Category Archives: News and Industry Happenings

Christian Games Site Launches

TLC Industries is pleased to announce the launch of Christian IGames (http://www.ChristianIGames.com). The website is a channel of NextArcade (http://www.NextArcade.com) featuring a selection of computer games carefully reviewed by an advisory panel featuring clergy, parents, children and game developers. Additionally, the NextArcade Desktop provides features designed to make buying and playing games more fun, safe and secure for families. "We recognize that families want to play games but many parents are afraid or feel helpless when they go to buy games," said James Hills, Marketing Director for TLC Industries. "We provide a destination that empowers parents to make good decisions … Continue reading Christian Games Site Launches

Tapwave Goes Down

Tapwave Inc., makers of the handheld multimedia game system called the Zodiac, has declared bankruptcy and closed its doors. The Zodiac, of which two versions were produced during the company's lifespan, was able to run all games built for the Palm OS. There were also several games that were created exclusively for the Zodiac platform. GiN Lab Director Todd Hargosh gave the Zodiac a five out of five score in his 2004 review. http://www.gameindustry.com/review/item.asp?id=273 While a great product for gaming and also for listening to music, the Zodiac faced stiff competition in the handheld arena from other similar devices like … Continue reading Tapwave Goes Down

Final Fantasy XII Announced

Square Enix Co., Ltd. the industry-leading developer of innovative digital entertainment has announced the Japanese release date of FINAL FANTASY XII for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. The longawaited role-playing game (RPG) will be released in Japan on March 16, 2006. The European version is scheduled for release later in 2006. Since its debut in 1987, the FINAL FANTASY series has sold over 63 million units worldwide. With its cutting-edge visuals, unique worlds, and intricate narrative, FINAL FANTASY has defined the role-playing genre, and continues to be adored by fans across the globe. FINAL FANTASY XII, the latest installment … Continue reading Final Fantasy XII Announced

EA Gets Tolkien Literary Rights

Electronic Arts announced that it has been granted the rights to develop games based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic literary fiction, The Lord of the Rings. Since 2001, EA has developed games based exclusively on New Line’s Academy Award winning theatrical productions of The Lord of the Rings, as depicted by Peter Jackson. The expansion of the rights allows EA to introduce players to depths of the fiction never before explored in an EA game. The company also revealed today the first details of two new games in the blockbuster The Lord of the Rings series; The Lord of the Rings, … Continue reading EA Gets Tolkien Literary Rights

Konami Gets American Idol Rights

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., announced a multi-year agreement with FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, Americas (FLW, Americas), the U.S. licensing division of Fremantle Media, one of the largest international creators and producers of program brands in the world and the co-producer and licensor of American Idol, that gives the company the exclusive interactive video game rights for American Idol. Pursuant to the agreement, FLW, Americas grants Konami the rights to develop games for current and next generation video game systems based on America’s number one television program. The games will be distributed throughout America, Canada and Latin America with more details to … Continue reading Konami Gets American Idol Rights

Friends Trivia Game In Development

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will extend the "Friends" franchise to the videogame space with FRIENDS: THE ONE WITH ALL THE TRIVIA for console and PC. Scheduled for nationwide release on Nov. 15, 2005, the FRIENDS: THE ONE WITH ALL THE TRIVIA videogame will launch in conjunction with the final season of the #1 selling TV on DVD franchise, Friends: The Complete Tenth Season, from Warner Home Video (WHV). "With the incredible ‘Friends' television series and DVD phenomenon, many people have watched episodes countless times and have become experts, so it was natural to create an accessible and exciting videogame that … Continue reading Friends Trivia Game In Development

FlatOut Hits Stores

Get ready to chuck everything you learned in driver's ed out the window" Empire Interactive, a U.K. computer games developer and publisher, today announced that FlatOut is now available at retail outlets nationwide for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox videogame system from Microsoft and the PC. FlatOut brings racing mayhem to a new level with 36 challenging tracks, fully destructible environments, 16 fully upgradeable cars and six death-defying bonus events. Anything destroyed or altered stays a part of the race – broken fences, free rolling tires, and even mangled parts of cars are left scattered around the track, increasing … Continue reading FlatOut Hits Stores

Webzen Developing PS3 RPG

WEBZEN Inc. (NASDAQ: WZEN), a leading global online entertainment developer, publisher and operator, today announced the company has started development of Endless Saga, a new massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system. WEBZEN unveiled a first look at the colorful new MMORPG at the Annual PlayStation Meeting hosted by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ). Produced by WEBZEN's D-Studio, Endless Saga is slated for release in 2007 for both PS3 Online and PC Online. "WEBZEN is honored to be among the select group of third-party publishers invited to participate at this year's Annual PlayStation … Continue reading Webzen Developing PS3 RPG

RoboRally Relaunch Ready

Celebrity game designer Dr. Richard Garfield (creator of the popular MAGIC: THE GATHERING Trading Card Game) has returned to iconic strategy board-game brand AVALON HILL to help relaunch the award-winning RoboRally, his classic game of battling robots. Out of print since the late ’90s, this game of mechanized mayhem has maintained a dedicated following of fans and fanatics through game clubs, play-by-mail forums and internet communities. In July, RoboRally aficionados worldwide will be treated to an updated printing of the popular game. AVALON HILL is published by Seattle-based hobby game leader Wizards of the Coast, Inc. (NYSE: HAS). "Our decision … Continue reading RoboRally Relaunch Ready

TotalGaming.net Give New Game Download Chanel

Stardock Entertainment, best known for its award-winning PC strategy games such as The Political Machine and Galactic Civilizations has released TotalGaming.net: Phase 2. TotalGaming.net is an electronic distribution network in which users can pick a game, press a button to buy it, and then immediately download it. Users download their games through Stardock's Secure Software Delivery system, Stardock Central. Stardock has already lined up agreements with companies such as Ubi Soft, Take 2, Strategy First, and others to put their games on to TotalGaming.net. In addition, Stardock is working with numerous independent game developers to get the best Indie titles … Continue reading TotalGaming.net Give New Game Download Chanel