Tag: Industry - Page 50
Talking Point Do Single Player Focused Games Really Need Multiplayer?
Connected components
Publishers don’t want you to sell your games, and they’ll do almost anything to stop you. For primarily single player focused releases like God of War: Ascension and Tomb Raider, that means implementing online multiplayer in the hope of extending the title’s lifespan beyond its comparatively slender single player campaign...
Talking Point What Does the Future Hold for HD Re-Releases on PS4?
Bringing clarity to the classics
The humble high-definition remaster proved a popular revenue stream for publishers on the PlayStation 3. Starting with the excellent God of War Collection, and spawning several retail compilations thereafter – including Tomb Raider, Metal Gear Solid, and more – the
News Razer's Boss Cuts PS3 to Shreds, Explains Lack of Support
Hardware manufacturer skips system because it's not a fan
If you’re hoping to snap up some Razer accessories for your PlayStation 3, then you’re bang out of luck – the third-party manufacturer doesn’t support Sony’s console because its gaffer isn’t a fan of the platform. Writing on Twitter earlier in the week, Min-Liang Tan explained...
News Lovefilm Breaks UK Gamers' Hearts from 8th August
Rental giant cans video games
Despite its name, Lovefilm is actually the best (and biggest) video game rental service in the UK. At least it was: the Amazon-owned giant has confirmed that it will cease distributing software to existing customers on 8th August. Yesterday, it revealed that it had axed game rentals for new members, prompting many to...
News EDGE Magazine Backs PS4 in Next Generation Special
Picking sides
Multiformat publications tend to sit on the fence for obvious reasons, but popular British magazine EDGE has pulled no punches with its latest issue. The next generation special runs with the headline, “This is your next console,” and includes a picture of the PlayStation 4 hardware. It continues that Sony’s system is the “only...
Reaction E3 2013 Uncovers the Trends That Are Poised to Define PS4
Onwards and upwards
E3 2013 has come and gone, and while the stage has been once again dominated by the usual corporate chest puffing, there were also a number of new gaming trends on display. Accelerated by the introduction of new hardware, this year's show played host to a slew of fresh technological advancements, all of which look poised to...
News Sony's First-Party PlayStation 4 Games Won't Break the Bank
Tried and tested
Sony won’t charge you more to get your greasy mitts on first-party software for the PlayStation 4. In a brief exchange with Shacknews, a representative for the platform holder explained that all four of its impending launch window games will retail for $59.99, the same as on the PlayStation 3. Those titles include DriveClub,...
News You'll No Longer Have to Deal with EA's Annoying Online Pass Codes
Changing public perception
The days of entering codes into your PlayStation 3 before connecting with your peers are long over, as EA has announced that it’s doing away with its Online Pass system. In an email sent to GamesBeat overnight, the company’s senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg confirmed that the publisher’s...
News Ken Kutaragi Secures a Second Job at Marvelous AQL
Father of PlayStation teams up with Soul Sacrifice developer
It’s taken a while, but it seems that Ken Kutaragi has finally followed his own controversial advice and landed himself a second job. The man behind the PlayStation, and the former chairman and CEO of SCE, has secured the role of external director at Soul Sacrifice developer Marvelous...
News PlayStation 4 Will Be More Profitable Than Its Predecessor
Platform holder not expecting big losses
Sony doesn’t expect the PlayStation 4 to nuke its bank balance to quite the same degree as the PlayStation 3. Those of you that were around at the start of the generation will recall the manufacturer’s current console almost crippling the company, even in spite of its exorbitant launch price. Fortunately,...
News Darksiders, Red Faction, and Other THQ Assets Purchased by Nordic Games
Gavel gazing
Death’s gigantic hammer has fallen on deceased publisher THQ’s remaining assets, deeming Nordic Games the new owner of Darksiders, Red Faction, and various other properties. The publisher paid a whopping $4.9 million for the assortment pack of IP, also grabbing MX vs. ATV, Destroy All Humans, and Marvel Super Hero Squad in the...
News EA's Peter Moore: We've Made Plenty of Mistakes, But We Will Do Better
Executive promises improvements at under fire publisher
EA’s not exactly having the best of times – the recent departure of CEO John Riccitiello is evidence of that. But while the publisher’s managed to badly bungle the launch of SimCity and produce some below-par games, we can probably all agree that it doesn’t deserve the ‘Worst Company...
News Disney Dumps LucasArts in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Star Wars 1313's fate not looking good
Disney’s questionable treatment of non-Star Wars: Episode VII content has continued today with the closure of legendary video game arm LucasArts. Following the Mickey Mouse marker's acquisition of LucasFilm along with its various subsidiaries late last year, the company has opted to shutter a large portion of...
Talking Point Do We Really Need So Much Gunplay in Games?
Bang, bang
Brilliant as it undeniably is, there’s a moment in BioShock Infinite where you realise that it’s turned a corner. Booker DeWitt’s exciting excursion to Columbia opens with very little action at all; the game’s perfectly content to let you explore the skyward archipelago at your own pace. But as you sprint towards the adventure’s...
News Yoichi Wada Exits Square Enix Following 'Extraordinary Loss'
Final Fantasy maker down on its luck
John Riccitiello is not the only high-profile video game executive to be heading for the exit door, as Square Enix gaffer Yoichi Wada has been ousted from the company following a dire financial forecast for its current fiscal year. The outgoing boss had been in the job since 2000, but he’ll now be replaced by...
News John Riccitiello Steps Down from His Post as EA CEO
Under fire executive resigns
Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello has submitted his resignation to a boardroom of (presumably) stern-looking directors. The executive’s final day will be on 30th March, the close of the company’s fiscal year. After that, he’ll be forced to pack up his ballpoint pens and Commander Shepard figurines, and leave the...
Talking Point Are 'Game Over' Screens a Relic Best Left in the Past?
Try again
The threat of failure in games is a foundation that’s existed as long as the industry itself. Ever since the days of Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and more, the idea that you can ‘lose’ at a title is something that we’ve come to expect. But while this mechanic was originally conceived as a means to conclude sessions and ultimately...
News Bitsquid Engine Support Expanded to PlayStation 4
Using its many limbs to reach into the next generation
The engine behind PlayStation Network puzzler Hamilton’s Great Adventure is extending its reach to the PlayStation 4. Bitsquid has confirmed that its multiplatform development suite will be compatible with Sony’s impending next generation system, promising a flexible production environment...
News Former Sony CEO Howard Stringer to Retire in June
Brave new world
Sony chairman and former chief executive officer Howard Stringer has announced that he will retire from his position within the firm in June. The Welsh businessman announced his departure as part of a speech at the Japan Society in New York City last week, where he revealed that he will turn his attention to the healthcare and...
Talking Point Do We Pay Too Much Attention to Review Scores?
Magic numbers
The review embargo for God of War: Ascension lifted yesterday, prompting a cavalcade of forum posts regarding the status of Sony Santa Monica’s savage Spartan series. The title scored lower than previous entries, resulting in a Metacritic rating of 79 at the time of writing. According to the aggregate’s scale, that number suggests...
News Retailer: PlayStation 4 Will Revive the UK's Flagging Market
Pre-orders for the next generation platform performing extremely well
UK retailer GAME believes that the impending PlayStation 4 will successfully resurrect the nation’s troubled video game market. Chatting with VideoGamer.com, category director Charlotte Knight explained that pre-orders for the platform are “performing very well” at the...
Rumour Dead Space 4 Dismembered Following Dismal Sales
Marker of the times
It sounds like the legs of Visceral Games’ likeable Dead Space series have been targeted by a well aimed Plasma Cutter shot by EA executives. According to a report on VideoGamer.com, a fourth entry in the horror series was in development, but has been cancelled following the poor sales of Dead Space 3. The
News Sony Sells Shares in Online Gaming Firm for $440 Million
Platform holder freeing up assets
As part of an ongoing effort to stabilise its financial footing, Sony has announced that it’s selling its shares in Japanese online gaming firm DeNA for around $440 million. Games Industry.biz reports that Nomura Securities are poised to snatch up the 17.72 million shares, which will add a few more zeroes to the...
News Sony: There's Still Plenty of 'Highly Significant' Titles in Development for PS3
Life in the old dog yet
Despite the recent announcement of the PlayStation 4, Sony has insisted that there’s still plenty in the pipeline for the PlayStation 3. Chatting with the PlayStation Blog, SCEE president Jim Ryan insisted that the manufacturer’s current platform will remain an important part of the company’s output for the foreseeable...
News Kellee Santiago Backs Ouya, Takes Developer Relations Role
Starting a new journey
Do you remember Ouya? The Android-powered console took Kickstarter by storm earlier in the year – and it’s just added a fairly high-profile name to its list of backers. Journey developer and thatgamecompany co-founder Kellee Santiago has signed up to lead developer relations, where she’ll be responsible for helping...
News Polyphony Digital Contributed to the Construction of PS4 and Vita
Pit stop
Gran Turismo developer Polyphony Digital's next game may not be for the PlayStation 4, but the Japanese team still had input into the development of the next generation console and the PlayStation Vita. Speaking in an interview with 4gamer, Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida talked briefly about the studio’s role in the production...
News PlayStation 4 Games Will Cost Between $0.99 and $60
Next generation's not going to break the bank
Sony Computer Entertainment America president Jack Tretton doesn’t believe that next generation games will cost more than $60. Speaking as part of an interview with CNBC, the likeable executive explained that software for the impending PlayStation 4 will cover a wide range of price-points, including...
News Take-Two Wrestles WWE License from Defunct THQ
Pinned down
Take-Two is half a tap away from taking control of the WWE license. A report published shortly after the untimely demise of former holder THQ had pegged the publisher as the new ringleader for the bizarrely popular franchise, but the firm's now issued an official statement confirming the news. "At this time, the agreement is pending...
News Sony Severs Ties with PlayStation All-Stars Developer
Walking away
Despite the likelihood of a sequel seeming fairly high, Sony has confirmed that it has ended its relationship with PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale developer SuperBot Entertainment. The platform holder confirmed the news in a press release earlier this evening, adding that its Santa Monica studio will continue to support the release...
News Warren Spector's Junction Point Reaches the End of the Line
Mickey mania
After the reportedly dire sales of Epic Mickey 2, it’s perhaps not surprising that Disney has decided to shutter developer Junction Point today – but that doesn’t make the news any easier to swallow. The publisher, currently wrapped up in the production of Disney Infinity, confirmed the closure earlier this evening, citing its...
News Crytek Resurrects Darksiders Developers with Texas Studio
Back from the brink
Darksiders may have been caught by the scythe of Death, but that’s not stopping a number of former Vigil Games employees from finding new life at Crytek USA. The Austin-based outfit, announced earlier today, represents the ninth studio in the German firm’s portfolio. Its foundation follows closely in the footsteps of Crytek...
News Legendary Rare Developer Switches Xbox for PlayStation
Flying the first-party flag
You may not have heard of George Andreas, but you will almost certainly have played one of his games. The former Rare employee worked on a wealth of classics during his 16 year tenure at the UK studio, including Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and even GoldenEye 007. But, after playing a pivotal role in the production of
Rumour Take Two Wrestles the WWE License from THQ
Blood, sweat, and tiny pants
While the majority of THQ’s franchises found new homes yesterday, there’s still been no official word on the future of the WWE license. Early rumours suggested that EA had picked up the lucrative contract, but that’s been countered by an IGN report which claims that Take Two made a last minute bid for the series...
News THQ's Assets Are Divided, Deep Silver Snatches Saints Row
Thanks for the memories
The auction for THQ’s assets has concluded, with the publisher closing up shop as a result. After a gruelling 22 hour auction process, intermediaries decided that individual bids would net a greater cash return for the debt riddled company, resulting in the demise of the once prolific publisher. The new owners of many of...
News THQ Franchises Available Individually, EA in the Running
Open your cheque book
Ever since creditors complained about THQ's quick sale to equity firm Clearlake Capital, things have gone from bad to worse for the embattled publisher. What initially seemed like a crafty way of protecting the company as on ongoing concern has quickly transformed into a bidding war for the firm’s most valuable assets – and...
News Judge Blocks THQ's Quick Sale, Warner Bros Starts Sniffing
Scratches head
Who fancies some serious legal mumbo jumbo before bed? THQ’s attempt at a quick sale to equity firm Clearlake Capital has been blocked following complaints from irked creditors. Earlier this week, the miffed parties noted that the proposed takeover had been purposely designed to minimise disruption, rather than maximise debt...
News Take a Look at the Studio Liverpool Game That Never Was
Crossed off
Defunct developer Studio Liverpool may be best known for its work on the WipEout series, but the legendary outfit had aspirations beyond just racing games. According to the webpage of former artist Mathew Cooling, the team was working on a steampunk PlayStation 2 adventure named Fall of the Artificer back in 2000 and 2001. Sadly, very...
Rumour Ubisoft Could Publish the Next Saints Row Game
Assassin's greed
There’s just enough time for one more rumour before the games industry closes down for Christmas. According to sources close to MCV, Ubisoft is plotting a bid for THQ’s assets. If successful, the French company would control all of the struggling publisher’s studios and intellectual property, including franchises such as...
News THQ Selling Assets, Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Oh no
The writing’s been on the wall for a while, but publisher THQ has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today. The company’s currently in the process of selling all of its assets to Clearlake Capital Group, a private equity firm. Once complete, Clearlake will control “THQ's operating business, including THQ's four owned studios and games in...
News 007 Legends Developer Eurocom Closes for Good
You only live twice
Blighted British developer Eurocom has been forced to close its doors just weeks after announcing huge redundancies. The Derby-based studio employed over 200 people prior to releasing 007 Legends earlier this year. It slashed that headcount to just 50 in November, before letting the remaining staff go earlier today. “Today...
News Nintendo: Our Competitors Need to React to What We're Doing
Gadgets and gizmos
Following his controversial interview with CNN earlier in the week, Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime has suggested that Sony will need to offer more than just upgraded visuals with the next PlayStation console. Chatting with CNET, the outspoken executive brushed aside claims that the recently released Wii U will be...
News 007 Legends Developer Eurocom Sheds a Chunk of Its Staff
The world is not enough
Legendary UK developer Eurocom has cut its workforce to just under 50 employees today. The studio – which previously employed over 200 people – has been forced to restructure after a decline in demand for console games. "Eurocom are undertaking a restructuring which I regret to say has meant we've made the majority of...
News Admit It, You Want This Glass DualShock 3
Parting gift
Jeff Rubenstein may have departed Sony Computer Entertainment America recently, but the social media wizard will always have something to remember his five years at the company with. In order to recognise his service, the platform holder has awarded the PlayStation Blog guru with a glass replica of the DualShock 3 controller. Not only...
Rumour Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Was Developed in Five Months
Urgh
People have been pretty harsh on developer Nihilistic Software, but it turns out that the studio may have actually worked miracles in order to release Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified at all. According to reliable online super sleuth Supererogatory, the PlayStation Vita exclusive shooter was developed in just five months – which explains...
News Sony Bend Recruiting for Blockbuster Vita Game
New blood
Sony Bend, the North American first-party studio responsible for the Syphon Filter franchise and the recent Uncharted: Golden Abyss, is staffing up for a new blockbuster PlayStation Vita title. A job listing for a Senior Staff Technical Animator on Gamasutra notes that the developer is currently looking for “top artistic talent to help...
News Have You Ever Wondered How Sony Could Afford Gaikai?
Convertible bonds
Sony is supposedly a shuffling financial wreck, but it still stumped up the $380 million required to acquire Gaikai. That doesn’t quite add up. Indeed, it turns out that the company is not quite as broke as it seems, having recently offloaded a slew of convertible bonds to the tune of $1.9 billion. A third of that cash will be...
News EA Resurrects Gothenburg Studio as Ghost
Will haunt your hardware soon
EA’s new Gothenburg studio has been renamed Ghost, according to a snazzy makeover on its website. The team is thought to be working on a next-generation entry in the Need for Speed series, with legendary producer Alan Baker at the helm. Former DICE executive Marcus Nilsson is currently in charge of the new developer...
News Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein Exits PlayStation
Thanks for the memories
After a slew of rumours, Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein has confirmed that he’s leaving PlayStation. Those that have been invested in the brand since the early PS3 days will know that Jeff has played an integral part in transforming the PlayStation Blog into one of the most popular gaming websites in the world...
News Andrew House Is Quickly Becoming One of the Most Important People in Sony
New roles
Andrew House has continued his rapid ascension through Sony's corporate hierarchy by being named as the new president of Sony Network Entertainment. The affable executive will replace Tim Schaaff, who is set to retire on 31st December. The former SCEE boss will juggle the role alongside his current commitments as the CEO of Sony Computer...
News THQ Delays Its Entire Upcoming Line-up, Seeks Additional Capital
Gulp
Things sure aren't looking particularly rosy for troubled publisher THQ. Despite cutting its operating losses to $19 million compared to last year's terrifying $97 million, the company still can't catch a break. During a financial briefing earlier this evening, the organisation reported net sales of $107 million – before delaying its entire...
