Kotaku: x-play

Devo Tracks Coming To Rock Band, Wireless Energy Domes Unconfirmed

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:00:55 MDT

Devo is coming to Rock Band. G4's X-Play got the exclusive word from the band's own Mark Mothersbaugh who reveals that three of the New Wave outfit's songs will be digitally distributed your way at a future date. The only confirmed Devo track is "Through Being Cool" which Mothersbaugh says has been re-recorded with extra guitar licks. Licks that, we assume, are hot(t). Note to self: buy this.

Sessler, Thompson Square Off On NPR Over Grand Theft Auto IV

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:20:00 MDT

X-Play co-host Adam Sessler joined Neal Conan on the NPR radio show Talk of the Nation earlier today to talk about the recent release of Grand Theft Auto IV. While the majority of the segment seemed to focus on relating GTA IV player experiences and informing the NPR audience on the realities, less so the media fantasies, of all things Grand Theft Auto, it took a dive about seven minutes in. That's when John "Jack" Thompson phoned in to drop his special brand of disinformation.

He regurgitated the standard anti-Take-Two spiel—albeit a bit more alliteratively, saying the company is "mentally molesting minors for money"—and threatening that he was working with unspecified law enforcement agencies to bring criminal charges against the publisher and Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick. That would be for claims of "graphic sex", not for the purported vandalizing of his Miami-area home.

Conan asks if Jack has actually played the game. The answer won't surprise you. The segment is worth a listen, as is NPR's previous coverage of GTA IV. And do stick around for Jack's sign off!

Grand Theft Auto Steals The Spotlight [NPR]

Crecente, N'Gai Talk GTA 4

Brian Crecente — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:20:00 MDT

I went up to Denver today to tape some segments for X-Play about GTA 4. One or two, like the one above, will be popping up online tonight but the bulk of it will be showing up on their one hour special about the game tonight. If you want to turn it into a drinking game, take a drink every time I say GTA and TEN drinks when I accidentally refer to Rockstar's game as Gran Turismo. Smoooooooth move Brian. In my defense, or maybe theirs, neither N'Gai Croal nor Adam Sessler seemed to notice the mistake.

Sessler On Grand Theft Box Office

Mike Fahey — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:00:00 MDT

We've touched on the subject before and have even come to the same conclusion, but there's something charming about X-Play's Adam Sessler delivery of the material in this installment of Sessler's Soapbox. Perhaps the best thing about these segments is that this is exactly how a conversation with Sessler goes in real life, only with varying degrees of slurring depending on how late at night it is. I still remember the first time I met him, when he put his arm across my shoulders and said...um. Well I couldn't quite make it out. The point here is Sessler kicks ass, regardless of whether you can make out what he's saying or not.

Game Developers Choice Awards On Tonight

Mark Wilson — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:40:13 MST

For those who didn't attend GDC last week, there's another chance to catch the Game Developers Choice Awards/Independent Games Festival Awards megashow. Condensed to a 30-minute segment for an X-Play time slot, to catch the event, set your DVRs for G4 at 8pm (eastern) tonight. (You could watch it in real time, but we were pretending you had plans or something.)

Not only is this the first developer-powered award show to make it to mainstream television, but everyone who attended was entertained by some extremely funny acceptance speeches. Tune in and enjoy.

G4 To Show Game Developers Choice Awards Tonight [Gamasutra]

Gerstmann On X-Play Tonight

Mike Fahey — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:20:27 MST

Jeff Gerstmann of Gerstmann-gate fame will be making his first television appearance since his dismissal from GameSpot tonight at 8PM Eastern time on G4's newly revamped X-Play. Gerstman will be on hand to discuss the lack of innovation in Japanese gaming, a topic that was recently brought to light via a Gamasutra interview with Konami sound director Akira Yamaoka. As expected, Gerstmann will also discuss his abrupt departure from GameSpot, because that's really the gist of why he's appearing on the show in the first place. Otherwise the little press blurb we got from G4 wouldn't have been sent with the title "JEFF GERSTMANN'S FIRST TV APPEARANCE". I hope I get half as popular as Jeff does when Crecente finally fires me.

EA vs Fox: Adam Sessler Weighs in

fdemarco — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:00:00 MST

G4 host Adama Sessler gives his opinion on the whole Fox News/Mass Effect imbroglio in this clip from a recent episode of X-Play. He presents the facts with much more aplomb and fairness than Fox did, but in the end turns the tables to give the network and author Cooper Lawrence a taste of their own medicine. Although Lawrence has since apologized for her missteps, it's still fun to watch Sessler take her and the dubious Fox News to task.

Tonight, Bourne Game On G4

Mark Wilson — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:40:20 MST

I've never gotten into the Bourne movies (I know, I really should, and I will watch them one day), but to those who have, Sierra/High Moon Studios' Bourne Conspiracy for 360 and PS3 ~~will lift~~ already lifted its skirt a little bit ~~tonight~~ last night on G4. X-Play aired never-before-seen in-game footage during an interview with lead game designer Rory McGuire for you to get all the Bourne fill that you can.

UPDATE: Blasted RSS! This aired last night (in the US at least).
Lead game designer Rory McGuire to demo never-before-seen level [gamesradar]

X-Play Awards BioShock Game Of The Year

Mike Fahey — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:00:49 MST

Sometimes not having cable sucks, yet other times it is a blessing in disguise. In this situation? You decide! Apparently the X-Play Best of 2007 Awards aired last night on G4, and BioShock took home top honors in four categories, included the probably coveted Game of the Year category. BS (there's a fun abbreviation) also won for Best Writing, Best Soundtrack, and Best Art Direction. Meanwhile Portal took the Most Original Game and Best New Character (GLaDOS) awards, with the usual suspects such as Rock Band, COD 4, Super Mario Galaxy filling in the rest. Perhaps the only real upset here is Supreme Commander taking the award for Best Strategy Game in the year that Command and Conquer 3 and World in Conflict were released, but when you get right down to it that really is a matter of taste that I'm sure has sparked countless forum battles by those so inclined to start such. Hit the jump for the full list of winners.

Winners of "X-Play Best of 2007 Awards" Announced - BioShock is Videogame of the Year
G4's Fifth Annual Videogame Awards Show Honored Year's Best in 16 Categories

LOS ANGELES, December 18, 2007 - The best videogames of the year were revealed Monday night during the "X-Play Best of 2007 Awards" on G4. "BioShock" was selected as Game of the Year, one of the four awards the game received during the special year-end episode of "X-Play," the most watched videogame series on television. Two other games also won in multiple categories, with "Portal" receiving Most Original Game and Best New Character accolades and "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" winning Best Shooter and Best Sound Design.

"'BioShock' is one of those rare games that I can see myself playing in 10 years," said Adam Sessler, host, "X-Play." "The story is great, the music is amazing, the art direction is stunning and the overall execution just feels amazingly fresh. There were a ton of amazing games this year, but 'BioShock' was the best."

"The innovations in 'Portal" are simple, but immensely satisfying," said Morgan Webb, host, "X-Play." "There's limitless potential for new types of gameplay and 'Portal' is a great example of what happens when designers come up with truly original concepts."

The "X-Play Best of 2007 Awards" marked the fifth anniversary of the annual awards and the last episode of the series in its current review format. Beginning Monday, Jan. 14 at 8 pm ET/PT, the series will unveil an all-new and expanded format that adds breaking news, demos, videos, interviews and more to the series' celebrated reviews.

The "X-Play Best of 2007 Awards" winners are:

* Game of the Year - BioShock
* Most Original Game - Portal
* Best Gameplay Innovation - Assassin's Creed (free-running/climbing)
* Best Multiplayer Game - Rock Band
* Best Action/Adventure Game - Super Mario Galaxy
* Best Sports Game - Forza Motorsport 2
* Best Shooter - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Best Role Playing Game - Mass Effect
* Best New Character - Portal (GLaDOS)
* Best Art Direction - BioShock
* Best Animation - Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
* Best Writing/Story - BioShock
* Best Original Soundtrack - BioShock
* Best Sound Design - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Best Downloadable Content - Pac-Man Championship Edition (XBLA)
* Best Strategy Game - Supreme Commander

Past "X-Play" Game of the Year award winners have included Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003), Halo 2 (2004), Resident Evil 4 (2005), and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006).
For more information on the winners and to watch clips from the "X-Play Best of 2007 Awards," please visit www.g4tv.com/bestof2007.

X-Play Expands

Mike Fahey — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:20:29 MST

What began back in 1998 as GameSpot TV before morphing to Extended Play and finally X-Play is undergoing yet another metamorphosis next month as the focus shifts from reviews to all-around gaming news show beginning on January 14th. Along with their signature video game reviews, the now-daily show expands to include sneak peaks, interviews, game demos, analysis, and straight-up gaming news. Other new features will include Tips and Tricks from Cheat! (Ah, the Pringles gamer guide *snicker* ) and X-Play Gamer Challenges, which will offer viewers compete on the air for fame and prizes.

"I couldn't be more excited about the direction 'X-Play' is taking," said Adam Sessler, host, "X-Play." "Reviews will still be a big part of the show, but now we're going to make sure that viewers are also updated regularly on everything else going on in the world of video games."

We kinda had that covered Adam, but thanks for the assist! Hit the jump for more info, including the new "X-Play Gaming Update Blog", which could save a lot of time by simply linking here.

"X-Play" Jumps to the Next Level with New Enhanced Format Emphasizing Daily, Comprehensive Coverage of the Videogame Industry
New Episodes Featuring Daily Videogame News, Reviews, Interviews, Demos and More Premiere on G4 January 14, 2008 at 8 pm ET/PT

(artwork and interviews available upon request)

LOS ANGELES, December 12, 2007 - First came the next-generation consoles. Then, the next-gen games. Now, gamers have a next-gen TV series. "X-Play," the most-watched videogame series on television, will unveil an all-new and expanded format in 2008 that adds breaking news, demos, videos, interviews and more to the series' celebrated reviews. The updated "X-Play," featuring an all-new look and all-new content, premieres Monday, January 14, 2008 at 8 pm, only on G4.

New, half-hour episodes of "X-Play" will premiere every weeknight at 8 pm, giving viewers a comprehensive update on each day's videogame-related developments, along with a wide range of new features, including behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at games in development; interviews with industry luminaries; live, hands-on demonstrations of games before they hit store shelves and in-depth analysis of the latest videogame trends.

"Over the past few years, the videogame industry has evolved at a rapid pace"said Neal Tiles, president, G4. "The all-new 'X-Play'will provide greater depth of coverage, furtheringits role as television's most watched resource for videogames."

Hosts Morgan Webb and Adam Sessler, who have earned a reputation for delivering smart, entertaining and on-target reviews, will continue as "X-Play" hosts. As part of the series' relaunch, Adam Sessler has also been named G4's Managing Editor, Games Editorial, making him responsible for the show's overall editorial focus.

"I couldn't be more excited about the direction 'X-Play' is taking," said Adam Sessler, host, "X-Play." "Reviews will still be a big part of the show, but now we're going to make sure that viewers are also updated regularly on everything else going on in the world of video games."

"The games, the consoles, the companies and even the players are constantly evolving. So is 'X-Play,'" said Morgan Webb, host, "X-Play." "Every day, we'll give gamers the stories behind the games they love."

In addition to the expanded focus on news and industry trends, new "X-Play" segments and features will include:

* Tips and Tricks from "Cheat!" - "X-Play" will include integration with "Cheat!," G4's videogame tips and tricks series. Each week, host Kristin Holt will deliver the latest updates on achievements, unlockables, level guides, secrets and other cheats from the most popular new games.

* "The MMO Report" - The updated "X-Play" format also includes regular updates from the massively multiplayer online universe. Casey Schreiner, host of g4tv.com's "The MMO Report," will update viewers on the hottest MMO news and trends. Complete episodes of "The MMO Report" will continue to air on g4tv.com.

* "X-Play" Gamer Challenges - Viewers will have a chance to win prizes and compete for gamer pride in an ongoing series of game challenges.

* Hands-On Demos - Gameplay demos will give viewers an exclusive sneak peek at the hottest new games before the titles hit store shelves.

The "X-Play" Web site will undergo significant updates as well, including a new and improved "X-Play" videogame review database featuring thousands of game critiques. A new "X-Play Gaming Update Blog," with up-to-the-minute gaming news, previews and exclusives will also launch, along with a wide variety of more behind-the-scenes features, game trailers and gameplay videos than ever before. "X-Play" will also retain its cutting-edge interactive elements that allow viewers to communicate directly with hosts and other "X-Play" fans. Featured on-screen elements will include live updates highlighting the world's leading gamers as tracked by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo on their respective consoles.

"X-Play Best of 2007 Awards" Nominees

Mark Wilson — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:40:05 MST

It's that time of year again when everyone needs to name winners and losers. In my heart, we're all winners. OK, that's a lie. In my heart, about 3% of us are winners. And also in said (speculated) heart, some of these winners have won because they've gotten to play some of the incredible games from this year. X-Play has developed their nominee list for best of 2007 and will announce the winners December 17th on their show (of course). And while X-Play's Game of the Year picks are pretty standard: Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, BioShock, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Halo 3 and Super Mario Galaxy, it's tough for me to take any GOTY list seriously that excludes Portal and/or Orange Box. Still, they didn't completely miss the mark. Here's their whole list:

Game of the Year * Mass Effect * Assassin's Creed * BioShock * Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare * Halo 3 * Super Mario Galaxy
Most Original Game
* Assassin's Creed
* Portal
* Overlord
* Crackdown
* Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

Best Gameplay Innovation
* Assassin's Creed (free-running/climbing)
* Mass Effect (conversation system)
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (online level-up system)
* Halo 3 (Forge/Replays/Screenshots)
* Crackdown (Advanced Co-op features)

Best Multiplayer Game
* World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade
* Team Fortress 2
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Halo 3
* Rock Band

Best Action/Adventure Game
* Super Mario Galaxy
* Assassin's Creed
* Crackdown
* God of War II
* Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Best Sports Game
* MLB PowerPros
* NCAA Football 2K8
* Forza Motorsport 2
* DiRT
* Winning Eleven Pro Evolution Soccer 2007

Best Shooter
* BioShock
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Halo 3
* Half-Life 2: Episode 2
* Team Fortress 2

Best Role Playing Game
* Mass Effect
* Final Fantasy VI Advance
* The Witcher
* Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer
* Titan Quest: Immortal Throne

Best New Character
* Weighted Companion Cube (Portal)
* Saren (Mass Effect)
* Andrew Ryan (BioShock)
* GLaDOS (Portal)
* King Bohan (Heavenly Sword)

Best Art Direction
* BioShock
* Assassin's Creed
* Super Mario Galaxy
* Mass Effect
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Best Animation
* Assassin's Creed
* Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Heavenly Sword
* Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

Best Writing/Story
* BioShock
* Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
* The Simpsons Game
* Mass Effect
* Portal

Best Original Soundtrack
* Mass Effect
* Portal
* BioShock
* Super Mario Galaxy
* Halo 3

Best Sound Design
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Assassin's Creed
* Halo 3
* BioShock
* Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Best Downloadable Content
* The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles (XBL)
* Pac-Man Championship Edition (XBLA)
* Super Stardust HD (PSN)
* Carcassonne (XBLA)
* Crackdown Download Packs (XBL)

Best Strategy Game
* World In Conflict
* Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
* Supreme Commander
* Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar
* Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars

Super Mario Massacre, Mario Gets 'M' Rating

Mark Wilson — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:40:36 MST

X-Play is featuring this short on their Super Mario Galaxy show tonight. And we thought it was pretty funny up until the last shot, which sealed the deal for the post. But even in TV parody, it seriously disturbs us to see Mario as an evil serial killer. That's what Luigi's for—to finish off the flattened/disoriented turtles and mushrooms with a hunting knife after Mario has scrolled off the screen.

G-Phoria Awards Air Tonight

Brian Crecente — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:00:30 MDT

Don't forget, X-Play's annual G-Phoria awards is airing tonight on G4. The show announced winners in a ton of different categories, but the twist is that the winners are selected by viewers, or at least the people who hit up the poll on their site.

Categories include:
• Best System
• Best New Character
• Hottest Videogame Babe
• Best Strategy Game
• Best Sports Game
• Best Action Game
• Best RPG
• Best Handheld Game
• Most Original Game
• Best Multiplayer Game
• Best Downloadable Content
• Best Voiceover
• Best Graphics
• Best Soundtrack
• Longest Lasting Game
• Game Most Deserving of an Uwe Boll Movie Adaptation
• Game of the Year

The show will be hosted by Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT tonight on G4. Hit the link to vote...early and often.

Gphoria [G4]

Clip: Bioshock on G4 X-Play

Kim Phu — Wed, 09 May 2007 09:40:00 MDT

Irrational Games' Creative Director, Ken Levine, talks Bioshock in this G4 X-Play preview. Although this video plays more like a press junket than some of the Bioshock footage we've seen before, the information that is added in this semi-interview reveals the character and plot details clearer than the trailers.

In other words, this video isn't what is left on the Bioshock cutting floor, it's actually got some meat to it. Kim Phu

New Bioshock Video [Blue's News]

The Physics of Gaming Jubblies

Mike Fahey — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 10:40:32 MST

What better way to kick off a Monday morning than a borderline NSFW video about rendered jubblies? X-Play, one of the tattered remnants of game-related programming on the former TV 4 Gamers network, presents you with the evolution of breast physics in video games. There's no real nudity, but folks at work might think you just a bit more creepy than they already do for watching this.

It's sad that the internet has desensitized me so much that my favorite part of the video is the Midnight Spank deer commercial at the end. It is good to see how far breast physics have come, but when are we going to see realistic junk shifting in games? Michael Fahey

The history of video game breasts [DESTRUCTOID]

World of Warcraft As IUD

kotaku.com — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 09:40:28 MDT

Our earlier World of Warcraft showed that all a hot Chinese girl needs to live a satisfying life filled of rampant bestial promiscuity is a can of Coke and a copy of World of Warcraft. But this ad, originally aired on X-Play, seems to illustrate the more proverbial truth: that World of Warcraft is an excellent way in which to enact a barren, sterile existence. Of course, that's what World of Whorecraft is for. Florian Eckhardt