Archive for March 1st, 2007
Clip: Japan’s PlayStation Store Is Super Fast
While North American customers wait up to an hour for PlayStation Store downloads, Japanese ones zip them out in a matter of minutes. Here’s CheapyD downloading the 586MB Full Auto 2 demo in under two minutes. Likewise, I’ve been able to download demos at lightening speed. Conclusion: Everything must be hosted here in Japan.
Pro Evo Coin-Ops To Settle Pub Disputes
Bravo, Konami. This is a stroke of genius.
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V has announced test versions of its new Pro Evolution Soccer arcade machine have been released into two locations.
Based on the multi-million-selling console game, the coin-op version of Pro Evolution Soccer has been specially created yet retains the series’ famed physics and gameplay.
Might sound half-assed at first glance, but seed these in pubs across Britain and they’ll print money.
Full press release after the leap.
Pro Evolution Soccer shoots into UK arcades
Bespoke arcade version of Konami’s best-selling console football game to test in key locations
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V has announced test versions of its new Pro Evolution Soccer arcade machine have been released into two locations.
Based on the multi-million-selling console game, the coin-op version of Pro Evolution Soccer has been specially created yet retains the series’ famed physics and gameplay. Entitled Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship, the two-player machines can be found at the Hollywood Bowl on the Finchley High Road, and at The Rocket venue on Euston Road.
Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship enjoys all the close control and intuitive gameplay of the popular Konami Pro Evolution Soccer series, whilst introducing new elements via Konami’s innovative e-AMUSEMENT online network system. The e-AMUSEMENT process links machines all over Europe to one central server, and facilitates data saving and networked play between units. The release of Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship marks its first use in the UK, with players using e-AMUSEMENT cards (sold separately) to save data, and buy new players. The cards also allow users to play pan-European opponents in real time, while Konami will also be hosting knock-out tournaments in the future.
The two test sites will mark UK fans of the Pro Evolution Soccer series’ first chance to experience the arcade version and its online elements. Players can select from both licensed international and club teams, with every player in the game realistically recreated in terms of speed, ability, close control, shooting, etc. While there are also varying levels of CPU opponent for the player to compete against, in addition to the network and two-player modes. Uniquely, Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship also allows existing fans of the series to plug in their own gaming controller, allowing them to use the same controls as in the home versions of the game.
Following its initial tests, Konami will widely release Pro Evolution Soccer Arcade Championship later this year, with the e-AMUSEMENT system go live shortly after.
Clip(s): Dog Attacks Slime
A Shiba chewing on Slime from Dragon Quest. And not only does it nibble on a blue Slime, but an orange one. How cute!
And it looks like the dog’s owner is a Hanshin Tigers fan.
Dog Vs. Slime [Miya Blog]
Japan Gets Armoured Core 4 Demo
Japanese 360 gamers (don’t know why I’m bothering with this…), good news: the Armoured Core 4 demo is now available, and it’s just for you. So go jump into a giant robot and blow up other robots, see if the full version’s worth the cash.
No word on when/if the demo’s coming to the west. Which is sad. Come on, guys. We love giant robots too. I mean, people were convincing themselves Chromhounds was good. That’s telling you something.
Demo: ARMORED CORE 4 (Japan Only) [Major Nelson]
Worms wiggles wantonly onto XBLA next Wednesday
Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Strategy
With Worms withhheld no more, we wildly wish to wager whether the wait was worth it. Whither the — okay, forget this. Worms HD is releasing next Wednesday on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 MS Points ($10). Featuring four-player battles over Xbox Live, twenty single-player challenges and, perhaps most importantly, a large force of invertebrates intent on causing as much destruction as possible, Worms HD is one of the more anticipated XBLA titles this side of Dracula’s castle.
The range of weapons appears to be more limited than previous Worms iterations (the absence of the Holy Hand Grenade is difficult to comprehend), but the online play should provide more than enough justification for the franchise’s appearance on Xbox Live Arcade. Get hooked on it beginning March 7, 8AM GMT (1AM PST).
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The Triforce Debt Collection Agency
Quick: What do you see? Reader Adam writes:
I got back to Mass last night from a snowboarding trip to Utah. As I was driving down the main street in Logan, UT something caught my eye. A quick google search found the website of this debt collection agency with a very
familiar logo.
You know, I’d actually be more inclined to pay up to a debt collection agency with a Triforce logo, especially a “Superior” one.
Non-Profit Publisher Wants To Game For Charity
Startup publishers OneBigGame have announced themselves to the world today, claiming they’re “the world’s first non-profit videogames publisher”. Not exactly a crowded market, that.
The idea for OneBigGame is based on the belief that the videogames industry, one of the largest entertainment industries in the world, with its vast creative resources and through the tremendous impact it has on popular youth culture, is perfectly placed to raise funds for charity as well as raise awareness among youth audiences for the causes it supports.
The publisher has been founded by Martin de Ronde, formerly of Guerilla Games. It’s quite vague on just what it is they’re trying to do, or how they’re going to do it, and is slightly suspicious in that they say they are “initially” going to operate as a non-profit organisation. What’s going to happen “later”?
Still, It’s an interesting mission statement for a publisher, and if it’s for real good on them for trying. Unless they licence Captain Planet. Do that, and there’ll be consequences and repurcussions.
Click on for more info.
PRESS RELEASE: OneBigGame announcement
Today sees the official announcement of OneBigGame, the world’s first non-profit videogames publisher. Recently founded, the new initiative aims to bring to market videogames specifically created for this purpose, in order to raise funds for a wide variety of children’s charities around the world.
The idea for OneBigGame is based on the belief that the videogames industry, one of the largest entertainment industries in the world, with its vast creative resources and through the tremendous impact it has on popular youth culture, is perfectly placed to raise funds for charity as well as raise awareness among youth audiences for the causes it supports.
”OneBigGame is basically a global platform that will allow game developers to use their creative resources to do something good for the world”, explains Martin de Ronde, formerly co-founder of Guerrilla Games and responsible for the OneBigGame initiative.
So far, industry response has been tremendous”, he says. “Over the past months, we have been conducting informal talks with a wide variety of games industry people, and we are confident the development community is ready for a large scale industry wide charity initiative.
A number of game developers have already pledged their support, including designers such as Charles Cecil (Revolution Software), Eric Zimmerman (Gamelab) and Ernest Adams (International Hobo), as well as development studios such as Avalanche Studios, Relentless, Kuju and Freestyle.
At Game Developer’s Conference 2007 in San Francisco (www.gdconf.com) OneBigGame will officially go public, as it will be looking to extend its relationship with the development community to create games content for the initiative.
Based in Marin County, California and officially incorporated as a public benefit organization, OneBigGame is supported by an advisory board of 16 individuals representing the many different disciplines that exist within the industry, combining over a century of industry experience among them (see addendum).
”OneBigGame is a wonderful initiative that every developer should seriously consider contributing to.”, says Arthur Houtman, director of online games at Disney Online, one of the members of the advisory board.
For more information on the initiative or for appointments at GDC, interested parties can contact Martin de Ronde ( martin.de.ronde@onebiggame.org) or Susan Marshall (susan.marshall@onebiggame.org).
Background info on charity
OneBigGame aims to raise funds to help solve problems afflicting children around the world. The nature of these problems can be diverse, but the kind of initiatives OBG supports will always revolve around a structural improvement in children’s lives, expanding their opportunities in life.
Being a global organization and supported by a global industry and community, OBG will primarily support global organizations. OneBigGame may also support local or country specific children’s charity organizations, likely put forward by OBG benefactors and contributors, as every game developer or individual designer participating in OBG, will be offered to designate a particular charity or project he / she or it wishes to support with a fixed percentage of the income generated by his, her or its contribution.
Initially, OneBigGame will operate purely as a non-profit organization and not as a charity itself: OneBigGame will funnel the net funds it generates directly towards other charitable organizations directly active in the field of supporting children.
Background info on initiator
Martin de Ronde
Martin de Ronde started working in the games industry over 10 years ago as a PR manager and later as development manager in publishing. After this, he wanted to see what life was like on the other side of the game industry fence and founded his own development studio in 1998, which he sold to multimedia conglomerate Lost Boys a year later. Here, Martin became co-founder and managing director of Lost Boys games, the company’s newly setup games division. Lost Boys games went independent in 2001 and was renamed Guerrilla Games when sold to cross media company Media Republic in 2003. At Guerrilla Games, Martin was commercial director, witnessing the birth of PlayStation 2 hit Killzone for Sony Computer Entertainment and PlayStation 2, PC and Xbox hit Shellshock: Nam ‘67 for Eidos. He left the company in 2004, moving to Guerrilla’s parent company Media Republic. Here, he was involved in a very broad range of high and low-end games projects, ranging from TV games, MMO gaming apps, casual gaming and advergaming. He left Media Republic end of 2006 and per the 1st of January 2007, he is full time involved in OneBigGame.
Business Life’s Second Life
Wonderland’s globe-trotting Alice sends word that British Airways’ inflight magazine business life has a cover story on Second Life. And what’s the article about? “Virtual Life, Real Money: How To Make Hard Cash In A Fantasy World.” As Alice points out, “every businessperson who’s flown BA…is going to have to read this.” For better or worse, for better or worse.
Second Life In BA Mag [Wonderland]
Insomniac Kicks Off Podcast Series
From the team that brought you the PLAYSTATION 3 hit Resistance Fall of Man, as well as the long running Spyro and Ratchet & Clank series, comes The Full Moon Show, their latest…. podcast?! Yes, Insomniac Games is hip to the whole podcasting scene, as evidenced by their new, bi-weekly, self-produced audio show that kicks off officially today.
Look to the podcast every other Thursday to bring listeners updates on upcoming games, such as Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, as well as keep current Resistance players informed about the state of the game. They’ll also feature Insomniac games fan mail, as well as talk to gaming professionals and industry insiders from outside of Insomniac and within. Good times!
The first episode is ready for download at the official site. The lovely press release? Post jump!
INSOMNIAC GAMEST LAUNCHES NEW STUDIO PODCAST
Independent Console Videogames Developer to Give Fans “Full Moon” via Bi-Weekly Self-Produced Show
BURBANK, Calif. (February 28, 2007) - Insomniac Games plans to give its fans and fellow gamers a “full moon” on Thursday, March 1. That’s when the wholly independent console videogames developer will upload its first podcast, “The Full Moon Show,” as part of an ongoing, twice monthly (every other Thursday) in-house production.
The goal of “The Full Moon Show” is to provide gamers with an insider’s look at the world of videogames development in an irreverent (and hopefully entertaining!) manner. The podcast, available via the home page at www.insomniacgames.com beginning March 1, will offer a more in-depth experience than a laundry-list of company announcements. In addition to providing periodic production updates about Insomniac’s upcoming games such as Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, here are summaries of some other segments:
. “Mystery Guest”: Insomniac will interview well-known personalities about videogames development from within the videogames world but who do not work at Insomniac Games. The only clue about the podcast’s first “Mystery Guest” is that this person received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Game Developers Association. Insomniac will make a donation in the name of each Mystery Guest appearing on “The Full Moon Show” to Child’s Play, a games industry charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with toys and games in a network of over 40 hospitals worldwide.
. “I Want Your Job!”: This segment will focus on interviewing an Insomniac employee about their job, including an overview of what they do, how they got the job, and tips for getting similar jobs within the games industry.
. “Online Update”: As the Resistance: Fall of Man online community continues to grow at a rapid rate (nearly 300-400 people register daily at Insomniac’s official R:FOM site, www.myresistance.net), “Online Update” will serve as a virtual “ESPN SportsCenter” for profiles on top players, top clans, patch and expansion updates, and more.
. “Mailbag”: Insomniac will share some of its amusing fan mail, including some of the more outrageous (and pathetic) excuses for being banned from our forums communities.
“We want to share what it’s like to be at Insomniac and in general bring fans and gamers closer into the world of videogames development,” said Brian Allgeier, “The Full Moon Show” podcast co-host and Insomniac Games’ design director. “We hope that by listening to ‘The Full Moon Show,’ gamers will gain a better understanding of what it’s like and what it takes to make videogames for a living, along with hearing about some of the more amusing stories that happen inside our studio that are rarely discussed publicly.”
Allgeier will share hosting duties with James Stevenson, Insomniac’s online community manager and former games industry journalist, as well as Ryan Schneider, Insomniac’s marketing director and also a former journalist. Podcast listeners will be able to correspond with the hosts at podcast@insomniacgames.com to suggest story topics, Mystery Guest ideas, and to provide general feedback. The studio’s podcast webpage will eventually list past Mystery Guests, provide clues for upcoming Mystery Guests, offer polls for most popular story ideas and provide links to archived “Full Moon Show” podcasts.
ABOUT INSOMNIAC GAMES
Insomniac Games is a wholly independent console videogames developer that has released award-winning hits for the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PLAYSTATION®3 for 13 years. The company created the first three Spyro the DragonT games, the Ratchet & ClankT franchise and Resistance: Fall of ManT, which have combined to sell more than 21 million units worldwide. In addition to making blockbuster videogames, Insomniac is known for ranking among the Top 5 “Best Small Companies to Work for in America” in both 2005 and 2006, according to the Great Places to Work Institute and Society for Human Resources Management. More information can be found on the Insomniac’s website at http://www.insomniacgames.com/.
PS3 Getting DVD Upscaling
Considering there’s been “other” Sony-related goings-on today, this has slipped under the radar a bit.
In concluding his marathon interview with N’Gai Croal, Phil Harrison let slip that the PS3 was soon going to feature DVD upscaling.
I think in order to engender trust in our users, we have to share some things that might be not quite perfect, but are ready to give you an indication of what’s coming. So we could say, “You know, we’re not sure when it’s coming, but we’re going to have DVD upscaling on Playstation 3.” There you go. There’s a scoop for you.
Might just be me, but if it’s true and not just there to “engender trust”, I like. A little spit and polish on the perfectly-fine DVDs I already own will do me just fine, thank you very much Blu-Ray.
Loot: The Phil Harrison Interview, Part IV [Newsweek]
Day Note: My Head!
To: Ash
From: Crecente
Taking a stand is never easy. No matter how much I tell myself I did the right thing today with Sony, I still hated to do it. Not because of any possible reaction from Sony or not getting their early builds or invites to conference stuff, but because I know that this was causing problems for people that I know were just doing their jobs. The thing is I have a job to do too and today I did it.
The comments on the three posts were interesting, though I think some people missed the point. This wasn’t about me deciding whether or not that particular story was worth blowing our relationship with Sony over, it was about whether or not I could allow a company to tell me what to write and when to write it.
I faced situations like this all of the time as a police reporter, of course in those cases it involved decisions that could get people hurt or killed, myself included. This might have lacked that direct threat, but it was still a difficult decision to make.
Fortunately, things ended amicably. I’ll be interested to see everyone’s take on this during Sony’s blogger meeting at GDC.
If you missed it, the tempest in three posts:
Sony to Unveil Playstation Home
Sony Blackballs Kotaku
Sony and Kotaku Make-Up
Now I’m off to drink and play more Motorstorm in prep for my review due tomorrow at the Rocky. Ah, the irony.
PlayStation Home The Trademark
When we ran the rumor that Sony was planning to unveil an extension of the PlayStation framework in the form of PlayStation Home, it was time to do some sleuthing. One of the first things you do in a case like this is visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office to see what floats to the top. So that’s what I did. When “PlayStation Home” didn’t turn up, I thought it strange.
Fortunately, our huge fans over at NeoGAF (hi, guys!) did some digging, including super detective “gofreak” who, with Herculean effort, decided to click to the second page of results when searching for trademarks registered by Sony Computer Entertainment. There it was. PlayStation Home. Details on the trademark follow.
So what is PlayStation Home, as defined by the trademark? This:
IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S: Computer game software; electronic devices for the wireless receipt, storage and/or transmission of data and messages; computer software for conducting and coordinating real-time and asynchronous communications among computer users sharing information and audio/video data via electronic communications networks; downloadable electronic publications; sound and/or video recordings featuring music and entertainment, television programs, motion pictures, news, sports, games, cultural events, and entertainment-related programs of all kinds; downloadable digital sound and/or video recordings featuring music and entertainment, television programs, motion pictures, news, sports, games, cultural events, and entertainment-related programs of all kinds; computer software to allow users to perform electronic business transactions via the Internet
IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S: Electronic games services provided by means of the Internet; Internet games (non-downloadable); organizing of games; entertainment services provided online and/or via a computer database for matching users for the transfer or sharing of music, video and audio recordings via communications networks; providing on-line chat rooms and electronic bulletin boards for transmission of messages among users in the field of general interest; providing of an on-line service enabling physically remote players of an electronic game to search on-line for other players and to communicate with selected players during the game; organizing, staging and the provision of on-line tournaments; entertainment by means of wireless television broadcasts
IC 042. US 100 101. G & S: Hosting on-line web facilities for others for organizing and conducting meetings, gatherings, interactive discussions and interactive game play; computer services in the nature of customised web pages for featuring game player information, including information regarding a player’s identity and the player’s preferences; hosting the computer sites of others on a computer service for a global network; creating and maintaining computer sites for others; website design services; creation and development of virtual and interactive images and environments; providing on-line access to computer networks, computer databases, the Internet, on-line bulletin boards, virtual worlds and libraries of text, graphics and audio-visual and multimedia information and entertainment
IC 045. US 100 101. G & S: Introduction and social networking services, namely introducing electronic game players to others
That ought to clear it up! While verbose, these broad-based trademarks have some meat to them, but also contain some very “cover your ass” kind of registrants. Of note are the “customised web pages for featuring game player information”, “software to allow users to perform electronic business transactions” , and “downloadable digital sound and/or video recordings featuring music and entertainment, television programs, motion pictures, news, sports, games, cultural events, and entertainment-related programs of all kinds.”
That could potentially mean purchases outside of the PlayStation Store, downloadable media via the Home platform, and a dozen other things that make the service a very robust and useful piece of software. We’re looking forward to Sony’s upcoming GDC announcements like you wouldn’t believe.
eBay Buyers: Wii > Britney’s Hair
In news that certainly won’t help Ms. Spears’ custody battle for her offspring, it appears that Nintendo’s Wii is heartily trouncing Britney’s hair—in terms of eBay consumer interest that is. While the rest of the list looks about accurate for off-eBay console buzz, to see Britney’s hair performing so well against big names like Sony and Microsoft, it really makes you root for the underdog. Oh yes, this is news.
Top Buyer Searches [eBay]
Silent Hill Movie Sequel Confirmed?
Ain’t It Cool News reporter Quint got a chance to speak with actress Laurie Holden—she played police officer Cybil Bennett in the original Silent Hill film—who revealed that producers were “going forward with a sequel” but that original director Christophe Gans was currently undecided about returning.
The original, while not a hit with critics, did excellent business, grossing some $97 million worldwide, according to IMDB.
Quint on the set of THE MIST: Day 1!!! [AICN via 1UP]
Sony and Kotaku Make-Up
What a hellish day it has been today. Both for Kotaku and I’m sure team Sony.
First to summarize: We posted a rumor after Sony asked us not to and they emailed to say we were no longer welcome at any of their private GDC events and that they would no longer provide us with any information found outside of the public forums.
We posted said e-mail and the Internet imploded.
First, I have to say thank you to all of the websites, newspapers, magazines, people who were so quick to come to our defense and supported our decision to stand by our story.
Second, I want to thank Dave Karraker, head of SCEA PR, who was big enough to call me and talk the whole thing through after this exploded.
He told me his take on the story and his frustrations and I told him mine, in the end we agreed to disagree on some level, but also decided that our readers and gamers in general would be best served if Sony and Kotaku could still play nicely together.
In a nutshell: The story remains up and Sony has re-invited us to the meetings and interviews initially scheduled for the Game Developers Conference.
It’s unfortunate that we, not just Kotaku and Sony, but all of us had to go through this, but it’s good to see the outcome: We were doing our job and Sony was doing theirs and now we can both continue to do so.
Tekken 5 Ready To Download
The PlayStation Store has just been updated with Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection for the PLAYSTATION 3. I’m downloading it right now. Well, I’m attempting to, as the current download has been sitting at 0% for a good five minutes.
For $19.99 and 555 MB of precious hard drive space, Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection can be yours. Rejoice! I’m sprinting to the store to grab my arcade stick in anticipation of a night filled with head-to-head gaming.
Today’s Princeliest game video: Prince of Persia Wii - Levers & Ledges [UPDATE 1]
Filed under: Culture, Nintendo Wii, Action, Adventure, Fighting, Video
Ubisoft released some video a little over a month ago showing off the motion sensitive “waggle” technology for the upcoming Prince of Persia:Rival Swords on the Wii. Today two more videos have hit the web, and one of them shows off the joy and singular pleasure of ledges and levers. Check out that Wiimote waggling and nunchuck flicking action at work. With Disney getting behind this with a possible feature film franchise, look for the Prince to be around for some time to come.
You can also check out the other video that was released today: Climbing and Combat. It’s a bit longer, but is also drool-worthy. We’re ready to start running on walls and doing acrobatics around poles right now.
UPDATE: From GameVideos.com - “Hey - just wanted to let you guys know that we took this PoP video down, we had the hand motions picture-in-picture bit synced wrong. We’ll get it back up on Friday. Sorry!”
So to quote Tina Fey to you naysayers: “Ya burnt!”
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Today in Joystiq: March 1, 2007
Scenes from the Bellingham Electronic Arts Festival remind us of a little censorship issue with Mike Tyson’s Punch Out!! While your console gaming memories might have you believe that the man depicted above is Soda Popinski, he actually went by the name Vodka Drunkenski. Just look at this between-round quote for proof: “I drink to prepare for a fight. Tonight I am very prepared!” Thank ario_j for the trip down memory lane; check out the highlights for today:
Joystiquery
Japanese software sales: week ending 02.25.07
Poll: How much are you playing PS3?
Today’s hottest game video: Calling All Cars
News
SimCity DS not just for the Japanese anymore
Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of Illuminus details
Insomniac launches podcast, listen to sleep-deprived developers
BioShock slips past June, dated August 21
THQ announces Warhammer 40k MMO
Over 1,000 PS2 games to be compatible with Euro PS3
Citizen Zero canceled, Micro Forté working on spy MMO
Electronic Arts mixes on iTunes
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey to continue in episodic format
Take Two posts loss, settles lawsuit
OXM bribes readers with free GRAW Chapter 2
Aussie PS3 boss: Don’t compare systems … but if you do, PS3 is better
Sony and Immersion reach settlement, feel good vibrations
EA releases actual gameplay footage of Skate (PS3/360)
Behold: concept art for the Prince of Persia movie
GTA:IV trailer coming on March 29th
Rumors & Speculation
IDC predicts Wii to outsell the competition
Nintendo slow to supply retailers with fresh Wiis?
PC columnist Dvorak: Wii will “dominate the future of gaming”
Culture & Community
Mashup: NES meets DVD and wins
Indiana Jones and the Curse of the Ten Unsung Games
Sony blackballs Kotaku for rumor report
Watch some guy draw a photo realistic PSP in MS Paint
Robotic Xbox 360 girl fulfills our fanart fantasies
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First Look At EA’s Skate
We’ve heard a lot about EA’s entry in the skateboarding genre, but haven’t actually seen much. A few videos of real life skaters just rappin’ to the camera, some character models, little else. Now, GameVideos has the first clip of the game in action. What do you think? Good enough to dethrone current skate king Tony Hawk?
GTA IV Teaser Site Up, Trailer In March
The Grand Theft Auto IV web site is now live, containing little more than a giant “IV” graphic and a countdown clock indicating when we can expect the first trailer for the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 title from Rockstar Games.
In just 27 days and 23 hours, we’ll be basking in the sexy, ultra-violent, next-gen world of GTA IV. Clear your calendars for March 29th and get your popcorn ready. Thanks for the heads up, Tom!
Grand Theft Auto IV [Rockstar Games]
