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Ouya exclusive TowerFall on its way to PC
Ouya exclusive TowerFall is on its way to PC, developer Matt Thorson announced on Twitter this evening. The game stood out as one of the highlights in newbie console Ouya's launch lineup. "Yes, I am working on TowerFall for PC. But it's going to take a couple months. There's going to be a ton of new content," said Thorson. Unsure about the price of the PC version, he said it would "probably" cost $15, or perhaps $20 if the new content justifies it. The game is currently $15 on Ouya and supports the PlayStation 3's DualShock 3. Thorson was quick to protect TowerFall's debut console in follow-up to his announcement, saying, "Ouya version is doing great! Just want to expand." Thorson's statement of PC expansion comes shortly after June's NPD data called sales of the Ouya "relatively light for a new console."
OUYA launches fund-matching Kickstarter project for game developers
Ouya has just announced that it'll launch a second Kickstarter campaign in order to speed up the pace of game development for its nascent console. Unlike with the previous campaign, this time the company plans to match any pledges between $50,000 and $250,000 from developers and give $100,000 to whoever kicks in the most. The only caveat is that successful candidates will be required to make their games Ouya exclusives for at least six months. As you're no doubt aware, Ouya moved over 10,000 developer kits while raising $8.5 million in its hugely successful initial Kickstarter drive. It followed that by selling out its retail launch, so the company is no doubt hoping to prevent any buyer's remorse by getting new games into the pipeline, stat.
Sonic 4 episodes now on Ouya; Sonic CD coming 'soon'
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2 are now available on Ouya. Episode 1 allows Ouya owners free access to the Splash Hill Zone, while Episode 2 offers up its first two stages gratis. Each episode costs $6.99 to unlock the full experience. Sega previously revealed that 1993's Sonic CD, arguably the peak in the series, would launch on Ouya in June, but that obviously didn't happen. Instead, we're left to expect Sonic CD on the Ouya "soon," per Sega of America's latest update.
Ouya review
If nothing else, the incredible success of the Ouya Kickstarter proved that people were ready for something different. Some believed in a different form of console development, one free from the reigns of big publishers. Others wanted a different kind of console, one that let you try every game for free. Others liked Ouya for its different, open philosophy, one that would allow them to emulate their old games or simply turn the box into a media hub. But, as we learned from Ouya Kickstarter units in March, different isn't enough. We've come to expect a certain level of quality from video game consoles, both in terms of hardware and software. The user interface wasn't very efficient. Buttons got stuck inside the controller. The selection of games, while large, didn't have any huge standouts. Ouya has had several months (and a few additional weeks) to work out its kinks, and now the Kickstarter phenomenon is finally available to anyone with $99. I've spent the last week and a half toying around with one, and the good news is that, for the most part, the console delivers on its promise.%Gallery-185975%
This week on gdgt: OUYA, Aivia Osmium, iOS fragmentation
Each week, our friends at gdgt go through the latest gadgets and score them to help you decide which ones to buy. Here are some of their most recent picks. Want more? Visit gdgt anytime to catch up on the latest, and subscribe to gdgt's newsletter to get a weekly roundup in your inbox.
WSJ: Google developing Android console; eyes on Apple, Ouya
Google is developing a game console that runs on Android, Wall Street Journal reports. The console is in development alongside a wrist watch powered by Android. Google is interested in the console and watch as a buffer against whatever devices Apple has planned for the future, the report says. One person mentioned that Google has been watching the Ouya, the Kickstarted and open Android console that just launched to the public for $99 a pop. Amazon sold out of its Ouya stock early in the first day, but is back in business now. As for the watch, wearable computing isn't a new idea – it's one that Valve founder Gabe Newell in particular finds intriguing. Valve is working on a Steam Box, which is so far described as a cheap, in-home streaming console that runs on Linux. Newell, like Google, is also keeping a close eye on Apple.
Twitch Android app updated with persistent login, followed channels
An update for the Twitch.tv app on Android is finally letting users log into their accounts, providing easier access to their personal favorites out of the top 300 live streaming channels. Features still not accounted for include search and chat, however Community Manager Jared Rea mentions they're in the works. According to Rea, development of its Android app -- until three months ago it had gone a year without being updated -- received "yet another incentive" with the launch of the Ouya gaming console. Hit the links below for the new app, info on its development and the top-300 channel restriction that applies whether you're watching on a console or handheld device.
Ouya founder on unfulfilled Kickstarter orders: 'I am pissed'
The Ouya launched for the public today, and things at retail appear to be going pretty well – Amazon, at least, sold out early on. But Ouya founder Julie Uhrman is "pissed" because some Kickstarter backers haven't yet received their consoles, and she promised they would arrive before the retail version went live. Uhrman says she delivered the backers' consoles to her distribution partner in May, but some orders remain unfulfilled. "I am pissed," Uhrman writes in a Kickstarter update locked to backers only, seen by Games Industry. "Some of you have not yet received your Ouya, and to you, I apologize. I did not promise to ship to most of you before we hit store shelves. I promised to ship to all of you. I've been reading your comments, and we are working to solve this." Ouya Head of Operations Ken Stephens says backers should expect their Ouyas in 15 to 17 days, as they're shipped from Hong Kong. Joystiq Reviews Editor Richard Mitchell got his hands on an Ouya Kickstarter model in April, and he found it to be worth the price – noting that it costs $99. He's now playing with the retail model, and he says it's an improvement on the initial version.
Ouya available now
The Kickstarter console that could, Ouya, is available now at retail in North America and the UK. The $99 Android-based device can be purchased at Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target and GAME. Although, we should note it's best to call ahead before heading to the store. Amazon has already run out of its allotted stock. Joystiq Reviews Editor Richard Mitchell notes that the Ouya interface and hardware have both improved since our review based on the Kickstarter model a couple of months ago. "It's incredible to think that a little under a year ago Ouya was just an idea – we wanted to do something completely new in console gaming: build a $99 game console, with no discs to buy, open to all developers, and affordable to all gamers," said Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman in today's launch announcement. Moment of truth time: Let's see if this box goes ooooo-yeah or ohhhhhhh-no.
OUYA hits retailers for $100, promptly sells out at Amazon
OUYA has unlocked a major achievement today: the teensy crowdfunded gaming console is now available at retail, after a slight delay from the June 4th date it promised earlier. That's good news for everybody, except perhaps some of the original Kickstarter backers who've still not received their consoles -- though founder Julie Uhrman said the firm is "working overtime" to resolve that issue. As for the retail OUYA package (which has had most of its flaws ironed out since we first saw it), it'll come with the game console, controller, an HDMI cable and batteries for $100, with extra controllers running $50. It's already sold out at Amazon, but you can also seek it out online or in person at Best Buy, GameStop, Target or GAME. If you're still undecided, make sure to read about our hands-on experience with the device.
Turn-based MOBA Arena of Heroes enters open beta
If your primary complaint about MOBAs is that they move too quickly, Arena of Heroes might be something that lands a bit more in your comfort zone. Developed by Sneaky Games, Arena of Heroes is a turn-based, tactical MOBA that focuses more on strategy than on twitch-clicking hard skills. Essentially, you and another player square off in an arena (duh), each controlling a team of four heroes in a battle for supremacy. It's your basic MOBA fare, but with a smaller battle zone and a slower, more deliberate pace. You and your opponent receive two minutes each to make your moves, or you can try the game's asynchronous mode and play several games simultaneously, with up to two days being allotted for turns. Arena of Heroes has officially shifted into open beta, so you're free to check it out at your leisure. You can also read our hands-on with the game for a more detailed look at its inner workings. The free-to-play game will launch on PC, Mac, iOS, and, at some point, Ouya and Android. [Thanks to Venova for the tip]
The Daily Roundup for 06.13.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Hands-on with the Ouya destined for store shelves
The Ouya journey, according to founder Julie Uhrman, will never have a firm conclusion. But, we'd say having retail units enter production and shipping to mega stores like Game Stop and Best Buy represents at least the culmination of this particular story arc. With only a few weeks to go before the retail launch, the company brought the final console, controller and packaging to E3 for a press tour. The console itself is unchanged from the version that shipped to Kickstarter backers, except that it wont have contributor names etched on the side. The final tweaks heading into production have focused on the controller and the software. Visually the gamepad is exactly the same, but a number of small changes have be made to the various components to address feedback from early adopters and reviewers. The holes around the four face buttons have been widened to prevent them from sticking and, no matter how hard we tried, we could not get the O, U, Y or A to get wedged under the face plate. The right thumb stick also had a tendency to get caught on early versions of the controller, thanks to a small amount of glue that leaked into the area. That issue has supposedly been resolved, and in our time with the production model we had no problems with the analog stick. %Gallery-191293%
E3 organizers set the fuzz on OUYA over parking lot cheekiness
The next-gen console war is truly on and E3 is the battleground. As IGN found out, though, fighting spirits have extended beyond the walls of the Los Angeles Convention Center, where Android console-makers OUYA and the ESA (which runs E3) are embroiled in an ongoing tussle. It started when OUYA decided to attend E3 "on its own terms," setting up a stand in a parking lot opposite the Expo to attract attention without paying E3 fees. The ESA responded by renting its own parking spaces and using trucks to obscure OUYA's stand. But for every patch, a hack is soon to follow, and OUYA then rented additional spaces in front of the trucks to put up some banners. The ESA then called the cops, who turned up on their monster Segways to see what was what. After checking OUYA's permits, the LAPD were satisfied nothing illegal was going on and split. Apparently, OUYA founder Julie Uhrman has contacted the ESA to talk it out, but hasn't received a response. Perhaps the association is too busy planning its next attack, but Uhrman is prepared: "If ten more trucks show up, we'll come up with another idea. I have a few up my sleeve." [Image Credit: IGN]
Diablo 2 designer brings ChronoBlade to browsers, Ouya, iOS, Android
NWay, a studio founded by Grand Theft Auto creator Dave Jones and former Realtime Worlds president Tony Harman, is bringing a new action RPG called ChronoBlade to browsers, Ouya, iOS and Android. To throw another big name onto the pile, the game is being designed by Stieg Hedlund, the designer behind Diablo 2. ChronoBlade combines traditional loot-collecting action RPG concepts with 2D beat-em-up gameplay. The game takes place in a "multiverse" setting consisting of many different dimensions, allowing it to include styles ranging from medieval fantasy to steampunk. A demo should launch on Ouya next week, and an open beta of the browser version is expected to launch later this month. Check out a developer diary after the break.
Super Crate Box squares away a launch on Ouya
Vlambeer is bringing Super Crate Box to Ouya, just in time to show it off at E3. The new version shouldn't be a complete surprise – after all, Super Crate Box is already on basically every other platform ever, including Commodore 64. Vlambeer announced Super Crate Box Ouya in a blog post packed with news: As previously mentioned, Luftrausers is ready for certification by Sony, and when it's approved it'll launch simultaneously on PC, Mac, Linux, PS3 and Vita. In an appearance on Sup Holmes?, Vlambeer founders Rami Ismail and Jan Willem Nijman announced unlockable, color versions of Luftrausers, created by notable people in the gaming industry. Ismail and Nijman are also deep into their next game – it's playable already, and it features explosions and screen shakes, if that helps narrow down its genre a bit (it doesn't). They plan to stream development of this game and will announce more information closer to Luftrausers' launch.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Sonic CD coming to Ouya this month
Sega announced plans to support the Android-powered Ouya console after its public launch later this month with a trio of Sonic the Hedgehog releases. Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, Sonic 4: Episode 2, and Sonic CD will be released in the Ouya Store on June 27 for $7 each. All three games were previously released for iOS and Android devices, though the Ouya ports are optimized for the console's Tegra 3 processor, and will have free trial versions available in the Ouya Store. Speaking to GamesIndustry International, Sega of America Director of Mobile Business David Zemke praised Ouya's "disruptive technology," and expressed the company's desire "to see what these technologies can do and be a part of it from the beginning." Zemke also addressed the potential for future Ouya releases. "We're always looking for other titles and there may be some future titles that we'd like to bring over," he said. "For us, we're always trying to bring the best gaming experience to the right platforms. It's a delicate mix of how and when to do it." The Ouya will launch on June 25.
You Don't Know Jack coming to OUYA June 11th
If you so much as touched a computer in the 1990s, we'd wager that the mere mention of You Don't Know Jack will bring back a flood of memories. Jellyvision's irreverent trivia game has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last few years, with its presence expanding to Facebook, iOS and Android, and the Jack Attack isn't stopping there: beginning June 11th, you can "Screw Your Neighbor" on the OUYA game console. You'll be able to get a trial 11-question episode for free or upgrade to get a full set of 20 games. Cleverly, this version includes a new feature called Party Play which lets up to three additional players compete against you by turning iOS and Android devices into external controllers. Not a bad addition for OUYA users eager to answer questions like the one you see above (and if you're curious, we're pretty sure the answer is "The Keebler Elves").
You Don't Know Jack on Ouya June 11, JackPad app makes phone a controller
On June 11, Jellyvision's popular trivia series, You Don't Know Jack, will make its debut on Ouya. An 11-question multiplayer episode is free to sample, and for $10 you can add 20 new episodes. A free companion app for iOS and Android called JackPad will be available alongside the game. JackPad turns your mobile device into an additional controller, so you don't need four Ouya controllers to play multiplayer. Ouya was slated to launch at retail on June 4 but was recently pushed back to June 25. Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman told Joystiq this three-week delay was in order to meet higher than expected demand.
Indie demos Ouya in UK Game store: Positive reactions, poor pre-orders
The Ouya remains a gray area in terms of profit for developers – it's still technically not available to the public, though plenty of Kickstarter backers and indies have consoles. To test out the Ouya's potential, real-world audience, UK developer James Coote took his dev kit to a local Game store and set up a demo station. After all, the Ouya is an "open" console and devs don't have to deal with any NDAs or legalese before showing it off publicly. Coote worked with Game employees to set up a demo station on an old PS3 stand, and he spent the day showing off his own game and others on the Ouya. The tiny box wasn't connected to the internet, so players had a choice of games Coote had pre-loaded. "The Ouya has also been criticised for having a laggy UI, but since there was no need to exit the game library and navigate around the rest of the UI, that particular problem didn't come up at all," Coote said. Overall, the demo was a success, Coote said – though he didn't receive the foot traffic he had anticipated and he was "quite poor" at convincing anyone to throw down £10 for an Ouya pre-order. "People responded really positively to the live demonstration, whether they were just watching myself or others play, or actively trying it out themselves," Coote said. "Also, not only being able to respond to customers' questions directly, but not being directly affiliated with Ouya, I was able to honestly address some of Ouya's shortcomings, which helped build trust and a rapport with customers." Read all about Coote's experience with the Ouya at a brick-and-mortar store, and his thoughts for the console's future, right here.