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Thursday, June 13, 2013

06/13/2013 - Tom Salta Scoress Halo Spartan Assault
AWARD-WINNING COMPOSER/PRODUCER TOM SALTA SCORES "HALO: SPARTAN ASSAULT"

New York (June 13, 2013) - MTV VMA nominated composer Tom Salta, one of the most versatile and prolific music artists/producers working in film, television, advertising and video games, provides the original score for 343 Industries' first mobile title "Halo: Spartan Assault," an epic "Halo" experience for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 launching in July 2013.

Tom Salta provides an authentic "Halo" original score for "Spartan Assault," featuring ethereal choral arrangements, piano motifs, rock guitars, synth ambience and sweeping sci-fi orchestral compositions that are distinctly representative of the franchise. Salta also expands the "Halo" universe with original sounds to complement the musical blueprint of the first trilogy and beyond, combined with a full modern sound production to create a contemporary and classic "Halo" soundtrack.

Paul Lipson, Music/Audio Director for "Halo: Spartan Assault" at 343 Industries: "Tom has been a great partner, and his core understanding of the 'Halo' universe and related musical language was essential in crafting the sound of 'Halo: Spartan Assault.' Drawing on our experience working together on 'Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary,' we've been able to create a new musical score that is both fresh and familiar for 'Halo' fans around the globe."

Renowned for crafting emotionally engaging music for interactive media, Tom Salta has received widespread industry acclaim for his world-class produced scores featured in video game titles such as "Galactic Reign," "Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary," "Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands," "Red Steel," "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon," and "Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X" series. Intimately familiar with the "Halo" universe, Salta previously created synthesis, drums, and percussion for "Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary" in collaboration with Pyramind Studios and 343 Industries.

"Having been involved in the re-creation of the original 'Halo' score for 'Halo Anniversary,' I gained a very deep understanding of the DNA of the 'Halo' sound, which I drew inspiration from when creating a completely new and authentic original score for 'Halo: Spartan Assault,'" said Salta. "As a huge fan of the 'Halo' series, I wanted to be sure that the music I created felt true to what franchise fans around the world would identify as the 'Halo' sound, while still feeling new."

Prior to his composing career, Salta toured with and worked on releases by a diverse array of popular artists such as Peter Gabriel, Everything But The Girl, Deep Forest and Sinead O'Connor. After several years of touring, he became more immersed in studio work including producing, remixing and songwriting. When "Halo: Combat Evolved" was released on the original Xbox, his passion for writing music and the interactive art form of video games collided. "I was so impressed by the use of music while playing 'Halo: Combat Evolved' back in 2001," says Salta. "It created such a rich and immersive experience, and that's one of the many aspects I wanted to capture in my quest to create an authentic 'Halo' score for 'Spartan Assault.'"

Inspired by gaming's unique musical challenges and growing potential for creative opportunities, Salta embraced this exciting new medium. Recording under the artist name "Atlas Plug," Salta released the critically acclaimed electronic / orchestral music album "2 Days or Die" which quickly caught the attention of major video game developers and publishers. His album introduced a new hybrid sound to the visual entertainment industry at large, garnering high-profile placements on numerous television shows on ABC, CBS, MTV, NBC as well as national commercials and movie trailers, and simultaneously launched his music career in video games.

"'Halo' is what inspired me more than any other to pursue scoring games," enthuses Tom Salta. "This has been a long-time dream of mine that has finally come true and I was not going to settle for anything that didn't feel exactly right; I wanted to ensure that the music truly felt like a 'Halo' game. I am grateful to Music/Audio Director Paul Lipson, Microsoft and 343 for giving me the opportunity to score 'Halo: Spartan Assault.'"

To watch the trailer and learn more about "Halo: Spartan Assault," please visit Halo Waypoint:
http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault

About the "Halo" Franchise 
The "Halo" franchise is an award-winning collection of properties that has grown into a global entertainment phenomenon. Beginning with the original "Halo: Combat Evolved" (2001), the critically acclaimed and record-shattering series of games has since inspired multiple New York Times bestselling novels, comic books, action figures, apparel and more. Published by Microsoft Studios, the "Halo" franchise of games is exclusive to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and the Xbox Live online entertainment network. "Halo: Spartan Assault" will be released worldwide on Windows 8 PCs, Tablets, and Windows Phone 8 devices. To date, more than 50 million copies of "Halo" games have been sold worldwide, driving more than 5 billion hours of gameplay by people connected to Xbox Live.

About 343 Industries 
343 Industries is the publisher and developer of the blockbuster "Halo" series of videogames and, as part of Microsoft Studios, oversees the "Halo" franchise, including novels, comics, licensed collectibles, apparel and more. 343 Industries is home to world-class developers working on the Reclaimer Saga, which commenced with the arrival of "Halo 4" on Nov. 6, 2012, exclusively on Xbox 360.

Submitted by: E. Thomas

9:54 pm pdt          Comments

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

06/12/2013 - NeocoreGames Announces The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing
NeocoreGames Announces The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II


Budapest, Hungary – June 12, 2013 – Esteemed indie developer NeocoreGames announced today The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II for PC, bringing players the follow-up to the popular gothic-noir steampunk action-RPG influenced by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Returning fans will be able to import their characters from the first adventure, while new hunters will have the opportunity to create their own legendary monster-hunter.

"In the first game it all seemed so simple," said Viktor Juhász, narrative designer at Neocore Games, "defeat the mad scientist, free the land and ride into the sunset, but sometimes the fall of a villain only opens the way to more sinister foes.”

The incredible adventures continue, and Van Helsing, the famous monster-hunter returns to save the day again with the help of his charming, ghostly companion, Lady Katarina. The gothic metropolis of weird science is on the brink of destruction as chaos rules the streets and a new enemy plots revenge. It’s time to enter the dark side of Borgova and the forbidden wilderness, but beware: you are not the only one behind a mask.

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing, currently available worldwide $14.99 via Steam on Windows® PC, is a one-of-a-kind action-RPG that pits players in fierce battles against familiar supernatural foes and enables players to partake in a tower-defense mini-game within Van Helsing’s upgradable lair to ward off evil that attempt to overrun the base by way of force.

Read more:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VanHelsingTheGame
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/VanHelsingGame
DevBlog: http://devblog.neocoregames.com/
Forums: forum.neocoregames.com

Submitted by: E. Thomas


8:15 pm pdt          Comments

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

06/11/2013 - Final Fantasy XV in Development for Next Gen Consoles
SQUARE ENIX UNVEILS THE FUTURE OF FINAL FANTASY


FINAL FANTASY XV in Development for Next Generation Consoles

FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII Becomes FINAL FANTASY XV
for the Next Installment in the Best-Selling Series

LONDON (June 11th, 2013)
Square Enix Ltd. , the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announced FINAL FANTASY® XV for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Previously known as FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII, the title’s development expanded and evolved to take full advantage of the capabilities of next-generation platforms. While the main concept, world and story continue to be developed as originally envisioned, the First Production Development Team has further improved FINAL FANTASY XV’ s action, gameplay elements and graphic quality to match the technology of the next-generation hardware, as well as the expectations of players eagerly awaiting the game’s release.

The new trailer can be viewed on
YouTube

Enjoy

Story of FINAL FANTASY XV
The armed forces of Niflheim launch a devastating assault upon the Kingdom of Lucis, casting Crown Prince Noctis and his comrades out of their homes and into the fray. The engaging tale to follow draws audiences into an awe-inspiring world steeped in the rich storytelling traditions of SQUARE ENIX’s renowned First Production Development team.

FINAL FANTASY XV will be available for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One®.

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix Group. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix Group boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 61 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at
http://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/  

Submitted by: E. Thomas


8:21 pm pdt          Comments

Monday, June 10, 2013

06/10/2013 - The Witcher 3 comes to Xbox One in 2014
A Pivotal Achievement of the RPG Genre, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to Be Released for Xbox One in 2014

Today’s announcement marks a special moment for CD Projekt RED as the company unveils its plans to release the genre-defining threequel of the critically acclaimed franchise - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. Bolstering the initial Xbox One games line up, CD Projekt RED believes that it can help set the course for next-generation RPGs on the next generation games and entertainment system from Microsoft.

“We’re really thrilled to be able to participate in this industry-defining moment and be among such critically acclaimed developers” - said Adam Badowski, CD Projekt RED Studio Head.

“There’s a lot of magic between the third Witcher and Xbox One - we felt it since receiving development kits some time ago. A lot of effort on our side was made to usher the potential of the next generation with a new kind of RPG experience - for the first time we could open the world to the extent we wanted and tell the story with the flair it deserves. I’m confident that we’ll deliver something groundbreaking and I hope, based on what we’ve released today, you’re seeing this as well.”, Badowski added.

“Microsoft delivered some pretty amazing technology and we’re extremely excited that we’ll be able to show the full potential of REDengine 3. No boundaries, no technological limitations - the hardware’s pure power and our creative vision will produce some outstanding visuals and unparalleled gameplay.” Said John Mamais, Head of Production at CD Projekt RED.

The Studio has also released an exclusive gameplay montage showing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for the first time ever - experience the tantalizing combination of sound and video here:
Watch The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Gameplay Video Debut on YouTube.

To provide even more background and insight into the development process, CD Projekt RED has also released The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt The Beginning, an epic video filmed in Scotland in which the team shares many details about the game and the creative process. 

Watch The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - The Beginning Video on YouTube.

During its presence at E3, CD Projekt RED will present exclusive video materials and behind-closed-doors live gameplay for press and partners. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will be released in 2014 and will be available on Xbox One, Playstation 4 and PC.

About The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a unique combination of a non-linear story and an open world – a fantasy RPG focused on player choice, tactical combat and a rich, living environment. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will be the crowning achievement for the critically acclaimed game developer, CD Projekt RED, and the final episode of one of the best RPG trilogies. With a re-envisioned approach to the narrative, the game will be accessible to both newcomers and old time fans.

About CD Projekt RED
Development studio established in 2002 and based in Warsaw, Poland. Creators of The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. Both RPGs were praised by critics and fans, gathering over 200 awards and selling over 5 million copies to date. Originally a PC developer, CD Projekt RED has released The Witcher on Mac and The Witcher 2 both on the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Mac. The studio is now working on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the grand finale of the Geralt of Rivia saga. The game will be released in 2014 on Xbox One, Playstation 4 and PC. The developer is also working on Cyberpunk 2077 in collaboration with Mike Pondsmith, the original designer of the pen-and-paper Cyberpunk® futuristic RPG system, in which the upcoming game is set. CD Projekt RED developers’ mission is to take the passion they have for games and harness it to make the best RPGs in the world. Along with GOG.COM, the prime destination for the retro gaming enthusiast, CD Projekt RED is owned by the Warsaw Stock Exchange listed (ISIN: PLOPTTC00011) CD Projekt Group.

Submitted by: E. Thomas

8:34 pm pdt          Comments


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