Monday, July 19, 2010

Indie Game Developers Can Submit Their Game For This Years Indie Games Aracde, At The Eurogamer Expo


Eurogamer have announced that indie game developers are now able to submit their games for the Indie Games Arcade, that's taking place at this years Eurogamer Expo. All the games that are exhibited will be entered into the ‘Rock, Paper, Shotgun Indie Game of the Show’ award. The Deadline for all submissions is 13th August 2010.

To submit a game for consideration, developers must provide the following:
  • A short description of the game
  • Screenshots
  • Background on the designer and/or company
  • Anticipated release date

Links to videos are also very welcome. All submissions should be made to David Hayward at david.hayward@pixel-lab.co.uk.

Press Release

Brighton, UK, 19th July 2010. Eurogamer, Europe’s leading independent games media specialist, has announced the game submission process for The Indie Games Arcade at this year’s Eurogamer Expo is now open.

Supported by digital distribution service Get Games, the Indie Games Arcade is returning to the third annual Eurogamer Expo this year from 1st - 3rd October. Co-ordinator Pixel-Lab is seeking submissions from up-and-coming developers keen to exhibit their work. Last year, more than ten thousand visitors attended the Eurogamer Expo, and that number is set to be even bigger this year.

"It's good to be able to offer indies this chance to put their work out there, as well as spring these kind of projects on expo-goers", said David Hayward, coordinator of the Indie Games Arcade.

"The people and companies who make the kind of games we show really aren't the type that can afford expo space that publishers and platform holders get. Likewise, their work is substantially different in tone. In past years we've had genuine reactions of surprise, pleasure, and embarrassment from players and I'm really looking forward to this year".

All submissions exhibited will be automatically submitted for the ‘Rock, Paper, Shotgun Indie Game of the Show’ award. Debuting at this year’s Expo and donated by popular PC gaming blog www.rockpapershotgun.com, the prestigious prize is already being coveted on the indie scene.

To submit a game for consideration, developers must provide the following:
A short description of the game
Screenshots
Background on the designer and/or company
Anticipated release date

Links to videos are also very welcome. All submissions should be made to David Hayward at david.hayward@pixel-lab.co.uk. The deadline is 13th August 2010.

For full details, see http://bit.ly/IGASubs

Relevant contact:
David Hayward
david.hayward@pixel-lab.co.uk
07976 216 029
Twitter: @nachimir

Tickets for this year’s Eurogamer Expo are currently on sale via the website http://expo.eurogamer.net/.

-ENDS-

About Pixel-Lab:
Pixel-Lab is a computer games and digital media development agency working across the UK’s computer game and digital media industries. Pixel-Lab advises, develops and delivers strategies to support growth in the games industry from skills development to support infrastructure. Pixel-Lab also works with organizations outside the industry, enabling them to harness the power of games. More information is available at www.pixel-lab.co.uk.

About Eurogamer Network:
Founded in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman, Brighton-based Eurogamer Network is the publisher of Europe's most popular independent videogames website, Eurogamer.net. Eurogamer is available in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Portuguese, Swedish and Romanian editions. Other sites operated under the Eurogamer Network include digital download service GetGamesGo, the world's market-leading industry resources, GamesIndustry.biz, GamesIndustry.de and Megaton.co.uk - the videogaming website for kids who love to love games. The company also operates live events including the Eurogamer Expo and the GamesIndustry.biz Career Fair. More information about the Eurogamer Network can be found at www.eurogamer.biz.

PopCap Announce Plants vs Zombies is Coming To Xbox Live Aracde This Fall


PopCap have announced that Plants vs Zombies is coming to the Xbox 360 Xbox Live Arcade this fall. this version of the game will have more content than any other version of Plants vs Zombies, with 7 game modes, 2 new multiplayer modes, and 21 mini-games. The game is currently priced at 1200 MS Points.

The Main features of Plants vs Zombies include:
  • A total of seven game modes, including two new multiplayer modes: Co-Op and Vs. Mode
  • 12 achievements and 21 mini-games – more than any other adaptation, and including the exclusive Heavy WeaponTM-inspired mini-game
  • A goofy new way to track and share progress online, where players create their own custom house and cruise down the street to see their friends’ cribs!
  • The highest resolution of any Plants vs. Zombies adaptation to date at 1920 x 1080
  • All 50 levels of the original Adventure mode along with Puzzle, Survival, and Zen Garden
PopCap have also announced that coming to the Xbox 360 this fall is a retail disc that will have Zuma, Peggle, and Plants vs Zombies. On The PC, a "Game Of The Year" boxed version of Plants vs Zombies, oh which a limited number will have a Zombie figurine, is also coming this fall. both are set to have a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Press Release

Dublin, Ireland – July 19, 2010 — PopCap Games, the worldwide leader in casual video games, today announced plans to release Plants vs. ZombiesTM for Xbox LIVE® Arcade (XBLA) this fall. With an anticipated launch in early September, Plants vs. Zombies on XBLA will deliver more game content than any previous iteration of the franchise, boasting seven game modes, including two all-new multiplayer modes, 12 unique achievements and 21 mini-games. Upon its release, Plants vs. Zombies for XBLA will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points (US$15.00).

“With a ton of new features and content exclusive to the XBLA version, we’ve pulled out all the stops to both expand and optimize this adaptation for a hard core gaming audience,” said Ed Allard, head of worldwide studios at PopCap. “The two new multiplayer modes allow gamers to work cooperatively to defeat hordes of invading zombies, or go head-to-head in a true ‘plants vs. zombies’ challenge. We’re also featuring a customized ‘house’ for tracking and sharing progress as well as a total of 21 mini-games and 12 achievements, all designed to enthrall Plants vs. Zombies players once again.”

Plants vs. Zombies for XBLA showcases many standout features, including:
A total of seven game modes, including two new multiplayer modes: Co-Op and Vs. Mode
12 achievements and 21 mini-games – more than any other adaptation, and including the exclusive Heavy WeaponTM-inspired mini-game
A goofy new way to track and share progress online, where players create their own custom house and cruise down the street to see their friends’ cribs!
The highest resolution of any Plants vs. Zombies adaptation to date at 1920 x 1080
All 50 levels of the original Adventure mode along with Puzzle, Survival, and Zen Garden

Later this year, PopCap will also release a retail boxed edition of Plants vs. Zombies (including full versions of Zuma and Peggle as well) for the Xbox 360 as well as a new “Game of The Year” boxed edition of the PC/Mac original, a limited number of which will include a zombie figurine. Both are expected to arrive on retail shelves later this fall and carry a suggested retail price of US$19.99 each.

About PopCap
PopCap Games (www.popcap.com) is the leading multi-platform provider of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that appeal to everyone from age 6 to 106 and are available anytime, anywhere. Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000 and has a worldwide staff of more than 275 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin, Seoul, and Shanghai. Its games have been downloaded over 1.5 billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship title, Bejeweled®, has sold more than 50 million units across all platforms. Constantly acclaimed by consumers and critics, PopCap’s games are played on the Web, social platforms, desktop computers, myriad mobile devices (cell phones, smartphones, PDAs, Pocket PCs, iPod, iPhone, iPad and more), popular game consoles (such as Xbox and DS), and in-flight entertainment systems. PopCap has been one of the most innovative companies in the video game industry since its inception a decade ago. Pioneering new game mechanics, sales models, and platforms ranging from mobile devices to online and location-based games of chance, PopCap is the only video game provider in the world with leading market share across the entire spectrum.

# # #

The PopCap logo and all other trademarks used herein that are listed atwww.popcap.com/trademarks are owned by PopCap Games, Inc. or its licensors and may be registered in some countries. Other company and product names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners and are used for the benefit of those owners.

THQ And Syfy Announce The Red Faction Movie Will Be Called Red Faction Origins And Its Set Between Red Faction Guerrilla And Armageddon


THQ and Syfy have revealed that the upcoming Red Faction movie will be called Red Faction: Origins. The movie will follow the Mason Family, Alec Mason was the hero in Red Faction Guerrilla, and it will be set between Red Faction: Guerrilla and Red Faction: Armageddon. The Screenplay for Red Faction: Origins was written by Andrew Kreisberg, whilst the story was developed by Paul DeMeo.

The Red Faction: Origins Story, possible Guerrilla spoilers, is set Twenty-five years have passed since Alec Mason led the Martian Colonies to freedom…and ten years since vengeful enemies killed his wife, kidnapped his daughter Lyra, and left a broken hero in their wake.

Jake Mason, Alec’s last surviving son and a ranger in the Red Faction Militia, had never abandoned hope that somewhere in the raw outlands of Mars, his sister was still alive. Now, just as a powerful new enemy swarms across the planet, he’s found her, only to learn that his long lost sister is one of them…a cold-blooded soldier sworn to destroy the Red Faction and conquer the planet in the name of a madman.
Jake must now battle the relentless regime and somehow reunite a family torn apart by war.


Press Release

NEW YORK, NY and AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – July 19, 2010 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and SyfyTM, the premier destination for imagination-based entertainment, today announced a first-of-a-kind transmedia deal to debut Red Faction®: OriginsTM(working title), a two hour live-action movie pilot scheduled to air in March 2011 on Syfy. The story of Red Faction: Origins follows the lineage of rebel hero Alec Mason and the Mason family, set during a period between the critically acclaimed Red Faction: GuerrillaTM video game and the recently announced and highly anticipated Red Faction: ArmageddonTMvideo game, also scheduled for release in March 2011.

The Red Faction: Origins screenplay was written by notable writer and producer Andrew Kreisberg (Warehouse 13, Fringe, Vampire Diaries and Boston Legal), based on a story developed by Paul DeMeo (The Rocketeer, Flash, Viper, The Sentinel), THQ Director, Fiction Development. Production of the film will be managed by Universal Cable Productions.

Mark Stern, Executive Vice President Programming, Syfy & Co-head of Universal Cable Production said, “This groundbreaking deal with THQ reflects our desire to deliver a completely immersive and enhanced viewing experience for the audience. We are excited to be working with the creative team at THQ in extending the vibrant world of Red Faction to our air.”

"THQ is blazing a new trail in the gaming industry with our partnership with Syfy by introducing the Red Faction franchise to a new and broader audience" said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ. “This unique transmedia collaboration is one of many strategic initiatives in place to dramatically increase awareness for Red Faction Armageddon and extend the Red Faction brand across a wide variety of entertainment channels.”

About Red Faction: Origins
Twenty-five years have passed since Alec Mason led the Martian Colonies to freedom…and ten years since vengeful enemies killed his wife, kidnapped his daughter Lyra, and left a broken hero in their wake.

Jake Mason, Alec’s last surviving son and a ranger in the Red Faction Militia, had never abandoned hope that somewhere in the raw outlands of Mars, his sister was still alive. Now, just as a powerful new enemy swarms across the planet, he’s found her, only to learn that his long lost sister is one of them…a cold-blooded soldier sworn to destroy the Red Faction and conquer the planet in the name of a madman.
Jake must now battle the relentless regime and somehow reunite a family torn apart by war.

About Red Faction: Armageddon
Half a century after the Red Faction resistance freed Mars, the red planet again becomes a battleground. Colonists struggle for survival in the underground mines after the surface is rendered uninhabitable. When Darius Mason, grandson of revolution heroes Alec Mason and Samanya, unknowingly releases a long-dormant evil, Armageddon is unleashed on Mars. As settlements are torn asunder, only Darius and the Red Faction can save mankind. The battle will take them to the core of the storm-blasted planet through ice caves and lava flows until they are face to face against the unspeakable threat. Red Faction: Armageddon expands on the critically acclaimed, best-selling franchise with new, groundbreaking challenges. You are humanity’s last hope for survival.

About Syfy
Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 96 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)

About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found atwww.thq.com. THQ, Red Faction, Red Faction: Guerrilla, Red Faction: Armageddon, Red Faction: Origins and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "THQ"), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to THQ’s transmedia strategic alliance with Syfy and the scheduled debut of Red Faction: Origins, and are based upon management's current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ's financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2010, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Atari Announce The Aston Martin One-77 Is In Test Drive Unlimited 2

Atari have announced that the Aston Martin One-77 will be in Test Drive Unlimited 2 and playable. The Aston Martin One-77 is only getting a limited release of 77 cars, which means the only time for many to drive the car will be in Test Drive Unlimited 2. Atari have released this trailer showing the car in the game, as well as a few stats about it.



One-77 Specs:

Engine
  • Front mid-mounted 7.3 liter, naturally aspirated V12
  • Capable of more than 700 bhp
  • Max torque of over 553 lb/ft
  • Max speed of over 220 mph
Transmission
  • Rear mid-mounted, six-speed automated manual with asm/ssm electro-hydraulic control system
Chassis
  • Two-door, two-seat sports coupe
  • Carbon fiber monocoque body structure
  • Hand-crafted aluminum exterior body panels
  • active aerodynamics with deployable rear spoiler
Suspension & Brakes
  • Front and rear pushrod-actuated suspension
  • Carbon ceramic braking system
  • Dynamic stability control and traction control system
Press Release

Platforms: Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3, Windows® PC
Release Date: Sept 21, 2010
Developer: Eden Studios
Publisher: Atari
Genre: Driving
ESRB Rating: RP (Teen Expected)

CAR REVEAL: ASTON MARTIN ONE-77

Scheduled for a limited run of just 77, Aston Martin’s One-77 exists at the intersection between a limited edition artwork and pure technological innovation. The 77 customers who will become owners are making a major commitment – their reward, a car that is the culmination of all the elements that define Aston Martin’s modern era; V12 power, lightweight construction, modern materials, craft skills, design excellence and, naturally, raw beauty.

One-77 Specs:

Engine
• Front mid-mounted 7.3 liter, naturally aspirated V12
• Capable of more than 700 bhp
Max torque of over 553 lb/ft
Max speed of over 220 mph

Transmission
• Rear mid-mounted, six-speed automated manual with asm/ssm electro-hydraulic control system

Chassis
• Two-door, two-seat sports coupe
• Carbon fiber monocoque body structure
• Hand-crafted aluminum exterior body panels
• active aerodynamics with deployable rear spoiler

Suspension & Brakes
• Front and rear pushrod-actuated suspension
• Carbon ceramic braking system
• Dynamic stability control and traction control system

Hit X: The News Recapping Podcast For Saturday 17th And Sunday 18th July

This is all the news from Saturday 17th And Sunday 18th July.

You can subscribe to the Hit X: The News Recapping Podcast on iTunes and if you do or are already a subscriber, it would be very helpful for me if you can rate and review the podcast.

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

A RSS Feed from Podbean:
http://qtegamers.podbean.com/feed

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


The Re-Cap: News From QTE Gamers From Saturday 17th And Sunday 18th July


  • QTE Blog: The Re-Cap: News From QTE Gamers From Friday 16th July http://ht.ly/18aRYO
  • QTE Blog: Hit X: The News Recapping Podcast For Friday 16th July http://ht.ly/18aTIX
  • PC: its reported that it has cost Activison Blizzard over $100M to make StarCraft 2. they expect to make $500M from it http://ht.ly/2cPlM
  • PSP2: its rumoured PSP2 development delayed due to Issues with Nvidia's Tegra 2 chipset. set fro CES showing + mroe http://ht.ly/2cPnc
  • 360: Bungie have released pictures of the Initial kit you get in Halo Reach that you can use to customise your character http://ht.ly/2cPnK
  • QTE Blog: Marvel Reveal The Upcoming Little Big Planet Costumes Coming On 20th July http://ht.ly/18aX8p
  • Wii: Activison haven't announced James Bond 007 Blood Stone is coming to Wii, the games website shows boxart for it http://ht.ly/2cQq6
  • EA are reportedly looking to sell its stake in Ubisoft, they have a 15% stake in Ubisoft. Its in Ubisofts best interest http://ht.ly/2cQrY
  • QTE Blog: Sony Detail The Automatic Download Feature In Playstation Plus And Reveal Its First Demo http://ht.ly/18aYNQ
  • 360: Atomic announce Breach is coming out in 2011, admit it missed its Summer Of Arcade release. Adding new features http://ht.ly/2cQNR
  • Concept art for Cyanide's A Song Of Ice And Fire Emerge. its also a strategy game, many ways to complete it http://ht.ly/2cQOL
  • QTE Blog: David Jaffe Reveals Twisted Metal Apocalypse, A Cancelled PS3 Twisted Metal Game http://ht.ly/18b0Nh
  • Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 has only sold 32% of the copies sold during Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10's initial launch month http://ht.ly/2cSjy
  • PS3: WiiWare game, Swords and Soldiers is coming to the PSN this fall. http://ht.ly/2cSka
  • QTE Blog: What Have You Played This Week? http://ht.ly/18bJ5o
  • QTE Blog: QTE Tweets Of The Week http://ht.ly/18bNWn


Sunday, July 18, 2010


QTE Tweets Of The Week

This top 10 shows the most clicked tweets from my News in brief Twitter stream. There was a lot of Apple news this week, and nearly all of it received a lot of clicks. The Ratchet & Clank story, last weeks number, was still being clicked. It turns out it was re-tweeted a lot and appeared on a few blogs.

10 iPhone: iOS 4.01 is out now, iPad update 3.2.1 is also out now http://ht.ly/2c5Wl

9 Namco Bandai's Twitter page is asking fans what PS1 games they want to appear as a PS1 Classic on the PSN http://ht.ly/2aKMp

8 3Rockstar San Diego confirm around 40 employees have been let go from the studio that made Red Dead Redemption http://ht.ly/2bSs9

7 Tim Schafer describes his outburst yesterday about Bobby Kotick as "an accident" and "I need to keep my mouth shut," http://ht.ly/2bSUv

6 Abe Mudokon, from the Oddworld games, tweets. he's announced something's going to be revealed in around 48 hours http://ht.ly/2bTw2

5 360: Kinect cannot be sold in China as the Xbox 360 itself cannot be sold there. there's no word if they'll appeal http://ht.ly/2aKQU

4 360: both Microsoft and Chris Cashman don't know if there'll be a Season 3 of 1vs100 or when it could be http://ht.ly/2aTBo

3 Apple announce a fix for the Proximity Sensor issues is in the works for iPhone 4, fix in next software update http://ht.ly/2czrh

2 Wildstorm Comics announce they are releasing a Ratchet & Clank Comic on 8th September that'll span 6 issues http://ht.ly/29Bux

1 iPhone: Apple press conference is live now at Engadget http://ht.ly/2cpcD