redlynx posts

As we have talked about constantly over the past couple of years, the PC game industry is moving from a retail business model to one that is centered around digital downloads. One company that believes in that model is Finland-based game developer/publiher RedLynx who reported today that they have sold 1.5 million copies of their games via downloads in 2009.

That includes the PC arcade driving game Monster Trucks Nitro for the PC and Mac platforms along with other games for Xbox Live Arcade and the iPhone. RedLynx plans to release eight to 10 games in 2010 but there's no word yet on how many of those titles will be for the PC.

While most PC developers dread the thought of their games being pirated on torrent web sites, one game developer actually sent a build of their game to pirates site deliberately. Gamesindusty.biz reports that's exactly what happened to Trials 2: Second Edition, the 2008 released racing game from developer RedLynx.

The developer's CEO Tero Virtala said the version of the game they made available to pirate sites lacked the online leaderboards of the full version. His hope was that the pirates would like the game enough to pay for the full version. So far 150,000 copies of the full version have been sold and Virtala states, "When we compare that hacked version with those who have access to leaderboards and are accessing our servers they match. So at least people have not cracked out leaderboards yet."

About Monster Truck Nitro: "Race, jump and nitroboost your way pass thrilling dynamic levels with your monster trucks. Earn medals and unlock new levels and vehicles."

Download Monster Trucks Nitro Demo (55 MB)
Download Monster Trucks Nitro Demo [Mac] (64 MB)

Valve continues to add new small PC games to their Steam download service. The latest additions include a racing game and the third in a series of strategy titles. The racing game is Trials 2: Second Edition, a motorcycle themed game from developer Redlynx. The game features over 50 tracks and four gameplay modes and has added support for Valve's Steamworks features like in-game achievements, friends listing and tracking and more.

Steam has also added Virtual Villagers: The Secret City to its line-up. Developed by Last Day at Work (and yes that's the company's real name) you have to explore and rebuild the remains of a lost city while also taking care of your island villagers. Both games sell normally for $9.99 each but Valve is offering a 10 percent discount for both games for a limited time. In addition you can grab a pack of all of the Last Day at Work developed titles on Steam (all three of the Virtual Villiagers games plus Fish Tycoon and Plant Tycoon) for $29.99.