PC version of Prototype 2 delayed

Radical Entertainment has announced that the PC version of Prototype 2 has been delayed until 24 July.

 

This sad news was delivered via the game's official Facebook page, with the company posting: "Hey all, we just wanted to let you know that the PC version of PROTOTYPE 2 is unfortunately going to be delayed until July 24th. Radical Entertainment has always been extremely dedicated to all our fans, and we just wanted to make sure you heard the news from us FIRST. We'll share more details with you soon."  

Console gamers, however, will be able to fill the shoes of the title's new infected protagonist, Sergeant James Heller, as of 24 April when Prototype 2 becomes available on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

THQ lay off 240 staff, looks for help on Warhammer MMO

This week, a dark cloud descended on game publisher THQ after it announced that it would be laying off some 240 selling, general and administrative personnel globally, which was accompanied by a rumoured cancellation of its anticipated forthcoming Warhammer Dark Millennium MMO.

However, the latter was subsequently squashed with the news that the company was seeking a partner to develop the ambitious title.

According to Joystiq, Bobby Farrel, the chief executive officer of THQ, was quoted as saying that "While the game in development promises to be a high-quality consumer offering, because of the large financial commitment and associated risks, we are being realistic about our resources and we are actively seeking a partner for this compelling MMO."  

It’s a promising development, particularly in light of the earlier rumours that the company was in such dire straits that it was cancelling its entire 2014 line-up, which were subsequently denied.

 

 

Half Life fans plan peaceful, playful protest

On a slightly stranger note for the week, a steam group called A Call for Communication has picked up its arms and decided to stage an organised play-fest of Half Life 2 in a bid to attract Valve’s attention and garner more (actually any) information about the franchise’s future.

According to 1Up, the group was hosting an event called "A Red Letter Day" and invited players around the world to play Half-Life 2 this weekend at 2:00 P.M. Eastern or 11 A.M. Pacific time.

On its website, the group writes: "The lack of communication between Valve and the Half-Life community has been a frustrating experience. While continued support for current and future products is greatly appreciated, fans of the Half-Life series have waited years for a word on when the franchise will return."

"The entire trilogy of episodes was scheduled to be completed and released by 2007, and if Valve have decided to do other things for the time being, that is fine; all that we ask for is a basic response on the matter, and to let fans know whether or not the current story arc is scheduled to conclude at another point in time.”

Half Life 2 was an instant hit when released in 2004, thanks to its engrossing story, and was then followed by Episode 1 and Episode 2, which ended on a cliffhanger in 2007. Episode 3 - or Half Life 3 – has yet to be announced or even confirmed to be in development.

 

1st look at in-game footage of FIFA Street  

Last year Barcelona forward Lionel Messi collected his belongings from the Pro Evolution Soccer locker, to make room for Real Madrid’s midfield maestro Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was employed as the face of PES 2012, after Messi was used for PES 2011, PES 2010 and PES 2009. EA Sports recruited Messi to be the face of its FIFA football franchise, kicking off in March 2012 when Messi will don the cover of FIFA Street. The latter will be released for the Xbox 360 and PS3 on 16 March in the UK and globally on 13 March.   

The first in-game footage for FIFA Street has now been released, which also features commentary from the game's creative director Gary Paterson, regarding the title's new gameplay direction.