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Week of April 15, 2001

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April 20——————————— Activision Chases Down Criminals (Games: PlayStation) Activision, Inc. inked a deal with Fox Interactive to develop, publish and distribute the *World’s Scariest Police Chases* for the PlayStation. The game will be based on the popular TV show, and is sure to offer up challenging, action–packed game play. Mystifying E3 Tribe (Games: PC) Arxel Tribe will showcase the company’s latest creations this year at E3. The European company developed five adventure games over the past four years for third party publishers including *Pilgrim, Ring, Faust, Pompeii* and *Louvre. Arxel Tribe became its own publisher in June 2000* for adventure titles such as *The Legend of the Prophet, The Assassin and The Secrets of Alamut, as well as Adada* and *Big Teddy* for the kiddies. However, all eyes will be on *Hitchcock: The Final Cut* in Arxel’s E3 booth 6743, in Kentia Hall. The adventure title has been developed with Universal Studios, and captures all of the thrilling action from the Master of Suspense’s most famous films. Meanwhile, the final version of *Casanova: The Duel of the Black Rose* will be on display. E3 viewers will have the opportunity to FIGHT — SEDUCE — PLOT — SURVIVE in this real–time action/adventure, one month before its worldwide launch. Arxel Tribe plans to make a few important announcements regarding the acquisition of a number of international licenses, and is also inviting developers to present their latest works to the company at the show. More Digital Gaming for Your Leisure (Games: Multiplatform) Digital Leisure recently released several new titles for the PlayStation 2 including *Dragon’s Lair, Space Ace, Dragon’s Lair II, Shadoan* and *Hologram Time Traveler. In addition, the company will continue its efforts to improve the Dragon’s Lair* series by releasing new remastered titles this fall. These new CD–ROMs will include dip switches and scene authentication, as well as new multiple levels of difficulty. And if that’s not enough, Digital Leisure plans to introduce their newly acquired titles at E3 next month. All of the previously mentioned titles, and more, will be on display at the Telefilm Canada booth 6003, in Kentia Hall. A Never–Before–Seen Gaming Experience (Conferences & Expositions) The Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) released a survey pertaining to this year’s E3Expo exhibitors. Approximately 400 companies will debut over 750 interactive games and related products at the show, with 123 of these companies exhibiting for the first time. IDSA achieved about a one–third response rate on the surveys that reveal that 80 percent of the products on display will ship to retail in time for the 2001 holiday season. Games continue to broaden their appeal this year as 90 percent of the respondents’ titles have been developed for families and children; 19 percent have been published specifically for women and girls; and about eight percent have been designed to target seniors. Attendees can bet–their–bottom–dollar that 40 percent of the titles being shown will target the various next–gen consoles, while more than one–third have been developed for the PC; 15 percent for handheld devices; almost four percent for online entertainment; less than two percent for personal data assistants and cellular phones combined; and less than one percent for DVD and set top box’s respectively. Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony will kick off this year’s show with a keynote panel discussion on May 17 at 9 a.m. More info. Get Your Stronghold on a Castle Attack (Games: PC) GodGames and FireFly Studios request PC gamers to report to fileplanet.com for official castle defense training. FireFly Studios developed *Castle Attack, a side–scroller, adventure mini–game that is based on the upcoming medieval–city–builder–meets–real–time strategy combat title, Stronghold. The final version of Stronghold will challenge players to design and defend their own castles, manage the castle community and prepare for a siege attempt. In addition, players will be able to form alliances and compete for total kingdom control online with the game’s multiplayer mode. Castle Attack is available now for download, and Stronghold will be released this fall. InterAct Adds True Next–gen Mobility* (Hardware & Peripherals) InterAct Accessories, Inc. announced a new enhanced–version of its Mobile Monitor for the PSOne earlier this week. The company now takes mobility one step further with the introduction of InterAct’s Mobile Power One. This battery pack independently powers the next–gen console and Mobile Monitor for up to two and one–half hours, without the need for power adapters or cables. The Mobile Power One fits directly underneath the PSOne; has a three and one–half hour quick charge feature; a LED charged or uncharged indicator; and rubberized feet to prevent slippage. InterAct plans to release the Mobile Power One to retail in June. A Knowledgeable Adventure for Girls (Miscellaneous) Knowledge Adventure will participate in the ninth annual Take our Daughters to Work Day on Thursday, April 26. The event provides girls with a unique opportunity to explore the impact of technology on careers within the multimedia industry, as they participate in department workshops and meet with many of the professionals that contribute to Knowledge Adventure’s software development process. Lunchtime entertainment will be provided by Los Angeles’ listen–at–work radio station, K–BIG 104.3. K–BIG morning show personality, Leigh Ann Adam, will talk about her career in broadcasting, and offer the girls a chance to win tickets to see 98 Degrees in concert. As part of Knowledge Adventure’s participation this year and their community outreach efforts, the company will mentor girls from the Hollenbeck Youth Center in East Los Angeles. In conjunction with this event, Knowledge Adventure is also launching a college scholarship sweepstakes from April 23 through September 30. Parents can register to win a $2,500 savings bond for their child’s education at education.com. GTR Sells Off Video Game Ops (Industry Insights) GTR Group Inc. agreed to sell its video game business and related infrastructure to SwapIt Inc. for cash, notes and a minority equity interest in SwapIt. The transaction is expected to be completed within six weeks. Acquiring GTR’s Games Trader and Zap You positions SwapIt to become a leading global aggregator, logistics handler and distributor of previously owned entertainment products. Both companies announced a strategic partnership back in October of 2000, which provided SwapIt with access to GTR’s video game inventory, database resources and a full range of top–rated gaming accessories. Max Payne Becomes a Rockstar (Games: Multiplatform) Take Two Interactive announced the company’s plans to bring *Max Payne* from the PC to the PlayStation 2. Max Payne is a dark, searing tale of corruption and murder that is based in New York City’s underground. Remedy Entertainment Ltd. and 3D Realms Entertainment are currently working on the revenge–driven action title for the PC, while Rockstar Games Canada will develop the PlayStation 2 version. April 19——————————— Alpha’s Bulldog is Watching (Games: Handhelds) Alpha Security Products, Inc. developed a security system that is designed to protect the Game Boy Advance system, software and hardware components on store shelves. The Game Boy Advance Bulldog Security Box enables retailers to openly display the GBA products and reduce their risk of theft. This highly durable and reusable security solution is compatible with Electronic Article Surveillance technology; provides six–sided protection without compromising package graphics; will not interfere with a retailer’s quick checkout process; and offers a thin design to maximize precious shelf space. The Bulldog Security Box will debut on June 11, with the U.S. launch of the Game Boy Advance. GameCom’s Ferris Wheel is Spinning (Industry Insights) GameCom, Inc. signed a letter of intent to acquire Ferris Productions, Inc. in a stock–for–stock, or merger transaction. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed at this time, but the agreement will be subject to a number of conditions including due diligence review and shareholder approval. Ferris has installed virtual reality entertainment centers in Premier Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Paramount Parks and Circus Circus theme parks, and has completed high–tech projects for companies such as Pepsi, IBM, US West (Quest), Mercedes–Benz, Red Baron Pizza and Landmark Entertainment. The merging of the two companies could prove to be an interesting match. Consider GameCom’s Net GameLink interactive Internet gaming concept, and Ferris’ patent pending arcade system of the future that converts PC games from the home market to the arcade market. L. Kelly Jones, GameCom’s CEO, will remain as Chairman and CEO, while Robert D. Ferris, currently Ferris’ President, will assume the role of GameCom’s President. Rats with Magnetic Addiction (Games: Web) Gamesmagnet.com has released its latest free game, with the same check–your–brain–in–at–the–door feeling as the *Windows–based versions of Solitaire* or *Minesweeper.* *Lab Rat, starring Larry* the Rat, features 10,000 mazes that can be played either on or offline, and is fully customizable with different skins or sounds. Gamesmagnet.com is a subsidiary of BITS Studios. More info. Immersive Interactive Soccer (Games: Web) Intel Corporation and OradNet Inc. announced the release of an immersive sports technology that utilizes Intel’s new *Interactive Sports* software and the OradNet sport tracking platform. *TOPlay Soccer* creates an interactive 3D graphics representation of actual soccer matches for fans to view online.With the new technology, any element of a display on the computer screen becomes a "clickable" item, wherein users can zoom in and out of plays; watch replays in slow motion from various angles; and even have the ability to click through to other web sites for additional content or e–commerce opportunities. TOPlay Soccer will be available for download on April 30. More info. May the Force Be with Kart Racing (Games: PlayStation) Lucas Learning Ltd. just released *Star Wars Super Bombad Racing* for the PlayStation 2. The kart racing title enables players to select from one of eight Star Wars’ characters and race on nine different tracks throughout the galaxy in single or multiplayer modes. The game features more than 25 gadgets and power–ups, including boosts, shields and special items that perform differently for each racer. Star Wars Super Bombad Racing will be available at retail on April 25. Super Bombad Racing Event (Event) Lucas Learning is hosting a game play event featuring *Star Wars Super Bombad Racing* on the PlayStation 2. The event is slated for Saturday, April 28, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Metreon’s PlayStation store in San Francisco. Star Wars’ fans will have the opportunity to kart race with Darth Maul and Yoda in the recently released title; meet the game’s development team; and enter a raffle for a chance to win a new PlayStation 2, a copy of Star Wars Super Bombad Racing and autographed posters. All proceeds will go to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Marin and Napa Counties, Inc. More info. Mission–based Vehicular Espionage (Games: PlayStation) Midway Games Inc. has plans to bring the popular 1980s action–racing game, *Spy Hunter* to the PlayStation 2. With next–gen 3D design, futuristic weaponry and the G–6155 Interceptor all–terrain vehicle, Spy Hunter must make split–second decisions in order to defeat the evil multinational corporation, NOSTRA. Fourteen in–depth missions lead Spy Hunter around the globe to various exotic locations, each with a high degree of photo–realism. Spy Hunter is scheduled to ship this fall. NVIDIA Completes 3dfx Purchase (Industry Insights) NVIDIA Corporation finalized the details pertaining to the purchase of 3dfx Interactive’s graphics assets. In December, 3dfx signed an asset purchase agreement for NVIDIA’s wholly owned subsidiary, NVIDIA US Investment Company, to obtain patents, patent applications, trademarks, brand names and other graphics related assets. 3dfx received $55 million in cash for the acquisition. In addition, the patent infringement litigation between NVIDIA Corporation and 3dfx will be jointly dismissed. Sega’s Aggressive Come–Back (Industry Insights) According to Reuters’ news service, Sega Corp. announced that it would continue to make cuts at the Tokyo headquarters as part of a three–year restructuring scheme, and in effort to return to profitability by March 2002. The company plans to reduce its workforce from 1,018 employees to 700, while 200 workers have already opted for a voluntary retirement. The company is planning to sell off as much as half of its 58 affiliates that are either unrelated to Sega’s new strategy, or are no longer profitable. Sega recently switched its focus from hardware to software, and announced that it would stop producing the Dreamcast after March. The company endured an extraordinary loss for this decision. The Dreamcast’s inventory stood at two million units on January 31, and has now been cut by more than half. Sega expects its game software contents business to boost the company’s sales from a projected ¥62 billion in 2001/02 to ¥120 billion in 2003/04, and has agreed to supply games for the GameCube’s launch in Japan, as well as Microsoft’s release of the Xbox this fall. The company will also continue to actively seek more strategic alliances such as the arrangement made with J–Phone this week. Latest VidTrac Results (Industry Insights) The Video Software Dealers Association’s top five game rentals for the week ending April 15, 2001 include *Pokemon Stadium 2* in the top spot once again, followed by *Conker’s Bad Fur Day* and *Paper Mario. All three games are Nintendo 64* titles. *Onimusha: Warlords* rounded off the fourth position on the PlayStation 2, while *Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear* captured fifth place on the PlayStation. April 18——————————— Bombs Up for Activision (Games: Handhelds) Activision, Inc. inked a deal with Hudson Soft, Co., Ltd. to publish *Bomberman Tournament* and Pinobee: Wings of Adventure for the Game Boy Advance. Both titles join *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2* for the June 11th launch in the U.S. Activision’s arrangement with Hudson excludes Japan. Activision’s Bloody Fight (Games: PlayStation) Activision, Inc. inked a deal with Hudson Soft Co., Ltd. to obtain publishing and distribution rights for *Bloody Roar 3* in the United States and Canada. The title will be developed for the PlayStation 2 with the same 3D, adrenaline pumping game play found in the critically acclaimed *Bloody Roar* fighting series. Players will fight their way through nine different immersive environments, and have 14 characters to choose from in single, or two–player head–to–head battles. Bloody Roar 3 is expected to ship this June. Activision’s Soldier Returns (Games: PC) Activision, Inc. and Raven Software have teamed up once again to develop *Soldier of Fortune 2* for the PC. A sequel to last year’s release, the first–person action game provides realistic covert–operative themed game play with intense action; the *Quake III Arena* engine; a fast–paced storyline; new GHOUL II technology; and an all–new ROAM Terrain System. Players tackle a wide–range of missions as John Mullins, a military consultant employed by a top–secret anti–terrorist group. Soldier of Fortune 2 will feature a violence lock that enables players to filter out most of the mature graphics and audio found within the game. Activision’s the Weakest Link (Games: Multiplatform) Activision inked a deal with BBC Multimedia to develop, publish and distribute games based on *The Weakest Link* TV show. The show has become a part of British pop culture with catch–phrases such as "You are the weakest link, goodbye" and "It’s time to vote off the weakest link". In similar programming, NBC premiered an American–flavored version this week across the U.S. Under the agreement, Activision will deliver the part *Survivor, part Who Wants to be a Millionaire* themed game show for the PC, PlayStation and PlayStation 2 later this year. The deal also grants Activision options for other platforms including the Xbox, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Game Boy Color and Nintendo 64. The first releases are planned for the U.K. in October. Brawl with Homer and Bart (Games: PlayStation) ActivisionshippedThe Simpsons Wrestling for the PlayStation. Players body slam and pile drive their way to capture the Champion of Springfield title, in this new 3D wrestling/fighting game. The Simpsons Wrestling features 22 characters from the popular FOX television show; numerous donut, bowling pin and bubble gum power–ups; and graphically detailed Springfield locations such as the Simpson house, Krusty Lu Studios, Moe’s Tavern, the Kwik–E–Mart, Barney’s Bowl–O–Rama and the infamous Nuclear Power Plant. The title has been produced by Fox Interactive and developed by Big Ape. Alltel Searches for New Features (Games: Wireless) Alltel is adding a search feature for the wireless Internet, and several other new features. With the help of LookSmart, Alltel will enable its customers to search for particular topics by entering key words on their phones, or by scrolling through various categories. In addition, web–unwired customers can access five games that include Blackjack, Hangman, Roshambo, Scramble and Decoder; locate driving directions; or obtain ski reports. An Apple A Day Reaps Rewards (For Developers) Apple invites developers to submit their product for consideration in the Apple Design Awards, which include Best New Mac OS X Product, Most Innovative Mac OS X Product, Best Mac OS X User Experience and Mac OS X Technology Adoption. Final judging will take place between Tuesday, May 8 and Friday, May 18. Four Apple Design Award winners, and four runners–up, will be announced at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in May 2001. Each winner and runner–up will obtain the right to use the associated prize logo to market their products. The Official Contest Entry Form can be filled out electronically using *Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0. More info.* BattleGoat Rules the Web (Games: PC) BattleGoat Studios launched the official web site for their upcoming release, *Supreme Ruler 2010. It is the year 2010, and the United Nations* no longer exist. Players will select from over 700 real–world regions to begin their campaigns. The futuristic game provides a unique blend of military strategy; real–world simulation; politics; maps featuring actual satellite imagery; real–time multiplayer networking; intense scenario and campaign design; and advanced AI. Supreme Ruler 2010 is expected to reach Beta within the next 30–60 days, and is scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 2002. More info. CPL Moves South (Conferences & Expositions) The Cyberathlete Professional League will be hosting its first event in Latin America, April 28–30, at the Renaissance Hotel in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Virtua CPL Latin America is expected to draw in over 700 gamers from various countries as they compete for a $25,000 total prize purse. The admission fee is $25, and enables registrants to enter both the *Quake 3: Arena* duel and *Counter–Strike* team tournaments, as well as a spot in the BYOC area. The fee is the same for those who only wish to attend the BYOC, but there is no charge for spectators. More info. Dell Goes Mobile with NVIDIA (Hardware and Peripherals) Dell Computer Corporation has chosen NVIDIA’s GeForce2 Go for use in Dell’s Inspiron 8000 notebook PCs. The GeForce2 Go graphic processing unit (GPU) provides the 3D high–performance graphics speeds of desktop PCs to laptop computers. GeForce2 Go not only accelerates everyday business and Internet applications, but enables digital content creation software and 3D games to run with ease. More info. Dolby Digital Streams Sound (Technology) Dolby Laboratories has developed a groundbreaking technology that dynamically encodes multichannel audio into Dolby Digital 5.1. The Dolby Interactive Content Encoder enables low–latency Dolby Digital encoding for games, set–top boxes and home networking systems. The new technology allows different audio formats to be combined, encoded and played back through the millions of home–theater and personal–surround speaker systems equipped with Dolby Digital, while providing an explosive, cinematic experience for gamers. Microsoft’s Xbox video game console and the Nvidia Media Communications Processor will be among the first products to feature the Dolby Interactive Content Encoder. EA.com Seeks Customer Satisfaction RightNow (Industry Insights) EA.com selected RightNow Technologies as the company’s online customer support system for the next two years. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but this purchase marks the second largest in RightNow’s history. RightNow Web will serve the millions of visitors playing games on EA.com, pogo.com, AOL Games Channel, AOL.COM, CompuServe, Netcenter and ICQ. RightNow Technologies will also support EA SPORTS marketing web site, EASPORTS.com. Immersion’s 100th Patent (Industry Insights) Immersion Corp. received its 100th U.S. patent on April 3rd. The Tactile Mouse Device patent covers basic innovations that will enable low–cost computer mice to provide tactile feedback within graphical user interfaces, web pages and entertainment software. With Immersion’s patented technology, users can actually feel relevant tactile sensations as the cursor interacts with on–screen content. Immersion currently holds more than 250 pending patent applications worldwide, and actively licenses its TouchSense technology to major manufacturers such as Logitech, BMW and Microsoft. InterAct Gets Movin’ (Hardware & Peripherals) A bigger and better version of InterAct Accessories’ PSOne compatible portable monitor will be available next month. The new Mobile Monitor is one–inch larger than InterAct’s first model, and features two stereo speakers on both sides. The five–inch screen comes equipped with a headphone jack; a car adaptor; brightness, color and volume controls; and is set for high–resolution viewing. InterAct is also developing a rechargeable battery to power both the PSOne and the new screen for over two hours of mobile gaming. Interplay’s Earnings and Outlook (Industry Insights) Interplay Entertainment Corp. reported operating results for the fourth quarter and year–end for 2000. For the quarter ended December 31, 2000, Interplay reported net revenues of $30.8 million, a 13 percent increase over net revenues for the same period a year ago. The operating loss for the quarter was $3.8 million, versus an operating loss of $4.6 million in the same quarter a year ago. Meanwhile, Interplay reported net revenues of $104.6 million for 2000, compared to net revenues of $101.9 million in 1999. The operating loss was $8.4 million in 2000, which represents about one–fourth of the previous years operating loss. The company also announced that it has secured a new $15 million, three–year working capital line of credit with LaSalle Business Credit, Inc., and completed a private placement of common stock, which provides approximately $12.7 million in equity capital. Also during the company’s announcements, it was revealed that Interplay would release six PlayStation 2 games, one Xbox title and one game for the GameCube by the end of the year. Maximum Charisma’s Guided Vision (Industry Insights) Maximum Charisma Studios has created an Advisory Board with four of the industry’s top executives. The new members include Namco’s former EVP, Satish Bhutani; the former VP/CIO on the Sony PlayStation launch team in the U.S., Europe and Australia, Brett Boal; the former SVP of sales for Sega, VP of GameWEEK Magazine and The Interactive Entertainment Merchants’ Association, Len Ciciretto; and Ernst and Young’s 1999 Pennsylvania entrepreneur of the year, John Kennedy. The Advisory Board will provide Maximum Charisma’s management team with direction pertaining to industry trends, client relationships, partnerships and business development. Flying Mammals Erupt (FGN4Kids) Microsoft Corp. and Scholastic Entertainment Inc. released two new activity–based software titles to serve the inquisitive minds of children. *Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus Whales & Dolphins Activity Center* and *Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus Discovers Flight Activity Center* bring the air and the sea to life on the PC and Mac in a fun, interactive and educational way. Children ages six– to 10–years can learn about the basic elements of flight, or explore a sea of information on ocean mammals through a variety of games, trivia and creative activities. And if the sea and air weren’t enough, *Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus Volcanoes Activity Center* erupts in August with a lava flow of interactive games and activities for the kiddies. Microsoft’s Odd Trailer (Games: Xbox) Microsoft released a new sneak peak trailer for its upcoming Xbox title, *Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee. The two–minute trailer is available for download at xbox.com, and offers the first glimpse at the game’s graphics and twisted storyline. Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee sends players on a journey through a changing world of oddball creatures, off–the–wall action and fiendish goons. The Xbox–only title is slated to ship this fall. nGames Mobilize with AOL* (Games: Wireless) Together with America Online, nGame Ltd. will provide six new wireless games via the AOL Mobile service on Internet–ready phones. Under the agreement, nGame will provide a multiplayer card–based combat game, *Dataclash; a multiplayer martial arts combat game, Chop Suey Kung Fu; a humorous fish breeding game, Alien Fish Exchange; and customized parlor games such as Craps, Roulette* and *Fruit Machine. nGame is a channel, content and technology provider for wireless, PC–web* and interactive television community–based games. Expect GameCube Delays (Industry Insights) The GameCube’s July launch in Japan has been moved out to September 14. The two month delay is in effort to prevent a re–occurance of what Sony faced last year with the release of the PlayStation 2. Nintendo still plans to showcase the next–gen console at E3 next month. Meanwhile, no indications were made to suggest that the delay in Japan will affect the GameCube’s U.S. launch before Christmas. Sega Goes Wireless (Games: Wireless) Sega has entered into an agreement with J–Phone Group to jointly develop technology for use with games and other content on Java–enabled cell phones. J–Phone East, J–Phone West and J–Phone Central will launch the new mobile devices to the Japanese market in June. In addition, KDDI Corp. announced its plans to launch a new mobile phone in June that will enable users to download and play games using Java computer programming technology. S&SI’s E3 Lineup (Games: Multiplatform) Simon & Schuster will showcase eight titles at next month’s Electronic Entertainment Expo. The company’s booth F7, will be located near the food court, right outside the West Hall. Attendees will get a first look at Pearl Harbor: Zero Hour, a PC title wherein players fly various planes in World War II missions; *Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Dominion Wars, a real–time combat PC title with single missions and multiplayer battles; Real War, a PC real–time strategy game with land, air and sea forces; Ski–Doo: X–Team Racing, an indoor/outdoor snowmobile racing title for the PC; Darkened Skye, a PC and PlayStation 2* fantasy adventure game featuring hand–to–hand combat and magic spells; *Bump, a PC title with exploding bumper cars; Farscape, a third–person PC combat game with characters from the TV show; and Outlaw Golf, a wacky Xbox* golf game featuring courses such as the garbage dumps and mosquito–infested swamps. The planned shipdate for each title is as follows: *Pearl Harbor: Zero Hour* — May *Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Dominion Wars* — May *Real War* — August *Ski–Doo: X–Team Racing* — September *Darkened Skye* — October *Bump* — Fall 2001 *Farscape* — Spring 2002 *Outlaw Golf* — Spring 2002 EverQuest’s Universe Expands (Games: Web) Sony Online Entertainment released a new expansion pack for its role–playing game, *EverQuest. EverQuest: Shadows of Luclin* features new adventure zones, items, creatures, and spells, and an all–new playable character race. Luclin is divided into a land of light, ruled by Discord, and a land of shadow, ruled by Order. With the game’s enhanced 3D graphics engine, each side will present players with many new secrets, treasures and unique monsters to explore. EverQuest: The Shadows of Luclin is scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter of 2001. More info. Sony Steps Up to the Plate (Games: PlayStation) Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.’s PlayStation baseball title, *MLB 2002, will begin shipping to retail on May 8. The game has been developed by 989 Sports, and features Season* and Franchise game play, and six other modes. The in–game commentary will be provided by Vin Scully and Dave Campbell in this year’s release. Space Combat is in the Station (Games: Web) Sony Online Entertainment added a top-down space combat game to station.com. *Cosmic Rift Online* is available for free with three different races, thirteen spacecraft, unique weapons and numerouse abilities from which to choose. Deathmatch Mode is the only operating game play mode at this time, but the game will eventually feature other modes of play including Capture the Flag, Team Battles, Running Zone and Acquisition. THQ’s Games Produce Stars (Industry Insights) THQ and Nickelodeon will create and publish original video games that have multimedia franchise potential. Under their newly formed alliance, new games will be developed with original characters and storylines, which each have the ability to transcend into television, film, online and consumer products. THQ will publish and distribute the video games, while Stephen Youngwood, Vice President of Nickelodeon Interactive and Book Publishing, will manage the relationship from the Nickelodeon side. Both companies are presently accepting and evaluating game submissions. Red Faction Comenses (Games: PlayStation) THQ Inc. announced that development for the PlayStation 2 version of *Red Faction* is now complete. The first–person action title features a revolutionary Geo–Mod technology, which enables players to alter, deform and destroy their game environment in real–time. Red Faction was created by THQ’s subsidiary, Volition Inc., and is scheduled to release May 22. Atomica Detonates the Workplace Tetris–style (Games: Web) Zone.com has just released a new single–player distraction for mid–day stress relief. *Atomica* challenges players to move atoms of the same color across the board to form blocks of four with three different skill levels. These blocks, or molecules, disappear when complete, clearing space on the board for the formation of new molecules. If an atom is moved without forming a molecule, extra atoms appear to increase the difficulty. A full game of Atomica can be played in less than five minutes. Zone.com currently dispenses over 2 million cumulative hours of game play per day, across their suite of online games. *Week of April 8, 2001 — News* EA Dives Deep; Indrema’s Dream Dies; Next–gen White Wolf RPG; Pickled on the Web; NewKidCo Sports Adventures This Year; Nintendo Advances Life; The PS2 Becomes a PC in Japan; Cossacks’ Golden Wars; Yuri Expands RA2 Under EA GAMES; Tony’s Third Ride; Big Games! Blockbuster Awards!; Tropico Grants Dictator; Poseidon Makes an Impression Over Zeus; Netgear Sponsors CPL Event; Top Sellers and Renters; TDK’s No Rules Game Plan; Xbox Sports New Legends; THQ Advances Racing GT–style; VSDA Applauds Ashcroft; A New LUNA Has Landed; UFC Craves Xbox; Jane’s Combat.Net Loses the Battle; A New Accessory InterAct’s with the PC; Links Expands Online; Midax Experiences Rebirth Time Travel; Newgold Networks the Earth with Games; Porivo Reveals Gaming–related Web Experiences; Air Traffic 3.0; Pokemon On Tour; Activision Gives Nintendo a Mouse–of–a–Good Time; MSNBC Takes on the Console Battle; Acclaim’s Fearless Cabbies; bam! is Movie Driven; Codemasters Mixes–It–Up; Indrema Dreams of Cash; IDSA’s Overview; Lionhead’s Additions are Black & White; Build Your Own Dungeon Siege Site; Digital TV Gaming; Kohan’s Patched In on the Net; Waterloo Demo Now Available; Furby’s Clammy Friend ...back to FGN’s home page.


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