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Microsoft reportedly prepping significant first-party app updates for Windows 8 and Windows RT
A batch of first-party app updates could be incoming for Windows 8 very soon that have nothing to do with Microsoft's cross-platform Blue crush. That's according to CNet's Mary Jo Foley, whose sources have indicated that the refresh, previously rumored to arrive by month's end, would also apply to Windows RT. Microsoft's yet to officially comment on the matter, but as you can see from the screen above, users have already reported seeing a list of "installation ready" applications within the System log now. As for that round of major OS revamps, Foley says that's still on track and should begin to rollout sometime this summer.
Iwata: Nintendo to plan first-party game launches around third-party publishers
Nintendo clearly understands the importance of the international economy's fragile supply and demand formula, as evidenced in statements made during a recent investor call. Italian plumbers and pocket monsters are, in the case of Nintendo games, highly sought after properties that are somewhat constrained in supply. The result of this, of course, is high demand for Nintendo's games -- such high demand, in most cases, that third-party game sales on Nintendo's consoles are outstripped by first-party. Nintendo, however, hopes to appear mindful of stepping on toes. When asked about potential release dates for 3DS versions of Super Mario and Mario Kart, Nintendo head Satoru Iwata noted, "We want the other companies to be successful." He continued, "In order to accomplish this goal, we would like to decide on the dates after we know the release plans of other companies' games so that we are able to consider how we can maximize the sales of our titles without affecting the sales of other companies in the short term." It's also possible that Iwata is just blowing smoke to avoid answering specific questions about release dates for major franchises, though our mothers always told us not to expect the worst in people.
Rare: There 'isn't a need' to go back to classic series
[Error Macro] If you're waiting for sequels to your favorite Rare games, like Battletoads, Killer Instinct, or Taboo: The Sixth Sense, you should probably shut down your vigil now. Studio head Mark Betteridge told Develop that the company isn't especially keen on returning to old franchises. Rare "would only go back to older franchises if we saw an opportunity to make the product in a different way that would do justice to [them]," said the head of the studio behind this month's Perfect Dark remake, adding that there "isn't a need" to return to Rare's classics. Betteridge goes on to classify the role of Rare and other first-parties as "to define the Xbox 360 platform," something he says Rare is also working to do for Project Natal. As for the camera-based control system, it's "the biggest change in how you interact with software... ever, really," he said, "because we've moved to a clean sheet of paper on the user input – it's a huge change creatively in how you build a game."
Analysis: GameSetWatch looks at the strength of SCEA IP
It's no surprise that the PS3 is seeing a great amount of support with a strong lineup of original first-party titles, but some see this strategy as a problem that might actually be hurting the PS3, not helping it. According to an in-depth piece over at GameSetWatch, Sony's strategy for the PS3 over-emphasizes new properties and its first-party titles as system sellers, but is ultimately not doing enough to pull in consumers when compared to the other consoles. Look at the chart above and compare SCEA-published titles to the exclusives for other consoles like Halo 3 (which sold more than 4.8 million copies in its first year) and Mario Kart Wii (which has sold over 6 million units). Cleary, SCEA isn't anywhere near Nintendo's or Microsoft's numbers (all figures excluding bundle sales), but why can't SCEA games achieve that sort of level of sales? GSW points out it's mainly because of Sony's focus on risky new IP instead of safe bets (like sequels), noting third-party franchises like Call of Duty: World at War (1.1 million), Grand Theft Auto IV (1.7 million) and Metal Gear Solid 4 (1.1 million) have all sold better. It's all a rather interesting interpretation of the NPD sales data, and there's even further analysis to be read over at GameSetWatch. Head over there for the full read.
Bioware, EA's Neil Young eyeing the iPhone game market
As we get closer and closer to the App Store launch (I'm still holding out for seeing an updated iTunes on July 8th, one week from today), a few big name game developers have announced that they're checking out the market for gaming on the iPhone.First up is Bioware, one of my favorite developers and makers of the classics Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and the recent Mass Effect. In an interview with Patrick Klepek over at MTV Multiplayer, Bioware's CEOs Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk said that yes, they are watching the iPhone as a game development platform, but they're mostly keep an eye on "what type of consumer buys games on it and what type of experience they're looking for." I worry a bit that they mean that if only casual games sell big they'll stay away from it, because gentlemen, I'm playing games on the iPhone, and I would love a solid, in-depth RPG to play. Who wouldn't, really?And former EA exec Neil Young has split from the company to form his own development house, called "ng:moco" ( we have no idea what that means, either). They'll focus exclusively on making games for the iPhone -- Young says that they want to step up to be the "spiritual first-party" for the platform. He points out that the iPhone has the power of a PSP, except that it's also got a camera, an accelerometer, a multitouch screen, is location-aware, has all your media on it, and is always on and always connected. Just like we've always said, that's a great gaming device, and it's exciting news that a former EA exec like Young is going to work on getting some great games developed for it.
THQ blames failure on Nintendo first-party titles
Not a new complaint, this one. Previously, both analysts and developers have suggested that Nintendo's first-party software is too strong to compete with, and now THQ has joined in on the despairing.At a Q4 earnings call with investors, President and CEO Brian Farrell has admitted that THQ's kids' games had underperformed, and that Nintendo's own output was the reason why. Says Farrell: "With [...] new competition from Nintendo's first-party titles -- as well as new music games -- our traditionally strong kids' business did not meet expectations."
Wii Warm Up: Favorite Nintendo franchise?
We've asked you what your favorite franchise is that has appeared on a Nintendo console, and we've also asked what your favorite games in certain Nintendo franchises are, but we've never asked the deep, dark question: What is your favorite Nintendo franchise? Mario, Zelda, Kirby, Metroid, Fire Emblem, and the list goes on -- there's so many good ones to choose from that we wonder which one you think is the absolute best. There's no runner ups, no honorable mentions, it's all or nothing here. So, man up and make a choice!
Best of 2007: First-party games [update]
With the end of 2007 approaching at near lightning-fast speed, we thought it would be nice to check out what you, the excellent reader, thought about the games of this year. First up, we have the obvious: first-party games. We have a good idea which game you're going to say, but in the name of healthy debate, check out all of the choices past the break.
Todd Mitchell tells us how the Wii sucks for third-parties (again)
Just in case you didn't hear him the first time he said it, Kaufman Bros. analyst Todd Mitchell has reiterated his belief that the Wii only truly benefits Nintendo, and that third-party developers have only seen "isolated successes" on the console. Mitchell's argument may have been aired before, but it's also tricky to dismiss, especially as only two third-party titles have so far broken the one million sales barrier (launch twosome Red Steel and Rayman Raving Rabbids). Then again, when it comes to top-drawer, original Wii software, Nintendo has delivered on a fairly regular basis. With the odd exception or two, can the same really be said of other publishers? [Via Go Nintendo]
Half-off sale on Nintendo's component cables
Sure, you could probably find Wii component cables for less than a tenner, but we know there are a lot of you out there who refuse to chance your gaming setup with third-party accessories from Hong Kong. If you've been holding out for a bargain on Nintendo's official product, now is the time to sneak your mom/wife's credit card out of her purse!Amazon has the first-party cables on sale for $15.00, half their regular cost. Tack on another item, and you might also be eligible for the online shop's Free Super Saver Shipping (orders over $25). Act now! This deal ends today![Via CAG]
Sony admits focus on PS3, finally going back to PSP
At GDC, we complained that Sony didn't care about PSP. Phil Harrison's speech was all about Sony's latest console effort, the PS3--Sony's handheld wasn't in the picture at all. Compared to Nintendo's continuous support of DS with original first-party titles, Sony appears to be neglecting PSP. Fortunately, someone at Sony's finally admitting that this is a problem. Sony UK boss Ray Maguire spoke to GI.biz about PSP, and how it will try to compete against Nintendo's incredibly popular handhelds."From a PSP situation we have a wider split of third-party versus first-party than our competitors do, who are very much first-party developers. We've been putting quite a lot of energy behind PS3, now we'll be able to split some of those resources and go back to the PSP to make sure we've got some compelling games coming. As a criticism, yes, perhaps part of that is true. But we have a solution in place."Obviously, God of War is part of that so-called solution. The localization of Jeanne d'Arc is another good step. However, Sony must do more to satiate our appetite for original games. When will we see some of these new "compelling games" that Maguire speaks of?See also:PSP won't get redesign; new colors coming soon?PSP will realize its potential this yearVirtual PSP debuts in PlayStation Home
Nintendo: Their own worst enemy
As we all know, Nintendo once ruled the video gaming skies. Titles were published for their systems or fell into the abyss. Soon, however, there came a time when the almighty Nintendo looked around in confusion as its once-loyal companions deserted them for greener pastures. The Nintendo 64 and Gamecube, though still playing host to some of the finest games of all time, fell by the wayside due to lack of third-party support. It is a problem that has plagued Nintendo to this day, and something they are desperately trying to correct with the Wii. There were, of course, numerous reasons for the desertion. The N64's stubborn refusal to switch from a cartridge-based format, lack of online support, and high licensing fees all took their toll on the gaming giant. But fundamentally, when a true competitor came along, third parties sought to leave the most frightful prospect of publishing for a Nintendo system: Nintendo themselves.
MS first party titles for $29.99
According their latest Sunday circular (helpfully scanned by Xboxic) electronics retailer FYE is letting aging launch titles PGR3, PDZ and Kameo go for the low, low price of $29.99. The offer doesn't appear to be available on their website, so consider it an old-fashioned brick and mortar sale, complete with fine print (no rainchecks, two per customer). Circuit City will likely match the price if you bring in the ad.
Smack the Pinata September 1
Gamestop says Viva Pinata (aka "Microsoft's most important game of 2006") will burst on the Xbox 360 scene September 1. This is a closely watched title because the video game/kiddie show hybrid is MS's cross-media entreaty to the rug rat market. I checked out the official website and the music alone made me want to eat a mescaline-laced burrito. Does Viva Pinata have enough annoying qualities to be the next SpongeBob or Pokemon?
