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Official Scrabble app 'launches' on Facebook, unplayable in North America
The official Scrabble Facebook application has recently launched, but don't expect the Scrabulous boys to be shaking in their word-savvy boots anytime soon. Copyright issues prevent the game from being played in the US and Canada, and numerous game-breaking bugs make it only slightly more playable everywhere else.The region-locking is due to the confusing state of Scrabble's international copyright. In the majority of the world, toy manufacturer Mattel owns the rights to the game, but in North America, that honor goes to Hasbro. Everything would be honky dory with the Facebook version, except that EA already has an agreement with Hasbro to distribute digital versions of their titles, which the RealNetworks-developed Facebook app would be in breach of if Scrabble were playable in North America.Fortunately, North Americans apparently aren't missing much: the game is currently suffering from the "beta blues", with its woefully-small user base already up in arms on the discussion boards over some usability issues, as well as the system's penchant for deleting in-progress games. Nothing beats the real thing, right?[Via Purple Pawn]
Eye of Judgment expansion coming March 27, online purchase required
When word broke earlier this month of an expansion to Sony and Wizards of the Coast's fourth wall-breaking PlayStation 3 card game, Eye of Judgment, few details were offered save for a promise of more cards and a rather ambiguous spring release. Now Sony has nailed down a specific date, March 27, for the 100-card expansion's debut, as well as let loose a number of details surrounding just what players can expect from the new set once they get over that intoxicating 'new card smell.'While the additions are numerous, the most interesting bit concerns how exactly the new cards will be made available to players, as it turns out that Sony will double dip into the wallets of those who wish to try out the new cards first hand. According to the PlayStation.Blog, before being able to use any new cards purchased from the new set, the expansion will first require players to pay for a download from PlayStation Network, adding new artwork, animations, and rules for game's second set of cards. We still don't know exactly how much this download will run, though the set's boosters and theme decks will continue to carry the normal asking price of $3.99 and $14.99 respectively. If there is a silver lining to be taken from this news however, it's that even those players who choose not invest in the new expansion will be able to play against those that do, no doubt excellent news for players who decide to stand strong against the tides of capitalism alongside their army of Biolith ninjas.
Eye of Judgment expansion coming this spring
We're happy to hear that Sony hasn't given up on their augmented reality collectible card game, Eye of Judgment. Co-publisher Wizards of the Coast is already printing the first expansion for the PS3-compatible card series, due this spring.PS3 Fanboy has an exclusive look at one of the new cards, with more cards and details over at Sony's official Playstation blog. There were distribution problems with the first set of EOJ boosters, with gamers having a hard time finding cards in their local shops, as well as rampant card copying making it easier to cheat in online matches. Let's hope Sony and Wizards have plugged up the piracy problems with set 2, as well as made the real things easier to find.Read - First card revealed from the upcoming Eye of Judgment expansion [PS3 Fanboy]Read - Hot Off THE EYE OF JUDGMENT Card Press: Set 2 [Playstation.Blog]
NERF Wii Blaster is the coolest peripheral ever
Normally, we wouldn't care too much about NERF N-Strike on the Wii, one of many titles in development following EA and Hasbro's lucrative partnership. But our ears definitely perked up when we heard that the title will ship with a specially designed blaster controller, which will perform double-duty as a standard Wii gun peripheral, and as a functional, dart-firing NERF gun.Shacknews provides an image of the sweet blaster, seen above. According to EA's press release, the game will feature single and multiplayer gameplay focused around "NERF mayhem." Honestly, we're expecting a run-of-the-mill Wii mini-game shooting title, but we're probably going to buy it anyway. After all, this run-of-the-mill Wii game comes with a NERF gun.[Via Wii Fanboy]
EA's Nerf N-Strike is Nerf onscreen and off [update]
EA's deal with Hasbro is starting to bear fruit, with announcements of Littlest Pet Shop and Nerf N-Strike games on the DS and Wii. The press release revealing these games has something wonderful buried within it that instantly upgrades Nerf N-Strike from "nondescript licensed game" to "please tell us more": "With the brand new custom Nerf blaster, players can then take the action outside as their controller transforms to fire actual Nerf darts!"Take that, Wii Zapper (and by that, we mean a barrage of Nerf darts). The Nerf Wiimote shell was nice, but this is how you integrate the squishy weapons with waggling. The new Wii Crotch Missile is the perfect companion piece to the Wii Crotch Bat![Update: thanks to Shacknews, we can now gaze upon the Wii Nerf gun. It's amazing.][Via Siliconera]
Yo Joe! EA's Hasbro deal includes G.I. Joe
When we first caught wind of the games made possible by EA's newly inked deal with Hasbro, well ... at first we cringed at the thought of Monopoly over EA's POGO service (some games will make you more violent), then we wondered aloud where the G.I. Joe announcement was. With a live-action movie debuting next year, the opportunity to exploit our nostalgia could just as easily take a two-pronged offensive with the release of a game based on the license. But, alas, there was no mention in their announcement ...Hollywood trade pub Variety reports "Numerous sources said that EA will release a game in conjunction with Paramount's 2009 summer tentpole" and that an "EA rep confirmed that the publisher has interactive rights to G.I. Joe as part of its overall deal with Hasbro, but declined to comment on any specific game plans." [Update: An EA spokesperson just confirmed with Joystiq that their "agreement with Hasbro does include the digital rights to GI Joe."Well, now we know ...[image credit]
EA to bring Hasbro to your DS
For those of you who find themselves enjoying board games, but would like considerable less board in there, know that EA has announced that several Hasbro properties will be turned into games by the publishing powerhouse. No longer will your games of Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit be confined to the Monday night get-together at your neighbor's house, as you'll soon be able to enjoy these games without your "friends."The titles currently in the works are: Littlest Pet Shop (DS, Wii, PC) - fall NERF "N-Strike" (Wii, DS) - fall Looking over the rest of the list for titles releasing on mobile phones and to EA's online POGO portal, we're wondering why the DS is getting the shaft. Monopoly, Yahtzee and Scrabble are all releasing on mobile phones and via POGO, but where's the DS love? All we get are these two games? We hope this changes ...[Via Joystiq]
EA announces intial batch of Hasbro games, G.I. Joe sadly absent
Electronic Arts has sewn up the rights to deliver games based on numerous Hasbro properties, though before you get too excited in hopes that you'll soon be revisiting your past and playing games based on G.I. Joe, we should note that of this "initial slate" of brands singled out by the companies not one packs a 'kung fu grip.' EA calls these games "new ways for families to build relationships through digital entertainment," which of course means we'll be seeing at least some of these games crop up on the Wii. In fact, the first titles from the deal confirmed for both the Wii and DS include games based on Littlest Pet Shop and NERF "N-Strike," both of which are being put together by EA's Salt Lake Studio. Last year EA inked a deal with Hasbro for rights to make games based on the seemingly innocent but often cutthroat board game Monopoly, and players will be able to edge their way out of (and into) virtual bankruptcy come March for mobile phones and later in the fall over EA's casual POGO portal for the PC. Other brands in the works as part of this new deal include Scrabble, Operation, and Trivial Pursuit, meaning that in the not to distant future we could be once again partying like it's Christmas 1980.
Hasbro's Room Tech Clock is in kahoots with the Lamp: be afraid
Despite numerous technological advancements in home automation, it's never really seemed to catch on with the mainstream. Now it's time for the children -- our future -- to take things into their own hands. Hasbro is launching the Room Tech Clock (left) and Room Tech Lamp (right), which put a bit of wireless conspiracy to good use by having the Clock turn on the Lamp when the alarm goes off. Sadly, these kids aren't really dreaming big yet, since that's about all this duo can do, other than an audio jack on the alarm to play tunes off your portable audio player. The two Room Tech devices will be out in September, at least in the UK, for £39.99 ($79 US) a piece.
Scrabulous under fire from Hasbro, Mattel
With 2.3 million active users, Scrabulous has become the Facebook application of choice for linguaphiles and procrastinators unlike. Unfortunately for its many, many fans, Scrabble publisher Hasbro has become a bit grumpy over the success of the free, unofficial clone of its bestselling game. CNN's Fortune blog reports that Hasbro's been trying to pull the plug, requesting that the web and Facebook versions of the clone be removed.Hasbro owns all distribution rights for Scrabble in the United States. Mattel, who owns the rights for all other parts of the world, has only recently joined in the fight, placing further pressure on Scrabulous' developers, who are based out of Calcutta.At the moment, EA currently has a contract deal with Hasbro to develop and distribute digital versions of its games, including Scrabble. One commenter on CNN's post, who claims to represent Hasbro, stated that EA is currently developing a digital version of Scrabble, and that Scrabulous' execution raised heads after being strikingly similar to the version in production. Whether or not this is true, we hope that some sort of agreement can be reached that can keep the Facebook app afloat.Read - "Will someone please start a Facebook group to save Scrabulous?" [CNN Fortune]Read - "Facebook asked by Mattel to remove Scrabulous" [CNet]
Hasbro serves up toys galore, aims for tweens
Gateway and Linksys aren't the only firms using Digital Life to showcase new wares, as Hasbro is making the most of its opportunity by inviting fun-lovin' tweens over to its booth to play with a number of new holiday must-haves. Aside from the familiar Power Tour guitar and NET JET game, the company is also showing off its Littlest Pet Shop VIPs (virtual interactive pets), which will launch next month for $14.99 apiece, and a few new critters in the Furreal Friends family, one of which is pictured above. Additionally, Tiger Electronics is introducing its October-bound I-Dog Amp'd ($34.99), which will "tap its paw to the tune, bob its head to the beat, swish its ears and wag its tail to the rhythm of your favorite songs." Lastly, the I-List Music Party game sounds like the perfect way to entertain guests at your next sleepover, and should be available soon to test your knowledge of music for $19.99. Click on through for a few more pics.
Sony's PlayStation Eye gets a release date
For those of you whose salivary glands have been working overtime when thinking about Sony's new PlayStation Eye PS3 camera accessory (and we're sure there's at least one or two of you), you better go get a napkin. According to reports, the interactive, VGA cam will be heading out to stores bundled with Hasrbo's RPG / card game The Eye of Judgment on October 23rd, for the shockingly low price of $69.99. No word on whether that bundle will include the EyeCreate editing software, or when / if the Eye will be available on its own. Hey -- you'll probably want the game anyhow.
Monopoly Here and Now released at Macgamestore
I never even realized such a thing existed, but apparently Hasbro (which now owns the Monopoly brand) had released a computer version of the famous real estate game, completely updated for 2007-- as in, there are Hybrid cars and RAZRs in the game (yeah, yeah, I'll get to that in a second), and luxury tax now costs you $150,000, instead of the quaint old $75. And it's now been released for the Mac-- you can pick it up for $20 over at Macgamestore, or grab the demo for free at Macgamefiles.Gamespot users thought the PC version was pretty all right, so if you like the game a lot but don't always have the real opponents around to sit through the whole thing with you, this might be right up your alley.But of course, what I'd like to see, in either virtual or realspace, is an actual Apple-branded edition of Monopoly-- the Newton and Lisa can be Mediterranean and Baltimore, and Park Place and Boardwalk get to be the iPhone and the iPod touch. You can have little Jobs and Woz figurines to move around the board (the shoe stays-- love the shoe), although I'm not sure what the railroads would be-- Apple keynotes at Mac conferences? Get on that, Hasbro![via IMG]
Hasbro's Power Tour guitar finally launches
It's been a long time comin', but the Power Tour guitar we peeped back in January is nearly ready for your youngster's hands. Modeled after a Gibson SG, this axe enables your little ones (or you, it's alright) to plug in any source and rock right along with it, and the built-in learning mode should do a decent job in creating the Guitar Zeros of tomorrow. Ships on the 15th for just under $70.[Via OhGizmo, image courtesy of Popular Science]
EA and Hasbro start casual relationship
Atari got lucky by jumping on Jenga when they did! As part of their new casual games initiative, EA has partnered with Hasbro to create games "based upon a huge array of Hasbro's intellectual properties, including Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Nerf, Tonka and Littlest Pet Shop, to name a few."We desperately want to make fun of the idea of Hasbro toys on Wii, but we've already got Nerf stuff, and board games actually seem to work out nicely on Xbox Live. Maybe more board games would be a good idea! The big deal for us would be online play, and we hope EA realizes that. Littlest Pet Shop may not need to make the transition to video games, however. We can do without that one. We got a little creeped out just looking at those droopy-eyed characters.[Via Joystiq]
EA gets monopoly on Monopoly
Electronic Arts knows a thing or two about having a "monopoly," now they own the rights to it. A partnership between EA and Hasbro gives both companies the rights to dabble in each other's pool. EA gains "exclusive worldwide rights" to create games based on Hasbro products like Monopoly, Scrabble, Nerf, Yahtzee and basically anything else you probably remember from childhood. Hasbro will be able to make toys based on EA properties -- darn, we might actually pay for Spore mix and match figures if they make them. The deal runs until the end of 2013, with an option for another four years.The partnership is part of the newly formed EA Casual Entertainment strategy. A whole division of EA fully focused on bringing high-end casual games to the mass market. This partnership may be a good thing for EA. Actually, they're the perfect company to handle putting games that haven't changed in a half-century on consoles, they've practically been doing the same thing with the Madden franchise for years.
Rumor: Atari building Wii Jenga game
According to NeoGAFer grindamasta, Atari will be showing a new, previously unnanounced game at E3: Jenga. We have no idea what it is, although we are pretty sure it'll at least be block-stacking themed.If all there is is the main Jenga game, we'd have to question the point of playing a virtual version with Wiimotes instead of just paying the $10 for the real thing. Even if the Wiimote is totally the best choice for a Jenga simulation. But again, we don't know! It could be a Puzzle Quest-style RPG with Jenga battling. Or Jenga Kart Racing.
Hasbro unveils Real Gear Transformers based on real life gadgets
Those of you not able to bust out your cardboard box Optimus Prime costume and make a scene at your local theaters next month when the new Transformers movie hits can at least comfort yourselves with the most amazing onslaught of merchandise tie-ins and cross-promotions we've yet seen out of Hollywood -- Hasbro's Real Gear line of bots are an Engadget editor's geeky wet dream mashup of gadgets and Transformers. See: Speed Dial 800 (pictured), which seems to have copped his look from a Star Trek, or Power Up VT6, which from what we can tell is the unholy marriage of Sega Game Gear and first-gen Game Boy Advance. Pics of all the new Real Gear Transformers (with our guesses as to which devices they likeliest correspond to) in the gallery.[Via Crave]%Gallery-3591%
Hasbro to provide trading cards for PS3's Eye of Judgment
Hasbro has announced a collaboration with Sony Computer Entertainment that will see the toy maker produce trading cards for the PlayStation 3's upcoming camera-based card battler, Eye of Judgment. No stranger to tabletop games, thanks to its Wizards of the Coast subsidiary and Magic: The Gathering series, Hasbro has agreed to create, manufacture and distribute all the cards used in the PS3 game.Eye of Judgment promises to take tabletop gaming in an elaborate (and surely more expensive) direction by adding the PlayStation Eye camera and a video game console to the normal process of lining up cards and having paper monsters clobber each other with increasingly obscure statistics. Instead of using your boring, standard definition imagination to envision the excitement, the PS3 will scan the cards and generate 3D models of the creatures in play. Of course, it doesn't sound as exciting when you put it like that, so be thankful for Sony's Phil Harrison having stored up a whole deck of hyperbole trap cards. "The Eye of Judgment represents a totally new genre in gaming," says the corporate executive. "Combining Hasbro's clear market leadership in trading card games with the immense power of PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Eye, is a powerful formula that will result in a revolutionary video game experience that will amaze and engage gamers around the world." [image source]
Hasbro recalls almost 1 million Easy-Bake Ovens
Many of us have fond childhood memories of scarfing down delicious, undercooked treats courtesy of the old Easy-Bake Oven, but it looks like today's chefs-in-training have a little more to worry about than runny brownies: Hasbro is recalling almost a million of the toys because of a risk of burns and trapped extremities. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 985,000 Ovens sold between May 2006 and the beginning of this month contain a potentially dangerous defect, wherein children can receive a nasty burn on their chubby little fingers after getting them trapped in the oven's opening. So far there have been 29 reported incidents of stuck fingers and five reports of burns, prompting Hasbro to release a retrofit kit that apparently remedies the problem and sports a helpful warning label. Owners of the affected models should immediately pull their rugrat away from that soufflé he or she is baking and stick the Easy-Bake on a high shelf until the kit -- which is free by request -- arrives in the mail. In the meantime, this might be a good opportunity to review the whole "stop, drop, and roll" procedure and teach your tykes to apply burn cream, just in case another one of their toys (Flamosapien, perhaps?) gets a little hot under the collar.
