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Rabbids don't go home, go to Leipzig

by David Hinkle { Aug 20th 2009 at 4:30PM }

In their usual crazy style, the rabbids have invaded GamesCom this year with hilarious results. But, it seems they missed the memo about where this year's show is located (Cologne, duh) and instead made the trip to Leipzig. Hey, what do you expect from a species that thinks it belongs on the moon?

Additionally, Ubisoft has released actual gameplay footage from Rabbids Go Home (available past the break). The gameplay looks just as fun as what we've already experienced and highlights include a stolen jet engine and a pack of crazed chihuahuas. Yo quiero waaaaah!

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Games Convention Online brings in 43,000 offline visitors

by Alexander Sliwinski { Aug 4th 2009 at 2:00AM }

The revamped Leipzig games convention, now Games Convention Online, welcomed 43,000 attendees in its inaugural year. That's not a bad turnout for a show entirely devoted to online, browser and mobile games. For the sake of comparison, the attendance was still higher than this year's 41,000 at E3 '09 (which, to be fair, is not open to the public).

Games Convention Online plans to return next year and, according to a survey taken during the show, a little under 90 percent of exhibitors plan to return. Perhaps by next year the show will hit its projected target of 50,000 attendees. Now, all eyes turn to Cologne, Germany, where Gamescom kicks off in a couple weeks.

[Via Big Download]

Games Convention Online logs into existence today in Leipzig

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jul 31st 2009 at 7:45PM }

The Games Convention Online kicks off today in Leipzig, a mere shell of the once mighty Leipzig Games Convention that was previously held in the location. The new show is designed for online games, featuring browser, mobile and MMO games. The event expects ... 50,000 attendees?! Wow, that's more than the 41,000 at this year's E3. It may be a reduction of its former self, but that's still a big number. Games Convention Online runs through Aug 2.

The big boys of video game publishing have thrown their Euros behind Cologne's Gamescom, which kicks off next month -- only at that time will we find out if it'll take Leipzig Games Convention's 200,000 attendees with it.

Leipzig Games Convention dead, long live Games Convention Online

by Jem Alexander { Jan 29th 2009 at 8:30AM }

Or rather, GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE as the press release puts it. The Leipzig Games Convention, Europe's premier video games showcase, will be closing its doors in 2009 thanks to competition from Cologne's Gamescom, a new event which premieres this Summer. Gamescom boasts the full support of the industry, which it has snatched from Leipzig's grasp. This includes acting as host for GDC Europe, which had previously been hosted at Leipzig alongside the Games Convention.

The Leipzigger Messe isn't done with games, though, as it will play host to a new event this year. Games Convention Online will take part in Leipzig between July 31 and August 2, and will focus on "the most dynamic market in the gaming industry: browser, client and mobile games." An exciting prospect, by all accounts, but we suspect it may not see as great a turnout as Gamescom might.

As if the news couldn't get any sadder, Leipzig's CEO Wolfgang Marzin says the industry can come back any time (please!). "If the industry is again in search of a platform for console and PC games and hardware with the know-how of the GC - Games Convention, we will immediately be available."

Cologne and Leipzig, don't make us turn this car around

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Sep 2nd 2008 at 1:30AM }

Or, given that it's Germany we're talking about, it's the fancy bullet train we'll be turning around. Regardless, we've had it with our rowdy passengers, Cologne and Leipzig. Jostling for the title of premier European games convention in 2009, Cologne's Gamescom organizers have been quick to proclaim victory over the Leipzig Games Convention, citing better (nay, existing) trade support and location.

Speaking to MCV, Koch Media managing director Klemens Kundratitz declared that there "will not be another show of any relevance in Germany." He added, "[Leipzig] might try something, but the top 12 publishers are in the BIU and we are committed to take the show to the next level in Cologne." Even SCEE president David Reeves joined in, telling MCV, "Leipzig Games Convention has its limitations logistically in terms of getting there and the number of hotels available for visitors." Reeves also predicted that 400,000 attendees -- compared to Leipzig's 200,000 -- will stink up Cologne in September 2009.

Leipzig isn't going down without a fuss, however, with Leipziger Messe CEO Wolfgang Marzin rubbishing reports of weak trade support. "We've already proved that GC works, and we have trade backing – nobody wants a show in September. Another copy of GC in Germany is ridiculous; what is the benefit of holding another show? I am confident that the big show will be GC next year." Big? Or biggest?

Leipzig Convention without industry support, gloats Gamescom

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Aug 26th 2008 at 7:30PM }

The organizers for next year's Cologne-based Gamescom event want you to know that their show will be the 'new European games platform for the international games community." Taking place from September 9th to September 13th, 2009, Gamescom has thrown down the gauntlet and cast a demeaning glare towards the recently concluded (and returning) Leipzig Games Convention.

"It was to be expected that the Leipzig trade fair would try to keep the topic in its 2009 programme as well by announcing its date," said Oliver P. Kuhrt, managing director of Gamescom organiser Koelnmesse. "But they will have to do it without the industry for the most part. The lead trade fair will take place in Cologne in 2009 and beyond." Despite posting improved attendance numbers this year, Kuhrt is adamant that it's time to move 'zig down from its biggest-show-in-town status. "Whatever happens in Germany in 2009 outside of Cologne cannot claim to represent this sector."

It figures that the organizers of a trade show would exhibit such a fine "Oh snap," but we think it best to wait and see if the Cologne show offers up something to sniff at.

Auf Wiedersehen, until next year: Leipzig 2009 set for Aug. 19-23

by Alexander Sliwinski { Aug 25th 2008 at 4:10PM }

The Leipzig Games Convention was apparently a success and is already scheduled to return next year from August 19 to 23. The "final report" by the Leipziger-Messe states that 82.1% of attendees asked for the show to stay in its current location, with more than a third of attendees traveling over 300 kilometers (186 miles) to attend.

The show had 203,000 attendees, with 547 companies exhibiting their wares. Showing that Leipzig is actually becoming of interest to the media as well: 3,800 journalists attended, up from 3,395 in 2007. It'll be interesting to see how Leipzig does next year when it will reportedly have some competition from GamesCOM in Cologne.

GC 2008: Ubisoft screenshot roundup

by Ross Miller { Aug 21st 2008 at 6:44PM }

Ubisoft has released beaucoup d'images as part of the media overflow we call Leipzig Games Convention 2008. Below and after the break, check out new galleries of screenshots for Raving Rabbids TV Party, Prince of Persia, EndWar, HAWX, Far Cry 2 and more. It's just like Ubidays, only with no Beyond Good & Evil in sight. Oh, mon Dieu!

Gallery: Prince of Persia (Leipzig 2008)

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Kororinpa 2 uses balance board, boasts bad GC demo

by Alisha Karabinus { Aug 21st 2008 at 10:00AM }

As you probably noticed (from the title), there's good news and bad news concerning the sequel to the early Wii title Kororinpa. Luckily, the good outweighs the bad. The good, in fact, is great: Kororinpa 2 will feature ten stages that utilize the balance board. While it's not Wii MotionPlus, that'll still add a neat (and challenging, if Wii Fit's marble mini-game is any indication) element to the sequel. The bad? According to the folks at IGN, the game looks terrible on the floor in Leipzig. Don't start huffing and stamping your feet over quality control just yet, though; Kororinpa 2 isn't due until next year. There's still time to give it a fix.

Gallery: Marble Saga: Kororinpa

GC 2008: Konami spinning twisted tales in Lords of Shadow

by Jason Dobson { Aug 20th 2008 at 3:30PM }

American McGee would be so proud. Konami has announced a new upcoming third-person action title called Lords of Shadow, which the company's European arm describes as "a dark fairy tale" in development for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. First announced during Leipzig's Games Convention, the game will be set in Europe during the Middle Ages, and promises to tell the story of "one man's journey to discover the true meaning of sacrifice amidst murder and betrayal." Honestly, this sounds more like fodder for daytime soap to us.

Being handled by Jericho developer Mercury Steam, the project is likely the result of a partnership between the two companies announced last March, at which time Konami called the game "a major part" of its release schedule for 2009-10. Konami has now narrowed that window a bit, confirming plans to have Lords of Shadow on retail shelves sometime in 2010.

160GB model also announced for America: $499, November release

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 20th 2008 at 12:22PM }

The 160GB model announced at Leipzig today will also be coming to America in a new bundle featuring last year's blockbuster PS3 exclusive, Uncharted. For $499, the 160GB system will include the new 160GB system, a DUALSHOCK 3 controller, a voucher for PAIN and a copy of Uncharted. It will be available in November.

"As PLAYSTATION Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "Consumers also are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand in a compelling bundle that delivers significant value."

Curses! D-pad revision is 'limited edition, promotional item'

by Xav de Matos { Aug 20th 2008 at 12:00PM }

It doesn't look like everyone should be jumping for joy about a revised Xbox 360 d-pad, yet. According to Microsoft the rumored directional pad revision is currently only slated as "a limited edition promotional item that is only available in Europe, Asia and Latin America while supplies last." Set for release on October 24, Eurogamer confirmed the "optimized" d-pad will be released in a bundle with Pro Evolution Soccer 2009. Also, the controller will be sickly green, as seen in the image above. While plans could change the bundle seems to be the only option for now. No word on a North American bundle, so for now sports fans should hope Pro Evo 09 is region-free.

[via Joystiq]

Heavy Rain confirmed for late 2009

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 20th 2008 at 11:45AM }

Download to PSP

At the end of the new Heavy Rain trailer, a vague (but nonetheless reassuring) release date was mentioned: 2009. Slowly, but surely, Sony's 2009 killer apps are being revealed. With MAG, Killzone 2, inFAMOUS and now Heavy Rain, gamers will have a lot to look forward to in 2009.

Heavy Rain is a "dark, immersive and emotionally-engaging experience" expanding upon the ideas of Quantic Dream's previous adventure game, Fahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy). Once again, the promise is that "every action has a consequence" with a constantly evolving story based on the way you interact with others and the choices you make. SCEE is promising it will talk about topics unheard of in gaming, "making it a genuinely mature game for a new world of adult gamers."

Gallery: Heavy Rain

VidZones brings unlimited streaming music videos ... for free

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 20th 2008 at 11:35AM }

Europe is getting a wicked cool service to use early next year. Entitled VidZones, this new service, available in 23 European countries, including Australia and New Zealand, will allow PS3 fans to access an unlimited amount of streaming music videos on their PS3 for the incredible price of: free. You'll be able to create custom playlists and yes, you'll be able to stream it on your PSP via Remote Play. This will operate separately from the current PS3 Video Store.

In addition, users of VidZones will be able to download music videos and ringtones directly to their cell phones ... all for a nominal charge, of course. With this and PlayTV, the multimedia features of the European PS3 is far outclassing those of their (now jealous) neighbors.

Wireless keypad attachment revealed for PS3

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 20th 2008 at 11:30AM }

A new peripheral for the PS3 has just been announced at Leipzig. A wireless keypad is similar to Xbox 360's current chatpad, but it will connect to the controller through the top USB port. The chatpad will also enable "touchpad mode for mouse input." A picture of the keypad attached to a controller, after the jump.

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