Disney Interactive and Pixar Animation Studios have announced their newest kids CD-ROM title, Disney/Pixar's JESSIE'S WILD WEST RODEO. The new interactive 3D game takes players on a Wild West adventure with their favorite TOY STORY 2 characters. Kids can earn badges and Critter Awards as they participate in three different rodeo events, each with ten different levels. Players can even download game characters as screen savers.
As part of a stated goal to offer the most powerful console, PC and online gaming experiences, Microsoft has unveiled a series of new action-adventure, strategy, sports, sci-fi, fantasy and simulation games for Xbox, the PC and Zone.com. "We're committed to creating world-class PC and Xbox video game system games that excite the imaginations of all game players," said Ed Fries, vice president of the games division at Microsoft.
Activision has announced the release of two new Marvel superhero titles for the Game Boy Color. SPIDER-MAN 2: THE SINISTER SIX and X-MEN: WOLVERINES RAGE, both carrying a suggested retail price of $29.99, have already begun shipping to stores in North America. SPIDER-MAN 2: THE SINISTER SIX and X-MEN: WOLVERINE'S RAGE feature the same superhero action that turned these Marvel characters into legends," said Larry Goldberg, executive vice president, Activision Worldwide Studios.
Hoping to ride the coattails of the popular CBS television series, CBS Consumer Products and Infogrames have announced SURVIVOR: THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK INTERACTIVE GAME for the PC. Slated for a Fall 2001 release, the game is currently under development by Magic Lantern Playware, a creative business unit of Gold Creek Technology. The game features the real-life cast from the SURVIVOR television series, in-depth character interaction, immunity challenges, tribal councils and other elements from the show.
Warner Bros. Online has announced the launch of ZETA QUEST 3D, a "walk-through" online video game based on the popular Warner Bros. Animation's series THE ZETA PROJECT. Players assume the identity of Zeta, an anti-terrorist synthoid who has escaped government operators and gone in search of Dr. Selig, the scientist who created him. Classified as a high-tech menace-at-large, Zeta is pursued by his captors while trying to clear his name.
In separate deals announced May 16, 2001, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. entered into agreements with RealNetworks and Macromedia to embed both RealPlayer and Flash client technologies into the PlayStation2 game console and software development kit (SDK). RealPlayer integration will enable the 10 million plus PlayStation 2 users to access streaming Internet audio and video content such as news, sports and other entertainment. The SDK will allow game developers, using the latest RealPlayer technology, to incorporate streaming media directly into their PlayStation 2 games.
THQ has announced the signing of an agreement with Disney Interactive to release Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance versions of DISNEY/PIXAR'S MONSTERS, INC. Set for nationwide release in winter 2001, the games are based on the upcoming computer-animated feature from Disney and Pixar, which will hit theatres on November 2, 2001. DISNEY/PIXAR'S MONSTERS, INC.
Gnomon School of Visual Effects has announced the launch of Gnomon Online, a Web-based service structured to offer high-quality training in Alias|Wavefront Maya on the Internet. Paid membership will allow viewing of streaming-video tutorials in seven application areas. Gnomon Online membership is $49 per month and gives members access to a growing library of streaming-video tutorials and scene files. The service is going online with an initial three hours and twenty minutes of tutorials.
French graphic artist/novelist Jean "Moebius" Giraud and director Frank Foster, who was also a founding senior VP at Sony Pictures Imageworks, announced the launch of the official Website (www.moebius-strip.com) for their film THRU THE MOEBIUS STRIP. The full-length animated 3D feature will be completed over the next two years and is scheduled to premiere in Paris in the summer of 2003. Part science-fiction, part fairy tale, THRU THE MOEBIUS STRIP is a story of physicist Simon Weir, who disappears mysteriously after he perfects a transportation portal.
If you thought Sugar Ray was already a pretty animated band, wait until you see them at CartoonNetwork.com. The Website introduces an innovative extension to its Web Premiere Toons franchise when it premieres an animated music video starring the Lava/Atlantic recording group. The band has been working with Cartoon Network Online to create and produce a video based on their new hit single, WHEN IT'S OVER, from their forthcoming self-titled album, set for release on June 12, 2001. The animated video will premiere exclusively at CartoonNetwork.com on June 4, 2001.
RealNetworks, Inc. has announced the launch of RealArcade, a free gaming service that allows players to find, acquire, manage and play PC games. The initial beta release, available May 14, 2001, includes over 120 games from more than 40 publishers. In the past year, over 4 million unique registered users have downloaded PC games from the Real.com games Website. The company hopes to build on that user base with RealArcade, offering customers a powerful new delivery network and Internet gaming interface.
New Yorks Funny Garbage, a worldwide leader in interactive design and creative content, announced the launch of its redesign for ComedyCentral.com. The new site embodies the high level of engaging entertainment that has made the Comedy Central TV Network a leading popular culture brand for television comedy. Funny Garbage developed the site using Dynamo Control Center with Interwoven TeamSite to create an experience that was modular and flexible enough to support next generation applications like wireless and interactive television, yet still appeal to todays Web surfers.
BLOOP.tv, a syndicated science-fiction Web cartoon series, announced their launch on more than 40 science-fiction, cartoon and general-interest entertainment Websites, including Time Warner Cable's Road Runner networks, GALAXY.tv, BMonster.com, TOONORAMA.com and MEDIAJONEZ.com. According to company founder Steve Conley, BLOOP.tv was created specifically for web distribution with an eye toward the mainstream movie-going audience. The character designs and stories were built with the limitations of web animation in mind.
In a three-year worldwide agreement announced on May 2, 2001, Fox Interactive granted Vivendi Universal Publishing (VU Publishing) the exclusive rights to manufacture, market and distribute key titles for PC and next-generation console platforms. Under the agreement, VU Publishing's Sierra studio will co-publish the following action/adventure titles: ALIENS VS.
Shockwave.com has launched two new game collections exclusively for the Shockmachine player, spearheading the companys push into direct-to-consumer paid content distribution. The move is part of the companys strategy to sell content to their registered audience of more than 40 million users. Now, users can play offline, whereas previously they could only play on the Shockwave.com Website.
Paramount Pictures announced the launch of its new TOMB RAIDER Website, a full-screen cinematic experience that brings movie fans directly into Lara Croft's world. The feature film opens in U.S. theatres on June 15, 2001. The site uses iPIX technology, allowing visitors to explore 360 degree panoramas of the sets and locations from the movie.
SOUTH PARK creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone will be answering questions about their shows, characters and futures when they participate in their very first live Web chat on Thursday, May 10 at 8:00 pm (ET), 5:00 pm (PT). The chat will provide participants the opportunity to rub electronic elbows with the notorious duo, finding out first hand the answers to the questions they pose.
eLance Inc., a professional services marketplace, has announced a new Website for Macromedia Flash development and usability services. Powered by eLance, the companys platform for Web-based outsourcing, the site, named the eLance Rich-Media Market (featuring Macromedia Flash services), lets visitors quickly purchase Flash related services for a fixed-price. The new service will allow Web designers and other Internet content creators the ability to get quick, affordable access to high quality Flash development professionals.
Industry giants Nickelodeon and THQ will soon be creating and publishing videogames based on original characters and storylines, with the ultimate aim being multi-media franchise development.
Through an exclusive worldwide publishing and distribution agreement with Fox Interactive, Activision, Inc. will soon bring shootouts, robberies and high-speed car chases to the PlayStation with WORLDS SCARIEST POLICE CHASES. Based on the Fox television show of the same name, the game features running commentary from retired Sheriff Jon Bunnell, with an array of action-packed police missions. The game will allow players complete control as they take on the role of police officers, chasing down and apprehending law breaking criminals.
Activision, Inc. announced on April 12, 2001 that it will release the next installment of the best-selling skateboarding franchise of all time, TONY HAWK'S PRO SKATER, on six platforms -- the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video game system, Game Boy Advance, PC, PlayStation game console and Game Boy Color.
Fans of THE SIMPSONS can now grapple, pile drive and body slam their way across Springfield as Activision, Inc. announced the release of THE SIMPSONS WRESTLING for the PlayStation game console. The game, produced by Fox Interactive and developed by Big Ape, has been given a "T" for Teen rating by the ESRB. THE SIMPSONS WRESTLING game is being published and distributed in North America by Activision, Inc. and is currently available at retail locations nationwide for a suggested retail price of $39.99.
A group of five former founders and senior executives of Icebox.com have purchased key assets from the defunct company, and plan to relaunch as a syndicator and developer of properties for the Web and television. The April 10, 2001 announcement also details a new syndication deal Icebox has inked with Mondo Media, creators of the Mondo Mini Show distribution network, which ensures distribution for many Icebox properties, including ZOMBIE COLLEGE and POKER NIGHT.
Wireless entertainment company Eruptor Entertainment has launched the PortaBush, their newest PortaPet, which can be downloaded to handheld computers that use the Palm Operating System. A limited version with 25 percent of the complete feature set is available free of charge, while the full version can be purchased online for $4.99. The PortaBush, based on U.S. President George W.
Beginning in April, GameSpy Industries, through their relationshipwith Disney Interactive, is launching the online multi-playercomponent of Disney Interactive's DISNEY'S ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE- SEARCH FOR THE JOURNAL, a specially created, free, 3D multi-playergame "prequel" to DISNEY'S ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE, which is slatedfor a June 15th theatrical release. GameSpy will host the onlinemulti-player gameplay for DISNEY'S ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE - SEARCHFOR THE JOURNAL prequel, as well as DISNEY'S ATLANTIS: THE LOST
