Gaming News General

[Seahawk]

This thread is for posting games industry news in a neutral context.

If you have any news that you don't think is thread worthy, and don't want it tagged with a silly life/death of gaming connotation, post it here. It can be anything: game annoucements, game people, game places, game companies, game videos, etc.

This doesn't bar you from making a dedicated thread for said news. If it's a minor story or something maybe only you are interested in, though, it is probably better not to clutter up the forum with threads.

Sources are important. Always post them.

TL;DR - Neutral game news posting thread

[Slime Slayer]

Well I had this one that I forgot about:
http://www.retrouprising.com/video-games/all-other-games/week-gaming/t12251/
Should I start doing it again?

[DrunkN]

Kotaku - The Gamer's Guide (http://kotaku.com/satoru-iwata-is-taking-over-control-of-nintendo-of-amer-479226075)

"Iwata is taking over control of Nintendo of America."

[Slime Slayer]

Is this going to effect m-man Reggie?

[DrunkN]

Is this going to effect m-man Reggie?
"Reggie Fils-Aime will continue in his role as president and COO of NOA, reporting to Iwata."

I guess that means he'll still be around, but with more direction from Iwata?

[Seahawk]

Square Enix has reported their final results for the fiscal year ended 3/31/2013.

Investors slides (http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/pdf/13q4slides.pdf)
Press release (http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/pdf/13q4release.pdf)

In short, a 13.7 billion yen net income loss, attributed mostly to missed sales targets in USA and Europe.

Judging from the material, their plan going forward seems to be increased focus on mobile software (surprise surprise oh noes) and a retargeting of investment resources for efficiency (i.e. not sitting on developing projects for years) as mentioned in their profit revision forecast earlier this year.

---------- Post added 05-15-2013 at 04:20 PM ---------- Previous post was 05-13-2013 at 01:47 PM ----------

Ubisoft has released their financial results for fiscal year ending 2013. Generally positive for them.

Investors slides (https://www.ubisoftgroup.com/comsite_common/en-US/images/Ubisoft%20slide%20show%20FY13%20finaltcm9996991.pd f)

Some tidbits...

Brand sales for this generation of consoles (Wii/ps3/360)
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2013_05/2336.png

Industry best selling titles for 2012
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2013_05/2337.png

Ubisoft expects very positive growth in the upcoming new console cycle.
All that, combined with the online expertise and knowhow that we have been growing steadily, internally make us believe that we will benefit disproportionally from the arrival of the new generation and from the continued growth of the online market.

[Dudebro]

SE would be doing better if they actually bothered to appeal to gamers who aren't Japanese.

[Seahawk]

Budget mismanagement and astoundingly unrealistic sales targets are more the reason for Square Enix's current financial troubles.

[Kugyince]

SE's major western issue is that JRPGs aren't nearly as big as they once were. While the JRPG market has shrunk their budgets for such games has inflated.

Maybe the mobile market is what's best for them so long as they stop attempting to sell $20 games on the Android/iOS market.

[Seahawk]

Index Corporation, owner of video game developer group Atlus (formally known as Index Digital Media) has entered bankruptcy and will undergo a full corporate and credit restructure, supervised by external creditors.

Source @ CNET Japan
(http://japan.cnet.com/news/business/35033951/)

[Slime Slayer]

Someone will scoop up Atlus, hopefully Nintender.

[Kugyince]

Index is currently looking for a company to purchase Atlus.

>inb4 Marvelous

@Steven: I hope Nintendo doesn't. While I like both companies I don't think Nintendo would be a good influence on Atlus. I would prefer it fall into the hands of someone more laissez-faire.

[Slime Slayer]

Index is currently looking for a company to purchase Atlus.

>inb4 Marvelous

@Steven: I hope Nintendo doesn't. While I like both companies I don't think Nintendo would be a good influence on Atlus. I would prefer it fall into the hands of someone more laissez-faire.

Fair enough, I just want to make sure the games continue to show up on the 3DS.

[Seahawk]

Massive Fire at SK Hynix Facility in Wuxi, China | techPowerUp (http://www.techpowerup.com/190121/massive-fire-at-sk-hynix-facility-in-wuxi-china.html)

Huge fire at a NAND flash memory and DRAM factory.

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2013_09/2647.jpg
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2013_09/2648.jpg

"With the latest estimates placing Hynix somewhere around 30% of the world’s DRAM production – for Hynix to lose half its capacity in seconds is about as serious as it gets in the technology market."

Pretty bad. There will be a huge chain reaction of supply issues, leading to price increases on almost everything memory related.

This is similar to the Thailand flooding of hard drive factories a few years ago. If you're in the market for PC parts, buy them NOW (SSDs, RAM, and graphics cards in particular), before price increases take effect, if they haven't already.

[DrunkN]

Massive Fire at SK Hynix Facility in Wuxi, China | techPowerUp (http://www.techpowerup.com/190121/massive-fire-at-sk-hynix-facility-in-wuxi-china.html)

Huge fire at a NAND flash memory and DRAM factory.

"With the latest estimates placing Hynix somewhere around 30% of the world’s DRAM production – for Hynix to lose half its capacity in seconds is about as serious as it gets in the technology market."

Pretty bad. There will be a huge chain reaction of supply issues, leading to price increases on almost everything memory related.

This is similar to the Thailand flooding of hard drive factories a few years ago. If you're in the market for PC parts, buy them NOW (SSDs, RAM, and graphics cards in particular), before price increases take effect, if they haven't already.

I wonder if this will make the PS4 and XB1 rise in price at all. Internal storage is a pretty core component of XB1, if I understand correctly.

[Barra]

With the number of pre-orders I think Sony/MS will have to take it on the chin.
There goes my plan of buying a SSD for christmas

[Seahawk]

Regarding the PS4/X1, we don't know where they're sourcing the parts from. If they are from Hynix then the parts' costs would almost certainly be locked under a contract, giving them priority on parts deliveries, at the expense of everyone else.

In the worst case scenario, there simply aren't enough memory chips to go around, at that point it simply becomes "Too bad" for everyone involved. Memory chips aren't grown from the ground, it takes 4-6 weeks for the complete process, and cutting edge fab plants are hella expensive, billions of USD.

There goes my plan of buying a SSD for christmas

Yep. Just when they were finally getting affordable.

[Barra]

Id say your correct about the contract thing. Mind you they will be looking for ways to screw the consumer, you can guarantee that

[Seahawk]

UPDATE 1-Hynix says fire did not cripple China chip-making plant | Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/04/china-hynix-suspension-idUSL4N0H03CJ20130904)

Looks like the fire missed the clean room. Definitely not a worst case scenario here.

"After an initial assessment, the world's No. 2 maker of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips said it found no "material" damage to fabrication gear in its clean room at the plant, which produces around 12 to 15 percent of global computer memory chips."

All in one room. Yikes. I'd say they (and everyone else buying parts) are very lucky.

[Barra]

Well thats a relief. Still might see some effects of this but nothing like it could have been

[Seahawk]

Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. has purchased Index Corporation.

Official Press Release (http://www.retrouprising.com/www.segasammy.co.jp/english/pdf/release/20130918_index_e_final.pdf)

Index has achieved an excellent track record in the design and development of content for mobile phones. On the development of home video game software, the company owns a number of prominent IPs, namely the “ATLUS” brand titles of “Megami Tensei” series, “Persona” series and “Etrian Odyssey” series among others.

...
The Company believes that transfer of Index’s operations to SEGA will create synergies, on the grounds that the deal will enable the Company to (1) gain access to prominent IPs in the home video game software, through which the Company can expect to achieve steady flows of revenue; (2) expect further facilitation of revenue growth for the PC Online Game Business and Content Business for Smart Devices operated by SEGA and SEGA Networks Co., Ltd. by exploiting acquired prominent IPs and (3) maximize the value of acquired IPs by effectively deploying them in the Pachislot and Pachinko Machines segment, Amusement Machine Sales and Amusement Center Operations segments.
Seahawk's initial impression:
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2013_09/2717.jpg
Pack it up and go home. Atlus properties are done outside of JP.

[Slime Slayer]

I'm optimistic, definitely coulda been worse.

[Kugyince]

Skeptical yet hopeful.

[Seahawk]

No more rumor mongering - Sony has put out an official (and large) PS4 FAQ for North America.

PS4: The Ultimate FAQ – North America – PlayStation.Blog (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/10/30/ps4-the-ultimate-faq-north-america/)

[Seahawk]

Nintendo is terminating Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection services for the Wii and DS consoles on May 20, 2014. It will no longer be possible to use online features of software such as online play, matchmaking, and leaderboards.

The following services are not affected by the termination, and will continue to be available after May 20th:


Internet Channel
Nintendo DS Browser
Nintendo DSi Browser
Nintendo DSi Shop
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Pay & Play
Wii Shop Channel
YouTube

Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games will not be affected but it will not be possible to use online features of Wii software played in Wii Mode on Wii U, and of Nintendo DS games played on Nintendo 3DS family systems.

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for Nintendo DS and Wii to end in May - Nintendo Official Site (http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/vyWpoM6CBIe6FjW8NIY7bvzOrgBURhzw)

---------- Post added 03-01-2014 at 05:49 PM ---------- Previous post was 02-26-2014 at 11:20 PM ----------

Nintendo of America has posted several job openings on their twitter.

https://twitter.com/jobsatnintendo

[Slime Slayer]

Holy crap, it's a complete overhaul.

[Seahawk]

Facebook has acquired Oculus VR for $2 billion.

https://www.facebook.com/zuck/posts/10101319050523971?stream_ref=1
Oculus Joins Facebook | Oculus Rift - Virtual Reality Headset for 3D Gaming (http://www.oculusvr.com/blog/oculus-joins-facebook/)

[DrunkN]

Facebook has acquired Oculus VR for $2 billion.

https://www.facebook.com/zuck/posts/10101319050523971?stream_ref=1
Oculus Joins Facebook | Oculus Rift - Virtual Reality Headset for 3D Gaming (http://www.oculusvr.com/blog/oculus-joins-facebook/)

I wonder if it has anything to do with the PCS thing they launched.

https://developers.facebook.com/docs/publiccontentsolutions/

Apparently they have some kinda partnership with graphical software developers, broadcasting agencies, and web/content browsing oriented studios.

Could just be a run of the mill purchase by Facebook though. The Oculus deal is more interesting.

[Seahawk]

PCS showcases partners delivering market-leading tools and services to major media companies, sports leagues and teams and public figures.After games, we're going to make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine enjoying a court side seat at a game, studying in a classroom of students and teachers all over the world or consulting with a doctor face-to-face -- just by putting on goggles in your home.These two statements seem to go pretty hand in hand.
Facebook is a primarily a social network, but their platform and reach is pretty big now, it'd be no surprise to see them start branching out onto other types of media and/or human interaction.

[Dudebro]

I hope it's used for cool stuff and not just a VR Farmville experience.

[KATZ]

people still play farmville? i thought candy crush was the big facebook game now

[Seahawk]

On May 31, GameSpy is terminating all hosting services for games using its online infrastructure. Any game that uses their servers in any online component will no longer have those network functionalities.

Pricing | GameSpy Technology (http://www.poweredbygamespy.com/pricing/)

Some games affected by the shutdown: Battlefront 2, Borderlands, Saints Row 2, Halo: Combat Evolved, many more. If you're unsure, check your game for the Gamespy logo, or look up the game's publisher.

[KATZ]

ehh, halo :CE is all clan bull

[Seahawk]

More info at IGN

GameSpy Multiplayer Shutting Down, Hundreds of Games at Risk - IGN (http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/03/gamespy-multiplayer-shutting-down-hundreds-of-games-at-risk)

Lists, by year, of affected games (http://www.poweredbygamespy.com/projects/2010-titles/)

Most notable is that this is the reason behind Nintendo's shutdown of online services for all Wii and DS games on May 20, Nintendo Wi-Fi connection uses Gamespy.

[Kong]

Mochi Media - Home – Mochi Media :: Fueling Creativity (http://www.mochimedia.com/)
Mochi Media - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia closed. They put ads inside flash games. They were the largest such organization.

[Dudebro]

That sucks for Red Dead Redemption, awesome game. The online was plague with cheaters but it was still a lot of fun.

[Slime Slayer]

Mochi Media - Home – Mochi Media :: Fueling Creativity (http://www.mochimedia.com/)
Mochi Media - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mochi_Media) closed. They put ads inside flash games. They were the largest such organization.

That's kinda weird, I don't really get how that could happen, it's (at least on paper) a cut and dry business model.

[KATZ]

Not sure if you guys heard but amazon just launched their own game console/media streamer, its 99 and the only thing i know about it is it has minecraft....


http://images.askmen.com/1080x540/news/tech/amazon-fire-tv-1092592-TwoByOne.jpg[img]
[img]http://coolmaterial.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/amazon-fire-tv-3.jpg

[Slime Slayer]

Everybody is a game company! C'mon Comcast! C'mon General Electric, where are you guys?! Join the fun!!!

[DrunkN]

I'd definitely consider getting an Amazon console at that price, if the library turned anything particularly eye-catching. They typically have a lot of app sales, which is appealing.

EDIT: Scratch that. I was reading into it and apparently it isn't likely to get any support from Google, which you can use amazon to get cheap apps from anyways. If anything it would be better to wait for them to make a similar platform.

[Kong]

Reminds me of the Pong revolution

Pong Consoles - Angry Video Game Nerd - YouTube

So is this going to be something like onlive? If so I think Amazon is in a great position to pull that off. If no then it sounds like a bunch of stupid phone games on your tv.

[Seahawk]

Dear Customers,
We are excited to introduce Amazon Fire TV (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC/ref=amb_link_1/188-3984761-6718050?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=gateway-center-column&pf_rd_r=1QVGD96FK0RCP6SFFA1M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1770741782&pf_rd_i=507846).
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3579.jpg
Fire TV (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC/ref=amb_link_1/188-3984761-6718050?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=gateway-center-column&pf_rd_r=1QVGD96FK0RCP6SFFA1M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1770741782&pf_rd_i=507846) is a tiny box that plugs into your HDTV. It's the easiest way to enjoy Netflix, Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, WatchESPN, low-cost video rentals, and more. With instant access to over 200,000 TV episodes and movies, plus all your favorite subscriptions and streaming services, you can watch what you want, when you want. If you're a Prime member, you get unlimited access to thousands of popular movies and TV shows, including exclusives like Downton Abbey, The Americans, Alpha House, and Under the Dome.

Fire TV has voice search that actually works (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC/ref=amb_link_1/188-3984761-6718050?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=gateway-center-column&pf_rd_r=1QVGD96FK0RCP6SFFA1M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1770741782&pf_rd_i=507846#voicesearch). The old way of searching with a TV remote—scrolling and clicking one letter at a time on an alphabet grid—is painful. With Fire TV you simply speak the title, actor, or genre into the remote and you're done.

Fire TV may be tiny on the outside, but it has huge hardware specs (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC/ref=amb_link_1/188-3984761-6718050?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=gateway-center-column&pf_rd_r=1QVGD96FK0RCP6SFFA1M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1770741782&pf_rd_i=507846#powerful) on the inside. It has a powerful quad-core processor, dedicated GPU, 2 GB of memory, and dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi. With a fast, fluid interface, high definition 1080p video, and Dolby Digital Plus surround sound, Fire TV looks—and sounds—amazing. We also added an exclusive new feature called ASAP (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC/ref=amb_link_1/188-3984761-6718050?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=gateway-center-column&pf_rd_r=1QVGD96FK0RCP6SFFA1M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1770741782&pf_rd_i=507846#powerful) that predicts what movies and TV episodes you'll want to watch and gets them ready to stream instantly. No one likes waiting for videos to buffer.

As a bonus, we also added games (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC/ref=amb_link_1/188-3984761-6718050?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=gateway-center-column&pf_rd_r=1QVGD96FK0RCP6SFFA1M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1770741782&pf_rd_i=507846#gaming). With Fire TV you can play blockbuster titles like Minecraft, The Walking Dead, Monsters University, the Amazon exclusive Sev Zero, plus great free games. There are over a hundred titles to explore, with thousands more coming soon. These games are a great value—the average price of paid games is only $1.85.
Jeff Bezos
Founder & CEO

PS — Here's a preview of a fun new television ad (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX5P8FC/ref=amb_link_1/188-3984761-6718050?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=gateway-center-column&pf_rd_r=1QVGD96FK0RCP6SFFA1M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1770741782&pf_rd_i=507846#TV) for Fire TV that will begin airing soon. Enjoy.


Seems more of a stream/TV box, with games just added on as a bonus. I don't think Amazon is positioning this product to compete with the game space.

[Kugyince]

If it had YouTube support as well I'd pick one up. Been looking for something to replace my Roku.

[DrunkN]

If it had YouTube support as well I'd pick one up. Been looking for something to replace my Roku.

Don't count on it. Like I said it's an Amazon product and Youtube is Google owned.

[Kong]

"As a bonus we added games." :laugh:

It is "Minecraft Pocket Edition". Android app games.

Amazon would be the perfect company to copy or buy out OnLive (http://www.onlive.com/).

---------- Post added at 07:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:23 PM ----------

Netflix and Amazon are more direct competitors than Amazon and Google and it supports Netflix. I don't think that is a reason they skipped it. Probably because Youtube doesn't offer a non-browser API like Hulu, Netflix and Pandora do. (A guess.)

[Slime Slayer]

If it had YouTube support as well I'd pick one up. Been looking for something to replace my Roku.

Roku has Youtube.

[Kugyince]

@Kong: Youtube does offer one. It's on the Wuu, 3DS, smartphones, etc...

[DrunkN]

PS Vita doesn't deserve bad reputation - Drinkbox | GamesIndustry International (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-04-14-ps-vita-doesnt-deserve-bad-reputation-drinxbox)

Guacamelee developers talk about distributing on the Vita.

[StarfoxFan2009]

Myth proven true, they found a bunch of ET cartridges in the landfill

Diggers find Atari's E.T. games in landfill (http://news.yahoo.com/diggers-ataris-e-t-games-landfill-193256509.html)

[Slime Slayer]

I have a hard time believing this, a game that's been buried for 30 years coming out looking pristine?
Seems like a publicity stunt. My wife works for the company that spearheaded this dig, I'll see if she can get some inside information.

[Seahawk]

The cartridge itself probably wouldn't degrade, since it's made of plastic. Maybe the PCB inside would corrode, depending on any water leaks or general humidity.

The paper label staying clean is pretty suspect though.

[DrunkN]

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3756.jpg
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3757.jpg

I imagine they cleaned a least some of it up for pictures and what not.

[Slime Slayer]

And also, what's with them finding "hundreds" there is supposed to be "millions".

[DrunkN]

And also, what's with them finding "hundreds" there is supposed to be "millions".

They found what they found. Are you saying their excavation efforts are poor?

Anyways I'm kinda bummed. It had always made more sense to me that they would have just re-purposed the carts and I totally shot my buddy down when he was going on about this "New Mexico burial of E.T." the other day.

[Seahawk]

Repurposed? You mean replace the sticker and the internal PCB? It'd just be cheaper to manufacture new ones.

---------- Post added at 05:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:55 PM ----------

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3761.jpg
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3762.jpg
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3763.jpg

I believe.

[Slime Slayer]

They found what they found. Are you saying their excavation efforts are poor?

No, I'm saying this is a far cry from the urban legend.

[Dudebro]

I'm honestly amazed that this turned out to be true. Good for them and I hope the documentary turns out to be interesting.

[Slime Slayer]

So apparently it is MS's documentary, not the company I thought it was. Now I really think it's set up. It's way too similar to that episode of Simpsons where they dig up the angel. Until I see 14 truckloads, I am a non believer.

AVGN's movie is ruined now lol. He's been working on it for like 7 years.

[DrunkN]

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3765.png

[Kugyince]

Repurposed? You mean replace the sticker and the internal PCB? It'd just be cheaper to manufacture new ones.

From what's been claimed by many insiders, Atari did actively repurpose their carts and other hardware.

Now I'm conflicted on who to believe. On one hand it'd be bad for Microsoft if they found nothing. On the other it'd be bad if they lied about finding the dump and it was discovered.

I'll believe it when I see pictures of a giant heap of carts and not just four or five.

[Dudebro]

I don't think it'd be that bad if they didn't find anything. They could change direction and make it about debunking one of the biggest gaming myths.

[Kugyince]

Possibly, but people still mock the "Al Capone's Vault" dig for coming up empty.

[QAOP Spaceman]

AVGN's movie is ruined now lol. He's been working on it for like 7 years.

:face:

[Slime Slayer]

I'll believe it when I see pictures of a giant heap of carts and not just four or five.

Exactly, every dump in north america probably has at least what they've shown us so far.

---------- Post added at 01:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:27 AM ----------

I don't think it'd be that bad if they didn't find anything. They could change direction and make it about debunking one of the biggest gaming myths.

There is no story there.

[Dudebro]

@Tenser- I remember right Geraldo trumped that up to be a fact and they dragged it out on TV for a while so the hype was really high. I think the expectation in this case is that it's probably not true.

@Steven- Sure there is. Digging at the rumored site and finding nothing would silence the myth for good.

[Slime Slayer]

@Steven- Sure there is. Digging at the rumored site and finding nothing would silence the myth for good.

They would silence nothing, all they would prove is that they found nothing, and it would make for a very anti-climactic documentary.

[Kugyince]

I remember watching it live, it was pretty bad but when you spend 40 minutes on live TV before the vault is even opened you're stretched thin for material. Kind of like those 3 hour long pre-game Superbowl shows.

I don't think they would be able to disprove the myth by finding nothing. I've heard people say that if they found nothing in the dig all it just means is that they were digging in the wrong spot.

[Dudebro]

Of course there'd be conspiracy theories if they found nothing but the myth would have a lot less staying power if this dig turned up empty. Also MS doesn't need to make money on this so it wouldn't really matter if it turned up empty. They've wasted money many times and they still do it so it's not out of the ordinary to think they'd do it again.

[Slime Slayer]

the myth would have a lot less staying power

No, the myth wouldn't waiver at all. There is a UFC going n btw.

---------- Post added at 03:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:05 AM ----------

The Alamogordo ET Atari dig with YourExWife - YouTube

It just seems so staged, like why is there so much media and stuff right there the moment they dug it up?

[Kugyince]

Looks like they found just a couple of carts from the video. Maybe they jumped to conclusions after finding a couple?

I'm very interested to see if they can pul out truckloads of carts from that dump.

[Jason L. Davis]

Absolutely, Its not busted by my view , Its like saying the Loch Ness is in Scotland, But no one has caught the damn thing. I have to be offered more than just a " Piece " Of evidence!

[Seahawk]

Chat on Atari Age forums (http://atariage.com/forums/topic/66637-ataris-landfill-adventures-i-now-have-the-proof-its-true/?p=2978186)

Newspaper clippings
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3766.jpg
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3767.jpg

[Jason L. Davis]

Still no un-photoshopped pictures yet though..

[Slime Slayer]

I can't believe how many people are satisfied with a half a dozen carts being dug up. That guy with is poop eating grin, holding up a single cart for the camera and saying "We found it, everybody report the myth proven true and go home, nothing more to see here, it's a great day in gaming history." No, that's not gonna cut it.

[Kugyince]

Chris Kohler said he was there as part of the press and saw tons of them. That certainly brings more weight to their side.

I still would like to see these 14 truck loads of games though and not just a handful.

[Slime Slayer]

Well you are not going to, apparently everyone is now gone, and the city has filled up the hole they dug.

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3769.jpg

For me, all this does is ad another layer to the myth, witch I actually like more than if the millions of carts where uncovered. Regardless of truth, it's a fun story, and I like it in it's inconclusive state.

[DrunkN]

What I take away from all this is that there were just a bunch of carts. Maybe around like 500 or even 1000. Not enough that they absolutely litter the zone, but a sizable amount.

If there really are significantly more than that, then they were not found. The myth lives on because we don't have a good figure.

[Slime Slayer]

What I take away from all this is that there were just a bunch of carts. Maybe around like 500 or even 1000. Not enough that they absolutely litter the zone, but a sizable amount.

If there really are significantly more than that, then they were not found. The myth lives on because we don't have a good figure.

Right, and the ones they did find could have easily came from a random game store that closed up shop. Or just planted for the PR stunt, witch I'm not ruling out.

[DrunkN]

Right, and the ones they did find could have easily came from a random game store that closed up shop. Or just planted for the PR stunt, witch I'm not ruling out.

That all sounds a little crazy to me, but if you really wanna wrap a conspiracy around a myth, go ahead.

Anyways, AVGN movie not ruined lol.

---------- Post added 04-29-2014 at 02:42 PM ---------- Previous post was 04-27-2014 at 04:01 PM ----------

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_04/3786.jpg

[Seahawk]

See Atari's Buried Treasure: E.T. Among 30 Retro Games Unearthed In The Desert – ReadWrite (http://readwrite.com/2014/04/28/atari-et-dig-alamogordo-game-list#awesm=~oCRCdRWiUgLRyq)

[Kugyince]

That's all I was asking for. I'm a believer now.

Man, what a waste...

[Seahawk]

Google is going to buy Twitch.

In March 2014, Twitch represented 1.35% of all downstream bandwidth on North American fixed-access broadband networks

YouTube to Acquire Videogame-Streaming Service Twitch for $1 Billion: Sources | Variety (http://variety.com/2014/digital/news/youtube-to-acquire-videogame-streaming-service-twitch-for-1-billion-sources-1201185204/)

[CrispyChicken]

Ugh. I love Twitch. I bet you Youtube is going to come in and ruin it. I don't even like Youtube that much anymore. So much restriction on that site. Layouts and presentation are terrible. No control of spam.

[Seahawk]

The Internet has taken immediate disapproval.
http://www.retrouprising.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3419&stc=1&d=1400454442

Personally, I do too. Content ID, layout changes every month, and forced Google+ integration incoming. ノ(ಠ_ಠノ ) Lower your dongers ノ(ಠ_ಠノ) .

We really need a company to compete with Google, but they're so big :/.

[Wolf]

what is next fakebook will buy Google

[DrunkN]

I, for one, welcome our Google overlords.

[Seahawk]

Just a reminder that today is the final full day that online services for Wii, DS, and DSi games remain active.

Sometime on May 20th, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service will be terminated, and any online content will be permanently inaccessible.
This includes

-Multiplayer
-Leaderboards
-In game downloads such as: Picross puzzles, Dragon Quest game treasure/map downloads, dyes for The Last Story, etc.
-Possibly the purchase of DLC for some games (Megaman 9, 10), as these are done from in game, and not from the Wii Shop Channel

Paid services such as Netflix remain online for now.
Make sure you get all the stuff you want!

[Seahawk]

Capcom shareholders declined to renew the Takeover Defense initiative in their recent vote, meaning Capcom is now open to buyout if someone chooses to buy a majority of the stock.

The 35th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Capcom Co., Ltd. was held today, June 16, 2014. At this meeting, the shareholders did not approve our third proposal: Renewal of Countermeasures in response to a Large-Scale Purchase of Shares of the Company (Takeover Defense). Capcom made an announcement concerning this proposal in a press release dated May 16, 2014.

1. Result of voting
The takeover defense proposal was not approved because this proposal did not receive majority of voting rights as required.
2. Upcoming actions
Despite of non-approval of Renewal of Takeover Defense at the 35th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, Capcom will continue to focus on further preserving and enhancing corporate value and common interests of its shareholders. If there is any large-scale purchaser of Capcom stock, we will react to make necessary measures within the admissible limits of applicable laws and regulations. In addition, we will react to take steps to ensure disclosure of the position of the board of directors and other information and that there is sufficient time for shareholders to examine the proposed large-scale purchase and reach a decision.http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/2...ossibility.php (http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/219300/Capcom_shareholders_open_company_up_to_takeover_po ssibility.php)

http://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/n.../e140616a.html (http://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e140616a.html)

[Kugyince]

I'll give them $5 for Mega Man.

[Dudebro]

I'll give them 10 and turn it into a FPS.

[Slime Slayer]

15 for hentai games.

[Dudebro]

50 and my final offer to make it into a gritty and dark western RPG.

[Seahawk]

Satoru Iwata will miss the Nintendo 74th annual shareholder meeting due to preliminary signs of cancer.

The 74th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders: To our shareholders (http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/stock/meeting/140627/index.html)

[Slime Slayer]

Satoru Iwata will miss the Nintendo 74th annual shareholder meeting due to preliminary signs of cancer.

The 74th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders: To our shareholders (http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/stock/meeting/140627/index.html)

The cancer saving video games... sorry couldn't resist. For the record I like Iwata.

[Seahawk]

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_06/4044.png

https://twitter.com/YTCreators/status/482322459413053442
Finally.

[Krendall]

It's about freaking time.

[Seahawk]

Nintendo 74th General Shareholder Meeting (http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/stock/meeting/140627qa/index.html)

[Seahawk]

"Apple is frustrated, along with everybody else, about the mentality that's gone rampant in mobile app markets, where people don't want to pay anything," Watson said. "They want to pay as little as possible. They think that four dollars is an exorbitant amount to pay for a game, which is very illogical considering most people's lifestyles. They'll spend $600 on an iPad, and $4 on a coffee, drop $20 on lunch, but when it comes to spending four or five dollars on a game, it's this life-altering decision. I'm frustrated with that too."Why Banner Saga is avoiding the budget-price pitfall of the App Store - and how Apple is helping | Polygon (http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/24/5931351/why-banner-saga-is-avoiding-the-budget-price-pitfall-of-the-app-store)

Edit: Related articles

http://www.androidheadlines.com/2013/12/research-shows-android-users-prefer-freemium-apps-98-google-play-revenue-comes-app-purchases.html
http://mashable.com/2013/10/08/state-of-paid-apps/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2013/12/30/paid-apps-having-a-bad-time-almost-all-revenue-is-from-in-app-purchases-in-free-apps/
http://mashable.com/2013/12/19/paid-vs-free-apps/

[Dudebro]

Well for Banner Saga specifically I'd say people are skeptical because it looks like a risky game, might be boring or short, and they released a stand alone free version before this main game and that was short and limited. I think they confused their potential customers.

As for the market as a whole I'd say the flood of complete crap and scams killed customer confidence and it's gonna take a few years to bring that back.

[Seahawk]

I don't think it is a question of confidence at all, but of conditioning. When everything is free all the time, it no longer becomes a deal, it becomes the expected price. It is then very hard to change people's perception of normal back to what it was before.

This idea is rippling out beyond phone gaming to affect both PC and console gaming.

[Dudebro]

I think it really has to do with confidence when it comes to mobile games. I don't play them myself but everyone I know who does is reluctant to buy games because they usually end up disappointing or riddled with pay walls and pay to win. Some are even reluctant to download free games because it might be a waste or time and space.

[CrispyChicken]

I can't remember the last time I actually bought a mobile app. I just download all the free ones to waste some time when I'm bored.

[Kugyince]

iOSdoomed

[Seahawk]

iOSdoomed
Ha ha not quite as catchy is it =P.

I think it really has to do with confidence when it comes to mobile games. I don't play them myself but everyone I know who does is reluctant to buy games because they usually end up disappointing or riddled with pay walls and pay to win. Some are even reluctant to download free games because it might be a waste or time and space.
I think this is more of a problem of people not being able to tell between good and bad games before they purchase. Visibility of content is important, this is difficult when the most popular downloaded apps are all free because nobody buys enough paid apps for them to chart.

[Kugyince]

GFK Chart-Track (http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p/software/uk/latest/index_test.jsp&ct=110032)

#1: Minecraft - 360
#2: Minecraft - PS3
#3: Tomadachi Life - 3DS
#4: Watch Dogs - PS4
#5: Titanfall - Bone
#6: Mario Kart 8 - Wuu
#7: Lego Movie Videogame - 360
#8: FIFA 14 - 360
#9: Watch Dogs - 360
#10: GTA V - 360
#16: Pokemon Black - DS

[Seahawk]

Amazon has bought Twitch for $970 million. The earlier Google deal fell through.

Official Amazon press release (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1960768&highlight=)
Twitch CEO Thank You letter (http://www.twitch.tv/p/thankyou)

Letter from the CEO
August 25, 2014
Dear Twitch Community,
It’s almost unbelievable that slightly more than 3 years ago, Twitch didn’t exist. The moment we launched, we knew we had stumbled across something special. But what followed surprised us as much as anyone else, and the impact it’s had on both the community and us has been truly profound.

Your talent, your passion, your dedication to gaming, your memes, your brilliance - these have made Twitch what it is today. Every day, we strive to live up to the standard set by you, the community. We want to create the very best place to share your gaming and life online, and that mission continues to guide us.

Together with you, we’ve found new ways of connecting developers and publishers with their fans. We’ve created a whole new kind of career that lets people make a living sharing their love of games. We’ve brought billions of hours of entertainment, laughter, joy and the occasional ragequit. I think we can all call that a pretty good start.

Today, I’m pleased to announce we’ve been acquired by Amazon. We chose Amazon because they believe in our community, they share our values and long-term vision, and they want to help us get there faster. We’re keeping most everything the same: our office, our employees, our brand, and most importantly our independence. But with Amazon’s support we’ll have the resources to bring you an even better Twitch.

I personally want to thank you, each and every member of the Twitch community, for what you’ve created. Thank you for putting your faith in us. Thank you for sticking with us through growing pains and stumbles. Thank you for bringing your very best to us and sharing it with the world. Thank you, from a group of gamers who never dreamed they’d get to help shape the face of the industry that we love so much.

It’s dangerous to go alone. On behalf of myself and everyone else at Twitch, thank you for coming with us.

Emmett Shear, CEO

[CrispyChicken]

Jontron - Oh my gaaaaaaaaaawwwwwd! - YouTube

[Krendall]

Good, I was sick of Google owning everything.

[DrunkN]

Aw man. Now there's no Google integrated twitch features. :'(

[Seahawk]

Rumor: Activision may make an offer to buy out Take Two Interactive (http://news.investors.com/technology-click/082914-715340-ttwo-subject-of-takeover-talk-by-atvi.htm)

[CrispyChicken]

Microsoft to Buy Minecraft Developer Mojang -- Report - GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-to-buy-minecraft-developer-mojang-report/1100-6422220/)

Notch is a rich(er) man.

[Slime Slayer]

More than 2 billion, wtf?

[Seahawk]

Wow two billion for the Minecraft IP, basically.
Not a bad deal for Notch since every other Mojang project is a bust and they're just fiddling around with Minecraft in minor ways these days.

[DrunkN]

Watch as Pocket Edition for ios is never updated again, as well as Minecraft on Sony platforms.

[Seahawk]

I think they would make more money by having those exist and stay updated. Minecraft freaking charts on NPD every month (as in PHYSICAL editions sold, which is pretty useless for Minecraft) despite being super old hat by now.

Of course, Minecraft 2 and Minecraft: The Movie might be Microsoft exclusive, heh heh.

[Dudebro]

More than 2 billion, wtf?
Why does this surprise you? People are happily buying multiple copies on multiple platforms. MC is a way of life at this point basically and it's still going strong. I can't think of any other recent game that can match its universal appeal.


That being said I really hope MS doesn't buy Mojang.

[StarfoxFan2009]

I think Notch pretty much orchestrated it to make a point about Nintendo not getting Minecraft on the Wii-U

[Dudebro]

Why would he need to do that? Seems like there's little demand and little reason to port it to the WiiU.

[Seahawk]

Another article about it on Bloomberg

Microsoft Near $2 Billion Deal for Minecraft Maker - Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-09/microsoft-said-near-2-billion-deal-for-minecraft-maker.html)

The deal came together after Mojang founder Markus Persson reached out to Microsoft a few months ago, based on a positive working relationship on Minecraft for Xbox, said the person familiar with Microsoft.
The two companies quickly agreed on a framework and approximate price and have been working out the details since, the person said. Persson will help out with the transition, though he is unlikely to remain beyond that, according to the person.
The software maker calculates it can boost Minecraft sales by expanding the number of game users through Microsoft’s position in video games and computers, and by expanding licensing for things like toys and movies, said one of the people.
Sounds like Notch really doesn't want to play anymore.

Microsoft, if it completes the deal, will keep the game available for rival products, said two people familiar with the company’s plans. The company thinks that this kind of product, like its Office productivity software, has to be available with high-quality versions for multiple platforms, including those of its rivals, the person with knowledge of Microsoft’s thinking said.This is what I think as well. It's just too much profit to ignore.

Persson founded Mojang in 2010, after he coded Minecraft on a lark in 2009 as a side project It's crazy having watched this game become so big since buying it in prototype form back in 2010.

[Slime Slayer]

Why does this surprise you? People are happily buying multiple copies on multiple platforms. MC is a way of life at this point basically and it's still going strong. I can't think of any other recent game that can match its universal appeal.


That being said I really hope MS doesn't buy Mojang.

The only game that has ever grossed more than 2 billion dollars is World of Warcraft.

[DrunkN]

The only game that has ever grossed more than 2 billion dollars is World of Warcraft.

No doubt they mean to capitalize on the IP rights in ways other than just what the game grosses. Licensing or even a new title maybe.

[Slime Slayer]

No doubt they mean to capitalize on the IP rights in ways other than just what the game grosses. Licensing or even a new title maybe.

Regardless, they could have produced about 50 full blown exclusive AAA titles for that money.

[Dudebro]

Obviously they see a worth you don't.

[Slime Slayer]

Great post DB!

[Dudebro]

Thanks I guess.

[Seahawk]

Alamagordo is selling off some of the stuff dug up from the landfill earlier this year.

Not all of it though, whatever isn't sold will be donated to various museums or kept by the city.

City of Alamogordo votes to auction off 800 Atari cartridges | Ars Technica (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/09/city-of-alamogordo-votes-to-auction-off-800-atari-cartridges/)

---------- Post added 09-15-2014 at 01:01 PM ---------- Previous post was 09-12-2014 at 08:52 PM ----------

The rumors are now official.
Microsoft has purchsed Mojang for $2.5 billion.

Official press release (http://news.xbox.com/2014/09/games-minecraft-to-join-microsoft)

...we plan to continue to make Minecraft available across platforms – including iOS, Android and PlayStation, in addition to Xbox and PC.

Official Mojang news post (https://mojang.com/2014/09/yes-were-being-bought-by-microsoft/)

The founders: Notch, Carl, and Jakob are leaving.


Notch opinion post (http://notch.net/2014/09/im-leaving-mojang/)

[Dudebro]

I've heard rumors that some employees of Mojang are upset and were blindsided by this. Either way this does not make me feel good about the future of MC.

[Slime Slayer]

I've heard rumors that some employees of Mojang are upset and were blindsided by this. Either way this does not make me feel good about the future of MC.

I can't think of a single company or ip that MS acquired and didn't proceed to immediately destroy.

[DrunkN]

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2014_09/4478.jpg

[Seahawk]

If that's the community's first response then it's no surprise he chose to walk away.

[Dudebro]

I've heard almost nothing positive about this so yeah the community is turning on Notch.

One funny one though was people lamenting how MC will never come to a Nintendo system. Boo hoo go buy it one of the other 10 or so platforms it's on.

[Seahawk]

I've heard almost nothing positive about this so yeah the community is turning on Notch.

I think you missed my point - I meant that the community was already so toxic and hostile that I understand why he'd want to cut himself off of Minecraft and Mojang permanently. The community has 'turned' on Notch for every perceived inconsistency in his statements or shortcoming in Minecraft ever since it became popular, never mind the fact that he stopped working on it back in 2011.

[Dudebro]

Oh ok yeah I get that but before this you still had millions of fanboys who worshiped him. Now he's the great sellout.

[CrispyChicken]

Oh ok yeah I get that but before this you still had millions of fanboys who worshiped him. Now he's the great sellout.

He's also always had a huge following of people who wouldn't stop bothering him and were so hostile about every change he made. I would've sold the game years ago if I was him.

[Seahawk]

Oh ok yeah I get that but before this you still had millions of fanboys who worshiped him. Now he's the great sellout.
If that's the case then it is a pretty crappy and unfair opinion to have on the guy who created the game of the generation all on his own, and then decided to get paid for it.

Honestly, he's pretty tough to have lasted so long, and it some ways this will hang over him forever because everything he does in the future will be compared to Minecraft.

[Dudebro]

If that's the case then it is a pretty crappy and unfair opinion to have on the guy who created the game of the generation all on his own, and then decided to get paid for it.
I agree. It's also petty because anyone in his position would do the same. Who would turn down even 1billion? The internet is full of hypocrites today.

[RU Joe]

Yeah I'm enjoying the last of minecraft before it's ruined.
Sad.

In other news:
Not really worthy of a new thread in my opinion, but some kids are buying virtual items using their parents' money.
This particular kid really went overboard - to play a game that's free!

https://ca.games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugged-in/belgian-teen-drops-37-000-euros-on-free-to-play-game-191409405.html

[Dudebro]

Not just free but a terrible empire management mobile app. Those games are always pay to win and full of cheaters.

[Slime Slayer]

the guy who created the game of the generation all on his own
Yeah no, he took a open source game and tweaked it, it was 90 percent done when he got it.

---------- Post added at 01:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:33 AM ----------

Zachary Barth - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zachary_Barth)

[Seahawk]

If you say so.

That 10% was a two billion dollar difference.

[CrispyChicken]

Witcher 3 delayed until late May :(

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Release Date Delayed Again - IGN (http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/08/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-release-date-delayed-again)

I suppose its for the better though. Glad they are working out all the bugs and kinks rather than releasing a buggy game.

[Seahawk]

Ralph Baer has died.

Inventor Ralph Baer, The 'Father Of Video Games,' Dies At 92 : All Tech Considered : NPR (http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2014/12/08/369405270/inventor-ralph-baer-the-father-of-video-games-dies-at-92)

[CrispyChicken]

Ralph Baer has died.

Inventor Ralph Baer, The 'Father Of Video Games,' Dies At 92 : All Tech Considered : NPR (http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2014/12/08/369405270/inventor-ralph-baer-the-father-of-video-games-dies-at-92)

I think this was posted in the Dead Celebrities thread, but sad nonetheless. He lived a long life and died painlessly in his home which is the right way to go.

[Seahawk]

A new version of the arcade game Robotron:2084 is being made.

I’m ready to test the new version of Robotron.
The new work changes 5 Eproms: 4,7,8,10,11
The changes are:
1) Number of Lives shown at bottom of screen for each player (they still wrap at 256)
2) 10 Million digit now shows
3) 10 Million+ scores are correctly placed in High Score table which goes up to 9.999.999
4) Extra Ships now settable at 10-15-20-25-30-40-50-60-70-75K
5) Set HSTD initials to “4� to start game at 99,900,000 to see Goldilocks mode. Will not register as HSTD
6) If 3 blanks entered for initials then score is not entered into the High Score Table
7) Default initials changed for entries 3, 4 an 5Robo2k14_Tie-Die-Romset | Robotron 2084 Guidebook (http://www.robotron2084guidebook.com/gameplay/raceto100million/robo2k14_tie-die-romset/)

[StarfoxFan2009]

http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelzarrell/over-2000-ms-dos-games-like-oregon-trail-can-now-be-played-o?bffb&utm_term=4ldqpgp#.fkq19VdzA

The Archive is expanding quite nicely. glad to see they got MS-Dos games now :O

[StarfoxFan2009]

Imma just leave this here. Supposedly it's going to go like Game of Thrones, except more family oriented:
Netflix and Nintendo developing a live-action Legend of Zelda TV show, WSJ reports | Polygon (http://www.polygon.com/2015/2/6/7993593/netflix-legend-of-zelda-tv-series-nintendo)

[StarfoxFan2009]

Starfox Wii U is set to appear at E3 this year. pretty hyped

[CrispyChicken]

Rest in pieces Konami.

Report: Kojima Leaving Konami After Metal Gear Solid 5 Is Finished - IGN (http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/19/report-kojima-leaving-konami-after-metal-gear-solid-5-is-finished)

[Slime Slayer]

Cray, he's been with Konami for like 30 years.. Maybe more..

Edit: 28 years

[Kugyince]

What's funny is that the lead developer on their second biggest IP (Love Plus) left Konami just a few days ago.

[Seahawk]

Looking at the past few years, I think Konami is just exiting the video games industry entirely. It is a trivial part of their total company value.

[CrispyChicken]

Le sad :(
The Legend of Zelda for Wii U Has Been Delayed - IGN (http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/27/the-legend-of-zelda-for-wii-u-has-been-delayed)

[Seahawk]

What is even coming out this year for the Wii U? All there has been is Mario Party 10 and Amiibo.

[ZedIsDead]

Mostly just Xenoblade Chronicles X and Star Fox, although Splatoon, Yoshi's Wooly World, and Mario Maker might be good as well.

[Slime Slayer]

Well at least:
"The dev team has discovered "new possibilities.""

[CrispyChicken]

What is even coming out this year for the Wii U? All there has been is Mario Party 10 and Amiibo.

Splatoon, Xenoblade X, Star Fox, Mario maker, and Yoshi's Wooly World basically. Devil's Third might be coming out as well.

[Kugyince]

Well at least:
"The dev team has discovered "new possibilities.""

As in the possibility of saying "fuck the Wuu, lets save this bitch as a launch title for the NX."

[CaptainJivePants]

I thought Zelda U was supposed to be out this year, too. Mostly excited for Yoshi and Mario Maker now. Splatoon could be good, but I'm not sold yet.

[Kugyince]

Splatoon wont be good. Nintendo confirmed the title will not support voice chat.

[StarfoxFan2009]

Not everything needs to have voice chat to be good. Look at WoW and all of the other MMOs

[Kugyince]

Splatoon isn't an MMORPG, its a console arena shooter. Most people play those to play and chat with friends. Its just another example of Nintendo not understanding Western gaming culture. Their game design is solid as always, but Their lack of what is considered standard functionality outside of glorious Nippon is obvious.

See; unified accounts, region locking, etc...

[CrispyChicken]

That's unfortunate for Xbone users. I'll enjoy 1080p on my glorious PC 8)
Xbox One DX12 Upgrade Unlikely to Boost The Witcher 3's Resolution - IGN (http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/30/xbox-one-dx12-upgrade-unlikely-to-boost-the-witcher-3s-resolution?abthid=5519d425d348a5c311000034)

Also, might be a Nintendo Direct on April 1st. Or it's just an April Fool's Joke :(
Rumour: Nintendo Direct On April 1st | My Nintendo News (http://mynintendonews.com/2015/03/30/rumour-nintendo-direct-on-april-1st/)
Anyway we should be getting a new Direct soon so I think at least some of the information from that rumor is true.

[Tails]

Nintendo direct announced for tomorrow, not an April fools joke.

https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/582890134846197760

[CrispyChicken]

THAT DIRECT WAS HYPE AS FUCK!

DK64 to virtual console. My life is complete.

[Slime Slayer]

THAT DIRECT WAS HYPE AS FUCK!

DK64 to virtual console. My life is complete.

Haha I honestly can't tell if you are serious or not. I didn't see the direct but I hope they announced more than that.

[CrispyChicken]

Haha I honestly can't tell if you are serious or not. I didn't see the direct but I hope they announced more than that.

They announced a lot of news on upcoming WiiU games, Smash DLC, Mario Kart DLC, and Amiibos. I'm just excited for DK64 since they never put it on the Virtual Console :D

[DrunkN]

They announced a lot of news on upcoming WiiU games, Smash DLC, Mario Kart DLC, and Amiibos. I'm just excited for DK64 since they never put it on the Virtual Console :D

What did they announce that was new? Seems to me that everything was announced previously.

[CrispyChicken]

What did they announce that was new? Seems to me that everything was announced previously.

They announced the release dates Mewtwo DLC and Lucas DLC. New Splatoon modes. New Amiibos. Fatal Frame coming to US, same for Attack on Titan 3DS. Two new Streetpass games. Mario Kart 200cc Mode. Release windows for a few games. N64 and DS games to Virtual Console. I would say they announced a good bit.

[Slime Slayer]

Mario Kart 200cc Mode.

:o

[Tails]

Ness amiibo is a gamestop exclusive. The rest of wave 4 (Pac-Man charizard robin lucina and wario) will be up starting at 2 pm cst online and in store for gamestop. the other 2 wave 4 that were announced (jiggly puff and greninja) might be other retail exclusives.

[CrispyChicken]

They also said Marth amiibo would go back on sale later this year.

[Tails]

They also said Marth amiibo would go back on sale later this year.

May.

There's other amiibo info but yeah lazy.

[DrunkN]

They announced the release dates Mewtwo DLC and Lucas DLC. New Splatoon modes. New Amiibos. Fatal Frame coming to US, same for Attack on Titan 3DS. Two new Streetpass games. Mario Kart 200cc Mode. Release windows for a few games. N64 and DS games to Virtual Console. I would say they announced a good bit.

My bad friend. I mistyped.

I meant to ask what new Wii U games they announced. Though it is cool to hear that Fatal Frame is coming to America.

[CrispyChicken]

My bad friend. I mistyped.

I meant to ask what new Wii U games they announced. Though it is cool to hear that Fatal Frame is coming to America.

Yeah they didn't announce any new WiiU games, just gave updates on the upcoming ones like Splatoon, Mario Maker, and Yoshi's Woolly World.

They'll probably do new game announcements at E3. Certainly Star Fox will be at E3.

[StarfoxFan2009]

They announced Octodad: Dadliest Catch and Don't Starve: Giant Edition for the Wii U

[CrispyChicken]

lol. Yes, yes, let the ignorance flow through you Colin. This is the same network that airs Chess and Poker by the way.
Colin Cowherd rips ESPN's coverage of e-sports - YouTube

Personally, I'm really glad ESPN aired this. I think it is a really cool thing to have eSports on TV.

[Seahawk]

Related vid to the above:

Texas A&M vs Arizona State – Heroes of the Dorm Epic Eight – Game 1 - YouTube

2:10 - Full college ride as a grand prize

Nice. Too bad I couldn't play RU to pay for college =P.

RIP Texas A&M.

[Dudebro]

Yes, yes, let the ignorance flow through you Colin.
He sounds so childish I wanna slap him.

[StarfoxFan2009]

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/05/tony-hawk-returns-exclusive-first-look.aspx

welcome back to the land of the living, Pro Skater.

[DrunkN]

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/05/tony-hawk-returns-exclusive-first-look.aspx

welcome back to the land of the living, Pro Skater.

It's only been three or so years since the last game, right? Still, I'm kind of glad that the genre is still around.

[StarfoxFan2009]

The last game was an HD remake of the first one. i meant in terms of actually producing a sequel

[Dudebro]

The game weds the series' finely tuned gameplay with new additions such as power-ups and the ability to shoot projectiles for specific missionsLol? Is this a skate boarding game or what? I think Tony is out of touch and he doesn't care all that much if he's ok with the same dev making this one. How many times can they under perform before they go with someone else?

Skate ftw.

[Razeluxe]

Looking at the past few years, I think Konami is just exiting the video games industry entirely. It is a trivial part of their total company value.

Kojima vs. Konami FUCK KONAMI - YouTube
This is a re-upload. The original got flagged for copyright by Konami Digital Entertainment co. Which I think adds validity to the claims.

[Seahawk]

I can believe all those claims 100%.

There is some sense to what Konami is doing. Kojima is not a cheap employee, Metal Gear games are expensive and are not necessarily a guaranteed source of revenue anymore. MGS4 was a divisive entry for reasons (worst MGS game imo), and the Metal Gear Rising project languished for a few years because his team couldn't figure out what to do with their ideas. It eventually had to be outsourced to Platinum and ended up with meh sales.
Let's not even go into how long MGS5 has been in development, along with the much overhyped Fox Engine which looks like it will be used for only one game. Loads of money.

But anyone who played more niche Konami franchises could see this coming.
Their old arcade standbys like Gradius and Contra were gutted on console and used for gambling games instead.
They bought Hudson, formerly one of Japan's largest software houses, assigned them to mobile development, and then killed the brand outright in 2012 (http://www.retrouprising.com/video-games/ru-games/game-series/hudson-closes-down-good-march-1-2012-a/t12966/). They currently sit on their massive trove of intellectual property and do nothing with it.
All of their other series (Silent Hill, etc) were outsourced to other game developers to usually meh or bad reception.

Metal Gear is just the last fish in the barrel.

[Kugyince]

In other news:

Chris Kohler said that the digital/retail console sales have flipped in 2015 with digital sales now making up 51% of earned revenue.

Source: Wired's Game/Life Podcast Episode 145
Game|Life Podcast: We're on the Road to E3 | WIRED (http://www.wired.com/2015/05/gamelife-podcast-episode-145/)

[Slime Slayer]

Konami is mad:
Konami Issues DMCA Takedown of Video Discussing Situation with Hideo Kojima | Niche Gamer (http://nichegamer.com/2015/05/konami-issues-dmca-takedown-of-video-discussing-situation-with-hideo-kojima/#6hEC5IOgEXFUL8BV.16)

[Seahawk]

Japanese game companies in general have a really bad habit of using DMCA and ad flagging on Youtube.

Speaking from my own experiences, Konami is probably the worst offender. They've flagged videos ever since the feature debuted on Youtube way back in 2010.

[Slime Slayer]

Japanese game companies in general have a really bad habit of using DMCA and ad flagging on Youtube.

Speaking from my own experiences, Konami is probably the worst offender. They've flagged videos ever since the feature debuted on Youtube way back in 2010.

It's such a double edged sword, it's sacrificing exposure, for a you gotta live here to get it attitude.

[StarfoxFan2009]

And there goes another Konami franchise:

Has Konami cancelled PES? | Lazygamer .:: The Worlds Best Video Game News ::. (http://www.lazygamer.net/konami/has-konami-cancelled-pes/)

[Razeluxe]

And there goes another Konami franchise:

Has Konami cancelled PES? | Lazygamer .:: The Worlds Best Video Game News ::. (http://www.lazygamer.net/konami/has-konami-cancelled-pes/)
Aw I hope not. I want to see improved 4cc

[Kugyince]

Pic related:

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2015_05/5494.gif

[Seahawk]

Yep, lights out.


"We will pursue mobile games aggressively," says Konami's new CEO Hayakawa in an interview with Nikkei Trendy Net.

"Our main platform will be mobiles. Following the pay-as-you-play model of games like Power pro and Winning Eleven with additional content, our games must move from selling things like "items" to selling things like "features."

"We saw with these games that even people who buy physical games are motivated to buy extra content. The success of Power pro especially has motivated us to actively push more of our popular series onto mobile than ever before."

"Gaming has spread to a number of platforms, but at the end of the day, the platform that is always closest to us, is mobile. Mobile is where the future of gaming lies."

"We hope that our overseas games such as MGSV and Winning Eleven continue to do well, but we are always thinking about how to push our franchises onto mobile there too."

"With multiplatform games, there's really no point in dividing the market into categories anymore. Mobiles will take on the new role of linking the general public to the gaming world."Source (http://jin115.com/archives/52080348.html) (japanese)

[Slime Slayer]

Sad.

[Mareeps]

RIP MGS, Castlevania, and everything else they have. Mobile is the retirement home of video games, where they go to die.

[Seahawk]

>Axelay 2 will never be made

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2015_05/5496.jpg

[CrispyChicken]

Fallout 4 Announced!!
Fallout 4 - Official Trailer - YouTube

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2015_06/5577.gif

[CREEPINGIRON]

Official official?! As in real?! Or is this a troll?
(please be real!).

[CrispyChicken]

Official official?! As in real?! Or is this a troll?
(please be real!).

It's real lol. It was posted on Bethesda's channel and it's been confirmed by them on several outlets.

[CREEPINGIRON]

Well It is true!.

[Slime Slayer]

Is there more to the story? Why is this shocking?

[Kugyince]

I don't think they're shocked, just excited.

[CrispyChicken]

Is there more to the story? Why is this shocking?

What Tenser said. I'm just excited it's finally officially announced after being teased for a while now.

[CREEPINGIRON]

It is exciting. Even though I won't be able to.

[KATZ]

welp, time to go back to the wasteland

[Dudebro]

I'm hyped but I'm wary too. If they do bad Boston accents it will kill me. I can only cringe so much before I fold in half and die.

[CrispyChicken]

I'm hyped but I'm wary too. If they do bad Boston accents it will kill me. I can only cringe so much before I fold in half and die.

That's one thing I'm kind of worried about. It's the year 2200+ after an apocalypse. I think they work in an excuse to not have every character have thick Boston accents.

[Dudebro]

Actually I wouldn't mind thick I think that would make sense since they'd be even more isolated after the war. I just mean bad ones. If they're gonna do it I hope they get some native speakers. If not then just skip the accents.

[Mareeps]

Fallout 4 Announced!!
Fallout 4 - Official Trailer - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE2BkLqMef4)
Can't wait for this game to be launched with game breaking bugs that'll never be fixed. If only they'd go away from that godawful engine. It's a shame too, i had fun with 3 and New Vegas, but the constant bugs ruined things so much

[StarfoxFan2009]

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2015_06/5638.png

Co-op for Fallout 4? Seems like its what they're hinting at to me

[Dudebro]

I hope it's not just coop with the dog. I'd love to have custom characters as companions.

[StarfoxFan2009]

Well i feel bad for MGS fans. MGS V The Phantom Pain is set to have microtransactions

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Has Microtransactions | Attack of the Fanboy (http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain-has-microtransactions/)

[Tails]

Hyrule Warriors 3ds supposidly leaked. Can play as tetra and the king.


Hyrule Warriors Announced for 3DS With New Characters - GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com/articles/hyrule-warriors-announced-for-3ds-with-new-charact/1100-6427968/)

[Kugyince]

Rumour: Could Female Link Be In Hyrule Warriors On 3DS? - Nintendo Life (http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/rumour_could_female_link_be_in_hyrule_warriors_on_ 3ds)

Also, 2nd comment on the article is most assuredly Shwk.

[DrunkN]

Well i feel bad for MGS fans. MGS V The Phantom Pain is set to have microtransactions

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Has Microtransactions | Attack of the Fanboy (http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain-has-microtransactions/)

Yeah, seems like the PSN Store lets you buy specially colored guns, uniforms, and card board boxes to be used in competitive multiplayer.

[Dudebro]

I thought Link was meant to be androgynous anyways.

[DrunkN]

Why the original No Time To Explain sucked | tiny Build GAMES (http://tinybuild.com/why_the_original_no_time_to_explain_sucked)

Cool read here.

[Slime Slayer]

Why the original No Time To Explain sucked | tiny Build GAMES (http://tinybuild.com/why_the_original_no_time_to_explain_sucked)

Cool read here.

Very good read, and from what I've learned in the past 2 years, their experience is par for the course.

[ZedIsDead]

Arc System Works(the team behind Guilty Gear and BlazBlue) recently acquired the rights to the game library of Technos Japan. The president of Arc System Works told Famitsu that he would like to bring back titles like Double Dragon and Kunio-kun.

“We’ve worked on various titles from Technos Japan up until now, and I see them as titles that will surely please the players. Again, I believe there are many that can be developed for smartphone, and they’re also very popular in the West.”

“First, we’ll do what we’ve been doing, and continue developing titles for Nintendo 3DS and other console games.”

Arc System Works Want To Revive Kunio-Kun, Double Dragon, And Other Games In The West - Siliconera (http://www.siliconera.com/2015/08/17/arc-system-works-want-to-revive-kunio-kun-double-dragon-and-other-games-in-the-west/)

[Tails]

Yes double dragon :)

[Mareeps]

]Again, I believe there are many that can be developed for smartphone[/I]

And it's dead before it could start.

[Tails]

And it's dead before it could start.

For nintendo? How is it dead?

[Mareeps]

For nintendo? How is it dead?
Not them, but the thought of playing something like Double Dragon on something without buttons is nauseating.

[Tails]

Nintendo has buttons and it would fit suit well on the 3ds imo.

---------- Post added 08-24-2015 at 07:32 AM ---------- Previous post was 08-21-2015 at 07:25 PM ----------

Nintendo: line-up for the rest of 2015 (Star Fox, Fatal Frame 5, more) - NeoGAF

Lots of potential release dates here.

[ZedIsDead]

Tatsumi Kimishima has been tabbed as Nintendo's next president. He has been with Nintendo since 2000, first as Director of The Pokemon Company, and later as Director and CEO of Nintendo of America. From 1973 to 2000, he worked for the Sanwa Bank, rising to the level of General Manager of the Shinbashi Branch.

Tatsumi Kimishima Becomes Nintendo's Fifth President | Nintendo News (http://nintendonews.com/2015/09/tatsumi-kimishima-becomes-nintendos-fifth-president/)

[Kugyince]

That press photo...


http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2015_09/5880.jpg

[Dudebro]

So he was responsible(at least partially) for GC and Wii? I have a feeling this means that Nintendo will keep going in its current direction, does that sound about right to you guys who follow this kinda of stuff?

[CrispyChicken]

Pokemon Z confirmed?

Pokemon Z: More Evidence Surfaces Ahead of Announcement - IGN (http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/14/pokemon-z-more-evidence-surfaces-ahead-of-announcement?utm_source=IGN%20hub%20page&utm_medium=IGN%20(front%20page)&utm_content=21&utm_campaign=Blogroll)

[ZedIsDead]

Apparently Kimishima was against the Wii U, so we may not have a "stay the course" guy after all.

Nintendo's new president Tatsumi Kimishima advised against the Wii U - Neoseeker (http://www.neoseeker.com/news/27336-nintendos-new-president-tatsumi-kimishima-advised-against-the-wii-u/)

[DrunkN]

Good. The Wii U was ill conceived and Nintendo already began backtracking with the NX.

[Slime Slayer]

Good. The Wii U was ill conceived and Nintendo already began backtracking with the NX.

I'd say it was ill received, I love the gamepad, and the library is the strongest of of the big 3 in my opinion. For me, a great system.

And yes, I know my switching out conceived for received is a catch 22.

[StarfoxFan2009]

We were all expecting it to happen, but Konami finally pulled the plug on Triple AAA game production except for Pro Evolution Soccer.

Konami calls it quits on AAA console games, reports say (http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/18/konami-calls-it-quits-on-aaa-console-games-reports-say/)

[Kugyince]

Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A STOP

[Seahawk]

Looking at the past few years, I think Konami is just exiting the video games industry entirely. It is a trivial part of their total company value.

Totally called it.

Hudson died for nothing.


Silent Hill
Metal Gear
Castlevania
Bomberman
Bloody Roar
Contra
Gradius
Frogger
Goemon
Zone of the Enders
Suikoden
Rocket Knight
Adventure Island
BONK
Star Soldier
Twinbee
and more!

All dead. RIP.

---------- Post added 09-19-2015 at 10:06 AM ---------- Previous post was 09-18-2015 at 10:42 PM ----------

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2015_09/5893.png

[StarfoxFan2009]

They could, but they won't because like almost every other 3rd party developer they pretty much consider Nintendo's Wii-U worthless

[Kugyince]

So he was responsible(at least partially) for GC and Wii? I have a feeling this means that Nintendo will keep going in its current direction, does that sound about right to you guys who follow this kinda of stuff?

Tatsumi Kimishima is a business man's business man. He was elected by the board because the person Iwata was grooming for the job was not ready at the time. He's old and has stated that he wasn't the board's first choice for NCL CEO. His job, as well as Miyamoto's and Takeda's is to groom the new figureheads for the company. Because that's all Iwata, Reggie, Miyamoto, etc... are. Figureheads. (ProTip: Look towards Shinya Takahashi and Katsuya Eguchi as the most likely successors to Miyamoto and Tezuka.)

http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2015_09/5913.jpg

Most surprisingly, this is the first time that I'm aware of, the entire board of directors took what is essentially a media shot.

The actual people running Nintendo:
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2015_09/5914.jpg

He was the CEO of NoA in the term before Reggie. He was then promoted to the CFO of The Pokemon Company. He has a very western/American lean in both business philosophy and knowledge. Most of his family lives in America, including his children. I believe his knowledge of western business practices and familiarity of American culture probably earned him the nod. That would imply that Nintendo plans to focus more on serving western audiences, or at least wants a larger slice of the largest gaming market, if nothing else.

[Slime Slayer]

>Reggies face when they have been making fun of him all day and he doesn't even know it.

[CrispyChicken]

I love how Kimishima's emotionless face is becoming a meme.

If they don't like the games, kill them. Kill them all.
http://www.retrouprising.com/img/2015_09/5916.jpg

[bearhawk72]

The company I work for, ROBLOX, is releasing their game onto the XBOX One. It will be free to play, but like the official site there are subscriptions you can buy to unlock extra features but it is entirely unnecessary to have a subscription to play games or build your own. While the main audience is kids and teenagers, you can go check it out and see what they have built or see if your kids are interested in learning how to build games and script.

ROBLOX is a site geared at young kids and teens, where they can learn how create their own games using Lua scripting and they have build some very impressive games. If you have a subscription and a popular game, you can cash out the in game money you make for real cash. While the initial version will not allow you to build your own games on the xbox one, that feature may be added later. If that is your thing or you want to try it out you can always go on the website.

Ever played the game Unturned on Steam? It was originally created on ROBLOX.

[DrunkN]

The company I work for, ROBLOX, is releasing their game onto the XBOX One. It will be free to play, but like the official site there are subscriptions you can buy to unlock extra features but it is entirely unnecessary to have a subscription to play games or build your own. While the main audience is kids and teenagers, you can go check it out and see what they have built or see if your kids are interested in learning how to build games and script.

ROBLOX is a site geared at young kids and teens, where they can learn how create their own games using Lua scripting and they have build some very impressive games. If you have a subscription and a popular game, you can cash out the in game money you make for real cash. While the initial version will not allow you to build your own games on the xbox one, that feature may be added later. If that is your thing or you want to try it out you can always go on the website.

Ever played the game Unturned on Steam? It was originally created on ROBLOX.

Corporate shill!

Nah, I'm just kidding. Cool news, Bearhawk. Think it'll ever come to Steam?

[DrunkN]

KONAMI¡¤Ãæ¹ñTencent¤È¶¨¶È¤Ç¡Öº²à …Ã�Ã�å¡Ê²¾¡Ë¡×¤òÃæ¹ñ»Ô¾ì¤ËÄà ³Â¶Â¡ - 4Gamer.net (http://www.4gamer.net/games/322/G032298/20151102028/)

Tencent, a Chinese media company, just struck some kind of deal with Konami to make a Contra game for the android/ios.

[Kevo]

Thought this was pretty interesting...

On November 2, 2015, King Digital Entertainment plc and Activision Blizzard, Inc. announced that they reached an agreement under which Activision Blizzard will acquire all of the outstanding shares of King for $18.00 in cash per share for a total equity value of $5.9 billion. The Boards of Directors of both Activision Blizzard and King unanimously approved the proposed transaction, which is being implemented by means of a scheme of arrangement under Irish law. The transaction is subject to approval by King’s shareholders and the Irish High Court, clearances by the relevant antitrust authorities and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to be completed by Spring 2016.

King Digital Entertainment plc - Investors - News - Acquisition (http://investor.king.com/investors/news/Acquisition/)

[Dudebro]

The only good that can come out of that is if Blizzard buys it and then kills it.

[Kugyince]

Activision just got a little more sleazy.

[DrunkN]

We've all seen it before. Creative dev teams being bought out by soulless fat cats just out to obtain intellectual properties. Mark my words, Candy Crush will turn to shit after this.

jk that game stinks

[Kugyince]

That's too bad. Its going to be that much harder to find a niche match three game on the app store now.

[Slime Slayer]

OMG, I was at level 7890... All that time wasted. I feel violated, I need time to think.

[Mareeps]

Almost 6 billion?

God damn, what were they thinking? It'll have to make millions a day into the 2030's for this to pay off for them.

[Slime Slayer]

Almost 6 billion?

God damn, what were they thinking? It'll have to make millions a day into the 2030's for this to pay off for them.

Candy Crush alone at one point was making 50+ million a day.

[Dudebro]

With the way they spam those annoying CC commercials I'm not surprised at all by this insane price tag.

[Mareeps]

Candy Crush alone at one point was making 50+ million a day.
It won't be like that forever. People arent going to be playing that trash into the 2020's, let alone 2030's. Some other ripoff of something older will come along.