Audio Director Erik Kraber, Electronic Arts, will keynote the 2004 Game Developers Conference (GDC) Audio Track. Known for his work on Medal of Honor, Kraber will treat attendees to an insider’s briefing on the development of the audio map for the award-winning video game franchise. Game audio makes movie soundtracks seem simple by comparison. Games routinely involve the scripting and editing of 40,000 lines of dialogue, multiple variations of orchestral scores, and sound effects; all with real-time controls. The GDC 2004 Audio Track features leading sound designers and composers from the game, film, and music industries.

Cartoon Network and America Online have joined forces to offer one up-and-coming game developer the opportunity to create an online game featuring a popular Cartoon Network character from series such as Codename: Kids Next Door, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy or Samurai Jack in the first ‘Project Goldmaster’ program. As part of the Independent Games Festival (IGF), ten finalists will be selected to compete to win the top honor to develop an online game for CartoonNetwork.com’s Power Play Games area. One of the ten finalists will be selected by the Cartoon Network to be the winner of ‘Project … Continue reading AOL, Cartoon Network Sponsor Developer Contest →

Major League Gaming (MLG), the pre-eminent worldwide console gaming league for professional video game players, today announced that the #1 ranked gamer in the 2004 version of ESPN NFL Football at the end of MLG’s 2004 season will be featured as a free agent, with name and likeness to appear in the 2005 release of ESPN Videogames’ ESPN NFL Football. The champion will also be offered an MLG pro gaming management contract, joining the ranks of the world’s elite professional gamers. MLG, which has selected ESPN Videogames’ ESPN NFL Football as its premier sports title for its 2004 season, will … Continue reading To Gamer To Get In Game →

James Bond returns today in Electronic Arts’ James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, which has shipped to retail outlets nationwide under the EA GAMES(tm) brand. Everything or Nothing is a stunning mix of action, espionage and high-speed driving that marks Bond’s fifth mission for Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS). The title is available for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system from Sony, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, and Nintendo GameCube. In James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, players will encounter dangerous villains, exotic locations, beautiful women, fast cars, and high-tech gadgetry. The original script by veteran Bond screenwriter Bruce … Continue reading New 007 Strikes Consoles →

Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) has signed a deal with Roadrunner Records’ multi-platinum-selling artist, Slipknot, for the MTX: Mototrax videogame, which will be available in retail stores nationwide on March 3, 2004. The band will unveil their brand new track, "Don’t Get Close" from their forthcoming album due out in May 2004, in the game. Also included in the game is an unreleased instrumental version of "The Heretic Anthem" and the hit "Wait And Bleed" from their first self-titled album. A three-minute Slipknot video will be included in MTX: Mototrax as well as a secret character and bike designed by the … Continue reading Slipknot To Make Game Music →

We’re pleased to announce the launch of the official web site for Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth, which can be found at www.callofcthulhu.com. The new site includes info on gameplay and story in Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth, as well as new screenshots, renders, and wallpapers. Learn about the player character, Jack Walters, the creepy town of Innsmouth, and find out more about HP Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos he created. In addition, Bethesda Softworks producer Dennis Cheng’s team diary provides an update on the game. Call of Cthulhu is a survival horror game … Continue reading Call Of Cthulhu Gets Website →

If you thought your tour of duty was over after finishing Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) award-winning Call of Duty…think again. Starting today through March 26, 2004, map-making gurus everywhere can log on to www.callofduty.com and enter to win the "Call of Duty Mapmaker Competition." Using the map-making toolset located on the official website, gamers have the opportunity to create and submit multiplayer levels for the chance to win an incredible Grand Prize package which includes an all expense paid trip to Los Angeles to meet with Infinity Ward, the developer of Call of Duty, an Asylum GeForce(tm) FX 5950 Ultra-based … Continue reading Call Of Duty Map Contest announced →

Game development studio Sidhe Interactive announced today it has secured a government research grant from Technology New Zealand to assist in developing for upcoming handheld gaming device, the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP). Tyrone McAuley, Technical Director at Sidhe, commented, “The Technology NZ funding complements our own significant investment, allowing us to accelerate our research programme for this exciting new platform.” Industry analysts are predicting a strong debut for the PlayStation Portable gaming platform, which Sony themselves are promoting as “the Walkman of the 21st Century.” “Tech NZ been proud to support Sidhe Interactive as a strong technology innovator”, said Richard … Continue reading Sidhe Interactive Researching Portable Games →

Cyan and UBI Software announced this week that the planned expansion of Uru: Ages Beyond Myst would not be making the jump to the multiplayer realm. According to a spokesman for UBI, there were not enough people subscribed to the online portion of the game – which was going through beta testing – to justify launching the product. In short, Uru Live would probably not have been financially viable. The idea behind Uru Live was that the puzzle solving game would be constantly expanded with new content. Explorers could journey into the new worlds and explore them collectively with other … Continue reading Uru Live cancelled →

Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) and Radical Entertainment today announced a worldwide development agreement under which Radical will exclusively develop products for VU Games. The two companies will collaborate on the development of six multi-platform titles based on new and existing entertainment franchises. VU Games will also obtain a royalty-free license to Radical’s proprietary game development technologies, as well as an option to purchase the company during contract’s term. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. VU Games and Radical Entertainment most recently collaborated on The Simpsons: Hit & Run, a critically acclaimed title that debuted on four platforms … Continue reading VU And Radical Sign Development Deal →