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You can buy the Vive at brick and mortar stores this summer
HTC announced on Friday that its new VR headset, the Vive, will be available for sale both online and off come this summer. The company is partnering with Microsoft Stores in the US and Canada -- as well as Gamestop, but that's only in America -- to sell the devices in their retail locations.
Insomniac's CEO on the challenges of making games for VR
As the Founder and CEO of Insomniac Games, Ted Price is responsible for esteemed console games like Ratchet and Clank, Sunset Overdrive and Fuse. Then there's Song of the Deep, a gorgeous 2D platformer that's slated to release this summer with GameStop as the publisher. But for Insomniac and other developers, virtual reality's arrival onto the scene has opened up a world of new possibilities in game-making. And Price's team is already dipping its toes in VR, with projects such as Edge of Nowhere, an insane third-person adventure designed for the Oculus Rift. To that end, I sat down with him at GDC 2016 to talk about developing for virtual reality, the promise of PlayStation VR, Oculus and the relationship between Insomniac and GameStop.
GameStop CEO: PlayStation VR will launch this fall (update)
Thanks to GameStop CEO Paul Raines, we have an idea of when to expect Sony's PlayStation VR to arrive. In an interview with Fox Business this week, Raines said the retailer "will launch the Sony product this fall" when discussing the upcoming virtual reality hardware releases. What's more, the GameStop chief says that the company is in talks to carry both the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, both of which are expected to arrive this spring.
Engadget giveaway: Win an Xbox One Gears of War Ultimate Edition courtesy of GameStop!
GameStop was nice enough to drop off an Xbox One Gears of War Ultimate Edition console to our offices and we're looking to pass it along to a lucky Engadget reader this week. This bundle includes a free download of the game, plus early access to the upcoming Gears of War 4 beta. There's also a second wireless controller thrown into the deal, so you can face your opponent head on rather than losing to an anonymous tween with far more time on their hands than you. Just head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this gaming package courtesy of GameStop. Winner: Congratulations to Cory B. of Uniontown, OH!
'Song of the Deep' is GameStop's first published game
GameStop is making its debut as a gaming publisher with Song of the Deep. Created alongside none other than Insomniac Games, the studio behind acclaimed titles such as Ratchet & Clank, this 2D platformer promises an action-packed journey -- and there are stunning visuals to boot. Song of the Deep's story wraps around a girl's search for her missing father, through an underwater adventure that will require you to explore and use discovery skills to accomplish your goal.
GameStop won't sell consoles bundled with digital games
Perhaps more than any other retailer, Gamestop has serious clout when it comes to selling video games. The retail chain makes money hand over fist on game trade-ins and the resulting used game sales, and in an effort to protect that, it's made an edict that it'll only sell bundles that include a physical disc rather than a download code. In a shareholders call (PDF), chief operating officer Tony Bartel specifically cited the current Madden '16 Xbox One bundle. Rather than carrying the official deal, the company worked to offer a free physical copy of the annual football title with the purchase of a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, refusing to stock the digital bundle at all.
Recommended Reading: The story behind Google's new logo
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. Evolving the Google Identity by Alex Cook, Jonathan Jarvis and Jonathan Lee Google Design Google grabbed the internet's attention earlier this week with a brand-new logo. With a design that's quite a departure from the previous mark, the company has its eye on the future in more ways than one. Here's a look behind the scenes at the finer details of the new logotype.
Sony's aqua blue PS Vita hits GameStop November 2nd
In Japan, Sony's PlayStation Vita console has come in a host of colors for years now, but other countries haven't been so lucky. For the most part, US buyers have been limited to only black or white options, but Sony just announced that'll be changing soon. An "aqua blue" version of the second-generation PS Vita is coming to GameStop on November 2nd, and you can pre-order it now for $199.99. Other than the color, the console is identical to the version out in the market now, but it does appear to be a striking piece of hardware. (We'll have to withhold full judgement until we see it in person, though.) The timing is a little odd, as the Vita isn't getting any younger and developer support is definitely starting to wane. But if the blue color is enough to push you over the edge, you should probably pre-order soon -- Sony says this model won't be around for too long.
Hold on, now GameStop's buying ThinkGeek
There was a hushed silence as the Priest shouted "should anyone have an objection to the marriage of ThinkGeek and Hot Topic, speak now or forever hold their peace." Suddenly, a side-door slammed open as GameStop rushed in, demanding that the ceremony stop, because it alone was ThinkGeek's one true love. Hot Topic blanched as ThinkGeek struggled to make eye contact, before nodding in agreement, apologizing and bolting from the altar. As ThinkGeek and GameStop ran down the aisle, arm in arm, the online retailer knew that it had done the right thing because, after all, GameStop had loads more money.
GameStop's going retro with classic consoles and games
GameStop is trying a new tactic as it faces increased competition from the likes of Gamefly, Amazon and other online retailers: It's going old school. IGN reports that beginning April 24th, the company will once again begin accepting classic consoles for trade-in and sale in 250 of its brick-and-mortar locations around NYC and Birmingham, Alabama. Technically, sellers will be able to offload their old consoles in an actual store but buyers will only be able to purchase these units online. Most every console from the 8-bit era on up to PS2's will reportedly be offered. And because the used consoles are first inspected and certified by GameStop before being put back up for sale, they're expected to come with warranties on par with those offered by the original manufacturers. GameStop hopes to roll the service out nationwide by the end of the year.
Gamestop holiday sales down 6.7 percent to $2.94 billion
As it does every January, ubiquitous mall retailer Gamestop has issued its holiday sales report. Though sales of $2.94 billion mark a year-on-year decline in business, it comes as little surprise and the retailer remains optimistic. That $2.94 billion figure is overshadowed by the $3.15 billion Gamestop reported last year (though it tops the $2.88 billion from the previous year's sales report). The key reason for this is a year-on-year 32 percent decline in new hardware sales. While that seems dire, keep in mind that the 2013 holiday season saw the launch of both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, so the $3.15 billion Gamestop reported last year is likely greatly enhanced by the appearance of new hardware on the market. The highlight of Gamestop's holiday sales report is a 5.8 percent increase in new software sales, which the retailer attributes primarily to a 94.4 percent jump in sales of games for the now-established Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles. "During the holiday period, consumer demand for video games was strong, resulting in new software sales growth," said Gamestop CEO Paul Raines. "We expect that trend to continue into the first quarter. Overall, each of our business units performed well giving us positive momentum as we look toward 2015."
GameStop stores going Azure to stream promos to mobiles
GameStop plans to use Microsoft's Azure cloud computing technology to enhance its retail locations, allowing customers to stream "video game and promotional content" to mobile devices. While not offering a timetable for when the services would be offered, the retailer revealed examples of ways it would use Azure, such as giving customers the opportunity to view game trailers on their smartphones while browsing the store shelves. GameStop will also shift its checkout process to in-store mobile shopping carts that "can be used by the customer to facilitate a faster checkout." Microsoft's Azure technology was previously used by Respawn Entertainment for the developers' first-person shooter, Titanfall. Respawn's Jon Shiring explained in March 2014 that elements of the game's online multiplayer functions like AI hosting and physics calculations relied on the cloud computing tech. GameStop updated its trade-in policies with a four-tiered pricing structure in August. The retailer showed overall declining sales in November, though sales of new hardware was on the rise. [Image: GameStop]
GameStop stock drops on declining sales, despite new hardware
GameStop's third quarter financial results show global sales are down for the quarter ended November 1, 2014, totaling $2.09 billion, compared to 2.11 billion over the same period last year. Net income fell to $56.4 million, as compared to $68.6 million during the third quarter last year. Despite this overall decline, the company says that sales of new hardware rose 147 percent, adding that after a year on the market, the installed base of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 is 73 percent larger than that of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 after their first year of availability. GameStop's bread-and-butter pre-owned sales, meanwhile, grew by 2.6 percent over last quarter. Sales of mobile devices, a new focus for GameStop, grew by 125 percent thanks to "continued expansion and strong results" for the company's new Spring Mobile stores. So, with all of this apparent growth, why the drop in sales? GameStop CEO Paul Raines pins the decline on Assassin's Creed Unity, which was delayed to November 11 earlier this year, meaning it couldn't be included in GameStop's third quarter results. Wall Street hasn't taken kindly to the news, with VentureBeat reporting that GameStop's stock has dropped by 13 percent.
GameStop plans pre-Black Friday Family Weekend event
Because one day of rampant consumerism just wasn't enough, GameStop has announced plans to launch a weekend-long sales event prior to its already revealed Black Friday sales. The ubiquitous games retailer has yet to outline its full discount plans, but they include $20 discounts on the normally $75 Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes starter packs and $15 off the usually $40 Disney Infinity 2.0 Edition Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy or The Avengers. Continuing the Disney theme, anyone who purchases GameStop's Disney Infinity PlayStation 3 bundle will receive a $25 gift card. Further discounts are still being hammered out on a store-by-store basis. GameStop's pre-Black Friday Family Weekend event will kick off on November 21 and run through November 23. All GameStop stores are participating, though discounts may vary between locations. If you need one last reason to visit your local games retailer this weekend, GameStop is planning midnight launch events for both Super Smash Bros. Wii U and the excellent Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire on November 21. [Image: Disney]
GameStop's Black Friday ad leaks Xbox One, PS4 bundle deals
GameStop's Black Friday ad has apparently leaked, spilling dollar-saving deals all over the Internet's floor. The retailer will reportedly offer the Xbox One holiday bundle that includes Assassin's Creed: Unity and Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag for $330, as well as the PS4 limited edition bundle with Grand Theft Auto 5 and The Last of Us for $400. As for individual games, GameStop will feature deals on Alien: Isolation and EA's sports games such as Madden 15 and FIFA 15 ($40). Also on sale are The Evil Within, Sleeping Dogs and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor ($30 each) as well as Metro: Redux and Murdered: Soul Suspect ($25 each). BFAds has the full leaked ad ready for your perusal, thrifty spenders. GameStop and Amazon already discounted PS3 and PlayStation TV systems ahead of the shopping spree holiday. [Image: Microsoft]
GameStop, Amazon discount PS3 and PS TV ahead of Black Friday
Black Friday may be two weeks away, but retailers are already dropping the price on two pieces of Sony hardware: PlayStation TV and PlayStation 3. Both systems will start at $80 and $200 respectively through Amazon and GameStop for the holiday season, though GameStop notes that the deals are temporary and are "first-come, first-served." The PS TV's DualShock 3 bundle is also down to $100 at the two retailers, saving game streamers $40 off the bundle's regular price. Thrifty buyers can also opt for deals on PS3 bundles, such as the 12 GB PS3 with Disney Infinity ($200) or a 500 GB console with either The Last of Us or Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham and The Sly Collection ($250 each). Sony isn't the only company offering early discounts this year; Microsoft cut the Xbox One's price by $50 for the holidays and already listed the Microsoft Store's Black Friday deals. [Image: Sony]
Foresee a trip to GameStop if you want the Shulk Amiibo
Shulk is the first Amiibo unearthed as retailer-exclusive in the US, according to a listing on GameStop. The figurine of the Xenoblade hero is one of 11 coming to North America in February 2015, and yesterday Nintendo said "some of our retail partners will be releasing a certain number of these as exclusive figures, so stay tuned for details." Nintendo didn't say which Amiibos are exclusive to which retailers, but we're guessing that "certain number" isn't 1. Anyhow, the other ten toys due in February are Rosalina & Luma, Bowser, Lucario, Toon Link, Sheik, Ike, Meta Knight, Sonic, King Dedede and Mega Man.
UK price Smash: Wii U, white PS4 deals ahead of the holidays
UK retailers are already gearing up for the holiday season with some console promotions, including GameStop's £300 deal on a glacier white PlayStation 4. The brightly white PS4 was first available as part of the Destiny bundle, but then Sony released it as a standalone a few weeks ago. GameStop's promo offer is a £30 cut off its regular listing, and £50 less than Sony's recommended retail price. Meanwhile, Super Smash Bros Wii U is a few weeks out from its newly bumped-up November 28 release date in Her Maj's kingdom. As Nintendo Life reports, a few British retailers are taking the opportunity to bundle the brawler with the 8GB Basic Wii U, which Nintendo's been trying to phase out instead of the 32GB model. Those retailers include ShopTo, which has the white Wii U, Super Smash Bros. and New Super Mario Bros U going for £190.
Walmart starts selling used games on November 3rd
Remember when Walmart announced it was going to start taking video-game trade-ins? Well, now the retail giant's ready to sell them back to you. Starting November 3rd, some 1,700 of Walmart's stores will begin selling pre-owned games. And to take another swipe at GameStop, Walmart's also announced that it'll be selling this year's Call of Duty, Advanced Warfare, at 12.01 a.m. on "day zero" without needing to pre-order it. What's more, any trade-ins made on November 3rd and 4th (Advanced Warfare's launch days) will net you 50 percent more credit when you purchase CoD. Need a console to play it on? Well, anything you trade in toward a PlayStation 4 will net you double the in-store credit -- tough luck if you wanted a matching Xbox One.
PSA: Gamestop doles out Shiny Gengar, no purchase necessary
Pokemaniacs looking for a Shiny Gengar, but who would rather not spend hours upon hours hunting through the tall grass for the slim chance that one might appear, currently have another option, thanks to an ongoing Gamestop giveaway. Anyone who visits Gamestop before October 26 with either a copy of Pokemon X or Pokemon Y in tow will be given a totally gratis Shiny Gengar. What's more, the rare Pokemon - Bulbapedia claims Shiny Pokemon have a 1 in 4,096 chance of appearing in the wild - will be holding a Gengarite Mega Stone, allowing the ghostly 'mon to Mega Evolve into an even more powerful pocket monster. Best of all, there's no catch. You don't have to buy anything, sign up for a rewards card or even glance at the pre-owned games wall. Simply walk into your local Gamestop, politely ask an employee about the promotion and they should walk you through the process of downloading the Shiny Gengar. [Image: Nintendo/The Pokemon Company]
