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Adult Themes: The rise and fall of America's first digital brothel
If someone forced you to describe RealTouch Interactive in just two words, you'd probably call it a "digital brothel." And rightly so, as the North Carolina-based business specializes in teledildonics, wearable gadgets that let people "have sex" through the internet; a technology that lets paying customers connect with consenting partners online. In 2012, RealTouch was on the rise, getting featured in HBO's Sex/Now documentary series and Amazon's original comedy series Betas. But despite the positive press, the company's fortunes took a nosedive. RealTouch found itself unable to sell its hardware and, what's more, it is now catering to a dwindling group of existing customers. It wasn't the moral majority, however, that pushed the sex-tech outfit to the brink of collapse. It was patent licensing.
Old man Snake goes digital in Metal Gear Solid 4 re-release
If you missed the collection of dramatic cutscenes known as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, you have another chance to grab the stealth action hit in a newly-revealed digital release. Come December 16, Konami will launch a PlayStation 3 download of Metal Gear Solid 4 on the PlayStation Network at a price of $20. While Metal Gear Solid 4 has been repackaged before, Konami claims this digital release will mark "the first time the acclaimed tactical espionage game has been made available as a digital download." That should help alleviate the lengthy installation players face on first starting Metal Gear Solid 4, but those lacking bandwidth be warned: According to Konami, the digital game is a 30GB download. [Image: Konami]
Ubisoft beats Q2 projections, reports digital revenue surge
Ubisoft revealed today that it earned 124.1 million euros (approximately $156.6 million) in revenue during the second fiscal quarter of 2014 ending September 30, marking a decrease of nearly 43 percent compared to the €217.7 million ($274.8 million) earned in the same quarter last year. The report beats projected quarterly revenue of €85.0 million, however, and represents a sharp rise in sales for the first half of 2014-15. Ubisoft earned a total of €484.2 million in revenue during the first half of 2014-15, putting it far ahead of the €293.3 million reported during first-half 2013-14. The company attributes its gains to continued sales of Watch Dogs and other flagship releases. "The very strong momentum we saw at the beginning of the fiscal year carried on into the second quarter and enabled us to once again exceed our performance expectations," Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said. "Ubisoft continued to capitalize on the popularity of new consoles, the successful launch of Watch Dogs, the quality of its back catalog and the considerable growth of the digital segment. Consequently, our operating income and cash flows improved significantly during the period." Ubisoft additionally reports a 90.4% increase in digital revenue for the first half of 2014-15, compared to last year's results. The company earned €113.7 million during the period from back-catalog sales, and reports €134.7 million in total digital revenue for first-half 2014-15.Reported sales by platform indicate that Ubisoft earned 21 percent of its quarterly revenue on the PlayStation 4, while Xbox One sales account for 9 percent. PlayStation 3 platform sales pulled in 19 percent, PC revenue clocks in at 17 percent, and Xbox 360 game sales earned 16 percent of Ubisoft's Q2 revenue. [Image: Ubisoft]
Disney Infinity's Toy Box 2.0 offered as standalone download
When Disney formally unveiled Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes in April, the publisher announced that the power discs and base from the first game would be compatible with the one slated to arrive next week. Instead of buying a starter pack for Disney Infinity 2.0 with a new base, returning players will have the option to download the new game's Toy Box mode separately starting on November 4. The Toy Box mode has improved since the first game, offering options for procedurally generated content and themed templates. Priced at $19.99, the standalone Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 game will be available for PS4, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U players. The developer opted for a November release date to time the digital launch with its physical 2.0 Edition Play Sets as well as the game's Disney Originals series. North American players that download Toy Box 2.0 will receive both the Stitch's Tropical Rescue and Brave Forest Siege game discs for free, with details on the limited-time offer on the way from Disney Interactive as November approaches. Disney Infinity 2.0 launches September 23 for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U. [Image: Disney Interactive]
Xbox digital game codes now available at retail
For those who love the convenience of downloading games to their Xbox console but also enjoy shopping in the real world, Microsoft is now offering download codes via brick and mortar retailers. Currently, this offer is only available in the US and UK and only on select games and DLC items, including the Xbox 360's zombie survival game State of Decay, the Xbox One's adorable platformer Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Forza Motorsport car packs. Though customers taking advantage of this offer are purchasing only a redeemable code, there is no discount for grabbing the digital version instead of a physical copy. Assuming this initiative is a success, the publisher plans to introduce additional games and DLC to the retail digital marketplace. [Image: Microsoft]
Framed gesture-controlled digital canvas debuts on Kickstarter, starting at $399
It's shaping up to be a big month for digital art displays. Electric Objects popped up on Kickstarter with its successfully funded 23-inch LCD for $299, and now a familiar face has turned to the funding site with its own rebooted version. Framed 2.0, an update to 2011's overpowered 40-inch model, includes integrated WiFi, a 720p front-facing camera and motion sensors, so you can interact with the frame using gestures. There's also a companion smartphone app, for purchasing and swapping art, creating schedules and adjusting settings. The first 250 backers can take home a 24-inch 1080p screen for $399. A 40-inch version will be available for $1,500, while a "super limited" 55-inch model will go for a whopping $10,000, including dinner with the design team in Tokyo. All three frames are available for pre-order on Kickstarter now, with select models shipping in November.
Amazon discounts over 1,000 digital PC games
Amazon kicked off its Digital Games Mayhem sale, discounting over 1,000 downloadable PC games. Okay, we didn't count to make sure the retailer had that many games on sale; we were too busy adding the Rockstar Ultimate Collection to our online carts. The bundle features 12 games from the developer at 85 percent off ($25.49), including L.A. Noire, GTA 4 and GTA Vice City. The sale also knocks 75 percent off the Metro Franchise Pack ($12.49), Saints Row Franchise Pack ($18.75) and Batman Mega Bundle ($22.50), the latter of which includes Batman: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City and Arkham Origins in addition to Origins' season pass. As for individual games, Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn is 40 percent off ($14.99), Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut is 55 percent off ($11), NBA 2K14 can be downloaded at 68 percent off ($9.59) and Civilization 5 is 46 percent off ($16.24). All deals in the Digital Games Mayhem sale are good until May 31. [Image: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment]
Ubisoft's digital sales jump 32% in fiscal 2014
Ubisoft reported digital sales of 195 million euros ($266.6 million) for the financial year ending March 31, 2014. That represents a 32 percent increase over last year's 148 million euros ($202.3 million) in sales for the segment, which includes digitally-distributed games as well as downloadable add-ons and items. Ubisoft specifically called out South Park: The Stick of Truth in its report, which showed "higher-than-expected digital distribution levels." The publisher said the digital segment was a "substantial contributor to our business," and accounted for 19 percent of the company's total sales for the year. Sales for 2014 were down 17 percent year-over-year to 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion). Ubisoft projects "strong digital growth" for fiscal 2015, expecting the digital segment to amount to 25 percent of the group's total revenues, including its free-to-play efforts for the year, according to the publisher's earnings presentation. [Image: Ubisoft]
Can't I help you? Shoppers are shunning store assistants in favor of smartphones
Although it often feels like you're stealing, being able to walk into an store, pay for a product with your phone and leave without any employee interaction can be liberating. It's an experience that an increasing number of consumers are starting to enjoy too, as evidenced by a new report from Deloitte that suggests shoppers would rather pull out their smartphone or tablet inside a store than speak to an associate. More than half of the people surveyed admitted they prefer using a mobile device to compare prices, gather more information or check availability, while just under half of respondents said they'd rather use complete a mobile payment than head to a cash register. Even unmanned kiosks (think touch displays or tables full of tablets) outranked small talk with a retail employee.
MLB 14: The Show misses first pitch on PSN for PS4 [Update: Resolved]
MLB 14: The Show was expected to be available on PSN as a day-one digital download for PS4 this morning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern. Those that pre-ordered the game have not been able to download it at all however, as indicated by a 70-page PlayStation Forums support thread. Sony San Diego acknowledged the issue via Twitter, noting it is "aware that some users are unable to download the PS4 game from the PS Store. We're working with the PS Store team to resolve asap." This is the series' first crack at the next-gen console following MLB 14's launch on PS3 and Vita at the beginning of April. "Thanks for your patience, we won't rest until you guys are playing," the developer added in another tweet. We've reached out to Sony for more information on the issue and a timetable for its resolution, and will update as we learn more. [Thanks to everyone that sent this in!] Update: Sony added a note to its launch announcement post on the PlayStation Blog, which reads: "Due to unforeseen technical issues, MLB 14 The Show for PS4 is not currently available for download via the PlayStation Store. All parties are working as quickly as possible to remedy the issue. We'll update this post as soon as a resolution is reached. Thank you for your continued patience." Update #2: In another update, Sony says the "PlayStation Store download issue regarding MLB 14 The Show on PS4 has been resolved. We apologize for any frustration this caused, and thank the community for its patience and understanding." [Image: Sony]
Microsoft considered disc-less Xbox One
Following the Xbox One's showing at E3, Microsoft considered eliminating the optical disc drive from the console entirely. "Obviously, after the announcement and E3, there was some feedback about what people wanted to change," Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer explained to OXM. "There was a real discussion about whether we should have an optical disc drive in Xbox One or if we could get away with a purely disc-less console, but when you start looking at bandwidth and game size, it does create issues." Spencer elaborated to OXM that Microsoft ultimately decided on adding the Blu-ray drive and giving "the people an easy way to install a lot of content. From some of those original thoughts, you saw a lot of us really focusing on the digital ecosystem you see on other devices - thinking of and building around that." When the Xbox One was first announced, Microsoft envisioned an all-digital, DRM-tuned console, though Microsoft would shortly after change its DRM policies following blowback from the community. Microsoft Senior Director of Product Management Albert Penello has said that folks weren't ready for an all-digital console. "We may have been right. What we were wrong about was that it's just too soon. People just weren't ready to make that leap right away."
Microsoft UK explains price increase for select digital Xbox One titles
Following reports that prices for digital copies of Ryse: Son of Rome, Forza Motorsport 5 and the standard version of Dead Rising 3 had increased by £5, a Microsoft UK representative explained the change to GameSpot this week. "Digital content pricing is subject to change and we may occasionally offer various deals or promotions," the spokesperson said. "Yes, pricing for select digital content in some markets has changed since launch." With the changes in price, all of Microsoft's first-party, retail-sized games that are now available for download on the Xbox One are currently £49.99.
GameStop sales up 18.8 percent, owing primarily to GTA, Nintendo handhelds
The third quarter of the financial year was a profitable one for GameStop, with sales jumping 18.8% to $2.11 billion and net earnings increasing by 45.3% over the prior year. Key to this growth was the release of Grand Theft Auto 5, a game we awarded 4.5/5 stars. According to GameStop's latest financial report, new software sales increased by 43.1% during the quarter. Hardware sales are likewise up, with the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS handhelds cited as the impetus for a 15.3% gain over last year. The one dark spot in GameSpot's financial report is a quick note that pre-owned game sales fell by 2%. This however is handily offset by the gains of GameStop's mobile and digital sales, which are up 14.4% and 8.6%, respectively. Riding these gains into the next-generation of gaming consoles, GameStop is confident in its position. "Our strong third quarter sales results give us great momentum as we enter the new console cycle," stated CEO Paul Raines. "Consumer appetite for the new consoles is very strong judging by last week's successful PS4 launch and the excitement for tonight's Xbox One launch event. Globally, we are executing our unique playbook to maximize our position of strength."
Sony now lets you buy digital PlayStation games from Amazon and other retailers
Sony has decided its PlayStation Network (PSN) Store isn't going to be the only place you can purchase digital PlayStation games. Utilizing a model similar to Valve's PC game marketplace Steam, the company will allow online retailers to launch their own storefronts for Playstation 3, Playstation 4, and Playstation Vita titles (although PS4 titles aren't listed right now). As spotted by Kotaku, Amazon launched its US PlayStation Network store today and is offering $5 PSN credit on digital orders -- credit which can be redeemed in its buy two get one free promotion starting at noon ET today. Digital PlayStation 4 games will launch alongside physical titles, making an all-digital game library a reality, but a Sony monopoly over pricing may have affected their overall success in the past. With Amazon's PlayStation Store, and other potential partnerships, Sony will let gamers shop around for the best game deals, just like they did with boxed copies.
DualShock 4 drops analog buttons, citing lack of interest
For the first time since 1997, Sony is stepping away from releasing controllers with pressure sensitive, analog buttons, thanks to a lack of developer support for the feature. Unlike prior controller models, the DualShock 4 features digital buttons. These buttons are only capable of registering two states: on and off. Analog controllers, on the other hand, offer sensitivity for how hard and how quickly a button is depressed. A good example of this functionality can be found in Gran Turismo 5, a racing game that allows players to gradually accelerate by slowly pressing the shoulder buttons of the DualShock 3 controller. Unfortunately for analog fans, Gran Turismo 5 is one of the very few examples of analog functionality in action on the PlayStation 3. This is why the feature has been stripped from the DualShock 4. "With the DualShock 3, we were able to get analog data, which games didn't really use," said Toshimasa Aoki, manager of Sony's product planning division, in a VentureBeat interview. "For DualShock 4, we deleted that, and now it's all digital. The mechanism inside is a little different, and the data that games get is different."
Sony's PlayStation 4 upgrade program gets detailed: $10 for a next-gen copy
Back at Gamescom 2013, Sony made it known that select cross-generational games, like Call of Duty: Ghosts, purchased for the PlayStation 3 would be upgradeable for its forthcoming PS4. At the time, Sony kept general pricing details for the program under wraps, although Activision did announce its qualifying CoD title would set PS4 users back $10 bucks for the next-gen upgrade privilege. Now, Sony's coming clean with the full spate of its limited run upgrade program, adding Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, Battlefield 4 and Watch Dogs to the list -- all for $10. So how does it work? Well, for those gamers that insist on purchasing a physical copy of any of the above games, they'll receive a redeemable pack-in code which they can enter into the PlayStation Network for a digital copy of the PS4 version. That's not all though. In order to unlock that next-gen copy, the physical disc has to be in the console to activate it. The process is much simpler for those that opt for the all-digital route, as a PS3 purchase made on PSN will automatically qualify gamers for the discount, at which point the game will be available for download. You have to hand it Sony: with news of this expanded upgrade program and the PS4's Gaikai-powered PS3 backwards compatibility, it seems the company's well learned from the lessons of the previous gen's past.
Xbox One has play as you download functionality similar to PlayStation 4
Sony's PlayStation 4 isn't the only next-gen console that claims to offer near-instant access to digital games -- Microsoft's Xbox One apparently does as well, according to a statement issue by Redmond to Engadget today. "Consumers will be able to sign on to any Xbox One console and have access to all their digital games. Once the required data -– a fraction of the entire game -– is on their hard drive, they can jump into the action while the rest of the game finishes downloading in the background," the statement reads. It also notes that you can already enjoy much of that proposed functionality on the Xbox 360, though it requires significantly more effort than we're hoping will be required on the Xbox One. The Xbox One supports similar functionality with disc-based games, allowing you to immediately jump in and play while the game is installed to the HDD. Of course, you'll still need the disc in the drive for it to play; at least that's the case now, after Microsoft walked back its Xbox One DRM strategy. Microsoft also teased today's news in its original Xbox One announcement PR: "Unleashing the virtually unlimited power of the cloud makes everything more convenient and accessible, from allowing games to be installed in segments so that gameplay can start quickly to updates downloading in the background." We've yet to see Sony or Microsoft's play while you download functionality in action on their respective next-gen game consoles, but we've got a smattering of major press events sprinkled across the next several months leading up to this holiday when the consoles launch. But hey, we understand your suspicion -- if we don't get a chance to see it in action soon, then we'll start to worry.
Your digital game library will be accessible from any PlayStation 4, says Sony
The digital games you buy on your PlayStation 4 will apparently travel with you, virtually, when you move from console to console. Sony R&D senior team leader Neil Brown detailed as much at Develop today. "You can visit your friend's house you can log into your account and play any game from your digital library," he said. Paired with the console's "Play As You Download" functionality, Brown promised that users will be able to instantly jump into their full library of digital games from any PS4 after signing in with their PSN ID. "This makes a digital library a practical option in the real world," he added. PlayStation 4 games are planned for digital launch alongside physical, thus making an all-digital game library a more possible goal. Should you purchase a physical copy, you can take the Blu-ray with you from console to console; the game will automatically install on the console's HDD, though you'll still need its disc in the tray for the game to play.
NPD forms 9-publisher panel to gather, report digital storefront data
The NPD Group, responsible for compiling and releasing monthly sales data of the gaming industry in North America, is attempting to address a hole in its retail-skewed data: digital point-of-sale information. NPD plans to change its methods to include these digital POS figures, and change them "quickly," Games President David McQuillan tells Games Industry. McQuillan wants to prepare for the new consoles hitting shelves this holiday. "We fully realize that the market needs the same level of information for the digital categories as exists for the physical business today: SKU-level POS," he says. "The progress on that effort up until recently has been slow and frustrating at times, but today I am very happy to share that the pace of progress has changed recently. NPD has formed a leader panel to track digital POS sales of full game and add-on content downloads." The leader panel includes nine "leading games publishers," and it will first focus on full-game downloads and DLC for PC, consoles and mobile devices. The program is in beta now, and NPD is partnering with research company EEDAR to track digital POS numbers worldwide –not only in North America as its current system does. Eventually the digital results will make their way into NPD's monthly reports, but there's no word on when that will happen. "Once we move past the beta or proof of concept phase, subscribers will have access to the full data set, which you would expect of any service," McQuillan says. "The level of information to be shared publicly has not been determined at this time." Since 2010, NPD has tracked downloads of full games and add-on content, subscriptions, mobile games and social games, but it leaves out numbers from digital stores such as Steam, Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network in its monthly reports. The importance of these marketplaces continues to grow over the years, and last month the ESA called the NPD reports a "disservice to the truth." In 2011, EA called NPD's data "a misrepresentation of the entire industry."
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance coming 'soon' to PC
Konami confirmed Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is on its way to Windows PCs in the west, and said it's releasing the Platinum Games slicer through digital distribution networks "soon." We're still waiting on further details, but Konami noted Revengeance runs at 60 frames per second on "most modern PCs." The port was first announced by series creator Hideo Kojima on his radio podcast last month. At the time, Platinum Games creative director Jean-Pierre Kellams immediately asked fans to direct their queries about the port to Konami. That either suggests Platinum isn't involved with the port or that a lack of tolerance for questions isn't limited to a certain founder of the company. We've reached out to Konami to find out which it is.
