the naked eye. Looking at the screen is like peering through a window into a world where characters and objects have true depth. The system also has a 3D Depth Slider that lets players select the level of 3D they enjoy the most. The 3D effect can be ratcheted up to the highest level, scaled back to a more moderate setting or even turned off completely, depending on the preference of the user.

In addition to the familiar + Control Pad and button controls found on previous Nintendo hand-helds, Nintendo 3DS now also includes a Circle Pad, which provides a full 360 degrees of direction, giving it the freedom and precision needed to play games in 3D worlds. It brings the same degree of responsiveness that gamers enjoyed when Nintendo introduced an analog control stick to navigate Mario™ through Super Mario 64™ on the Nintendo 64™ system.

A built-in motion sensor and gyro sensor can react to the motion and tilt of the system, so whether players are twisting their systems side to side or moving them up and down, their motion-compatible Nintendo 3DS games respond instantly. No other system includes so many tools for game developers to create new and fun experiences for players.

Two features will allow owners to stay connected in new ways. Both deliver bonus content to owners as they move around during their daily lives, so users might open up their systems at any moment to find new surprises. For owners who choose to activate it, the StreetPass™ feature is capable of exchanging game information with other Nintendo 3DS systems as owners pass one another. Small packets of information can be exchanged using this data-transfer method, such as Mii™ character data, maps for games or high scores and custom character data for different games. The SpotPass™ feature can connect to compatible public hotspots and through a wireless broadband Internet connection at home, even if the system is in Sleep Mode. Once connected, the Nintendo 3DS system will receive new content and updates on a regular basis.

Each Nintendo 3DS system comes pre-loaded with a variety of fun games, applications and features, such as Nintendo 3DS Camera. Nintendo 3DS has three cameras. One camera points at the user, while two additional cameras point outward. These two outer cameras take photos in 3D. The fun, built-in game Face Raiders™ asks users to shoot at funny depictions of their own faces. Nintendo 3DS, when put into Sleep Mode, can act as a pedometer, while letting users earn Play Coins for the steps they take that can then be traded in for additional content in compatible games and applications. By accessing the Activity Log, users can check their steps as well as their play time. With Nintendo 3DS Sound, users can enjoy sound-manipulation tools or rock out while listening to their MP3 or AAC music files. An upgraded Internet browser will also be available via a system update.

The Mii Maker™ application gives users new tools to create Mii™ characters even more easily: Users can either import Mii characters from their Wii systems using an SD memory card or use the camera to take a picture of a person and have an automatic Mii character created. Users can even save their Mii characters to an SD card as pictures, which enables them to be used any way a digital photo would for personal use, such as a profile picture on social-networking sites.

The Nintendo eShop, through a system update, will offer access to downloadable games, including Nintendo DSiWare™ and ones specifically made for Nintendo 3DS. Also, just as the Virtual Console service on Wii makes retro games available for download, the Virtual Console games on Nintendo 3DS will be pulled from classic Game Boy™ and Game Boy Color games. Players will be able to view game videos, download demos for select games and see how other consumers rated the games. The Nintendo eShop will use a cash-based system. Users can either input credit card information in the shop or purchase a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at retail locations.

Nintendo 3DS comes with six augmented-reality cards, called AR cards. When the two outer cameras are pointed at the cards, they read the cards and superimpose images and animations onto the scene. So users shouldn't be surprised if they see a dragon popping out of their kitchen tables. Developers can also use this technology to add creative new experiences to their games.

Built-in parental controls can be used to limit Internet access or some of the wireless functions. By using a PIN code, parents also can turn off the 3D function altogether, or limit the ratings of the games that their kids can play.

Fans of online play will be happy to learn that the friend codes for Nintendo 3DS are specific to each Nintendo 3DS system, not each game. Once friends trade hardware codes, at any time they can check their friends list to see which of their friends are online and what they are playing.

Nintendo 3DS can also play Nintendo DS game cards with their original 2D visuals. The system also includes a slot for an SD memory card. To help users get started, every system comes with a 2GB SD memory card (though owners can provide whatever size they like). Using a service that will be provided after the hardware's launch, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ owners will be able to transfer games downloaded from the Nintendo DSi Shop onto their new Nintendo 3DS systems.


During the launch window (between the March 27 launch date and the E3 Expo in early June) more than 30 games will be available to Nintendo 3DS owners. These include Nintendo-created games like Pilotwings Resort™, which has players soaring acrobatically over iconic Wuhu Island; nintendogs™ + cats, a new version of the Nintendo DS classic with a feline enhancement; and Steel Diver™, a side-scrolling submarine adventure that gives the illusion that the player is peering into an aquarium. Other Nintendo 3DS games in the works include The Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time™ 3D, Star Fox 64™ 3D, Kid Icarus™: Uprising and new installments in the Mario Kart™, Animal Crossing™ and Paper Mario™ series.

Nintendo 3DS also enjoys some of the strongest third-party support of any system launch. A partial list of titles coming soon to Nintendo 3DS includes Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked from Atlus; Super Street Fighter® IV 3D Edition and Resident Evil®: The Mercenaries 3D from Capcom; Madden NFL Football from EA SPORTS; The Sims™ 3 from Electronic Arts; Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D from Konami; LEGO® Star Wars® III: The Clone Wars™ from LucasArts™; Ridge Racer® 3D and Dual Pen Sports™ from Namco Bandai Games America Inc.; Super Monkey Ball™ 3D, Thor™: God of Thunder and CRUSH™ 3D from SEGA; BUST-A-MOVE™ UNIVERSE from Square Enix, Inc.; Samurai Warriors® Chronicles and Dead or Alive® Dimensions from Tecmo Koei America Corp.; and Asphalt™ 3D, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon® Shadow Wars, Combat of Giants™: Dinosaurs 3D, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell® 3D, Rayman® 3D and Rabbids® Travel in Time from Ubisoft.

For more information about Nintendo 3DS, visit
http://www.nintendo3ds.com.

Submitted By: E. Thomas


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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

01/18/2011 - Nintendo 3DS, DKCR, and Cliffy B to headline GDC 2011
GDC 2011 Adds Major Nintendo 3DS, Bleszinski, Donkey Kong Country Returns Talks

Organizers of GDC 2011 have revealed two new Nintendo-related lectures, including 3DS producer Hideki Konno on the handheld's development and a Donkey Kong Country Returns postmortem, plus a rare design lecture from Epic's Cliff Bleszinski.

As the overall session list for the February/March event expands even further ahead of the Monday, January 24th early registration deadline, following the confirmation of a Nintendo keynote from the company's president Satoru Iwata.

These talks are part of GDC 2011's Main Conference, which takes place at the Moscone Center from Wednesday March 2nd to Friday March 4th, 2011 during the pre-eminent, San Francisco-based event.

The GDC 2011 Main Conference features discipline-specific Tracks dedicated to programming, design, art, audio, business and management, and production.

These brand new additions to the GDC 2011 roster include the following lectures:

- Nintendo veteran Hideki Konno is presenting a rare lecture at GDC called 'The Development Process Of The Nintendo 3DS'. This is the first time that the Super Mario Kart director - who has worked at Nintendo since 1986 - has talked in detail about his work on the glasses-free 3D handheld gaming system.

As the lecture description explains of Konno: "Recently, for the first time in his career, he was assigned the role of overall producer for new Nintendo hardware: the Nintendo 3DS system. Mr. Konno will discuss how he has dealt with the challenges of developing the successor to Nintendo DS while, at the same time, being deeply involved in the software creation process of Nintendogs+Cats as the game's producer."

- In his first public game design talk in several years, Epic's Cliff Bleszinski is presenting 'Industry Lessons Learned and Applying Them to the Road Ahead' at GDC this year. He'll be focusing on a multitude of topics, starting with "understanding marketing and PR are not only important to a game's promotion but to its actual design and implementation."

Along the way, the Gears Of War franchise co-creator, also working on current Epic titles such as BulletStorm, will discuss "the current state of the industry and the future, [featuring] Bleszinski's thoughts on AAA gaming, social gaming, and the connected future", with plenty of detail from a design and business perspective.

- Elsewhere, in 'Donkey Kong: Swinging Across Oceans', a trio of Retro Studios and Nintendo developers discuss the major-selling first-party Wii title Donkey Kong Country Returns. They'll touch on why "the process of game design is never easy. But it gets even more complicated when the needs of a global audience are considered, and development spans an ocean."

As explained, the game "was created in tandem by Retro Studios in Texas and Nintendo's development department in Kyoto. Nintendo's Kensuke Tanabe, who specializes in such overseas collaborations, as well as Retro Studios' Michael Kelbaugh and Bryan Walker, will jointly discuss how different minds on different continents can combine to create a title that has global appeal."

At the forefront of game development, Game Developers Conference continues to deliver the most pertinent and informative updates in digital entertainment, with a host of GDC 2011 Main Conference and Summit content announcements to come over the next few weeks.

Game Developers Conference 2011 - the 25th iteration of the industry-leading show - will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from February 28th to March 4th, and early reduced-price registration is open only until January 24th. For more information on all aspects of the show, visit the official GDC 2011 website -
http://www.gdconf.com  

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Monday, January 17, 2011

01/17/2011- Kinect Wins Top Exergaming Award
Kinect Wins Top International Exergaming Award

Microsoft Kinect has been awarded the top accolade by public vote in The Exergame Network Awards 2010. Fifteen categories covered the new generation of Active Video Games with nominations from industry experts and public votes from around the world.

Jan 17, 2011 – In the category for Best Home Exergame of 2010, Microsoft’s Kinect Sports has taken the honours with the majority of the public vote. Nintendo Wii Fit and Sports achieved significant victories in awards for older exergamers and rehabilitation.

”The inaugural TEN Awards is a significant initiative to raise public awareness of the commercial grade Exergaming solutions available world wide and to honour the key pioneering manufacturers in this exciting health and fitness genre” says Brett Young, founding member of The Exergame Network and CEO of Exergaming Australia.

The full results of The Exergame Network Awards 2010 are as follows;
- Best Children's Exergame - WINNER: Dance Dance Revolution Disney Grooves by Konami
- Best Physical Education Exergame - WINNER: Gamercize Pro-Sport for Wii
- Best Seniors Exergame - WINNER: Nintendo Wii Sports Bowling
- Best Accessibility Exergame - WINNER: Nintendo Wii Sports
- Best Home Dance Exergame - WINNER: Konami DDR
- Best Commercial Grade Dance Exergame - WINNER: Positive Gaming iDANCE2
- Best Exergame Fitness Avatar - WINNER: Wii Yoga
- Best Rehabilitation Exergame - WINNER: Nintendo Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus
- Best Group Exergame - WINNER: Positive Gaming iDANCE2
- Best Gateway Exergame - WINNER: Nintendo Wii Sports
- Best Competition Exergame - WINNER: Gamercize Pro-Sport for Xbox 360
- Best Brain Exergame - WINNER: NeuroActive BrainBike
- Best Music in an Exergame - WINNER: Positive Gaming iDANCE2
- Best Commercial Exergame 2010 - WINNER: Positive Gaming iDANCE2
- Best Home Exergame 2010 - WINNER: Microsoft Kinect Sports

”The first ever TEN Awards is a great step in helping both consumers and healthcare professionals know where to start when trying to select (or recommend) an exergame for their particular need. The voting was from a wide array of exergaming enthusiasts from around the globe. I believe this is a great start and hope that this will encourage game developers and exergaming manufacturers to continue to produce great products and raise the field of exergaming” says Dr. Ernie Medina, Jr., DrPH, founding member of The Exergame Network, CEO of MedPlay Technologies, and the “Exergaming Evangelist/Interventionist”.

The full nominations and results are available on The Exergame Network website at
http://www.exergamenetwork.org and an analysis of the voting data will be provided later this year through TEN member and Co-Director of the USF Active Gaming Labs, Dr Lisa Hansen. The Exergame Network can be joined or contacted via LinkedIn, Facebook, Wiki, Twitter or by email at info@exergamenetwork.org

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Saturday, January 15, 2011

01/15/2011 - Pinball FX2 Tournament with Prizes
Hey Lab Rat, Pinball FX2 High Score Tournament: BioLab LIVE Now!

Twisted Pixel, Capcom & RedLynx chip in to for some sweet prize packs for the top 3 scores!

Hit the lab and build crazy creatures with the Mad Scientist in the Pinball FX2 BioLab table over the next two weeks as you compete for the BioLab table crown. Some of our XBLA comrades have been gracious enough to pick from their stores of swag and redeemable game-codes to really spice up the prize packs!

1st Place –

    o   4,000 MS Points

    o   Marvel Pinball DLC

    o   Comic Jumper game-code & t-shirt from Twisted Pixel

    o   XBLA or PSN arcade game-code from Capcom

    o   Trials HD – Big Thrills game-code and a limited edition Trials HD hoodie from RedLynx


2nd Place –

    o   1600 MS Points

    o   Marvel Pinball DLC

    o   T-Shirt from Twisted Pixel

    o   XBLA or PSN game-code from Capcom

    o   Trials HD – Big Thrills game-code from RedLynx


3rd Place –

    o   800 MS Points

    o   Marvel Pinball DLC

    o   XBLA or PSN game-code from Capcom

    o   Trials HD – Big Thrills game-code from RedLynx

There were 26,339 official entries in the Secrets of the Deep High Score Tournament, with ancient_of_war taking first place. Will he reign as champion, or be dethroned? The tournament will be open from January 14 – 28. Winners will be notified via Gamertag following the conclusion of the tournament.

To participate in the tournament, select the tournament icon in the Pinball FX2 menu bar. Choose the BioLab, and your score will automatically register upon game completion.

Stay in touch! Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Special thanks to our friends at Twisted Pixel, Capcom and RedLynx for contributing to the prize packs!

Submitted By: E. Thomas


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Friday, January 14, 2011

01/14/2011 - Dreamcast Collection Details
SEGA’s most beloved Dreamcast games in a must-have collection

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (January 14, 2011) – SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced that a packaged compilation of classic titles from SEGA’s popular Dreamcast™ console will hit retail shelves for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC digital download. The Dreamcast Collection will be available on February 25, 2011, in Europe and February 22 in North America.

The Dreamcast Collection includes the fan favorites Sonic Adventure™, Crazy Taxi™, SEGA Bass Fishing™ and Space Channel 5™: Part 2.  Players will get to enjoy four very different Dreamcast experiences, from hopping behind the steering wheel of Crazy Taxi, to taking things a little slower by luring in their fish before catching them hook, line and sinker with SEGA Bass Fishing. Alternatively, take over as intergalactic news reporter Ulala in Space Channel 5: Part 2 and dance your way past the evil Rhythm Rogues, or make it all about speed in Sonic's first Dreamcast outing, Sonic Adventure!

SEGA’s Dreamcast Collection features enhanced graphics for both platforms versions, providing an even more engaging experience. In addition to this, achievements and online leader boards will be available on Xbox 360 for each game providing a competitive edge and allowing players to prove their skills!

“The Dreamcast console is still remembered as a pioneering console for online gaming,” commented Gary Knight, VP of Marketing at SEGA of America and SEGA Europe “We are delighted to be able to offer to our large community of dedicated fans a collection such as Dreamcast Collection for them to enjoy old favorites on this Xbox 360 and Windows PC.”

Dreamcast Collection will be available in North America on February 22, 2011, for Xbox 360 and Windows PC digital download.

Submitted By: E. Thomas


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Thursday, January 13, 2011

01/13/2011 - Lawn Mower Kids now available in Mac App Store
Casually excellent Lawn Mower Kids available at the inception of the Mac App Store

Lawn Mower KidsTM has been launched as one of the first applications in the Mac App Store. Dohi Sweden is proud to release the iOS casual game success Lawn Mower Kids in a digital download channel that boasts a staggering 1 million downloads within 24 hours of its first inception. 

LawnMowerKids is a lawn mowing game that will have you control three kids on three different types of mowers, cutting grass while beating the clock in a stunning visual environment populated by engaging characters. The game is action-packed, but still totally nonviolent, so it is suitable for players of all ages.
LawnMowerKids is an addictive and imaginative cutting-edge game and it should certainly beat the actual act of mowing a lawn.

The game introduces the TNT Kids Tom, Nancy and Tim in a visual setting inspired by the fifties. Use the three different mower types to work out the best strategies to cut the grass avoiding hedges, trees, bushes, and grovel, without upsetting neighbors or household pets that may attack. Lots of in-game humor springs from fun animations and surprising chains of events.

- Wonderful 1950's suburban environment.
- 21 lawns to mow.
- Original Soundtrack.
- Lots of humor.
- Increasing difficulty - increasing pace.
- Avoid cats, dogs, flower settings, football players, party guests and grumpy old Joe.
- Collect Mr. Mowman's coveted medals by beating set times for each level.

Emanuel Dohi, CEO of Dohi Sweden AB, says:  "The new release of Lawn Mower Kids is a direct response to our loved fans that have been asking us for a Mac version. We are very happy and pleased to be first out at the launch of the Mac App Store with a native and unique touch of the game for the Mac platform!"

The iOS game, previously released on iPhone and iPod, has been critically acclaimed for being colorful, inventive and enjoyable gameplay:
- "The multi-tasking portion whereby you need to keep an eye on the three kids simultaneously, to me, represents the fun part of LawnMowerKids; the developers hit a game play sweet spot on this."  Nine Over Ten 9/10
"Besides looking nice, sounding nice and playing nicely, my favourite part of the game was the rather large number of levels."  Portable Gamer 4/5

Apple App Store  is a great way for customers to download games and applications and keep them up to date, all accessible from the same secure location. Today LawnMoverKids can be enjoyed on a regular Mac computer with a unique touch for the platform. In order to use the
App Store for Mac it is necessary that you perform a software update to the latest version of OS X.

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

01/12/11 - DC Universe Online Now Available
CALLING ALL HEROES AND VILLAINS - DC UNIVERSE TM ONLINE NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE FOR THE PC AND PLAYSTATION ® 3

For the First Time, Players Can Create Their Own Heroes or Villains and Team Up with Iconic DC Comics Characters in a Massively Multiplayer Universe on the PlayStation 3 and PC

SAN DIEGO - Jan. 11, 2011 -
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced the availability of its eagerly-awaited online action game DC Universe Online (DCUO) at retailers worldwide for both the PC and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.Licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC Entertainment, DC Universe Online is the first massively multiplayer online (MMO) game on PlayStation 3 for North America and the first MMO game based in the DC Universe, allowing fans to create their own superhero or villain while joining forces with their favorite DC Comics characters such as Superman, Batman and The Joker to aid in saving - or destroying - the planet.

"We're redefining the genre and blazing a new trail in the gaming industry with the introduction of DC Universe Online," said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. "This is the first true action MMO utilizing twitch-based combat and physics to deliver a completely unique and immersive gameplay experience that is reflective of the creativity, action and strength of the DC Universe."

Smedley added: "We worked closely with the talented masterminds at DC Comics on the development of DC Universe Online to explore creative ways we could approach the action, and look and feel of the game to ensure that it extended the DC Universe experience in a way fans have come to know and would expect - from intense action combat that delivers the sensation of having superpowers, to regular interaction with DC superstars like Superman and Batman, and intimate looks at settings like Arkham Asylum and Metropolis."

To capture the true essence of the DC Universe and its iconic characters, Sony Online Entertainment tapped the top talent at DC Comics, including legendary artist and co-publisher of DC Comics, Jim Lee, who served as executive creative director for DC Universe Online and provided the art style for the game. Famed DC comic book writers Geoff Johns and Marv Wolfman were tasked with establishing the backstory of the Universe and creating thousands of compelling story arcs, epic quests and action-packed, in-game events.For example, players might be tasked with rescuing Batwoman from the fear gas that Scarecrow has unleashed in Gotham City's sewers, or battling Power Girl as they work with Lex Luthor to create an army of mutants out of Metropolis citizens. 

DCUO combines the immersive environments and fascinating story arcs of MMOs with fast-paced, physics-based combat to deliver more super-powered action than ever before. In the game , players can pick up buses, fly into the air and throw them at enemies, run up the sides of buildings to engage in melee brawls while shooting flames of fire from their hands, or cling to the side of buildings while using a grappling hook to pull flying opponents out of the sky - all while interacting with the iconic characters of DC Comics.

"DC Universe Online transforms more than 75 years of action and adventure into a fully realized immersive experience that brings players into the world of DC like never before," said Jim Lee, executive creative director for DC Universe Online. "It has been a fascinating experience for me and the team to come up with entertaining and engaging ways to blend the MMO and comic book worlds."

Rated T for Teen by the ESRB with the content descriptors Mild Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes and Violence, DC Universe Online is available in North America for PC and PlayStation 3 for the suggested retail prices of US$49.99 and US$59.99, respectively. One 30-day game subscription is included with purchase of the game for new subscribers, with monthly subscriptions available thereafter starting at US$14.99, with discounts for longer durations. For players of the PC version of the game, DCUO will be included in SOE's all-in-one Station Access subscription (game software is sold separately). DCUO is now available at Best Buy, Gamestop, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us and at other participating video game retailers.

For more information about DC Universe Online, visit
www.DCUniverseOnline.com.

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

01/11/11 - LEGO NinjaGo Revealed
WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND TT GAMES ANNOUNCE LEGO® NINJAGO

Ninjas Face Off in an Epic LEGO®Adventure Spinning Onto the Nintendo DS This Spring

London– Tuesday Jan. 11, 2011– Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games are unleashing an epic family friendly adventure with LEGO®Ninjago: The Videogame for Nintendo DS™, the follow-up title to the highly-successful LEGO® Battles videogame.  Scheduled for release in Spring 2011, the game complements the line-up of LEGO Ninjago products to be released starting today and going throughout 2011.

Produced by critically acclaimed TT Games and developed by Hellbent Games, LEGO Ninjago: The Videogame allows players to become a master of Spinjitzu, an art form in which characters spin and become tornadoes to defeat their enemies, as they restore harmony to the world. Players can choose to play both “good” and “evil” single-player campaigns, test their skills in a variety of Battle Mode challenges, or play with family and friends in exciting multiplayer showdowns.

LEGO Ninjago: The Videogame offers players a humorous way to immerse themselves further in the LEGO Ninjago toy line with action packed battles,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games Publishing. “It is great to build upon the success of the first LEGO Battles game and expand the LEGO Ninjago world with new and classic LEGO characters.”

In LEGO Ninjago: The Videogame, gamers must recover powerful Ninja weapons and overcome challenges featuring dragons, larger-than-life battles and an exciting story line that includes cameos by fan favourites from LEGO Battles.  Packed with action and fun, the game allows players to build and customize their own army of Spinjitzu heroes or Skulkin villains as they deploy armies on missions to defeat the enemy. 

LEGO Ninjago: The Videogame features enhanced graphics and effects, four new multiplayer challenges, and two of the original multiplayer challenges from LEGO Battles, all of which offer kids and families hours of gameplay. 

In a companion release today, The LEGO Group announced the launch of the LEGO Ninjago construction sets, as well as a new Ninjago world within the LEGO Universe MMOG.

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Monday, January 10, 2011

01/10/11 - Kung-Fu LIVE Demo on PSN
Kick Away the Holiday Pounds with the ‘Kung-Fu LIVE’ Demo, Available Now on PlayStation®Network!

All new tutorial videos help combatants setup for high-impact success

A few too many Christmas cookies last month? A piece of pie here, a gallon of gravy there… Did you overload on carbs just before New Year’s, promising yourself that 2011 was the year you’d get off of the couch and finally get in shape? Gamers know that fitness games are nothing new, and many of them have a closet full of gadgets and bathroom-scale gizmos collecting dust to prove it. Calories may have been burned before, but so have the gamers.  Why spend hours in front of the TV pretending you’re at a real gym, when you can JUMP twenty feet in the air, shoot LIGHTING from your fingertips at baddies, SHAKE THE GROUND with the fury of fifty sumo wrestlers, or FREEZE TIME long enough to land a hundred punches square in the face of an evil ninja – all while SWEATING OUT those holiday treats like you’ve been running a marathon in the Mojave Desert?

For owners of the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, thankfully, a solution has finally arrived, and they can now experience a free demo on PlayStation®Network of the hilarious, over-the-top workout intensity for themselves…

Kung-Fu LIVE, from Finland–based independent game developer Virtual Air Guitar Company Ltd., transforms everyday gamers into real life kung-fu action heroes. With their advanced FreeMotion® technology, players can finally put themselves directly into the action when they download the game onto the PS3™.

In its review of the game, GamePro lauded its sense of ridiculousness, saying “Some games are unintentionally goofy, and some, like Kung-Fu LIVE, intentionally cultivate the goof.” Gaming site Joystiq also praised its serious workout appeal, saying “All this wild fist-to-face action will leave you soaked with sweat - no joke, this is a very physical game that will tax your heart and muscles.”

Kung-Fu LIVE has been published independently by Virtual Air Guitar Company Ltd., and provides a fast, fun, and action-packed experience while ushering in a new era of full-body motion gaming. Kung-Fu LIVE is available now on PlayStation®Network for just £ 10.99 GBP. The all-new demo for Kung-Fu LIVE is also available for download now at no cost in both North America and Europe.

For more information about Kung-Fu LIVE, please visit
http://kungfulivegame.com/ or look for more details on the Facebook page for Virtual Air Guitar Company, and be sure to follow the game on Twitter.  

For more information on Virtual Air Guitar Company, please visit
http://virtualairguitar.com

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Saturday, January 8, 2011

01/08/2011 - Japanese Nintendo 3DS Launch Games Revealed
Japanese Nintendo 3DS Launch Games Revealed

Nintendogs + Cats 3DS to headline system launch in Japan.

This week Nintendo is holding their annual Nintendo World Expo in Japan. During this event the company revealed the launch game lineup for the highly anticipated Nintendo 3DS. Here is the complete list of games that will be available for the system launch in Japan.

Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D
Nintendogs + Cats [Three Different Versions]
Professor Layton & The Mask of Miracle
Ridge Racer 3D
Sengoku Musou Chronicle (Samurai Warriors Chronicle)
Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
Tobidasu! Puzzle Bobble
Winning Eleven 3DS Soccer

Nintendo also listed a number of games that have only been confirmed as a "Spring 2011" release. You can see more games on
Nintedo's official Japanese web site. (Japanese Text)

Click here for an English Translation of Nintendo's Japanese web site.

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Friday, January 7, 2011

01/07/2011 - Galaxy On Fire comes to Android Phones
Mobile Sci-Fi Sim Galaxy on Fire 2 now supercharged with NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 3D chipset on Android

A special ultra hi-res OpenGL ES 2.0 version of Fishlabs’ multi award-winning outer space simulation Galaxy on Fire 2TM is demoed at the NVIDIA booth #31431 at CES, Las Vegas, on upcoming Android tablets and super phones powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra 2TM3D chipset.

Las Vegas, USA / Hamburg, Germany, 7 January 2011 – The ultimate outer space simulation for mobile phones and tablets, Galaxy on Fire 2, is being demoed at the NVIDIA booth #31431 at the CES in Las Vegas on upcoming Android super phones and tablets featuring OpenGL ES 2.0 shaders, ultra high-resolution textures and high poly count meshes on NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 3D graphics chip.

Galaxy on Fire 2 has been heavily overworked to utilize the double core rendering power of the NVIDIA Tegra 2 3D graphics accelerator. Compared to the iPad version, the game features a four times higher texture size and a six times higher poly count on its spaceships as well as OpenGL ES 2.0 specular and bump shaders on all in-game assets, running fluidly even at up to 1280 x 800 pixels resolution on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and 3.0 (Honeycomb) tablets.

“If you play Galaxy on Fire 2 on a Tegra 2 powered Android device it can easily compete with the experience on your gaming PC or console,” says Michael Schade, CEO of FISHLABS Entertainment. "With providing console graphics rendering on mobile devices powered by Tegra 2 and more importantly with Tegra Zone promoting superior mobile gaming experience NVIDIA is changing the game in mobile gaming for both developers and gamers."

Neil Trevett, Vice President Mobile Content, NVIDIA adds: “FISHLABS is one of the most talented and experienced mobile games studios in the industry. We are thrilled to be working with them to supercharge Galaxy on Fire 2 ™ with the power of our Tegra 2 chipset.”

Galaxy on Fire 2™ will be ready for sale within the dedicated Tegra 2™ zone on Google Market when first Tegra 2™ powered Android devices hit the streets in February 2011. Supported super phone and tablet models and the pricing of the game will be announced soon.

A special trailer of Galaxy on Fire 2™ on Android demonstrating the superior quality on NVIDIA Tegra 2 is on
YouTube.  

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Thursday, January 6, 2011

01/06/2011 - Kinect Sells 8 Million Units
Xbox Momentum Rolls On: Xbox, Kinect Help Microsoft Connect with Consumers

New Kinect-enabled entertainment experiences, new Xbox LIVE game and entertainment experiences, and huge sales figures led the Xbox team’s announcements at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show and point to ongoing momentum for Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business.

LAS VEGAS – Jan. 6, 2011 – The sales figures released at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show made it official: Kinect has connected with consumers.

Over the past two months consumers have snatched up Kinect almost as quickly as retailers have stocked the shelves, according to sales figures Microsoft reported Wednesday at 2011 CES. Since its release on Nov. 4, more than eight million Kinect sensors have been sold. That figure easily outdistances the five million unit forecast the company had predicted to sell during the sensor’s first 60 days.

Kinect for Xbox 360 was a big hit with consumers over the 2010 holiday season, with eight million sensors sold over a 60-day period.

The wild ride to close out 2010 capped the “biggest year ever” for Xbox, said David Dennis, group public relations manager for Xbox. Over the holiday season, console sales for the Xbox 360 hit 50 million. It also was the No. 1-selling console in North America over the past six months. Meanwhile, the Xbox LIVE community continued to grow strongly overall in 2010, adding a new member every two seconds. Xbox LIVE now has more than 30 million active members.

Dennis said the announcements made at CES, including new Kinect-enabled entertainment experiences and new Xbox LIVE gaming titles, signal that the momentum behind Xbox should continue through 2011.

“It used to be you would go buy this piece of plastic and put it under your TV, and five years later it’s the exact same thing that you bought at the store,” he said. “I think Microsoft has shown the ability to innovate and bring new experiences like Kinect as well as Netflix, Hulu, and ESPN, all leveraging Xbox LIVE, to continue to reinvent what you think of as the Xbox. You turn it on, and we continue to update it, keep it fresh, and bring new features.”

Kinect Transforms Entertainment in the Living Room

Kinect is a prime example of how natural user interface (NUI) is transforming gaming by making it more social and approachable than anyone ever thought was possible, but it’s just the beginning, Dennis said. Several CES announcements showed how Microsoft will take Kinect’s controller-free experience beyond gaming and into entertainment throughout the year. This spring, for example, Xbox LIVE Gold subscribers will be able to use Kinect to control Netflix on Xbox LIVE. Viewers will be able to pause, rewind, and fast-forward streaming movies with only their voice or gestures.

The company also announced that Hulu Plus will be coming to Xbox LIVE as a Kinect-enabled experience this spring. As with Netflix, subscribers will be able to use controller-free motion and voice capabilities to instantly watch full-screen popular TV shows anytime in HD.

Also at CES, the Xbox team introduced a new social experience called Avatar Kinect that will use Kinect’s camera and sensor to bring a player’s avatar to life. It leverages Kinect’s facial recognition technology to let a person control their avatar’s movements and expressions; when they smile, frown, nod and speak, the avatar will do the same, Dennis said.

With Avatar Kinect, a player can invite up to seven friends to join them in one of 15 imaginative virtual environments. One of those worlds is a performance stage, where friends can record their performance and share with friends.

New Gaming Experiences Span Platforms

Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB) team’s focus at CES wasn’t limited to Kinect. It also highlighted its ongoing efforts at developing a strong portfolio of games across all its platforms, including the PC and Windows Phone 7.

“Windows is far and away the largest gaming platform in the world, so it’s an incredibly important part of Microsoft’s business,” said Letty Cherry, a senior group public relations manager with IEB. “Whether core games like ‘Age of Empires Online’ and ‘Fable III,’ or casual and social titles like we recently debuted on the new MSN Games, more gaming happens on Windows than anywhere else.”

At CES, Microsoft showed off Ages of Empires Online and Fable III, which had previously been announced. When the company started work to continue the two franchises, it looked at how people are playing games today – namely the social and connected experiences players increasingly crave, Cherry said.

“We want to play with our friends, not just against them, to make the community a built-in part of the experience,” she said. “It’s about being able to connect to the entertainment we want, and sharing it with the people we care about.” With an unprecedented co-op experience in “Fable III” and an ever-changing online world in “Age of Empires Online,” both of these titles deliver a rich, social games experience with the LIVE service at the center, she said.

Since the release of Windows Phone 7, Microsoft has been bringing the Xbox LIVE service to a mobile phone. Now players can earn Achievements and stay in touch with the 25 million Xbox LIVE members right from their phone, putting the power of Xbox LIVE in the palm of their hand.

Upcoming titles such as Fable III: Coin Golf, Game Room, and Full House Poker all made their debut at CES. All three were developed by Microsoft Game Studios, making Windows Phone 7 the first mobile platform to be supported by a first-party game studio.

“We’ve found that in a sea of apps, gadgets, and gizmos, the hardest part can often be finding the games you want to play,” Cherry said. “With Windows Phone 7, we’ve taken a fundamentally different approach, delivering a managed portfolio of high quality games from the best minds in game development, whether it’s an AAA publisher on the console or a great independent studio looking to break into the mobile space.”

Microsoft will continue to deliver new and improved gaming experiences throughout the year, Cherry said. Kicking off on Feb. 16 with “Hard Corps Uprising,” the second annual Xbox LIVE Arcade House Party will deliver five weeks of the best games of the season available to instantly download and play, including “Full House Poker,” a new interactive game that features an inventive and exciting live poker game show called Texas Heat and companion Windows Phone 7 game.

Submitted By: E. Thomas


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Wednesday, January 5, 2011

01/05/2011 - THQ and Mattel join forces
THQ AND MATTEL ENTER MULTI-YEAR ALLIANCE TO PUBLISH AND MARKET VIDEO GAMES BASED ON THE BIGGEST BRANDS IN THE TOY INDUSTRY

THQ to Bring Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price® and More to Video Game Consoles for Kids and Families

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. — January 5, 2011 — THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) will open the vast toy chest of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), to develop and publish video games under a new, multi-year alliance that both companies announced today.

Extending deep into Mattel’s broad portfolio of popular brands, the agreement with Mattel builds on THQ’s strength in kids and family games. Partnering with Mattel, the global leader with the most recognized brands in the toy industry, THQ plans to produce and distribute video games based on Barbie®, Hot Wheels® and Fisher-Price®. The companies will also collaborate to expand the video game and interactive potential of newer properties such as Monster High™ and longtime Mattel favorites such as Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em®, Masters of the Universe®, Polly Pocket™ and others.

The multi-platform deal will focus on THQ designing, developing and marketing games for consoles and handheld systems; personal computers; mobile devices and social networks; and popular online gaming portals such as Xbox Live® Arcade, Playstation® Network and Nintendo WiiWareTM Network.

THQ also plans to bring Mattel’s brands to its popular uDraw GameTablet™, an innovative new accessory launched just prior to the holidays that quickly became one of the season’s most sought-after gifts. Pictionary™, one of the first titles for the uDraw GameTablet, and based on the popular Mattel game, showcases the technological and creative potential of the new relationship – and the opportunities to combine world-renowned brands with new concepts in digital entertainment.

“We are excited to work hand-in-hand with the world’s No. 1 toy company to bring a new level of entertainment to its already incredibly popular brands,” said Martin Good, THQ’s Executive Vice President of Kids, Family and Casual Games. “As we have shown with the combination of uDrawTM and Pictionary, there is enormous potential for the strategic relationship between THQ and Mattel. Through video games, we can build on some of the most famous and classic toy properties in the world, as well as unlock the entertainment potential of the newest creations from Mattel.”

“Mattel is synonymous with play and as such we continually seek creative opportunities to generate new ways to play with our brands,” said Chuck Scothon, General Manager of the Mattel’s Digital Network. “Partnering with THQ extends the connection consumers have with our brands to a deeper multi-platform experience with video games for kids and family audiences.”

THQ and El Segundo, Calif.-based Mattel are already in the development stage on multiple games, the first of which are scheduled for release next holiday season. Details of these titles will be formally announced in the coming months.

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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01/05/2011 - Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates 20 Years
20 YEARS OF SONIC THE HEDGEHOG

The world’s most famous hedgehog speeds through two successful decades of gaming! 

TOKYO (January 5, 2011) – SEGA® Corporation is proud to announce their company mascot will celebrate his 20th anniversary on June 23, 2011.

From the first day of the release of Sonic The Hedgehog™ back in 1991 on the SEGA Mega Drive console (Genesis for North America), Sonic the Hedgehog quickly became a popular gaming icon due to his super fast speed and his cool, edgy character. In the twenty years that the video games have been available, Sonic the Hedgehog has notched up over 70 million units sold worldwide.

As well as videogames, SEGA’s iconic blue hedgehog has enjoyed huge success in areas such as comics, apparel and toys and even starred in his own animated series.

SEGA Corporation will be celebrating this special year in style with events around the world, details of which will be released throughout the 20th anniversary year of 2011.

Submitted By: E. Thomas

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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

01/04/2011 - Nintendo DS Becomes All-Time Best-Selling Video Game System
NINTENDO DS AND WII SET NEW U.S. SALES RECORDS IN 2010


Nintendo DS Becomes All-Time Best-Selling Video Game System; Wii Sells More Than 7 Million for Third Consecutive Year

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 4, 2011 - The close of 2010 produced two sales milestones for Nintendo in the United States.

According to Nintendo's internal sales figures, the Nintendo DS™ family of portable video game systems has sold more than 47 million in the United States since the original model launched in November 2004. That tally makes Nintendo DS the nation's best-selling video game system of all time.

For the second major milestone of 2010, Nintendo's internal figures show that the Wii™ home console marked its third consecutive calendar year with U.S. sales of more than 7 million - a feat never before accomplished in the history of video games by a home console. To date, the Wii system has sold more than 34 million in the United States alone.

"When we look back at 2010, we see consumers time and again turning to the value and enjoyment of our products," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "When we look ahead to 2011, we see new portable technology and more great Wii games that need to be seen to be believed."

Nintendo is set to release its new Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system in the United States in March. The portable system lets players see 3D content - without the need for special glasses. More details about the system will be announced in the future.

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit 
http://wii.com.

For more information about Nintendo, visit 
http://www.nintendo.com.

Submitted By: E. Thomas


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01/04/2011 - ECAi Unveils Gamers for Health Program
The ECA Institute (ECAi) Unveils Gamers For Health Program

New Work Group Focuses Efforts on the Benefits of Healthy Gaming
 
WILTON, CT – January 04, 2011 – You game? Get fit! The Entertainment Consumers Association’s ECA Institute (ECAi) today announced the formation of a new work group titled Gamers for Health. Gamers for Health will provide ECA members and the gaming community with the tools and resources necessary to help incorporate gaming activities into healthy lifestyles. Launching today, the industry’s new destination for healthy gaming invites gamers everywhere to join the various programs, learn more about this important cause and get fit by gaming!

“To help promote the benefits of healthy gaming, our goal was to create a space for video game consumers to learn more about health and fitness, the expanding exergaming genre, and to provide the tools necessary to take action,” said Jennifer Mercurio, ECA Vice President & General Counsel. “With Gamers for Health, we’re creating a community of support and incentive, which is why some of us here at the ECA have already begun this program, and we’ll be offering incentives for members along the way. We all know the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle, and video games can help us achieve our goals.”

In addition to the numerous resources provided, Gamers for Health lets members create their own profile, list what games and platforms they will use, and then share their healthy gaming goals and achievements through various blog entries and picture/video uploads. Several ECA staffers have already started their programs and are encouraging others to join in the fun.

To learn more about Gamers for Health and to participate in the get fit by gaming program, go to: HERE

For more information on the ECA and to learn how to become a member:
www.theECA.com.

About the ECAi

Started by the ECA in 2009, the ECAi is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization established to fulfill requests of its members, the public sector, and others regarding policy, research, education, and programming for the general public. Its mission is to inform the development of ECA’s public policy positions and to contribute to and influence public debate on issues of importance to video game players. Activities of the ECAi include gaming research and polling, report publication, technical assistance and expert consultation, scholarship and educational programs, and public representation for issues related to gamers and gaming. For more information, please visit www.ecainstitute.org.
 
About The ECA

The ECA is the non-profit membership organization which represents consumers of interactive entertainment in the US and Canada. The association was founded to give gamers a collective voice with which to communicate their concerns, address their issues and focus their advocacy efforts. As such, the ECA is committed to a host of public policy efforts, empowering and enabling the membership to effect change. Additionally, the organization provides members substantial affinity benefits including discounts on games-related purchases and rentals, as well as community and educational initiatives. For additional information on the ECA, including affinity benefits, member discounts and joining the association, please visit: www.theECA.com

Submitted By: E. Thomas
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Monday, January 3, 2011

01/03/2011 - Leaked Photos of final Nintendo 3DS design
Chinese Factory Worker Steals Nintendo 3DS, Posts Pictures Online

Newswire/Nintendo-3DS.jpg

A brave (or crazy) factory worker in China has smuggled a Nintendo 3DS out of the factory. The suspect then posted images of the final Nintendo 3DS design on a popular forum. Unfortunately the site deleted the topic, but not before the images were spread all across the web. At this time we are uncertain if this "leak" is legit or if its actually a viral promotion. (You never know these days.) Whatever the truth is behind these photos, we're just happy to have them. Everyone wants an early glimpse of the hottest gaming device of 2011.

To see more images of the leaked Nintendo 3DS click the link below or simply click on the photo above. The Nintendo 3DS arrives in North America in March 2011.

See More Pictures Here


Submitted By: E. Thomas
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Saturday, January 1, 2011

01/01/2011 - DrawRace FREE for iPhone / iTouch
RedLynx giving away DrawRace for iPhone / iTouch: TODAY ONLY

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The nice folks at RedLynx are giving away FREE copies of DrawRace for the iPhone and the iTouch. This give-away is part of the ongoing "Free App a Day" program. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own this unique game with its innovative, touch based driving line.

Learn more about this game at
DrawRace.com.

Submitted By: E. Thomas
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3:21 pm pst          Comments

01/01/2011 - Happy New Year from DigThatBox.com
Happy New Year from DigThatBox.com!!

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Submitted By: DigThatBox.com Staff
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3:15 pm pst          Comments


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