Gamenews Weekly
Production Pages
14 June 2005 Gamenews Weekly: Production Pages - games in development in Australia. To get the next issue, and lots more, subscribe to Gamenews Weekly today!

Dissecta 22 November 2005: Heroes of the Pacific!

Platforms
Microsoft Claims Xbox 2 Rumours To Be "Pulp Fiction"
Microsoft has released a statement in reaction to stories this week that Xbox 2 will not be backwards compatible with original Xbox software (see below). In a rare response to internet speculation Microsoft has labeled the reporting "irresponsible". GamesIndustry.biz, the site where the story originated, stands by its post and has hit back stating that the article was not mere "speculation". The site asserts that their info came from a "well-placed source close to the company" who was passing on comments made by "an extremely senior member of the Xbox division at Microsoft". Gi.biz went further, pointing out that despite Microsoft's indignation "at no point does the statement deny the accuracy of the story". Read all about it here. John Curtin [27 June 2004]

News
Victorian Game Teachers Get Professional Development Support
The Australian online reports on a new inititiative to give Victorian computer game teachers intensive professional development training to ensure students graduate with skills relevant to the game industry. The initiative, organised by the Game Developers Association of Australia on behalf of the Victorian Government, is a pilot but if successful has the potential to be deployed nationally. For the article click here. Tim Richards [23 June 2004].

Resources
Australian Senate Reports "From Reel to Unreal"
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, Information Technology and the Arts has now released its report "From Reel to Unreal: Future opportunities for Australia's film, animation, special effects and electronic games industries." The report follows the Standing Committee's inquiry into the future opportunities for Australia's film, animation, special effects and electronic games industries held last year, and outlines 42 recommendations for action. For further information click here, or to download the report click here. Tim Richards [23 June 2004].

Platforms
No Looking Back For Xbox 2
Next-Gen hardware speculation continues with "sources close to Microsoft's senior Xbox executives" confirming that the company does not intend to include backwards compatibility as part of its Xbox 2 system. With the switch from Xbox partners Intel and Nvidia in favour of IBM and ATi, and with rumors that Xbox 2 will not feature a hard drive, the inclusion of backwards compatibility was always going to be a challenge. It had been hoped that Microsoft would use the Virtual PC technology it acquired from Connectix Corp last year to emulate the original Xbox on any next-generation machine. Microsoft is betting that the ability to play old Xbox games on a new system will not be a "significant deciding factor" for consumers, but some in the industry are warning that the move may alienate existing Xbox users and hinder the early growth of the successor. For more on this story, click here. John Curtin [23 June 2004]

Platforms
Better Start Saving For That PS3
A recent report on the games industry "The Definition of Insanity: Why The Next Console Cycle Will Start Off With A Whimper" has suggested that the Playstation 3 may launch with a hefty US$500 price tag. Exact specifications for the PS3 console have yet to be released, but the popular belief is that Sony's next console will follow the path set down by its PSX multimedia device and will branch out from a basic games platform into a more comprehensive home entertainment system. But features such as digital video recording, mass-storage, and compatibility with Sony's upcoming high-definition 'Blu-Ray' disk format will come at a price. The report points to a possible $500 - $700 (US$) price range, which may put the fully-featured console out of reach for a lot of consumers. Sony has hinted that it may release multiple versions of the PS3, so a basic model may be available for those gamers that just want a system to play games. Would you like to know more? John Curtin [23 June 2004]

Industry buzz
Was That A Viacom Logo?
We are all used to seeing films filled with famous soft drinks and strangely visible brand names, but are you ready for the same product placements in your favorite video game? Media giant Viacom, having recently increased their stake in Midway Games, is looking for ways to put all those hours we gamers spend staring into the screen to better, more profitable use. According to Viacom CFO Richard Bressler, one avenue the company is exploring is that of in-game advertisements. So look forward to more 'words from the sponsors' to appear in a video game near you.You can read more about it here. John Curtin [16 June 2004]

Events
Free Seminar: Content in Context: Broadband in Use - Melbourne 1 July 2004
Film Victoria's Digital Media Fund is presenting "Content in Context: Broadband in Use", a free one day seminar on developing broadband content, to be held 1 July 2004 in Melbourne. The seminar "aims to advance cross platform development between the film, television and new media sectors and is designed specifically for professional content creators" and will be hosted by Mark Pesce. Places are limited and further information is available here. Tim Richards [17 June 2004].

Industry buzz
Latest on the Next-Generation Consoles
IGN has an article on possible release dates for the 3 major next-generation consoles. Their sources suggest that Microsoft may be the first out of the gate with the X-Box 2 by the end of 2005, stating "A major software company already prototyping software for Microsoft's "Xbox 2" told IGN today that the publisher "definitely aims to launch the console in North America for Christmas 2005." A November time frame was given. A European release will follow in 2006, said the source." The current theory sets the Gamecube successor to follow sometime in 2006, leaving Sony's Playstation 3 to bring up the rear with a release as late as 2007. It looks like Microsoft may be willing to sacrifice the X-Box reputation for 'power-console' next round in order to grab the early adopters and establish a more substantial user-base. You can find the full story here. John Curtin [17 June 2004]

Industry buzz
NINTENDO EU Hits MICROSOFT On Next-Gen Rush
It's a fact of gaming life. That shiny new console that takes its pride of place next to your TV or on top of your stereo will one day be relegated to the back of your closet along with all the other gaming relics of generations past. But there has recently been some concern that the natural lifespans of current consoles are being cut short by the overly rapid approach of next generation systems. David Gosen, Nintendo Europe's managing director certainly had something to say about it at this year's ELSPA Games Summit in London. Mr Gosen held little back in his criticism of Microsoft's push to release a successor to the X-Box just 4 years after launch reportedly commenting "In every cycle, some manufacturer not profiting from the current cycle is eager to kick-start the next one." Though Gosen was quick to point out that getting a system to market early has not always proved successful, the 3DO being one notable example. Gamesindustry.biz has the full story here. John Curtin [16 June 2004]

Platform news
GBA Hits China
Nintendo continues its expansion into the largely untapped Chinese market with the official release of its popular Game Boy Advance system. Last November 'The Big N' became the first foreign console maker to release a system in the piracy-plagued territory when it debuted its N64-based iQue. While the launch only includes the 'classic' GBA rather than the newer SP model, the release marks an important step in Nintendo's plans to expand gradually into the region over the next three to four years. Read more about it here. John Curtin [16 June 2004]

Releases
KOTOR2 Out By X-Mas 2004?
IGN's X-Box rumour column 'Off the Record' has posted an interesting piece of info for fans of last years Knights of the Old Republic. Apparently sources "deep within the confines of the Star Wars universe" have suggested that the upcoming Star Wars sequel Knights of the old Republic II: The Sith Lords, may receive a release this year rather than the expected first quarter of 2005. The original Knights of the old Republic managed to snatch up more than 35 "Game of the Year" awards in 2003. While the success of the first game made a follow-up almost inevitable, official confirmation of the sequel's development was only made in May prior to this years Electronic Entertainment Expo (also known as E3). For the full scoop check out IGN here. John Curtin [16 June 2004]

Releases
FABLE Gets A Date
The much anticipated, but oft-delayed X-box RPG Fable has finally been given a release date. Recent updates to the Lionhead Studios' FAQ page revealed that the ambitious fantasy adventure is set to hit shelves by the end of the year. "Fable will be out in September 2004 in all NTSC (USA) territories and in October 2004 for PAL (EUROPE) territories." While no specific dates for the Australian and New Zealand releases were given, we should expect to see Fable sometime in early October. Read more about it here. John Curtin [16 June 2004]

Work Experience
Gamenews.com.au Now Hiring
3 partime game journalists required by Gamenews.com.au to report on the Australian and New Zealand game industry. Gamenews.com.au is seeking three objective gamers or journalists to provide copy for indie game industry information resource Gamenews.com.au. Must be reliable, with email access, and looking to to get involved in game industry reporting. Training in online journalism provided. Email cover letter and resume info@gamenews.com.au. Tim Richards [26 May 2004]

Jobs
Jumbuck Entertainment Pty Ltd (Melbourne) Now Hiring
2 Full Time junior game developers are required by Melbourne based Jumbuck, as they say, "the largest mobile game developer/publisher in Australia". The positions will fit in a small team, working on game programming for mobile phones using J2ME and Brew languages. Jumbuck are looking for graduates with strong Java & OO skills who have a passion for computing and computer games. Must be based in Melbourne, Australia. Specific skills: Degree or equivilant experience; Strong Java skills; Excellent knowledge of OO design; Good C++ skills; Past experience, whether while at work or university; Passion for computer games. Email CV/portfolio to jobs@jumbuck.com. Tim Richards [4 May 2004]

Jobs
Pandemic Studios Now Hiring
Game developer Pandemic Studios is urgently seeking to fill several roles across a range of disciplines, for their Brisbane studio. The company, which also has an office in Los Angeles, develops titles for PS2, Xbox, GameCube, and PC, with current titles being Full Spectrum Warrior (for THQ) and Star Wars: Battlefront and Mercenaries (for LucasArts). The studio is hiring an intermediate Gameplay Programmer, 3 Junior 3D Artist (modeler/texturer), 2 Junior Programmers, a programmer and a PS2 programmer. Specific criteria has been set for each position, and Gamenews.com.au would be happy to forward the criteria, just email us at info@gamenews.com.au asap. Note there is a jobs section on the Pandemic Studios website, www.pandemicstudios.com. Tim Richards [15 April 2004]

News
Deal For Sydney Developer: Stargate SG-1
The Age reports today that Ben Lenzo's Perception game studio, based in Sydney, "has pulled off an $11.5 million deal to develop computer games based on the television science fiction series Stargate SG-1", a property controlled by MGM Interactive Studios in Hollywood. For the article, click here. Perception's website is here. Tim Richards [15 April 2004]

News
Nokia Keeps Coming; N-Gage QD
Reuters reports today that Nokia has launched a second gaming phone "seeking to bounce back from a failed first attempt to crack the fast-growing mobile gaming market." To be known as the "N-Gage QD", Nokia's Senior Vice President of Games, Ilkka Raiskinen, reportedly comments "After six months on the market with the N-Gage platform, we wanted to expand our device portfolio based on the feedback we've received." For the article, click here. The N-Gage QD will be available in May in Asia. Tim Richards [14 April 2004]

News
BigWorld Technology Assisting World's Elite Online Game Developers
BigWorld Pty Ltd has announced that it has licenced its BigWorld™ Technology to two overseas development companies. French developer, Farlan Entertainment, has licensed the middleware technology for the development of 'Dark and Light', a next generation 3D fantasy massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG). While Korean developer, Joy City Entertainment, formed in 1994 and reportedly achieving 10 million Korean online game subscribers playing their games RedMoon and Warbible amongst others, has licensed BigWorld Technology for an undisclosed project. Bigworld reports that Dark and Light "promises to be "The Largest Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game… you've ever seen". For further information go to the Microforte website, here; for information on Farlan Entertainment's Dark and Light including screenshots, click here; for some dated information on Joy City Entertainment, click here. Tim Richards [13 April 2004]

Resources
Breaking Into The Australian Games Industry
There is a neat article on the Academy of Interactive Entertainment website about breaking into the game industry; including a worthy rundown of relevant training institutes. The article is extracted from Atomic magazine's website and the information has mainly been sourced from the AGDC 2003. Click here for the article. Tim Richards [13 April 2004]

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