Archive for Events
Backgammon Masters Set To Break Guinness World Record
Backgammon Masters has invited the Guinness Gamer World Records to witness what should be world’s farthest Backgammon dice roll. The record-breaking event will take place during a Backgammon tournament sponsored by the online gaming operator which features two of the world’s greatest Backgammon players facing off on a giant, 1-acre Backgammon board. The tournament is designed to promote Backgammon Masters’ Backgammon Freeroll Tournaments, held online every Tuesday and Friday, and promises to be an unforgettable event.
Two renowned champions will face off from helicopters flying 200-300 feet above the 1-acre field Backgammon board. The players will roll the dice from the helicopters, dropping them onto the field below. The dice, which were specially designed for the event, are composed of an inflatable material that protects them from the world-record-breaking falls. Once the dice have been tossed, the competitors will then communicate via walkie-talkie to their field staff below, who will move the 3-foot diameter checker pieces according to their wishes.
To design and engineer the details of the event, Backgammon Masters worked with world-known pilot Quentin Smith, an explorer who has braved the world’s most extreme conditions, including Arctic and dessert climates. Smith’s expert advice and input helped to determine the location, regulations and helicopter safety standards of this special event.
The winner of the tournament will get to keep the custom-made dice, valued at 1,000 Euros. The proceeds generated by the tickets sold to the tournament will be donated to charity.
Backgammon Masters is not only a leader in Backgammon, but also offers Poker, 21 Blackjack and Live Customer Support in its all-inclusive Game Lobby.
$10,000 Scholarship To Help Girls Get Their Game On
Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 G.I.R.L. Game Design Competition scholarship of up to $10,000 designed to educate and recruit more women into the field of video game production and design. Sponsored by Sony Online Entertainment LLC. (SOE) a global leader in online gaming, applications and complete rules for entry are available online.
The SOE G.I.R.L. — Gamers In Real Life — competition is the first of its kind to encourage students toward career paths in the field of video game design and production, ultimately resulting in the development of games that are more interesting for women to play.
“The secret is out: Females game. We’re just trying to encourage more women to make the games they obviously enjoy playing, said Torrie Dorrell, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. “With the application process starting today, we’re taking a concrete step towards opening the door a little wider for women who want to go into game development, and that can only help expand our industry’s audience.”
The SOE G.I.R.L competition was created in response to survey findings that focused on women in the field of video games. The survey interviewed female students currently enrolled in Game Art & Design, Visual & Game Programming and Visual Effects & Motion Graphics programs at The Art Institutes schools. The SOE-sponsored survey revealed that:
- 61% of students surveyed believe male dominance in the industry is a deterrent to women pursuing a career in gaming
- 42% of those surveyed would like to see women portrayed as leaders in video games
- 35% of the students surveyed want to create more games that are fun and interesting for women to play
- 31% of those surveyed want to become involved in gaming because more women need to represent the industry
According to the Entertainment Software Association, thirty-eight percent of all game players are women. In fact, women over the age of 18 represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (31%) than boys age 17 or younger (20%).
The G.I.R.L Game Design Competition officially begins today, April 1, 2008. In order to be eligible to participate, entrants must be currently enrolled at one of The Art Institutes schools, have a graduation date of June 2009 or later and must comply with the Official Rules. Entrants are required to complete an online application and submit an in-game design, concept art and two (2) essays. Online applications must be completed on or before April 15, 2008 and related asset submissions must be received on or before May 31, 2008. The winner will be announced on or about June 30, 2008.
One skilled student will win up to $10,000 towards tuition for his or her education at The Art Institutes school at which he or she is currently enrolled and a paid internship of up to ten (10) weeks at one of the Sony Online Entertainment studios (located in Austin, Denver, San Diego and Seattle; room, board, transportation and living expenses not included). Entrants will be judged by a panel of industry professionals from SOE. To learn more, visit girl.soe.com.
Following the success of the announcement of the competition, SOE has created an official G.I.R.L blog written by Tracy Seamster, game designer for SOE’s upcoming release, The Agency. The G.I.R.L blog can be found here.
Penny Arcade Expo ‘08 Call For Speakers And Early Bird Pre-Registration
The organizers of the fifth annual Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) today gave the final call for Early Bird pre-registration, scheduled to close on March 31, 2008. Early Bird pre-registrants will receive a three-day attendee badge for the price of $40 — a 20% discount on the day-of rate — and are eligible to compete in the annual Omegathon gaming competition to be held on site at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center Aug. 29 — 31, 2008. Interested parties may visit the official Web site to ensure their eligibility for the competition by completing the registration form before Monday’s deadline.
PAX attracted over 37,000 attendees last year, making it the largest gaming festival in North America and a desirable event for industry professionals to demonstrate upcoming releases, educate audiences and discuss trends in peer roundtables. As such, PAX organizers also reminded everyone that a call for speakers to submit their proposed sessions and panels is still available for this year’s show.
The call for speakers is open to all game industry experts worldwide, with speakers selected based on their past experience, knowledge of the industry, and the topic proposed. Prospective speakers may submit a completed session proposal form here.
Past PAX topics include:
- How to Break into the Game Industry
- Writing in Games
- How Marketing and PR in Games Really Works
- Blogopodlivecasting: The New Media Lifestyle
- Why Our Industry is Busted and How We’re Going to Fix It
- Game Industry Nightmares
- The Politics of Gaming
If selected, prospective speakers will be contacted by June 1, 2008 and will receive a complimentary Speaker Pass for PAX 2008. For further information, contact pax_panels@penny-arcade.com.
Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) is a three-day celebration of games and gamer culture. The festival includes an exhibition floor filled with playable builds of upcoming tabletop, console, and computer games; a conference program of game industry speakers; music concerts; freeplay areas; industry parties; an independent games showcase; game tournaments and more. Since its inception in 2004 the show has doubled in size year-over-year, growing from 4,500 attendees to 37,000 in 2007, making it the largest gaming festival in North America.
Destroy Your Game Pad And Win Valuable Prizes!
Arcade-In-A-Box announces the launch of its “Smash It UP!” contest where one lucky gamer will win their choice of a custom Arcade-In-A-Box Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or PlayStation 2 Arcade-style joystick and nine other people will win great prizes from retro gaming companies including: GameRoom Magazine, Console Classix, and MameRoom Designs. To enter, gamers need to think of the most creative and awesome way to destroy a traditional gamepad, tape the destruction, and then upload the video to the Smash It UP! group on YouTube.
“Pretty much every hardcore gamer has wanted to throw their gamepad against the wall and break it into tiny pieces after losing a match in Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter,” says Ed Farias, owner of Arcade-In-A-Box. “Now is the time to take that anger out on those wimpy gamepads and maybe win some great swag in the process!”
The contest will last about until the end of April, at which time a panel of judges will pick the top 10 videos. Once those videos are selected, they will be displayed so users can vote on their favorite video by voting for them on DIGG.com. The winners will be determined by the amount of DIGGs each video gets.
The rules are really simple:
- No nudity
- No drug use
- Nothing illegal
- Must be a United States resident
Prizes:
1st Place
- Arcade-In-A-Box Solo Arcade controller built to order. You choose the system, button type, layout, Joystick type and artwork.
- 1 Year Subscription to ConsoleClassix
- 1 Year Subscription to GameRoom Magazine
- Construction Plans for the Ultimate Arcade I or II Cabinet from Mameroom
2nd Place
- $75 gift certificate towards the purchase of an Aracde-In-A-Box Solo Arcade Controller
- 1 Year Subscription to ConsoleClassix
- 1 Year Subscription to GameRoom Magazine
3rd Place
- $25 gift certificate towards the purchase of an Aracde-In-A-Box Solo Arcade Controller
- 1 Year Subscription to ConsoleClassix
- 1 Year Subscription to GameRoom Magazine
4th-10th Place
- 6 month subscription to ConsoleClassix
Cal Ripken’s Real Baseball Announces Plans For Big Opening Day Tournament
Cal Ripken’s Real Baseball, the world’s only massively multiplayer online sports game (MMOSG) for baseball, announced today it will host a large tournament scheduled to begin on March 30th, Opening Day for Major League Baseball. For more information, people can log on to PlayRealBaseball.com and go to the “EVENTS” tab.
Real Baseball will host numerous tournaments throughout the year. Yesterday (3/17/08), a 7 versus 7 St. Patrick’s Tournament began at 6 p.m. (PST). Players that have reached Level 10 with their character are eligible to participate in Real Baseball events and at that time, they are also allowed to join a team or create a team.
Tournaments for Real Baseball can include 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128 teams. The events are Level based tournaments and grouped into the following categories: Minor, Major, All Star and MVP. Tournaments are either single elimination or double elimination and the bigger events sometime offer a prize.
“We are excited to be hosting our first big tournament of the baseball season,” said Andy Wang, founder and CEO of Netamin Communication Corporation. “We hope players will continue enjoying the head to head competition and build their experience points and virtual trophy case.”
Tournaments are usually scheduled three-to-five days a week. Real Baseball seeds their tournament based on a first to register first seed basis. This means that if your team registers first, then your team will automatically be seeded number one for the tournament.
About Real Baseball
In Real Baseball, baseball enthusiasts and gamers compete in 3D virtual stadiums. With stunning graphics and surround-sound audio reactions from the crowd, participants control customized characters for each position and compete together against other Real Baseball gamers. Players use an avatar to bat, pitch, field, run, steal and perform any baseball action. Participants can practice, play pick-up games, join or found their own teams, compete against rival teams, play in specialized tournaments, and win league championships in post-season play. Gamers create their own characters and build their skill level (player stats) through successful play on the field against other real human players. Unlike current video games that aim to simulate professional sports, Real Baseball delivers a first-person perspective of a character, created and developed by the player, interacting online in real-time with teammates and opponents.
GGL Launches $40K Tournament Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War: SoulStorm
Strap on your armor, Space Marines, and gear up! GGL Global Gaming is proud to announce the launch of a 1v1 tournament for PC players.
WHO: GGL - The Leading Media Company for the Expansion and Culture of Videogames
WHAT: GGL’s Warhammer 40K: Dawn Of War: Soulstorm 1v1 $40,000 Tournament
Ladder Format - Join any time for your chances of advancing!
Overall prize purse of $40,000.
Top player will take home a Dell XPS M1530 gaming PC; plus a limited edition, hand-numbered Dawn of War: Soulstorm art!
Second place finisher will receive a NVIDIA 8800 GT graphics card, Creative Labs Zen 8GB MP# media player, Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-FI XtremeGamer sound card, Creative Labs Inspire T6100 speakers, Creative Labs Fatal1ty Gaming Headset and THQ Game.
Each finalist goes home with a THQ game, plus their share of PC gaming hardware from Creative.
WHEN: TODAY!
- Registration March 4th — April 13th by 8:59 PM EST
- Play from March 4th — April 13th
WHERE: Online Ladder
Playing The Path
The Path has been nominated for the Independent Games Festival. As such, a playable demo of this work-in-progress will be on display at the IGF pavilion at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Creators Auriea Harvey & Michael Samyn will be on the scene and more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
For those who will not be able to make it to the conference, Tale of Tales is releasing brand new video footage captured straight from the demo. This is the first publicly available gameplay footage that has been released so far. And although the game is still under development, the video clearly shows the unique graphic style that the developers are going for and discloses some of the music created especially for this project by American industrial rock diva Jarboe.
The video can be downloaded from here (There is a High Definition version and a smaller one).
The Path is not a regular video game. It challenges a lot of assumptions and conventions. Although the creative team behind The Path is decidedly independent and small, their ambition is great and their vision strong.
“We are using the medium of games to tell stories. To tell old stories in new ways. To immerse people in a certain mood. To make them experience poetry in an almost tactile way. The fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood is about a girl on the verge of womanhood. We chose to adhere to older versions of the story. Versions in which a girl meets a wolf and nobody comes to her rescue. The Path is a dark tale that always ends badly. A cautionary tale, perhaps, against the attractions of a gloomy forest. Or perhaps an encouraging tale, about seizing the day to bloom as splendidly as anyone can, even if only for a short while.”
Xbox Live Members Get a Virtual Front Seat at GDC
Xbox 360 enthusiasts everywhere can get VIP access to this year’s Game Developers Conference (GDC) from the comfort of their living room starting February 20.
Microsoft is bringing GDC home to the more than 10 million Xbox Live members across the globe by allowing them to download breaking Xbox 360 news directly from the event to their TV. The free high-definition content will also include footage from the keynote address by John Schappert, Corporate Vice President Live, Software and Services for the Interactive Entertainment Business.
Schappert’s keynote address, “A Future Wide Open: Unleashing the Creative Community,” will provide an exciting view into this year’s plans for Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business. His keynote address is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PST on February 20. Highlights of the keynote will be available on Xbox Live Marketplace.
Additionally, footage will include never-before-seen gameplay, demos, screenshots, game trailers, and interviews from the GDC show floor. These additions will enhance Xbox Live Marketplace’s growing library of premium entertainment, which already equals more than 3,600 hours of total downloadable content (HD and SD). Xbox Live Marketplace is the leading destination for downloadable HD movies and television content.
Don’t miss any of the surprises Microsoft has in store for its Xbox 360 fans by gathering everyone together in the living room to enjoy the GDC experience with GDC: Bringing It Home. To download GDC content, go to Xbox Live Marketplace or visit the official Web site.
GDC will be held at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco from February 18-22, 2008.
My Hangman Wins Award For Best Mobile Game
At the annual GSM Association (GSMA) 2008 Awards Gala Dinner, Glu Mobile’s original title My Hangman was awarded the Global Mobile Award for Best Mobile Game.
My Hangman is a casual game based on the classic word puzzles and was created and developed in Glu’s London studio. The title features 1,000 different word puzzles, multiplayer modes, and the ability to put pictures of friends into the puzzles themselves. Upon its launch, My Hangman has seen strong performance critically and commercially including reaching the number one spot on T-Mobile UK’s Top Ten Games when launched on the network.
“We’re honored to have this Glu original title recognized by GSM,” said Greg Ballard, president and chief executive officer, Glu Mobile. “This award is a testament to the strength and creativity of our development team in making compelling original titles.”
The GSM Awards are the most prestigious ceremony in mobile entertainment. Judges for the Mobile Game category are made up of leading industry figures who judge the games on criteria including: appeal of the content, ease of use, value for money, and proven market success.
2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational Announced
Blizzard Entertainment tournament and gaming event to take place in Europe over 28-29 June.
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced plans to hold its fourth Worldwide Invitational in Paris, France on the 28th and 29th of June. The 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will bring the company and gamers together in a convention atmosphere, celebrating the communities surrounding Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft, Diablo and StarCraft series as well as showcasing the skills of top eSports gamers from around the world. The first Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational to be held in Europe, the event will take place at Hall 5 of the Porte de Versailles Exposition Center in Paris.
“We look forward to bringing the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational to Europe for the first time and sharing our latest news with players there,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “In addition to the great tournament gaming that will be taking place at the event, we’re planning an entertaining show for all attendees.”
Open to gamers of ages 16 and up, or younger if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will feature exciting StarCraft, Warcraft III and World of Warcraft invitational tournaments, with a variety of other activities over the two-day event, including:
- Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
- Artist and developer signings
- Hands-on play with World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King and StarCraft II
- Merchandise and other products based on the Blizzard Entertainment game universes
- A silent auction
- Musical performances
- And more exciting activities to be announced
Tickets for the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational are limited and will go on sale in the next few weeks at the price of 70€/£55 per ticket. Further information on activities, tournaments and ticket booking will be provided on the official 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational website at http://eu.blizzard.com/wwi08 as the event draws closer.
Hail To The Chimp Campaign Bus In Los Angeles For Super Tuesday
Fired up and ready to go! Today video game publisher, Gamecock Media Group, announced the launch of CockTheVote.us, a site aimed at video gamers to promote voter registration using its special brand of animalistic political humor.
“Gamecock wants YOU to vote in the human American presidential election,” said Mike Wilson, Gamecock Media Group’s Grand Champeen and CEO. “And, perhaps more importantly, to check out Hail to the Chimp’s candidates and get involved in the first ever presidential election for the new animal republic!”
Gamecock has been on the campaign trail adding some humor to the intensity of the election process and hoping to inspire the vote in the process. With a cast of furry animal candidates from its upcoming politically charged party game, Hail to the Chimp, Gamecock has partied with Rock the Vote at the Iowa Caucus, and, most recently, visited with the University of South Carolina and their newspaper, The Daily Gamecock, at the South Carolina Primary.
Mike continued, “Our original intent was to join the campaign trail with Hail to the Chimp to provide much-needed comic relief from the election season. And, now that Colbert’s not running, we thought we’d better focus our attention on those who are. However, our meeting with Rock the Vote inspired us to use our gaming muscle to energize people in the election process. Thus was born, CockTheVote.us.”
CockTheVote.us will include an embedded widget where gamers can register to vote. The site will also feature campaign trail video clips and images of Hail to the Chimp’s giant, furry-costumed animal candidates — from Crackers the monkey to Hedwig the polar bear. Woodchuck Chumley, Hail to the Chimp’s animal kingdom woodchuck newscaster, will be on assignment, and even a cock-masked Gamecock or two will make an appearance.
Created by Wideload Games, Hail to the Chimp is a fast-paced party game that delivers exciting gameplay, lush interactive environments, and a comic look at politics. It is a bare-knuckled fight to win the crown of President of the animals. The Hail to the Chimp ballot now boasts ten candidates, each with their own personality, platforms and style. Just like any political race, mud is being slung, names are being named, alliances are being made and broken, and the candidates are clawing up the ladder to reach that golden seat.
The story of Hail to the Chimp is delivered through a metaphor of the election process. The ten candidates in the game have their own back stories, and there are rivalries between the candidates and opportunities to team up and make alliances. It’s all there — the flawed electoral system, the political back-stabbing, the self-possessed newscasters and pundits, fundraising with the fat cats, hostile debates and even the inane political ads.
Hail to the Chimp features a wide variety of arenas as well as myriad goal oriented match types. The title is scheduled for release in late May 2008 for next-gen consoles.
Microsoft Announces First-Ever Xbox Live Arcade Awards
As a way to recognize the teams of talented developers who have together created over 112 games for Xbox Live Arcade, Microsoft will announce awards for the top XBLA games of 2007 later this year, with several award categories decided by the community. Fans of Xbox Live Arcade are invited to cast their votes for the first-ever Xbox Live Arcade Awards — 2007 by voting at http://www.xbox.com/xblaawards. Voting begins Tuesday, January 22 at 2:00 a.m. PST (10:00 GMT) and runs through Wednesday, January 30 at 11:59 p.m. PST (07:59 GMT).
The finalists in each award category were selected by a panel of consumer and video game industry journalists, and the winners will be determined by popular vote. Microsoft will announce the winners of the inaugural Xbox Live Arcade Awards — 2007 at the Game Developer Conference in February.
Below is the list of award categories that will be open for public voting:
- Best Overall Arcade Game
- Best Classic Game
- Best Original Game
- Best Family Friendly Game
- Best Competitive Multiplayer Game
- Best Cooperative Multiplayer Game
Other award categories include the following:
- Best selling game
- Most played game
- Highest rated game
- Staff choice
Guitar Hero III Rock Your Party Weekend On Xbox Live Announced
Gridiron fans get ready to rock out and win prizes on Xbox Live with Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock! Activision announced today that Xbox Live will host the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock — Rock Your Party Weekend, a special event happening the weekend of the big game, February 1-3, 2008 for U.S. and Canada residents. The 72-hour event gives players the chance to prove their axe grinding skills and includes a Play & Win Sweepstakes that offers gamers who register and play, the chance to win a multitude of prizes. Before the big game, fans can test their talents against Neversoft, developers of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, from 12 — 4 p.m. PST on Sunday, February 3.
Some of the prizes up for grabs include Microsoft points, Guitar Hero Gear and an Xbox 360R wireless guitar faceplate signed by Slash. One lucky grand prize winner will take home the Ultimate Home Gaming Center, which includes an LG 50″ 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV, an Xbox 360 Elite and a BoomChair Wi-FX Wireless Gaming Chair.
Fans can register for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock — Rock Your Party Weekend on Xbox Live by downloading the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock GamerPics exclusively through Xbox Live Marketplace for the Xbox 360R video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Players can also register by visiting this site, where they can get additional details regarding terms, conditions, and official rules.
Turner Broadcasting Sponsors Dare To Be Digital
Dare to be Digital 2008 has secured sponsorship from one of the world’s biggest media giants, Turner Broadcasting System Inc.
Dare is the UK’s premier competition for young computer games designers, attracting students and recent graduates from all over the world in 2007.
Turner Broadcasting System Inc, owners of major news network CNN and part of the Time Warner group, is the first new sponsor to be announced for Dare 2008.
The company’s sponsorship comes soon after confirmation that the University of Abertay Dundee, originators and promoters of Dare, would continue and increase its support for the competition this year.
Paul Durrant, Director of Dare to be Digital, welcomed Turner Broadcasting System Inc. as the first new sponsor for 2008, saying: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with TBS this year.
“Their support is a huge boost to our plans to raise £1 million to support Dare to be Digital for the next two years, and a measure of how seriously the contest is now regarded by major creative and media businesses around the planet.
“We plan to greatly increase the scope of this year’s competition, with almost twice as many students as in 2007, taking part in several host centres across the UK and perhaps even overseas as well.”
WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 International Tournament
Just 25 days remain to body slam the competition in international Xbox Live tournament.
Leading worldwide video game developer and publisher, THQ Inc., today called on fans to join the hundreds already registered to compete in the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 International Tournament, before registration closes on February 8, 2008.
Since registration began in December 2007, almost 700 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 players have signed up to compete against international opponents from the USA, United Kingdom, and Europe on Xbox Live.
The tournament, which is running qualifying challenges until February 8, 2008, places online gamers across the globe in a virtual ring, battling for the ultimate prize of two highly coveted floor tickets to the WWE live event, WrestleMania 24, which will take place on March 30, 2008 in Orlando, Florida, USA.
Major League Gaming, the world’s largest organised video gaming league, is producing, hosting and operating the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 International Tournament on www.gamebattles.com/svr. In early March, the four top players in each region will move on to compete in regional finals.
One European finalist, one UK finalist and two North American finalists will then battle head-to-head at the grand finale, scheduled to take place during the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge on March 27, 2008 at the House of Blues, Orlando, Florida, USA.
At the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge, finalists will not only have the opportunity to play live against one another in front of a capacity crowd, but will also get to share the gaming spotlight with the top WWE Superstars in attendance.
In addition to the grand prize winner receiving floor tickets to WrestleMania 24, all will not be lost for the three runner-up competitors. After battling to the end on stage, each will receive two stadium tickets to WWE’s biggest event of the year.
Registration for the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Global Challenge began on December 8. Gamers may register for the tournament here.
OGDC Renamed To The ION Game Conference
With the start of a fresh new year, Evergreen Events announces the new ION Game Conference identity for the game industry conference formerly known as “OGDC.” Empowered with a new name, logo, and Web site, the identity and schedule for ION is not only on track but infused with an even stronger focus. The ION Game Conference will take place at the well-appointed Seattle Waterfront Marriott Hotel in the picturesque waterfront district, from May 13 to May 15, 2008. The ION Game Conference will feature a broad array of expert-level lectures and panels, networking events and an expo area exhibiting cutting-edge technology and games for 2008 and beyond.
The new ION Game Conference identity and logo reinforces the global reach of a game industry event that remains focused on top-quality networking and online game development. Last year, the conference drew nearly 20% of attendees outside the United States, such as from Korea, Germany, Japan and Australia.
“At Evergreen Events, we wanted a new identity that represented what we offer with our conference: unsurpassed networking opportunities and unique sessions and panels you cannot find anywhere else, among hundreds of like-minded online game industry veterans from around the world,” declared Peter Freese, Conference Director for the ION Game Conference. “‘ION’ best symbolizes these qualities.”
The tagline for ION 2008 remains “redefining online,” which couples perfectly with the newly reinforced international feel of this conference. Redefining what “online” gaming is, means the business is more than massively multiplayer online games. Social networking, virtual worlds, multiple platforms beyond the PC are a significant and growing part of the more inclusive online gaming world. With some analyst’s predictions estimating continued worldwide growth over the next several years to $10 billion in overall revenue in online gaming, knowing the best way to approach markets and game development is critical for the success of any interactive entertainment company. These challenging questions are a core focus for the ION Game Conference.
The current deadlines for ION remain on schedule. The call for speakers, open since late November, will close on January 21st. For more details about how to submit a speaking topic and suggested topics, visit http://www.ionconference.com/submissions.html. Last year, speakers discussed vital and exceptional topics to the business and development of online games such as “Automating Online Game Balance,” “The Chinese Game Market: Latest Developments and Trends,” and “Secrets and Challenges of Localizing and Monetizing Different IP: Real World Cases.” Speakers included such game industry luminaries as:
- Erik Bethke — Founder & CEO, GoPets Ltd.
- Tony Park — Vice President, The9
- Brett Close — President & CEO, 38 Studios
- Alan Crosby — Director, Global Community Relations Sony Online Entertainment
- Mike Goslin — Vice President, Virtual Reality Studio Disney Online
Early registration, with discounted attendee rates, will open January 28th. Compared to most other game industry events, attendee pricing for the ION Game Conference will be aggressively positioned without compromising the event’s superlative reputation for overall high quality, superlative content and first-rate attendees.
A wide variety of attractive, price-conscious sponsorships are currently being offered for the ION Game Conference. For more details about sponsorships, visit this site. Previous sponsors have included IBM, Cryptic Studios, GoPets, Ltd., Comcast, Silicon Mechanics, and many other companies.
Strategy First Releases Its Holiday Vodcast
Software game publisher Strategy First, Inc. a subsidiary of Silverstar Holdings, Ltd., presents a new Vodcast featuring Alien Shooter Vengeance trailer and game play footage, a history of the Disciples series including Disciples III Renaissance footage, and a special holiday message from Miss Slovakia finalist, Zuzana Tutterova.
Happy Holidays, from Strategy First and Cypron Studios! Miss Slovakia finalist and Cypron Studios Public Relations Director Zuzana Tutterova returns with a holiday message to gamers everywhere. This episode also includes a quick look at both the history of Disciples as we march forward to the upcoming Disciples III Renaissance and the pulse pounding action of Alien Shooter Vengeance, an exciting 3rd person shooter.
“Who needs TV this holiday, when we have great games and an exciting Vodcast with the beautiful Zuzana Tutterova,” says Strategy First’s Business Development Manager, Emmanuel Wall. “Happy Holidays from all of us here at Strategy First.”
Halo 3 Developers Interviewed Live By Eurogamer December 7th
Bungie Studios Production Director Jonty Barnes and Writing Lead Frank O’Connor are set to face questions from Eurogamer.net readers in the site’s latest LiveText interview on December 7th.
The interview will begin at 3pm GMT.
Eurogamer LiveText interviews allow the site’s readers to submit questions to interviewees through a moderator, with answers appearing live on the website without the need for page-refreshing.
Barnes and O’Connor are part of the team responsible for the multi-million-selling Xbox 360 exclusive Halo 3, and will be following in the footsteps of Lionhead Studios head Peter Molyneux - who faced questions for nearly two hours last Friday - and Naughty Dog co-president Evan Wells.
A transcript of the Peter Molyneux interview can be found here.
“Eurogamer readers have really embraced the LiveText concept since Evan helped us introduce it last month,” said Eurogamer Deputy Editor Tom Bramwell. “Not only does it give them the chance to speak directly to the people making the games they buy and cherish, but it allows them to direct the interviews down lines that formal press affairs tend to ignore. Last week we learnt much about Peter Molyneux that journalists have failed to uncover, and we hope the same will be true of Jonty and Frank, whose latest game is one of the defining releases of this year.”
“I’m really looking forward to being grilled by Eurogamer readers on Friday. When I lived in the UK, it was one of my favorite gaming sites. It always had the reputation as being hard yet fair. I expect nothing less from its readers on Friday!” said Jonty Barnes, Bungie Production Head. Frank O’Connor, Bungie Writing Lead, added: “I have been studying European culture carefully since finding out about this interview and I believe that the authoritative piece on the continent and its people, National Lampoon’s European Vacation, will be an excellent preparation for me. I have no worries about the types of question these Aussies and Kiwis have planned for us.”
WinWii Contest Paves The Way For First Ever Wii Optimized Chat
On the heels of the first ever Wii Optimized Chat system launch, WiiWasHere is proud to announce a contest that will reward the most dedicated gamers with outstanding prizes. The user with the most Achievement Coins will win a new Wii system, and the second place user will receive a new copy of Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Wii.
Users simply need to sign up as WiiWasHere members and challenge friends, all for free. After each challenge, members rate each other’s performance and earn Achievement Coins, which gamers use to prove skill level and win WiiWasHere contests like the WinWii contest. Previously members were able to plan challenges for the future though an online form, now they can instantly challenge online friends via the Wii Optimized Chat! Either way, Achievement Coins are awarded upon completion of ratings.
To participate in the WinWii contest please visit WiiWasHere, where you can sign up and get more information on the contest.
Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command Limited Edition PSP
To celebrate the launch of the new handheld strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command on Sony PSP tomorrow, THQ in conjunction with Games Workshop and a team of professional modelers has created a limited set of six exclusive Squad Command themed PSP consoles.
Only one of these incredible custom PSPs is bound for the UK — to be in with a chance of winning this awe-inspiring bit of kit, enter our exclusive competition on THQ-Games.com — we’ve got copies of the game for runners up too.
Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command brings intense, strategic combat to handheld consoles.
In the grim darkness of the 41st Millennium, the daemonic forces of Chaos clash with the Imperium’s finest — the Space Marines. Command your elite squad of Ultramarines, equip them with over 20 ranged and close combat weapons, and pit them against the might of the World Bearers in turn-based tactical combat across fully destructible 3D battlefields.
Wage war through 15 single-player missions, or battle your friends and foes over nine brutal multiplayer maps, and engage in epic conflicts between 2-8 players.
Supporting a host of options, including game sharing, local wireless and full online play supported by online leaderboards, Squad Command offers hours of gameplay and one of the most complete multiplayer packages on handheld.
The PSP version of Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command, complete with glorious 3D graphics and hi-res cinematics hits stores tomorrow!
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Have Joystick, will travel! For Action and Adventure, Classic and Retro, RPG, Sports, Strategy and Simulation - we\’ll provide you with the latest releases, tips, updates, and advice for the PC and console gaming world.
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