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Lucasarts president resigns, effect on TOR uncertain
Kotaku reports on the sudden resignation of Lucasarts president Darrell Rodriguez, along with several unnamed members of his executive team. Lucasfilm board of directors member Jerry Bowerman will be filling the void on a temporary basis while the company searches for a permanent replacement. Rodriguez spear-headed the reanimation of the classic Lucasarts title The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, and was also instrumental in the success of The Force Unleashed and Lego Indiana Jones. The company released a statement indicating business as usual. "Lucasfilm remains fully committed to making great games and we continue to invest in our business," the statement read. No word was available on if and how the shake-up will affect The Old Republic, Lucasarts' forthcoming MMORPG collaboration with BioWare. Stay with Massively for more on this story as it develops.
Former Nintendo VP Denise Kaigler joins 38 Studios
It appears that Denise Kaigler has returned to Massachusetts, as the former Nintendo VP of corporate affairs has announced that she's taken a position as chief marketing officer at Curt Schilling's 38 Studios. The notably vocal ex-Nintendo exec vacated her position at NoA late last year, saying then that she wished to spend more time with her family. Kaigler told us in an email this morning that "While at Nintendo, I was commuting regularly between SF, NYC, Seattle and my home outside of Boston. But we're all together now." In her new position, Kaigler serves as lead coordinator for all (but not thirty-eight) development studios operated by 38, including Big Huge Games and the team working on the "Copernicus" MMO. As CMO, Kaigler will also lead the publisher's marketing charge, we presume. Given her outspoken nature in the past, we also presume we'll be hearing more from Kaigler in the not too distant future.
Rumor: Cloud-based iTunes delayed until summer
Ever since Apple bought music-streaming service Lala, rumors of a cloud-based solution for iTunes have been floating around. And unfortunately, we don't have any official news on that yet (I know I'd use it -- I already share my library to all of my computers in-house anyway), but we do have more rumors. "Music industry sources" have informed CNET that there is a cloud service in the works, but that it's been delayed until the summer at least. There's no information about why, but apparently the delay came from Apple -- the company told music industry executives that the service wouldn't be ready until the third quarter of this year. I'll wait -- having an iTunes service that could send my music library to any computer I own (or even my iPhone or iPad -- drool) would be awesome, but of course there must be lots and lots of technical and bandwidth issues to work out at least. So if you are expecting to see a cloud-based service from Apple in the future, you can at least stop frantically refreshing the iTunes page until sometime this summer.
GDC 2010: How to develop an app with EA Mobile
For the first panel of day two here at the 2010 Game Developers Conference's iPhone gaming track, Oliver Miao of Centerscore Studios took the stage to talk about working on Surviving High School for the iPhone as a part of Electronic Arts' Mobile division. As Miao made clear early on, he's an "insider outsider" at EA: his company was started with a few friends, purchased by Vivendi in 2006, created a hit mobile game called Surviving High School in 2007, and was bought by EA in 2008. Last year, they were commissioned to recreate their game for the iPhone. In one of the most interesting iPhone panels at the conference yet, he talked about the ins and outs of working with EA on an iPhone title, and explained both, what it was like to work with the company, and his own philosophies on game design, especially concerning in-app purchases and microtransactions. Most users seem to believe that microtransactions and episodic content are, at the very least, a pain to deal with (and are, at worst, a scam), but Miao is convinced that they're actually necessary to having a successful game -- he said that every developer, going forward, "will need to have them." Read on to find out why.
Apple tops Fortune's Most Admired Companies list again
For the third year in a row, Apple has topped the list of Fortune's Most Admired Companies. The list was based on a poll of 4,200 executives across the world's top companies, and by the highest margin ever, they picked the Cupertino-based "mobile device company" as the world's most admired brand. Obviously the millions of MacBooks, iPhones, and iPods played a factor, but it sounds like the iPad sealed the deal this year. BMW's CEO is quoted waxing poetic about Apple's brand power: "The whole world held its breath before the iPad was announced. That's brand management at its very best." GE has actually had the most appearances at number one on the list, and Apple needs to stay high for two more years to take that record. But it's certainly possible -- if the iPad is as popular as expected, and Apple follows it up next year with an updated version and the kind of software revolution that the iPhone brought to handheld computing, they probably will nail down the top spot yet again.
GameStop CFO Catherine Smith resigns, joins Walmart International
Still-nascent GameStop CFO Catherine Smith, enticed by a retail giant that makes the games business look like small change, has resigned. The company this morning issued a press release stating that, effective immediately, Robert Lloyd has been named CFO and senior vice president in Smith's stead. Brown is said to have become a person of Walmart International, but even with her gone, CEO Daniel DeMatteo remains confident in the current "strong executive team" in place, also noting that her replacement, Robert Lloyd, has been a part of GameStop for 14 years now. "He has been instrumental in guiding the company through its tremendous growth and success." We might argue that the company hasn't seen too many lean years in its lifetime, but let's not bother with that right now. It's your special day, Mr. Lloyd. Live it up.
Tradewest continues ex-Midway Europe exec hirings
Having worked with Nick Howard in the past at Midway Europe where he acted as head of sales, Tradewest Games head Martin Spiess recently added Howard to the growing roster of ex-Midway Europe employees now employed by his newly formed outfit. "Nick has been a key contributor to our business over the years and we are confident that his appointment will accelerate Tradewest's growth strategy," Spiess told MCV. Howard will act as managing director for the nascent company, specifically looking over UK sales and marketing. We've still yet to hear what Tradewest Games is up to in terms of, well, games, but hopefully this new hire is bringing the company closer to revealing some details.
Microsoft hires ex-Apple real estate chief to consult on retail outlets
Microsoft's announcement that the company will open stores near the locations of existing Apple retail outlets came as no surprise to many people. After all, why not try to get a little overflow traffic from Apple Stores and sell a few Zunes in the process? Perhaps they'll have charming and pleasant retail employees like Lauren or Sheila from the "laptop hunter" ads...TechFlash is reporting that the company has hired George Blankenship, former Apple real estate chief, to consult on securing prime locations for the Microsoft stores. Blankenship moved to Apple from The Gap, and he joins former Wal-Mart executive David Porter, who is now Microsoft's corporate VP of retail stores. By consulting for Microsoft rather than being a direct hire, Blankenship can skirt many of the issues brought on by the NCA (non-competitive agreement) that all Apple executives sign. The demographic information that Blankenship might use to pinpoint Microsoft store locations is available publicly, and the techniques used by Apple to successfully open retail locations have been widely discussed since the first Apple Store opened in 2001.While the locations, products carried, and general look and feel of the Microsoft retail outlets are still under wraps, the first stores are expected to open prior to the October 22nd launch date for Windows 7.[via ifoAppleStore]
Businessweek puts Apple at top of Most Innovative list
Businessweek has posted a list of what they call the top 50 most innovative companies in 2009, and guess who is sitting right at the top of the list. Sure enough, it's our favorite computer maker -- according to the survey, taken by "senior executives around the world," Apple is number one, and the reason listed by 47% of respondents is the products. Not that surprising, no? From the iPhone to the unibody MacBooks right up to the new Shuffles, Apple's products ooze new concepts and features and ideas. Then again, Microsoft comes in at number four, and Wal-Mart is not far behind at number 10, and I don't know too many non-executives who would call those companies out for being "innovative," necessarily. But then again, both of them are being recognized for their "process," not their actual products. In terms of product, Apple is followed by Nintendo (no arguments there), Blackberry's RIM, and then Nokia. So maybe Businessweek is just asking the wrong people. At any rate, congrats to Apple for topping the list (for the second year in a row), and we can't wait to see what's new in the next year.
Turbine announces Nate Jones new VP of corporate and business development
Turbine announced the newest addition to their executive team today, with the appointment of Nate Jones to VP of corporate and business development. "Jones will be responsible for overseeing worldwide content and licensing partnerships, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions for the company," states Turbine. Jones comes to Turbine from his tenure at Glu Mobile Inc., a publisher of mobile games, and has a strong background in media mergers and acquisitions. In addition he's advised companies like Microsoft, EA, Jagex and Major League Gaming on their operations in the video games industry. "Turbine has a great reputation for bringing critically acclaimed and globally recognized gaming experiences to the market," said Jones. "As one of very few leaders in the massively multiplayer online games space, Turbine is in a unique position. I'm thrilled to join the team and look forward to working with both new and existing partners to extend our leadership and realize the Company's full potential."
Macy's exec. becomes Activision chief creative officer
NEW! Brad Jakeman, Chief Creative Officer $250,000k (or more) +bonuses Activision's sleek and sporty addition jumps into the role of newly-created CCO position, this former Macy's marketing exec will leave you wanting more as he takes over all media, marketing, global advertising and consumer research for the company. function tabGrouping() { var current_selected = ""; this.changeSelection = tabChangeSelection; function tabChangeSelection(new_tab_id, update_master_current_tab) { if (document.getElementById(current_selected)) { deactivateTab(current_selected); } current_selected = new_tab_id; activateTab(new_tab_id, update_master_current_tab); } function activateTab(which_tab, update_master_current_tab) { if (document.getElementById(which_tab+'_holder') != null) { document.getElementById(which_tab+'_holder').className = "tabHolder activeTab"; document.getElementById(which_tab+'_label').className = "pdpTabLabel activeTab"; document.getElementById(which_tab+'_content').className = "tabContent activeTabContent"; } } function deactivateTab(which_tab) { if (document.getElementById(which_tab+'_holder') != null) { document.getElementById(which_tab+'_holder').className = "tabHolder inactiveTab"; document.getElementById(which_tab+'_label').className = "pdpTabLabel inactiveTab"; document.getElementById(which_tab+'_content').className = "tabContent inactiveTabContent"; } } } .tabsPanel { width:100%; } .tabContainer { width:100%; } .tabContentContainer { clear:left; background-color:#FFFFFF; border:1px solid #CCCCCC; position:relative; top:-1px; margin-bottom:-1px; } .pdpTab { margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } .tabCorner{ position:absolute; top:-1px; left:auto; right:0; z-index:4; } .pdpTabLabel { padding-left:8px; padding-right:8px; padding-top:5px; padding-bottom:6px; background-color:#CCCCCC; } .tabHolder { border-top:1px solid #CCCCCC; border-right:0; border-left:1px solid #CCCCCC; border-bottom:0; position:relative; float:left; margin-right:2px; } .tabtext { font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-size:12px; color:#323232; } .activeTab { background-color:#FFFFFF; z-index:3; cursor: default; } .inactiveTab { background-color:#CCCCCC; z-index:0; cursor: pointer; } .tabContent { background-color:white; padding:8px; min-height:135px; } .activeTabContent { display:block; } .inactiveTabContent { display:none; } pdp_info_tab_group = new tabGrouping();pdp_info_tab_group.changeSelection('pdpInfoTab1',0); details shipping & returns Suits, Thomas Pink Shower washable Imported 'Ideal candidate for the position' - CEO of Activision, Mike Griffith Strengthens company for global domination Web ID: L33t3x3c
AT&T seeing executive shakedown?
Details are still shaky, but GigaOM is reporting that the futures of certain AT&T executives may also be dubious. In addition to a recently replaced CTO and recently departed USi CEO, apparently VPs are being offered exit packages or demotions (their choice!), possibly to trim some of the fat at the top of the pyramid before the US economy gets any crappier. We can't say for sure, but hey, those billions of dollars in 700MHz auction funds have to come from somewhere -- immediately, too, you don't want the FCC sending over hundreds of goons to kneecap thousands of employees. AT&T had no comment on matters both of downsizing and the FCC's mafia-like collection practices.
Nintendo: You're hired
With George Harrison and Perrin Kaplan headed out the door, Nintendo have been stuck with the duty of replacing them. Turns out, they found themselves a couple of folks to fill in those shoes left behind. And, considering that Perrin was with Nintendo for 15 years and George was there for just as long, we're sure those shoes are quite old and smelly. Replacing Perrin is Cammie Dunway, who took the job after parting ways with Yahoo!, where she served as chief marketing officer. Based on where Yahoo! is now, you can imagine how integral she was there. And, replacing George, is Shigeyuki Takahashi, who was promoted internally from a previous position he took up in 2006 as president of Nintendo Research Inc (although it looks like the position's responsibilities are expanded). His previous employment involved a position at Sanwa Bank, where he worked for thirty years.
Job listing is similar to Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan
GameDaily has discovered a recent job listing for a VP of corporate affairs at Nintendo, which seems awfully similar to the title already held by VP of corporate affairs Perrin Kaplan. The job listing gives a little bit more fuel to the Game Informer story that with Nintendo's move some big executives are out.What the executive switch means to the company and gamers is still far from being answered. We just know certain members of the media will be beside themselves heart-broken if Kaplan leaves. The transition is expected to be finished by September, so announcements about who stays, who goes, and their replacements should be announced in the relative future.
Less than 1 percent of TV ads are in high-def
The reasons why are covered pretty well in this Mediaweek article. They speak to a bunch of advertising executives and receive great responses that indicate who gets it and who doesn't. Many, if not most of us use DVRs and when you see the picture switch to SD, you know its time to hit fast forward or pause. A couple of the executives quoted acknowledge that fact, and that an SD advertisement is basically telling the customer not to watch. HDNet founder and HD Beat friend Mark Cuban breaks it down nicely "Agency employees don't have HD at home. Where you find agencies with HDTV penetration, they push for HD. Where not, not." Additionally, producing in HD only drives up costs $10,000, which is a relatively small amount.As evidence of someone who probably doesn't have an HDTV at home, Peter Gardiner thinks watchers aren't sitting around waiting for high-def ads. Does anyone have his email address? There are comments on a few posts he may want to read.
Reggie for president: changes on the way?
Yesterday, Nintendo revealed that several of their key personnel had been granted prestigious promotions, the most grand one being that of Reggie Fils-Aime being shifted to the role of President (we have to write it like that at least once) of Nintendo of America. Sure, Tatsumi Kimishima (now CEO) and Mike Fukuda (now executive vice president of business development) play important roles in the magical inner workings of Nintendo, but we haven't come to associate them with name acquisitions and posterior ass-aults quite like we have with Reggie.So, Reggie's the president. What does that mean for you, me and the creepy, unshaven guy reading over your shoulder? Well, apart from an increased desire to come up with a new and entirely daft nickname (The Preggie), not much. With the Wii's marketing plans already in full swing and a strong games lineup ready to be released and marketed to death, it's unlikely that a dramatic change in Nintendo's focus or image will manifest within the immediate future.The long run, however, may reveal some changes. When Reggie first took the stage back at E3 2003, many were surprised by his determination and attitude, qualities that didn't quite seem to fit in with Nintendo's supposed "family" image. The man can spin things at uncanny speeds, that's for sure, but there does seem to be conviction and passion beneath all the marketing hooplah. In his new position, Reggie may be able to influence Nintendo of America even more forcefully than before, taking command of its direction as opposed to just explaining why they've chosen that particular path.I'd like to know what you (creepy, unshaven guy included) think about all this. "Big deal!" or big deal?
Jobs close to winning iTMS pricing war?
The New York Post is reporting that the record companies "might be on the verge" of finally throwing in the towel on the fight for variable pricing in the iTMS. The labels are reportedly pulling out all the stops, with some executives even telling the Post that they are considering allowing their label's deal to simply run out so they could pull their catalog from the store. With neither side backing down, and the subscription model not even an option in Jobs' eyes, it sounds like things might get interesting soon as every label's contract is due for renewal within the next couple of months. Oddly, the Post forgot to mention that, even with the current iTMS flat-rate $.99/song model, the labels are already raking in far more cash with each song and album sold than with traditional CDs.While Engadget sounds like they're clamoring for an iTMS subscription model that revokes your entire library the moment you decide to cancel service, I have to say I'm hopeful that Jobs can successfully stick it to the labels and make them deal with a pricing model that actual *gasp* favors consumers. Stay tuned for more iTMS drama as it unfolds.
Phil Harrison's media Q&A video from GDC
Can't get enough Phil Harrison in your life? Check out this video from the media Q&A following his GDC keynote for 20 minutes of Phil-y love (and maybe a few furtive glances from Kaz Hirai sitting in the background).We just love how Phil "swerve[d] a couple of the questions" regarding the hard drive and other hardware-related issues, but we also like how he managed to clarify those questions regarding "content offerings" that will be charged at a "premium," though he did say that there were "no plans to charge for [multiplayer gaming] at the moment."But, yeah, Mr. Harrison wasn't as combative in his answers as some media outlets portrayed him, which is another great step for platform executives who tend to make rather grandiose statements and fiery claims. If you want to see as well as hear the Phil handle all comers, this is one of your best chances yet. We'd love to hear it all clearly in English at E3, too.[Thanks, Fan; video courtesy of Jean-Baptiste Su of Citizen Valley]
