Entertainment industry software developer Playwize plc launched Pokerwize
this week, which it claims is the world's first virtual reality 3D
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) poker game.
The AIM-listed Bits Corp subsidiary says that the combination of VoIP
and video gaming technology will allow players to interact with each
other by voice while playing poker online.
The new game, which is played online or on multiplayer PS2 or PSP
video gaming hardware is available for a limited time as a free download
in order to raise the profile of the company and generate enthusiasm
for voice-over-Internet gambling, says Foo Katan, the chief executive
officer. The game offers players four fully 3D virtual casinos to
discover, packed with fellow gamblers to chat with and featuring multiple
dice tables, poker games and slot machines.
Table games include roulette, craps, blackjack, baccarat and red dog.
Poker fans are catered for in designated poker rooms away from the
bright lights and razzle-dazzle of the casino floor and offer include
favourites such as Texas Hold 'Em, Omaha High, Super Hold 'Em, Pineapple
and Crazy Pineapple.
Starting off at the small "Egyptian Kings" casino, players
earn stars by gambling smartly. As more stars are earned, ever more
exclusive casinos become available to explore, culminating in the
"Skies the Limit" venue where the rich and powerful play.
Players are also encouraged to customize their on screen alter egos
from a selection of different player models and outfits when creating
their character at the start of the game. In addition, each casino
boasts a boutique where players can purchase designer couture and
blinging accessories. Players will need to play smart though, because
character animation and even on-screen stance and mood is affected
by gambling success – or the lack of thereof. Lose too much
too often and characters will slouch and slump, giving away their
loser status. Conversely, play well and the player will be punching
the sky with a spring in his or her step.
The game features an innovative context-sensitive control system that
allows for the maximum amount of commands at the player's disposal.
Commands range from raising and lowering bets, to taunting rivals,
blowing on dice for luck, bluffing and even a spot of flirting with
fellow players if the mood and atmosphere take you.
Playwize Poker and Casino is arguably the most complete and comprehensive
gambling title available on home consoles and has an air of humor
and playfulness to match its attention to detail that makes each of
the games fascinating to explore. It also offers deadly accurate AI
and faithfully recreated casino games to ensure the game appeals to
experienced gamblers as well as more casual players.
Playwize is clearly hoping that the launch of the new product will
turn its financial fortunes around. The company produced a thumping
loss of GBP 1.84 million for the year to end-March 2006, including
the write-off of historical video games costs, the investment in the
new online gambling business and other re-focusing expenses. Everything
now hangs on the success of the new games.
At the last count, the company had GBP 1 million in the bank (following
its equity placings in the spring) and undrawn bank facilities of
GBP 1.5 million. That gives it a breathing space. What the market
now needs to see is how quickly revenues from the new games can be
lifted to match outgoings.