Kotaku: gc08

The Problem with PAX

Brian Crecente — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:00 MDT

The Penny Arcade Expo hit a few road bumps this year, discovering that their exponential growth, while slightly slowed, is still enough to cause problems with line-management and space issues.

But that's a problem easily solved, and the PA folks are all over it.

The bigger problem, as I see it, is in the expo's name and its association with Penny Arcade.

Penny Arcade Expo has the potential, the very likely potential, to become the one preeminent video game show in the country. It has the exuberant backing of developers and publishers, it has more than enough willing participants to go around and it has the blessing of the many folks who cover the gaming industry for a living.

But what it doesn't have is a neutral jumping off point. PAX has the words Penny Arcade in the title and while for me, and tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of people like me, that's a bonus, there are still lots of people out there who hate the strip, the people associated with it and anything whatsoever that has to do with Penny Arcade, Gabe, Tycho and, yes, even Fruit Fucker.

What this means is that they have a fractured potential audience. While most PAX attendees are unified by their love of gaming, they're more unified by their love of Penny Arcade. Sadly I think that means the show's potential audience will remain fractured as long as Penny Arcade is the central theme, preventing PAX from becoming the Games Convention or Tokyo Game Show of the United States.

There are some solutions. I think that it would be easy enough, especially with a second, east coast, PAX looming a few years away, to just change the name of the show and let it grow into its own entity. Another option, presented to me by one of many industry types I talked to about this during the show, is to just officially rename the show PAX. In other words remove the meaning behind the acronym and have it take on a meaning of its own. In a few decades, maybe just a few years, people would wonder what PAX stood for and why the show is called that.

While most of the people I spoke to at the show eventually came around to my way of thinking, acknowledging, no matter how grudgingly, that yes there are PA haters out there and nothing will ever get them to the show, I do wonder how true that really is.

How many among you didn't attend PAX strictly because it's the PENNY ARCADE expo as opposed to a video game expo? How many of you would have gone if it was called something else?

What I think everyone can agree on is that the U.S. needs a single video game show for the public, and not the many that now litter the gaming landscape. We need a TGS, a Leipzig. The real question is will E3 get it's act together and fill that shrinking void or will a show like PAX become the show to rule them all.

Everybody Do the Leipzig Rush!

Adam Barenblat — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:00:00 MDT

There were tons of people running to get into Games Convention in Leipzig, no literally, tons of em'. Right as they opened the doors hoards of people stampeded through the halls hoping to be the first to get hands on time with the exhibits. James Bonti, Associate Producer for Activision Blizzard took this video footage and was nearly trampled himself. You can also see Crash Bandicoot leading the pack. For your courage, we salute you!

The Games Convention Über Update Post

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:40:35 MDT

The Leipzig Games Convention, the consumer showing of Europe's finest forthcoming video games (read: whatever SingStar version is planned for the Holidays), hits the Leipziger Messe from August 20 to August 24. And Kotaku was there! No, they're not there anymore, and yet they keep writing. Seriously, we can't stop.

If you missed anything, peruse our massive catalog of updatage, a reference guide to everything we've written from the show updated throughout each day. If you'd prefer to "feel" Games Convention through the power of interpretive dance, we got you covered there, too.

Game Impressions
New Dead Space Hands-On Impressions
Killzone 2 Multiplayer Hands On - Five Good Things
The Witcher Enhanced Edition - What A Difference A Year Makes
Fracture Multiplayer - The View From Germany
Golden Axe: Beast Rider Impressions Of Excessive Brown
Left 4 Dead To Follow Portal, TF2's Example
Runes Of Magic - More Than A WoW Clone
MadWorld Isn't Just About Throwing People Into Walls Of Spikes, Y'know
Heavy Rain: You're Soaking In it
Dead Rising Wii - How Gimped It Is
Hands-On: Losing The Twin Towers With Invaders!
The House of the Dead Overkill Impressions Of Delicious Gore
Beer Goes Well With Guitar Hero: World Tour
Hands On With Street Fighter IV 360
Web Of Shadows Hands On - Spider-Man Reborn
Dark Void - Have Jetpack, Will Travel
MK vs. DC: Hands On With The Joker
Grand Theft Auto IV For PC Eyes-On
H.A.W.X. Aces Air Combat
inFamous - Sucker Punch's Electrical Outlet
Far Cry 2 Map Editor Makes Map Editing Easier
Bayonetta Impressions: What Deadly Hair You Have!
StarCraft II: Hands-On With The Zerg
Wipeout HD One-Year Anniversary Impressions
Star Wars: Clone Wars - Saber Rattling
The Chronicles Of Spellborn: A Different Kind Of MMORPG
Diggin' Lode Runner XBLA At Games Convention

Game Announcements
What's In SingStar: Queen Anyway?
Naruto: Ultmate Ninja Storm Getting Day One DLC
Silent Hill Homecoming Coming to Steam in September
Buzz!: Brain Bender announced for PSP
'SingStar: Singalong With Disney' Announced For PS2, Exclusive to PAL Territories
SCEE announces VidZone Service For PS3
EyePet Brings Virtual Monchichis To PlayStation 3
GH: World Tour Wii Gets Mii Freestyle, Air Drums
Konami Sheds Light On Lords Of Shadow
Wonder Woman, Raiden Two Of Four New Kombatants
House Of The Dead Overkill Beats The Shit Out Of Grooming A Horse
EA Sports Adds Tennis To '09 Line Up, Snags Wimbledon Rights
BioShock Brings Challenge Rooms to PS3, Coming Oct. 21, Oct. 24

Interviews
Blizzard Is Tired Of You Asking When StarCraft II Will Be Done
Brian Bright On Guitar Hero: World Tour - We're Bringing It
PS3 World Tour Rock Band Compatible
Only The Barbarian Will Return In Diablo III

News
Left 4 Dead Box Art To Change? "Stay Tuned"
Artists Pulls 9/11 Invader Exhibit from Games Convention
LBP's User-Generated Content Is Region-Locked? Huh?
Taito Considering Legal Action Againt 9/11 Invader Artist
Guinness World Records Set At Leipzig GC
Killzone 2 Adds Multiplayer Bot Action
The Activision Presser, With Special Guest German Guy
Get A Good Look At The New PSP-3000
Konami's GC 2008 Presser - Here's What Happened
GC Presser Round Up: Sony
Artist Explains WTC Space Invaders Exhibit at Games Convention
Space Invaders Attack World Trade Center At Games Convention
PS3 Wireless Keypad Ships This Holiday Worldwide
New Official Details, North American Date For PSP 3000
Meet Your Sexy New Red Alert 3 Cast
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune 160GB PS3 Priced, Dated for North America
Warhawk Jet Packs, Crash Commando, Savage Moon Invade Sony PSN
PS3 Firmware Update Lets SingStar Owners Rip PS2-Only Tracks [Update]
Heavy Rain Gets Public Showing At Games Convention
PlayStation 3 160GB Model Coming To Europe
PlayStation 3 Controller Getting Wireless Keypad
Sony Announces New PSP Model
Gary Oldman Answers Call of Duty
Sims 3 Will Be Out In February 2009
Rumor: Sony To Debut EyeToy Play 2 At Leipzig
Unless You're Nintendo, Game Consoles Are Expensive
Frenchies Bust Into Sony Presser Rehearsal, Spoilers Ahead
PC Gaming a $10.7 Billion Industry
Here's What EA Is Bringing to Leipzig
Street Fighter IV Console Debut At Leipzig GC!
360 Gets Improved Controller, But Only For A Limited Time
Family of 9/11 Victims Tear into Space Invaders Exhibit
PSP-2001 vs PSP-3000
No 160GB PlayStation 3 For You, Australia
Team Fortress 2 Updates Coming To Xbox 360 Later This Year
Invaders! Indeed No Longer Playable At GC 08
The GC Adventure Comes To A Close
David Perry's Keynote: Sony Will Never Make Money on the PS3
Leipzig GC Sets New Attendance Record
Don't Worry, Red Alert Fans, Jenny McCarthy Is Apparently A "Badass" Tanya
Behold, Leipzig's Best In Show
Leipzig Games Convention Dated For 2009... And That's Final!

Videos
MK vs. DC: Joker Will Shoot You In The Face
Games Convention As Interpretive Dance
New Dark Void Trailer Talks Vertical Cover
New Wheelman Walkthrough Shows Early Mission and Lots of Car Crashing
Midway Releases New Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Teaser
Tyranids Eat Space Marines In Dawn of War 2 Trailer
First Real Pro Evo 2009 Gameplay Footage
Prince of Persia Gameplay Walkthrough
The First Lords of Shadow Trailer
New MadWorld Trailer Is Mad As Ever
See Your Sexy New Red Alert 3 Cast
Far Cry 2 Map Editor Looks Absolutely Amazing
Debut FIFA 09 Trailer
New Killzone 2 Multiplayer Trailer
A New Perfect World International Trailer
Capcom Releases New Resident Evil 5 Trailer
Something Wicked This Way Comes, A New Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince Trailer
New Mirror's Edge Gameplay Trailer Shows Free Running Acrobatic Insanity
Watch The Heavy Rain Gameplay Trailer
Midway Releases New Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Teaser
New Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Cinematic Trailer
Own The City That Never Sleeps in This is Vegas!
New Fracture Walkthrough Talks About Multiplayer
A Look at Mercenaries 2: World in Flames "Zero Rules" Co-Op Play
New Jumpgate Evolution Trailer Shows Intersteller Greatness
Mechanical Arm Swinging Goodness in Bionic Commando Trailer
This Time, Decapitate Zombies With Your Wii-mote

Screens
Sexy New WipEout HD Screens
New Red Faction Guerrilla Screens
New RACE Pro Screens
New Mortal Kombat vs DC Screens
New Lego Batman Character Announced, Batgirl!
Will Diablo III Be Playable At BlizzCon?

Booth Babes
It's Not Games Convention Until The Stripper-Mobile Arrives
Aion Booth Babe Feeling Blue
Sega Sexes Up Samba De Amigo For Games Convention
Age Of Conan Does Booth Babes Right

Culture
GC Stories - A Light In The Darkness
Games Convention's Most Ignored Games
Sega Wins Kotaku's Coveted "Best Press Kit Of Games Convention" Award
Cosplay Runs Rampant At Games Convention
Wanna Play SOCOM At Games Convention? On Your Knees, Boy!
Lunchtime At Games Convention 2008
Germany - Ich Leibe Es!
Where Old Promo Statues Go To Die
And Then They Started Breakdancing...

Pre-Show Updates
No PS3 Price Cut At Leipzig
No Leipzig Press Conference From Microsoft
Nintendo Not Attending Leipzig This Year
Games Convention 08 Is Press Conference Central
Blizzard Unveiling Lich King cinematic, Details at Leipzig
Age Of Conan Invades GC
Sega's GC Line Up - Sonic, Samba, And Surprises
Headstrong's Secret Sega Title To Get Leipzig Outing
1C's Games Convention Line-Up Featuring Playable Theater of War 2
Dragon Age Visits Gen Con Indy, GC, PAX
Paradox Interactive At GC - Project Mayhem?
Video Games Live Brings Crysis Music Home
Why Gears of War 2 Won't Be At Leipzig
Deep Silver At Games Convention 2008
What's EA Bringing To Games Convention?
Early Images From Games Convention 2008

The GC Adventure Comes To A Close

Mike Fahey — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:00:00 MDT

The magical Games Convention adventure has come to a close, and the Kotaku Mike Brigade have gone their separate ways, McWhertor traveling deeper into the wilds of Germany while I myself am only 13 hours worth of layover and a 9 hour plane ride away from U.S. Customs, which means I might get home by Friday if they don't open my luggage and discover I've replaced most of my clothes with gummi candy and beer.

I am desperately fighting the urge to queue up Semisonic's "Closing Time" in my Zune here.

Just because our journey is over doesn't mean the coverage is over, so check out our Leipzig round up to see what you missed, and stay tuned tomorrow for more posts from the GC!

Gary Oldman Answers Call of Duty

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:20:35 MDT

Activision is adding another famous name to Call of Duty: World At War. Joining accomplished shouter Kiefer "Damn It!" Sutherland, who plays Sgt. Roebuck in the Treyarch developed World War II game, will be Gary Oldman. The co-star of The Dark Knight and The Professional will voice one of the characters in the Russian portion of the World at War campaign.

Wonder Woman, Raiden Two Of Four New Kombatants

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:00 MDT

Midway announced, in a roundabout way, four more additions to the cast of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe at the Leipzig Games Convention today. After Ed Boon left the stage, having been properly grilled by German personality Oliver Pocher, four images flashed on screen, quickly confirming more of the MK vs. DC line up. On the DC side, Wonder Woman will clash with Deathstroke (aka Deathstroke the Terminator), who joins the short list of known DC Universe bad guys.

On the Mortal Kombat side, two from the original cast return as Raiden and Kano — both of whom bear a striking resemblance to their Mortal Kombat III versions — round out the "greatest hits" cast.

EA Sports Adds Tennis To '09 Line Up, Snags Wimbledon Rights

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00:02 MDT

Peter Moore announced that EA Sports would be adding tennis to its line-up of games in 2009, with rights for the Wimbledon tennis tournament exclusively going to EA. Although Moore didn't provide a name for the EA created tennis game — unless it's simply EA Sports Tennis — he did say that development on the EA Sports addition would be leading on the Wii, with the game supporting the Wii MotionPlus peripheral.

EA Reps also namedropped professionals like Chris Everett, Pete Sampras and Boris Becker, hinting but not confirming that Grand Slammers throughout the years would be featured.

Meet Your Sexy New Red Alert 3 Cast

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:00:00 MDT

EA announced at its Leipzig Games Convention press conference today additional details on the cast of Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, including the casting of Jenny McCarthy, pictured, as Tanya, the staple special ops unit. But that's not all. The leaders of the three factions — Allies, Empire of the Rising Sun and the Soviet Union — will be played by JK Simmons, George Takei and Tim Curry, respectively. In the trailer we were shown, Takei's lines appear to be dubbed with his own voice, dialogue intentionally out of synch with his lip movements.

Also announced was the appearance of Kelly Hu, who will join Gina Carano and Gemma Atkinson as the Empire of the Rising Sun's obligatory sexpot. EA's definitely going straight for the groin with this one.

Finally, in the cinematic trailer shown at Leipzig, it appears that Peter Stormare will play a part in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3. Oh snap!

Sims 3 Will Be Out In February 2009

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:45:00 MDT

During EA's press conference in Leipzig earlier this morning, it was announced that the game destined to sell a gagillion copies - The Sims 3 - has a firm release date. And that date's February 20, 2009. That's a global, simultaneous release as well, mind you, just in case you're in Europe and were going to bug us about that in the comments section.

GC08: Live blogging the EA press conference [VG247]

Sony To Debut EyeToy Play 2 At Leipzig

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:30:00 MDT

According to VG247, part of Sony's Leipzig press conference (at least, one of the parts we don't already know about) is to be devoted to an unveiling of the "next generation of EyeToy". Seeing as the successor to the EyeToy peripheral - the PlayStation Eye - is already out, we'll presume they're talking about a next-gen sequel to EyeToy Play, the game that came bundled with the original PS2 camera. We'll also presume it'll be taking advantage of all those neat features we've been shown over the past few months. And be subsequently excited. But remember, until David Reeves takes to that stage later today, chalk this one up as a rumour.

GC08: “Next gen” EyeToy game to be revealed in Sony presser today [VG247]

Frenchies Bust Into Sony Presser Rehearsal, Spoilers Ahead

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:00:00 MDT

Sony's Leipzig press conference has the limelight all to itself at this year's Games Convention, what with Microsoft saying nothanks.jpg and Nintendo not even bothering to show up. So it's press conference will be full of surprises! And shocks! And all kinds of things you've never heard nor dreamed about! And...oh, wait. Gamekyo have snuck into Sony's presser rehearsal, caught wind of some of it and spilled the beans. Seeing as there are those amongst you who still like to be surprised by this kind of thing, we'll post the spoilers after the jump.

Before we start, note they caught only part of the rehearsal, not the whole thing. So there's plenty of room for a major announcement or two. But here's what they did see:

Heavy Rain: a new trailer was shown, revealing in-game footage for the first time.

LittleBigPlanet : a new trailer, with producer Pete Smith coming on-stage to give us all a final public walkthrough of the game ahead of its release.

SingStar: there's a major focus on SingStar in Sony's conference, unsurprising considering the popularity of the series in Europe. Interestingly, Gamekyo say the focus will be on a "new" SingStar for the PS3, which ties in with SCEE boss David Reeve's promise to unveil a "next generation" version of the game at Leipzig. What this means for the existing "next generation" SingStar is anybody's guess.

Heavy Rain for PS3 at Sony Conference tomorrow ? [Gamekyo]

Blizzard Unveiling Lich King cinematic, Details at Leipzig

Brian Crecente — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:40:00 MDT

Mike McWhertor and Michael Fahey are jetting their way to German as we speak, so they can cover the antics and news of Games Convention. It was last year at Games Convention that I had my first chance to play a bit of StarCraft II. Unfortunately, this year's Blizzard showcase will not include hands-on with Diablo III.

The good news is that Blizzard plans to unveil the opening cinematic movie for World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King at the big show. They also will be hosting a Q&A session following the airing on Thursday. Blizzard also plans to have more hands on time with StarCraft II and Lich King as well as other Q&A sessions with members of the StarCraft II and Diablo III teams.

Make sure to check back here starting Wednesday for our in-depth and live coverage of the biggest and best public gaming show in Europe (personally, i think the world).

No PS3 Price Cut At Leipzig

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:20:00 MDT

Hoping for a PS3 price cut at Leipzig next week? Foolish optimist. There'll be no such thing, with SCEE's Nick Caplin telling Reuters "It's not going to happen. If you're coming for that you'll be disappointed". Might be disappointing, but not unexpected, as it fits with Sony's plan to reduce the cost of the machine on their end (so they can make some money back), not the cost of the machine on your end.

Sony plans no PS3 price cuts at Leipzig games fair [Reuters]

LittleBigBlockOfFlats

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:30:00 MDT

There are many, many ways you could tart up a dreary, Communist-designed block of old flats in Eastern Germany. You could knock them down, for starters. Or, if that's a little drastic, you could always give them a new coat of paint. Or you could overboard and cover the entire side of the building in a LittleBigPlanet motif ahead of the Leipzig Games Conference, which kicks off next week. Up to you.

Leipzig is ready for GC [GC Blog]

Headstrong's Secret Sega Title To Get Leipzig Outing

Brian Crecente — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:00:09 MDT

Ever since Kuju London was renamed and they said that the now Headstrong Games was working on a title for Sega, we've been wondering just what it is.

Well it looks like we don't have very long to wait before we find out. I recently received this glorious post card from Headstrong Games and Sega Europe. On the back it reminds us to visit them in Leipzig in the Sega Suite and be one of the "first in the world to see our latest game in action."

Here's hoping it's going to be that rumored new Jet Grind Radio. Sounds like Leipzig is going to have some real zing to it this year.

[Hat tip to Saimon]

1C's Games Convention Line-Up Featuring Playable Theater of War 2

Brian Crecente — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:00:00 MDT

1C Company is invading this year's Games Convention with a hefty line-up of first-person shooters, role-playing games, strategy and racing titles.

Their booth at the Leipzig show will include new builds of King's Bounty: The Legend and Men of War, Cryostasis, NecroVisioN, 4x4 Hummer, Death Track: Resurrection, Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943 and two new console titles - Captain Blood and IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey.

Hit up the jump for the full press release and a bit more detail on the games. And remember we'll be at this year's Games Convention with bells on*, so check back for our coverage later this month.

*Fahey will not actually be wearing any bells.

1C ANNOUNCES GAMES CONVENTION 2008 LINEUP

MOSCOW, Russia- August 13, 2008 - Leading Eastern and Central European publisher
1C Company unveiled today its top titles to be shown at Games Convention 2008 in Leipzig. The current lineup includes first-person shooters, RPG/ turn-based strategy, real-time strategy and racing titles.

1C will bring to Leipzig brand new builds of King's Bounty: The Legend and Men of War. King's Bounty: The Legend is set in a fantasy world of fearless knights, evil mages, wise kings and beautiful princesses. Men of War takes place in Europe and North Africa during the height of World War II, the story unfolds in three different campaigns played out through the eyes of Soviet, Allied and German soldiers.

1C will also showcase new builds of Cryostasis,NecroVisioN, 4x4 Hummer, Death Track: Resurrection and two new console titles - Captain Blood and IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. The first playable build of Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943 will also make its debut at Games Convention 2008. It is a sequel to Theatre of War, one of the most historically accurate RTS games dedicated to World War II ever published.

Along with the playable builds listed above 1C will have their latest demos available on site. Assets for these and all other games from 1C 2008-09 lineup will be on the digital press kit at the booth.

1C Company will be located at booth L40 in the Business Center of the Leipziger Messe. Since space in the booth is limited we suggest making an appointment to see our titles. Please contact us at the above phone number or email address and we will be happy to hold a time slot for you.

No Leipzig Press Conference From Microsoft

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:20:00 MDT

Expecting a big announcement from Microsoft at Leipzig? Don't! The company have confirmed that they won't be holding a press conference at the show, instead choosing to focus on...booths and demos. Demos that won't include Gears of War 2, since that game will be absent from the show entirely. So...no Microsoft presser, no Gears 2, and Nintendo won't be at the show at all...that leaves us with a single, solitary press conference. Which is Sony's, on August 20. No arguments over best presser this time!

Confirmed: No Microsoft press conference at Games Convention [VG247]

What's EA Bringing To Games Convention?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:20:26 MDT

Electronics Arts is going to represent big at the Leipzig Games Convention this year. It's bringing something like three zillion titles to the event by our count, titles like Dragon Age, Dead Space and Mirror's Edge to name but a few. While we've seen a good portion of these titles at E3 and pre-E3 events, we're going to see two unannounced games, something we're sure to learn more about at EA's Games Convention press conference.

The better news is that, despite our previous hands-on time with games like Left 4 Dead and Crysis Warhead, we're going to see all new areas and content. Plus we're going to pester developers for nuggets of info and embarrassing quotes that will come back to haunt them.

We're looking at you Gabe Newell. Hit the jump for the full list — minus two — of what EA's bringing to Leipzig.

Tiger Woods PGA All Play - Wii
FIFA 09 – 360, PS3
FIFA 09 All Play - Wii
FIFA Manager - PC
Dead Space - PS3
Dragon Age - PC
Mirror’s Edge - PS3
Red Alert 3 - PC
SimAnimals -Wii
Sims 3 - PC
Left 4 Dead - PC

FaceBreaker - PS3
Battleforge - PC
Crysis Warhead - PC
Lord of the Rings Conquest - 360
MySims Kingdom - Wii
SimCity Creator - Wii
BOOGIE SuperStar - Wii
Family Game Night - Wii
Littlest Pet Shop - NDS
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - Wii
Zubo - NDS

Warhammer Online

What's Atari Bringing To Games Convention?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:40:13 MDT

Well, this sucks. Atari says the company plans to "turn up the summer heat" at the Leipzig Games Convention this year. Unfortunate, because the Leipziger Messe can get pretty sweaty, something Fahey and I aren't going to appreciate when we're perspiring pure Pilsner.

How's Atari affecting climate change in Leipzig this year? Hot(t) games, of course! They'll be showing lots of stuff, including What’s Cooking? with Jamie Oliver for Nintendo DS, My Horse and Me 2 for Wii and DS, The Witcher Enhanced Edition and Alone in the Dark for the PlayStation 3.

If that's not already giving you pit stains, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 and Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit will also be there, increasing the spiked hair factor by 9000 percent. Hopefully, Phil Harrison will be there and we can creep him the fuck out one more time. For the full list, hit the press release, after the jump.

ATARI TURNS UP THE SUMMER HEAT AT GAMES CONVENTION 2008

- Atari Storms the Glass Walls of the Leipziger Messe with a Blistering Line Up of Games for Everyone from Anime to Action Adventuring, Family Fun to Fast Cars -

LYON, FRANCE – 8 August 2008 – Once again the thrill-hungry gamers of Germany and beyond will descend on Leipzig this August 21-24 to feast at Games Convention 2008, and Atari will be there in Hall 5, Stand G21 with plenty of gaming goodness for everyone.

Included in the line up are a number of first play exclusives including from shopping to chopping in What’s Cooking? with Jamie Oliver for Nintendo DS™, the next stage in Atari’s equestrian simulation series My Horse and Me 2 for Wii and DS, The Witcher Enhanced Edition which takes the award winning role-playing experience to the next level of perfection, and the equally enhanced Alone in the Dark for PLAYSTATION®3.

Fans of anime ninja action will be able to get their hands on the largest ever selection of playable ninjas in Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 for PlayStation®2, as well as the awesome Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm for PLAYSTATION®3 which takes the Naruto experience beyond the anime series for the first time. Recently released blockbuster Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit for PLAYSTATION 3 will also be there to remind Naruto that he’s not the only kick ass anime fighter in town.

For a break from all the anime fighting, visitors to the booth can get physical in real time with Family Trainer for Wii, featuring loads of fun mat-based games to get more than just the thumbs moving. Budding equestrians can indulge their horse care and riding fantasies with My Horse & Me 2 for Wii and DS with its new story and gameplay modes. Anyone with a love of good food should spend some quality time with What’s Cooking? with Jamie Oliver for DS, although it’s anyone’s guess whether the food on offer in Leipzig will satisfy you once Jamie’s gourmet creations have got your mouth watering.

Guests over 18 looking for some action and adventure can try their hand with The Witcher: Enhanced Edition which takes the adventures of Geralt to the next level with a host of game improvements and additional content. Lucky visitors will also get the chance to be the first in the world to try out Eden Games’ innovative action adventure Alone in the Dark on PLAYSTATION 3 featuring a number of gameplay enhancements to make the journey more unmissable than ever. Legendary for PC will let FPS fans indulge in the ultimate fantasy battle of man Vs. myth as they find out how much firepower is really needed to take down a giant winged griffon.

Stepping up a gear, Atari invites visitors to put their foot down with GTR Evolution for PC and RACE Pro for Xbox 360, which is the first time Simbin’s formidable expertise in driving simulation has come to console. Featuring unparalleled physics and handling, championships including WTCC, Formula 3000 and Formula BMW, plus a wealth of cars including GT and production models, nothing gets closer than RACE Pro, and to make sure of it Simbin and Atari are bringing the RACE Pro Pit Lane to Games Convention.

Located outside the halls in area A03/1, the RACE Pro Pit Lane is comprised of the RACE Pro truck hospitality area which is currently touring Europe at WTCC race meetings. As well as the game itself, real competition cars will be on display, including a BMW and Dodge Viper, to bring aspiring drivers even closer to the real experience.

Expect all this and more as Atari brings its gaming goodness to Games Convention this August 21-24 in Leipzig Germany. For information about Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.

Win GC Tickets With The Chronicles Of Spellborn

Mike Fahey — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:20:00 MDT

An MMORPG I've been keeping track of for quite some time, The Chronicles of Spellborn will be making a showing at the Games Convention at Leipzig this year, and they want to bring a few fans along for the ride. They've just updated their website with the fourth installment of their extensive game timeline, and to reward gamers who've been able to keep up they've asked a simple question: Which Vhelgar have been revealed in the Timeline so far? Find the answer to the question among the game's lore and email it to gewinnspiel@frogster-ip.de along with your contact information and you could be among 15 lucky winners of a one-day GC pass. Of course you'll still have to make your way to Germany to attend, but the thought is nice. isn't it? Here's some screens from the latest lore update to help assuage the disappoint of those of us without the ability to make last-minute trips to Germany.