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Born for Wii: NBA Jam
Nintendo knows how to sell you a console. Whether it's Tetris bundled with every Game Boy, Super Mario World packed in with each shiny new SNES, or Wii Sports freely tagging along with the bazillions of Wiis they've sold in the past two years, the gaming giant has a history of providing fun and enticing games as a free incentive to buy their consoles. This generation, Wii Sports has certainly become a runaway success -- there's probably an unsettling number of people who never even put another game in their system. And while Wii Sports can be a lot of fun, it's obviously a pretty simplistic experience that doesn't cover the range of entertainment sports have to offer. Sports videogames often get a bad rap for spawning milked franchises and little but roster changes from year-to-year, but every so often a game comes along and totally annihilates the formula. In 1993, that game was NBA Jam. Midway's NBA Jam defined and popularized an arcadey, totally unrealistic and totally awesome style of gameplay for sports games. No fouls. Superhuman dunks. Turbo mode. Like the football series NFL Blitz Midway would develop several years later, NBA Jam passed up the finer points of basketball (like, you know, the rules) to focus on what really made the game fun. It's been several years since anything inspired by NBA Jam saw the light of day, and it's high time this timeless series returns to its former glory with a new take on its wacky, blissful gameplay. #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } NEXT >> %Gallery-40285% Every week, Born for Wii digs into gaming's sordid past to unearth a new treasure fit for revival on the Nintendo Wii. Be sure to check out last week's entry in the series, Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath, and for more great titles that deserve your attention, take a look at Virtually Overlooked.
Midway execs get rich while company crashes
While Midway collapses, the fabulous salaries of the executives who brought the company to its knees are coming under scrutiny. TGR has a great post up about the ridiculous compensation the higher-ups at Midway were receiving over the last couple of years -- right as hundreds of employees are set to lose their jobs.Let's see here -- former CEO David F. Zucker made $4.5 million over the past two years. Current VP Martin Spiess made a little over a half million in 2007, which is about the same amount current CEO Matt Booty also made. TGR puts it in perspective: if the average industry salary is about $50k, Zucker's take over the last two years "could have paid for all 180 of those workers [who lost their jobs] to be employed at full pay for another six months." That logic and math might be a little fuzzy, but it's always disheartening to see the ineffective executives make out like bandits.
The Wheelman shouldn't look fun, trailer proves otherwise
Movie star. Pawned Hollywood story. Slowly dying publisher. Mix these elements into a blender with your favorite liqueur and you're typically going to get "crap in a glass." But, based on the cinematic trailer for The Wheelman the game actually looks entertaining. One part Burnout, two parts Transporter; The Wheelman could shape up to be a solid release if all the stars align in the favor of developer Tigon Studios.And no, we're not going to hate on Vin Diesel in this post because the last time he was involved with a game, things got done right. We will however hate on the dialogue in the trailer, "A good driver knows when to start and knows when to stop." Really? Thanks, The Wheelman! That actually might be the first question on the learner's permit written exam. Not exactly brimming with the Hollywood toughness their script writer probably thought it was when he wrote it. But, we digress.
Midway lays off 180 employees worldwide, Midway Austin closed [update]
We've just heard secondhand that Midway has laid off "about" 160 people, mainly in its Chicago studio. This wouldn't be surprising considering its numerous and devastating financial troubles as of late but, just so we're clear: we haven't heard anything official. If what we've heard is true though, the company would be halting development on all titles, restructuring, then resuming on all but one game which will be canned completely. Also, the Mortal Kombat team is reportedly safe. We'll keep digging for some official comment, and if you'd like to talk to us confidentially you can do it here. In the meantime, if the reports are true, our thoughts are with those that may have to start a job hunt soon. Update: We've gotten official word now that Midway is laying off 25 percent of its workforce, around 180 people in total. Approximately 130 are from its Chicago studios and 45 from its Austin operation, which has closed. Several non-core, unannounced games will be suspended. "The cost-reduction measures are vital for us to rationalize our operations and provide the resources necessary for our core properties to succeed," said Matt Booty, president and CEO of Midway.
Midway Marketing VP finds life raft at Capcom
The water now reaching her ankles, Midway's Mona Hamilton has decided to finally leap overboard and swim for safety. With 45 days and counting before Midway's financial doom is sealed, the marketing VP has moved on, taking up the same role with Capcom. Though we imagine now actually having quality games to pitch will make her job much easier to manage. Hamilton is just the latest to abandon the beleaguered publisher, though apparently she had been hanging out near the railing since August. In her new role, she will lead Capcom's marketing efforts in North America. We just hope she enjoys her checks paid in Zenny.
Reminder: Meet WoW Insider at the Chicago Child's Play event tonight
Don't forget: if you're in Chicago, and like helping sick kids and playing videogames, you should definitely come out to the Child's Play benefit tonight at Plan B, just north of North and Milwaukee, off the Damen Blue Line stop.I'll be there, there'll be an open bar and raffle prizes, including a few good giveaways from our friends at SwagDog, local developer (they've got an office out near Western and Belmont) Midway will have their latest games available to play (including a MK vs. DC tournament, I believe), and it should be an amazing time. There are plenty of tickets left, and even if you can't grab a ticket, I can probably get you in at the door. Just tell them you're with WoW Insider, and I'm sure we can work something out.Plus, it all goes to support Child's Play, the charity started up by Penny Arcade that donates videogames to hospitals for kids to play while there. There are a number of events going on around the country (including the big dinner in Seatlle where Blizzard is giving away that employee-exclusive statue). But of course the one here in Chicago will be the best: you'll be able to have a great time, help a worthy charity, and talk Warcraft with me (when I'm not trying to figure out the Joker fatality in MK vs. DC, that is).The event starts at 7 over at Plan B, at 1635 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647. Bring a friend and I'll see you there.
Gaming to Go: Touchmaster
Touchmaster? It's a great game, sure, what with the twenty-three different activities packed tightly into that tiny plastic cartridge. I can scarce imagine the marketing ploy that lead to naming it something quite so charming as Touchmaster, though, which invokes imagery of things totally not appropriate for a family-friendly console. Still, if you don't mind the curious choice of name, the game offers quite a bit of value for its price, and -- here's the best part -- it's pretty well-suited for gaming on the go!It's also pretty similar to previous favorite Clubhouse Games, though there's enough difference here to make both titles worth picking up. Where Clubhouse offered digital versions of classic card games, Touchmaster expands the concept a bit, introducing some quirky clones of popular games otherwise not seen on the DS. Sound like a good time? Touchmaster has a lot of things worth checking out, so come along with this week's edition of Gaming to Go and see for yourself what the fuss is all about.%Gallery-38778% #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } NEXT >>
Midway wins Psi-Ops copyright infringement lawsuit
Earlier last year, screenwriter William L. Crawford III sued Midway, claiming they had stolen the plot, characters and designs featured in his 2001 screenplay, titled Psi-Ops, for their 2004 action game ... titled Psi-Ops. We kinda see the similarities therein, and were fairly certain Crawford would leave the courtroom with 1.5 million of Midway's dollars in his pocket.We were wrong. Not only about Crawford's ability to carry $1.5 million in his pants (the logistics of which are, well, impossible), but also about how the presiding judge would rule in the case -- according to Kotaku, federal Judge Florence Marie-Cooper recently decided that there was "minimal evidence supporting a reasonable possibility" that Midway had stolen any ideas from Crawford's screenplay, clearing Midway of the copyright infringement charges. That's $1.5 million that Midway no longer has to worry about paying out. Now, about that other $150 million...[Via Big Download]
Finish him: Midway facing 50-day countdown to bankruptcy
Things are looking grim for the company that once gave us Gorf, Arch Rivals and Spyhunter. The Chicago Tribune reports that Midway may default on its staggering $240 million debt, and that according to an SEC filing the one-time arcade dynamo has just 50 days to get $150 million of this back into the hands of creditors. It's money, unfortunately, that Midway just doesn't have.The Mortal Kombat publisher has enlisted the council of financial advisory firm Lazard, though time is short and money even shorter. The urgency stems from the company's recent change in majority ownership, which allows bondholders to demand full repayment on their investments. However, with Variety reporting just a smidge over $10 million in Midway's coffers, that leaves an awful lot of candy bars to sell over the next month and a half if the company is to keep from filing bankruptcy (let alone being ripped to shreds by investors pounding on the front door).
Midway sinks further after Redstone escape
How low can you go? GI.biz reports that Midway's stock has plummeted some 40% since majority shareholder Sumner Redstone cast off his stake in the company to investor Mark Thomas on Monday and ran for the hills. Midway's stock currently trades for around 23 cents a share, an all-time low and reason why the company continues to face delisting by the New York Stock Exchange. As Midway's dance of financial limbo persists, we can't help but look on and place bets when the troubled company's back will simply give out and snap in two.
Redstone to sell Midway stake for $100K
The week begins with more bad news for financially-hobbled Midway. Just days after finding itself on the business end of a delisting notice from the New York Stock Exchange, the company's majority stockholder, Sumner Redstone, is now preparing to row away from the sinking ship entirely. According to the Wall Street Journal, Redstone and his holding company, National Amusements, hope the separation will help breathe new life into the firm's suffocating $1.6 billion in debt. Redstone is expected to inflict sell his 87% controlling stake in the troubled publisher to private investor Mark Thomas -- obviously someone who enjoys a good fixer-upper -- for the bargain basement price of about $100,000, or $0.0012 a share, well below Midway's previous closing price of .38 a share. The WSJ also points out that the sale is but one point in what has become a highlight reel of bad investments for Redstone, who sunk millions into Midway in hopes of the company's heroic return, only to see it do a fatality on his bank account.
Midway working on top-secret title that looks 'better than Gears 2'
Hyping up your upcoming titles that everyone already knows about is an ancient, outdated P.R. maneuver -- the apparent wave of the future is boasting about your top-secret hits of tomorrow. Midway, who desperately needs one of these aforementioned "hits", recently began following this up-and-coming trend -- in an interview with VideoGamer.com, Wheelman creative director Simon Woodroffe dropped hints of a heretofore unannounced Midway title that "looks as good if not better than Gears 2."The secret title, which has been in development for three months, is reportedly "similar to Gears, but a totally different set up." We're not exactly sure what to make of that. Will the game follow a quartet of burly, foul-mouthed space marines as they spend a summer dispersed throughout their war-torn planet, sharing a pair of magical blue jeans that somehow manages to fit them all? C'mon, Midway! The suspense is killing us![Via Big Download]
Midway hypes secret title, claims looks 'better' than Gears of War 2
Hyping up a game before its release is commonplace in the industry. Hyping up a game that hasn't even been revealed is a bit more rare. Then there's hyping up an unannounced game by claiming it's better than an A+ heavy hitter like Gears of War 2, something that is simply unheard of, but is exactly what Midway is doing. Talking to Videogamer.com, Midway creative director Simon Woodroffe compared their upcoming secret project to Epic's blockbuster, claiming it "looks as good if not better than Gears 2." How boastful. Woodroffe goes on to say that Midway's secret project (tentatively scheduled for release in 2010) is "similar to Gears, but a totally different set up" and is already looking prettier thanks to their company's sharing of technology. We're going to mentally catalog Mr. Woodroffe's statement and, come 2010 when this secret project makes it to market, we'll be sure to make Gears 2 comparisons ... and judge harshly.[Via Evil Avatar]
Midway receives delisting notice from NYSE
Industry folks have been joking that Midway is the new Atari; however, while Atari is finding redemption in rebirth, Midway continues to sink deeper into the Swamps of Sadness. The latest bit of bad news comes from the New York Stock Exchange, which has put the publisher on notice for potential delisting.NYSE states that Midway needs a closing price of at least $1 over 30 consecutive days -- the stock is currently trading at about 25¢. According to NYSE rules, the publisher has six months to save itself from delisting. At this time, the house of Booty has its financial future pinned on the performance of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe and Wheelman. Do you have the heart to tell Midway how this will end?
Metareview -- Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (Xbox 360, PS3)
With Midway's holiday hopes (and financial future) pinned on Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, it appears the reviewers aren't going to help the company out. Barring major outlier Giant Bomb and its 5/5, most outlets appear to be sticking around 80 and below. If it does well at retail, MK vs. DC may help prevent the publisher from hearing an ominous voice-over: "Finish him!" GamePro (80/100): "Though far from a technical fighting game, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe exceeds expectations by delivering a solidly enjoyable casual fighter. The Mature-rated gore is missed, but the core combat here feels more confident and energetic than it has in years." IGN (75/100): "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is fun and a solid entry into the franchise, but I doubt many folks will find it entertaining past a rental. Casual players will punch through the storyline before burning out after getting stumped by one or two Kombo Challenges, while Mortal Kombat fans will have trouble accepting the toned down Fatalities and somewhat slower gameplay." GameSpy (70/100): "Though MK vs. DC purports to shake up the franchise, the reality is that among the many new touches that the game adds it still lacks the depth of other fighters available today. Again, it doesn't feel dramatically different from its predecessors, save for new mini-game modes and a big facelift. The movesets are rather generic (most are a variation of "down, forward, button") and feel a tad antiquated. Its big hook (the crossover license) can't justify the relatively shallow fighting on hand." 1UP (B-): (Calculated as 67 on Metacritic) "MK vs. DCU is an oddly enjoyable distraction from "real" fighters. Its masher-friendly controls appeal to me in a casual-gamer way, and the midmatch minigames (damage-percentage tugs-of-war, airborne ass-kickings with the defender mirroring the aggressor's button-presses in a bid for dominance) give the fights a sort of party-game vibe."
Boon talks Midway layoffs, next Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat creator (kreator?) Ed Boon has come forward, labeling recent reports of Midway's Chicago branch handing out pink slips to many of the individuals who worked on Mortal Kombat vs. DC as "completely false." Last week, numerous outlets reported that the troubled publisher and developer let go of around 20 to 30 employees following the completion of both the recent cross-universe brawler and Blitz: The League II.However, speaking in an interview with GameDaily, Boon asserts that the Mortal Kombat team specifically is still together, and is already brainstorming on what to work on next. He adds that the crew is sizing up Mortal Kombat vs. DC's performance, as "it will have a good amount to do with what features we put in the next game." Of course, this says nothing of those in The Windy City who worked specifically on Midway's sequel to Blitz, or if the company decided to have them go long all the way to the unemployment line.
Midway cuts Chicago staff
According to multiple reports, Midway has laid off approximately 20 to 30 people at its Chicago studio following the completion of Blitz: The League II and Mortal Kombat vs. DC. The publisher wouldn't confirm the number of staff laid off, but said it was "below 10%" and that many of the employees were reassigned to other positions in the company.Given Midway's recent history, it's a little difficult to interpret the news as standard "post-game completion layoffs." Last week, Chairwoman Sheri Redstone announced her resignation from the company, which has been on a quarterly losing streak. It most recently threw $76 million into the void, and was forced to borrow $40 million to manufacture its game discs this holiday. With almost all its holiday hopes and dreams pinned on the performance of Mortal Kombat vs. DC, the publisher may face even more sad news in the next quarter. Will the industry dish out another fatality?Source - Rumor: Chicago Midway hit with more layoffs [Kotaku]Source - Midway confirms further layoffs [Edge]
Midway reports $76m in losses for Q308, pins Q4 hope on MK vs. DC Universe
For its third fiscal quarter of 2008, Midway has reported net losses of $75.9 million, more than twice the $33.5m net loss in Q3 2007. According to the press release, the publisher cites three "well-received games" as highlights for its third quarter: TNA iMPACT, the Xbox 360 launch of Unreal Tournament III and Mortal Kombat: Kollection for PS2.As for the fourth quarter (i.e. the lucrative holiday season), Midway has two flagship titles to boost revenue: Blitz the League II (already released to mediocre reviews) and next week's Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. For Q408, Midway expects net revenue of $105 million, or approximately half of its annual revenue, with more losses to follow and an underwhelming 2009 lineup (This is Vegas, Wheelman and TNA). The publisher, now under new management, looks to have a rather steep uphill battle -- or using Midway's own Mortal Kombat metric, it'll be at least 4 more contenders before they get to challenge Goro.
Midway chair Shari Redstone resigns
What a ride it's been for former Midway chairwoman Shari E. Redstone, who resigned late last Friday, a week after interim president and CEO Matt Booty was installed as a permanent fixture. "With my recent appointment to the Special Committee of the National Amusements Board of Directors, I am resigning from the Midway Board to focus on these responsibilities," explained Redstone in a press release. Of course, the National Amusements appointment can be viewed as a conveniently placed raft on which Redstone quietly drifts away from the sinking wreckage. But let's choose to remember the good times: the soaring winds across a fading sunset, Leo's soft grip.Peter C. Brown replaces Redstone as Midway chairman of the board. Brown is also chairman, CEO and president of AMC Entertainment Inc.
Trophies: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
1 Platinum5 Gold3 Silver34 Bronze Difficulty: Very Difficult Online Trophies? Yes Time to Completion: 20 hoursDLC Trophies? No View Trophy List Read More About the Game %Gallery-27571%
