"Final Fantasy" creator designing games for next Xbox. Microsoft Games Studios has signed "Final Fantasy" creator Hironobu Sakaguchi to develop two role-playing games exclusively for the company's successor to the Xbox. Microsoft is most likely trying to appeal to Japanese gamers, an audience they were not able to tap into as successfully as they would have liked on the Xbox. The new Microsoft Xbox will be shown for the first time this May at E3 game convention in Los Angeles. There's currently no word as to if Sakuguchi's games will be on display as well.
Troika calls it quits. Troika Games, a developer of computer role-playing games, announced that it has shut down because it could not secure a publishing contract for future games. Founded in 1998 by members of the developer that created the "Fallout" series, Troika created three role playing games, the last being "Vampires: The Masquarade: Bloodlines," a modern-day first-person game that used the source engine from "Half-Life 2."
Advertising invades PC online role-playing game. "Anarchy Online," a popular online role-playing game for the PC, will soon feature advertising within the game's environment. Developer and publisher Funcom announced last week that they signed an exclusive deal with New York City-based Massive, a company specializing in in-game advertising. The concept takes advantage of the unrelenting stare of gamers. Unlike a television program, where viewers can turn away from the screen, players will be virtually unable to avoid the subtle advertising in a video game.
"Road to Hill 30" within sight. "Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30," a squad-based first-person World War II game that chronicles the exploits of a squad of American paratroopers, has gone gold and will soon ship to stores. The game promises innovative squad control, intricate authenticity and endearing squadmates. Developed by Gearbox Software and published by Ubisoft, the Xbox version will be available on Tuesday, with the PC and Playstation 2 versions following "shortly after," according to Ubisoft's press release.
