LeipzigGamesConvention
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Sony intros wireless keypad attachment for the PS3
The news is flying fast and furious out of the Leipzig Games Convention today (we actually just got hit in the eye with a flying piece of news). Apparently Sony is launching a wireless keypad attachment that snaps onto the top of a SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK3 controller into the mini-USB port. The pad features a "touchpad mode" for mouse input, and can be paired with phones and other gadgets via Bluetooth. No word on pricing, but the pad launches in November, and the add-on will come in eight different languages, which should really help us with our multi-lingual training.
Leipzig expects 200k people at Games Convention
The Leipzig Games Convention is expected to have over 200,000 attendees this year. Just to give a little perspective, the madness of E3 2006 in Los Angeles only came in around 60,000 people. The convention takes place at the 115,000 sq. meter Leipzig Exhibition Centre and may be its last time there; given the convention's 40% growth this year, organizers are allegedly looking for a larger location. Leipzig and the Tokyo Games Show both have higher attendance than E3 because they're open to the public.Leipzig will have 410 exhibitors this year from 26 countries. The sprawling complex will apparently be completely packed with exhibitors, there will even be a "family entertainment area" for parents and children to test educational software. The Games Convention is not the only thing going on at the time, there will also be the Games Convention open-air summer festival, which will have "live concerts, a range of sports, an outdoor pool and camping facilities." Wow, there's going to be a lot of people there. With an expanded crowd, they better not be charging €15 for a bratwurst or we fear it will devolve into the Leipzig's equivalent of Woodstock '99. Actually, with gamers at the helm ... that might actually be worth making popcorn for.
Rumor: Leipzig Games Convention may move in 2008
The German Games Convention, which is typically just referred to as "Leipzig," may need a different name. The event being held August 23 - 26, which grew 40% this year following the death of E3, is getting a little big for its east German britches and may go west. Wii Definitive Spec, run by a German journalist, says "several industry insiders" have said that the show may move in 2008.Leipzig is apparently too small for some large exhibitors (due to the airport and location) and they are looking for the show to move to someplace a little bit more accommodating. The two cities likely to inherit the event would be Frankfurt and Cologne -- two larger cities that are easily accessible and already host large events. Speaking of large events, we'd prefer to see Munich in the running, and ask the event be moved from August to late September or early October. Oktoberfest and a gaming convention ... it would be fantastic.
European PS3 slogan: "This is Living"
Unveiled at the Leipzig Games Convention and seemingly ignored by most, the official PS3 slogan for Europe has Sony proudly declaring, "This is living." Reeking of hyperbole and only tenuously linked to gaming, it's the sort of marketing that fits in quite snugly with an industry asking us to "jump in" (with your credit card details) and assuring us that playing is the equivalent of believing (the praise or the criticism?). Of course, as with the other snappy lines, it's only a matter of time before witty internet personalities pervert Sony's message into something scathing and occasionally amusing. "This is living. So, it's true. The cost of living really has gone up." "This is living ... in abject poverty!" "This is living -- it really does have four dimensions!" "The PS3 is living? Well, at least that's a few steps up from the thinking Dreamcast." "This is living (now attack its weakpoint for massive damage)." Nyuk nyuk. Be sure to make your own as you watch Kikizo's embedded video, marveling at consoles floating in a void and imagining how much more effective "You need this to play Metal Gear Solid 4" would have been.[Thanks Neil!]
Pro Evo Soccer exclusivity proves enigmatic
Furious footie fans were quick to cry foul when Microsoft announced at the Leipzig Games Convention that Pro Evolution Soccer 6 was to be a 12-month, next-gen exclusive for the Xbox 360. The initial wave of anger has since been replaced with confusion, as several remarks from Konami seem to indicate that Microsoft was already celebrating a goal which they hadn't quite scored yet. Has Microsoft been caught in a lie or is this merely a case of misinterpretation and marketing hyperbole? The story thus far: After the initial announcement, Konami shoots down claims that Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is exclusive to the Xbox 360, pointing out that the game is a planned "multi-platform release" in order to satisfy "as many people as possible." Konami was right to take issue, as Microsoft never claimed to have total exclusivity. The deal only encompasses next-generation platforms. That means the PS2 version, sure to be the most widely played one, remains unaffected. Next, 1UP has a chat with series producer Shingo Takatsuka and triumphantly reveals that "Winning Eleven is not exclusive to Xbox 360." Well done, especially considering that Microsoft was speaking about Pro Evolution Soccer and not Winning Eleven. Same game, different regions. Microsoft is certainly to blame for not clarifying further, but nabbing Pro Evolution Soccer affects European territories, the only place where the series goes by that name. Takatsuka goes on to say that Konami "never said exclusive for one year on the next-gen platforms. We said this year. We were agreed that it was this year." The agreement largely occurs by default, as the man admits that the PS3 entry in the series has no chance of being completed before 2007. Next Spring is the earliest date it could see release and even then, it would be the Japanese Winning Eleven first, followed by the European edition. Can Konami put together the European release before 12 months have elapsed? Absolutely, especially if they want to prove Microsoft wrong. It would seem that Microsoft could be accused of being overly vague but not of being untruthful. Both Microsoft and Konami are correct and the confusion thus far is only due to different naming conventions and choice marketing words. Still, it'll be interesting to see which really lasts the longest -- Microsoft's 12 months or Konami's development time on a PS3 Pro Evolution Soccer 6. The race is on. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in.] Read -- Microsoft's original announcement. Read -- Konami denies 360 exclusivity. Read -- Series producer chimes in on the situation.
One more secret for the PS3, infinite sighs
From a rather shoddy article posted at the Inquirer, there is still a bit of rumor to circulate and get slightly pumped about. Even though Sony had stated for a long while that the PS3 would not be playable at the Leipzig Games Convention, those at the show still got to have a close-up inspection of the final prototype of the hardware. From the few pictures posted, the thing is pretty. Shiny, sleek, mammoth, ginormous... it's very attractive (for a machine). But nope, it wasn't even plugged in. There was no chance to hear it in action or see the little lights flash on. No biggie.The man standing by the PS3 (some sort of Sony marketing guy) claimed they were keeping the console unplugged until the Tokyo Game Show. Why? Sony still has one secret up their sleeve. Of? A secret feature! What could it be? An espresso machine? Built in vaccinations? There isn't much left for the system to do, really, so what could they possibly have that they've yet to disclose? Your guesses are most certainly welcome, along with your craziest ideas.
TF2 shows its class(es)
We rounded up some GC coverage for you just yesterday, but this Team Fortress 2 video deserves a spot right here on the front page. We know how you hate having to add a whole step to the process by clicking on external links. You demand simplicity, and rightfully so. Thus, here's the video for your viewing pleasure, right on the main page. The game has a really great cartoony quality, reminding us all that not every next gen game has to be Crysis to look amazing. Honestly, we find ourselves at a loss to pin down our favorite class. The Demoman, with his twice exploding time bomb? The super speedy Scout? Then again, the Engineer's auto turret is pretty freaking sweet. How about you? What's your favorite?
Leipzig Games Convention roundup
In case you've missed it, or if your slavish devotion prevents you from checking other websites, below is a roundup of Microsoft related news from the Leipzig Games Convention. GC is a pretty big deal in Europe so, there's plenty of stuff to see. Microsoft unveils new peripherals, Vision Camera Settlers of Catan on Live Arcade? Wha? Long promised Lost Planet multiplayer vids Sweet videos of HL2, Team Fortress 2, and Portal. Microsoft nabs FIFA and Pro Evo 6 exclusivity A healthy selection indeed. May they help our American friends make it through a tedious workday, and our European friends settle in for the evening.[Via Joystiq]
Sony promises 27 playable PS3 titles at TGS, nil reported at Leipzig
According to PS3Land.com, Sony will let the curtain drop at Tokyo Game Show in September with plans to feature 27 playable PlayStation 3 titles and additional (non-playable) displays for at least 8 other titles. Currently, reports out of Leipzig confirm that Sony is not featuring playable PS3 games, or for that matter, a hardware display at GC 2006. A partial list of playable titles to be featured at TGS follows: Armored Core 4 Blade Storm: Hundred Years War Coded Arms: Assault Devil May Cry 4 Everybody's Golf 5 The Eye of Judgment Fatal Inertia Formula One World Championship Genji Gran Turismo Series Heavenly Sword LAIR Mahjong Taikai Mobile Suit Gundam MotorStorm Resistance: Fall of Man Ridge Racer 7 Warhawk
Nintendo unveils Mario Strikers and Battalion Wars sequels at Leipzig, little else [update 2]
And the first new game to be marched onto the stage at the Leipzig Games Convention is Mario Strikers Charged, a Wii sequel to Mario's Gamecube exercise in frantic ball kicking. Eurogamer reports that the game is visually similar to the previous entry, but that it now sports special moves for the Wiimote. You can seemingly hold the Wii controller up to block incoming shots with your hands, though more enterprising players will surely have a lot more fun (and awkward injuries) strapping the wiimote to a foot and going ballistic. Battalion Wars 2 -- as in BWii -- was also announced and is expected to be playable on the show floor. No new information on it yet, but rest assured that we'll keep you updated. That being the opposite of what Nintendo has done regarding Wii launch information, of course. Many expected their "Wii Prove Our Promise" keynote to toss a stick of dynamite into the Wii rumor mil and blow the constant launch date hearsay and price pontification to unrecognizable smithereens, but Nintendo has deemed it necessary to keep people in the dark for a little bit longer. We'll get you for this, Iwata.[Update: One other minor announcement -- Europe gets the gloriously pink DS Lite on October 27th.][Update: There's some video footage now up of the game. Check it out here and after the break.]
Nintendo denies Space World, speculates on Mario at launch
There is no Space World planned for 2006, according to Nintendo of America PR Manager Matt Atwood. The confirmation, told to Advanced Media Network, dispels some speculation as to when Nintendo would announce the Wii's launch details. As there is no Space World, and no one from Nintendo speaking at the Tokyo Games Show, the likely location for launch announcements will be at the Leipzig Games Convention during the August 23 "Wii Prove our Promise" presentation. As goes Nintendo's modus operandi, the secretive company cannot destroy a rumor without spawning a replacement. Atwood also told AMN that, since the official launch lineup has not been announced, Super Mario Galaxy might still make launch lineup. "Anything is possible," he said. That is not a confirmation by any stretch of the imagination, but just enough to tantalize the masses. O, Nintendo, why must you torment us so?[via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
