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Microsoft Gain In Console Sales

gamefan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:35:09 -0500

In the latest gaming sales reports, Nintendo stays in pole position by selling 453,000 Wiis in the last month, still a decline from the previous month's showing of 608,400.

What's somewhat surprising is that the Xbox 360 moves into second position by leapfrogging the Playstation 3 that it had been lagging behind for the past 3 months. The lead is narrow at 195,000 to 188,000 but is probably triggered by Microsoft announcing a price cut.

In terms of games, Electronics Arts' Madden 09 easily took the first 3 positions (across platforms). Looks like the Brett Favre cover paid off. Nintendo Wii Fit and Mario Kart performed commendably whereas Microsoft's Too Human disappointed with only 168,200 units though the game took years of development.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Breaks Download Records

gamefan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:26:05 -0500

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is one of the most awaited games in the world of video games. Demos have been available for download on Xbox Live and the Playstation Network since August 21. So far the demo has been downloaded 2.3 million times. On the XBox alone it was downloaded over a million times in just 8 days.

The game revolves around playing the secret apprentice of Darth Vader in a storyline set between the two series of movies. The game should be available on all major computing platforms of Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft including the handheld variations.

The games should be available starting September 16 in North America. May the force be with you.

Controversial Video Game Glamorises Killing Muslims

gamefan — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:32:41 -0500

Muslim Massacre, which can be downloaded freely on the Internet, is a game centred around an American soldier carrying a machine gun. He roams the virtual world killing Muslims dressed as terrorists and civilians. If he is successful, he has a final showdown with Osama Bin Laden.

The game is created by a freelancer in Australia who regards the game as just a bit of fun with no serious meaning.

Muslim interest groups are predictably not amused. They have fairly pointed out that a similar game based on Muslims killing Jews would be roundly condemned. They have called for ISPs to proactively block the game and limit the propagation of stereotypes about Muslims.

Forums around the world are split between accepting the game as harmless fun and criticizing it for being utterly tasteless.

Apple Ready to Dominate Video Games

gamefan — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:27:57 -0500

Apple is confident that the iPod Touch and iPhone are ready to contest the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP as the mobile gaming platform of choice. It is ready to bring out recognized gaming titles such as Need for Speed to its platform.

700 of the 3000 apps available on iTunes are video games. This means Apple has revolutionized the game distribution model. It takes a margin of 30% on all content distributed online and this gives it superior margins to its gaming competitors. Apple is also different from the competitors in that it doesn't sell its hardware at a loss.

Perhaps Sony is more worried than Nintendo. After all, the PSP sees itself as the complete multimedia experience. So do Apple's products but they have the edge in sleekness and consumer recognition.

Gaming Industry Relies on Sequels

gamefan — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:18:56 -0500

As competition between the video gaming icons heats up, there is increasing emphasis on sequels rather than original content.

The most awaited games for October are the latest incarnations of the two main interactive music games: Guitar Hero and Rock Band. They will be available on all platforms and will continue to attempt to outdo each other with innovative methods of cranking music and facilitating online gameplay.

The Playstation 3 and XBox 360 will be brining new versions of their flagship shooters our way with "Gears of War 2" and "Resistance 2".

The most anticipated sports simulator is NHL 09, the latest in a string of many NHL games.

Nintendo DS fans can prepare themselves for sequels of the popular Harvest Moon and Viva Pinata series.

Sting to Star in Guitar Hero

gamefan — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:07:29 -0500

Multi Grammy winning singer Sting is all set to make his video game debut in the new Guitar Hero World Tour. He will be adding both his voice and likeness to the game. Players can choose to adopt his persona for their vocal career or play alongside him.

Popular alternative metal band Tool will also be making an appearance in the new game. The group is particularly known for its visual arts styles and thus one of the new venues in the game will be modeled after designs from their videos.

Also generating excitement is the prospect of the Battle of the Bands mode that will allow 8 people to go head to head against each other for the first time. Watch out for a sleekly re-designed guitar and drums as well as nifty tools to compose, edit and share music.

Microsoft XBox Undercuts Wii price

gamefan — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:09:00 -0500

Given that XBox 360 sales have been lagging those of rivals Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft made the not so surprising decision to cut prices in the United States and Japan regions. It hopes to trigger enough increase in demand and software consumption to compete better with its rivals.

A basic XBox 360 is now available for under $200. Microsoft has been hinting at such a price reduction for some time. This means the XBox 360 can now be obtained at about half the price as a Playstation 3 which is considered a similar next generation machine.

Undercutting the price of the Wii may give it a psychological edge as the next generation machine with the lowest price tag. There have been no announcements at this point of a similar price cut in Europe.

Japanese PSP Gets Online Goodies Plus More

gamefan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:28:47 -0500

Sony has used its recent conference to unveil oodles of new features for the PlayStation Portable.

Sony is all set to launch the PSPS 3000 series in October retailing at the same price as the 2000 series with similar variations. What's exciting PSP owners is the chance to access the online store directly from their gaming devices. This will promote the direct download of games and demos.

Sony has also announced ad-hoc networking through the Playstation 3 courtesy PSPs. This has massive potential for several value added services such as matchmaking and text chat.

Sony also took advantage of the opportunity to unveil some telling statistics: only 16 percent of PSP owners use it exclusively for gaming. About 70 percent use it as a music device and many use it for video and photo sharing as well as web browsing.

Electronic Arts Banks on Spore

gamefan — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:20:13 -0500

Video game developer Electronic Arts is hoping the release of Spore will reverse its flagging fortunes. The company has currently been running losses over the past six quarters due to the lack of original output.

In theory, Spore is ideally placed to do just that. The game introduces a novel concept: allowing players to devise entire galaxies and races from the building blocks of life. It incorporates stunning graphics and elements of social networking that promise to keep players engrossed for hours.

Electronic Arts has a history of making hits out of such games. It is responsible for the iconic Sims series that require similar skills of planning and implementation. Analysts estimate that Electronic Arts is spending 75 million dollars on developing and promoting the game.

The one concern of the company is that the idea of game about the far reaches of outer space may scare some people off. It better not since Electronic Arts is hoping for 2 million sales by year end.

Libraries Attract Kids With Video Games

gamefan — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:06:09 -0500

The Central Mississippi Regional Library has found a way to bring kids closer to reading: stock public libraries with the Nintendo Wii. The Wiis are currently available on a rotational basis to different branches. Each branch can expect to have it for a day or two a month but don't be surprised if the frequency gets bumped up.

Library representatives say they are responding to the demands of the modern era: the way to bring kids to libraries is to stock them with things that kids want to do. If they end up flipping through a book or two between gamins sessions, it's a bonus.

The scheme is already paying dividends. Kids are more enthusiastic about volunteering at libraries. Kids who play football games are encouraged to look at books about football. Some kids enthusiastically point out the spiritual connection between books and video games: they elevate the consumer to another plane of imagination.

Controversial Game Re-Creates 9/11

gamefan — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:53:47 -0500

Digital artist Douglas Stanley has found a way to blend archaic gameplay with modern day catastrophe.

His game is called Invaders! and is based on the classical Space Invaders. In keeping with the tastes of the Wii generation, the game involves extravagant motion control. Swinging your arms allows you to unleash a volley of bullets on screen.

But not matter how sharp a shooter you are, the game design ensures that swarms of aliens continue to descend and force the Twin Towers to crumble. The game is designed to elicit emotions out of players but some have understandably found it tasteless. Art imitates life?

Best Selling Video Games of 2008 (So far)

gamefan — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:14:19 -0500

Video game distributors and fans alike are interested in knowing what the most popular games around are. The latest numbers indicate a clear lead in 2008 for Grand Theft Auto IV followed by a smattering of Nintendo exclusives.

GTA IV has sold over 6 million units. Negative press over the indifference to violence and sexuality notwithstanding, the game continues to sell like hot cakes on all platforms and is being hailed as the best game ever.

Nintendo's relatively innocuous Super Smash Bros Brawl is a distant second with sales of over 5 million. Next is Mario Kart for the Wii, a casual racing game. Wii Fit is next proving that interactive and casual games have large appeal in the current industry.

The top 5 is rounded up by the game that lets you jam in your living room complete with replica guitar: Guitar Hero III. Between them these 3 games have sold over 20 million in just the three main territories: US, UK and Japan.

Bioshock coming to Playstation 3

gamefan — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:36:50 -0500

You've already seen how amazing this game can be on XBox 360 and PC. It's now ready for the much awaited launch on the Playstation 3 platform. The game developer has confirmed that October 21 is the official launch date.

Will the PS 3 version offer something new. Well, the additional content that could be downloaded for other versions comes as a standard part of the PS3 package. Also look out for the "Challenge Room" where especially avid players can flex their gaming fingers beyond the standard plot.

The game was originally meant to be released last year. But it looks like it may have been worth the wait. Sounds like the game might be right up there with GTA IV and be a major contributing factor to Sony's resurgence this year.

Need For Speed Game Includes Actress Maggie Q in Cut-Scenes

gamefan — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:53:43 -0500

The much awaited latest game in the revered Need For Speed Game is almost here. Get ready to rev up to Need for Speed: Undercover on all gaming platforms this coming November.

This game will involve going undercover to inflitrate a gang of underground criminals, though it's not clear at this point how they fit into the theme of racing around urban obstacles.

The game is drawing much buzz over the inclusion of Maggie Q in the many live action cinematic sequences designed to provide a break from non-stop button mashing. Maggie Q is of Die Hard and Mission Impossible fame and plays agent Chase Linh in the game. Can we expect more Hollywood starlets to be queuing up to feature in video games?

Olympic Video Games Disappoint

gamefan — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:06:19 -0500

Every four years, as the world's greatest athletes converge, video game publishers follow them with an Olympics simulation. Unfortunately the latest incarnation, Beijing 2008 available on PC, XBox 360 and Playstation 3 offers little in the way of originality and longevity.

The 2008 video game cover girl Amanda Beard fondly recalls the first Olympics game she played on the vintage Nintendo Entertainment System. She recalls the novelty of using the Power Pad and competing with friends and family as a child. Unfortunately, she feels the genre has evolved little since then. Even a video game fan like Michael Phelps has been unable to find something positive to say about the current game.

The main criticism seems to be that the game involves little skill and focuses on tedious button mashing. So while gamers want to experience the thrill of simulated endurance sports, they were hoping there was more to it than just testing the endurance of their thumbs.

In fact, an earlier game on the Nintendo Wii called Mario and Sonic at the Olympics has drawn better reviews for its innovative use of the Wiimote to involve the player in the action. But the more recent attempts at Olympics-themed games suggest the genre really needs a shot in the arm or maybe deserves to be skipped when 2012 rolls around.

Godfather 2 Video Game Coming Soon, Introducing "Don's View"

gamefan — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:37:13 -0500

Video gaming icon Electronic Arts has confirmed the release of the much awaited Godfather 2 video game. It is due in February for the Playstation 3, XBox 360 and PC platforms. The game promises open world action a la Grand Theft Auto and bird's eye strategy.

The game features an original story based on the movie characters. Events unfold in the 1960s as the game players travel through Florida, Cuba and New York.

So far, so good. But Electronic Arts is banking on introducing an original element in the game. It has been termed "The Don's View" and allows players to observe the entire world from a distance as they grow the family business.

Electronics Arts believes this feature will revolutionize the gaming industry. It promises plenty of background action even while you are focused on your own life of drama and crime. Sounds like an offer none of us can refuse.

Star Trek Online Beams You into a Virtual World

gamefan — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:21:39 -0500

Given the abundance of Trekkies hooked to computer screens, it was inevitable: Star Trek Online is set to be the next massively multiplayer online gaming experience.

The development of the virtual world based on the science fiction franchise is being handled by Cryptic Studios. Players can commence their virtual voyage as the captain of a small Starfleet. They then proceed to customize characters either as recognized Star Trek species or as brand new races. Exploration and scientific discovery remain central to the experience.

Game designers describe it as a "galactic-wide" game. They expect users to beam down to planets and experience infinite varieties of adventures. Debut footage from the game will be shown at the Star Trek Convention coming up in Las Vegas

Sony Ready to Outsource Video Game Development to India

gamefan — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:06:56 -0500

The Wii is cheaper than the Playstation and the XBox keeps getting cheaper. But Sony does not fear the price cutting strategies of its rivals. It has taken Friedman's "The World is Flat" to heart and plans to outsource its video game development projects to India for massive price savings.

Game development currently requires heavy investment. Developing a game could take about 18 months and require 3-5 million dollars for the Playstation 2 and 20-30 million dollars for the Playstation 3.

Sony has set the wheels in motion by transferring technology for game development from its London studio to India and training local developers. Future plans include setting up a brand new facility for this purpose. Sony is keen to leverage its position in India to offer the facilities to multi-format game developers for additional revenue opportunities.

Sony is particularly keen to develop content for the Indian market. Racing, action, sports and casual gaming are believed to be potentially lucrative genres among Indian consumers.

Perhaps the world famous Indian Institutes of Technology should be working on a curriculum for gaming development. When the market values in at $43 billion, no one can afford to ignore it.

Sony Ericsson Brings Console Gaming to Mobiles

gamefan — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:45:43 -0500

Sony Ericsson will be the first to market in an exclusive deal that will be bringing the console video gaming experience to a handset near you.

Across the Netherlands from August to October, purchasers of the Sony Ericsson W760i Walkman will be receiving a complimentary Zeemote JS1 controller. Zeemote specializes in the production of intelligent wireless controllers. The deal includes two embedded game and fourteen available for download.

The innovative control works off Bluetooth, includes an analog thumb stick and four assignable control buttons. It weighs 47 g and apparently is a snug fit in the hand.

So now there's more reason to buy Sony Ericsson's latest gadget beyond the 3G, 3.2 megapixel camera and GPS functions. It's too early to tell if the Nintendo DS and PSP are threatened as the mainstays of mobile gaming but other competitors in the mobile arena will be waiting to gauge the success of Sony Ericsson before developing a response strategy.

Grand Theft Auto Proves That Crime Pays

gamefan — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 10:45:41 -0500

The Grand Theft Auto franchise may have drawn criticism for its glorification of everything from street crime to car theft to prostitution. But it continues to draw accolades in the universe of video gaming. The latest feather in its cap is a nomination for an Edge award at the Edinburgh International Entertainment Festival.

The nomination is specifically for the latest instalment of the franchise: Grand Theft Auto IV released on XBox 360 and Playstation 3 earlier this year. This game has already made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records for maximum revenues accumulated within 24 hours of release. Within its first day, the game sold 3.6 million copies and garnered 150 million pounds.

Grand Theft Auto will be up against the likes of the revolutionary Wii Fit and first person shooter Halo. But it would be no surprise if it wins the award given that it is widely being hailed as the best video game ever.