Archive for September, 2008

Frankie Boyle to present Golden Joystick Awards

Future urges industry to rally gamers as Joysticks aim for one million votes

Future, the special-interest media group, is delighted to announce Scottish stand-up comic and TV star Frankie Boyle as the host of the 26th Annual Golden Joystick Awards – together with Virgin Media.

The Golden Joystick Awards take place on Friday 31st October at the Park Lane Hilton, London and organisers are encouraging marketing and pr departments to rally their loyal fans. With all UK gamers eligible to vote – companies are invited to promote the Golden Joysticks to their online communities – those who visit official websites, create their own fan communities, or post on forums.

Supporting this quest to secure additional votes for shortlisted products and increase the chance of scooping a prestigious Golden Joystick, Future has created a comprehensive EPK available to all eligible companies – designed to encourage gamers to vote at www.goldenjoystick.com.

Organisers hope the final month of voting will be further strengthened by industry support, rocketing the Golden Joystick Awards towards one million votes for the first-time. As the headline event of London Games Festival – the cultural celebration of everything gaming, the Joysticks are a major focal point – with attendance of mainstream media across the globe already confirmed.

With just a few tables remaining, almost 800 guests will be entertained at the event as Frankie Boyle takes time out from his sold-out tour to present the show, also streamed live at www.goldenjoystick.com and the Virgin Media website – www.virginmedia.com . Frankie first came to prominence when he won the Daily Telegraph’s Open Mic competition in 1996, launching his stand-up career. Since then he has racked up an impressive CV of TV work, including his infamous appearances on BBC Two’s Mock the Week.

Emma Parkinson, Organiser of the Golden Joystick Awards said:

“This year’s Golden Joystick Awards are shaping up to be the best yet, thanks to the support of our sponsor Virgin Media and Frankie Boyle signing up as host.

“The industry has always seen the Joysticks as a focal point of its calendar and long may this continue. Increasingly, it has become a focal point for mainstream press attention and a celebration of the games industry. As we aim for a million votes, we need the help of your fans and customers – make the wider world proud of our industry.”

Popcorn Arcade Presents Crazy Mini Golf on Nintendo Wii.. Gone Gold

The United States have won The Ryder Cup for the first time since 1999, ending a run of three successive victories for Europe, after an epic encounter at Valhalla Golf Club. The European team was odds on favourite to win for a fourth time but, sadly, European Captain Nick Faldo couldn’t pull it out of the bag – so now we are going to have to suffer two years of American smugness until we can challenge for the prestige cup again……. On a lighter note, however, Data Design Interactive – a successful video games publisher and games developer, are pleased to announce that their Nintendo Wii game entitled ‘Kidz Sports – Crazy Mini Golf’ to be released on their Popcorn Arcade, label has Gone Gold. So, instead of sulking about the Ryder Cup defeat, grab your putter, choose your character and aim for the entrance to the windmill…..!

Kidz Sports – Crazy Mini Golf’ offers players 72 crazy holes set over 4 wacky courses; DDI are also introducing the all new ‘NuYu’ character editor. Have fun and a lot of laughs creating customised Kidz Sports versions of you and your friends to play in game. In multiplayer modes your opponents will also appear in game and can cheer or taunt your play on the green.

The game has the most accurate golf swing of any Wii title, where the smallest and the most accurate of movements are perfectly simulated. This is a real challenge for a skilled player or a serious golfer. We also recognise that mini golfing is fun and in case your non- golfing auntie also wants to play, we also have a simpler arcade fast play mode. Play 9 or 18 holes, multiplayer with friends, or solo and try to beat your best, or the worlds best scores for each hole. Lots of challenges and lots of fun, once mastered, you will feel like a putting green King…

Take your putting to the next level with Kidz Sports: Crazy Mini Golf.

NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 for Nintendo DS Strikes Gold

Latest in NARUTO Role-Playing Franchise Soon to Perform Shadow Clone Jutsu onto Store Shelves Everywhere

TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher, publishers of interactive entertainment software, have announced that NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 for the Nintendo DS™ has gone gold and will be shipping to stores on October 14th. The sequel to the only NARUTO role-playing game available in North America, Path of the Ninja 2 gives players a chance to defend the Hidden Leaf Village as 30 of the most powerful ninja in the NARUTO universe through a completely original storyline.

“There has been a huge progression between the original RPG title on the DS and Path of the Ninja 2,” said Laura Yoshioka, director of consumer software at TOMY Corporation. “Between the expanded character list, the Wi-Fi battle system, and the new squad-building options, this is an adventure that should appeal to the inner ninja of players everywhere.”

With 30 characters to choose from, including favorites like Naruto, Sasuke, and Rock Lee, plus an all-new Squad Leader and Ninja Tag systems, there have never been more ways to create the perfect ninja squad. The improved and intuitive battle system will make it easy for even the newest fighters to get into the combat, using the Touch Screen to unleash devastating melee and jutsu attacks, while the Wi-Fi multiplayer feature will offer aspiring ninja the chance to take on challengers from around the world. Based on VIZ Media’s hit animated series, NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 is scheduled to ship to retail stores on October 14th, and is rated “E10+” (everyone 10 and older).

For more information on NARUTO, please visit www.naruto.com. For more information on NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2, please visit www.Naruto.Tomy-usa.com.

Future and Sony to launch UK’s first on-console digital magazine

Pioneering interactive high definition magazine to launch on PlayStation Network

Future, the special-interest media group, today announces that it has signed an agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment UK (“SCE UK”) to create an on-console, weekly digital magazine available exclusively through the PlayStation®Network.

The digital magazine will enable gamers in the UK to download interactive, high definition editorial content directly onto their PlayStation 3 consoles from the PlayStation Network – a first for the UK games industry. The pioneering weekly product will be available to UK PlayStation 3 owners in early 2009 and is expected to subsequently roll-out to other European territories.

The deal further strengthens the publishing partnership between SCE UK and Future, which began in 1995 with one Official magazine and today operates on both sides of the Atlantic with a portfolio of print titles and digital content. Earlier this year, Future teamed up with Sony Computer Entertainment America to produce Qore™– a monthly digital programme for North American users of the PlayStation Network which has attracted Burger King, Universal Pictures, Activision and Codemasters among its advertisers.

Packed with high definition video content, the digital magazine will include news, reviews, features and downloadable content on games, movies and more. Future and SCE UK will work with third parties to incorporate exclusive content – only available to subscribers who purchase the weekly digital magazine.

It will also offer advertisers the opportunity to promote their products to millions of UK gamers who are registered to the PlayStation Network in the UK. It will provide advertisers with exclusive branded areas, product showcases and high definition media.

Ray Maguire, senior vice president and managing director of SCE UK said:

“As PlayStation 3 moves the gaming experience to a more social and competitive online environment, so the natural development in line with our consumers’ choice of media is to produce a companion publication in the digital realm. Future is best placed to meet this challenge and produce a perfect partner to the Official PlayStation magazine delivered via the PlayStation Network.”

Robert Price, Future’s UK Chief Executive added:

“We are very excited to further strengthen our relationship with Sony, working together on this ground-breaking product. As the publisher of Official magazines and digital content for Sony PlayStation in the US and UK, we are creating powerful integrated media solutions for readers and advertisers across different platforms, in print and online. This product will provide a unique way for advertisers to connect directly with gamers through their consoles using the very latest high definition content.”

Nintendo DS Lite bundles announced in time for Santa to deliver

NEW NINTENDO DS LITE BUNDLES ENSURE THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS CHRISTMAS

Believe it or not Christmas is just around the corner, which means the time for gift shopping is almost upon us once again! However, do not fear as help is on hand from Nintendo with its new Nintendo DS Lite bundles set to ensure the entire family is suitably entertained over the festive season.

The new official bundles have been created to make sure all newcomers to the world of Nintendo have the widest possible choice and the best and most enjoyable entry experience possible. Ideal for all, these bundles will make sure even the most difficult family and friends can be catered for!

The new packs are available across Europe this Christmas, with the following available in the UK from October:

  • White Nintendo DS Lite console and Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? software at the estimated retail price of £120.
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  • Black Nintendo DS Lite console and Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? software at the estimated retail price of £120.
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  • Red Nintendo DS Lite console and Big Brain Academy software at the software at the estimated retail price of £120
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  • Pink Nintendo DS Lite console and Nintendogs Labrador and Friends software at the estimated retail price of £130.
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  • Blue Nintendo DS Lite console and Cooking Guide: Can’t Decide What To Eat? software at the estimated retail price of £130.
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So whether it’s a gift for a dog lover, someone who gets pleasure from their brains being trained or a fanatic of classic gaming, Nintendo have something to suit everyone’s tastes, making Christmas gifting less stressful and more delightful for all!