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  Rock Band Pendant Shines Up Your Nerd

  I’m not a jewelry wearing kind of guy, but even I get a little giddy seeing ThirdProjectJuno’s masterfully crafted, shiny video game-themed things. Juno’s latest is a lovely and classy Rock Band inspired pendant. No, this 14 karat white gold preciousness isn’t for sale — not even that fabulous Metroid-esque ring we posted so long…

  By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009
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  Chicago Wants A “Horn Hero,” Apparently

  Pop-rock-jazz outfit Chicago doesn’t want anyone, especially Activision, to encroach on the soon-to-be-burgeoning trumpet, sax, and trombone video game scene. Therefore, Chicago has protected “Horn Hero” to prevent anyone else from making said video game. Sorry Harmonix, but the four decade old band has filed trademarks with the US Patent and Trademark Office for a…

  By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009
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  Cussin’ and Nintendo

  To: Bash From: Crecente Re: Trying To Stop Cussin’, Huh I was mostly joking when I said that this morning. I just accidentally typed Holy Duck. But, I do try to limit my cussing whenever possible. Too much of it rots the brain, and I do a lot. It’s a lazy way of expressing annoyance,…

  By Brian Crecente Published January 16, 2009
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  Sonic & The Black Knight Trailer Upholds Proud Sega Butt Rock Tradition

  Sega’s not one to shy away from awful cheese metal and lukewarm butt rock in its video game soundtracks. Thankfully, Sonic & The Black Knight looks to stay true to that hammy musical tradition. The latest trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog’s next Wii outing has everything you’ve come to love about recent games in the…

  By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009
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  Nintendo Says It’s Responsible For 99% Of Game Industry Growth In ’08 With Ridiculous Pie Chart

  As has already been established, Nintendo is doing well for itself, shattering sales records in the United States with the Wii and Nintendo DS. And, according to Nintendo, it’s 99% responsible for the industry’s growth. Nintendo highlighted that fact in its response to NPD sales data released yesterday, showing that Nintendo hardware sold more than…

  By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009
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  The Death of Evil Obi Flies in the Face of Flush Video Game Industry

  These are such things as dreams are made on, the colorful concepts of dying developers, the universes that will never be. A recent glimpse into the unpublished works of a now-defunct game developer shows us one such universe which includes fabled Star Wars good guy Obi-Wan Kenobi, corrupted and evil. In the original concept art…

  By Brian Crecente Published January 16, 2009
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  Ever think about actually MAKING the Games you play?

  If so, graduate to a future in Game Art & Design with The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division. Our unique program is your first step toward becoming an artist and designer in the multi-billion-dollar game design industry. You’ll learn how to design game play and background, create characters and their environments, and apply…

  By Chrissie Lamond Published January 16, 2009
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  Here Are Your Killzone 2 Trophies

  Ready to start your virtual accomplishment plan of attack on Killzone 2, Mr. Completist? The thought process begins now, thanks to a full list of 52 PlayStation Trophies for the PlayStation 3 game from PS3Trophies.org. The fifty-odd digital accolades runs from the standard kill count crunching (“Kill 1500 Helghast soldiers”) to the momentous (“Kill 2…

  By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009
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  How Can World Of Warcraft Help Train Your Employees?

  We’ve all heard stories about World of Warcraft affecting the performance of workers negatively, but could Blizzard’s massively popular MMO have a positive effect on the business environment? John Hagel and John Seely Brown over at Newsweek have published a rather interesting article titled “How World of Warcraft Promotes Innovation”, which looks at some of…

  By Mike Fahey Published January 16, 2009
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  Game Consoles Top Thieves’ Wish List

  Thieves are increasingly focusing on electronic goods, in particular game consoles, according to claims research by the Australian insurer RACV. The study showed that game consoles were the fourth most commonly listed item on insurance theft claims. “Traditionally, thieves have focused on jewelery, including watches, rings, bracelets and earrings,” said RACV Insurance General Manager Susan…

  By Brian Crecente Published January 16, 2009
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  Next Week’s Rock Band DLC Tracks Are No Joke

  If you’re a Steve Miller Band fan, next week is your week for Rock Band downloadable content. Me? Not so much. I don’t hate much, but boy do I hate the Steve Miller Band! Thankfully, there are other, non-Steve Miller sourced tracks coming to Rock Band and Rock Band 2, including new tunes from Rob…

  By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009
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  Samuel L. Jackson Wants You To Buy Afro Samurai At Game Crazy

  And here I thought novelty celebrity phone messages were a thing of the past. Not so for Game Crazy, who have Samuel L. Jackson reminding customers to pre-order Afro Samurai. Sure he doesn’t quite pronounce Namco Bandai correctly, but he doesn’t need to. He’s Samuel L. Jackson, and when he tells you to go pre-order…

  By Mike Fahey Published January 16, 2009
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  Midway Cuts Deal With Remaining Vultures

  After clearing the way for another month or so of existence by getting half of their debt holders to hold off on collecting, Midway today announced they have convinced the rest of them to sit tight as well. The company filed an update with the Securities and Exchange Commission today detailing the agreements they have…

  By Brian Crecente Published January 16, 2009
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  SOE, Valve Group To Bring MMOs To Steam

  Sony Online Entertainment is bringing its massively multiplayer online catalogue to Steam as of today. Now you can MMO without ever having to leave the house to pick up one of those antiquated “boxes.” Joining the Steam library as of right now are EverQuest, EverQuest II, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes and Pirates of the Burning…

  By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009
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  Try Resistance: Retribution Two Months Early

  Resistance: Retribution could very well be one of the biggest PSP titles of the year, and now folks who pre-order from select retailers will get to play it a couple of months ahead of time. Customers who pre-order Resistance: Retribution for the PSP from GameStop, Amazon, Best Buy, or Game Crazy will receive a voucher…

  By Mike Fahey Published January 16, 2009
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  Sony Nixes Playstation-Branded Phone

  Sony refused to allow Sony Ericsson the use of its Playstation brand for a possible Playstation Portable phone during a pitch to the company’s board late last year, Mobile Today reports. Quoting sources close to the matter, the site says that the decision in December prompted a fallout between Sony and the mobile phone joint…

  By Brian Crecente Published January 16, 2009
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  What Are You Playing This Weekend?

  I’m in the mood to shoot things. That’s why I’ll be plugging away at Gears of War 2‘s single-player campaign this weekend, something I’ve neglected despite the love my fellow Kotakus have shown the game. The game keeps coming up in conversation and various blogs I read, mostly for its glitchiness and “half-assed” storytelling. But…

  By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009
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  And Now The North American Resident Evil 5 Collector’s Edition

  Wow. Capcom certainly isn’t skimping on the North American Resident Evil 5 Collector’s Edition, packed with enough Kijuju-themed goodness to kill a small horse, possibly bringing it back from the dead afterwards. The $89.99 limited Collector’s Edition of Resident Evil 5 is now available for pre-order across North America, and as you can see they…

  By Mike Fahey Published January 16, 2009
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  Microsoft: Peddling Add-Ons Works For Us

  Sony recently called out Microsoft and Nintendo for having consoles that require add-ons in order to offer the total package. Now Xbox 360 group PR manager David Dennis responds, and fires right back. Speaking to Edge, Dennis offered his response to Sony’s add-on peddling claims, much like Xbox 360 group product manager Andrew Greenberg did…

  By Mike Fahey Published January 16, 2009
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  Rest In Peace, Circuit City

  After closing 155 stores and filing for bankruptcy last year, the nation’s second largest electronics retailer Circuit City is now planning to liquidate its remaining 567 U.S. stores. The troubled company had been trying to find a buyer or secure financing in order to stay afloat, but today they announced that their last-ditch attempts had…

  By Mike Fahey Published January 16, 2009