Friday, June 7, 2013

How Kinect's brute force strategy could make Xbox One a success

How Kinect's brute force strategy could make Xbox One a success:
Microsoft's Xbox One has some public relations problems, but don't count the company out -- like the Kinect, Xbox One could become a success through sheer

Dice Venture Preview

Dice Venture Preview:
In conjunction with CJ Games Global and N2Play Studio, leading online games portal Netmarble has announced this week that Dice Venture, an online reimagining of vintage board games of old, has entered an open beta phase on the popular company website. So blow on those digital dice and hope for two sixes, because it’s time to become the billionaire tycoon of the board game!

Square Enix: "It is necessary to review the definition of 'AAA Title'"

Square Enix: "It is necessary to review the definition of 'AAA Title'":
Tomb Raider, Hitman broke even, but were harmed by "rigidity" of packaged goods model

DFC Intelligence Forecasts Worldwide Online Game Market to Reach $79 Billion by 2017

DFC Intelligence Forecasts Worldwide Online Game Market to Reach $79 Billion by 2017:
A series of new reports from DFC Intelligence forecasts that the global market for video games is expected to grow from $66 billion in 2013 to $79 billion in 2017. This forecast includes revenue from dedicated console hardware and software (both physical and online), dedicated portable game hardware and software, PC games and games for mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets, music players and other devices that can play games as a secondary feature.

EA's Supreme Heroes TCG Now Available Worldwide for Everyone

EA's Supreme Heroes TCG Now Available Worldwide for Everyone:
In the April of this year, EA released a multiplayer TCG which is called Supreme Heroes onto Google Play, but this title was only available in three countries. Apparently,

Korean News and Beta Test Announcements

  • We Dragon web game “Puzzle Samgukji” starts formal service on June 3.
  • Actoz Soft MMORPG “TIR Online” records 150,000 new registers, 20,000 CCUs.
  • The5 Interactive hardcore action RPG “Bloody Mare: Requiem Returns” starts OBT on June 4.
  • Nyu Wave “God Online: Guilty of Darkness” starts Daum channeling service.
  • Dadam Game 2D sidescroll action MORPG “Mystic Fighter” holds CBT from June 13 to 16.
  • Eyasoft RPG “Dungeon Hero” holds pre-OBT on June 12, starts OBT on June 17.
  • Gandromeda web game “Web Samgukji 2” starts Mgame channeling service.
  • Mgame signs Europe (31 countries) publishing contract with Games Masters for MMORPG “Yeolhyeol Kangho Online.”
  • ENP Games fantasy RPG “Monghwan Jiseong” starts Ggamnol.com channeling service on June 7.
  • L&K Korea signs Japan publishing contract with Gamepot for shooting RPG “Mirror Wars.”

Chinese News and Beta Test Announcements

  • Penguin Warfare – Snail Game debuting its first online shooter on June 1.

How I Became A Game Trailer Believer at the OIGC

How I Became A Game Trailer Believer at the OIGC:
Everyone is familiar with the aftermath of a good trailer. The music starts, the scenes flash, that voice seduces you, and before you know it, you're turning to the person next

'There is a mindset within the tech business which is 'rinse and repeat.''

'There is a mindset within the tech business which is 'rinse and repeat.'':
Linden Lab CEO speaks regarding Second Life's 10th anniversary, and having "another opportunity to position Second Life correctly" within a triple-A market. ...

GunZ 2 Unveiled Latest Gamplay Video, Coming to Taiwan This Summer

GunZ 2 Unveiled Latest Gamplay Video, Coming to Taiwan This Summer:
Taiwanese game company Cayenne Tech recently launched the new official website for its action based MMO developed by MAIET entertainment -- GunZ 2: The Second

Upgrading to new consoles could generate $2.5bn in credit at GameStop

Upgrading to new consoles could generate $2.5bn in credit at GameStop:
US retailer likely to see busy trade-in period at launch of new hardware

David Brevik: Fun And Profit In Marvel Heroes

David Brevik: Fun And Profit In Marvel Heroes:
Is the Marvel license a ticket to free-to-play success? Gazillion Entertainment is about to find out

Nexon Launches New Android Title: Dungeon & Fighter: Defense

Nexon Launches New Android Title: Dungeon & Fighter: Defense:
Nexon has already on the way to invade the booming mobile gaming market. The latest mobile game they have launched is Dungeon & Fighter: Defense, which is the

How Wet Does Tegra 4 Make Dead Trigger 2? So Wet.

How Wet Does Tegra 4 Make Dead Trigger 2? So Wet.:
Madfinger Games' ambitious follow-up to zombie shooter Dead Trigger is one of the poster games for Nvidia's new Tegra 4 chip, the power behind the upcoming Shield

John Smedley on PlayStation 4, PlanetSide 2, and EverQuest Next | Ten Ton Hammer

John Smedley on PlayStation 4, PlanetSide 2, and EverQuest Next | Ten Ton Hammer:
John Smedley chats on Twitter about cross-platform play PlanetSide 2, DC Universe Online, and EverQuest Next. Wait, what?

MicroVolts Celebrates 2 Year Anniversary

MicroVolts Celebrates 2 Year Anniversary:
Rock Hippo's popular free-to-play third-person shooter, MicroVolts, is celebrating 2 years since its official release this Sunday, June 9th. As is customary for gaming

Square Enix Will Bring Deus Ex: The Fall to Android

Square Enix Will Bring Deus Ex: The Fall to Android:
Square Enix has a couple games ready to join the family of Android, which will also be shown at E3 2013. Deus Ex: The Fall, the latest installment into the Deus Ex franchise

Marvel Avengers Alliance going mobile on June 13

Marvel Avengers Alliance going mobile on June 13:
Is that the entire Marvel Universe in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me? USA Today has broken some fantastic news for fans of the popular web-based

District 187: Sin Streets Adds Flare for the Summer

District 187: Sin Streets Adds Flare for the Summer:
The latest update, "Blackout," adds a new team death match map, two blonde female characters packing loads of gameplay bonuses and hot pink weapons to add

MapleStory: Young Gamers Playing This Summer

MapleStory: Young Gamers Playing This Summer:
According to a new survey by Nexon, gamers in the 18-29 age bracket are flocking to online games, including Nexon's MapleStory. The survey also indicates that

The Best Tower Defense Game On iOS Gets A Worthy—If Similar—Sequel

The Best Tower Defense Game On iOS Gets A Worthy—If Similar—Sequel:
I spent a large chunk of 2012 playing Kingdom Rush, the unfairly addictive tower defense game that tasks you with upgrading towers, maneuvering troops, and

Gameglobe: Hands On Preview

Gameglobe: Hands On Preview:
GameGlobe is a world builder's dream. We've been spending a bit of quality time with GameGlobe and have a full hands on preview of the title. See what we've got to

Battle Bears Gold Brings 4v4 multiplayer Action to Android

Battle Bears Gold Brings 4v4 multiplayer Action to Android:
Truth is that SkyVu Entertainment brings a new Battle Bears game to Android called Battle Bears Gold. This title turns out to be a full online multiplayer shooter, in which

It's The Wizard Of Oz Meets Pokemon? That Actually Makes Sense.

It's The Wizard Of Oz Meets Pokemon? That Actually Makes Sense.:
Coming June 19 to iOS from Little Box Apps, Monsters Invade: Oz gives Dorothy a little something to keep her occupied as she eases on down the road — collecting,

Mobile's Call Of Duty Closes On Consoles With Modern Combat 5

Mobile's Call Of Duty Closes On Consoles With Modern Combat 5:
Unable to contain its excitement until next week, Gameloft rolls out the explosive teaser trailer for the next installment in the Call of Duty-aping Modern Combat series. I

MMOsite Exclusive Interview with Kings and Legends Global

MMOsite Exclusive Interview with Kings and Legends Global:
Kings and Legends Global is a brand new type of game which combines elements of original trading card games and adding tactical combat elements, it's an exciting

Forecasting Cross-platform Networks and Mobile Games

Forecasting Cross-platform Networks and Mobile Games:
Editor’s note: During the upcoming Inside Social Games Conference on June 6-7, Bret Terrill, the Founder of 12gigs.com, will be moderating two panels on the future of

CCP Games: Risk vs. Reward

CCP Games: Risk vs. Reward:
After a decade of constant growth, CCP is doubling-down on EVE's success. David Reid guides us through its bright, uncertain future

5th Planet Games launches Dawn of the Dragons for Android

5th Planet Games launches Dawn of the Dragons for Android:
Game developer 5th Planet Games today launched Dawn of the Dragons for Android in North America (and worldwide later this week). The social MMO has come

Genia Wants You to Brain Storm Your Way to Victory | Ten Ton Hammer

Genia Wants You to Brain Storm Your Way to Victory | Ten Ton Hammer:
Are you smart enough to defeat other players through the power of your intellect? Brain Storm will give you a chance to prove it.

Steamworks SDK now available to all developers

Steamworks SDK now available to all developers:
Valve has made its Steamworks SDK and accompanying documentation available to developers, as the company looks to broaden access to its Steamworks features.

It's Like Super Smash Bros., But With Archery

It's Like Super Smash Bros., But With Archery:
Hey, it's a cool-looking Ouya game! This is Towerfall, a multiplayer fighting game inspired by the likes of Smash Bros. and Bushido Blade. It'll be out for Ouya on June

WEBZEN Changes Gala-Net's Name to WEBZEN West Inc.

WEBZEN Changes Gala-Net's Name to WEBZEN West Inc.:
WEBZEN Inc., a global leader in next-generation free-to-play games, announces that Gala-Net, Inc. and its subsidiary, Gala Networks Europe Ltd., a leading publisher

The Wester Front: Paradox CEO on life as a niche publisher

The Wester Front: Paradox CEO on life as a niche publisher:
"There are so many champions driving people towards playing on PC"

General: Thinking The Once Virtually Unthinkable

General: Thinking The Once Virtually Unthinkable:
Last week's announcement that Blizzard was taking Titan back to the drawing board took many fans of the gaming behemouth by surprise. Is it possible that the

First Developer Diary Released for Upcoming Title Gangstar Vegas

First Developer Diary Released for Upcoming Title Gangstar Vegas:
Gameloft has released a new developer diary to tease something for the new title: Gangstar Vegas, which is their fourth installment into the Gangstar franchise. The

Brace Yourself For The Man Of Steel Mobile Game

Brace Yourself For The Man Of Steel Mobile Game:
Mobile is the place for movie tie-ins these days, and Phosphor Games Studio is the studio to do them. Fresh off a winning stint doing up the World War Z mobile game,

Jagex promotes Riaan Hodgson to COO

Jagex promotes Riaan Hodgson to COO:
Will also retain CFO duties at Runescape studio

Soul of the Ultimate Nation Shut Down

Soul of the Ultimate Nation Shut Down:
Shortly after the announcement of branding changes to Gala-Net, Webzen has revealed that the final month of SUN: Soul of the Ultimate Nation begins now. The cash shop

Ubisoft Quebec appoints new executive director of development

Ubisoft Quebec appoints new executive director of development:
Assassin's Creed III producer to head AAA development in Quebec City

New Guildford office for Pitbull Studio

New Guildford office for Pitbull Studio:
Attracted by the "high-calibre developers" in the region

PlayHaven acquires Staq.io for undisclosed sum

PlayHaven acquires Staq.io for undisclosed sum:
Monetisation firm expands data acquisition capabilities with new technology

Ex-IGN EIC takes Chair

Ex-IGN EIC takes Chair:
Hilary Goldstein joins Infinity Blade developer as integrated media manager

Wikipad coming to US on June 11

Wikipad coming to US on June 11:
The 7-inch gaming tablet finally hits North America

Kobojo names new CEO

Kobojo names new CEO:
Former Ubisoft executive Mario Rizzo takes role at French company

Dragon's Prophet: Review in Progress #1

Dragon's Prophet: Review in Progress #1:
Now that Dragon's Prophet has officially hit public release in North America via Sony Online Entertainment, it's time to begin our Review in Progress. We take the wraps off

Playtox raises $3m for MMOs

Playtox raises $3m for MMOs:
Runa Capital helps to fund US expansion

Outsourcing specialist Virtuos now has a San Francisco office

Outsourcing specialist Virtuos now has a San Francisco office:
Shanghai-based outsourcing specialist Virtuos continues with its expansion plans this week, as the company has announced the opening of a new office in San

Q& A: With Neverwinter inbound, Cryptic founds Seattle studio

Q& A: With Neverwinter inbound, Cryptic founds Seattle studio:
Cryptic Studios, creator of MMOs including City of Heroes and the upcoming Neverwinter, is expanding into Washington State. ...

Arcane Saga: Now Available on Steam & NetMarble Portal

Arcane Saga: Now Available on Steam & NetMarble Portal:
Arcane Saga has officially launched on both Steam and the NetMarble games portal. Players taking advantage of the Steam version will have the option to purchase

App Annie's mobile analytics platform gets new visualization tools

App Annie's mobile analytics platform gets new visualization tools:
App Annie has launched a new version of its mobile data tracking database today, with new tools that will allow customers deeper and near real-time access to the insights

Amazon "reaching out to everyone" for Indie Games Store

Amazon "reaching out to everyone" for Indie Games Store:
Amazon opens a new storefront to sell indie games on PC and Mac

Free and mobile gamers outnumber all other segments - NPD

Free and mobile gamers outnumber all other segments - NPD:
Despite lack of growth, core console players still outspend their social and mobile counterparts

Korean New MMO Beat Online Targets for Female Players

Korean New MMO Beat Online Targets for Female Players:
The newly announced Korean MMORPG Beat Online is a casual game mainly target for female players. The game is a fantasy MMORPG combined with eastern and

RIFT tops Raptr's May most-played list

RIFT tops Raptr's May most-played list:
Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, Free-to-Play, RIFT, Promotions, Neverwinter Is RIFT taking the charts by storm? At first glance when it comes to Raptr's most-played PC

Jellyvision changes name to Jackbox Games

Jellyvision changes name to Jackbox Games:
You Don't Know Jack developer also expanding into publishing for mobile platforms, Roku, and Ouya

Analysis: Why MMOs stopped getting bigger

Analysis: Why MMOs stopped getting bigger:
Big MMOs that crashed and burned -- anyone can name examples. What kept them from success? Why did others thrive? Monetization consultant Ramin Shokrizade

Microsoft: Xbox One users must have broadband, check in online

Microsoft: Xbox One users must have broadband, check in online:
Microsoft has clarified its position regarding the Xbox One's previously-reported 24-hour periodic check in, as well as providing its networking recommendations to make best

The Xbox One Just Had A Very Bad Day

The Xbox One Just Had A Very Bad Day:
In two weeks' time, we may look on this as one of the smartest PR moves of all time. But for now? It's been a bad day for Microsoft.Read more...

Diablo III To Hit Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on September 3

Diablo III To Hit Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on September 3:
Blizzard has just announced that Diablo III is coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on September 3 this year.Read more...

Total Domination: Reborn Review

Total Domination: Reborn Review:
Maybe I'm missing something. When I picked up Total Domination: Reborn, I suppose I was expecting features that warranted such a lofty subhead; features

Neverwinter: 'Live' Date Announced

Neverwinter: 'Live' Date Announced:
According to Perfect World Entertainment, Neverwinter will officially hit "live" status on June 20th. In addition, they gave a few more details on Fury of the Feywild, the first

DeNA and Spicy Horse team up for mobile Hell Invaders

DeNA and Spicy Horse team up for mobile Hell Invaders:
Spicy Horse's Hell Invaders is coming to DeNA's Mobage platform

Fates Forever is MOBA enough for PC but made for a tablet

Fates Forever is MOBA enough for PC but made for a tablet:
Filed under: Fantasy, New Titles, Previews, News Items, Mobile, MOBA The MOBA market is pretty full these days, but Hammer & Chisel is trying to find a unique angle with

Kingdom Rush: Frontiers Review

Kingdom Rush: Frontiers Review:
Hopefully, you've been able to pull yourself away from your favorite tower defense game for a minute or two in the last few weeks, to know that Kingdom Rush is back with a

Ragnarok Online II: Can It Fill the Shoes of the Original?

Ragnarok Online II: Can It Fill the Shoes of the Original?:
Ragnarok Online has been wildly popular for many years so players have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Ragnarok Online 2. We've taken a hard look at RO2

AdventureQuest Worlds Review

AdventureQuest Worlds Review:
There's no shame in admitting that we all get sucked into the war between style and substance at times. The ideal is to find a balance, but sometimes games like

Color Zen Review

Color Zen Review:
There's a growing tendency towards abstract, single-serving gameplay that is beginning to define the casual gaming space. As the ultimate renditions of pick-