Category Archives: News and Industry Happenings

Sketch Nation Shooter Hits 500,000 Downloads

Engineous Games today announced that its hit iPhone game, Sketch Nation Shooter, recently surpassed an astounding 500,000 games played . This new milestone for the do-it-yourself shooter creator references the community’s continued efforts to develop and showcase their unique games and bring them to the masses. With a growing library of over 2,000 user created titles, Sketch Nation Shooter continues to motivate and impress aspiring game designers all over the world. "Since its debut in April, Sketch Nation Shooter has been enjoyed by tens of thousands and we’re looking forward to seeing its success climb higher as players keep using … Continue reading Sketch Nation Shooter Hits 500,000 Downloads

New Transformers Game Map Pack Ready

The legendary battle between the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS rages on as Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that the Transformers: War for Cybertron Map and Character Pack is available now for download on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. Based on Hasbro’s iconic TRANSFORMERS brand, the downloadable content pack will include five distinct playable TRANSFORMERS characters and four all-new maps for online multiplayer game modes. "The fans have spoken and the response to Transformers: War for Cybertron has been colossal," said David Pokress, Head of Marketing for Licensed … Continue reading New Transformers Game Map Pack Ready

Rock Band Adding Spanish Language Tracks

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that for the first time, Spanish-language tracks will be available in Rock Band, as Latin music superstar Juanes debuts next week in the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Wii. "I am thrilled to be the first Spanish-language artist in Rock Band," Juanes said. "I’m excited for my fans to connect with the songs right in their living rooms and to bring Latin Music to new fans as well." Hailed by Rolling Stone as "[One of] … Continue reading Rock Band Adding Spanish Language Tracks

Captains of DarkTide Open Beta To Begin

After a short (2 months) closed beta testing phase, Silverlode Interactive has announced the open beta release date for their fantasy ship-based MMO, Captains of DarkTide (CoDT). Thousands of players have participated by play testing the starting zone and providing invaluable feedback which has helped shape the world of CoDT. As of August 3rd all players who have registered at www.playdarktide.com will be granted instant access to the CoDT open beta. Each player will start with a fantasy ship, outfitted with cannons, archers and even a ballista. Captains will be able to explore the world, try all six races and … Continue reading Captains of DarkTide Open Beta To Begin

China Indy Games Festival Gears Up

The Independent Games Festival China (IGF China), which runs in conjunction with the Game Developers Conference China (GDC China) is accepting submissions from the pan-Pacific area now through Wednesday, September 15. With success from 2009, GDC China will continue to host the three main elements of IGF China, including the Independent Games Summit, which provides valuable conference sessions specializing in the challenges of independent game development, the Independent Games Festival Pavilion, an onsite exhibition of the very best in local indie games, and the Independent Games Festival Awards, which honors the tireless efforts and amazing games from the talented pool … Continue reading China Indy Games Festival Gears Up

User Generated MMO Hits A Million Users

ROBLOX, a free online building game, today announced that it has surpassed one million active monthly users on its user-generated website. The building game gives kids the ability work together to conceptualize, create and design their own utopia from scratch. ROBLOX attracts more than the average kid gamer, as it’s a starting point for parents looking to find a common ground with their children. It provides a great forum for users to socialize, interact and share their creative stories with other users. The site also teaches the basic principles of physics by educating users in the dynamics of construction as … Continue reading User Generated MMO Hits A Million Users

Clash Of The Titans Ships

Leading video games publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced that Clash of the Titans is now available nationwide for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. Developed by Game Republic and licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Clash of the Titans delivers an unprecedented experience for video game and movie fans alike. Featuring battles of epic proportions, the game goes beyond the feature film to deliver a robust action-adventure complete with additional content and symbolic mythical creatures. In Clash of the Titans, the ultimate struggle for power pits man … Continue reading Clash Of The Titans Ships

Russian Social Gaming To Reach $130 Million

This prediction comes from the analysts of Russian-Lithuanian company Realore Studios, one of the leaders in casual gaming industry. The estimate is based on the statistics gathered by company’s partners. "The total revenue generated by gaming apps in Russian social networks in the first six months of 2010 is about $65m," says Natalia Matveeva, the co-founder of Realore Studios. "Thus, $130m per annum is realistic, even conservative scenario. We don’t see any reasons for sharp changes in market dynamics." According to Matveeva, social network Vkontakte (Russian clone of Facebook) collected about two thirds of total social gaming revenues in Russia … Continue reading Russian Social Gaming To Reach $130 Million

Neil Patrick Harris To Play Spider-Man In New Game

Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Marvel Entertainment (NYSE: MVL) announced today that Neil Patrick Harris will reprise his role as Spider-Man in Activision’s upcoming Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, which is currently being showcased at San Diego Comic-Con. In the game, players traverse through four unique worlds from Spider-Man lore and take on the role of four distinctly different Spider-Men – Amazing, Ultimate, Noir and 2099 – which will be brought to life by Neil Patrick Harris along with Josh Keaton, Christopher Daniel Barnes and Dan Gilvezan, respectively. Additionally, legendary creator and comic book icon Stan Lee will guide players through … Continue reading Neil Patrick Harris To Play Spider-Man In New Game

Pocket God Comic Shipping Aug 3

Bolt Creative today announced that comic lovers everywhere will be able to get their hands on issue #1 of the Pocket God comic book come August 3, 2010. This new endeavor for the popular iPhone game turned franchise, will be available first in a digital version through iVerse Media, a digital distribution partner of Ape Entertainment, with a print version to be made available in late summer. The first issue of Pocket God will be one of four in a full color mini-series based on the best-selling iPhone app. Created in just a week by developer Dave Castelnuovo and graphic … Continue reading Pocket God Comic Shipping Aug 3