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TOP SPOT
Exclusive: "Kid" Icarus Wii Concept Artwork Revealed The Kid grows up. First-ever artwork for Factor 5's rumored project, starring adult Pit, revealed. 
TOP SPOT
How Microsoft Could Do It: Portable HD Xbox Gaming How Microsoft should enter the portable space and dominate its two successful rivals. 
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Review: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness Nothing new or exciting in this DS sequel, but it's not all bad. 
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Review: Grand Theft Auto IV The best game of this generation? It just may be. Find out why inside. |
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News: No LittleBigPlanet Beta
A bit of bad news for fans of the Sackboys.
News: Pandemic Takes on Middle Earth
Spiritual successor to Star Wars Battlefront.
News: Stop Uwe Boll, Get Free Gum
Zany yes, but worth it!
News: id Confirms Doom 4, Systems Unspecified.
Going back to Earth. |
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GEN
Activision: Hawk Flying Solo on DS in '08, Rakes in $3 Billion in Revenue
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 8:55 PM PST
Mighty Activision made $344.9 million in net income for their fiscal year ended March 31. That's $259.1 million above what the publisher made a year ago.
They did it without releasing a single title during their fourth quarter, which ran from January to March this year, despite raking in a net income of $44.2 million (up from a net loss of $14.4 mil) during the 3 month period. Net revenue rose from 1.51 billion to $2.90 billion as well.
With the success of Call of Duty 4 and Guitar Hero III, this comes as little surprise. CEO Bobby Kotick noted, "During the fiscal year, we were the #1 U.S. console and handheld publisher in dollars for the first time ever, according to The NPD Group, and we grew our worldwide share of the console, handheld and PC markets year over year."
The big news concerns Activision's future plans, of course. Guitar Hero will still be getting the star treatment moving forward, hopefully including some big changes to distinguish it from stepbrother Rock Band. The Tony Hawk series, which has arguably been stuck in Neversoft's gutter as of late, won't be getting the next console iteration until next year.
Activision: Hawk Flying Solo on DS in '08, Rakes in $3 Billion in Revenue
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 8:55 PM PST
Mighty Activision made $344.9 million in net income for their fiscal year ended March 31. That's $259.1 million above what the publisher made a year ago.
They did it without releasing a single title during their fourth quarter, which ran from January to March this year, despite raking in a net income of $44.2 million (up from a net loss of $14.4 mil) during the 3 month period. Net revenue rose from 1.51 billion to $2.90 billion as well.
With the success of Call of Duty 4 and Guitar Hero III, this comes as little surprise. CEO Bobby Kotick noted, "During the fiscal year, we were the #1 U.S. console and handheld publisher in dollars for the first time ever, according to The NPD Group, and we grew our worldwide share of the console, handheld and PC markets year over year."
The big news concerns Activision's future plans, of course. Guitar Hero will still be getting the star treatment moving forward, hopefully including some big changes to distinguish it from stepbrother Rock Band. The Tony Hawk series, which has arguably been stuck in Neversoft's gutter as of late, won't be getting the next console iteration until next year.
Continue reading: Activision: Hawk Flying Solo on DS in '08, Rakes in $3 Billion in Revenue
GEN
Rumor: LucasArts Next to Bolt from ESA?
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 6:36 PM PST
LucasArts could very well be following Activision and Vivendi in their decision to exit the Entertainment Software Association (the guys behind E3).
As GamePolitics points out, LucasArts is missing from the member list featured on the ESA's website. This change has thus far gone unannounced, giving much speculation into the company's motives. The same scenario occurred shortly before ActiBlizzard made its announcement last week. When contacted, an ESA rep noted that he would "look into that."
Yes good sir, that's not a bad idea.
Rumor: LucasArts Next to Bolt from ESA?
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 6:36 PM PST
LucasArts could very well be following Activision and Vivendi in their decision to exit the Entertainment Software Association (the guys behind E3).
As GamePolitics points out, LucasArts is missing from the member list featured on the ESA's website. This change has thus far gone unannounced, giving much speculation into the company's motives. The same scenario occurred shortly before ActiBlizzard made its announcement last week. When contacted, an ESA rep noted that he would "look into that."
Yes good sir, that's not a bad idea.
source: GamePolitics
Wii
Exclusive: "Kid" Icarus Wii Concept Artwork Revealed
by Phillip Levin | 05/08/08 | 4:50 PM PST
Earlier this year, we broke the news that Factor 5 is working internally to revive the beloved Kid Icarus franchise. Although we do not have much new information in regards to the project, we have acquired nearly 30 pieces of concept art for the game, showing various different versions of Pit's new design, plus concept work for some of his weapons.
More artwork inside.
Exclusive: "Kid" Icarus Wii Concept Artwork Revealed
by Phillip Levin | 05/08/08 | 4:50 PM PST
More artwork inside.
360
South Park Season 11 DVD to Feature Rock Band DLC?
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 3:01 PM PST
Irony, thy name is South Park.
In what can only be called unexpectedly bizarre (or, conversely, a mistake), the 11th season of South Park, which featured the episode "Guitar Queer-o," will be on DVD soon. And to sweeten the deal for gamers everywhere, the DVD set will include three downloadable tracks for... Rock Band?!
Indeed, that is what's reported to be the case, from info being sent to US retailers, though no specifics as to which songs will be included. The theme is expected. My money (i.e. hopes) are on "What Would Brian Boitano Do?" and "Kyle's Mom's a Bitch."
Of course, just because it's a bit ironic doesn't mean it doesn't make sense. South Park is produced by Comedy Central, who is owned by Viacom and MTV Networks. And of course, MTV Games are the ones who make Rock Band, so...
South Park Season 11 DVD to Feature Rock Band DLC?
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 3:01 PM PST
Irony, thy name is South Park.
In what can only be called unexpectedly bizarre (or, conversely, a mistake), the 11th season of South Park, which featured the episode "Guitar Queer-o," will be on DVD soon. And to sweeten the deal for gamers everywhere, the DVD set will include three downloadable tracks for... Rock Band?!
Indeed, that is what's reported to be the case, from info being sent to US retailers, though no specifics as to which songs will be included. The theme is expected. My money (i.e. hopes) are on "What Would Brian Boitano Do?" and "Kyle's Mom's a Bitch."
Of course, just because it's a bit ironic doesn't mean it doesn't make sense. South Park is produced by Comedy Central, who is owned by Viacom and MTV Networks. And of course, MTV Games are the ones who make Rock Band, so...
source: CVG
GEN
New Legislation Calls for ID Checks on M, AO Games
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:46 PM PST
Sometimes, there's just no pleasing some people.
Even with "major improvement" in the enforcement of the M-rating, Variety reports that there is a new video game legislation bill making the rounds, aimed at limiting the access teens have to harmful content.
Known as the "Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act," it was put forth Wednesday by Reps. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah), who not only want ID checks to be mandatory for purchases of M rated and AO rated (excuse me a minute while I laugh) games, but also require retailers to post ratings system explanations in stores, lest they face a $5,000 fine.
Wait a sec, I've seen tons of retailers, rental stores, and so forth with ESRB ratings clearly visible, but I don't see the MPAA ratings posted at all. Double-standard much?
New Legislation Calls for ID Checks on M, AO Games
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:46 PM PST
Sometimes, there's just no pleasing some people.
Even with "major improvement" in the enforcement of the M-rating, Variety reports that there is a new video game legislation bill making the rounds, aimed at limiting the access teens have to harmful content.
Known as the "Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act," it was put forth Wednesday by Reps. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah), who not only want ID checks to be mandatory for purchases of M rated and AO rated (excuse me a minute while I laugh) games, but also require retailers to post ratings system explanations in stores, lest they face a $5,000 fine.
Wait a sec, I've seen tons of retailers, rental stores, and so forth with ESRB ratings clearly visible, but I don't see the MPAA ratings posted at all. Double-standard much?
GEN
FTC Finds "Major Improvement" in Enforcement of M-Rating
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:36 PM PST
A recent secret shopping campaign by the FTC turned up some favorable results where enforcement of the Mature rating for video games is concerned, as only less than 20 percent of underage teenage shoppers were able to procure the goods they sought to obtain.
The FTC says that this is a "major improvement" over other such surveys utilizing undercover shoppers. In 2006, for example, 42 percent of those underage shoppers used were able to obtain M-rated games. Said Patricia Vance, head of the ESRB: "Videogame retailers have clearly stepped up their efforts to enforce their store policies, and they deserve recognition for these outstanding results."
Ironically, the more commonly ignored mediums of DVDs and music saw more success among the undercover shoppers as about half of them were able to obtain items with the R-rated, unrated and "Parental Advisory"-labels. In addition, movie theaters sold R-rated movie tickets to unaccompanied children around 35 percent of the time.
GameStop shone above the rest, be they big-box or specialist, as they turned away a whopping 94 percent of the customers who were underage, with Hollywood Video showing itself to be the worst with 40 percent of the minors able to walk away from their stores with Mature merchandise in tow.
FTC Finds "Major Improvement" in Enforcement of M-Rating
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:36 PM PST
A recent secret shopping campaign by the FTC turned up some favorable results where enforcement of the Mature rating for video games is concerned, as only less than 20 percent of underage teenage shoppers were able to procure the goods they sought to obtain.
The FTC says that this is a "major improvement" over other such surveys utilizing undercover shoppers. In 2006, for example, 42 percent of those underage shoppers used were able to obtain M-rated games. Said Patricia Vance, head of the ESRB: "Videogame retailers have clearly stepped up their efforts to enforce their store policies, and they deserve recognition for these outstanding results."
Ironically, the more commonly ignored mediums of DVDs and music saw more success among the undercover shoppers as about half of them were able to obtain items with the R-rated, unrated and "Parental Advisory"-labels. In addition, movie theaters sold R-rated movie tickets to unaccompanied children around 35 percent of the time.
GameStop shone above the rest, be they big-box or specialist, as they turned away a whopping 94 percent of the customers who were underage, with Hollywood Video showing itself to be the worst with 40 percent of the minors able to walk away from their stores with Mature merchandise in tow.
source: FTC
360
Rumor: All Points Bulletin to Become GTA Online?
by Nathan Grayson | 05/08/08 | 1:53 PM PST
If it took a few years and more than a few million dollars to develop GTA IV, can you imagine how much time and moolah Rockstar would have to throw at a GTA MMO? It's making me a tad lightheaded, actually. But that same quality actually lends credibility to the rumor that Realtime Worlds is trying to gussy up All Points Bulletin and sell it to Rockstar as GTA Online. Well, that and Eurogamer's "credible industry source."
The story goes that Realtime Worlds purchased back the license to All Points Bulletin -- an MMO currently in development at the house GTA indirectly built -- so that they'll be able to auction it off to the house that GTA...Rockstar.
On paper, it seems like a win-win situation for both sandbox-centric developers -- Rockstar doesn't have to spend the next two console cycles building a GTA MMO from the ground up, and Realtime Worlds gets its own gold-plated rocket car.
Even so, if you ask Realtime Worlds, they'll only give you a raised eyebrow and a shoulder shrug. Apparently, this is the first they've heard of such a grandiose scheme, and they only purchased back the rights to All Points Bulletin to "give themselves some options."
It seems, then, that for now we've run smack into a dead end.
Crackdown was an underappreciated gem and All Points Bulletin looks excellent. So, could Realtime World's craft a top-notch GTA MMO? Almost certainly. But will they? Only time will tell.
Rumor: All Points Bulletin to Become GTA Online?
by Nathan Grayson | 05/08/08 | 1:53 PM PST
If it took a few years and more than a few million dollars to develop GTA IV, can you imagine how much time and moolah Rockstar would have to throw at a GTA MMO? It's making me a tad lightheaded, actually. But that same quality actually lends credibility to the rumor that Realtime Worlds is trying to gussy up All Points Bulletin and sell it to Rockstar as GTA Online. Well, that and Eurogamer's "credible industry source."
The story goes that Realtime Worlds purchased back the license to All Points Bulletin -- an MMO currently in development at the house GTA indirectly built -- so that they'll be able to auction it off to the house that GTA...Rockstar.
On paper, it seems like a win-win situation for both sandbox-centric developers -- Rockstar doesn't have to spend the next two console cycles building a GTA MMO from the ground up, and Realtime Worlds gets its own gold-plated rocket car.
Even so, if you ask Realtime Worlds, they'll only give you a raised eyebrow and a shoulder shrug. Apparently, this is the first they've heard of such a grandiose scheme, and they only purchased back the rights to All Points Bulletin to "give themselves some options."
It seems, then, that for now we've run smack into a dead end.
Crackdown was an underappreciated gem and All Points Bulletin looks excellent. So, could Realtime World's craft a top-notch GTA MMO? Almost certainly. But will they? Only time will tell.
GEN
THQ and Marvel Form Exclusive Superhero Squad Game Licensing Agreement
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 1:48 PM PST
Ok, I don't really know just how much we'll really look at covering this, given it's aimed a bit younger than the norm around here. But hell, people like LEGO Indiana Jones, Batman, and Star Wars, so why not? Let us know if you want to see more as the following develops.
Anyway, following THQ's report that they're getting their asses kicked in the kids market and are aiming their resources at "more strategic franchises" comes their announcement today that they've entered into an agreement that gives them the exclusive rights to produce games for anything that will play games, based on the Marvel Superhero Squad franchise. The games are slated for Fall of 2009, so don't worry, you'll have time to get used to the idea.
For those who don't know what that is... hmm, how do I put this? Ok, imagine your favorite Marvel Heroes, drawn sort of like the original Mega Man, but without the anime eyes. And you've more or less got the idea that they're turning loose on 6-8 year olds the world over.
THQ and Marvel Form Exclusive Superhero Squad Game Licensing Agreement
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 1:48 PM PST
Ok, I don't really know just how much we'll really look at covering this, given it's aimed a bit younger than the norm around here. But hell, people like LEGO Indiana Jones, Batman, and Star Wars, so why not? Let us know if you want to see more as the following develops.
Anyway, following THQ's report that they're getting their asses kicked in the kids market and are aiming their resources at "more strategic franchises" comes their announcement today that they've entered into an agreement that gives them the exclusive rights to produce games for anything that will play games, based on the Marvel Superhero Squad franchise. The games are slated for Fall of 2009, so don't worry, you'll have time to get used to the idea.
For those who don't know what that is... hmm, how do I put this? Ok, imagine your favorite Marvel Heroes, drawn sort of like the original Mega Man, but without the anime eyes. And you've more or less got the idea that they're turning loose on 6-8 year olds the world over.
360
Star Wars Battlefront Comes to Middle Earth...Kinda
by Nathan Grayson | 05/08/08 | 1:20 PM PST
Ages ago, before the Wii had cut a swath through its competitors, and when the PS3 was still hanging with the crew in Sony's R&D department, I remember booting-up Kameo: Elements of Power on the Xbox 360. In particular, I remember the game's plastic-y graphics, infuriating controls, and cookie-cutter art style. But after that, my mind harkens back to Kameo's sprawling overworld that, while nondescript -- even boring -- at first, was soon overrun with legions of cartoon orcs. Now, that always seemed a little out of place to me. I mean, Kameo was a platformer -- those legions stomping around the landscape only served to flex the Xbox 360's hulking muscles. "Why does this game suck so much?" I'd wonder. And after that, "Where are the Balrogs?" Gigantic battles were Lord of the Rings' forte, and the then next-gen consoles finally had the power to make those clashes work in game form. Well, today, chest thrust outward in a gesture of triumph, I can finally exclaim:
"Took 'em long enough."
Pandemic and Electronic Arts have officially announced the development of Lord of the Rings: Conquest, a "spiritual successor" to Star Wars Battlefront, of all things.
"In a partnership with New Line Cinema, The Lord of the Rings: Conquest is an action-packed game created by the same Pandemic Studios team behind the best-selling Star Wars Battlefront™ and Star Wars Battlefront™ II titles," reads the press release. "Set in 'The Lord of the Rings' universe of J.R.R. Tolkien as depicted by the Academy Award®-winning films, players will finally fight the entirety of these epic battles any way they want."
Any way we want? How captivating! Do go on.
Star Wars Battlefront Comes to Middle Earth...Kinda
by Nathan Grayson | 05/08/08 | 1:20 PM PST
Ages ago, before the Wii had cut a swath through its competitors, and when the PS3 was still hanging with the crew in Sony's R&D department, I remember booting-up Kameo: Elements of Power on the Xbox 360. In particular, I remember the game's plastic-y graphics, infuriating controls, and cookie-cutter art style. But after that, my mind harkens back to Kameo's sprawling overworld that, while nondescript -- even boring -- at first, was soon overrun with legions of cartoon orcs. Now, that always seemed a little out of place to me. I mean, Kameo was a platformer -- those legions stomping around the landscape only served to flex the Xbox 360's hulking muscles. "Why does this game suck so much?" I'd wonder. And after that, "Where are the Balrogs?" Gigantic battles were Lord of the Rings' forte, and the then next-gen consoles finally had the power to make those clashes work in game form. Well, today, chest thrust outward in a gesture of triumph, I can finally exclaim:
"Took 'em long enough."
Pandemic and Electronic Arts have officially announced the development of Lord of the Rings: Conquest, a "spiritual successor" to Star Wars Battlefront, of all things.
"In a partnership with New Line Cinema, The Lord of the Rings: Conquest is an action-packed game created by the same Pandemic Studios team behind the best-selling Star Wars Battlefront™ and Star Wars Battlefront™ II titles," reads the press release. "Set in 'The Lord of the Rings' universe of J.R.R. Tolkien as depicted by the Academy Award®-winning films, players will finally fight the entirety of these epic battles any way they want."
Any way we want? How captivating! Do go on.
360
Ninja Gaiden II Gets Downloadable Costumes
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 1:06 PM PST
With Ninja Gaiden II poised to leap into stores beginning June 3rd, fans of the demon-slaying adventures of Ryu Hayabusa will have more to look forward to in the following months, thanks to Team Ninja and Microsoft.
Beginning in July, Xbox Live members around the world will be able to download three unique costume packs for 200 MS Points a piece, each providing the heroic ninja with a completely new, never-before-seen look.
The first of the three, the Falcon (seen to the right, and at a larger size in our gallery) will be exclusively available in select countries to 39,000 gamers on launch day, as part of pre-sale or launch promotions with specific retail partners. The other two designs will be revealed in the coming weeks.
About the Falcon costume itself: "Inspired by the Hayabusa family's namesake, the falcon, this demonic costume mirrors the intensity of Ryu's vengeance and fury as he fights to regain the honor of his clan."
Personally speaking, it reminds me of one of those old Image superheroes... I forget which one, though.
Ninja Gaiden II Gets Downloadable Costumes
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 1:06 PM PST
With Ninja Gaiden II poised to leap into stores beginning June 3rd, fans of the demon-slaying adventures of Ryu Hayabusa will have more to look forward to in the following months, thanks to Team Ninja and Microsoft.
Beginning in July, Xbox Live members around the world will be able to download three unique costume packs for 200 MS Points a piece, each providing the heroic ninja with a completely new, never-before-seen look.
The first of the three, the Falcon (seen to the right, and at a larger size in our gallery) will be exclusively available in select countries to 39,000 gamers on launch day, as part of pre-sale or launch promotions with specific retail partners. The other two designs will be revealed in the coming weeks.
About the Falcon costume itself: "Inspired by the Hayabusa family's namesake, the falcon, this demonic costume mirrors the intensity of Ryu's vengeance and fury as he fights to regain the honor of his clan."
Personally speaking, it reminds me of one of those old Image superheroes... I forget which one, though.
source: Gamerscore Blog
Wii
Rumor: IGN Basically Confirms Kid Icarus Wii
by Keane Ng | 05/08/08 | 12:58 PM PST
The "rumored" existence of Kid Icarus on the Wii has been floating around for some time now, entering and exiting the sphere of confirmed reality on multiple occasions. We've reported on the game multiple times, even to the point of naming a developer for it (Factor 5), and with the reappearance of Pit in Brawl, it's seemed like a done deal to me for a long time. I'm not alone -- IGN Wii's Matt Casamassina basically talks as if the game's existence is plain old fact. Says he on this week's IGN podcast:
"Kid Icarus, that's another one that I'm really anticipating just because I love the franchise and I'm sure that the developer will make a really pretty game."
No ambiguity there. Maybe Matty C. got so used to talking about the game with his Nintendo buddies that he can just throw around its name casually. And what about that talk of it being "really pretty" based on the developer? We all know there's one studio that's always delivered outstanding visuals on Nintendo systems...remember that one Star Wars game?
Just to be safe, we're still tagging this bad boy with the rumor header, though it seems pretty set in stone to me while we wait for any official announcements come E3.
Rumor: IGN Basically Confirms Kid Icarus Wii
by Keane Ng | 05/08/08 | 12:58 PM PST
The "rumored" existence of Kid Icarus on the Wii has been floating around for some time now, entering and exiting the sphere of confirmed reality on multiple occasions. We've reported on the game multiple times, even to the point of naming a developer for it (Factor 5), and with the reappearance of Pit in Brawl, it's seemed like a done deal to me for a long time. I'm not alone -- IGN Wii's Matt Casamassina basically talks as if the game's existence is plain old fact. Says he on this week's IGN podcast:
"Kid Icarus, that's another one that I'm really anticipating just because I love the franchise and I'm sure that the developer will make a really pretty game."
No ambiguity there. Maybe Matty C. got so used to talking about the game with his Nintendo buddies that he can just throw around its name casually. And what about that talk of it being "really pretty" based on the developer? We all know there's one studio that's always delivered outstanding visuals on Nintendo systems...remember that one Star Wars game?
Just to be safe, we're still tagging this bad boy with the rumor header, though it seems pretty set in stone to me while we wait for any official announcements come E3.
source: Joystiq
PS3
Home Was "Too Ambitious" with Non-Gaming Apps, Says Reeves
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 12:46 PM PST
So, we know that Home has been delayed yet again, leaving the simple question of "why?" Fortunately, Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe President David Reeves has the answers. And even more fortunately, he's willing to share.
In a brief interview at Sony Gamers' Day, he admit that they wanted to be sure that the game-interactive features, such as trophies and Home-to-game launching, would be good to go when the product is finished.
"It is definitely coming out in autumn," assured Reeves. "Whether that's October or November, I don't precisely know, but it is an open beta."
"We've realized that maybe we were too ambitious with the non-gaming applications within Home, getting sponsors and stuff like that," he went on to confess, adding that "In that sense we were deserting gamers. So, we're concentrating on the gaming by launching games in Home, and attracting people who are into gaming in first - instead of the Nike people, or Adidas people who are into fashion and not necessarily into gaming."
Home Was "Too Ambitious" with Non-Gaming Apps, Says Reeves
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 12:46 PM PST
So, we know that Home has been delayed yet again, leaving the simple question of "why?" Fortunately, Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe President David Reeves has the answers. And even more fortunately, he's willing to share.
In a brief interview at Sony Gamers' Day, he admit that they wanted to be sure that the game-interactive features, such as trophies and Home-to-game launching, would be good to go when the product is finished.
"It is definitely coming out in autumn," assured Reeves. "Whether that's October or November, I don't precisely know, but it is an open beta."
"We've realized that maybe we were too ambitious with the non-gaming applications within Home, getting sponsors and stuff like that," he went on to confess, adding that "In that sense we were deserting gamers. So, we're concentrating on the gaming by launching games in Home, and attracting people who are into gaming in first - instead of the Nike people, or Adidas people who are into fashion and not necessarily into gaming."
source: CVG
360
Microsoft Releases Xbox 360 GTA IV Stats, 360 Version Makes up 60% of Sales During First Week
by Phillip Levin | 05/08/08 | 11:49 AM PST
You no doubt saw the news yesterday -- 6 million GTA IVs sold in a week, quite the achievement, indeed. Now, Microsoft's got some of its own data to share. Below you'll find direct verbatim, straight from Microsoft's press release.
Sales
Xbox Live Stats
I bet Microsoft is glad to see the Xbox 360 version outperform the PS3 version. However, this was kind of expected, as the 360 userbase is bigger than the PS3 one.
Microsoft Releases Xbox 360 GTA IV Stats, 360 Version Makes up 60% of Sales During First Week
by Phillip Levin | 05/08/08 | 11:49 AM PST
You no doubt saw the news yesterday -- 6 million GTA IVs sold in a week, quite the achievement, indeed. Now, Microsoft's got some of its own data to share. Below you'll find direct verbatim, straight from Microsoft's press release.
Sales
- Actual MS sales data from last week shows Xbox 360 console sales at retail went up 54% week-over-week as a result of GTA's success
- According to retailers more than 60% of all GTA games sold in the first week were the Xbox 360 version
- Retailers are telling us that the game is attaching strongly to new console sales, with roughly 40% of new consoles selling with a copy of Grand Theft Auto IV
Xbox Live Stats
- In the first week, more than 2.3 million people played Grand Theft Auto IV on Xbox LIVE
- GTA IV is now the number one played game on Xbox LIVE
- Over the weekend, we saw the Xbox LIVE service reach 1 million concurrent users
- Gamers have unlocked more than 12 million achievements worth over 100 million gamerscore points in GTA
- Grand Theft Auto IV set a new record for time played, with the average gamer spending more than four hours playing the game on LIVE in the first week alone
I bet Microsoft is glad to see the Xbox 360 version outperform the PS3 version. However, this was kind of expected, as the 360 userbase is bigger than the PS3 one.
source: Microsoft
PS3
Single-player and Co-op Haze Demo Hits PlayStation Store
by Phillip Levin | 05/08/08 | 11:33 AM PST
In addition to the GRID demo now available, there's another demo you have to download and check out today -- although it's only PlayStation 3 gamers that can get their hands on this one. Ubisoft has released the demo it promised of Haze a few weeks back; a demo featuring a level from the campaign mode, which is playable either by a single person or two players via co-op. What's more, the co-op mode features two-player split-screen, online support and drop-in-drop-out functionality.
And, don't forget, the full game releases later this month.
Single-player and Co-op Haze Demo Hits PlayStation Store
by Phillip Levin | 05/08/08 | 11:33 AM PST
In addition to the GRID demo now available, there's another demo you have to download and check out today -- although it's only PlayStation 3 gamers that can get their hands on this one. Ubisoft has released the demo it promised of Haze a few weeks back; a demo featuring a level from the campaign mode, which is playable either by a single person or two players via co-op. What's more, the co-op mode features two-player split-screen, online support and drop-in-drop-out functionality.
And, don't forget, the full game releases later this month.
360
GRID Demo Now Available on XBL Marketplace and PlayStation Store
by Phillip Levin | 05/08/08 | 11:22 AM PST
Codemasters today announced that a demo for its upcoming racer, GRID, is now available on both Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store for download. The demo features 3 events: The eBay Motors Muscle Cup, Advanced intentional Trophy Cup and the Euro Turing Car Series. In these events, you'll get to drive a Ford Mustang GT-R, Nissan S15 Silvia and BMW 320si, respectively.
The dev did a great job on DiRT, so I am looking forward to checking this out.
GRID Demo Now Available on XBL Marketplace and PlayStation Store
by Phillip Levin | 05/08/08 | 11:22 AM PST
Codemasters today announced that a demo for its upcoming racer, GRID, is now available on both Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store for download. The demo features 3 events: The eBay Motors Muscle Cup, Advanced intentional Trophy Cup and the Euro Turing Car Series. In these events, you'll get to drive a Ford Mustang GT-R, Nissan S15 Silvia and BMW 320si, respectively.
The dev did a great job on DiRT, so I am looking forward to checking this out.
