8/20/07 ISSUE 3 Next-Gen Cinema The line between games and movies gets blurry On the Eve of Big Daddy A look at fan art from a highly anticipated FPS We are rapidly approaching a big time for the video game industry. If you haven't already picked up your copy of Madden and pre-ordered BioShock (Collector's edition), then I'm not sure what you are thinking — Playing LEGO Star Wars II is an acceptable excuse. Next-Gen Cinema   As transparent as it is that game development costs are rivaling those of Hollywood films, it will become more and more transparent in future advertising and communications. Ubisoft has opened an office in Montreal called Ubisoft Digital Arts. As we saw last issue with episodic content from Halo 3 and All Pro Football 2K8, it comes as no surprise that Ubisoft's highly anticipated new IP, Assassin's Creed, will be advertised with an eight-minute short film released online, on Xbox Live and PlayStation. And when a game has gathered as much momentum as Assassin's Creed, you must harness players' passion for the game and leverage this to your favor. Ubisoft has asked their brand evangelists to help them create content—in six minutes or less. Fans have been tasked with exploring the mysterious story elements of the game, to bid for a $10K prize and an Xbox 360 with a copy of the game. Now, the question is: will they do it for the money or the love? So what's next? Movie games? 3D interactive worlds? Convergence of Entertainment Article Assassin's Creed Short Film Contest Press Release Return to top On the Eve of Big Daddy   As an homage to the upcoming, sure-to-be-a-blockbuster-upon-launch release of Bioshock, fans are showing and proving their love for the game. Releasing this week on August 18th, this game could be one of those titles that push consumers to buy an Xbox 360 or upgrade their PC. With a unique story and game play that blends a bit of mad science fiction and the classic FPS. Bioshock will be a refreshing title in a category that is all too muddled. Just ask the fans. In reference to the inaugural issue of Toggle (Issue 1: Feed the Fans), here's a look at fan-submitted box art. Just the winners, of course. Lastly, I will leave you with the launch trailer from last week. Enjoy! Halo 3 Yet another established franchise with a reputation that precedes itself, the Halo Legendary Edition game is the most expensive box, coming in at $130. I've got this pre-ordered already... Fan Art Reference Woodwork Reference Bioshock Box Art Contest Winners Bioshock Launch Trailer Return to top Having trouble viewing? Click here. Want to be removed from the list? Click here. bssp • gargantua • sfi • influx 415.331.6049 (m) • 415.331.3524 (f) • 20 liberty ship way, sausalito, ca 94965 • www.bssp.com