We also understand that Gamecock is "a welcome solution to the bloated and originality-starved video game industry." That's the press release talking again. We'll believe anything you say, press release! Command us!

Gamecock demoed its lineup in more detail earlier this year at its EIEIO press event in Austin, Texas, where amid burlesque dancing, truckloads of Corona and lots of talk about Rollergirls, the developer seemed to want to show off its progressive vibe. Given that many are looking to digital download platforms for the future of PC gaming, it seems a modern-minded move for Gamecock.

GamersGate and Gamecock join forcesNew York, USA (May 8, 2008)- Leading global PC download portal GamersGate announced today that much talked about publisher Gamecock Media Group has joined the increasing group of established publishers on GamersGate. The first title to be released under this agreement is the Strategy title Stronghold Crusader Extreme in May, followed by the bisodic Action-Adventure game Insecticide, with the first episode available in June. Upcoming additions include among other titles Velvet Assassin, planned for Q3 2008. "Gamecock has taken the entire gaming industry by storm and we are thrilled to add their exciting titles to our growing portfolio," said Theodore Bergquist, CEO of GamersGate. "This is an important partnership for us because GamersGate really delivers to players," said Harry Miller, El Presidente at Gamecock. "Working with GamersGate to support independent gaming is awesome. Now fans will have a one stop online shop to get the goods." To find out more about GamersGate, please go to http://www.gamersgate.com. About GamersGate GamersGate is a leading digital distribution platform creating easily accessible gaming experiences for gamers worldwide- anytime, anywhere. Seen as a strong contender on the digital download arena, GamersGate continues to redefine the download industry and future strategies include the launch of several accompanying services in addition to an aggressively growing product portfolio from a wide range of internationally recognized publishers. http://www.gamersgate.com. About Gamecock Media Group Based in Austin, Texas, Gamecock Media Group offers a welcome solution to the bloated and originality-starved video game industry. A well-funded, independent, artist-driven company, Gamecock favors the most innovative and original video game developers in the industry. Publishing games for all platforms, Gamecock offers its developers a high degree of participation, freedom and financial incentives, allowing them to perform and create to their utmost ability. For more, please visit http://www.gamecockmedia.com.

Insecticide Fact Sheet

Summary:
Insecticide is a fast-paced, hard-boiled detective game set in a festering future city where bugs have evolved to become Earth's dominant race, A murder at the powerful Nectarola soft drink company leads police from the Insecticide squad on a bug hunt through the city's seedy underbelly and into a mystery of epic proportions. Join detective Chrys Liszt and her partner Roachy Caruthers on the case as they become entangled in a web of crime. It's an action adventure in the truest sense, immersing players in cinematic combat levels as well as story-based detective work.
Use Chrys' unique insect abilities, a range of bug weaponry and good old-fashioned street smarts to solve the case and uncover a shocking secret. Bring the boot of justice down hard on the city's crime infestation.

Features:
- Discover clues to solve a gripping mystery in a world of mutant insects and film noir locations
- Use specialized weaponry and unique insect powers to shadow your suspects or confront them head on
- Collect and convert radioactive pollen from the environment to assemble a variety of unique organic weapons
- Interrogate suspects, interview witnesses, and play good cop/bad cop to get all the info you need
- A huge case of unique characters

Product Specs:
- Genres: Action Adventure
- Created by: Crackpot Entertainment
- Publisher: Gamecock Media Group (www.gamecockmedia.com)
- Platform: Nintendo DS, Windows compatible PC (PC SKU is retail and direct download)
- Release Date: Nintendo DS - March 11, 2008
- PC Episode One - March 2008
- PC Episode Two - Q2 2008

Finalist #1, Mr. Dandy. Please Mr. Dandy, shoot us an email at tipsATkotakuDOTcom to claim your prize. Congrats!

Finalist #1

Mr. Dandy writes:

I know this isn't technically an insect, although it is an arthropod, and I believe also an isopod. I beg leniency because, after all, it is the original video game bug.

It's 24" long, and has 70 points of articulation, sculpted in poly clay, then cast in colored resin, with painted details. I had always wanted an excuse to sculpt Centipede (specifically, the one from the arcade machine's original sideart). So it was kind of a labor of love, with Kotaku's contest providing the last excuse I needed to make it happen. Thanks!

Finalist #2

KingDavid73 writes:

The first time I saw this contest, this idea popped into my head. I made a basic outline of the project, but never really finished it, so all I have are these lame pictures... but , oh well. SEGA bug ftw?

Finalist #3

Sara writes:

I made this cockroach out of felt, spray paint, and a twist tie.

Finalist #4

Lonny writes:

This is my submission for the insect contest. I know it isn`t a real world insect, but it is my take on the hercules beetle combined with a human.

I made it out of oil-based clay.

Finalist #5

David S. writes:

Attached is a Lego model of a Giraffe Beetle that my wife and I put together for the contest.

I didn't know anything about Giraffe Beetles until I googled "weird insect" and said "Well, we obviously have to try and make THAT out of Lego!". It's one freaky looking bug.

Finalist #6

Adriana writes:

It's a pendant I'm making for my college jewelry class inspired by the Kotaku contest. It's made of 14k gold pierce work on the front and pure silver on the back with a pearl drop. Hopefully it's not too serious for the contest. (T.T)

Finalist #7

Ross writes:

For my Insecticide contest entry I made a bee/hornet bug. I named him Marty Mcfly. He is made from Apoxy Sculpt, clear plastic pieces, hot glue, and acyrlic paint. I also threw in a picture of Marty with another project of mine Dogen. From Psychonauts. Thanks for the fun contest!

Finalist #8

EvilEmpire28 writes:

It was made out of a pink erasure. I carved it using a pocket knife razor, used sand paper to smooth it down, then used some Sharpie markers and pens for the details. I finished it with plastic coated paper clips for legs and antenna for the head.

Finalist #9

Katie writes:

This is my super scary scorpion made entirely out of those twisty ties you get in trash bags. It kinda looks like A Mummy Scorpion.....

Finalist #10

Oscar writes:

Here it is, hope you like it. I made it out of paper clips and coke cans, with the metal part of a twist-tie for the antenna.
By the way, I love the site, and visit it everyday. Keep up the good work!

Finalist #11

Cchrist writes:

Here's my entry for the contest. I made it out of organs, fur, a kitten strap and some butterfly wings!
It even moves on it's own and doesn't even use electricity OR batteries.
The only thing i haven't figured out yet is making it fly...

Finalist #12

Cory writes:

It's the rare Smiling Amazon Box Spider.

It's a pendant I'm making for my college jewelry class inspired by the Kotaku contest. It's made of 14k gold pierce work on the front and pure silver on the back with a pearl drop. Hopefully it's not too serious for the contest. (T.T)

That's it.

You can use anything to make it EXCEPT CG. So yeah, if you want to make a bug outta newspapers, sticks, clay, whatever, DO IT. Send entries to kotakucontestATgmailDOTcom with the subject line "Insect." The contest ends March 7th at midnight PST. That's today!

I made it out of paper clips and coke cans, with the metal part of a twist-tie for the antenna.

That's it.

You can use anything to make it EXCEPT CG. So yeah, if you want to make a bug outta newspapers, sticks, clay, whatever, DO IT. Send entries to kotakucontestATgmailDOTcom with the subject line "Insect." The contest ends March 7th. The winner's fame is ENDLESS.

Here's my entry for the contest. I made it out of organs, fur, a kitten strap and some butterfly wings!
It even moves on it's own and doesn't even use electricity OR batteries.
The only thing i haven't figured out yet is making it fly...

That's it.

You can use anything to make it EXCEPT CG. So yeah, if you want to make a bug outta newspapers, sticks, clay, whatever, DO IT. Send entries to kotakucontestATgmailDOTcom with the subject line "Insect." The contest ends March 7th. The winner's fame is ENDLESS.

It's the rare Smiling Amazon Box Spider.

That's it.

You can use anything to make it EXCEPT CG. So yeah, if you want to make a bug outta newspapers, sticks, clay, whatever, DO IT. Send entries to kotakucontestATgmailDOTcom with the subject line "Insect." The contest ends March 7th. The winner's fame is ENDLESS.

I made this guy out of a packing peanut and staples.
With a little ink thrown on for color.

That's it.

You can use anything to make it EXCEPT CG. So yeah, if you want to make a bug outta newspapers, sticks, clay, whatever, DO IT. Send entries to kotakucontestATgmailDOTcom with the subject line "Insect." The contest ends March 7th. The winner's fame is ENDLESS.

I made the hornet from plastic bottles, the antenna from the rings around the opening, and the legs from coat hangers.

That's it.

You can use anything to make it EXCEPT CG. So yeah, if you want to make a bug outta newspapers, sticks, clay, whatever, DO IT. Send entries to kotakucontestATgmailDOTcom with the subject line "Insect." The contest ends March 7th. The winner's fame is ENDLESS.

That's it.

You can use anything to make it EXCEPT CG. So yeah, if you want to make a bug outta newspapers, sticks, clay, whatever, DO IT. Send entries to kotakucontestATgmailDOTcom with the subject line "Insect." The contest ends March 7th. The winner's fame is ENDLESS.

Earlier today Gamecock announced that their annual mini-con, EIEIO, was moving from California to Texas to coincide with South By Southwest. While the company only has only brought two titles to market so far, they have a ton in the wings. Here's how things official stand with their upcoming games, from Mushrooms to Insects:

Pirates Vs Ninjas Dodgeball XBLA - Feb
Insecticide DS - 2/26
Insecticide Episodes 1 & 2 (Downloadable PC Episodic) - March and April
Hail to the Chimp - May
Mushroom Men:Rise of the Fungi DS - June
Legendary PC Next Gen Consoles - Summer
Mushroom Men:The Spore Wars Wii - Fall
Sabotage 360/PC - Fall
Dungeon Hero 360/PC - Spring 09
Section 8 Next Gen Console/PC - Summer 09

"We are very excited to become a PLAYSTATION®Network publisher," said Vladimir Starzhevsky, CEO of Creat Studios, Inc. "Digital distribution is a key component in our strategy of becoming a global leader in creating and providing interactive entertainment."

Creat Studios Becomes PLAYSTATION Network Publisher

December 4, 2007 (Canton, Mass.) - Creat Studios, Inc. today announced that it has signed an agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment America that allows Creat to publish games for the PLAYSTATION®Network and PLAYSTATION®Store online and network services.

"We are very excited to become a PLAYSTATION®Network publisher," said Vladimir Starzhevsky, CEO of Creat Studios, Inc. "Digital distribution is a key component in our strategy of becoming a global leader in creating and providing interactive entertainment."

Creat Studios will now be able to publish its own downloadable games, as well as serve as a PLAYSTATION®Network publisher for developers and content providers in the U.S. and abroad. Creat Studios, Inc. is a premier developer of current and next-gen console and handheld games. Founded in 1990, Creat's corporate headquarters is in Canton, Massachusetts, with development studios in Massachusetts and St.Petersburg, Russia.

Insecticide is coming to the PC and Nintendo DS courtesy of publishing start up Gamecock. They promise the adventure game will be on hand at EIEIO, their own event running parallel to E3. If you're getting a classic LucasArts adventure vibe, don't think it's coincidence. The developer, Crackpot Entertainment, is staffed with members of the dev teams behind Full Throttle, Day of the Tentacle, Grim Fandango and Curse of Monkey Island. Infested with puns, yes, but it still looks like an awesome adventure game concept and maybe the most promising cockroach adventure since Bad Mojo. Michael McWhertor

Insecticide, an action adventure mystery starring bugs by Crackpot Entertainment, will be showing up on the DS and PC this holiday season, Gamecock announced today. It sounds like the game will be a classic point, or in the case of the DS version, tap and click adventure game.

Insecticide's gameplay puts players in the shoes of bug detectives charged with the task of investigating a mystery of epic proportions. Players will discover gameplay elements reminiscent of classic adventure titles, and action elements that will get the heart racing. Every aspect of the game brings players into a totally interactive world to discover, allowing them to put together and utilize clues to their fullest extent in hunting down culprits. Bringing the game to both PC and Nintendo DS opens a plethora of options and expands the possibilities of scenarios players will find themselves in. The unique input options of PC and Nintendo DS will allow for precise navigation to investigate environments and expertly control special talents of the characters.

Hit the jump for the full press release. Brian Crecente

The Buggiest Game Ever Coming This Fall

Cockpit, Austin, Texas - May 24, 2007 - Today Gamecock Media Group announced Crackpot Entertainment's Insecticide will be released on PC and the Nintendo DS™ system this holiday season. The classically styled action adventure detective game brings the look and feel of gritty gumshoe films into a futuristic city where insects have become the dominant race.

Insecticide's gameplay puts players in the shoes of bug detectives charged with the task of investigating a mystery of epic proportions. Players will discover gameplay elements reminiscent of classic adventure titles, and action elements that will get the heart racing. Every aspect of the game brings players into a totally interactive world to discover, allowing them to put together and utilize clues to their fullest extent in hunting down culprits. Bringing the game to both PC and Nintendo DS opens a plethora of options and expands the possibilities of scenarios players will find themselves in. The unique input options of PC and Nintendo DS will allow for precise navigation to investigate environments and expertly control special talents of the characters.

"The heart of classic detective novels and movies is to get the audience involved mentally, but now via PC and the Nintendo DS we can get players involved in a much more tactile arena," said Rick Stults, Console Chief for Gamecock Media Group. "The mouse and the stylus are the key to the 'touch and feel' experience we're really aiming for with this game and I think that's something players are really going to enjoy."

Insecticide's interactive environments are fully realized in realtime 3D on the Nintendo DS and the wide array of in-game items, clues and weapons assure hours of entertainment either at home or on the go. Additionally, players on the Nintendo DS will be able to team up with friends and other comrades in arms for multiplayer action. Never before has a crime world had this much buzz.

Here's the run down:

Fury: Developed by Auran, Fury is a massively multiplayer "player vs. player" game for PC scheduled to be released for the 2007 holiday season.

Insecticide: Developed by Crackpot Entertainment, Insecticide is a stunning film noir action/adventure game set in a decaying world run by bugs. It will be available for the 2007 holiday season on handheld TBA and PC.

Mushroom Men: Developed by Red Fly Studios, Mushroom Men is an incredibly detailed stylized world where mushrooms have taken on human-like feature and are now embroiled in a civil war. This is slated for a spring 2008 release on a next-gen console and handheld, both TBA.

Hail to the Chimp: Developed by Wideload Games, Hail to the Chimp is an impossible-to-classify party game based on politics in the animal kingdom. The game is scheduled for release in spring 2008 for next-gen consoles TBA.

Hero: Developed by Firefly Studios, Hero is a brutal but comical romp through the "real" world of medieval dungeons. It will be coming to a next-gen console TBA and PC in holiday 2008.

Brian Crecente