leipzig-games-convention
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WotLK cinematic rumored to debut at Leipzig's Games Convention
As reported by WoW Insider, the Wrath of the Lich King cinematic that was originally predicted for BlizzCon may surface during the Leipzig Games Convention instead. According to WI, multiple sources are reporting that this first look at the cinematic will be shown on August 21st at 1pm.If you're planning to attend, this is certainly an added bonus as one of the millions anticipating more on the World of Warcraft expansion. If you didn't already have tickets for the Games Convention though, this might be the motivation you've needed. Keep your eyes glued here and over at WoW Insider for more information on Leipzig as it develops. One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!
Quest for Games Convention: NCsoft EU's own video series
The Leipzig Games Convention is a major event for gamers, not only in Europe, but globally. It's often called one of the largest and most prestigious gaming conventions in the world. So it should be no surprise that the NCsoft Europe team is gearing up for this event in true NCsoft style. Their new mini "web-isode" video series entitled Quest for GC follows the NCsoft Europe staff as they prepare for this gigantic event. Each episode is highly entertaining and stars some of your favorites from the community team, such as Tia "Avatea" Paraurahi and Stephen "Rockjaw" Reid. Be sure to start from the beginning and watch all four current episodes, plus stay tuned to their iTunes RSS feed to catch upcoming videos.
David Reeves promises an announcement filled Leipzig
So let's be honest. Sony's E3 press conference, whilst exciting for PSP owners, was lacking anything particularly tasty for PS3 owners. Barring MAG, there wasn't anything there were weren't already expecting. Speaking to MCV, Sony Europe boss David Reeves has stated that this was a strategic decision. "We cannot tailor all our announcements to July," he says, adding that utilizing E3, the Leipzig Games Convention and the Tokyo Game Show allows them to spread their big announcements out, building hype as they go.With that said, Reeves promises that the Leipzig Games Convention next month will include some "blockbuster stuff." These announcements won't just be Euro-centric, but will also have a global impact. We already know that Heavy Rain is due to be shown off at the event, but the promise or more announcements has us intrigued. We look forward to finding out more next month.
NCsoft is throwing a free party in Leipzig, and you're invited!
At the Leipzig Games Convention this year, NCsoft plans on doing more than just showing up and being awesome. They have quite a party planned for any fans of their products, and the best part is it's all free! There will be music with your chance to be a DJ playing the tunes of your choice for 20 minutes, and there will also be karaoke at the first ever NCsoft Fansites Karaoke Battle.The party will be held at Leipzig's Nachtcafe on the 22nd of August at 22:00 local time. In order to get in free, you will need to bring along the party flyer, grab one from the show floor or wear a t-shirt from any NCsoft game. Be sure to read the official announcement for more information.
Nintendo not attending Leipzig, may return for Cologne '09
Nintendo has decided to opt out of the 2008 Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany; a show which attracts over 150,000 attendees. Website Nintendo Revolution translated the German press release which states the big N will instead focus on local events and a national promotional tour during the second half of 2008. Nintendo made sure to note the decision in not attending is not a criticism of the convention.Nintendo has not made any comment on whether it will attend the 2009 Games Convention when it moves to Cologne, Germany, and turns into GAMESCom. We'll have to see if Nintendo's withdrawal will affect attendance numbers when the Games Convention is held for the last time in Leipzig this August.
Nintendo pulls out of Leipzig
European Nintendo fans eager to attend the biggest gaming show in all of Europe, take note. Nintendo has decided not to attend this year's show. Considering they had a great show last year, we honestly can't understand why Nintendo would back out. Their new focus will be to participate in "smaller, local events and national promotional tours."Any of our European readers saddened by this news? Were you planning on attending the show in Germany this year?[Via Nintendo Revolution]
New WotLK Screenshots from Leipzig
In conjunction with the opening of the Leipzig Game Conference in Germany, Blizzard has released new screenshots from their upcoming Wrath of the Lich King expansion. Of the ten new screens, some are new shots of areas we've seen before such as the outdoor Howling Fjord zone and the 5-man dungeon Utgarde Keep. Others are of areas we have yet to see: a ramshackle collection of buildings called Skorn, an Alliance looking town named Westguard Keep and a not so hospitable hamlet dubbed Wyrmskull Village.Check out the new shots in the gallery below. They have been added to the screenshots we posted for Blizzcon 2007.%Gallery-5525%
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.
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?
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.
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.]
A smorgasbord of mini-rumors
A recent IGN Podcast has unveiled some interesting tidbits related to the Wii. Now, we all know IGN's information comes from the shadiest of places...scarred men whispering secrets in dank alleyways, unnatural seances with souls departed...but if they're willing to dive into hell's inferno to obtain some info, then we're certainly willing to take all the credit relate it to you, the faithful reader. So, without further ado: Nintendo may decide to move Super Paper Mario directly to the Wii, as the Gamecube is essentially dead in the water. This would not only make financial sense, but finally allow us at Wii Fanboy to cover this excellent looking game. We want to believe it. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption may not make the Wii launch after all. This is directly contradicting several months' worth of continuous confirmations by Nintendo and Retro Studios, and would take a lot of steam out of the superlative launch lineup. We doubt it. Dragon's Quest: Swords also may not make the launch window. We see no reason to disbelieve such a thing; Square-Enix loves their delays. Excite Truck has been confirmed as a launch title. Why not? LucasArts has indeed been developing a lightsaber game for the Wii. Yeah. We know. Publisher THQ has 6 to 8 titles in development for the Wii. Seeing as how they're handling the more lighthearted affairs (Cars, Spongebob), it seems plausible, but none too exciting. At the Leipzig Games Convention (coming soon!), Nintendo and third parties will reveal exactly how they intend to port more traditional game fare from the PS3 and Xbox 360 over to the Wii. Uhhh...sure. And, there you have it. As a special bonus gift from us at the Fanboy, here are some complimentary grains of salt.
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]
Yet another Nintendo event at LGC
First, we reported the imminent keynote speech from Nintendo entitled "Wii Prove Our Promise" at a relatively unheard-of show called the Leipzig Games Convention. Then, we told you that Nintendo would unveil five new Wii games at the conference. And now, yet again, more big news: later in the day, after the keynote, there will be a joint presentation between Nintendo and Electronic Arts, of all companies.A bit of a personal story: on the day that the Wiimote was unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Game Show, a speaker from EA had come to the University of Florida to speak about game design and coding details of several upcoming games, notably the Xbox 360 version of Madden 2006. At the end of the presentation, he fielded some questions; I, of course, raised my hand and asked him what he thought of the then-called Revolution and its wacky new controller. He looked at me with disdain and shook his head, commenting that he strongly doubted EA would be supporting such a thing.How times have changed! Or maybe that man was an uninformed idiot, I don't know. Still, it's very obvious that many companies have turned from cold to raging wildfire for the Wii, and a presentation with the biggest third-party in the business can only mean good news. August 23rd! Mark it!
