Monday, October 5, 2009

Ubisoft Announce They Have Acquired TrackMania Developers, Nadeo


Ubisoft has announced today that they have acquired Nadeo, the development studio which created TrackMania. Ubisoft say the acquisition is an important step for them as they move to expand into the On-Line gaming sector. Nadeo CEO, Florent Castelnérac, see's the move as a chance for Nadeo to "develop and innovate and take Nadeo to new horizons"

Press Release

Paris, France – October 05, 2009. Today, Ubisoft announced the acquisition of the development studio Nadeo, creator of TrackMania, the cult multiplayer car racing video game.
Set up in 2000 in Paris and comprising a highly talented team of developers, the Nadeo studio has won acclaim for the quality of its multiplayer technology which offers one of the best available on-line game experiences and has already notched up 10 million registered players. Its flagship game – TrackMania – has 700,000 unique players a month and is a pioneer in the sharing of creations (almost 15 million custom tracks created since 2008). It is also the first eSport franchise for racing games.

"The acquisition of Nadeo is an important step in our expansion within the on-line gaming sector", said Yves Guillemot, Chief Executive Officer of Ubisoft. “Through Nadeo, Ubisoft will gain an expert team, one of the best on-line technologies around as well as a flagship multiplayer game that enjoys an unrivalled reputation among a loyal and committed community. We are excited about the idea of introducing TrackMania to an ever-wider audience and sharing the expertise of Nadeo's teams with our Group's other developers”.

"Joining Ubisoft is a huge opportunity for us to develop and innovate and take Nadeo to new horizons", said Florent Castelnérac, Chief Executive Officer of Nadeo. “Nadeo’s team was keen for this acquisition to happen. Like players in a community, we see ourselves as being a complementary fit with Ubisoft and believe that we can share and quickly move ahead together".

EA Announce EA Comics Plus Army Of Two And Dragon Age Comics

http://www.eacomics.com/assets/img/mainImageSolid.png

EA has announced that EA Comics and IDW Publishing will be releasing comics for both Army Of Two and Dragon Age. the comics will be published in print as well as there being digital versions for the iPhone/iPod Touch and other emerging platforms. both comics will be monthly, with Army Of Two first releasing in January 2010 and Dragon Age to be announced shortly. Dragon Age will be written by Orson Scott Card with Humberto Ramos as the cover artist. for Army of Two, Peter Milligan is the writer and Chester Ocampo is the cover artist.

Press Release

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Oct 05, 2009 Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced today that it has signed a deal with IDW Publishing to expand two of its intellectual properties, Army of Two™ and Dragon Age™, into comics under a new EA™ Comics imprint with IDW beginning in January. EA and IDW will launch monthly, ongoing series for both Army of Two and Dragon Age. Each issue will be published in print and distributed nationally at comic book outlets, with digital versions released for iPhone™ and iPod® Touch and other emerging digital platforms.

“We’ve seen an increasing number of video game tie-ins with comics over the last few years. This marks another step in our strategy for extending EA’s wholly-owned game properties to new media. It is exhilarating to be working with the comic book creators directly,” said Mike Quigley, Group Vice President, Global Marketing, EA Games Label.

Under terms of the agreement, EA will fund and manage the creative aspect of the comic book series, while IDW will be responsible for printing and distribution. IDW is the leader in digital comic book distribution and the nation’s third largest comic book publisher overall.

“This is a great opportunity for IDW to work with a worldwide leader in video games,” said Greg Goldstein, chief operating officer for IDW. “We look forward to bringing a tremendous amount of great content into the comics market.”

Written by veteran comic book writer Peter Milligan (X-Men, Batman, Hellblazer), Army of Two is being published as a comic starting in January 2010. Rising starChester Ocampo is the cover artist while the interior artist/penciler, Dexter Soy, is a ‘hot newcomer’ on the comic scene. Soy’s work suggests influences from well-known comic artists such as Whilce Portacio and Leinil Francis Yu. The first story arc, “Across the Border,” follows ex-Army Rangers Salem and Rios as they form their own Private Military Corporation: Trans World Operations. The story of the comic follow the events of the first Army of Two game but takes place before the deadly invasion of Shanghai by The 40th Day initiative in the videogame sequel. In the comic, Salem and Rios get more than they bargained for as they are unexpectedly caught in a brewing war between the Mexican Army, drug cartels, and The Maras – one of the most powerful street gangs in Mexico.

Inspired by the highly-anticipated BioWare™ RPG, Dragon Age: Origins, the Dragon Age comic book series will be written by award-winning fiction writer Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game, Ultimate Iron Man). The cover artist is the critically acclaimed Humberto Ramos. Story details and the interior artist are expected to be announced shortly.

To sign up for the EA Comics mailing list, register at: http://www.eacomics.com. The site will have complete information on all the EA comic book series, as well as unique “behind the scenes” content, news, blogs and artwork. The site will feature weekly content updates to keep audiences apprised of the latest developments on current and upcoming projects.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA Mobile™ and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

About IDW
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; Fox’s Angel; the BBC’s Doctor Who; and television’s #1 prime time series CBS’ CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studios; and is the print publisher for ComicMix.

IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO and Army of Two are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Dragon Age and BioWare are trademarks or registered trademarks of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. iPhone, iPod and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective licensors.

EA Announce That BattleForge Will Support DirectX11 And AMD’s new ATI™ Graphic Processor Chipset

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cd/Battleforge_cover.jpg

EA has announced that their free to play Card Based Real Time Strategy Game, BattleForge will fully support both DirectX 11 And AMD’s new ATI graphic processor chipset. EA also said that this move shows fans and players of the game that EA is fully committed to it.




Rockstar Announce The Launch Of The Beaterator Band Challenge


Rockstar have announced the Beaterator band Challenge. for a chance to enter you need to apply at http://beaterator.ign.com . Rockstar games will then choose up to 100 bands artists as semi finalists. they will be provided with a PSP and a copy of Beaterator, and all information needed to create a track. entries will be posted on MySpace, IGN and the competition site, where their communities can vote on the tracks. the Winners get $5,000 and get their track featured on the Playstation Network.

Press Release

NEW YORK --(Business Wire)-- Oct 05, 2009 Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce the launch of the Beaterator Band Challenge, a competition that will offer the millions of artists and bands on MySpace the opportunity to win $5,000 by creating a track using the song-crafting tools provided by Rockstar Games and Timbaland present Beaterator, the new, revolutionary mobile music-making application available now for Sony’s PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.

To enter the Beaterator Band Challenge, artists must fill out an entry form at http://beaterator.ign.com. Rockstar Games will choose up to 100 bands and musical artists as semi-finalists and will provide them with a PSP system and a copy of Beaterator, including all the information necessary to create a song using this powerful software. Each semi-finalist that submits a qualifying Beaterator track will be showcased on the contest website, and the MySpace and IGN communities will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite submissions.

The winning artist or band will receive $5,000, have their winning track featured on the PlayStation®Network - which is visited by millions of PlayStation owners every day, and they will also have the opportunity to be featured on the MySpace homepage.

Beaterator, rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, is available now on the PSP and coming this fall on the iPhone™ and iPod® touch. For more information onBeaterator, log onto www.rockstargames.com/beaterator.

For more information on the Beaterator Band Challenge including full contest rules, please visit http://beaterator.ign.com.

About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation®3 (PS3™) and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. Take-Two also distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.
"PlayStation", "PS" Family logo, "PSP", and "UMD" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "UMD" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
iPhone, iPod and iTunes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," "will," or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company's future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: our dependence on key management and product development personnel, our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles for current generation platforms, the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games, the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games, our reliance on a primary distribution service provider for a significant portion of our products, our ability to raise capital if needed, risks associated with international operations, and the matters relating to the investigation by a special committee of our board of directors of the Company's stock option grants and the claims and proceedings relating thereto (including stockholder and derivative litigation and negative tax or other implications for the Company resulting from any accounting adjustments or other factors). Other important factors and information are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, in the section entitled "Risk Factors," as updated in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2009, and the Company's other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

New Free Realms Update Brings Football (Soccer) As A Job To The Game


Sony Online Entertainment have announced that in the next update for Free Realms, they will be introducing the Football (Soccer) Job Class. there will be 20 new quests, you'll be able to play 3 on 3 with friends or against 1 of 15 AI Teams. there will be new clothes and backgrounds as well as skills, boosts and shards.

the screenshots for the update show some of the of the different backgrounds, matches, and the main character types dressed in football (Soccer) apparel. the trailer is an announcement trailer with some ingame action of a match,



Free Realms Soccer (football)


Press Release

WHAT:
Grab your cleats and soccer jersey because the highly successful online game Free Realms™ is launching its newest game update, Goal Time, today. Goal Time introduces a brand new Soccer Star job and an all new 3D soccer minigame for fun, fast-paced, high scoring action you and your friends can enjoy together.

This high-energy arcade-style game lets players slide tackle opponents, dodge defenders, pass to teammates, and charge-up kicks to level up in more than 20 brand new quests. Various single and multiplayer games start at the Snowhill soccer field and allow players to compete in 3 on 3 pick-up games with their friends or be pit against Free Realms’ finest teams. Six full sets of killer clothing and gear will show off your sporty style on and off the field, while in-match charge ups, accessories and shards can give player skills a boost.

With a free job trial for all players up to level 5, the Soccer Star job will be Members Only after level 5 and features full progression up to level 20!

FEATURES:
Goal Time
• 20 brand new quests
• Play 3 on 3 with friends or in one of 15 scenarios against Free Realms’ finest AI teams
• 6 full sets of soccer clothes and gear with various tints
• 3 themed background fields to play on
• Charge up skills with various accessories and shards
• Grab boosts on the field to increase speed and toughness
• Soccer Trainer is located south of Snowhill
• Play the Soccer Tutorial; it’s always available

WHEN:
The Goal Time update is now available in game.

To log in, visit www.FreeRealms.com

For assets, visit www.soepress.com

ABOUT SOE:
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games which have entertained millions of players around the globe. SOE creates and delivers compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchise EverQuest®, its successful online trading card game Legends of Norrath®, as well as the recent kids’ phenomenon Free Realms™, SOE continues to raise the bar for online gaming and players worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, with additional studios in Austin, Seattle, Denver, Tucson, and Taiwan, SOE has a slate of engaging, high-quality games currently in development across new genres for all platforms and audiences.

SOE, the SOE logo and EverQuest, are registered trademarks and Free Realms is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment LLC in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Free Realms is rated E-10+ for crude humor and fantasy violence.

Audio Re-Cap of The Weekends News (oldest to newest)

Here is today's Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays news.
Don't forget,you can subscribe to the Audio Re-Cap Podcast on iTunes. if you do, it would be great if you can review and rate the podcast.


A podcast is available on iTunes from:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=328547861

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http://qtegamers.podbean.com/feed

And on qtegamers.blogspot.com:
http://qtegamers.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio Re-Cap




Re-Cap of The Weekends News (oldest to newest)

  • QTE Blog: Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest) http://ow.ly/15SEL8

  • QTE Blog: Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest) http://ow.ly/15SEL9

  • 360: Axel And Pixel is coming out on XBLA on October 14th. http://ow.ly/sw0c

  • Wii: Wii Demo Play in new Super Mario Bros. will only show you how to complete a level, not do it for you. http://ow.ly/sw0y

  • Level 5 say that people need to show support for the Dark Cloud series for a chance for Level 5 to make a new one. http://ow.ly/sw15

  • 360: Microsoft say Natal could be the Norm, but not all games will get Natal support in the beginning. http://ow.ly/sw3Q

  • PS3: Demon Souls servers will not be turned on early. they will turn on October 6th http://ow.ly/sw4f

  • 360: Forza 3 disc 2 is full of extra content. you can play through the whole career on disc 1 http://ow.ly/sw4O

  • DSi: Scribblenauts was once called Word Play. there were several other names, scribblenauts was a temp name that stuck http://ow.ly/sw5c

  • Wii: Monster Hunter 3 Devs are looking at Wii Speak Support,. seeing if its technically possible to add it tot he game. http://ow.ly/sw5G

  • Wii: Upcoming Gameinformer cover released...teases Epic Mickey http://ow.ly/swKa

  • PS3: Resident Evil 5 Alternative Edition extra campaign takes place 3 years before resident Evil 5, single/co op playing http://ow.ly/swLh

  • PSP: Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman 2! Time to Tighten Up Security! trailer released. game has 4x more stages + more http://ow.ly/swLr

  • QTE Blog: Cryptic Release List Of Star Trek Online Ranks, Federation Ships, Klingon Ships, And Others http://ow.ly/15SGnX

  • QTE Blog: New Feature – Sunday Editorials – QTE Gamers Gives Readers Chance To Have Their Own Editorials Published http://ow.ly/15SGFq

  • PSPgo: The PSPgo appears to not be hack proof as someone has found that a old PSP hack is possible on the device. http://ow.ly/sxLg

  • DUST 514 will not require a subscription. it will have micro transactions. http://ow.ly/sxLu

  • PC: EVE Dominion is coming out December 1st. http://ow.ly/sxLB

  • Rare have said that a Sequel to Grabbed By The Ghoulies is very unlikely. say that a fan sent a 90 page sequel pitch. http://ow.ly/sxM8

  • PS3: a 250 gb PS3 Slim has been spotted at retail. same box as 120gb, but grey instead of white. http://ow.ly/sCaS

  • PSP: Little Big Planet set for November 17th release in America. boxart also finalised. its the new PSP boxart design http://ow.ly/sCbm

  • Walmart is now selling pre-owned games. they do not accept trade ins of used games. http://ow.ly/sCbA

  • PSP: More PSP 4000 rumours. has bluetooth, UMD, possibly 16gb Internal Memory, should be PSP 4000 and not something else http://ow.ly/sCbY

  • 1up set to announce on Monday a "Konami retro revival". could be Castlevania Rebirth http://ow.ly/sCca

  • RT @QTE: New Feature – Sunday Editorials – QTE Gamers Gives Readers Chance To Have Their Own Editorials Published http://ow.ly/15SGFq

  • PS3: Possible spoilers RT @ps3fanboy: Modern Warfare 2 Achievements and Trophies revealed http://bit.ly/4D30O

  • PS3: A picture has emerged of the Need For Speed 250 GB PS3 Slim Bundle. it costs 349.99 Euroes http://ow.ly/sDsP

  • QTE Blog: What Have You Played This Week? http://ow.ly/15SQ7f

  • PS3: Relentless Software doing Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries of Little Riddle. its 4 player co-op PSN Game. http://ow.ly/sEck

  • QTE Blog: QTE Tweets Of The Week http://ow.ly/15SR5b