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Storyboard: Prophetic
Not every game is well suited to prophecies. Star Trek Online doesn't lend itself to vague pronouncements regarding the future, for example. Other games, such as The Secret World, seem to sustain themselves almost entirely upon prophetic vagueness, whether that's regarding mystical secrets or your bank statement for the month. And in a world filled with prophecy, it's tempting to have characters start joining in on the fun and prognosticate the future themselves. It works in books, movies, and games, after all. Of course, the thing is that a book, movie, or game is written before the fact. You can easily write a prophecy that lines up perfectly with something far down the road because you know what happens far down the road. Roleplaying, on the other hand, is not happening with a script, which means that your guesses about the future feel less like prophecy and more like someone randomly stabbing in the dark and hoping to hit something. (So more like actual prognostication.) So how do you make prophecies that don't fall apart when life happens? Here are some tips, naturally.
Carmack envisions lengthy console cycle, mysterious platform configurations on the horizon
During his expansive, three-hour long QuakeCon 2013 keynote speech/dissertation on the future of basically everything in the entire world, id Software co-founder John Carmack shared his expectations for the lifespan of the newest console generation, as well as the nebulous state of our understanding of consoles in general. "I don't think there's going to be much of a push for another generation for a long time," Carmack said in response to a question from the audience. "Really, we could be doing great, innovative work even on the current generation for many more years yet. It's not like anybody's seen everything that you could do." "I'll be surprised if we see radically better games enabled because of the new capabilities on the consoles," he continued. "And, I've thought for a while we're now past the knee of the curve of the payoff benefit, so we're going to be definitely on the gradual sloping part of it going forward." Carmack added that he doesn't expect a next-next generation of consoles will be necessary until the trade-off can be made for hardware that can handle ray tracing. Should that take the form of a PlayStation 5 or Xbox 12 as we'd be accustomed to, however, is unknown in his eyes: "Whether we get something like cloud gaming owning large shares of the market before then," he said, "or people using both systems or you just play on your mobile phone and it shows up on whatever screen's near you, that could become [the] dominant gaming platform. But, a traditional next Xbox? Yeah, I think that's a long ways off, and there's a credible argument to be made that there may not be another console generation as we know it now."
The Daily Grind: What game has the brightest future?
It's easy to be cynical and pessimistic about MMOs. At Massively, we know that very well, since hardly a week goes by without some bit of bad news coming out of a major studio. But there's also a time and a place to be optimistic, to look over the horizon and say that a game is doing well -- that what's around the corner is a good omen, not just another harbinger of doom. Today's question is simple. What game, in your opinion, has the brightest future? Are you psyched about the options in EVE Online? Thrilled at the thought of Final Fantasy XIV's re-release? Even just excited to keep playing World of Warcraft? There's no reason to disparage anything else. Today, we just want to know what game you think has the brightest future and why. Let's be optimists for a little while. Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
The Daily Grind: How far in advance will you get excited about a game?
Following WildStar since its first cinematic trailer way back when has been an interesting experience, partly because I've been so consistently lucky. I started following the game when we knew virtually nothing, and for all I knew then it could easily have turned out to be a game I'd never willingly play. That hasn't been the case, but the earlier you get on board with a game, the more your enthusiasm consists of a thin hope and some vague notions. Of course, Kickstarter projects are based almost entirely on you being a fan without ever playing the game. But for some people, following a game that's only been announced is setting yourself up for disappointment. So how far in advance will you get excited about a game? Do you get psyched from developer diaries and early screenshots, or do you wait until you play a beta build and find out the game is fun? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
This is the Modem World: So what's next?
Each week Joshua Fruhlinger contributes This is the Modem World, a column dedicated to exploring the culture of consumer technology. I just spent a week in Japan, where I attended my first Japanese wedding in Tokyo. It was lovely, different and the same all at once. I've been coming here almost annually since 1998, and while most things have remained the same, I've watched Japan's pace of consumer technology innovation take a seeming nosedive in recent years. I have no solid evidence to prove this -- just some observations. When I first visited Tokyo in 1998, Japanese mobile phones were years ahead of their American and European equivalents. Japanese mobiles were lightweight, had high-resolution -- for the time -- color screens, allowed internet access and some even had video cameras that supported real-time video chat.
World of Tanks partners with PC Gamer for new bookazine
Wargaming and Future have announced a partnership today that will see a new 148-page "bookazine" for World of Tanks fans entitled PC Gamer Presents World of Tanks. This special publication provides "beginner tips and tricks, a history of Wargaming, exclusive developer interviews, map strategies and an analysis of the game's top tanks." The print version will go on sale in the UK for £9.99 and in US Walmart stores for $11.99. A digital version is also available through the PC Gamer smartphone app for £6.99. Wargaming's UK PR manager says that this is the first in a series of partnered bookazines published by PC Gamer. Because nothing says objectivity quite like a series of sponsorships, right? [Via Wargaming press release]
EA CEO John Riccitiello resigns
John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts, has submitted his resignation today. According to a public statement by EA board chairman Larry Probst, Riccitiello's last day will be March 30, and Probst will serve as the executive chairman through the transition as the board searches for a new CEO candidate. Of course, the statement goes on to proclaim EA's "rock solid" strategy and future, as this news could certainly work against the company's reputation. Or, it could mean a bright new future with a new leader at the helm. Let us know in the comments below what you think about Riccitiello's resignation and what it could mean for EA's future. [Update: Stockholders are happy with Riccitiello's resignation as shown by a jump in EA stock.]
iPhone projected to gain market share over next 4 years, but remain in 2nd place
A lot of things can change in just a year in the world of mobile communications, so predicting where the major smartphone platforms will be four years down the road is tricky. Nevertheless, BGR reports that the International Data Corporation has made its official predictions for how smartphone ownership trends will look in 2016, and surprisingly there isn't a whole lot of change. According to the firm's data, the current smartphone market share looks like this: Android: 68.3% iOS: 18.8% BlackBerry: 4.7% Windows Phone 2.6% Linux: 2.0% Other: 3.6% In 2016, the company believes the spread will look like this: Android: 63.8% iOS: 19.1% Windows Phone 11.4% BlackBerry: 4.1% Linux: 1.5% Other: 0.1% As you can see, Android is projected to remain at the front of the pack, though it loses a bit of ground. iOS looks to remain in second place, picking up just a bit more of the market along the way. IDC expects Windows Phone will overtake BlackBerry and move into third place, while Linux and other options fall further behind. These aren't exactly bold predictions, but the firm does note that if Apple decides to offer a lower-priced new model into the marketplace, things could change. It looks like we'll only have to wait four years to see if the predictions pan out.
Bungie confirms leak of story info, concept art for Destiny
An IGN reader has provided the site with a bundle of Destiny art and story materials that it says were compiled by an ad agency. Destiny is the long-rumored secret project that will serve as Bungie's followup to the Halo series. The art shows an Earth in a future "littered with the ruins of man's Golden Age," according to the materials, with a huge alien ship sitting above the planet. There are also shots of various soldiers and war vehicles, along with a more final logo similar to the one we've seen before.And now Bungie has added to the collection with its own official piece of concept art above. On the official Bungie blog, the company vaguely confirms the leaks, saying, "Go ahead. Take a peek. It's alright. We weren't quite ready, but we will be soon, and we can't wait to finally show you what we've really been up to."The leaked documents describe Destiny as "fun and accessible to all," and say the property's goal is "to create a universe as deep, tangible and relatable as that of the Star Wars franchise." That leaked contract between Bungie and publisher Activision about the project suggests that this title will involve four games, as many DLC releases, and stretch across the next console generation, so it's possible that this art reveals the very first step in what might be a long journey forward.
Nintendo Power officially closes, last issue should be out December 11
Yesterday marked the day Nintendo Power, after running for 24 years, officially closed. The news of the magazine's end broke back in August, but yesterday some of the now former staffers revealed on Twitter they'd completed the last issue, and the office had closed its doors. That final issue should be out on December 11.You can read the favorite memories of many Nintendo Power staffers here, as well as reminisce with us and other writers as we remember a publication so prominent in our gaming childhoods.
UK magazines Xbox World, PSM3 ceasing publication by December
Independent UK magazines Xbox World and PSM3 will release its final issues on December 12, Future Publishing tells CVG. Future has plans to focus on digital growth and will redistribute all employees of the canceled magazines to other areas of the company.Xbox World announced its closure on Facebook, writing, "In all seriousness – we're really, really sad to see the mag end. We've always had loads of fun making it, and we hope you've had fun reading it. We're working on the final issue now, cramming in as many fond memories of the mag as we can."This year Future US announced it would shut down Nintendo Power and PlayStation: The Official Magazine, both with final issues planned for this holiday.
Apple's Newsstand generates big profits for publisher Future
Magazine publishing company Future has had some closures lately, as its traditional magazine business isn't doing so well. But it turns out the iPad publishing business is rocketing right up: The company reports that Apple's Newsstand app has earned it over $8 million in the last year since the service began in October of 2011. As of last March, the company had over 12 million of the "container" app downloads (which are the free trial apps you download before actually purchasing magazine issues), and had seen over a half million sales. At this point, those numbers are even higher, and with more and more iPads out there in the wild, they're likely still growing. Future's planning a lot more with this market as well, working on a brand new platform for putting these digital magazines together, announcing plans for new digital editions around the world, and new and better ways to monetize all of this digital content that it's creating. Hopefully Future can find a way for digital sales to help shore up its recent losses in print sales, and keep some of these much-beloved tech publications running.
Airbus imagines 'smarter skies' by 2050: reduced emissions and shorter flight times
Airbus has been crafting its plane of the future for some time now, and while earlier visualizations focus on see-through aircraft with shapeshifting seats, the aviation company's latest ideas have the environment -- and passengers' precious time -- in mind. Airbus just unveiled its "Smarter Skies" conceptualization of what air travel will look like in 2050, and all signs point to shorter flights and less energy consumption. For one, the aircraft manufacturer imagines an assisted takeoff, dubbed "eco-climb" mode, where smaller, lighter airplanes would depart from shorter runways and reach cruising altitude faster. Once in the air, planes could pinpoint the most direct route and travel en masse -- a la a flock of birds -- along "express skyways" to reduce emissions and arrive at their destinations sooner. (That idea's totally gonna fly, right?) And when it comes time to land, aircraft could descend into airports with engines running in idle, allowing for reduced noise and emissions. Take a look at all five concepts in action in the video below the break.
Nintendo Power remembered
Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to remember Nintendo Power. Not its passing, but its life. Nintendo Power will conclude 24 years of publication with a final issue this December. We've experienced the loss of many magazines over the years, but Nintendo Power's conclusion is different for many of us. Directly attached to childhood memories of so many, it was the publication of both the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super NES at the dawn of the console era, with children of the late 80s and early 90s eagerly awaiting the magazine's arrival every month.We've gathered some fond Nintendo Power memories from today's media after the break. Please feel free to share your happy memories too.
Sony patents method of turning TV ads into interactive mini-games
Sony holds the patent for turning television commercials into interactive video games, taking humanity one step closer a future resembling Wall-E, while the likelihood of Blade Runner fades to a distant, neon second. The patent describes one method of gaming as advertisement as a "commercial overlaid on frames of the television program allowing the user to play the game while the television program is displayed."Sony's patent provides visuals of various implementation processes, some of which include using the PlayStation console itself, along with the PS Eye, the Move or DualShock controllers, or a microphone. The controllers would allow viewers to play mini-games designed to sell products while they entertain, and they would enable people to purchase items directly from the ad. One drawing shows someone ordering a pizza by using the Move to select a large "Buy" button, and another has someone voting for a character with the X, O, square and triangle buttons.The patent also shows a microphone hooked up to the PlayStation console, enabling viewers to vocalize whether they want an action or romantic commercial. Another voice-input idea makes viewers yell out brand names to continue their shows, pictured above.The patent appears to work with internet TVs or screens attached to network-enabled devices, such as the PlayStation. If you've yet to disable your cable and hook up your PC to an HD flatscreen, now may be the time – or maybe consider that Steam Big Picture box when it launches. They can take our TVs, but they'll never take our PCs.Please scream "Joystiq!" to continue.
Editorial: The future comes slowly, but revolutions are worth waiting for
During a trip to Switzerland, my family started off on a day hike to reach the nearby foothills of a mountain. It looked doable, but as time passed the range seemed to recede before our approach. After many hours we turned around, having apparently failed to close any distance. Crossing from now to the future in technology can likewise seem illusory. When we scrutinize and celebrate each tiny incremental invention as if it were a milestone, we lose track of time as if we were counting grains of sand dropping through an hourglass. Game-changing inventions are rare, separated by epochs in which progress adds up to a lot of sameness. Futurism is an unforgiving business. But sometimes, as in the cases of cloud computing and media convergence, redemption comes with patience.
Critical Path, more than an archive of interviews with your favorite devs
Critical Path is, for now, a series of individual documentaries with influential game developers, allowing them to speak freely about the industry and what the future of gaming may come to be. For now, the interviews are candid, short and sweet, but documentary filmmaker David Grabias has plans to turn this project into much more than an online interview storage space."We have a few goals," Grabias tells Joystiq. "We want to provide a documentary-based venue for critical discussion about the art of making video games. We hope to provide developers with a place where they can come for nuggets of inspiration. We also want to provide players with insight into their game experience, and hopefully make them aware of the great minds behind the great games. Finally, we feel we are in a fascinating era in game development. We want to document it for future generations."Critical Path currently offers 121 video clips, 30-120 seconds each, distilled from more than 30 hours of interviews with developers such as Cliff Bleszinski, Sid Meier, Ken Levine, Jordan Mechner, Chris Hecker, Peter Molyneux, Will Wright and Hideo Kojima. There are "a ton more videos in the pipeline," Grabias says, but Artifact is waiting to see how people handle the current offering and will take feedback about other subjects and developers fans are interested in.Critical Path has a few more "transmedia" stages under development, including a feature-length television documentary about the art and anatomy of games, and a mobile app that will go live "hopefully sooner rather than later," Grabias says.
Minority Report at 10: a look at technology from today to 2054
Steven Spielberg's Minority Report, based on the Philip K. Dick short story, opened in North American theaters 10 years ago today. It was preceded by the director's A.I. a year earlier, which was famously a pet project of Stanley Kubrick's for decades prior, and was followed up by Spielberg's version of War of the Worlds a couple of years later. Together, they formed an unofficial trilogy of sorts that represented a turn to darker science fiction for a director noted for his more optimistic excursions into the genre. Of the three, Minority Report was the best-received out of the gate, both as a film and as a detailed vision of the near-future unlike any since Blade Runner. That reputation has largely held up in the decade since (while A.I.'s has grown quite a bit), during which time it's also become a sort of technological touchstone. For all its bleakness, the future of Minority Report was one that we could recognize, and one that we were reaching towards -- at least when it came to the technology. Human-computer interaction would be more natural than ever, advertising would be everywhere and more personalized, and smart cars would deliver us to our smart homes. Today, it's almost as common for a new technology to be described as Minority Report-like as it is to be described as Star Trek-like. That was hardly just the result of good luck.
The future for Nokia PureView: Possible slimmer models and 'not necessarily a 41MP sensor'
Nokia's 808 PureView may not even be blasting retinas in stores just yet, but that doesn't mean those Finnish cameraphone obsessives aren't already cooking up a buffet of high-megapixel ideas for the future. Vesa Jutila, Head of Product Marketing for the incoming 808 PureView, said that there was plenty more high-spec digital imaging products in the pipeline. While he wasn't about to be drawn on specifics for any future Lumia-Pureview unions just yet, there were "multiple ways" that Nokia could run with its new imaging jewel. Slimmer models are a possibility, still containing high-end Zeiss optics and Nokia's oversampling techniques avoiding the need for optical zoom. He added that the next generation of Nokia camera sensors are already being worked on -- the 808 PureView was borne from an idea back in 2007. Jutila included one more soupçon of information: future PureView products "would not necessarily have the same 41-megapixel sensor" that we've been playing with recently.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: self-driving cars, solar parasols and the ultimate DIY Iron Man suit
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green. What seems more futuristic: flying cars or self-driving cars? They both sound a bit like science fiction, but they're both getting closer to becoming a reality. In the latest chapter of Google's efforts to develop a car that uses video cameras, radar sensors and lasers to navigate through traffic, the state of Nevada just granted Google the world's first license for a computer-controlled, driverless Toyota Prius. Meanwhile, this week we also checked in on the PAL-V (which stands for "Personal Air and Land Vehicle"), a two-seat hybrid car and gyroplane that runs on gas, biodiesel or bio-ethanol. In other transportation news, the Texas Central Railroad floated a plan to build a $10-billion bullet train that would run between Houston and Fort Worth, and Toyota officially unveiled its second-generation 2012 RAV4 EV, which features a Tesla powertrain. We also saw green technology cropping up in unexpected places this week, like the $1-billion ghost town that will be built on virgin desert land in Lea County, New Mexico to test emerging green technologies. Construction on the ghost town is set to begin in late June. Milwaukee native Bryan Cera invented Glove One, a 3D-printed glove that doubles as a cell phone. And in Tokyo, participants heaved 100,000 LED lights into the Sumida River as part of the 2012 Tokyo Hotaru Festival. Although it certainly looked cool, that's a lot of LED bulbs to literally dump in the river, and it raises some questions about e-waste. GE found a more practical use for LEDs, unveiling a new LED light bulb to replace the 100-watt incandescent.
