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BioShock 'pimp supreme' Ken Levine to keynote PAX 2008
With just a handful of months to go before the annual Penny Arcade Expo opens its doors again, you may be wondering who will be taking to the stage to the deliver the August event's keynote address. Organizers have announced that the opening speech will be given by none other than 2K Boston president and creative director Ken Levine.Says Penny Arcade business mastermind, "Obviously, Ken is pimp supreme...We're super excited to have him open up the show." Given Levine's involvement with one of last year's biggest releases as well as a sequel that already ranks among our most anticipated in 2009, we're sure he'll have plenty to talk about -- and we expect to be left hanging on every word.
Blue Jackets' Nash to front NHL 2K9
Sure he and his team may have missed the playoffs yet again and are likely fantasizing about what might have been while swinging at balls from the back nine, but that hasn't stopped Columbus Blue Jackets' young-yet-impressive captain Rick Nash from scoring cover duty on Take Two's fall release of NHL 2K9. Also worthy of note from 2K is that developer Visual Concepts has "taken over" development duties for this latest game in the franchise -- as opposed we assume to working in tandem with fellow studio Kush Games -- and that the devs are rebuilding the title "from the ground up."Not to take anything away from three-time All Star Nash, but it's still an odd choice, at least by team standings, given the Blue Jackets' once again abysmal campaign during the 2007-08 regular season that saw the fledgling team rank near the bottom of both the Western Conference and overall league in points. However, perhaps those who make these kinds of decisions are hoping this is the sort of voodoo that will turn Ohio's NHL franchise around -- sort of like a reverse Madden curse.
PS3 Fanboy video interview: Sid Meier on Civ Revolution
It took us some time to get our footage from the New York Comic Con up onto the interwebs, but now that we have things running smooth as butter you'll be seeing more vids to come. For starters, how about this interview with Sid Meier, the creator of the Civilization series. The man took time out of his busy schedule to give us an interview, answer our questions, and talk about the upcoming Civilization Revolution. We won't say much else, so we'll let Sid take it from here. Enjoy the interview!If you're interested in more of Civilization Revolution, make sure you head on over to the official website.
Rumor: The Darkness sequel looking likely after NY Comic Con panel
Like rummaging through celebrity trash for the latest gossip, it often makes us chuckle as to where new video game news emerges, something only reinforced by last weekend's New York Comic Con. Buried beneath action figures, cosplayers, and that Super Girl Barbie we absolutely must have, came word of an upcoming sequel to last year's comic-inspired FPS The Darkness.The news was unleashed during a discussion panel with American comic company and The Darkness publisher TOP COW, during which (according to comic blog The Quarter Bin) it was said: "We can't say Darkness and video game sequel in the same sentence. So, Darkness. Wink. Sequel." While hardly an absolute confirmation, the news is enough to make our stomach rumble with a hunger that only hearts will quell.[Via WorthPlaying]
Mafia II whacking Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
2K Games has announced the target platforms for its "beautifully crafted look into the dark and unforgiving world of the Mob," Mafia II. Surprising no one outside of the most hopeful and delusional Wii fans, it has been confirmed that the depicted 1950s environment is intended for the Xbox 360, PC (Games for Windows), and PlayStation 3. The dev dons at the recently formed 2K Czech also offered up some new screenshots for our gallery below. Obviously, we couldn't refuse. %Gallery-6189%
GTA IV 'better than all the hype suggests' according to first person to complete the game
We've seen our fair share of previews on Rockstar's crime drama opus, Grand Theft Auto IV, but we've yet to hear from someone who has enjoyed the bullet-riddled adventure in its entirety -- until Xbox World 360 editor Rob Taylor, after 24 hours of play time, triumphantly viewed the ending credits with the knowledge that he was the first person on the planet (aside from a gaggle of Rockstar employees, we assume) to finish GTA IV. Can someone be envied to death?Fulfilling his civic duty as a gaming journalist, Taylor gave his impressions of the complete work in a spoiler-free interview with GamesRadar -- unsurprisingly, he was a fan. The fourth installment apparently "craps on all the others" in the franchise, and the main character, Niko Bellic, is "most amazing protagonist in any game [he's] ever played." We suggest perusing the remainder of his colorful commentary to help pass the remaining twenty-three days and nine hours until the game lands in our quivering, anticipatory laps.
Family Album: Take-Two Interactive
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/How_many_studios_does_Take_Two_have'; It's no secret that Electronic Arts has had its eye on Take-Two Interactive lately, but a purchase of the company means a lot more than logos and IPs. What follows is an examination of the development resources under the Take-Two umbrella. Take a look, you may just be surprised how big that bumbershoot is. For instance, were you aware that that there are more than eight Rockstars? No? Well, what are you wasting your time here for?It's time to get educated.
Civilization Revolution 'never' coming to PC
2K Games continues to emphasize that the console-centric Civilization Revolution is a totally different branch from the PC's Civilization franchise by telling MTV's Multiplayer that Revolution will "never" come to PC. It's a similar thing to what we were told at E3 last year when we got our first chance to see Revolution.Jason Bergman, a producer for 2K Games, tells MTV that the game was designed from the ground up to be played with a gamepad. Since the game was announced, many PS3 owners have asked if the game will support a mouse and keyboard. Bergman says, "The answer is no ... The game has not been designed for that [controller]." He highlights again that Revolution is not a port, but an entirely new game. We kinda feel bad for the guy, it sounds like he's been repeating the same defense for the title over and over again since last July.
The Darkness gets new, free multiplayer map
We like to imagine that someone at 2K or Starbreeze Studios recently ran out of batteries for their flashlight. They went rifling through their utility drawer, pushing aside empty light bulb boxes and corn cob holders before they found the AAs they were looking for. But there, underneath them, just to the right of the broken remote for the VHS player ... is that ... a multiplayer map for The Darkness?If that's not how the situation shook out, we have no other explanation. It's months after the game's release and nobody that we know ever really got in to the multiplayer. At least the price for this new map ("DM_Haunt") is right: Free. So, if your Darkness multiplayer menu option hasn't complied shriveled up and fallen off from disuse, feel free to give it a spin.
BioShock 2 due in fiscal Q4 2009 from 2K Marin
After sales of brainy first-person shooter BioShock were so strong, a sequel seemed like all but a foregone conclusion. 2K Games put any remaining doubt to bed today, revealing that BioShock 2 is due to hit shelves in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2009, which would put it between August and October of 2009. The game is being developed not by Ken Levine's 2K Boston, but rather 2K Marin, which reportedly has some BioShock staffers on board. At this point, we don't know what (if any) involvement Levine will have, nor do we know what systems it will be on.The info came in an investor relations report released by the company today. Even though we figured the game was in the works, we have to admit we're a little surprised by the window, just two years after its predecessor. But you're not going to hear us complaining. If it means more Big Daddies and Little Sisters, we don't really care where we get it.
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution gets release date and screenshots
Click for high-resolution image. Sid Meier's Civilization series is one of the most renown turn-based nation-building sims on the PC, but the next title in the franchise won't be going to the platform of its roots. Instead, the latest game, Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution, will be hitting up the PlayStation 3 and other systems. If you want to play the next Civ game it's time to get a PS3; you'll have to get one soon because Civilization Revolution is expected to make its way to retailers by June 3, 2008. It's not the first time for a Civilization game to make the crossover to the console arena, but Civilization Revolution is the first to be made solely for it. Firaxis built the game from scratch, and have given the control schemes a streamlined interface in order to make Civilization Revolution more console-friendly. For those unfamiliar with the Civilization series, the goal of each game is to choose a civilization, build it up, and eventually conquer the world either through brutal warfare or cultural influence. To see how it all actually goes down, check out the new screenshots down below. %Gallery-16533%
2K invests heavily in Unreal Engine 3
Despite the issues some developers may be having, Epic keeps finding customers more than happy to stuff the engine maker's mattresses with hundreds of thousands (millions?) of dollars for an Unreal Engine 3 license. Epic's cash deluge continues today with 2K Games' announcement that it's entering into a licensing deal to use UE3 for various unannounced games.2K Games' president stated the company has been happy with UE3 because it "enables games to perform exceptionally well on both console and the PC" and that, with Epic's support, they plan to continue producing "world-class" titles. While there's no word on what these unannounced games may be, 2K is currently on a development bender with Mafia II, Prizefighter, some sort of BioShock follow-up, the mysterious project at 2K Marin, and a few others in production
BioShock devs looking for staff with PS3 experience
Would it surprise you to learn that 2K Boston, developers of the highly successful BioShock, are making another game? ... No? What if we were to add that they're currently looking for staff with PS3 experience? No? OK, well, what if we were to tell you that this has lead us to believe that 2K Boston's next game will likely appear on the PS3? ... Wow, nothing, huh? Geez, you're one tough nut to crack.OK, so it's not exactly earth-shattering. And hey, if a BioShock sequel is in the works, this should at least be good news for PS3 owners who still don't understand why their 360 and PC playing friends are always kindly asking them to do things.[Via PS3F]
Welcome 2K Czech: Take-Two brings Mafia dev Illusion Softworks into the family
Take-Two has draped its money hat over Czech Republic developer Illusion Softworks, acquiring the studio best known for its Vietcong, Hidden & Dangerous, and Mafia franchises. The developer, which operates out of both Brno and Prague, will now adopt the less-inspired title of 2K Czech. It's unclear what effect, if any, this will have on the studio's current or future projects, with Take-Two stating only that the developer continues to pound out code for the previously announced Mafia 2, which will ship...someday for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.
2K pulls wraps off Don King Presents: Prizefighter
So, how does Don King spend his time when he's not killing dudes, crafting boxing superstars or randomly appearing on the VGAs? Well, he's down in his basement crafting video games, of course! Next spring, the fruits of his labor, Don King Presents: Prizefighter will finally be loosed upon the world thanks to 2K Games. Helping Don out will be 2K developer Venom Games (the guys that did Rocky and Rocky Legends). Though the game will include the boxing you'd expect, players will apparently also be challenged with "overcoming adversity and avoiding temptation." Though we're intrigued by the "real-life fight scenarios, story-driven gameplay and photo-realistic graphics" the press release promises, there's a bigger question on our minds: This thing's only coming to Xbox 360, Wii and DS. Why is the PS3 not getting any love?
2K gives us a BioShock figurine replacement update
If you signed up for 2K Games' Big Daddy figurine replacement program, then listen up, because (unlike our mini-update) we have super concrete details straight from 2K regarding your replacement figure.In an email sent out to those who registered to get their broken Big Daddy fixed, 2K says that production of the figures took longer than expected and was the cause of the months and months of delays in the replacement program. But, good news is that "in order to speed things up, 2K Games is eliminating the step in which you are required to return the broken figurine". You read correctly, you'll be able to keep your already broken figurine AND get another not-so-broken one shipped to you. Nice move 2K, nice move. The email also confirms that, in the next two weeks, they'll be shipping out the replacement figurines and promised art book to those who signed up for the program before November 12th. 2K's update email can be read in its entirety after the break.[Thanks, dubbalubagis]
Replacement BioShock Big Daddies now shipping
We've been enjoying having our mini-Big Daddy stare down at us from his desk perch with those cold, dead eyes for two months since BioShock was released. But others have not been so lucky, having to make due with Daddies with broken drills, or, as they prefer, Drill Dysfunction.Now, according to 2K, replacements for the broken figures are finally heading out the door. "The BioShock figurine replacement program is nearing completion after some delays due to production of the replacement figurines," wrote 2K to some DD sufferers. Not only can they expect a new figure and the promised art book over the next couple of weeks, but (contrary to what they were previously told) they won't have to send in their old busted Daddy. That said, they may still want to turn him away from his new brother, just so he doesn't feel inadequate.[Thanks to all the Big Daddys and Little Sisters who let us know]
2K Games: No Bioshock on PS3; stop asking
Clearly Bioshock publisher 2K Games is sick of people asking about a potential PS3 port of the title. Despite rumors suggesting the story-driven FPS might be coming to Sony's side of the fence, 2K Games representatives are adamantly insisting that no such port is in development, now or ever.We get that they're trying to be clear, but 2K comes off sounding a bit like our dads. Their official statement on the 2K Games forums was: "There will be no PS3 version of BioShock. It has been explained time and time again." A bit harsh, no?Still, the point has been made. Those looking to get their Little Sister fix will have to turn to the PC or Xbox 360 versions.
Rumor: BioShock on PS3, new Metal Gear on PSP
Got a crazy craving for that sweet ADAM flavor that all the kids are talking about, but only own a PS3? According to 1UP's Quartermann's Nostradamian prediction you might be able to get your BioShock fix soon. In the latest rotation of EGM's rumor mill, the exclusivity of the underseas fiasco has been brought into question, and PS3 owners could find themselves frolicking through Rapture sometime in 2008. However, this report contradicts the statement of BioShock's lead designer Ken Levine that the game is not PS3 bound. 2K Games, would you kindly confirm or deny this rumor?Quartermann also has great news for the feverish fans of FOXHOUND who were upset by the recent MGS4 delay - a new Metal Gear game for the PSP is on it's way, ready to heal those wounds. Reportedly, Kojima Productions is working on the title right now, which will "take Snake back to the early days of his career." Not his career as a master of espionage, mind you, but his first career as a pastry chef in a small Rhode Island bistro.Also rumored: Sega isn't letting the lukewarm reception of their two first next-gen Sonic games break their stride, as they're apparently hard at work on a new, "real" Sonic game. We don't know whether "real" means a return to the game's classic platforming roots, or if we can expect more creepy interspecies make-out sessions.
Levine talks BioShock DLC and what's to come
In the latest issue of Games for Windows Magazine, 2K Boston head honcho Ken Levine talks about what's in store for BioShock as far as downloadable content goes and what they're already working on. Levine confirms that their studio is working on new content, but will not be adding new narrative storyline saying that "I'm not a really big fan of expanding things just by linearly adding to the experience, adding a new campaign, as much as I am of enhancing the original experience and adding replayability to that experience". Levine then goes on to say that he feels that BioShock's overall combat can be expanded upon and that numerous plasmids were cut during development, so they could be brought back in the form of DLC. Nobody knows when the expanded BioShock content will land on the Marketplace or what specifically 2K Boston has planned, but what we do know is that we won't be getting our hopes up for an expanded BioShock storyline or additional campaign missions. Though, we're simple people and would be happy with a few new plasmids.[Thanks, xenocidic]