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Week of May 13, 2001

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May 15———————————

Unplugged Games Raids Phones (Games: Wireless)
Unplugged Games, Inc. launched its multiplayer space combat and high adventure game with AT&T Wireless, and Sprint PCS’s wireless data networks. Void Raider combines traditional starship shoot–em–up with Tamagotchi–like game play on mobile phones, wireless enabled PDAs and other wireless Internet devices. In Void Raider, players earn credits and prestige by successfully completing missions. The credits are redeemed for ship repairs, supplies and upgrades, while prestige leads to player promotions. The game has been designed to last no more than five minutes per session. Void Raider is powered by Unplugged Games’ MobileStage technology.

Sony and AOL Offer PS2 Access (Industry Insights)
Sony Computer Entertainment and AOL Time Warner Inc. inked a deal to provide high–speed Internet access for the PlayStation 2 in North America. Sony and AOL will explore interactive entertainment opportunities, and the development of a Netscape browser for web surfing through the game console. In addition, AOL is talking with developers to brand AOL’s features into games. The Sony/AOL alliance is two’fold — the PlayStation 2 can now compete with the Xbox in the broadband arena, while AOL’s 29 million subscribers will obtain access to web, chat or email services through a device beyond the personal computer. However, additional hardware will be required to support the PlayStation 2’s more advanced interactive features. Sony shipped more than 10 million consoles as of last month.

A Super–Sleuth Drama (Games: Xbox)
Sierra announced its first Xbox title, Jonny Drama. This fast–paced, stealth–shooter action title is set in a 3D cartoon environment without the gore. Jonny Drama combines the excitement and intrigue of classic spy movies with hip, retro style. Jonny Drama is a movie star turned secret agent that must stop the evil Dr. Bumbershoot with an arsenal of spy gadgets, disguises and vehicles. The game features challenging puzzle–solving adventures for the single player, or head–to–head battles for multiple players. More info.

Its a Game of Cat and Mouse (Games: Multiplatform)
NewKidCo will release two new Tom and Jerry titles this year. Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring will ship in October for the Game Boy Advance, while Tom and Jerry in War of the Whiskers is slated for the PlayStation 2 later this year. The Tom and Jerry cartoon series was created by legendary animators, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera.

Microsoft’s Webcast and Contest (Industry Insights)
Microsoft will provide a live webcast of its E3 press conference via Xbox.com on Wednesday, May 16, at 8:15 am PDT. The webcast will be available for on–demand viewing later in the day, as well. Both version require Windows Media Player. In related news, Microsoft Corp. and Golf Digest magazine have teamed up to offer an exclusive opportunity to play golf with PGA star, Sergio Garcia. In the Digital Armchair Architect Contest, course designers can see if they have what it takes to make a winning green using Microsoft’s Links 2001 Arnold Palmer Course Designer software. Contest entrants are required to upload three JPEG–formatted, 18–hole or three–hole screen shots to Armchairarchitect.com between May 15 and August 31. Ten finalists will be chosen from both categories by an expert panel of judges. Selected finalists will then submit their entire course for judging. Winners will be announced in October.

Interplay E3 Showstoppers (Games: Multiplatform)
Interplay Entertainment Corp. plans to "redefine the game" at E3 in the Concourse Hall, 150A and 150B. The company’s PlayStation 2 lineup includes Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance, RLH, Giants: Citizen Kabuto, Rubu Tribe and Star Trek: Shattered Universe. Hunter: The Reckoning and Galleon strut their stuff on the Xbox. Meanwhile, Interplay will showcase Neverwinter Nights, Baldur’s Gate II: Throne of Bhaal, TORN, Hostile Waters: Antaeus Rising and Star Trek: Starfleet Command — Orion Pirates on the PC.

Infogrames Captures the Men in Black (Games: Multiplatform)
Infogrames, Inc. obtained rights from Sony Pictures Consumer Products to develop a series of video games based on the Men In Black franchise for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC and Macintosh platforms, as well as Arcade Games. The first title is slated for this fall on the PlayStation, and will be shown for the first time at E3 in Infogrames’ booth. Men In Black features Director Zed, and alien immigration agents, Jay and Kay, who are armed with an enormous inventory of sophisticated weaponry to protect the earth from aliens with bad attitudes.

Enix’s Year of the Dragon (Games: Game Boy Color)
Enix America Inc. will ship Dragon Warrior III for the Game Boy Color on July 17. Known as Dragon Quest in Japan, Dragon Warrior III is based on the classic role–playing game originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System, and continues the story chronicled in Dragon Warrior I & II for the Game Boy. Players adventure through a world of deserts, mountains, pyramids, towers and dungeons to unlock a secret that sets the stage for the legend of Dragon Warrior. Dragon Warrior III boasts 32MB of ROM and 256KB of SRAM; a field log to save games; a monster medal collecting/trading system; bigger sprites and larger text fonts; improved combat animation; and new mini–games.

EA’s Xbox Plans and Dot Com Treasures (Games: Multiplatform)
Electronic Arts will unveil four of its 10 titles in development for the Xbox at E3. EA plans to showcase Madden NFL 2002, NHL 2002, F1 2001 and The Simpsons Road Rage. Other upcoming Xbox releases from EA include Pirates of Skull Cove, Medal of Honor Allied Assault and Cel Damage. In related news, TreasureTrivia’s new adventure game is now featured on EA.com for free. Players collect treasure pieces/points while answering questions to help Captain Wentwrong search for his lost treasure, crew and love. This "currency" can then be used to bid at auction, or purchase raffle tickets for weekly drawings of DVD players, exotic trips, CD gift certificates and more. The game is also accessible through the Games Channel of America Online, or Keyword: TreasureTrivia.

bam! It’s Sports Illustrated (FGN4Kids)
bam! entertainment announced the company’s plans to develop Sports Illustrated For Kids Baseball, Sports Illustrated For Kids Football and Sports Illustrated For Kids Basketball for the Game Boy Advance. The three titles will incorporate extensive character development, character trading, club management and arcade–style game play. Statistics are generated randomly when a team is first created, and will change during the course of "the season". Once a winning team has been developed, players can go head–to–head against the computer, or a friend. And as a part of the Play Rewards system, a top–performer will be honored with their very own trading card, or hometown stadium upgrades. Baseball and Football are scheduled to release this fall, while Basketball is expected to launch early next year.

May 14———————————

Activision’s E3 Lineup (Games: Multiplatform)
Activision unveiled a list of 25, E3 titles based on popular franchises such as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Spider–Man, X–Men, Wolfenstein, Star Trek, Stuart Little, World’s Scariest Police Chases and Bloody Roar 3. The games span the action, action/sports, action/adventure, combat sim, strategy, space combat, game show, fighting and racing genres. In addition, Streetfusion.com will host an audio broadcast of Activision’s E3 presentation by President and COO, Ron Doornink, starting May 17 at 5:00 pm. A complete list of the titles on display include:
  • Bloody Roar 3 — PS2
  • Bomberman Tournament — GBA
  • Commander Keen — GBC
  • Matt Hoffman’s Pro BMX — GBA, PC, PSOne, Dreamcast
  • Matt Hoffman’s Pro BMX 2 — PS2
  • Pinobee: Wings of Adventure — GBA
  • Return to Castle Wolfenstein — PC
  • Shaun Palmer’s Pro Snowboarder — GBA, GBC, PS2
  • Soldier of Fortune 2 — PC
  • Spider–Man 2: Enter Electro — PSOne
  • Spider–Man 2: The Sinister Six — GBC
  • Spider–Man: Mysterio’s Menace — GBA
  • Spider–Man: The Movie — GameCube, PS2
  • Star Trek Bridge Commander — PC
  • Star Trek: Armada II — PC
  • Stuart Little — GBC
  • Supercar Street Challenge — PC, PS2
  • The Weakest Link– PC, PSOne, PS2
  • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 — GBA, N64
  • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2x — Xbox
  • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 — GBA, GBC, GameCube, PC, PSOne, PS2, Xbox
  • World’s Scariest Police Chases — PSOne
  • X–Men: Mutant Academy 2 — PSOne
  • X–Men: Reign of Apocalypse — GBA
  • X–Men: Wolverine’s Rage — GBC
    • In related news, Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX will ship under the new Activision O2 label this week for the PlayStation and Game Boy Color. The game challenges players to perform hundreds of tricks and signature moves in a variety of realistic, street, vert and dirt jump courses.

    ARUSH is Feedn’ a GameCapsule (Games: Web)
    ARUSH Entertainment announced its digital entertainment delivery system that enables companies to deliver and sell games online. GameCapsule transforms web sites into providers of paid content, and streamlines the online buying cycle in a secure environment. Consumers obtain simplified downloads or installs, as well as detailed game information, updates and the opportunity to purchase other titles with the click of a button. In addition, users can download a game from the web to play at any time — whether they are connected to the Internet or not. In related news, the first free episode of Feedn’ Chloe is available now at Arushgames.com. The politically incorrect, redneck hunting parody was developed by Sunstorm Interactive, and uses the Deer Hunter 4 engine.

    Who Will Measure Up? (Industry Insights)
    Microsoft plans to pick–up–the–pace at this year’s E3Expo with a firmed price and a ship date for the Xbox. Analysts expect the company to match the PlayStation 2. However, the PlayStation 2 is approaching the end of its first year, and Sony could potentially decide to shave $10 to $20 off the console’s $300 price tag. So what will that mean for the Xbox’s fall launch? In order to make a good first impression, the Xbox will need to either match, or come in less than the PlayStation 2’s going rate. In fact, Microsoft is expected to lose up to $125 on every Xbox it sells due to royalties. While Microsoft has to establish its credentials (and has the $500 million marketing muscle to do so), Nintendo will have an even bigger challenge to face with the upcoming GameCube. The once dubbed, Dolphin, was originally scheduled to hit store shelves more than a year ago — leaving Nintendo with a lot to prove, and no room to delay. Nintendo has a sure lock on the handheld market with its Game Boy line, and plans to capitalize on this by connecting the Game Boy Advance and GameCube to transfer data, act as a spare controller and other functions. Top representatives from Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo will state their cases during Thursday morning’s keynote address, but the biggest challenge for the trio is to deliver good–looking, high–quality games.

    EB’s Software Rental Site (Games: Web)
    Electronics Boutique will introduce a streaming software rental site at E3. EB1 is powered by Into Networks’ on–demand technology, and provides click–and–play access to top PC titles. Into will feature a hands–on demo of the EB1 site, as well as a sneak peek at yet–to–be announced titles in Kentia Hall, booth 6225. EB1 goes live on June 1.

    Infogrames’ E3 Contenders (Games: Multiplatform)
    Infogrames, Inc. and parent company, Infogrames Entertainment SA will hit the show floor with seven games for the Xbox, 10 for the PlayStation 2, three for the PlayStation, 12 for the PC and four for the Macintosh in booth 824. LOONS: The Fight For Fame, Unreal Championship, Test Drive, NASCAR Heat, TransWorld Surf, TransWorld Skateboarding and TransWorld Snowboarding will showcase on the upcoming Xbox. Infogrames’ PlayStation 2 lineup includes Stuntman, Superman, EXO, Test Drive, Motor Mayhem, Le Mans 24 Hours, NASCAR Heat, Test Drive Off–Road Wide Open, MXrider and Splashdown. Sheep Raider, Men in Black: Crashdown and Alone In The Dark: The New Nightmare will demo on the PlayStation. PC entertainment will feature Survivor: The Australian Outback Interactive Game, Beach Head 2002, Freddi Fish 5: The Case of the Creature of Coral Cove, Backyard Football 2002, Backyard Basketball, Nicktoons: Nick Tunes, NSYNC Hotline, Tonka Monster Trucks, Monopoly City, Unreal II, Master of Orion III and Sid Meier’s Civilization III. And finally, Infogrames’ MacSoft division will debut Master of Orion III, Civilization III, Tropico and Fly! II on the Mac.

    No Need for Wires (Hardware & Peripherals)
    InterAct Accessories’ new controller adapter connects gamers to their favorite titles without cables, or on–screen delayed reactions. Go Wireless provides PlayStation and PlayStation 2 game play up to 15–feet away with Infrared Digital Application Technology. In addition, Smart Pause Technology pauses a game if the infrared beam is broken. Go Wireless features an infrared transmitter that plugs directly into the consoles’ controller port, and a receiver that attaches to the gamer’s belt. No batteries are required, rather an AC adapter is included to recharge the transmitter for three to five hours of game play. Go Wireless will be available in retail mid–May.

    Enter Hostile Waters to Win (Games: PC)
    Interplay’s Hostile Waters: Antaeus Rising contest begins Tuesday, May 15. Gamers simply download the game’s demo for a chance to win a free Alienware Ultimate Gaming System, and a signed copy or poster of Hostile Waters: Antaeus Rising. The contest ends Friday, June 15.     More info.

    A Real Networked Arcade (Games: Web)
    RealNetworks, Inc. launched the Beta release of RealArcade. With more than 120 PC games from over 40 top developers and publishers, users can find new games with a built–in guide; download games with a one–click guarantee and automatic installation; or organize their entire library of games in one place with a quick launch list for fast access. What’s more, RealArcade offers a complete range of titles across all genres for both online and offline play. RealNetworks created the free RealArcade program to extend Real.com’s streaming media strategies, and gaming–related web site. RealArcade provides an online network for independent developers to expose their software to a paying audience. With RealArcade’s development kit, these game producers can create compressed files for members to access. In addition, consumers can obtain reviews via message boards; find games to download; access an open publishing area to test out games; or engage in peer–to–peer and server–based multiplayer games. The RealArcade catalog currently includes a wide range of 3D downloadable "try before you buy" titles, massively multiplayer releases and free games via a web browser or RealPlayer 8. Such titles include Tex Atomic Big Bot Battles, Super Bubble Pop, Kayak Extreme, Evernight, SmallBall, 3D Billiards, Virtual Las Vegas and Music Trivia.     More info.

    Duke Supports Nintendo (Games: Multiplatform)
    Take–Two Interactive Software announced its plans to develop several titles for Nintendo’s GameCube and Game Boy Advance under the Rockstar Games label. Duke Nukem Forever is the first game confirmed for the GameCube, while a title based on the Duke Nukem franchise is planned for the Game Boy Advance. No further details were released at this time.

    Virtual MotoGP Racing (Games: Game Boy Advance)
    THQ Inc. announced the fall release of MotoGP for the Game Boy Advance. The racing title is based on Dorna’s FIM Motorcycle Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix, with the latest in biking technology and renowned riders from more than 21 countries. MotoGP will feature a four–player mode, three classes of races, 20 tracks, five game play modes and 12 customizable bikes. Dorna controls the world’s top motorcycle sports including Motocross, Supercross and MotoGP.

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