Thursday, 29 May 2008

18-month sales of 50 million top performance of Sony’s last-gen console, says Nintendo

Around 50 million games were sold for Nintendo’s Wii during its first 18 months on the market, according to the platform holder.The figure would set a new record for software sales, beating the previous record holder, PS2, into second – and, according to Nintendo, doesn't include copies of Wii Sports bundled with Wii consoles.Sony’s last-gen console sold 42 million units of software in its first 18 months.

The Xbox 360 came in at 30 million or so, the Xbox at roughly 28 million and finally the PlayStation 3 at about 20 million.

Wednesday, 28 May 2008

Research shows that adults, kids and parents spend nearly as much time gaming as they do watching TV

A new report entitled Video Gamers in Europe 2008 from ISFE-Nielsen research claims that gaming is now the most popular leisure activity for people aged between 16 and 49 across Europe.Gaming now rivals even TV in terms of the hours we all spend doing it, the report says. People claim that gaming is a fun way to spend their time that also stimulates their imagination and helps keep them mentally fit.The research states that 40 per cent of Europeans now play games for between six to 14 hours per week, and that the activity is recognised for having unique benefits.81 per cent of parents who play are said to do so with their children.

In addition, half of those who claim never to play games simply cite lack of time as the reason“Our research findings cement what those who work in the industry understand as a given, namely that videogames hold a recognized place in today’s entertainment culture,” ISFE chairman Jens Uwe Intat stated.“The people that are video gaming today are of all ages, of both genders and of all nationalities. As an industry, we offer a huge variety of entertainment choices for all tastes and skill levels, and adult tax payers, grandparents and kids alike are playing in the way that suits them best.”

Thursday, 22 May 2008

This is the year of Star Wars

‘We’re treating The Force Unleashed like a motion picture event’ points out publisher LucasArts
'Hype for LucasArts’ Star Wars: Force Unleashed continues to build as the publisher gears up for its September release.The game will arrive shortly after The Clone Wars film and TV series, and LucasArts has revealed that fans can
look forward to another big year for Star Wars

Hype for LucasArts’ Star Wars: Force Unleashed continues to build as the publisher gears up for its September release.The game will arrive shortly after The Clone Wars film and TV series, and LucasArts has revealed that fans can look forward to another big year for Star Wars.“This is the year of Star Wars,” said LucasArts’ international marketing manager Sharon Cook. “Clone Wars bridges the gap between Episodes Two and Three, whereas The Force Unleashed is set between Episodes Three and Four. Both add great depth to the whole saga of Star Wars.”Described as an ‘event’ and not just a game launch, The Force Unleashed will boast its own merchandise, along with a dedicated global marketing campaign

“The Force Unleashed is the biggest game of the year for LucasArts,” said European marketing manager Amanda Welch. “It’s the next instalment of Star Wars so expectations are huge.”“This is a big licensing event, as you’d expect with anything Star Wars related. There are toys, books, graphic novels, there is LEGO; there’s tonnes of stuff. “In terms of marketing we are going to be looking at events, and things you wouldn’t necessarily expect. We’ve got some good ideas coming from other territories, and what we’re going to do is put it all together and make it global.”Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is due for release on September 19th.

Tuesday, 13 May 2008

Pitfall coming to Wii

Activision announces new iteration of classic series for Nintendo console

Activision has announced that a new iteration of its classic Pifall franchise will be released on Wii in the autumn.Pitfall: The Big Adventure is in development at Activision studio Edge of Reality. “Pitfall is one of the most legendary franchises in the history of videogames, so we look forward to releasing a new version exclusively for Wii,” said Dave Oxford of Activision Publishing. “What could be more fun than using the Wii Remote to swing on a vine over blood thirsty crocodiles as retro-cool Pitfall Harry?”Set in the Peruvian jungle, Pitfall: The Big Adventure will feature over 60 levels spanning rainforests, caves and glacial mountains.

The title’s game mechanics have been developed specifically to take advantage of the Wii’s motion-sensing controls.“Wii is a natural and perfect fit for a Pitfall game, and it’s been fantastic to revolutionize this classic franchise through the application of the innovative Wii game mechanics. It’s a completely new experience for the gamer,” said Edge of Reality president Binu Philip.
Top 10 Games

The full top ten for week ending Saturday, May 10th reads:
1) GTA IV (Rockstar)
2) Wii Fit (Nintendo)
3) Wii Play (Nintendo)
4) Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games (Sega)
5) Iron Man (Sega)
6) Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Activision)
7) Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Konami)
8) Gran Turismo 5: Prologue (Sony)
9) Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo)1
10) Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training (Nintendo)

Friday, 9 May 2008

Call Of Duty 5 details revealed




Military theatre’ will be different to COD4; franchise coming back to PS2 and Wii

In an earnings call with investors following its most successful set of full-year financials ever, Activision has unveiled more details about the next instalment in the Call Of Duty series.The firm talked of a new ‘miliatary theatre’ and confirmed that the title would be released for 360, PS3, PC and DS – but would also arrive on Wii and PS2, representing the first tiem the series had been playable on the duo for two years,Speaking about the game, Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith said: "We'll launch on all four platforms we've participated on in fiscal 2008 2008 [with Call Of Duty 4]…[but] we'll [also] launch on the PS2 and the Wii.”

Thursday, 8 May 2008

Pandemic’s Lord Of The Rings: Conquest due for release in autumn

EA’s Pandemic studio has announced The Lord of the Rings: Conquest – an action-packed ‘blockbuster’ created by the same team behind the Star Wars: Battlefront games.

Set in The Lord of the Rings universe depicted by Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning films, EA says that players will enjoy ‘epic battles’.The publisher said in a statement: ‘In addition to crusading as the heroic forces of good, for the first time ever in a The Lord of the Rings action title they’ll conquer Middle-Earth while playing as the legions of Sauron’s evil army, including Cave-trolls, Oliphaunts, the Balrog and Sauron himself.’

The game is set for a global release on 360, PS3, DS and PC in fall 2008
Doom 4 confirmed

Id Software on the prowl for new recruits to work on highly-anticipated sequel

The next chapter in the Doom series is under production, according to id Software.The firm
told Game Informer last month that there would be a fourth Doom, although it added no team was currently assigned to the project."Doom is part of the id Software DNA and demands the greatest talent and brightest minds in the industry to bring the next instalment of our flagship franchise to Earth," said id software CEO Todd Hollenshead.

Wednesday, 7 May 2008


GTA IV shatters UK first-week sales records


Rockstar’s GTA IV has smashed all UK first-week sales records, according to official data from industry monitor ChartTrack.


The game sold 926,000 units in the five-day period between its release (Tuesday, April 29th) and Saturday, May 3rd. The title took a total of £39.9 million at UK retail – made up of Xbox 360 & PS3 software sales combined.