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Disney has its own community now

Posted by: Sean Colleli at 5/18/2008 9:59 PM - Comments (0)
More On: Disney Interactive Studios
To coincide with The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Disney is launching an online community called DGamer.  This new service allows users to create a unique avatar, share high scores, chat with friends and earn special recognition from in-game achievements.  Parents can even choose what level of interaction their kids can have with other people on the DGamer service, and those obnoxious friend codes are only needed for the most open chat option.  Sounds a lot like Xbox Live, actually.  I think it's rather telling that companies like EA and Disney are organizing their own online services to circumvent Nintendo's clunky, counterintuitive Wifi Connection.  With EA Nation and DGamer, we might even get voice chat someday...too bad it'll be for Madden and Mickey, instead of Smash Bros. and Mario Kart.


DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS LAUNCHES DGAMER COMMUNITY WITH DISNEY/WALDEN MEDIA’S THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN ON NINTENDO DS™

 

Brand new online network enables Disney gamers and Narnia fans to communicate via Nintendo DS and online

 

Prince Caspian game to be available on multiple video game platforms

 

BURBANK, Calif. – (May 15, 2008) – Disney Interactive Studios today announced the availability of DGamer in North America for Nintendo DS™ users in conjunction with the launch of the Nintendo DS version of Disney/Walden Media’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.  DGamer from Disney is the first-of-its-kind online community developed exclusively for Disney video gamers.  Players can now use their Nintendo DS handhelds to interact with each other while on the go via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and online through the DGamer Web site (www.DGamer.com). The integrated service is scheduled to be included at no additional cost on subsequent Nintendo DS titles from Disney. DGamer is also scheduled to be available in other international regions by 2009.

 

“DGamer was built around the vision to connect Disney video game fans in a secure, fun environment and it is truly the first integrated online community of its kind to do so on multiple platforms,” said Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager for Disney Interactive Studios. “We recognize the importance of delivering unique experiences to our consumers and how crucial it is for parents to feel confident that the community is secure for their kids.

 

DGamer, which leverages the community technology of Disney.com, allows players to log into their DS and online accounts to create and customize a unique 3-D avatar and persistent profile. A wide variety of outfits, hats, eyewear and accessories are available to choose from, including special Disney-themed costumes, such as Buzz Lightyear, Tinker Bell and familiar Disney theme park mouse ears. Kids can chat, view user profiles of their DGamer friends, and post high scores to leaderboards. In addition, players earn “honors” which represent what players have been rewarded when completing in-game missions. Honors can also trigger unlockables such as special gear for player’s avatars, all of which transfer automatically between the DGamer Web site and the DGamer feature in DS games from Disney when users log in. For example, when playing The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, players can unlock Prince Caspian character costumes that can be worn by their DGamer avatar. Certain “honors” also unlock exclusive content in Nintendo DS games from Disney and within the DGamer channel online.

 

Parents are also encouraged to play an active role in the DGamer community. By accessing parental controls at www.dgamer.com, they can specify the level of interactivity that kids have online and feel confident that their child’s experience is age appropriate. For example, parents can choose between three chat levels for their kids’ use by utilizing the familiar security features and infrastructure at Disney.com, which hosts the DGamer site. Kids can either communicate using a predetermined list of words and phrases called “Speed Chat,” through modified free-form typing that blocks inappropriate language or suggestive phrases called “Speed Chat Plus,” or via “Open Chat” which requires an exchange of a True Friend Code outside of the DGamer system. Disney.com employs several safety features to ensure all chat communication is moderated for safety.

 

Fall Line Studio, the Nintendo platform-dedicated development studio of Disney Interactive Studios, developed both DGamer and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is an action/role-playing adventure game that takes players through Narnia and beyond the events of the much-anticipated second film, which is set to open in theaters across North America tomorrow.

 

“The Chronicles of Narnia franchise has such a massive following that it made this the perfect game to launch DGamer on because it keeps fans connected like never before,” said Hopper. “Through the DGamer functionality, fans can chat, share honors, and engage in a truly unique

and different experience that immerses them in the world of Narnia in only a way that Disney can deliver.”

 

In addition to Nintendo DS, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ home video game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Windows-based PC. The console and Windows-based PC versions of the game were developed by Traveller’s Tales and take players on a fast-paced action/adventure that features 20 playable characters and combat, exploration and puzzle solving that extends beyond the film. The console versions also include two live action scenes that were created exclusively for the video game and accompany 16 scenes taken from the film.

 

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS has an Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of E10+ for Everyone 10 years and older and is now available for $29.99. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for consoles and Windows-based PC is rated T for Teen and will be available for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Wii for $49.99; and the PLAYSTATION 2 system and Windows-based PC for $29.99. 

 

For more information about DGamer, log on to www.dgamer.com. For more information about The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game, log on to www.princecaspianthegame.com.

 

About “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” film


The enchanted characters of C.S. Lewis’s timeless fantasy come to life again in this second installment of the seven book series, in which the Pevensie siblings are magically and mysteriously transported back from England to Narnia, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and an even greater test of their faith and courage awaits them.  For more information, log on to www.narnia.com.

 

About Walden Media

Walden Media specializes in entertainment that sparks imagination and engages young people in the learning process. Walden creates films, books and interactive media for the whole family to enjoy together. By working closely with the best talent in film and publishing and by collaborating

with educators and parents, Walden Media develops stories that delight and entertain audiences young and old. Walden Media produced the Academy Award® winning film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in association with Walt Disney Pictures, Charlotte’s Web with Paramount and Nickelodeon Movies and Bridge to Terabithia with Walt Disney Pictures. Walden Media currently has a joint venture with Twentieth Century Fox to market and release family films for audiences of all ages.  Films released under this venture include Nim’s Island and Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (co-produced with Mandate Pictures). Other upcoming releases include Journey 3D (with New Line Cinema), and the second film in the Narnia series, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

 

About Disney Interactive Studios

Disney Interactive Studios is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California and has five internal game development studios around the world including Avalanche Software, Fall Line Studio, Propaganda Games, Black Rock Studio and Junction Point Studios.

 

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© Disney/Walden.  Narnia™

Latest Hearts of Iron 3 Dev Diary

by: Dan - posted: 11/19/2008 4:25 PM - Comments (0)
Johan Andersson, lead developer of Hearts of Iron 3, has his latest developer diary up over at GiantRealm.com. This installment in the series (no. 6) focuses on intelligence, diplomacy and convoys as well as the politics in the game. Checkout these recent screens while we wait for the game to hit the PC in late 2009.
[READ MORE]

GameTruck Coming to C-Bus

by: Dan - posted: 11/19/2008 4:22 PM - Comments (0)
GameTruck announced today that they are bringing their mobile gaming service to the Columbus, OH market, which is also the HQ of GamingNexus. Effective December 1st, central Ohio gamers can order the rolling platform for party’s or corporate events. The trucks feature four 50”Plasma TVs, surround sound and capabilities for 16 players at any given time. Columbus is the fourth franchise awarded, joining Orange County, CA, Phoenix, AZ and San Diego, CA. Check them out at GameTruckParty.com.
[READ MORE]

Hired Guns: The Jagged Edge screenies surprsingly lacking in guns or jagged edges

by: Nathan - posted: 11/19/2008 2:40 PM - Comments (0)
Trisynergy, makers of such well named titles as Limbo of the Lost and UFO:Extraterrestials, bring us screen shots from another excellently named title Hired Guns: The Jagged Edge. This is a turn based war game focusing on the action at squad level. Basically it would be Rainbow Six or Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway mixed with Civilization Revolution or Fire Emblem. This is very much a PC title as indicated by the screenies. I would wait for a demo to see if this game was worth playing but those of you who like experimenting with Strategy games may want to check it out.
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Wheelman driving into stores on February 16,2009

by: Chuck - posted: 11/19/2008 12:02 PM - Comments (0)
Midway announced today that Wheelman will be hitting stores on February 16, 2009.  The game features the likeness of "action-film megastar" (their words) Vin Diesel and has players playing a professional driver for hire.  So basically it's a game based on the Transporter series but with Vin Diesel instead of Jason Statham.  [READ MORE]

Gaming Gibs for 11/19/2008

by: Chuck - posted: 11/19/2008 11:57 AM - Comments (0)
Here are a few things I missed while being passed over again for sexiest man of the year:

News Roundup: Pacific Rift Shadow Odyssey

by: Randy - posted: 11/18/2008 10:48 PM - Comments (0)
Thanks to Defunct Games, TheTechLounge, Massive Gamer, Legit Reviews, Digit-Life, Techgage, and I4U News for today's news roundup.

Ultimate Band releases full track list, forgets artists

by: Randy - posted: 11/18/2008 10:25 PM - Comments (0)
The official release date for the Wii's Ultimate Band is etched in stone for November 25th.  And while developer Disney Interactive Studios put out a full song list, they neglected to mention the artists.  One of the track titles is "Song 2."  Do they mean "Song 2" from Blur?  DJ Krush?  Miles Davis?  Vyacheslav Guyvoronsky?  "Whip It" is on there too.  My first guess (and probably yours) would be Devo, but it could be Inner Circle, Lil' Cyco, or the US Air Force Band of the Rockies '80s Medley version -- who knows?

Ah well.  It's not my job to teach Disney how to put together a press release.  And kidding aside, there are some pretty slick tracks on Ultimate Band:  The Killers' "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine" from Hot Fuss; The Raconteurs' "Steady As She Goes" from Broken Boy Soldiers; and The Who's "My Generation."  But if it turns out it's Limp Bizkit's "My Generation," I'm gonna be pissed.

Full song list for the Wii and DS versions after the jump. [READ MORE]

Afro Samurai renders not-yet-seen game characters

by: Randy - posted: 11/18/2008 8:43 PM - Comments (0)
These character renders of Afro Samurai, Namco Bandai's upcoming cut-'em'up (and which now vaguely totes a Blood is Beautiful subtitle), shows off several characters that haven't made it into previous batches of screenshots.  Along with Afro Samurai himself, we've got pics and character biographies of Daimyo, the mustachioed fellow in samurai armor; Jinno, with small black topnot and twin swords at his hip; Justice, packing two six-shooters full of it; Kuma, the bear-headed cigarette smoker; Ninja Ninja, with the Black Flys and white afro; Okiku, the female on the phone; Otsuru, the little girl clutching the teddy bear; Sasuke, with strapped-on bifocals; and Sword Master, sporting his Christopher Walken good looks.
[READ MORE]

Mirror's Edge goes 2D

by: John - posted: 11/18/2008 4:15 PM - Comments (0)
There's been some great Flash games that take a 3D concept and turn it into a fun and addicting 2D experience. Portal comes to mind as one but we have another one here. Head on over to Bourne Games and play a 2D side scrolling version of Mirror's Edge. It's very nice looking and has some awesome animation. Right now it's a beta so expect a few quirks here and there but so far I've had a blast playing it and I can't wait for the final version to be out.

The last word on Beyond Protocol

by: Nathan - posted: 11/18/2008 3:48 PM - Comments (0)
This is the last installment of Beyond Protocol stories on the site. What's next? Screen shots, user guides, and a game trailer! WooHoo! This time its Brandon Bachner telling the story from the front lines of the galactic campaign for president. Intrigued dear reader? You should be! Head on over to the next page and read how Democracy finally comes to the galaxy. [READ MORE]

Epic addresses Gears of War 2 multiplayer matchmaking issues

by: John - posted: 11/18/2008 1:28 PM - Comments (0)
I've run into a few times when trying to find folks to play in Gears of War 2 where it would just cycle or trying to a game would take about five minutes. Epic is aware of this problem and they've posted some work arounds to the issue. One of the main things is try to have more than one person with you when looking for games. Also, if you have multiple folks, make sure that you have less than four or five total. In the meantime, Epic's looking into the issue to try and remedy the problem.

National Wii Nightmare Over?

by: Chuck - posted: 11/18/2008 12:25 PM - Comments (0)
While perusing a few game stores and big box retailers like Best buy over the last few days I've noticed something I haven't seen before...piles and piles of Wii's ready to be purchased for the holiday season.  Ben was able to pick one up last week without any problem and it looks like that's the case all over the country.  No longer will people have to lurk at their neighborhood Best Buy waiting to purchase white boxes of over-hyped gaming goodness. 

This may be due to Nintendo finally shipping more units to the Us (something that the latest NPD numbers seem to indicate).  This may be because Nintendo has finally figured out how to make them in large enough numbers or is now re-allocating more supply to the US now that the dollar has strengthened against the Yen and Euro.  Either way this will hopefully end the price gouging on Ebay and other sites

Congrats Nintendo, it's only taken you two years!  I hear there are plenty of copies of Wii Music to go around as well.

Gaming Gibs for 11/18/2008

by: Chuck - posted: 11/18/2008 12:18 PM - Comments (0)
Here are a few things I missed while being transfixed by the puppy cam:
  • Age of Conan to get dungeons and DirectX 10 support in next release, finally
  • More people don't get why Ensemble was closed, this may become one of the next great gaming mysteries
  • Raph Koster talks about why corpse runs suck in MMOs
  • Looking for deals on Black Friday?  Here's a full list of all of the know deals.
  • Lips microphone won't work with any other music games, hopefully this gets fixed
  • Mirrors Edge will make you puke, but in a good way, learn what proprioception means while you're there
  • Video games now in danger of the yo-ho-ho type of pirates
  • Ubisoft to make a Massive move towards MMOs...yes it's a horrible, horrible pun

New Prince of Persia screenshots

by: John - posted: 11/18/2008 10:46 AM - Comments (0)
Here's some brand new screenshots for the new Prince of Persia game. I think they actually look really good and the details in the monsters are nice. I know cell shading's not everyone's cup of tea but it looks like it works here.
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Nintendo launches Animal Crossing City Folk, try to be excited

by: Sean Colleli - posted: 11/18/2008 9:30 AM - Comments (0)
The latest game in Nintendo's esoteric Animal Crossing sim, City Folk, is now available for the Wii.  Per usual Nintendo is talking it up and all of its casual appeal, with all the "community building" and endless items to collect.  The unfortunate truth is that City Folk is the only thing approaching a hardcore game that Nintendo has this holiday, and it's basically a rehash at that.  The general consensus is that it's pretty much the GameCube and DS games with a few new features, like the WiiSpeak peripheral.  It doesn't really take advantage of the Wii's features in any respect, from graphics to music to controls.  Nintendo can talk about community all they want but it's kind of hard to build one with those fiddly little friend codes.

I know I'm pretty down on this game but it's a huge disappointment, considering how long Nintendo's had to work on it.  It doesn't even feel like a real Wii game, more of a port actually.  They had the opportunity to create a PS3 Home-like application and they didn't capitalize on it at all.  If this is what we can expect from Nintendo in terms of hardcore games, then I'm glad I bought a 360.  If you've never played an Animal Crossing game before you'll probably really enjoy City Folk, but if you're expecting any other big games from Nintendo this holiday prepare to be let down. [READ MORE]

Check out the finishing moves for Liu Kang, Batman, and Baraka

by: Chuck - posted: 11/18/2008 9:19 AM - Comments (0)
It looks like Midway really did tone down the violence to get the DC license as these fatalities aren't quite up to the level as previous Mortal Kombat games.  That said I do like what they've done with some of the ones in this video for Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe as they are on the clever side.  I'm not sure what Heroic Brutalities are but they are a bit different.

Hendrix won't be on Guitar Hero World Tour on the Wii

by: John - posted: 11/18/2008 8:57 AM - Comments (1)
Sorry Wii folks. You're going to miss out on some DLC. Speficially, Jimi Hendrix DLC won't be making the rounds to the Nintendo system as explained in this entry in MTV Multiplayer Blog. Nintendo doesn't allow for duplicates and it doesn't allow for anything other than singles. The Hendrix songs will only be available as a track pack so that essentially leaves out the Wii. Rock on Wii folks.

NXE now available for those who applied

by: Chuck - posted: 11/18/2008 8:37 AM - Comments (0)
If you "successfully" applied for the NXE beta and didn't get in last week check your Xbox because Microsoft has opened the preview to everyone who applied to get in.  This is actually a fairly cool move by Microsoft as it allows people to sample the NXE ahead of time and it should distribute the load a bit so that people don't kill Xbox Live when the update is officially released tomorrow.  If you want to see what the install process looks like here's a video that Microsoft released last week.

MLB Superstars trailer shows baseball players playing some kind of golf/baseball mash-up

by: Chuck - posted: 11/18/2008 8:27 AM - Comments (0)
Here's the latest trailer for MLB Superstars that shows a few of the games biggest names playing some kind of weird golf/baseball hybrid mini-game.  It's kind of an interesting twist on baseball mechanics and gives you some flavor of what you can expect from the final game.

Good Old Games gets Epic

by: Chuck - posted: 11/18/2008 8:22 AM - Comments (0)
The folks at Gog.com have signed a deal with Epic games to allow you to purchase some of their old PC classics without the hassle of DRM.  Starting today you'll be able to purchase Unreal Gold, Unreal Tournament Game of the Year Edition, Unreal II, and Unreal Tournament 2004: Editor's Choice Edition from the site.  If you've ever wondered how the folks at Epic made their money before the Gears of Wars games this is the place to start (although I would skip Unreal II...it's not so good).  John and I played the hell out of the Unreal Tournament games and they are still a fixture of any LAN party we have and the original Unreal still kind of holds up today.  Well worth your time if you're looking for some FPS gold. [READ MORE]

Skate It, perfect for those of you with Lobster hands

by: Chuck - posted: 11/18/2008 8:20 AM - Comments (0)
One of the cool things about Skate It is that you can use the Wii Fit board to play the game instead of the Wii Remote/Nunchuk combo which makes the game ideal for those who don't have opposable thumbs.

Ultimate Game Chair Unleashes the Reactor Mini for Kids

by: Dan - posted: 11/18/2008 8:00 AM - Comments (0)
Ultimate Game Chair unveiled today the first game chair specifically for kids. The Reactor Mini Chair features Sonic the Hedgehog as part of the SEGA and Ultimate Game Chair marketing deal. The chair is small and light (only 13 pounds) and designed for kids aged 3-9 years old. It also features four vibrating motors and 3D sound. The chair can be purchased online at www.ultimategamechair.com starting on November 21st and will have an MSRP of $69.99. If you purchase Sonic Unleashed for the Xbox 360 (which also comes out this week), then you will receive a coupon for a 10% discount.
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Games for Windows Update brings new Interface

by: Dan - posted: 11/18/2008 7:11 AM - Comments (0)
If you recently logged into any Games for Windows from Vista, you will be prompted to download an update with a new, pimped out user interface. Major Nelson posted some screens on his Flickr account that show off the new menus, profile, message and achievement windows. Looks like they are trying to refine it to become more inline with the NXE that drops this week for the Xbox 360 dashboard.
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Zapper out as an Xbox Original

by: Dan - posted: 11/18/2008 7:02 AM - Comments (0)
Zapper, the Atari published Cricket inspired title, has been brought to the Xbox Originals program. That means for a mere 1200 MS points you can download this game onto your Xbox 360 hard drive (taking up valuable space) and NOT earn any achievements. Definitely a possibility especially if you get bored hunting locusts or playing Hendrix on those other games.

Buy Batteries, get Rock Band 2 DLC

by: Dan - posted: 11/18/2008 6:40 AM - Comments (0)
Energizer is giving away free DLC for Rock Band 2 to anyone that purchases their new Rock Band Branded Energizer Advanced Lithium AA Batteries (4-Pack). The code will work on either Xbox Live Marketplace or PSN. Check out the details Here.