Eurocom shuts down

 

British developer Eurocom has closed its doors after being in the video game industry for close-to 25 years.

Over its lifetime Eurocom was known as the primary developer of the James Bond video games.

In a statement issued to website Eurogamer, the developer said it was unable to secure a new contract or pay outstanding wages. 

“The Administrator and the company's directors have been negotiating with customers surrounding new contracts to develop console games, however these contracts could not be secured in time and due to insufficient funds to pay outstanding wages, Eurocom today entered Administration.”

The Directors of Eurocom also released a message thanking staff for their hard work over the years.

"The Directors of Eurocom would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to all their staff that have been made redundant at this difficult time, and show their appreciation of all of their hard work in consistently delivering exceptional games."

Eurocom was founded in 1988 to develop games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and was responsible for seven James Bond video games over its lifetime.

James Bond Jr. (NES & SNES, 1991), The World Is Not Enough (N64, 2004), James Bond 007: Nightfire (GCN, PS2, XBOX, 2002), Quantum of Solace (PS2, 2008), GoldenEye 007 (Wii, 2010), GoldenEye 007: Reloaded (XBOX 360, PS3, 2011) and 007 Legends (XBOX 360, PS3, PC, Wii U 2012).  

Their most recent release 007 Legends was poorly received by critics and failed to gain sales momentum.

007 Gamer wishes all the people at Eurocom the very best.

Free Skyfall DLC available for PS3 version of 007 Legends

 

Free Skyfall DLC is now available for 007 Legends on the PS3. Head over to the PSN store now to download it. Xbox 360 and PC gamers will have to wait until the 20th of November.
 

As expected, the DLC allows players to experience Skyfall on a whole new level.

The DLC is completely free to all owners of 007 Legends.

Skyfall out now!

After a considerably long wait, James Bond is back. Daniel Craig returns as 007 for the 23rd Bond film, Skyfall.

Skyfall also marks the 50th anniversary of James Bond.

To the people behind Bond and his latest outing on the big screen, 007 Gamer would like to say congratulations.

Skyfall is out today in the UK and will be released in other locations worldwide over the coming months. For a full list of worldwide dates, visit the official Skyfall release page here.

Skyfall Red Carpet wrap

If you missed out on the worldwide premiere of Skyfall then head over to the 007 Gamer on Twitter and have a read of what went on.

I’ve also gathered some footage of the event along with the official YouTube recording of the premiere. So if you missed out on the whole thing, no worries – watch the entire event right now just below!

 

 

 Bérénice Marlohe looking incredibly stunning

 

Daniel Craig starring in his third outing as James Bond

 

Judi Dench as M

 

Ralph Fiennes alongside Daniel and Bérénice Marlohe

 

Ben Whishaw as the new MI6 quartermaster

 

Scaramanga (Christopher Lee) reliving the good old days on the red carpet

 

Prince Charles - the highlight of the night for many



 

Recording may expire over time.
 

Skyfall Worldwide Premiere tonight

YouTube will be covering tonight’s worldwide premiere of the 23rd Bond film, Skyfall. Make sure to keep an eye on the countdown timer over the next few hours to guarantee you don’t miss it.

007 Gamer will be living tweeting the event from the official 007_Gamer Twitter account. This will be followed by a post summarising the event with photos and video footage.

Adele confirmed as singer of official Skyfall theme song

Adele has premiered her latest song “Skyfall” globally via her personal website.

After reading the script, Adele enlisted Paul Epworth to co-write and produce the song for the film. With the assistance of Epworth, Adele admits she had a lot of fun writing to a brief.

“When we recorded the strings, it was one of the proudest moments of my life.

“I’ll be back combing my hair when I’m 60 telling people I was a Bond girl back in the day, I’m sure!”

The song Skyfall had the support of a 77-piece orchestra and was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. Listen to ADELE – Skyfall below:

 

Update: ADELE - Skyfall is now available on iTunes.

Charlie Higson Speaks Out About The Influence Of Video Games On Children’s Reading Habits

Charlie Higson, writer of the Young Bond spy novel series, has spoken out about the reading ability of children within the UK following a National Literacy Trust survey.

The survey found reading levels amongst children are at an all time low, with one in six admitting they were embarrassed to read in fear of being labeled a “geek”.

Higson said he was taking the findings with a pinch of salt, as “surveys are surveys” and advised parents not to worry if their children appear to spend more time online or playing video games.

“When I was a kid, if you wanted to entertain yourself you went out and played or watched TV on the three channels available. If you wanted real excitement, you’d have to go to books to get it. But now you’ve got computer games and I think they’re brilliant,” he said.

Higson continued by mentioning how kids are reading a lot more than they ever did before, it’s just not always in the form of a book now.

“If you play computer games, there is a lot of reading involved; if you’re talking to people on Facebook, there is a lot of reading and writing. Twitter’s the same.

“Yes, there’s a different way of communicating through screens which is probably less lengthy, but they’re still communicating to each other. There is no such thing as ‘the English language’ - it changes every day,” he said.

The author of the Young Bond series believes the key to recapturing children’s love of books is to take things slow when introducing them, and also to utilise technology to promote them.

Higson’s latest book, The Sacrifice, uses an online trailer to appeal to younger readers and to have a presence on the internet.

“Kids spend so long on computers that if they’ve got something they can click on and look at, that’s not too long, you can grab their attention,” he said. 

The Sacrifice is out September 20.

Source: The Telegraph

007 Heaven - Skyfall International Trailer Released

Outside the cinema release of Skyfall, this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for - the release of the official Skyfall trailer!

If you’ve been having any doubts about the upcoming 007 movie this international trailer should put your mind at ease. In comparison to the teaser trailer it really takes it up a notch. Daniel Craig is looking in fine form for his third outing as James Bond.

Skyfall is out in cinemas this November.

007 Heaven – Skyfall Teaser Trailer Released

I now present to you the very first teaser trailer of the new James Bond movie - Skyfall. I’ll save my impressions for a separate post, so for now pull up a comfy chair, increase your YouTube video settings to full screen 1080p HD, and sit back and enjoy... for exactly 1 minute and  24 seconds. 

As the teaser trailer states, Skyfall is due out in cinemas this November.

Source: YouTube

Skyfall Teaser Poster Revealed

Courtesy of CommanderBond.net, I’m able to present to you the official Skyfall teaser poster.

As you can all hopefully see, it’s a pretty traditional-looking Bond poster that most fans are either going to love or hate.

You'll either feel like you’ve seen it a million times before with all the other 007 actors plastered across the signature gun barrel sequence, or you’re now pumped more than ever for the release of Craig’s new film and his slightly different approach to Bond’s character this time round.

If you’re still feeling indifferent about Skyfall hopefully the next post will liven you up a little.

The New James Bond Film - 'Skyfall' Announced In London

 
SKYFALL PRESS RELEASE:

LONDON, Nov. 3, 2011 - Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today presented the cast of the 23rd James Bond adventure, entitled SKYFALL.  The film, from Albert R. Broccoli's Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as James Bond 007.  The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan.  SKYFALL, which goes into production on Monday, November 7th, will begin its worldwide roll-out in the UK and Ireland on October 26th 2012 and in North America on November 9th 2012.


Joining Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Director Sam Mendes were members of the cast of SKYFALL, including: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe. The filmmakers also announced Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw.


In SKYFALL, Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.  As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.


"We're so delighted to have Sam Mendes direct SKYFALL and be working once again with Daniel Craig.  We've a great script, an extraordinary cast and an incredibly talented creative team for this latest James Bond adventure," said Wilson and Broccoli.


The Director of Photography is Roger Deakins, a nine-time Oscar® nominee who previously shot the films Jarhead and Revolutionary Road for Mendes.  The Production Designer is Oscar® winner Dennis Gassner, who previously designed Quantum of Solace and collaborated with Mendes on the films Road to Perdition and Jarhead.  The Editor is Stuart Baird, A.C.E., whose many credits include Casino Royale.  Jany Temime, whose many credits include the Harry Potter series, In Bruges, and Children of Men, is the Costume Designer. Action specialist Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director.   Gary Powell is Stunt Co-ordinator, Chris Corbould is SFX Supervisor and Steve Begg is Visual Effects Supervisor, all of whom have worked on previous Bond films.


007 fans can learn more about SKYFALL at the James Bond franchise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JamesBond007.


RELATED LINKS
http://www.sonypictures.com
http://www.mgm.com


Press release courtesy of PR Newswire.

Exclusive GoldenEye 007: Reloaded bundle announced for PlayStation 3

Activision has announced a special Double O Edition of GoldenEye 007: Reloaded for the PlayStation 3.

The exclusive bundle comes with the game, PlayStation Move motion controller, a navigation controller, a PlayStation Eye camera and special Sharp Shooter peripheral.

The yet to be priced Double O Edition will be released in the US on November 1.

On a related note, the PlayStation 3 version of the game will also include an exclusive downloadable character. Hugo Drax, from the 1979 James Bond movie, Moonraker.

The character will carry a Moonraker Laser pistol and be available in the split-screen and online Classic Conflict multiplayer mode.

Executive Vice President at Activision Publishing, David Oxford said working closely with Sony allowed them to create a bundle that arms fans with all the vital secret agent equipment right off the shelf.

"We can't wait for gamers to pick up the PlayStation Move and Sharp Shooter to experience a James Bond video game like never before."

New GoldenEye 007: Reloaded trailer released

Activision has released a new trailer for the upcoming PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 title, GoldenEye 007: Reloaded.

The trailer is focused on the new MI6 Ops mode, a mode which was not included in the original Wii game.

The aim of MI6 Ops is for players to complete a set number of objectives in single-mission levels seperate from the story mode.

The official trailer of MI6 Ops mode is below:

GoldenEye 007: Reloaded is developed by Eurocom, published by Activision and due out on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this October.

Red Dead Redemption helped Daniel Craig prepare for Cowboys & Aliens

Daniel Craig has revealed how he and his fellow cast members played Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption to prepare for the Western sci-fi Cowboys & Aliens.

The latest James Bond said how Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde and many others along with himself spent much of their time on set playing the PlayStation 3 version of Red Dead Redemption.

“The game had just come out when we were filming... so we were all playing,” he said.

“It was funny because the story is pretty good and the graphics and us riding around on set was a bit like the playing the game.”

Besides the odd game of Red Dead Redemption, Daniel Craig has been busy tying the knot with Rachel Weisz in a low-key wedding ceremony last month.

“I did it secretly — I can’t tell you how I pulled it off,” he said.

“My private life is incredibly important to me, and certainly that aspect of it is more than incredibly important to me.”

GoldenEye 007: Reloaded announced

Activision has officially announced GoldenEye 007: Reloaded for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Reloaded is a remake of Eurocom's GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo Wii with updated gameplay, graphics and controls.

Bond fans will be able to experience a new Mi6 Ops Mission mode, four-player split-screen, 16-player online, and PlayStation Move compatibility in the PS3 version of the game.

An official trailer and screenshots of GoldenEye 007: Reloaded are below:

GoldenEye Reloaded details leaked by Amazon France

According to Amazon France, GoldenEye Reloaded will be released in Europe on October 28.

It appears Reloaded will be based on last year’s GoldenEye 007 game on the Nintendo Wii and will be coming to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 with high definition graphics.

Reloaded builds off the success of the original Nintendo 64 title and also the warm reception of the Wii remake last year.

GoldenEye game to debut this month

Activision will unveil the new 007 game based on the 1995 film GoldenEye at the annual Comic-Con expo in San Diego this month.

The announcement will take place on July 20 with Activision also showing upcoming games in the Spider-Man and X-Men series.

GoldenEye was neither the highest grossing or most memorable Bond film of all time, but the original GoldenEye game on the Nintendo 64 remains as one of the greatest video games of all time.

For now, industry watchers believe the new GoldenEye game will be released on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Treyarch the makers of the Quantum of Solace video game and Eurocom the makers of the recently released GoldenEye 007 have not been linked with the new Bond game.

Raven Software are still rumoured as being the developers of the new title.

GoldenEye Reloaded uncovered

Activision has registered several domain names revolving around something known as ‘GoldenEye Reloaded’.

A Twitter user by the name of Superannuation uncovered four URL registrations logged by Activision last week and then posted the links on his account.

Many people believe GoldenEye Reloaded could be a HD re-release of GoldenEye 007 (Wii) and others are guessing a new 007 game or remake of the original GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64 could be coming to the 3DS.

During an investor call earlier on in the year, Activision announced they would be releasing a new Bond game at some point throughout 2011.

This was followed by the 007 logo being shown during Sony’s E3 slideshow presentation along with more rumours of Raven Software being the developer of the new Bond title.

GoldenEye 007 now available in Japan

For once Japan is the last country to receive a highly anticipated video game. Yes, that's right, they actually do get the short end of the stick from time to time. However, with GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo Wii, there's unfortunately a very good reason for its late release in the land of the rising sun. It's simply because the Japanese market doesn't like first person shooters.

Can you remember the last time a Japanese first person shooter was even released? I can't, and it's mainly because they're non-existent. And even if there are a few of them out there, us Westerners are far too busy admiring and enjoying of American-made FPS titles such as, Halo, Team Fortress and Call of Duty.

So yeah, just to let everybody know, the Japanese version of GoldenEye 007 is now out in Japan. The minor advantages of the Japanese version of the game is a better-looking box art and the fact Nintendo were in charge of the publishing side of things.

On another note, check out the 5 minute Japanese trailer of GoldenEye 007 below:

007 Gamer is now live!

The name's Bond, James Bond.

Hello and welcome to 007 Gamer. This blog site has been created to provide people with news, information and opinions about all of the James Bond video games released from 1983 onwards and also to cover the 007 games yet to be released. 

Shaken, not stirred.

On the side, this site will  discuss the developers, publishers and talent behind the James Bond video games and will also address controversial incidents which have occurred in the past during the development of certain Bond games.

For England, James?

Keep an eye on 007 Gamer for more updates soon.