2K announces BioShock is exclusive to Microsoft

Gamers who were hoping to have a chance of getting their hands on 2K's upcoming first person, action shooter, BioShock, for any systems other than Xbox 360 or Windows are going to be rather disappointed with this news. 2K has just announced that the game is going to be exclusive to Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Games for Windows, so you can all stop waiting and stop holding your breath. On the bright side, the game will be fully optimized for Windows since it under the Games for Windows brand, which also means that it will also work with the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows and 64 bit consumer versions of Windows. BioShock is currently set to release in 2007 and is not yet rated.

Mattel hunts Tween gamers

As an attempt to get a bite of the tween video gamer market share, Mattel Inc. has created the HyperScan Hybrid Video Game system, which mixes collector cards and video gaming using RFID technology. The description of the system in the press release reads, “Designed especially for tweenagers eight years and older, HyperScan™ combines re-writable Intellicard™ technology – used for the first time in the video game and toy industry – with the fast-paced, button-mashing action of video games for a game experience like no other.” The system comes packaged with Marvel X-Men and two other games, Catroon Network's Ben 10 and Interstellar Wrestling, will be available at the launch of the system. The games mix the scanning of cards with actual gameplay through the CD-ROM system.

We're expecting this to be a rather disappointing system and we're looking forward to seeing, in a few years, the hundreds of teenagers who used had system in their “tweenage” years thanking Mattel for ruining their gaming youth. The HyperScan game system will be available for $69.99 USD in October and will come “complete with the console, one controller (designed for tween-sized hands), one X-Men™ CD game and six X-Men™ collectible game cards,”. Extra game packs, which will include one game and six collectible game cards, will be priced at $19.99 USD. Booster Packs, which will include six collectible game cards, will cost $9.99 USD. Additional controllers will cost $19.99 USD each and other accessories, such as the Intellicard case, will cost $7.99 USD. All in all, it sounds like a great way for kids to waste their money.

Marvel announces developer for Marvel Universe Online

Marvel Entertainment has announced that it has chosen a developer for Marvel Universe Online, an massively multiplayer online game that will be, much like BioShock, exclusive to Xbox 360 and Windows. Cryptic Studios has been confirmed as the developer and the game will be published by Microsoft Game Studios, which would explain why it's exclusive to the Microsoft platforms. Marvel Universe Online will make use of a large number of Marvel franchises, including Spider-Man, X-Men and The Hulk, and allow players to interact simultaneously in a unique atmosphere which will feature all of their favourite Marvel characters, creatures and villains. With the MMOG market popular as ever, Marvel will be sure to have a popular game on their hands, in large part thanks to its already massive fanbase.

The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion to head to PS3 and PSP

Bethesda Softworks, maker of the Elder Scrolls series, announced today that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion will be a launch title for the Playstation 3 this November in North America, and next March in Europe, when the system launches there. A special version of the game, The Elder Scrolls Travels: Oblivion, will also be released for the PSP in the Spring of 2007. Both games will be published in North America by Bethesda Softworks, and in Europe, Ubisoft will serve at co-publisher. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is already available for the Xbox 360 for $59.99 USD or $69.99 CAD and PC for $49.99 USD or $59.99 CAD.

Buena Vista Games to acquire Climax Racing

Buena Vista Games (BVG) announced today that it has acquired UK studio, Climax Racing, from Climax Group Ltd. BVG hopes that the acquisition of Climax Racing will allow it to create higher quality and more creative racing titles. The studio is best known for its award winning titles, including its ATV Offroad Fury and MotoGP series.

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