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iN DEMAND speaks about MOJO HD programming
We pinged MOJO HD's parent company, iN DEMAND, in an attempt to hear that some of our favorite high-def programming wouldn't be vanishing forever with the dissolution of the channel. Thankfully, we heard back, and while the news isn't fantastic, it at least gives us room to hope. When we asked what would happen to the programming currently on MOJO HD, we told that "individual producers would be working to find other homes for the series," and that "announcements would come from those networks." Additionally, the MOJO MIX HD video-on-demand service will continue to operate into 2009, giving users another venue to fetch most of the original MOJO programming. In all seriousness, we can't imagine a Travel Channel HD (for example) not picking up Three Sheets, but we suppose only time will tell.
Die-berium: EA cans Command & Conquer FPS
Those hoping to Command and Conquer from a more personal perspective are sure to be disappointed with the demise of EA's upcoming first-person shooter, Tiberium. According to a report on Kotaku (we've verified with EA), development on the game was suspended due to its inability to meet "the high quality standards set by the team and by the EA Games Label" before its post-delay fiscal 2010 release. According to EA's Mike Verdu, "The game had fundamental design challenges from the start. We fought to correct the issues, but we were not successful; the game just isn't coming together well enough to meet our own quality expectations as well as those of our consumers."Though we're glad to be spared from any game that clumsily crashes into EA's recently lowered Limbo pole, Tiberium's cancellation will reportedly result in several members of the development team being "released." The publisher claims that it "will make every effort" to move "talented people" to other, actually-coming-out projects.Update: We've added a full statement from EA's Mariam Sughayer after the break.
Some humans destroy Destroy All Humans! PSP
It seems the folks in charge at THQ have decided to disappoint all humans who were anxiously awaiting the PSP outing of Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed. Though the three of you absolutely nobody will lament this particular cancellation, IGN reports that it was at least done for the right reasons. Said a THQ representative: "Basically, the PSP version was cancelled because of control issues." With the game being designed specifically for the Wii, "the controls simply didn't translate well, and instead of pushing out the product with translated controls, it was cancelled." From the player's perspective, it sounds like it was the humane thing to do, but we wonder how many PSP games would be left if all developers adopted this particular stance on controls. [Via PSP Fanboy]
Microsoft's Shane Kim on Xbox 360's MMO failures
EDGE spoke with Microsoft Game Studios corporate VP Shane Kim about the MMO genre's failure to come to fruition on the Xbox 360 game console. Two MMOs that were planned for the platform -- Marvel Universe Online (an in-house project) and True Fantasy Live Online (developed by Factor 5) -- were cancelled. Check out the interview for all the quotes, but we have the gist of it here.While Kim noted that the cancellation of those specific games was "the right decision," he also said "there's nothing to say those titles can't be successful on the 360." Some critics (such as NCsoft) disagree. They argue that the Xbox Live service is too restrictive for an MMO developer's workflow. "I think those are real challenges ... we work very hard to create a stable and secure environment on Xbox 360 and that's where you see that tension," said Kim. "I'm sure we can solve that problem though in a way that is good for MMO developers and customers because we want that content: and we're getting very close. But we're late with that, and we feel bad about that."
Another blogger flees Age of Conan...
...and this time it's Peter Smith of the Dragonchasers blog.Citing a waning ability to have fun with the game, item statistics that really don't help with anything, and a lack of variance in armor and items, Smith is calling it quits with Age of Conan. His comments seem to mirror the comments of many others, but one particular subject stands out in his blog from the others: the much touted and praised player vs. player endgame.Smith brings up the point that he feels like "another cog in the wheel" of his large guild. In order to see the content of the endgame cities and city sieges, he joined a very large guild and is expected to provide materials to help with the construction of the guild city. But, without player housing, any type of city mini-games, and lack of bonuses offered by the city itself, he just feels like another faceless voice instead of a heroic city builder.His article touches on the ability to stand out inside of a game where a person may not be able to stand out in the world itself and how it links back to his decision to cancel the game. If you're interested, be sure to drop over by to the Dragonchasers blog and check it out for yourself.
The Getaway and Eight Days have been cancelled
In another Sony announcement made today, it appears that two games being developed by the internal London studios have now been potentially canned. The Getaway and Eight Days are now out of production, thanks to budgetary redistribution. Gamesindustry.biz have the full statement from Sony, in which they state that "this decision was made following an internal review of all games and it was deemed that with the incredibly strong list of exclusive first party titles coming up both this year and in the near future, resource should be reallocated to enhance those projects closer to completion."It's thought that this is a direct result of Phil Harrison's successor, Shuhei Yoshida, becoming President of Sony's Worldwide Studios. We heard relatively recently from The Getaway's lead writer that the game was still in production and UK newspaper The Guardian had a recent article claiming Eight Days was ramping up to full production, so it's disheartening to hear that the projects have been canned.[UPDATE] CVG states that "A Sony UK representative assured CVG that both titles had been "completely cancelled", and so will not be rescued from the bin at a later date."
2008 Yearbook: Microsoft Game Studios
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/2008_Yearbook_Microsoft_Game_Studios'; After a solid year for the Xbox 360 in 2007 many thought the system could never showcase the same amount of quality exclusives in a single year.In the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook, we've compiled a list of this year's graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.From heartbreaking cancellations, surprise feature announcements and expected sequels, the 2008 MGS Yearbook is filled with fun facts and information on your soon-to-be favorite titles. Also included in the yearbook are special joke awards given to each title that releases in 2008 that poke fun at the details most commonly argued about in the comments.From Ninja Gaiden II to Alan Wake, the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook will have something for everyone.Ladies and gentlemen allow us to introduce the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios graduating class ...
Top 10 games we'll never see
When an anticipated MMO is said to be cancelled, it takes a little piece of us right along with it. As a Star Trek fan, you may have been excited to hear the news of a Star Trek Online MMO, but upon the news of its cancellation, you've wept quietly under your desk ever since. The same goes for Darkfall. Seven years is a long time to wait for a game's release, only to have it continuously put on hold indefinitely.Despite the fact that most of this Cracked.com list does not consist of MMOs, it's still an appropriate homage to the possibilities we've missed out on when it comes to our voided games on any platform.
Samsung kills BD-UP5500 combo player before it ever truly lived
Given the finality of the format war, we can't say we're totally shocked to hear that Samsung will be pulling the plug on its recently announced BD-UP5500 HD DVD / Blu-ray combo player, but still, it's not good news for folks planning to pick it up for kicks (or watching their library of HD DVDs). Interestingly enough, Sammy had already planned to axe its current flagship hybrid player -- the BD-UP5000 -- this May, just months after it went on sale and began taking heat for not meeting expectations. On the plus side, the firm's latest BD-only player was a real gem, so hopefully we'll see lots more where that came from in the future. Oh, and if you're weeping this very moment at the thought of never getting to see one in person, feel free to click here and live vicariously through us.
Paramount & Dreamworks HD DVD support ends March 4
We don't know if Jeffrey Katzenberg got a text message, fax, e-mail or smoke signal indicating the format war was over, but Video Business has confirmed Paramount and Dreamworks Animation will (rather abruptly) to stop releasing HD DVDs after next week. If you were looking forward to Bee Movie on March 11, Sweeney Todd on April 1 or the just announced There Will Be Blood, those are cancelled. Into the Wild and the appropriately-named Things We Lost in the Fire will be Paramount's last reminders of its exclusive agreement. Not specifically mentioned was Star Trek: TOS Season 2, but don't hold your breath. Blu-ray release plans are still up in the air but we wouldn't be surprised to hear something soon. As far as HD DVD movies still scheduled, that leaves two from Universal (for now) and twelve from Warner Bros, who may have been the first to leave red, but will apparently be the last major studio out the door.Read - Video BusinessRead - High-Def Digest
If Project H.A.M.M.E.R. still existed, this would be a preview of it
NeoGAFfer Shiggy has posted some more screenshots from the vaporous apparition that once had the name Project H.A.M.M.E.R., this time focusing on the in-game perspective. It's strange how disparate the action scenes look from the shots of architecture we were given: those screens were crisp, stylized, and made use of heavy, thick shadows, while the "real game" is, well, blurry. But next-gen blurry! It's like they were making two different games. Or, we suppose, it's like they put two different games on "indefinite hold".As of now, it is still "indefinite hold" rather than "dead forever," so you can take these screenshots as a preview of a potential future game. At the very least, some guy is poking through the game getting some screenshots.
AMD puts the kibosh on Quad FX platform
Now that Spider's hogging the limelight, the question inevitably had to be asked, and it seems the answer is no. The inquiry, of course, is whether or not AMD would keep on keepin' on with the lukewarmly received Quad FX platform, and judging by comments from the chip maker's own Suzy Pruitt, the end for it is nigh. More specifically, Pruitt stated that AMD had "discontinued future planning and development" for the Quad FX platform, and also noted that it had shifted most of the effort over to initiatives such as the aforementioned Spider. Notably, it was stated that the outfit would continue to support customers that have existing Quad FX-based hardware, and while specifics weren't doled out, we did hear that upgrade options for those individuals would likely not include a Phenom-branded product. So much for unwavering dedication to its enthusiast-class dual-socket technology, eh?[Via DailyTech]
The Daily Grind: The end of the affair
Stephen Totilo over at MTV's Mutliplayer blog actually canceled his WoW subscription recently, and to his surprise, actually found the experience easy and fun. He hadn't updated the game since last September, and speaking as someone who's played the game many, many times since then, I can safely say he was wasting his money. A great MMO is worthless to you if you're not playing it.Thinking back on it, I believe I've only canceled one MMO ever, and that was Dark Age of Camelot (and I only canceled it because I started playing WoW). It was so long ago that I don't remember if I had any problems or not, but it must have gone smoothly enough. Other than that, I've pretty much considered all my subscriptions money well spent, so I haven't had to end anything.But surely there are many more cancellations going on. When have you stepped up and ended the subscription, and for what reasons? Ever had a bad cancellation, or a really good one? And maybe we can help, too-- if there are any subscriptions you're paying right now that you shouldn't be, feel free to commiserate about them here-- we'll help you quit, if you need it. There are always more MMOs in the sea, if we're allowed to mess up a metaphor.
Gods & Heroes slain, refunds announced
As we say goodbye to our dreams of being inducted into the Greek pantheon, the developers of Gods & Heroes are kind enough to let us know where we can get our money back on our pre-orders. As it turns out, simply return with your receipt to the retailer where you bought the pre-order, and you will get a full refund. Well duh, actually. In their final announcement to the gaming community, the devs let us know it was a tough decision to kill the immortal game once and for all: The Perpetual team is faced with a unique challenge of simultaneously developing both Gods & Heroes and Star Trek Online in addition to growing our Online Game Platform business. After assessing all of Perpetual's opportunities, we have made the decision to put the development of Gods & Heroes on indefinite hold. Well, I for one am sad to see the project go, but it's also nice to see a company that knows when they bit off more than they can chew.
WSVG president breaks down what happened
GameDaily BIZ tracked down Matt Ringel the (former?) president of the World Series of Videogames, to figure out just what the hell happened last week.As you can see from our own interview with Ringel earlier this year, things seems to be rolling along great for the WSVG-- they were working with Blizzard to make presentation much better for Arena PvP, and they had gotten a deal together with CBS to show their videogame tournaments in a series of specials. But Ringel says the WSVG wasn't alone in the space-- the CPL is another big player, and one who many have cited as a successor to the WSVG-- and advertisers had a big problem determining what the differences were between all the organizations. Ringel doesn't add much more, except to say that the WSVG is really, truly dead: Games Media is going to focus on their online properties, including Gameriot.com.As we said on the podcast last Saturday, this doesn't mean professional gaming is over-- it just means the WSVG didn't do it right. But considering the WSVG was working hand-in-hand with Blizzard to promote Arena PvP, it might mean the end of non-Blizzard professional Arena matches. My guess is that instead of partnering with another organization to run professional tournaments, Blizzard will be much more inclined to just run their own, at BlizzCon and other Blizzard-related events.[ via Joystiq ]
WSVG shuts down, cancels all events
Wow. Last we heard, the WSVG was going gangbusters. They had events appearing on CBS, they were working with Blizzard to make Arena PvP huge, and their president was extremely optimistic about the future of professional videogaming.But earlier this afternoon, the World Series of Videogames shut its doors, and announced that all of their future events are cancelled. In their notice, they cite the "challenge of securing adequate revenues" to keep up their big events (they had tourneys planned in LA, London, and Sweden yet this year). Games Media Properties, WSVG's parent company, says they will continue to grow the "online advertising network" of websites-- which sites these are, we're not sure.Again, wow. GotFrag has already talked to Pandemic about the closing, and they say they're going to go into a "waiting game" as regards to professional Arena PvP, and that they're "deeply disappointed" in WSVG's "inability to finish out the season." They, too, had no idea this was coming. Will someone else step up into the WSVG's place in professional gaming promotion? Blizzard was doing a lot of work directly with the WSVG in terms of presentation, and while it's hard to say this will be the end of professional Arena PvP, there's no question this will have a major effect on professional gaming at large. The World Series of Videogames as we know it is no more.Thanks, Jason!Update: Curse has more, including players calling it "a huge blow to WoW professional gaming."
Rumor: Chibi-Robo unplugged?
A NeoGAFfer called TurtleSnatcher got a call from his local GameStop asking him to transfer his Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol preorder payment to another game, because, according to "corporate," the US release had been cancelled. Terrible news if true, but a GAF post about a call from GameStop is about as far from a reliable source as one can get without just making up the news, and not too far away, in terms of concreteness, from making up the language used to report that made-up news.Siliconera contacted Golin Harris (who does Nintendo's PR) for confirmation of this rumor. They hadn't received any word of a cancellation. However, as Siliconera reports, "the game is missing from Nintendo.com, Gamestop and Best Buy's database. Also Gamefly changed the release date for Chibi Robo: Park Patrol to TBD instead of September 24."We doubt the game is being cancelled, since Nintendo released promotional materials during E3 just a few weeks ago. And why would Nintendo cancel a first-party DS game? That's just throwing money away.
E3 cancelled?! [Update 1]
According to numerous inside sources, it's all over. Next-Gen is claiming that within the next 48 hours, ESA president Doug Lowenstein is expected to announce the cancellation of the industry's most illustrous event: the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3. Twelve years running, the show has been stated as being far too expensive for what companies received in terms of exposure and publicity; it was simply too big for its own good. This comes as a shocking blow to gamers themselves, who look forward to the show for the biggest announcements and reveals from their favorite companies. Specifics can be found in the Next-Gen and Joystiq articles, but we at Wii Fanboy want to hear what you think about this travesty. Do you regret never having gone, and are you sad to see it go? Nintendo's press conferences were certainly one of the most beloved parts of the show, and the days of giddy excitement waiting for Reggie and Iwata to take the stage may be long gone. Does this reinforce the idea of the Spaceworld expo coming later this year? Whatever the case may be, it is truly a sad day in the magical land of video games.[A GameSpot article is slightly less doom-and-gloom, stating that E3 may only be heavily downsized and more focused on meeting room-style exhibitions and displays. We'll wait for official confirmation from Mr. Lowenstein.]
