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Delta Six controller gets redesigned, Kickstarted
Most video game controllers sporting a firearm form factor are a far cry from realistic -- bright colors, odd shapes and obvious thumbsticks leave many accessories looking more like toys than weapons. Not David Kotkin's Delta Six. This gun-shaped controller's first prototype looked so much like a real rifle, Kotkin told us, it had to be redesigned. An orange tip, whitewashed body and a few less authentic looking components don't make the Delta Six look any less believable as a digital soldier's modern musket, but it does make it less likely to be mistaken for the real McCoy. The peripheral's internals haven't changed though -- an accelerometer to help players aim and turn, cheek-sensing pressure sensors (for looking down the scope), faux-recoil and its assortment of modular components are still all on target. Like all budding hardware projects these days, the Delta Six is looking towards the crowd to source its production. According to the peripheral's Kickstarter page, the Delta Six will be available between July and August next year, boasting compatibility with the Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U and even the OUYA. Pitching in $89 buys the basic submachine gun body (with a free rifle attachment for first-week buyers), and subsequent levels tack on additional attachments, bonus items and more. Kotkin needs $500,000 to make his rifle-shaped dream a reality. Like-minded FPS gamers can join him at the source link below. Not a dreamer? Feel free to read on for the official press release (plus a video and an additional image), instead.
Ouya names Roy Bahat chairman of the board, hires leadership staff
Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman announced Roy Bahat as chairman of the board Friday. Bahat served as president of IGN Entertainment for five years before joining Ouya.Uhrman also revealed that Steve Chamberlin will lead Ouya's engineering division while Raffi Bagdasarian is in charge of the software side of operations, including services for developers and user experience. Chamberlin previously was Senior Development Director for Trion Worlds, developers of Rift. Bagdasarian spent over five years working with Sony on its Crackle streaming service.Uhrman added that "over a thousand" game developers have been in contact with Ouya since its Kickstarter campaign ended in August, and that more than 50 distributors have applied to carry the system when it launches.
Kickstarter imposes new rules to address project risks
Kickstarter is imposing new rules designed to give backers more information on a project's risks. In a post titled 'Kickstarter is Not a Store,' the crowdfunding site announced the introduction of a 'Risks and Challenges' section to projects. The section must adequately explain the difficulties a project may face, and what the project creator can do to overcome them. Kickstarter says the new section is designed to give backers what they need to know about a work-in-progress.Kickstarter is also imposing additional rules on Hardware and Product Design projects, again in mind with dispelling the idea of the site being like a store. Product simulations and renderings are now banned, meaning concept images and demonstrations are not allowed. Products must also not be offered in multiple quantities, as Kickstarter feels this implies "that products are shrink-wrapped and ready to ship." These additional rules do not apply to video games, as they don't fall into either category, but they do apply to consoles like the Ouya and to console peripherals.Kickstarter recently declared 2012 to be the 'year of the game'. Games represent the site's second most-funded category, as well as the majority of projects to surpass $1 million.
GameStop interested in Ouya
"We will be a part of any console launch in the future," GameStop CEO J. Paul Raines told Joystiq this morning, when asked about GameStop's interest in stocking the Ouya console.Though he was clear to note that the company did not have an official announcement regarding any potential plans to carry the Android console, Raines was positive about the device. "We think Ouya's cool. We love the idea of open-source components. Everything we've read is great."Raines related the new console to the Google Nexus 7 tablet that GameStop sells – and that Raines turned on during our conversation in order to remember a game he wanted to talk about (It was Dead Trigger.) "Here's the exciting thing that's happening: if you look at the power of the processor like the Tegra 3 or the x86 stuff that's coming on Windows tablets, you've got a processor now and graphics capability that are really exciting," he said."There will be games developed for that stuff. So you're going to see more of these open source type products, and we will be right in the middle of all of it."
Tribute Games' Mercenary Kings adds Ouya to its plan
With seven days left, Mercenary Kings has surpassed its $75,000 goal on Kickstarter, meaning that at the very least, a PC version is incoming. In addition, an Ouya version of the crafting-enhanced run-and-gun, with animations by Paul Robertson, is also on the way."Since we'll be needing some extra time to port the game code, the Ouya version will be released at a later date than the PC version," developer Tribute Games noted on the Kickstarter page. If the Ouya supports codes, Tribute will hand out a free Ouya version of the game along with the Steam key to which each over-$15 backer is entitled. Tribute believes codes will be supported, "even though this is not 100 percent confirmed."In case you somehow managed to get to the end of the post after staring at the Metal Wolf animation above, please resume staring at it.
Yes, Ouya is still supporting OnLive
Yes indeed, the Ouya is still planned to have OnLive support at launch. Ouya announced in late July that OnLive cloud game streaming support would be in the Android-powered, Kickstarter-funded open-source console when it launches early next year. Reps from both companies reconfirmed their commitment to the collaboration this afternoon.If this sounds a bit familiar, it's because OnLive has – in unspecific terms – said as much already. "All previously announced products and services, including those in the works, will continue and there is no expected interruption of any OnLive services," a statement by the company read last Friday. However, we've seen this question pop up repeatedly since last week, so we wanted to state each company's position on the record one last time. Just for you. Yup, you.
Ouya pre-orders now open outside of Kickstarter, $109 a pop
Now that the Ouya is all funded and everything, the company has started accepting pre-orders through an actual website, rather than as a reward to Kickstarter contributors. Your hard earned $109 ($119 if you live somewhere foreign) nets you one extremely tiny console, one controller and the promise of a new tomorrow.Shipping costs are also included in the total price which, we assume, explains the $10 premium on living abroad. Delivery is expected to commence sometime in April of 2013.
OUYA console pre-order now available for non-backers starting at $109, slated to ship in April
Miss out on your chance to snag the Android-based gaming console during OUYA's Kickstarter tour-de-force? Worry not, friends. The outfit has opened up pre-orders it promised for those who didn't take the plunge initially via on its website. While you will have to wait another month to get your mitts on a kit of your very own, the second round of advance purchasing will set you back $109 for US customers and $119 for those abroad. Included in the aforementioned price tag is the console, a single controller and the requisite shipping costs. Hit up the source link below to part with your funds and begin the waiting period.
Ouya tops $8.5 million as Kickstarter campaign comes to a close
"We've been blown away the whole time," Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman said this afternoon, just 10 hours ahead of her company's Kickstarter project reaching its end. It's an understandable reaction considering the Android-based open-source console aimed to gather just $950K in total – the project lept over $1 million in its first eight hours, and crested over $8 million this afternoon. The final number at time of publishing? $8,580,682 (from 63,277 backers).Uhrman believes the reaction goes beyond what her company's offering, and that the Ouya's success is more than just a measure of interest in the console. "People are ready for something new, and Ouya is that thing," she claimed.Since we first heard about Ouya, it's gotten a whole mess of new features and support. Both Namco and Square Enix are working with the console, as are a variety of multimedia applications (iHeartRadio, XBMC, OnLive), not to mention indies. "We never expected to do this well and be this well-received," Uhrman added. "It's just truly amazing that it's resonated so well with gamers and developers."Uhrman said that, beyond the Kickstarter backers getting their consoles first, Ouya will be "taking pre-orders" via web for consoles, and those will ship at some point in April 2013. Ouya backers can expect their consoles to arrive at some point in March 2013, and Ouya promises we'll hear more before ... yup, 2013.%Gallery-161911%
OUYA's Kickstarter funding is complete: over $8.59 million raised, starts shipping in March
It's a wrap! Suffice it to say, it's a been a relatively short, yet astoundingly fruitful -- and initially record-breaking -- funding run for OUYA, the hackable, Android-based gaming console. With just 29 days to work with since being announced, the Yves Behar-designed system has raked in over $8.58 million thanks to just under 63,300 backers on Kickstarter as of its official 1AM ET funding deadline today (You'll find the final tally below). Those who opted for developer editions will be able to start tinkering with their own units around December, while the majority of backers should receive the console as early as March 2013. Missed the Kickstarter bandwagon? Don't fret, because OUYA plans to take pre-orders from the general public over the web soon, expecting those units to arrive at doorsteps near April. The numbers are only part of the picture, of course. If you'll recall, OUYA swiftly acquired a slew of partnerships from companies like OnLive, Square Enix, XBMC, Vevo, and Robotoki -- and as if that wasn't enough, just yesterday Namco Bandai and Plex officially joined the content-providing party as well. What's more, we now know that each console will support up to four of those touchpad-equipped controllers for local multiplayer action. Even with all that, this story is far from over, as Joystiq points out that Julie Uhrman and company "promise" to have more updates before its official launch. Naturally, it still remains to be seen how OUYA's (literally) tiny, Tegra 3-powered footprint will fare against the big three in gaming, but we're cautiously optimistic. So, while the final, mass-produced product is still months away, in the meantime you'll find a recap of all the highlights from OUYA in the nifty saga module below. You can also hit up our friends at Joystiq here for extra insight from the company about its successes so far. Update (1:15AM): Despite the timer hitting zero, it appears that pledges are still being accepted past the 1AM deadline -- better be quick! We'll be sure to update the numbers again as soon pledging is officially halted. Update 2 (7:30AM): It took a bit of time, but OUYA's Kickstarter is officially not accepting any more pledges. The final numbers? 63,416 backers helped to raise a final sum of $8,596,475.
The Engadget Interview: GameStop CEO Paul Raines talks tablets, OUYA and the MVNO that never was
Looking to unload your unwanted gaming gear? You're probably on your way to GameStop. As the largest dedicated video game retailer in the world, it's hard to imagine a games enthusiast who hasn't browsed its wares a time or two. Over the last few years, however, the firm has been expanding outside of retail sales -- dipping its fingers into digital distribution, streaming and even phones and tablets. The brick-and-mortar store even seemed to be flirting with building a mobile network. With all these changes underfoot and a new console cycle just around the corner, it seemed like a good time to catch up with GameStop CEO Paul Raines to get some perspective.
Ouya supports four controllers, Namco Bandai in 'active discussions' with company
The latest Kickstarter update on the Ouya console's funding drive (which ends tonight) brings two welcome news items: first, the console will support up to four controllers. Those interested in acquiring extra controllers at launch can add funds to their Kickstarter pledges now. "And--because we know you'll ask--if you've got your heart set on the limited edition version, we'll make sure that the controllers are matched." So don't worry if you have your heart set on that brown Ouya.Second, the company is working on giving you more to do with those controllers; it revealed it's in "active discussions" with Namco Bandai, a publisher that we imagine is receptive to the idea of a new platform for its oft-ported library of classic games. Namco and Ouya plan to take votes on which games people would like to see via Namco's Facebook page. Warning: you're getting Pac-Man no matter what.
The Ouya, it turns out, is really small
Just look at the Ouya above, getting picked on by that meaty finger. The Android-powered, Kickstarter-funded $99 console is, apparently, very small. Images released this morning put context to the pictures of the console and its controller that we've seen already. The console is super, super small. Like a baby GameCube. All it needs is a big goofy handle and we're all set on that comparison.Anyway, the Ouya is also getting a media player courtesy of XBMC, and international radio fans will be able to tune in via ... TuneIn, described as "a free service that lets people listen to the world's music, sports, and news from wherever they are."The Ouya's Kickstarter has just under 40 hours left until it's fully funded. We'll be spending that time evangelizing its smallness, in case that wasn't already clear.%Gallery-161911%
OUYA, XBMC sitting in a tree, media s-h-a-r-i-n-g (update: TuneIn, new pics)
OUYA's slew of collaborations isn't letting up, even with less than two days to go before its fundraising round is over. The XBMC team has just pledged that its upcoming Android app will be tailored to work with the upcoming console. While the exact customizations aren't part of the initial details, the media center app developers will have early access to prototypes of the OUYA hardware. There's suggestions that there won't be much of a wait for the Android port of XBMC, whether or not you're buying the cuboid system -- XBMC's developers note that Android work should be merged into the master path once "final sign-offs" are underway. All told, though, the OUYA is quickly shaping up into as much of a go-to media hub as it is a game system. Update: OUYA itself has also posted word that TuneIn's radio streaming is also on its way. And just to top off its efforts, the company has posted rendered images that better show the scale of the console: our Joystiq compatriots note that it's really a "baby GameCube" in size, and its gamepad looks gigantic by comparison. %Gallery-161914%
iHeartRadio hearts Ouya; U4iA crafting 'Offensive Combat' port
Beyond its use as an Android-based gaming console, and its use as an OnLive streaming device, Ouya is also a radio, apparently. iHeartRadio announced its intention to partner with Ouya this morning via Kickstarter, which will bring the usual selection of iHeartRadio functionality to the $99 console (streaming actual radio stations, creating custom stations, etc.). For non-US streamers, don't fret! Ouya says it is "actively reaching out to international partners as well."Also of note, iOS/Android first-person shooter Offensive Combat is headed to the Ouya. Developer U4iA said of the news, "Given that consoles are so expensive and face an uncertain future, Ouya stands out as the perfect example of an afford home-entertainment platform created specifically for core gamers like us." CEO Dusty Welch also said he "can't wait to bring all-new games in the Offensive Combat universe to the Ouya platform." Whoa Dusty, slow down there!Ouya's Kickstarter page is just five days away from completion, and as of this writing has approximately $6.5 million accrued. That is well over its original $950K goal.
Shadowrun Online coming to Ouya and Linux
We don't know much about Shadowrun Online, but we do know that it's theoretically coming to the new Android-powered Ouya console as well as Linux-based PCs. We say theoretically because Cliffhanger's Kickstarter project has yet to reach its halfway point with 12 days remaining. Nevertheless, company co-founder Michael Paeck is excited about Shadowrun's cross-platform potential. You can "play the game on your tablet, switch to your desktop PC, and then later enjoy it on your Ouya-connected TV -- without ever having to switch your account or characters or suffer from restrictions based on your device," Paeck says. [Source: Cliffhanger Productions press release]
Shadowrun Online also getting Ouya and Linux support
Shadowrun Online isn't just heading to tablets, smartphones, and computers, it seems. This morning, developer Cliffhanger Productions announced the game as coming to the Ouya, as well as Linux-based systems. Cliffhanger co-founder Michael Paeck is all about the news, saying, "Adding these platforms will make Shadowrun an even better cross-platform experience!"Beyond allowing more players to get their Shadowrunning on, Paeck explains the cloud-based functionality that'll allow players to "play the game on your tablet, switch to your desktop PC, and then later enjoy it on your Ouya-connected TV – without ever having to switch your account or characters or suffer from restrictions based on your device!"Of course, Shadowrun Online is still well behind in its targeted Kickstarter funding goal wth less than two weeks remaining. So, despite its new support for Ouya, it stands to reason that the Shadowrun MMO won't launch for any platform if Cliffhanger's $500,000 goal is not met.
OUYA wrapping up funding with limited brown metal console, Vevo deal
To put it mildly, the OUYA console has had a better than expected funding run -- the project is now past the $6 million mark, or six times what it originally needed. The team still wants a little something to end the last week of fundraising with a bang. It just unveiled a limited edition brown, brushed metal version of the console with a controller to match; all it takes is a $140 pledge during the final push to August 9th and you've got the Yves Behar-chosen color for yourself. The special run should arrive as part of the wider March 2013 launch. If the original silver hue will do just nicely, thank you very much, OUYA has struck another content deal and will launch Vevo's music video hub side-by-side with the console. Click past the break for a peek at the controller, and consider a pledge on Kickstarter if you just can't stand the thought of having the same console as everyone else.
Ouya adds exclusive console color for last week of Kickstarter drive
If you haven't picked up an Ouya (pre-order) yet, perhaps the news of a new Kickstarter-exclusive edition will entice you. Available right now through the end of the campaign (next Wednesday), the $140-or-more console comes in an exclusive darker color scheme, with a matching controller. Those controllers, by the way, now have "O" "U" "Y" and "A" button labels, never allowing you to forget what this thing is called.A Kickstarter update also revealed that the Ouya will have a Vevo music video player, with a selection of over 50,000 music videos.
Final Fantasy 3 joining Ouya launch lineup
What a coincidence! Final Fantasy 3 was just released for Android, and now Square Enix has announced a version for the rapidly Kickstarting Ouya console, bringing the game full circle from its console (Famicom) roots. That development took Final Fantasy 3 through a circuitous path of "console to handheld to phone to phone to console.""This will be the first time gamers outside of Japan can play FFIII on their televisions through a console," the Ouya team points out. It's also the first support for the unreleased console from a major publisher. We expect to see other big names follow suit in porting their Android games to the console.
