Ubisoft closes acquisition of the Driver® franchise and the majority of the assets of Reflections Interactive Limited studio
London, UK – August 7th, 2006 – Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of the intellectual property and technology rights to the acclaimed franchise Driver®, as well as most of the assets and all of the personnel of Reflections Interactive Limited.
Driver® is a legendary brand which has already sold more than 14 million units around the globe. This major acquisition allows Ubisoft to enter the driving game segment, one of the most important segments in the video game industry. In addition, Driver’s® technology will have a positive effect on the full range of Ubisoft games.
Singapore, 3rd August 2006 -- Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre today premiered the first surround sound system for Xbox 360 with the introduction of a 5.1 channel surround sound speaker system officially licensed for the video game and entertainment system.
IDC projects the installed base of next generation videogame consoles in Japan alone to grow from nearly 4 million in 2006 to over 16 million in 2010. *
To match the more than 5 million Xbox 360 game consoles already shipped worldwide, Pioneer's new high performance surround sound speaker system, the HTP-GS1, will elevate gaming from stereo television sound to a high powered, multi-channel home theater audio experience.
Chertsey, UK, August 1, 2006 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that fashion street wear brand 55DSL will be coming to Need for Speed™ Carbon. Exclusively designed items from 55DSL, plus a selection of garments from their ‘Zurka and the 55 Vagabonds’ winter collection, will feature prominently on key in-game characters in the game, developed by EA Black Box in Vancouver, British Columbia. Need for Speed ™ Carbon delivers the next generation of adrenaline-filled street racing and will challenge players to face the ultimate test of driving skill on treacherous canyon roads.
55DSL items are specifically tailored to the game, bringing with them the unique style and tone of the brand. Exclusively designed clothing for the game will be available only through local EA events around the world and pre-order campaigns.
Andrea Rosso, the Creative Director of 55DLS is enthusiastic, “When the opportunity to work with EA, and in particular Need for Speed™ Carbon, came along, it seemed like a natural progression for us. I’m a gamer and I’m going to play this game for sure to see characters wearing our exclusively designed t-shirts and other items, is really amazing for me.”
“This partnership adds another layer of authenticity to our role in street culture”, says Larry LaPierre, Executive Producer on the game. “Having 55DSL integrated so tightly within Need for Speed™ Carbon adds an increased sense of realism to the game and gives fans the opportunity to wear exclusively designed items that brings them closer to the action.”
10TACLE STUDIOS Slovakia offer a glimpse of the highly-developed combat system from their Fantasy Action Epos "Elveon" Darmstadt/Bratislava, August 7th 2006 –
The developers at 10TACLE STUDIOS Slovakia present some fresh new scenes from their Fantasy Action Epos "Elveon", in which they reveal the secrets of the different weapons classes and their merciless use. In the current trailer, an Aegans master demonstrates the deadly Elvish arsenal in a number of very painful lessons. The complex combat system, the incredibly dynamic motion capturing and weapon collisions calculated in real-time make for a truly intense atmosphere in combat. In order to make the deadly battles in Elveon even more realistic, Martial Arts experts have combined elements from different Asian and Middle-Age martial arts to develop a unique Elvish fighting style.
All those who just cannot wait any longer to dive into the Elvish world of “Naon” can test a playable version of this hot new fantasy epos themselves at the Games Convention 2006 in Leipzig (Hall 3, Booth B20).
Elveon tells of the rise of the heroic Elvish culture from the viewpoint of an elite Elf warrior. As is his fate, he tries to forever change the history of his people by freeing the forgotten city of Nimathar, the entrance to the realm of the Gods. An epic task normally reserved for the Gods themselves!
Full scale production will commence in the coming days and the Fractal team should keep good on their promise of an August 20th release. The ultimate 360 DVD firmware modding solution is nearly upon us.
Xtreme Enterprise announced a release date for their Fantasy 360 Wireless Controller Shells. They are also working on full replacement shells for the Xbox 360 case, prototypes are expected in September:
After much anticipation for this product's full release to the Xbox360 world, we are happy to announce that a large shipment of products will be coming into our warehouse on 14 August 2006 and shipping of orders will be out the next day. For all our loyal fans who have made an order of this wonderful, high quality product, you will be pleased to know that your patience will be rewarded with a free Jewel360 guide button.
In addition, our marketing department has just informed us that the world will see a Fantasy360-Console prototype by end-September 2006. We do invite all interested resellers to book a slot with us early as we forsee that our set of color matched products will be selling like hotcakes throughout the living world. More to come later...