project-runway
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Atari fiscal Q3 results indicate revival for embattled publisher
Atari may not have published a ton of games in 2009, but that doesn't mean the company hasn't been picking up the bottom line. In a press release that reads like the exact opposite of those we saw from the company just a few years ago, CEO Jeff Lapin celebrates the €92.5 million ($126.25 million) in revenue earned in the nine months ending December 31, saying "the company has now strengthened its equity and is in a position to work on an expanded publishing plan." In so many words, Lapin's suggesting that Atari is financially bouncing back and maybe even gearing up to (dare we say it?) make more games. The company cites sales of Ghostbusters, Chronicles of Riddick, Backyard Football, and Champions Online for bolstering revenues in fiscal Q3 and looks forward to a better 2010. The recent release of Star Trek Online certainly doesn't seem to be hurting his confidence in that department. Lapin says that he's "very enthusiastic about the launch" of the "promising MMO game." But things aren't all gumdrops and money hats -- the Q3 revenues were still down by 1.9% year-over-year. We won't find out the full year's earnings until late May, but for now we'll comfort ourselves with the knowledge that the publisher's next title, Project Runway, is coming in a few short weeks. Finally! Source (PDF) - Atari announces 9-month revenues for FY 2009/2010; [via Big Download]
First footage of Project Runway game
This is Project Runway ... and it looks like a Sims expansion pack. Releasing on March 2, this initial footage of the cash-in doesn't appear to have anything that'll keep fans of the show on pins and needles. The trailer doesn't even include the virtual representations of show staples Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia or (top American fashion designer) Michael Kors; who are all apparently featured in the game. Not to mention, the way the model avatars strut makes us want to call Ms. J from America's Next Top Model to supply some walking lessons. Looks like the game could have used some guidance from Tim Gunn and encouragement to "make it work."
PTI, Around the Horn, Project Runway & Hallmark Channel all going HD in 2010
A combination of Pardon the Interruption, Around the Horn, Project Runway and the Hallmark Channel may seem unlikely, but the one tie binding all of these is their plans to switch to HDTV broadcasts in 2010. ESPN made a low key announcement that its two afternoon sports news discussions will be moving to the ABC News studios in D.C. next fall. Experiencing Tony and Michael's baldness in 720p should be nice, as well as a widescreen layout of the ATH panel, but clearly the biggest benefit should be the inclusion of high-definition highlight clips during the shows. Ditto for the models on Project Runway, while the Hallmark Channel is ready to broadcast its... unique wealth of TV movies in HD, finally joining its sister network Hallmark Movie Channel which made the jump back in 2008.
Project Runway sews up a March 2, 2010 release
Hello, designers. As you know in fashion, one day you're in, the next you're out. Tens of millions of Wii owners have the chance to try their skills at Project Runway (repeatedly) when the game sashays the catwalk of retail on March 2, 2010. The title includes major staples of the show's cast, including model Heidi Klum, mentor Tim Gunn, frosty Nina Garcia and "top American fashion designer" Michael Kors. The game sounds like the most warped version of the Cooking Mama gameplay template yet, as players will have access to an interactive garment studio, fashion career mode, hair and make-up studios, a fashion shoot feature and a Wii Balance Board-compatible catwalk game. Come to think of it, this game sounds an awful lot like a hybrid of Project Runway and America's Next Top Model. Seriously, how are we supposed to learn to walk properly on a Wii Balance Board without Ms. J telling us that we're plodding along like a drunken elephant or a tweaked out drag queen with a case of the twirls. Anyway, good luck, designers. Make it work!
Project Runway game announced
Variety has revealed that Atari plans to publish a game based on the Project Runway reality show. Set to debut in 2010, the game will feature host Heidi Klum and the ever prim and proper Tim Gunn, though the extent of their involvement is still under wraps. Here's hoping Gunn will lend his delightful vocal cadence to the project. The game has players taking a turn behind the virtual sewing machine, tasking them with designing fashions and properly outfitting models with hair and makeup. Once that's done, players sashay down the catwalk as the models themselves. The game will utilize the Balance Board, so there's a likely chance the previous sentence could be taken literally. [Via Kotaku]
Relive prom night with Gaia Online
The wily developers at Gaia Online have decided to heal the wounds of high school prom by holding one of their own. From May 16th to the 18th, players will have the opportunity to crash the prom and win a real-life outfit designed by Project Runway winner Christian Siriano. Christian has also designed outfits for your avatar, available in the Gaia Store.And if you like to dance -- and by 'dance', we mean 'dance in front of your webcam for the delight and derision of all' -- then submit your video to Gaia and you might be chosen for Internet fame! If you have lingering memories of your prom that keep you up at night, wash those horrors away with Gaia Online!
Fashionistas fawn over new screenshots
Considering the popularity of Project Runway -- and yes, we admit to being avid fans of the show and Tim Gunn's flair -- we're surprised that more games like Fashion Designer: Style Icon haven't been announced for the DS.Scheduled for release this November, the sim takes young designers through fashion school, offering opportunities for graduates to "start a workshop, accept private design contracts, supply small boutiques, and set up mail order companies." That's a lot more depth than we would've expected from a game with such a pink-and-purple-dominated palette!We doubt there'll be any online functionality, but developer Creative Patterns promises to include multiplayer "design-offs" where you can battle your friends on the catwalk. "Carry on" and "make it work" while you check the gallery for three new Fashion Designer: Style Icon screenshots.%Gallery-4243%
Inside the Actor's Studio in iTunes next week
In our post about Project Runway strutting into the iTunes Music Store (sorry, I couldn't resist), reader tivogirl let us know that she recently received a press release from Bravo stating that Inside the Actor's Studio would be added to Bravo's iTMS line up on February 28th. A quick search of Bravo's website revealed the aforementioned press release. Just imagine James Lipton's famous list of questions on your iPod. For some reason that makes me happy.Thanks for the great tip, tivogirl!
Project Runway in iTunes...sort of
We received a tip from Radical Bender at Tunevision that Bravo's Project Runway (season 2) had been spotted in iTunes, but with no available episodes listed. We checked, and sure enough (as of 2:30PM EST, at least) it's there [link], but with no episodes available for purchase. Perhaps work on the page is just wrapping up now, or maybe it was released prematurely? Either way, we'll keep you updated.Thanks, Tunevision! Update: Two episodes have been made availabe for download as of 4:00 PM EST - a 45 minute "reunion" episode and a free, 3 minute trailer.
