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Everyone agrees: new IP needed for industry 'to survive'

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 6th 2009 at 12:00AM }

What do Sony's Michael Denny, Square Enix's Yoichi Wada, and Codemasters' Rod Cousens have in common? Okay, they're all middle-aged men that happen to work in the video games industry -- but they also share a common belief in pursuing original IP. "For me the answer is clear, simply, we must support new IP creation to survive as an industry. Consumers crave new things. If we want to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive marketplace, we have to continue to produce new experiences," Denny told GI.biz. Certainly, SCEE has been pushing a lot of new IPs this generation, with Denny overseeing games like Heavy Rain and EyePet.

Wada agrees with Denny's sentiment, noting that "as an entertainment company the business won't be viable if we don't continue to nurture new IPs." This may be ironic coming from a company that's releasing a game called Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers this holiday, and both Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XIV next year, but we can credit them for making The World Ends With You, right?

Cousens goes a step further, saying innovation has always been at the heart of the industry. "From day one since we walked in the door we've always tried to be experimental, to be innovative, to take things into new areas and to make it interesting." Obviously, the reason why publishers need to invest in new IPs is clear -- let's not forget that games like Madden used to be an original IP at one point.

Source - Sony: Industry needs new IP to survive
Source - Wada: Business 'not viable' without new IP
Source - Cousens: Industry must pursue new IP

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising getting DLC tomorrow

by Justin McElroy { Nov 4th 2009 at 11:15PM }

Tomorrow's one of those days when it'll be nice to be a PC gamer. Not only will you be able to get a title update for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising (the full details of which are available here) you'll also be the first to get your hands on the "Skirmish" DLC, which includes four new multiplayer maps and two new Fire Team Engagement missions. The console title update (which you can read about about here) is due on the 360 tomorrow and on the PS3 "shortly after."

Moreover, when Skirmish is eventually released on consoles, it'll come with a price tag of 400 points ($5) on 360 and $3.99 on PS3. Sure, the price discrepancy will cause a flare up in the console war, but what do you care? You're a PC gamer. You rise above.

Codemasters believes in new IP, connecting with consumers

by Richard Mitchell { Nov 2nd 2009 at 6:30PM }

In an interview with GI.biz, Codemasters CEO Rod Cousens rejected the idea that there is no room for game publishers to tackle new IP during a recession. Concerning the difficulties of launching a new IP, Cousens said that if the industry only does "more of the same," it could stagnate like the movie and music industries. When asked if launching new IP is difficult when market conditions are poor and consumers tend to gravitate toward established franchises -- think Call of Duty -- Cousens said, "I don't buy off on that argument." He elaborated that one of the game industry's "most exciting things" is its ability "to be experimental, to be innovative, to take things into new areas and to make it interesting."

Cousens noted that it's easy to understand why retailers want to give shelf space to familiar titles, but he believes that this practice eventually "wears a bit thin" and that some shelf space must go to new IP. Aside from this, he explained that publishers have to promote awareness of their products through direct marketing. "Shelf space is the equivalent to air play for music," said Cousens, "so you work it by establishing direct-to-consumer links, and then through those links start to create new IP and give them what they want."

DirectX 11-powered Dirt 2 heading to PCs in early December

by Ben Gilbert { Oct 22nd 2009 at 4:31PM }

During Microsoft's big coming-out party for Windows 7 today in New York City, Codemasters showed off the new DirectX 11 version of the upcoming PC port of Dirt 2 that you see above. Though the developer said little of new content additions being made to the game, the already gorgeous visuals have been gussied up with help from DirectX 11, and cheevos will be ready for the taking on Games for Windows Live. Meeting its previously announced delay head-on, Dirt 2 starts shipping in North America on December 1, with December 3 and 4 release dates for the rest of the world (in your face, world!).

Operation Flashpoint patch coming alongside first DLC

by Xav de Matos { Oct 21st 2009 at 10:25PM }

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is set to receive a network optimization patch alongside the game's first DLC at the end of October, according to executive producer Sion Lenton. In an interview with Eurogamer, Lenton said the team at Codemasters has planned for more downloadable content, but has yet to decide what the new content will be.

"It's not a lot of fuss for us to make new content - it's actually quite easy for us to get it out there, with regards to things like levels, game modes, etc," Lenton said. What is being fussed about are the bevy of balance issues players of the military shooter have vocalized on the game's official forum. According to Lenton, the upcoming patch is set to make the game "flow a bit better." The patch comes at a good time, hoping to catch players before they "flow" directly into that other military shooter launching in November.

Gallery: Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising DLC only 'weeks' away

by David Hinkle { Oct 14th 2009 at 10:30PM }

Ten-hut, soldier -- Codemasters' Sion Lenton reveals in an interview with Telegraph that the company is currently working on DLC for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising and the first round will be available in "a matter of weeks." Lenton also says the company has "ambitious plans" for the game's DLC, though he only mentions the requisite weapon and map add-ons most shooters receive post-release.

The rest of the interview isn't a bad read; Lenton discusses how the idea to bring back the Operation Flashpoint series came about, why Codies went for consoles, the balancing act between keeping it a hardcore, realistic experience without making it too frustrating for gamers and planned Title Updates to keep the game balanced. We're glad he mentioned that last item, because we've heard some folks in the game's forums aren't all too happy with the experience right now.

[Via CVG]

GTA IV, Dead Space coming to Xbox 360 Games on Demand this month

by David Hinkle { Oct 9th 2009 at 10:00AM }

The Xbox 360's Games on Demand service is getting quite the booster shot this month, as Microsoft has announced six new titles coming to the service in October. The festivities kicked off earlier this week with the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 and Call of Duty 3. Here's what the rest of this month has in store:

October 13

Grand Theft Auto IV

October 20

October 27

Dead Space
DiRT

There's no word on price for any of these titles right now, so we've checked with Microsoft and will be sure to update you when we hear back.

Codemasters' go-to driving dev departs

by David Hinkle { Oct 1st 2009 at 1:32PM }

Gavin Raeburn, the guy who may be most responsible for beloved Codies-brand racers like DiRT 2 and GRID, has resigned from the company, VG247 reports. After a stint lasting more than 20 years, the former executive producer has "moved on to pastures new," said Gavin Cheshire, VP of Codemasters Development.

Cheshire added, "it's positive for any individual to move when they feel they're at the top." "[Raeburn] leaves having built an incredibly talented team that's led by key players who will drive our racing portfolio forward." There's no word on where Raeburn is headed, but there's a good chance it's Disney World.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising multiplayer video ups the carnage

by David Hinkle { Sep 17th 2009 at 10:00PM }

Guys, if you haven't been keeping up with Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, then brace your butt for the first glimpse at its massive multiplayer action. The latest trailer comes from the game's official site, and impresses us not only through the sheer scale of the maps shown, but also -- oh man, did you see that helicopter blow up everything?

Sorry, what were we talking about?

[Via Big Download]

Guitar Hero 5 goes straight to the top of the UK charts

by Alexander Sliwinski { Sep 14th 2009 at 9:00AM }

Guitar Hero 5, which is like the tenth (give or take a couple) installment in the series, has resonated with UK consumers and hit a high note atop the Chart Track all-formats chart. The Dark Knight of Arkham Asylum -- who was perched above the charts for two weeks -- slipped off the top to the number three spot, with Colin McRae: Dirt 2 taking the silver.

The Beatles: Rock Band premiered at the number four spot, which some are sure to find disappointing. Both Guitar Hero and Rock Band have previously debuted at the fourth and sixth spot, respectively, with previous iterations. Music games may be on a sales decline, but they apparently still know how to make an entrance.

Source -- Guitar Hero 5 hits the right notes (Chart Track)
Source -- All formats chart (Chart Track)

Gallery: Guitar Hero 5

Dirt 2 is the 'breast' tattoo simulator ever

by Alexander Sliwinski { Sep 3rd 2009 at 11:56AM }

Somehow we totally missed Dirt 2's reinvention of digital "dirt" -- from dusty rally racing to busty Sally tracing. At least, that's what the ploy at Dirtytats.com (NSFW) would have us believe. The game's promotional site presents visitors with a pair of animated assets to put one's ink on. We decided to give our models a lace bra–like tattoo to cover up the ample skin real estate and express -- in a word -- what we thought about this type of marketing being tied into a racing game (after the break, fellow art lovers).

Now, if Saints Row 2 had done something like this ... brilliant! It's all about context.

Gallery: DiRT 2

Continued →

DDO Eberron Unlimited rolls high initiative, gets early head-start release

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 1st 2009 at 11:59PM }

According to a recent Turbine press release, the developer's free-to-play, D20-rolling MMO, Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited will be granting early access to ... well, to people who've already had their fair share of early access. Though the game launches on September 9, anyone who is a former or current subscriber to DDO, or those who participated in Unlimited's closed beta, can log onto the game right this hot second.

The game offers all the DDO action you (might) know and (may) love, albeit with a higher level cap and lower price. Sure, you'll still need to dish out a few bucks for access to the game's full catalog of zones, classes, races and items -- but even without this premium content, there's plenty of game available for the Gygax enthusiast on a budget.

Gallery: DDO: Eberron Unlimited

Sony publishing DiRT 2 for PSP, PS3 in PAL regions

by David Hinkle { Aug 27th 2009 at 4:00PM }

Sony continues its third-party publishing strategy in PAL territories today by taking up Codemasters' DiRT 2. Unlike the Ghostbusters venture, however, this is not a timed exclusive for PlayStation platforms. MCV reports that Sony will publish the PSP and PS3 versions of the game, while Codemasters handles publishing duties on all other platforms.

Codemasters' senior VP of publishing for EPAC, Axel Herr, is glad to have Sony take over, citing the series' "great affinity with the PlayStation brand in PAL territories for over 10 years" as one of the key factors behind the decision. We're sure all of the buzz around the PS3 Slim didn't hurt either.

Demos for NHL 10 and DiRT 2 join Lost Planet 2 and Mini Ninjas on Live

by Xav de Matos { Aug 20th 2009 at 4:45PM }

Need something to chew up your free time between constant attempts to sequence break Shadow Complex? Xbox Live Marketplace has been invaded by a slew of new game demos -- currently available to Gold members -- to help combat your boredom.

With four demos hitting the Marketplace in the last two days, Xbox users are treated to a collection of completely different gaming experiences. Strap into the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and race the Trailblazer event in DiRT 2, lace up your skates and hit the ice in the NHL 10 demo, show off your ninja skills in Mini Ninjas or jump online with up to four players and attack the evil Akrid in the Lost Planet 2 Co-op demo. That, ladies and gentlemen, is what we call a diverse selection of video game demos.

Queue up the DiRT 2 demo
Queue up the NHL 10 demo (and check out Xbox Canada's exclusive Q&A)
Queue up the Mini Ninjas demo
Queue up the Lost Planet 2 Co-op demo

DiRT 2 Achievement takes off-putting meme off-road

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Aug 12th 2009 at 7:00PM }

Though "meme" is perhaps a euphemistic label for the lurid mental virus that is "Two Girls, One Cup" (don't Google that if the phrase sounds foreign), we're nonetheless pleased to see Codemasters taking the piss out of the fecal internet documentary and turning it into something more wholesome and rewarding: an Achievement (slash Trophy)!

Witness the "Two Cups One Girl" Achievement, awarded in the upcoming off-roader, DiRT 2, for winning two team events with the same female teammate. Looking over the game's 47 pop-up awards, you'll also spot a Ghostbusters reference, a pun or two, and a joke that requires cursory knowledge of The Karate Kid. It's like they made this just for the internet.