Games Industry Wire

Codemasters Online has just unveiled their next generation MMORPG set for release in 2008, Jumpgate Evolution. Developed by the US-based experienced MMOG developer NetDevil, Jumpgate Evolution is a space-based MMO incorporating all-new action style gameplay like never seen before in any previous online game.
‘We are very pleased to be working with NetDevil to release this exciting project across North America & Europe. Jumpgate Evolution brings something new and fresh to the online persistent space,” commented David Solari, Vice President, Codemasters Online. “The all-action approach and thrilling, twitch-based space combat really sets it apart from other MMOs in the market and …read more

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Electronic Arts has extended its license for the popular J.R.R. Tolkien series Lord of the Rings. EA started out by creating games based on the movie adaptations of the book but in recent years has extended its license to the original books. This license likely means we will see several more LOTR games out before the license expires at the end of next year. These games will likely include both game adaptations of the books as well as a previously announced MMORPG.
The RPG is entitled The Lord of the Rings: The White Council and will be released on Xbox 360, …read more

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IGN was purchased for a great deal of money last year by Fox Interactive Media, and their Direct 2 Drive area is already beginning to show promise. Recent partnerships with Starz, Lionsgate, Manga, Central Park Media and 20th Century Fox (NewsCorp) hint at a large future.
The site doesn’t promote just any show for download to WMV-capable devices. Men-focused shows only need apply.
– Movies run $7.99-19.99 while TV shows are the ubiquitous $1.99 a pop with season prices varying. TV offerings are limited for now to a grab bag of Fox series including 24, Prison Break, Bones.
Variety (which had …read more

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RiversRunRed is a very successful business in Second Life. Here’s the interview with Justin Bovington of RiversRunRed. It’s a great podcast, and any of you interested in how the business developed within Second Life needs to hear this podcast.
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Robyn is Robyn Fritch in Second Life. She loves to receive gifts in Linden cash ::hint hint::

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This past week has seen two video game companies get VC funding. One has already generated millions of dollars of revenue with an ARG, another is as much social as it is ‘gaming’.
1. Bunchball – A social gaming site, Bunchball is viral gaming. As you can embed a YouTube video or a Slideshare slideshow, Bunchball is a way to embed any number of flash games on your own site. This round, their first after a small angel round, amounted to $2M. Bunchball plans to allow for future advertising before and after the games, and is …read more

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