What we specifically have is news on release dates, which is unusual for us because we tend to be allergic to them. But we'd have to go beyond the call of duty to mess these up now: Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise for the Xbox 360 has already been released to manufacture, while Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise for the DS has received final Nintendo approval.
The plan is to 'build anticipation' and 'maximise buzz' (then presumably 'drive sales' and 'generate revenue') by releasing the two games alongside one another, as they tie in nicely through such features as Pocket Paradise carrying handheld versions of the choicest new beasts from Trouble in Paradise. More info on our games pages here and here.
Anyway, this plan calls for simultaneous release dates, or as near as dammit. So if you're standing there right now coiled like a spring and aching to commit calendar vandalism, the initial dates that you need to attack are as follows:
United States: September 2nd
UK & Europe: September 5th
The current schedule has both VP: TIP (from Microsoft Game Studios) and VP: PP (from THQ) launching in those territories on those dates. Then VP: PP begins to filter through to the rest of the world on the 11th, with VP: TIP not far behind. But don't blame us if it all goes wrong. We're just passing on what we've been told, man.
The interwebs should be well-stocked with coverage between now and the dates above, given the fact that Piñata and Banjo on-site press events are swirling around us right now like the gentle balmy breeze caressing the rook-filled trees that line the Rare driveway... did I say gentle balmy breeze? I meant HIGH WINDS AND APOCALYPTIC RAINSTORMS SINCE APRIL. Hurrah for the British interpretation of summer! |
