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Square Enix to Publish LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias in Japan

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Square Enix to Publish LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias in Japan 

LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias

18th December 2009. Cambridge, UK. Frontier Developments, one of the games industry’s leading independent developers, is delighted to announce a further partnership with Square Enix to publish ’the best WiiWare game of 2009’ (IGN) LostWinds®: Winter of the Melodias in Japan and Asia. The game will be released in Japan on 22nd December 2009.

“We’re very pleased to be joining forces again with Square Enix to bring the sequel to gamers in Japan and Asia.” said David Braben, Frontier’s Chairman and founder “We’re excited to see gamers’ reaction to the incredible new gameplay mechanics such as Season Switching, the all-new, expansive, beautiful settings and the story of Toku and Enril the Wind Spirit’s and adventure to save Toku’s mother.”

Illustrating the widespread acknowledgement of the game as one of the better Wii titles - disc or download - LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias was rated as No.8 in the Metacritic* chart of Wii titles for the year and is the only WiiWare game to feature in the Top 10 alongside established franchises like Tiger Woods, Guitar Hero and Metroid Prime.

Influential IGN.com also voted LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias as the the best WiiWare game of 2009 for the Nintendo Wii, describing the game’s use of the Wii Remote as ‘masterful’. http://uk.bestof.ign.com/2009/wii/best-wiiware-game.html

If you haven’t downloaded LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias yet, visit www.frontier.co.uk for a chance to win a free copy of the game.

Praise for LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias: “This is not only the best WiiWare game out there, it’s also one of the highest quality Wii titles … LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias is an outstanding achievement for all of gaming…period.” GoNintendo [9.5/10] “Might well be one of the most beautiful games ever created” Videogamer [9/10] “It’s not simply the best WiiWare title on the market, but one of the best Wii games full stop” ign9.1/10 Editor’s Choice “A brilliant sequel that improves on the original in every conceivable department. Essential.” Official Nintendo Magazineuk [9/10]

The original LostWinds picked up Develop Magazine’s ‘Best New ip’ award in July 2008, a prestigious accolade voted on by Frontier’s games industry peers.

For more information about the game visit: http://lostwinds.frontier.co.uk/

Media Enquiries: Alison Beasley, Lincoln Beasley pr. E: alison@lincolnbeasley.com M: +44 (0) 7966 449130

  • http://features.metacritic.com/features/2009/the-best-games-of-2009/3/

“LostWinds” is a registered trademark of Frontier Developments Limited. Nintendo trademarks are used under license by Nintendo. WiiWare is accessible through the Wii console.

About Frontier Frontier, headed by founder David Braben, co-author of the seminal “Elite”, is based in Cambridge, uk, and has an outstanding track record of gameplay innovation, critical acclaim and commercial success.

It received three BAFTA nominations and several awards for its console games “Dog’s Life” and “Wallace & Gromit in Project Zoo”, and scored a Christmas 2004 No.1 position in the usa with its “RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3” PC game, which has also been the recipient of various awards and a prestigious Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences nomination. RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Soaked!”, the first expansion pack for RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3, was released in June 2005 and went on to win ‘Expansion Pack of the Year’ award from PC Gamer magazine in theus, with a second expansion pack “RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Wild!” released in November 2005. Frontier’s game of the Oscar® winning “Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-rabbit” movie was published by Konami in September 2005.

“Thrillville” was released by LucasArts on Xbox, PlayStation® 2, and PSP and became the best selling original kid’s title in North America in 2006. 2007’s sequel “Thrillville: Off the Rails” for Xbox 360, Windows PC, PlayStation® 2, Wii, and PSP has been publicly reported as being the 35th best selling game in North America and the EU of the 12 month period ending March 2008. In 2008 Frontier released “LostWinds” for WiiWare which was awarded ‘Best New IP’ by Develop Magazine, and is working on its original IP title “The Outsider” on PlayStation® 3, Xbox 360, Windows PC, plus other as-yet-unannounced major projects. All trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners.

LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias - hits No.1 in Europe and North America

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Frontier hits top spot on WiiWare with season switching sequel. 

LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias

2nd November 2009, Cambridge, uk. Frontier Developments Ltd. (‘Frontier’) today announced that LostWinds®: Winter of the Melodias for WiiWare™ has topped the charts in both Europe and North America claiming the No.1 spot for Nintendo’s innovative download service.

David Braben, Frontier’s Chairman and Founder, said: “The hugely positive response there has been to Winter of the Melodias is really heart warming, and the team really appreciate this as it justifies all the effort and care they put into it.”

As the 100th title released on WiiWare in Europe LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias retains the charm and brilliance of the original while expanding on the story and pushing the Wii’s capabilities further than most other titles. lw:wotm’s beautiful graphics – showing both the lush green hills of summer and shimmering winter wonderland environments of Mistralis – have captivated players of all nationalities.

The eagerly awaited follow-up to last year’s best selling, award-winning WiiWare launch title has received high praise across the board in Europe and North America with ign stating “It’s not simply the best WiiWare title on the market, but one of the best Wii games full stop!”

With production values to match the very best Wii disc titles, LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias is out now to download directly to the living rooms of millions of families in Europe and America for the price of 1000 Wii Points, exclusively via Nintendo’s WiiWare service.

LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias once again puts the power of the wind in the palm of your hand, as you experience Toku and Enril’s new adventure to save Toku’s mother, lift an ancient curse and thwart the evil Balasar. The elemental powers of Enril the Wind Spirit are used to protect and guide the young boy Toku - power his jumps and glides, suspend and smash new enemies, and explore all-new expanses of the stunningly presented, magical land of Mistralis.

Pricing: 1000 Wii Points. WiiWare is accessible through the Wii shop channel.

See http://lostwinds.frontier.co.uk for more details including video footage, information about the game and the WiiWare service, screenshots and registration for priority information on the game and exclusive content.

Media Enquires and review code requests to: Alison Beasley, Lincoln Beasley pr E: Alison@lincolnbeasley.co.uk M: +44 (0) 7966 449130 T: +44 (0) 1608 645756

About Frontier Frontier are the developers behind RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3, which was a usa #1 game and is part of the second biggest selling pc game franchise of all time, and Thrillville™, which was theusa’s #1 original kids game in 2006, as well as LostWinds® which was a best-selling WiiWare launch title in 2008 in both Europe and The Americas and was awarded that year’s ‘Best New ip’ award at the Develop Games Industry Excellence Awards. LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias © 2008, 2009 Frontier Developments Limited. All rights reserved. ‘LostWinds’ and ‘Frontier’ and the Frontier logo are registered trademarks of Frontier Developments Limited. All rights reserved. ‘Winter of the Melodias’ is a trademark of Frontier Developments Limited. All rights reserved. Nintendo trademarks used under license. WiiWare is available only through the Wii console. All other trademarks and copyright are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners

The Events of LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias Little time has passed since the events which unfolded between Toku, Enril, Deo and Magmok in “LostWinds”. Notéa’s sudden return from an expedition brings with it saddening news. Whilst searching for the ruins of the Melodia City Toku’s mother, Magdi, has mysteriously disappeared. The only clues to her whereabouts lie within the tattered remains of her treasured journal. As repayment for saving his life, the ancient Guardian Magmok pledges his assistance to Toku and Enril as they head up into the mountains in search of Magdi. Toku and Enril arrive at Summerfalls Village, a picturesque location that has been beset by an eternal winter. Even more worryingly, its people now live in fear of ferocious monsters who hide in the snow. Fearing the worst, and with the chilling cold taking its toll, Toku and Enril seek the help of Sonté the Spirit of Seasons. Sonté’s season changing powers will provide the key to unravelling the plight of Summerfalls, and Toku and Enril come to realize that Magdi’s immediate fate has been entwined with that of the ancient Melodia people centuries ago by the shadowy hand of Balasar. As events continue to take unexpected turns Toku and Enril venture onward. wielding their new powers with care and in the face of potentially fatal dilemmas, Toku and Enril are plunged into a race against time to save not only the life of Toku’s mother but also the future of Mistralis…

LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias – European Release Set for Friday 9th October 2009.

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LostWinds - Winter of the Melodias

Will become 100th game released for WiiWare by Nintendo of Europe. 

8th October 2009, Cambridge, uk. Frontier Developments Ltd. (‘Frontier’) today announced that LostWinds®: Winter of the Melodias will be released on Friday 9th October 2009 by Nintendo of Europe, making it the 100th game to be released by Nintendo of Europe on the innovative WiiWare service. David Braben, Frontier’s Chairman and Founder, said: “We launched the original LostWinds game on WiiWare with much anticipation, as it was such an exciting and new way to access games. We are now thrilled to be able to mark the 100th game launch on WiiWare with LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias.”
The eagerly awaited follow-up to last year’s best selling, award-winning WiiWare launch title once again puts the power of the wind in the palm of your hand, as you experience Toku and Enril’s new adventure to save Toku’s mother, lift an ancient curse and thwart the evil Balasar. The elemental powers of Enril the Wind Spirit are used to protect and guide the young boy Toku - power his jumps and glides, suspend and smash new enemies, and explore all-new expanses of the stunningly presented, magical land of Mistralis.
Players can instantly transform Mistralis between Summer and Winter, harnessing the brilliance of nature: frozen Winter ponds and waterfalls become deep, teeming Summer pools and chambers in which to dive and unlock secrets, enemies can be frozen or doused, and the very air itself used to form snowballs or moisture-laden clouds. Other amazing new abilities include the cyclone, which can be used to transport Toku, smash powerful enemies and even drill through the rock of Mistralis’ diverse, richly interactive Chilling Peaks and Melodia City areas. With production values to match the very best Wii disc titles, LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias will be available to download directly to the living rooms of millions of families in Europe exclusively via Nintendo’s WiiWare service. Pricing: 1000 Wii Points. WiiWare is accessible through Wii. Release details in other territories are yet to be confirmed. See http://lostwinds.frontier.co.uk for more details including video footage, screenshots and registration for priority information on the game’s launch and exclusive content. Media Enquires and review code requests to: Alison Beasley, Lincoln Beasley pr E: Alison@lincolnbeasley.co.uk M: +44 (0) 7966 449130 T: +44 (0) 1608 645756 About Frontier Frontier are the developers behind RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3, which was a usa#1 game and is part of the second biggest selling pc game franchise of all time, and Thrillville™, which was the usa’s #1 original kids game in 2006, as well as LostWinds® which was a best-selling WiiWare launch title in 2008 in both Europe and The Americas and was awarded that year’s ‘Best New ip’ award at the Develop Games Industry Excellence Awards. LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias © 2008, 2009 Frontier Developments Limited. All rights reserved. ‘LostWinds’ and ‘Frontier’ and the Frontier logo are registered trademarks of Frontier Developments Limited. All rights reserved. ‘Winter of the Melodias’ is a trademark of Frontier Developments Limited. All rights reserved. Nintendo trademarks used under license. WiiWare is available only through the Wii console. All other trademarks and copyright are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners

The Events of LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias Little time has passed since the events which unfolded between Toku, Enril, Deo and Magmok in “LostWinds”. Notéa’s sudden return from an expedition brings with it saddening news. Whilst searching for the ruins of the Melodia City Toku’s mother, Magdi, has mysteriously disappeared. The only clues to her whereabouts lie within the tattered remains of her treasured journal. As repayment for saving his life, the ancient Guardian Magmok pledges his assistance to Toku and Enril as they head up into the mountains in search of Magdi. Toku and Enril arrive at Summerfalls Village, a picturesque location that has been beset by an eternal winter. Even more worryingly, its people now live in fear of ferocious monsters who hide in the snow. Fearing the worst, and with the chilling cold taking its toll, Toku and Enril seek the help of Sonté the Spirit of Seasons. Sonté’s season changing powers will provide the key to unravelling the plight of Summerfalls, and Toku and Enril come to realize that Magdi’s immediate fate has been entwined with that of the ancient Melodia people centuries ago by the shadowy hand of Balasar. As events continue to take unexpected turns Toku and Enril venture onward. wielding their new powers with care and in the face of potentially fatal dilemmas, Toku and Enril are plunged into a race against time to save not only the life of Toku’s mother but also the future of Mistralis…

Frontier Celebrates Elite 25th Anniversary

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Launches new website and announces David Braben Twitter Q&A session.

Frontier is pleased to announce anniversary celebration plans to commemorate the release of Elite, which took place back in September 1984, 25 years ago this month.

To celebrate the occasion, Frontier has launched a website: www.elite.frontier.co.uk which hosts information and media on the original Elite and its two sequels.

You can also share some of the great memories of Elite told through other players’ eyes, including videos of David Braben and others from Frontier discussing their own experiences of Elite and its sequels, and send your own message.

To kick off the celebration, an online Elite Questions & Answers session with David Braben will take place on Wednesday 23rd September on Twitter. To take part, simply follow the Frontier Twitter channel (www.twitter.com/frontierdev) and submit your questions to @frontierdev. Selected questions will be rewarded with a limited edition Elite t-shirt, and one lucky grand prize winner will be awarded framed Elite artwork signed by David Braben. 

Other events over the next few weeks with more prizes up for grabs will be hosted through the official Frontier Twitter channel, Frontier Forums and Elite Facebook page.

For more information on Elite visit the brand new website www.elite.frontier.co.uk For more information on Frontier, visit our official website www.frontier.co.uk

 ends

Frontier’ and the Frontier logo are registered trademarks of Frontier Developments Limited. All rights reserved.

All other trademarks and copyright are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners

Frontier are the developers behind RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3, which was a USA #1 game and is part of the second biggest selling PC game franchise of all time, and Thrillville™, which was the USA’s #1 original kids game in 2006, as well as LostWinds® which was a best-selling WiiWare launch title in 2008 in both Europe and The Americas and was awarded that year’s ‘Best New IP’ award at the Develop Games Industry Excellence Awards.

Braben to Keynote Montreal International Games Summit

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Montreal International Game Summit offers exclusive look at 2008 program

David Braben

Montreal, September 3, 2008 - Alliance numérique, Quebec’s digital industry network, offered a first glimpse of the rich content in store for the 2008 Montreal International Game Summit (MIGS). The fifth edition of this popular event – which brings together creators, developers and producers of video games for all platforms – promises to live up to its stellar industry reputation with another full program of top-tier sessions and activities. This year’s line-up includes an exclusive keynote address from David Braben of Frontier Developments along with a special showcase featuring Quebec and Canadian talent.

“Following the outstanding success of last year’s event, the Montreal International Game Summit has proven itself to be the most important East Coast industry experience for North America’s video game industry,” says Alain Lachapelle, Director of MIGS. “Alliance numérique is excited to head up this year’s edition, which already is shaping up to be an ideal forum for exchange, learning and discovery among local and international game industry professionals.”

This year, industry sessions will be divided into six tracks: Game Design, Visual Arts, Technology, Production, Business and Serious Games. To foster greater collaboration among event participants, the Summit will introduce roundtables in 2008 – inviting attendees and speakers to address specific topics and engage in open discussions.

What does David Braben see in his crystal ball? In addition to the sessions included in the six-track schedule, the 2008 Montreal International Game Summit will welcome four prominent speakers whose professional paths are an inspiration to many in the industry.

Frontier Developments’ David Braben from the UK will be one of the four marquee keynotes at this year’s Summit. An active and outspoken advocate of the video game industry in the UK, Mr. Braben will analyze recent and upcoming technological trends and the implementation of new business models, as well as offer his predictions for sixth generation consoles in a session entitled 'Planning for the Future?'

A showcase for Quebec and Canadian expertise The fifth edition of the Summit will also highlight Quebec and Canadian creative talent in the video game industry. More than twenty high-profile Quebec and Canadian speakers will be on hand this year.

From Quebec • Stéphane D’Astous, General Manager, Eidos Montréal, Log of a Montreal Start-up (Business Track) • David Lightbown, A2M, Under the Surface (Visual Arts Track) • Éric Chartrand, EA Montréal, Should We See the World Differently? Design Better Games for a New Audience (Design Track) • Dominic Guay, Ubisoft Montréal, Procedural Data Generation in Far Cry 2 (Technology Track) • Sébastien Caisse and Jean-Sébastien Duberger, Volta, Concept Art Outsourcing (Visual Arts Track)

From Canada • Ken Faier, President, Nerd Corps Entertainment, Developing Multi-platform Children’s Properties (Business Track) • Paul Martin and Dean Giberson, Slant Six Games, Data Massage Therapy: Pipelines, SCons and socom: Confrontation (Technology Track) • Edoardo De Martin, Next Level Games, Efficiency through Common Sense (Production Track) • Steve Rechtschaffner, Nexon Publishing North America’s Humanature Studio, There’s Nothing Micro about Microtransactions! (Business Track) • Stéphane Morichère-Matte, Threewave software, Making Great Multiplayer (Production Track)

Key partnerships Once again, MIGS is pleased to acknowledge the support of its public sector partners Canada Economic Development, Canadian Heritage, the Quebec Ministry for Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade (MDEIE) and the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications, as well as the public relations contributions of its corporate partner High Road Communications.

About MIGS 

MIGS was created in 2004 to serve members of the video game industry, which currently employs over 6,200 people in Quebec. The gathering promotes the transfer of knowledge and expertise, raises the international profile of the Quebec video game industry and cultivates information-sharing and dialogue among industry stakeholders. A specialized top-level event, migs covers a comprehensive selection of game development topics, including artistic creation, game design, production and programming.

For more information, to register for the event or to sign up for the MIGS newsletter, visit the Summit website at www.sijm.ca.

About Alliance Numérique

Alliance Numérique, Quebec’s digital industry network, is dedicated to supporting and accelerating the growth and competitiveness of the industry. Focusing its efforts on private companies and SMBs, it has more than 200 members in the game, eLearning, education and Internet services and applications sectors. For anyone seeking to work with professionals in the field of interactive digital content, Alliance Numérique is the gateway.