Monday, January 10, 2011

News Update for Miniclip Games

If you are into internet games, you must know Miniclip games, the largest free online games. With 57 million gamers each month, these gamers can access 600 games in their online library. Antonio Sergio Varanda, the games developer and publisher,took notice of the growing demand in mobile gaming. Incidentally, he is also an ex-manager from Skype. Online Gamers have the privilege to try out the Miniclip games; if they are keen on purchasing it, they can buy it at the Android Market or App store for the mobile game version or go to www.miniclip.com to play the online games version.


Mobile Division for Miniclip games- The new Division head for Mobile Gaming of Miniclip games is Antonio Sergio, Skype’s former product manager. Android and iPhone users will enjoy playing the more popular game titles.


Games Shut Down at Acclaim- The acquired-game company by Playdom/Disney has ceased operation and shut down online titles as seen on its homepage. Acclaim will now be settling the virtual currency accounts of its players online.


European Games Award Give Recognition to Bubble Island - German social developer of Wooga was given the award for Best Social Game, the Bubble Island. As reported last week, the European Games has been given this award to this arcade-like simple game.


3 Million Users by Foursquare – Last weekend, Foursquare, the widely-known location-based mobile game, has exceeded the target of 3 million users.


Loopt Announces Steve Boom as President- Steve Boom is the newly-appointed President of Loopt, the location-based app developer. The former internet industry executive served as senior vice-president for Yahoo for ten years.


It’s Big Revenue Day for Loopt and Virginia America – 2-for-1 tickets are offered by Virgin American and Loopt to passengers going to Los Cabos or Cancun, provided that you check in at LAZ airports or SFO, or at any taco trucks in San Francisco and LA. This endorsement has brought its 5th highest revenue for the company as reported by TechCrunch, Virginia America.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Cartoon Network: Changes and Development in the 2000s

New Series

Cartoon Network had created their second logo and slogan of “This is Cartoon Network” stated with a woman’s voice on June 14, 2004. The new 2D bumpers were in a CGI city setting with the characters of every cartoon show seen intermingling. The classic programs were moved to Boomerang, a sister network, and Cartoon Network broadcasted new ones.


It was during 2006 that the network decided to remove shows like Dexter's Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls, etc. and grouped them together in The Cartoon Cartoon Show in 30-minute period. However, these were dropped after some time when the network changed CGI city setting on the same year. Though the shows such as Time Squad (2001), Mike, Lu & Og (1999), Cow and Chicken, I Am Weasel (1997), Looney Tunes (1992), and Sheep in the Big City (2000) were completely taken out. Then the slogan was altered with the voice of Fred Fredburger (character from The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy) stating “Cartoon Network – Yes!”.


Refurbishing

The Cartoon Network president of 13 years, Jim Samples left the position on February 9, 2007 because of 2007 Boston bomb scare incident and was succeeded by Stuart Snyder. Snyder had made many changes such as the new theme song of “Fall is Just Something That Grown-Ups Invented” from The Hives on September 1, 2007. Then on October 15, 2007, the network channel broadcasts were improved to a 1080i high definition.


Signs-offs of the past included were sunrise to sunset setting with the logo placed on the sky and the words “Good Night, See You Tomorrow” displayed. It was changed to a black screen that popped down following a shout on April 2008, a sign-off that occurred before the showing of Adult Swim. This was further changed to show a clock with a time of 10:00 PM and a “Check Ya Later” message then the logo of Cartoon Network.


New Direction

On 2008, the Cartoonstitue project was started lead by Craig McCracken and Rob Renzetti (executive and supervising producer respectively) with Rob Scorcher as the man behind the idea. The workings were same as What A Cartoon! with no less than 150 shorts shows generated in 20 months. However, the project was terminated in the end with just one selection – the Regular Show.


Cartoon Network brought in programs from Teletoon (Canadian network) like George of the Jungle, 6teen, Total Drama Island then Total Drama Action and Total Drama World Tour, Chaotic and Bakugan Battle Brawlers. With Cartoon Network Wedgies show played after two programs this started on May 25, 2008. Then on July 14, 2008, the new bumper created by Kidrobot and Tristan Eaton is of faceless, white Noods (from DIY Munny toy) and the corresponding logo which used the standard one but in white and changed to another color depending on occasion.


The screen bug was modified on June 12, 2009 with a look of all black and white-colored prints. On same month, the network began broadcasting live reality shows in their project CN Real. Cartoon Network started playing limited sports as well like Slamball games.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Cartoon Network: A Background History

The history behind the logo started on May 1, 1992 in which the first logo of Cartoon Network was introduced and utilized for more than a decade, starting October 1, 1992 – June 13, 2004. But still can be found on skull teeth of Adult Swim logo with official permission of course. Then on May 29, 2010, a new Cartoon Network logo was launched with different style font and has been adapted in promotional.

Early Developments and Launching (Late 1980s-1990s)

It was during 1986 that the cable-TV company owned by Ted Turner has obtained the 1986 pre-May films and TV library of MGM from Gilligan’s Island to some major rights in RKO Radio Pictures and to a.a.p. catalog. This a.a.p. catalog namely consists of: pre-1950 Warner Bros. Film, Harman and Ising, Merrie Melodies (apart from Lady Play Your Mandolin!), 1918 pre-August colored-cartoons of Warner Bros., Fleischer Studios, and Popeye from Famous Studios (formerly Paramount Pictures owned). Then on 1988, the Turner Network Television cable channel started its operation. Turner further increased the company’s animation library with the additional of Hanna-Barbera Productions studio and Ruby-Spears.

The first logo made was designed with an encircled cartoon character and “CARTOON” word placed above and the word “NETWORK” below for promotional uses. However, this logo was not adopted with the broadcasts. Cartoon Network started showing on October 1, 1992 with Warner Bros. classic cartoons repeats like Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies, Popeye cartoons, and with MGM and Hanna-Barbera animations.

The cartoons were scheduled to broadcast 24/7 with the first Checkerboard theme and using the logo from 1992. Mostly were short cartoons and played in 30-minute time or in packages lasting 1 hour each with a studio or character displayed in between like Down Wit' Droopy D, The Tom and Jerry Show, Bugs and Daffy Tonight. On afternoons, there was High Noon Toons – a program with cowboy hand-puppets host. At night, playing are Late Night Black and White cartoons (black-and-white animations) and ToonHeads with three same-themed short cartoons and trivia afterwards.

The Network’s Original Series

The first show broadcasted, a cartoon network original, was entitled The Moxy Show in the year 1993. Then during 1994, Cartoon Network Studios was launched (a Hanna-Barbera division) and began showing during 1995 with short cartoons in series, The What-A-Cartoon! Show (the third original show and was also called World-Premiere Toons or “What-A-Cartoon”) production. The men behind this project are executive of Cartoon Network, John Kricfalusi (maker of The Ren & Stimpy Show) and Fred Seibert (producer of Oh, Yeah! Cartoons and Random Cartoons).

The reason behind the project was to increase exclusive programs and establish new ideas of cartoons with six cartoons made into series, namely: Dexter's Laboratory (1996), Johnny Bravo, Cow and Chicken (1997), The Powerpuff Girls (1998), Mike, Lu & Og, and Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999). As one, these six are called Cartoon Cartoons – origin of original cartoons of cartoon network. The six was added with I Am Weasel (1997) and Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999).

Time Warner Acquisition

Merging of Turner and Time Warner happened on 1996. So WB cartoons were under one name and all the cartoons from 1948 post-July to blank-and-white cartoons of former Sunset were shown on cartoon network. Then WB’s new cartoon productions began to be aired in which most are rerun shows that was played on Kids’ WB and some original programs like Justice League.

It was in 1997 that Canada started showing Cartoon Network programs as Teletoon network came to be. Also in the same year, the network has first introduced the channel Powerhouse era with cartoon character bumpers and Powerhouse music. When 1998 came, Cartoon Network was widely recognized with Powerhouse era. But this era came to a stop in June 13, 2004 and Cartoon Network concluded the use of Powerhouse music before that on year 2003.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Miniclip: Free Online Games to Play

Miniclip is one of the most popular online games website in today’s gaming age that. Its name is worldwide known that surely even you know of it. This online gaming option has attracted many guests and players alike each month. The games offered at Miniclip are all can be played for free unlike other gaming sites.

With Miniclip games, players can occupy themselves and enjoy playing the games available. This site gives everybody the chance to have fun with the free games particularly those who are bored easily and those who can’t afford buying new ones. Whatever the needs and wants the players may have on gaming, Miniclip has it. Playing Miniclip games allows them to save a lot of dollars that would have gone to buying new games.

Miniclip offers variety of game categorization that you will surely enjoy as you play to pass the time, ranging from adventure games to games with comedy plots. From the gaming choices that Miniclip provides, you have the opportunity test play every game or you can play whatever you want and even have mix up. The games are designed with creative plots to capture the players’ interests and with graphical designs of top quality that every gamer would certainly love. Within Miniclip’s library are some of the most popular online games that everybody is addicted to.

Even though the games’ graphics are basic and not the customary 3D, it still attracts many gamers’ interest because the plots are imaginative and amazing. The one thing that Miniclip has that many other gaming sites don’t have is that with Miniclip, it will cost you nothing to play. Because of this, you can save a lot of money each year instead of using it to buy a new video game. If you are searching for a game, look into sites that offer games to play for free for these same games are offered by other gaming sites for a price before you can start palying.

With Miniclip games, having fun and enjoying playing the offered is possible and there will be no money matter concerns. Either you are looking for a new game to try out or simply play again the game you love, all of these you will find in Miniclip games. The term pay before you can start playing is not applicable with Miniclip games for this gaming option provides you hundreds of free games to play with one click on your mouse and keyboard. Being addicted to Miniclip games is not such a bad thing for you are not alone but just keep it in balance and remember the important not so events.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Miniclip: Virtual Game of Star Wars®: Clone Wars Adventures™

Neuchatel Switzerland, October 15, 2010 - Miniclip has announced to the public the addition of Star Wars®: Clone Wars Adventuresto their library of games at Miniclip.com, the largest online games website worldwide. Clone Wars Adventures is under both Lucas Arts (Lucasfilm Ltd. Division) and Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE). This family friendly virtual world game can be played online for free with registered gamers of at least two million. Aside from Clone Wars Adventures, SOE and Miniclip has also launched a family friendly virtual game - Free Realms on year 2009 which is highly acclaimed by critics with registered players reaching 14 million no less.


According to the president of Sony Online Entertainment, John Smedley, “"Clone Wars Adventures is an amazing game that will bring hours upon hours of entertainment to fans of the Clone Wars series." He also stated, “"Miniclip was an obvious choice for Clone Wars Adventures distribution as it has a proven track record of connecting players to quality games."


Miniclip’s CEO, Rob Small commented that, "Miniclip is proud to be chosen by SOE to feature its newest hit game Clone Wars Adventures." "An ideal partnership, Miniclip is the Internet's single largest online game website that offers a fun and safe environment for kids and families, and Clone Wars Adventures is an exceptional title that offers audiences around the world dynamic and engaging gameplay," he additionally said.


TV series fans of Cartoon Network’s Star Wars®: The Clone Wars animation can now experience the excitement that the show offered with the virtual game – Clone Wars Adventures which is browser-based and just as action-packed as the animated series. Gamers will go to battle and fight the enemies together with Star Wars much loved characters such as Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the great Yoda. Clone Wars Adventures was launched to the public by SOE who is in charge of the game’s development and distribution, and LucasArt of Lucasfilm Ltd. with its licensing. Players can have fun with the dynamic world of Clone Wars Adventures on Miniclip and occupy themselves with the minigames, events, daily activities, competitions, rewards and active social environments that are offered and this game will be updated as the animated series continues.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Miniclip: Best Online Games

Club Penguin
Miniclip offers Club Penguin, one of the best online games there is from Disney since the year 2005. This game is a multi-player game involving role playing in a virtual world that provides varieties of activities and online games. Club Penguin is owned by Walt Disney Company and Club Penguin Entertainment, known as New Horizon Interactive before, developed it. This Miniclip game uses animated penguins as characters in a virtual snow land world that would waddle around as gamers play and chat and play the mini games as well, and join in the activities with the other members.
Puzzle Pirates
Yohoho! Puzzle Pirates is created and developed by Three Rings Design which is a multi-player online game. This game will take players on high seas as their adventure starts with them as a pirate sailing and pillaging enemy ships, either controlled by computer or human, roaming the seas for money. The mechanics are puzzle driven where in order to sail a ship, the crewmates must play and solve the puzzles which represent their work such as putting up the sails for speed, pumping water in the bilge, and fixing the ship when damaged.
Puzzle Pirate game is community driven at the same time open ended where pirates can be a member of a crew after playing a while, be promoted to a higher rank, purchase “shoppes” and sailing vessels and run them, and eventually be a captain with a pirate crew plus obtain royalty/alliance within a flag (of crews) or be a an island governor. A governor administrates over an island and the shoppes within are exclusively handles by the players themselves. Players are once in a while asked to lend a hand expanding the game like developing new puzzles on Game Gardens, or island objects for new oceans (servers) use, or even doing artwork that will be used in-game purposes.
Commando 2
Commando 2, one of the best Miniclip games is nearly an RPG and categorized as side scrolling game with controls that anyone can get accustomed to. Players will be like Rambo where they must defeat the enemy to accomplish missions and must not be killed in return. You will be given the chance to select and acquire different weapons after every mission. From knives, weapons players can have, to grenades and cool guns of all kinds and even to flamethrowers so many will be reminded that Commando 2 is a lot like Contra (an old game from Nintendo).
Mountain Biking
For players looking for adventure, this extreme sport online game is just for you. Mountain Biking will let the players do backflips, grinds and 180s tricks as their character go down the hill at a fast pace with some buttons that control your speed as you go zipping around the mountain terraces and uneven surfaces. Point scoring will depend on the tricks they make and the trickier it is the bigger chance of beating the high score. This is an example of popular games from Miniclip for mountain bikers fan or not.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Miniclip: Recruiting Workers

Miniclip has verified to the public that they are employing workers for every place where they have their business set up. This came to be when Casual Gaming becomes aware of the increasing vacancy postings found at the booming company’s website.

After the original story from CasualGaming.biz came out, the games portal has confirmed to the website itself that they are still recruiting worldwide, stressing the information that the business over the two years have tripled their size. Now Miniclip has studios set in countries such as US, UK, Switzerland, Estonia and Portugal. These countries are the Miniclip’s latest venture and not an acquisition. The latest and newest Miniclip studio was hosted by Lisbon which focuses on smartphone games development.

According to Jeremy Wadia, Miniclip’s COO, “The last 24 months have been an amazing period in Miniclip’s life and we’re still hiring into all areas of our business. We’ve got some of the casual game industry’s most talented individuals and we are extremely proud of all our employees. Miniclip remains a fun and lively place to work and maintaining such a culture is paramount to us, no matter our size”. In addition, he said, "Rather than take our success for granted, we feel very privileged and are constantly grateful to the millions of users who play our games every day. We hope that our enthusiasm and passion allows others to have a first class gaming experience.”

Due to the increasing demand of the user’s and the need to for the portal company to keep in pace, they instigated Miniclip’s smartphone division opening. With Miniclip’s smartphone drive, users and gamers can play the Flash games with no charge on the website of Miniclip prior to buying the mobile device version.
Miniclip has confirmed that they want to turn to ‘a leader in the mobile game space’ with the evidence of having 57 million users and the recent record sales of Apple’s iPhones that tells of their market prospective.