Xbox Gaming in South Africa

Codemasters and Australian studio Trickstar Games have unveiled a new cricket title, International Cricket 2010, set for release later this year for Xbox 360 and PS3.

IC 2010 follows on from the successful Ashes Cricket 2009 and Brian Lara Cricket series, and is expected to be packed with new modes and options.

"With a focus on taking gamers into the action like never before, International Cricket 2010 will deliver the most authentic cricket gaming yet," said Codemasters producer John Szoke.

Trickstar Games' studio director Tony Parkes is just as confident in the studio's ability to make IC 2010 into something special, adding: "We're delighted to partner with Codemasters to develop the next leap forward in cricket gaming. Our passionate team of industry veterans, which includes development talent who have worked on the Brian Lara series and Ashes 2009, is determined to deliver the most immersive and intuitive cricket experience for all fans of the sport."

Hopefully that authenticity extends to the players' names and likeness. Otherwise we'll be opening the batting with Gubbs and Smit again.

Update: Codemasters has released the first screenshots, as well as new information on the upcoming title. It looks like only England, Wales and Australia will feature official players, stadia and kits, while the other teams will likely take on similar sounding names (so Gubbs it is then). New features include batting improvements, along with something called the Action cam:

The new Action Cam will immerse players in all the on-pitch drama, intensity and excitement of fiercely competitive international cricket. Supplementing traditional broadcast views, players can now feel the satisfaction of smashing home 90mph+ deliveries and experience the thrill of thundering down the track to bowl from Action Cam’s new on-field perspectives.

A key addition to the range of fielding, bowling and batting improvements is the new ‘Power Stick’. Giving batsmen 360° analogue power and direction control, Power Stick enables the widest selection of shots, from pushing quick singles to gaps in the field to risky shots and everything in between.

Cricket fans can look forward to International Cricket 2010 when it lands sometime this winter.

[via MCV UK]