At 1UP, Lara Crigger shared the general puzzlement:

The list shocked gamers — not so much for what it included, but what it left out. Sure, The Witcher and World in Conflict were written well enough, and The Simpsons Game certainly had its fair share of good jokes. But how did Crash of the Titans — the 14th Crash Bandicoot game — and PSP no-name Dead Head Fred end up on the list when Portal and BioShock, two of the best-written games ever to hit PCs, didn't?

So what was the reasoning behind the awards?

The logic behind the list, explains Jacobs, is that writers had to be members of the WGA's New Media Caucus to be nominated. But few writers in the industry currently belong to the WGA, much less the Caucus.

Oh, eligibility. That makes sense. Do you think game writers will be rushing to join the association's Caucus in droves?

Has Game Writing Finally Comes Of Age? [1UP]

I haven't played Dead Head Fred since E3 '06—when I enjoyed it quote a bit. So would anyone else like to share some of the game's more quotable lines in the comments?

D3Publisher of America and Vicious Cycle Software's Dead Head Fred™ Wins WGA's First-Ever Videogame Writing Award

Writers David Ellis and Adam Cogan Are Recognized by the WGA for Their Outstanding Achievement in Bringing Dead Head Fred to Life

LOS ANGELES—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dead Head Fred, the critically acclaimed videogame created specifically for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) by publisher D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), and developer Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., has won the Writers Guild of America's inaugural Videogame Writing Award. The 2008 Writers Guild Awards for outstanding achievement in writing for screen, television, documentary, radio, promotion, and videogames during 2007 were announced on Saturday, February 9th.

"D3PA and the entire Dead Head Fred team at Vicious Cycle are all very grateful and humbled by this award," said Yoji Takenaka, executive vice president and chief operations officer, D3PA. "We look forward to bringing fans many more top quality games and continuing to elevate the standard of game writing in the industry."

Developed by the WGA and spearheaded by the Guild's New Media Caucus to encourage storytelling excellence in videogames, improve the status of writers, and foster uniform standards within the gaming industry, the WGA's inaugural Videogame Writing Award spotlights quality work by videogame writers, raising their profiles, and validating their contributions to this rapidly maturing medium. The WGA Videogame Writing Award honors the best qualifying script from a videogame published in the previous year.

"Being nominated along with so many top caliber writers for the first WGA Video Game Writing Award was an honor in itself, so it's fantastic that we won," said Eric Peterson, president and chief executive officer, Vicious Cycle Software. "Dead Head Fred was something we had a lot of fun with and we are glad that players and fans are enjoying the game as much as we do."

Dead Head Fred Original Soundtrack Now Available On iTunes

ORIGINAL MUSIC BY AWARD-WINNING COMPOSERS ROD ABERNETHY AND JASON GRAVES RELEASED AS DIGITAL DOWNLOAD BY LAKESHORE RECORDS

Los Angeles, CA - September 18, 2007 - Rednote Audio (www.rednoteaudio.com) and Lakeshore Records (www.lakeshore-records.com) today announced the original soundtrack to the PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) third person action game Dead Head Fred™, developed by Vicious Cycle Software, Inc. and published by D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), is now available at the Apple iTunes® music store.

The Dead Head Fred Original Soundtrack includes nearly 40 minutes of music encapsulating the unique, often sublime atmosphere of the game's 'twisted noir' setting. Written and produced by veteran video game composers Rod Abernethy and Jason Graves, the game's eclectic score blends cinematic orchestrations with a dark panorama of jazz, southwestern guitar, ambient, rock fusion and other seemingly disparate music styles into a cohesive and alluring listening experience.

"When we went to Rednote Audio we already knew a lot about Dead Head Fred and Hope Falls but we didn't know what Fred's world sounded like," said Adam Cogan, Game Designer, Vicious Cycle Software, Inc. "Luckily, Rod Abernethy and Jason Graves at Rednote Audio did. They far exceeded our expectations and managed to create scores that are every bit as original and distinctive as Fred is."

Created specifically for the PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) system, Dead Head Fred draws players into an original 1940's inspired alternative universe where players experience an innovative and refreshing twist on action gameplay as cranium-impaired hero Fred Neuman, collecting, upgrading and strategically switching his head with the heads of enemies to battle through a story of revenge and redemption.

Mark Reis, Senior Sound Designer at Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., added "Working with Rod and Jason is always a joy and their contribution to Dead Head Fred added flavor and depth that complemented the sound design and voice acting. The edgy soundtrack is a perfect accompaniment to the twisted noir world of Dead Head Fred."

For more information on Dead Head Fred, visit the official game web site at www.deadheadfred.net.

D3PUBLISHER OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES SOLID E3 2007 LINE-UP FEATURING TITLES BASED ON TOP-SELLING ENTERTAINMENT BRANDS AND ORIGINAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES

LOS ANGELES, CA - July 10, 2007 - D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA) will showcase titles for gamers of all ages at this year's E3 Media & Business Summit, taking place in the Barker Hanger, Santa Monica, California from July 11-13, 2007. The company's line-up includes titles based on popular entertainment brands such as VIZ Media's hit anime series SHONEN JUMP™ NARUTO™ and Cartoon Network Enterprises' Ben 10, as well as innovative offerings for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo.

D3Publisher of America's Game Line-Up Includes:

Dark Sector™ - An all-new and original action-thriller designed exclusively for next-generation consoles, Dark Sector thrusts players into the role of Hayden Tenno, an elite black-ops agent sent on a dangerous mission into a decaying Eastern European city that hides a deadly Cold War secret. Attacked by an unknown enemy, he awakens to find part of his body altered by an infection that has granted him inhuman abilities and he must learn to evolve along with his powers, to survive and to become a hero. A dark, gritty experience packed with fast action, incredible superpowers and an engaging story; Dark Sector is anticipated for release in Q1 2008 for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

NARUTO™: Clash of Ninja™ Revolution - Based on the hit series currently airing on Cartoon Network, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution is an original Wii game exclusive to the North American Market and will include characters that have never been featured in the Clash of Ninja game series. The game will follow the storyline of the television series and will take advantage of the Wii Remote™ in fast-paced ninja action for up to four players in nine different gameplay modes. The next generation in NARUTO games will also include all new character animations, new interactive environments and special mini-games created exclusively for the Wii Remote. Co-published by TOMY Corporation and D3PA, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution is anticipated for release this fall.

Dead Head Fred™ - Created specifically for the PSP system, Dead Head Fred draws players into an original 1940's inspired alternative universe where players will experience an innovative and refreshing twist on Action gameplay as they collect, upgrade and switch heads on the fly to strategically fight enemies in a story of revenge and redemption. As private detective Fred Neuman, savagely murdered and then resurrected in a bizarre scientific experiment without his memory or his head, players embark on a quest for vengeance as they solve their own murder by using the severed heads of enemies to battle their way through challenging but bizarre environments. Dead Head Fred is anticipated for release on August 28, 2007.

Ben 10™: Protector of Earth - Players will take on the role of Cartoon Network's popular everyday-kid-turned-alien-hero, Ben Tennyson. Using the power of the Omnitrix which has embedded itself on Ben's wrist, players will be able to battle as one of five popular alien heroes from the show. By taking on these amazing powers, players can battle to save the world through the game's diverse challenges, puzzles and skirmishes. Ben 10: Protector of Earth is anticipated for release this fall for the Wii™, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™ portable handheld system and PSP system.

Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire™ - Designed specifically for the Wii system, Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire is a 3rd person action-adventure game where players unleash the magical powers of a fierce dragon, creating a unique and visually stunning weapon through their sword and arms. Players will utilize an intuitively designed, two-handed Wii control scheme and use both arms simultaneously to emulate the dragon's arms, wings, tail, fire and more as they embark on an epic fantasy adventure in more than 20 unique environments in 6 visually stunning worlds. Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire is anticipated for release this fall.

NARUTO™: Path of the Ninja - Following the story line from the Cartoon Network television show, Naruto: Path of the Ninja for Nintendo DS™ will allow players to explore the Village Hidden in the Leaves and the world of Naruto as they roam across forests, fields, rivers and mountains. Along the way players will encounter bosses and enemies that they must use their special techniques to defeat. Each of the 6 playable characters will possess a unique time-based combat system and players will train their Ninja team to learn more than 90 different Jutsu techniques. Co-published by TOMY Corporation and D3PA, NARUTO: Path of the Ninja is anticipated for release this fall.

For product demonstrations of D3PA's E3 2007 game line-up, please visit Booth #425 & 427, Barker Hanger, Santa Monica, California, this July 11-13, or for additional product information and art assets, please visit: http://www.d3press.us/.

About D3Publisher of America, Inc

D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3, Inc. with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers, major console platforms and handheld systems including Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™ Game Boy® Advance, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and at www.VIZ.com.

About Cartoon Network Enterprises

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel's growing library of award-winning original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories. The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array of marquee animation franchises including Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd and Eddy, My Gym Partner is a Monkey, Camp Lazlo, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Adult Swim and more.

The game's head swapping mechanic cannot be written about by me without a very lewd joke about a character who gains power by getting head, so I just won't mention it. Instead, enjoy these 20 screens of Fred on his quest for recapitation. Michael Fahey

Thanks to Game Set Watch for cluing us in on the fact that Dead Head Fred for the PSP is going to be the greatest frickin' game ever. It looks a lot like Grim Fandango meets Dead Alive with the gameplay of Kid Chameleon.

My favorite line from the trailer: "Zombies! I hate zombies!" Dude. Who hates zombies? Looks like it's time for me to replace my PSP, which was left in a basket with a mysterious note outside a local Gamestop one dark and stormy night. Florian Eckhardt

Dead Head Fred- D3's Hidden (Weirdass) Gem [Game Set Watch]