The i version of Line Rider will include the ability to upload and download tracks on the web via the official Line Rider site and will make use of the touch interface for track creation and play. You can also watch your tracks play out in a movie mode.

These new versions of the game are set to hit the App Store and iTunes later this month along with the DS, PC and Wii versions of the game.

iPHONE™ & iPOD Touch™ Users GET READY TO RIDE THE LINES!

inXile entertainment TO RELEASE LINE RIDER™

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Sept. 5, 2008 – inXile entertainment today announced they will release a version of the internet phenomenon Line Rider for the iPhone™ and iPod Touch™ in September 2008. The new version of Line Rider will be available on iTunes for $2.99 and will feature the ability to upload and download tracks on the web at the official Line Rider Web site www.linerider.com. Created in September of 2006, Line Rider was an immediate online sensation with millions of players worldwide and thousands of videos posted on YouTube.com showing off users “custom” Line Rider tracks.

“We have over a million visitors to LineRider.Com every month, and our strong and vocal audience has been asking for an iPhone™/ iPod Touch™ version of Line Rider ever since the touch interface was introduced,” said Brian Fargo, chief executive officer of inXile entertainment Inc. “Line Rider is a natural fit for the iPhone as mobile users will be able to share their tracks and ride the lines almost anywhere now.”

Line Rider ‘fan boy’ TechDawg will be collaborating with inXile to create some groundbreaking tracks that will be available for download from the Line Rider web site. The iPhone™ and iPod Touch™ version will feature a touch interface and will allow users to playback tracks in a ‘movie’ mode as well as upload tracks to the Internet for others to download and play. Players will be able to search for tracks by track name and/or author, rate other people’s tracks and browse the list of “Most Recent Tracks” as well as “Top Rated Tracks”.

Also scheduled for release in September 2008 is Line Rider™ 2: Unbound from Genius Products for Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and PC. These brand new games will feature new game modes, riders, community features and creative tools. Line Rider 2: Unbound is the next level in this gaming phenomenon and will feature 40 mind-bending puzzles created by the #1 Line Rider player in the world, TechDawg.

How was anyone going to take such an open, simple design and turn it into a traditional game without totally screwing it up.

Turns out I wasn't the only one worrying about that.

"We knew (Line Rider) was a good platform," said Chris Keenan, producer of Line Rider 2: Unbound for InXile Entertainment.. "We knew there was something we could make a game out of, but we didn't just want to abandon what everyone had been playing around with."

The developers knew they would have to include a freestyle mode in the, but they also wanted to beef up the title by creating both a puzzle mode and a story mode.

"The great thing about Line Rider is its elegant simplicity," Keenan said. "We knew there was so much we could do to it, but we didn't want to ruin it by making it too complex."

So the development called on game creator and Slovenian university student Boštjan Čadež to help with the concept work.

"He came out for about a month and a half," Keenan said. "We put him up across the street and have him come over every day. He and our lead engineer here, started playing around with the next update of the flash version.

"After they did that we sat down and bounced around ideas like game design stuff and what we wanted to feature in the new games."

Chief among the features the team wanted to include in the new game was the ability to capture video and share it.

"The PC build has video capture built into it," he said. "You just push a button and it spits out an AVI."

Of course the story mode was another big feature the game included.

In this mode instead of being able to draw lines wherever you want, you play through an existing course that has chunks missing. The missing areas are located in green regions on the screen. Players have to draw their own lines in those green regions to allow their rider to finish the course while hitting targets and collect tokens.

To help create these pre-made courses, InXile called on TechDawg, a gamer considered to be the best Line Rider artist around.

"I started watching these videos come out on YouTube and called up TechDawg," Keenan said. "We had him come here to help us with course design. He amazingly has really good design sense. He flew out for about three weeks and sat down and went over game design ideas and tried to figure out what we wanted out of story mode maps."

While adding new modes to the game to give Line Rider 2 more depth was a challenge, an even greater challenge for the team was figuring out how to bring the game over to the Wii and DS.

"The differences with the Wii are basically in the user interface," Keenan said. "When you go into a console version they want more screen real estate. We have collapsible menus, but other than that they are very, very similar."

Playing around with the DS version of the game, I was astounded at how well Line Rider translates onto the screen. Creating and editing course lines are a breeze and in freemode you can have your character riding your lines as you create them. You can also drop clip art into freemode tracks and even create invisible "trick triggers." When your rider slides through one of these triggers they pull off one of pre-created tricks.

The story mode, which I initially thought was going to be the game's weakest link, quickly sunk its hooks into me. In this mode you have to figure out how to complete an existing course by drawing one of three types of lines: standards, one that speeds you up or one that slows you down. In this mode, after you draw a line it creates a number of handles along the line that you can use to shape it by dragging them around.

To complete a level you need to run over all of the targets, but there are also tokens which can be collected for bonus points. Getting those tokens, though, often mean having to travel a much more difficult path, one that often involves multiple loops, drops and tricks.

While I didn't have time with the Wii version of the game, the developers told me they spent about a month working on the controller trying to finesse more precision out of it.

The team said the game won't support Motion Plus, but that they'd love to have a chance to use the Wii's new feature.

While I was taken aback by how well the game translates to the DS, I was even more surprised to hear the developer's plans for DS and Wii track sharing. The team knew early on just how important the ability to share and show off your tracks was to the game. And doing that for the PC version was a no brainer. But it wasn't as easy a task for the Wii and DS versions.

But the team were able to get Nintendo approval to allow them to have their DS and Wii versions of the game sync up with a special website where players will be able to download and upload approved courses. That means that if you have either title you will be able to download gamer created courses directly to your console or handheld.

On both versions the game gives you a code that you need to enter on the Line Rider website. Once you create a login on the website and enter your code you can sync up your DS or Wii with the page.

Using this system you can upload or download any tracks from your personal page.

On the webpage you can manage your tracks, adding them to the public database. You can also flip through tabs which separate the tracks by platform.

After the game launches the team hopes to roll out a system that will allow gamers to rate each other's tracks. Those ratings, they hope, will then affect a person's score. The idea is that those gamers who create better tracks will earn high scores for themselves and gain a reputation.

And player creations won't be limited to straightforward tracks, players will also be able to create and share puzzles.

Keenan said that the game may even support downloadable content for the Wii down the line, allowing them to release new puzzles, tracks and clip art through the Wii's store.

Update: Turns out that this is indeed the PC version, despite the fact that it was placed in a folder for Wii videos. Sorry about the confusion.

Genius Products LLC Expands Its Offering with Publishing and Distribution of Video Games

The First Release, LINE RIDER™, Expected to Hit Shelves Summer 2008

Entry into Video Games Leverages Existing Distribution Channels and Management Expertise

College & University Pressroom

SANTA MONICA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB:GNPI) "The Company" announced today its expansion into the publishing and distribution of video games. Genius' management team has extensive experience in the video game industry and this growth opportunity is an example of how the company is increasing revenue and earnings growth through new and expanding brand and content partnerships as well as co-productions.

"Our management expertise in the development, marketing and distribution of video games creates a tremendous growth opportunity for Genius," said Trevor Drinkwater, President and CEO of Genius Products. "As planned, this marks the beginning of our entrance into the fast growing and exciting interactive software category and the expansion of our distribution expertise in multiple entertainment based product categories."

Stephen K. Bannon, Chairman of Genius Products said, "In 2008, we enter phase two of our aggressive growth strategy which will focus on revenue growth and improvements in margin through brand and content partnerships, content production, intellectual property ownership, and the acquisition of additional revenue streams. Our planned entry into video games is a great example of value creating, higher margin opportunities we will continue to aggressively pursue in 2008 and beyond."

The Company plans to offer a number of new game titles in 2008 across a variety of gaming genres. The initial product, anticipated to hit shelves in the summer of 2008, is Line Rider™. Based on the Internet phenomenon and developed by InXile, Line Rider is built upon the simple premise of what happens when a boy and his sled are sent traveling along in a world drawn by the player. With a fan base for the original Internet game numbering over twenty million, the new Line Rider games from Genius Products for Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and PC will take players far beyond the original game with new game modes, new riders, new community features and new creative tools. Offering the ability to create and share gameplay like no game before it, the only limits of Line Rider are the laws of physics and the player's own imagination.

In Line Rider, the sled-stealing scumbag Chaz is up to no good and only you, as the clever and cunning Bosh, can defeat him. For Bosh to save his true love Bailey, players must solve over 40 mind-bending puzzles created by the #1 Line Rider player in the world, TechDawg. Players can also create their own puzzles and story-telling masterpieces and share them on the Internet by posting on sites such as YouTube, Facebook or the official Line Rider Web site www.linerider.com.

"Over the past few years, we have built one of the preeminent distribution platforms and assembled one of the leading teams in the home entertainment industry. We are well positioned to deliver record revenue, operating cash flow and earnings by fully exploiting our platform," stated Mr. Stephen K. Bannon.

We're not lacking in stellar Line Rider clips, but now that the Far Side calendars at Kotaku Tower read 2008, it's time to start posting Line Rider clips anew. The good news is this—this particular clip is of the official commercial version of the former Flash-only toy. The bad news, however, is that someone forgot to retain the charm and simplicity of the original that made it so endearing. Those responsible have also added enough hooting and hollering to make the mute button your best pal. Oh well, it had a good run.

You know it had to happen. A game that is as fun as it is simple can't help but get sucked up by a mobile game developer.

Today in-Fusion announced that they landed an agreement to developer and distribute a mobile version of Line Rider. Line Rider Mobile will let you create and run tracks on your phone and then instantly share them with other mobile gamers. You will also be able to upload your tracks to the official Line Rider site where they can mingle with tracks created on the PC, Wii and DS versions of the game.

While execs at in-Fusion are enthusing over the game's "perfect fit" for the mobile market, I'm not quite sure if I see that. The chief problem will be actually creating the tracks. Are you going to have to use the keypad? (I can't think of any other way.) If so it's going to be about as fun as Etch-A-Sketch on a phone. As in suck. Brian Crecente

In addition to our regular hate mail (do keep it coming!), reader James was kind enough to pass along this Kotaku Line Rider. Touched, we were. Many thanks! Brian Ashcraft

Didn't I pledge at some point to never again post a Line Rider clip? The Flash toy and future DS and Wii title may be old hat to some, but I'm still fascinated by Line Rider creations. Despite my inability to keep my word, trust that this one is the best of the bunch. Even with a Chad Kroeger from Nickelback soundtrack, you ask? Even with a Chad Kroeger from Nickelback soundtrack, I reply. Michael McWhertor

It still doesn't beat out the most amazing Line Rider clip ever, but since the "web toy" is coming to the Nintendo DS and the Wii, here's one more (final?) demo of what you can strive for with the commercial release. Stick around for the sad ending. Michael McWhertor

The fine folks at Jay is Games have put together a list of the best "casual games" they've played this year and there are tons of lovely gems hidden within.

I've only gotten my mouse pointer dirty with a couple of them, such as Dice Wars/kdice, Line Rider, Nest of Maoi, flOw, and Word Sandwich, but further exploration has turned me on to a ton of free fun.

Go on. Take a few minutes out of your busy work day to bring productivity to its knees. Find your new Flash gaming addiction. Save yourself a couple bucks on the imminent Xbox Live Arcade/PlayStation Store future hit. Haven't you earned fifteen minutes off? Michael McWhertor

Best of 2006 [Jay is games]

You may not care that Line Rider is coming to the Nintendo DS and Wii, but you gotta show a little respect for the skills necessary to put together this clip titled "Urban Run." Plus, whomever had the good sense to tack on some Katamari tunes deserves a hair-tussle and a "nice job." Seeing this just makes me want the DS version that much more. Michael McWhertor

Line Rider Coming To DS, Wii [Kotaku]

That amazing little Flash toy Line Rider, which began its life as a project for an illustration class according to creator Bostjan Cadez is due to be ported to the Nintendo DS and the Wii. Line Rider is coming this spring courtesy of inXile entertainment with "new added features". What looks like a deceptively simple non-game can become a powerfully fun tool in the right hands. Don't believe me? Check out this amazing clip of Line Rider officially "jumping the shark."

Let's hope inXile takes advantage of the online features of both the DS and the Wii, allowing users to share drawings over the internet.

Check out the online beta version of Line Rider below and hit the jump for the full release. Michael McWhertor

Line Rider [deviantart]

INXILE ENTERTAINMENT AQUIRES CONSOLE RIGHTS TO HIT INTERNET GAME LINE RIDER !

Nintendo DS & Nintendo Wii Games Scheduled For Spring 2007

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Dec. 20, 2006 - Having already amassed a worldwide cult following on the internet, inXile entertainment announced today that it has acquired the rights to the hugely addictive 'toy' Line Rider and that the popular game will soon be available for both the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii. Since its first appearance on the Web (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/40255643/) on September 23, 2006, Line Rider has attracted over 15 million viewers to date and has spawned over 11,000 video posts on YouTube.com. Anticipated to ship in Spring 2007, Line Rider for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii from inXile entertainment will retain all the fun and thrills of the addictive Web version, but will also include new added features.

Line Rider has received accolades from media worldwide. Time.com commented, 'Line Rider is becoming one of the most popular flash games on the web', and The Wall Street Journal called Line Rider 'Online gamers' new addiction'. The Toronto Star noted that Line Rider was 'a deceptively simple online game' and stated that it has become "the latest Internet addiction".

"I have been around the interactive entertainment industry long enough to have seen similar phenomenon like Tetris and Bejeweled become massive international hits, and Line Rider has all the elements to do the same," said Brian Fargo, chief executive officer of inXile entertainment. "Line Rider is like a fully animated Etch-A-Sketch and will be perfect for the Nintendo DS and Wii."

Fargo continued, "The amazing thing is that it has appeal to almost everyone. I've watched 6 year-olds and adults play Line Rider and both were thoroughly entertained and captivated. Easy to pick up and play, and highly addictive, we are very pleased to be bringing Line Rider to video game players."

Described as a 'toy' by its creator Bostjan Cadez, Line Rider allows players to construct their own track filled with as many ramps, hills, and jumps as they can imagine utilizing a pencil tool. Once the player is done creating their course, they can send a virtual sledder down the route until he wipes out. The possibilities in Line Rider are only limited by physics and the player's imagination with an almost endless number of variations and replay.

"Line Rider began its life as a project I did for illustration class," commented Bostjan Cadez, who created Line Rider in his native Slovenia. "As much as people see it as a game I think of it as a toy because there is no score and no one wins or loses while playing Line Rider. I'm looking forward to working with inXile entertainment on the new Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii versions as they will bring added gameplay and features."

About inXile entertainment

Located in Newport Beach, California, inXile entertainment is a game development company that focuses on both licensed and original intellectual properties. Formed in late 2002 by Interplay Entertainment founder Brian Fargo, inXile entertainment develops for personal computers, handhelds, the Nintendo Wii, the Xbox 360 and Sony PS3. Their products include The Bard's Tale and a yet to be announced next-gen game shipping in 2007. For additional information on InXile and its products, visit the website at http://www.inxile-entertainment.com