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Zushi: Xmas line-up is only the beginning Publisher ventures onto new platforms to ensure success and drive growth in 2010 by James Batchelor
[IN BRIEF]
ZUSHI HAS announced a range of games that will break new ground for the publisher and drive its growth in 2010. Over the next six months, the company will release a selection of brand new IPs, including Family Gameshow and Jigapix. Zushi will also break away from its traditional position as a Wii and DS publisher with its first release on Xbox 360, Stoked. “As with any new release that we launch, these titles mean a great deal to us,” marketing manager Chris Walton told MCV. “Everyone here and at our development partners invests a
PARTNERTRANS: A new deal with mobile porting provider The Porting Lab in India will see Partnertrans offering porting and mobile testing services to games publishers, as well as project managing TPL’s localisation. D3P: Family Party: Outdoor Fun will release this autumn exclusively for Wii, providing gamers with 30 new minigames and multiplayer modes catering for up to four people.
Marketing man Chris Walton claims Zushi’s new line-up will help establish Zushi’s reputation
“
Success with these titles in Q4 will provide us with a strong platform from which to progress next year. Chris Walton, Zushi
lot of time and effort into our products to ensure they are the best they can be. “Seeing them do well at retail and selling in line with our forecasts is hugely important
”
to us. Success with these titles in Q4 will provide us with a strong platform from which to progress next year.” Hopes are particularly high for Stoked, an open-world snowboarder that is already
performing well in the US and a title Walton described as a “significant step forward” for Zushi Games. “The release of Stoked on Xbox 360 will mark the start of a new era for Zushi,” he said. “Microsoft’s console as a format is a leading software driver at the moment so being able to target this userbase has the potential to strengthen our position during 2010.”
Meanwhile, the company’s continued efforts on Nintendo platforms are also set to fare well at retail. Family Gameshow builds on the success of family-focused multiplayer titles on Wii, following the formula of a quiz show, while Jigapix is the firm’s first IP that will use the DSi’s camera functionality, allowing users to create new puzzles. Zushi: 0114 263 6036
Majesco signs new Daring book deal MAJESCO has signed a deal with HarperCollins subsidiary William Morrow to create a game based on the bestselling book series The Daring Book For Girls. The title will reach Wii and Nintendo DS later this year and lets players ‘virtually experience activities straight from the popular book’. “The Daring Book for Girls series is the ultimate can-do, how-to ‘manual’ that celebrates the female spirit and guides adventurous girls in a range of daring and practical activities,” said Gui Karyo,
executive vice president of operations for Majesco. “This game captures that content and is the perfect interactive complement for fans of the books and other girls interested in a game designed specifically for them.” Players can pick from one of several character models with a wide range of ethnicities and features. As they play, girls will earn gear and collectibles while having fun in spy missions, cave exploration, freeze tag, double dutch, basketball, arts and crafts, making friends, and more.
BOOK SMARTS: Majesco seeks a more literary licence to engage young girls
“The Daring Book for Girls series, including the new book, The Double Daring Book for Girls, has entertained and inspired millions of girls, and we look forward to the game furthering the reach of this well-loved property,” said SVP and publisher of HarperCollins imprint William Morrow Liate Stelhik. Players will also learn educational facts about famous women in history and attempt to earn six Daring Girl Badges, such as Girl Lore, World Knowledge and Life Skills. Majesco: 0117 373 6151
BETHESDA: ZeniMax Media, owner of Bethesda, has bought id Software. Bethesda will publish all of id’s games going forward. This excludes any titles that have already been signed, including Wolfenstein (for Activision) and the highly anticipated Rage for EA. ROCKSTAR: Former DS exclusive Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is now coming to PSP. Due to release before the end of the year, the PSP iteration will be released as a digital download for PSPgo and on UMD. KONAMI: Liverpool forward Fernando Torres has been named as the face of Pro Evolution Soccer 2010. The Spanish international footballing star will join Barcelona and Argentina striker Lionel Messi, with the two forming the basis of game’s marketing creatives.
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