Dev-Fr.org Compo - Voting Time

August 1st, 2007, 00:01 Posted By: Kojote

It's time to choose your favourite homebrews! Check out the following links to choose your 5 favourite games, and your 5 favourite applications.

Here is the complete list of games
http://www.dev-fr.org/index.php?action=compogames
And the complete list of applications
http://www.dev-fr.org/index.php?action=compoapps

Next step: list here your 5 favourite homebrew, of the two different sections (games and apps). The rules are: one post per member, no double-accounts (we can detect it), no voting for yourself.

The first homebrew in your list gets 5 points, the second gets 4 points, the third 3 points, the fourth 2 points, and the last 1 point. If you choose your homebrew, you'll get -50 points Wink

That's all folks

Source: http://www.dev-fr.org/index.php/topic,901.0.html

WiiControl keeps your console cool

August 1st, 2007, 00:05 Posted By: Shrygue

via Nintendo Wii Fanboy


Though Nintendo UK denies that it has received any reports of Wiis being bricked due to the WiiConnect24 service, you can never be too safe with any $200+ investment. Xtremetuner has created a hardware mod with the specific intention of guarding the console from overheating while it is in standby mode.

WiiControl acts as an external interface that monitors and displays the temperature of the system on its LCD screen. When the mod detects temperatures beyond 35°C, it automatically activates the Wii's fan, even in standby mode. An audio warning will also notify the user if the temperature ever exceeds 44°C. The fan is disabled once the console has cooled down to 30°C.

Wire3d Released

August 1st, 2007, 00:07 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from CharlieB

It been a while since the last release and since I'm pretty happy with the graphics and gameplay at this point I thought I'd make my first upload to archive.gp2x.de.

Please grab and test (and enjoy) the latest release.

Updates include:
Proper game menu system.
Campaign and level play options
Objects fade at distance (extra depth cue)
Improved targetting and lock system
Tutorial Campaign
Please give me feedback on any aspect of the game.

Enjoy!
charlie

VC Tuesday: READY GO

August 1st, 2007, 00:07 Posted By: Shrygue

via Nintendo Wii Fanboy


Action gamers and masochists (two sets whose Venn diagram, we imagine, contains a fairly large intersect) will be very happy with today's Japanese Virtual Console update, which provides one of the most painfully, awesomely difficult action games we can think of. Seriously, good luck holding on to that golden armor long enough to actually use some magic.

Oh, also there's another N64 game, which is something of a rare event! This week's Virtual Console releases are:

• Dai Makaimura (Ghouls & Ghosts) (Mega Drive, 1 player, 600 Wii Points)
• Wave Race 64 (Nintendo 64, 1-2 players, 1000 Wii Points)
• Power League 4 (PC Engine, 1-4 players, 600 Wii Points)

Custom Firmwares, Which One is best and Noob Friendly ?

August 1st, 2007, 00:24 Posted By: wraggster

Recently we have become swamped with Custom Firmwares from the likes of Team M33, Dark Alex, Becus25 and others. But which Custom Firmware is best and provides the easiest way to update and risk of bricking at a minimum.

Ill be interested to see what the general consensus is here at PSP News.

Give Your verdict via Comments

Which is Todays Best Flash Cart for DS ?

August 1st, 2007, 00:30 Posted By: wraggster

The easiest way to find out whats best is to let others tell you and to newcomers to the DS Homebrew community you dont want to be spending money on a product thats hard as hell to use.

So and this is asking all DS users, what in your opinion is the best flash cart for the Nintendo DS at this time?

Answers via Comments

GP2x.de - Redesign

August 1st, 2007, 00:42 Posted By: Kojote

The german main retailer of GP2x's had a major redesign of their homepage. This page also hosts the worlds biggest GP2x file-archive along with GP2x news in german language.

Link: http://www.gp2x.de/cms/index.php

PSP Earth SHR Released! Download The Latest Version Of PSP Earth Now!

August 1st, 2007, 01:00 Posted By: mat_dizzy





Watch The Video - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=19gMpTTHnsU

PSP Earth SHR - Summer Holiday Release

DIGG THIS NEWS



Okay, if you havent already guessed what SHR stands for, its "Summer Holiday Release"

Please note this was worked on dramaticly today so there are still lots of bugs, but i wanted to get it released on the very beginning of August!

I thought i'd make this before version 0.5 as the name is apropriate, and plus its been released on the first official day of summer! But us old lot in england may disagree, this version should be called Raining Holiday Release

This following release has 13 webcams included, from Florida, New York, Honolulu, London, Derbyshire and Paris!

~ The Read Me Stuff ~

PSP Earth SHR - Summer Holiday Release

Hello there! This is the summer holiday release of PSP Earth, and this time it includes 13 webcams, which isnt as much as i promised, but its a start!

I hope you like the new GUI which is also in beta stages, and it will improove in version 0.5

*Installing Instructions*

1.) Download 'PSP Earth SHR.zip'
2.) Extract it using either WinRar or Windows xp self extractor tool, or any other software.
3.) Read the readme file, wait, i guess your already here, unless you can mind read? :P
4.) Copy the folder 'PSP Earth SHR' (you may have renamed it) to the ROOT of your psp memory stick
5.) Quit USB transfer
6.) Click Internet Browser from the XMB (xross media bar)
7.) Type the URL (file:/PSP Earth SHR/index.html) *without brackets*
8.) Enjoy and use resonsibly!

*Using Instructions*

1.) From the first screen, click on webcams at the top ^
2.) Once on webcams, click on a continent.
3.) Once on continents, click on a country
4.) Once on a country, click on an area
5.) Once on an area, click on a webcam
6.) The webcam will refresh and the page may upload causing it to buffer
7.) It is normal for the webcam to maybe (freeze, delay, crash, buffer) etc...

*Required*

1.) PSP System
2.) Firmware with internet support and java support
3.) Wireless Internet Connection
4.) Memory Stick DUO *or host the files on your own server*
5.) USB Transfer Cable / Memory Stick DUO Card Reader
6.) Fast Internet Connection (1MB+) Preferable

*Terms And Conditions*

PSP Earth is copyrighted to Cybo Studios. PSP Earth was created and first programmed in 2006 under the original code name PSP Cam, We then changed due to the camera accessory which may have confused things. You may not use content PSP Earth without

asking for permission before hand. If you would like to put this on your website then we will have no objections! Please also feel free to add more webcams but do not host a new version of the software with your added cams without asking first.

*Privacy Policy*

Everyone has a right too choose whether or not to be on face to the public, which is why if you feel a webcam is discriminating you, then we will take the webcam off the software!

These webcams are not controlled by Cybo Studios and we are not responsible for any content that might be showed on a camera.

If you are offended by anything that gets shown on the camera then please contact us and we will try and identify the problem.

Thankyou for downloading PSP Earth and we hope you enjoy it! Please note this software is still in beta devlopment stages!

www.cybostudios.com
pspearth.blogspot.com

Daedalus blog update - 1 August 07 - CPU speed of Daedalus

August 1st, 2007, 01:31 Posted By: blackrave

Via StrmnNrmn's blog.

A newly posted blog update from StrmnNrmn talks about the CPU speed of Daedalus, which he gets a lot of questions about.

On startup Daedalus increases the default clock frequency of the PSP's cpu from 222MHz to 333MHz for a 'free' 50% speedup. I use 'free' in quotes because this comes at the expense of drawing more power so the battery runs out of charge faster.

I've been asked if I'm going to support 333MHz many times, so I wanted to put this question to rest for once and for all. The answer is yes - I believe this has been the case since R1

-StrmnNrmn

NesDS Updated - Nes Emulator for Nintendo DS

August 1st, 2007, 01:38 Posted By: skipboris

Loopy has updated his excellent NES emulator to improve touch screen support.

Download and Give Feedback Via Comments

Please Donate @ evolvexmb for Server Fees

August 1st, 2007, 04:13 Posted By: evolve

The webmaster who is hosting evolvexmb, Killeroid, is in need of PayPal donations to keep up the website. He got robbed yesterday and lost his credit cards, I.D, and allot of money. We are looking for donations to pay for this months server fees.. after this month we are set. If you can donate even a little amount.. it will go a long way.

Please Donate via the button you see on the right menu at evolvexmb.com
Your help in this matter is very appreciated, Thank You!

- evolve

Japanese Adult Film Industry Chooses Blue Ray

August 1st, 2007, 04:16 Posted By: Cap'n 1time

Via /.

"Early this year the meme circulated that Blu-ray might be going the way of Betamax, and for the exact same reason: Sony's unfriendliness to the porn industry. But at Japan's recent euphemistically named Adult Treasure Expo 2007, adult filmmakers said Sony has begun offering technical support, and this was later confirmed by Sony PR. The company stated that Sony would offer support to any filmmaker working on the format, no matter their industry. Apparently, Blu-ray is now the preferred medium for Japanese adult films."

Sega Says Virtua Fighter 5 For PS3 Was Rushed

August 1st, 2007, 04:41 Posted By: JKKDARK

via PS3 Center

Sega of America has come out and admitted that the Virtua Fighter 5 release on the PS3 was rushed to market and needed more development time.

The VP of Sega of America Scott Steinberg stated that the PS3 version of Virtua Fighter 5 was rushed to market to get out within the launch window of the console.

That was the big reason as to why the Xbox 360 version has online play functioning while the PS3 version has no online play anywhere to be found.

Steinberg stated that Sega "wanted to go to market quickly with the PS3 SKU" in order to release it within the console’s launch window, so that console missed out on the online fun.

Star Trek Remastered on HD DVD

August 1st, 2007, 06:05 Posted By: Elven6

I know this is a bit old but the site was down then!

It's been hinted at before but now it's for real! Coming November 20, 2007, the dazzling Star Trek Remastered series is being released in a 10-disc HD DVD/DVD combo-disc set, marking the first release of Trek product in the high definition format.

The article is a bit lengthy so here it is:

http://www.startrek.com/startrek/vie...63.html?page=0

Heres a small breakdown:

*It will be on a combo disc, with both sides having diffrent features.

* It will cost about $217

*It is currently exclusive to HD DVD and partially DVD

*

We're alive!!

August 1st, 2007, 14:06 Posted By: bandit

We're alive and kicking! Last Wednesday the server was running fine but there was a problem with MySQL, now normally the server fixes itself, thanks to the work Martin64 did on it to reset itself if the need arises. But it didnt reset itself which was strange. DCEmu tried to reboot using putty but they couldnt connect.

Our server admin and all around great guy Martin64 was away on holiday vacation in London last week and only arrived home yesterday. Tickets were sent into the hosts but discussing the problem with Martin64 he was told the best solution was to backup and restore again. He has been running tests on the hardware to diagnose the problem but as of this time no clue as to what caused the hard drive to go into ReadOnly mode.

With that said, Martin64 has pretty much gotten everything back to normal and we can continue to bring you more news and reviews.

Sorry for the downtime and any problems this may have caused.

PS3: PAL bosses speak - PS3 To Get DVR Functions, Digital Tuner In 2008

August 1st, 2007, 14:50 Posted By: blackrave

Source: Kotaku.

MCV's prediction that Sony may be soon unveiling support for terrestrial digital broadcast service Freeview for the PLAYSTATION 3 is looking spot on following comments from Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand boss Warwick Light. He told Kiwi outlet The Press that the company is "hoping next year... to release a digital tuner for the PS3, turning it into a programmable TV recorder." His timeframe? First quarter of 2008, alongside the New Zealand launch of Freeview.

Freeview is already available to fans of receiving television signals in the UK, broadcasting dozens of television and radio channels. It's possible that the PS3 TV tuner could simply be added via one of the console's four USB ports and that larger hard drive options may coincide with the product announcement.

But I'm just riffing here. I'm sure we'll know by Games Convention in August if this whole thing pans out.

The future according to Sony [The Press]

Forza Motorsport 2's First Ever Downloadable Content

August 1st, 2007, 15:07 Posted By: Darksaviour69

The very first downloadable content for Forza Motorsport 2 is now available. Head on over to Xbox LIVE Marketplace now to download the all new free Nissan car pack, featuring three premiere Nissan models: the 2007 Sentra SE-R, Altima, and 350Z. The Peugeot 908 race car is also now available for download (the only paintable racecar to be included in the game)

Xbox and Nissan will be hosting a Nissan Sentra SE-R tournament on Xbox LIVE. Fans are encouraged to customize and upgrade their Sentras and then race head-to-head in an all-out Nissan Sentra brawl. The 32 bracket 256 player tournament will kick off on 18th August and take place over the course of seven weeks. It will finish on the 6th October with a championship race live at the L.A. Auto Show. Finalists will compete for a series of prizes including a chance to win a new Nissan!

In addition to the tournament, Nissan and Xbox will also be hosting an in-game customisation contest, to create unique and stunning paint jobs on their Nissan Sentra SE-Rs. The contest will be judged by a panel comprised of Turn 10 developers and Nissan representatives.

Full contest details and rules can be found at www.xboxlivetournament.com starting on 10th August.

Bungie unveils details on 4-player Halo 3 co-op

August 1st, 2007, 15:31 Posted By: Darksaviour69

4-player co-op is definitely coming to Halo 3!

Bungie has now posted an article detailing everything you could want to know about the feature. So, without further ado, the nitty-gritty:

* 4-player co-op via system link or Xbox Live
* Splitscreen limited to 2 players, but 2 more can be accommodated via system link or Live
* Co-op is managed in its own lobby, similar to other modes
* Players can still save films of co-op sessions
* Bungie will be adding some incentive for multiple play-throughs

Three elites will serve as the Master Chief's co-op partners. Player two, naturally, will play as the Arbiter. The other two are newly created Elites with their own backstories. It seems that since the Schism of the Covenant in Halo 2, humanity finds itself with a growing segment of Elite sympathizers.

via xbox360fanboy

D-iNAcor Xmb Icons

August 1st, 2007, 15:37 Posted By: evolve

D-iNAcor Xmb Icons - Created by Glynnder (many things from inacor themes)





Download

XmbController Plugin v1.2

August 1st, 2007, 16:28 Posted By: wraggster

Mr305 has released a new version of his XmbController Plugin for the PSP, heres the release notes:

Here's a new update after finding some leisure time. Implemented some necessary features.

New Features:
v1.2
1) Added a status system. Displays off or on. Off -> LR button navigation feature disabled. On -> enabled.

2) Should be very easy for the visually impaired to recognize that its disabled.

-----
v1.1:
Press and hold Select for approximately to 2 seconds to disable L & R navigation feature.

Instructions:
1) Copy to seplugins folder in MS root.
2) Add the line to vsh.txt

Code:
ms0:/seplugins/Xmbcontroller.prx
Download!

Compatibility: All FW's incl. 3.XX OE & 3.5x M33. Also, Guaranteed to work in future firmwares w/ plugin support.

Enjoy as always!

Microsoft: UK shouldn't expect price cut

August 1st, 2007, 16:41 Posted By: wraggster

via joystiq

Gamers in the UK wanting to buy a 360 but holding out for a price cut like the one that isn't-but-probably-actually-is coming to the U.S. may have quite a bit longer to wait. Though Microsoft has not confirmed that the Xbox 360's three SKUs will be getting cheaper in the U.S. in August (insert giant wink here), they are denying that any cuts will come to the console in the UK (insert no giant wink, just a kind of sad sigh).

A spokesperson for Microsoft told CVG "We're very happy with the price we're at, and have no plans to make any changes at this time." That's much more of a denial than "Nothing's changed since last week," like we heard in the states, if you're not among those who speak PR. Hopefully, Microsoft will start winking in the UK closer to the holidays.

WiiControl gives the temperature read out of your Wii

August 1st, 2007, 16:42 Posted By: bandit

The WiiControl is one modder's solution to avoid overheating when WiiConnect24 isn't running a fan. An external LCD displays the internal temperature at all times. If the heat rises past 35°C, the Wii's fan kicks on just like it should have in the first place.

Mario Strikers Charged Released

August 1st, 2007, 16:46 Posted By: wraggster

Mario fans from the USA can now enjoy the online Nintendo Wii game thats been released today. Heres the release details:



features
Supercharged Characters! The captains from Super Mario Strikers are back, joined by four new ones, and now you can create your own original team by mixing and matching your captain with an all-new cast of sidekicks.
Wreak havoc on the field by unleashing an all-new captain super-ability. Sidekicks take center stage with dramatic new skil shots!
Terrific new Wii controls. Use the Nunchuk to control your characters and deploy items. Flick the Wii Remote to steal the ball and flatten foes. No yellow cards here!
Tons of new single-player modes, from tutorials to tournaments to challenges
Up to four players can battle locally, or go online and bash rivals via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection!
Super-interactive stadiums challenge you with unique hazards. Get whacked by Thowps or blown of the pitch!
The metal ball is almost a character by itself. Charge it up to unleash a barrage of up to six balls in a Mega Strike! If you're defending, seize control of the goalie, point the Wii Remote at the screen and block the balls as they rocket towards you!

description
Superb new Wii controls, over-the-top abilities and tons more features make Mario Strikers Charged the unparalleled champion of bash 'em, smash 'em soccer action!



Buy Now from Play Asia for $49.99.

DIGG THIS NEWS



Another game for my Wii collection , whos up for a footy match

Slide Adventure: Mag Kid

August 1st, 2007, 16:58 Posted By: wraggster

Newly released at Play Asia



Follow the wacky adventures of Mag Kid as he slips and slides into enemies while solving puzzles. Use the slide controller peripheral to make a stand for your DS and slide it around a smooth surface, making Mag Kid move around the screen with it.

NeoCD Redux 0.1.52 Released - Neogeo CD Emulator for Nintendo Wii and Gamecube

August 1st, 2007, 17:09 Posted By: wraggster

Softdev has released a new version of his NeoGeoCD emulator for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Gamecube. Heres whats new:

What's new?

Nothing much - only it now works on SD too!

Fortunately, the NeoGeoCDs contain 8.3 formatted filenames, which fits elm-chan's TinyFATFS perfectly!

Follow the instructions for DVD - same rules apply.

The compiled binary is for SD in SLOT A only.

Bunjalloo v0.2 - Web Browser for Nintendo DS

August 1st, 2007, 17:32 Posted By: wraggster

Quirky has released a new version of his Web Browser for the Nintendo DS with the funny name, heres whats new:

* Removed the built-in font - now requires DLDI patching
* Escaping of forms and urls. Now urls with "&" should work as expected.
* Parsing of .. in urls. So href="../whatever" will work
* Added history - left and right go forwards and backwards.
* POST form handling added.
* Long lines wrap
* Spaces added to keyboard - allowing multi-word searches on Google.
* Password fields added - though without text fields and a full keyboard they are a bit useless...
* Highlight link when touched.
* Cookies added - uses a whitelist of allowed cookies, all others are refused. Empty default whitelist for cookies stored in /data/bunjalloo/user/ckallow.lst
* Configuration file added, to allow for (future) customisation.
* Allow "file:" to "http:" URL navigation, but not the other way around.
* Updated dswifi to 0.3.2 to fix problems on newer DS lites.

Minesweeper 1.1

August 1st, 2007, 17:39 Posted By: wraggster

Stefan has released a Minesweeper game for the Nintendo DS, heres the release info:

Hello everyone!
This is my first game. It's called minesweeper.
I'm sure you all know this game, I've created a NDS version.

Image Viewer v0.7

August 1st, 2007, 17:45 Posted By: wraggster

Infantile Paralysiser have updated thier image viewer for the Nintendo DS, heres whats new:

* The DLDI patch files was updated.
* Some it rewrote by the assembler and it sped it up a little.
* Soft reset was assigned to the START button.
* StartButtonFunction item was added to [System] section of imgview.ini.

Blu-ray investment justified, says Sony

August 1st, 2007, 19:53 Posted By: Shrygue

via Games Industry


Responding to comments from PGR4's developer indicating that the team had problems fitting the data on a single DVD, Sony says that its Blu-ray investment is justified.

"We took a lot of heat at launch for including Blu-ray in PS3. Now it looks like that investment is being justified," said SCEA spokesman Dave Karraker, speaking to GamesIndustry.biz.

"Next generation games simply need more space on the disc to contain all that high definition content. Take a look at Lair, for example, already pushing 25GB of content, and that is a first-generation title. At 50GB storage capacity, Blu-ray gives the PS3 plenty of headroom for developers to fully realize their visions well into the future."

Bizarre Creations, the developer of PGR4, recently announced on its forums that players would not see different times of day in each racing location, not because it was a problem for the development team, but because it was a problem to fit the texture data on a single DVD.

In order to work around the issue, Bizarre provides different lighting models for each city.

360 chip manufacturer hints at improved design

August 1st, 2007, 19:57 Posted By: Shrygue

via Games Industry


One of the contractors responsible for manufacturing CPU's for the Xbox 360 has revealed that it is currently working on a 45-nanometer design, due for release late next year or early in 2009.

A smaller CPU for the Xbox 360 would help reduce manufacturing costs for Microsoft, as well as produce less heat in the console itself.

"We have customers' activity for products in the CPU space that goes into a video game device," said Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing's CEO Chia Song Hwee, reports PC Advisor.

Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing has previously produced 90nm and 65nm versions of the Xbox 360 processor.

"As 65nm just started production in the last two quarters, you would expect 45nm to come on stream about 18 months from that timeframe," offered Chia, refering to an expected production timeframe.

360 price cut rumours resurface

August 1st, 2007, 19:58 Posted By: Shrygue

via Games Industry


Following on from earlier rumours based on scans from pending advertisements that Microsoft were planning to drop the price of the Xbox 360 Premium system in the US, new scans have been published online appearing to show additional price cuts for the Elite and Core systems.

The pictures, taken from pages of an unidentified publication, confirms the Premium pack at the USD 349.99 price point, but adds a USD 30 drop for the Elite, bringing it to USD 449.99 and a USD 20 drop for the Core, to USD 279.99.

However, Microsoft is refusing to add any fuel to the speculation, and told GamesIndustry that “We’re very happy with the price we’re at, and have no plans to make any changes at this time.”

There has been no speculation of any price drops anywhere other than the US at this time.

Rockstar appeals Manhunt 2 ban

August 1st, 2007, 20:05 Posted By: Shrygue

via Games Industry


Update: Rockstar Games has confirmed it has filed an official plea with the Video Appeals Committee seeking to overturn the BBFC ban of its Manhunt 2 game.

According to MCV, Rockstar filed the plea yesterday. The BBFC originally rejected the game on June 19th, giving Rockstar six weeks to file an appeal.

"Where possible we try to consider cuts or, in the case of games, modifications which remove the material which contravenes the Board’s published Guidelines. In the case of Manhunt 2 this has not been possible," said BBFC director David Cooke at the time of the ban.

The Video Appeals Committee will now hold a hearing where the BBFC and Rockstar will be able to present their sides of the dispute, and where the committee will view demonstrations of the game itself. The BBFC will not comment upon the matter until the case is heard.

A Rockstar spokesperson told GamesIndustry.biz: "Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. confirmed today that Rockstar Games has appealed the BBFC decision that prohibited the release of any version of Manhunt 2 in Britain."

There was no immediate word whether or not Rockstar had also appealed Manhunt 2's "AO" rating in the US, although such a move seems likely.

THQ reports $9.3 million Q1 2008 loss

August 1st, 2007, 20:06 Posted By: Shrygue

via Games Industry


THQ has announced its fiscal 2008 Q1 results, reporting a net loss of USD 9.3 million.

The loss per share of USD 0.14 included stock-based compensation expenses of USD 0.05 per share, and a tax benefit of USD 0.10 per share related to prior years that will not change the company's expected full-year tax rate.

Net sales for the first quarter were USD 104.5 million, led by Disney/Pixar's Ratatouille and catalog sales of Disney/Pixar's Cars and WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007. Sales were down USD 34 million from the same period last year.

"Fiscal 2008 is shaping up as we anticipated," said Brian Farrell, THQ president and CEO. "Ratatouille is off to a successful start in North America. With five titles based on owned intellectual properties expected to ship more than one million units each and a proven family and casual line-up for the popular Nintendo Wii and DS platforms, we are well positioned for the rest of the year."

For the second quarter of fiscal 2008, the company expects net sales of approximately USD 240 million and net income of approximately USD 0.10 per diluted share, excluding forecasted stock-based compensation expense of USD 0.07 per diluted share.

Along with the previously announced Stuntman, Frontline, MX vs. ATV, Juiced, and Destroy all Human games, THQ announced a new game in the Red Faction series as well as a game based on the upcoming Disney/Pixar film WALL*E.

THQ recently announced an agreement with Chinese game operator Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd. to bring the company's PC title Company of Heroes to the online market in China in calendar year 2008.

Bluebay increases shareholdings to help save ailing Infogrames

August 1st, 2007, 20:08 Posted By: Shrygue

via Games Industry


Infogrames, parent company of troubled publisher Atari, has announced that Bluebay Value Recovery Fund now holds 22.5 per cent of its shares.

Bluebay has told the stock market regulator of its "intention to help the Company's turnaround, including by holding seats on the board of directors, but that it does not intend to gain control of Infogrames Entertainment."

Bluebay is now the largest shareholder of Infogrames with 22.5 per cent, followed by GLG which holds 9.29 per cent and Morgan Stanley with 4.06 per cent. The remaining 64.15 per cent are public.

Nexon boss to speak at GC Asia

August 1st, 2007, 20:10 Posted By: Shrygue

via Games Industry


Games Convention Asia has announced that Nexon CEO Joonmo Kwon is one of the latest speakers to sign up for the event, taking place September 6 – 9 in Singapore.

Kwon is boss of the online games specialist, it's mobile division and chairman of the Korean Game Industry Association.

Also joining the line-up is Microsoft's lead program manager James Millar, who will deliver a session addressing the issues of third-party publishing.

Alexander Fernandez of Streamline Studios and Glass Egg Media's Charles Speyer will take part in a panel looking at outsourcing and its effects on the industry, and a roundtable dedicated to game financing is also scheduled.

Games Convention Asia Conference takes place September 6 – 9, at the Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Center.

Shortlists announced for Golden Joystick Awards 2007

August 1st, 2007, 20:15 Posted By: Shrygue

via Games Industry


Future Publishing has revealed the shortlist for this year's Golden Joystick Awards 2007, with all major publishers and games eligible for a variety of awards.

The event this year will be hosted by comedian David Mitchell and includes categories sponsored by UK tabloid The Sun, BBC 1Xtra and Nuts and Bliss magazines.

There are 17 categories including the Ones To Watch Award and UK Developer of the Year, each with between ten and fifteen games for nomination.

The event will be held at London's Park Lane Hilton Hotel on Friday October 26.

The full shortlists can be seen here.

New Slapdash studio formed

August 1st, 2007, 20:16 Posted By: Shrygue

via Games Industry


A new development studio has been formed with funding from another game developer, Method Solutions.

The Slapdash Games team consists of Scott Hansen, Matthew Molloy, Darren Walker, and Chad Woyewodzic, and between them they've created a myriad of popular casual titles, including the award-winning Luxor series.

CEO of Method Solutions and acting CEO of Slapdash Games, Marcus Hopkins, commented: "The team…is unmatched in terms of creating fun, addicting games that are embraced by the mass market."

The team will produce casual games for PC, next-gen and mobile platforms, and information on its first titles will be announced shortly.

Anyone want video cut scenes for their homebrew?

August 1st, 2007, 22:15 Posted By: DimensionT

I've been dabbling in digital animation, and decided to extend a helping hand to all the homebrew creators out there. After all, nothing livens up a game like some nice intro videos/animated cut scenes.

So, if anybody wants me to do some videos for them please post in this thread or send me a PM. Simple animations would be best (logos, plot line scrollers ETC...), but whatever you need just tell me. I'll do my best to get it done.

Here's a few samples for you guys to check out...

Destress Call Intro Video (for a FPS I'm making with FPS Creator)

RPG Lighting Demo (just a test I did for dynamic light interaction)

RPG Maker 2003... IN 3D!!! (video I made that plays the first time you enter town)

Dimension Quest Campfire Scene (animation I did for after one of the characters died in my game)

Dimension INC. Logo (simple logo animation I did)

If you have any requests, just let me know. It doesn't have to be restricted to videos either... I could always make some nice background pictures and such .

There's a few picture examples HERE.

DCEmu UK`s IRC Chan

August 1st, 2007, 22:37 Posted By: wraggster

The days of downtime of the DCEmu Uk Network got a lot of people on IRC searching for news of if we were gone for good. Obviously DCEmu UK will never disapear but a good place to chat and idle is in our chatroom on IRC, sure the forums are the best place to ask questions and get help but the IRC Chan is a place where we have a laugh and most of the time a decent place to be.

Now and again if your lucky and have the hardware you may be asked to beta test releases before they hit the public domain which is always a great homour for any true homebrewer.

Rules for the chatroom are as you would expect on any site chatroom ie we dont discuss warez etc.

So if any of you fancy a chat sometime check out out IRC Chan via JAVA CHAT or on efnet #dcemu is you use an IRC Client.

Massive Mod Chip Raid Sweeps Nation

August 1st, 2007, 23:34 Posted By: Shrygue

via Kotaku


U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from nearly two dozen cities executed 32 federal search warrants in 16 states in the past 24 hours as part of a mammoth crackdown on chip modding.

Operation Tangled Web, the result of a year long investigation headed up by the ICE office in Cleveland, is the largest national enforcement action of its kind targeting the sales of modification chips and "disc copyright circumvention devices" in history.

Neither the Department of Justice nor the ESA would name the businesses, homes or storefronts involved in the sweep that took place in California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin today.

The modchips and circumvention devices allowed users to play pirated software on the PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Wii.

"Illicit devices like the ones targeted today are created with one purpose in mind, subverting copyright protections," said Julie L. Myers, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "These crimes cost legitimate businesses billions of dollars annually and facilitate multiple other layers of criminality, such as smuggling, software piracy and money laundering."

dc-swat.net.ru is back !

August 2nd, 2007, 00:12 Posted By: Christuserloeser

After quite a while being offline, http://www.dc-swat.net.ru is back online. Swat also posted in our forums about a small update of Fenix v0.9.3:

Emulation of the keyboard now same as at chui, for the best compatibility with your projects..

EA still sees a future for FIFA on PS2

August 2nd, 2007, 00:14 Posted By: JKKDARK

via CVG

We spoke with associate producer Paul Hossack after hands-on time with the PS2 version of FIFA 08, and he almost spilled the beans on FIFA 09.

When asked whether the next FIFA would appear on the machine, he said he's been told not to give details on games that haven't been announced, but did have this to say:

"PS2 isn't going away anytime soon - that's for sure. We're spending a lot of time thinking about what the future holds."

FIFA 05 was the last version on PS2 Hossack notes, so there's plenty last-gen FIFA to come.

It's worth noting that FIFA 05 was released in 2004 - some four years after PS2 launched, so by the same token, we could see FIFA 2010 on PS2. Crikey.

Virtual PSP Modder WIP

August 2nd, 2007, 00:16 Posted By: wraggster

Cyberprot posted WIP news of a soon to be released app, heres the details:

Since everyone does not have the knowledge nor the experiance to mod there psp AcidMods has decided to develope it's own program for modding a PSP in a virtual world. This program in it's most basic features will alow you to solder trigger LED's, change Faceplates and cusomize with a large variety of buttons. So far we have the trigger LED features done and are working on some fancy menu features. there is still a bit of developing left to do but we are way ahead of schedual. This program will be free to the public to use and redistribute as long as it carries with it the acidmods name. You will be able to use a large assortment of tools like screwdrivers, tweezers and magnify glass these tools will be required for you to dissassemble your virtual psp..

Becus25 Quitting PSP Scene ?

August 2nd, 2007, 00:31 Posted By: wraggster

Becus25 coder of Custom Firmwares has announced that he is quitting the PSP scene, heres the message:

Definitively I am not in a good moment. They have been several things that have happened these days which I want neither to remember nor to mention anything. I leave the scene.
The code of the IE will not be thrown for personal reasons.
I sit it.

A greeting.

EA diagnoses Sony as "healthy in 2008"

August 2nd, 2007, 00:41 Posted By: Shrygue

via PS3 Fanboy


We didn't know electronics had states of health, but apparently leave it to Dr. Diagnosis (and his sidekick, Bangs McCoy) over at Electronic Arts to give Sony a clean bill of health for next year. EA Games president Frank Gibeau sat down to a lengthy interview with Gamasutra only to dole out some information on a few pieces of PS3-related impressions and predictions.

First off, EA's reaction to the PS3's game-to-console tie ratio last year: "Frankly, there weren't any platform-defining titles on the PS3 that first Christmas. There was Resistance: Fall of Man, perhaps. I think as we get more titles, that tie ratio will improve." We think it will, too -- especially if they count the 2 games included in the European bundle as tie ratio games. Plus, for this Christmas, there will be a plethora of titles to choose from!

Gibeau commented on the future of the PS3 as well, saying "I think 2008 feels like when you start to see the titles that define that platform start to come out... [the tie ratio] has improved since release, which is good news. I think it really starts to get into the range where we feel like we're bullish and aggressive. It feels healthy in 2008." Again, we're going to agree. While some may argue a lot of good games are coming out this November, we think the big sellers will hit in 2008 and with those, a gigantic leap in console sales.

Super Paper Mario glides into Europe Sept. 14

August 2nd, 2007, 00:47 Posted By: Shrygue

via Joystiq


Europe will finally get their chance to play as the two-dimensional Mario on the Wii as Super Paper Mario lands in Europe Sept. 14. Although it never ceases to amaze us how long it takes to bring those pesky video games to Europe, four months for the text-heavy Super Paper Mario doesn't seem half bad. Especially compared to the whole Elite Beat Agents mess.

The game will cost "£35" for Europe according to the release. You know, instead of the more commonly used Euro. If we were to convert that to Euros, it would be something like €52, but prices never actually end up working like that. Germany's Amazon.de has Super Paper Mario listed for €45. So rejoice Europe, by the time you're done with Super Paper Mario it'll be time for Metroid to come out.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2 hits Japan on Oct. 25

August 2nd, 2007, 00:49 Posted By: Shrygue

via Joystiq


While we may be a little disappointed with some of what Square Enix is offering us with Final Fantasy Tactics A2: The Sealed Grimoire, that certainly doesn't mean we stop hoping. Of course, the first FFTA was no slouch, and a game building off that formula still makes us take notice, even if it's not going as far as we (or any touchscreen-enabled, Wi-Fi connected DS owner) might like.

In preparation for the game's October 25th Japanese release, Square Enix has continued to shed light on some of the additions to the races and jobs that will be available. As we've mentioned previously, we know about the Hume, Moogle, Viera, Bangaa and Nu Moh races, with two more yet to be revealed. On the job front, they have recently added Yojimbo for the Humes, Chocobo Knight and Magic Gunner for the Moogles, Green Mage and Magic Fencer for the Viera, Master Monk and Cannoneer for the Bangaa, and Arcane Mage for the Nu Moh. This brings the total number of jobs announced for all races to 49, with another three still a mystery.

Squeenix has also released a handful of new images with the new classes in action, so check 'em out! What do you think, does it look good, or does its younger target demographics and lack of touchscreen use damage its appeal?