B-Side News: Shadowrun Beta to End April 30th

Oh man, I feel like I'm on a roll with B-Side News. I'll have a proper update sometime later this week. It's been a long time; not that anyone reads this or cares. Until then, Pokemons will consume me.

Shadowrun’s beta test will end on April 30th, FASA claims it was a success.

Shadowrun beta, we had a good long run. As with most beta tests though, they end on a bit of a bittersweet note. Let us pensively reflect on the times we shared, as the end comes this April 30th. FASA announced the beta closure today, and has deemed the Shadowrun beta test as a success through and through.

We look forward to your retail release, Shadowrun.

B-Side News: E3 Exhibitor List Revealed

E3 has been drastically reduced in size compared to last year. Expect only 3,500 invite-only attendees.

A definitive list of exhibitors to be at E3 ’07 has been released. Most major publishers will be in attendance, two independent developers, id Software and Foundation 9 Entertainment, and accessory and peripheral manufacturers Logitech and Nyko Technologies.

E3’s exhibit hall this year will be hosted in Santa Monica’s Barker Hanger, with running demos at nearby hotels. 60,000 attendees came out to E3 last year, this year it’s believed that only around 3,500 invite-only guests will attend E3 on July 11-13.

The full list of major publishers expected to attend this year’s E3 is below:

1C Company, Activision, Akella, Atari, Atlus, Buena Vista Games (now Disney Interactive Studios), Capcom, Codemasters, Crave Entertainment, Eidos, Electronic Arts, Konami, LucasArts, Majesco, Microsoft, Midway, Namco Bandai Games, NCsoft, Nintendo, Sega, Sony Computer Entertainment, Sony Online Entertainment, Square Enix, Take-Two Interactive, THQ, Ubisoft, Vivendi Games, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

B-Side News: Mad Catz Plays Basketball

Third party game accessory provider renews their license to produce NBA related game accessories.

Mad Catz Interactive known for their third party game accessories, have renewed their license with the National Basketball Association (NBA). This license will bring forth a variety of customized team video game controllers and other NBA related accessories.

Mad Cats intends to produce new video game controllers, faceplates, and Console Skinz for all 30 NBA teams, featuring their respective colors and logos. These products will be available across all major platforms, including the PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, PSP, DS Lite, and Wii.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “Basketball has proven to be an extremely popular genre for gamers and we are thrilled to announce the continuation of our license agreement with the NBA. Our new NBA line will offer fans more ways than ever to demonstrate their support for their favorite teams and we look forward to launching controllers and other quality accessories that enhance the gaming experience of our customers.”

Expect to be able to purchase this line of Mad Catz products through NBA.com, NBA arena stores, online game retailers, and your standard retailers.