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Industry and Educators to Develop Programs to Ease Critical Skills Shortage in Gaming Industry

DALLAS, TX –May 29, 2008 – Attendees at the upcoming Game Education Summit will be able to view and participate in a “living classroom” during the conference where Southern Methodist University graduate students will present their student game projects as part of their game studies course.

Game industry leaders and educators from across the country will gather in Dallas at SMU June 10 – 11 to try and develop future programs to solve what many experts say is the video game industry’s number one problem … a critical shortage of skilled professionals.

Keynote speakers Colleen McCreary of Electronic Arts, Warren Spector of Junction Point Studios and Mark Meyers of Disney Interactive will be joined by speakers from major university game programs, video game studios, publishers and technology leaders to discuss key issues relating to programs for students wishing to pursue careers in video game development for the entertainment and serious game industries.

“Because of all the industry leaders appearing at the Game Education Summit, our students really wanted to attend the conference but had a very important milestone on June 11 for their student game projects,” Elizabeth Stringer, SMU game studies instructor, explained. “Since our academic philosophy is to work at the style and pace of the game industry, we take deadlines very, very seriously.”

“However, one of our students came up with a perfect solution,” Stringer said. “He suggested we should hold our presentation in a classroom at the Summit. Attendees then could not only view the presentations, but also try out the student produced games as well.”

Sessions at the summit will cover topics such as teaching methodologies, starting a game development program, core curriculum topics, research collaboration and increasing diversity. Speakers from Activision, Arizona State University, Carnegie Mellon, Electronic Arts, Ensemble Studios, Dell, Duke, Emergent Game Technologies, Full Sail, Gearbox Software, High Voltage Software, id Software, Indiana University, Kingsisle Entertainment, Microsoft, SONY, University of Central Florida, University of Wisconsin, USC and THQ-Volition will ensure a lively and informative event.

One unique session will be the Perfect Candidate panel. Studio heads and hiring managers will discuss what they need the newly minted artist, level designer, production professional and software developer to know in order to succeed.

Non-stop action at www.collapse-game.com

MOSCOW, Russia (May 29, 2008) – Buka Entertainment, creator, publisher and distributor of first-rate PC games, today unveiled the official website for their Action / Adventure game Collapse.

Interesting information about the game storyline, its characters, unique weapons and impressive features is now available at www.collapse-game.com. The website is dedicated to providing overall data and materials for the game. It presents fresh news, screenshots, concept arts, downloads and other media that exposes the inconceivable world of Collapse. Those who want to discuss the game and talk to the developers are welcome to the official English game forum. Learn more about upcoming Collapse on www.collapse-game.com!

Dynamic action of Collapse immerses the player in an alternate future. 2096 A.D. The world we know is destroyed. Creatures from other dimension emerged over the old Europe, massacring and killing every life form they found on their way… That was one century ago.

The remains of humankind live under the constant menace of alien attacks, while the law of the strongest has taken place over the society. The Lords, an elite group appeared from the total chaos and anarchy and now they are the only barrier between the total annihilation.

Collapse is a remarkable 3D adventure game full of action. It has the gripping adventure elements and impresses with the acrobatic movements and realism of character. The English master of Collapse is planned for the fourth quarter of 2008. For more details on the game, visit www.collapse-game.com.

Key Game Features:

• Hyper-realistic characters and movements, all of them created under the “Motion Capture” technology.
• A huge world to discover and explore, divided into several zones, full of secrets and enemies.
• Intuitive hit combo system based on mouse and keyboard clicks. Perform amazing and painful combos with your weapons.
• State of the art physics system. Hundreds of elements in the scenario can be destroyed, moved and used as pieces to solve complex puzzles.
• Dozens of acrobatic movements to perform, even using elements of the scenario like walls, bars, ladders, etc…

PlayV Ltd to distribute titles in the UK

Amsterdam, 29 May 2008 – Today publisher Playlogic Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq OTC: PLGC.OB) and publisher/distributor Virgin Play announced their joint venture PlayV Ltd.

PlayV Ltd, a sales, marketing and distribution business, will bring PC, console and handheld products from both parties to the UK market and also offer flexible pro-active PR, marketing and sales solutions to additional development and publishing partners looking to penetrate the UK retail market with their products.

From its headquarters in Luton, Bedfordshire, UK, PlayV Ltd will provide national PR, marketing, sales and account management alongside financial management and administrative office support. PlayV Ltd will supply its products to a broad customer base that includes well known specialists, multiples and independent retailers as well as major dot com online companies.

The new structure will be fully operational by the 1st of July 2008 and will be headed up by industry veteran David Hope, who has been previously responsible for the successful setup of various UK distribution companies.

Playlogic’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Pierre Thiercelin comments: “We are very pleased to enter into this partnership with Virgin Play. PlayV will allow both companies to make up considerable ground in the UK and further establish their presence in the market.”

PlayV’s Managing Director David Hope comments: “Alongside our core first party business we are also keen to work with relevant third party developers and publishers looking to get their products into the UK market without the hassle and expense of setting up their own operation. PlayV Ltd offers a custom ready sales, marketing and logistics solution and can penetrate the whole retail market.”

Gamecock Media Group Selects cdv Software Entertainment AG as Strategic Partner in Europe

Strategic agreement covers the licensing, marketing and distribution of the extensive Gamecock Media Group portfolio throughout Europe

Frankfurt, Germany, May 29th, 2008 – cdv Software Entertainment AG and US publisher Gamecock Media Group have signed a strategic agreement that grants cdv AG exclusive rights to license, market and distribute Gamecock’s titles in Europe. This agreement with Gamecock represents another significant chapter in the continuing success story of cdv’s emergence as a leading full-service provider to the global interactive entertainment industry. The deal also significantly broadens cdv‘s portfolio of games for 2008 and 2009, offering titles that have strong appeal for both casual and hardcore gamers across all major gaming platforms.

Austin, Texas based Gamecock Media Group was founded by industry icons Mike Wilson and Harry Miller, who previously made their mark on the video game industry at the helm of Gathering of Developers with blockbuster titles like the Stronghold series, Max Payne, Mafia and many others.

“We are thrilled to work with a renowned and successful partner like Gamecock Media Group,” said Christian Gloe, CEO of cdv Software Entertainment AG. ”This agreement, which covers a very solid and diverse product portfolio, represents another step in the evolution of our business model. It underscores our ability to credibly deliver a full range of services to even the most ambitious firms, offering them a true level of value-added cooperation and partnership.”

”With cdv Software Entertainment AG, we have found our ideal partner for the distribution of our products in Europe and share a common philosophy as independent partners for the industry,” added Harry Miller, President of Gamecock Media Group. ”We are convinced that both companies will benefit tremendously as a result of this agreement, and view it as the first step toward a long and successful collaboration.”

Haarlem, The Netherlands – May 29, 2008 – Leading computer software Publisher Lighthouse Interactive and developer Nitro Games today revealed the totally revamped website for their upcoming Real-time Strategy War-game East India Company. The new website, located at www.eic-game.com, has gone through a complete makeover, both visually and structurally, to reflect the game’s progress. Some of the new features include a Designer’s Blog, streaming videos, and interactive forums.

East India Company is based on the exploits and adventures of the infamous 18th century East India Companies. Developed by Finland based Nitro Games Ltd., players will enjoy building the World’s largest trading empire and engaging in vigorous warfare on the open sea in both single and multiplayer modes. Scheduled to release in Q4 2008 for Windows®, East India Company promises to take Real-time Strategy War-games to new levels with its technically advanced proprietary game engine and breathtaking cinematic game environment. Players will have the opportunity to fight, manage and rule one of eight nations from Europe to the Far East.

Kim Soares, Lead Designer of Nitro Games said, “Development of East India Company has significantly progressed over the past six months. We wanted to echo these advancements in the official website by adding more interactivity and content, such as forums and my new Designer’s Blog. In the following weeks we’ll be posting new screenshots, videos and the latest news, so check it out!”

For more information on East India Company, bookmark the revamped official website at www.eic-game.com and also visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com to keep up with the latest breaking news.

GAME SUMMARY

In East India Company, players assume the role of Governor Director of one of the East India Companies or other rival companies. There are eight nationalities to choose from: British, Dutch, French, Danish, Portuguese, Swedish, Italian or Spanish. Your goal – bring new colonies and wealth such as: tea, spices, gold, diamonds and other precious cargo back to Europe, but you must dominate the other rival empires along the way. Wars will be waged and blood will be spilled. Conquer the open sea and explore 40 different cities, towns and villages.

Starting modestly, you will build your fleet, establish connections to far away countries, and keep the rivaling nations at bay. Choose from an array of ship classes, types of transport and military vessels: small sloops, schooners, brigantines, frigates and ship-of-the-line. Create different fleets and assign them to specific trading routes. Controlling well situated ports and upgrading them is one key to success.

Conflicts and wars are inevitable. When hostile fleets engage each other, the spectacular naval battles are fought at a real-time tactical level. Devastating broadsides are fired with a deafening roar and cannon balls tear through enemy ships and their crew. For greater tactical depth, you can, at any point, take direct command of any of your ships and feel the battle close up! Fight against the other European powers to create a trading empire that will rule above all others!

FEATURES

Fight!
• Declare war on rival empires fought at a real-time tactical level
• Command ships and fleets independently
• Wage war on the vast open sea
• Sink your rivals’ ship or board them to take control in bloody hand-to-hand combat

Manage!
• Hire and manage your own crew
• Buy guns and ammo
• Repair and upgrade your ships at port
• Buy and sell goods
• Establish profitable trading routes
• Open diplomatic relations or declare war
• Negotiate tense political situations

Rule!
• Lead the most powerful company in history
• Take over colonies and expand your empire
• Build a powerful fleet to rule the seas
• Conquer strategic ports
• Accomplish tasks ordered by your company or the Crown

Multiplayer (Internet or LAN) Features:
• Supports up to 8 simultaneous players
• Player statistics tracked on the EIC game server
• Raise your ranking by thwarting your opponents
• Head-to-head missions are a true test of strategic skill

OUT OF THIS WORLD SIMULATION GAME DEVELOPED IN CONJUNCTION WITH NASA

Space Station Sim, a new simulation game for PC, has been announced by Avanquest Software. The game provides an out of this world experience as players manage the creation of an international space station in true 3D construction. Space Station Sim is the first space station game to be developed in conjunction with NASA and the Japanese Space Administration, enhancing its realism and authenticity.

The player takes on the role of the Chief Administrator of NASA, using real NASA modules, such as the Zvezda or the JAXA Japanese Experiment module, to create their own space ship. The interior can be customised through a variety of components for life support, communications and the crew area.

To operate the space ship, a crew must be created with careful consideration given to their training needs, based on abilities and personalities. The crew’s activities and personal relationships must be managed through the regulation of food, sleep, exercise and entertainment – all in zero gravity traveling at 17,500 miles per hour.

Players will explore life in space and win the cooperation of the international space community as they create an international space station. Thousands of different construction configurations can be built using real international space station modules, all in stunning 3D graphics.

However, even with a superior space ship and crew, critical situations, such as micro meteor strikes, unexpected decompression and problematic tourists smuggled onboard by the Russians, can result in catastrophic failure. In moments, a developing space station could be reduced to a burning inferno, resembling a shooting star as it cascades toward Earth…

New York, USA (May 22, 2008) – Paradox Interactive today announced the release of Dark Horizon, a stark and atmospheric space combat simulation that aims to hurl its audience through an action-packed adventure, piloting its own ship through the perils that only space could have to offer.

“Dark Horizon follows along the same lines of classics like Wing Commander and Freelancer, and it will be a great addition to our portfolio this year,” said Paradox Interactive Executive Vice President Fredrik Wester.

Dark Horizon is a plot-rich experience; 22 challenging missions, laced with special features such as full ship customization, original weapon creation, joystick support, and several modes of combat.

Dark Horizon is scheduled to ship worldwide during Q3, 2008.

We are preparing a series of events to celebrate IGG （http://www.igg.com） 2nd anniversary and express our appreciation to players for their constant support of IGG and Voyage Century. We hope every player will have fun playing our games and support us as always in the future.

Event 1 Duration: From June 4th to June 8th
Event 1: Double Experience
Players will get double experience while playing game from June 4th to June 8th.

Event 2: Monsters Party
Event 2 Duration: From 4:00am – 5:00am EST (GMT-5) on June 6th
From 10:00pm -11:00pm EST (GMT-5) on June 6th

Event 2 Description:
A large number of monsters will be found in the two cities. Player can team up with other players to kill monsters or kill them by themselves. The event will be divided into two time sections. Each section will last one hour. Monsters will be generated every half hour. The event comes to an end when all the monsters are killed.

We welcome low level players to participate in this event. So the city of Madeira is where low level monster BOSSes are generated and is specially open to players of low levels, while the city of Revkjavik where high level monsters BOSSes are generated is the paradise of high level players. You can decide which city you want to go to.

Event 3: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Event 3 Duration: June 4th from 4:00am to 5:00am EST(GMT-5) and 10:00pm – 11:00pm EST (GMT-5)

Event 3 Contents:
GMs will post riddles about where the treasure can be found. Players can get the answer to the riddles and try to find buried treasure. Rewards will be given to players who are the first to find the buried treasure.

GM will post riddles through the announcements every 20 minutes.

Notes: We are not responsible for the disappearance of treasure provided that players fail to find the treasure within its existent time.

News link: http://vc.igg.com/content.php?news_id=902

The latest update to this Napoleonics grand strategy game brings tons of fixes

Staten Island, NY, May 29th, 2008 – Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Australian Design Group (www.a-d-g.com.au) are pleased to announce that a major new update is now available for the computer adaptation of the hit Napoleonic strategy game, Empires in Arms. This v1.02 comprehensive update includes over 150 fixes as well as some enhancements.

A focused effort has been made to address as many issues reported since the original release as possible and v1.02 represents a significant improvement in play quality in both AI and multi-player PBEM modes. While work continues to respond to all reported issues and make further improvements to AI and PBEM play, we strongly encourage all players to update to the v1.02 level.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Empires in Arms is one of those rare games that wholly captures the excitement and fun of a classic board game and takes it to the PC. By bringing the amazing Australian Design Group system to the PC with all its elegance and splendor, Empires in Arms serves as a must-have for board game and PC fans of Napoleonics alike!”

Take command of one of the many factions in early 19th century Europe! Empires in Arms is a grand strategy turn-based race to prove which nation is the greatest in Europe. In a bid for mastery over the continent, players can succeed where Napoleon failed or try to stop the military genius quicker than his historical enemies could!

The game moves in monthly turns where diplomacy and builds are conducted. Within the monthly turns there are a variable number of impulses where corps and fleets move about. All movement is simultaneous with battles occurring at the end of the impulse. Battles are resolved by players both picking a strategy and fighting a series of rounds in an attempt to break the enemy. Make and break alliances, declare war, invade minor nations, propose peace terms, build armies of landwehr, regulars, guards, light cavalry, heavy cavalry and artillery. Many historical leaders from the period are included to command corps and fleets, from Admiral Nelson to Marshal Davout to the Pashas of the Ottoman Empires.

Diplomacy and economics will complement the sharp bayonets and deadly cannons of your direct military might when you take the role of any of the major powers in 19th century Europe! As you conquer your weaker foes, use the money and resources from fallen nations to recruit new units and replenish your ranks. France, Great Britain, Prussia, Turkey, Russia, Spain and Austria all stand ready with their full resources, generals, armies and fleets for you to take command. Join the intricate and deadly contest of power that changed a continent and created a legend.

The slightest mistake could be the difference between the crown of Europe or exile to St. Helena. Step into history and find your destiny in Empires in Arms!

Get more information on Empires in Arms from its product page. This update is comprehensive and will bring Empires in Arms up to version 1.02.