GAA Football Computer Game for 2004
With a working title ‘Gaelic Football 2004′, as far as we know
the first GAA licensed computer game is set for release on the
PlayStation2 sometime in the middle of next year.
The gaelic football game is been developed by Australian games
developer IR Gurus, and published exclusive for the PS2 by Sony
Computer Entertainment Ireland.
IR Gurus’ previous sports titles include three Australian Football
League, a bowling and equestrian games. Gaelic Football 2004 is to use
their AFL game engine.
“It has always been an objective of SCE Ireland to deliver game
content suitable to the Irish market and to satisfy the desires of
Irish consumers:” stated Niall O’Hanrahan, MD of SCEI. Continuing
he said “We are projecting to have sold 480,000 PS2’s in
Ireland by March 2004 and this level of household penetration
represents a huge opportunity for this title.”
Mr Sean Kelly, President of the GAA said that the game “:will
have huge benefit for the GAA. This brings the GAA into a new
technological and promotional era and I am looking forward to its
launch next year. We appreciate the efforts of Sony not only in this
venture but in other support such as the sponsorship of the Leinster
summer camps.”
[Illustration image from IR Gurus' 'AFL Live 2004']
Source: SCEI Press Release
Torcing it up a bit
Torc Interactive, the Co Donegal based games developer, are currently working on a PC and Xbox game engine, and a number of game ideas.
Torc begin work on the engine September last year with the hope to have it completed for GDC 2004 in March. They also plan to have a playable technical demo nearing the end of November.
“As you can see the fully unified, per pixel lighting is looking a
treat, and take our word for it, running in-game like a dream. We are
currently having fun throwing objects off walls and dead bodies around
the levels!” states their website.
“Our main focus right now is in finding a publisher. We’ve a few
game concepts at various stages of development that we’re looking to
pitch around November. Early responses have been very encouraging, and
we’re in the process of forming our strategy to leverage the best deal
for us”, Dermot Gallagher of Torc said to GameDevelopers.ie.
[Screen shots 1-3, Torc Wallpaper 4-6]
Cian Ginty
GameStop buys Gamesworld
A majority of the independent Irish computer games retailer and distribution Gamesworld has been taken by GameStop the largest computer games chain in the United States.
Gamesworld currently has eleven stores in Ireland. GameStop intends
to continue their retail expansion plan at an accelerated pace, seen
the amount of stores doubled inside a year and the creation of a
possible 100 new jobs.
According to the Irish Independent the two Gameworld founders
Michael Finucane (Commercial Director) and Kevin Neary (Managing
Director) are set to make 3 million euro from the deal. The two are to
stay within the company with the Financial Director Paul Hennessy.
Apparently the deal was made when the potential of the Irish chain was
spotted by Dubliner Niall Lawlor who is an executive with GameStop.
Similar to Gamesworld, as well as new games, GameStop has a large
focus on trading used games. They say they have over 30 million
customers, as their first move into Europe, to some, Ireland could be
seen as a stepping stone.
“This relationship is a big win for our customers and our
employees:” said Kevin Neary, Managing Director of Gamesworld. R.
Richard Fontaine Chairman and CEO of GameStop commented “:Ireland,
having a large per capita game console install base, provides us with a
unique opportunity to bring our brand of game retailing to this dynamic
market”.
Source: Irish Independent / Gamesworld press release
Cian Ginty
Gamesworld To Open 30 New Stores
According
to GamesIndustry.biz the now mainly GameStop owned Gameworld plans to
open 30 new Irish retail units in the next year, with 20 in the
Republic and 10 in the North.
The figure of 30 new shops would coincide with Gameworld plans for
creating 100 new jobs within a year. This should see Gameworld more
directly clashing with non-game only outlets such as XtraVision,
Smiths, World of Wonder and local shops.
More on where the shops are opening as soon as we get it.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
Cian Ginty