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GameFly listing may indicate Dragon Age: Origins delay [update: it's official]
Now, before you panic, just take a moment a listen to us. We're going to get you through this. Yes, Shacknews is reporting that GameFly has listed Dragon Age: Origins for Nov. 3 and Nov. 19 on the 360 and PS3 respectively, but that's only two to four weeks after its current October 20 release date. That's not so bad, is it?Besides, we're not even sure this definitely means the game will be late coming to retail -- it could just be a GameFly oddity. We've put the word out to BioWare for confirmation and we'll let you know as soon as we hear something. For now, let's all just take a nice, deep breath. OK?[Update: Just heard from BioWare's Erik Einsiedel on this: "We're still targeting an October 20 release date. If that were to change, we'd issue a press release."][Update 2: Well, it's not a press release, but we just spoke with BioWare's senior PR manager, Matt Atwood, who confirmed that all versions of Dragon Age: Origins will arrive in November. The developer's official word on the revised dates: "We are pleased to announce that Dragon Age: Origins will be released on November 3 in North America and November 6 in Europe for Xbox 360 and PC. The PlayStation 3 version of the game will follow later in November."]
PS3 version of Star Ocean: The Last Hope pops up on GameFly [update]
Xbox 360 "exclusive" Star Ocean: The Last Hope has appeared on GameFly under the PS3 platform with a TBD release date. We followed up with GameFly and a company spokesperson let us know, "We simply post information as it is supplied to us by the publishers."Apparently, enough time has gone by for the "exclusive" game to do its damage to the competition abroad. We're currently awaiting a response from Square Enix and we'll update as soon as we receive a transmission from the distant star system.Update: Square Enix has responded to our request for comment, saying that "[The GameFly listing] was an error, but we cannot comment on an official PS3 release [of the game]."
Rumor: NinjaBee disc compilation releasing this fall [update]
It appears that a disc compilation of NinjaBee's Xbox 360 DLC games is in the works for this fall. The NinjaBee Critic's Choice Collection announcement comes courtesy of a GameFly post which, if history serves us properly, are typically not speculative. The only thing that may be buzzing in our ear as bee-ing iffy is the release date of October 15. We've contacted NinjaBee for confirmation, but were told that it couldn't provide us any information at this time. Although we're unaware of what games would be on the disc, NinjaBee's titles include: Outpost Kaloki, A Kingdom for Keflings, Cloning Clyde, Band of Bugs and many more. We're leaving the hive door open if the company wants to give us the buzz. Update: Officially, the company stated it does not comment on rumor and speculation; we were also told to "watch carefully for an upcoming announcement." But, when explaining the company's philosophy, a representative said, "If we were to do something like that, we would want to pack as much as we can onto a disc ... we'd want to offer a good value there." [Thanks, Chris S.]
Gamefly lists ModNation Racers for PSP as well
It makes perfect sense, if you think about it -- at E3, the talk of the town regarding United Front's new franchise, ModNation Racers, is that it's the kart racing equivalent of LittleBigPlanet. Why, then, would it not follow the trajectory of Media Molecule's highly customizable platformer, springing from the console from whence it came onto Sony's handheld? According to a recent Gamefly listing, ModNation Racers is doing just that. The popular game rental service recently added a PSP entry titled Modnation, which is supposedly set to share the PS3 game's tentative release date of February 28. We've emailed United Front to see if GameFly's got their ducks in a row.Update: A Sony PR rep replied to us with a standard issue response, claiming, "reference to any other version of this title is merely rumor and speculation."[Via Siliconera]
GameFly launches Flash game site Ponged.com
With the launch of Ponged.com, GameFly continues its slow, but steady, transition from video game rental service to internet publishing operation. The latest website started by the rental service is a collection of 500 free-to-play Flash games. The titles are "hand-picked" by "hardcore gamers" to keep the riffraff out.If playing Flash games on your computer doesn't seem hip, Ponged.com is also designed to work with the web browsers on the Wii and PS3. For those playing games at the office, the site has a "boss button" that'll conceal the game. Ponged.com: Helping people waste time at work and not get fired since 2009.
GameFly videos express the pain of buying bad games
GameFly's current TV commercial is a mash-up of over-the-top reactions to people buying bad games. The company sent over a couple more cute clips of disappointment for purchasing those titles we'd just as soon hadn't. The one above is pretty much the way we imagine anyone who bought Lord of the Sword for the Sega Master System still feels to this day. After the break is an outtake video from one of the actors in the aired commercial and the other is another ad that just never made it to broadcast.
Gamefly reveals North American box art for Space Bust-a-Move
It's no secret that we're big fans of Taito's DS lineup. The revamps of Taito classics have ranged from good (Arkanoid) to surprisingly great (The Legend of Kage 2) to the very best of the DS (Space Invaders Extreme). When Taito unveiled a new DS version of Puzzle Bobble (known here as Bust-a-Move), we couldn't wait to hear news of a localization. Well, there still hasn't been any announcement, but a box art image has popped up on GameFly for what is now called Space Bust-a-Move, which is official enough for us. The Bub and Bob on the box are even competently drawn, which hasn't always been the case.Even though previews suggest that the game didn't turn out that great, we're still too tempted by the combination of Bust-a-Move, online play, and paddle support to move this off our radar.
GameFly files formal complaint against USPS over breakage rates, preferential treatment
GameFly has filed a formal complaint with the United States Postal Service over breakage rates and preferential treatment for its competitors, reports Shacknews. The company claims that the USPS has "adopted a practice of manually culling out the DVD mailers of two high-volume shippers of DVDs, Netflix and Blockbuster, for special processing." The company states that when it requested the same treatment that it was denied.GameFly stated that in-transit breakage -- which it claims is about 1% -- still occur, despite the company's efforts to reduce that by using cardboard protectors and "tests with larger mailers." The company has also experienced "substantial rates" of disc theft, but the USPS has cracked down on that, with the arrest of 19 USPS employees. GameFly even changed its mailer color from bright orange to a very plain white years ago to reduce theft.When approached by Joystiq regarding the situation, GameFly responded with "no comment."
OTX planning box office-style tracking of games market
One more sign we're moving towards a world where marketing for all media is intrinsically tied together? OTX Research today announced plans for video game market tracking, firing a warning shot over the bows of GameSpot's Trax service and IGN's GamerMetrics, not to mention NPD and EEDAR. Rather than offering various metrics based on target audiences (in the case of IGN and GameSpot) or retail sales numbers which exclude a variety of alternate purchasing options (in the case of NPD and EEDAR), OTX plans to track online retailers and has brokered a deal with GameFly and AERS (eBay data handler). "We range from people who spend three hours a week on Yahoo Games to people who spend 50 hours a week on Xbox Live," OTX's director of gaming Nick Williams told The Cut Scene, referencing the company's data gathering methods. OTX has been interviewing large sections of folks that play games, mirroring the model used by the film and television industry. OTX also says it's looking to move into other media, combining the research found in games with film and television to predict sales trends across multiple entertainment mediums. "You can look at that model and say, 'Don't launch game X when movie Y is opening.' Because all these things are interconnected now." Or at least they will be, Mr. Williams. These things do take time, after all, so you'll excuse us if we don't hold our breath.
Rumor: GameFly shows Mad Dog McCree setting sights on Wii
If it weren't the day before April Fool's day, then we'd be willing to bet that a rumor regarding 19 year-old laserdisc game Mad Dog McCree coming to the Nintendo Wii is nothing short of malarkey. As it stands, however, the listing at GameFly is pretty compelling evidence.We'll concede that the game would most certainly have a place on the Wii, with the Wiimote's IR sensor performing just as well, if not better, than a DVD remote. But, it's a 19 year old game. And not even a good game, at that. Why would they port it to Wii? Oh, right ...We've put word in to Majesco (the publisher listed at GameFly) concerning the game and will be sure to update as soon as we receive a response.[Via Siliconera]
Secret Agent Clank may karate chop PS2
Some may argue that the PSP games library is filled with PS2 ports. Those people are wrong. In fact, it's the PS2 library that's filled with PSP ports! Joining games like Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror and Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters, it appears Secret Agent Clank will be receiving its very own PS2 port. GameFly currently has a listing for a PS2 version of last year's stealth-inspired platformer. Considering the developer's track record, a PS2 port seems quite inevitable.Some may dislike seeing PSP lose yet another exclusive, but we're impressed that Sony still continues to offer PS2 owners new games. Nine years into the PS2's life, and it's still chugging along quite nicely.[Via Siliconera]%Gallery-8260%
Warriors Orochi: The Collective coming to PS3
The Blu-ray compilation of Warriors Orochi games, Musou Orochi Z, will be released in Japan later this week and, if online rental service GameFly is right, it could be coming to North America, too. A listing for Warriors Orochi: The Collective was discovered in GameFly's database by Siliconera and, by the sound of it, the two games are one and the same. This is not the first time that GameFly has prematurely unveiled upcoming games, having spoiled Atlus' Devil Summoner 2 surprise. For those who just can't get enough Warriors games from Koei, Warriors Orochi: The Collective combines the first two PS2 Orochi games onto a single Blu-ray disc with upgrades and added content. It'll be the first Orochi title to appear on the PS3.
GameFly opens first 'G-Box' game rental kiosk
GameFly has expanded its reach to rental kiosks, the first having been spotted on campus at Texas Tech University. The Daily Toreader, reports the 'G-Box' kiosk allows gamers access to hundreds of Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii titles for a daily rental fee.Rentals range from $2.49 (Xbox 360/PS3) to $1.99 (Wii), appealing to those looking to try a new title for a short period of time and are without access to a local rental store. However, extended rentals from the kiosk may put a strain on students' wallets in comparison to GameFly's own monthly rates.GameFly plans to launch the 'G-Box' throughout the United States, allowing consumers to rent using a credit card.Recently, rental giant Blockbuster has extended its Total Access service to video games. With GameFly now tapping the physical market, it seems the battle for rental superiority is going to get ugly.[Via 1UP]
GameFly members award Fallout 3 with GOTY
GameFly's sixth annual Q Awards have bestowed Fallout 3 with "Game of the Year" and "Xbox 360 Game of the Year" honors. The winners were selected by tallying over 100,000 votes by the rental service's subscribers. The winners across platforms: PS3 game of the year - Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS2 game of the year - Kingdom Hearts: Re-Chain of Memories PSP game of the year - God of War: Chains of Olympus Xbox 360 game of the year - Fallout 3 Wii game of the year - Super Smash Bros. Brawl DS game of the year - Final Fantasy IV To see the runners-up in each category, check out the Q Awards page at GameFly. Looking at the list (and taking into account GameFly's demographic), is anyone surprised?
Blockbuster integrates games into Total Access subscription [update]
Blockbuster announced today that it will begin offering game rentals as part of its Total Access online movie rental service. The company will start a pilot program during its second quarter, with a goal of implementing the integrated system nationally by the second half of the year. Essentially, Blockbuster is trying to morph Total Access into a Netflix meets GameFly offering. The question: Will the quality of service be as high as the two go-to names in the field?Several details on how this program will work are missing from the company's press release. We've contacted Blockbuster and will hopefully speak with them soon. We'll update as soon as we hear back.Update: We talked to Bob Barr, vice president and general manager for Blockbuster Online. He answers our questions after the break about the service and the possibility of integration with PS3.
Retailers suggest April release for Rhythm Heaven
Rhythm Heaven could be out in North America on April 5th, according to listings on the websites of Amazon and Best Buy. Gamefly lists the 7th, but their release dates are uniformly a couple of days behind the official one. Nintendo has yet to specify the release date for the WarioWare team's rhythm microgame collection beyond the "first half" of the year. At least Amazon moved their date up from November!Siliconera notes that Nintendo has scheduled one first-party DS game for every month in the first quarter: Personal Trainer: Math in January, Fire Emblem in February, and Pokémon Platinum in March. Rhythm Heaven could be their one game in April! It could also be the "launch game" for the DSi, also rumored to come out in April.%Gallery-26615%
Killzone 2 is GameFly's most wanted title
According to GamerDeals, Killzone 2 has topped GameFly's "Most Queued" list, making it the most popular title on the online rental service. This moment is marked also by the fact that this is the first time a PS3 title has held the top spot. The first-party, first-person shooter from Guerrilla Games has beaten out multiplatform games like Street Fighter IV and Resident Evil 5. For the full top ten list, be sure to have a look past the break. Now, there's one last inkling left on our minds. Seeing as Killzone 2 is the most sought after rental, we wonder if that implies anything about interest in buying the game? It'll be interesting to see what goes down when the game releases worldwide later this month.
Joystiq interviews GameFly about Shacknews acquisition
We caught up with GameFly today regarding its surprising purchase of Shacknews, along with all related sites. Speaking with GameFly co-founder Sean Spector, we asked him what the plans are for the respected site and how it fits into GameFly's business. We also made sure to ask if there are any expected layoffs and how it plans to succeed where companies like GameTap have failed.Joystiq: So, first question: Why?Sean Spector: We just feel there is for our users and our members, and as well the gamer community at large, that there's a growing need for quality game content. The guys at Shacknews have done a really good job of building a site and content that gamers seem to respond to.Is it confirmed that the entire Shacknews staff is staying on? No layoffs?SS: Steven Gibson, the founder, is not staying on. That was one of the reasons for him to want to sell the site. He's been doing it for 14 years and wanted to, sort of, take a vacation from the site. He and I are going to be talking on a regular basis. He's a really good guy, it's his baby, and I want to do it justice. Nick and Chris, who are the two journalists staying on, they are GameFly employees. Maarten, who has been doing the technical development for the last several years will stay on, probably as a consultant.
GameFly purchases Shacknews
Online game rental service GameFly has purchased Shacknews and its related websites, including FileShack. Shacknews announced GameFly plans to maintain the sites and even bolster with "additional resources." With an understanding that recent takeovers of beloved editorial institutions haven't gone so well, GameFly's co-founder, Sean Spector, states that the rental service isn't "looking to twist and turn the site into something else."It's certainly an interesting move for the rental service to buy an editorial outlet and talk expansion, especially in this economy. Then again, GameFly's business doesn't seem to be hurting, as it continues to expand its rental service with a new distribution center in Seattle. In the words of a very wise book: Don't Panic.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]
Mystery Atlus title is Devil Summoner 2
Retail and other game-related listings such as the GameFly rental service can be rather devilish in regards to unveiling upcoming titles. At times, they'll accidentally let word of a new game slip out without ever knowing they've done so. We have something called "unwitting database maintenance" to thank for that. In this case of secrecy screw-ups, GameFly divulges that Atlus plans to release a localized Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha versus King Abaddon for PS2 sometime in mid-May. Atlus recently teased a new Shin Megami Tensei title, one that seems likely to be the same as the GF listing. If these suspicions hold true, expect a return to devil summoning real soon.Update: Minutes after this post went live, Atlus confirmed Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, stating, "The longer the title, the better the game." Every first-press copy will include a free Raiho plushie, but the general release will be "extremely limited in quantity." The game is expected to ship May 12, 2009 with an MSRP of $39.99.%Gallery-43267%
