Press Releases
GAMECASTER® RECEIVES NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE FOR MEXICAN PATENT ENTITLED "APPARATUS, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR VIEWING AND MANIPULATING A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT"
SAN DIEGO, Calif., November 2, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Gamecaster, Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of virtual camera control technology for the film, television and video game industries, announced today that the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property has issued a Notice of Allowance for Gamecaster's Mexican Patent Application No. MX/A/2007/002011 entitled, "APPARATUS, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR VIEWING AND MANIPULATING A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT". The patent claims both Gamecaster's virtual camera control technology for controlling virtual cameras within virtual environments and the method of utilizing this technology to film within such environments.Gamecaster's Mexican patent will be the third patent issued to Gamecaster in connection with its virtual camera control technology (the first and second being Taiwanese Patent No. I-280786, which was issued by the Taiwanese Intellectual Property Office on May 1, 2007, and U.S. Patent No. 7,403,220, which was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on July 22, 2008). Gamecaster has related patents pending in nine other regions and countries.
About Gamecaster
Gamecaster, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of virtual camera control technology for the film, television and video game industries, and a producer of video game tournaments and related television programs for broadcast worldwide in multiple media. For more information about the company, please visit: http://www.gamecaster.com
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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
The information contained in this press release, other than historical information, may be considered forward-looking statements within the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements and management expectations regarding future events and/or financial performance of the Company -- although given in good faith -- are inherently uncertain and actual events and/or results may differ materially.
Elliott Animation Achieves more Creative Control and Cost Benefits with Craft Camera Tools for GCS3
Revolutionary System Allows Complex Shot Creation for "Rollbots" without Incurring Additional Costs
(March 10, 2009) DMN Newswire--2009-3-10--It's rare when a production facility discovers a way to dramatically increase the complexity of an animated series while staying on budget. Toronto-based Elliott Animation made this very breakthrough using Craft Camera Tools™ for GCS3™, a software and hardware bundle developed by Craft Animations™ AB and Gamecaster®, for its new animated children's series "Rollbots."
Craft Camera Tools for GCS3 completely eliminates the time-consuming and costly process of traditional keyframing of virtual cameras in 3D animated scenes. This enabled Elliott Animation to produce digital layouts requiring highly complex camera movements much faster than traditional keyframing would have entailed, which saved the company a tremendous amount of budget.
"We estimate that completing these complex shots traditionally would have added an additional $600,000 in costs to the production," says George Elliott, president of Elliott Animation. "By using Craft Camera Tools for GCS3, we were able to keep the intricate camerawork in the show while staying within our budget."
Combining the advanced technology of Craft Animations' Craft Camera Tools software with Gamecaster's patented GCS3 virtual camera control hardware creates a superior bundle that revolutionizes the process of directing animation -- through the camera's viewfinder, providing hands-on control over the virtual camera. Elliott found that with real-time creative control over animated scenes, he could afford to experiment with alternate takes and see immediate results.
"From a creative standpoint, Craft Camera Tools for GCS3 is a huge step beyond camera keyframing, especially with respect to complex camera movements," he says. "It makes it easier, faster and cheaper to get exactly the kind of shots we want."
To view the full case study highlighting Elliott Animation's use of Craft Camera Tools for GCS3 during the production of "Rollbots," please visit: www.gamecaster.com/case-study.
The Craft Camera Tools for GCS3 software and hardware bundle is now available. To request pricing information, please e-mail GCS3@gamecaster.com.
Elliott Animation used the Craft Camera Tools for GCS3 system for the production of "Rollbots," a new 3D animated kids' series from Amberwood Entertainment that recently premiered on Canada's YTV and is coming soon to the U.S. on the CW 4K!DS Network.
Craft Animations and Gamecaster will demonstrate the Craft Camera Tools for GCS3 virtual cinematography system at the 2009 Game Developer's Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, March 25-27, in booth 5207. To schedule a demonstration during GDC, please contact Tracy Brawley at Liaison Public Relations, tracy@liaisonpr.com.
About Elliott Animation
Elliott Animation provides a full range of 3D-CGI animation, 2D animation and 2D Flash animation production services for major North American clients from its home base in downtown Toronto, Canada. Elliott Animation has worked on such productions as "Rollbots," "Backyardigans," "Total Drama Island," "6Teen" and "Sitting Ducks." For more information, please go to www.elliottanimation.com.
About Gamecaster®
Gamecaster, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of virtual camera control technology for the film, television and video game industries, and an organizer and producer of video game tournaments and related television programs for broadcast worldwide in multiple media. For more information, please visit www.gamecaster.com.
About Craft Animations™
Founded in 2006 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Craft Animations™ AB is a leading developer of a new era of professional real-time 3D animation technology, Craft Director Tools™. Based on cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence and autonomous control systems, Craft Director Tools simulate the complex physical behavior of 3Dcameras and vehicles such as helicopters, cars, airplanes, boats and motorcycles. Utilized by high-profile companiesworld-wide such as Digital Domain, Lockheed Martin, Digital Dimension and Toyota; Craft Director Tools streamline production, enhance realism and increase creativity for users in the visual effects, game development, forensic reconstruction and architectural design industries. For more information, please visit www.craftanimations.com.
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© 2009 Craft Animations AB. All rights reserved. Craft Director Tools is a Registered Trademark of Craft Animations AB. Gamecaster and GCS3 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gamecaster, Inc. in the United States and other countries. The GCS3 device, system and method of use are protected by the United States Patent No. 7,403,220; Taiwanese Patent No. I-280786; and patents pending in other countries. All other brand names, product names, service marks or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
Craft Animations Launches 3D Animation Tools for Gamecaster’s GCS3 Virtual Camera Control Hardware
GOTHENBURG, Sweden and SAN DIEGO — Jan. 7, 2009 — Imagine the ability to direct real-time virtual camera controls within Autodesk® 3ds Max® and Maya® with actual camera hardware. It’s a director’s fantasy that has now become reality with the release of Craft Camera Tools™ for GCS3™, a software and hardware bundle developed by Craft Animations™ AB and Gamecaster®.
Craft Camera Tools for GCS3 offers users a superior and cost-effective solution for virtual cinematography, completely eliminating the time-consuming and costly process of traditional keyframing of virtual cameras in 3D animated scenes. This revolutionary development draws from two pioneering technologies: Craft Animation’s Craft Camera Tools and Gamecaster’s patented GCS3 virtual camera control hardware. Together, this custom bundle forms a completely new way of directing animation -- through the viewfinder of the GCS3 virtual camera controller itself, with start-to-finish hands-on control over the virtual camera of 3D animation, visual effects and previsualization scenes.
Craft Animations and Gamecaster have also developed an exclusive line of camera tools for use with the GCS3 virtual camera control hardware. Via the GCS3 hardware, the GCS3 FreeCam™ and GCS3 TripodCam™ provide real-time physical control of the virtual camera’s pan, tilt, zoom, crane and dolly, walk-cycle and explosion motion, as well as spline control motion.
“Perfect for directors unsatisfied with traditional virtual camera keyframing practices, the Craft Camera Tools for GCS3 software and hardware bundle offers an intuitive virtual cinematography solution that bridges the gap between real-life cinematography and 3D animation,” said Gamecaster President and CEO, David MacIntosh.
Professional users of Craft Camera Tools for 3ds Max and Maya have reported reduced production times by up to 90 percent during the creation of natural motion paths for 3D vehicles and cameras on-the-fly through autopilot functions, or a variety of input devices such as gamepads, joysticks and keyboards.
“Craft’s Camera Tools utilizes the GCS3 virtual camera control hardware as an entirely new input device that allows real-time capture and automatic playback features, without the need to render,” said Luigi Tramontana, founder and head of research for Craft Animations. “The new onset of virtual camera operation, through Craft Camera Tools for GCS3, further enables artists to overcome current limitations and workflow issues at a fraction of the cost.”
Pricing and Availability
The custom Craft Camera Tools for CGS3 software and hardware bundle is now available. To request license and pricing information, please email GCS3@gamecaster.com
About Gamecaster®
Gamecaster Inc., headquartered in San Diego, Calif., is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of virtual camera control technology for the film, television and video game industries, and an organizer and producer of video game tournaments and related television programs for broadcast worldwide in multiple media. For more information, please visit www.gamecaster.com
About Craft Animations™
Founded in 2006 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Craft Animations™ AB is a leading developer of a new era of professional real-time 3D animation technology, Craft Director Tools™. Based on cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence and autonomous control systems, Craft Director Tools simulate the complex physical behavior of 3D cameras and vehicles such as helicopters, cars, airplanes, boats and motorcycles. Utilized by high-profile companies world-wide such as Digital Domain, Lockheed Martin, Digital Dimension and Toyota; Craft Director Tools streamline production, enhance realism and increase creativity for users in the visual effects, game development, forensic reconstruction and architectural design industries. For more information, please visit www.craftanimations.com.
CRAFT ANIMATIONS AND GAMECASTER® ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP
Craft Camera Tools with Customized Interface to be Available for GCS3™ Users
LOS ANGELES, Calif., August 12, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Craft Animations and Gamecaster announced today at the SIGGRAPH 2008 conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques that the companies have entered into a strategic relationship to make Craft Camera Tools, a suite of 3D animation plug-ins for Autodesk® 3ds Max® and Maya®, compatible with Gamecaster's GCS3 virtual camera control technology in the fall of 2008. Craft's plug-ins are widely used in the entertainment industry, and were utilized to produce key visual effects shots for the summer blockbuster motion picture Get Smart.
The patented GCS3 virtual camera control is a replica of a real-world video camera. However, the GCS3 viewfinder does not display the real world but a virtual world generated by a computer. Using the GCS3, camera operators are able to use the same skills and methods of controlling a real camera to smoothly pan, tilt, truck, crane, and zoom the lens of a virtual camera within a virtual environment created with 3ds Max, Maya or video game engines.
The GCS3 enhances the production process of 3D animation by enabling digital layout artists to overcome current limitations and workflow issues, and produce cinematic live action-style shots in real-time with the precision and fluidity that a real camera operated by a human camera person offers.
In connection with the strategic relationship, Craft Animations is developing for Gamecaster an exclusive GCS3 pre-rigged camera system which will tell the Craft Camera Tools how to arrange, represent and configure its set of plug-ins as one single plug-in, with its own customized interface available exclusively to GCS3 users.
"Gamecaster and Craft Animations have been thinking along similar lines all along," said Deborah Lygonis, CEO of Craft Animations. "Whereas we at Craft have been focusing exclusively on software, Gamecaster has been focusing on amazing hardware that gives users some fantastic new possibilities. I am convinced that together we will revolutionize the way motion picture pre-visualization, visual effects, 3D animation, and video game cinematics are produced."
"Craft Animations is enhancing the way 3D animators and game developers think and work," said David MacIntosh, CEO of Gamecaster. "We at Gamecaster are excited to join forces with Craft Animations and integrate the outstanding Craft Camera Tools software with a customized and exclusive interface with our GCS3 hardware so that users can produce better content quicker and more affordably."
To request licensing information for the GCS3, email GCS3@gamecaster.com
About Craft Animations - Speed Animation™ and Desktop Mocap™
Craft Animations™ AB develops and markets Craft Director Tools, a series of plug-ins for Autodesk's 3ds Max and Maya. Craft's software is used by customers as diverse as Columbia Pictures, Toyota, Lockheed Martin and Johns Hopkins University. Craft Director Tools help users create process-driven animation, popularly referred to as 'desktop mocap'. This ground-breaking technology, based on cutting edge Swedish Research results into neural networking, artificial intelligence and autonomous control systems, gives users manual control of cameras directly inside the viewport. Through a wide range of specific methods, users can make the 3D cameras behave and look like real-world cameras, adding shakes and jitters that resemble hand-held cameras, adding over-compensation, manual-focus and zoom plus an organic, human element throughout.
About Gamecaster
Gamecaster, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of virtual camera control technology for the film, television and video game industries, and an organizer and producer of video game tournaments and related television programs for broadcast worldwide in multiple media.
The GCS3 device, system and method of use are protected by the United States Patent No. 7,403,220; Taiwanese Patent No. I-280786; and patents pending in other countries.
The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements."
GAMECASTER® AWARDED GRANTED UNITED STATES PATENT ON VIRTUAL CAMERA CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
SAN DIEGO, Calif., September 17, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Gamecaster, Inc. announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued Gamecaster U.S. Patent No. 7,403,220 on its virtual camera control technology.
Gamecaster's U.S. patent, which issued on July 22, 2008, is the second patent issued to Gamecaster on its virtual camera control technology; the first being Taiwanese Patent No. I-280786, which was issued by the Taiwanese Intellectual Property Office on May 1, 2007. Gamecaster has related patents pending in ten (10) other regions and countries.
Gamecaster's patent entitled, "Apparatus, Methods and Systems for Viewing and Manipulating a Virtual Environment", includes broad claims to devices and methods useful in controlling virtual cameras in a variety of commercially important 3D applications. Gamecaster's GCS3TM virtual camera controller is comprised of a motion sensor, a widescreen HD color viewfinder, and two proprietary thumbstick controls. The GCS3 can be mounted to a tripod fluidhead and panbars, or a Steadicam® or shoulder mount for hand-held operation.
To request licensing information for the GCS3, email GCS3@gamecaster.com
About Gamecaster
Gamecaster, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of virtual camera control technology for the film, television and video game industries, and an organizer and producer of video game tournaments and related television programs for broadcast worldwide in multiple media.
The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements."
GAMECASTER® LICENSES VIRTUAL CAMERA CONTROL TECHNOLOGY TO 3D ANIMATION STUDIO ELLIOTT ANIMATION
SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Gamecaster, Inc. announced today that it has licensed its patented virtual camera control technology to Elliott Animation, a full-range animation studio located in Toronto, Canada. Elliott Animation has integrated Gamecaster’s technology into the studio's production pipeline, and is using the technology to film Amberwood Entertainment’s RollBots, a 26 episode 3D animated action-comedy TV series for kids, commissioned by Canada’s YTV, a division of Corus Entertainment, Inc. RollBots are perfectly round robots that roll at extreme speeds on roller-coaster type tracks through Flip City, a community that contains 11 different tribes of rollbots. Amberwood Entertainment has entered into an agreement with Mattel® in connection with toys and various other products based on RollBots.
The Gamecaster virtual camera control technology consists of a motion sensor, HD color viewfinder and two thumbstick controls, which mount to a tripod fluidhead and panbars. The technology can also be mounted to a Steadicam® or a shoulder mount for hand-held operation. Using Gamecaster’s virtual camera control technology, Elliott Animation’s digital layout artists have overcome current limitations and workflow issues, and are producing cinematic live action-style shots for RollBots quickly and effectively, in real-time, with the fluidity and precision that real-life camera equipment operated by a human camera person offers.
“Gamecaster’s virtual camera control technology has performed virtually flawlessly for us,” said George Elliott, president and chief creative officer of Elliott Animation. “I believe that once the word gets around, this will become a sought after piece of technology in the world of long format and episodic 3D animation. For specialty type shots, I have never seen a device that is as intuitive or as effective as Gamecaster’s virtual camera control technology, and I am very glad to contribute to the progression of this exceptional pioneering technology.”
Content producers can license Gamecaster’s virtual camera control technology for a share of downstream revenue. Educational institutions can license the technology on a recurring fee basis. If you would like more information about Gamecaster’s virtual camera control technology, or to schedule a live demonstration, please contact David MacIntosh at (619) 234-4263 or dmacintosh@gamecaster.com
About Gamecaster
Gamecaster, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of virtual camera control technology for the film, television and video game industries, and an organizer and producer of video game tournaments and related television programs for broadcast worldwide in multiple media. http://www.gamecaster.com
About Elliott Animation
Elliott Animation provides a full range of 3D-CGI animation, 2D animation and 2D Flash animation production services for major North American clients from its home base in downtown Toronto, Canada. Elliott Animation has worked on such productions as Total Drama Island, 6Teen and Sitting Ducks. www.elliottanimation.com
About Amberwood Entertainment
Based in Ottawa, Canada, Amberwood Entertainment is a producer, financier and distributor of high quality animated and live-action television series for the children's and family demographic. Amberwood's most recent success, The Secret World of Benjamin Bear has been licensed in over 110 territories worldwide and a 4th season has just been commissioned by Playhouse Disney. www.amberwoodanimation.com
GAMECASTER® RECEIVES NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE FOR U.S. PATENT ENTITLED "APPARATUS, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VIEWING AND MANIPULATING A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT"
SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 15, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Gamecaster, Inc. announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Allowance for Gamecaster’s U.S. patent application No. 11/177,049 entitled "Apparatus, Methods and Systems for Viewing and Manipulating a Virtual Environment". The patent claims both the Gamecaster Cybercam S3 technology for controlling virtual cameras within virtual environments created with software such as Autodesk Maya® or video game engines, and the method of utilizing this technology to film within such environments. The present Gamecaster Cybercam S3 technology is comprised of a motion sensor, HD color viewfinder and two thumbstick controls, which mount to a tripod fluidhead and panbars. The technology can also be mounted to a Steadicam® or a shoulder mount for hand-held operation.
A remarkable advance in virtual camera control, the Gamecaster Cybercam S3 technology enhances the production process of motion picture pre-visualization, visual effects, and 3D animation. The technology enables digital layout artists, whose job is to plot camera paths and compose shots for feature films and episodic animation, to overcome current limitations and workflow issues, and to produce cinematic live action-style shots quickly and effectively, in real-time, with the fluidity and precision that only real-life camera equipment operated by a human cameraman can offer.
The Gamecaster Cybercam S3 technology also enhances the production process of video game cut scenes, trailers, and televised video game tournaments. The technology enables sports cameramen to film the action at video game tournaments from within the game itself. Directors can block multiple cameramen within the game during battles, and call an in-game multicamera live switch consistent with standards used in real-life sports broadcasts.
Content producers can license the Gamecaster Cybercam S3 technology for a share of downstream revenue. Educational institutions can license the technology on a recurring fee basis. If you would like more information about the Gamecaster Cybercam S3 technology, or to schedule a live demonstration, please contact David MacIntosh at (619) 234-4263 or dmacintosh@gamecaster.com
About Gamecaster
Gamecaster, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of virtual camera control technology for the film, television and video game industries, and an organizer and producer of video game tournaments and related television programs for broadcast worldwide in all media. http://www.gamecaster.com
VOOM'S GAMEPLAY HD PRESENTS
GAMECASTER'S BATTLEFIELD 2142 INVITATIONAL
High-Definition Television Series Uses New Groundbreaking
Gamecaster Cybercam™ S2 Technology to
Transform Video Game Tournaments into a Spectacular Spectator Sport
New York, NY – February 12, 2007 – VOOM HD Networks' GAMEPLAY HD, the high-definition channel leading the next generation of television for gamers, announced today that the first episode of their original series, Gamecaster's Battlefield 2142™ Invitational, will premiere on Thursday, February 15th, 2007 at 10:00pm ET. Offering a viewing experience never before delivered in the competitive gaming circuit, this eight-part half-hour tournament series utilizes groundbreaking new technology developed by Gamecaster that pulls viewers into the video game playing field of Electronic Arts' Battlefield 2142, delivering high production values on par with professional sports broadcasts, as pro-sports camera operators and commentators make the tournament an exciting spectator event.
Eight teams of 5 players converged in Los Angeles in September 2006, to put their playing prowess to the test. Capturing all the close calls and dramatic moments from within the game, the Gamecaster's Battlefield 2142 Invitational series is the first televised gaming tournament that truly puts viewers on the 50 yard line of this burgeoning sport. Co-produced with Gamecaster, a San Diego based pro-gaming production house, the series utilizes their revolutionary, patent-pending Gamecaster Cybercam™ S2 technology that grants a 360° view of the world inside the game. This new technology allows pro-sports camera operators to shoot the action on the video game's playing field from within the game itself with the precision and fluidity of real-life sports camera equipment. GAMEPLAY HD's viewers will be able to experience major-league quality coverage of the head-to-head battles, with real sports commentators calling the shots.
Hosted by video-game enthusiast Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of the multi-platinum rap-rock band P.O.D, viewers get a VIP all-access pass into this winner-takes-all tournament, with a $30,000 purse on the line. Co-host Tina Wood, a popular on-air video game personality, brings her vast gaming background to the event. In an effort to merge the worlds of sports and gaming, the play-by-play commentary is provided by Phil Stone, a seasoned professional sports announcer with 27 years experience calling NFL games, college football, basketball and baseball; and Richard Briggs, EA's senior product manager for Battlefield 2142 and the foremost authority on the game. Enthusiasts and sporting fans alike can tune into GAMEPLAY HD on February 15th to witness the future of gaming tournaments in jaw dropping high definition. GAMEPLAY HD is available nationwide on the DISH satellite network, channel 9485.
EA's Battlefield 2142 is a ground-breaking first-person shooter from EA's critically acclaimed Swedish development studio, Digital Illusions. In the game, players choose to fight for one of two military superpowers - the European Union or the newly formed Pan Asian Coalition - in an epic battle for survival. Armed with a devastating arsenal of high-tech assault rifles, cloaking devices and sentry guns, players will also do battle using some of the most imposing vehicles known to man. Massive battle walkers and hover tanks wage fierce combat on the ground, while futuristic aircraft rule the skies. The video game is rated T (Teen) with a descriptor, Violence, by the ESRB.
About GAMEPLAY HD
GAMEPLAY HD (www.gameplayhd.com) is the only 24/7 high-definition video game network – it is a whole new experience in video-game television, using next-gen games to create next-gen TV. GAMEPLAY HD covers the top tournaments from around the world and provides tips, news, reviews and previews for all kinds of gamers. The network is a first of its kind, taking advantage of the gorgeous, native HD resolution of games. At GAMEPLAY HD the intensity of the video game comes alive!
About VOOM HD Networks
VOOM HD Networks (www.voom.com) is the largest suite of high-definition channels available anywhere, produced exclusively in high definition for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators. The VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music, and art. Today, the VOOM HD Networks are available nationally on Echostar's DISH Network. The VOOM HD Networks were developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high-definition programming, building on Rainbow Media's history of original programming innovation.
About Rainbow Media
A leader in the entertainment industry, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation. Rainbow creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic programming with linear networks including national networks – AMC, fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment; its regional programming service – Rainbow Sports Networks; on-demand networks including Mag Rack and sportskool; and the largest suite of high definition channels available anywhere – the VOOM HD Networks. Rainbow's other businesses include its film distribution, production and exhibition division – IFC Entertainment; in addition to its advertising sales division – Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation – and its full service network programming origination and distribution company – Rainbow Network Communications.
About Gamecaster
Gamecaster, Inc. (www.gamecaster.com) is a media, entertainment and technology-licensing Company engaged in the development, production and marketing of video game competitions and related programs for broadcast worldwide in all media, the sale of corporate sponsorships for such competitions and programs, the licensing or sale of Gamecaster-branded merchandise, and the licensing or sale of Gamecaster Cybercam™ S2 technology and related services. The Company's management and advisory team has decades of experience in the sports, television and video games industries, and has produced high-profile TV franchises, including the CBS Olympics, the World Series, NFL, PGA Tour, U.S. Open, NCAA Tournaments, and the hit Comedy Central TV, toy and video games franchise BattleBots.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS BIG™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2006, EA posted revenue of $2.95 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U. S. and/or other countries. Battlefield 2142 is a trademark of EA Digital Illusions CE AB. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
VOOM'S GAMEPLAY HD TEAMS UP WITH
PRO-GAMING PRODUCER GAMECASTER FOR ITS FIRST
ORIGINAL STUDIO VIDEO GAME COMPETITION
Tournament Series Pits Teams Head-to-Head On First-Ever Televised Competitive Play of EA's Yet to Be Released Battlefield 2142
Series Production Will Use Patented-Pending New Gamecaster Cybercam™ S2 Technology To Deliver Unprecedented and Compelling Viewer Experience
New York, NY – September 5, 2006 – VOOM HD Networks' GAMEPLAY HD, the high-definition channel leading the next generation of television for gamers, announced today that it will work with Gamecaster, a San Diego based pro-gaming production house, to co-produce the first ever televised competitive play of Electronic Arts' (NASDAQ:ERTS) highly anticipated PC game, Battlefield 2142. The original eight part half-hour tournament series titled, Gamecaster's Battlefield 2142™ Invitational Presented by GAMEPLAY HD will be taped in Los Angeles on September 26 and 27. GAMEPLAY HD is part of the VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels nationwide currently available on DISH Networks.
GAMEPLAY HD launched in February of 2006 as a 24/7 High Definition video game network. It is a whole new experience in video game television, using the next-generation games to create next gen TV. GAMEPLAY HD covers the top tournaments from around the world and provides tips, tricks, news, reviews and previews for all kinds of gamers. The network is the first of its kind, taking advantage of the gorgeous, native HD resolution of next gen games.
"With more than 76 million gamers in this U.S., and an exploding interest in competition as a spectator sport, the time is right to create a series of high-production-value TV events for millions of gamers to see," said Mark DeAngelis, an award-winning producer and Vice President of Programming and Development at VOOM HD Networks. "With this series, GAMEPLAY HD is not only getting the exclusive on a yet to be released game but it is also benefiting from the creative drive of the Gamecaster crew, and from the Gamecaster Cybercam technology which offers a significant new breakthrough in TV coverage of games."
The Gamecaster Cybercam S2 integrates the real-world camera hardware and techniques of sports broadcasting into the virtual world of pro gaming. The technology will enable the show's pro sports cameramen to film within Battlefield 2142 with an unprecedented degree of precision and fluidity, and deliver gripping coverage of each heated battle on par with traditional sports coverage.
"The GAMEPLAY HD team has a real passion for pro gaming and we're excited to have this strategic relationship," said David MacIntosh, President and CEO of Gamecaster. "We're also excited to launch our Gamecaster Cybercam S2 technology at our Battlefield 2142 Invitational with one of the most highly-anticipated PC games of the year."
Battlefield 2142 is a ground-breaking first-person shooter from the critically acclaimed Swedish development studio, DICE. The year is 2142 and the dawn of a new Ice age has thrown the world into a panic. The math is simple and brutal: soil not covered by ice can only feed a fraction of the Earth's population. Some will live but most will die in the inexorable land grab to come. In Battlefield 2142, players will choose to fight for one of two military superpowers in an epic battle for survival, the European Union or the newly formed Pan Asian Coalition. Armed with a devastating arsenal of high-tech assault rifles, cloaking devices and sentry guns, players will also do battle using some of the most imposing vehicles known to man. Massive battle walkers and hover tanks wage fierce combat on the ground, while futuristic aircraft rule the skies. When facing these behemoths, players will need to use their wits and an arsenal of all-new countermeasures like EMP grenades and cloaking devices to level the playing field and win the battle.
Eight teams will be invited to the tournament taping and get the extraordinary opportunity to be among the first in the world to compete on a pre-release version of EA's upcoming Battlefield 2142 for the PC. The "winner takes all" tournament will award the winning team $30,000. For more information about Gamecaster's Battlefield 2142 Invitational Presented by GAMEPLAY HD, please visit www.gameplayhd.com.
About VOOM HD Networks
VOOM HD Networks is the largest suite of high-definition channels available anywhere, produced exclusively in high definition for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators. The VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music, and art. Today, the VOOM HD Networks are available nationally on Echostar's DISH Network. The VOOM HD Networks were developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high-definition programming, building on Rainbow Media's history of original programming innovation.
About Rainbow Media
A leader in the entertainment industry, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation. Rainbow creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic programming with linear networks including national networks – AMC, fuse, IFC (The Independent Film Channel) and WE: Women's Entertainment; its regional programming service – Rainbow Sports Networks; on-demand networks including Mag Rack and sportskool; and the largest suite of high definition channels available anywhere – the VOOM HD Networks. Rainbow's other businesses include its film distribution, production and exhibition division – IFC Entertainment; in addition to its advertising sales division – Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation – and its full service network programming origination and distribution company – Rainbow Network Communications.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS BIG™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2006, EA posted revenue of $2.95 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
About Gamecaster
Gamecaster, Inc. is a media, entertainment and technology-licensing Company engaged in the development, production and marketing of video game competitions and related programs for broadcast worldwide in all media, the sale of corporate sponsorships for such competitions and programs, the licensing or sale of Gamecaster-branded merchandise, and the licensing or sale of Gamecaster Cybercam™ S2 technology and related services. The Company's management and advisory team has decades of experience in the sports, television and video games industries, and has produced high-profile TV franchises, including the CBS Olympics, the World Series, NFL, PGA Tour, U.S. Open, NCAA Tournaments, and the hit Comedy Central TV, toy and video game franchise BattleBots.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U. S. and/or other countries. Battlefield 2142 is a trademark of Digital Illusions CE AB. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Gamecaster Completes Second-Generation Gamecaster Cybercam Technology, Announces Licensing Program
Competitive Video Gaming Revolutionized With Patent-Pending Gamecaster® Cybercam™ Series 2
Launch of Second-Generation Video Game Camera Enables Sports Cameramen to Get 'Inside' the Game and Create the Ultimate Video Gaming Spectator Experience
San Diego, CA - January 2006 - Gamecaster, Inc., a media, entertainment and technology-licensing company, today announced that the Company has completed research, development, and manufacturing of its second-generation, patent-pending Gamecaster Cybercam technology. The improved Gamecaster Cybercam Series 2 model is the result of the Company taking valued input from sports cameramen who operated the Gamecaster Cybercam series one model at broadcast trade events around the world throughout 2005.
Implementing enhanced electrical engineering, industrial design, and analog thumb stick controls consistent with standards used in today's broadcast-quality sports cameras, the Gamecaster Cybercam S2 enables sports cameramen to get "inside" the game and sports directors to call an in-game multicamera live switch, transforming competitive video gaming into a thrilling spectator experience for live, Internet and TV viewers.
The Gamecaster Cybercam S2 also enables video game developers, publishers and advertising agencies to capture compelling footage for video game trailers and commercials in-game and in real-time, with the same accuracy of camera movement which, until now, was only possible in scripted, pre-rendered cut scenes.
"Gamecaster is pleased to announce that the Gamecaster Cybercam S2 is now available under licensing contract to qualified professional organizations," said David MacIntosh, president and CEO of Gamecaster. "The Gamecaster Cybercam S2 enables our television broadcast licensees to produce better in-game coverage of video game competitions, and give TV viewers a mind-blowing spectator experience. The Gamecaster Cybercam S2 also enables our video game publisher and advertising licensees to produce better trailers and commercials, by capturing footage in-game, and reach today's discerning gamers who demand to see what the games actually look like in action before they make a purchase."
Gamecaster currently holds numerous patent applications for the Gamecaster Cybercam technology encompassing domestic and international territories. Gamecaster's numerous patent filings protect the Gamecaster Cybercam device, system and method of use, all of which qualified licensees can leverage to enhance their respective success factors.
Gamecaster Stages Video Game Competition, Tapes Television Pilot
San Diego, CA - December 2004 - Gamecaster, Inc. has announced that the Company has staged a world class video game competition and taped a TV pilot for a new breed of gameshow which features champion video game players competing head-to-head before a live audience of cheering fans.
The Gamecaster TV pilot pioneers the quality telecast of competitive gaming by being the first TV show in the world to feature the revolutionary Gamecaster CybercamTM technology.
Video game golden boys Tommy Tallarico and Victor Lucas (Electric Playground, Judgment Day) co-host the Gamecaster TV pilot and multi-platinum recording artist P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval and Wuv make celebrity appearances as post-match interviewers.
Gamecaster Announces Gamecaster CybercamTM Technology
San Diego, CA - October 2004 - Gamecaster, Inc. has announced the revolutionary Gamecaster Cybercam technology. The Company has filed a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and throughout the world.
The patent-pending Gamecaster Cybercam is a video game camera that connects to video game consoles, enabling pro-sports cameramen to cover matches from "within" the game, delivering a sports-like spectator experience for live, Internet and TV viewers.
"We see the desire to watch video game competitions increasing among gamers who compete in, and fans who follow, this emerging sport," said David MacIntosh, President of Gamecaster. "The Gamecaster Cybercam facilitates the quality broadcast of video game competitions and brings the drama of competitive gaming to a broader audience."
Bill Attinger Invests in Gamecaster, Joins Team as VP of Brand Licensing
San Diego, CA - August 2004 - Gamecaster, Inc. has announced that accomplished artist Bill Attinger has invested in Gamecaster and has joined the team as VP of Brand Licensing.
In 1994, Bill launched his first company, StickWorld, which featured 200 of Bill's creations. By the end of 1996, StickWorld had accounted for more than $25 million in sales. His stick figure characters were featured nationally through JCPenney, Robinsons May and other retail chains.
In 1997, Bill focused his efforts on his biggest passion - the children's market. Bill's infant brand, Wee Witness, was licensed by Wal-Mart and developed into a special section of the store. Bill has signed over a dozen key licenses and has been recognized by License Magazine as one of the "Top 40 Under 40" and "Top Ten to Watch."
Bill is currently developing Gamecaster's brand licensing program, and designing the Official Gamecaster Style Guide, which licensees follow in order to appropriately integrate the Gamecaster logo(s) into a wide assortment of Gamecaster-branded merchandise, including Inner- and Outerwear such as shirts and jackets, and Accessories such as ballcaps and beanies.
P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval Invests in Gamecaster, Joins Team as Talent
San Diego, CA - July 2004 - Gamecaster, Inc. has announced that Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of multi-platinum recording artist P.O.D., has invested in Gamecaster and has joined the company as Music Director and On-camera Talent.
P.O.D. is signed with Atlantic Records; the group's first major-label debut, The Fundamental Elements of Southtown, went platinum and the Billboard Top 10-charting Satellite went triple-platinum. P.O.D. recently completed a world-wide tour promoting its newest platinum release, Payable on Death.
In addition to investing in Gamecaster, being the company's Music Director and developing the company's music program, which includes having popular bands perform at Gamecaster's upcoming televised video game competitions, Sonny has also signed on as one of Gamecaster's on-camera talents.
Read the full story at Billboard.com
Gamecaster Field of Play Unveiled on IGN.com
San Diego, CA - October 2003 - Gamecaster, Inc. has announced that the world premiere unveiling of the Gamecaster Field of Play, Gamecaster's world class video game competition arena, recently took place on leading entertainment website IGN.
The IGN-exclusive story included a first look, animated pre-visualization video which demonstrates the "look and feel" of the Gamecaster Field of Play arena and Gamecaster's forthcoming televised video game competitions.
IGN's award-winning content attracts more than 8.7 million unique visitors a month, so be sure to click here and see IGN's world premiere unveiling of the Gamecaster Field of Play arena.
Gamecaster Signs With Endeavor
San Diego, CA - September 2003 - Gamecaster, Inc. has signed with leading talent agency Endeavor, which now represents Gamecaster in all media, including television, licensing and merchandising.
"This ten-partner agency generates more buzz than all its rivals combined" says Premiere magazine. The buzz is generated by such A-list actors as Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Christian Bale, James Caan, Carson Daly, Matt Damon, Matt Dillon, Vin Diesel, Jeff Goldblum, Josh Hartnett, Dustin Hoffman, Hugh Jackman, Lisa Kudrow, Ashton Kutcher, Diane Lane, Eric McCormack, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton, Jerry OConnell, Joaquin Phoenix, Adam Sandler, Charlie Sheen, Jada Pinkett Smith, Alan Rickman, Gary Sinise, David Spade, Tilda Swinton, Chris Tucker and Mark Wahlberg.
Endeavor's writers, producers and directors are said to be the best in the business. 26% of all primetime TV shows are created by Endeavor clients, and 18% of all primetime shows are executive produced by Endeavor clients.
"We're fortunate to be represented by Endeavor," said David MacIntosh, President of Gamecaster. "Endeavor provides us with complete access to the entertainment industry, and the assistance that the agency provides in our relationship building has proven to be invaluable."
Gamecaster Includes Top Video Games in Upcoming Competitions
San Diego, CA - December 2002 - Gamecaster, Inc. has announced that the company will include the Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft and Xbox video games among those featured in Gamecaster's forthcoming live and televised competitions.
"Our agreement with Microsoft is a major step towards fulfilling Gamecaster's goals of bringing top quality video game competitions to a broad television audience while giving established gamers a new and public forum for their competitions," said David MacIntosh, President of Gamecaster. "There is simply no other player in the market today with more credibility and vision than Microsoft, and Gamecaster is thrilled and honored to have begun this relationship."
Other companies who have agreed to participate in the competitions include Electronic Arts and Activision.
Executive Producer of Olympics Launches Gamecaster
San Diego, CA - September 2002 - From the Executive Producer of the Olympics comes Gamecaster™, the world's first and only premiere computer and video gaming association with world class, televised competitions.
People of all races, genders and ages can now compete head-to-head on a level playing field -- for fame, fortune and fun! Gamecaster Competitors who demonstrate superior strategy, hand-eye coordination, prediction and awareness will become Gamecaster Champions, sponsored gamers who endorse brands and products!
Join the evolution of the computer and video game industry! Register to compete in Gamecaster today, and help build head-to-head computer and video gaming into the "sport" of the Digital Age!
BattleBots Co-creator and Gamecaster Partner
San Diego, CA - March 2002 - Gamecaster and TalentWorks have signed a three-year management and representation agreement that positions TalentWorks as a co-creator, co-producer, international licensor and distributor of Gamecaster's intellectual property, which includes its computer and video gaming association and its world class, televised competitions.
"I think that the timing is perfect for this ... If this is presented right ... Gamecaster can become more than just a TV show -- it can become a sports franchise," said TalentWorks President and CEO Lenny Stucker.
TalentWorks is a 22-time Emmy-winning TV production company with extensive expertise related to the creation, production, licensing and distribution of sporting events for exhibition on television and for release in other media. TalentWorks is the Co-creator of the international TV, toy and video game franchise BattleBots.
Olympics Producer Joins Gamecaster
San Diego, CA - November 2001 - Gamecaster has announced the appointment of Rick Gentile to the position of Senior Vice President and Executive Producer.
"Video games are a hot field right now, and I believe that by bringing a sports style of coverage to our competitions, we'll be able to make the viewer care about who wins," said Mr. Gentile.
Prior to joining Gamecaster, Mr. Gentile was the Senior Vice President of CBS Sports, where he executive produced three Olympic Games, including Lillehammer, which were the highest-rated Olympics and the most-watched event in the history of television. Additionally, Mr. Gentile oversaw production of two World Series, two seasons of NFL play, five NCAA tournaments, five seasons of PGA golf including five Masters Tournaments, and five U.S.Opens. Mr. Gentile has been awarded ten Emmy Awards.
REZN8 and Gamecaster Form Strategic Relationship
San Diego, CA - July 2001 - Gamecaster and REZN8 have formed a strategic relationship to build head-to-head video gaming into the "sport" of the Digital Age.
"REZN8 is excited by the opportunity to help Gamecaster realize its vision to make head-to-head video gaming a spectator sport," said REZN8 Vice President of Business Affairs James Marsland, "It's a new and novel idea that should resonate with the audiences and with the gamers."
REZN8 is a multiple Emmy Award-winning digital design and communications company that services a broad spectrum of domestic and international clients in several distinctive media platforms including broadcast, film, advertising, broadband applications and video games. REZN8 produced the broadcast graphics packages for nine Super Bowls, three Winter Olympics and the 2001 Academy Awards.