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Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Android console will stream PC games to your TV
When Mad Catz made pre-orders for its M.O.J.O. Android gaming console live, it did so with a curious bit about support for PC streaming. But any mention was quickly removed from the site and, when contacted for comment, the company remained silent. Now, however, Mad Catz has confirmed to Engadget that, yes, the M.O.J.O. will allow users to stream PC games to their TVs and the ability will be enabled via a software update "available shortly after launch." We've also received final specs for the micro-console which you can find after the break, although it all falls in line with what's been reported previously, so don't expect any new revelations. Does the addition of PC streaming -- a feature included in NVIDIA's Shield and planned for Valve's planned Steam Machines -- make the $250 M.O.J.O. a more attractive holiday purchase? Feel free to sound off in the comments below.
AMD and Raptr create PC gaming suite to tweak settings, dole out prizes and stream over Twitch
Hate mucking around in PC game graphics menus? NVIDIA's got an app for that -- and now, AMD does too. The chipmaker has teamed up with Raptr, a video game-focused social network, to launch Gaming Evolved: a suite that offers tools for chat, takes screenshots and even tweaks game settings for better performance. Unlike Nvidia's kit however, Gaming Evolved relies heavily on Raptr's community data to determine the best configuration for your PC. Naturally, the social network's rewards system is in play, offering users beta access to select games or free DLC for using the service, too. You can also stream via Twitch, and even simultaneously watch someone else's broadcast while you play DayZ. The company says the program is designed to "make PC gaming as simple to use as consoles," but the beta build that's available now plays more like Steam than a living room device.
Valve's planning an announcement for Monday and it could be the Steambox
There's only so much we can read into Valve's vague plans to "connect the dots for customers who want Steam in the living room," but the safe bet is on the Steambox. The company's just-launched teaser site shows a countdown clock leading up to Monday's announcement, as well as an image of a controller leading into darkness (oh, and there's the profile of a cat, too). Valve's planned entry into the hardware space has already been well-documented, so a dedicated console for PC-gaming in the living room should come as no surprise. What's more intriguing, however, is Valve's desire to connect users to its "design process." Could that mean the launch of a beta testing program? We'll know for sure come early next week.
Blizzard foreclosing on Diablo III real-money auction house in March 2014
One of the major points of contention when Diablo III released on PC and Mac last year was an auction house where you could use real money to buy high-level gear. That's changing next March 18th when developer Blizzard closes the doors on the controversial feature, as well as the in-game currency auction house. In a post on Battle.net, Blizzard's John Hight writes that, despite the auction house's benefits, it "ultimately undermines Diablo's core game play: kill monsters to get cool loot" -- a problem that he and game director Josh Mosquiera explain further in the video after the break. If you want a preview of what an auction house-free Diablo III looks like right now, check out the recent PS3 and Xbox 360 ports -- they're super good!
GestureWorks Gameplay adds onscreen controls to almost any Windows 8 game
GestureWorks is smearing the lines between PC and tablet gaming with its Windows 8 app, Gameplay. The application lets you custom-design gestures and virtual buttons for most games, and place them wherever you see fit. It probably works fine with Castle Crashers' simplistic mayhem (pictured above), but we aren't so sure we'd want to explore Skyrim without a mouse and keyboard. Regardless, maybe now you can give those Steam sale impulse buys a whirl while you're on the go.
The Cross Plane brings Wii U GamePad-like mirroring to any game system with HDMI (video)
A handheld gaming console that plays Conker's Bad Fur Day, Halo, Uncharted 3 and Day Z ? We're intrigued. The Cross Plane resembles a Wii U GamePad and the two have something more in common than just a launch price: both mirror video and audio output to their respective controllers. The difference is that unlike Nintendo's faltering console, the Cross Plane uses wireless HDMI to do so and (as demonstrated in the video after the break) can basically stream content from any device with an HDMI port -- including Ouya, PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. Whatever it's plugged into bears the processing load, meaning that if your PC can't run Crysis 3, neither can the Cross Plane. Designer Advanced Gaming Innovations (AGI) also implemented swappable cartridges (the red bit sticking out in the above picture) containing system-specific hardware support. This serves two functions: One, it cuts down on "interference and issues" between the analog and digital layouts of certain architectures. Next is that it ensures you only have to buy carts for the systems you want, presumably cutting down on price. Speaking of which, a $349 pledge snags you a unit with one system cartridge and $410 nets you a handset with two. Both of these help push AGI closer to a $350,000 Kickstarter goal that even the company admits is lofty. It's not like more expensive ideas haven't been crowdfunded before...
Crytek hunting for developer who can bring CryEngine to Linux
The penguin has been getting awfully cozy with game developers lately. This time it's with the company known to make GPUs melt at the faintest whisper of its name: Crytek. According to a recent job listing, the German shooter shop is looking for a programmer to work on a Linux version of CryEngine. Of course, you need to relocate to Deutschland and have a few years experience in software development under your belt. Seeing another major PC studio devoting resources to the open-source OS only increases the growing momentum for Valve's Steambox ecosystem of choice. To answer the eternal question, it appears that yes, even the Tux can run Crysis.
Disney halts game development at LucasArts, moves to licensed Star Wars titles
If you're old enough to have played PC games for more than a decade, LucasArts (originally LucasFilm Games) likely has a permanent place in your heart after a string of legendary adventure and flight combat releases. You'll unfortunately have to put the company as you knew it squarely in the past -- Lucasfilm's new owner, Disney, is ending internal development at LucasArts. The software house is shifting to a licensing model for Star Wars games, reportedly "minimizing the company's risk" while expanding the range of games on offer. There's a chance that in-progress titles like Star Wars 1313 will survive with outside help, according to a spokesperson in touch with GameInformer, but talk of layoffs from Kotaku dampens any chances for direct follow-ups to favorites like Grim Fandango. We won't mourn too much when personas like Ron Gilbert, Lawrence Holland and Tim Schafer have long since moved on to other companies -- still, it's unquestionably the end of an era for game and movie fans alike.
Steam Early Access makes public game tests a near-automatic affair
Many gotta-have-it-first gamers are very familiar with public betas and other chances to try titles before they officially reach the servers -- but not on Steam, where the closed system has usually left people waiting for final builds. Valve doesn't want to leave customers on the sidelines, though, and is launching Steam Early Access to provide officially sanctioned peeks. The portal gives pre-release games the same automatic updates and community features as their finished counterparts, making it easy to squash bugs as they're discovered, take feedback and simply let testers focus on playing rather than patching. Early Access' initial roster is small: it focuses mostly on the ArmA III alpha as well as a swath of puzzle and RPG releases, so don't expect to preview all the latest blockbusters. However, it might still be a win for both nervous game creators and especially eager players.
Mojang's Minecraft Realms subscription service promises a safer playground
A Minecraft world really comes alive with internet-based multiplayer, but the requirement for a dedicated host creates its fair share of problems for both casual gamers and parents worried about where their kids will play. Mojang is currently testing a subscription service, Minecraft Realms, that could put at least some minds at ease. Along with providing a consistent world, it will give the host strict control over who gets in; long-term plans should also include profiles with trustworthy mods already installed. The developer hopes to launch betas for both desktops and mobile devices around May, with rates between $10 to $15 per month to keep a world going, but only the owner would shoulder the full costs. We imagine that there will be at least a few takers, both among families and those who want to safeguard their elaborate masterworks.
EA posts finished Origin for Mac, widens gamers' worlds
EA moves faster than we thought. Origin for Mac was in alpha just two weeks ago, and yet it's already launching to the public. The completed gaming portal gives Mac users their software library, socialization and the online store in an interface that will be mostly familiar to Windows players. While the selection of Mac-native titles is currently narrow -- we hope you really like Batman and Dragon Age 2 -- there's also a Steam Play-like level of cross-platform support, where a game bought for the Mac or Windows will be free to download for the other OS. Origin is currently too small to directly challenge the Mac App Store or Steam, but it's a step forward for computer gamers wanting platform parity -- and when it's free to download, it won't hurt to have a look.
AMD offering Never Settle: Reloaded games bundle with Radeon HD 7000 series GPUs
If you're the fidgety type that's also in the market for a new GPU, AMD's ready to tempt you into springing for a Radeon HD 7000 series card with the promise of free gaming swag. The imaginatively named "Never Settle: Reloaded" bundle reuses several titles from last year's promotion -- Farcry 3, Sleeping Dogs and Hitman: Absolution -- and adds a few more it hopes will grab your attention: BioShock Infinite, Crysis 3, DmC Devil May Cry and Tomb Raider. AMD's 7770 GHz Edition GPU no longer qualifies, but purchase a 7800 or 7900 series card and you'll be given at least a couple of games to enjoy on your new hardware. Exactly what software you'll receive varies on how much dough you're waving around and what region you're shopping in, so head to the source link for a full rundown of the options. A single 7990 or a two-pack of 7900 series cards will get you the most games, but if you don't quite have the bread, ask Lara for a loan -- she might be willing to share some of her perilous adventure fund and help you out.
NVIDIA's GeForce Experience gaming tune-up reaches open beta
NVIDIA wants to take the mystery out of gaming performance through its GeForce Experience. It's been hard to appreciate that when the app has been in closed testing for well over a month, however -- so it's good news that the company just recently opened the beta program to everyone. Along with bringing faster and better-looking graphics to the PC gaming masses, the public version widens the optimizations to include Core 2 processors, 2,560 x 1,440 displays and games like Far Cry 3 and Mechwarrior Online. There's no word yet on when the app will reach its finished form, although we hope it's sooner rather than later when Project Shield's remote PC game streaming will depend on GeForce Experience to run. For now, players running Windows can grab the beta at the source link.
SimCity beta kicks off January 25th, feeds our city-building ambitions
While we can't speak for everyone, SimCity's urban construction triggers fond memories for more than one of us -- mostly the small thrills of building our first arcologies or getting statues in our honor. A chance to feed our nostalgia (and megalomania) is coming quickly with the advent of EA's beta for the SimCity reboot. Windows users who register before January 20th will get one hour's worth of game time to use between January 25th and 28th, along with an opportunity to provide feedback on bugs and play balancing. It's an almost cruel tease when we know we'll have to wait until the final version's March 5th launch to play more, or to play on a Mac, but we'll take the beta offer when many of us haven't seen a 'pure' SimCity game for a decade. [Thanks, David]
Windows Store starts accepting PEGI 18-rated games, gives Europeans a deeper catalog
If Europeans are irked by the Wii U's odd time-based shopping rules for mature content, they'll at least have Windows 8 as their refuge. As of today, Microsoft is accepting Windows Store submissions for PEGI 18-rated games: the move will let Grand Theft Auto IV, The Witcher and future adult-focused titles come to Windows' official shop in countries where PEGI holds sway. European players undoubtedly reap short-term rewards by getting quick access to the releases they'd previously had to locate in other channels. We're more interested in the long run, however -- when developers no longer have to guess at whether or not games will pass Microsoft's certification gauntlet in Europe, they're more likely to welcome Windows 8 with open arms instead of running in the opposite direction.
ROCCAT ISKU FX keyboard ships worldwide, lights up gaming for $100
ROCCAT's ISKU FX keyboard intrigued us back in the summer by adding some synchronicity to the usual gaming keyboard formula. We're glad to hear, then, that it's shipping just as much of its audience will get the games that should be its match. Players in multiple countries can pick up the ISKU FX this week at prices of either $100 for Americans or €100 in European countries like ROCCAT's native Germany. For the money, they're getting both 16.8 million hues to choose from as well as Philips Ambilight-style flashes in supporting games -- and the familiar control over a ROCCAT mouse if they're not always in the mood for an elaborate show. The ISKU FX might not lure in those who already have serious input at hand, but it could be the right complement to a new PC.
Distro Issue 68: PC game designers and the quest for compatibility
Well friends, the week's end brings with it an issue of our tablet mag that's hot off the digital presses. PC gaming nabs the cover story this time out as we take a look at the task of insuring compatibility across a set of devices that adds customized models constantly. If full-length gadget reviews are what you're after, we put the Lenovo ThinkPad Twist, Kindle Fire HD 8.9 4G LTE and Nintendo Wii U through their paces. Will.i.am's latest venture hits Hands-On, Oakley's high-tech eyewear occupies Eyes-On and Weekly Stat tracks holidays on Instagram. Visit your preferred reading repository to grab a copy before settling in for some weekend R&R. Distro Issue 68 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Razer's ambidextrous Ouroboros mouse now shipping, ready to placate left-handed gamers
Had your eye on Razer's symmetrical gaming mouse? Peek at your email -- the firm's online storefront is quietly tipping customers that the Ouroboros is now shipping. Much like that other transforming rodent, the Ouroboros can change its shape by extending its palm rest or swapping out select components to favor specific grip styles. If your favored grip happens to be southpaw, don't sweat it -- this tail-chewing snake is designed to fit both of your mitts comfortably. The price of a left-handed fit isn't cheap, however, but the mouse's $130 asking price includes 11 programmable buttons, a dual sensor system topping out at 8,200 DPI and a charging dock. Check out our Gamescom hands-on to see how it fit in our hands, or skip on over to the source link to take in Razer's official spiel.
Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 review: a more modular keyboard for the gaming crowd
More Info Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 gaming keyboard announced at Gamescom (hands-on) Mad Catz announces the S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 keyboard for pro gamers, pre-order now for $200 Exclusive: Mad Catz Cyborg Rat 9 review As a vital component of every desktop and notebook computer ever produced, the mild-mannered keyboard rarely stands out. Most keyboards are simple -- if they input text, they're at least doing something right. Gaming keyboards tend to be a little more complex, touting extra features designed to give the player a leg up in-game. Mad Catz's S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 keyboard hopes to do just that, packing in a touchscreen, a handful of detachable components, alternate key caps and a software suite to help leverage the whole package. With far more bells and whistles than the average input device, it certainly caught our eye. Is it unique enough to warrant its $300 price tag? Read on to find out.
Myst linking book replica goes on sale with full PC inside, won't quite take us to other worlds (video)
Most of us who remember Myst are content to relive the halcyon days of click-and-watch puzzle games by loading up the iPhone port. Mike Ando is slightly more... dedicated. He just spent the past six years building a replica of the Cyan game's signature, Age-traveling link books that includes a full Windows XP PC with a 1.6GHz Atom, a 2-hour battery, a 5-inch touchscreen and every playable game from the Myst series stored on a CF card. And while we've seen books hiding devices before, Ando's attention to detail might just raise the eyebrows of hardcore custom PC and gaming fans alike: he went so far as to gut and emboss a 135-year-old copy of Harper's New Monthly Magazine to match Cyan's reference tome as closely as possible. It's tempting for anyone who cut their teeth on CD-based gameplay through Myst, but perfect devotion to one of the better-known fictional worlds will cost an accordingly steep $15,625. We wouldn't have minded seeing some real intra-world travel for the cash outlay.
