iGame Radio

Gendai Games has announced the availability of an update to their GameSalad SDK that now supports game development and publishing to the iPad. GameSalad 0.8.4 is downloadable now, in time for the iPad release of April 3. Gendai Games intends that developers will be able to get current iPhone games updated in time to make them available the first few days of the iPad’s launch.

GameSalad allows developers to create games without having to have prior knowledge of programming code to do so. The tool’s features include a drag-and-drop interface, robust behavior system, and fully-integrated physics. Developers can then publish their games to the Mac, iPhone/iPod Touch, and now iPad.

This build of GameSalad also includes a host of updates and new features as well. New features include interpolation of behavior for more flexible behavior modes and the ability to change scene behavior options to streamline scene transitions.

For more information, you can check out the GameSalad site.

ETA: The developer gave us a few updates. Midnight Mansion 2 has an expected release in about 2-3 months, pending unexpected issues. The game will be released for Mac, but the developer is hoping to port both the original and the sequel to the iPhone and Windows if the sequel does well enough. The original game has an editor feature, with over 100 user-created mansions in the game, and we assume that this editor tool will be included in the sequel as well.

ActionSoft has put out an official call for beta testers for Midnight Mansion 2. The game is the sequel to the platform game for the Mac that pitted players against monsters as they explored huge mansions filled with traps, puzzles, and secrets searching for treasure.

Not a lot is known right now about the game, but a post on the site’s blog back in December did mention the developer porting the original game to SDL, “a cross-platform library which in the long run will let Midnight Mansion run on iPhone, Windows, and also natively on Intel Macs”. This implies the possibility that Midnight Mansion and Midnight Mansion 2 might become available for iPhone as well as Mac.

To apply to become a beta tester, read the post on the blog for more information.

The new version of the Scoreloop Core Social SDK released has some exciting new features for game developers who use social gaming tools in their iPhone or Android games. Scoreloop announced today support for in-game currency and downloadable content, enabling developers to build new revenue streams through such methods as in-app payments for both existing and new mobile games.

Several games are already taking advantage of the features, including Astro Ranch and the soon to be released Parachute Panic HD which, as one can tell from the suffix, will be available for both iPhone and iPad upon the iPad release.

With the recent popularity of the freemium model, developers and publishers are discovering new and creative ways to generate revenues with their games. A recent report by market researcher DFC Intelligence and virtual goods platform company Live Gamer found that both casual and hardcore gamers are embracing virtual goods in games, the differences being the types of goods they like to purchase. A monetary tool such as this could facilitate capturing both types of gamers.

Because the SDK is cross-platform, iPhone players can compete against their Android playing friends, and vice versa. Game developers can also fully customize the SDK for direct integration into the game’s existing UI, while controlling the branding themselves.

“We’re absolutely thrilled by the feedback coming in from the first developers with early access to our new SDK. This is exactly what they’ve been looking for: a set of creative tools that improve the visibility of their games, connect their users for increased engagement and drive revenues through exposure to millions of users. All under their control, without giving up their most precious asset–the users–to a branded and closed platform.” said Marc Gumpinger, Scoreloop CEO.

Scoreloop provides a fully white-label Core SDK version as well as including a premium service for custom features, such as premium integration services. For more information, check out the Scoreloop site, where a tour and detailed information on the new SDK is available.

Everyone is getting in on the iPhone game craze. The latest to join is rockin’ rap band Linkin Park. Announcing LINKIN PARK 8-BIT REBELLION!, an adventure shooter for the iPhone.

Join vocalists Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington, drummer Rob Bourdon, guitarist Brad Delson, DJ Joe Hahn and bassist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell as they battle it out against the evil PixxelKorp, whose corrupt agents have stolen the band’s music. Players will take on missions through a number of unique districts to fight PixxelKorp forces, hunt down the lost tracks, and save the band. The game is played out in both 8-bit and higher-resolution graphical worlds. Each district is based on a band member, with characters and items designed by the band members themselves.

The game was inspired by retro arcade games such as Donkey Kong, Metroid, and Space Invaders. “We wanted this game to have the feel of a vintage game,” said Linkin Park vocalist Mike Shinoda, “and a big part of it was the music.” The music within the game is found in both modern and 8-bit versions, including the release of Blackbird, a track unique to LINKIN PARK 8-BIT REBELLION! that players can unlock within the game.

Players can also design their own 8-bit or high-resolution avatars. The game features a social gaming tool that includes community features such as IM chats, in-app messaging, message boards, ranking other players, and sending gifts. Players don’t need to be online to play the game, though, and can even access the store while offline.

The game is expected to be released soon, but no details on pricing was forthcoming.

With all of the excitement regarding Valve’s announcement of bringing Steam, all of their current library (such as Left for Dead 2 and Half-life 2), and even Portal 2 to the Mac, it was inevitable that they’d post at some point about beta testing the Mac version of Steam.

This post on Steam would be just that. A Mac Beta application for Steam, and boy does it ask some interesting questions. Like, how many Mac games you purchased in the past 12 months? What your PC and console gaming habits are? What virtualizing software do you use (such as Boot Camp, Crossover Games, Parallels, or VMWare Fusion)? What Intel Macs do you own? You also have to provide a condensed version of your Mac’s system profiler info.

You must have a Steam account to apply, but you can create one for free if you don’t have one already.

Via Macworld

Outer Empires is offering everyone a chance to rule the galaxy. Well, everyone that has 1.25 million credits to spend. The in-game government has been falling for months, and players are now getting an opportunity to have a direct impact on how the game system is governed.

Interested players can fork over the aforementioned 1.25 million credits to get entered onto the ballot that will be circulated later. Voting will take place on voting terminals in April, and five players will be elected. Candidates can pay for GNN ads (posts on the game’s news feed) and participate in a “round table” event where their views on game issues will be hashed out. The round table will be broadcast for everyone in-game to see.

All characters in the game have one vote to cast. That means premium players, who can have up to two characters, can cast two votes. The top five candidates will become the new Galactic Council, and will elect from amongst themselves an executive to head the group. The council will be given the authority to spend a certain amount of credits on budgetary items each week, including new infrastructure items (Jump Gates, etc), funding ship hull development, subsidizing worker pay, etc. They can also make decisions regarding revenue funding, such as taxation, increasing fuel prices, etc.

The first period in office will last 60 days. Subsequent periods will be 90 to 120 days. For more information or to become a candidate, go to the Outer Empire’s website.

Craft of Gods, a MMORPG set to be published by Kalicanthus, is prepping to start their third Open Beta event this week, and you get a chance to try out the game. To participate, just hop onto the Kalicanthus site and create an account; players who already have created their character can just enter the server during open hours.

Created by Russian developer studio Cyberdemons, Craft of Gods is a 3D fantasy MMORPG based on Slavic mythology. Set in a huge world with 25 different maps, Craft of Gods provides players with Realm versus Realm (RvR) and Player versus Player (PvP) experiences, but claims to also appeal to Player versus Enviroment (PvE) oriented gamers.

Players can choose between 6 different races divided into 3 factions (Light, Darkness and Neutral) and create completely customizable character. Craft of Gods is skills based, so there are no classes to choose from. Each player can choose from 14 schools of skills, each containing 15 powers, for a total of 210 different skills. Eventually, a player can become a Demigod with special powers.

The level cap will be set to 30 for this Open Beta Event and new maps will be available. The developers promise numerous improvements, including the graphical and functional interfaces, the ability for players to experience Housing, the introduction of bind points all over the Craft of Gods’ world, and changes in the duel system among players. This will be one of the last chances to try Craft of Gods in Open Beta.

Servers will be opened for all players from April 2nd, 2:30 PM CET, to April 6th, 2:30 PM CET. If you’re looking to get a Beta Key, simply send us an email with the subject line “Craft of Gods Beta” and we’ll set you up. Alternatively, you can check our our Twitter feed and Facebook pages; we’ll be giving away keys for the next few of days!

ProRatta Factor has announced Ace Omicron, an ultimate survival space shooter soon to be available for the iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad. The game is scheduled to launch April 3rd conjointly for iPhone and iPad.

Eden Jackson is marooned from her fleet after her hyper-drive engine malfunctions. Now she has to travel through space, starting from Omicron, to reach home, encountering dangers around every corner (wait, space doesn’t have corners!). Players must blast meteorites floating through space to avoid hitting them, shoot robots and UFOs before they shoot you, and harness fusion gems to convert into ship upgrades.

The game features 3D graphics and three different modes to play. Hyper automatically builds your arsenal as your score increases; Twilight maxes your weapons out, and you just try to survive; and Classic starts with nothing, allowing you to selectively upgrade your ship. Ace Omicron will also feature OpenFeint, but not on the iPad at launch. Apparently, OpenFeint for iPad won’t be ready when the iPad launches.

The game will launch for $2.99 and has been developed as a “universal application” that will work on any Apple touchscreen device.

Babo Crash for the iPhone/iPod Touch has officially launched. Now you too can play the match-3 game that puts the idea of Bejeweled on acid.

The game is based on the XBLA and Steam game “Madballs: Babo Invasion.” The core match-3 game is boosted with arcade-style action, by the inclusion of enemies to destroy, heroes with powers to attack your enemies, and the ability to tilt your iPhone screen to alter the gravity acting on the gems.

The game will have full iPad support as well and will be available for the iPad at launch. You can pick the game up for iPhone now, or iPad on April 3…each for $0.99.

The tenth annual ELANS Video Game Awards Ceremony has launched a contest to spread the word, and the one who spreads the word the most can win a paid trip to the ELANS itself in sunny San Diego.

To enter, you simply sign up for the ELANS Video Game Industry List and then encourage all of your industry friends and co-workers to do likewise. During the sign-up process, they fill in your name as their referrer under Contestant’s First & Last name. They can even go on to compete themselves by then having all of their friends enter, and so on. Only video game professionals or those associated with the video game industry can sign up for the list.

The first place winning package is quite extravagant:

• Flights for two from anywhere in the world
• Three days accommodations for two at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego
• Two Gold Tickets to the 2010 ELAN Awards
• Two tickets to all surrounding parties (including a Pool Party, a Street Party, a Champagne Gala Reception, a 4-course 5-star Awards Dinner, the Awards Ceremony itself and an After-Party)

Second Prize is two tickets to the Awards Night which includes the Champagne Reception, the Awards Dinner and Ceremony and the After-Party; Third Prize is two tickets to the surrounding parties which includes the Pool Party, the Street Party and the After-Party; and Fourth Prize is two tickets to the Street Party, “Nomination Celebration-in-the-Streets”.

The ELANS will take place in San Diego, California, from Saturday, July 17th through Monday, July 19th. The competition closes on Friday, April 30th and the winners will be announced at the Nominee Press Conference on or around June 17th.

You can also still submit for an award. The deadline is Friday, April 16, 2010. Submission Forms and Rules & Procedures Manual, as well as ticket and general information about the event, can be found at the ELANS website.