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Eidos 'life president' Ian Livingstone to be named 'development legend'
Can you imagine? Your name is attached to legendary franchises like Tomb Raider and Hitman; the people sing your praises in the streets. Every day, a small peasant child brings a jug of fresh goat's milk to your door. You're Ian Livingstone, Eidos "life president." And now you're getting an official accolade from the 2011 Develop Industry Excellence Awards: the Development Legend Award. The award "acknowledges a raft of work done to support games developers and the video games industry across a career lasting over 35 years so far." The Develop Industry Excellence Awards take place on July 20 at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Brighton, UK.
Hitman: Absolution trailer, screenshots require no forgiveness
All we can say is that whoever is playing as Agent 47 in the trailer is definitely not getting the "Silent Assassin" award at the end of the level. %Gallery-125879%
Hitman: Absolution screens sneak out of Russia
We've spotted Agent 47, and he's over at the Eidos forums, officially outed in Hitman: Absolution by one Eidos moderator known as "Acid Burn," a la Hackers. There are only two shots, unfortunately, but we've dropped them into a gallery below for your perusal.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution E3 trailer is very snappy
It's not like you really need a reason to watch a new Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer. That said, if you want one, we've got you covered. At around 1:20, hero Adam Jensen snaps an enemy's neck, and by "snap," we mean ... well, let's not completely spoil it.
New voice for Harley Quinn in Batman: Arkham City
Arleen Sorkin pretty much owns the role of Harley Quinn -- well, she did. Sorkin, who helped create the character in the early 90s on Batman: The Animated Series, won't be voicing Harley in this fall's Batman: Arkham City (despite carrying on the role in the first game). Instead, veteran voice actor Tara Strong will take her first stab at Harley. Strong has been doing cartoon and video game voice overs since the late 80s. Some of her roles include X-23 in Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Rikku in Kingdom Hearts 2 and Sheegor in Psychonauts. She also voiced The Huntress in the Batman: The Brave and the Bold animated series. A brief Q&A with Strong has been posted on the official Arkham City site, in which she says she wants to "honor" Harley's established voice -- but until we actually hear her rendition, we can't help but morn the loss of Sorkin.
Eidos and Deus Ex websites hacked, resumes and site registration emails obtained [update]
This past Wednesday, hackers reportedly broke into the Eidos and Deus Ex: Human Revolution websites, erecting an "Owned by Chippy1337" banner and signing some names and aliases below (a possible red herring). In IRC chat logs, obtained by former Washington Post reporter Brian Krebs, the hackers also claim to have stolen the personal data of "at least" 80,000 users. So, first things first: If you've registered on an Eidos site or with the Deus Ex site, now's the time to change your password (we should all be used to this by now). Eurogamer has spoken with "Venuism," one of the hackers implicated in the theft, who clarified that the "src" (source code) the hackers allegedly obtained pertains to the Deus Ex website and not the actual game. As of this writing, the Deus Ex website still isn't back to normal, while Eidos.com, which was also apparently compromised, appears fine now. (Venuism maintains that he and the others listed below the banner have been set up by a rival group.) Most troubling, Venuism suggested that the stolen user data -- the extent of which is unclear -- had already been leaked. We've contacted Eidos parent company Square Enix for an official comment on the situation. Update: Square Enix has confirmed that Eidosmontreal.com and two of its product sites were compromised. The company states that 350 job applicant resumes "may have been accessed" and those individuals are being contacted. Furthermore, 25,000 email addresses, which were "not linked to any additional personal information" were obtained. Read the full Square Enix statement after the break.
Hitman: Absolution revealed in teaser trailer, next stop: E3
It wasn't much of a puzzle but we think we've finally got it all put together. Remember that Hitman ARG that culminated in the above screen? It's a grab from the game's teaser trailer, which developer IO Interactive just shared with the universe. And the game's official title? Yup, it's Hitman: Absolution, just like that trademark application hinted it would be. Lastly, if you're wondering when you're going to learn more about Agent 47's latest, we're going to guess that the highlighted "110706" in the bar code at the end of the teaser strongly suggests a June 7 reveal at this year's E3. Watch out! Update: Square Enix just shared the press release, which has a couple more details. Hitman: Absolution is being built "from the ground up" on IO's new (and proprietary!) "Glacier 2" tech. That tech is going to power "much-loved classic gameplay with completely new features never seen before in the Hitman franchise." To learn exactly what those new features will be, you'll have to wait until E3 where Square Enix says Absolution will be showcased "by invitation only." How exclusive!
Deus Ex: Human Revolution preview: Patient assault
Adam Jensen is a man with vengeance on his mind. The last time I met him in Deus Ex: Human Revolution, I witnessed his transformation: a change fueled by violence and subsequently bestowing him with a wide range of augmentations and new, metallic body parts. And probably a pretty hefty medical bill. But he's finally found them; he's found the group responsible for doing this to him. The complex they're meeting in is an unassuming building on the outskirts of Detroit, easily mistaken for one of the other derelict warehouses in the area that vagrants like to squat in -- if they're not discovered by the numerous armed patrolling guards, of course. Being outnumbered, it's apparent that a stealthy approach is required for Jensen to succeed, and he's got some neat augmentations to help him during this particular gameplay segment (about 10 hours into the game). The cloak I so heavily relied on in the past is available, as well as sound-dampening tech for Jensen's footsteps, but there's also a pretty interesting skill I hadn't seen before. It allows Jensen to safely and silently float down from higher vantage points, preventing damage. The animation looks like it was ripped from the book How to Look Like Magneto. %Gallery-122472%
Deus Ex: Human Revolution gets 'very special edition' in select territories
Do you live in Europe, Australia, or New Zealand and long for a super fancy, ultra limited edition of Deus Ex: Human Revolution? Square Enix has announced plans for a "very limited Collector's Edition" to launch alongside the regular, old, boring and utterly normal edition when it arrives this summer. The "very limited" iteration of Deus Ex comes packed with a "highly collectable" figure of protagonist Adam Jensen, the "Explosive Mission Pack" (which is also part of GameStop's pre-order incentive), a smattering of in-game weapons, 10,000 extra in-game credits, a "making of" DVD and soundtrack, and a 40-page art book. How much will all that "very limited" stuff cost you? Square's not saying just yet, though pricing and specifics on availability will be made clear "closer to launch."
Eidos taps Nixxes once again for PC port of Deus Ex: Human Revolution
In a recent interview with Shacknews, Deus Ex: Human Revolution director Jean-François Dugas explained that the PC port of the game was being developed in a "partnership" with Netherlands-based developer Nixxes Software BV. Dugas explained that the partnership was born out of a lack of manpower, adding, "It was more of a logistic problem more than anything else and having enough people to make sure it's all on the same level, all the time." The studio is familiar with helping Eidos achieve its multiplatform goals, having developed ports for Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Tomb Raider Underworld, and Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days. Of course, the team also brought Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver to the Dreamcast, making our faith in its cross-platform development abilities absolutely iron-clad.
Potential Hitman ARG suggests new announcement is coming in time for E3
Some subtle marketing suggests we'll be hearing about a new Hitman game soon. Well, okay, we have been hearing about it -- Hitman 5 isn't exactly a secret at this point, having been mentioned on IO Interactive resumes and namedropped by a voice actor. But things are heating up yet again, indicating a full-on reveal isn't far off. Some potential subtle marketing is the source of this latest uptick in attention, starting with an ad from Faircount Media Group in a catalog at the Sundance Film Festival depicting a box of Hitman Series brand doughnuts with a bardcode ending in "47." When a Hitman Forum user tracked down the agency responsible for the ad and emailed them, he received a response from an account saying "you are on the right track," along with a new image showing a pair of black gloves, what appears to be a game script, and another barcode ending in "47." Forum users claim some of the random numbers, when deciphered, point to E3. Add in the vague responses from an actual IO Interactive employee on the Hitman Forum boards (Nick@IO is his user name) and it would appear we've got the makings of an ARG -- that is, unless it's all just one big, very mean conspiracy.
OnLive adding Deus Ex, other Square Enix titles to flat-rate service
Holding to its vow of regularly arriving content, OnLive has announced that several Square Enix titles are being added to its flate-rate PlayPack plan. The cloud gaming service says that games in the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, Hitman, Thief and Mini Ninja franchises will launch "in the next few weeks." The PlayPack lineup already features a handful of Square Enix titles, including Tomb Raider: Underworld, while the main pay-per-game service has the likes of Kane & Lynch 2, Just Cause 2 and Batman: Arkham Asylum. Deus Ex: Human Revolution is slated to hit OnLive once it arrives in stores later this year.
'The Tomb Raider Trilogy' hits PS3 in March
Eidos has opened its vault of classic Tomb Raider games for a new PS3 collection -- it has raided the tomb, if you prefer. The "Tomb Raider Trilogy" seen on retail websites last month has been described on the PlayStation Blog as a PS3-exclusive compilation of Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider games. It's due on March 22 at the seemingly standard PS3 trilogy collection price of $39.99. According to the announcement, Tomb Raider Legend and Tomb Raider Anniversary are presented in "remastered HD versions" -- odd, considering they already supported HD for Xbox 360 and PC. Tomb Raider Underworld was already a PS3 game, so it's just along for the ride. In addition to these three games, the Trilogy includes the slightest dusting of bonus content, in the form of an exclusive static theme, two PlayStation Home avatar outfits, and some behind-the-scenes videos.
Tomb Raider dev seeking multiplayer developers
Among listings for a technical producer and a senior level designer at Crystal Dynamics on the forthcoming Tomb Raider reboot, two positions popped up that we didn't expect to see: "multiplayer producer" and "senior multiplayer game designer." Though no multiplayer of any kind has been announced for the upcoming TR game, the listings go a long way in confirming it -- the job descriptions explicitly say "Come and work on the new Tomb Raider," for instance. It wouldn't be the first time a game starring Ms. Croft contained multiplayer functionality, as this year's Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light featured co-op play. Crystal Dynamics is hoping to fill the multiplayer producer position with an individual who has "demonstrable project management experience," and can "take on a major production role in the multi-player part of an upcoming action adventure title." The senior multiplayer game designer position listing notes some potential info about what the game's multiplayer might have, cursorily detailing it as both co-op and "player vs. player." The latter position will also be "responsible for the overall multiplayer design vision for the game," so, uh, good luck with that, potential employees! A Crystal Dynamics representative gave us an official "No comment," but wouldn't say anything else regarding the listings. [Original image: GameInformer.com]
Tomb Raider Trilogy combines HD Legend, Anniversary and Underworld on PS3, retail listing says
The PS3 may be home to yet another HD collection. Amazon.de has a listing for Tomb Raider Trilogy. According to the listing, the Blu-ray will include Tomb Raider Legend, Tomb Raider Anniversary and Tomb Raider Underworld. The first two games will get an HD makeover (and will likely look similar to the Xbox 360 versions), and all three games will offer PlayStation Network trophies. In addition, the collection will unlock special male and female avatars for use in PlayStation Home. While Square Enix has yet to officially announce the collection, we find it a rather likely prospect. It would be a fitting way to close the book on Lara's previous adventures before the upcoming reboot. Oh, and everyone else is doing it too. [Thanks, Jose M.!]
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light exploring iDevices tomorrow
New Zealand's iTunes App Store revealed Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad well before the game's official announcement in North America -- a tweet from Crystal Dynamic's global brand director Karl Stewart soon after confirmed its veracity. The game will arrive tomorrow for $6.99 (iPhone) and $9.99 (iPad), and its content is said to be unchanged from the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network game released to critical fanfare earlier this year. Two-player co-op is included, and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options will be at your disposal. As far as the recently released DLC for the game is concerned, however, it's not clear whether or not it'll end up on the App Store version -- we've asked Crystal Dynamics to clarify [see below]. Lara and Totec's now mobile adventure will be available to North Americans starting tomorrow morning at 12:01AM EST. Update: A Crystal Dynamics representative confirmed that the DLC from Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network iterations of the game is not included with the iOS version.%Gallery-111443%
Square Enix confirms cancellation of Highlander game we forgot existed
It's usually bad news bears for the fate of a particular game when we go nearly three years without hearing so much as a peep about it from its creators -- hence our general lack of surprise at Square Enix's recent revelation that Highlander: The Game's development has been halted. The project was nearly as old as Mr. MacLeod himself, having been in development since 2005 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC under the wing of publisher Eidos and French developer WideScreen Games. Though Square confirmed the canning to IGN, it would not share details as to exactly why the project went south. We heard that it was due to the development team's proclivity for decapitating one another with giant broadswords, citing "research," but keep in mind that we just totally made that up.
Deus Ex: Game of the Year just 99 cents today on Games For Windows
It seems the Games for Windows Marketplace is trying its darndest to establish itself as the premiere source of awesome games that cost less than a 20 oz. bottle of soda. For example, today, you can pick up Warren Spector's epic FPSRPG Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition for just 99 American cents.
Kane & Lynch and Kain & Raziel buddy up in Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light DLC
Ever wondered what playing through Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light would be like if Lara was Adam 'Kane' Marcus and Totec was James Seth Lynch, eponymous characters of the Kane & Lynch series? According to a hack of the PC version that popped up on YouTube – along with a helpful confirmation straight from developer Crystal Dynamics' Twitter account – soon enough you'll be able to experience such bizarreness firsthand as both characters will be available for download at some point in the future (remember: before the end of 2010). Also revealed was that other Kane from CrystalD's past: Kain and Raziel (of Legacy of Kain series fame) will be the second character pack. Names are also put to the second and third content expansions: "Things That Go Boom" (number two) and "Hazardous Reunion" (number three). PS3 owners can actually buy the second pack right now, as of last week's update. The YouTube clip after the break shows a bit of our old friends Kain and Raziel in action ... for the first time in seven years. Quick, someone explain YouTube to them! [Note: Crystal Dynamics is asking fans to tweet their choice for which character pack should come first. Instead, we're going to ask you to decide in our totally scientific poll, just below.]%Poll-56348%
Lara Croft co-op patch arrives for PC
PC players of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light despairing about the lack of online play can now see a bit of sunshine coming in through a crack in a cave wall. Just one day after the release of the co-op-enabling patch for the PSN version, developer Crystal Dynamics tweeted that it's now available through Steam as well. Since PC gamers have been waiting the longest (by an admittedly slim margin), your PC pals should be the happiest about the arrival of online play. You should notice an extra spring in their steps leaps across chasms and an unmistakable joie de vivre in the way they clamber up walls using your ad-hoc spear handholds.
