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Yahoo brings all its bots together in one app
Yahoo has quietly introduced a new app called Yahoo Bots, as recently spotted by VentureBeat. The application, available for iOS and Android, acts as a hub to connect you with all of the company's virtual assistants. You'll find bots that provide information from Yahoo News, Yahoo Weather and Yahoo Finance, and more could be added in the future. Meanwhile, Blitz helps Fantasy Football players research their team and manage it, as well as get real-time stats, player news and personalized roster recommendations. If you want to check it out, Yahoo Bots is a free download from the App Store or Google Play.
E3 2014: Hands-on with World of Warships and World of Tanks Blitz
If Wargaming.net is known for one thing, it's for being big. Nowhere is that more evident than E3, where displays for games like World of Tanks, World of Warplanes, and World of Warships typically dominate the show floor. Naturally this year's big reveal is the new Warships title. Although it's the third World of vehicles battler, gamers who haven't played the previous two won't be at a disadvantage. That said, it's the hands-on with World of Tanks iOS version that really got my attention.
Here's how you can play World of Tanks Blitz on your iOS device
It's been nearly a year since Wargaming announced World of Tanks Blitz, its 7-on-7 mobile title inspired by World of Tanks and said to "rival anything on a console." The firm has officially announced that WoTB's closed beta will commence once it "roll[s] out the server infrastructure and accumulate[s] enough beta applications." That's where you come in, because Wargaming has also published beta application links for both Europe and North America.
World of Tanks Blitz mobile game to 'rival anything on a console'
Want to play World of Tanks on your tablet? You'll soon be able to do something similar thanks to World of Tanks Blitz, an Android and iOS title announced today by Wargaming.net. The game will feature 7-on-7 PvP matches "inspired by" World of Tanks, and it will allow players to lead American, Russian, and German tanks into battle. "With World of Tanks Blitz we're doing our best to give players a gaming experience that would rival anything they could find on a console," says Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi via press release. "We've always been committed to bringing World of Tanks to new platforms and we're excited to give players a chance to experience the game in a whole new way." The firm has yet to announce a release date.
Warrior glyph changes in patch 5.0.4
When the new 5.0 patch flips over on Aug. 28, will you be ready with glyphs? Blizzard is recycling old glyphs instead of making new spell IDs and charring old ones. Some glyphs are staying the same, some are new, but some share IDs with old Cataclysm glyphs. Below is our list of new or changing glyphs for warriors. This is not a list of changing tooltips, just which glyphs you ought to have if you want to automatically have the new glyphs when the patch flips over. Warriors have a few brand new minor glyphs: Glyph of the Blazing Trail Glyph of Burning Anger Glyph of Crow Feast Glyph of Incite Glyphs that are changing into new majors: Intervene become Blitz Intercept becomes Bull Rush Shockwave becomes Death From Above Rapid Charge becomes Enraged Speed Heroic Throw becomes Gag Order Slam becomes Hamstring Devastate becomes Heavy Repercussions Cleaving becomes Hindering Strikes Sunder Armor becomes Hoarse Voice Revenge becomes Hold the Line Raging Blow becomes Raging Wind Death Wish becomes Recklessness Piercing Howl becomes Rude Interruption Command becomes Thunder Strike Thunder Clap becomes Unending Rage Bladestorm becomes Whirlwind Glyphs that are changing into new minors: Berserker Rage becomes Bloodcurdling Shout Demoralizing Shout becomes Gushing Wound Enduring Victory becomes Mighty Victory Battle becomes Mystic Shout It's open warfare between Alliance and Horde in Mists of Pandaria, World of Warcraft's next expansion. Jump into five new levels with new talents and class mechanics, try the new monk class, and create a pandaren character to ally with either Horde or Alliance. Look for expansion basics in our Mists FAQ, or dig into our spring press event coverage for more details!
The next Tribes update adds 'Blitz' mode, re-energizes Tech class
This month's update to Tribes: Ascend lavishes the Tech class with a new weapon, a new (super neat) belt item, an additional skin, an extra turret, while everyone gets a new game mode: "Blitz." In Blitz, flag objectives move around the map based on captures, becoming progressively more difficult as the match goes on.LIke always, the update is free. And if you're already playing Tribes: Ascend, we commend you.
Kinect Hacks: Flash, HTML, Unity and Silverlight integration
Blitz, an interactive marketing agency, has released its source code and scripts for a Kinect mod that outputs data compatible with Flash, HTML, Unity and Microsoft Silverlight. The company, which helped launch Halo: Waypoint with Microsoft and 343 Industries, explains that the device's standard C++ programming language was too limited for budding Kinect hackers. Hit the jump for the tutorial video.
Microsoft Kinect will work just fine for seated gameplay
One of the major points of confusion related to Microsoft's new controller-less Xbox 360 Kinect gaming system is the perceived lack of seated gameplay, largely driven by those early demos that required a standing player. At the time, Kinect's sensor was keying off the base node located at the bottom of the spine to create its skeletal models. As of a few months ago, Microsoft updated its software libraries to key off the base of the neck, thus avoiding any ambiguity caused by the player's motionless knees or feet obscuring a spine stuffed into the opaque comfort of the living room sofa. At least that's what Blitz Games Studios co-founder and CTO Andrew Oliver told Eurogamer. Unfortunately, the motion-sensing changes for lazy-bone play come too late for Kinect's early November launch titles (burdened with writing their own software for seated play) but "games going forward won't have a problem," says Oliver.
Study suggests game marketers are 'missing the mark'
A new study released by the Blitz marketing firm suggests that current video game marketing practices are coming up short*. The study focused on the factors that influence the buying decisions of "avid gamers" -- anyone who plays games for at least seven hours a week, according to Blitz. According to the study, it's these "avid gamers" that most game marketing fails to attract. That's a bad thing, as the study also notes that avid gamers actually have the most influence over purchases. In other words, gamers make purchases based on the opinions of their friends. The basic conclusions drawn by the study to boost marketing muscle: Utilize social networking and mobile marketing, show actual gameplay, make websites that are relevant to users and give incentives for registering on said websites (cheats, discounts, etc.). The study also notes that marketers should focus on "what's new" when marketing sequels. Most of the points seem in line with the kinds of things gamers have been saying for years, especially the note about actual gameplay footage; just read the comments on any CG trailer posted on Joystiq and you'll see. There are some interesting ideas in the study though, particularly using mobile phone marketing for "on-the-go" coupons. Instant discounts from the ether? Yes, please. Alas, the study offers no tips for marketing Wii titles. For now, we'll assume that most companies will stick with the usual Wii marketing strategy: Don't even bother. *Download the complete report [PDF]
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Encleverment Experiment, NBA Unrivaled, 0D Beat Drop
There are three games up for grabs on XBLA this week, and all of them offer something different. Encleverment Experiment (800, $10) seeks to test your brain power as well as the brain power of your friends (or random strangers on Xbox Live). Meanwhile NBA Unrivaled (1200, $15) brings arcade basketball with massive dunks (and odd character animations). Finally, 0D Beat Drop (800, $10) ... drops some rhythm-infused puzzle action onto XBLA. Watch the latest XBLA in Brief and see if any of them are up your alley. Download the trial version of Encleverment Experiment Download the trial version of NBA Unrivaled Download the trial version of 0D Beat Drop [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly. [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.
Storm 2, Motorola Sholes, Nokia Twist dated for Verizon, according to leaked doc
We've heard about a good number of these phones were bound for Verizon Wireless already, but if this leaked doc via Boy Genius Report is to be believed, we now have a much better idea when they should be within reach of consumer hands. First up is Samsung Rogue for sometime this month (we previously heard today, but that's looking very doubtful at this point) for an estimated $370 subsidized. Next on the calendar is the "female centric" Nokia Twist 7705 in late September for $230, which more likely than not is the swiveling device we've seen on two prior occasions. Also due out next month is the Samsung Intensity for $130 (screenshot after the break). LG Chocolate Touch was rumored by Best Buy for today, but here it's listed for an October debut, along with Storm 2, a "low cost QWERTY" HTC Razzle / Blitz 2 (XV6175, perhaps?), and the Motorola Sholes "Google Phone," red D-pad likely in tow, all with TBD price tags. Rounding out the list in late November is the BlackBerry Curve 2, which we wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be the 8530. The first one expected for public is the Rogue, replacing the Alias 2 that just launched back in May. What gives Verizon, no love for e-ink textpads?
Midway studios not acquired by WB to shut down within 60 days
It appears as though recent reports were incorrect, as Midway confirmed to Joystiq this morning that the studios not picked up by Warner Bros. in the acquisition bid have 60 days until they're out of work. From Midway Newcastle (Wheelman, Necessary Force) to Midway San Diego (TNA) and various "old sports titles" (Blitz, NBA Ballers) in between, anyone looking to pick up the remaining studios has roughly two months to do so."We had a court hearing yesterday and the end result of that is the sale was approved and the closing will occur within the next 10 days," a Midway representative told us, continuing, "Since we didn't get any bids for the San Diego assets, we actually gave the employees a required 60-day warning." According to the US Department of Labor, employees of 100 or more person companies must be warned 60 days prior to being let go due to "plant closure" (or studio closure, in this case). Midway remains positive on the San Diego studio, saying, "For now those employees are continuing to work and it's still entirely possible that a bidder could come in and acquire the San Diego assets." When asked what would happen to the TNA license if the studio did go under, Midway was unsure. Maybe THQ and its fancy new business plan can help a brotha out?
Best Buy nabs exclusive on Verizon Blitz Titanium
If you're not cool with the Blitz's original blue -- well, first of all: hater. Secondly, plan on trotting out to your friendly local big box come this Sunday, October 26 for the release of Verizon's baby QWERTY set in "titanium," which is an uppity word for gray. No word on pricing yet, but we're thinking it won't break the bank.[Thanks, Carter]
Shipping this week: it begins edition
And here ... we ... go. We're halfway through October and it's finally started. The industry imposed holiday game torrent is upon us. We hope you've saved up some cash (or tidied up your GameFly queue) because, starting now, you're going to need it. Just look at all of these games: Dead Space Saints Row 2 Blitz: The League II Golden Axe: Beast Rider Rock Revolution FIFA Soccer 2009 Yeah, this is going to be a tough couple of months.[Via Joystiq]
Trophies: Blitz: The League II
1 Platinum2 Gold11 Silver36 Bronze Difficulty: Very Difficult Online Trophies? Yes Time to Completion: 30 hoursDLC Trophies? No View Trophy List Read More About the Game %Gallery-27575%
Verizon nabs the Blitz: someone has thought of the children
This one has been in the works for a while, but Verizon has appropriated UTStarcom's TXT8010 my-first-QWERTY phone for tweens and dropped it onto an unsuspecting market with the new "Blitz" moniker. The slider phone will run you $70 with a two year contract, is available now, and includes a few perks like VCAST Music, a microSD slot, 1.3 megapixel camera and stereo Bluetooth to keep your jaded child interested.
Looks like Blitz: The League II will also support Trophies
It seems like almost every game is getting Trophy support these days. Pretty soon, it won't be long until Trophies become standard across all games (and they'll stop being special!). A sharp reader noticed an image on IGN for the upcoming Blitz game that features the now-familiar icon with the next: "You have earned a trophy." Considering it's a multiplatform title, it's likely that the Trophies in Blitz will be identical to the Xbox 360's Achievements.[Thanks, TheDon23!]
John Madden impersonator in Blitz: The League II
Although it's probably wrong to call Frank Caliendo a "John Madden impersonator," because he does a billion great impressions ranging from President Bush to William Shatner, he's definitely best known for his spot-on send up of the white-haired football legend. Both Caliendo and Jay Mohr are joining the voice cast of Midway's upcoming footballer, Blitz: The League II.Caliendo will play three different characters, the prison warden, the offensive line coordinator and the color commentator, and Mohr will be playing The Agent, which will probably be similar to the role he played in Jerry Maguire. Midway probably wants to avoid a lawsuit with NBC, the NFL, and Madden himself, so it's doubtful Caliendo will be speaking as The Coach when we get blitzed this Fall... but here's hoping. %Gallery-20859%
Listen to Quentin Sands in this Blitz: The League II video
Just a warning: there's some foul language in this video, so listen at an acceptable volume! Football is an American past-time, but we don't really get to hear the voices behind the masks -- especially when it comes to video game characters of their likeness. So that's why we found this Blitz: The League II video so interesting -- it offers a perspective we don't get to see in these styles of games that often. Here you get to listen to Lawrence Taylor, voicing the character of Quentin Sands in the game. He gives you some insight into the character, how he approached the voice, and how the story will be much larger than the first. Cool stuff.
Verizon shows Blitz
Remember this? Yep, it popped up a while back as the uncreatively-named UTStarcom TXT8010, but never managed to launch on any US carrier -- a shame, considering the low price point (theoretically, anyway) and the somewhat trick look and form factor. It's all good, though, because Verizon has picked it up as the "Blitz" with a Wal-Mart launch on August 8 followed by Best Buy on September 28. Its main lease in life will be as an INpulse prepaid 'set -- so you know it'll be nice and cheap -- but it's still going to manage to eke out VCAST Music support, a microSD slot with support up to 4GB, stereo Bluetooth, a 1.3 megapixel cam, and VZ Navigator. And what's this, a default Verizon UI in orange? Are our weary eyes deceiving us?%Gallery-28756%
