beowulf
Latest
WoW Moviewatch: BeoCraft Comparison
Last October, Machinima.com announced a Beowulf machinima contest where contestants could win free WoW for a year! InsomniAddict Productions came in second place, and did a pretty good job of recreating the official trailer for the movie. He recently released a comparison of the two next to each other and they are strikingly similar.We're not quite sure how Halowulf won, as it barely resembles the trailer. There also appears to be interlacing on the screen! Either way, second place for a first effort isn't a bad way to start![Via Warcraftmovies.com]If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
Paramount and Habbo BFF
In-game advertising is something we've heard a lot about over the last couple of years. Game publishers and advertising companies have fostered close relationships based on the demographics they covet. Though some self-deluded "experts" on the topic like to argue that ads in games actually improve the gameplay experience, it's an extremely precarious rope to walk. The very second the advertising steps over invisible line of bad taste, the player base is liable to rebel. It's difficult then to tell what to make of this new partnership between Paramount and Habbo, where Habbo players will be able to purchase in-game merchandise branded with new Paramount properties like The Spiderwick Chronicles, Beowulf, and Mean Girls. Now, obviously, the fact that Habbo is more of a social networking game aimed at teens changes the equation a little bit, but people have to actually pay for the privilege of shlocking their in-game advertisements around? I want to say it will never work, but young people always manage to surprise me, so I wouldn't put money on it.[Via Tech Crunch]
Sci-fi MMO, you're my only hope...
The Ancient Gaming Noob wrote a fascinating article about why sci-fi MMOs haven't flourished. It's certainly not a new topic, but the Noob backs his argument up with credible facts and a strict analytical comparison (as opposed to the boisterous blatherings of the typical forum troll) that prove his point.In Is there hope for a science fiction MMORGP?, the Noob posits that fantasy MMORPGs came about (and became more popular) due to a series of environmental factors that were present for the fantasy genre, but not for sci-fi. He compares four major factors: literature, table top RPGs, computer RPGs, and MUDs (aka Multi-User Dungeons). The body of historical fantasy literature provides the major ground work for the other three categories. While "The Lord of the Rings" might pop into your head first, Tolkien's great novels were not the beginning of the fantasy genre. As illustrated by the Noob, much older works such as Sir Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe," and Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur" existed. But the trump card? The 11th century Beowulf is the oldest surviving epic poem written in the English language. It's a fantasy story. The entire fantasy genre has been ingrained into our collective human psyche for centuries.And what does science fiction have? Uh, not much. At least not compared to those legendary scripts. Granted there are some "old" science fiction tales, but the genre as we know it today didn't exist until the early part of the 20th century. I don't mean to knock the likes of Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, or Kevin J. Anderson, but in a historical context the space traveling genre is the new kid on the block. And as the Noob so eloquently points out, some of Asimov's own underlying scientific theories haven't held up so well over the years.Take a gander at Noob's article then come back here and let us know what you think. Are you a fantasy fanatic? Or do you yearn for a great sci-fi game that will even the decidedly lopsided MMO table back in the favor of ray guns and aliens?
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 42
See how to use the PlayStation Store (15.2MB) Also featured: Beowulf, Haze, Assassin's Creed, Boulder Dash, Mocap
The Soloist: Why I do it
After this post, I had it in mind to think through why I prefer to solo, and whether the reasons why are valid ones, given that I'm playing in a genre meant to provide a social experience. I'm going to try to list as many reasons as I can think of in favor of grouping and playing with buddies, and provide a counter-argument if I can. Bear in mind, this is not me telling you that you should go solo; this is just me trying to 1) explain why I do it, and 2) understand for myself whether my reasons hold water.Enough said; excelsior!
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 41
PSP Features (28.4MB) Also featured: Assassin's Creed, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops +, Uncharted, Beowulf
Beowulf novelisation author interviewed via Second Life
Caitlin Kiernan, who wrote the novel to go with the movie Beowulf, is following in Neil Gaiman's and Roger Avary' s footsteps by being interviewed in Second Life. However the interview with Kiernan will be broadcast on BBC2's 'The Culture Show' at 7pm GMT (11am SL Time) tomorrow.Caitlin Kiernan already has a Second Life presence, and lives in New Babbage. She found the interview process, something she normally detests, to be interesting and a strong parallel to the storytelling process. In fact she said "for the first time ever I think I was disappointed the interview was over." Although a different take on why Second Life meetings can work so well, an interesting one.[VIa Art's Place]
Reminder: Beowulf giveaway
There's only one day left to enter our Beowulf giveaway! Head over to the original post and leave a comment for entry. At stake: (3) Beowulf Xbox 360 games, (3) Beowulf books, (3) Beowulf soundtracks, (1) Beowulf toy, (1) Beowulf comic book, (1) The Art of Beowulf, and (1) Momma Grendel blow up doll (scratch that, we've just been informed the Jolie doll has gone missing ... anyone seen Kietzmann?)
Joyswag: Beowulf game & Old English poem
Update: This contest has ended.Robert Zemeckis's new flick Beowulf opens nationwide tomorrow. It's a hero tale that re-imagines the PG-13 rating with big doses of foul language, gruesome violence and virtual nudity -- we hear Jolie really pops in Imax 3D and Digital 3D. Unfortunately, the kiddies won't be able to prance into their local law-abiding retailers and purchase the companion game since it's been slapped with an M-rating. But for those adults out there jonesing to slay more dragons or test the limits of their sexual will power (yep, it's a featured minigame) we've got three copies of Beowulf (Xbox 360) to give away and ... a poem.Who knew? The Beowulf movie is actually inspired by a painfully long poem written in "Old English" -- and here we thought O.E. was a filthy tasting beverage sought by underage teens at corner stores and pizza joints. Apparently, it's also an early form of our language that doesn't quite make sense. Anyway, we'll toss in the literature as well, just in case your 'Box is in the shop or something. And, since we know you're not gonna read the poem either way, we're adding the movie soundtrack to the giveaway too and, for one grand prize winner, a Beowulf toy, comic, and picture book (a bundle we like to call 'My First Grendel').To enter, post one comment between now and Saturday at 5pm ET telling us which version of Beowulf you will base your 50-page thesis on -- due Monday! (Note: multiple comments, if activated, will disqualify entrant; entrants must be 18 or older and US residents.) (Another note: there isn't actually a thesis due.) Three winners will be selected at random.Official rules await.
Shipping this week: leap of faith edition
The holiday onslaught continues this week with nine new games for the Xbox 360. Assassin's Creed is arguably the most anticipated of the bunch -- and it's likely many gamers will be buying a copy on faith alone -- but we're sure there are plenty of people out there interested in the likes of BlackSite, Kane & Lynch, and Need for Speed Pro Street. And there are five more games aside from those. What the hell is a frugal gamer to do? Just take a look at all these games. Assassin's Creed BlackSite: Area 51 Beowulf: The Game Kane & Lynch: Dead Men Need for Speed Pro Street Monster Jam Soldier of Fortune: Pay Back America's Army: True Soldiers WWE Smackdown Vs. RAW 2008 We hope you've paid the bills already.[Via Joystiq]
Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary interview in Second Life
To tie in with the launch of the film Beowulf, the writers Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary will be interviewed in Second Life on Saturday 10th November at 11am SL Time. Paramount ran a competition with 40 prizes of tickets to Beowulf Island, which seems to be closed now (sorry, I heard about this rather late), but you can see the interviews live at Eternal Flames Pier, Joysco Community Center, Hollywood Bowl, OnRez Event Center or The Shelter.Comic geeks everywhere will remember Neil Gaiman from Sandman, and he is now a rather well known fantasy author as well. He was the writer of the original Stardust for example. Roger Avary may be best known as an academy award winner for co-writing Pulp Fiction.[via Neil's Journal]
Most of Beowulf cast lends voice to game
The game adaptation of Beowulf will have a few things in its favor when it transitions from film to video game as several of the movie's stars have lent their voice talents and likenesses to Ubisoft. Although Anthony Hopkins, Rayn Winstone, Brendan Gleeson and Sebastien Roche all are on board, Beowulf actress and Tomb Raider star Angelina Jolie declined to participate. "I must say it was one of the hardest working days of my career," Winstone said of his days spent working with Ubisoft. "But it was vital to capturing the power of the film and translating that into a great gaming experience. Beowulf is a brutal character, a Dark Age-gangster with both hero and monster in him ... as a player, I can identify with the monster slayer."Not only will the game benefit from the movie actor's participation, Ubisoft is also adding in more than 30 years of story that didn't make the cut in the movie. It's about time this legendary story has been turned into a video game, but we just hope Ubisoft can capture director Robert Zemeckis' excellent vision. We'll see when the game releases Nov. 13.
Machinima.com Beowulf trailer and mash-up contests
Are you over the age of 18 and live in the United States or Canada? Do you love to make movies using your favorite games? Fascinated with 8th century Old English epic poetry? Then you're in luck. Robert Zemeckis has a new movie coming out -- you'll never guess the title -- and he wants you to create the trailer for it. The movie itself is coming out on November 16th, so you have between now and November 4th to create your movie and submit it for judging. What I like about this particular contest sponsored on Machinima.com is the fact that included in the suggested methods for producing the movie is the use of footage from Lair. Now, I am not sure if this is just a ploy to sell more copies of a failed game, but I do know it's a cool idea. Beowulf itself looks to be made up of some sweet animation, so perhaps the use of footage from Lair isn't so far off from the look of the film. To be technical, there are two contests running here, one for a trailer and one for a mash-up. First prize for the mash-up is a $500 Best Buy gift certificate, while winner of the trailer contest will receive a $1000 Best Buy gift certificate. Pretty nice rewards, I must say. I would enter, but, well, I only watch movies, I don't know the first thing about making them.I realize that this isn't MMO news per-se, but it is news about machinima makers, and many of those play MMOs and may very well use their MMOs in creation of their Beowulf trailer. If you enter the contest, be sure to let Massively know so we can highlight your work.
Beowulf movie contest: Win free WoW for a year!
The folks at Blizzard have teamed up with Robert Zemeckis and Paramount Pictures to provide you with the opportunity to win a free year World of Warcraft subscription by creatively arranging your screenshots (we know you have them) for their new World of Warcraft Legendary Tales Photo-Journalism Contest. I happen to think this is pretty awesome, if only because I try and take a lot of screenshots. Also, I happen to be looking forward to seeing what Ray Winstone does as Beowulf. Especially since he'll be a digitally animated version of himself. I'm starting to understand why the folks at Blizzard were a natural fit for this movie. (Note, I have no idea if it will be good or not, the last time I saw a Beowulf movie, Christopher Lambert was in it.)The contest rules, written in dreaded legalese, are here. If you're a resident of one of the 48 US States eligible for this contest (sorry, Florida and Rhode Island... if it makes you feel any better, I'm from Rhode Island so I cry alongside you) then you should get busy taking some screenshots and enter. I'm sure there's some monster or another you could be killing right now.
Beowulf gets mobile game from Gameloft
We've seen Beowulf and how it'll look on consoles, but we have no idea what to expect from the recently announced Beowulf mobile game. Gameloft, who has been having a very good year so far, will develop and publish the game for mobile phones, which is based on Robert Zemeckis' Beowulf film releasing Nov. 16.Considering we've seen God of War pull out a decent mobile game, who knows what we can get out of the epic poem with a 600K memory cap placed on it. The mobile game will release the same time as the console and handheld versions Nov. 16 to go along with the movie. Feel that marketing synergy at work.
Today's most poetic video: Beowulf
When push comes to shove on the floors of a comic book convention, nothing can defend your nerd pride like claiming favor to Beowulf. The mere mention of its name will send Doctor Who cosplayers running for cover behind the nearest collectable bust vendor. It's only fitting that both the film and game trailer debuted today at Comic-Con. Ubisoft has made quite a show out of the San Diego convention, revealing their nerd trifecta of Heroes, Lost and of course, Beowulf. While this first glimpse doesn't feel particularly inspiring, it's not nearly as tacky as the CG effects in the film itself.
Beowulf coming to PSP?
Ubisoft is developing a game based on the upcoming Robert Zemeckis film adaptation of Beowulf. Not much has been revealed about this Ubi title, but while browsing EB Games website, we noticed a listing for a PSP version of the game. The listing could just be a mistake on EB's part (they do have incorrect listings from time to time), but it's more likely a sign that the demon killer is hitting Sony's portable. For those that don't know the story of Beowulf, it involves a warrior slaying the mighty demon Grendel. After doing so though, he incurs the wrath of the Grendel's mother in a battle that will turn him into a legend. Demon slaying and games are old drinking buddies, so Beowulf may stand a chance of being a movie tie-in worth playing.
Ubisoft's Ghost Recon team developing Beowulf game
Let's face it, the only way an epic English poem is going to make the jump to video game form is if there's a movie adaptation in-between. Beowulf is quite the lucky (or unlucky, depending on your level of cynicism) piece of literature then, as Ubisoft has announced the development of a game based on the upcoming Robert Zemeckis film of the same name. MCV notes that the Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter team is behind the poetic adaptation of the poetic adaptation, with the voice talents of Beowulf stars Angelina Jolie and Anthony Hopkins expected to feature.Speaking at the ongoing Ubidays conference in Paris, Ubisoft Europe chief, Alain Tascan, promised that Beowulf would "reinvent the hack and slash genre." Perhaps the publisher plans switch things up, defy convention and craft a slash and then hack game instead? Let's aim for another King Kong and not another TMNT, shall we?
4HEAD teams with 3D-IO on epic Beowulf
Ancient mythology has always served as good source material for video games. God of War, King Arthur, Age of Mythology, and the forthcoming Titan Quest are some of the most recent examples of bankable primeval fantasy. No stranger to movies and comic books, it was only a matter of time until the classic Beowulf was given the full 3D hack and slash treatment. And if the story was good enough to inspire Tolkien, why not a video game? 4HEAD Studios and 3D-IO will be collaborating on an action-RPG title based on the thousand-year-old epic poem about the hero of a Germanic tribe and his Scandinavian adventures. All of the narrative elements are in place here for a storyline with three big bosses of increasing difficulty, and 4HEAD CEO Tobias Severin is promising to deliver an innovative fighting system. However, his team may have to exercise some creative liberties with the classic text to make that first battle with Grendel a little more interesting, lest this should turn into a wrestling title.Beowulf is in the early stages of development and is expected to be released on the PC and one or more next gen consoles.
