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June 15–16———————————
Inca Gets the MiDAS Touch in Brazil (Games: PC)
IncaGold been chosen by MiDAS Interactive Entertainment Group to publish three titles in the Brazilian marketplace. Sergei Bubka’s Millennium Games, Snowboard Racer and Silkolene Motocross join the other 10 MiDAS titles IncaGold has released in that territory during the past several months. Millennium Games offers multiplayer, arcade–style game play within a variety of decathlon events. Snowboard Racer enables players to perform terrifying jumps, as they descend among frozen crags and canyons. Meanwhile, Silkolene Motocross is a 3D dirt bike sim with some of the wildest courses imaginable.
The Golden Throne of Bhaal (Games: PC)
Interplay’s Black Isle Studios division, and BioWare Corp. announced that Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal has gone gold. This expansion completes the Baldur’s Gate experience with several new locations, high–level spells and powerful characters. Throne of Bhaal is the ultimate conclusion for the epic saga, wherein gamers fulfill their destiny as a child of Bhaal.
LithTech’s Powerful Enhancements (For Developers)
LithTech, Inc. announced the availability of the LithTech Development System Version 3.1. The latest version provides game developers with a comprehensive set of licensable technologies and tools that reduce the cost of producing 3D games and software applications. A number of modifications and enhancements have been incorporated within the system’s following features and tools: Alias/Wavefront Maya World Exporter, Discreet 3D Studio Max Version 4 Skin Support, Distributed Object System, DEdit Tool, RenderStyles Viewer, DirectX 8 Sound Support and 2D Window Tool Kit. More info.
MechWarrior Expands this Fall (Games: PC)
Microsoft announced the fall release of MechWarrior 4: Black Knight Expansion Pack. The add–on will feature new Mechs and vehicles, a new Black Market mode, new multiplayer modes and a single–player campaign. Cyberlore, creator of Majesty and the WarCraft 2 Expansion Pack, is the developer for the MechWarrior 4: Vengeance expansion.
Microsoft’s "X" Marks the Box (Industry Insights)
It’s official, Microsoft Corp. and XBOX Technologies Inc. have settled their trademark dispute over the term "Xbox." Specifics pertaining to the agreement will remain confidential. However, Microsoft now controls all trademark–related rights to "Xbox." In addition, XBOX Technologies has agreed to change its corporate name.
Sierra Tees–off with a PGA Update (Games: PC)
Sierra announced the summer release of PGA Championship Golf Collector’s Edition. The latest update in the PGA Championship Golf series features 12 new 18–hole courses — for a total of 32 greens within the game. In addition, the Collector’s Edition will utilize the product line’s patented TrueSwing technology, and an optimized version of the PGA Championship Golf engine.
Sierra SWAT’s with WildTangent (Games: PC)
Sierra On–Line obtained a technology license for WildTangent’s Web Driver. The agreement enables Sierra to market, and promote its family of interactive entertainment products. Sierra used WildTangent’s 3ds max exporter during the design of the SWAT 3 official web site. WildTangent’s Web Driver provided fully interactive 3D character models, animation and sound for the site. SWAT 3 is the first Sierra title that utilizes WildTangent’s technology. SWAT 3 is a tactical/action PC game that immerses gamers in real world scenarios, as they lead the elite L.A.P.D. SWAT team through the streets of Los Angeles.
Train Simulator Strategies (Games: PC)
All aboard! Sybex is leaving Microsoft’s station with the official PC guide to Train Simulator. Microsoft Train Simulator: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets provides all the operation know–how for everything from the Orient Express to the Flying Scotsman, as well as hands–on track and activity–building tutorials. More info.
TDV Blurs Reality (Hardware & Peripherals)
TDV Technologies released a 3D stereoscopic PC viewing system for video games ahead of schedule. The company’s True Depth Visualization (TDV) Glasses System enables gamers to virtually enter a 3D fantasy world like never before. The TDV gaming system is fully compatible with industry standard 3D graphics accelerators from nVidia, and almost any Direct3D or OpenGL–based game. In fact, it was nVidia’s Windows 9x 3D Stereo Driver that expedited TDV’s September launch. The TDV Glasses System is available here.
June 14———————————
Gaming Increases Down Under (Industry Insights)
Independent market research firm, Inform, reported that Australian sales of interactive games increased 19 percent in April. Activision, JOAG, Electronic Arts and Tech Pacific contributed to an 18 percent rise in PC games. In addition, all four distributors experienced a retail growth of more than 40 percent. Sony’s PlayStation and PlayStation 2 achieved software success, with monthly increases of 18 percent and 26 percent respectively. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s Game Boy dragged its feet with only a five percent gain over the previous month. However, Nintendo’s N64 console jumped 54 percent after the release of Pokemon Stadium 2.
Licenses Gamers Crave (Games: Game Boy Advance)
Crave Entertainment announced the third quarter release of Men in Black: The Series, and Razor Freestyle Scooter for the Game Boy Advance. Men In Black: The Series has been licensed by Sony Pictures Consumer Products. In the upcoming alien–busting adventure, MIB agents J and K will battle evil beings throughout six expansive levels. Meanwhile, extreme sports enthusiasts will have a full throttle of off–the–wall tricks and insane environments in Razor Freestyle Scooter’s six different levels of game play. The Razor scooter was one of the top sellers for the 2000 holiday season.
Dragon Warrior III Is Official (Games: Game Boy Color)
Enix America, Inc. launched the official Dragon Warrior III web site to support its upcoming release on the Game Boy Color. The site’s eight featured sections are loaded with quests, characters, monsters, monster medals, mini–games, message boards and general information. Dragon Warrior III is scheduled to ship nationwide on July 17, and is compatible with the new Game Boy Advance.
Doug Myres’ Legacy Lives On (Event)
GodGames will present the Doug Myres Substance Award to an industry leader and visionary on July 1, at the Cyberathlete Professional League’s (CPL) 4–Year Anniversary Event in Dallas, Texas. In honor of Doug Myres’ memory and spirit, the Substance Award will recognize a member of the industry whose integrity, solid character and influence reaches beyond the business, and makes a significantly positive impact within the gaming community. The recipient will receive an engraved trophy, and a donation will be made to the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center in his or her name. A second trophy will be on display at the CPL’s headquarters. Myres, the co–founder of GodGames, and the vice president of New Media, passed away recently.
Sam Gets Seriously Warped (Games: Online)
GodGames and Croteam released the V2 MOD for their first–person PC shooter, Serious Sam. Seriously Warped enables players to create their own models and maps for the Serious Sam online community. The MOD supports original multiplayer options including Control Zone, Objective Thief and Rugby, as well as TeamPlay Objective Thief, Team Control Zone and Capture The Flag. In addition, Seriously Warped enables all multiplayer options to be easily incorporated into the Serious Sam Level Editor. The Seriously Warped V2 MOD is available for free here.
Half–Life Shifts to Retail (Games: PC)
Sierra and Gearbox Software shipped Half–Life: Blue Shift. This is newest episode in the Half–Life series, and comes packaged with the Half–Life HD Pack. The expansion upgrades the weapons and characters for all previous Half–Life games with new high–definition content. In addition, the North American version of Blue Shift includes the award–winning title, Half–Life: Opposing Force. Half–Life: Blue Shift is a standalone product that does not require the original Half–Life to play.
WWII Online for Mac (Games: Macintosh)
Strategy First and Playnet.com are developing WWII Online: Blitzkrieg for the Macintosh. The cross–genre, massively multiplayer online game will be distributed throughout North America by Infogrames on July 10. The PC version shipped last week.
THQ Supports Nintendo (Games: Multiplatform)
THQ Inc. has up to 15 titles planned for release through 2002 for the GameCube. The company’s lineup will encompass a variety of genres, and includes such titles as MX 2003 featuring Ricky Carmichael, WWF Wrestlemania, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, Rugrats, SpongeBob SquarePants, Rocket Power, Tetris Worlds and Scooby–Doo. Several other GameCube products are currently in development, and will be announced in the coming months. In addition, THQ will publish 16 Game Boy Advance titles in 2001.
June 13———————————
GBA Rentals at Blockbuster (Games: Game Boy Advance)
Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance will be available for rental at Blockbuster stores beginning June 15. In addition, participating locations will feature the handheld’s 17 launch titles, as well as the remaining 80 games scheduled to release before Christmas. Blockbuster will offer customers a specially priced hardware/software package for $14.99, which includes a five–day rental of the Game Boy Advance and two games.
CPL Immerses Gamers with Logic (Event)
Immersion Corporation and Logitech have teamed up to co–sponsor this year’s Cyberathlete Professional League 4–Year Anniversary Charity Event in Dallas, Texas, from June 28 through July 1. Attendees will have an opportunity to demo various TouchSense–enabled games with Logitech’s iFeel Mouse. The Immersion/Logitech exhibition area will feature such titles as Black & White, Unreal Tournament and Half–Life. In addition, a challenge has been set for any gamer to take on Immersion’s resident UT champion, Jason Fleming. Competitions will be held all four days of the CPL Event from 11:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm and 5:00 pm–6:00 pm. Successful masterminds will receive an iFeel mouse and t–shirt. For more info about the CPL anniversary event, click here.
Infogrames Springs Games on the Palm (Games: Wireless)
Infogrames, Inc. and Springtoys plan to release a series of PalmOS games early this summer. Under the terms of the agreement, Springtoys will develop and produce six titles from Infogrames; Driver, Centipede, Asteroids, Deer Hunter, Pro Bass Fishing and Beachhead 2000 franchises.
GameShark InterActs with Blockbuster (Hardware & Peripherals)
GameShark Top 50 is now appearing at all participating Blockbuster locations. For $1.99, gamers can rent the hottest PlayStation codes for five days. The newest video game accessory from InterAct provides infinite life, unlimited ammo, hidden characters and other resources for the most frequently rented PlayStation games. GameShark Top 50 will be updated quarterly to reflect new titles and rental trends. In addition, InterAct’s full–blown PlayStation GameShark, Dual Impact 2 controller, PlayStation Memory Cards and a variety of Game Boy Color accessories are available for purchase at all Blockbuster locations.
Kensington Immerses the Power of Touch (Hardware & Peripherals)
Kensington Technology Group’s Orbit 3D Trackball will enable users to experience a wide variety of sensations while listening to, or looking at, web content. Orbit 3D comes pre–packaged with Immersion Corp.’s Web Designer software, which showcases the power of TouchSense force feedback technology. The trackball creates rumbles, waves, buzzes and textures from its interaction with desktop icons, web hyperlinks or drop down menus. In addition, Orbit 3D adds a new dimension to computer gaming, as players can feel cobblestones on a road, the impact of hitting the ground or the explosion of a missile. To date, TouchSense tactile effects have been incorporated into over 200 software titles including Sierra’s Half–Life and Tribes II, as well as Electronic Arts’ Black & White. The Kensington Orbit 3D Trackball will be available at retail later this month.
Konami Advances New Titles (Games: Game Boy Advance)
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon and Konami Krazy Racers for the Game Boy Advance are now available at retail from Konami of America. In Castlevania, players use an arsenal of weapons and magic items to destroy Dracula’s evil minions. Meanwhile, Krazy Racers enables players to kart race through 16 action–packed tracks, with eight of their favorite Konami characters.
In related news, Konami intends to support Nintendo’s handheld with many forthcoming titles such as ESPN Final Round Golf 2002, X–Games Skateboarding, Jurassic Park III: DNA Factor, Jurassic Park III: Park Builder, Jurassic Park III: Primal Fear and a new Frogger title.
Attention All Cyber–Putters (Contests)
Microsoft invites all Links 2001 PC golfers to attend this year’s 2001 Virtual Golf Association (VGA) Tour. The Cyber–tournament will feature an international flair, as participants from 12 countries tee–off for their share of over $75,000 in cumulative prize money. The 2001 VGA Tour begins June 25, with three preliminary tournaments. The top 70 competitors on the Money Board will advance themselves to the Semifinals. Finally, four Finalists will receive roundtrip airfare, and hotel accommodations to compete in the Championship Round for a $50,000 Grand Prize. The date and location of the Championship Round will be announced during the Semifinal Round. Over 12,000 cyber–golfers participated in Microsoft’s inaugural VGA Tour. Joe Montana and Russ Francis were on–hand in Hawaii to crown last year’s winner, Paul Willey. Complete tournament information is available here.
Westwood Calls Upon a New Emperor (Games: PC)
Westwood Studios shipped Emperor: Battle for Dune under the EA GAMES brand. Worldwide distribution is expected by June 17. Emperor is Westwood’s first 3D real–time strategy game, and is the sequel to Dune II. The game’s non–linear planetary campaign features 33 different maps, more than 100 missions and LAN/Internet support. In addition, the custom–designed 3D engine adds depth, and enables players to manipulate the camera. Emperor has been fully localized in English, French, German, Korean and Chinese.
June 12———————————
3DO Creates Robots For Everyone (Games: Multiplatform)
The 3DO Company inked a deal with 4Kids Entertainment to develop, publish and distribute interactive games based on Cubix: Robots for Everyone. Under the agreement, 3DO has the rights to create Cubix games for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, GameCube and Xbox. The first Cubix games are expected to ship this Christmas. Cubix: Robots For Everyone is a new CGI–animated series that premieres in August on Kids’ WB!
On–Demand Mobile Gaming (Technology)
Gamefederation unveiled a concept release of its GFX platform for on–demand gaming on wired or wireless devices. The new platform has been built on BEA Systems’ WebLogic Server. The GFX platform empowers mobile phone, PC, PDA and digital television users to play electronic games anytime, anywhere. In addition, GFX enables gamers to play against one another using different devices.
Interplay Opens the Flood Gates (Games: PC)
Interplay’s 14 Degrees East shipped Hostile Waters: Antaeus Rising. The real–time action/strategy title has been developed by Rage Software for the PC. Antaeus Rising blends traditional resource management and unit control, with third–person game play aboard 10 different vehicles.
Shrapnel Commands Airport Designers (Contests)
Shrapnel Games’ Air Command 3.0 Airport Design Contest left the runway. The contest takes flight through July 15, and is intended to give would–be airport designers a chance to have their masterpieces published. The top three designs submitted to Shrapnel Games will debut in Joe Jaworski’s Airport Expansion Pack for Combat Command 3.0 in August. In addition, the top three designers will receive a $50 cash prize. Air Command 3.0 is an air traffic control simulation, and is available now through Shrapnel Games’ web site.
Sierra KNOWS JACK (Event)
Sierra announced the TV debut of YOU DON’T KNOW JACK. The PC–inspired comedy quiz show/party game will premier on ABC, June 20, at 8:00 p.m. Paul Reubens will host the show as Troy Stevens, and dish up JACK like only he can. In addition, JACK fans can tune in to www.ydkj.com for preview footage of the upcoming show starting tomorrow. YOU DON’T KNOW JACK 5th Dementia is available from Sierra at the official YOU DON’T KNOW JACK web site, or by calling 800–757–7707. YOU DON’T KNOW JACK is developed by Jellyvision, published by Sierra, and produced for television by Carsey–Werner–Mandabach.
Sony’s Interactive Atlantis (Games: PlayStation)
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. shipped Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire for the PlayStation. This 3D epic adventure revives the mysterious legend of Atlantis, as players travel far below the earth’s surface to uncover the truth behind the Atlantean myth. Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire features six playable characters, four land/sea vehicles, action–platform puzzles and 12 levels of game play. In addition, the game includes many locales from the movie, and original environments designed specifically for the game.
Dominion Wars At Retail (Games: PC)
Simon & Schuster Interactive’s highly anticipated PC title, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine — Dominion Wars hits store shelves tomorrow. The space combat/strategy title enables gamers to blast away against up to eight players online, or test their skills in one of the game’s 20 single–player missions. As an added bonus, Simon & Schuster included a free copy of Star Trek: Starship Creator — Warp 2 with every Dominion Wars game. Trekkies can now create their own Starships for battle, import their photos or outfit themselves as Starfleet Officers. And if that isn’t enough, the official Dominion Wars web site features captain and ship profiles, as well as message boards.
THQ’s Miniature 40K Deal (Games: Multiplatform)
THQ inked an exclusive deal with Games Workshop to publish Warhammer 40,000 titles for the PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance. The first Warhammer 40,000 game is scheduled for a holiday 2002 release. In addition, THQ and Games Workshop will explore wireless Internet opportunities for the Warhammer 40,000 property. The dark Warhammer 40,000 fantasy wargaming universe was introduced in 1987 as a tabletop wargame.
June 11———————————
4Kids Monster Jams (FGN4Kids)
4Kids Entertainment finalized licensing, promotional and video game deals for the popular action/sports franchise, Ushra Monster Jam. In addition to its national television exposure on TNN, Ushra Monster Jam has obtained a tremendous following in stadium and arena entertainment, with over 4 million fans throughout the country. 4Kids established a Monster Jam promotion with McDonald’s; a three–week Mattel tie–in during the third quarter of this year; a Marvel Entertainment licensing agreement that brings Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk and Wolverine to the world of monster truck events; and production with Mattel’s Hot Wheels division for a new product line. In addition, the Monster Jam Maximum Destruction video game is being developed with Ubi Soft.
Activision Advances Tony and Pinobee (Games: Game Boy Advance)
Activision, Inc. announced the availability of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 and Pinobee: Wings of Adventure to coincide with the U.S. launch of the Game Boy Advance. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is the first action/sports title available for the handheld, and features some of the same levels from the PlayStation version. Meanwhile, Pinobee: Wings of Adventure is an immersive side–scrolling GBA–original adventure. Players can collect over 50 items and magical power–ups, as they make their way through multiple storylines and endings.
Atlus Advances Dodge Ball to Retail (Games: Game Boy Advance)
Atlus announced the availability of Super Dodge Ball Advance to coincide with the U.S. launch of the Game Boy Advance. The GBA–exclusive sports game features over 50 devastating super throws, nine world–class teams to battle, customization features and head–to–head game play.
Developers Hammer Out Mobiletainment (For Developers)
Fathammer developed the first cross–platform, 3D game engine for PDAs, Smartphones and handheld game–centric devices. The company’s X–Forge technology and suite of supporting tools will enable game developers to create original titles, and port existing properties to multiple mobile platforms. The X–Forge game engine has pioneered a new category in portable devices — Mobiletainment.
Humongous’ TV Games (FGN4Kids)
Infogrames Inc. joined the Microsoft TV Developer Program, and plans to adapt several of its Humongous Entertainment CD–ROMs for the Microsoft TV Access Channel Server. Freddi Fish 4, Pajama Sam 3 and Putt–Putt Joins the Circus will be among the first Infogrames’ titles adapted for interactive TV. The children’s titles will be accessible just like a cable channel, with ordinary use of the remote control.
Nintendo Advances to Retail (Games: Game Boy Advance)
Nintendo of America announced the U.S. debut of the Game Boy Advance. The handheld launched with 17 new titles, which include Army Men Advance, Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, ChuChu Rocket!, Earthworm Jim, Fire Pro Wrestling, F–ZERO: Maximum Velocity, GT Advance Championship Racing, Iridion 3D, Konami Krazy Racers, Namco Museum, Pinobee: Wings of Adventure, Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure, Rayman Advance, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2, Super Dodge Ball Advance, Super Mario Advance and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2. Meanwhile, more than 60 games will ship by this holiday season. The Game Boy Advance is available in Arctic, Glacier and Indigo colors for manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $99.95, while Fuchsia color GBAs hit store shelves June 25.
Nuby Interactive’s GBA Cobra Line (Hardware & Peripherals)
Nuby Interactive LLC announced the release of its Cobra Advance Line for the Game Boy Advance. The new line consists of nine products that are available in the same colors as the Game Boy Advance.
- Cobra Light — This light eliminates all traces of screen glare by utilizing an exclusive reflective technology.
- Cobra Power Deluxe — This power pack provides up to 32 hours of game play.
- Cobra Sound Buds — Headphones with full stereo sound.
- Cobra AC Adapter — To provide battery–free game play.
- Cobra Power Plus — This power pack provides up to 16 hours of game play on a full charge, or 36 hours if used along with alkaline batteries.
- Cobra Link 1 to 1 — Enables two players to connect their GBAs.
- Cobra Multi–Link — Enables more than two players to connect their GBAs.
- Cobra MagniLight — Uses reflective light technology to provide light to all corners of the screen.
- Cobra Caravan Pack — Contains several Cobra Advance Line products in a single package to provide 47 hours of non–stop play.
Game Centers Prepare for War (Games: PC)
Strategy First Inc. and Playnet partnered with iGames to promote World War II Online. IGames is hosting a one–week long Showcase Event to celebrate the release of Strategy First’s massively multiplayer title throughout their game centers across North America. The iGames centers will provide players with one FREE hour of play during the event, and will hand out coupons to purchase the game at Best Buy with a 10 percent discount. In addition, iGames will hold massive national events following the launch showcase. More info.
Sybex’s Updates Fallout (Games: PC)
Sybex posted two new updates for Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel — Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets. In the first download, users will find added images and labels for the armor, weapons and supplies described in Chapter 4. The second online update covers pre–game, and game play issues found within the context of the Alpha Bunker campaign. More info.
Tecmo’s Limited Horse Race (Games: PlayStation 2)
Tecmo, Inc. announced the release of Gallop Racer 2001 for the PlayStation 2. The original Gallop Racer was the only horse racing game to be released on the PlayStation in the U.S., and Gallop Racer 2001 is the first horse racing title to be published for the PlayStation 2 in the U.S. Players assume the role of breeder, jockey, or spectator. Gallop Racer 2001 will be published in limited quantity on August 21, with a brand–new betting feature.
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