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EA delays unspecified social game based on 'major' EA IP
EA adjusted its earnings for the most recent quarter (its fiscal Q4) in part because of the delay of an "important social game." It just didn't say which one. In an investor conference call, CEO John Riccitiello broke the news that EA is moving the launch to Q1 of fiscal 2013 (January-March of this year).Later, during the Q&A portion, COO Peter Moore called it "a major title based on a major piece of the EA brand IP." EA recently acquired KlickNation, rebranding it BioWare Social, but that just happened last month -- likely not enough time to even think a game would be ready for this quarter. EA also releases social games through Playfish, EA Play, and EA Sports.
Prototype 2 on PC pushed to July 24, RADNET Edition announced
Anyone looking forward to the PC version of Prototype 2 must continue looking forward for a while longer, as the game has now been delayed for three months. While the console versions are slated for April 24, the PC version will not arrive until July 24, according to a recent post on the Prototype Facebook page (requires login).No reason for the delay was given, though "more details" are promised "soon." Of course, given the recent trend of delaying big-budget PC releases well past their console counterparts, it's not exactly surprising.In other news, Activision has announced the RADNET Edition of Prototype 2 for Xbox 360 and PS3, available in "a limited number of the launch quantities". Specifically, it grants players access to RADNET, which "gives fans 55 free pieces of additional content delivered for seven weeks following the game's launch." The weekly content will include a range of items, from in-game mutations to Avatar items and videos.The press release specifies that RADNET will be redeemed via an included code in new copies of the game. Call it a hunch, but we're betting those who buy used will be able to pick up a code for, oh, let's say around ten dollars.So, summing up, it's appears that the PC version got a three month delay on the same day we learned about two months of bonus content for new copies of the console version. Coincidence?
First major patch and maintenance delayed for Star Wars: The Old Republic
Cleared your schedule later today to try out the new content in Star Wars: The Old Republic's first major patch? Well, we hate to disappoint you, but it looks like your adventures against hordes of space zombies will be delayed a little longer. According to an official announcement this morning, the scheduled maintenance has been delayed and patch 1.1 along with it, with the most definitive new information simply being some time next week. While the announcement doesn't go into details about the rationale, it notes that there were late-surfacing issues uncovered by players on the test realm that required additional maintenance to correct, forcing the team to bring the patch back and polish it a few more times. A definite time will be posted to the community as soon as it's available. It's disappointing, certainly, but the idea of putting out the game's first major patch before the game had even been out of retail release for a month may have been overly ambitious.
Cave Story DSiWare still headed to Europe, but delayed
Cave Story hitting DSiWare in North America over a year ago, but Europe is still waiting for an official release. It looks like the region will go without the delightful title a little longer, as it has failed certification with Nintendo of Europe. Responding to a question on Twitter, developer Nicalis noted that Cave Story was submitted to NOE in December but failed because of "some really minor crap with the manual." Nicalis hopes to submit the game yet again sometime this month. Keep the faith, European Cave Story fans! Or you could always pick up the 3DS version.
Binary Domain delayed two weeks, to February 28
Sega sent out a new Binary Domain trailer titled "Bigger Than You Think," highlighting the dramatic storyline of the Yakuza team's shooter -- well, it's dramatic if you can get past the conceit of a team of military operatives going on a stealth mission while wearing suits covered in bright red lights. Also bigger than you'd previously thought: the wait for Binary Domain. Sega bumped the release date back by two weeks, from February 14 and 17 (in North America and Europe) to February 28.
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier launch delayed to May 22 in NA, May 24 in EU; PC version totally exists
Tom Clancy's infamous ghosts are returning to consoles on May 22, 2012 in North America and May 24 in Europe, Ubisoft announced this morning. Despite having already given the game an early March launch date, it seems that the team is retreating back into the shadows for an extra two months. Ubisoft IP development director Adrian Lacey said that, while the game is "feature complete in our multiplayer, singleplayer, and four-player co-op campaign modes," it was pushed out of its original launch "in order to ensure that all these ingredients are pushed to the highest level and provide a truly unique shooter experience." We're just worried, by the time it eventually launches, the "future" part of the title won't apply anymore. Additionally, the promised January beta is also being delayed, with gamers now able to test the multiplayer modes at some point in April. And the PC version that turned into Ghost Recon Online? It turns out that was little more than a ruse, and a full PC version of Future Soldier will arrive "at a later date." Which is to say, "after May 22/24."
Silent Hill HD Collection delayed until March [update: Konami confirms]
Update: Konami confirmed the delay with Joystiq, and said, "[the] Silent Hill HD Collection release date has been changed. The game will now be released in March. We will be sending out definitive dates on all three Silent Hill games later this week." We'll let you know just as soon as we hear what those dates are. Original post: Time means little in the limbo of Silent Hill, so too would seem to be the fate of the Silent Hill HD Collection, which several retail outlets have moved to a March launch date. The mystery started unraveling yesterday when Amazon sent out notifications that the release date had been changed to March 6. Since then, GameFly, which lists dates based off publisher information, and GameStop have also switched launch dates to March 6. We've contacted Konami for confirmation. The publisher previously slated the collection for last autumn, then shifted the date to January 24 last November.
C Spire's LTE rollout appears stalled, GPS interference doesn't help matters
Target dates come and go, and other times, they're merely brushed aside. That seems to be the case for C Spire Wireless, which (back in its days as Cellular South) announced that it would have a live LTE network by the close of 2011. At the time, the regional provider had linked arms with Samsung to build up the necessary infrastructure, although now, all the carrier can muster is, "We did not launch 4G LTE at the end of 2011. We have no further comment beyond that." Its homegrown ambitions for LTE aren't the only front that's stalled, either. If you'll remember, the network had previously inked a deal with LightSquared to provide additional LTE coverage, although without regulatory approval, it seems that C Spire will be forced to find a new game plan if it cares to match speed with the big boys.
SCEE QA holds up Trine 2 launch in Europe
For us in North America, Trine 2 is a real thing, a game we can download and play and everything. Our brothers and sisters in gaming abroad have been denied Frozenbyte's sequel so far on PS3, thanks to a QA snafu at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Eurogamer reports. "We are anxiously awaiting the European release ourselves!" exclaimed Frozenbyte's vice president Joel Kinnunen to Eurogamer. "We had both SCEA and SCEE versions ready at the same time and they are basically 100 percent the same (SCEA version already has all European languages, for example), so we are very disappointed we couldn't have a simultaneous launch. But it's out of our hands." Right now, the game's in QA at SCEE with no release date in sight. Kinnunen says "hopefully we'll hear more soon," so when some news is conjured up, we'll be sure to let you all know.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 'Ancient Warrior' DLC delayed, Magneto's regalia deemed too regal
Bad news, kind of: a selection of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 costume DLC has been bumped a few months, and will offer one fewer option when it gets here. The "Ancient Warrior Pack" DLC, once set for December 20, has been bumped until March 6 in North America, and March 7 in Europe. When it does arrive, it'll be short one costume, the Magneto get-up from Marvel's "House of M" series. Shoryuken notes that the costume has caused a bit of controversy in Spain, due to its resemblance to the traditional garb of king Juan Carlos. We suppose it is a bit undignified to see someone who looks just like your monarch being punched by a space raccoon. For that matter, it's probably not the most flattering thing to be indirectly referred to as an "Ancient Warrior." There's no word on whether the price will change in acknowledgement of the now smaller DLC pack; Capcom said it will announce pricing "closer to launch."
Anarchy Reigns reined in until July 2012
Once planned for January 2012, Sega announced that the brawler Anarchy Reigns has been delayed until July 3 in North America, July 6 in Europe, and July 5 in Australia. Offering a cryptic explanation for the delay in the announcement, Sega West Senior Vice President of Marketing Gary Knight suggested significant new content: "I can't reveal much now," he said, "but it's something to do with scale. Let's just say traditional one on one or two versus two fighters will be a thing of the past ..." Our guess is that Platinum is having a hard time getting back to work on this when Metal Gear Rising exists.
ASUS delays Transformer Prime's release until WiFi fix is found (update: Prime to be released the week of 12/19)
If you were hoping to get you hands on a Transformer Prime this month, prepare to be disappointed. After hearing rumors of the ASUS slate's delay due to Wifi issues, we've now received confirmation from ASUS Canada via one of our tipsters. The company says that "the WiFi range on the TF201 did not meet our quality standards" and that it will not release the product until the wireless is up to snuff. In order to combat the issue, ASUS "will be implementing a new solution," though it declined to elaborate on what the solution would be. Naturally, no timetable for the Transformer Prime's release was provided either. So, if you jumped on the pre-order, let us know if you've heard the same song and dance from ASUS in the comments below. [Thanks, George] Update: We heard back from ASUS US and were told the Prime is still scheduled for release the week of 12 / 19.
UFC on Xbox Live delayed to Dec. 20 [update]
Finally, a way to see some violence through your Xbox. The UFC on Xbox Live app will launch December 20, Microsoft revealed today -- a delay of almost three weeks past the previously announced date of right now. The app allows XBL members to watch pay-per-view events (after paying, of course), control playback with Kinect, and (for Gold members) communicate with other viewers on your friends list to make predictions about the outcomes of fights, even "competing" to top the watching-UFC leaderboards. After downloading the app, you'll have ten days to get a party together to watch UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem. And in the run-up to that smash-up, Xbox Live Gold users can watch the weigh-in and other related videos either live or through the app's "on-demand library." Update: Microsoft told us that all XBL users can watch pay-per-view videos. Gold membership is required for live pre-fight and other supplementary videos, "Fight Picks," and the Interactive Fight Card.
3DS firmware update delayed, will be available 'by December 8'
You may have been getting apprehensive that Nintendo wouldn't deliver the 'November update' for the 3DS's firmware on time. You would have been right to worry! In a brief message on the official site, Nintendo said that the firmware is "in the final stages of internal testing" and is now scheduled for release by December 8. The update, when released, will add 3D video recording functionality, new StreetPass games, the 3DS-to-3DS system transfer service, DLC infrastructure, and more.
New producer's letter highlights upcoming changes for Final Fantasy XIV
As we move into late November, the question on the minds of many Final Fantasy XIV players is when patch 1.20 will finally be released. Of course, subscription fees also likely figure into that question. According to the latest producer's letter from Naoki Yoshida, the patch is being developed, but it's going to take a bit longer than originally planned just to ensure that the quality is up to snuff. Considering that the update is being expanded to accommodate the release of the in-game achievement and title system, that's understandable. Yoshida also reassures players that the billing will not be started until the patch has been out for some time, with a more specific timeline being released in early December. If that alone isn't enough reading material for the holiday, Yoshida also wrote a lengthy post detailing future adjustments and improvements to Disciples of the Land and the Hand, explaining the current team's philosophy regarding ongoing storylines and content. Both that and the letter provide a look at the game's future, both in the immediate and the more distant sense.
PlayStation 3D display delayed in Europe
Those of you in Europe will have to go on playing multiplayer PS3 games in split-screen, or disperse to your separate homes, for now. The 24" PlayStation-branded 3D monitor, which was released in North America on November 13, has been delayed indefinitely in Europe. Eurogamer spoke to Sony about the delay, but was unable to ascertain a reason, or a new ETA for the device. We don't think there's a different display standard, since this is a monitor and not a TV, so that's not the issue. Conspiracy?
Torchlight 2 officially delayed, Runic prez suggests other games to play
Torchlight 2 has been officially delayed from this year until some point in the near future. Runic Games president Travis Baldree made the announcement today on the game's site, noting that the amount of development time the studio needs is "relatively small," but that it still wants to perform a small beta test before launch to ensure everything runs smoothly. "We feel pretty safe in saying that if you enjoyed Torchlight at all, this sequel is superior in every respect," Baldree wrote. "Right now our job is to ensure that the quality level is consistent all the way to the end." And then, as a brilliant distraction to stop us from crying, Baldree reminded us of the glut of goodness out there at the moment. "Besides, you're all playing Skyrim right now anyway, aren't you? Or Battlefield 3? Or Uncharted 3? Or Saints Row 3? Or Arkham City? Or Skyward Sword? Or Minecraft? Or Modern Warfare 3? Or Dark Souls? Or Assassin's Creed Revelations?" You're right, Travis! No rush. It'll take us until this time next year to make our way through everything you just mentioned anyway.
Counter Strike: GO beta delayed to address early feedback
Originally planned for October, it looks like the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive closed beta has been delayed. According to an ESEA News interview with Valve's Chet Faliszek, the beta was pushed back after the company received feedback from the Counter-Strike experts who have already tested the game. Faliszek noted that there are some fundamental issues that need to be resolved before the beta is made available to a wider audience. He didn't offer any updated release date for the beta, though he did reveal that the initial wave of the beta will include 10,000 players and will grow "in steps" as Valve tests "infrastructure and scalability." Eventually, the beta will be made available to everyone. Faliszek added that there will be no set end date for the beta, saying "we have no mandate from anybody of when we have to ship this." Essentially, he said, the final version of the beta will be the game that Valve actually releases to the public. "It will be the release game that you're just playing," he said, "and then at some point we'll say, 'Okay, now we're going to officially release it.'"
iPhone 4S welcomed by AT&T activation delays, iCloud stumbles out of the gate
If you've unboxed a shiny new iPhone 4S from AT&T today, you've most likely had an experience similar to many others who made the same purchase: frustration. It seems that the surge in activity from the release of Apple's new handset has reduced activation traffic on Ma Bell's network to a crawl. This isn't the first time the carrier has had issues on launch day -- but back then, it didn't have any competition. Now that Verizon and Sprint have joined the iPhone party, the pressure's on and AT&T's not looking good compared to the other carriers who don't appear to be having issues. As if that weren't enough for the folks in Cupertino, iCloud had a rocky debut this week as well -- from absent verification emails to an inability to backup data. Apple has documented all five of the new service's foibles via the coverage link below, but it appears everything's been peachy since early this morning. So, have you been waiting for your new iPhone to be more than a shiny new paperweight? Leave a comment, and let us know. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Silent Hill: Downpour officially pushed to Q1 2012
Please disregard initial forecasts for Silent Hill: Downpour. The launch has been delayed from 2011 to the first quarter of 2012, giving us all more time to fill bags with sand, collect tin cans full of preserved meats and, of course, panic over what the hell we're going to do about Pyramid Head. MCV broke the news earlier today, confirming the new launch window with Konami. Though the publisher has yet to release an official statement, several outlets have confirmed Downpour's going back in the oven. That's a good thing, probably: how else is protagonist Murphy supposed to dry his clothes?
