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Acclaim finds another way to sell gold
Acclaim Games, producers of 2Moons, have announced their new partnership with TrialPay, a service that offers people something they really want in exchange for buying a different item. Here's how it works: Companies will make money from TrialPay by offering their customers something for free -- in this case, Acclaim Coins, which can be used to purchase items in-game. If the customers purchase goods or services from TrialPay's advertisers -- for instance, a delivery of FTD flowers, or a Blockbuster membership -- the advertiser then pays the full value of what the original company is offering its customers.It seems a little convoluted, and somewhat sketchy -- wouldn't it just be easier to stick with the pay-for-money option, which is already in place? Either way, money is leaving the hands of the consumer, so it isn't clear what benefit is obtained. If you must buy something, go straight to the source, we always say!
It is 2008, and Blockbuster is just now offering DS game rentals nationwide
While your local Blockbuster might already offer a selection of DS titles on its shelves, keep in mind that the same isn't true everywhere else. For reasons unexplained, up until now, the movie and video game rental chain has thought it wise not to make the Nintendo DS, whose hardware and software sales have been booming since 2005, a standard fixture in its video game aisles.In an email press release sent out yesterday, Blockbuster announced its plans to introduce DS game rentals, as well as hardware and accessories, to all of its locations nationwide. Finally, gamers will be able to try out Godzilla: Unleashed Double Smash before deciding whether or not it's worth buying.Next on Blockbuster's list of emerging platforms to support: pogs.
Blockbuster announces new initiative, looks to game hardware sales
Just weeks after the rental giant announced an expanded dedication for Blu-ray and even tried selling HDTVs in a test location in Dallas, now the firm is attempting to boost profits by digging into the surging video game market. Presumably in hopes that rental junkies and casual gaming fans alike will actually venture into Blockbuster in order to buy their next Wii, DS, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, the outfit has announced a new focus that will push the retail video game / game hardware aspect in all of its US-based corporate-owned stores. This includes consoles, a more fleshed out array of games and all the accessories your wallet can handle. Heck, it's even offering up an exclusive 40GB PS3 bundle ($499.99) with the Spider-Man 3 Blu-ray Disc, a PS3 remote, Transformers (the game) and a rental card giving purchasers a free PS3 game / BD rental per week for 12 weeks. Color us completely enthralled.[Via Joystiq, image courtesy of Portfolio]
Blockbuster expands game focus, takes on retail game, hardware sales
Days after confirming plans to stock Grand Theft Auto IV alongside movies on its outer release wall, Blockbuster today announced that the recently released Wii flavor of Mario Kart will make the leap as well. The move is part of what the rental giant calls a plan to "significantly expand its game business," which includes a greater emphasis on selling retail games and hardware, as well as stocking a larger number and variety of games to rent. Blockbuster specifically noted plans to offer a special $499.99 PS3 bundle in its corporate-owned stores, which will include a 40GB console, a copy of the movie Spiderman 3 on Blu-ray, Activision's video game adaptation of Transformers, and the opportunity to rent one free PS3 game or Blu-ray movie a week for 12 consecutive weeks. However, while we appreciate the added attention Blockbuster is giving our favorite hobby, we doubt even this will sway us into venturing out into the sunlight to rent anything.
Buy your next HDTV at... Blockbuster?
Blockbuster hasn't purchased Circuit City yet, but that's not stopping it from trying out the electronics retail market. The company's running several different kinds of test stores in the Dallas area, one of which offers technology for watching movies, like new HDTVs. According to the CEO, this effort is separate from the proposed CC buy, and includes test stores that open early so people can rent movies on their way to work, include coffee and soft drinks, or entertain kids with Rock Band (win). Beyond just its upcoming download service and PS3 Blu-ray kiosks, expect to see changes coming to your neighborhood video rental spot very soon.
Blockbuster putting GTA IV on the 'new release' wall
Starting with Grand Theft Auto IV, Blockbuster Video will begin adding video games to the "sacred" outer new release wall. Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes tells Variety that the GTA IV launch is a "real springboard" for the company and it plans to use it as a centerpiece for moving games to where only the latest Hollywood releases used to tread. Now, granted, if this were before the advent of Gamefly this news would be much more exciting -- although, we'd still have to worry about pesky late fees. Blockbuster has been hurting in recent years as if faces competition from many angles, not the least of which is Netflix. This move for video games in Blockbuster doesn't seem so much like a sign of respect for the growing games industry, but as another desperate move by a company that's struggling to survive.
Blockbuster offers to buy, um, Circuit City: digital downloads be damned!
Huh? Blockbuster just made public its February 17th offer to purchase Circuit City for $6 to $8 per share. As of this morning, Circuit city has not provided the requested due diligence necessary to move the deal forward. As such, Blockbuster is pulling a Microsoft and making the proposal public in hopes of inciting shareholders. They've even gone so far as to publish an open letter from Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes to Phil Schoonover, CEO of Circuit City. Really, is this how all corporate affairs will be conducted in the future guys? What really boggles the mind though is Blockbuster's quest for even more brick-and-mortar as digital downloads begin to take off. Hit the read link for the full contents of the letter. [Via I4U]
Blockbuster further expands Blu-ray selection across US & Canada
It shouldn't come as a surprise that Blockbuster is further expanding its supporting for Blu-ray. They've been backing the boys in blu for a long time now. Last year they integrated Blu-ray into 1,700 shops; this time, they're taking the HD format into 5,000 stores across the United States and Canada. Blockbuster is touting "the company is positioning itself to become the customer's Blu-ray headquarters."To further showcase the company's Blu-ray backing, Blu-ray kiosks (with movies playing off PS3s) will be on display in stores. Blockbuster's by-mail service will also undergo a change reflecting the increased support for Blu-ray -- customers can now set their accounts to automatically choose Blu-ray format for rentals. Sounds good, but Netflix already got that last one done.[Via press release]
Blockbuster expanding Blu-ray dedication across US / Canada
We're not exactly sure what Blockbuster's saying here outside of what's already been said -- after all, the rental chain chose to back Blu-ray eons ago -- but nevertheless, a new release from the company is trumpeting the expansion of Blu-ray all across the US and Canada. As of this week, BD Discs will be available in every single corporate store in the US and Canada (along with select franchise locations), and to entice you further, it's setting up more Blu-ray kiosks featuring a 42-inch HDTV and a PlayStation 3. Additionally, the firm's by-mail service has had a BD preference option added so users can "automatically indicate that they want to receive all available movies in the high-definition format." We certainly dig the sound of that last part.[Image courtesy of Portfolio]
Blockbuster announcing streaming set-top box this month?
The Hollywood Reporter is stating in no uncertain terms that Blockbuster is developing a set-top box to stream video into the home. Now the real bombshell: it should be announced "sometime this month." The device is expected to make the most of Blockbuster's access to Movielink's 6,000 strong Movie catalog just as soon as the content is migrated to Blockbuster.com (sometime before June). While delivering movies into the home electronically certainly challenges Blockbuster's brick and mortar business, really, what choice do they have in the relentless face of progress.
IFC teams up with Blockbuster for rental, lock stock and barrel
IFC Entertainment has entered a two-year exclusive rental agreement with Blockbuster. What's interesting is that it shows the new face of media today: Blockbuster gets a 60-day exclusive rental window covering both physical and digital rental, and the new title will not be available for retail sale in any format during this period. After the first 60-days, Blockbuster retains exclusive physical rental rights for three years. Sounds like a great deal for Blockbuster, and it should definitely give them a shot in the arm in their independent offerings. Meanwhile, those of us hoping see a raft of indies up for rent via other mechanisms just cried a little.
AAPL, Blockbuster and Netflix down following Macworld Keynote
Blockbuster and Netflix's stocks both took big hits based on what we just heard Steve say at Macworld. Blockbuster has dropped a handy 15%, and Netflix "tumbled 6 percent" already this afternoon (although it's jumped back a bit since then), according to CNN Money. Apparently investors are convinced that movie renters would rather fire up iTunes than run out to the video store or wait for a movie to come in on their Netflix queue.Apple, however, isn't doing that well either after today's announcement. On the day, they've dropped almost $11 as of this writing. But while this Keynote may not quite have met expectations (lots of people were expecting Cinema upgrades, or something a little less traditional than the MacBook Air), this very likely isn't an actual downturn in the ol' Apple hype -- anyone can see that iTunes movie rentals will very likely make them a lot of money. Rather, it's probably* the result of Keynote investors selling off the stock they picked up before the event. In short, it'll take a lot more than an afternoon to see what effect today's announcements really have on stock prices.*All of this commentary and analysis is given by someone who has little to no experience in stock trading, and should not be taken seriously by anyone.
iPod's victims: first CDs, now DVDs?
Forbes' Brian Caulfield suggests that Blockbuster and Netflix should be very concerned about Apple's rumored move into digital movie rentals. He suggests that history has proven the iPod to be a very disruptive device. Just look at CD sales, says Mr. Cauflied, their decline over the last several years certainly proves that people want their media in a digital form and they are willing to turn to Apple for it.While I agree that Blockbuster and Netflix should be worried, I don't think Apple will be driving physical DVD rental stores out of business anytime soon. The one advantage that Blockbuster has is bandwidth. Movies, if you want them to look good on large screens, take up a lot of space. That means whether you're streaming them or downloading them you need a pretty fat pipe to have an enjoyable experiences. Compare this with the rather small files that most songs, in MP3 format, create and you can see how the music business was greatly impacted by digital distribution whether it be legally via iTunes, or when the floodgates really opened during the freewheeling days of Napster (I was an undergrad during that time, and I can tell you that I saw many a computer running Napster. I, of course, never downloaded anything because I didn't actually own a computer in college). Theoretically it could take less time to drive to a Blockbuster and rent a DVD than it would to download the movie. This will become less of a problem, and digital rentals more popular, when broadband speeds make downloading multi-gigabyte files take a matter of moments (in some areas this is already true).Clearly digital movie distribution, both rental and for purchasing, is the future, but sadly I think this future is still a few years off from supplanting those shiny disks we all know and love.
Blockbuster in talks with mobile makers for video on the go
Apparently Blockbuster Video is wooing mobile device makers in an attempt to make mobile video content consumption a little easier on the consumers. While no names were specifically mentioned, Blockbuster CEO James Keyes did say that they were in talks with virtually all major handset manufacturers. We've no clue how the vids will be delivered if this gets off the ground, but wouldn't be too averse to downloading flicks on the device if the file size -- and data tariffs -- could be kept sane. Mr Keyes went on to say that he's started watching films on his BlackBerry thanks to a little technical help from a Blockbuster employee and from Jim Balsillie, co-CEO of Research in Motion. Of course, we're sure the technical help mentioned didn't have anything to do with DVD Decrypter and the illegal copying of DVDs, right guys?
Today's most sacrilegious video: Halo 3 on PS3
Although we guarantee it'd move units faster than Covenant troops flee a grenade, the embedded video is not a hint at Master Chief's adventures moving to the PlayStation 3. However, it does feel a bit wrong to see Halo 3 footage shown on its competitor's kiosk right above its "this is living" slogan, reportedly in a Blockbuster. This is wrong. This is pretty funny. This is going to confuse the uninformed gamer who got excited for the game via its Time Magazine story and thinks he can play it on a PS3.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Blockbuster buys Movielink
We heard it was going to happen, and it did: Blockbuster bought Movielink for an undisclosed sum, surely to compliment its online offerings to better compete with arch-nemesis Netflix in the internet movie distribution game. And surely if it did sell for the piddly $50 mil figure being tossed around before, the barrier to this entry is just a drop in the bucket for the big blue movie rental giant.[Thanks, Philip]
BJ's Wholesale goes Blu-ray
Another blow to HD DVD came today as BJ's Wholesale Club will bounce the format from its shelves in the fourth quarter according to VB, a Variety company. Just like yesterday's news about Target going with Blu-ray players, if Wal-Mart's Sam's Club went Blu-ray it'd be a much bigger deal, but BJ's is a large company on the East Coast (particularly the North East). BJ's will continue to sell HD DVD format products on their website.Although Microsoft previously stated they were standing by HD DVD, they may need to review their statements from January if they don't want to "charge customers $200 extra for something that may be the next Betamax." If the domino effect continues it might be at least worth considering an affordable Blu-ray attachment to the Xbox 360 -- despite Blu-ray being a Sony format. It's pretty simple, give HDTV consumers the option of a Blu-ray attachment for their Xbox 360, or have them thinking the PS3 is a game machine and an HD movie player in one affordable package (you know, further down that 10 year line). Then again, if direct digital content gains a foothold, it may all be a moot point anyway.
Target targets Blu-ray as the way
According to Reuters, retail mega-chain Target announced today it will only carry Blu-ray disc players. They will begin in October and go "at least through the holiday season." This comes a month after Blockbuster, the U.S.' largest brick-and-mortar video rental chain, said they would be going Blu-ray exclusively too. Heavens to Murgatroyd, is Sony actually going to win a format war? Blu-ray shall avenge its cousins Betamax and MiniDisc if it emerges victorious against HD-DVD.The Reuters information is currently being further explained by Universal Home Entertainment. Universal would like to clearly point out Target will continue to carry the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive and movies, they also say that Target is still currently selling HD-DVD players. Well, yes, because it's not October yet.Universal has a right to feel defensive. Target's declaration probably shouldn't be taken too lightly -- although, when Wal-Mart declares Blu-ray, it's all over. So, even with the HD-DVD attachment price drop for your Xbox 360, plus five movies, is it worth getting? Umm, might want to put that money aside for now. It's a nice $179 dent in the cost of the PS3, which comes with Blu-ray playback built in. The holiday season is approaching and that'll be a pretty big indicator of what's to come. The last thing any consumer wants is to have an expensive machine which plays a dying format.Update: Added Universal statement info to story.
Netflix, Blockbuster settle patent dispute
Like so many other hyped patent lawsuits before it, the Netflix / Blockbuster suit ended today with the relatively quiet announcement that both parties have settled out of court for undisclosed terms. You might remember the two rental giants taking each other to court last year -- Netflix claimed that Blockbuster had violated its business method patent for online rental services, and Blockbuster claimed that Netflix hadn't properly disclosed prior art in its patent applications. As always with these settlements, neither party is conceding anything, so it looks like Netflix gets to hold onto those patents, and Blockbuster gets to keep letting people rent movies online. At least the lawyers got something out of it.
The shunning begins for Manhunt 2
Our esteemed colleagues at Joystiq spoke with the excellent online rental service GameFly about their plans to carry Manhunt 2, or, more to their point, their plans not to. According to a GameFly rep, "GameFly as a general policy does not carry AO rated titles." That makes sense, since they only serve customers 18 and up and deliver games directly to said customers' homes. And to be clear, by "makes sense" we mean "doesn't make any sense at all."Blockbuster isn't going to carry it either, but that's less of a surprise. Blockbuster has a long-standing policy of not carrying NC-17 or equivalent movies.
