Monolith has announced that Project Origin, their follow up to 2005’s first-person shooter F.E.A.R. (with a new name chosen by fans online), has been pushed from its originally planned fall release into early 2009.

News of this slight delay came at the end of a progress report from the Leipzig Games Convention on IGN (via Joystiq), which lists the game as set for release in the first-quarter of 2009 — putting the game past its previously planned fall release. No reasons were given for the push, although these sort of short release bumps tend to be attributed to needing (or wanting) more time to add a little more polish.

You’ll still be able to check it out at PAX, though.

They’re turning the collectible card game Battle Forge into a real-time-strategy game? Madness! Everyone remembers what a disaster Magic the Gathering: BattleMage was!

In the midst of the Leipzig Games Convention, Microsoft has issued a statement (via IGN) about the much-ballyhooed and long-delayed Grand Theft Auto IV downloadable content. Said Microsoft, “In autumn there will be news from Liberty City; the first episodes of GTA IV will be available for download exclusively on Xbox LIVE, underlining Xbox 360’s leadership role in the field of digital entertainment.”

Will it include entire cities? Let’s hope so!

Not surprisingly, they’re predicting a large attendance at the tokyo show as well. What happens next year or the year after when the attendance continues to increase? My guess, the sheer number of journalists, bloggers and gamers will cause companies to save tidbits of awesome news for these shows instead of pushing them out at E3.

In the end, E3 would probably end up being a place to show some preview game code to “professionals” in the industry and all the hype and craze will be left to Leipzig and Tokyo. This would be a shame for some of us that don’t have the time or finances to shoot off to other countries to see games released in North America.

Perhaps E3 will become a “Game Developers Conference” for the game industry where publishers and developers can look over some of their peers in the industry while the news reporters and journalists grasp and small amounts of information to “break” on their websites (although most will probably be announced prior to E3 like this year).

Let’s wait and see the overall TGS turnout, I bet it will be high. In five years we may see big companies tossing tons of money into glitz and glamour of overseas shows rather then burning it on E3 as they did in years past.

Interesting.

The tour started off inside the press-only section of the Nintendo booth. Hidden behind the white curtains and giant Wii disc slots were a number of stands showing off some of the big titles that will be out for Wii and DS this year, namely Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Pokemon Battle Revolution, Zack and Wiki, Flash Focus and English Training. Within fifteen minutes, and after a short video showcasing these titles, we were led outside into the public area. “We are now leaving the old world of video games,” said the translation device in my ear, “and entering the new world of video games.” My heart sank. Given the choice, I’d much rather stay in the “old” world of video games…

First, the press were given speeches for 45 minutes about how great the Nintendo DS and Wii were doing, invited to try out Flash Focus, an eye training game, taken to a Mii creation station and showed how Miis were made (!), offered to play Big Brain Academy, and finally shown WiiFit with a personal trainer. This is, according to Nintendo, the New World of Video Games, and the future of gaming.

Excited?

(Thanks, Joystiq.)

Good news! If you’re into Halo and into real-time strat games, you’ll get a chance to check out the new Halo-themed RTS Halo Wars on Monday, September 3rd, according to Xbox 360 Rally, as a video demonstration of the game will be posted on Xbox Live Marketplace.

(Thanks, GameSpot for the video!)

1UP got a rare opportunity to talk to a couple of people behind Killzone 2. Namely Director Mathijs De Jonge and Producer Steven Ter Heide. 1UP was able to watch a play through of the E3 2007 level twice, first normally and second with developer tools enabled to show off the engine. Lastly they were able to get some hands on time with the game.

They cover topics from how the E3 2005 trailer put pressure on them as a team, not comparing themselves to any other FPS like Halo 3, Haze or Resistance, and mentioning the new weather system in the game.

All in all it’s a good interview. Some of their answers lead me to believe that the game will not be out until sometime next Fall, or even early 2009. Don’t believe me? Hit the link and read the full interview.
1UP Interviews Guerilla

Like expected, the game still looks amazing, and the English voice-over is a delightful treat. David Hayter is back, kids!

Titled Geometry Wars: Waves, Pro-G got the official scoop on the matter at the Leipzig Games Convention:

Geometry Wars: Waves is to be exclusive to PGR4 and won’t be released on Xbox LIVE Arcade…[it] is not the true next game in the series fans might have been waiting for.

We’re not quite sure what that last part means, as it’s hard to speak as a cohesive force of what fans “have been waiting for.” Personally, I’d be just fine with online multiplayer, but I’m sure a lot of people are looking for some of the level designs present in Geometry Wars: Galaxies for the Wii. What do you guys want to see in a new GW game?

(Thanks, Joystiq)

Activision announced today that Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground will be hitting local store shelves on October 9 for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii, PS2 and Nintendo DS.

Now that that’s out of the way we can go on with the more important news; a demo of Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock will be included on the Xbox 360 version of THPG. That’s a full two weeks of Guitar Hero 3 than anyone else!

“Music is such a huge part of skateboarding culture and pairing the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock demo with Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground makes perfect sense. We’re excited to bring together two highly anticipated games and give fans their first chance to rock out with the franchise that’s taken the world by storm.”

The demo will feature five tracks on the Desert Rock Tour Venue. You’ll be able to rock out to the following tracks:

• Lay Down (by Priestess)
• Even Flow (by Pearl Jam)
• The Metal (by Tenacious D)
• Hit Me with your Best Shot (as made famous by Pat Benatar)
• Rock You like a Hurricane (as made famous by Scorpions)

So grab your guitar and wait patiently until October 9th.

Press Release after the break.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug 23, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) –

Guitar Hero fanatics prepare to get the first fix of the upcoming Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock video game demo with the launch of Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq:ATVI) Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground, slated to ship to stores on October 9. Players who purchase the Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground game for the Xbox 360 TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft will get an exclusive two week head start on experiencing the demo to this year’s hottest music based video game before its release on Xbox LIVE ® Marketplace.

“Music is such a huge part of skateboarding culture and pairing the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock demo with Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground makes perfect sense,” said Dusty Welch, head of publishing at RedOctane. “We’re excited to bring together two highly anticipated games and give fans their first chance to rock out with the franchise that’s taken the world by storm.”

The demo features five tracks set in the Desert Rock Tour venue. Players will be able to rock out to:

– Lay Down (by Priestess)

– Even Flow (by Pearl Jam)

– The Metal (by Tenacious D)

– Hit Me with your Best Shot (as made famous by Pat Benatar)

– Rock You like a Hurricane (as made famous by Scorpions)

Both titles are in development by Activision’s award-winning studio, Neversoft.

Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground features deeper customization than ever before, including a Video Editor with full-featured editing tools and visual effects for creating “epic skate videos,” and a fully customizable online Skate Lounge where players can skate with friends in the ultimate pad. In addition, players will have the freedom to skate from single player to online seamlessly, as well as the ability to utilize new gameplay mechanics such as Nail the Manual and Nail the Grab, and the ability to modify the environment on the fly, as they enjoy the most expansive skating experience ever. Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground is scheduled for release October 9, and is rated “T” (Teen) by the ESRB. For more information visit http://www.thpgonline.com/.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock lets gamers fire up the fretboard, crank up the amp and get ready to rock like never before. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock drops players into the spotlight of the largest and most legendary rock concert ever. The star-studded soundtrack includes master tracks by such legendary artists as Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, and Pearl Jam, with added songs as made legendary by Kiss, Alice Cooper and Heart. Now drop that air guitar and shred the night away with Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Available in late October, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is rated “T” (Teen) by the ESRB. For more information visit http://www.guitarhero.com/.

About Tony Hawk, Inc.

Tony Hawk, Inc. is a world leader in its field with the unprecedented ability to bring alternative sports and their unique lifestyle to the masses while maintaining an indispensable edge of authenticity with the market’s hard-core, trendsetting audience. Founded by Tony Hawk in 1998 and based in Vista, CA, the company is organized into five segments: Merchandising, Events, Endorsements, Film and Digital Media. These lifestyle sports include skateboarding, BMX, Motocross, surfing and snowboarding. Consumer goods bearing the Tony Hawk brand have dominated several markets, including interactive games, skateboard hard goods, lifestyle apparel, toys, publications and more.

About Activision, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.5 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Scandinavia, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. In this release they are identified by references to dates after the date of this release and words such as “will,” “will be,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes”, “may”, “expects,” “intends,” and similar expressions. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the further implementation, acceptance and effectiveness of the remedial measures recommended or adopted by the special sub-committee of independent directors established in July 2006 to review Activision’s historical stock option granting practices, the board and Activision; the outcome of the SEC’s formal investigation and the derivative litigation filed in July 2006 against certain current and former directors and officers of Activision relating to Activision’s stock option granting practices, and the possibility that additional claims and proceedings will be commenced, including additional stockholder litigation, employee litigation, and additional action by the SEC and/or other regulatory agencies. Other factors that could cause Activision’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, without limitation, other litigation (unrelated to stock option granting practices), sales of Activision’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions, integration of recently acquired subsidiaries and identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, limitations on our ability to issue stock and options, foreign exchange rate changes, and the risks identified in Activision’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and recent reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision as of the date of this release, and Activision assumes no obligations to update any such forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations.

Guitar Hero TM III: Legends of Rock and Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground © 2007 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Tony Hawk is a registered trademark of Tony Hawk, Inc.

The ratings icon is a registered trademark of the Entertainment Software Association. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

Used with Permission. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: Activision Inc.

Table Tennis Wii is due out on October 23rd in North America and October 26th in Europe. You’ll have to wait a little longer for Midnight Club. There isn’t concrete date as of yet, but expect to see it on store shelves in early 2008. You can get a sneak peak at Midnight Club: LA later tonight when the first official trailer is released to the masses.

Press Release after the break.

Rockstar Games Debut Titles at Games Convention 2007

Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis for the Wii™ and the world premiere of Midnight Club: Los Angeles at LeipzigFirst trailer of Midnight Club: Los Angeles debuts online tonight

New York, NY – August 22, 2007 – Rockstar Games today announced two highly anticipated titles debuting at Games Convention 2007 in Leipzig, Germany. Midnight Club: Los Angeles for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis for the Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo will both be presented at the convention this week.

Rockstar San Diego’s most ambitious offering yet, Midnight Club: Los Angeles is the next major installment in the storied franchise and will be unveiled to the public for the first time in Leipzig. Featuring a stunning recreation of Los Angeles, Midnight Club: Los Angeles boasts a living, breathing rendition of “The City of Angels” for game fans to explore. Shattering genre conventions through progressive design has always driven the Midnight Club series; Midnight Club: Los Angeles will be no different. The first trailer for Midnight Club: Los Angeles debuts at 6PM EDT, Wednesday, August 22, 2007 on www.rockstargames.com/midnightclubLA.

Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis, the Wii version of the critically acclaimed, award winning sports simulation will be playable for all in attendance at Games Convention 2007. The innovative hardware of Nintendo’s Wii is a perfect platform for Rockstar’s Table Tennis game, making Table Tennis a truly must-have title for Wii owners. Attendees can challenge a friend at the Rockstar booth and experience the fast, exhilarating gameplay first-hand.

Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis for the Wii will be in retail stores in North America on October 23, 2007 and in European retail stores on October 26, 2007.

Midnight Club: Los Angeles will ship to retail stores in early 2008.

For more information on these titles and Rockstar Games, please visit www.rockstargames.com.

Rockstar Games is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

NaturalMotion announced yesterday that they are developing their first new IP. A football game called Backbreaker. But not just any football game. It’s the only football game to use “non-canned, fully interactive tackles.”. Backbreaker is due out in 2008 and looks to give Madden a good run for it’s money. Take a look at the trailer and see for yourself. It looks utterly amazing. But the lack of the NFL license could be a problem. But we’ll have to wait and see.

NaturalMotion today announced Backbreaker, the first football game to feature non-canned, fully interactive tackles. Using the euphoria engine (also found in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto IV and Star Wars: Force Unleashed games), Backbreaker features on-the-field football action with tackles that are different every time.

Press Release after the break.

(Thanks, Gamesindustry.biz)

NATURALMOTION TACKLING THE FOOTBALL VIDEO GAME GENRE WITH BACKBREAKER Next-Gen Football Title Pushes the Envelope with NaturalMotion’s euphoria Animation System

SAN FRANCISCO, CA and OXFORD, U.K. – August 22, 2007 – NaturalMotion, the company behind the groundbreaking euphoria animation technology featured in Grand Theft Auto IV and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, today announced Backbreaker, an American football game developed exclusively for next-generation consoles. The title is slated for a 2008 release.

“Backbreaker is the first football game with truly interactive tackles. By utilizing our motion synthesis engine, euphoria, players will never make the same tackle twice, giving them an intensely unique experience every time they play the game,” said NaturalMotion CEO Torsten Reil. “Backbreaker puts players in the middle of the gridiron by providing a pure, realistic football experience only possible on next-generation consoles.”

Backbreaker is more than just a new sports title – it’s a new experience. Incorporating NaturalMotion’s euphoria motion synthesis engine, Backbreaker will set the new standard for in-game animations in the football genre. In a departure from all previous football games, every tackle in Backbreaker is calculated and executed by the console in all its bone-crunching glory as it happens. Say goodbye to canned animations, and say hello to Backbreaker. For more information, please visit www.backbreakergame.com.

Midway sent us this game trailer this morning, stating it was shown off at Leipzig at the Games Convention. The monsters look cool and the graphics are on par with titles arriving today (on par with Gears of War? Not sure).

Interestingly, the game looks like the love child of Half-Life 2 meets Gears of War, no?

BlackSite: Area 51 is set to arrive in the States on November 5th, 2007 and in Europe October 26th.

A posting on Major Nelson’s website revealed that Ubisoft has joined the Games for Windows LIVE program. Their first title to be released on the platform is “Settlers: Rise of an Empire“. Ubisoft joins SEGA, THQ and Eidos as publishers who are utilizing the Games for Windows LIVE service.

Major also says that Microsoft has announced Train Simulator 2. Exciting news from Microsoft at the Games Convention in Leipzig. very, very exciting.

(Thanks, Major Nelson)

Everyone wants to announce new information at the Leipzig Games Convention to keep their hype levels up. What games from 2K can we look forward to hearing about this year?

If anyone needs some financial support it’s Take-Two Interactive and 2K Games is there to show them a lineup for late 2007 and all through 2008.

Here is the breakdown:

• Borderlands: Holiday 2008
• Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution: Spring 2008 (Fall ‘08 for Wii)
• Top Spin 3: Spring 2008
• NBA 2K8: Fall 2007
• NHL 2K8: Sept. 2007

Oddly enough the titles with “2K8″ in them arrive this year while all other titles are deliverables for 2008. Any titles you’re anticipating? Civilization is usually a solid bet for gaming fun.

Click “Read more” for the full press release.

Hotly-anticipated titles such as Sid Meier’s Civilization® RevolutionTM and NBA® 2K8 will be on display at Games Convention 2007

New York, NY – August 20, 2007 - 2K Games and 2K Sports, publishing labels of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced an exciting line-up for Games Convention 2007 in Leipzig, Germany. The 2K Games line-up features several of next year’s most anticipated titles including Sid Meier’s Civilization® Revolution™, the first console installment in the legendary Civilization® franchise, and Borderlands™ from legendary developer Gearbox Software. Games Convention 2007 also marks the premiere of 2K Sports’ latest installments in the top-rated sports games franchises, NBA® 2K8 and Top Spin 3. In addition to the stellar line-up, two new and unannounced games from established and popular brands will be revealed for the first time at Games Convention 2007.

2K Games’ Line-up Includes:

Borderlands™

Borderlands is the new franchise from award-winning developer Gearbox Software that will raise the bar for sci-fi action. Blending frenetic action with character customization and randomly generated items and enemies, Borderlands offers an entirely new gaming experience.

Developer: Gearbox Software

Platforms: Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows

Available: Holiday 2008

Sid Meier’s Civilization® Revolution™

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution is the first offering in the legendary Civilization® series to appear exclusively on consoles and handheld systems. Developed by legendary designer Sid Meier and Firaxis Games™, this game will deliver revolutionary features like real-time interaction between leaders, multi-player capabilities and integrated video and voice chat, which completely transports the Civilization series to a level of gameplay that fans have never experienced before.

Developer: Firaxis Games, a 2K studio

Platforms: Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo, and the Nintendo DS™

Available: Spring 2008 (Fall 2008 for the Wii)

2K Sports’ Line-up Includes:

Top Spin 3

Top Spin 3 is the most realistic tennis simulation series ever. Featuring 20 of the top-ranked tennis pros from the ATP and WTA, a new ball physics engine offering improved precision and realism, the most comprehensive online play modes, and the return of the improved Player Creator feature, Top Spin 3 is the pinnacle of the tennis simulation games.

Developer: PAM Development, a 2K studio

Platforms: Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system

Available: Spring 2008

NBA® 2K8

Voted best current and next generation NBA hoops franchise by both press and gamers, NBA 2K8 will continue its legacy of basketball excellence. Featuring exciting all-new play modes, defensive controls, off-ball controls, an improved franchise mode and an impressive set of other updated features, NBA 2K8 is poised for another run as the #1 rated NBA simulation.

Developer: Visual Concepts, a 2K studio

Platforms: Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems

Available: Fall 2007

NHL® 2K8

NHL 2K8 reigns supreme as the category leader in innovation, design and critical acclaim with five straight years as the #1 rated* NHL video game. In addition to intensely realistic gameplay, all new player models, and spectacular graphics, NHL 2K8 will feature an unprecedented level of player customization with accurate body styles for each marquee player, providing the most authentic representation of your favorite NHL stars.

Developer: Visual Concepts/Kush Games, 2K studios

Platforms: Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2computer entertainment systems

Available: September 2007

For more information, please visit www.2Kgames.com and www.2Ksports.com

*According to GameRankings.com average scores of 2003-2007 NHL video games.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox® and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™ and Game Boy® Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K and 2K Sports, and Global Star Software; and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.