Play.com Live Preview

A video games show for all the family with previews of blockbuster films coming this summer and performances from some of the biggest bands in the UK… Play.com Live has grown from an idea only four months ago to an entertainment spectacle that will be a fantastic day out!

"The response from the games industry to the idea has been amazing. When we initially proposed a consumer show we went to all publishers and 90 per cent said we’ll support you, we’re in” – and that’s been the case all the way through. It may be a testing time of the year for the number of games released, but without doubt, publishers have come through with some excellent stands and great content. We’re also extremely pleased with the response from the press with coverage in The Sun, and film crews from T4 and ITN capturing all the action at the show.

"One big feature of the show will be the stage. We’ve got over 20 bands lined up, such as We Are Scientists, in addition to games features with Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Pro Evo, ensuring there will plenty of entertainment throughout the weekend.

"I don’t know if a UK games show will ever be able to take on trade shows such as the old E3 and the Tokyo Games Show for sheer size as we do not have the headquarters of Sony or Microsoft based in this country. But I do know that we need to engage the UK consumer, which is why I am so impressed by the commitment these huge companies have given to this show.

"It’s great to know that MCV’s readership will be out in force. Over 800 VIP tickets have been snapped up by you all – and with a special trade-only MCV/Pro Evo Pitch View Room, you should be well looked after.

"So next weekend, why not come to the finest football stadium in the world and witness what we hope will be a step in the right direction for gaming and the games industry in the UK.

"But first, sit back and take a look at just what our partners have got to offer – and why we’re so excited about what we’ve got in store…”

Stewart Rowe – Managing Director, Play.com

SONY

Sony looks to show off Killzone 2 – with a full trailer on the cards, which should have Sony fanboys agog from start to finish.

Elsewhere, the platform holder is demonstrating the power of its PlayStation Network with some impressive titles – not least Echochrome. As we get closer to their release, a significant portion of the crowd will definitely be looking to get their hands on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and Everybody’s Golf: World Tour, whilst long-awaited sequel God Of War: Chains Of Olympus will be available for fans of the PlayStation Portable.

VIVENDI

Sierra is planning something pretty strange for Wembley’s neighbourhood… a giant StayPuft Marshmallow man. But it promises to be pretty wonderful, too. Rumour has it that other Ghostbusters-related props will be on show, including a replica of the 1959 ambulance-Cadillac the ‘busters used to get around town. The Ghostbusters game will be demoed along with the very sexy-looking Prototype.

The open world stormer from Radical Entertainment has been making preview journos in the PS3, 360 and PC specialist press salivate for months now. As an added bonus, a similarly eye-catching outing is also planned for The Bourne Conspiracy, which promises to be a major hit when released in the summer on the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Ghostbusters is a pop cultural milestone for the core audience of next-gen games – so there’s little doubt that Sierra Entertainment is onto a winner,” explained head of games at Play.com Gian Luzio. We’re ecstatic to have the giant Stay Puft marshmallow man at Play.com Live – it will be a real centrepiece. The rest of Sierra’s line-up for the event shows just how strong a roster it has for 2008.”

EA

If Electronic Arts’ colossal showing in Trafalgar Square during last year’s London Games Festival is anything to go by, the publisher will provide visitors to Play.com Live with a real treat. EA has big plans for Rock Band, which will feature a large amount of audience participation. The firm is even utilising Play.com’s main stage at Wembley to show what the title can do. Elsewhere, the publisher will be showing off new urban sports romper FIFA Street 3, alongside co-op shooter Army Of Two, Burnout Paradise and The Simpsons Game. In addition, My Sims will get an airing – sure to be a hit with the family audience.

We’re ecstatic with the level of commitment that EA has shown the event,” adds Luzio. The buzz around Rock Band is really growing – and Play.com Live is a perfect platform to show off just how good it is.”

SEGA

It will be a scary atmosphere over at Sega’s corner of the event, as it shows off the eerie Condemned 2 (pictured right). To offer some family-friendly respite, the publisher will also be giving mums, dads and kids alike the chance to fiddle with chart-topping wonder Sonic and Mario at The Olympic Games, which is sure to draw the crowds once newcomers get to grips with the intuitive Wii version. In addition, Sega Superstar Tennis will be playable.

CAPCOM

Very little is known about the newest in the Resident Evil series, but Capcom is likely to show off a cheeky glimpse of Resident Evil 5 (pictured left) to the assembled crowd. Judging by the furious forumite action that the title inspires day-in-day-out, Capcom’s stand should have no problem in attracting a very healthy number of attendees.

Once there, they will be given another unprecedented treat – with a non-playable peek at Street Fighter 4 (pictured inset).

For those itching to get their hands on a console, former All Formats number one Devil May Cry 4 will be playable, and will be joined by the PS3 version of popular third-person action title Lost Planet.

ACTIVISION

One of the biggest draws of the entire Play.com Live experience will be a video of the still-mighty-secretive Star Wars adaptation, The Force Unleashed (pictured right). When a game promises the prospect of scything through rebel scum with a motion-sensing Wii Remote lightsabre and taking on the role of Darth Vader’s all-too-willing assistant, you know it’s going to engage the crowds.

The title promises new truths about the Star Wars universe – with its story set somewhere between the conclusive Star Wars: III Revenge Of The Sith and Star Wars IV: A New Hope.

Activision will also offer playable demos of exciting upcoming titles including LucasArts’ LEGO Indiana Jones and Paramount cartoon movie adaptation Kung Fu Panda – which will hit cinema screens this summer.

No games party would be complete without a showing from Guitar Hero – and FPS of the moment Call Of Duty 4 will also be demonstrated.

WARNER BROS

With the recently created games publishing division adding another valuable string to Warner Brother’s gigantic media bow, Play.com Live offers an ideal platform for the firm to demonstrate its power as an all-round entertainment company.

Alongside a showcase for the eagerly awaited Batman film Dark Knight, consumers will also get a first look at the equally anticipated LEGO Batman. Developed by LEGO Star Wars kingpins TT Games, DC Comics’ caped crusader cruises around a fully LEGO Gotham with boy wonder Robin.

Warner’s other major feature at the show will be Speed Racer, the next film from The Matrix creators the Wachowski brothers that looks set to be an early summer hit – both at the cinema and on console.

It’s great to have Warner Bros on board,” says Play.com’s Gian Luzio. 2008 is looking like a very exciting year for them. Lego Batman and Speed Racer are both smashing properties that should turn more than a few heads over the weekend.”