Immersion Corporation, the leading developer in Haptic Technology and the company that sued Microsoft and Sony over patent infringement a few years ago has commissioned a public poll regarding the PlayStation 3 rumble feature. The poll itself asks questions on the specific benefit of such a feature in a games controller, with various choices, including whether or not it makes a game more enjoyable or helps with the actual game by way of warnings and guidance. The key question however appears to be the one that many games are discussing - how will the lack of rumble affect the decision to purchase the PS3? This seems a fairly moot query given majority of gamers are making the purchasing decision based on other factors, not least of all is the price of the PS3 console overall.

With the Sony patent still causing problems for both parties, a relatively innocent survey would seem to take on a whole life of its own, as it seems to be suggesting some sort of forcing of the hand of Sony with regards to the alleged Immersion patented rumble technology. Time will tell. Until then, take the poll (no longer online).

SEGA Europe Ltd. and SEGA of America, today announced 'The Club' (Working Title) for Next-Gen consoles in 2007.  The Club is the next project from award-winning UK based development powerhouse, Bizarre Creations, the studio behind the definitive next-gen racing game, Project Gotham Racing 3. Bizarre Creations are once again in partnership with SEGA having already enjoyed past success with the beloved Metropolis Street Racer.
 
Within The Club, Bizarre Creations will redefine and refresh the mechanics of 3rd person action shooters just as they have shaken up the racing genre.  The Club focuses on addictive and rewarding gameplay that tests your skills to the limit and offers a relentless pace never before seen within the genre. Offering frantic, fast paced gameplay with a unique style, tone and storyline that drips with energy, attitude and anarchy, The Club will be a genuine showcase for the capabilities of the next-gen platforms by maximising the graphical and audio technology available to give a gameplay experience that is second to none. The game focuses on addictive and rewarding gameplay that tests your skills to the limit and leaves you, and the rest of the world, in no doubt about how good you really are.

“The Club is the most exciting game I have seen in ages. It's one of those titles, even at this stage in development, which I cannot put down - it will be huge.” commented Matt Woodley, Creative Director of SEGA.

"Here at Bizarre Creations we feel The Club brings the pillars of classic SEGA gameplay bang up to date for the next generation of hardware, gaming and gamers" commented Martyn Chudley, Managing Director, Bizarre Creations Ltd. "We are truly excited by the prospects of this game and of our partnership with SEGA."

The Club is a loosely organised and highly illegal underground entity. The Club is a meeting ground for those seeking the ultimate in vicarious thrills, and those who want to watch them. You have been entered into the sport, and against the odds must fight for survival.

Set in a variety of unusual and evocative locations scattered across the globe, you will be wielding high-powered weaponry in a bid to earn your escape. Your first task is to survive, but you must kill according to their rules - quickly, relentlessly and with style.

Kill or be killed, stand still and you’re dead!

The Club hits Europe and America in 2007 on Next-Gen platforms. Bizarre Creations will be conducting in-depth presentations behind closed doors for select press at E3 on the SEGA booth #946, South Hall. In addition to the presentation there will be a sneak preview video running on the video wall on the show floor.

Atari have started their E3 press roll out and have now put together an 'electrfying' list of all those titles they're showing at the Expo. As well as franchise titles Dragon Ball Z, Test Drive Unlimited, Alone in the Dark, and Dungeons and Dragons, Atari will also be showing off:

Arthur and the Minimoys for PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance and Windows. This title was directly inspired by world famous film director and writer Luc Besson’s upcoming animated film of the same name; the Arthur and the Minimoys game will follow the film’s storyline and feature eye-popping graphics and technical innovations. The game allows players to relive the fantastic adventure of young Arthur and his two pals, princess Selenia and her brother Bétamèche, in their mission to save the Minimoys’ world from destruction. Set to time with The Weinstein Company theatrical release of the movie in North America, Arthur and the Minimoys game is currently in development by Lyon-and Paris-based Etranges Libellules, creator of several successful animated games, including Asterix XXL and Kirikou. The Nintendo DS game is being developed by Dreamon, and the Nintendo Game Boy Advance version by Mistic.

Battlezone for PSP is the modern update to the 1980 classic arcade game. Set in futuristic international military environments, BattleZone puts players in control of highly manoeuvrable hover tanks, challenging them in close combat scenarios against their rivals with relentless onslaughts of quick, action-oriented battles.  BattleZone for the PSP system is being developed by Paradigm Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Infogrames Entertainment SA.

HOT PXL for PSP system is the ingenious and hip new title that brings fast and furious bite-size gaming to the masses. HOT PXL  comprises more than 200 deviously crafted mini-games based on a unique and original story premise that draws inspiration from street culture and the digital lifestyle – whether it’s blasting through an old-school style video game, busting tricks on a skateboard or a BMX, stage-diving at a concert, or just trying to cross a busy digital street.  The game’s web site, will serve as an integral part of the experience and the community. HOT PXL is being developed by zSlide.

Neverwinter Nights 2 is the sequel to the best-selling and genre-defining role-playing game (RPG) set in the popular Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe created by Wizards of the Coast.  The game’s story picks up years after a war waged between Luskan and Neverwinter.  The peace that was restored is at risk as tension mounts between the mighty city-states.  Unnoticed, a greater danger stalks the City of Skilled Hands. Unbeknownst to the denizens of the North, deep in the Mere of Dead Men, dark forces from across the Realms have been rallied under the banner of a legendary evil.  If left unchallenged, all of the North is doomed to fall under its power. Even in this darkest hour, hope remains.  A mysterious relic is borne to Neverwinter in the hands of a lone hero so that its secrets may be unlocked - secrets that carry the fate of all the North.  So begins an epic tale of shattered alliances, noble acts and dark deeds to be told across the Realms for generations to come.  Neverwinter Nights 2, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, will include a new and improved robust toolset that allows for the ultimate adventure creation and for the story of Neverwinter to continue.

Update: We're a little behind on this one, but check out the trailer for Assassin's Creed which can be downloaded at the bottom of this article!

Today Ubisoft have announced the development of a new video game franchise: Assassin’s Creed. Assassin’s Creed is being developed for Playstation 3 by an all-star team from Ubisoft’s world-class Montreal studio – the studio responsible for acclaimed franchises such as Prince of Persia and Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell. The Assassin’s Creed franchise will combine compelling new gameplay, superb graphics, and an immersive and sophisticated storyline to deliver an epic experience that will launch the action genre into the next generation and beyond. “Assassin’s Creed is going to push the video game experience as we know it today into an entirely new direction,” said Yannis Mallat, chief executive officer at Ubisoft’s Montreal studio. “Assassin’s Creed’s compelling theme and storyline experienced through the next-generation console will captivate audiences and affect them on the same level as an epic novel or film.” 
 
The first game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise is set in 1191 AD, when the Third Crusade was tearing the Holy Land apart. Shrouded in secrecy and feared for their ruthlessness, the Assassins intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. Players, assuming the role of the main character Altair, will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and to shape events during this pivotal moment in history. “Ubisoft has established itself as a creative force in the video game industry by developing new intellectual property and turning it into multimillion-unit selling brands,” said Serge Hascoet, chief creative officer at Ubisoft. “Our goal to introduce three new brands into the marketplace every two years is working. With Assassin’s Creed we’re introducing a franchise that will establish itself as the must-have next-generation game for the next-generation gamer.” The first game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise will make its worldwide debut at E3 in Los Angeles and will be available to consumers in 2007.

Download: [Assassin's Creed Trailer]

THQ internal developer Kaos Studios, creators of Desert Combat and Key Technologies for Battlefield 2, prepares for Next-Generation Warfare on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC with with their Frontlines: Fuel of War, billed as an evolution in riveting, open-world first-person shooter gameplay; it is expected to be released in fall 2007.

"Frontlines: Fuel of War will take players to the next generation of combat. The game focuses on the cutting edge in military technology that will allow players to experience the highly-charged frontlines of tomorrow, today," said Frank DeLise, general manager, Kaos Studios. "Through intense, nail biting, non-linear single- or multi-player campaigns, players will be able to use more than 60 vehicles and advanced weaponry, from next-generation assault tanks to experimental RC drones."

"Kaos Studios represents THQ's increased focus on fostering the industry's most talented individuals to deliver innovative and original titles for the next-gen cycle," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president, worldwide publishing, THQ. "Frontlines: Fuel of War bridges two of the most popular genres in gaming, and it's all from the very creative minds of an elite team with a proven track record of success." Here's hoping it's all true and it's better than 'The Outfit'.

Obviously the internet has been a hotbed of debate and discussion regarding the pricing plans for the Sony PS3 console and recently it was reported all over the place that comments made by Sony Computer Entertainment France boss Georges Fornay had given away the price point for the PS3. Apparently not according to GamesIndustry.biz who have heard that when Fornay mentioned a 499 - 599 EURO price point it was a "mistranslation or misunderstanding of the discussion, which was actually focused on the relative value of PS3 as a Bluray Disc player," says SCEE corporate communications director Nick Sharples.

Apparently it all comes down to Bluray pricing and a misunderstanding. Whatever the final price point, it will be worth it given the multi functionality of the machine. Sounds like we'll not just be paying for a games console, but a multi functional machine, so that price will have to reflect that. Though not all gamers may go along with that sort of thinking.

Great news for fans of 'the man in the hat'. Indiana Jones is set to get a big reveal on the next generation gaming consoles at this years E3. This news couldn't be timed better, given the new script for Indiana Jones IV was also accepted this week and it looks like camera's are finally set to roll on it as well (though Harrison may be getting a little long in the tooth to some). News of the Next Generation gaming release was first revealed on the final day of the Game Developers Conference 2006.

Lucasarts and ILM (Industrial Light and Magic) have both moved into the same building and intend to work together on the title in a manner that will show their collaboration in a new light. Indiana Jones has of course appeared on previous console outings, in the form of Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine and Indiana Jones and The Emporer's Tomb. The next generation release will take place in 2007. On a side note Lego Star Wars II is also set to get a reveal from LucasArts at E3.

Could a game concept truly win the coveted Nobel Peace Prize, something generally awarded to Human Rights Campaigners, World Leaders and Civil Rights Leaders. It may seem a rather large stretch of the imagination, but that's just what the Annual Game Design Challenge at the GDC (Game Developers Conference) has used as the topic at this years challenge.

Creator of the quirky Katamari Damacy Keita Takahashi, Epic Games lead designer Cliff Bleszinski and Lead designer of Deus Ex Harvey Smith all presented game concepts that they all believed could win it.  The Annual Game Design Challenge has previously been won by Will Wright (Creator of The Sims). Last years challenge was to base a game design concept on 'love', based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson. Well this certainly makes a nice change to all the FPS (First Person Shooter) titles and War titles presently flooding the marketplace, but is something like this actually able to take on the might of a peace reformer or world reknowned activist.

It seems it may be more down to making developers and designers think outside of the box, than an actual statement of fact. It also goes some way to highlighting those games that are of the more serious kind, as opposed to mindless entertainment value. One of the concepts discussed included 'Peace Bomb', in which players form social networks and need to work together and exchange resources virtually to make it to their goals.

Sounds good in theory, but is the teenage demographic of gaming truly going to want some peace with their 'hot coffee', probably not. Though titles such as Katamari Damacy feature fairly peaceful gameplay (ok if rolling up people and everything in sight can be deemed peaceful), they, sadly, tend to sell in lesser quantities than the big guns. Gaming is certainly maturing, in many ways along the same lines as Hollywood evolved. As with that medium, we are bound to get our deep feel good titles that emotionally involve us and make us think, but it's doubtful it will ever be enough to truly glean a Peace Prize.

President of the Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios Division, Phil Harrison has not only confirmed that a replacement design for the boomerang styled PS3 controller will appear at this years E3 Expo in May, he's also essentially admitted the controller was a stupid idea. This realisation isn't big news to most die hard gamers, given it was the overarching reaction to the device when it was first shown last year.

As usual the Sony PR machine have played down any negative aspects of the PS3, including the rather strange controller design and resulting comments about it, choosing rather to concentrate on the latest batch of 'a new controller will appear at E3' statements. The new controller is thought by many to be a far more regular design, nothing too shocking so that gamers who are loud on the internet will purr like kittens when they first catch a glimpse of it. Needless to say we'll be covering it here at QJ.