arnold schwarzenegger
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'Predator: Hunting Grounds' will let you play as young Arnie
Dutch ‘87 is featured in a paid DLC pack that'll arrive next week.
Snapchat launches Creator Shows with Serena Williams and Kevin Hart
In the last year, the time spent watching Shows on Snapchat has tripled. The company wants to take advantage of that. Today, it announced Creator Shows, a new format that will deliver regularly published content from some of Snapchat's most popular stars. It's also adding a Highlights feature, which will let Creators add longer-lasting photos and videos to their profiles.
IMAX's laser projectors are worth the pricier ticket
I'm no fan of movie theater gimmicks. 3D glasses, giant screens, 4D "sensory experiences," food and drink service have simply never been worth the added ticket prices for me. That was, at least, until I sat down to watch Captain America: Civil War on IMAX's newest 3D laser projector system.
Skyrim at the Movies enters the jungle of Predator
Hot on the heels of their recreation of Superman in Tamriel, Skyrim at the Movies outfit Tyrannicon have recreated the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle Predator using Skyrim. Huaghhhh get down!
Total Recall 'Mind-Bending' Blu-ray remembers a better looking video transfer July 31st
After a disappointing initial go-round on Blu-ray back in '06 due to poor picture quality (which was improved upon slightly in a later Studiocanal release overseas), the 1990 version of Total Recall is coming back to the US with a "Mind-Bending" Blu-ray Edition this summer. Timed to hit shelves along with the remake that's arriving in theaters, Blu-ray.com mentions this one promises a video transfer process supervised by original director Paul Verhoeven. There will even apparently be brand new extras including an interview with Verhoeven and featurette comparing the restoration process from the original film negative, although the Governator himself Arnold Schwarzenegger appears to be absent. The new version should run $14.99 when it arrives July 31st, assuming you're not already camped out for the Colin Farrell / Kate Beckinsale / Jessica Biel flick which opens up August 3rd. Theatrical trailers for both versions follow after the break.
The Governator cartoon is real, soon to be a video game
OK, we get it, Arnie. You don't have to keep going on with the April Fool's joke. We all thought the idea that you would do a cartoon with comic legend Stan Lee called "The Governator" was a good laugh when we heard about it last Friday. But actually releasing a nonsensical trailer for the show is a little much, don't you think? Come on, telling The Hollywood Reporter that you're also developing comics, video games and eventually a movie based on the property is really just beating the joke into the ground. Yes, the real key to comedy is believability, and the fact that you've got property house A Squared Entertainment spearheading this whole thing does add grounding to the gag. Sure, it's done cartoons about a 10-year-old Martha Stewart and Warren Buffett giving business advice to a group of kids, so it's the perfect peg of truth to hang the whole joke on. But come on, Arnold. April 1 was days ago. It's time to admit you're just kidding around on this one. Please?
Entourage Pocket Edge in the wild at Marvell event, scared out of hiding by Schwarzenegger
What's this -- the slim, Verizon-bound successor to the Entourage Edge, out in plain sight? Just so, because Marvell wanted to look its best when the Governator came by. When California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger toured Marvell headquarters as part of a trade mission to Asia, a Forbes camera crew tagged along, and got us this first glimpse of the "Verizon Pocket Edge" shown immediately above. Though it's hard to tell what's changed from this angle -- save a lack of front-facing camera on the right -- a second photo taken by the Associated Press (after the break) shows the e-reader is significantly smaller in size, so perhaps it's the 7-inch device we were originally told about. Hats off to The Digital Reader for spotting the device, weeks after the newswires had packed up and moved on.
Violent video game case gets its date in Supreme Court on Nov. 2
It's been a long road for the California bill backed by Governor Schwarzenegger that seeks to keep violent video games from being sold to minors. But the end is finally in sight: The Entertainment Consumer Association has announced that the case, known as Schwarzenegger vs. EMA (Entertainment Merchants Association), will go before US Supreme Court on November 2. As an outside party, the ECA will submit an amicus brief in the case and has set up a website for a petition and more information about the pending arguments. So far, lower courts have judged the proposed law, which would set up legal rules and penalties against selling violent video games to minors, to be unconstitutional. Of course, this time around, we're talking about the United States Supreme Court, so any decision in favor of the bill would overturn previous rulings in lesser courts. Take that, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals! Oral arguments in the case begin November 2, and the judges should have a decision soon after that. This will be the first time the Supreme Court looks at video games and the First Amendment, so a ruling either way should be pretty historic.
California AG and developers sound off over bill facing Supreme Court
In a statement released by the International Game Developer's Association recently, the group called California's controversial game bill "oppressive censorship, singling out one form of expression based only on popular myth and biased research." The response came just days after the US Supreme Court decided to allow California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's appeal to review the bill on a federal scale, though it's been ruled unconstitutional multiple times in his state (not to mention the similar bills in other states that have also been shot down repeatedly). We reached out to the California Attorney General's office to find out why it's pursuing a bill that's been plagued by overrulings, and were told, "All of those courts held that it is up to the US Supreme Court to decide whether extremely violent material can be treated the same as sexually explicit material under the First Amendment when it comes to minors. This means that we had to ask the Supreme Court to extend the law, something the lower courts were not willing to do." We further pressed for why it's targeting video games over films, television, and other entertainment mediums. A representative responded, "There is a growing body of social science that has identified violent video games as being especially harmful to children given the interactive nature of video games, and the FTC conducted investigations that showed it was easier for minors to buy Mature-rated video games than it was to get into R-rated movies." However, the IGDA's statement contends "Violence is conveyed in explicit ways on television, in print media, via the Internet, and in film. All of these platforms constitute speech protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution." The piece also states the association's position that it remains staunchly against "censorship of expressive media in all forms" but points out that it's especially against politicians using that censorship "for political gain." The appeal could see its first hearing as early as this October, when the Supreme Court begins its next term. [Via GamePolitics]
US Supreme Court to weigh California game law
[Laura Padgett] The US Supreme Court today announced that it will consider an appeal by California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger regarding the sale of violent video games to minors in the state. This marks the first time the federal court has been involved in a video game-related case. The California bill backed by the Schwarzenegger has seen many, many, many ups and downs over the course of its five-year life span, going from a fledgling bill just waiting for the right signature to a chronically reputed source of frustration for the head of state; and most recently failing in California's Ninth Circuit Court. But as the governor is known to do, he returned once again, fulfilling his promise to bring Assembly Bill 1179 to the highest US court, reports Reuters. Entertainment Software Association president and CEO Mike Gallagher commented in a press release on the Supreme Court's decision to see the case, called "Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants" (number 08-1448), saying, "Courts throughout the country have ruled consistently that content-based regulation of computer and video games is unconstitutional." He hopes that "the Court will reject California's invitation to break from these settled principles by treating depictions of violence, especially those in creative works, as unprotected by the First Amendment." If the appeal is overturned, the law would require more stringent labeling requirements of violent games sold in California, as well as the threat of a $1,000 fine for each game sold by a retailer to a minor illegally. Historically, US Supreme Court rulings have been used to set precedent for other cases. In so many words, should the appeal be overturned, the Court's ruling could affect similar court decisions in other states. The earliest the appeal would be seen is in the Supreme Court's next term, which begins in October.
Steve Jobs helps push organ donation legislation
During a surprise appearance at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto, California, Steve Jobs joined California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to help advance organ donation legislation. Last year, Jobs flew to Tennessee to receive a liver transplant, and spoke briefly of this. "There were not enough livers in California to go around," he said, according to the San Jose Mercury News. "I was advised by my Stanford doctors to enroll on a list at a Memphis hospital, because it was more favorable to get a liver there. I was fortunate." And without the transplant, Jobs said, "I could have died." Steve Jobs returned to work at Apple in June 2009 and, according to the report, told other transplant survivors that he is currently feeling fine. "It's been a pretty good last few months." If passed, the legislation could help save more lives by making it easier for Californians to affirm their preferred organ donor status. The current system, says Jobs, "is an obscure process." Full text of the legislation, Senate Bill 1395, can be viewed here. To find out more about organ donation, visit Donate Life America, the Mayo Clinic's 10 myths of organ donation, and, lastly, state organ and tissue donor registries at OrganDonor.Gov. [via Silicon Alley Insider]
Subscribe to Age of Conan and receive The Secret World beta access
Funcom recently announced their plans to get older players back into Age of Conan and boost multi-month subscription rates. Players with inactive subscriptions are invited to retry the game for two weeks and receive a double experience bonus. Those who sign up for multi-month subscriptions will receive these additional bonuses: 3-month sub: Beta access to The Secret World 6-month sub: Beta access + in-game helmet that boosts experience gain by 10% 12-month sub: Beta access + helmet + a free copy of Conan expansion Rise of the Godslayer Age of Conan has received many updates in the year and a half since its release. However, MMO players can be an unforgiving bunch, so these incentives to give the game another shot are quite necessary. And it's extra-smart given all the excitement around The Secret World. Considering how many players would be willing to pay for beta access, a subscription to a vastly improved AoC is just icing on the cake. For those interested in catching up on AoC, check out the most recent game director's letter, new content, and revised subscription options. Have a burning question for Funcom about this or anything else? Ask it here. Having fun in Conan's homeland? Make sure to check out all of our previous Age of Conan coverage, and stick with Massively for more news from the Hyborian Age!
California seeks US Supreme Court review of 'violent game ban' [update]
The state of California is asking the United States Supreme Court to review a US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision from February regarding its 2005 "violent video game law," declaring it unconstitutional under the First Amendment. According to GamePolitics. the law would require an additional warning label on games and slap retailers who sell violent games to minors with a $1,000 fine for each offense. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who signed Assembly Bill 1179 into law, said of today's action, "By prohibiting the sale of violent video games to children under the age of 18 and requiring these games to be clearly labeled, this law would allow parents to make better informed decisions for their kids. I will continue to vigorously defend this law and protect the well-being of California's kids." Update: Entertainment Consumers Association president Hal Halpin has weighed in on California's plea to the Supreme Court. His comments can be found after the break.
California video game law fails again in Circuit Court
The 9th Circuit Court has affirmed that the California game law is not going to fly -- so, state tax payers better prepare to write the Entertainment Software Association another check. This latest appeal was pushed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after a lower court had seemingly killed the law by placing a permanent injunction on it. ESA president Michael Gallagher believes this is a "win" for California's citizens, stating this is a "clear signal" that this type of "reckless" legislation is an "exercise in wasting taxpayer money, government time, and state resources." GamePolitics reports that Leland Yee (D) is pushing for California to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. Wonder how much money the ESA would get back from fighting that?
WoW Moviewatch: Last Action Crusader
Since you guys couldn't get enough of Gnomechewer, I'm featuring a suggestion by one of our commenters. If you can remember the 90s, a satire film, Last Action Hero, came out, and it starred California's governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. What was supposed to be a summer blockbuster has ended up the butt of jokes for 15 years. However, the dialogue and action worked much better in Last Action Crusader. Keep in mind that this machinima is seven months old.You're going to have to try to follow along with me on this plot. Arnold Menethil is freed by Scarlet Commander Mograine, and escapes Stormwind to join the Scarlet Crusade. The whole time, he plans to avenge his father's death and reclaim Lordaeron to sit as King. The storyline for this machinima is totally over the top, but then so is the original film that it's parodying. What you can expect is cheesy dialogue, fight scenes, and special effects.[Thanks, Kassius!]If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
Age of Conan Product Developer interview, with gameplay video
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/pc_games/Age_of_Conan_interview_and_video'; On December 5th, I was invited to the Eidos/Funcom Age of Conan press event, where I was privileged enough to be granted access to both the game itself and the development team. I was able to play the opening area, leading into the first town. I sussed out the combat and the conversation interface. I spoke with Jørgen Tharaldsen, the Product Developer, and he let drop a metric ton of knowledge upon my fevered noggin. I reprint here our conversation, interspersed with my handheld-shot video pieces, the first of which is shown above, which is where the game starts, with you as a survivor of a shipwrecked slaver ship. I'd like to thank Jørgen and the entire Eidos/Funcom team, all of whom I found to be gracious, witty, and enthusiastic about their game, which is refreshing to see. My take? The game looks incredible, and it's extremely immersive from the get-go. They say they're on schedule for an early 2008 release, so this is something to anticipate indeed. More videos and the interview after the jump!
Gov. Schwarzenegger distances self from Conan games
While he might be a big shot politician these days, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will always be associated with his breakthrough movie role as Conan the Barbarian. So it's not horribly unfair for the ABC7 Sacramento news team to ask the Governor's office how his public opposition to video game violence gels with THQ's new, extremely gory Conan video game. "The Conan character existed far before the governor portrayed him in the movies, and it still exists in different forms of entertainment," said Aaron McLear, the governor's press secretary. "The governor has no association with that game."Fair enough, but we're a little disappointed the ABC7 reporter didn't go the extra step and ask Schwarzenegger how he felt about the violence in the Conan movie -- the one he was associated with. Surely some children were exposed to the movie's wonton brutality and turned into broadsword wielding murderers, right? So why the double standard? And why no Kindergarten Cop video game? Inquiring minds want to know![Via GamePolitics]
Schwarzenegger signs ban on teen cell phone use while driving
Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't as much fun as a Governor as he was in The Terminator... just ask California's teen drivers. The former action movie star has signed a new bill -- which we told you about in August -- into law, making it illegal for anyone aged 16 or 17 to use a mobile phone, pager, laptop, or handheld computer while driving a vehicle. Effective July 1, 2008 (the same day that California's ban on non-hands-free mobile-use while driving takes effect), the state will begin to fine offenders $20 for their first incident, and $50 for each recurrent violation. The law is targeting teen drivers due to the wealth of statistics that demonstrate young motorists are more likely to end up in car accidents which result in death. According to reports, 13.6-percent of all fatal accidents are caused by teenagers, and studies show that car crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 16-19. "The simple fact is that teenage drivers are more easily distracted," said Schwarzenegger in a statement, adding, "We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road and being good drivers." He then paused and remarked, "We just don't want to say 'Hasta la vista, baby' to young drivers anymore."
Today's action figuriest video: GH2 Toys - Thunderhorse
Imagine, if you will, Toy Story meets Robot Chicken meets YouTube ... and you'd have nothing like this video. Still, it's funny and features some pretty well-done impressions and Guitar Hero gaming. Thunderhorse on expert is one bitch of a song, and if the combined likes of Darth Vader, Arnold Schwarzenegger and others can't help you through it, then nothing will.Although a four-armed character like Goro sure would help. While we're at it, we'd also like to be imbued with the power of Steve Vai and have the ability to slow down time. You know, just as an edge.
