TechShowData: Game Developers Conference (GDC)
March 14, 2008
The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is the world’s largest professionals-only game industry event. Presented every spring in San Francisco, it is the essential forum for learning, inspiration, and networking for the creators of computer, console, handheld, mobile, and online games. The GDC attracts over 16,000 attendees, and is the primary forum where programmers, artists, producers, game designers, audio professionals, business decision-makers and others involved in the development of interactive games gather to exchange ideas and shape the future of the industry. The GDC is produced by the CMP Game Group, a division of CMP. Source
DATES: February 18-22, 2008
LOCATION: San Francisco, Moscone Center
Official Site: www.gdconf.com
PR Newswire Releases
2008 GDC 2008: Game Developers Conference Breaks Attendance Records
February 29, 2008
CMP’s 2008 Game Developers Conference(R) (GDC) hosted more than 18,000 game industry professionals last week at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. The world’s largest industry-only event dedicated to the advancement of interactive
entertainment attracted the full spectrum of game industry enthusiasts from
known luminaries, to aspiring and established game developers, to
publishers and deal makers to members of the working press. Read more
GDC 2008: EA Announces Closed Beta for TheSimsCarnival.com, New Online Community and Gaming Experience From The Sims
February 22, 2008
Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced an invitation to participate in a special closed beta at The Sims Carnival(TM), a new online community and gaming experience from The Sims(TM) studio. An innovative online destination, TheSimsCarnival.com empowers members to play, create and share casual games within an online community. This announcement comes out of today’s Game Developers Conference (GDC) in a speech presented by the Head of The Sims Studio, Rod Humble. Read more
GDC 2008: Dassault Systèmes Launches Premiere Development Authoring Platform for High-Quality 3D Game Production
February 22, 2008
WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Google’s new Personal
Health Records (PHRs) prototype provides a model that gives consumers
greater control over the flow of their personal health information, than is
currently provided under the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules. Read more
Game Development Community Chooses ‘Portal’ as Game of the Year at the 8th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards
February 21, 2008
Valve’s genre-blending first person shooter/puzzler, “Portal,” was the recipient of three honors
including Game of the Year at the 8th annual Game Developers Choice Awards,
presented at a ceremony this evening at CMP’s 2008 Game Developers
Conference (GDC). Read more
10th Independent Games Festival Awards $20,000 to Kloonigames’ Crayon Physics Deluxe
February 21, 2008
Crayon Physics Deluxe, Kloonigames’ 2D physics puzzle game that allows players to experience what
it would be like to transform drawings into physical objects, was named the
winner of the $20,000 Seumas McNallly Grand Prize at the 10th Annual
Independent Games Festival (IGF) Awards, presented at a ceremony this
evening at CMP’s 2008 Game Developers Conference (GDC). Read more
Microsoft Provides Thrilling First Look at Xbox 360 Blockbuster Portfolio for 2008, Announces ‘Gears of War 2′ Ships This November
February 21, 2008
Today at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2008, Microsoft Corp. provided an exciting
glimpse at what promises to be another landmark year for games and online
entertainment on the Xbox 360 platform and officially announced the launch
of “Gears of War 2,” exclusively for Xbox 360 this November.
Providing a dramatic close to Microsoft’s GDC keynote address, Epic
Games Inc.’s lead designer Cliff Bleszinski announced that the epic saga of
Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad continues exclusively on the Xbox 360 this
fall with “Gears of War 2.” This highly anticipated sequel to the 4.5
million-selling blockbuster “Gears of War” delves deeper into humanity’s
struggle for survival against the nightmarish Locust Horde, and promises to
take high-definition visuals to a whole new level.
In addition, acclaimed developer Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios
took the stage to showcase exciting new multiplayer features for “Fable 2,”
introducing dynamic cooperative play, a first to the franchise. Molyneux
also announced that later this year, and before the launch of “Fable 2,”
gamers can get a sneak peek at the game’s world when the “Fable 2″ pub
games debut as a stand-alone download on Xbox LIVE Arcade. When “Fable 2″
launches, gamers will have the ability to transfer currency earned in the
pub games directly to their character in “Fable 2.” This unique and
first-of-its-kind experience, which can be found only on Xbox LIVE Arcade,
will give the millions of “Fable” fans and gamers all around the globe the
opportunity to jump into the “Fable 2″ world with money already in the
bank.
Tomonobu Itagaki also revealed new “Ninja Gaiden II” game-sharing
features, including Ninja Cinema, which is enabled solely through Xbox
LIVE, providing exciting and innovative entertainment experiences for the
more than 10 million Xbox LIVE members worldwide by allowing players to
record and upload their best ninja moves to Xbox LIVE.
“To our team the original game was just a tease, the appetizer to the
‘Gears of War’ characters and new style of gameplay. We were so amped to
get to the next chapter, and dig deeper into the universe of this
franchise,” said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for Epic Games. “‘Gears of
War 2′ is an even bigger, better, and more badass experience than the first
game, and we can’t wait to get it in the hands of eager gamers this
November.”
This year, the most anticipated games will be found exclusively on Xbox
360, including the next chapters of top franchises such as “Gears of War,”
“Fable” and “Ninja Gaiden,” as well as new titles such as “Too Human.”
— “Gears of War 2″ (Epic Games). “Gears of War 2″ is the sequel to the
4.5 million-selling blockbuster that redefined the third-person
tactical action game genre. “Gears of War 2″ continues the story of
Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and
retribution. Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, “Gears
of War 2″ launches this November.
— “Fable 2″ (Lionhead Studios). In addition to the dynamic co-op mode
unveiled onstage, Peter Molyneux also announced that Carbonated Games
is bringing the “Fable 2″ experience to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Before the
game’s launch, gamers will be able to get an early taste of the “Fable
2″ experience and gain a head start on earning currency for use in
“Fable 2″ by playing “Fable 2″ — themed pub games that will be
downloadable via Xbox LIVE Arcade. The currency earned in these Xbox
LIVE Arcade titles will enable players to purchase items in “Fable 2″
when the game launches later this year.
— “Ninja Gaiden II” (TECMO/Team NINJA). Tomonobu Itagaki debuted several
tantalizing new Xbox LIVE features of “Ninja Gaiden II,” including the
ability to capture and share videos of a player’s glorious battles via
the Ninja Cinema feature and upload them to Xbox LIVE. “Ninja Gaiden
II” launches worldwide this June.
— “Too Human” (Silicon Knights). Microsoft also showcased the epic
action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights, “Too
Human,” at a media event before today’s keynote address. In “Too
Human,” players are treated to a nonstop barrage of action powered by
the seamless integration of melee and firearms combat, plus deep
role-playing elements fueled by breathtaking visuals enabled by the
power of Xbox 360.
With online multiplayer gameplay, downloadable content and ways to stay
in contact with a global community, these forthcoming blockbusters harness
the power of Xbox LIVE to create truly innovative and exciting
entertainment experiences. Each game also comes packed with Achievements,
so Xbox LIVE members can help add to the more than 1 billion Achievements
already unlocked on the service to date. And, as with the “Fable 2″ pub
games, downloadable content in Xbox LIVE Marketplace allows gamers the
opportunity to customize and enhance their gameplay experiences. Since the
service launched, Microsoft has seen more than $250 million in digital
revenue from Xbox LIVE Marketplace through the purchase of more than 20
billion Microsoft Points.
Xbox LIVE members have been using a large portion of those Microsoft
Points in Xbox LIVE Arcade, which is the premier destination for digitally
distributed, high-definition original and classic games. With over 116
games to choose from on Xbox LIVE Arcade, everyone’s invited to get
instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade is also home to the world’s
most innovative independent developers, with more than 25 independent
studios serving as the creative fuel behind the original games that
represent more than a quarter of the Xbox LIVE Arcade library. The
following titles represent a sample of games launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade
in the near future from the world’s leading independent developers:
— “Braid” (Number None Inc.). Developed by Independent Games Festival
Winner and experimental game designer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a
platform experience that bends all the rules with the manipulation of
time. “Braid” will launch this spring.
— “Castle Crashers” (The Behemoth). “Castle Crashers” is the second
title currently in development by award-winning independent developer
The Behemoth, creator of “Alien Hominid HD.” The role-playing game
(RPG) adventure will let up to four players hack, slash and smash
their way together through a visually stunning hand-drawn landscape.
“Castle Crashes” launches this summer.
— “Defense Grid: The Awakening” (Hidden Path Entertainment LLC).
“Defense Grid: The Awakening” is the definitive tower defense game
experience designed specifically for Xbox LIVE Arcade and launches
this summer.
— “Go! Go! Break Steady” (Little Boy Games). An Xbox LIVE Arcade
exclusive, “Go! Go! Break Steady” is the debut title from independent
developer Little Boy Games. The combination music and puzzle game
combines break dancing with novel gameplay and launches this summer.
— “Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness”
(Hothead Games). The first video game collaboration between Penny
Arcade creators Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and Jerry “Tycho” Holkins and
legendary game designer Ron Gilbert, “Penny Arcade Adventures” is an
RPG-adventure game set in a highly stylized 1920s universe filled with
bizarre characters, outrageous combat and adult humor. The first
episode of the game launches this summer.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering
the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming
network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than
300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online at
http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer
of games for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows
operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top
developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and
diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such
franchises as “Age of Empires,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon”; Xbox
and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as “Gears of War”
and franchises such as “Halo,” “Fable,” “Project Gotham Racing” and “Forza
Motorsport”; and MSN Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games
channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as “Bejeweled” and
“Hexic.”
About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online
entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console
experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and
entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360
system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy
hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade,
free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in
the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for
all their favorite retail games. More information can be found online at
http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.
About Xbox LIVE Arcade
Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360 is the premier destination for digitally
distributed high-definition games. Xbox LIVE Arcade is a fast-growing
phenomenon with a diverse library of original development and classic
titles from the world’s best independent and established developers and
publishers. With a dynamically updated library and free trials for every
title, Xbox LIVE Arcade makes it easy for every type of gamer - from casual
to hard-core - to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade also
lets friends connect and play these incredible games either from the same
room or from around the world via the Xbox LIVE online entertainment
network. More information can be found online at
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/livearcade.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize
their full potential.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
- Via TechShowWIRE.com / PressRoom 2.0 [ http://www.PressRoom2.com/ ] [Inbox MM] [PR NEWSWIRE]
GDC 2008: Nintendo Launches Its Next Engaging Experiences
February 21, 2008
The Game Developers Conference in San Francisco attracts the top creative minds in the video game
industry. With that audience on hand, Nintendo announces news that
reinforces its commitment to provide entertaining and enriching experiences
for veteran and new gamers alike. WiiWare(TM), Nintendo’s new downloadable
game service, launches May 12 and expands development opportunities for
developers the same way Wii(TM) expanded the world of video game players.
Wii Fit(TM), the upcoming title for Wii, launches May 19 and introduces the
Wii Balance Board(TM) peripheral. And Super Smash Bros.(R) Brawl draws in
fans of all kinds. Read more
Game Makers Converge on World’s Largest Industry-Only Event at GDC 2008 in San Francisco
February 21, 2008
CMP’s 2008 Game Developers Conference(R) (GDC) has opened its doors at the Moscone Convention Center
in San Francisco, bringing the videogame industry together for a week of
networking, learning, and inspiration through this Friday, February 22. The
world’s largest industry-only event dedicated to the advancement of
interactive entertainment gathers thousands of game developers, publishers,
industry enthusiasts and members of the working press for five days of
lectures, panels, tutorials, roundtable discussions, summits, award
ceremonies, a robust expo featuring top tool and service providers, and
networking events. Read more
GDC 2008: Organic Motion to Open Markerless Motion Capture Studio and Demo Facility in UK
February 21, 2008
Organic Motion, the leading innovator of computer vision and highly advanced markerless motion capture systems, has announced the opening of the industry’s only full-body markerless motion capture studio for European markets. Organic Motion is opening its first international service center and demo site, branded Studio 7, in London, owned and operated by production company, Atticus Finch. Studio 7 will provide customers in the UK and Europe with full demonstrations of Organic Motion’s STAGE and BioSTAGE turnkey markerless systems, available for extensive production services. Organic Motion will also showcase STAGE during the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, Feb. 20-22, 2008 in the North Hall, Booth #5228. Read more
