Ashes Cricket 2013 - Delayed Until November

505 Games, a global publisher of video games, today announced the delay of the heavily anticipated Ashes Cricket 2013 video game. Originally scheduled for release on PC and home console systems to coincide with the 1st Ashes series of 2013 in the United Kingdom, the release has been delayed to November 2013 when the return series starts in Australia.

Tim Woodley, Senior Vice President Global Brand & Marketing for 505 Games, said: “It is hugely disappointing that 505 Games has had to make this announcement today. We all had high hopes of bringing out a stellar cricket game during the first leg of this unprecedented Ashes year. But the fact of the matter is, we took a long hard look at the game as it stands and decided it simply wasn’t good enough in its current state. It was simply not worthy of the Ashes name.

“Unforeseen issues which developer Trickstar faced in latter stages of development have meant that they have been unable to do the requisite amount of polishing and fine-tuning which any game needs. We owe it to ourselves, to our licensors, the ECB and Cricket Australia, but most of all to the dedicated cricket fans and gamers to put our best foot forward.

“It is small compensation that we have the benefit of a second Ashes series in this unique cricketing year which affords us further time to work on the game and get it right for the return leg. We are confident that the time between now and the second Ashes series will be enough to add the final polish we believe the game needs. We are committed, as we always have been, to releasing a great game and we are doing everything in our power to ensure this is the case.”

Ashes Cricket 2013 Teaser Trailer

Ashes Cricket 2013 Commentators Reveiled

505 Games today announced the first three commentators to feature in the official ASHES CRICKET 2013 video game this summer. Lead commentator for Channel 5 in the UK and Australia’s Channel 9, Mark Nicholas, will be joined by ex-England head coach and Sky Sports pundit, David Lloyd and ex-Australian international and Channel 9 commentator Michael Slater.

Mark Nicholas acts as the lead commentator of the three. Although being an Englishman by birth, and playing for Hampshire for over 17 years, he has since made his name as a television presenter. Nicholas is the anchor of Channel 5 cricket coverage in the UK and also anchor of Channel 9 coverage during the Australian summer cricket season.

David Lloyd, affectionately known as Bumble, brings a wealth of experience and good humour to the game that cricket fans have come to expect from his dulcet tones. Famous for his array of catchphrases, such as “This pitch is as flat as a dodo” and "England have nothing to lose here, apart from this Test match", Bumble was England coach during the 1997 Ashes series before becoming a Sky Sports commentator in 1999.

Finally, ex-Australian international, Michael Slater completes the commentating line up. Known as 'Slats' in the commentary box, he has been commentating on Channel 9 for seven years. Slater played in four Ashes series, scoring 1669 runs including a remarkable seven hundreds. He played 74 Tests for Australia between1993 – 2001.

“Whether listening on the radio or watching on TV, commentary is a key part to the overall experience,” commented Ralph Pitt-Stanley, General Manager for UK & Export at 505 Games. “It was therefore important we faithfully replicated this in ASHES CRICKET 2013 and with Bumble, Nicholas and Slater we have three of the finest and most loved commentators in the game today.”

Further details on ASHES CRICKET 2013 will be revealed exclusively over the coming months via the official website community forums at www.ashescricket2013.com, via Facebook at /ashescricket2013 and twitter @ashescricket13.

Ashes Cricket 2013 - Coming Soon

This summer, 505 games puts you in control of the ultimate rivalry in Test cricket with ASHES CRICKET 2013. To be released for the start of the 2013 Investec Ashes Series, ASHES CRICKET 2013 offers unique and realistic features for cricket fans and gamers alike.

Whether playing on X360, PS3, Wii U or PC, dynamic game play adds variety to each match. Players will have to adapt to varying and altering pitches; whether it’s a green seaming wicket or deteriorating fifth day pitch susceptible to spin and bounce. Weather forecasts will also change, altering the course of the match; overcast conditions will be more conducive to swing, while sunny days are a batsman’s paradise.

ASHES CRICKET 2013 includes a brand new game engine creating a truly authentic gaming experience. Batsmen have 360 degree control over shot placement, requiring impeccable placement and timing to build an innings. A new line and length bowling system gives bowlers the tools to set plans for batsmen throughout a day’s play and players have complete freedom to set a field of their choice. For those who prefer to be led however, there are options for intelligent automatic field placement.

Connoisseurs of the game will be able to play the complete 2013 Investec Ashes Series, with official England and Australia teams, however those more interested in the short form of the game can take on the rest of the world in limited overs tournaments and leagues.

“We are delighted to be able to announce some of the key features for ASHES CRICKET 2013,” commented Ralph Pitt-Stanley, General Manager for UK & Export at 505 Games. “This game has been created with real cricket fans and players in mind. The new engine allows players to mimic a cricketers most important attribute, his technique.”

Further details on ASHES CRICKET 2013 will be revealed exclusively over the coming months via the official website community forums at www.ashescricket2013.com, via Facebook at /ashescricket2013 and twitter @ashescricket13.