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Round-Up: Crystal Quest Live, IDG Game Shows, Visual Science's Demise
by Nich Maragos [PC, Console/PC]
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February 7, 2006
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Today's round-up includes news of the latest Xbox 360 Live Arcade title to make an appearance, as well as unfortunate news for Scottish independent developer Visual Science and some new web-based game video shows for IDG Entertainment, alongside the latest GameSetWatch posts and Gamasutra job postings.
- An upgraded version of the classic 1987 Mac title Crystal Quest has officially been added to the Xbox Live Marketplace as a downloadable Live Arcade title for 400 points ($5). The Xbox 360 version of the game features enhanced HD graphics, new special effects, and Dolby surround sound to complement the classic gameplay of grabbing crystals while evading enemies. Developed by Stainless Games, Crystal Quest sports 60 levels and multiplayer support for up to 4 people.
- According to industry site GamesIndustry.biz, Scottish developer Visual Science has gone into administration, and 100 staff have been made redundant as a result of the closure. As a result of this, the firm is preparing a lawsuit against Vivendi Universal Games on the claim that VUG terminated the developer's contract without cause. "We had a major contract with Vivendi Universal Games which was terminated a couple of weeks ago, and we have been unable to find replacement work in that period," said Visual Science marketing director Tim Christian to GI.biz.
- IDG Entertainment has announced a web-based video program on games, similar to 1UP.com's 1UP Show, to be hosted on its Games.net website. The programs will include Attack of the Factoids, which splices fact balloons into game footage; Hi-Fives, videos of five memorable moments from new games; Video Net Tens, video versions of top ten lists; and Behind the Screens, a making-of documentary series for anticipated games. "Our original video programs capture the energy and humor of video gaming and further separates our content from anything else on the Web," said IDG director of online product development Craig Eastman.
- The latest posts on Gamasutra sister weblog GameSetWatch include a look at the bizarre Egyptian expansion for Love Chess, a cute remote-controlled Katamari toy, and the latest MMO findings from Xerox PARC, among others.
- Also updated today: the latest Gamasutra job postings from companies including Blizzard Entertainment, Disney Buena Vista Games, LeapFrog, Motion Analysis Studios, and the Walt Disney Internet Group.
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