GP32/2X Distribution Ltd and Gamepark Holdings today challenged up and coming designers to develop a game or application that will run on the GP2X - the fast growing Linux-based handheld gaming and entertainment console,

The company is offering $5,000 for the winning entrant, $3,000 second prize, two third place prizes of $500 and for five runners up a premium GP2X pack which includes a GP2X console, case, TV-out adapter and PSU.

The GP2X is the successor to the GP32 console. It packs two powerful 240MHz processors, 64MB of RAM and 64MB of NAND memory. The GP2X also incorporates a 320x240 3.5" LCD screen. Because the GP2X runs open source software anyone can write applications and programmes that will work on the device.

Programmers will be asked to email their entry in ready-for-run compiled files by 30 September 2006 to [email protected]. Available soon will be a website setup on www.gp2x.eu. All submissions will be judged by a panel of leading gaming experts including Duncan Harris of Edge. Each entrant will be judged according to its use of innovation, creativity, marketability and usability.

GP2X developer kits are available for free with every GP2X unit sold or for download at: http://dev.gp2x.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=118 . Further information on the various developer environment setups can be found at: http://wiki.gp2x.org/wiki/Setting_up...ronment_(Linux)

"What's so great about the GP2X is that unlike other consoles, if you have a great idea for a new game or application you can simply go away, code it and publish it on the web with minimum fuss," explained Craig Rothwell, Director, GP32/2x Distribution Ltd.

"The GP2X is the perfect device for showcasing some of the great programming talent we have access to in the UK. The level of interest we've received from programmers and developers is overwhelming." ...

Following a slap on the wrist from the Federal Trade Commission over the hidden Hot Coffee content in GTA: San Andreas, Take-Two and Rockstar have said they're very sorry and promised never to do it again.

The Hot Coffee mod, you may recall, allowed players to access a filthy mini-game where you could see all the lady's bits and everything. Take-Two was forced to remove San Andreas from shelves following its discovery, so the game could be given an Adults Only rating - a move which apparently cost them more than $24 million.

The FTC was jolly cross about the whole thing, claiming that naughty Take-Two should have submitted the content to the Entertainment Software Ratings Board for review.

But now everyone's made friends again after Take-Two agreed to set up a new system designed to ensure that all game content "is considered and reviewed in preparing submissions to a rating authority" in future.

They've also promised to "clearly disclose" any naughty bits relevant to each game's ratings on the packaging, unless the ratings people have had plenty of opportunity to give it a look over first.

"Parents have the right to rely on the accuracy of the entertainment rating system," said Lydia Parnes, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

"We allege that Take-Two and Rockstar’s actions undermined the industry’s own rating system and deceived consumers. This is a matter of serious concern to the Commission, and if they violate this order, they can be heavily fined."

Indeed, if Take-Two and Rockstar fail to meet their promises, they'll face fines of up to $11,000 for each time they're out of order. Plus at least 10 minutes on the naughty step.

Take-Two CEO Paul Eibeler commented: "As you can imagine, we are pleased that the FTC has concluded its very thorough investigation, and that the matter has been resolved," not adding "And that they haven't made us give back all our pocket money," but probably thinking it.

"We recognise the importance of the FTC investigation, and the necessity of maintaining public confidence in the ESRB rating system, and helping the ESRB educate parents and consumers about the rating system. We look forward to putting this behind us."

It's not all fun in the sun for Take-Two though - they've just published their second quarter financial report which reveals a net loss of $50.4 million, up from $8.2 million last year. More than half of that was due to the cost of asset write-offs and studio closures as cost-cutting plans get underway, it says here.

Via Eurogamer ...

Nokia has announced the launch of a new online retail distribution channel for N-Gage games and content, enabling consumers to access a broad catalogue of titles which can be securely purchased, saved to a memory card and installed on various compatible devices.

The new service offers a selection of popular titles for the N-Gage gaming platform, with prices ranging from EURO 19.99-29.99. Games are downloaded directly to the user's PC, and can then be transferred to a memory card and easily installed on either the N-Gage game deck or a compatible Nokia S60 or N series mobile device.

Jukka Hosio, Nokia's director of multimedia global sales, commented: "As we move forward with our next generation of mobile gaming, we continue to offer N-Gage owners easy ways to get games. By making these games available for download over the internet, we’re making it easier for N-Gage owners to find and purchase new games."

The N-Gage platform - specifically the game deck which originally launched in 2002 - has a rather chequered history, failing to inspire consumers and spectacularly missing sales targets set by Nokia, shifting just a third of the six million units projected for the three year period from launch.

Nokia says it will continue to invest heavily in the platform, pushing the focus away from a single device and ensuring that N-Gage software titles - many of which have received a positive critical reception and secured various industry awards and accolades - can be enjoyed on a range of multimedia devices and advanced mobile phone handsets.

Via Eurogamer ...

It might be the hip-cool thing these days to make an iPod dock with a 7-inch screen for the iPod user that has it all, but we're not so sure this i1055 Video System from iLuv is quite legit. First off, we just saw the first of these devices -- the Sonic Impact K1 -- a week ago, and it didn't even look to be out of the prototype stage yet. The K1 was also quite bulky, yet didn't have room for a DVD drive which this i1055 claims to have. Finally, the back of this device, where they show the iPod being docked, is a total concept render, and not a very good one at that. If all this is to be believed, the $250 device has a 7-inch widescreen, S-Video out, built-in rechargeable battery, dual audio outputs, and can charge your iPod while you have the unit plugged into its own AC adapter. It seems to be available for order now, and we'd love to be proved wrong, but for now we're thinking a bit of wait-and-see might be in order.

Via Engadget ...

News from CVG

July will witness the launch of a detox programme in Amsterdam that aims to help gamers hopelessly addicted to videogames to kick the habit, it's being reported.

The programme is being headed up by Amsterdam-based Smith & Jones Addiction Consultants, whose director Keith Bakker has been working with the videogame addicted since the beginning of the year. He reckons that videogames can prove as addictive as narcotics or gambling.

"We have kids who don't know how to communicate with people face-to-face because they've spent the last three years talking to somebody in Korea through a computer," Bakker commented. "Their social network has completely disappeared."

In case you're concerned that you may be suffering videogame addiction, apparently the signs to watch out for include spending hours gaming - duh - poor social life and neglecting normal day-to-day activities.

The detox programme will be a course that runs four to eight weeks, during which time 'patients' will, among other stuff, undergo sessions with therapists and be encouraged to participate in activities of a more social nature. ...

Rumours that have been sparked by a scan allegedly taken of a 'leaked' magazine page appearing on the 'net would have us believe that there's a particularly bounteous summer ahead for Xbox Live Marketplace.

Precisely which magazine the scan is supposed to have come from we've no idea as it's not been named - we're guessing the scan is supposed to be of a page appearing in the mystery publication's next issue - but it details content scheduled to appear on Marketplace between May 2006 and September 2006, and its cost in Microsoft points. A number of reports on the scan are taking the information given at face value, presumably because some of the Marketplace content mentioned in the scan is now available, and it may well be accurate although we'd have that pinch of salt to hand.

Anyway, top picks appearing in the scan include a Kameo 'hardcore package', due apparently next month for 500 Microsoft Points that introduces harder versions of single-player and co-op modes and a new co-op game type among other things, Project Gotham Racing 3 'Package B' - due July for 500 Microsoft Points - that features five new cars, 'Cat and Mouse' game mode and 'Proximity Based Racing' mode and a second map pack for Perfect Dark Zero, featuring "large maps" and also out July for 500 Microsoft Points.

In addition, a number of titles heading to Xbox Live Arcade are mentioned in the scan. Street Fighter 2 is down as a June release for Live Arcade, costing 400 Microsoft Points. And then we have Cloning Clyde (July, 800 MPs), Frogger (August/September, 400 MPs), Lumines Live (August/September, 1200 MPs), Roboblitz (August/September, 800 MPs) and finally Pac-Man (August/September, 400 MPs).

So there you have it. Should the scan be on the money, then there's going to be plenty of fruity gaming goodness dripping its juice on Marketplace over the next three to four months. But due to the scan's somewhat dubious origins, we'll file the information it spouts on new inbound content in our rumour drawer for the time being.

Via CVG ...

The first batch of Dark Kingdom screenshots left us underwhelmed to say the least, but we're happy to say that Sony's latest PS3 RPG is looking noticeably better in these fresh screenshots released this morning.

While retaining the series' tried-and-tested action-RPG formula, the next-gen version of Untold Legend takes advantage of the PS3's beefy hardware, with resolutions going up to a ridiculously large 1080p. Full online play is also promised, along with a liberal sprinkling of "physics-based" gameplay. Apparently you'll be able to fully interact with the environment, using enemies and object as weapons. We're interested to see how that will work online.

We're currently expecting Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom to be in the shops alongside Sony's next-gen console in November.

Screenshots Here ...

International Cricket Captain is the summer game's equivalent of the all-consuming Football Manager, an in-depth simulation of the real-life sport which enables you to take control of your favourite county or international side and manage them to sporting glory.

With the latest version ICC 2006 launching shortly, we joined England batting star Kevin Pieterson and ICC producer Chris Childs at Lord's yesterday for an in-depth look at the final version of the game. Obviously you've got to love this most noble and superb of real-life games, but there's every sign that this season's version of ICC will live up to Childs' aim of making the 'perfect cricket game' and, of course, we'll be bringing you a full and comprehensive review shortly.

However during the course of the presentation, Childs revealed that both 360 and PSP versions of the game are on their way and that a totally revised version with a brand new 3D match engine will be in place for a big push on the title to coincide with next year's Cricket World Cup. Just as Football Manager successfully migrated onto both formats, ICC will follow suit and, personally speaking as lovers of the summer game, we can't wait.

Via CVG ...

The GP2X Interface board extends your GP2X with new interfaces for different purposes. The Developer's Version comes as a motherboard only, without any housing. It is targetted at developers. Besides the connectivity to a TV and amplifier, it offers useful functionality for debugging and firmware upgrades/recovery. The USB ports allow you to hook up any USB device, from HDDs to Joysticks as long as drivers can be obtained.

Upon Gamepark Holding's recommendations, the Developer's Version of the board is aimed at professionals only.

Caution:
Whenever you connect GP2X to Interface board, be sure to connect external adaptor to GP2X.

In case of 1st and second batch GP2X, you should always connect external regulated DC3V adaptor to Interface board.

In case of 3rd batch GP2X, you need to connect external adaptors only when you use high-power devices like HDD.

Whenever connecting external regulated DC3V adaptor to Interface board, be sure to turn off GP2X. In case you turn on Interface board after booting GP2X, Interface board will not operate normally due to improper initialization.

More info here --> http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-1f8r.html ...