Author - Jerry Paxton

Looks like the good people at Eagle Dynamics and The Fighter Collection have opened up a framework product known as DCS: World to third party developers in order to create new modules for their popular simulation line. This first post is from David Brice of the IRIS Flight Simulation Software team, a company who is legendary for its Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons:

So where do I start?!?

About two weeks ago, I was approached by Matt Wagner, one of the producers over at The Fighter Collection about the development of DCS World, a modular based combat system for 3rd party add-on content. I had been a long time fan of the Eagle Dynamics crew from a few years ago, with LOMAC, DCS A-10C and other similar products.

After some long discussions with the producers and with the IRIS Team, we decided that it would be of great benefit to us to embrace this new platform with open arms. We knew from the get-go that this would be a massive investment in time and man hours, as we had to basically relearn everything we’d developed before.

For those of you who don’t know, we’ve been developing add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator for over a decade and we’ve worked with various industry professionals and air forces worldwide during that time. Whilst that knowledge has served us in good stead until know, we know that really, the only elements common to both DCS and MSFS was the 3D model and the artwork.

So we’re hard at work learning how DCS World works, how aircraft and mods fit into the grand scheme of things, and how to read russian.. The team is also working hard forging new friendships and working relationships with ED team members and forum members to best learn how things work.

At the moment then, it’s a LOT of groundwork laying the foundation from which to develop some fantastic military aircraft for the DCS world platform. We’re enthusiastic and positive within the team… Daily we go from giddy enthusiasm at the open doors ahead to outright dread at what the heck we’ve gotten ourselves into!

Still, we forge onwards. We hope that the community will provide us with feedback on what they’d like us to develop and how they think we’re progressing. It is a new path for us, and we realise that whilst we’re old hands at developing for MSFS, we know very little in the realm of DCS. We hope you will all join in on this new journey with us and enjoy some of the products we have planned.

Thanks guys.

David.

Star Wars 1313 Officially Announced

2012/05/31

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif – May 31, 2012 – LucasArts, a Lucasfilm Ltd. company, announced today a new internally developed videogame franchise, Star Wars 1313 ™. The game will make its formal debut at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles June 5-7. As players take control of a lethal bounty hunter in a never-before-seen dark and mature world, Star Wars 1313 introduces an integrated development approach by bringing together great artists across the Lucasfilm organization, including LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, Lucasfilm Animation Ltd. and Skywalker Sound. A third person cinematic action adventure game, Star Wars 1313 will bring to life the Coruscant underworld, the most dangerous place in the Star Wars™ galaxy.

Named for Level 1313, a ruthless criminal underground deep below the surface of the planet of Coruscant, the game puts players in control of a deadly bounty hunter as he uses an arsenal of exotic weaponry to hunt down his marks and uncover the truth surrounding a criminal conspiracy. Star Wars 1313 emphasizes epic set pieces and fast-paced combat with a hero who uses human skills and gadgets, rather than supernatural Force powers, to make his way through this dangerous world.

“We’re excited to share one of the projects LucasArts has been hard at work developing,” said Paul Meegan, President, LucasArts. “Star Wars 1313 dives into a part of the Star Wars mythos that we’ve always known existed, but never had a chance to visit. We are committed to bringing the best gameplay experience and visual fidelity to life and I truly believe the work we are showcasing at E3 will speak for itself.”

More details about Star Wars 1313 will surface in the coming months. Visit www.StarWars1313.com for the latest updates.

DCS: Combined Arms Announced with Screens and Trailer

2012/05/31

DUXFORD, UK, May 31st 2012 – The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics will offer DCS: Combined Arms as a digital download pre-purchase for $29.99 in June 2012. Pre-purchase also provides access to pre-release Beta versions of the title.

DCS: Combined Arms gives the user control of ground forces during the battle. Use the strategic map to move ground forces, set artillery fire missions, and control the ground battle. Assume the role of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and designate targets for close air support aircraft, or directly control an armor vehicles or air defense weapons and engage enemy forces.

Play DCS: Combined Arms as a real time strategy game, a first person armor warfare simulation, or direct the ground battle from the cockpit of a DCS aircraft like the A-10C Warthog, Ka-50 Black Shark, or P-51D Mustang.

DCS: Combined Arms supports both single player and multiplayer gameplay. When in multiplayer, different players can take on different roles such as artillery commanders, tank commanders, pilots, JTACS, etc. DCS: Combined Arms allows you full control of the battle. All roles can be changed dynamically during the battle.

Features of the DCS: Combined Arms:

Move ground forces and direct their fire during a missions.
Be the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and direct close air support.
Jump into the seat of many armor and air defense units to engage enemy air and ground forces.
Play in both single player and multiplayer games.
Both small and large scale battle missions included.
Part of DCS World

Trailer

Screenshots

Koch Media Partners with Rubicon Organization

2012/05/31

Los Angeles, CA – May 31, 2012 – Rubicon Organization (http://www.rubiconorganization.com/) announces its contractual partnership with Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products. This joint venture between Koch Media and Rubicon will co-finance, develop, distribute and market games globally, initially starting with up to five new titles. All games will be published under the Deep Silver label (http://www.deepsilver.com/) which has published video games since 2003, including the multi-million selling hit Dead Island.

The 50/50 joint venture with Koch Media provides global reach, particularly in Europe where Koch Media maintains operations in the top ten interactive markets and possesses publishing agreements or strategic alliances with several major video game publishers.

“Over the past 15 years, Koch Media has built up a very strong distribution network all over Europe, across different channels, and supported it by a proven competence in the marketing of games,” says Klemens Kundratitz, CEO of Koch Media. “We look forward to expanding our presence in the digital and mobile game market through this joint venture with Rubicon Organization.”

Join Rubicon in Concourse Hall Booth 8613 on June 5-7 at the Los Angeles Convention center for E3 (http://www.e3expo.com/), where the following games will be showcased

Miner Wars 2081

About: Explore the breadth of the solar system; drill your way through floating asteroids and find precious alien artifacts; fight your way through hordes of enemies—both human and alien; win the future for the last remnants of humanity.

Genre: Action/Simulation
Platform: Downloadable PC & Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android
Release Date: 2013

At E3: 20 minute PC demo available.

Narco Terror

About: Narco Terror is a wild, collateral‐justice twin‐stick shooter that combines the magnetism and atmosphere of 80’s movies and games, with high‐def visuals and overwhelming, destructive chaos. The campaign supports co‐op play with up to two players on a single machine, or online co‐op with players able to drop in or drop out at any point.

Genre: Action/Arcade
Platform: Downloadable Consoles & PC
Release Date: 2013

At E3: 20 minute console demo available.

Booth tours and gameplay demos are available to interested parties.

Valve Confirms DOTA 2 is FtP

2012/05/31

May 31, 2012 – Valve, creators of best-selling game franchises (such as Counter-Strike, Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Portal, and Team Fortress) and leading technologies (such as Steam and Source), today confirmed that Dota 2 will be free to play and announced the Dota Store in preparation for the game’s release.

Upon its opening, the Dota Store will offer items created by Valve and members of the community that may be used immediately and carried over after the public launch of the game. Early Access to the game is not required to purchase items before launch. However, gamers may get into the game now by purchasing the Dota 2 Early Access Bundle of items.

“The opening of the Dota Store is a big part of our final push to launch,” said IceFrog, design lead on Dota 2. “With support for the Steam Workshop, the majority of the items made available on day one were created and being sold by members of the community. By making the game Free to Play, we hope to give gamers the ability to decide how – and how much – they want to invest in the game.”

Targeted for full release on the PC later this year, Dota 2 promises to take the unique blend of online RTS and RPG action that has made Dota popular with tens of millions of gamers around the world.

Later this summer Valve will host the International Dota 2 Championships 2012 in Seattle, WA.

For more information on Valve and its games, please visit www.dota2.com

THQ Hosting E3 2012 Investor Meeting

2012/05/31

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.– THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that THQ’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Farrell, President, Jason Rubin, and Senior Vice President, Marketing, Richard Williams, will make a presentation to the investment community in connection with the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo. The presentation is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday, June 5, 2012.

The presentation will be open to all interested investors through a live audio Web broadcast via the Internet on the Investor Relations Event Calendar page of THQ’s website located at http://investor.thq.com. An archived replay will also be available on the company’s website approximately 24 hours following the live broadcast.

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and its logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Turtle Beach and MLG Announce Partnership and E3 Presence

2012/05/31

VALHALLA, NY – May 31, 2012 – Turtle Beach, pioneers and market-leaders of the gaming headset category, and Major League Gaming (MLG), the world’s largest competitive video game league, today announce a multi-year product and marketing partnership under which Turtle Beach will develop the official headsets and audio equipment of Major League Gaming. The first official products offered under this partnership will be MLG versions of the all-new Ear Force XP7 and Z7 MLG Pro Circuit Programmable Surround Sound Headsets for console and PC play, along with the Ear Force TM1 Tournament Audio Mixer. Slated for release in Fall 2012, working prototypes of these exciting new game audio products and others from the Turtle Beach line will be available for preview in Turtle Beach’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) booth; Los Angeles Convention Center South Hall #2447, from June 5 – 7, 2012. MLG Pro Players will be on hand to help introduce the new products, with appearances in the Turtle Beach booth daily from 2-3 p.m. PT.

Developed specifically for console and PC tournament use, the XP7 and Z7 headsets significantly raise the bar for tournament and competitive online multi-player performance. The most technologically advanced headsets on the market; they are part of the new SEVEN Series line of high-performance gaming lifestyle audio products offered by Turtle Beach. Working in partnership with MLG, Turtle Beach plans to release final versions of the XP7 and Z7 headsets and TM1 audio mixer at MLG Pro Circuit competitions later this year. Complete details regarding Turtle Beach’s line of official MLG Pro Circuit Products will be issued in the coming months.

XP7 and Z7 headsets will feature Turtle Beach’s acclaimed Programmable DSP Technology for the ultimate in customized immersion and competitive advantage, making the XP7 and Z7 some of the most precise and powerful tournament headsets on the planet. Ongoing collaboration by Turtle Beach and MLG will deliver unique audio presets customized for specific tournament games, maps and levels that can be loaded onto the XP7 and Z7. These and many others will be available for download via Turtle Beach’s Preset Community Portal.

The SEVEN Series is the ultimate “Swiss Army knife” of headsets for passionate gamers on the move. Using a variety of unique cables and connectors, the SEVEN allows gamers to effortlessly move from console or PC to smartphones, tablets or portable gaming devices. A removable boom microphone, optional in-line mic with multi-function controls, lay-flat ear cups and much more, combine with a dramatic new design and stellar audio performance to offer the features that avid gamers demand.

Turtle Beach will also preview working prototypes of its new TM1 Tournament Mixer. Developed as the ultimate audio mixer for console and PC LAN tournaments, game centers or home use, the TM1 enables crystal clear communication for up to six individual players. Additional options allow a single unit to deliver three versus three team play, the chaining of units for up to 12 audio channels, a broadcast feed and numerous other competition features. Combined with the XP7 and Controller, the TM1 represents the single most powerful revolution in game tournament audio.

“At Major League Gaming, our mission is to create the most competitive environment in e-Sports,” said Sundance DiGiovanni, CEO of MLG. “We look forward to working with Turtle Beach and to utilizing the XP7 and Z7 headsets and TM1 mixer at our Pro Circuit events and offering exciting new audio products to our fans.”

“Quality audio is a competitive advantage whether you play at home or in a tournament,” said Bob Picunko, Turtle Beach’s Chief Marketing Officer. “This partnership allows our audio engineers and MLG’s tournament experts to work closely to deliver the best possible, high performance tournament equipment for professional competitors and gamers at all levels.”

The marketing and product partnership between Turtle Beach and MLG intends to deliver more unique and exciting game audio products, new technologies and lifestyle excitement in the coming years.

Natsume Unveils Details of ‘Project Happiness’

2012/05/31

Burlingame, CA. – May 31, 2012 – Natsume Inc., a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, announced today a partnership between Natsume, TOYBOX, and Rising Star Games to bring a new type of game to a global audience: Project Happiness (Working title; the final name of the title will be revealed at a later date). Natsume will be bringing this novel title to audiences in the Americas, with Rising Star Games publishing the title in Europe. The title is being developed by Yasuhiro Wada, the “Father of Harvest Moon,” and his studio, TOYBOX in Tokyo, Japan. More information about the exciting new IP from Yasuhiro Wada will be revealed during E3 2012, taking place June 5^th – 7^th in Los Angeles.

“Project Happiness is the culmination of Wada-san’s many years of creating fun and wholesome gaming entertainment, and we’re incredibly excited to be working alongside TOYBOX and Rising Star Games throughout this project,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. “As more details are revealed throughout the year, players will begin to understand why we think Project Happiness will be the next major IP and fan favorite for Natsume.”

Filled with adventure, discovery, and wonder, Project Happiness will warm the hearts of gamers both young and old! It’s an experience that will fill you with motivation and magical memories!

“Project Happiness is an IP that is very close to my heart, and stems from years of working on other great titles like the Harvest Moon series,” said Yasuhiro Wada, CEO of TOYBOX. “Project Happiness is not only meant to be a fun game experience, but I also want it to help expand the player’s view of the world, and make them ponder what their life means to them. From the very beginning of the idea of this product, we knew that to help bring its true vision to light, we wanted to partner with quality publishers who share our values like Natsume and Rising Star Games.”

“Rising Star Games considers itself privileged to work together on the wonderful new IP Project Happiness with our friends at TOYBOX and Natsume,” said Martin Defries, Managing Director & COO of Rising Star Games. “Our previous collaborations to bring great games to Rising Star Games European audience has been a highlight of our game release history. The shared goal of all of us is to bring compelling entertainment to gamers, Wada-san and TOYBOX have an unquestioned skill in doing that.”

Yasuhiro Wada and Natsume will host behind-closed doors meetings to reveal the first details of Project Happiness at E3 where Natsume will host a booth in the South Hall, booth 515. As the Project peels back its secretive curtains, players can find all the latest information via Natsume at www.natsume.com/facebook and www.twitter.com/natsume_inc.

Heroes in the Sky Announces Worldwide Occupational War

2012/05/31