Nintendo DS Lite - Latest News & Information
Evil spreads, one hope remains - the Prince of Persia launch trailer
An ancient evil is unleashed, and all hope rests upon the shoulders of one mysterious warrior. Again. Sounds clich , but at least Ubisoft makes it looks cool. Prince of Persia(PS3, Xbox 360, PC, DS) sees a thousand-year evil spread, and it's up to you to stop them.
It's classic light vs. dark action, with all the wall-running and boss-slaying. Another great title under Ubisoft's already impressive CV.
Related articles:
Buy: Prince of Persia [(Xbox 360), (PS3), (PC)]
An ancient evil is unleashed, and all hope rests upon the shoulders of one mysterious warrior. Again. Sounds clich , but at least Ubisoft makes it looks cool. Prince of Persia(PS3, Xbox 360, PC, DS) sees a thousand-year evil spread, and it's up to you to stop them.
It's classic light vs. dark action, with all the wall-running and boss-slaying. Another great title under Ubisoft's already impressive CV.
Related articles:
Buy: Prince of Persia [(Xbox 360), (PS3), (PC)]
Forget the countdown: Bahamut game from Square Enix revealed
Square Enix's marketing department doesn't seem to know the meaning of "suspense."
They currently have a countdown running down to what is is supposedly an unannounced Bahamut game. They went ahead and announced the game anyway without waiting for the clock. They even provided the title, platform, screenshots, and even some game details. These were revealed in the latest issue of the Japanese mag, Shonen Jump.
The game is titled Blood of Bahamut, and - shock! - will be released on the Nintendo DS. Square Enix seems to be infatuated with the handheld lately. Anyway, judging from the single solitary gameplay screen from the scans, the game does look like a Shadow of the Colossus-type game, Square Enix style.
Here are some details from the mag, followed by the scans:
Square Enix's marketing department doesn't seem to know the meaning of "suspense."
They currently have a countdown running down to what is is supposedly an unannounced Bahamut game. They went ahead and announced the game anyway without waiting for the clock. They even provided the title, platform, screenshots, and even some game details. These were revealed in the latest issue of the Japanese mag, Shonen Jump.
The game is titled Blood of Bahamut, and - shock! - will be released on the Nintendo DS. Square Enix seems to be infatuated with the handheld lately. Anyway, judging from the single solitary gameplay screen from the scans, the game does look like a Shadow of the Colossus-type game, Square Enix style.
Here are some details from the mag, followed by the scans:
- The game will feature two protagonists Ibuki and Yui.
- They live in a fortified city built on the back of a giant.
- The giant will wake up during an enemy attack, our heroes must fight and defend their city.
- Cooperative multiplayer mode for up to four players locally available.
- The game will be presented at Jump Festa expo in Japan at the end of the year.
T2: Grand Theft Auto IV DLC and Chinatown Wars delayed
Looks like it'll be a Grand Theft Auto-less holiday season. Santa must have been reindeer-jacked.
According to Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, both the Xbox 360-exclusive Grand Theft Auto IV DLC and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for the DS have been delayed. Says Zelnick:
We might not see it until Spring of 2009. Chinatown Wars, on the other hand, is now promised to be released in the first of the fiscal year, which translates to April of next year.
It'll be interesting to see how this will go down. If you guys have been following news on the Houser brothers, the creative think tank behind the GTA franchise, you'd know that their contract expires this February. If both games will be released after their contract expires, does this mean suggest that they will renew their contract with T2 after all?
Why you should still love Rockstar anyway:
Looks like it'll be a Grand Theft Auto-less holiday season. Santa must have been reindeer-jacked.According to Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, both the Xbox 360-exclusive Grand Theft Auto IV DLC and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for the DS have been delayed. Says Zelnick:
[The GTA IV DLC is] close to being complete. That said, it may move into the second quarter. Downloadable content is a big undertaking. It is important to be really special.
We might not see it until Spring of 2009. Chinatown Wars, on the other hand, is now promised to be released in the first of the fiscal year, which translates to April of next year.
It'll be interesting to see how this will go down. If you guys have been following news on the Houser brothers, the creative think tank behind the GTA franchise, you'd know that their contract expires this February. If both games will be released after their contract expires, does this mean suggest that they will renew their contract with T2 after all?
Why you should still love Rockstar anyway:
DS Homebrew - SunOL v0.3 final
SunOL is an "Offline List" for your DS, wherein you can view all the official releases for the Nintendo handheld. This homebrew app is in its final version at 0.3, and is created by SunDEV.
Basically, it provides basic information for the games on the list, as well as the logo, boxart and a screenshot. All of the informatin are stored on the memcard and can be updated through wifi.
Here's the changelog:
New :
Download: SunOL v0.3 final
SunOL is an "Offline List" for your DS, wherein you can view all the official releases for the Nintendo handheld. This homebrew app is in its final version at 0.3, and is created by SunDEV.Basically, it provides basic information for the games on the list, as well as the logo, boxart and a screenshot. All of the informatin are stored on the memcard and can be updated through wifi.
Here's the changelog:
New :
- Add a theme selector (this version is published with 3 themes by 59HXC)
- Add a bookmark feature
- Add some other features
- moved skin.ini to theme.ini (this file is different)
- Engine fully rebuilt more efficient
- the rebootlib is downgraded to the older one (SunOL will now work on R4&co)
Download: SunOL v0.3 final
DS Homebrew - DS-Me Beta 1
We'll keep this one short. The DS-Me Beta 1 is an operating system for the Nintendo DS being developed by Plata and Mikau. The translation of the original Spanish text is wonky, to say the least, but what we do know is that it is "optimized to use a minimum of resources."
Obviously, that is in no way sufficient, so we'll just leave the original text to you guys, and hopefully, one of you can figure it out for us. Thanks much and good luck!
Para cuando podre hacer todo esto?
Version estable:
Download: DS-Me Beta 1
We'll keep this one short. The DS-Me Beta 1 is an operating system for the Nintendo DS being developed by Plata and Mikau. The translation of the original Spanish text is wonky, to say the least, but what we do know is that it is "optimized to use a minimum of resources."Obviously, that is in no way sufficient, so we'll just leave the original text to you guys, and hopefully, one of you can figure it out for us. Thanks much and good luck!
Para cuando podre hacer todo esto?
- En la primera o segunda version estable se espera tener todo incluido, solo un poco de paciencia...
- Beta 1: - Muestra del interprete actuando, posivilidad de eventos activada. Funcion de ventanas, botones y textos. No adaptada al usuario.
Version estable:
- Explorador fat
- Interprete a mayor nivel
- Pila para id de las ventanas
- Adaptacion al usuario
Download: DS-Me Beta 1
Analysts: World at War could sell 5.5 million copies, decline from Modern Warfare
Doug Creutz with Cowen and Company believe, through their research note that Call of Duty: World at War (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS) will sell 5.5 million copies during its lifetime in the US. Good news or bad? Apparently, this is a 32.4 year-on-year decline from Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare (PS3, Xbox 360, PC). In 2007, Modern Warfare sold over 7 million units worldwide and earned a formidable 88 rating on Metacritic.
Despite having big shoes to fill, World at War will have a lot to be glad about. "Given the strong ratings and demand indicators, we think World at War could deliver meaningful upside to our current statements," Creutz added. "Our independent channel checks confirm high demand for the game." In fact, World at War was tied with Guitar Hero: World Tour at #1 for "most likely to purchase title this holiday season."
If you wanna help the figures improve for World at War, why not try the buy links below?
Related articles:
Buy: [Call of Duty: World at War (Xbox 360, PS3)]
Buy: [Call of Duty: World at War (Wii, DS)]
Doug Creutz with Cowen and Company believe, through their research note that Call of Duty: World at War (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS) will sell 5.5 million copies during its lifetime in the US. Good news or bad? Apparently, this is a 32.4 year-on-year decline from Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare (PS3, Xbox 360, PC). In 2007, Modern Warfare sold over 7 million units worldwide and earned a formidable 88 rating on Metacritic.
Despite having big shoes to fill, World at War will have a lot to be glad about. "Given the strong ratings and demand indicators, we think World at War could deliver meaningful upside to our current statements," Creutz added. "Our independent channel checks confirm high demand for the game." In fact, World at War was tied with Guitar Hero: World Tour at #1 for "most likely to purchase title this holiday season."
If you wanna help the figures improve for World at War, why not try the buy links below?
Related articles:
Buy: [Call of Duty: World at War (Xbox 360, PS3)]
Buy: [Call of Duty: World at War (Wii, DS)]
Ubisoft launches TV ads attack this holiday season
Ubisoft is heading to the boobtube for this Christmas. Launching a series of TV ads, their aim is to make their products more prominent for the holiday consumers. Says Jon Rosenblatt, Ubisoft's UK marketing director, "From now until Christmas we are targeting various different demographics."
For example, the new Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party game is backed with a 1 million worth of TV ads, slated to run in ITV1's popular family shows The X Factor and Harry Hill's TV Burp. Aside from that, they're also launching a TV campaign on November 14th for the range of Imagine games for tween girls. The ads will be featuring Holly Willoughby and Fearned cotton, and will be promoting in particular the Imagine Dream Weddings game.
Backing up this barrage of TV ads from Ubisoft is the National Schools Partnership. Meanwhile The Planet Rescue range for the DS and the Wii is being promoted on TV as well, and carries and educational 'I Love My Planet' educational pack for teachers and students alike. The game franchise teaches kids to learn about the environment and endangered animals.
See, Ubisoft is not just about making money. They're inserting some kind of corporate responsibility in their marketing strategies as well. Rosenblatt notes, "It is more about more than just getting our brand on TV."
Ubisoft is heading to the boobtube for this Christmas. Launching a series of TV ads, their aim is to make their products more prominent for the holiday consumers. Says Jon Rosenblatt, Ubisoft's UK marketing director, "From now until Christmas we are targeting various different demographics."For example, the new Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party game is backed with a 1 million worth of TV ads, slated to run in ITV1's popular family shows The X Factor and Harry Hill's TV Burp. Aside from that, they're also launching a TV campaign on November 14th for the range of Imagine games for tween girls. The ads will be featuring Holly Willoughby and Fearned cotton, and will be promoting in particular the Imagine Dream Weddings game.
Backing up this barrage of TV ads from Ubisoft is the National Schools Partnership. Meanwhile The Planet Rescue range for the DS and the Wii is being promoted on TV as well, and carries and educational 'I Love My Planet' educational pack for teachers and students alike. The game franchise teaches kids to learn about the environment and endangered animals.
See, Ubisoft is not just about making money. They're inserting some kind of corporate responsibility in their marketing strategies as well. Rosenblatt notes, "It is more about more than just getting our brand on TV."
Weekend QJ is back with a vengeance!
The more astute among you have no doubt noticed that QJ's weekend coverage over the past couple of months has been... light. This was a problem brought on by a lack of manwidth, a problem that's thankfully been put behind us. Simply put, we're resuming our weekend coverage starting this Friday, it's good to be back, and yes, we missed you too!
See ya this weekend!
The more astute among you have no doubt noticed that QJ's weekend coverage over the past couple of months has been... light. This was a problem brought on by a lack of manwidth, a problem that's thankfully been put behind us. Simply put, we're resuming our weekend coverage starting this Friday, it's good to be back, and yes, we missed you too! See ya this weekend!
ESRB adds summaries to ratings
Just in case parents don't understand what "Adults Only, 18 " means, the ESRB has helpfully decided to add "ratings summaries" to the existing ratings system.
According to the ESRB, their research shows that parents do regularly check a game's rating before buying it for their children.
Despite this, many under-aged gamers are still getting their hands on games better left for older, less impressionable minds. Naturally, the ESRB concludes that parents just don't quite understand exactly what the ratings mean.
To remedy this, "new rating summaries, which provide exclusive and unprecedented insight into the nature of the content that triggered a given rating assignment," will be added in addition to the existing ratings info. The summaries will be searchable via their website.
If you detect an undertone of sarcasm in this article, I do apologize. It's easy for me to criticize the ESRB for a making a plan that will obviously not prevent parents from spoiling their kids rotten. Irresponsible parents will still be irresponsible parents and I suppose there's really not much else the ESRB can do about that. At least this way, people will have one less excuse when their kids steal a car GTA-style.
With the Christmas season around the corner and game sales expected to skyrocket, I guess every little bit helps.
PS. No, I'd rather not get into the argument on whether or not violent games will cause little kids to rampage the streets, guns blazing. If you must know, I'm actually in the "that's hogwash" camp, but I also recognize that I'm no psychologist, hence I tend to listen to the game's rating on the box unless I know better.
Related Articles:
Just in case parents don't understand what "Adults Only, 18 " means, the ESRB has helpfully decided to add "ratings summaries" to the existing ratings system.According to the ESRB, their research shows that parents do regularly check a game's rating before buying it for their children.
Despite this, many under-aged gamers are still getting their hands on games better left for older, less impressionable minds. Naturally, the ESRB concludes that parents just don't quite understand exactly what the ratings mean.
To remedy this, "new rating summaries, which provide exclusive and unprecedented insight into the nature of the content that triggered a given rating assignment," will be added in addition to the existing ratings info. The summaries will be searchable via their website.
If you detect an undertone of sarcasm in this article, I do apologize. It's easy for me to criticize the ESRB for a making a plan that will obviously not prevent parents from spoiling their kids rotten. Irresponsible parents will still be irresponsible parents and I suppose there's really not much else the ESRB can do about that. At least this way, people will have one less excuse when their kids steal a car GTA-style.
With the Christmas season around the corner and game sales expected to skyrocket, I guess every little bit helps.
PS. No, I'd rather not get into the argument on whether or not violent games will cause little kids to rampage the streets, guns blazing. If you must know, I'm actually in the "that's hogwash" camp, but I also recognize that I'm no psychologist, hence I tend to listen to the game's rating on the box unless I know better.
Related Articles:
- Jack Thompson is back, criticizes ESRB over Fallout 3 trailer pullout
- Four big names on four gaming issues: sex, violence, content ratings, and gaming design
Japan: PSP-3000 boosts sales, but overall game market declines
The numbers in Japan for the month of October are now in from Famitsu. Data shows strong sales of the PSP-3000, which was released during the month, boosting overall PSP sales.
The industry as a whole seems to be suffering in the region though; the data says that sales keep falling since last year. Compared to the same period from last year, hardware sales declined 29.1 .
No shocker there - almost everyone there probably has a console by now. Software sales are falling as well, 14.9 less than last year. Small wonder, since the region's leading console is the Wii, and Nintendo's been pretty quiet for the platform lately. Here are the hardware sales numbers for the month of October:
Related Articles:
The numbers in Japan for the month of October are now in from Famitsu. Data shows strong sales of the PSP-3000, which was released during the month, boosting overall PSP sales.The industry as a whole seems to be suffering in the region though; the data says that sales keep falling since last year. Compared to the same period from last year, hardware sales declined 29.1 .
No shocker there - almost everyone there probably has a console by now. Software sales are falling as well, 14.9 less than last year. Small wonder, since the region's leading console is the Wii, and Nintendo's been pretty quiet for the platform lately. Here are the hardware sales numbers for the month of October:
- PSP: 267,000
- DS: 140,000
- Wii: 98.285
- PS3: 22,343
- Xbox 360: 27,224
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- Japan: DSi smashes into the charts, Xbox 360 back in last place
- Japan: Grand Theft Auto IV beats LittleBigPlanet
Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time to get movies and games
There's no exchange for the love of a fanboy. This news just made my day. I am stoked. Stoked!
The Red Eagle Entertainment film studio is starting up a new video game publishing studio called Red Eagle Games, specifically to make games based on Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.
The news just keeps getting better. They're also planning to release the games to coincide with the release of Wheel of Time movies. The first movie, based on "The Eye of the World" is already in the works. It was leaked that Universal Pictures will be making the movie. They plan to make at least three, depending on how well the first one does in the box office.
They plan to release the games on all major platforms, even PCs, handhelds, and mobiles. Red Eagle is also planning to make an MMO as well.
Games based on other media tend to be on the sucky side, so I'm worried they might muck it up, especially if they plan to do it with a start-up company. But still. Stoked!
Not-so-related article:
There's no exchange for the love of a fanboy. This news just made my day. I am stoked. Stoked! The Red Eagle Entertainment film studio is starting up a new video game publishing studio called Red Eagle Games, specifically to make games based on Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.
The news just keeps getting better. They're also planning to release the games to coincide with the release of Wheel of Time movies. The first movie, based on "The Eye of the World" is already in the works. It was leaked that Universal Pictures will be making the movie. They plan to make at least three, depending on how well the first one does in the box office.
They plan to release the games on all major platforms, even PCs, handhelds, and mobiles. Red Eagle is also planning to make an MMO as well.
Games based on other media tend to be on the sucky side, so I'm worried they might muck it up, especially if they plan to do it with a start-up company. But still. Stoked!
Not-so-related article:
Concept art for canceled Legacy of Kain sequel surface
Kain and Raziel of Legacy of Kain fame haven't shown themselves since Defiance on the PS2, Xbox, and PC. From what I gather, there's one more game that's promised to conclude the storyline... which brings us to some good news and bad news.
The good news is a sequel's been in development for some time now. The bad news is... well, it was in development for some time now.
Mmm hmm, if you haven't heard yet, the sequel's been canceled by Crystal Dynamics, and the only thing to show for it are a handful of concept art from one Aaron Hausmann's online portfolio. From what it looks like, the graphic renders seem to be taking from the same post-gen Defiance engine.
I'm not an absolute Kain fan myself; the only one which I got to play (and thoroughly enjoyed, mind you) was Soul Reaver on the PSOne. I think it's high time we see some next-gen love from the blood-suckers though. Cross your fingers that someone picks up the rights to make this game happen in the near future!
Related articles:
Kain and Raziel of Legacy of Kain fame haven't shown themselves since Defiance on the PS2, Xbox, and PC. From what I gather, there's one more game that's promised to conclude the storyline... which brings us to some good news and bad news.
The good news is a sequel's been in development for some time now. The bad news is... well, it was in development for some time now.
Mmm hmm, if you haven't heard yet, the sequel's been canceled by Crystal Dynamics, and the only thing to show for it are a handful of concept art from one Aaron Hausmann's online portfolio. From what it looks like, the graphic renders seem to be taking from the same post-gen Defiance engine.
I'm not an absolute Kain fan myself; the only one which I got to play (and thoroughly enjoyed, mind you) was Soul Reaver on the PSOne. I think it's high time we see some next-gen love from the blood-suckers though. Cross your fingers that someone picks up the rights to make this game happen in the near future!
Related articles:
Speed and precision: crossbreeding a Wiimote and a track ball
You'd think the Wiimote would be the ultimate controller for shooters, but having to switch between the D-pad and the A button every time you change weapons just makes for clunky gameplay.
The solution? Slap a track ball on the A button! And that's just what AcidMods did. In yet another spectacular mod, the AcidMods team replaced the Wiimote's A button with a trackball. Now you don't have to re-orient yourself between the A button and the D-pad every time since they're both in one place.
Nintendo should seriously consider this for their next Wiimote design. It adds speed and precision, and it adds a touch of class to a primitive first gen-ish control setup. You can visit the source link to find out how to properly dissect your Wiimote for this mod, and to get yourself one of those mini trackballs.
AcidMod's track ball mod is also compatible with virtually every other platform of this gen: the PSP, the Slim, the Brite, the DS, and of course, the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. They haven't released instructions for those consoles yet though.
Thanks to Mark again for the tip off!
Related Article:
You'd think the Wiimote would be the ultimate controller for shooters, but having to switch between the D-pad and the A button every time you change weapons just makes for clunky gameplay.
The solution? Slap a track ball on the A button! And that's just what AcidMods did. In yet another spectacular mod, the AcidMods team replaced the Wiimote's A button with a trackball. Now you don't have to re-orient yourself between the A button and the D-pad every time since they're both in one place.
Nintendo should seriously consider this for their next Wiimote design. It adds speed and precision, and it adds a touch of class to a primitive first gen-ish control setup. You can visit the source link to find out how to properly dissect your Wiimote for this mod, and to get yourself one of those mini trackballs.
AcidMod's track ball mod is also compatible with virtually every other platform of this gen: the PSP, the Slim, the Brite, the DS, and of course, the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. They haven't released instructions for those consoles yet though.
Thanks to Mark again for the tip off!
Related Article:
Square Enix launches countdown teaser site for Bahamut game
Square Enix is doing another teaser countdown promotion, a gimmick we haven't seen since Chrono Trigger for the DS. This time the countdown is for a game centering on the word "Bahamut." No hints on a platform though.
On the teaser site is a picture of what appears to be a city in the clouds, or on the back of Bahamut. Either that or the cloud city has a Bahamut figurehead? Your guess is as good as mine. Below that is a Shadow of the Colossus-type creature, only more massive - massive enough to have a mountain resting comfortably on its shoulder.
Older gamers or retro fans among you might know the old SNES game Bahamut Lagoon. It didn't reach the popularity of the Final Fantasy franchise since it was never officially released outside Japan. Could this be hinting at another remake? Or is it a whole new game dedicated to one of Final Fantasy's iconic summons?
No idea. We'll know in about 4 days though. Tick tock, tick tock.
Related Article:
Square Enix is doing another teaser countdown promotion, a gimmick we haven't seen since Chrono Trigger for the DS. This time the countdown is for a game centering on the word "Bahamut." No hints on a platform though.
On the teaser site is a picture of what appears to be a city in the clouds, or on the back of Bahamut. Either that or the cloud city has a Bahamut figurehead? Your guess is as good as mine. Below that is a Shadow of the Colossus-type creature, only more massive - massive enough to have a mountain resting comfortably on its shoulder.
Older gamers or retro fans among you might know the old SNES game Bahamut Lagoon. It didn't reach the popularity of the Final Fantasy franchise since it was never officially released outside Japan. Could this be hinting at another remake? Or is it a whole new game dedicated to one of Final Fantasy's iconic summons?
No idea. We'll know in about 4 days though. Tick tock, tick tock.
Related Article:
Patch for WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009 planned, custom superstars to get big boost
We enjoyed creating our own superstar in WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, Wii, DS). But of course we don't want The Game hammering away at our created superstar, we want him to bite back and own the Pedigree-ing bastard. But with a disgusting 30 overall rating, the only way he can get headway versus Triple H is between his knees. You can complete career mode to gain attribute points, though - problem is, it takes too long.
If you've been spending way too much time completing the Career Mode over and over to earn attribute points for your custom wrestler, then this patch will help you out big time. THQ announced that a downloadable patch is in the works and this patch will give a custom wrester full attributes after completing the new Career Mode once. THQ has this statement:
The patch will allow fans of the leading fighting videogame franchise to give all of their created Superstars full attributes after completing the new Career Mode one time through. Given the overall popularity of the Create-A-Superstar feature and the fans' ongoing demand for more flexibility, this new patch will greatly enhance the player's ability to fully customize many created Superstars at the same time.
THQ says that the patch will come before the 31st of January in 2009. Hopefully.
Related articles:
We enjoyed creating our own superstar in WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, Wii, DS). But of course we don't want The Game hammering away at our created superstar, we want him to bite back and own the Pedigree-ing bastard. But with a disgusting 30 overall rating, the only way he can get headway versus Triple H is between his knees. You can complete career mode to gain attribute points, though - problem is, it takes too long.
If you've been spending way too much time completing the Career Mode over and over to earn attribute points for your custom wrestler, then this patch will help you out big time. THQ announced that a downloadable patch is in the works and this patch will give a custom wrester full attributes after completing the new Career Mode once. THQ has this statement:
The patch will allow fans of the leading fighting videogame franchise to give all of their created Superstars full attributes after completing the new Career Mode one time through. Given the overall popularity of the Create-A-Superstar feature and the fans' ongoing demand for more flexibility, this new patch will greatly enhance the player's ability to fully customize many created Superstars at the same time.
THQ says that the patch will come before the 31st of January in 2009. Hopefully.
Related articles:
Midway posts more losses in Q3, will drop underperforming titles
After posting its third quarter report, Midway joins the ranks of EA, THQ, and Brash who are all experiencing much difficulty with the economic situation. Like THQ, Midway is looking at cost-cutting measures and dropping titles.
In their Q3 report last year, Midway Games reported incurring a net loss of US 33.5 million, that amount more than doubles this year and now they posted a US 75.9 million loss.
They point out that this is due to the optimization of its Austin facility, the cancellation of an unannounced game, and the "entrance into a receivables factoring agreement" to offset the costs related to manufacturing fall game releases.
Outlook isn't pretty good and Midway is expecting to post more losses in the fourth quarter - even with the upcoming launch of formidable titles.
Related articles:
After posting its third quarter report, Midway joins the ranks of EA, THQ, and Brash who are all experiencing much difficulty with the economic situation. Like THQ, Midway is looking at cost-cutting measures and dropping titles.In their Q3 report last year, Midway Games reported incurring a net loss of US 33.5 million, that amount more than doubles this year and now they posted a US 75.9 million loss.
They point out that this is due to the optimization of its Austin facility, the cancellation of an unannounced game, and the "entrance into a receivables factoring agreement" to offset the costs related to manufacturing fall game releases.
Outlook isn't pretty good and Midway is expecting to post more losses in the fourth quarter - even with the upcoming launch of formidable titles.
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Lessons in life, brought to you by Prince of Persia
They're more than just games, apparently they're also sources of epiphanies and life lessons. Ubisoft's Prince of Persia (PS3, Xbox 360, PC, DS) producer Ben Mattes and level designer Michael Mcintyre don't want their games to be just games - they also want gamers to pause and reflect as they play.
"I think one of the things we really want people to take away from this game is that there's more to it than meets the eye," said Matters. When we take bad guys down, he'd want us to think about how corruption affects us. When we save the world, what does it mean to us? When this noble savage helps the guardian of light, what does this represent?
While that's what they would prefer, Mattes also said is alright if you don't. In fact, he cites The Simpsons as an example - you can laugh along to it, and you're not required to process any more than that. "We're really conscious of not hitting the player over the head with a sledgehammer about that kind of stuff, maybe they'll get it, maybe they won't," he said.
They don't want to reveal exactly what they have in store so that players won't be on the lookout for anything in particular. In fact, they'd prefer that gamers come up with their own theories about what the devs are sending across.
They do have a point. Plus it's extra satisfying to play a game knowing it made you think, at least for some of us. But it's also fair to those who prefer to just aim and shoot to not require for them to enjoy the game. This is one of the reasons some people didn't like Xenogears back in the PS One. Some found that it's too much to process, and it dragged the game between long intervals of long processing and not fighting.
Related articles;
Buy: Prince of Persia [(Xbox 360), (PS3), (PC)]
They're more than just games, apparently they're also sources of epiphanies and life lessons. Ubisoft's Prince of Persia (PS3, Xbox 360, PC, DS) producer Ben Mattes and level designer Michael Mcintyre don't want their games to be just games - they also want gamers to pause and reflect as they play.
"I think one of the things we really want people to take away from this game is that there's more to it than meets the eye," said Matters. When we take bad guys down, he'd want us to think about how corruption affects us. When we save the world, what does it mean to us? When this noble savage helps the guardian of light, what does this represent?
While that's what they would prefer, Mattes also said is alright if you don't. In fact, he cites The Simpsons as an example - you can laugh along to it, and you're not required to process any more than that. "We're really conscious of not hitting the player over the head with a sledgehammer about that kind of stuff, maybe they'll get it, maybe they won't," he said.
I think what's kind of neat is that you don't have to care about that, and you don't have to get that, and you can still have lots of fun. But if you do get it, maybe, just maybe, you'll ask yourself a question about your own life after having played this game and feel like you've learned something. Maybe. And if you have, I think we can pat ourselves on the back as developers by saying we've allowed people to grow just a little bit -- just a little bit -- as humans solely through entertaining them. Not many mediums can do that.
They don't want to reveal exactly what they have in store so that players won't be on the lookout for anything in particular. In fact, they'd prefer that gamers come up with their own theories about what the devs are sending across.
They do have a point. Plus it's extra satisfying to play a game knowing it made you think, at least for some of us. But it's also fair to those who prefer to just aim and shoot to not require for them to enjoy the game. This is one of the reasons some people didn't like Xenogears back in the PS One. Some found that it's too much to process, and it dragged the game between long intervals of long processing and not fighting.
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Buy: Prince of Persia [(Xbox 360), (PS3), (PC)]
NPD Group on portable entertainment device usage
Research conducted by the NPD found that at least half of the owners of portable entertainment devices, such as mobile gaming platforms and music players, use their gadgets about the same amount, if not more they did 3 months ago.
The report also finds that music devices have the highest average for purchase and download volume, ranging from 4.2 to 6 downloads a month. 50 of the 6-18 age range are more inclined towards portable gaming platforms, while 68 of the 19 and up range prefer portable digital music players (PDMP).They study also found that 68 of smartphone users are 35 and older.
More smartphone users were found to use their devices for gaming, rather than the business-related apps and functions available. The greatest increase in usage over the last 3 months was found in the iPhone, which was primarily used for gaming.
Interestingly enough, the study was on portable devices, and yet the top location for the use of each device was at home, which the report sees as a sign that even the portable devices are competing with the stationary entertainment devices for a user's time.
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Research conducted by the NPD found that at least half of the owners of portable entertainment devices, such as mobile gaming platforms and music players, use their gadgets about the same amount, if not more they did 3 months ago.The report also finds that music devices have the highest average for purchase and download volume, ranging from 4.2 to 6 downloads a month. 50 of the 6-18 age range are more inclined towards portable gaming platforms, while 68 of the 19 and up range prefer portable digital music players (PDMP).They study also found that 68 of smartphone users are 35 and older.
More smartphone users were found to use their devices for gaming, rather than the business-related apps and functions available. The greatest increase in usage over the last 3 months was found in the iPhone, which was primarily used for gaming.
Interestingly enough, the study was on portable devices, and yet the top location for the use of each device was at home, which the report sees as a sign that even the portable devices are competing with the stationary entertainment devices for a user's time.
Related articles:
- NPD Group: Adults dominating mobile gaming
- Apple exec: iPhone is now, Nintendo DS and PSP are the past
Square Enix Q1 2009 lineup for North America: guess who's MIA?
Square Enix has published a press release outlining all of their titles to roll out in North America during the first quarter of 2009. Some of them, like Star Ocean: Second Evolution, have already been confirmed before (now, we get a specific release date though, and not just a release window). Other titles, like Valkyrie Profile for the DS get actual confirmation today of a western localization - complete with a formal English title.
Here's the full list in chronological order:
I could be wrong though. Square Enix could pull a fast one on us and actually release it alongside Japan's, sometime in December. Either that, or sometime after Q1 2009. Whatever the case, before or after the said timeframe, gamers who are hoping for reatil releases from Square Enix during Q1 shouldn't expect Dissidia.
Likewise, just in case you've been hoping (for some bizarre reason): the FFXIII games aren't going to be released during Q1 either. And the Kingdom Hearts titles and Parasite Eve for the PSP are MIA as well.
For what it's worth, these games in the list - and for all intents and purposes, these games only (until further updates) - will see North American retail releases come Q1 2009.
Oh and please. Neither will there be an FF7 remake in Q1 2009. Please... Just... sigh Please.
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Square Enix has published a press release outlining all of their titles to roll out in North America during the first quarter of 2009. Some of them, like Star Ocean: Second Evolution, have already been confirmed before (now, we get a specific release date though, and not just a release window). Other titles, like Valkyrie Profile for the DS get actual confirmation today of a western localization - complete with a formal English title.
Here's the full list in chronological order:
- Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP) - January 6, 2009
- Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (DS)- February 17, 2009
- Star Ocean: The Last Hope (Xbox 360)- March 3, 2009
- Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume (DS)- March 17, 2009
I could be wrong though. Square Enix could pull a fast one on us and actually release it alongside Japan's, sometime in December. Either that, or sometime after Q1 2009. Whatever the case, before or after the said timeframe, gamers who are hoping for reatil releases from Square Enix during Q1 shouldn't expect Dissidia.
Likewise, just in case you've been hoping (for some bizarre reason): the FFXIII games aren't going to be released during Q1 either. And the Kingdom Hearts titles and Parasite Eve for the PSP are MIA as well.
For what it's worth, these games in the list - and for all intents and purposes, these games only (until further updates) - will see North American retail releases come Q1 2009.
Oh and please. Neither will there be an FF7 remake in Q1 2009. Please... Just... sigh Please.
Related articles:
- Star Ocean: Second Evolution coming spring 2009
- Square Enix to localize Valkyrie Profile: The Accused One for the DS?
Second Top Global Markets Report released: Top games for Q3 revealed
The NPD Group, Chart Track, and Enterbrain put their heads together again and released their second Top Global Markets Report. The report details videogame sales in the US, UK, and Japan, which are regarded as the three largest game markets in the word. So, without further ado:
Despite the current financial crisis, the report showed healthy figures for US and UK game sales. The United States was credited with an growth of 8 (3 more than the same time last year) and while the UK could not boast of such figures, it was predicted that they'll be performing at an all time high next quarter.
Japan seems to have drawn the short stick with their sales growth lower than last year's due to a lack of highly anticipated titles.
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The NPD Group, Chart Track, and Enterbrain put their heads together again and released their second Top Global Markets Report. The report details videogame sales in the US, UK, and Japan, which are regarded as the three largest game markets in the word. So, without further ado:
The top 5 best selling games from July until September of 2008:
- Madden NFL 09 - 2.99M
- 2.95M US
- 25K UK
- 1K Japan
- Wii Fit - 2.08M
- 1.28M US
- 460K UK
- 346K Japan
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - 1.73M
- 1.41M US
- 321K UK
- Not Yet Released in Japan
- Pokemon Platinum - 1.48M
- 1.48M Japan
- Not Yet Released in the UK or US
- Mario Kart Wii - 1.46M
- 856K US
- 394K UK
- 218K Japan
Despite the current financial crisis, the report showed healthy figures for US and UK game sales. The United States was credited with an growth of 8 (3 more than the same time last year) and while the UK could not boast of such figures, it was predicted that they'll be performing at an all time high next quarter.
Japan seems to have drawn the short stick with their sales growth lower than last year's due to a lack of highly anticipated titles.
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