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Rockstar: Sorry, No Grand Theft Auto “V” In 2009
The most recent issue of Game Informer contains “loose talk” that Rockstar Games is readying a new Grand Theft Auto, a fully-fledged follow up to GTA IV for the holidays. Not so, say Rockstar reps. We checked in with the Rockstar folks this week to check out the first downloadable episode, The Lost and Damned,…
By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009 - Uncategorized
A Whirled All Its Own
My impressions of Puzzle Pirates developer Three Rings’ new project were colored by the minor car accident I got into on my way to check it out. Escaping into a virtual world was just what I needed after filing an insurance claim in a San Francisco parking lot. I began the process by walking through…
By AJ Glasser Published January 16, 2009 - Uncategorized
Now Everyone Can Shoot Nazi Zombies In Call Of Duty
Didn’t much care for World at War. Seemed a bit…trashy. But the bit at the end, where you can kill Nazi zombies? Loved that bit. And as of today, everyone can love it. Treyarch have “unlocked” the previously endgame-only mode – called Nacht der Untoten – so that everyone can play it, regardless of whether…
By Luke Plunkett Published January 16, 2009 - Uncategorized
The U.S.’s Top 20 Games From December Are An Odd Mix
The NPD Group’s top ten bestselling video games contain very few surprises; it’s filled with Nintendo super-hits for the Wii, hyper-violent shooters and Guitar Hero. But the top twenty games from December mix things up. Gamasutra reveals December 2008’s second-besters, with games like New Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo DS and Link’s Crossbow Training…
By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009 - Uncategorized
The Behemoth Prepping Follow Up To Castle Crashers
The creators of Alien Hominid and Castle Crashers have not given up on the video game development business. In fact, they’re already prototyping a new title! Way to soldier on, The Behemoth. Artist Dan Paladin writes on the Behemoth’s Development Blog of Development that the studio is “off to a very strong and solid start,”…
By Michael McWhertor Published January 16, 2009 - Uncategorized
A Night on the USS Hornet
The Battlestations: Pacific event yielded a good look at the game, excellent (if eccentric) sushi and some decently sweet swag. The embargo for my impressions expires on Monday morning, so check back then for the full rundown. In the meantime, I present you party pics and a swag report: Pictured: One “medium” t-shirt that fits…
By AJ Glasser Published January 16, 2009 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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 - Uncategorized
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