Finalists in indie game development contest revealed!

NEW YORK—December 9th, 2008— You are caught amidst a post-apocalyptic world, suddenly you realize that strange monsters lurk in the shadows, and then you become struck with a feeling of vertigo. Why?

Because Paradox Interactive and Gameplayer have revealed the finalists of their indie game development competition, SUT2008. The jury now goes to work at their computers, and the result will be presented at the end of January 2009. The winning game will be published online through GamersGate.

The finalists are:

1. Boingo by Black Drop Studios

Bounce around in a surreal atmosphere as monsters lurk in the shadows. This action-puzzle adventure might seem peaceful on the surface, but quick decisions are vital when danger is threatening from all angles.

Download the demo here: http://gameplayer.se/files/00/10/sut2008/boingo.zip

2. Flipside of the Divine by The Flipotechs

This three-dimensional action puzzle features an environment inspired by Incan culture. Move across dizzying heights as you jump your way through the adventure. Try not to let vertigo get to you, as it is a long way down.

Download the demo here: http://gameplayer.se/files/00/10/sut2008/flipside.zip

3. A Wikiped’s Story by Mjao

Point-and-click adventure games may seem fairly standard, but A Wikiped’s Story actually invites two people to sit down side-by-side and explore this strange, post-apocalyptic world.

Download the demo here: http://gameplayer.se/files/00/10/sut2008/wikiped_story.zip

About Paradox Interactive

Since 1999, Paradox Interactive has been a leading developer and publisher of PC-based strategy games. World-renowned for its strategy stable, the company holds a particularly strong presence in the United States and Europe. Its steadily-growing portfolio includes original titles such as the critically acclaimed Europa Universalis and Hearts of Iron franchises, as well as the best published titles like Penumbra: Black Plague, Supreme Ruler 2020, and the greatly-anticipated Majesty 2 – The Fantasy Kingdom Sim.

Read more: http://www.paradoxplaza.com

About Gameplayer.se

Gameplayer.se, founded in 2004 and based in Skövde, Sweden, is a leading nordic gaming site. Over the years Gameplayer.se has grown considerably through a strong supply of text and video content. Publication highlights include Gameplayer TV and Spelfredag. Gameplayer.se also provide the Egmont magazine “The Official Guiness World of Records Magazine” with gaming content each month.

Read more: http://www.gameplayer.se

About GamersGate

GamersGate is a leading digital distribution platform, providing ready gaming experiences for gamers worldwide – anytime, anywhere. Viewed as a strong contender in the digital download arena, GamersGate continues to redefine the download industry. Future strategies include the launch of several additional services, and the further aggressive expansion of its product portfolio, from a wide range of internationally recognized publishers. http://www.gamersgate.com

On the heels of the Intel® Core™ i7 Processor launch, Intel and Ubisoft have joined forces for a worldwide contest for PC gamers. Each day from December 1-30, 2008, 50 sweepstakes entrants will win a copy of Far Cry 2 for Windows optimized for Core™ i7 processors. Using Havok physics to create a dynamic and realistic gaming experience, in-game cloud formations follow atmospheric rules, tree branches break by the strength of the wind and fire spreads across brush in the wind’s direction. Additionally, one participant daily will be awarded an Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition, Intel’s fastest chip that delivers massive gaming, video editing and multi-tasking performance.

Enter the contest and read complete contest details here: http://intelcorei7.ubi.com/

The sixth annual VGAs will bring together megastars from the worlds of video games, Hollywood, music, sports and more to celebrate the outstanding achievements within the video game industry over the past year on Sunday, December 14 in Culver City, CA.

To upload your video for consideration, please visit:http://www.spike.com/group/spore/landingpage. A panel of judges, including Spore creator Will Wright, will select the best Spore film short!

For official rules please, visithttp://www.spike.com/group/spore/rules.

The MGC is an annual game development contest exclusively for college students. The 2nd annual MGC has broadened its reach beyond New England schools to include colleges from the United States and Canada. Teams of one to three students are invited to submit an original video game featuring the 38 Studios’ fun-loving mascot Munch and his evil alter ego, Mean Munch. Submissions must include a DVD or CD-ROM of the executable game, installation instructions, source code, build scripts, and a completed entry form.

Judging/Winners:
A panel of 38 Studios judges will review submissions based on Originality, Graphics and Artistry, Technical Achievement, Degree of Finished Product, and Fun Factor. Last year’s winner was a game called “Munch’s Vacation,” designed by three students from Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts. Complete MGC 2 contest rules and last year’s winning designs can be found at:http://www.38studios.com/MGC

Deadline: 
Final hard-copy submissions must be received by March 2, 2009. 38 Studios will choose the winning design on or before April 30, 2009.

Prizes:
The top-three teams will be awarded thousands of dollars in prizes. Each member of the first-place team receives $1,500; second-place team members each receive $1,000; members of the team finishing third each receive $500.

PARIS, France. December 1, 2008 - Monte Cristo is launching an exciting “Advent Calendar” contest for their upcoming next-generation city-building title, CITIES XL™ today. In this new contest, you need only visit the official CITIES XL™ Web site atwww.citiesxl.com to play! By registering for the CITIES XL™ community, you’ll be able to enter the contest, and keep up with the latest happenings in the world of CITIES XL™.

From December 1 to December 24, 2008, members of the CITIES XL™ community will be able to accumulate points in the contest, and earn chances to win numerous prizes, such as a 32GB iPod Touch, “City Life” games and “CITIES XL” bags. Participants will be able to invite friends to join the game and increase their chances in the final drawing. A daily instant win contest will also be held.

Don’t wait! Come join the game at www.citiesxl.com!

CITIES XL™ allows gamers to develop cities on realistic 3D maps using an incredible collection of unique structures and monuments based on American, Asian and European-influenced architectural styles. The maps feature a variety of environments: mountains, hills, canyons, beaches and islands, all set in different climates from tropical to desert, Mediterranean to temperate. Players must create the right combinations of social services, leisure activities, special events and other job opportunities within their cities in order to feed, clothe, employ and entertain their citizens. Be it planning and building a new zoo, public park, residential neighborhood or transit system – there’s always a fresh and exciting challenge for would-be city managers and mayors in CITIES XL™.

The game’s online features and services will allow players to create interconnected cities on virtual and persistent planets. Mayors can share and trade with one another, specialize their economy and team up with befriended cities to create sprawling metropolises. Life on the planet will be punctuated by events and competitions – a concert held in one town may, for example, be attended by visitors from other areas who can also enjoy a walk around the city to admire the urban creations of multiple players. By combining a fantastic single-player game with the social and multiplayer aspects of an MMO, CITIES XL™ will shape the future of the genre by offering more variety, bigger cities and multiple gameplay layers.

For more information about CITIES XL™, which will ship in 2009, please join the continuously growing community at www.citiesxl.com

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov 18, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ –

Troops stationed overseas will test their skills today in one of this year’s hottest new video games from Activision, Call of Duty(R): World at War. Pro vs. GI Joe, the USO, and the Cleveland Browns are teaming up with Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) for a series of online matches featuring the newest installment of the blockbuster Call of Duty(R) series against numerous troops stationed at Camp Virginia in Kuwait. Participating troops will also link-up via webcam and members of their families will be on-hand to share in the moment. For more information on today’s event, please visit http://www.provsgijoe.org.
Developed by Treyarch, Call of Duty: World at War is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB for Intense Violence, Strong Language, Blood and Gore and is available now on Xbox 360(TM) and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, the Windows(R) PC and the Nintendo(R) Wii(TM). Call of Duty: World at War is also available for the Nintendo DS(TM), developed by n-Space, the title is rated “T” (Teen) for Blood and Violence. For more information, please visit http://www.callofduty.com.

About PRO VS. GI JOE:
Pro vs. GI Joe is changing the way our military men and women are connecting to the home front. Pro vs. GI Joe is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that sets up real-time video game competitions between professional athletes in the states and troops stationed all over the world via the internet. Working with AirTran Airways, Pro vs. GI Joe transports the troops’ families to the gaming venue so that they may reunite via web cam with their loved ones serving overseas. Founded in June 2007 and based in Fairfax, Va, Pro vs. GI Joe aims to boost the morale of our military men and women in truly unique and exciting ways. Pro vs. GI Joe is a charitable organization that relies on the generosity of the American people as well as businesses and corporations to support its program. For more information, please visit http://www.provsgijoe.org or contact Addie Zinone addie@prosvsgijoes.org.

About USO
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The original intent of Congress — and enduring style of USO delivery — is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military. The USO currently operates more than 130 centers worldwide, including ten mobile canteens located in the continental United States and overseas. Overseas centers are located in Germany, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Qatar, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Guam, and Kuwait. Service members and their families visit USO centers more than 5.3 million times each year. The USO is the way the American public supports the troops

With T-Pain, Tenacious D, All American Rejects, Kerli, and Hinder

Be Expressive, Be Social, Be Entertained

Launching November 19th 2008, NXE (New Xbox Experience) connects you effortlessly to friends, family and the world’s largest online entertainment center, allowing you to play games, watch movies, and share moments on the couch or around the world. To help kick-off NXE, Estonian breakout pop-star Kerli, hip-hop superstar T-Pain, rockers All American Rejects and Hinder, as well as Jack Black’s brainchild, Tenacious D will participate in the fully interactive Game With Fame sessions. Game With Fame connects artists with fans through their favorite games and allows each artist to play fans directly

Allowing optimum expressivity, NXE boasts customized avatars, virtual party hosting, as well as remote capabilities. Promoting shared entertainment experiences NXE features Party Video and LIVE Party/Photo applications, allowing users to directly video chat, instant message and send photos. As a one-stop shop for all entertainment needs, NXE puts a plethora of interactive entertainment options at your fingertips! Users can utilize NXE Overview Video, which highlights a broad variety of available gaming options, view over 10,000 feature films via Netflix, as well as view all of the above options through the only gaming console to provide HD and standard-definition resolution.

Find out more about NXE here: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/nxe

Dates and session info is as follows:

Kerli – November 20th in Los Angeles city from 2PM-4PM PST playing new Bond 007 game (Quantum of Solace).
GAMERTAG: KerliGWF
LINK: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/calendar/gamewithfame/2008/1120-kerli.htm

Tenacious D – November 20th from 5:30PM to 7:30PM on-site @ Tonight Show in Los Angeles playing Rock Band 2 game. GAMERTAG: TenaciousD GWF (space between TenaciousD and GWF)
LINK: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/calendar/gamewithfame/2008/1110-tenaciousd.htm

Hinder – November 24th playing Guitar Hero World Tour from 3PM-5PM (Central Time) in Starkville, MS. GAMERTAG: Hinder GWF (**space between Hinder & GWF)
LINK: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/calendar/gamewithfame/2008/1124-hinder.htm
All American Rejects – November 24th in NYC from 6 to 8pm (EST) playing Frogger and Rock Band 2. GAMERTAG: AAR GWF (space between AAR and GWF)
LINK: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/artist/rock/allamericanrejects.htm

T-Pain – November 28th in Chicago, time TBD playing Rock Band 2. GAMERTAG: T Pain GWF (**space between T and Pain and GWF)

Berlin, Nov. 14th 2008: Leaves are falling and winter is coming. To avoid the characters in Runes of Magic catching a chill, Frogster is searching for a beautiful cape design in a community contest. Graphically talented fans are called on to create their personal cape for the upcoming fantasy online-roleplaying game on the basis of a template. They can submit their creative ideas until November 25th to event@runesofmagic.com.

The winning cape is going to be integrated into Runes of Magic by developer Runewaker. Players can then find it in the game to equip their characters. Further details about the contest and the template can be found here:
http://www.runesofmagic.com/en/news,id85,design_contest_design_ingame_cape.html.

Runes of Magic is currently in closed beta. Interested players can still apply for access to the beta test onwww.runesofmagic.com. The ambitious MMORPG project is scheduled to go into open beta with further polishing and completely localized in the course of December.

Runes of Magic – a world full of wizardry and adventure
With an extensive range of features Runes of Magic prepares to redefine the standard of free-to-play MMO games. Right from the launch Runes of Magic will convey its absorbing story through more than 1.000 quests embedded in an atmospheric world. Players can choose between six main classes. Combined with a secondary class they dispose of 36 individual character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts. A particularly attractive feature for guilds and players is the possibility to arrange their own virtual homes with individual furnishing. Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, thrilling PVP as well as demanding dungeons and boss-monsters, no wishes remain unsatisfied. The Taiwanese developer Runewaker has developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards within a time frame of three years. The studio will provide new challenges for players every three to four months with free add-ons and updates. MMO fans can find more information, pictures and videos on the official website www.runesofmagic.com.

Runes of Magic features

• Free2play, no monthly fees, free download
• Dual class system with switchable primary and secondary classes
• Enthralling background story
• Already over 600 quests and level comprehensive quest series on launch
• Instanced and persistent dungeons
• Individually developed skills and spells
• Armor sets with special bonuses
• Dynamic item system: Upgrades with hundreds of runes
• PvP system, to be activated with a PvP flag (Player vs. Player duels, arena combat, ranking system)
• Epic crafting system with the possibility to improve existing items
• Individual coloring of clothes and armor
• Housing: personalization with individual furniture for players and guilds
• Special zones for guild houses
• Reputation system
• Scalable user interface based on the users preference (development of your own add-ons possible)
• In-game map and radar system to easily find dealers, resources and quests
• Auction house: auction and purchase items
• Teleporting possibilities via runes, different and unique mounts
• Controlling with mouse (Point & Click) and keyboard (WASD or arrow keys) possible

Four different bands from the Fearless Records and Hopeless Records labels will play Xbox LIVE® members on Friday, November 7, in rousing matches of Halo® 3. Fearless Records is an alternative rock label out of Westminster, California, founded in 1992, and Hopeless Records hails out of Van Nuys, California, and was founded in 1993 by Louis Posen. The four bands playing are all currently on The Compromising of Integrity, Morality, and Principles in Exchange for Money Tour (yep, that’s what it’s called!).

If you’re an Xbox LIVE Gold member, and you want a chance to play with members of the bands All Time Low, Every Avenue, The Maine, and Mayday Parade, send a friend request to the following Gamertags on Friday, November 7, a half-hour before their scheduled Game with Fame session starts.

* AllTimeLowGWF (2:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. PT)
* EveryAvenueGWF (1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. ET/4:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. PT)
* TheMaineGWF (10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. ET/1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. PT)
* MaydayParadeGWF 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. ET/2:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. PT)

All Time Low
Out of Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland, the quartet of Alex Gaskarth (vocals), Jack Barakat (guitar), Zachary Merrick (bass), and Rian Dawson (drums) has released two albums, The Party Scene, and So Wrong, It’s Right, the latter on the Hopeless Records label. They’ve appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! television show.

Every Avenue
Fearless Records artists Every Avenue hail out of Marysville, Michigan, and have released three full-length albums and one EP. Their most recent effort is Shh. Just Go With It that came out in early 2008. The band consists of David Ryan Strauchman (vocals), Joshua Randall (guitar), Jimmie Deeghan (guitar), Matt Black (bass), and Michael Govaere (drums). Ask them about their “pump jump” that they perform at shows!

The Maine
Tempe , Arizona band The Maine put out two earlier EPs before releasing their first full-length Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop on Fearless in February of 2008. Band members John O’Callaghan (vocals), Kennedy Brock (guitar), Jared Monaco (guitar), Garrett Nickelsen (bass), and Pat Kirch (drums), will be releasing a new EP called …And A Happy New Year on December 9.

Mayday Parade
Fearless Records band Mayday Parade has put out one EP and the critically-acclaimed full-length A Lesson In Romantics, which was called “the best album to come out this year” on the MTV GirlsGonePunk blog. The band consists of Derek Sanders (vocals), Alex Garcia (guitar), Brooks Betts (guitar), Jeremy Lenzo (bass), and Jake Bundrick (drums).

If you get a chance to play with any of these bands, we want to hear about it! Send us an e-mail with the subject: “GWF – Hopeless and Fearless.” Be sure to include your Gamertag and home town.

Xbox Game With Fame with All Time Low, Every Avenue, The Maine, and Mayday Parade

Who: All Time Low, Every Avenue, The Maine, Mayday Parade
Date: Friday, November 7, 2008
Time: Various (see below for details)
Game: Halo 3

Gamertags:
TheMaineGWF (1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. PT)
MaydayParadeGWF (2:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. PT)
EveryAvenueGWF (4:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. PT)
AllTimeLowGWF (5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. PT)

Stingy Jack was a greedy, gambling, hard-drinking old farmer who tricked the devil into climbing a tree and trapped him by carving a cross into the tree trunk.

In revenge, the devil placed a curse on jack, condemning him to forever wander the continents of Nevareth at night with the only light he had, a candle in a hollowed out turnip.

The pumpkin farmer grew in power and on this one night of the year his power peaks and his minions invade the normal world.

Now it is harvest time for the champions, with rewards great and unique being offered by the Tower of Sages the champions of Nevareth must collect as much proof as they can carry to show they are the greatest deterrent to jacks army of the night.

There are 3 prizes per server 1st, 2nd and 3rd, the users with the most tickets will be then be drawn in order to receive the corresponding reward.