Big Game Hunter

Sneak Peek "Tekken" The Movie Poster

2009-12-24T09:08:00.002-05:00

Budgeted at $35 million, "Tekken" is the upcoming martial arts feature directed by Dwight H. "Bones" Little, based on the "Tekken" fighting video game series.

The live-action film follows 'Jin Kazama' (Jon Foo) , who confronts both his father, 'Kazuya Mishima' (Ian Anthony Dale) and his grandfather, 'Heihachi Mishima' (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa).

"Tekken" is produced by Steven Paul Benedict Carver and Iddo Lampton Enochs from a screenplay by Michael Colleary, Alan B. McElroy and Mike Werb, adapting the original story, based on the NAMCO video game.

From the Weinstein Company, Summit Entertainment and Crystal Sky Pictures, Warner Bros will release the film in Japan, March, 2010.

A DVD release will follow April 5th, 2010 in the UK.

"...In the year 2039, after World Wars destroyed much of civilization, the remaining territories are no longer run by governments, but by corporations, the mightiest of which is the 'Mishima Zaibatsu'.

In order to keep the masses down, Mishima sponsors the 'King of Iron Fist Tournament', or 'Tekken', where fighters battle to the death and one winner receives a lifetime of stardom and wealth.

We are introduced to this violent world through the eyes of 'Jin Kazama' who enters the tournament to avenge the death of his mother that he blames on Mishima Zaibatsu's powerful chairman 'Heihachi Mishima'.

He knows that the only way to get close enough to Mishima is to win the tournament, while uncovering his own past, revealing his inner demons and exposing the dark underbelly of the Tekken tournaments that threaten the very existence of humanity..."

Click the posters to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Tekken"..

"Lara Croft" Targets A Reboot

2009-12-19T17:13:00.005-05:00

Producer Dan "Sherlock Holmes" Lin continues to develop his big screen reboot of "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider", adapting the Eidos video game franchise starring action hero 'Lara Croft'.

Designed by Toby Gard, the Lara Croft video game character has been featured in movies, comic books, novels and animated short films, presented as a resourceful, athletic and reckless Englishwoman of noble birth who travels the world in pursuit of priceless antiquities.

Lara frequently ventures into ancient and often hazardous tombs, ruins, traps and puzzles, encountering a variety of enemies including gangsters, prehistoric animals, legendary creatures and supernatural beings.

The cornerstone of a multi-million dollar franchise, Paramount previously produced two 'Lara Croft' movies starring Angelina Jolie.

Screen rights recently reverted to Eidos, the games company that was, in turn purchased by Japanese publisher Square Enix for $120 million.

Lin will produce the film through his Lin Pictures with co-producer Stephen Gilchrist, reimagining the origins of a younger character, her love interest and the genesis of a new villain.

Sneak Peek "Lara Croft"...

Enter "Harley Quinn"- June 2010

2009-12-19T11:34:00.003-05:00

Designed by Adam Hughes and sculpted by Jack Mathews, 'Harley Quinn', girlfriend of 'The Joker' is the newest figure to join the 'Cover Girls Of The DC Universe' statue series. Available in limited edition, June 2010, the hand-painted figure, cold-cast in porcelain, measures 9.5' high x 5.5' wide x 4.25' deep, with the "Batman" villainess wearing her trademark harlequin outfit, clutching an oversized mallet.

'Dr. Harleen Quinzel' first appeared in "Batman: The Animated Series", created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm.

The character proved so popular it was spun-off into DC Comics "Batman" comic books.

In the 2002, "Birds of Prey", live-action TV series, based on the DC Comics characters, Harley Quinn was the main villain, played as a weird psychiatrist by Mia Sara.

In the Kids' WB! TV series "The Batman", Harley Quinn is introduced in the Season 4 episode "Two of a Kind", as the host of a pop psychology TV show called "Heart to Heart with Harley", claiming to have a degree in psychology, while dispensing strange advice to callers.

When her show is cancelled, the Joker meets up with her, she falls in love and they cause havoc in Gotham until she is arrested and he deserts her.

In video games, Harley appears in "The Adventures of Batman & Robin", "Lego Batman: The Video Game", "Batman: Arkham Asylum" and the upcoming "Batman: Arkham Asylum 2" in 2010, all voiced by Arleen Sorkin.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek 'Harley Quinn'...

Happy Holidays From Your Fiends At Dark Horse

2009-12-17T13:20:00.001-05:00

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Plug Into "Avatar" The Game

2009-12-17T11:53:00.010-05:00

Now available in limited stock, "James Cameron's Avatar: The Game" is an adaptation of Cameron's movie "Avatar", designed to 'complement' the feature, developed by Ubisoft Montreal using the same technology as the film displayed in stereoscopic 3D.

According to Luc Duchaine, Ubisoft's senior international brand manager, the "Avatar" game requires an HDMI output and 120Hz capable set to enable the 3D visual, with the PC version also supporting 3D capabilities.

NVIDIA developed a proprietary method for NVIDIA's 'GeForce 3D Vision' allowing left and right images to be passed directly from the game engine to the PC display.

Sneak Peek "James Cameron's Avatar: The Game"...

Microsoft Within "Halo 3: Reach"

2009-12-16T15:44:00.003-05:00

Take a look at the new preview trailer for "Halo: Reach", the upcoming first-person shooter video game, published by Microsoft Games Studios, for the Xbox 360.

The game is part of the "Halo" series, scheduled for release Fall 2010.

The world premiere of the trailer was December 12 @ the Spike Video Game Awards (VGA).

The prequel to "Halo: Combat Evolved" takes place during the 'Battle of Reach', near the end of the 'Human-Covenant War, following the actions of 'Noble Team', a 'United Nations Space Command' special operations unit composed of six 'SPARTAN-II' super soldiers.

Players assume the role of the 'Lieutenant', identified by the callsign 'Noble Six'.

The new trailer shows the colony world of Reach, one of the UNSC's most important manufacturing/military centers outside of the Solar System, under attack by a Covenant invasion force referred to as 'them' by a radio operator.

Sneak Peek "Halo : Reach"...

Space Out With "Mass Effect: Redemption"

2009-12-15T16:25:00.003-05:00

In the sequel to the Xbox 360 video game "Mass Effect", Dark Horse Comics' "Mass Effect 2" begins with the disappearance of 'Commander Shepard' while his companion 'Dr. Liara T'Soni' takes on a deadly assignment in the lawless 'Terminus Systems'.

"Mass Effect 2: Redemption" is scripted by John Jackson Miller ("Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic") and illiustrated by Omar Francia ("Star Wars: Legacy").

The original "Mass Effect" game developed by Canada's BioWare for the Xbox 360, then ported to Microsoft Windows by Demiurge Studios, was released worldwide November 2007, published by Microsoft Game Studios.

Set in the year 2183, the player assumes the role of elite human soldier 'Commander Shepard', exploring the Galaxy aboard the starship 'SSV Normandy'.

Bioware plans two sequels to complete the trilogy, releasing episodic content online to fill in the story between each game.

"Mass Effect 2" is scheduled for release January 26, 2010, with "Mass Effect 3" slated for 2011.

Sneak Peek "Mass Effect 2"...

Sneak Peek "Tron: Evolution"

2009-12-14T16:18:00.001-05:00

"Tron: Evolution" is the upcoming action-adventure video game, currently in development with Propaganda Games, to be published by Disney Interactive for release on the Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms.

"Tron: Evolution" will also star actress Olivia Wilde, who will be reprising her role as "Quorra" from the Vancouver-lensed feature "Tron Legacy".

"Tron Legacy", the Vancouver-lensed science fiction sequel to the 1982 film "Tron" is directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Steven Lisberger, director of the first film.

Actor Jeff Bridges reprises his role as 'Kevin Flynn' and Bruce Boxleitner as 'Alan Bradley' with Garrett Hedlund as Flynn's adult son 'Sam'. Other cast members include Olivia Wilde, Beau Garrett and John Hurt.

"...Sam Flynn (Hedlund), tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (Bridges), looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years.

Along with Kevin’s loyal confidante (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous..."

"Tron Legacy" will be presented in Disney Digital 3-D and IMAX 3D, December 17, 2010, alongside a "Tron Legacy" video game tie-in.

Sneak Peek "Tron Evolution"...

"Beatles: Rock Band" Bends With "Rubber Soul"

2009-12-13T16:47:00.009-05:00

Apple has confirmed that the next Beatles album set to become in-game downloadable content for the video game "Beatles: Rock Band" is "Rubber Soul", recorded in 1965.

Rubber Soul is the third album to appear in "The Beatles: Rock Band" video game, since its launch Sept. 9.

Previously released were "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", recorded in 1967 and "Abbey Road", recorded in 1969.

Songs include :

"Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)"
"You Won't See Me"
"Nowhere Man"
"Think For Yourself"
"The Word"
"Michelle"
"What Goes On"
"Girl"
"In My Life"
"Wait"
"Run For Your Life"

Sneak Peek "Beatles: Rock Band"...

The Joker Goes Wild In "Batman: Arkham Asylum 2"...

2009-12-13T16:24:00.002-05:00

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has confirmed it it will be the worldwide publisher of the sequel to the video game "Batman: Arkham Asylum", currently in development with Rocksteady Studios.

"We are thrilled to build a global game franchise from 'Batman: Arkham Asylum,' which is receiving an incredible response from gamers and Batman fans around the world," said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

"Rocksteady has taken Batman to a new level in the video game space and we are committed to delivering a sequel the fans will love."

"Getting the opportunity to create 'Batman: Arkham Asylum' and seeing its success has been a dream come true for the team," said Sefton Hill, Game Director, Rocksteady Studios.

"We are honored to create the next chapter in this compelling story and promise to deliver another game worthy of the Dark Knight."

"Batman: Arkham Asylum" was released May 30, 2009, picking up the 'Batman' movie story where "The Dark Kight" feature film ended.

The action-adventure 'stealth' video game is based on DC Comics' "Batman" for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows, developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos Interactive in conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment/DC Comics.

Written by veteran "Batman" comics writer Paul Dini, "Arkham Asylum" follows 'The Joker', Batman's archenemy, instigating an elaborate plot from within 'Arkham Asylum' where many of Batman's other villains have been incarcerated. Batman investigates and learns that the Joker is trying to create an army of creatures to threaten 'Gotham City', forcing him to put a stop to the Joker's plans.

The game's main characters are voiced by actors from DC's animated features including Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as Joker and Arleen Sorkin as 'Harley Quinn'.

The game is played as a third-person perspective action-adventure game with a primary focus on Batman's combat abilities, stealth and detective skills, using an arsenal of gadgets that can be used in both combat and exploration.

The game received a Guinness World Record for "Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game", selling over 2 million copies within its first two weeks of its console release.

The sequel was announced at the 2009 Spike Video Game Awards.

Sneak Peek "Batman: Arkham Asylum"...

The Heat Is On For "Dante's Inferno"

2009-12-12T16:24:00.020-05:00

Visceral Games, an Electronics Arts Inc. studio has confirmed that "Dante’s Inferno Divine Edition" exclusive for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system includes developer commentaries, a Wayne Barlowe digital art book, the soundtrack to the game and a digital version of the complete Longfellow translation of Dante Alighieri’s "Inferno".

This comes on the news that a movie deal for "Dante's Inferno" is very much alive as Electronic Arts and Universal Pictures, continue to develop the property with screenwriter Dan "Superman Returns" Harris.

The studio also said that a "Dante’s Inferno" downloadable demo for PlayStation 3 is currently available for free on the PlayStation Network, allowing fans to get a preview of Dante’s journey through hell.

The demo will also be available on Xbox LIVE, December 24, 2009.

In the "Dante’s Inferno" 'Gates of Hell' demo, gamers will experience the re-imagined past of 'Dante Alighieri' as a crusader who returns home to Florence to discover his true love, Beatrice taken away to the land of the dead.

Sworn to her rescue, Dante journeys through the Gates of Hell and beyond to battle monstrosities and demons, with the demo also serving as a prelude to the player’s journey through the 'nine circles of hell'.

EA’s" Dante’s Inferno" is a descent through Alighieri’s nine circles of hell – limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery. At 60 frames per second, each circle features unique environments, all new creatures, terrifying demons and story elements scored distinctly to set a tone that fits each circle of sinners.

Sneak Peek "Dante's Inferno"...

Hook Up With Marvel's "Cable"

2009-12-11T16:42:00.006-05:00

Sneak Peek the new issue of Marvel's "Cable" comic book series, featuring the mutant character that first appeared in Marvel's "The New Mutants" #87 (March 1990), created by writer Louise Simonson and illustrator/co-writer Rob Liefeld.

This year Marvel hired a team of writers to develop concepts for launching "Cable", "Black Panther", "Iron Fist" and "The Vision" into film properties.

Regarded as the cryptic 'Man With No Name' of mutantkind, Cable is a tough anti-hero, a soldier born with telepathic and telekinetic abilities. His powers are limited by his need to restrain a 'techno-organic' infection in his body that enhanced his limbs with super-strength and his eyesight with the ability to see in the infrared spectrum. He can also interface his body parts with machinery, using them to hack into computers, open electronic locks and travel through time.

"...In 'Homecoming' Part 1, 'Cable' jumped into the time stream with the infant 'mutant messiah,' with only one goal. To keep 'Hope' alive until she can choose her own destiny. But now stranded on a planet in its death throes, eating fried rat on a stick for the millionth time, Hope turns to Cable and tells him she's ready to go home..."

The character continues to be popular appearing in "X-Men: The Animated Series", voiced by Lawrence Bayne, as a 'bionic construct'.

In video games, Cable is a playable character in "Marvel vs. Capcom 2", a hidden character in the PSP version of role-playing game "X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse", a hidden character in the Sega Game Gear platform game "X-Men 2: Game Master's Legacy", is seen in the "X-Men: Reign of Apocalypse" video game for the GBA and appears in "Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2", voiced by Robin Atkin Downes.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Cable"...

The "Clash" Begins 2. 26. 2010

2009-12-10T19:07:00.000-05:00

"Clash of the Titans", Legendary Pictures' upcoming remake of the 1981 MGM feature "Clash Of The Titans", based on the Greek myth of 'Perseus', is directed by Louis "The Incredible Hulk" Leterrier, starring actors Sam "Avatar" Worthington and Liam "Darkman" Neeson.

"...In 'Clash Of The Titans', the ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. But the war between the gods themselves could destroy the world. Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus (Worthington) is helpless to save his family from Hades vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing left to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus (Neeson) and unleash hell on Earth.

Leading a daring band of warriors, Perseus sets off on a perilous journey deep into forbidden worlds. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, he will only survive if he can accept his power as a god, defy his fate and create his own destiny..."

A video game adaptation of "Clash Of The Titans" is being developed by Game Republic, published by Namco Bandai Games America Inc./Warner Bros. Interactive, allowing players to take the role of Perseus.

The game's release is set to coincide with the theatrical debut, March 26, 2010.

Sneak Peek "Clash Of The Titans"...

"Tron Legacy" Explores The Cyber Universe

2009-12-09T19:56:00.003-05:00

"Tron Legacy", the Vancouver-lensed science fiction sequel to the 1982 film "Tron" is directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Steven Lisberger, director of the first film.

Actor Jeff Bridges reprises his role as 'Kevin Flynn' and Bruce Boxleitner as 'Alan Bradley' with Garrett Hedlund as Flynn's adult son 'Sam'. Other cast members include Olivia Wilde, Beau Garrett and John Hurt.

"...Sam Flynn (Hedlund), tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (Bridges), looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years.

Along with Kevin’s loyal confidante (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous..."

"Tron Legacy" will be presented in Disney Digital 3-D and IMAX 3D, December 17, 2010, alongside a "Tron Legacy" video game tie-in.

Sneak Peek "Tron Legacy"...

Sneak Peek "Alice In Wonderland"

2009-12-09T15:48:00.003-05:00

Sneek Peek these detailed, 7" inch action figures of actress Mia Wasikowska as 'Alice Kingsley' and Johnny Depp as 'The Mad Hatter', from toy manufacturer Medicom, ready for release July 2010, in suppport of director Tim Burton's upcoming "Alice In Wonderland" feature.

Disney Interactive Studios will also spin-off a video game based on the film in early 2010 for the Wii, Nintendo DS and Windows PC.

Although a number of well-known actresses expressed strong interest in the role of 'Alice', director Burton chose Wasikowska, a relative unknown.

"We wanted somebody who had a 'gravity' to her, an internal life," said Burton. "That’s why I picked her."

To be released in Disney Digital 3-D and IMAX 3-D, the feature adapts author Lewis Carroll's classic novels "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass", combining live-action with motion-capture technology.

On prior "Alice In Wonderland" films, Burton said "It was always a girl wandering around from one crazy character to another and I never really felt any real emotional connection."

Burton's goal for the new film was to give the story "some framework of emotional grounding" and "to try and make Alice feel more like a story as opposed to a series of events."

Screenwriter Linda Woolverton also added a 'socio-political' context to the updated story to make it more of an engaging movie, with Sony Pictures Imageworks designing the VFX sequences.

"Alice In Wonderland" also stars Helena Bonham Carter as 'The Red Queen', Anne Hathaway as 'The White Queen' and Crispin Glover as 'The Knave of Hearts'.

The film will be released March 5, 2010.

Sneak Peek "Alice In Wonderland"...

Rockstar Saddles Up For "Red Dead Redemption"

2009-12-09T13:31:00.004-05:00

"Red Dead Redemption", Rockstar San Diego's sequel to western action video game "Red Dead Revolver", will be released April 27, 2010.

Set in 1908, "Redemption" follows former outlaw 'John Marston', sent across the American Frontier to help usher in the 'rule of law'. As Marston attempts to capture former gang member 'Bill Williamson', a series of events lead up to the 1910 Mexican Revolution.

"Redemption" will incorporate 'open world' gameplay similar to "Grand Theft Auto" with free-roaming ability in several environments including frontier towns, prairies and mountain passes.

Realistic horses will also play an integral part of the game's transport, with over 40 different types of animals featured throughout the game.

"Redemption" is being developed with middleware including NaturalMotion's 'Euphoria' animation engine.

Sneak Peek "Red Dead Redemption"...

"Star Trek Online" Ready To Engage- February 2, 2010...

2009-12-04T18:56:00.004-05:00

After years in development, Star Trek Online, a multiplayer online game 'will engage' February 2, 2010, according to game developer Cryptic Studios Inc.

Set in the 25th century, 30 years after the events of "Star Trek: Nemesis", "Star Trek Online" will become the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game within the "Star Trek" franchise.

Jack Emmert, Cryptic chief creative officer, said players will be able to play "Star Trek Online" as the captain of a 'Starfleet' or 'Klingon Empire' ship, customizing characters or creating new races.

"You'll venture through space exploring new civilizations and life-forms," said Emmert.

"You'll also beam down to planets and have adventures inside your ship. It's a galactic-wide game. There's going to be tons of space to investigate. We have a great system for exploration, which will allow for almost infinite possibilities."

Cryptic, the developer of "City of Heroes" and "City of Villains" also worked on the superhero-themed online game "Champions Online".

Other online games based on film franchises include "The Lord of the Rings Online", "The Matrix Online", "Pirates of the Caribbean Online" and "Star Wars Galaxies".

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Star Trek Online"...

THQ Plugs Into DreamWorks...

2009-12-03T18:56:00.008-05:00

Following on the news that THQ Inc. will be opening a Montreal game studio, intended to be the largest in the company's international network, THQ Inc. and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. have now entered into multi-year, multi-property licensing agreements granting THQ exclusive worldwide rights to develop/publish video games based on DreamWorks Animation's upcoming animated features "Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom", "Puss In Boots" and the CG animated TV series "The Penguins of Madagascar".

The new agreements grant THQ exclusive worldwide rights to publish interactive games based on the DreamWorks Animation properties for all console/handheld systems, including Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, Nintendo Wii Virtual Console and wireless devices.

"We are pleased to expand our relationship with THQ and continue to be impressed by their focus on the kids and family videogame business," said Kerry Phelan, Head of Worldwide Consumer Products, DreamWorks Animation...

2010 Game Developers Conference Canada...

2009-12-03T15:55:00.001-05:00

The call for submissions to present content for lectures, roundtables and panel sessions for the 2010 Game Developers Conference Canada" (GDC Canada) is now open through midnight, Tuesday, January 5, 2010.

The second annual GDC Canada is presented by Reboot Communications and Think Services, returning to the the Vancouver Convention Centre May 6-7, 2010.

Canada houses more than 260 videogame/digital entertainment studios and an ecosystem of more than 60 universities focused on gaming studies.

"...With this community of national/international talent to draw from, Vancouver's GDC Canada is the premier event for professionals to discover insights into developing popular international titles, managing established franchises and taking advantage of thriving digital distribution models..."

Session formats for this year's content include 25 and 60 minute lectures, panels, and roundtables...

THQ Building Montreal Game Studio...

2009-12-03T15:12:00.007-05:00

THQ Inc. has announced that Montreal, Quebec, will be the location for their brand new video game development studio which the company expects to become the largest facility in its global studio system.

The agreement with the government of Quebec will allow THQ to create in excess of 400sustainable new jobs over the next five years as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to develop the highest quality games in a cost-effective manner.

THQ has appointed Dave Gatchel, who was the general manager of THQ’s Paradigm Entertainment studio, to serve as the Montreal studio’s general manager, bringing extensive industry experience to his role. Under his leadership, THQ Montreal will focus primarily on creating core games for THQ as well as providing support for games developed across THQ’s worldwide studio system. THQ expects to create jobs in several disciplines, including design, engineering, art, content and technology development, quality assurance and localization.

"Montreal’s outstanding pool of creative digital media talent and its highly regarded university system makes this the ideal location to support our future product and technology development needs," said Steve DeCosta, THQ senior vice president, THQ Core Games, Operations and Finance.

"Moreover, government support, in the form of reimbursable tax credits and other incentives, enabled Montreal to stand out as the best combination of creative talent and favorable economics of the cities we evaluated for our new studio."

"We are focused on building hit franchises and achieving efficiencies within our studio organization and THQ Montreal will play an integral role in achieving both of these objectives," said Danny Bilson, THQ executive vice president, THQ Core Games.

"We are pleased to welcome leading videogame publisher THQ to Montreal," said Clément Gignac, Quebec’s Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade.

"THQ’s new studio represents a key investment by a premier video game developer and will create more than 400 highly-skilled jobs in Montreal’s technology sector, further enhancing our position as a leading center of creative talent and game design."

THQ is currently evaluating locations for the new facility and expects to open the studio by mid-2010.

THQ is noted for hundreds of video game titles including "Company Of Heroes", "The Simpsons", "The Sopranos" and "Bratz"...

"Call Of Duty" Gross Makes Hollywood Movies Look Like Chopped Liver...

2009-11-29T00:32:00.005-05:00

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According to Activision Blizzard Inc., the Infinity Ward video game "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2", the sixth title in the series, racking up over $550 million worth of sales in 5 days, has helped push the "Call of Duty" video game franchise past the $3 billion mark in global retail sales, selling over 55 million units since its launch in 2003.

The new game sold 4.7 million copies on the first day of release in the US and UK alone.

Shares of Santa Monica-based Activision recently rose 13 cents to $11.69.

The 'first-person shooter' video game was released to over 10,000 retail outlets in the US/Canada, with midnight openings to meet consumer demand.

Premise of "Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" follows an international hunt for a rogue criminal who sets up the US as a patsy for an attack on Russia, resulting in Russian over-reaction, culminating in an invasion and occupation of Washington D.C.

"'The Call of Duty' franchise has become a cultural phenomenon showing the power of video games as an entertainment medium," said Mike Griffith, CEO, Activision Publishing, Inc.

"The shattering of these entertainment records is a testament to the compelling, cinematic and uniquely engaging experience that the 'Call of Duty' brand delivers...setting a new standard for entertainment."

The game picks up following the events of "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare", the title that continues to place as the all-time top selling first person action game.

"Modern Warfare 2" is rated "M" ('Mature'), for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2"...

Year Of The Rat: Disney Reveals "Epic Mickey"...

2009-11-28T09:59:00.002-05:00

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Disney has confirmed the Fall 2010 release of the "Epic Mickey" videogame, designed by Warren Spector's Junction Point, exclusively for the Nintendo Wii home console.

Players will control 'Mickey Mouse' as he moves around "...a world devoid of color, painting it back to life..."

Premise revolves around 'forgotten' Disney toon characters, pushed out of the spotlight by Mickey, 'Goofy' and 'Donald Duck'.

Main villain, 'Oswald the Rabbit' wants to unleash the 'Phantom Blot', oozing black ink and melting colours to threaten the Disney toon universe.

Junction Point was purchased by Disney in 2007.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Epic Mickey"...

Ubisoft Montreal Plugs Into Cameron's "Avatar"...

2009-11-28T09:07:00.003-05:00

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Director James "Terminator" Cameron's "Avatar" video game, to be released 2 weeks prior to the film's debut December 18, is the latest in a serious of international accomplishments for Ubisoft Montreal, the Canadian connection for the France-based games publisher.

Instead of the standard procedure of releasing a film, then gauging audience interest for an ancillary video game, Cameron initiated the "Avatar" game three years ago, looking to both introduce and compliment his upcoming motion-capture/live-action, 3D feature.

The game diverges from the film's story line, with players able to explore parallel narratives, either portraying a member of the blue-skinned 'Na'vi' warriors, or a human soldier for the 'Resources Development Administration', strip-mining on the planet 'Pandora'.

"Games derived from movies, historically, some of them have kind of sucked," said Cameron.

"And I didn't want 'Avatar', I didn't want anything associated with 'Avatar', to suck. So I proposed to Ubisoft this theory that the game should not be a slave to the movie..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Avatar: The Game"...

"LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues"...

2009-11-20T15:48:00.001-05:00

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LucasArts and TT Games have released "LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues", now available for Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation3, PSP (PlayStationPortable) system and Xbox 360 video game/entertainment systems from Microsoft and Windows.

Developed by the same team at Traveller's Tales that created the award-winning "LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures" and the "LEGO Star Wars" series, "LEGO Indiana Jones 2" presents a comedic take on the four 'Indiana Jones' features, including the most recent film, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull".

Players will get to experience re-tellings of the classic movies, with new objectives and levels, fighting evil with Indy's newly enhanced whip as well as craft their own unique LEGO adventures with the 'Build Your Own Adventure' mode.

Gamers can create unique levels using the same tools TT Games used for the game, complete with a wide array of set pieces, interactive objects and characters, to combine with existing levels, resulting in a personal and customizable way to expand the gameplay experience.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues"...

Pitt Sees The Light In "Dark Void"...

2009-11-19T14:31:00.000-05:00

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Actor/producer Brad Pitt's Plan B and Indian company Reliance Big Pictures have entered into an arrangement with Capcom to develop a feature film based on the "Dark Void" computer game.

Plans are to start a film franchise, with Pitt starring as a pilot, crashed in the Bermuda Triangle who finds himself in an alternate world resembling primitive earth where aliens plan to take over civilization.

The new game will be released in North America/Europe, January 2010....