GameSpy And Epic Games To Integrate Gamespy Multiplayer Technology Into Epic's Unreal Tournament 3 On PC And PlayStation 3:
Agreement Expands on Existing IPP Partnership and Licensing Deal between GameSpy and Epic Games
BRISBANE, Calif. – November 12, 2007 – IGN Entertainment’s GameSpy, a leader in multiplayer and online gaming technology, and Epic Games today announced a licensing deal to incorporate GameSpy’s multiplayer technology into Epic’s Unreal Tournament 3, the immensely popular first-person shooter franchise. This partnership comes on the heels of a recent announcement between GameSpy and Epic Games that included a licensing deal to incorporate GameSpy’s online technology into Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 and GameSpy joining Epic’s Integrated Partners Program.
Under the terms of the agreement, GameSpy’s multiplayer technology - including multiplayer matchmaking, in-game and out-of-game messaging, deep player statistics, Voice over IP (VoIP) communication and a robust leaderboard and ranking system - will be incorporated into both the PLAYSTATION®3 and PC versions of Unreal Tournament 3. The new agreement expands on GameSpy’s current relationship with Epic Games, which created a one-stop solution for game developers by incorporating GameSpy’s online technology into Unreal Engine 3, one of the world’s most popular game engines.
“GameSpy is excited to expand our existing relationship with Epic Games and align ourselves with Unreal Tournament 3,” said Jamie Berger, senior vice president of consumer products and technology for IGN Entertainment. “As our technology continues to expand and evolve with next-generation consoles, we will continue to work with developers to provide an ease and expertise when it comes to online gaming technology.”
“Partnering with GameSpy for the second time and expanding on our IPP relationship furthers our commitment to including the highest level of online technology into our video games,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, Inc. “Unreal Tournament 3 is a leader in online gaming, and we will continue to push boundaries and technology to develop a game that satisfies the high expectations of our franchise fans.”
Unreal Tournament 3 marks the return of the industry's premiere first-person shooter franchise. In the latest installment of the award-winning Unreal franchise, players assume the role of a futuristic warrior engaged in contests of intense warfare against dedicated and skilled opponents, controlled either by human contestants online or by A.I. These brutal contests are fought with the most powerful military weapons and vehicles known to man. In Unreal Tournament 3, players can go face-to-face with devastating close quarters weapons like the flak cannon and rocket launcher, or pick off their enemies from a distance with a high-caliber sniper rifle. Players will also be able to fully access the universe's most capable and advanced set of vehicles in their quest to dominate and overwhelm opponents. Unreal Tournament 3 will also be the first game to feature robust user-generated content on PLAYSTATION®3 including multiplayer maps, custom game modes and much more. Unreal Tournament 3 is scheduled for release November 19 on the PC and is coming soon for the PLAYSTATION®3.
MatchBox360 XL – £1000 Halo 3 FFA sponsored by XLEAGUE.TV:
MatchBox360 are pleased to announce that XLEAGUE.TV will be the official sponsors of the Halo 3 FFA at the forthcoming MatchBox360 XL eSports tournament on 17-18th November at the Birmingham NEC Toute Suite.
XLEAGUE.TV is the UK's only dedicated eSports entertainment television channel and will be the official sponsor of the MatchBox360 XL Halo 3 FFA with a guaranteed cash prize fund of £1000!
"We are delighted to welcome XLEAGUE.TV back to MatchBox360 XL. Having worked together at our previous event in August, we look forward to developing our relationship with XLEAGUE.TV and raising the profile of eSports tournaments in the UK. By developing and improving upon the foundations from our previous events, MatchBox360 XL will continue to set the standard for competitive console tournaments for the gaming community and being able to offer large guaranteed cash prizes brings us one step closer to making pro-gaming a reality in the UK and Europe." - Chris Barnes (MatchBox360 XL Event Manager)
XLEAGUE.TV will be attending the event in an official capacity to film the weekends events and promote the pro-gaming scene. In addition, footage from the event will be featured on XLEAGUE.TV Sky Channel 279.
"We recognised what a great success MatchBox360 and XLEAGUE.TVs partnership was at the XL2 event and so it should come as no surprise that the partnership has continued for XL3. XLEAGUE.TV is very proud to sponsor the Halo 3 FFA competition with a guaranteed cash prize fund of £1000...with first place set to walk away with £500! I think it provides further evidence that both XLEAGUE.TV and MatchBox360 XL are moving forward together to create a thriving pro-gaming community in the UK." - Tommy Boulding (XLEAGUE.TV Producer)
With cash prizes worth over £6000, MatchBox360 XL continues to set the standard for console eSports events with 72 Xbox 360s hosting tournaments and freeplay on some of the most popular Xbox 360 titles. The official MatchBox360 XL tournament line-up includes:
Halo 3 – FFA sponsored by XLEAGUE.TV
Halo 3 – 4v4
Gears of War - 4v4 Execution
FIFA 08 - Champions League sponsored by Electronic Arts
Call of Duty 4 – FFA
Whether a competitor or spectator, MatchBox360 XL is a great chance for the Xbox Live community to meet, compete and socialise all under one roof for a marathon weekend of gaming...and of course XLEAGUE.TV will be there to capture all the action from the XL weekend!
WII-KLY UPDATE: GREATEST GAME EVER ANNOUNCED FOR WII SHOP CHANNEL:
Eagerly awaiting the arrival of Super Mario Galaxy™ next week? Can't get Mario™ out of your head? You and everybody else! To whet your appetite for all things Mario, Nintendo is offering a special treat on the Virtual Console™ this week. It's not just any game, it's Super Mario Bros. 3™ – considered by many to be the greatest video game of all time (for at least one more week, anyway). It's a must-have title on a week that also features the first Virtual Console import title for Sega Genesis and a fun multiplayer golf game for TurboGrafx16.
Today Nintendo adds three new classic games to the popular Wii™ video game system's Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Remember when no one had ever heard of a Tanooki Suit or knew that Bowser™ had a clan of Koopalings? The game that made these things common knowledge is also considered by many to be one of the best ever made. Bowser and the Koopalings are causing chaos yet again, but this time they're going beyond the Mushroom Kingdom into the seven worlds that neighbor it. Now Mario and Luigi™ must battle new enemies, returning favorites and a new Koopaling in each unique and distinctive world on their way to ultimately taking on Bowser himself. Luckily for the brothers, they have more power-ups available than ever before. Fly above the action using the Super Leaf, swim faster by donning the Frog Suit or defeat enemies using the Hammer Bros. Suit. Use the brand-new overworld map to take the chance to play a minigame in hopes of gaining extra lives or to find a Toad's House where you can pick up additional items. All this (and more) combines into one of gaming's most well-known and beloved titles—are you ready to experience gaming bliss?
Alien Soldier™ (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older –Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points): As Epsilon-Eagle, you are an alien soldier who has been genetically engineered to produce maximum intelligence and strength. You were once a member of the criminal organization Scarlet, but when you decided to break from the group, you were forced into a showdown with Scarlet's new leader Xi-Tiger, who kills a hostage in his attempt to destroy you. Now it's up to you to take revenge against the bad guys in this side-scrolling action game! Choose from six different weapons and battle the bosses of Scarlet until you reach the final confrontation with the ultimate secret weapon!
Power Golf (TurboGrafx16, 1-3 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Power Golf sports a perfect combination of simple-yet-realistic controls and beautiful graphics. Swing away on 18 lush holes in one of three different game modes: the single-player STROKE PLAY mode and the multiplayer MATCH PLAY and COMPETITION modes. Enter tournaments as one of three different characters—beginner, intermediate and advanced. Wind strength and the slope of the green add extra challenges to each hole. Compete against other players in the standard NORMAL MATCH or ante up one of your clubs in the unique CLUB MATCH. Up to three players can play in COMPETITION mode, and a handicap feature is included to help novice players pull off breathtaking shots just like their advanced rivals.
The list of downloadable games is updated weekly on Nintendo's Online Press Room. For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.
Mad Catz Sticks It to Xbox 360TM Gamers!:
Mad Catz Europe Ltd, a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider announced today a price readjustment for the Xbox 360 LIVE® Arcade GameStick bringing Xbox 360 gamers the authentic arcade experience at a new unprecedented price point in time for the holiday season.
The first Mad Catz accessory to be conceived, designed and built around the Xbox LIVE Arcade service, the Arcade GameStick delivers genuine ‘Arcade Style’ controls, ideal for arcade favourites and retro-style gaming. Originally retailing for a SRP of £49.99, Mad Catz is pleased to announce the new SRP of just £24.99, a truly impressive 50% saving!
Featuring a full size Joystick and the unique 360° ‘Spinner Control’, the Arcade GameStick opens up a world of game play opportunities, bringing a whole new lease on life to the extensive selection of titles available for download on LIVE.
Officially licensed by Microsoft®, the Arcade GameStick celebrates its arcade heritage in style, featuring no less than three full Xbox LIVE arcade games free in box with every Arcade GameStick purchased.
Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “Gamers of all ages continue to embrace the LIVE Arcade service in their millions. Today’s technology allows for pixel-perfect representations of many beloved favourites and the Arcade GameStick brings true arcade style gaming to the living room with no need to compromise on controls.
The Arcade GameStick is our valentine to the true gamer. Frogger®, Timepilot™ and Astropop™ stand the test of time as legendary arcade classics. We’re delighted to offer gamers these three titles absolutely free with every Arcade GameStick purchased representing remarkable value for money and ensuring that the Arcade GameStick is a ‘Must Have’ accessory for gamers everywhere this holiday season”.
The Mad Catz Xbox 360 Arcade GameStick is available to purchase now for a new UK SRP of £24.99
Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel:
Autumn leaves aren't the only reason your October is about to get a lot more colorful. The latest additions to the Wii Shop Channel deliver a brisk, eye-pleasing mix of classic gameplay for fall. Dive into this pile of vibrant titles for a timeless dose of fun and fantasy.
Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii™ owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
Lunar Pool® (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Lunar Pool takes the historical game of billiards and reinvents it with a unique and futuristic flair. The rules are simple: All you need to do is use your cue stick to hit the white cue ball, causing it to hit the other numbered balls and make them go into the pockets. You can enjoy nearly unlimited game play with 30 tables, two different ball arrangements, and the ability to change the degree of friction on the table. You can play against a computer or another human player, so try challenging someone once you've got the hang of the game.
Ninja JaJaMaru-kun® (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Take on the role of a ninja called JaJaMaru and rescue the captured Princess Sakura from the evil Namazu Dayuu in this action-packed game, previously unreleased outside of Japan. JaJaMaru must use his throwing stars to defeat the monsters lurking in each of Dayuu's many hideouts. JaJaMaru has to be careful though, as each monster has its own unique weapon and method of attacking. The only way for him to advance is to break the floor bricks above him and move up and down between the levels of each round, defeating monsters as he goes. To help him, broken bricks sometimes reveal items that JaJaMaru can use to his advantage, possibly leading to the ultimate power-up: a ride on Gamapakun, the giant frog. Throw in some bonus stages and you've got a game with a style all its own.
Golden Axe™ III (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): The once-peaceful kingdom so familiar to fans of the original Golden Axe is under threat once again. The Prince of Darkness has stolen the invaluable Golden Axe, taken over the kingdom and rendered its warriors harmless with an evil curse. One warrior breaks free from the curse and must defeat the prince and regain the Golden Axe to save the kingdom. In this one- or two-player action game, play as a giant, a panther or a sword-wielding human and fight your way to victory once again.
Xbox® Announces Free Movies With HD-DVD Player:
Microsoft® teams up with leading film studios to offer free HD-DVDs
LONDON, Friday October 19th - Microsoft today announces a major promotion with Hollywood’s leading film studios that will offer five blockbuster movie HD-DVDs completely free when you buy the Xbox 360™ HD-DVD player at an ERP* of £114.99.
From now until the 31st January 2008, anyone who purchases the state-of-the-art HD-DVD player for their Xbox 360 will be able to choose from 13 major film titles from studios including Warner Brothers, Universal, Dreamworks and Paramount. To receive their movies, customers simply send in a form, along with the barcode of their new HD-DVD player and Microsoft will ensure they are sent their HD-DVDs within 28 working days.
Commenting on the deal, Stephen McGill, Head of Gaming and Entertainment for Microsoft UK said: “The HD-DVD player for Xbox 360 gives customers a high quality and affordable way to enjoy state-of-the-art HD-DVD movies. We’re delighted to enable everyone to enjoy the technology to the full and offer some fantastic movie releases, completely free.”
The titles on offer are: Serenity, The Chronicles of Riddick, Hulk, Children of Men, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Troy, Full Metal Jacket, Corpse Bride, The Prestige, Swordfish, Black Rain, Dreamgirls, Word Trade Centre.
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 Co-op Collection:
The GRAW™ 2 Co-op Collection consists of five Co-op Campaign missions that continue the story from GRAW 2. In total there are nine maps, seven of which are inspired by classic maps from Ghost Recon’s illustrious history and two that are totally brand new. All nine maps (including adversarial versions of the Co-op Campaign maps) have exquisite visuals and support all of GRAW 2’s thousands of customizable game modes.
ACHIEVEMENTS: The Co-op collection offers 9 new achievements for GRAW 2 totaling 125 achievement points (detailed list below).
Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel:
This week marks the first appearance of a CD-ROM game for the TurboGrafx16 on Virtual Console™. Take control of the Hunting Dog ship and battle deadly Obbellon fighters in the classic horizontal sci-fi shooter, Gate of Thunder. If shooting's not your thing, you can go out and save the world from evil demons or a power-hungry general in this week's other offerings that bolster the Wii Shop Channel's catalog of action-adventure and real-time strategy games.
Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii™ owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
Ninja Gaiden II™: The Dark Sword of Chaos (NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points): In Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos, a new villain, Ashtar, is revealed. Take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa and rescue Irene Lew, a former CIA agent, from Ashtar. Destroy the Sword of Chaos, a weapon of great power forged from the bone of a demon. Use techniques such as the Fire Wheel or the Windmill Throwing Star and attack while holding on to walls and ladders. Use the most innovative technique of all - the ability to create Shadow Clones, orange shadow versions of Ryu that will constantly follow him, repeating previous actions (moving or attacking) in a delayed cycle. Once again defeat henchmen, creatures and bosses with new fighting techniques and even more weapons as you progress through multiple stages on your way to destroying Ashtar, Jaquio and the Realm of Chaos.
Metal Marines® (Super NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Set in the near future, most of Earth's land has been disintegrated in the chaos of the Anti-matter War. This real-time strategy game portrays the Colonies' Allied Force - the Metal Marines - in their epic struggle against General Zorgeuf and the Imperial Federation, who are bent on world domination. Commanding the Metal Marines across a series of battles, the player must strategically allocate resources, ready supplies, manage funds and move troops in an effort to outwit and outmove the opponent. The real-time battle system rewards split-second decisions and adaptability in the struggle for military superiority. Unlike most turn-based strategy games, Metal Marines engrosses the player in a fast-paced and frantic battle in which both sides advance simultaneously. A constant eye must be kept on enemy movements to maintain a formidable defense and not miss the perfect chance to strike. Strategic foresight and quick judgment hold the key to victory.
Gate of Thunder (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): The legendary sci-fi shooter is back! Gate of Thunder is a horizontal side-scrolling shooter that places you in control of special undercover agent Hawk, whose mission is to stop the deadly army of Obbellon fighters. Jump into the action as Hawk gets aboard his ship, the Hunting Dog, and heads out toward the enemy. Blast through stages while effectively using all three of the weapons at your disposal and receiving support from ally Wild Cat ships. Switch through equippable power-up options on the fly to change the direction of your attack. You'll have to blast in front of and behind you to survive all seven stages. Hard-core shooting-game fans looking for a challenge can select HARD or DEVIL mode to experience even more intense action!
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