This here is two news pieces in one, thanks to the slippery tongue of Netherlands-based developer, Engine Software. 

Yesterday, the company announced their first project for Nintendo's upcoming Wii downloadable game service, WiiWare. Tentatively titled Project Bang!, this (surprise!) "casual" game is said to use the Wii remote's unique functionality, and will contain a two-player battle mode.

Engine Software reveals no further information about the game itself, but instead steals its own thunder by dropping information about the service its being delivered on. According to the issued press release, "Nintendo's WiiWare service is a new downloadable game content service that is scheduled to be launched in March 2008."

Well, I'm glad some decided to tell us when we could expect the service, because Nintendo sure hasn't been talking. With March right around the corner, I suppose it's only a matter of time before more concrete details on Nintendo's service surface.

[Update: In response to Engine Software's press release, Nintendo has told Next-Gen that the company "has not made any official announcement regarding the launch of the WiiWare service."]

Preparing our big bang for WiiWare

Engine Software announces WiiWare development

Doetinchem, January 9th 2008 - Engine Software, developer based in the Netherlands, today announces that it has started its first development project for the Nintendo WiiWare service. The debut title, for now dubbed “Project Bang!”, will be a casual game type with very addictive gameplay using the unique Wii Remote controller functionality, and will support a two-player battle mode.

Nintendo’s WiiWare service is a new downloadable game content service that is scheduled to be launched in March 2008. Players will be able to purchase and download WiiWare games directly from the Wii Shop Channel in exchange for Wii Points. “WiiWare brings new levels of creativity and value to the ever-growing population of Wii owners.”, as stated by Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime.

Ruud van de Moosdyk, VP of Development at Engine Software: “We are very excited about our first game for the WiiWare service. When we acquired our official Wii license last year we already had several concepts written up that would be ideal for WiiWare, and Project Bang! is the first to actually go into production. We wanted to get rolling on this exciting new platform early on, and I am quite happy we are now on schedule to do just that. “

In the near future Engine Software will be releasing more information (including the final name), and screenshots of Project Bang!, as well as more news regarding future plans for the platform. Project Bang! is scheduled to be completed early on in the service’s operational status, but no exact date can be given at this time.