Nope Gamepro is gone. Electronic Gaming Monthly was out for a year or two, but it is trying to relaunch on a bi-monthly basis.Originally Posted by doct1400
On the flips side. GameInformer is America's 4th largest Magazine. Due in large part to their partnership with Gamestop.
A Morning of Pleasantly Surprising 3DS News Direct from Nintendo
kotaku link
by Mike Fahey & Brian Ashcraft Aug 29, 2012 9:00 AM
This morning's Nintendo Direct event was chock full of news, views, and not a few surprises about the latest titles coming to the 3DS. What's going on with Animal Crossing? Is that really the last Professor Layton game? What are the Pokémon people working on?
First Look at the New Professor Layton Adventure. It’s the Last One.
Today, Level-5 unveiled its latest Professor Layton. It's not only the sixth Layton adventure. It's the last one for the game's titular character.
The name of the game is Layton Kyoujyu to Cho Bunmei A no Isan (loosely "Professor Layton and the Legacy of Super Civilization A"). The game takes Layton and his trusty assistant to a snow covered land, where there are puzzles and a mysterious young girl.
The game is slated for release next year.
The Newest Paper Mario Looks Awesome
Nintendo is putting a new spin on Paper Mario with its upcoming entry in the series, Paper Mario: Sticker Star. The game features sticker spin on the Paper Mario games, and players will be collecting stickers through out the game, which can even be used when battling enemies. The game will be out later this year.
The Latest Game from Pokémon’s Creators Isn’t Pokémon
Game Freak, the folks behind Pocket Monsters, are working on a new download title for the 3DS. It's called Rhythm Hunter: HarmoKnight. It's a platforming game meets rhythm game.
HarmoKnight uses "attack" and "jump" to clear each stage. To take down enemies, it uses a timing mechanic that seems similar to what you'd see in a music game.
Each of the in-game worlds are based on music genres and shaped like instruments: So there's "Marching Hills", "Rock Range", "Calypso Beach". The platforming can get fast and furious—which should please both fans of platformers and those who like rhythm games. No word on a Western release yet, but cross your fingers!
The New Animal Crossing Has MUCH Cooler-Looking Houses
Straight from Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's livestreamed Nintendo Direct event today, here's more of Animal Crossing for 3DS, which Japan gets this November and America and Europe get next year. Clothes-designing is nice, but, wow, look at those houses!
In order to fit in players' lives, Animal Crossing allows people to customize the store hours and pace of life in their town. For example, players can select choices like "The village that gets up early" or " The village that never sleeps". That way, Animal Crossing can match the real life rhythm of its players.
Other new additions include allowing players to design clothes in greater detail—turn those clothes into QR codes and exchange them with other players! And as mentioned above, it has better houses—with better customized furniture.
I NEED the new Paper Mario. I feel like we were ripped off a bit by not getting a full console version, though. PAPER MARIO RULES YOUR SOUL!
Everything else looks neat, too, though I still need to get around to the Professor Layton games.
HTC and Samsung Will Likely Sue Apple over iPhone 5
ign link
by Jon Fox September 11, 2012
HTC and Samsung Will Likely Sue Apple over iPhone 5
Apple could get a taste of its own medicine if the new iPhone infringes 4G LTE patents.
Apple may have come out on top in its high-profile $1.05 billion lawsuit against Samsung last month. But the iPhone 5's rumored 4G LTE capabilities could land Apple in some legal hot water when the phone debuts later this month.
HTC owns a number of patents related to 4G LTE transmission, and two of them in particular might (if upheld in court) win an import ban on Apple's latest iPad along with the iPhone 5. It's still possible the iPhone 5 won't feature LTE, though just about all rumors have indicated it will.
It's likewise possible that a court could overturn the suit and deem HTC's patents invalid, but trade Judge Thomas Pender told Bloomberg last week that he'd have to be "pretty darn certain a U.S. patent is invalid" to quash it. Because the iPhone 5 was in production before the case came to a trial, HTC would have a valid argument for an import ban on the device if the court finds infringement and upholds its patents. If HTC does win though, it will still have to file an injunction, and then of course Apple will appeal; so even an expedited verdict likely wouldn't come in time to prevent or delay a September 21 launch.
Does this mean the iPhone 5 will have a limited release? Not necessarily. Most likely, this will just give HTC a bit more leverage for a settlement with Apple, which owns 434 LTE patents itself, and currently has a number of infringement claims against HTC. Remember, it's extremely rare for trade law cases like these to make it all the way to trial.
In a similar case, Samsung could demand a ban on LTE-enabled Apple products in the US and European countries, according to the Korean Times, which quotes a "ranking official" as saying, "It's true that Samsung has decided to take immediate legal action against Apple."
Again, the chances of this case affecting the iPhone 5's consumer debut look pretty slim. But a full-scale US ban on Apple's top product is within the realm of possibility for now.
Does Apple deserve a taste of its own medicine? Or would an iPhone 5 ban just reveal how broken the patent system is? Try to keep things civil in the comments.
Apple, Samsung and HTC are all as bad as each other right now. The patent system is just ridiculous at the moment and seems to be far removbed now from what it was intended to be.
Wii U launches on November 18 in US for $299
gamesindustry link
By James Brightman 13 Sep 2012
Nintendo reveals the latest details on its upcoming console; Europe will wait until November 30
Nintendo has announced at an event in New York today that the Wii U will launch in the US on Sunday, November 18, with European consumers having to wait until Friday, November 30. The basic set will be sold for $299 in the US, while a deluxe configuration will be sold for $349.
The Basic SKU will offer a white, 8GB Wii U console, a GamePad, AC adapters, a sensor bar, and an HDMI Cable, while the Deluxe SKU has everything that Basic has but it's in a black color and it bumps up the memory to 32GB. It also comes with charging cradles and a copy of Nintendoland. Moreover, to push digital, Nintendo is including a Deluxe Digital Promotion in the higher-end SKU. This will earn gamers some rebates for downloadable Wii U titles in the eShop as they make purchases.
Nintendo's Bill Trinen noted that Nintendo is expanding Nintendo Land with new additions: Metroid Blast, and Pikmin Adventure.
Importantly, Nintendo introduced a major entertainment feature called Nintendo TVii. It shows Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus and TiVo DVR, all controlled on the GamePad. Zach Fountain, director of network business at NoA, was the man who led the TV project. Users will get a personalized program guide, which shows what's on DVR, live TV channels, Netflix, etc. It's all in one guide, and you can start a program directly from the GamePad, and then you can share info with friends. There's also a Mii in the upper left hand corner for a personalized experience for everyone in the household.
The view on the GamePad during live TV is also much different than what's on the TV itself. This offers viewers all sorts of extra information, and for sports lovers, plenty of stats to scroll through. Nintendo TVii is included with every Wii U at no additional fee. "It's always been our goal to maximize value with every hardware purchase," Reggie Fils-Aime stated.
After the TVii presentation, Nintendo dived into the games. Bayonetta 2 will be a Wii U exclusive published by Nintendo, developed by Platinum Games, and there's also a new collaboration between Atsushi Inabe and Hideki Kamiya called The Wonderful 101. Also, Capcom is bringing Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate to Wii U and 3DS next year, and gamers can progress simultaneously between the platforms.
Next up, Activision Publshing CEO Eric Hirshberg took the stage to show off what Activision has planned for Wii U, which includes Skylanders Giants, Wipeout 3 (based on TV show), 007 Legends, Transformers Prime - The Game, and most importantly of all Call of Duty: Black Ops II.
"We've never been able to deliver this level of realism on a Nintendo platform," said Hirshberg while demoing multiplayer, which makes use of the GamePad second screen to "really enhance the gameplay experience." The GamePad turns a local splitscreen into two separate full screen experiences. It can be competitive or cooperative. The game can be played directly from the GamePad without using the TV at all, if desired.
Hirshberg said you "really are getting the full CoD experience this November on Wii U."
Following the CoD demo, Reggie came back to note that Nintendo isn't ready to reveal the exact release dates of its games, so the company isn't providing an exact list of launch day titles yet. That said, Nintendo went through numerous slides to show how many titles they have coming between launch and next March.
Reggie closed out the conference by commenting that "Wii U will change the way you play games and how you watch television, and the agent of that change is the Wii U GamePad; it's the next advance in gaming."
We'll have a full interview with Reggie Fils-Aime coming tomorrow, in addition to more reaction, so please stay tuned!
GAME and Gamestation brands merging into single edifice
gamesindustry link
By Dan Pearson 14 Sep 2012
GAME and Gamestation brands merging into single edifice
UPDATE: CEO confirms news, company claims 30 per cent market share
Update
CEO Martyn Gibbs has now confirmed the news. The changes will come into effect throughout September and October.
"We are all incredibly excited about the fresh start that we have with Game Retail. GAME will build on the best of both brands to deliver excellence for gamers and unrivalled value for the gaming community," said Gibbs.
"For example the gamestation trade-in proposition, 'We Won't Be Beaten On Trade-In', will continue under the new unified brand and likewise the existing passionate and knowledgeable gamestation staff will stay with us and continue to work in the rebranded stores to provide support and advice for all levels of gamer."
The company also revealed it now had a market share of circa 30 per cent, 2.5 million customers a week and 12 million loyalty scheme members.
The company will also be making some new additions to its customer offerings, including free in-store wi-fi, a new app, a revamped loyalty scheme and a new GAME Hunter service that allows gamers to order products from the entire GAME range online, both physical and digital, for home delivery.
"We are building a bigger, stronger and more nimble business - something that can be clearly seen from the speed at which we are introducing these new initiatives," continued Gibbs.
"This is only a snapshot of a whole host of exciting plans in the pipeline including new titles, formats, partnership and digital offerings. But it doesn't stop here. A big focus for us is growing our digital market share, becoming a true omni-channel retailer and holding the UK's biggest range of games, gaming gear and exclusive content, all of which will bring us ever closer to our goal of delivering excellence and unrivalled value for UK gamers."
Original story
Game Retail is merging its two brands: GAME and Gamestation, into a single business under the GAME label.
It's understood that no outlets will close during the procedure and all staff will retain their jobs.
The news emerged today from a company conference after a speech from CEO Martyn Gibbs. Although the information has not been officially confirmed by the retailer, a full statement is expected later today or early next week.
The two shops had operated under the same banner since 2007, when GAME acquired the specialist from Blockbuster. Whilst Gamestation survived the company entering administration earlier this year, bosses have now decided that unification is the most sensible move.
Australian R18+ guidelines stress potential harm of interactivity
gamesindustry link
By Matthew Handrahan 13 Sep 2012
Australian R18+ guidelines stress potential harm of interactivity
Leading trade body expresses "concern", stresses lack of evidence for the claim
The guidelines for Australia's long-awaited R18+ rating for games indicate that the medium will not be regarded as equivalent to other forms of entertainment.
A document released by the Australian classification board - reported by VG247 - stressed the importance of gaming's interactive elements in terms of their possible negative effects on minors.
"As a general rule, computer games may have a higher impact than similarly themed depictions of the classifiable elements in film, and therefore greater potential for harm or detriment, particularly to minors," the document reads.
The idea that interactive entertainment is potentially more harmful than passive entertainment is well known, but it's veracity has often been disputed. Indeed, Australia's leading trade body, the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), said as much in a reply statement that offered the guidelines a, "reserved and qualified welcome."
"Given the opposition to the introduction of an R18+ category from a vocal yet unrepresentative section of the community, along with a largely conservative group of Attorneys-General, it is no surprise the new guidelines hold video games to a higher standard across a number of categories compared to film and what originally existed for video games," the statement read.
The IGEA admitted its concern over the guidelines, citing a report published by the Australian Attorney-General's office in September 2010 that found no evidence of interactivity having a greater effect on players.
"Ultimately, we will need to wait to see how the Classification Board interpret and administer the new R18+ and revised M and MA15+ categories. We trust that they will reflect the standards of morality, decency and propriety accepted by reasonable adults, not just the vocal ones."
I know Nintendo and Sega have this buddy buddy we're the last of the old breed thing going on but Bayonetta 2 is going to be produced by Nintendo? Much like Duke Nukem 4ever I'll believe that shit when it's in my hands.
Microsoft renews Killer Instinct trademark
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch September 17, 2012
Microsoft renews Killer Instinct trademark
Redmond software giant files trademark application with United States Patent & Trademark Office for "online video games."
Microsoft has renewed its trademark for Killer Instinct. The Microsoft-run PlayXBLA news portal revealed the information, which is backed up by the official September 12 listing with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).
The trademark was filed under the goods and services description of video game software, with a specificity of "online video games."
It is not clear what this action means for the future of the Killer Instinct fighting game franchise, and as of press time, Microsoft had not responded to GameSpot's request for comment.
The 1994 original Killer Instinct was developed by Rare and published by Midway for arcades. It later released for the Super Nintendo and Game Boy, published by Nintendo. A sequel titled Killer Instinct 2 launched in 1996, and arrived on the Nintendo 64 as Killer Instinct Gold.
This might be too good to be true.
!!!!
Please don't let this be something to get my hopes up. PLEASE let this be the hint of a new KI game!
MOGA Bluetooth Controller for Android Available Oct 21
ign link
by Jon Fox September 20, 2012
MOGA Bluetooth Controller for Android Available Oct 21
PowerA's $50 console-style Bluetooth gamepad for Android is coming in a month, with dual analog-sticks, real buttons and a clip to hold your phone.
The MOGA isn't the first piece of hardware to marry Android-based games with traditional console-style controls, and with the Wikipad and Ouya on the way it won't be the last. While smart-phones and tablets have made it easier (and more socially acceptable) to bring games everywhere we go, the simple fact is that virtual buttons - the control solution lots of game developers keep choosing for touch-screen platforms - just kind of suck.
The MOGA promises "console quality control," and while we weren't super impressed with the button quality when we demoed it at E3, in the argument between virtual-button controls and a real, tactile controller there's just no contest.
If you're gaming on a tablet, just set it up on a stand, connect the MOGA via Bluetooth (the Google Play pairing app requires Android Gingerbread or newer) and game away. If you're playing on your phone, the MOGA's got a clip to hold it at a good viewing angle.
Unlike PC gamepads, which can use key-mapping to compensate when games are missing hardware support, the MOGA will only work with Android games that are made for gamepads. Good thing PowerA has deals in place with Gameloft, Remedy Entertainment, Atari, Sega, Namco. When the Wikipad and Ouya launch, Android game-makers will have even more incentive to support gamepad controls.
Is the MOGA controller a waste of money or another nail in the Sony and Nintendo's portable gaming coffin? Let us know in the comments.
PS3 support to continue through at least 2015
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch September 20, 2012
PS3 support to continue through at least 2015
PlayStation VP of hardware marketing John Koller says Sony will support aging console as long as development scene is running; claims $270 price point for new model a result of consumers' call for value.
The PlayStation 3 isn't going away anytime soon. PlayStation VP of hardware marketing John Koller told GameSpot this week that Sony will continue to support the aging console until at least 2015, and possibly longer, provided the development scene continues to exist.
Elsewhere in the interview, Koller defended the new PS3 model's $270 price point--above the current $250 entry level unit--saying gamers have called for value, and claiming Sony is coming through with its new bundle.
He also took time to explain why Dust 514 is included in the bundle. He dodged a question regarding it being a test of the community's eagerness for free-to-play console games for this generation and the next, but said it will be "interesting to watch the adoption rate."
Koller also commented on leaked images of the new PS3 model spoiling Sony's formal announcement this week. He said leaks of this nature are not problematic for Sony (even though the same thing happened in 2009), adding that "people love talking."
The PlayStation 2 saw two redesigns. Now the PS3 is at three. Can you talk about why the increase over last gen?
There's not a particular reason of why there's one more. We look at opportunities to iterate and look at the demographics that are coming into the market. We see an opportunity right now, just with what's happening with other products and other technology items, that's more streamlined and efficient model that fits well in an entertainment center. So for us this was the right iteration. The other strategy is that…we look at the market over the past few years and saw a real rush of price points and gift cards and retail price promotions…and our consumers kept telling us "give us games, give us content." And so that's why you're seeing the Uncharted 3 250 GB bundle kick off.
The new model is going for $270, and this is above the current $250 base model. We are presumably at the tail end of the PS3's life cycle, so why is the price for this entry level unit going up?
The consumers have said "give us value." And so it's a $70 consumer value when you get Uncharted 3 Game of the Year…and Dust 514 with $30 extra DLC coming in. Out of the box you get an immediate gaming experience. So we were answering the consumer call there. We feel very good about the position…and we feel the full-time bundle opportunity is the right path to take.
This new model is 25 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter. Is that correct?
Yes.
Can you talk about power consumption? Is that less, too?
Power consumption is 190 watts. I think we're down a little bit. It's a more efficient unit. It has a different fan, which allowed us to shrink down the overall size of the shell.
Uncharted 3 is included in the bundle. Do you think though that there is a significant enough market that hasn't already purchased this game?
Yeah, absolutely. We're selling Uncharted 3 now with hardware. Most likely that consumer is not a PS3 owner yet. We have seen a very high interest rate from Xbox 360 consumers wanting to purchase a second console. We've held up Uncharted 3 as our flagship product over the last year and it's a good opportunity for those types of consumers to come over and own a second console in their household. We saw the same kind of thing happen in reverse during the PS2 years when a lot of PS2 consumers said they wanted to get an Xbox because of Halo and some other games. So we think the strategy works and it's a good one.
The other thing, when you look at Uncharted 3, yes, we have a very strong install base of Uncharted 3 players, but when you look at the broader PlayStation 3 base, there's still a lot who haven't played it. So even those PS3 owners who increasingly are saying they want to buy a second PS3, in all likelihood a lot of those consumers are probably going to get a game they haven't played. So we feel good. Even if they have played [Uncharted 3], they're getting Dust 514 with a lot of extra DLC.
Dust 514 certainly looks interesting. I've been tracking it. But it doesn't have the mass market appeal of something like Uncharted 3. Why did you choose to include [Dust 514] in the bundle over something else?
We wanted to provide some diversity. You have one frontline title [Uncharted 3] that clearly is one of the top games in the industry, and then you have one that is maybe a little different. It's free-to-play, and it'll be interesting to see adoption there. We received a lot of interest from our consumers about [Dust 514], so we know that there is going to be a fairly large base for it. It'll be a good model for us to see how those types of games do. Our theory is that it will do very well. We think over the next few years not only some of the frontline and new IP, but also the indie titles are set for a significant amount of growth, and we think Dust 514 is probably going to be one of those. And we thought including that would provide a really nice value, and we threw in the extra DLC to get that consumer jumpstarted.
Would you think of [Dust 514's inclusion in the bundle] as kind of a test in gamers' interest in a free- to-play console game? Those games are rumored to big in the next generation of games.
I wouldn't clarify it as a test. Although I would say that it is going to be interesting to watch the adoption rate. I won't say it's a test, because a lot of our research is pointing to Dust 514 is already set to become a big hit. It's not a test in that respect, but it's going to be interesting to see how well it performs on kind of a large level. And I think it'll do quite well.
Looking into this holiday season, Microsoft has a cheaper Xbox 360 available, and the Wii U has the buzz of a new console. Where does the new PS3 model fit in during the holiday season for Sony?
I think quite well. We are increasingly bullish on the PS3's prospects not only this year but over the next few years. I think when you look at the types of content coming to the PS3, the consumer coming in… through the 250GB Uncharted 3 bundle or…through the Assassins' Creed III 500GB model, they're getting unique content. That consumer that comes in through those avenues is going to be opened up to probably the most rich and deep gaming opportunities in the sector. When you look at what's coming to the PS3, not only this holiday, but what's coming next year…[there are] games like [Beyond: Two Souls], games like The Last of Us…a lot of third-party content coming, and a lot of first-party content that hasn't come out publicly.
A lot of great content is coming. And over the next 2-3 years, the PS3 has got an incredible lineup. That consumer coming in this fall is going to really have an opportunity to have great content and what we believe to be the best content in the industry. Yeah, we watch what the competitors do, but we don't make decisions based on what they do. We like our position.
You were just saying the PS3 has a life for the next 2-3 years. You're going to continue to support the PS3 for the next three years?
We're going to continue supporting the PS3 for the next few years. Absolutely. And we're going to continue supporting it not only that long, but as long as there is a development spigot that's running hot. And I can tell you right now, the development spigot for PS3 is very hot. A lot of great games coming. Same thing with PS2…it's kind of stuck around as that old warrior, many years after its launch. But there's still games launching for it.
What are Sony's goals for the holiday season with regards to hardware, including PS3 and PS Vita?
In general, on a qualitative approach, we are very excited about the holiday. We feel very confident about our position because of the content. When you look at the [PS3] games that are coming [they are] unique in many respects. But also with Vita, when you look at the dedicated games like [Assassin's Creed III:Liberation] or [Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified], or Need for Speed or FIFA. The games that are coming over the next few months are just fantastic. The thing we like to communicate to our consumer base as well as to our future consumers is that you buy into the PlayStation ecosystem and you're buying into the best content in the industry. You're buying into the best place to play.
The announcement of the new PS3 model last night at TGS was not exactly a surprise. And neither was the previous slimmed down version in 2009.
Yeah.
Can you talk about why or how Sony has struggled to keep its hardware revisions a secret. And is this a problem?
Not a problem. And I think there's different approaches to how you release information and content. In our case, we always prefer to have the opportunity to be able to speak to all of you and to our consumers in a general meeting place like a Tokyo Game Show or an E3 or a Gamescom. So we prefer that. But with the industry being what it is, there's always people that love talking to you and your colleagues in the media. And so we can't always control that. But in general, we do try to keep it to these large events and really be able to get our message out correctly. So no, not a problem, but maybe more of a sign of the industry and how people talk.
PS Vita gets PlayStation Plus in November
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch September 19, 2012
PS Vita gets PlayStation Plus in November
Sony bringing premium service to new portable later this fall at $50 per year; current PS3 subscribers won't pay extra.
Sony's premium PlayStation Plus subscription service is coming to the PlayStation Vita in November, the company announced during its pre-Tokyo Game Show briefing. Subscribers will have access to game and content discounts, 1GB of cloud storage, automatic updates, and unlimited access to a range of full titles, provided their subscription remains active.
PlayStation Plus subscriptions will be available in North America and Europe in 90-day plans for $17.99 and €14.99 respectively, as well as yearly at $49.99 and €49.99 for each region. Those who hold an existing PlayStation Plus subscription will not need to pay extra.
PlayStation Plus launched in June 2010 for the PlayStation 3 with a $50 annual fee. The regular PlayStation Network service, which includes online multiplayer, has been free since the PS3 launched and there are no announced plans to change that.
GameStop US halts Wii U pre-orders due to "overwhelming demand"
gamesindustry link
By Dan Pearson Mon 24 Sep 2012
GameStop US halts Wii U pre-orders due to "overwhelming demand"
UK site still taking reservations, US PowerUp members put on waiting list
US retailer GameStop has stopped taking pre-orders for the Wii U in the US, due to "overwhelming demand", with PowerUp Rewards members instead being placed on a waiting list for the new hardware.
The chain's UK website is still allowing customers to place orders and make a deposit, but Softpedia reports that pre-order numbers were so high in North America that no more are being taken.
US customers who participate in the store's PowerUp Rewards scheme can be put on a waiting list, with no deposit, to be informed when the machine comes back into stock. They will then have 48 hours to reply and secure their unit.
The new console's release will be staggered worldwide, although dates are closer than for previous launches, with geographical preference reversed. The US will be the first to see the machine in the wild, on November 18, with Europe following on November 30 and Japan on December 8.
looks like a promising start for the WiiU, but Nintendo knows how to string people along by limiting stock.
New entries take Japanese top 5 as 3DS continues dominance
gamesindustry link
By Dan Pearson Thu 01 Nov 2012
New entries take Japanese top 5 as 3DS continues dominance
Idolmaster, Dark Souls and ZoE occupy software top spots
New entries have taken the top five spots on the Japanese retail chart, with the 3DS continuing its dominance of hardware sales in the region.
Idolmaster: Shiny Festa takes the number one slot for PSP, followed by the DLC enhanced reissue of Dark Souls on PS3 and the hi-def remix of Zone of the Enders. Borderlands 2 makes a double entry, taking fifth on PS3 and tenth on 360.
Software chart for Japan for period October 22-28. All charts courtesy of Media Create.
Last Week This Week Title Sales this week Lifetime sales
New entry - 1 The Idolmaster: Shiny Festa (PSP) 119,132 N/A
New entry - 2 Dark Souls with Artorias of the Abyss Edition (PS3) 67,002 N/A
New entry - 3 Zone of the Enders HD (PS3) 44,751 N/A
New entry - 4 AKB48+Me (3DS) 40,542 N/A
New entry - 5 Borderlands 2 (PS3) 36,068 N/A
3 - 6 Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (3DS) 31,001 213,960
2 - 7 Resident Evil 6 (PS3) 24,263 794,352
6 - 8 New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS) 24,010 1,295,634
5 - 9 PES 2013 (PS3) 18,699 325,157
New Entry - 10 Borderlands 2 (360) 18,699 N/A
01 - 11 Little Battlers eXperience W (PSP) 16,509 93,966
New Entry - 12 Forza Horizon (360) 15,468 N/A
09 - 13 Style Savvy: Trendsetters (3DS) 11,446 148,119
10 - 14 Tousouchuu: Shijou Saikyou no Hunter-Tachi Kara Nigekire! (3DS) 10,130 213,767
07 - 15 The Legend of Heroes: Zero no Kiseki Evolution (PSV) 7,735 29,254
12 - 16 Pokemon Black 2 / White 2 (NDS) 6,559 36,011
04 - 17 FIFA 13 6,646 42,446
21 - 18 Rocksmith (PS3) 5,663 24,142
11 - 19 Project X Zone (3DS) 5,345 103,469
New Entry - 20 Street Fighter X Tekken (PSV) 5,420 N/A
Japanese hardware chart, October 22-28. Last week's sales in brackets.
1) 3DS - 61,542 (60,232)
2) PS3 - 20,364 (21,354)
3) PSP - 14,541 (15,575)
4) Vita - 5,806 (6,791)
5) Wii - 3,744 (4,035)
6) Xbox 360 - 1,931 (2,150)
7) PS2 - 1,006 (1,081)
8) DS - 441 (529)
Love seeing Rocksmith at #18
Last edited by The Rick; November 2nd, 2012 at 11:52 PM.
Wii U Internet Browser Specs Revealed
ign link
by Richard George November 2, 2012
Wii U Internet Browser Specs Revealed
Spoiler: Turns out it's rather good!
We're just over two weeks away from the launch of Wii U, and Nintendo is slowly revealing more details about its home console's capabilities. Though we still don't have a full account of the system's online services, including Miiverse, we now have a huge technical readout of its Internet browser.
For those of you well versed in browser jargon, you can see the full readout on Nintendo's official site. For the rest of us, here are the details that matter:
The browser is being provided by NetFront, a Japanese company that has provided similar programs for many other game consoles, including the Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3 and Vita.
NetFront's code will not support plug-ins, which includes Flash.
Saving or uploading images and video is not supported.
As expected, and previously revealed, Wii U will allow players to access the browser mid-game, as well as jump online on the GamePad while continuing to watch TV.
One of the more interesting results of Nintendo and NetFront's plans is an independent assessment of the browser through the site HTML5 test. Different browsers are analyzed based on "how important [a] feature is for web developers and how difficult it is to implement that feature." Out of a possible 515 points, Wii U's browser, specific to the HTML 5 standard, scores a 323, the highest of any dedicated game machine. For perspective, the Xbox 360 browser scores a 120, while Internet Explorer 10 managed 326 points.
In other words - Wii U will have good Internets.
Sony Recovers While PlayStation Sales Decrease
ign link
by Colin Moriarty November 2, 2012
Sony Recovers While PlayStation Sales Decrease
Things are starting to look more normal for the Japanese electronics giant.
Sony has released its earnings report for the second quarter of the 2012 fiscal year, which ended on September 30th. And though Sony is still in the red, its business seems to be recovering even as the economic conditions around it stagnate. But a quick analysis of its PlayStation brand shows some signs of slowing down as consumers wait for this generation of hardware to end and the next one -- rumored to be codenamed Orbis -- to arrive.
Sony’s quarterly consolidated results state the following:
“Sales were 1,604.7 billion yen (20,573 million US dollars), an increase of 1.9% compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year… This increase was primarily due to a significant increase in sales in the [mobile products and communications] segment, while sales in the [home entertainment and sound] segment decreased significantly resulting from a decrease in LCD television unit sales. On a constant currency basis, sales increased 3% year-on-year.”
Sony’s sales and operating revenues are up 1.9% year-on-year, with adjusted operating income up over 35%. Taking the first half of the fiscal year as a whole, operating income is up 1.6% year-on-year, but adjusted income is down 3.8%, showing that this quarter was a bigger success than the last quarter, and indicating that Sony is on its way to some sort of fiscal recovery.
The PlayStation business (which Sony internally calls its “Game” segment) showed a 15.8% decrease in sales year-on-year, and a 15.2% decrease in year-on-year sales taking the first half of the fiscal year as a whole. Sony notes that “This decrease was primarily due to the lower sales of hardware and software of the PlayStation 3 and PSP, partially offset by the contribution of the PlayStation Vita introduced in December 2011.”
Combined hardware sales for PS2 and PS3 are down from 4.9 million units in fiscal year 2011’s second quarter to 3.5 million units this fiscal quarter. Vita wasn’t yet available in fiscal year 2011’s second quarter, but PSP sold 1.7 million units on its own. Extraordinarily, only 1.6 million PSPs and Vitas were sold in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012.
Software sales are more promising. Sony sold 41.4 million units of combined PS3 and PS2 software in the second quarter, a slight increase from fiscal year 2011’s second quarter, where 40.2 million software units were sold. It also posted 8.7 million software units sold on PSP and Vita. But keep in mind that year-on-year comparisons are impossible here, as Vita wasn’t yet available. PSP by itself sold 8.2 million software units on its own in the second quarter of 2011. Sony expects to sell about the same overall software units in fiscal year 2012 as it did in 2011: 164.5 million PS2 and PS3 games and 32.2 million Vita and PSP games (or 196.7 million combined units).
Sony’s also lowering its expectations for PlayStation Vita (and PSP) hardware. Originally forecasted to sell a combined 12 million units for the third quarter, Sony now forecasts 10 million units sold. “Primarily due to the lowering of the annual unit sales forecast for portable hardware, sales are expected to be lower than the August forecast… Sales are expected to decrease and operating income is expected to decrease significantly year-on-year.”
Sony has this to say about the future of its PlayStation brand:
“In the game business, Sony is working to further expand the PS3 platform through measures such as the introduction of a new, smaller and lighter model with a larger capacity HDD. Sony is also working to further spread the PS Vita platform, which Sony introduced last year, through various measures such as the introduction of an attractive software lineup. Sony also acquired US-based Gaikai Inc. in August 2012. Through this acquisition, Sony aims to provide users with interactive entertainment experiences by establishing a new cloud service.”
Cypress Hill Singer Loses Grand Theft Auto Lawsuit
ign link
by Andrew Goldfarb November 2, 2012
Cypress Hill Singer Loses Grand Theft Auto Lawsuit
Michael "Shagg" Washington unable to prove that San Andreas stole his likeness.
Former Cypress Hill backup singer Michael “Shagg” Washington has lost his lawsuit against Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar games. Washington sued Rockstar in 2010, alleging that Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas used his likeness as the inspiration for main character Carl “C.J.” Johnson without his knowledge.
Washington was suing for $250 million, but after multiple rulings, the California appeals court has found that Washington “failed to establish a probability of defeating Take-Two's First Amendment-based ‘transformative use’ defense,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. Washington reportedly failed to prove that his face was actually in San Andreas, with a judge saying the "plaintiff is relying entirely on C.J.'s physical appearance in the game, but that appearance is so generic that it necessarily includes hundreds of other black males." The judge added that Washington “would have needed to present evidence like tattoos, birthmarks or other physical features” or linked C.J.’s background to his own in order to win the case.
This is the second music game-related likeness lawsuit to be resolved this year, following Activision settling with No Doubt regarding Band Hero earlier this month. San Andreas, meanwhile, may be seen again soon, as the ESRB rated it for PlayStation 3 earlier this week.
$250 million? Fuck that.
Very pleased that the dumb ass didn't actually win the lawsuit. It's so silly I don't even know where to begin.
The Orbis is so modern-day Sony, silly name and everything. OF COURSE they're going to go with a straight-up hardware upgrade, while the market is moving in another direction entirely and leaving them behind.
That said, *I* am personally thrilled they're making it and I'll buy it. Once it's less than $600 and comes with Metal Gear. I don't even care that it might not even be real at this point.
Huh?
The article before the GTA one.
Bethesda “Close on New Skyrim Content For PS3”
ign link
by Colin Moriarty November 7, 2012
Bethesda “Close on New Skyrim Content For PS3”
Is that so?
Today, Bethesda Game Studios – the developer behind Fallout 3 and the Elder Scrolls franchise – Tweeted some interesting news. Notably that the studio is “close on new Skyrim content for PS3 and PC.” It is, of course, the proclamation of being close to a solution to its notorious PS3 DLC issues that’s of real interest here.
Skyrim’s problems on PS3 are, a year out from its initial launch, notorious. And while those problems haven’t plagued everyone who played Skyrim on PlayStation 3, the issues were serious enough that it’s stopped any of the game’s much-anticipated DLC from coming to Sony’s console.
So far, two DLC packs have been released for other platforms. However, both Dawnguard and Hearthfire have yet to come to PlayStation 3, with no word on if or when they would. The third piece of DLC, Dragonborn, was recently revealed.
Unfortunately, the vague nature of the Tweet from Bethesda Game Studios doesn’t indicate much, except that we should likely expect more news sometime in the near future. In the meantime, let’s keep our fingers crossed that PS3 gamers will finally get in on the DLC their Xbox 360 and PC-playing brethren have already experienced.
The only thing PC doesn't have is Dragonborn so not sure what they're referring to.
WoW, Skylanders drive strong Q3 for Activision
gamesindustry link
By James Brightman Wed 07 Nov 2012 9:17pm GMT
WoW, Skylanders drive strong Q3 for Activision
Publisher sees better than expected sales and income, raises full-year outlook
Activision Blizzard's third-quarter fiscal report is what you'd call the polar opposite of THQ's latest. The company posted better-than-expected results, as sales climbed from $754 million to $841 million while earnings per share grew from $0.13 to $0.20. The publisher also did well to increase its share of digital earnings as GAAP net revenues from digital channels came to $430 million (51 percent of the total haul).
Activision had three of the top four best-selling games in North America and Europe for the first nine months of this year, and the third quarter was successful primarily thanks to the solid performances of World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria and Skylanders, which Activision boasts has been the number one best-selling console and handheld game overall in dollars (including accessory packs and figures) in North America and Europe for the first nine months of 2012. In addition, Skylanders Spyro's Adventure became the number one action-figure line in the US in that same time.
“Our unyielding commitment to excellence, the strength of our employees around the globe and our focus on creating great entertainment experiences have enabled us to once again deliver better-thanexpected financial results. We have, for the third straight year, generated over $1 billion of operating cash flow for the trailing twelve month period ending September 30," said Bobby Kotick, Chief Executive Officer, Activision Blizzard.
"Our performance was driven by the launch of Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria and continued sales of its top-selling PC game, Diablo III, as well as Activision Publishing's new entertainment property, Skylanders Spyro's Adventure, and sales of titles in the Call of Duty franchise. Based on our strong third-quarter performance and increased visibility into the remainder of the year, we are raising our full-year financial outlook and expect to deliver record non-GAAP operating margins and the highest non-GAAP earnings per share in our company's history. We now expect non-GAAP earnings per share will increase more than 18% year over year.”
On a GAAP basis, the company is expecting $4.57 billion in sales for the full year and earnings per share of $0.88. Needless to say, the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops II is expected to propel Activision's bottom line quite a bit.
Kotick added, “Skylanders Giants is off to a great start and next week the company will release Call of Duty: Black Ops II, which we believe will be one of the most successful launches of any form of entertainment in history. As we look to 2013, we are cautious about business prospects given a continuingly challenged global economy, the ongoing console transition and very difficult year-over-year comparables due to Blizzard's record-shattering Diablo III sales in 2012. We expect that over the long-term, we will maintain our leadership position as the world's leading interactive entertainment company and continue to provide strong returns to our shareholders by delivering great games to audiences around the world.”
Steam for Linux beta goes live
gamesindustry link
By Mike Williams Tue 06 Nov 2012 9:44pm GMT
Steam for Linux beta goes live
Valve has begun testing Steam on Linux, with help from Nvidia
Valve has announced the start of its closed beta program for the Linux version of Steam. The Steam for Linux client supports Team Fortress 2 and nearly twenty-four other Steam titles. The client also features the Steam Big Picture mode. Valve is boasting over 60,000 responses for its request for Steam for Linux beta candidates.
“This is a huge milestone in the development of PC gaming,” said Valve president Gabe Newell. “Steam users have been asking us to support gaming on Linux. We're happy to bring rich forms of entertainment and our community of users to this open, customer-friendly platform.”
Steam for Linux is available for installation on Ubuntu 12.04, based on respondents reporting that Ubuntu was their Linux distro of choice. Valve will be supporting other distributions in the future.
In response to Valve's beta launch of Steam for Linux, Nvidia has released its new GeForce R310 drivers for Linux. The drivers support the newest GeForce GTX 600 series GPUs in addition to older GeForce cards. The drivers are the culmination of “almost a year of development by Nvidia, Valve and other game developers.”
"With this release, Nvidia has managed to increase the overall gaming performance under Linux," said Valve vice president of marketing Doug Lombardi. "Nvidia took an unquestioned leadership position developing R310 drivers with us and other studios to provide an absolutely unequalled solution for Linux gamers."
THQ pushes back South Park as it loses another $21 million
gamesindustry link
By James Brightman Mon 05 Nov 2012 9:36pm GMT
THQ pushes back South Park as it loses another $21 million
The company narrowed its loss year-over-year but is suspending guidance
THQ has issued its second quarter earnings report, revealing a net loss of $21 million for the period ended on September 30, which is down significantly from the massive $92 million loss posted a year earlier. Sales also dipped from $146 million to $107.4 million.
THQ noted that it shipped 1.4 million units of Darksiders II in the second quarter, but a sold through figure wasn't mentioned, and some analysts don't believe the title has a chance of breaking even.
Along with the fiscal news came a delay to South Park: The Stick of Truth, which had previously been slated for release on March 5, 2013 and is now planned for a release in early fiscal 2014 (meaning likely in the April-May 2013 period). Additionally, THQ pushed back the releases for Company of Heroes 2 and Metro: Last Light, both of which are now expected to ship in March.
In more bad news for investors, THQ said it's suspending net sales and earnings guidance, and withdrawing its previous guidance for fiscal 2013. THQ admitted that its delayed product slate will "create a need for additional capital." The company has apparently been talking with Centerview Partners LLC to "assist the company in evaluating strategic and financing alternatives intended to improve THQ's overall liquidity, including raising additional capital, preserve the company's ability to bring the best possible games to market during the most advantageous release windows and to help address the $100 million 5% convertible senior notes due August 2014."
“When I joined THQ the company made a public commitment to quality titles. We always expected that in some cases this would mean that more time would be needed to make sure that every title is of the highest possible quality,” said Jason Rubin, THQ's President. “Our fourth quarter releases are the first titles that I have had the ability to materially impact, and experience told me that the games needed additional development time to be market-ready."
“I believe South Park's market opportunity is significant," Rubin continued. "It is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated titles of calendar 2013. It is also an expansive title, encompassing multiple television seasons' worth of content. We have been working closely with the co-creators of South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, to make sure all of the game's content performs to the high standards of the TV show, and this takes time. THQ is committed to giving gamers no less than the rich South Park game they have been waiting for and deserve."
“We are also inspired by the potential for Metro: Last Light and Company of Heroes 2. I believe Metro: Last Light is a title that should set standards for visuals with its stunning atmosphere, unique location and cutting-edge style. Company of Heroes was one of the highest rated RTS titles in history, and Relic insists that the sequel live up to its pedigree. Giving both of these titles time to reach their full potential is the right thing to do for the products."
“THQ is excited about our position and pipeline of games beyond fiscal 2013, including the sequel for Saints Row: The Third, Homefront 2 and the as-yet-unannounced game from Turtle Rock Studios. In total we have ten titles in development for fiscal 2014 and later, almost all of which are based on our own IP. We intend to announce more details about our future slate in the coming months."
“I firmly believe releasing our fourth quarter titles without extra time for polish in the current environment would lead to underperformance that could in turn lead to future additional capital shortfalls. But extending development schedules in order to make the best possible titles also has financial implications. Yet there can be no doubt which path has the greatest chance of leading to the long-term success of the company. We must follow the course that generates the highest quality games, and will establish THQ as a mark of quality for the consumer," concluded Rubin.
Brian Farrell, THQ's Chairman and CEO, also chimed in: “Clearly, THQ faces a number of opportunities and challenges. I am confident about the opportunities that lie in our robust slate of games and in our studios. But we also face challenges operating with limited capital resources in the highly competitive market for games, and we are working diligently to resolve those challenges.”
Update: It's worth noting that the earnings call lasted an incredibly brief 13 minutes and management refused to take any questions.
Navy SEALs disciplined for consulting on Medal of Honor: Warfighter
gamespot link
By Laura Parker November 8, 2012
Navy SEALs disciplined for consulting on Medal of Honor: Warfighter
CBS News reports that seven members of SEAL Team Six are under investigation for revealing secrets while serving as paid consultants on EA's shooter.
Seven U.S. Navy SEALs who served as paid consultants on EA's Medal of Honor: Warfighter are reportedly under investigation for revealing secrets while working on the game.
According to a report by GameSpot sister site CBS News, the seven SEALs, who are all currently on active duty, used classified material given to them by the Navy while working with EA on Warfighter.
CBS reports all seven have received letters of reprimand and have had half their pay taken away for two months. One of the SEALs involved was reportedly on the raid which killed Osama bin Laden.
Medal of Honor: Warfighter was released on October 23. EA Labels boss Frank Gibeau said the critical reception for the game fell below EA's expectations, but that the publisher would continue to push the game during the holiday season through marketing including the upcoming map pack tied in to Sony Pictures' new movie Zero Dark Thirty, which chronicles the Navy SEAL raid on Osama bin Laden.
The game fell into controversy prior to its release when EA began promoting its partnership with real-world weapons manufacturers by linking to the sites from the Medal of Honor: Warfighter official page.
Square Enix merger a "complete failure" says former Square boss
gamesindustry link
By James Brightman Wed 07 Nov 2012
Square Enix merger a "complete failure" says former Square boss
Hisashi Suzuki took to Twitter to trash the company for having "no vision"
Square Enix recently posted losses and lowered forecasts across the board. Sleeping Dogs shipped 1.5 million units, but it wasn't enough to bolster the publisher's bottom line, and former management seems to have lost faith in the company's ability. Former Square Co. boss Hisashi Suzuki commented on Twitter that the merger of Square Enix back in 2003 has been a "complete failure."
He added in his own disappointment with the current management, saying, "There's no vision for the future."
Suzuki pointed out that the total value of Square Enix as a publicly traded company has still not been able to exceed the value of the publisher before the merger. He noted the high development costs which have been dragging Square Enix down, but hopefully the publisher will get some relief in that area soon, as it recently signed a long-term deal with Epic to use Unreal Engine 3 and 4.
Suzuki was president of Square from 2000 to 2002, and he was intimately familiar with the merged company, having served as director at Square Enix from 2003 to 2005. He is now a director at Sega.
Shame to hear about the South Park game getting pushed back. It seemed like the one game that might have actually made me want to go out and get a Kinect.
It's only a month or two
And right into the path of GTA 5, I don't expect to see South Park untill September 2014 now. I also see Tomb Raider moving till late August/early September to advoid a clash.
South Park, maybe. Tomb Raider should only be pushed a few weeks in one direction or the other. THQ is in such dire straits now, that they can't afford any mistakes. SquareEnix can throw out Tomb Raider, and it would do okay day and date with GTA, but would do better a few weeks after. When the GTA craze has died down just a bit, and gamers are looking for something else seems to be a good time frame.
Sony Banning PlayStation 3 Hackers
ign link
by Andrew Goldfarb November 13, 2012
Sony Banning PlayStation 3 Hackers
Unauthorized PlayStation 3 software “invalidates the consumer's right to access that system.”
Sony will permanently ban PlayStation 3 hackers. In a statement posted on PlayStation’s official site, Sony acknowledges that “unauthorized software for the PlayStation 3 system was recently released by hackers” and warns players that use of the software violates the PlayStation 3 license agreement and PlayStation Network community code of conduct.
According to Sony, “violation of the System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 system invalidates the consumer's right to access that system” and “consumers running unauthorized or pirated software may have their access to the PlayStation Network and access to Sony Entertainment Network services through PlayStation 3 system terminated permanently.” The statement adds “to avoid permanent termination, consumers must immediately cease using and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems.”
Sony adds that terminating PSN access for hackers is part of an effort “to help provide a safe, fair, online environment.” This isn’t the first time Sony has cracked down on players for breaching its user agreement, following a similar statement released last year.
putting this in news & handhelds
PlayStation Plus—and Six Free Games—Come to the Vita Next Week
kotaku link
by Evan Narcisse Nov 13, 2012
PlayStation Plus—and Six Free Games—Come to the Vita Next Week
The best thing about PlayStation Plus is the Instant Games Collection, a feature that offers up free, top-shelf titles to the online service's paying members. PS3 owners have been enjoying those perks for a while and now they're coming to Sony's gaming handheld.
Next week, six free games—including Gravity Rush, Jet Set Radio and Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions—will be coming to the Vita when PlayStation Plus support comes to the handheld. If you're already a PlayStation Plus member via your PS3, there's no additional cost to the $50/year fee to access the service on Vita. PlayStation Plus on Vita goes live next week with the 2.0 system update.
Ubisoft's Guillemot on evolving audiences, Wii U, and possibly buying THQ
gamesindustry link
By Chris Morris Tue 13 Nov 2012
Ubisoft's Guillemot on evolving audiences, Wii U, and possibly buying THQ
Ubisoft's CEO acknowledges interest in THQ's assets. "For sure, it's something we can consider," he tells us
spoiler for length
THQ defaults on $50m Wells Fargo loan
gamesindustry link
By Matt Martin Mon 12 Nov 2012 10:03am
THQ defaults on $50m Wells Fargo loan
Bank continues to fund requests from troubled publisher
Troubled publisher THQ has defaulted on its $50 million loan from Wells Fargo.
Revealed in SEC filings last week, the publisher has defaulted at least once during the fiscal quarter ended September 30. For that quarter, THQ revealed a loss of $21 million and confirmed the appointment of Centreview Partners to look at the possibility of a sale.
Despite the default, Wells Fargo has continued to fund requests from THQ, with the publisher saying it is confident it can reach an agreement with the bank.
If THQ remains in default it will need to pay back the entire loan with an interest rate increase of 2 per cent, according to the terms and conditions.
As long as they keep their heads above water until South Park is released. And maybe saints row 4
Wii U charges 50 cents to register minors
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch November 18, 2012
Wii U charges 50 cents to register minors
In accordance with Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, parent or guardian must pay one-time fee of $0.50 to verify consent to create Nintendo Network account for those under 13.
The Wii U's Nintendo Network is not entirely free. According to a Wii U support page, parents or guardians must pay a one-time fee of $0.50 to create a Nintendo Network account for children under the age of 13. This acts as proof of consent to create a Nintendo Network account, and is in accordance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
According to Nintendo, credit card information will not be stored on the Wii U. Additionally, because this information is not stored, gamers must re-enter their information to make purchases through the eShop.
Parents and guardians with multiple children will not need to pay the fee again to create additional Nintendo Network accounts. Once the first child is set up, the Parental Control PIN is the only information needed to create additional accounts.
The Wii U launched today in the United States. For more, check out GameSpot's coverage of the Nintendo World launch event and reviews of Nintendo Land and New Super Mario Bros. U.
Rockstar: Wii U, PC versions of GTAV 'up for consideration'
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch November 19, 2012 8:40AM PST
Rockstar: Wii U, PC versions of GTAV 'up for consideration'
Cofounder Dan Houser doesn't rule out open-world action game for Nintendo's new console or PC platform; no Kinect or PS Move support planned.
Rockstar Games recently confirmed its much-anticipated open-world game Grand Theft Auto V will ship during spring 2013 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with no mention of other platforms. That has not changed, but Rockstar Games cofounder Dan Houser told IGN that Wii U and PC versions have not been ruled out.
"Everything else is up for consideration," Houser said. That's all I can give you. The main thing is we are not… we are a third-party publisher. We're not Nintendo, we're not Sony, we're not Microsoft. We love all of them in different ways. But we can do what we want wherever there's the appropriate business opportunity and chance to find a market. If that's on Apple we put something on Apple. Wherever it might be. I think that's the fun in what we do. We see ourselves as a content company that uses technology. We don't make it; we use it to make the most fun stuff."
Houser also addressed why GTAV will not support motion-control technologies from Microsoft and Sony. He said, with regards to mini-games, that using Kinect or PlayStation Move could make the overall experience feel disjointed.
"One of the things we're doing now, just to talk about mini-games, is making sure when you go into the mini-games and when you come out of them it feels very seamless," he said. "It feels like part of the whole experience. If you were suddenly go, 'This bit's Move, that bit's not, this bit's Kinect, that bit's not,' it would feel very disjointed to us. That would be detrimental to the overall experience in exchange for a bullet point on the back of the box. That's not very appealing to us."
Nintendo would very smart to do what they can to get GTA on their WiiU.
3DS sales nearing 6 million in US
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch November 19, 2012 7:02AM PST
3DS sales nearing 6 million in US
Nintendo reveals new sales milestone for latest portable hardware; limited edition flame red bundle announced for Black Friday.
The 3DS family of systems (3DS and 3DS XL) has now sold nearly six million units in the United States alone, Nintendo announced today. In all, the system has moved over 22 million units globally as of September 30, with software sales at 64.45 million units.
The 3DS launched in the US during March 2011 at $250 before Nintendo quickly slashed its going rate down to $170.
In addition, Nintendo announced today a new limited 3DS bundle for Black Friday (pictured).
The pack includes a flame red system and a copy of 2011's Super Mario 3D Land preinstalled for $170. Purchased separately, the system would run $170 and the game $40.
Take-Two: console transition will leave casualties
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch, November 28, 2012 6:55AM PST
Take-Two: console transition will leave casualties
GTA publisher CEO Strauss Zelnick predicts one or two third-party publishers will go out of business in coming years.
The upcoming console cycle will come at the cost of one or two third-party publishers, according to Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick. Speaking at the Credit Suisse 2012 Technology Conference, Zelnick said those not positioned effectively when the time comes will die out.
"If you're not capitalized for the transition, you can find out that you're not there for the transition," Zelnick said. "And historically, in every transition that's occurred in this business, one or two third-parties have gone out of business. Last time around it was Midway and a couple of others. Reasonable people can argue about which one it'll be this time. I have my own point of view, which I haven't exactly been quiet about. We make sure we're not on the list of casualties; to the contrary, we're on the list of winners."
Zelnick did not specifically name any publishers that he anticipates will not survive the transition. However, his comments alluded to his prediction in April that Saints Row and Darksiders publisher THQ would be dead in six months. Six months have passed and THQ is still in business, though the company's is not having an easy time managing.
A representative from Take-Two said Zelnick's remarks were not aimed at any one company and declined to add further details. A THQ representative had not responded to GameSpot's request for comment at press time.
Zelnick believes Take-Two will not only survive the console transition, but also prosper during this time. To succeed in the market, Zelnick said publishers must have four "key elements." These, he said, are owned intellectual property, power, technology, and a "very strong" financial footing. The executive claimed Take-Two is either "competitive" or has the "best in the business" for each category.
New 3DS XL Bundle with Mario Kart 7 Races Out
kotaku link
by Brian Ashcraft Nov 28, 2012 8:12 AM
New 3DS XL Bundle with Mario Kart 7 Races Out
Just in time for the holidays, Nintendo is releasing a Blue/Black Nintendo 3DS XL bundle with Mario Kart 7 already installed. It's out December 2 for US$199.99.
BioShock Infinite Box Art Revealed
ign link
by Andrew Goldfarb December 1, 2012
BioShock Infinite Box Art Revealed
Welcome to Columbia.
Irrational and 2K have revealed the official box art for BioShock Infinite. Shown off for all three platforms, the art features main character Booker DeWitt as well as a blimp and burning American flag in the background.
Sony patents hybrid DualShock/Move controller
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch November 30, 2012 6:44AM PST
Sony patents hybrid DualShock/Move controller
Snap-together input combines classic controller with motion pad.
Sony may be attempting to change the way gamers play through a new hybrid controller. The company published a patent (via The Sixth Axis) for a "Hybrid Separable Motion Controller" on November 29 after originally filing for it during May 2011.
Drawings from the patent filing indicate that the snap-together controller will be a mashup of Sony's standard DualShock controller and its Move motion input. It will also include components like a magnetometer and accelerometer, as well as support for vibration and audio playback through an embedded speaker.
The filing also suggests a PlayStation Eye camera will be required for use with the new controller. Additionally, it appears games will be able to detect if the controller is split in two or not. It is not clear if the new separable controller is planned for the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 4, or perhaps both, if it ever exists at all.
Sony has not announced this new controller, and the company was not immediately available to comment. Additional images from the patent filing are below.
GTAV PC petition reaches 100,000 signatures
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch, November 29, 2012 12:20PM PST
GTAV PC petition reaches 100,000 signatures
Online petition adds 50,000 signatures in two days calling on Rockstar to release open-world action game for PC.
The Change.org petition calling on Rockstar Games to release a PC version of Grand Theft Auto V now stands at over 100,000 signatures. This is a marked increase from the 50,000 the petition had amassed just two days ago.
The petition says it is a "big shame" that GTAV is not announced for PC, specifically calling out the modding community being a "huge part" of PC gaming.
"Modded GTA is some of the most insanely fun times you can have," a line from the petition reads.
Rockstar Games has not officially acknowledged the petition, and a representative was not immediately available to comment.
Last week, Rockstar Games cofounder Dan Houser said PC and Wii U versions of GTAV were "up for consideration." The most recent entry, 2008's Grand Theft Auto IV, released for PC seven months after the console versions shipped.
GTAV is officially due out during spring 2013 only for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Wii U 'slightly confusing', says Molyneux
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch November 30, 2012 3:55AM PST
Wii U 'slightly confusing', says Molyneux
Former Microsoft executive Peter Molyneux says Nintendo's new system is "good, but it's not great"; successful Wii U needed for industry growth.
Former Microsoft executive and now cofounder of independent studio 22Cans has sounded off on the Wii U. He told GamesIndustry International that he is generally pleased with Nintendo's first high-definition system, though he does have some reservations regarding its two-screen approach.
"I think the Wii U is good, but I don't feel it's great," Molyneux said. "I've played the experience, I've played Nintendo Land, I've played ZombiU, and they're good. I find holding the device in my hand--looking up at the screen and looking down at the device--slightly confusing as a consumer. It's good, but it's not great."
Molyneux added that the industry needs the Wii U to be "great" because competition is no longer solely in the form of console makers. Now, he said, competition comes through devices like Amazon's Kindle or Apple's iPad.
"And people like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft need to match that. They need to match that in my mind, and exceed it. And I'm not sure the Wii U really did that," he said.
Despite his misgivings about the Wii U, Molyneux said a wise person would not bet against Nintendo, considering the worldwide phenomenon it created with the original Wii.
"I've got unbelievable respect for Nintendo," he said. "They created our industry in a very real sense. I can remember everybody in the industry laughing and giggling about how stupid the Wii was, what a stupid name it was, and who would want motion control. And then it went on to sell what, 60, 70 million copies? It got people who never considered computer games to play them."
Molyneux's Wii sales estimation is actually well below the system's actual figures. As of September 30, 2012, Nintendo has sold 97.18 million units of the aging console. Additionally, just this week, Nintendo announced the Wii Mini, a slimmed down, $100 version of the Wii due next week exclusively in Canada .
The Wii U launched in North America on November 18 and sold 400,000 units during its launch week. The system released today in Europe and Australia, and will launch in Japan on December 8.
People are hating all over this cover. I don't think it's bad. Even if it's pretty much Uncharted from the other side.
It's not BAD, but it's just horribly generic. Which kind of makes it bad.
Street Fighter X Mega Man revealed
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch December 8, 2012 1:13PM PST
Street Fighter X Mega Man revealed
Free 8-bit PC downloadable crossover game arriving December 17; stars Blue Bomber and features eight Street Fighter-themed levels and bosses.
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Street Fighter and Mega Man franchises, Capcom today announced a new 8-bit game called Street Fighter X Mega Man. The PC title will be available for free through Capcom's official website at Capcom-Unity.com beginning December 17.
Developed by Capcom fan Seow Zong Hui, with "direction and support" from the publisher, Street Fighter X Mega Man focuses on Mega Man and boasts eight Street Fighter-themed levels and bosses from the history of the fighting franchise. In addition, Street Fighter X Mega Man features an original soundtrack created by fan Luke Esquivel.
For more on Street Fighter X Mega Man, check out the game's reveal trailer below.
G4 becoming Esquire Channel - Report
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch December 8, 2012 11:50AM PST
G4 becoming Esquire Channel - Report
NBCUniversal to rebrand gaming-focused network in early 2013; programming will be "more in line with the modern male," with shows focused on cooking, fashion, and games.
The rumors were right. The gaming-focused G4 network will be rebranded as the Esquire Channel, according to sources speaking to The Hollywood Reporter. The tipsters revealed that NBCUniversal has inked a deal with Esquire parent company Hearst Corporation that will morph the gaming network into a channel "more in line with the modern male."
New programming for the Esquire channel is already in production, and includes shows focused on cooking, travel, and fashion. The Esquire channel is expected to launch during the first half of 2013, the sources said.
The Esquire channel will also feature various gaming-focused programming, though it is not clear what form this will take. Earlier this year, G4 officially announced that Attack of the Show and X-Play would be canceled after 2012.
Pachter: Activision needs to charge for Call of Duty multiplayer
http://www.gamespot.com/news/pachter...player-6401226
By Eddie Makuch December 7, 2012 4:44AM PST
Pachter: Activision needs to charge for Call of Duty multiplayer
Industry analyst Michael Pachter says Activision made a mistake deciding to make multiplayer free for shooter series; predicts company will acquire Take-Two.
Wedbush Securities industry analyst Michael Pachter is no stranger to making bold claims, and now he has made another. Speaking during the Digital Game Monetization Summit in San Francisco, California (reported by GamesIndustry International), Pachter said Activision made a serious mistake when it decided to not use a subscription-based model for Call of Duty multiplayer.
"I know the game sells billions of dollars. Activision did a bad thing with Call of Duty from a profit perspective," Pachter said. "They trained gamers that you can buy a game and play it all year, ten hours a week, forever, and you never have to pay again. You just wait for the next Call of Duty. I promise you there are plenty of people, numbering in the millions, who play one game, which is Call of Duty, and they never stop."
Pachter then compared Call of Duty to Activision's other juggernaut series: World of Warcraft.
"That's just like the people who play World of Warcraft and never stop, yet the World of Warcraft guys are paying $180 a year, and the Call of Duty guys are paying $60. So who's got a better model?" he said. "This multiplayer thing being free was a mistake. I don't think anybody ever envisioned it would be this big. It's a mistake because it keeps those people from buying and playing other games."
Activision is unlikely to repeat that "mistake" with its new game from Halo developer Bungie Studios, Pachter said. The industry diviner predicted that the multiplayer component of this game, rumored to be titled Destiny, will be subscription-based. "Activision's going to try it, because they're greedy pigs, and they're bold," he said.
Elsewhere during his talk, Pachter shared some biting words about Nintendo's just-launched Wii U.
"I think you're going to see now with the Wii U, notwithstanding its early launch support, nobody's going to support it," Pachter predicted. "I don't think we're going to see every game on the Wii U next year. I think when next-gen consoles come out they're going to be better than the Wii U."
Lastly, Pachter predicted that acquisitions are on the horizon for Activision. He said the publisher is likely to go after Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two first because "that fits in very nicely." He also said Activision "should" buy social game studio Zynga, though Pachter said he does not think Zynga CEO Mark Pincus will sell.
Don't you fucking do it.
3DS Surpasses PS3 Lifetime Sales in Japan
ign link
by Audrey Drake December 13, 2012
3DS Surpasses PS3 Lifetime Sales in Japan
Not bad for a portable that's about to celebrate its second birthday.
The Nintendo 3DS is kicking some serious butt in its home country of Japan. In fact, Nintendo's latest generation of portables has even surpassed the PlayStation 3 in lifetime sales, moving more units in less than two years than the PS3 sold in more than six years.
This development is all thanks to last week's numbers, as Nintendo sold another 211,499 3DS systems the week of December 3 alone. That brought 3DS lifetime sales in Japan up to a whopping 8,799,378, which is just a few notches above the PS3's lifetime sales of 8,716,260. Again, recall that the 3DS came out February 2011, while the PS3 came out November 2006.
For reference, here are the rest of the hardware sales numbers for the week of December 3 in Japan, with each system's lifetime sales in parenthesis.
Wii U: 308,142 (308,142)
3DS: 211,499 (8,799,378)
PS3: 36,994 (8,716,260)
PSP: 19,637 (19,488,236)
PS Vita: 11,039 (1,074,621)
Wii: 6,714 (12,608,700)
Xbox 360: 1,216 (1,608,399)
PS2: 904 (21,829,112)
DS: 424 (32,875,469)
Who are the 904 Japanese people who bought a PS2?
I can understand that if this was the Bolivian weekly sales figures. But Japan...?
CA senator calls NRA's response to violent games 'pathetic and unacceptable'
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch December 23, 2012 3:25AM PST
CA senator calls NRA's response to violent games 'pathetic and unacceptable'
Democratic senator Leland Yee says it is "mind-boggling" that National Rifle Association "suddenly cares about the harmful effects of ultra-violent video games."
California senator Leland Yee, whose high-profile violent game law was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2011, has spoken out against the National Rifle Association's recent response to the deadly Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
In a statement to his website, Yee said when his violent game law was brought before the Supreme Court last year, the NRA was nowhere to be seen.
“I find it mind-boggling that the NRA suddenly cares about the harmful effects of ultra-violent video games. When our law was before the Supreme Court--while several states, medical organizations, and child advocates submitted briefs in support of California’s efforts--the NRA was completely silent."
Yee further claimed that the NRA, instead of facing the reality and becoming part of the solution to gun proliferation, is attempting to "pass the buck."
"More guns are not the answer to protecting our children, as evident by the fact that armed guards weren’t enough to stop the tragedy at Columbine High School," Yee said. "The NRA’s response is pathetic and completely unacceptable.”
NRA vice president Wayne LaPierre said at a press conference Friday violent video games like Bulletstorm and Mortal Kombat were partially to blame for December 14's deadly shooting in Connecticut.
Earlier in the week, West Virginia senator Jay Rockefeller introduced a bill to Congress that would direct the National Academy of Sciences to investigate how violent games and other such programming affect children.
Maxis: SimCity's always-on DRM for gamers' benefit
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch December 21, 2012 7:32AM PST
Maxis: SimCity's always-on DRM for gamers' benefit
VP Lucy Bradshaw acknowledges fan concerns, says creating a connected experience has been a day-one goal for the game.
Addressing fan concerns regarding SimCity's always-on DRM in a blog entry on the SimCity website, Maxis vice president Lucy Bradshaw said "creating a connected experience has always been a goal" for the game.
She further explained that some of SimCity's simulation aspects must be rendered on EA's servers for the game to run. Bradshaw said a "massive amount of computing" goes into this, and the game's Glassbox engine can only achieve these tasks through a constant Internet connection.
"You’re always connected to the neighbors in your region so while you play, data from your city interacts with our servers, and we run the simulation at a regional scale," she said.
More specifically, trading between cities and simulation effects like pollution and crime, are processed on EA's servers and then data is sent back to players' cities on their local PC. "Every city in the region is updated every three minutes, which keeps the overall region in sync and makes your decisions in your city relevant to any changes that have taken place in the region," she said.
In addition to technical necessesities, Bradshaw said SimCity requiring a constant Internet connection is in the best interest of "fun." She explained that features like leaderboards and challenges would not be possible without being online.
SimCity is currently in development at EA Maxis. It is due out on Mac and PC March 5, 2013. For more, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.
This could be a deal breaker for me. This is the reason I wouldn't buy Diablo III.
Ubisoft to buy THQ assets?
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch December 21, 2012 4:57AM PST
Ubisoft to buy THQ assets?
Sources say French publisher a frontrunner in bid to acquire bankrupt firm's studios and franchises, holding out for "bargain buy."
Assassin's Creed publisher Ubisoft is reportedly one of the top candidates interested in purchasing THQ's assets, following the company's bankruptcy filing this week. Sources have told MCV that the French publisher has shown interest in buying THQ's wholly-owned studios and franchises.
THQ's internal studios include Relic Entertainment, Volition, THQ Montreal, and Vigil Games. Some of the companies biggest properties are Saints Row, Red Faction, Homefront, Metro, and Company of Heroes.
This is not the first time Ubisoft has publicly acknowledged interest in THQ's properties. Last month, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said, "They have good things. We are always interested in good brands. For sure, it's something we can consider, but I can't tell you more."
MCV's sources say Ubisoft has held "lengthy discussions" with THQ to get a deal done. One of the main sticking points in the negotiations, according to the sources, is that of price. Ubisoft is reportedly interested in a "bargain buy," and will hold out until THQ decides to sell specific properties instead of a total package.
Representatives from THQ and Ubisoft were not immediately available to comment.
Unannounced THQ games emerge in bankruptcy filing
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch December 20, 2012 5:34AM PST
Unannounced THQ games emerge in bankruptcy filing
Publisher's Chapter 11 document outs Relic's "Atlas," Turtle Rock's "Evolve," "1666" from THQ Montreal, and Vigil Games' "Crawler"; sales projections also revealed.
THQ's recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing has revealed a number of unannounced games from the publisher's wholly-owned development teams Relic Entertainment, Turtle Rock Studios, THQ Montreal, and Vigil Games.
According to the document (via Polygon), Relic Entertainment is working on a 2014-dated project under the working title "Atlas." The studio is also working on next year's Company of Heroes 2.
Turtle Rock Studios, whose previous credits include Left 4 Dead and Counter-Strike Source, is working on a co-op multiplayer game called "Evolve." This is not entirely a surprise, as THQ filed a trademark application for Evolve this year.
Additionally, the bankruptcy document reveals THQ Montreal, under the direction of former Assassin's Creed developer Patrice Désilets, is making a game called "1666." THQ trademarked this in March.
Lastly, Darksiders developer Vigil Games is making a game called "Crawler," according to the documents. This is the first mention of its existence anywhere.
In addition to revealing new games from THQ's studios, the Chapter 11 document also provides a glimpse into how successful THQ is expecting these games to be. Lifetime sales projections in millions of units for each of the above titles, and others, are listed below.
Saints Row 4 - 5 million
Company of Heroes 2 - 2 million
Homefront 2 - 4 million
Darksiders II - 2.4 million
WWE '13 - 1.9 million
Metro: Last Light - 1.9 million
South Park: The Stick of Truth - 3.1 million
Evolve - 4 million
1666 - 4 million
Atlas - No specific unit sales figure was provided, though THQ said it expects Atlas to generate $31.6 million in net sales.
EarthBound Creator Teases ‘Republication’
ign link
by Andrew Goldfarb December 20, 2012
EarthBound Creator Teases ‘Republication’
“This has to do with making Mother playable.”
EarthBound creator Shigesato Itoi has teased a potential re-release of games in the series. According to a translation from EarthBound Central, Itoi posted the following on Twitter: “Since it’s now okay to blurt this out, here goes: the ‘Mother republication’ thing I mentioned briefly before is making progress. It’s not Mother 4 though! This has to do with making Mother playable. I can’t give out any details just yet, but I do at least need to say that it isn’t 4.”
Mother, of course, is the name of the EarthBound series in Japan, and EarthBound Central notes that Itoi is referring to the entire series when he says Mother, rather than to the first entry specifically. The site also notes that by saying “playable,” Itoi is referring to the fact that the games are hard to come by and out of print rather than implying that they were bad or unplayable to start.
It’s unclear exactly what Itoi is referring to, as making the original games more readily available could include anything from a Virtual Console release to a release for DS. A collection of the first Mother games (including Mother 2, which became EarthBound in the West) was released for Game Boy Advance in Japan in 2003 but never saw a release in other territories. Mother 3 was released in Japan in 2006.
For now, EarthBound fans will have to keep waiting, but it’s certainly nice to get a glimmer of hope for a re-release, isn’t it?
New Sony Patent Blocks Second Hand Games
ign link
by Luke Karmali January 3, 2013
New Sony Patent Blocks Second Hand Games
It'll supposedly be based around NFC technology and permission tags embedded in discs.
Sony has reportedly patented technology that will prevent the use of second hand games on consoles.
According to NeoGAF member gofreak, the patent application was filed on 9 December 2012 by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, and will work by linking individual game discs to a user's account without requiring a network connection meaning any future attempt to use this disc on another user's console won't work.
The patent explains that games will come with contactless tags that will be read by your console in much the same way as modern bank cards. When a disc is first used, the disc ID and player ID will be stored on the tag. Every time the disc is used in future, the tag will check if the two ID’s match up and, if not, then the disc won’t work.
The document goes on to explain that such a device is part of Sony's ongoing efforts to deter second-hand games sales, and is a far simpler solution than always-on DRM or passwords.
It's worth noting that Sony has not confirmed the existence of the device, and the patent doesn't state what machine it will be used in, with later paragraphs also mentioning accessories and peripherals.
It does raise some concerns though. Firstly, the impact on game rental stores would be catastrophic as surely this means they'd no longer be able to do business? Given publishers' usual desire to keep retailers sweet by not undercutting them on prices and the like, this would be an unusual move.
There's also the issue of what happens should your console break and need replacing, or if you have more than one console. Will the games be linked to your PSN account, meaning they can still be used, or the console, meaning an entire new library of titles would need to be purchased?
IGN reached out to Sony for comment but was told the company doesn't comment on rumour and speculation.
Bold move by Sony and one that, if Microsoft doesn't follow suit, I can see massively backfiring on them in the next generation of machines. The second hand market pretty much keeps the last few game merchants on the high street alive and - whilst I don't trade in games myself - is a major consideration for a lot of gamers. If Sony block second hand games and Microsoft don't then I could see a lot of people flocking to the new XBox.
Preowned Wii U consoles allow free game downloads, user claims
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch January 4, 2013 6:39AM PST
Preowned Wii U consoles allow free game downloads, user claims
Second-hand systems reportedly allow new owners free access to all digital titles purchased by original user.
Gamers who purchase a second-hand Wii U can re-download all digital content the past owner previously purchased free of charge. That's according to a NeoGAF user, who claims games are tied to the console itself and not any one individual Nintendo Network ID account.
The user--DSN2K--claimed the second-hand system was "wiped," though it was not mentioned where the console was purchased.
The user noted that upon entering the Wii U eShop, some games did not have a price, but were instead labelled "redownload," despite never having paid for them.
Thus far, the user has been able to download Trine 2 and Nano Assault Neo for free.
A Nintendo representative was not immediately available to comment.
Sony working on cable rival - Report
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch January 4, 2013 8:28AM PST
Sony working on cable rival - Report
Japanese technology giant supposedly planning multi-channel TV service, in "active negotiations" with two major content companies.
PlayStation maker Sony is reportedly at work on a multi-channel TV service that will rival cable, sources have told Hollywood news site Variety. The Japanese technology giant is currently in "active negotiations" with at least two "major content companies" to license their programming for a service that would launch in the United States as early as later this year.
Details are thin on Sony's supposed TV service, though it is expected to be composed of linear channels similar to that of traditional TV providers. The main difference is that such programming would be delivered through a broadband connection, thus allowing access to subscribers across the country.
Such a TV service would work with Sony's lineup of connected devices, which include the PlayStation 3, its rumored successor, Bravia TV sets, Blu-ray players, and first-party tablets. It is not known if Sony would need to build new hardware for the service to work or whether not not it would be compatible with third-party offerings. Channels are not expected to be available on an a la carte basis, the sources said.
Sony competitor Microsoft was, in November 2010, rumored to be in talks with various networks to create a "virtual cable operator" through the Xbox 360. This never came to fruition, though Microsoft has since teamed up with Comcast and others to offer streaming access through Xbox Live applications.
Want to Know the Biggest Selling Game in the UK Last Year?
ign link
by Daniel Krupa January 4, 2013
Want to Know the Biggest Selling Game in the UK Last Year?
No points if you guessed it.
You probably could have guessed it but Call of Duty: Black Ops II was the best selling video game in the UK last year, according to the latest information from GfK Chart-Track.
It narrowly beat out FIFA 13 for the number one spot. But don't feel bad for the sporting Goliath; there's even two other FIFA titles – FIFA 12 and FIFA Street – in the top 20. Interestingly, it's also worth noting that the top five games were released in the last two months of the year.
Here's that list in full:
The Top 20 Games of 2012
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops II - Activision
2. FIFA 13 - Electronic Arts
3. Assassin's Creed III - Ubisoft
4. Halo 4 - Microsoft
5. Hitman Absolution - Square Enix
6. Just Dance 4 - Ubisoft
7. Far Cry 3 - Ubisoft
8. FIFA 12 - Electronic Arts
9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Bethesda
10. Borderlands 2 - 2K Games
11. Mass Effect 3 - Electronic Arts
12. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes - Warner Bros
13. Need for Speed: Most Wanted - Electronic Arts
14. FIFA Street - Electronic Arts
15. Mario & Sonic: London 2012 Olympic Games
16. Skylanders Giants - Activision
17. Battlefield 3 - Electronic Arts
18. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - Activision
19. Max Payne 3 - Rockstar
20. Sleeping Dogs - Square Enix
http://ie.ign.com/articles/2013/01/0...og-voice-actor
IF this is indeed the first rumblings of a Fallout 4 I will eagerly wait to find out all there is to it!!
Yeah man. Bloody love the Fallout games.
Word is it will be set in boston around MIT.
Fallout 4 rumours, take them with a pinch of salt:
(taken from reddit)
First and foremost, the game will take place in Boston, and be kind of a direct sequel to Fallout 3 with a few groups returning.
From what it sounds like, "The Institute" is pretty much the downtown DC or New Vegas of this game. Boston is going to be unlike anything we've seen in a Fallout game before, with buildings more on par with cyberpunk and retro-futurism.
Androids play a big part in this game. The railroad from Fallout 3 is a faction. The enemies of the railroad is "the Plantation" -- a group who force Androids to farm so that Humans can get food. The Institute is highly advanced and probably obtained or built their own GECK to start a farm.
Due to complaints about using Super Mutants and the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 3 excessively and going against the lore too much, Bethesda has decided to avoid using these groups. Bethesda wants to make a new "race" (think Ghoul, Super Mutant) which will be central to Boston. Bethesda is currently looking at Lovecraftian fiction since Boston is around "Lovecraft Country".
Bethesda has no plans to reinvent the leveling up system to make it more like Skyrim and want to make Fallout 4 more distinct from Skyrim since of the complaints that Oblivion and Fallout 3 were too similar. Bethesda is thinking about introducing a system, similar to Skyrim, where your skills can level up if you perform certain tasks.
I don't know about that sort of system at all. It didn't work out too well in Morrowind. Let's see, anyway.
http://au.ign.com/articles/2013/01/1...-be-on-the-way
I need a tissue.
Missouri rep wants violent-game tax
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch January 16, 2013 6:13AM PST
Missouri rep wants violent-game tax
HB 157 would charge a 1 percent excise tax on games rated T, M, or AO in Missouri; revenue derived would go toward mental health programs.
If a new bill becomes law, gamers in Missouri could pay a "violent-game" tax in the near future. Missouri representative Diane Franklin (R-123rd District) introduced HB 157 (via PC Gamer) to the state's General Assembly this week, proposing that all games rated T, M, or AO carry a 1 percent excise tax.
Revenue derived from this initiative would be deposited into the state's general revenue fund and be used only for the treatment of mental health conditions associated with "exposure" to violent video games.
According to the bill, "immediate action" is necessary to protect and ensure the mental health of those exposed to violent video games. In addition, it claims that such a bill is necessary for the "immediate preservation of public health, welfare, peace, and safety."
HB 157 was introduced to the Missouri General Assembly January 14, exactly one month after the schoolhouse massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, that left 20 children and six adults dead.
This is not the first time a state representative has introduced a bill seeking to tax violent games. In January 2012, Oklahoma state representative Will Fourkiller (D-86th District) introduced a bill that would charge a 1 percent excise tax, with revenue derived to be given to the state's obesity-fighting and anti-bullying funds.
This bill was defeated a month later.
Nintendo Japan merges handheld and console hardware teams
gamespot link
By Martin Gaston January 16, 2013 2:15AM PST
Nintendo Japan merges handheld and console hardware teams
Unifying hardware teams is Nintendo R&D's biggest shake-up in nine years.
Nintendo will merge its console and handheld development teams at the end of this month, as part of the first-party publisher's biggest R&D shake-up since the launch of the original DS nine years ago.
Reported by Japanese newspaper Nikkei (via MCV), the two teams will now share their expertise as they look to develop future hardware that will satisfy both its Wii and DS audiences simultaneously.
The merged team will be working out of Nintendo Japan's new $300 million R&D facility in Kyoto, which has been in construction for the last three years.
Nintendo's most recent hardware, the Wii U, has resulted in "not bad" sales over its first two months on US store shelves, according to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, although the new console was narrowly outsold by its predecessor in December.
Much of Nintendo's 2013 lineup remains unknown, although many are expecting Microsoft and Sony to weigh in with their own new hardware announcements in the next few months, with recent rumours suggesting the next Xbox and PlayStation would retail for $350.
Obama calls for game violence research
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch January 16, 2013 10:26AM PST
Obama calls for game violence research
[UPDATE] US President directs Centers for Disease Control to conduct further studies on relationship between virtual violence and real-world violence; the ESA responds.
President Barack Obama today ordered more research be done to investigate the relationship between video games and real-world violence. As part of a $500 million, 23-point plan, Obama directed the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other research agencies to conduct further research into the matter in the wake of December's deadly school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
The Obama administration is calling on Congress to allocate $10 million for the CDC to conduct its research. Vice President Joe Biden met with gaming leaders--including Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello and Entertainment Software Association president Michael Gallagher--last week to discuss gun violence.
Obama's plan to conduct more research into game violence is not the only such ongoing initiative. West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller's dead-but-not-defeated proposition would task the National Academy of Sciences to study the effects of violent video games and other programs on children. Rockefeller plans to re-introduce the bill to Congress this month.
"Most gun owners are responsible and law-abiding, and they use their guns safely," reads a statement from the White House. "The President strongly believes that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms. But to better protect our children and our communities from tragic mass shootings like those in Newtown, Aurora, Oak Creek, and Tucson, there are four common-sense steps we can take right now."
In addition to tasking the CDC with conducting more research on video game violence, Obama's plan includes closing background check loopholes, banning military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, making schools safer, and increasing access to mental health services.
"While no law or set of laws will end gun violence, it is clear that the American people want action," the statement continues. "If even one child’s life can be saved, then we need to act. Now is the time to do the right thing for our children, our communities, and the country we love."
[UPDATE] Following the publication of this story, the Entertainment Software Association issued a statement on the news to Joystiq. It states that scientific research has proven entertainment does not cause real-world violent behavior and notes the organization will continue to work with Obama and Congress to find solutions.
"ESA appreciates President Obama's and Vice President Biden's leadership and the thoughtful, comprehensive process of the White House Gun Violence Commission. We concur with President Obama's call today for all Americans to do their part, and agree with the report's conclusion that the entertainment and video game industries have a responsibility to give parents tools and choices about the movies and programs their children watch and the games their children play.
"The same entertainment is enjoyed across all cultures and nations, but tragic levels of gun violence remain unique to our country. Scientific research and international and domestic crime data all point toward the same conclusion: entertainment does not cause violent behavior in the real world.
"We will embrace a constructive role in the important national dialogue around gun violence in the United States, and continue to collaborate with the Administration and Congress as they examine the facts that inform meaningful solutions."
Xbox 720 hardware detailed - Report
gamespot link
By Martin Gaston January 21, 2013 11:16AM PST
Xbox 720 hardware detailed - Report
Microsoft's latest console is rumoured to include 8-core CPU, Blu-Ray, a DirectX 11.1-capable GPU and 8GB of DDR3 RAM.
The rumours surrounding Microsoft's successor to the Xbox continue to mount, with one website claiming to have had access to the machine's specifications in full. According to technical documents acquired by VGLeakz, the console will feature an 8-core CPU, Blu-Ray, a DirectX 11.1-capable GPU and 8GB of DDR3 RAM.
The site also claims that the next Xbox's processor will feature an x64 8-core CPU with a clock of 1.6Ghz. Each "CPU thread has its own 32KB L1 instruction cache and 32KB L1 data cache", while both modules "of four CPU cores has a 2MB L2 cache resulting in a total of 4MB of L2 cache."
On top of that, "each core has one fully independent hardware thread with no shared execution resources" and "each hardware thread can issue two instructions per clock," according to the site.
Elsewhere in the document, the Xbox 720 - codenamed Durango - will allegedly feature 8GB of DDR3 RAM, a 6x Blu-Ray drive and 32MB of embedded SRAM.
The GPU will support DirectX 11.1, run at a core of 800mhz and feature 12 shader cores which provide "a total of 768 threads." The document reports that at peak performance "the GPU can effectively issue 1.2 trillion floating-point operations per second."
The document also claims that Microsoft's latest version of Kinect is always present, presumably indicating that the motion-sensor will be build into the machine itself.
Another point mentioned is that a SATA 2.0 "hard drive is always present", suggesting that Microsoft's next machine won't allow for optional hard drives in the way the Xbox 360 did.
Rounding off the rumoured specifications is support for HDMI 1.4a, 802.11n Wi-Fi and USB 3.0 alongside a bevy of codecs, multi-channel echo cancellation for Kinect and "cryptography engines for encryption and decryption, and hashing".
PS4 controller to include LCD touch-screen, biometric sensors?
By Eddie Makuch January 18, 2013 10:18AM PST
PS4 controller to include LCD touch-screen, biometric sensors?
Source says Sony could replace long-running DualShock controller with an all-new pad for next-generation console.
The PlayStation 4 could introduce a new controller, pushing the longstanding and iconic DualShock input to the background. A "senior games studio" source speaking to CVG claims Sony's research and development department has been busy testing numerous controller designs for the still-unannounced next-generation machine. One such design includes an LCD touch-screen and biometric sensors on its grips.
Biometrics technology is capable of reading data from a gamer's body, including heart rate and temperature, among other things. Half-Life and Portal studio Valve is also experimenting with the technology.
This information is backed up by other sources who told Eurogamer that Sony has been testing a PS4 controller with a touch-screen and biometrics functionality for as long as six months. The designs reportedly change every month.
The DualShock controller was introduced with the original PlayStation in 1997 and a version of the pad has been used in every PlayStation console since. It is not clear if the DualShock will be replaced entirely by a new controller or if the PS4 will be compatible with older inputs, similar to the way Wii Remotes work with the Wii U.
Sony is reportedly gearing up to announce the PS4 at an Apple-style media conference at the end of March.
THQ Dissolved, Saints Row, Company of Heroes Devs Acquired
ign link
by Andrew Goldfarb January 23, 2013
THQ Dissolved, Saints Row, Company of Heroes Devs Acquired
Koch Media, Take-Two, Ubisoft and SEGA acquire Volition and more.
Following THQ’s auction of its assets, the new homes of THQ franchises are slowly being revealed. Koch Media, Take-Two, Ubisoft and SEGA are among the potential new owners of THQ’s intellectual property and studios.
It's worth noting that all of these sales are pending approval from U.S. bankruptcy court and nothing is finalized yet. A hearing is currently underway in Delaware.
SEGA has agreed to purchase Relic, developer of Company of Heroes 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War.
Koch Media (owner of Dead Island publisher Deep Silver) has agreed to purchase Saints Row developer Volition as well as the publishing rights to the Metro franchise. (Update: According to a statement issued by Koch, "Deep Silver, Koch Media’s international publishing powerhouse, will lead all further development and marketing on the Saints Row and Metro franchises." The statement added that "Koch Media and Deep Silver will roll out future plans for each franchise in the coming months.")
Crytek, who is currently developing Homefront 2, has purchased the rights to the Homefront franchise.
Take-Two (parent company of 2K and Rockstar) has agreed to purchase Turtle Rock Studios’ project codenamed Evolve. (Update: While Take Two was initially rumored to have acquired Darksiders publisher Vigil, it has since been revealed that this isn't the case)
Ubisoft has purchased the rights to publish South Park: The Stick of Truth as well as THQ Montreal, the current developer of Assassin’s Creed creator Patrice Desilets’ project codenamed 1666. (Update: Ubisoft has confirmed the purchase, noting in a statement that "THQ Montreal will join Ubisoft’s development teams." Ubisoft also says that South Park: The Stick of Truth "is scheduled for release in calendar 2013.")
According to Distressed Debt Investing, Ubisoft paid $3.2 million for South Park and $2.5 million for THQ Montreal, Koch Media paid $5.8 million for Metro and $22.3 million for Volition and Crytek paid $500,000 for Homefront. No bids were placed for Vigil.
Polygon reports that SEGA bid $26.6 million for Relic, and a second-place bid came from Bethesda parent company ZeniMax Media, who offered $26.3 million. The site also reports that Take-Two paid $10.8 million for Evolve, with a second place bid for $250,000 coming from Turtle Rock itself.
Many THQ employees, meanwhile, report having lost their jobs via social networks.
Assets including Darksiders studio Vigil and have not been acquired. The future home of the WWE franchise has yet to be disclosed, though IGN sources suggest Take-Two will purchase the license.
We’ve reached out to all parties and will continue to update this story with comments and confirmation we receive.
IGN wishes the best of luck to anyone affected by today's news.
PlayStation 4 Dev Kit Specs, Controller, and Multiple User Accounts Detailed
ign link
by Scott Lowe January 23, 2013
PlayStation 4 Dev Kit Specs, Controller, and Multiple User Accounts Detailed
Leaked developer documents offer new insight.
With E3 fast approaching, the floodgates for next-gen rumors are now open. Kotaku has secured new details about current PlayStation 4 development kits, offering insights into the system's potential power, controller, and unified user accounts.
According to 90 PDF documents reportedly secured by the site, the latest PlayStation 4 development kits issued for January 2013 include four dual-core AMD64 "Bulldozer" processors amounting to a total of eight CPU cores, an AMD R10xx GPU, four USB 3.0 ports, two Ethernet connections, a Blu-ray drive, a 160GB HDD, as well as HDMI and optical audio outputs. The information falls in line with recent rumors and prior development kit leaks. The site cautions that due to the fact that the specs are based on development hardware, the consumer-grade version of the system could differ.
The information comes by way of SuperDae, the same individual that leaked early images of Microsoft's Durango dev kits and even attempted to sell one on eBay last year.
What's more, SuperDae's developer documents suggest that the PlayStation 4 could maintain the traditional DualShock 3 and Sixaxis controller designs, contrary to the touchscreen, PS Vita-esque controller rumored last week.
Finally, Sony could allow multiple users to be logged into the system at any given time. According to a diagram used in the documents, each user will have localized saves and be able to log-in and associate their Sony Entertainment Network account to each additional controller. The benefit, Kotaku says, is if four people are playing local co-op, each can earn trophies as they progress.
Of course, with the leak based on development hardware and an official reveal likely months away, the final version of the system could be an entirely different beast by the time of release.
Gamers need to 'quiet down' says CA senator
gamespot.com
By Eddie Makuch January 25, 2013 9:00AM PST
Gamers need to 'quiet down' says CA senator
Author of unsuccessful violent game law Leland Yee criticizes gamers and industry at large in wake of deadly Connecticut shooting.
California senator Leland Yee, whose much-publicized violent game law was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2011, has offered a new message to gamers: quiet down. Speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle in the wake of last month's schoolhouse massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, Yee criticized gamers and the industry at large.
"Gamers have got to just quiet down," Yee said. "Gamers have no credibility in this argument. This is all about their lust for violence and the industry's lust for money. This is a billion-dollar industry. This is about their self-interest."
Yee is not the only politician taking aim at the game industry following December's deadly shooting. Politicians in Washington, DC, as well as President Obama himself, have put forth legislation and orders aimed at examining violent entertainment and what role it may play in real-world violence.
What a cunt
Video games a 'bigger problem than guns' says senator
gamespot link
by Eddie Makuch January 30, 2013
Video games a 'bigger problem than guns' says senator
Republican Tennessee senator Lamar Alexander says games more problematic than weapons because "they affect people."
Yet another politician has taken a shot at video games in the wake of the deadly Connecticut schoolhouse massacre last month. Speaking today on MSNBC's The Daily Rundown, United States senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn) said video games are a greater societal threat than guns.
"I think video games is a bigger problem than guns," he said. "Because video games affect people. But the First Amendment limits what we can do about video games and the Second Amendment to the constitution limits what we can do about guns."
Last week, democratic Connecticut senator Chris Murphy said the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting may not have happened if video games did not give the shooter a "false sense of courage."
Previously, republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie said violent games must be examined in the wake of the shooting. Before that, and just a week after the December 14 shooting, the National Rifle Association condemned violent games, saying they were partially to blame for the mass shooting.
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This could be big news so I'm putting it here and in the PS3 thread
Sony inviting gamers to 'see the future' February 20
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch January 31, 2013 3:31PM PST
Sony inviting gamers to 'see the future' February 20
PlayStation maker releases teaser video for event next month.
Sony is inviting gamers to "see the future" next month. The PlayStation maker has released a 45-second teaser video (embedded below) suggesting the company will make a significant announcement on February 20 at 6 p.m. EDT.
The teaser video does not share any concrete information as to what may be divulged at the event. A previous report suggested Sony would hold an Apple-style press event in March to unveil the PlayStation 4. It is not clear if this is the same event.
Analyst consensus is that the PS4, along with the Xbox 720, will be announced in the coming months and released during the back half of this year.
Speculation about the PS4 has run rampant. Previous and unconfirmed reports suggest the system may block, or in some way inhibit, users from playing second-hand games. Still other speculation suggests the console will introduce a new controller that could feature a rear touchpad and a Share button.
Nintendo Will Support Japanese Games Abroad More
ign link
by Daniel Krupa January 31, 2013
Nintendo Will Support Japanese Games Abroad More
"We therefore plan to more actively support the Japanese software developers in distributing their key titles overseas this year," says Iwata.
In its presentation for the Third Quarter Financial Results, Nintendo promised to support games made by Japanese developers more strongly overseas.
This new-found commitment is partly due to third-party software developers in the West focussing on what Nintendo calls "mega-hit titles for home consoles" and having fewer of their development studios produce software for handheld devices. And even though some Western developers still produce software on 3DS aimed at kids, they're not as active as they were during the Nintendo DS's heyday.
The opposite is true in Japan, where handheld devices have a large market share and many leading developers assigning their best teams to work on handheld titles.
To address this imbalance, company CEO Satoru Iwata said, "We therefore plan to more actively support the Japanese software developers in distributing their key titles overseas this year.
"Among those third-party titles both developed and published in Japan, there have been some games which Nintendo published in Europe, including the Professor Layton series. We will increase the number of such games for the U.S. market as well as in Europe. We are also willing to flexibly assist third-party developers in distributing their valuable games overseas."
Cloud-gaming not the future, says Nintendo
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch February 5, 2013 6:56AM PST
Cloud-gaming not the future, says Nintendo
Satoru Iwata says there are "many things" cloud-gaming cannot do by design, dedicated gaming platforms will not die.
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata was asked by investors recently if he thinks traditional dedicated gaming platforms like the Wii U and 3DS will be replaced by other initiatives, like cloud-gaming. He squarely said no, downplaying the role of cloud gaming in the industry's future, and saying dedicated gaming consoles will not die out anytime soon.
Iwata said there is always some latency involving cloud gaming. And while this may have little or no effect on some games, on other, more interactive games, this latency could be a major drawback.
"For some highly interactive games, action games in particular, the time required to reflect the push of a button on the screen is critical and the frame rate determines the fluidity of the movements," he said. "This means that there are some types of games that can be put on the Internet and others that cannot."
"There are many things that cloud gaming cannot do by design, but this fact has not been communicated well to the public, and I find it strange that many people claim that cloud gaming is the future."
Iwata added that the discussion should then shift to whether dedicated gaming platforms will die out and whether home console and portable gaming devices will one day be unified.
"Naturally, our stance is that dedicated gaming platforms will not die out and we are determined to create a future where they will not," he said.
As for platform integration, Iwata echoed comments from last month, saying Nintendo has no plans to integrate its home console and portable devices into one. Instead, Iwata said Nintendo is focusing its efforts on unifying its development methods, operating systems, and built-in software for each platform so that each may be used across devices in a simplified manner.
"This means that if we manage to integrate our platforms successfully, we may in fact be able to make more platforms. At the moment, we only have our current handheld devices and home consoles because if we tried to make more platforms, our development resources would be spread too thinly," he said. "The more we can share software across different platforms, the more development resources will be left for something else. Platform integration does not mean creating one type of platform, but the point is that the united method of software development will enable us to share our most precious software assets across different hardware."
Nintendo may not see a bright future for cloud-gaming, but that's not the case for Sony. The PlayStation maker last year acquired cloud-gaming company Gaikai for $380 million. Sony intends to use the acquisition to establish a new cloud service combining Gaikai's resources with its own, though it is not clear if this endeavor is for the PlayStation 3, the long-rumored PlayStation 4, or something else entirely.
Iwata also addressed Near-Field Communication support for Wii U, which has been materially absent thus far. He said Nintendo is in talks with "several developers" and hopes to show and discuss some of the progress made in this area by the end of the year.
Journey development bankrupted studio
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch February 11, 2013 8:17AM PST
Journey development bankrupted studio
Creator Jenova Chen says creation of critically applauded game bankrupted ThatGameCompany.
Adventure game Journey was well received and even broke PlayStation Network sales records. However, its development bankrupted creator ThatGameCompany.
"I wouldn't say that the development of Journey was a successful example of game development," Journey creator Jenova Chen told Polygon. "We bankrupted the company."
Chen noted ThatGameCompany did make its money back from Journey--plus some--but its release as a PlayStation 3-exclusive hurt the game's overall sales.
"I think to have a financial success, that is going to change everyone, it has to be much bigger than a game on the Playstation platform," he said.
The next game from ThatGameCompany, which Chen would not talk about, is aiming to release on multiple platforms. The developer last June secured $5.5 million in venture capital funding for this game.
According to a job advertisement at ThatGameCompany, the studio is planning a "full-scale online service" for its next game that will accommodate hundreds of thousands of users.
Xbox 720 requires Kinect?
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch February 11, 2013 11:56AM PST
Xbox 720 requires Kinect?
Documents suggest future Microsoft platform will mandate motion sensing peripheral, game installs; will feature 500GB hard drive and allow multiple games to be played at once.
The Xbox 720 rumor floodgates are pouring over. A source speaking to Kotaku and going by the name of SuperDaE has reportedly obtained two Xbox 720 development kits as well as system overview documents, which detail the specifications of Microsoft's still-unannounced next-generation platform.
The first bit of information from the source claims the Xbox 720 will require Kinect to function. According to the source, an updated and improved version of Kinect will ship with every unit sold and will not be an optional accessory, as the motion-sensing device currently is for Xbox 360. For the Xbox 720, gamers will need to have the new Kinect plugged in and calibrated for the console to function at all, the source said.
This mandatory Kinect implementation for the Xbox 720 will reportedly be a benefit for developers. Because every system is guaranteed to have a Kinect unit, studios can program their games with the technology in mind, the source said.
As for specifications, the new version of Kinect is reportedly able to track up to six individuals in the same room at all times. In addition, the peripheral's camera will be able to independently track thumbs, allowing it to know whether a player's hand is open or closed. The camera can also read facial expressions, the documents said, meaning it can tell if a player is angry, sad, or excited.
Another reportedly mandatory feature for the Xbox 720 will be game installs. On Xbox 360, players have the choice of whether or not they wish to install a game to their hard drives. Sometimes doing so yields various benefits. To accommodate the heavy and numerous downloads, all Xbox 720 systems will ship with a 500GB hard drive, the documents said. In addition, games can reportedly be installed in the background.
In addition, the Xbox 720 will reportedly be able to simultaneously run more than one game or application. This is nothing new for smartphones or PCs, but would be a first for any console. The documents reportedly state Xbox 720 games can be put into "suspend" and "constrained" modes, which allow players to pause a game, switch to another title, then return to the first without losing any save information.
Concerning the Xbox 720's controller, Microsoft is reportedly readying a "natural evolution" of the Xbox 360 input, according to the source's information. Xbox 360 controllers will reportedly not work with the next platform, due to Microsoft's "new wireless technology."
As for Xbox 720 specifications, the machine will reportedly run on a custom hardware architecture that features an 8-core, 64-bit CPU running at 1.6GHz. The system also supposedly boasts an 800mhz Direct X 11.x GPU, 8GB of DDR3 memory, and a 50GB optical disc drive. The platform will also reportedly feature built-in Wi-Fi (though it will also sport an ethernet port), as well as support for stereo 3D content in 1080p. Audio will be handled by either HDMI or optical connections and can support up to 7.1 channels, the source said.
Today's report did not mention at all the speculation that the Xbox 720 could block, or in some way prohibit, gamers from playing second-hand titles. Analysts collectively do not believe this is likely. Additionally, GameStop last week said gamers are unlikely to purchase a future platform that blocks used games or restricts gameplay in another way.
Additionally, no mention was made today of whether or not the Xbox 720 would require a constant Internet connection, as was previously rumored.
The Xbox 720 has not been announced and the above information is, of course, not confirmed. A Microsoft representative told GameSpot, "We do not comment on rumors or speculation. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform, but we don’t have anything further to share at this time."
Microsoft may break its silence soon, as the company is believed to officially announce the Xbox 720 during an Apple-style media briefing in March, perhaps in conjunction with the 2013 Game Developers Conference. Competitor Sony is believed to beat Microsoft to the punch and will announce the PlayStation 4 during a New York City "PlayStation Meeting" briefing on February 20.
Releasing a Demo Can Hurt Game Sales, Says Analyst
Games without demos sell better than games with demos. That’s the message delivered by Puzzle Clubhouse CEO and analyst Jesse Schell at a DICE keynote this year. Citing data from the video game research and consulting company EEDAR, Schell said that Xbox 360 games without a demo or a trailer sold less than 100,000 units on average. Meanwhile, those with just a demo sold around 200,000 and those with both a demo and a trailer averaged around 250,000. However, those with only a trailer averaged over 500,000. "You mean we spent all this money making a demo and getting it out there, and it cut our sales in half?" said Schell, imitating a concerned publisher. "Yes, that's exactly what happened to you." "People see the trailer and they're like 'that's cool!' and they made a plan. 'I gotta try that game!'" said Schell. "And then when they play the demo [and they think] 'alright I've tried that game. That was cool. I'm done.' But the things with no demo, you've got to buy it if you want to try it."
It’s an interesting report, one perhaps skewed by factors like marketing budgets and brand cache. A game like Call of Duty, for example, doesn’t really need a demo because those that intend to buy it have likely made up their minds long before release. Meanwhile, for more niche prospects, demos can be a vital tool in letting potential consumers know that they may not have heard of a game, but they may well enjoy it.
http://www.xbox360achievements.org/n...s-Analyst.html
I had seen similar math earlier. I guess it breaks down to demos don't convince people to buy games they weren't going to buy very often but they do convince people who might have bought the game to take a pass.
gamespot link
By Martin Gaston February 13, 2013 8:36AM PST
Did Aliens: Colonial Marines suffer because of Borderlands?
Industry source tells GameSpot that Sega was "very concerned" Gearbox wasn't investing enough effort into critically panned title.
The six-year saga of Aliens: Colonial Marines is reported to have strained the relationship between headline developer Gearbox and publisher Sega over a dispute that Gearbox was focusing too heavily on its Borderlands series.
Talking to GameSpot, one industry source close to Sega said the publisher became increasingly concerned about Gearbox's commitment to the oft-delayed title.
"Sega was very concerned that the bulk of Gearbox's resources/manpower was being spent on Borderlands and that they weren't investing the effort in Colonial Marines that they should have been," said our source, "hence it being repeatedly delayed."
"Obviously, judging from the end result, that issue was never resolved," they added.
Aliens: Colonial Marines received a 4.5 in its GameSpot review. Last year's Borderlands 2, on the other hand, was awarded an 8.5. Aliens: Colonial Marines was announced in December 2006 and was subjected to multiple delays before its eventual release yesterday. Borderlands 2 was announced in August 2011 and shipped in September 2012.
Friction between Sega and Gearbox--and the looming threat of legal action--is also mentioned in a Reddit thread titled "A lot of you are (rightfully) upset at the final product that is A:CM. Maybe I can shed some light as to how it got the way it is."
The anonymous poster, who said they couldn't speak publicly through fear of breaking NDAs but claims to have worked on the game for a year and a half, mentioned that Sega wasn't pleased about the game's delays but kept the project going and allowed Gearbox to outsource development of portions of the game.
"[Gearbox] outsourced a good portion of the game to outside companies," said the poster. "Initially, the plan was for TimeGate to take the majority of campaign, [Gearbox] would take MP, Demiurge and Nerve would handle DLC and various other focused tasks. This decision was made mostly so that most of the developers at [Gearbox] could continue working on Borderlands 2, while a small group of [level designers], coders and designers dealt with Pecan."
Pecan was allegedly Gearbox's internal codename for Aliens: Colonial Marines.
"Somehow the schedules for Pecan and Borderlands 2 managed to line up and [Gearbox] realized that there was no f**king way they could cert and ship two titles at the same time," added the poster. "Additionally, campaign (which was being developed by TimeGate) was extremely far behind, even as Pecan's Beta deadline got closer and closer. In April or May (can't remember which), Pecan was supposed to hit beta, but [Gearbox] instead came to an agreement with SEGA that they would push the release date back one more time, buying [Gearbox] around 9 mos extension."
Gearbox formally announced the delay, and that Aliens: Colonial Marines would eventually ship in 2013, on May 21, 2012.
"About 5 of those 9 months went to shipping BL2," added the poster, "In that time, TimeGate managed to scrap together 85% of the campaign, but once Borderlands 2 shipped and [Gearbox] turned its attention to Pecan, it became pretty apparent that what had been made was in a pretty horrid state."
"Considering that SEGA was pretty close to taking legal action against [Gearbox], asking for an extension wasn't an option, and so Pecan crash-landed through certification and shipping. Features that were planned were oversimplified, or shoved in (a good example of this are challenges, which are in an incredibly illogical order). Issues that didn't cause 100% blockers were generally ignored, with the exception of absolutely horrible problems."
"This isn't because [Gearbox] didn't care, mind you. At a certain point, they couldn't risk changing ANYTHING that might cause them to fail certification or break some other system. And so, the product you see is what you get."
Another alleged ex-developer also said that the game's development was a "total train wreck" and that TimeGate Studios handled the campaign. Sega senior producer Matthew J. Powers has hit back, speaking about Aliens: Colonial Marines at the Italian launch event (via DSOG). "Absolutely not, the game has been developed by Gearbox Software. Other studios helped Gearbox on the production of single and multiplayer."
How much of the game was actually made by Gearbox is still being questioned, however. Over on the TimeGate Studios forums, moderator Rossinna-Sama posted that about 50 percent of the campaign was made by TimeGate. "I thought TG worked on the MP component, but I was wrong. Messaged a few people in TG and found out that TG basically had a hand in everything."
"They are responsible for the weapons, the characters, some of the story, a fair amount of the aliens, and I don't mean conceptualization, they did the actual work of making said weapons and so on."
"This said, the game underwent a lot of changes so [TimeGate Studios] doesn't actually know how much of their content is left. Some had the estimate that 50% of what you see in the campaign is their work, others wanted to see for themselves and would get back to me after playing the game themselves."
Sega did not respond to a request for comment.
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch February 13, 2013 10:30AM PST
Layoffs at Valve - Report
[UPDATE] Half-Life house reportedly lays off as many as 25 developers as part of "large decisions" about company's future; director of business Jason Holtman also out.
The original story follows below
Half-Life and Counter-Strike developer Valve Software has enacted a round of layoffs as the company contemplates "large decisions" about its future, Gamasutra reports today.
This follows news that Valve hardware engineer Jeri Ellsworth was fired earlier this week.
An exact layoff headcount was not divulged, though the site has heard descriptions of the event as a "great cleansing" and "large decisions." As many as 25 staffers may have been let go, though this is not confirmed.
The layoffs reportedly affected more than one department, coming from the company's hardware and Android development teams. Valve has yet to comment on the rumor.
Speaking last month at the University of Texas, Valve founder Gabe Newell discussed the company's "sink or swim" culture and said it needed to be "aggressive" about firing people.
Et tu, Valve?
God killed nearly 2.5 million people in the bible. Gabe sacking 25 is nothing. He will still be revered as the true man of this world.
If the demo is indicative of the final product, and it's cutting sales, it is a bad game, and it didn't deserve the sale in the first place.
What a pathetic outlook Jesse Schell has. "Let's make a shit product, but we'll have a really awesome trailer, so people will want it. When they finally play it, the joke will be on them!"
Maybe if they put more effort into making a quality game, and made a demo which represents that game accurately, they would see a positive correlation between demo downloads and sales.
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch March 6, 2013 9:11AM PST
Miyamoto: ‘strange’ not to think about retirement
Mario, Zelda creator will turn 61 this year, is taking steps to prepare Nintendo for a future without him.
Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of famed franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong, has no intentions of immediately retiring, but has taken measured steps to make sure Nintendo is prepared for the day he no longer works at the Japanese game giant.
“This year I’m past 60; I’m going to be turning 61 this year. So for me to not be thinking about retirement would be strange,” Miyamoto told GameSpot today. “But in fact, the number of projects I’m involved in--and the volume of my work--hasn’t changed at all."
“Instead, what we’re doing internally is, on the assumption that there may someday be a time when I’m no longer there, and in order for the company to prepare for that, what I’m doing is pretending like I’m not working on half the projects that I would normally be working on to try to get the younger staff to be more involved,” he added.
This initiative is not directly related to Miyamoto’s retirement, he said, but is rather aimed at adjusting organizational structure at Nintendo.
“And this actually has nothing to do with any kind of retirement planning or anything of that sort, it’s really more of simply the fact that people have a tendency, certainly when you’re in an organizational structure, they have a tendency to always look to the person that gives them direction," Miyamoto said. "And really, for a long time I’ve been thinking that we need to try to break that structure down so that the individual producers that I’m working with are really taking responsibility for the projects that they’re working on.”
As a result, Miyamoto said he would rather have his producers focus on pleasing the consumer and not him.
“And as I like to say, I try to duck out of the way, so that instead of them looking at me, they’re looking at the consumer and trying to develop their games with the consumer in mind rather than me in mind. So it’s really more of looking at this as sort of an opportunity to really try to help develop them and bring them up.”
By Eddie Makuch March 5, 2013 8:46AM PST
Japanese PS Vita sales quadruple since price cut
After price cut in island nation, sales of portable device jump by factor of four.
The recent PlayStation Vita price cut in Japan has proven popular. GameWatch reports (translated by Gematsu) that Sony Computer Entertainment Japan president Hiroshi Kawano revealed sales of the portable have jumped by a factor of four since the price cut went into effect February 28.
Speaking as part of a One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 presentation, Kawano said PS Vita sales have quadrupled in the past week, compared to the two-week window before the price cut.
Sony cut the price of both PS Vita models in Japan to Ą19,980 ($214).
Gamers should not expect the price cut to be extended to other markets anytime soon. Sony Worldwide Studios' president said last month that Sony has no plans for a similar price drop in North America. Decisions about price drops are made on a region-by-region basis, he said at the time.
ign link
by Lauren Hockenson March 5, 2013
RetroN 4 Console Plays SNES and Other Classics Over HDMI
The system will be revealed later this month.
There's really nothing sadder than having shelf full of old-school cartridges and no reliable system to play them. And, when more than one system is unusable, the number of old, unloved games on your shelf can reach orders of magnitude in size.
image of RetroN 3
Hyperkin, the peripherals distributor with an unlicensed retro console development streak, will reveal its newest old school mash-up, the RetroN 4, at the Midwest Gaming Classic on March 23. The successor to the 2010 NES/SNES/Genesis frankenconsole RetroN 3, Hyperkin's newest system supports those three classic systems with the addition of the Gameboy Advance. In addition to promising enjoyable play from both NTSC and PAL video standard cartridges, the console's HDMI connections mean you can finally marry your old games with modern TVs that have since abandoned standard composite cables.
In addition to a boosted display, the system features 6 controller ports (two for each platform) as well as a wireless Bluetooth controller to use on any game. The console also comes with a "Perdana" digital user interface that enables players to recode button assignments, toggle between systems and access other extra features.
As of now, there is no set release date or price, but more details are bound to come in a few weeks. This is the first new, unlicensed console from Hyperkin since last year's portable GBA/SNES venture, the Superboy.
Last edited by The Rick; March 6th, 2013 at 1:38 PM.
ign link
by Luke Karmali March 5, 2013
Journey Sequel Unlikely
"We don't want to mess with that so I would imagine there would be no Journey 2."
Despite overwhelming success at tonight's BAFTA Game Awards, one of the creators of Journey has stated that a sequel to the game is unlikely.
The game's executive producer Robin Hunicke told IGN that, due to thatgamecompany splintering following the completion of the high-acclaimed title, no one was particularly keen to see a follow-up.
"I think we all put a lot of heart and soul into Journey, so we'd like to leave it where it is," she explained. "It's pretty much perfect the way it is, we don't want to mess with that so I would imagine there would be no Journey 2."
This isn't too surprising considering the current state of thatgamecompany; the company's co-founder Jenova Chen recently reflected on the fact that the studio was no longer exclusively tied to Sony and how many of it's employees had now moved on to unannounced projects. To get the full story, check out our interview with Jenova Chen from DICE.
gamespot link
By Eddie Makuch March 7, 2013 7:14AM PST
Take-Two: New GTA every two years would degrade series value
COO Karl Slatoff says it "doesn't make sense" to release new entry in open-world action series biennially.
Take-Two Interactive has explained why it does not release a new Grand Theft Auto game every two years. Speaking during the Wedbush Transformational Technologies Conference this week, chief operating officer Karl Slatoff explained doing so would degrade the franchise's value.
"Often times people ask us 'Why don't you come out with Grand Theft Auto every two years?' To us, that doesn't make sense, because Grand Theft Auto, every single time it comes out, is a brand new experience. You can't possibly do that in two years. And if we did that, our product would fatigue and the franchise would degrade from a value perspective."
Slatoff's comments match up with Rockstar North developer Leslie Benzies, who said in November that the company could develop a new GTA title every year, but won't.
"We could easily have churned out a new version year after year without really progressing as a franchise, but if we did that, eventually the fans would lose interest," he said at the time.
Grand Theft Auto V is due out on September 17 across the world. Slatoff reiterated that this game will feature a world larger than Grand Theft Auto IV, Red Dead Redemption, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas combined.
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